Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina — The streets of Sarajevo were filled with tens of thousands of mourners on Monday as they gathered to pay their final respects to Halid Beslic, a beloved Bosnian folk singer whose music and humanitarian efforts transcended ethnic divisions in a region historically plagued by conflict. Beslic, who passed away last week at the age of 71 after battling cancer, was celebrated not only for his artistic contributions but also for his unwavering commitment to peace and compassion during the turbulent 1992-95 Bosnian War. His concerts during the war raised critical funds for displaced Bosnians, while his songs about life and love resonated deeply across the Balkans. The funeral procession, led by Muslim cleric Muhamed Velic, saw mourners silently make their way to Sarajevo’s main cemetery, many visibly moved by the loss of a man whose voice and kindness bridged divides. Velic remarked that Beslic’s music “reached people’s hearts and his goodness broke barriers and crossed various borders.” Beslic’s career, which began in the former Yugoslavia, spanned decades, earning him reverence as a symbol of the peaceful prewar era. Over the weekend, tributes poured in from across the region, with thousands gathering in Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Montenegro to sing his songs. Social media also showcased gatherings in Western Europe, Australia, Canada, and the United States, where diaspora communities from the former Yugoslavia honored his legacy. Bosnian actor Emir Hadzihafizbegovic, a close friend of Beslic, described him as the “personification of Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia,” crediting him with teaching “how to live without prejudice.” Beslic’s humanitarian work during the war, including organizing concerts abroad to support war victims, cemented his status as a unifying figure in a region still grappling with the scars of ethnic division. The Bosnian War, which erupted after Bosnian Serb nationalists opposed the country’s independence from Yugoslavia, claimed over 100,000 lives and displaced millions. Nearly three decades later, Bosnia remains ethnically fragmented and economically challenged, a stark reminder of the enduring impact of the conflict.
作者： admin
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Trump’s 130% China tariff looks like another TACO moment
The global economic landscape is bracing for potential upheaval as former US President Donald Trump proposes a staggering 130% tariff on Chinese imports, escalating the US-China trade war to unprecedented levels. While markets react with alarm, analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of such a drastic measure being implemented on November 1 as threatened. The imposition of such tariffs between the world’s two largest economies could trigger a global recession, with the combined $45 trillion output of the US and China forming the backbone of international trade. The cessation of commerce between these economic giants would be catastrophic for trade-dependent nations, potentially leading to a near-extinction-level event for their economies. The core issue, however, lies not in the tariff threat itself but in the underlying motivations driving Trump’s aggressive stance. The stated rationale—a response to China’s restrictions on critical mineral exports—appears to mask a broader agenda. Trump’s recent setbacks in trade negotiations with South Korea, Japan, and the European Union have left him increasingly desperate to secure a ‘grand bargain’ with China. Despite his bluster, many view this as a negotiating tactic rather than a genuine policy shift. Goldman Sachs analysts suggest that the ultimate outcome will likely be an extension of the current tariff pause. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping appears to hold the upper hand, leveraging Trump’s desperation to his advantage. As the global economy teeters on the brink, the stakes have never been higher, with the potential for renewed volatility and risk repricing looming large.
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Teaching halted as Nigerian lecturers go on strike
Lecturers at Nigeria’s public universities have initiated a two-week strike, citing unresolved issues over pay and funding. The industrial action, announced by Professor Chris Piwuna, leader of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was described as ‘inevitable’ due to what he termed as government failures. The strike commenced shortly after universities reopened for the new academic year, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the academic calendar. The Nigerian government has urged lecturers to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis. It also warned that striking lecturers may not receive payment under the country’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ labor law. In a statement, the government claimed to have presented a comprehensive offer addressing key concerns such as working conditions, institutional governance, and staff welfare, but is still awaiting ASUU’s official response. This strike is part of a long-standing pattern of industrial actions by Nigerian university lecturers, who have repeatedly clashed with successive governments over issues of funding, salaries, and welfare. Historical agreements from 1992, 2009, and 2013 have often been unfulfilled, leading to repeated strikes. The most recent major strike in 2022 lasted eight months, severely disrupting the academic calendar and affecting millions of students nationwide. Observers argue that these recurring strikes highlight deeper structural challenges in Nigeria’s higher education sector, including chronic underfunding, politicized management, and a persistent lack of trust between the government and university unions.
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The controversy over the collapsed China spy case explained
The UK government is embroiled in a heated political dispute following the unexpected collapse of a high-profile espionage case involving two men accused of spying for China. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, accused of gathering and providing sensitive information detrimental to national security between December 2021 and February 2023. However, prosecutors dropped the charges in September, just weeks before the trial was set to begin, citing insufficient evidence. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed that critical evidence, including official government designation of China as a ‘national security threat,’ could not be obtained. This development has ignited a blame game between the current Labour government and the previous Conservative administration. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pointed fingers at the Tories, arguing that the prosecution was based on their stance at the time, which did not label China as a threat. In contrast, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused the government of deliberately sabotaging the case to appease Beijing, a claim vehemently denied by Downing Street. The case’s collapse has raised concerns about the UK’s approach to China, particularly as the Labour government has sought to strengthen trade ties with Beijing. Critics argue that this incident highlights a potential weakness in addressing national security threats, while the government maintains its policies are aligned with the UK’s interests. The controversy underscores the complexities of UK-China relations and the challenges of balancing economic cooperation with national security concerns.
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Woody Allen pays glowing tribute to Diane Keaton
Renowned filmmaker Woody Allen has penned an emotional and deeply personal tribute to Diane Keaton, the celebrated actress who passed away on Saturday at the age of 79. In a heartfelt essay published in *The Free Press*, Allen described Keaton as a one-of-a-kind talent, stating, ‘She was unlike anyone the planet has experienced or is unlikely to ever see again.’ He fondly recalled how her radiant presence and infectious laughter could light up any room. The two first crossed paths in 1969 during rehearsals for Allen’s play *Play It Again, Sam*, marking the beginning of a creative partnership that spanned eight films, including the iconic *Annie Hall*, for which Keaton won the Best Actress Oscar in 1977. Allen admitted that Keaton became his sole audience, writing, ‘As time went on, I made movies for an audience of one, Diane Keaton. I never read a single review of my work and cared only what Keaton had to say about it.’ Their on-screen chemistry in *Annie Hall*, where Keaton portrayed the quirky, free-spirited title character, mirrored their real-life romance at the time. Allen reminisced about their first meeting, comparing her to ‘a gorgeous young Huckleberry Finn,’ and lamented that the world feels ‘drearier’ without her. Despite her passing, Allen finds solace in her enduring legacy, stating, ‘Still, there are her movies. And her great laugh still echoes in my head.’ Beyond *Annie Hall*, Keaton starred in other Allen classics such as *Manhattan*, *Sleeper*, and *Radio Days*. Keaton remained a steadfast supporter of Allen, even amid controversies surrounding allegations of misconduct, which he has consistently denied. In a 2023 interview with *The Guardian*, she credited Allen with shaping her career, saying, ‘He gave me everything. He really did. Woody made it loose. That helped me enormously.’ Keaton’s career skyrocketed with her role as Kay Adams-Corleone in *The Godfather* films, followed by memorable performances in *Father of the Bride* and *The First Wives Club*. Francis Ford Coppola, director of *The Godfather*, also paid tribute to Keaton, calling her ‘endlessly intelligent’ and ‘creativity personified.’ Coppola highlighted her groundbreaking work in *Annie Hall*, which not only showcased her acting prowess but also set new fashion trends. Diane Keaton’s legacy as a trailblazing actress and style icon continues to inspire generations.
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‘It will be a golden age for the Middle East’ – Trump
In a historic address to the Israeli parliament, US President Donald Trump proclaimed the dawn of a ‘golden age’ for the Middle East. His remarks followed the successful release of all 20 living hostages held in Gaza, marking a significant diplomatic achievement. Trump emphasized the importance of regional stability and cooperation, highlighting the role of the United States in fostering peace. He praised the efforts of Israeli and international negotiators, underscoring the potential for a new era of prosperity and unity in the region. The president’s speech resonated with optimism, as he called for continued collaboration to address longstanding conflicts and build a brighter future for the Middle East.
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German club condemns fan behaviour after tourists attacked
A distressing incident involving football fans in Dublin has drawn widespread condemnation after two tourists were reportedly assaulted. Carly Clarke, a photographer from Eastbourne, and Stephen Lovell-Davis, a 70-year-old photographer from London, were in Dublin for a photography exhibition when they encountered a group of FC Schalke 04 supporters parading through the city center. The event took a violent turn when one fan attempted to grab Clarke’s camera, leading to a physical altercation. Lovell-Davis intervened but was pushed to the ground and repeatedly kicked in the head. The incident occurred on Abbey Street on Saturday, October 11, as approximately 2,000 Schalke fans traveled to Dublin for a friendly match against Bohemians, which ended in a 3-2 loss for the German club. FC Schalke 04 released a statement condemning the actions of some of its supporters, describing the incidents as ‘completely unjustifiable’ and vowing to investigate rigorously. The club emphasized that such behavior ‘overshadowed’ what was intended to be a positive trip and expressed sympathy for the victims. Lovell-Davis, who sustained bruises and cuts, described the attack as ‘disappointing’ but noted that it was the actions of a ‘small minority.’ He also thanked three Irish women who assisted him after the assault. Both tourists have since returned to England, and the Irish police, An Garda Síochána, are investigating the alleged assault. The club has initiated an internal review and pledged to take appropriate action against those responsible.
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India and Canada reset ties after strain of Sikh leader’s murder
India and Canada have taken significant steps to mend their strained diplomatic relations during high-level talks in Delhi. The discussions, led by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and her Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on rebuilding trust and fostering economic collaboration. The relationship between the two nations had deteriorated sharply in 2023 following Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India vehemently denied. The fallout led to visa suspensions and the expulsion of diplomats, creating a diplomatic impasse. However, recent developments under Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have signaled a thaw. In June, Carney and Modi met during the G7 summit, and both countries subsequently appointed new high commissioners. The latest talks in Delhi resulted in a joint commitment to resume the Canada–India CEO Forum, aimed at enhancing trade and investment. Anand’s visit also includes meetings with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and engagements with business leaders in Mumbai. The two nations emphasized their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region, viewing the revival of their partnership as a strategic move to counter global uncertainties. Anand’s subsequent visits to China and Singapore underscore Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
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Cameroon awaits presidential election result
Cameroon’s presidential election concluded on Sunday, with vote counting now underway as incumbent President Paul Biya aims to extend his 43-year rule. At 92, Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, faces competition from nine candidates. A victory would secure his eighth consecutive term, with the next election scheduled for 2032. Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji reported that voting proceeded smoothly nationwide, though calls for a boycott in the English-speaking western regions and reports of clashes in the north marred the process. Final results are expected within 15 days. The election was preceded by opposition complaints of suppression tactics, including the disqualification of Maurice Kamto, Biya’s primary challenger, by the Constitutional Council in August. On election day, tensions escalated in Garoua, the stronghold of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary, where supporters clashed with security forces. Tchiroma, a former Biya ally, claimed he faced threats but vowed to remain steadfast. Despite these incidents, Nji emphasized that the polls were largely peaceful across all 10 regions. However, he warned against premature election result announcements, labeling such actions as illegal. In the Anglophone regions, separatist attempts to deter voting were partially successful, with many residents abstaining due to fear of reprisals. As Cameroon awaits the outcome, the question remains: will the world’s oldest leader secure another term?
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Trial against famous ex-Jesuit artist, accused of abusing women, to start with judges named
In a significant move, the Vatican announced on Monday the appointment of a panel of judges to adjudicate the case of former Jesuit artist Marko Ivan Rupnik, who stands accused of sexual, spiritual, and psychological abuse of women. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a scandal that has cast a shadow over Pope Francis’s legacy, amid allegations that the Vatican’s handling of the case lacked transparency and independence. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, responsible for overseeing clergy abuse cases, revealed that the five-member judicial panel includes both women and priests external to the Vatican bureaucracy, emphasizing the need for autonomy and impartiality in the proceedings. This development follows years of controversy surrounding Rupnik, whose mosaics adorn some of the Catholic Church’s most revered sites worldwide. The scandal first came to light in late 2022 when Italian blogs published allegations from nuns and adult women who claimed to have been abused by Rupnik during his artistic endeavors. Despite initial reluctance to prosecute due to the age of the claims, the Vatican eventually waived the statute of limitations under public pressure, paving the way for a canonical trial. Rupnik, who was briefly excommunicated in 2020 for exploiting the confessional, has consistently denied the allegations and refused to cooperate with Jesuit authorities. His supporters have decried the media coverage as a ‘lynching,’ while the Vatican’s latest action signals a renewed commitment to addressing the case with due process.