The unfolding saga of Greece’s spyware scandal, often likened to a modern-day Watergate, has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political and judicial systems. At the heart of the controversy is the use of Predator spyware, developed by the Athens-based Israeli company Intellexa, which allegedly targeted the mobile phones of government ministers, senior military officers, judges, and journalists. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has labeled the incident a scandal, yet no government officials have faced charges in court, leading critics to accuse the administration of a cover-up.
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Bollywood stars fight for personality rights amid deepfake surge
In a growing battle against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), Bollywood celebrities are taking legal action to protect their personality rights. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Karan Johar, and Abhishek Bachchan are among the high-profile figures who have approached the Delhi High Court to safeguard their identities from unauthorized exploitation, including deepfakes, fake profiles, and unauthorized merchandising. Personality rights, also known as publicity rights, ensure individuals have control over the commercial use of their name, image, voice, and other unique attributes. While India lacks a dedicated law for these rights, courts rely on common law and other legal frameworks, such as copyright and intellectual property laws, to address violations. Recent cases, including Anil Kapoor’s lawsuit over the misuse of his catchphrase ‘jhakaas’ and Jackie Shroff’s legal victory to protect his nicknames, highlight the increasing challenges posed by technology. Legal experts argue that India’s current system, which ties personality rights to privacy rights under Article 21 of the constitution, falls short compared to countries like the US, where such rights are codified and can even be inherited. The rise of AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, has further complicated the issue, with celebrities like Scarlett Johansson also raising concerns globally. While some advocate for codifying personality rights in India to provide clearer protections and deterrence, others believe the flexibility of existing laws allows for broader interpretation. As technology continues to evolve, the need for robust legal safeguards and public awareness about personality rights has never been more critical.
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UN General Assembly 2025: Which Middle East leaders are speaking and when?
This week, New York City becomes the epicenter of global diplomacy as world leaders assemble for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) debate. The gathering, marking eight decades of international collaboration, unfolds against a backdrop of escalating global conflicts and internal financial struggles within the UN. Over 150 heads of state and government are set to address the assembly, with Middle Eastern leaders expected to spotlight Israel’s actions in Gaza and its regional confrontations. The event, renowned for attracting political heavyweights, kicked off with US President Donald Trump articulating his global vision and critiquing the perceived decline of international institutions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, alongside leaders from Jordan and Qatar, also took the stage. The UNGA, a cornerstone of the UN, oversees critical functions such as admitting new members, selecting non-permanent Security Council members, and contributing to the election of the UN Secretary-General. It also grants observer status to entities like Palestine and the European Union. This year’s theme, ‘Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,’ may be overshadowed by national agendas, particularly from Middle Eastern leaders. The assembly’s schedule, running from 9am to 9pm EST, is packed with speeches, though adherence to the 15-minute limit is often lax, a tradition famously exemplified by Fidel Castro’s four-hour address in 1960. The event’s dynamic nature means the speaking order is subject to change, with leaders from across the globe, including Indonesia, South Africa, France, and China, slated to contribute their perspectives. The UNGA continues to serve as a vital platform for addressing pressing global issues, despite the challenges it faces.
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H-1B visa changes may give Canada an opportunity. Will it seize it?
In a significant development that could reshape the global talent landscape, US President Donald Trump’s decision to increase the fee for the H-1B skilled worker visa to $100,000 has sparked a wave of concern among tech companies and foreign professionals. The move, which took effect on Sunday, is expected to deter highly educated foreigners, including recent US university graduates, from pursuing long-term employment in the United States. This policy shift has presented Canada with a unique opportunity to attract and retain skilled workers who may now seek alternatives outside the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York on Monday, acknowledged the potential for Canada to benefit from these changes. ‘I understand you’re changing your visa policy,’ Carney remarked. ‘Maybe we can hang on to one or two of them.’ Carney emphasized Canada’s strengths in research and artificial intelligence but lamented that much of this talent has traditionally migrated to the US. The H-1B visa programme has long been a cornerstone for US tech companies to employ foreign workers legally. However, the recent fee hike has left many professionals reconsidering their options. Canada, with its world-class research institutions, proximity to the US, and high quality of life, is emerging as a natural alternative. Immigration lawyer Evan Green described the situation as ‘a wonderful opportunity for the Canadian government to take advantage of.’ Similarly, Build Canada, a non-profit organization, released a memo urging swift action to capitalize on the influx of skilled workers seeking new opportunities. However, challenges remain. While Canada has introduced initiatives like the Global Skills Strategy and Express Entry programmes, experts caution that the country’s immigration system still faces hurdles. Economist Mikal Skuterud noted that Canada’s scaled-back immigration policies and lower wage structures compared to the US could limit its appeal. ‘Canada does not look much more predictable than the US,’ Skuterud warned. Despite these challenges, the potential for Canada to attract top talent is undeniable. The IRCC spokesperson, Matthew Krupovich, highlighted ongoing efforts to identify new solutions to attract the world’s brightest minds. As the US grapples with the implications of its visa policy changes, Canada stands poised to position itself as a global hub for innovation and skilled labor.
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Ten things Tom Barrack said in wild interview on Israel, Lebanon and Muslims
In a revealing interview with The National, Tom Barrack, the US Special Envoy to Syria and Ambassador to Turkey, offered a candid assessment of the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape and US foreign policy. Barrack, who has Lebanese heritage and has served as President Donald Trump’s envoy since May, described regional peace as ‘an illusion’ and criticized Israel’s aggressive actions, including its strikes on Syria, Lebanon, and Tunisia. He also addressed the recent Israeli attack on Qatar, calling it ‘not good’ and revealing that groups like Hamas and the Taliban are in Doha at America’s request. Barrack emphasized that the US administration is stepping back from direct intervention, focusing instead on counterterrorism cooperation while maintaining a special relationship with Israel, which receives $4-5 billion in annual subsidies. He dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state, arguing that the global community lacks the commitment to enforce it. Barrack also highlighted the challenges of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, noting the group’s financial and military strength, funded by Iran. He expressed concern over the Gaza conflict, calling it ‘unsettling’ and questioning why neighboring Arab countries won’t take in Palestinians. Barrack concluded by expressing distrust in all regional actors, including Israel, and hinted at the possibility of further US or Israeli action against Iran to stabilize the region.
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Sudan PM visits village following MEE coverage of fight against RSF
In a historic move, Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris visited the village of al-Tekeina in al-Jazira state on August 30, 2025, marking the first visit by a senior Sudanese official in over six decades. The visit followed extensive coverage by Middle East Eye (MEE) of the village’s struggles against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of committing genocide. During his visit, Idris pledged to implement widespread reforms, including infrastructure development, improved public services, and political representation for the villagers. Al-Tekeina, located 70 kilometers south of Khartoum, had been neglected by the central government for years, forcing residents to defend themselves against the RSF using weapons and tactics learned from YouTube tutorials. The village’s resistance committee, led by Magd Omer Ibrahim, played a pivotal role in organizing the defense and advocating for the community’s needs. Idris’s delegation, which included ministers and the governor of al-Jazira, promised to reconstruct roads, maintain water and electricity stations, build a technical college, drill wells, and expand healthcare facilities. Villagers credited media coverage, particularly by MEE, for drawing government attention to their plight. The visit was seen as a moral restitution for the sacrifices made by the villagers, who had been abandoned by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) during the conflict. The war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced nearly 12 million people and claimed at least 150,000 lives, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The people of al-Tekeina hope that the promises made during the visit will bring lasting change to their community.
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Seven years ago Trump’s UN audience laughed, this year they were silent
In a fiery address to the United Nations General Assembly, former U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a blistering critique of the international body, European policies, and global multilateralism. Trump, known for his unorthodox approach to diplomacy, used the platform to reaffirm his nationalist ideology, which he termed ‘Trumpism unplugged’ by supporters and ‘Trumpism unhinged’ by critics. His nearly hour-long speech began with self-praise, claiming credit for a ‘golden age’ in the U.S. and asserting that he had ended seven wars, a claim he believes warrants a Nobel Peace Prize. However, the bulk of his speech targeted the UN, which he accused of failing to fulfill its potential and resorting to ’empty words’ rather than tangible action. Trump also criticized the organization for its support of asylum seekers, accusing it of facilitating ‘invasions’ rather than preventing them. He even took aim at the UN’s infrastructure, citing a broken escalator and teleprompter as symbols of its inefficiency. Trump’s broader critique extended to Europe, which he accused of being ‘devastated’ by immigration and renewable energy policies. He labeled climate change a ‘con job’ and warned European nations against adopting ‘suicidal’ green energy initiatives. His remarks echoed his earlier comments during a state visit to the U.K., where he emphasized the need to protect the ‘English-speaking world’ and Judeo-Christian heritage. On Ukraine, Trump issued a rare warning to Russia, calling its actions in the conflict detrimental to its global image. He also hinted at potential tariffs but shifted blame to European nations for continuing to buy Russian energy. While his speech was met with silence, Trump’s subsequent social media post suggested optimism about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its territory, though he notably omitted any mention of U.S. military support. The address underscored Trump’s disdain for multilateralism and his belief in the supremacy of nation-states, leaving little room for compromise or collective solutions.
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Kremlin threatening Moldova’s independence, president warns ahead of key vote
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has issued a stark warning about the threats to her country’s independence and European aspirations, as authorities arrested dozens of individuals allegedly involved in a Russian-backed plot to incite violence. The arrests, which occurred just days before pivotal parliamentary elections, included the seizure of weapons and explosives in nationwide raids. Authorities claim that some of the 74 detainees received training in Serbia from Russian instructors, including firearms instruction. President Sandu accused the Kremlin of investing heavily in efforts to destabilize Moldova through violence, disinformation, and fear, asserting that Russia views Moldova as a territory rather than a sovereign nation. She emphasized Moldova’s determination to resist such interference, declaring, ‘Moldova is our home. And our home is not for sale.’ Pro-Russian parties, however, have accused Sandu of attempting to intimidate them and influence the election outcome. Sandu has urged her supporters to participate actively in the elections, where pro-Russian forces are poised to challenge the pro-EU status quo. The ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by Sandu, faces significant risks of losing its majority. A high voter turnout, particularly among the diaspora, is seen as crucial for maintaining Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. Moldova, which declared independence from the USSR over 30 years ago, has a significant Russian-speaking population and a breakaway region, Transnistria, supported by Moscow. Despite Russia’s lingering influence, Sandu has pursued EU integration, including a constitutional referendum last year that narrowly endorsed EU accession. However, the referendum was marred by evidence of Russian interference, including vote-buying. Analysts warn that Russia may resort to violence if pro-EU forces prevail in the elections. Recent reports from Bloomberg and the BBC have uncovered extensive Russian plans to sow unrest and spread disinformation, further complicating Moldova’s political landscape. Russia’s SVR intelligence service has even accused European countries of planning to falsify election results, a claim dismissed as baseless by experts. As Moldova braces for a high-stakes election, the nation’s future hangs in the balance between European integration and Russian influence.
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More than 80 buffaloes drown in Namibia after falling off cliff
In a tragic wildlife incident, more than 80 buffaloes lost their lives after stampeding and drowning in the Chobe River, according to Namibia’s environment and tourism department. The calamity unfolded when the buffaloes, being pursued by lions from neighboring Botswana, plunged off a steep cliff into the river on the Namibian side of the border. This is not an isolated event; similar incidents have claimed the lives of hundreds of buffaloes in the past. Notably, around 400 buffaloes died in 2018 under comparable circumstances in the same river, which flows through Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park, a hotspot for elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes. Mbeha Tadeus, an official from Namibia’s Kabulabula Conservancy, explained that buffaloes often flee into Namibia when chased by lions, leading to chaotic stampedes. Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, a spokesperson for Namibia’s Environment, Forestry and Tourism Ministry, confirmed the buffaloes originated from Botswana but could not specify if they were from Chobe National Park. The carcasses are being distributed to local communities, as seen in a video shared by Namibia’s public broadcaster, NBC, which reported the incident occurred around 05:00 local time (07:00 GMT).
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What makes Canada so good and will they cause World Cup upset?
The Women’s Rugby World Cup final on Saturday, 27 September 2025, promises to be a thrilling showdown as Canada challenges England at Twickenham. Despite England’s status as the world’s number one team and an unbeaten streak of 32 matches, Canada has emerged as a formidable contender, ranked second globally and undefeated this year. Their impressive journey to the final includes a dominant 34-19 victory over defending champions New Zealand in the semi-finals, where they led 24-7 at halftime. Canada’s recent performances suggest they are far from underdogs, having showcased exceptional speed, agility, and tactical prowess. Their quick ruck speeds, second-most clean breaks, and high number of offloads and runs highlight their dynamic playing style. Former players and analysts, including Maggie Alphonsi and Lesley McKenzie, have praised Canada’s ability to disrupt opponents and maintain momentum. Despite financial challenges and a semi-professional setup, Canada’s team has rallied with crowdfunding efforts and strategic planning. With key players like Sophie de Goede and Alex Tessier gaining experience in England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby league, Canada is poised to make history. As the nation rallies behind them, this final could mark a turning point for women’s rugby in Canada and inspire future generations.