Author: issa
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv, showing support for Ukraine as it faces a critical moment in its war with Russia and with the US election approaching. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range weapons and seeking immediate NATO membership. However, there are concerns in Ukraine about reduced US military support if Donald Trump is re-elected. Austin’s unannounced visit reaffirms the commitment of the United States and the international community to stand by Ukraine. During his visit, Austin will meet with Ukrainian leaders and emphasize US support for defending against Russian aggression.…
The head of the World Health Organization’s Europe branch announced that up to 1,000 women and children from Gaza will be evacuated to Europe for medical care. Despite Israel’s siege on Gaza, commitments have been made for additional evacuations to the European Union in the coming months. The WHO, along with European countries, will facilitate these evacuations. UN investigators have accused Israel of targeting health facilities in Gaza and mistreating medical personnel, calling it “crimes against humanity.” The WHO Europe has already facilitated 600 evacuations to Europe since the war began in Gaza in October 2023. Hans Kluge emphasized the…
Germany has called upon Israel to clarify all incidents involving the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, specifically the reported destruction of a UNIFIL observation tower and fence. UN peacekeepers accused an Israeli bulldozer of deliberately demolishing the tower and fence in southern Lebanon. This comes after Israel launched attacks on Lebanon in September to combat Hezbollah. Berlin expressed “great concern” over these incidents, urging Israel to release the results of their investigations. German foreign ministry spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of UNIFIL personnel, as mandated by the UN Security Council. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz…
A devastating car explosion rocked the Mazzeh district of Damascus, a neighborhood known for housing embassies and security headquarters. The blast, which caused extensive damage to a nearby hotel and vehicles, occurred near Syria’s Information Ministry. Ambulances quickly responded to the scene, where onlookers gathered around the remnants of the destroyed four-wheel drive. While official sources have not yet reported any casualties, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed at least one fatality. Speculation abounds regarding the cause of the explosion, with some suggesting it may have been an air strike. The Mazzeh area has previously been targeted in strikes…
Amid a collapsed power grid, Cuba faces an array of crises stemming from neglected infrastructure and economic stagnation. The island experiences crippling blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day, causing a virtual standstill in the economy with suspended services and schools. With a fragile power generation network heavily reliant on fossil fuels and inadequate electricity production, Cuba struggles to buy fuel due to US trade embargoes. The country faces severe shortages, high inflation, and economic mismanagement exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Public anger erupted in protests over blackouts and food prices, leading to arrests and crackdowns by the government.…
German prosecutors arrested a Libyan man for allegedly planning an attack on the Israeli embassy in Berlin in connection with the Islamic State group. The suspect, Omar A., was accused of supporting terrorism and had communicated with a member of IS. Chancellor Olaf Scholz commended security authorities for preventing the attack. Authorities searched Omar A.’s home and a relative’s property. Omar A. arrived in Germany in 2022, seeking asylum which was rejected in 2023. After the recent Hamas attack on Israel, German authorities have increased vigilance against possible threats. Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor emphasized the severity of Muslim anti-Semitism, urging…
Indonesia’s former general, Prabowo Subianto, was sworn in as president, emphasizing the country’s global role. He pledged to prioritize the interests of all Indonesians, fight corruption, and protect democracy. Prabowo aims to uphold Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy while seeking a more assertive stance globally. His first foreign visit was to China, followed by trips to key countries like Russia and Australia to strengthen international ties. Prabowo won the February election decisively with support from his running mate, Gibran Rakabuming Raka. After the inauguration, Prabowo unveiled his cabinet, including a new foreign minister. Diplomats from various countries attended the event, with…
United Nations, United States — A UN expert has accused Western nations and Israel of violating freedom of speech in the aftermath of the Gaza war. Irene Khan, the special rapporteur on freedom of expression, highlighted crackdowns on protests and freedom of the press in her report “Global threats to freedom of expression arising from the conflict in Gaza.” Khan pointed out repressed protests on US university campuses and bans on pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Germany and France. She also condemned the targeted assassinations of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank, calling it a war crime. Amid ongoing tensions, Israel’s…
Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him. The Middle East is already tense after Israel promised retaliation for an Iranian missile attack. Netanyahu’s office reported a drone aimed at his residence, but he was not there. Sirens wailed in Israel as Hezbollah militants fired projectiles. The group claimed to launch rockets at a military base in northern Israel. Last month, Israel intensified air strikes on Lebanon after months of cross-border clashes. In Gaza, tensions rose after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Hamas will…
In a mixed day for Asian markets, stocks in Shanghai and Hong Kong slipped as Chinese traders remained unimpressed with Beijing’s latest plan to boost the country’s troubled property sector. Despite efforts by China’s housing minister to outline new measures, the world’s second-largest economy continues to struggle with the aftermath of strict Covid controls and a debt crisis in the property sector. Last month’s initial pledges sparked hope for a recovery, but recent news conferences have caused volatility in trading floors. Analysts remain skeptical of the effectiveness of the latest measures, noting that the property mess cannot be easily patched…