In a significant diplomatic development, the White House has issued an apology to Hyundai CEO José Muñoz following a controversial immigration raid at a Georgia-based battery plant jointly operated by Hyundai and LG. The incident, which occurred in September, resulted in the detention of over 300 South Korean workers, sparking widespread outrage in South Korea and straining US-South Korea relations. During a business leaders’ conference in Singapore, Mr. Muñoz revealed that both the White House and the Georgia governor had expressed regret over the raid, with the latter stating that the action was beyond state jurisdiction. The detained workers were reportedly shackled and forced to sit on the factory floor before being held for over a week. They were eventually repatriated after urgent diplomatic negotiations between the US and South Korean governments. Mr. Muñoz emphasized that the raid was based on unfounded claims of illegal immigration and described it as ‘a bad surprise.’ Despite the incident, Hyundai remains committed to its US manufacturing operations. The raid delayed the plant’s opening due to labor shortages, but US President Donald Trump later expressed opposition to the action, highlighting the importance of international expertise in specialized facilities. In a positive turn, the US and South Korea announced a broad trade deal in October, reducing reciprocal tariffs and pledging significant investment in the US.
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Africa hosts its first G20 and urges the rich world to do more against climate disasters
In the heart of South Africa’s oldest township, Alexandra, volunteers clad in wetsuits wade into the polluted Jukskei River to repair damaged garbage nets, a critical defense against flooding that threatens the shacks of this low-lying community. This scene underscores the urgent climate challenges facing South Africa as it hosts the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Johannesburg, marking the bloc’s first meeting on African soil. The summit aims to prioritize issues affecting impoverished nations, particularly the escalating impacts of climate change. South Africa is poised to call on wealthier nations and international financial institutions to bolster support for developing countries grappling with climate-induced disasters. Alexandra, home to over half a million residents, lies just steps away from Sandton, Johannesburg’s affluent financial hub. Yet, frequent flooding isolates the township, leaving children stranded and unable to attend school. Semadi Manganye, co-founder of the Alexandra Water Warriors, describes the situation as a “big hazard,” highlighting the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in the region. The climate crisis exacerbates inequality, a point emphasized by Binaifer Nowrojee, president of the Open Society Foundations, who notes that poor nations face a dire choice between economic growth and climate action. The World Bank reports that natural disasters have surged nearly eightfold in the poorest countries over the past four decades. Southern Africa, in particular, has endured devastating tropical storms, such as Cyclone Idai in 2019, which caused $2 billion in damages across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. The region also suffered from severe droughts last year, crippling agriculture and deepening poverty. Climate financing remains a contentious issue, with rich nations pledging $300 billion annually by 2035 to aid developing countries, though experts argue $1 trillion per year is needed by 2030. The absence of the United States, one of the world’s largest polluters, from the G20 summit further complicates efforts to reach meaningful climate agreements. Meanwhile, South Africa’s own struggles with inequality and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate the climate crisis. Amnesty International’s recent report criticizes the government for failing millions living in informal settlements, who are disproportionately affected by flooding and other climate-related disasters. Despite these challenges, grassroots initiatives like the Alexandra Water Warriors offer hope. Since its formation in 2021, the group has planted trees, recycled waste, and engaged thousands in climate resilience projects, supported by a mix of public and private funding. As the G20 summit unfolds, South Africa seeks to champion green growth as a pathway to development, emphasizing that sustainable and resilient economies can drive faster progress.
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‘It would have been better if they’d killed me’: A forgotten war destroying women’s lives
In the heart of Ethiopia’s Amhara region, a harrowing narrative of sexual violence unfolds amidst the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian army and the Fano militia. This report, based on extensive interviews and data collation by the BBC, sheds light on the untold suffering of women and girls caught in the crossfire of this brutal insurgency.
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‘I grab that hand’: Saudi crown prince showered with praise in rare meet the press
In a rare and unscripted Oval Office press briefing, U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed a wide array of topics, ranging from the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi to artificial intelligence and arms sales. The 40-minute session, marked by Trump’s characteristic bravado, offered a unique glimpse into the relationship between the two leaders. Trump emphasized the unprecedented transparency of the meeting, stating, ‘There has never been transparency like this. We didn’t put restrictions.’ The Saudi Crown Prince, known for his diplomatic finesse, responded to questions with measured answers, particularly on the Khashoggi case, which he termed a ‘painful’ and ‘huge mistake.’ He also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve its systems to prevent such incidents in the future. The meeting underscored the strategic importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, with the Crown Prince pledging nearly $1 trillion in investments in the U.S., including in AI and rare-earth materials. Trump’s defense of the Crown Prince in front of the press contrasted sharply with his treatment of other world leaders, such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa. The dynamics of the meeting also revealed Riyadh’s success in rebalancing its relationship with Washington, dating back to World War II, and its growing influence in the shifting global power balance. The Crown Prince’s poised demeanor, despite occasional awkward moments, highlighted his diplomatic acumen and the strategic depth of Saudi-U.S. relations.
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Texas governor designates Muslim Brotherhood, Cair as terror organisations
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal entities. This designation, announced on Tuesday, prohibits these groups from acquiring or purchasing land within Texas. Abbott’s proclamation also empowers the state’s attorney general to initiate legal actions against these organizations.
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World Cup dreams shattered as Iraq beat UAE 2-1, advance to intercontinental playoff
In a dramatic turn of events, Iraq shattered the United Arab Emirates’ World Cup aspirations with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Basra on Tuesday. The match, which saw both teams locked in a tense battle, culminated in a last-gasp penalty by Amir Al-Ammari in the 15th minute of injury time. The decisive moment came after a VAR review, sending Iraq to the intercontinental playoff for a chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The UAE, who had drawn the first leg of the fifth-round playoff in Abu Dhabi on November 13, needed a win to keep their dreams alive. Despite a valiant effort, including a stunning goal by Caio Lucas in the 52nd minute, the UAE succumbed to Iraq’s resilience. Mohanad Ali’s equalizer in the 66th minute set the stage for the dramatic finale, leaving the UAE players devastated as their World Cup journey ended in heartbreak. Iraq, with only one previous World Cup appearance in 1986, now has a golden opportunity to join other Gulf nations in the global tournament.
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Sharjah International Book Fair concludes with 1.4 million visitors from 206 countries
The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) concluded on November 18, 2025, marking a historic milestone with 1.4 million visitors from 206 countries. Held under the theme ‘Between You and a Book,’ the 12-day event solidified Sharjah’s reputation as a global epicenter for cultural exchange and literary innovation. This year’s fair featured an unprecedented level of international diversity, with 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, making it one of the most globally inclusive editions to date. The fair also reinforced Sharjah’s dominance as the world’s largest marketplace for publishing rights, a title it has held for five consecutive years. The Sharjah Publishers Conference, a highlight of the event, saw 1,599 publishers from 116 countries engage in 3,321 rights meetings, underscoring the fair’s role as a hub for commercial and creative collaboration. Attendee demographics revealed broad appeal, with the largest age group being 35-44 (29%), followed by 25-34 (28%). Over 125,890 school students participated in educational and cultural activities, while 87,674 visitors utilized marine transport from Al Qasba and the Sharjah Aquarium. Satisfaction rates were exceptionally high, with 96.3% of visitors, 90.91% of exhibitors, and 97.14% of Publishers Conference participants expressing positive feedback. The event also highlighted Sharjah’s commitment to cultural enrichment, with a Dh4.5 million grant allocated to replenish public and government library collections. Additionally, a dedicated initiative led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi waived participation fees for Sudanese publishers, ensuring their continued presence in the global publishing landscape despite economic challenges.
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It may get harder to secure US green card if you come from a travel ban-listed country
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a new policy that would make it significantly harder for immigrants from countries listed under the existing travel ban to obtain U.S. permanent residency. This potential shift could impact green card approvals, asylum grants, and higher-tier long-term visas, according to internal documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) obtained by The New York Times. The move aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to curb immigration, which have included crackdowns on undocumented immigrants, visa revocations, and increased application fees. Since President Trump took office in January 2017, these measures have already contributed to a 17 percent decline in foreign student enrollment at U.S. universities, the largest drop in a decade. The travel ban, initially implemented in 2017 and revised in June 2020, targets 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face partial restrictions. The proposed policy would treat an applicant’s country of origin as a ‘negative factor’ in their immigration application, even if they are otherwise law-abiding and have undergone rigorous vetting. Critics, including a former staffer from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), have labeled the plan a ‘radical change’ and ‘absurd,’ arguing that applicants have already passed national security screenings by the time they apply for permanent residency. Jamal Abdi, president of the National Iranian American Council, has urged DHS to reconsider, citing federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on national origin. The revised travel ban, which has faced less public backlash than its predecessor, is considered more legally robust. While those already in the U.S. are exempt, individuals abroad must meet specific criteria to enter, such as holding a green card, preauthorized visa, or being an immediate family member of a U.S. citizen. Athletes participating in the World Cup or Summer Olympics are also exempt. However, increased scrutiny at ports of entry and directives from Secretary of State Marco Rubio could lead to visa revocations. The administration maintains that the ban and heightened vetting measures are necessary to address visa overstays, which it views as a national security risk. Immigration lawyers note that the current ban is likely to remain in effect, as the Supreme Court upheld the president’s authority to implement such measures in a 2017 ruling. Despite the challenges, some legal experts emphasize the importance of perseverance in navigating the U.S. immigration system.
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Freeman scores twice as US routs Uruguay 5-1, heads into World Cup year with 5-game unbeaten streak
In a commanding display of skill and strategy, the United States soccer team delivered a resounding 5-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday night in Tampa, Florida. The match, which saw the U.S. score four goals in the first half, marked a significant milestone as the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup. Alex Freeman led the charge with two goals, while Sebastian Berhalter and Diego Luna each contributed one. Tanner Tessmann added a fifth goal in the 68th minute, sealing the win. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time the U.S. has scored five goals against a South American opponent and a top 30-ranked team. The 16th-ranked Americans have now extended their unbeaten streak to five games, showcasing a remarkable turnaround after earlier struggles in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup. With just two more friendlies scheduled before the World Cup roster is finalized, coach Mauricio Pochettino has much to consider. The match also saw Uruguay’s Rodrigo Bentancur sent off in the 64th minute for a high sliding tackle on Berhalter. Despite Uruguay’s six-game unbeaten streak entering the friendly, they were unable to contain the U.S. offense. The U.S. team, fielding a lineup of mostly backups, achieved a historic four-goal first half against a South American team. Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta managed a consolation goal in stoppage time, but it was not enough to shift the momentum. The U.S. victory was a collective effort, with key plays from Berhalter, Freeman, and Luna, and a solid performance from the defense. As the World Cup approaches, this match serves as a strong statement of the U.S. team’s capabilities and readiness.
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From obscurity to orbit: Space law gains momentum in UAE as sector expands
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is witnessing a transformative shift in its approach to space exploration, with space law emerging as a critical discipline in the nation’s rapidly expanding space sector. Once an obscure academic field, space law is now gaining significant traction, driven by the UAE’s ambitious lunar missions and a growing interest among its youth and educational institutions. This development was highlighted during a session titled ‘Forging New Frontiers Through Global Partnerships’ at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, emphasized that the rise of space law reflects the country’s broader space ambitions and the need for robust legal frameworks to guide political, commercial, and international cooperation. As the UAE prepares for its next steps in space exploration, including lunar missions, experts underscored the importance of space law in navigating the complexities of the global space economy. The UAE’s expanding space sector has also spurred a ripple effect across higher education institutions, with universities introducing specialized programs to meet industry demands. For the first time, space law is being taught as a degree program in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the region’s academic landscape. Mike Gold, President of Civil and International Space at Redwire Space, noted that while engineers handle the technical aspects, lawyers face the challenging task of addressing the political and commercial dimensions of space exploration. The growing visibility of astronauts has also played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation. Initiatives that allow students to engage with astronauts have had a profound impact on youth, fostering a sense of responsibility and ambition. This has led to a surge in demand for skills beyond engineering, including governance, regulation, policy, and legal expertise. Chris White-Horne, Deputy CEO of the UK Space Agency, highlighted that space has transitioned from being a luxury or a novelty to a critical component of modern society. He emphasized the shared responsibility of the global community in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by space exploration. The UAE’s focus on space law and education is shaping career aspirations across the region, positioning the country as a leader in the global space economy.