Israel’s military, stretched thin by its ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Syria, faces a deepening internal crisis over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredim. Historically exempt from mandatory military service, the Haredim have become a focal point of societal and political tension following a June 2024 Supreme Court ruling that mandated their enlistment. This decision has sparked mass protests, with hundreds of thousands of Haredi men taking to the streets of Jerusalem in October 2025, marking one of the largest demonstrations in years. The issue has placed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a precarious position, as his governing coalition relies heavily on ultra-Orthodox political parties. The Haredim, numbering around 1.3 million in Israel, represent 13% of the population and are known for their conservative lifestyle, strict adherence to religious laws, and reliance on government subsidies for their yeshivas (religious schools). While some Haredim support Israel’s military actions, others, like the Neturei Karta, oppose secular Zionism on religious grounds. The draft exemption, rooted in a 1948 policy by Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, has long been justified by the belief that Torah study contributes to national security. However, with the Israeli military facing troop shortages and public support for the exemption waning, the government has begun criminal proceedings against draft evaders. The crisis has exacerbated divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition, with ultra-Orthodox parties threatening to withdraw their support. As protests continue and political tensions escalate, the issue of Haredi conscription remains a critical challenge for Israel’s leadership and societal cohesion.
分类： politics
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Philippine President Marcos accused of drug use by sister, Senator Imee
In a startling revelation, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., publicly accused him of drug use during a rally in Manila. The allegations were made on November 17, 2025, at the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s ‘Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy’ held at Quirino Grandstand. Senator Marcos claimed that the President’s drug problem has been a long-standing issue within the family, dating back to their youth. She expressed deep concern for her brother’s wellbeing, urging him to seek professional help and clear drugs from his system. The senator also implicated First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, alleging that both the President and his wife are involved in drug use. This accusation follows similar claims made by former President Rodrigo Duterte a year prior, which President Marcos had dismissed as influenced by Duterte’s reported fentanyl use. As of now, President Marcos has not responded to these latest allegations.
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China’s exceptionalism sparks Japan’s angst at Taiwan
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent declaration regarding Taiwan has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape in Asia and beyond. Takaichi’s statement, which underscores Japan’s long-held view that Chinese military actions or a naval blockade on Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan, has placed China in a precarious position. Ignoring the statement could be interpreted domestically as tacitly encouraging Taiwan’s independence, while a strong reaction risks escalating tensions. Beijing’s measured response appears designed to deter without provoking a full-blown crisis. Taiwan’s strategic importance, owing to its location, thriving microchip industry, and appeal to overseas Chinese, makes it a focal point in the region. Control over Taiwan would not only sever Japan and South Korea from the rest of Asia but also bolster China’s dominance in the South China Sea, leaving neighboring nations on edge. The underlying question is whether Asia—and eventually the world—will accept China’s rise as a dominant power. If so, China could pursue reunification with Taiwan peacefully; if not, Taiwan’s reunification could be perceived as a threat. China’s security anxieties and disregard for other nations’ concerns complicate its regional ambitions. While the US has historically sought compromises to integrate China into the global order, China’s rejection of these offers has fueled tensions. The concept of Chinese exceptionalism, akin to American exceptionalism, further complicates its international relations. Without a clear global mission, China’s actions, particularly regarding Taiwan, are viewed as disruptive. President Xi Jinping’s “Global Governance Initiative” aims to address this gap, but its success hinges on balancing China’s interests with global norms. As China navigates its complex regional and global challenges, its ability to compromise and adapt will determine its future role on the world stage.
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US judge says government ‘missteps’ may have tainted Comey case
A US federal judge has raised concerns over potential ‘investigative missteps’ and ‘government misconduct’ in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey, initiated during the Trump administration. In a detailed 24-page opinion, Judge William Fitzpatrick mandated the release of grand jury materials, including transcripts and evidence, to Comey’s defense team. The case stems from President Donald Trump’s call for Comey’s prosecution, leading to the appointment of Lindsey Halligan as the lead prosecutor, who secured an indictment just three days later. Comey, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including obstructing a congressional investigation, was fired by Trump in 2017 after leading an inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Judge Fitzpatrick identified at least two statements made by Halligan to grand jurors that could be seen as ‘fundamental misstatements of the law,’ potentially compromising the integrity of the grand jury process. The judge’s decision to grant access to all grand jury materials and complete audio recordings of the proceedings underscores the need to protect the rights of the accused in this high-profile case.
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Top US disaster agency official David Richardson resigns
David Richardson, the acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has resigned after six months in the role. Richardson, who assumed the position in May following the removal of his predecessor by Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, stepped down on Monday. The DHS lauded Richardson for his ‘dedicated service’ and his efforts in overseeing a review that identified and eliminated significant governmental waste and inefficiency, while refocusing the agency to deliver swift resources to Americans in crisis. Karen Evans, the current FEMA chief of staff, will succeed Richardson starting December 1. Richardson’s tenure was marred by criticism over FEMA’s response to devastating floods in Texas during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, which claimed over 130 lives, including several children at a summer camp. Richardson was notably inaccessible during the early hours of the crisis and later defended the agency’s response as a ‘model’ for handling such events, despite reports of delayed deployments and other issues. Earlier this year, Richardson made a controversial comment about being unaware of the US hurricane season, which a DHS spokesperson dismissed as a joke. A former Marine combat veteran, Richardson also led the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction office, a role he will continue. The DHS announced that Richardson will return to the private sector. The Trump administration has emphasized the need for reforms at FEMA, criticizing it as overly bureaucratic and inefficient in delivering disaster relief. President Trump has previously proposed dismantling the agency, advocating for states to take on more responsibility for disaster preparedness and response. FEMA is currently under review by a presidential council, with the DHS stating that the final report is ‘forthcoming’ and will inform ongoing efforts to fundamentally restructure the agency.
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Slovaks protest populist leader Fico on anniversary of Velvet Revolution
In a significant display of public dissent, tens of thousands of Slovaks took to the streets on Monday to protest against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies. The demonstrations coincided with the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which marked the end of communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia. Rallies and marches were held across dozens of communities, with the largest gathering in Bratislava’s Freedom Square, where protesters chanted slogans such as “We have enough of Fico,” “We want a change,” and “Resign.”
One poignant banner featured a quote from the late Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel, a key figure in the Velvet Revolution: “Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred.” Fico, a polarizing figure in Slovak politics, has faced repeated protests over his policies. His government recently canceled the national holiday commemorating the Velvet Revolution, citing austerity measures. However, opposition leaders, including Michal Šimečka of the Progressive Slovakia party, dismissed this explanation, asserting that the move was an attempt to undermine the value of freedom.
Fico’s pro-Russian stance has further fueled public outrage. He has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and has halted Slovakia’s military support for Ukraine. His recent remarks urging students to fight for Ukraine if they oppose his views have also drawn widespread criticism. Fico’s alignment with Russia and his challenges to European Union policies on Ukraine have deepened divisions within the country and raised concerns about Slovakia’s geopolitical direction.
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Bangladesh asks India to hand over former PM Hasina, ex interior minister Kamal
Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal following their death sentences for crimes against humanity. The Dhaka High Court delivered the verdict on Monday, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing political turmoil. Hasina, 78, and Kamal were convicted for their roles in a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising that led to her ousting in August 2024. Both have been fugitives, with Hasina reportedly residing in India since fleeing the country. The court’s decision was broadcast live, drawing widespread attention as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since Hasina’s removal. Former Police Chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who pleaded guilty, received a five-year prison sentence. The extradition request is based on a bilateral treaty between Bangladesh and India, though New Delhi has yet to respond. The case underscores the deep divisions and unrest that have plagued Bangladesh since the end of Hasina’s autocratic rule, with violence already overshadowing the upcoming 2026 elections.
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Philippine president names new finance minister in cabinet switch
In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Frederick Go, his presidential adviser for investment, as the new finance secretary. This move replaces Ralph Recto, who has been reassigned as the executive secretary. The changes were announced on Monday amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, which has sparked public outrage and hindered economic growth. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that these adjustments underscore the president’s dedication to fortifying governmental institutions and enhancing inter-departmental coordination. Recto, who served as finance secretary for nearly two years, brings extensive legislative experience from his three-decade tenure in the lower house and senate. Go, a former CEO of a real estate developer, has played a pivotal role in trade tariff negotiations with the United States. This marks the second cabinet overhaul this year, following a similar reshuffle in May after disappointing midterm election results for administration-backed candidates. The latest changes also follow the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, with Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo stepping in as officer-in-charge. Neither Bersamin nor Pangandaman have been implicated in the anti-graft body’s investigation.
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China to maintain pressure on Japan over PM’s Taiwan comments
China has issued a stern warning to Japan, demanding the retraction of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial comments regarding Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized during a press briefing on Monday that China will persist in making strong representations to Japan, urging immediate reflection on its actions. This development follows the arrival of Masaaki Kanai, a senior official from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in China. Kanai is expected to engage in discussions with Liu Jinsong, the director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry. The diplomatic friction underscores the sensitivity of Taiwan-related issues in Sino-Japanese relations, with China reiterating its firm stance on Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.
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Sheikh Hasina, former Bangladesh prime minister, sentenced to death
A Bangladeshi court has handed down a death sentence to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in absentia, convicting her of crimes against humanity. The verdict stems from her alleged role in ordering a violent crackdown on a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, which resulted in significant casualties and the collapse of her government. The International Crimes Tribunal, comprising three judges, found Hasina guilty of incitement, issuing orders to kill, and failing to prevent atrocities during the protests.