Egypt has escalated its diplomatic efforts to advance the Gaza peace process, engaging with European counterparts to push for the implementation of a US-backed peace plan. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement signed last month. Abdelatty urged progress on the plan’s second phase, which focuses on political, developmental, and humanitarian dimensions, including early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. Egypt is also preparing to host an international conference on Gaza’s reconstruction later this month. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas continue prisoner exchanges, and the US has proposed a UN Security Council resolution to endorse its Gaza peace plan, which includes a transitional governing body and an international stabilization force. However, Arab states have expressed concerns over the US proposal, particularly regarding the potential permanence of temporary boundaries and the erosion of Palestinian sovereignty. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reiterated that Gaza is an integral part of the Palestinian Territories and called for a clear timeline for Israel’s withdrawal. The death toll in Gaza from Israel’s military operations has reached 69,000, with more bodies being recovered from the rubble. Amid these developments, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to destroy all ‘terror tunnels’ in Gaza, vowing to continue military operations until all hostages are returned. Analysts suggest that Israel’s push for a UN-backed resolution aims to legitimize a framework that preserves its occupation, while Arab states remain wary of any arrangement that entrenches Israeli control.
分类： politics
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Thailand will halt all actions on truce deal with Cambodia after a land mine injures troops
Thailand has announced the suspension of all actions under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, following a land mine explosion on the volatile border that injured two Thai soldiers. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the incident demonstrates persistent threats to national security, prompting the halt until Thailand’s unspecified demands are met. The ceasefire, signed last month during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, aimed to de-escalate tensions after a deadly five-day conflict in July. The agreement included provisions for the release of 18 Cambodian prisoners, the removal of heavy weapons, and land mine clearance. However, Thailand has accused Cambodia of obstructing demining efforts and laying new mines, allegations Cambodia denies. The Royal Thai Army reported that one soldier lost his right foot in the explosion, while another suffered chest tightness. Both are receiving medical treatment. Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit confirmed the postponement of the prisoner release and ongoing investigations into the mine’s origin. Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to the agreement and urged Thailand to release its soldiers promptly. The U.S. had previously pressured both nations to reach a truce, threatening trade privileges if they failed to comply.
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Indonesia declares late dictator Suharto a national hero, despite outrage from rights groups
Indonesia’s recent declaration of former dictator Suharto as a national hero has ignited widespread controversy and condemnation. The decision, announced by President Prabowo Subianto during a televised ceremony on National Hero Day, has been criticized by human rights groups as an attempt to whitewash the severe abuses and corruption that marked Suharto’s 32-year authoritarian rule. Suharto, a Cold War ally of the U.S., was ousted in 1998 following mass protests amid the Asian financial crisis. His regime is accused of orchestrating the deaths of up to a million political opponents, including the mass killings of alleged communists in 1965-1966 and atrocities in regions like East Timor, Aceh, and Papua. Minister of Culture Fadli Zon defended the honor, citing Suharto’s role in Indonesia’s independence struggle and his economic achievements, while dismissing allegations of human rights violations as unproven. Survivors of Suharto’s regime, such as Bedjo Untung, who endured imprisonment and torture, expressed outrage, calling the decision deeply unjust. Critics argue that the move undermines Indonesia’s commitment to transitional justice and the 1998 reform movement. The debate highlights the nation’s struggle to reconcile its past with its aspirations for justice and democracy.
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Indonesia names ex-dictator Suharto a ‘national hero’
The Indonesian government’s decision to posthumously award former President Suharto the title of national hero has ignited widespread controversy and protests across the nation. Suharto, who ruled Indonesia from the 1960s to the 1990s under his New Order regime, is remembered for both his economic achievements and his authoritarian tactics, including political repression and human rights abuses. The award ceremony, presided over by current President Prabowo Subianto—Suharto’s former son-in-law—has further fueled the debate, given Prabowo’s own contentious human rights record. While Suharto is credited with stabilizing Indonesia’s economy and reducing inflation, his regime is also accused of orchestrating the deaths of hundreds of thousands of political dissenters and embezzling billions of dollars. Civil society groups and activists have vehemently opposed the decision, organizing protests and online petitions. Critics argue that the move is an attempt to whitewash Suharto’s legacy and distort history. Despite the backlash, some Indonesians view Suharto as a pivotal figure in the country’s development. The ceremony also honored other figures, including labor activist Marsinah and former President Abdurrahman Wahid, who were vocal critics of Suharto, in what some see as an effort to balance the narrative.
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Three takeaways from the US shutdown deal
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is finally approaching its conclusion following a bipartisan Senate vote to approve federal funding. This decision marks a significant turning point after weeks of political gridlock, which left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed and disrupted essential services across the nation. With the government set to reopen, furloughed workers will return to their jobs and receive back pay, while national parks and food aid programs for low-income Americans will resume operations. Air travel, which had been severely impacted, is expected to stabilize. However, the political ramifications of this historic standoff are far from over. The shutdown exposed deep divisions within the Democratic Party, as centrists and at-risk senators broke ranks to support the Republican-led funding bill. This move has reignited tensions between the party’s progressive base and its centrist establishment, with many on the left viewing the compromise as a missed opportunity to challenge President Trump’s policies. Over the 40-day shutdown, Trump maintained a hardline stance, refusing to compromise with Democrats and instead focusing on international trips and personal engagements. While the White House agreed to roll back some workforce cuts and Senate Republicans promised a vote on health-insurance subsidies, critics argue that little was gained from the prolonged standoff. The temporary funding bill only extends government operations until the end of January, setting the stage for potential future clashes. As the midterm elections approach, both parties are likely to remain entrenched in their positions, ensuring that the political dynamics that fueled this shutdown will persist.
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US Senate passes deal aimed at ending government shutdown
The US Senate has taken a significant step toward ending the longest government shutdown in American history, with a bipartisan deal passing procedural hurdles. After 40 days of political gridlock, a minority of Democrats joined Republicans to vote in favor of the agreement, which was negotiated by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and key Democratic senators. The deal aims to fund government operations and address critical issues such as healthcare subsidies and federal employee pay. However, it still faces challenges in the House of Representatives before it can be fully implemented. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has left 1.4 million federal employees either furloughed or working without pay, disrupted air travel, and threatened food benefits for 41 million low-income Americans. The agreement includes provisions for extending healthcare subsidies, funding essential agencies, and ensuring back pay for federal workers. Despite this progress, some Democrats have criticized the deal for lacking concrete guarantees on healthcare, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowing to vote against it. The measure also sets the stage for potential future budget battles, as it only funds the government until January 30.
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Paris court is deciding whether to release former President Sarkozy from prison
A Paris court is set to deliberate on Monday whether to grant former French President Nicolas Sarkozy early release from prison. Sarkozy, 70, began serving a five-year sentence on October 21 for criminal conspiracy related to the illegal financing of his 2007 election campaign with Libyan funds. His conviction on September 25 marked him as the first former French head of state in modern history to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of a ‘plot’ tied to the late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Under French law, pre-appeal detention is typically reserved for exceptional cases. The court will assess whether Sarkozy poses a flight risk, could influence witnesses, or obstruct justice. If approved, he could be released from Paris’ La Santé prison within hours under judicial supervision. Meanwhile, Sarkozy faces additional legal challenges, including a November 26 ruling by France’s highest court regarding illegal financing of his failed 2012 reelection campaign and an ongoing investigation into alleged witness tampering in the Libya case.
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South Korea’s ousted leader Yoon indicted for flying drones over North Korea
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is facing additional criminal charges as prosecutors allege he orchestrated drone flights over North Korea to escalate tensions and justify his controversial declaration of martial law. Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office in December 2024, is already standing trial for charges including masterminding a rebellion. His successor, President Lee Jae Myung, has approved independent investigations into Yoon’s actions, including the martial law declaration and other allegations involving his wife and administration. On Monday, Yoon and two top defense officials were charged with benefitting the enemy and abuse of power related to the alleged drone flights, which occurred two months before martial law was imposed. North Korea accused Seoul of flying drones over Pyongyang in October 2024 to drop propaganda leaflets, a claim initially denied by Yoon’s defense minister but later left unconfirmed by South Korea’s military. Tensions between the two Koreas spiked during this period, though no major military actions were taken. Investigators claim Yoon’s actions aimed to create a pretext for martial law, undermining South Korea’s military interests. Yoon’s defense team has previously denied his involvement in the drone flights. If convicted of rebellion, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
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China creates a new visa, competing with the US in wooing global tech talent
In a strategic move to bolster its technological prowess, China has introduced the K-visa program, targeting skilled professionals in science and technology. This initiative comes at a time when the United States is tightening its immigration policies, particularly the H-1B visa program under the Trump administration, making it increasingly difficult for foreign workers to secure employment in the U.S.
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Guangdong urged to drive high-quality development
President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for Guangdong province to spearhead high-quality development through comprehensive reform and opening-up. During a two-day inspection tour concluding on Saturday, Xi, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, highlighted Guangdong’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). This plan, adopted during the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, outlines China’s developmental trajectory over the next five years. Guangdong, with a GDP of 14.16 trillion yuan ($1.99 trillion) in 2024, has consistently led the nation’s economic rankings for 36 years. Xi urged the province to leverage its strengths in science and technology, foster a modern industrial system, and deepen cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao to advance the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) into a world-class city cluster. The GBA, comprising Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong’s Pearl River Delta, is seen as a bridgehead for China’s reform and high-level opening-up. Xi’s visit also included a stop in Meizhou, where he inspected efforts to revitalize rural areas and support old revolutionary base areas. Experts noted that Xi’s tour underscores China’s commitment to deepening reform and opening-up, with the GBA playing a crucial role in integrating global industrial chains and driving domestic innovation.