The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often perceived as a series of new developments, is in reality a repetition of unresolved historical patterns. This is the central theme of Robert Malley and Hussein Agha’s book, “Tomorrow is Yesterday.” The recent actions of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s “Peace Plan for Gaza” have only exacerbated the situation, turning what was once termed “conflict management” into a more devastating and unresolved crisis. Both Israeli and Palestinian political systems have failed to heal their societies, instead intensifying fear, grievance, and denial. The Palestinian political landscape remains fragmented, while Israel grapples with internal legitimacy struggles and a drift towards authoritarianism. Public opinion on both sides has hardened, with Israelis increasingly rejecting Palestinian statehood and Palestinians showing rising support for Hamas. The war has not opened avenues for compromise but has deepened existential threats, resulting in a military, psychological, and political stalemate. Israeli society’s dehumanization of Palestinians, evident in surveys and actions, contrasts sharply with Palestinian attitudes, which reflect anger towards both Hamas and Israel but prioritize survival and reconstruction. The ceasefire has not alleviated the distress in the West Bank, where settler and army violence continues unabated. The political imagination of Israelis and European diplomats remains limited, unable to conceive of a moderated Hamas or a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority’s poor performance and corruption have led to widespread demands for Mahmoud Abbas’s resignation. The majority of Palestinians prefer general elections and political unification of the West Bank and Gaza, despite their criticism of Hamas. The gap between Gaza and West Bank attitudes may prompt Israel to act more aggressively in the West Bank, perpetuating the cycle of violence and division.
作者： admin
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Schools close as torrential rain from Typhoon Kalmaeigi hits Hainan
Hainan Province faced severe disruptions as Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding and the closure of schools in several cities and counties. On November 4, 2025, educational institutions in Qionghai, Tunchang, Ding’an, and Qiongzhong were forced to shut down to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Qionghai Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters escalated its emergency response from Level IV to Level III at 10:20 am, reflecting the escalating crisis. The relentless downpour caused the Wanquan River in Qionghai to swell dangerously, with water levels upstream of the Jiaji Dam reaching 11.54 meters by 11 am, accompanied by a flow rate of 5,125 cubic meters per second. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise, posing significant risks to local communities. Emergency operations have been mobilized across the region to mitigate the impact of the flooding and safeguard residents.
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Pakistan cancels Eni LNG cargoes, seeks to renegotiate Qatar supplies
Pakistan has taken decisive steps to address its oversupply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by canceling 21 cargoes under its long-term contract with Italy’s Eni. The move, initiated at the request of gas distributor SNGPL, reflects a broader strategy to reduce excess imports that have overwhelmed the country’s gas network. According to an official document from Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) dated October 22, 11 cargoes scheduled for 2026 and 10 for 2027 will be canceled, with only peak winter shipments retained. Eni agreed to the cancellations under the contract’s flexibility provisions, allowing it to potentially sell cargoes in the more lucrative spot market. Eni declined to comment, while PLL, SNGPL, and Pakistan’s petroleum ministry remained silent on the matter. Simultaneously, Pakistan is in talks with Qatar to renegotiate gas supplies, exploring options such as deferring cargoes or reselling them under existing agreements. QatarEnergy has yet to respond to inquiries. The surplus stems from declining LNG demand, driven by increased renewable energy generation and reduced industrial consumption. Pakistan’s long-term contracts with Qatar and Eni cover approximately 120 cargoes annually, but imports have plummeted this year due to higher solar and hydropower output. The oversupply has forced Pakistan to sell gas at steep discounts, curb local production, and consider offshore storage or reselling excess cargoes. Eni’s last delivery to Pakistan was on January 3, and no further cargoes are expected in 2025.
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Narco-sub carrying 1.7 tonnes of cocaine seized in Atlantic
In a significant maritime operation, Portuguese authorities have intercepted a semi-submersible vessel transporting over 1.7 tonnes of cocaine in the mid-Atlantic, approximately 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of Lisbon. The vessel, en route to the Iberian Peninsula, was seized in a coordinated effort involving the Portuguese police, navy, and international agencies, including the UK’s National Crime Agency and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Four crew members, identified as two Ecuadorians, a Venezuelan, and a Colombian, were arrested and remanded in pre-trial custody following their court appearance in the Azores. Vítor Ananias, head of Portugal’s drug trafficking police unit, highlighted the multinational nature of the operation, suggesting the involvement of a transnational criminal organization. The narco-sub, deemed too fragile to tow back to shore due to adverse weather conditions, eventually sank in the open sea. This incident follows a similar seizure in March, where a vessel carrying 6.5 tonnes of cocaine was intercepted 1,200 nautical miles from Lisbon. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling, with recent strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean drawing criticism from Latin American leaders over their legality and human rights implications.
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Heart attacks and hunting accidents: Five times Cheney became the story
Dick Cheney, the former U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush, passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy marked by controversy, conviction, and significant influence in Washington. Known for his unorthodox approach to politics, Cheney often made headlines that overshadowed those of his boss. His career was defined by moments that showcased his willingness to break from the president when he deemed it necessary, as well as his ironclad belief in his decisions.
One of the most infamous incidents in Cheney’s career occurred in 2006 during a hunting trip in south Texas. While aiming at a bird, Cheney accidentally shot and injured 78-year-old Harry Whittington, who suffered a minor heart attack and injuries to his face, chest, and neck. Cheney initially remained silent about the incident but later admitted responsibility, stating, ‘I’m the guy that pulled the trigger.’ The event became a source of ridicule for late-night TV hosts, with David Letterman quipping, ‘Good news, ladies and gentlemen, we have finally located weapons of mass destruction: It’s Dick Cheney.’
Cheney’s health struggles also drew attention, particularly his decision to modify his heart pacemaker in 2007 to prevent potential hacking. This move sparked speculation among fans of the TV series ‘Homeland,’ which featured a plot where the vice president dies after terrorists hack into his pacemaker. Cheney’s doctor, Jonathan Reiner, explained that the modification was necessary to ensure the vice president’s safety.
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney was isolated in an ‘undisclosed location’ to secure the presidential succession in case George W. Bush was killed. From this hideout, Cheney issued the extraordinary order to shoot down any passenger jets thought to be hijacked if they headed toward the White House or the U.S. Capitol building. This decision underscored his role as a wartime leader operating from the shadows.
Cheney’s stance on gay marriage also set him apart from Bush. Despite Bush’s support for a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, Cheney openly supported gay marriage, stating, ‘Freedom means freedom for everyone.’ This position drew criticism from within their Republican party, with conservative groups urging Cheney to align with Bush’s stance.
Cheney’s disregard for Senate traditions was evident in 2004 when he used an expletive on the Senate floor in response to accusations of war profiteering from former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. Although using profanity on the Senate floor is against the rules, Cheney reportedly avoided reprimand as the Senate was not in session.
Dick Cheney’s career was marked by moments that highlighted his influence, conviction, and willingness to break from convention, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.
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Parts of Cameroon deserted as opposition calls for a lockdown to protest election results
DOUALA, Cameroon — Several cities in Cameroon remained eerily quiet on Tuesday following a call by the main opposition leader for citizens to stay home in protest against the recent election victory of 92-year-old President Paul Biya. The three-day lockdown, which commenced on Monday, primarily affected key opposition strongholds, including the economic hub of Douala and northern cities like Maroua and Garoua, where deadly protests have erupted in recent days. While partial compliance was observed in the capital, Yaoundé, many businesses continued operations as usual. President Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, secured his eighth term in the October 12 election, according to official results. However, main opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary has contested the outcome, claiming victory and urging Cameroonians to reject the official results. In his appeal for the lockdown, Tchiroma stated, “Let us keep our shops closed, suspend our activities, remain at home in silence, to demonstrate our solidarity.” The lockdown has inflicted significant economic hardship, with businesses and offices shuttered and intercity transport services halted. Residents like Amadou Adji of Garoua, whose niece was killed during the protests, expressed support for the lockdown, calling it a form of solidarity with Tchiroma. Meanwhile, food seller Caroline Akuh in Douala lamented the financial strain on her family, stating, “We are afraid to step out … we are tired of this.” In Yaoundé, the price of a 5-liter bucket of potatoes surged from $3.50 to $8.78 in less than a week, reflecting the economic toll of the unrest. Celestin Mimba, a resident of the capital, noted, “Prices have gone up in ways no one anticipated.” The lockdown follows widespread protests by opposition supporters and clashes with security forces, resulting in casualties. Authorities confirmed four deaths in northern protests, while the Stand Up For Cameroon civil society group reported at least 23 fatalities. Cameroonian officials have condemned the protests, accusing the opposition of attempting to destabilize law and order.
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India sends recovery plane to Mongolia after Air India flight makes precautionary landing
In a swift response to an unexpected aviation incident, the Embassy of India in Mongolia has extended critical support to passengers and crew of Air India Flight AI 174, which made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar International Airport on November 3, 2025. The flight, en route from San Francisco to New Delhi via Kolkata, was diverted due to a suspected technical issue detected mid-flight. All 228 passengers and crew members were safely disembarked and provided with hotel accommodations, food, and necessary immigration assistance through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Embassy and Mongolian authorities. Air India promptly dispatched a recovery aircraft from India, expected to arrive in Ulaanbaatar by Monday evening, to facilitate the passengers’ return to India. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused but emphasized that the diversion was undertaken solely to ensure passenger safety. This incident follows a recent cancellation of another Air India flight on October 17 due to technical issues, underscoring the airline’s commitment to prioritizing safety. The Embassy of India has assured that it is providing all possible assistance to the affected individuals and working closely with Air India to resolve the situation swiftly.
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China-Laos sugarcane import season begins
The 2025-26 sugarcane import season between China and Laos has officially commenced, signaling a significant boost in cross-border agricultural trade. On October 29, the first shipment of sugarcane from Laos arrived at Mengman Port in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, marking the start of a season expected to last until April 2026. Over 930,000 tons of sugarcane are projected to be imported into China for sugar extraction and production, with an estimated industrial output value of 620 million yuan ($87 million), reflecting a 12% increase from the previous season.
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2 French nationals freed from Iranian prison after more than 3 years in detention
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday the release of two French citizens, Cécile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, from an Iranian prison after over three years of detention. The pair had been held on espionage charges, which France consistently labeled as baseless. Macron expressed profound relief, describing the release as a “first step” and emphasizing ongoing dialogue with Iranian authorities to facilitate their swift return to France. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that Kohler and Paris are currently safe at the French Residence in Tehran, awaiting their final release. The couple was arrested in May 2022 during a visit to Iran, with Paris condemning their detention as unjustified. Relatives recently shared their anguish after a rare phone call revealed the detainees’ despair. Last month, Iranian media reported that a Revolutionary Court in Tehran had sentenced the pair to a cumulative 63 years in prison on charges of espionage and alleged cooperation with Israel. Western nations have long accused Iran of using foreign prisoners as leverage in diplomatic negotiations, a claim Tehran denies.
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Djokovic will play at ATP Finals, Italy fed president says
Novak Djokovic, the world’s fifth-ranked tennis player, has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. This announcement was made by Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, during an interview with Italian radio channel Rai Gr Parlamento on Monday. The confirmation comes as a relief to fans and organizers alike, as Djokovic had skipped the Paris Masters and has been absent from competitive play since his surprising loss to qualifier Valentin Vacherot in the Shanghai Masters semifinals last month. The ATP Finals, scheduled from November 9 to 16, will feature the world’s top eight players. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has won the tournament a record seven times, with his most recent victory in 2023. At 38 years old, the Serbian tennis legend’s participation leaves only one qualifying spot open. The final spot is being contested between ninth-ranked Italian Lorenzo Musetti and eighth-ranked Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime. Auger-Aliassime, who reached the Paris Masters final last week, withdrew from the Moselle Open in Metz on Monday, giving Musetti a chance to secure the last spot if he performs well in this week’s ATP 250 tournament in Athens.