Qatar’s ambassador to the United States, Meshal al-Thani, issued a rare and direct rebuke to Republican Congressman Randy Fine for his Islamophobic and anti-Qatar comments during an interview with far-right social media personality Laura Loomer. Fine, a Jewish-American lawmaker and staunch supporter of Israel’s war on Gaza, has a history of inflammatory rhetoric, including calls for Israel to ‘nuke’ Gaza and for Palestinians to ‘starve away.’ He has also been a vocal critic of protests against Israel on US college campuses, falsely accusing Qatar of funding these demonstrations and labeling them as ‘antisemitic.’ In a letter shared on X, Ambassador al-Thani condemned Fine’s remarks, emphasizing Qatar’s commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of religious or ethnic intolerance. He also refuted Fine’s allegations, citing a 2024 US House of Representatives report that found no evidence of Qatari involvement in campus unrest. Al-Thani further highlighted Qatar’s role as a key US ally, hosting the largest US military base in the Middle East and contributing to joint defense missions. He noted that Qatar’s F-15 purchases and support generate thousands of US jobs. The ambassador also addressed Fine’s fear-mongering about Qatari fighter pilots training in the US, stating that such arrangements are standard among allies and fully funded by Qatar. Al-Thani concluded by reminding Fine of the significant Muslim population in the US, including 127,000 in his home state of Florida.
作者： admin
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Trump’s decision to send aircraft carrier to South America will leave Mideast and Europe with none
In a significant strategic move, President Donald Trump has redirected the USS Gerald R. Ford, the nation’s most advanced aircraft carrier, from the Mediterranean Sea to South America as part of an intensified campaign against drug cartels. This decision comes at a critical juncture, as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza faces renewed threats. The redeployment leaves the U.S. with only one active carrier deployed globally, marking a stark shift from recent military engagements, including joint strikes with Israel on Iran and intense combat operations against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. Aircraft carriers, long symbols of U.S. military power, have been a cornerstone of American foreign policy, with five deployments to the Middle East since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Ford’s new mission underscores the Trump administration’s heightened focus on the Western Hemisphere, escalating firepower in a region already saturated with warships, aircraft, and troops. Trump, speaking from the USS George Washington in Japan, emphasized the U.S. commitment to halting drug trafficking, both at sea and on land. However, experts like Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies question the sustainability of this deployment, given the limited availability of U.S. carriers. Meanwhile, the U.S. military’s growing presence near Venezuela, coupled with 13 fatal strikes on alleged drug boats, has raised concerns about potential regime change efforts against President Nicolás Maduro, who faces U.S. narcoterrorism charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the operations as counterdrug efforts, while Maduro accused the U.S. of fabricating a war narrative. Analysts warn of potential instability in Venezuela, with some fearing a Libya-style meltdown if Maduro is ousted. The Ford strike group, accompanied by five destroyers, adds to an unprecedented U.S. military buildup in the region, including submarines, fighter jets, and bombers. Trump’s declaration of drug cartels as unlawful combatants has drawn bipartisan scrutiny, with some lawmakers questioning the lack of congressional approval for these operations. Despite concerns, allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham support the president’s actions, suggesting land strikes in Venezuela are a real possibility.
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Hamas denies attacking Israeli troops in Gaza
In a recent development, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has categorically denied accusations of attacking Israeli troops in Gaza. The allegations were initially made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday, though he did not provide specific details regarding the location of the alleged incident. Hamas, in a formal statement, refuted these claims, asserting that it had no involvement in the reported shooting incident in Rafah. The group reiterated its commitment to the US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel, emphasizing its adherence to the terms of the truce. This denial comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with both sides maintaining their respective positions. The situation remains fluid as further details are awaited.
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Blue Jays see off Ohtani to level World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays have evened the World Series at 2-2 after a decisive 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Four. The triumph, fueled by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s early two-run homer and a flurry of runs in the seventh inning, ensures the series will return to Toronto for a potential sixth and seventh game. The Blue Jays, Major League Baseball’s sole Canadian team, rallied from behind at Dodger Stadium, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess.
After an exhausting 18-inning Game Three that depleted both teams’ bullpens, the Dodgers and Blue Jays relied on their starting pitchers for extended outings. All eyes were on the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, the rare two-way superstar who both pitches and hits at an elite level. However, Ohtani struggled in this outing, going hitless at the plate and exiting the mound in the seventh inning with two runners on base, both of whom scored.
Toronto’s Shane Bieber, a California native, delivered a stellar performance, striking out Ohtani twice and allowing just one run over six innings. The Dodgers initially took the lead in the second inning with Enrique Hernandez’s sacrifice fly, but Guerrero’s homer shifted the momentum. After Ohtani’s departure, the Blue Jays capitalized with runs from Andres Gimenez, Ty France, Bo Bichette, and Addison Barger, extending their lead to 6-1.
Despite a late rally attempt by the Dodgers in the ninth inning, the Blue Jays secured the win with minimal drama. The series now heads into Game Five at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, with the Blue Jays aiming to maintain their momentum and the Dodgers seeking to regain control.
The World Series has already seen its share of drama, including celebrity sightings at Dodger Stadium. Singer Justin Bieber attended Game Three in a Blue Jays jersey, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted in Dodgers caps during Game Four, seated near Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax.
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UAE increasing support to Sudan’s RSF with new Chinese drones: Report
Recent intelligence reports from U.S. agencies reveal that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has significantly increased its supply of advanced Chinese drones and other weapon systems to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development, reported as recently as October, underscores the UAE’s deepening involvement in the Sudanese conflict. The RSF, accused of committing genocide in Darfur, has received a steady flow of arms, including small arms, heavy machine guns, vehicles, artillery, mortars, and ammunition, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report published on Tuesday. The UAE’s support for the RSF has been well-documented, with Middle East Eye (MEE) previously reporting in January 2024 on the UAE’s complex network of supply lines stretching across Libya, Chad, Uganda, and breakaway regions of Somalia. In May, Amnesty International confirmed the UAE’s delivery of Chinese-made weaponry, such as GB50A-guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers, to Darfur, where the RSF has been besieging cities. The RSF’s recent capture of el-Fasher in North Darfur, accompanied by documented civilian massacres, follows the collapse of U.S.-sponsored peace talks. Sources indicate that the UAE, the RSF’s primary patron, has refused to address the ongoing siege of el-Fasher, which has persisted for over 500 days. The WSJ report highlights that the UAE’s weapon supply to the RSF intensified after March, when the Sudanese Army, backed by Iran, Turkey, and Egypt, reclaimed Khartoum. MEE also reported in May that the UAE orchestrated precision drone attacks on government-controlled Port Sudan, injuring members of a Turkish technical team assisting the Sudanese military. The UAE is now supplying the RSF with advanced Chinese drones, including the CH-95 model, capable of precision strikes and long-range reconnaissance. The RSF, originally formed as the janjaweed militia under Omar Bashir’s regime, has expanded its operations in Darfur, leveraging its close ties with the UAE. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, has established a commercial empire in Dubai, using the emirate to smuggle gold from Darfur’s mines under his control.
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Cameroon opposition leader to face legal action over election unrest, government says
Cameroon is grappling with escalating tensions following the controversial re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya for an unprecedented eighth term. The election, held on October 12, has been marred by violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters, resulting in at least four fatalities. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims victory in the election, faces legal action for allegedly inciting “violent post-election demonstrations.” Cameroon’s Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji accused Bakary of organizing “illegal” protests and declared that his accomplices in an “insurrectionary plan” would also be prosecuted. The government has announced an investigation into the violent incidents surrounding the election. Despite Nji’s assurance that the situation is under control, protests persist in cities like Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators have erected roadblocks and set fire to tires. The international community, including the UN, African Union, and EU, has expressed concern over the violent crackdowns and called for restraint. Analysts warn that the ongoing unrest could plunge Cameroon into a deep political crisis.
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WWI soldiers’ messages in a bottle found on Australian beach more than 100 years later
In a remarkable discovery, messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers during World War I have been found over a century later on Australia’s coastline. The Brown family stumbled upon the Schweppes-brand bottle on October 9, 2025, during a routine beach cleanup at Wharton Beach near Esperance in Western Australia. Inside the bottle were cheerful letters penned in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated August 15, 1916. The soldiers were aboard the troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat, which had departed Adelaide on August 12, 1916, bound for the Western Front in Europe. Neville tragically lost his life in action a year later, while Harley survived the war but succumbed to cancer in 1934, believed to be a result of being gassed in the trenches. Neville’s letter requested the finder deliver it to his mother, Robertina Neville, while Harley was content for his note to be kept by the discoverer. The bottle, found in pristine condition, likely spent decades buried in sand dunes before being dislodged by recent erosion. The legible letters have since connected the soldiers’ descendants, who expressed profound astonishment and emotional resonance with the discovery. Harley’s granddaughter described it as a ‘miracle,’ while Neville’s great nephew reflected on the pride and sorrow tied to his ancestor’s sacrifice.
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Israel says Hamas attacked troops in Gaza, warns group will ‘pay heavy price’
Israel has accused Hamas of launching an attack on its troops in Gaza, despite an ongoing ceasefire, and has vowed to make the group ‘pay a heavy price.’ The incident has further escalated tensions in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering intense military strikes on the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which had temporarily halted hostilities. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, condemned the attack, calling it a ‘crossing of a bright red line’ and promising a forceful response. Katz stated that Hamas would be held accountable not only for the attack on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers but also for violating the agreement to return the bodies of hostages. The situation has reignited fears of a broader conflict, as both sides appear to be preparing for further confrontations. The ceasefire, which had been brokered to de-escalate the violence, now hangs in the balance as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with concerns over the potential humanitarian impact on civilians in the region.
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Ms Rachel’s activism on Gaza lauded in Glamour Women of the Year nod
In a bold move that transcends traditional celebrity accolades, Glamour magazine’s 2025 ‘Women of the Year’ list has spotlighted two remarkable figures for their unwavering courage and moral clarity in the face of global controversy. YouTube educator Ms Rachel and actress Rachel Zegler have been celebrated for their vocal support of Palestine amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, a conflict that has claimed over 68,000 lives and left tens of thousands injured. Their inclusion in the prestigious list has been hailed as a cultural turning point, signaling a shift in how public figures use their platforms to advocate for justice and compassion. Ms Rachel, a beloved children’s educator known for her sing-along lessons, has faced both praise and backlash for her outspoken stance. Her recent attempt to host a party for Rahaf, a Palestinian child who survived Israeli air strikes, was met with rejection from three venues, sparking outrage online. Zegler, a rising star in Hollywood, has similarly faced criticism for her pro-Palestinian posts, including a public clash with Disney executives who reportedly sought to silence her. Despite the challenges, both women have remained steadfast in their advocacy, earning widespread admiration from fans and activists alike. Their recognition by Glamour has resonated deeply with audiences disillusioned by the silence of many public figures, offering a rare moment of moral victory and hope. This honor also reflects a broader cultural movement, as a new generation of artists, educators, and influencers continues to normalize open support for Palestinian rights, despite repression and boycotts. Ms Rachel and Zegler’s joint recognition symbolizes a shifting tide, proving that compassion and courage can still trend in an increasingly polarized world.
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After Pakistan controversy, Suryakumar faces big test in Australia T20s
Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian cricket captain, is under intense scrutiny as he leads the Men in Blue into a five-match T20 series against Australia. Despite India’s dominant performance in the recent Asia Cup, Yadav’s personal batting form has been a cause for concern. The 35-year-old, renowned for his explosive shot-making in the T20 format, managed only 72 runs across seven matches in the Asia Cup, averaging a meager 18. His struggles were overshadowed by India’s all-round superiority and their three consecutive victories over arch-rivals Pakistan, including a controversial final. However, as India prepares to face Australia, a formidable opponent and a precursor to next year’s T20 World Cup, Yadav’s form will be under the microscope. Critics who overlooked his poor performance in the Asia Cup are now questioning his place in the team. Yadav’s recent IPL 2025 campaign with the Mumbai Indians was stellar, amassing 717 runs at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.91. Yet, his international T20 form has been dismal, with no half-centuries in his last 14 innings. At the pre-match press conference, Yadav remained optimistic, stating, “I have had good practice sessions, and I am in a good space. Runs will come eventually, but the team’s goal is more important.” The Indian team management hopes Yadav can rediscover his magic as they face Australia, the world’s second-ranked T20 team, in what promises to be a high-stakes series.