Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has expressed willingness to engage in direct talks with the Trump administration as US pressure intensifies. This comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s refusal to rule out deploying ground forces to Venezuela. The Trump administration has accused Maduro, whose 2024 re-election was widely criticized as fraudulent, of leading a drug cartel. Maduro denies these allegations, countering that the US aims to provoke a war to seize Venezuela’s oil reserves. Since Trump’s second inauguration in January, the US has ramped up its efforts against Maduro, doubling the reward for his capture to $50 million and launching ‘Operation Southern Spear,’ a counternarcotics mission targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels. Over 80 people have died in US strikes on these vessels, primarily in the Caribbean. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claims the operation aims to eliminate ‘narcoterrorists’ from the Western Hemisphere, though legal experts question its legality due to a lack of evidence. The deployment of the USS Gerald Ford, the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, has fueled speculation that the US seeks to oust Maduro. Trump’s ambiguous statements have added to the uncertainty. While he initially downplayed the possibility of war, he later refused to rule out ground troops in Venezuela. The US State Department has also announced plans to designate the alleged Maduro-led Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), effective November 24. Analysts interpret this delay, coupled with Trump’s openness to talks, as an ultimatum for Maduro to negotiate or face harsher measures. Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has called for the military to defect, labeling Maduro’s government as a ‘criminal structure’ and advocating for accountability for human rights abuses. Maduro, addressing the US public directly in English, has reiterated his commitment to dialogue and peace.
分类： politics
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MI5 warns lawmakers that Chinese spies are trying to reach them via LinkedIn
The UK’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has issued a stark warning to British lawmakers about an escalating espionage threat from China. In a recent alert, MI5 revealed that Chinese operatives are actively using professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, recruitment agencies, and front companies to ‘recruit and cultivate’ individuals within the UK government, parliament, and other influential sectors. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle emphasized that these efforts aim to gather sensitive information and establish long-term relationships to further China’s strategic interests. The alert specifically named two individuals, Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, as key figures in these espionage activities. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis condemned the covert operations as a calculated attempt by a foreign power to interfere with the UK’s sovereign affairs, vowing that the government would not tolerate such actions. This warning follows a high-profile case in September 2023, where charges against two men accused of spying for China were dropped due to the government’s refusal to testify under oath about China’s threat to national security. MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum has consistently highlighted the persistent threat posed by Chinese state actors, including cyberespionage, technology theft, and covert interference in UK public life. The UK’s intelligence community remains on high alert as it continues to counter these sophisticated espionage efforts.
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US House expected to approve resolution to release Epstein files
The US House of Representatives is poised to pass a resolution demanding the Justice Department release the so-called ‘Epstein files,’ a collection of documents gathered during investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. House Speaker Mike Johnson anticipates strong bipartisan support for the measure, which is scheduled for a vote on Tuesday. This development follows former President Donald Trump’s recent reversal of his stance, now urging Republican lawmakers to back the resolution. However, the release of the files remains uncertain, as the measure must also clear the Senate. Survivors of Epstein’s abuse are expected to testify on Capitol Hill in support of the resolution. On Monday evening, the advocacy group World Without Exploitation projected images of survivors onto buildings in Washington, accompanied by the message: ‘Congress, release all of the files.’ Lawmakers from both parties believe the documents could implicate influential figures in Epstein’s crimes. While some Epstein-related materials have been made public in recent years, including thousands of emails released last week by the House Oversight Committee, the full scope of the files remains undisclosed. Trump, who initially opposed the resolution, now claims he would sign it into law if approved by Congress, though he cautioned against excessive public discussion. Critics, including Representative Robert Garcia, argue that Trump has the authority to release the files immediately. Meanwhile, concerns persist that the Senate may alter the resolution, potentially delaying its passage. Attorney General Pam Bondi has also initiated federal investigations into several high-profile individuals mentioned in the released documents.
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US to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia, Trump says ahead of crown prince’s visit
In a significant development in US-Saudi relations, President Donald Trump announced plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump praised Saudi Arabia as a ‘great ally,’ emphasizing the strengthening of bilateral ties. This meeting marks the Crown Prince’s first visit to the White House since the controversial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, an incident linked to Saudi agents. While a US intelligence report implicated Prince Mohammed in the operation, he has consistently denied involvement. The leaders are expected to discuss defense and civilian nuclear power agreements, building on the $142 billion arms deal signed in May 2023, described as the ‘largest defense sales agreement in history.’ However, the potential sale of F-35s has raised concerns among US defense officials and Israeli leaders. Critics fear Saudi Arabia could share sensitive stealth technology with China, while Israel worries about its military edge in the region. Additionally, Trump is expected to advocate for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel, though Saudi officials have linked this to progress on Palestinian statehood—a condition rejected by Israel’s current government.
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After Trump reversal, US House pushes forward on Epstein vote
In a significant political development, the US House of Representatives is set to vote on the release of investigative files related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This move follows President Donald Trump’s unexpected reversal of his long-standing opposition to the disclosure. Trump’s change of stance came after a House petition garnered sufficient support to force a vote, marking a rare instance of House Republicans defying the president’s wishes.
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Poland says 2 Ukrainians working for Russia are suspected in railway track blast
WARSAW, Poland — Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed on Tuesday that two Ukrainian citizens, allegedly working for Russia, are suspected of orchestrating a railway explosion in Poland over the weekend. Addressing the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of parliament, Tusk described the incident as an “unprecedented act of sabotage” targeting a rail line connecting Warsaw to the Ukrainian border. The suspects, whose identities remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations, reportedly fled Poland via the Terespol border crossing into Belarus. Tusk emphasized their long-standing collaboration with Russian intelligence services. In a separate but related incident, power lines along the same railway further south were also damaged, which Polish officials have confirmed as sabotage. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the accusations, labeling them as part of a broader trend of “Russophobia” in Europe. Western officials have accused Russia of staging numerous attacks across Europe since its invasion of Ukraine, aiming to destabilize support for Kyiv and sow division. In response, Poland’s National Security Committee convened with military and intelligence leaders to address the threat. Army patrols have been deployed to secure critical infrastructure in eastern Poland. Prosecutors have launched an investigation into the sabotage, which they described as “acts of terrorism” endangering public safety. The damaged railway sections have since been repaired, and no injuries were reported.
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Bangladesh remains calm a day after tribunal issues death sentence for ousted prime minister
Dhaka, Bangladesh — Despite a call for a nationwide shutdown by the former ruling party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s capital and major cities remained calm on Tuesday. The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to death in absentia on Monday for their roles in the violent crackdown on student protests last year. The Awami League, Hasina’s party, dismissed the court’s decision as a “kangaroo court” and urged a nationwide strike. However, life continued as usual on Tuesday, with no closures of services, shops, or schools, though uncertainty loomed over the nation’s future. The protests, which erupted in July and August 2023, were fueled by discontent over a government job quota system allegedly favoring Hasina’s allies. The crackdown resulted in over 800 deaths and 14,000 injuries, according to the interim government. Hasina, 78, was convicted on five counts of crimes against humanity and sentenced to life imprisonment for inciting violence and ordering lethal force against protesters. She and Khan fled to India, which has refused to extradite them, making their execution or imprisonment unlikely. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, criticized the trial, citing concerns over fairness and due process. The sentencing comes as Bangladesh navigates political instability under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, with elections planned for February.
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Irish finance minister to step down to take major banking role
Paschal Donohoe, Ireland’s Finance Minister, has announced his resignation from government to assume a prestigious position at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, Donohoe will take on the roles of Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer at the World Bank, the globe’s foremost development institution. His departure from the Irish government is expected to occur later on Tuesday, followed by his resignation as a TD (member of parliament) for Dublin Central later this week. Donohoe, a seasoned politician with a distinguished career, previously served as Ireland’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2022 and was reappointed to the role in January 2025. The 51-year-old will also relinquish his position as Chairman of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, triggering a by-election in his constituency. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Donohoe began his political journey on Dublin City Council before ascending to Seanad Éireann (the Irish Senate) and later Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament) in 2011. Over the years, he has held numerous ministerial portfolios, including Minister of State for European Affairs and Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport. His tenure as Finance Minister was marked by significant budgetary measures, including increased funding for social welfare and healthcare. Donohoe’s move to the World Bank underscores his expertise in economic and financial governance on the global stage.
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Chinese premier pledges closer cooperation with Russia in investment, energy, agriculture
In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met in Moscow on Monday, pledging to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. The meeting, held at the invitation of Mishustin, took place on the sidelines of the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Premier Li emphasized China’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with Russia in key areas such as investment, energy, and agriculture. He also expressed China’s openness to importing more high-quality agricultural and food products from Russia. The two leaders reviewed the progress of China-Russia cooperation and outlined plans for future collaboration, guided by the strategic vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Li urged both nations to strengthen communication, expand people-to-people exchanges, and foster cultural and educational ties to add warmth to their relationship. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of the SCO’s role in promoting regional and global stability, calling for enhanced institutional building and pragmatic cooperation among member states. Mishustin echoed these sentiments, reaffirming Russia’s commitment to deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and creating a favorable environment for Chinese investments in Russia. He also praised China’s leadership in the SCO, particularly for the successful Tianjin Summit in September. Both leaders expressed their dedication to advancing a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, underscoring the growing synergy between the two nations.
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Zelenskyy will visit Turkey in a new bid to end the Russia-Ukraine war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday his upcoming visit to Turkey, aiming to reignite negotiations to end Russia’s nearly four-year-long invasion of Ukraine. This diplomatic effort follows earlier low-level talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, which primarily focused on prisoner exchanges but failed to achieve broader progress. International peace initiatives, led by the U.S., have also yet to yield significant breakthroughs. Zelenskyy’s visit to Turkey on Wednesday comes after his stop in Spain, where he sought additional support for Ukraine’s defense efforts. In a social media post, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to accelerating the end of the war, stating, ‘We are preparing to reinvigorate negotiations and have developed solutions to propose to our partners.’ However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that no Russian representatives would attend the talks in Turkey, though Moscow remains open to dialogue. The U.S. has intensified pressure on Russia, with heavy sanctions targeting its oil industry set to take effect on Friday. These measures aim to cripple Russia’s war economy by targeting major oil companies like Rosneft and Lukoil, while also threatening secondary penalties for violators, including major importers like China and India. Amid these developments, Zelenskyy continues to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities, signing agreements to acquire advanced weaponry from France, including Rafale warplanes and drones. On the ground, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack on energy infrastructure in the occupied Donetsk region, causing significant damage and power outages. Meanwhile, Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Dnipro regions resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. Both sides continue to exchange drone and missile attacks, underscoring the ongoing intensity of the conflict.