Western brands have been hit by boycotts and other forms of protests in Muslim-majority countries due to the Gaza war. Police have arrested close to 200 people in Pakistan in recent weeks after more than 10 group attacks on outlets of the United States-based fast-food chain KFC, sparked by anti-US sentiment, unconditional US backing for Washington’s close ally Israel and opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, officials say....

The Vatican affirmed good relations with the US but noted ‘an exchange of opinions’ on global conflicts and migration. US Vice President JD Vance has met with the Vatican’s top diplomats, discussing the politically fraught issue of migration months after Pope Francis rebuked the new US administration’s hardline immigration stance. Vance, a Catholic convert, held what the Vatican described as “cordial talks” with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro...