分类： politics

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.

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.

In a display of diplomatic grandeur, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The visit, marked by a ceremonial cannon salute, a military flypast featuring F-35 stealth fighters, and a parade of horses, underscored the deepening alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The event also saw the presence of soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, adding a touch of star power to the occasion. Trump emphasized the significance of the bilateral relationship, describing Saudi Arabia as a ‘great ally’ and announcing the sale of F-35 jets to the kingdom, despite concerns from Israel and warnings about potential technological espionage by China. Additionally, the two leaders are expected to sign a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation, further cementing their strategic partnership. The Crown Prince’s visit also focused on securing advanced defense systems and high-tech chips to support Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions. However, progress on normalizing relations with Israel remains stalled, with Riyadh insisting on progress toward a Palestinian state. The visit marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, balancing strategic interests with human rights concerns, particularly in light of the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The United Nations Security Council has passed Resolution 2803, authorizing an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to oversee a transitional period in Gaza. The resolution, approved with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions, places U.S. President Donald Trump at the helm of the Palestinian enclave, implementing his 20-point plan for its future. The term ‘mandate’ has sparked significant controversy, drawing parallels to colonial-era interventions in the region. Critics, including British-Israeli historian Avi Shlaim, argue that the resolution disregards the rights and aspirations of Palestinians, likening it to the British Mandate for Palestine post-World War I. The resolution outlines a two-year plan involving multinational troops, Palestinian technocrats, and a local police force, but has been met with resistance from Hamas and other Palestinian factions, though it is supported by the Palestinian Authority (PA). The resolution vaguely references Palestinian self-determination and statehood, contingent on certain conditions, which has been criticized as undermining international law. The plan has garnered backing from several Muslim-majority and Arab states, including Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia, while Russia and China abstained from the vote. The resolution’s implementation remains uncertain, particularly due to Hamas’s refusal to disarm, raising questions about the feasibility of international peacekeeping efforts in the region. Critics argue that the resolution perpetuates Israeli control over Gaza and represents a significant crisis for the United Nations, potentially damaging its credibility and effectiveness.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a landmark visit to the White House on Tuesday, his first trip to the United States in seven years. The visit, marked by ceremonial grandeur including a color guard, military band, and fighter jet flyover, underscored the significance of the bilateral relationship. President Trump accompanied the Crown Prince on a televised tour of the newly inaugurated ‘Presidential Walk of Fame,’ highlighting the warmth of their engagement. This visit represents a dramatic shift in US-Saudi relations, particularly following the 2018 Jamal Khashoggi incident, which had strained ties. The Crown Prince’s agenda includes lobbying for US intervention in Sudan’s civil war and advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic transformation. Key discussions revolve around defense deals, including the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets and AI-supported drones, as well as access to US civilian nuclear technology. Saudi Arabia aims to localize its defense industry with US assistance, moving beyond mere arms procurement. The visit also highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambition to position itself as a hub for AI and renewable energy, leveraging its vast fossil fuel and solar resources. Despite budgetary constraints from mega-projects like Neom, Saudi Arabia remains committed to securing cutting-edge US technology. The Crown Prince’s push for uranium enrichment, however, has raised concerns within the US government. The visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic pivot to diversify its partnerships and assert itself as a regional power, while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, China, and Iran.

In a significant move, President Donald Trump has approved the sale of the United States’ most advanced fighter jet, the F-35, to Saudi Arabia. This decision comes despite concerns that China, Saudi Arabia’s top trading partner, could potentially access the jet’s cutting-edge American technology. The agreement was reaffirmed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent visit to Washington.