In a controversial statement, Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli has called on Jewish Americans in New York to consider relocating to Israel following the election of Zohran Mamdani as the city’s first Muslim mayor. Chikli described Mamdani’s victory as a pivotal moment that threatens the historical sanctuary New York has provided to Jewish refugees. He labeled Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and assemblyman from Queens, as a “Hamas supporter” and drew parallels between his views and those of extremist groups, referencing the 9/11 attacks. Chikli’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, particularly given his past controversial stances on ethnic cleansing and settlements in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Mamdani, who immigrated to the U.S. from Uganda as a child, ran a left-wing campaign with a strong pro-Palestinian stance, which he maintained despite accusations of antisemitism. His victory was bolstered by his position on Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he has termed genocide. Although he later retracted a statement about arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Mamdani’s views resonated with many voters. In his victory speech, he pledged to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia, receiving support from prominent Orthodox Jewish leader Rabbi Moishe Indig. The election has highlighted deep divisions and the growing influence of progressive politics in New York.
分类： politics
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Nepal registers 125 parties for post-uprising polls
Nepal’s Election Commission announced on Wednesday that 125 political parties have registered to participate in the country’s first parliamentary elections since a mass uprising in September 2025 toppled the government. The polls, scheduled for March 2026, mark a critical juncture for the Himalayan nation as it seeks to rebuild its political landscape. While many established parties are in the fray, the election also sees the emergence of new movements, particularly those spearheaded by youth activists who played a pivotal role in the anti-corruption protests earlier this year. Registration remains open until November 18, after which the final list of participating parties will be released. The September protests, initially sparked by a temporary social media ban, quickly escalated into a nationwide outcry against economic hardship and government corruption. The unrest resulted in violent clashes, claiming at least 73 lives and causing significant damage to government institutions. In the aftermath, former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister to oversee the transition until elections. Despite the commission’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and impartial election, deep public distrust of established parties poses a significant challenge to the credibility of the process. The political instability has further strained Nepal’s fragile economy, with the World Bank warning of a projected economic growth decline to 2.1 percent in 2026. With 82 percent of the workforce engaged in informal employment and a GDP per capita of $1,447 in 2024, the stakes for Nepal’s political and economic future remain high.
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PR boss embroiled in Palestine Action ‘placed story’ row is Labour councillor
Georgia Pickering, a Labour Party councillor and managing director of CMS Strategic, has been embroiled in controversy following allegations that she claimed involvement in placing a story in *The Times* suggesting Iran was funding Palestine Action. The claims, reported by *Private Eye*, were vehemently denied by both CMS Strategic and the Labour Party. The article, published in June 2025, coincided with the UK government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization after activists targeted an RAF base and CMS Strategic’s office. Pickering, who chairs the Bracknell Forest Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Commission and co-chairs the Labour in Communications’ defence and aerospace policy network, has been a Labour councillor since May 2023. The controversy has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, given CMS Strategic’s ties to Israeli arms firm Elbit, a frequent target of Palestine Action protests. A Labour Party spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “categorically untrue,” emphasizing that all relevant declarations had been made in accordance with council rules. Meanwhile, Palestine Action dismissed the *Times* article as “baseless” and “ridiculous,” while three prisoners linked to the group launched a hunger strike over alleged mistreatment in custody.
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Democrats hit back and a winning message – four election night takeaways
In a significant turnaround from their 2024 presidential defeat, the Democratic Party celebrated a series of decisive victories in key state elections on Tuesday. The wins in the New York mayoral race and the gubernatorial contests in Virginia and New Jersey have reinvigorated the party, offering a stark contrast to the Republican dominance seen in recent years. These results not only mark a resurgence for the Democrats but also set the stage for the crucial 2026 midterm elections.
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Senior US official praises Mali’s military junta in fight against armed groups as pressure mounts
In a notable shift in diplomatic relations, a senior U.S. official has praised Mali’s military junta and hinted at potential cooperation, marking a departure from years of strained ties. Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, commended Mali’s armed forces for their efforts against Islamic extremist militants (JNIM) and expressed optimism about enhanced collaboration following discussions with Mali’s Foreign Minister. This development comes just days after American diplomats and nationals were advised to leave Mali due to security concerns. Mali’s Foreign Ministry has refrained from commenting on the matter. The U.S. government’s overture aligns with broader efforts under the Trump administration to mend relations with junta-led nations in West Africa, a region that has experienced significant diplomatic isolation following a series of military coups since 2020. These coups have strained ties between Sahelian countries and their former Western allies, including France and the U.S., with French forces expelled and American troops ordered out of Niger. Despite joint counterterrorism efforts by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States, attacks by armed groups have intensified. Experts warn that JNIM’s recent blockade on oil imports into Mali, causing severe economic disruptions, signals the group’s growing ambitions. Some analysts suggest JNIM may be pursuing a Taliban-style takeover, leveraging its control over rural areas and economic choke points. While the U.S. has expressed diplomatic engagement, there is no clear indication of imminent military involvement unless the security landscape in the region undergoes a radical shift.
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UAE: Housing pressures drove Mamdani’s New York win, NYUAD economist says
The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City’s first democratic socialist mayor underscores a growing public outcry over skyrocketing housing costs and widening inequality in global cities, according to Jean Imbs, Professor of Economics at New York University Abu Dhabi. Imbs attributes Mamdani’s victory to a combination of personal charisma and the city’s acute housing affordability crisis, which has left middle-class families struggling to secure affordable homes.
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India’s Modi readies bellwether poll in poorest state
As India’s poorest state, Bihar, prepares for its pivotal elections on November 6 and 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is vying to secure a decisive victory that could reshape its political trajectory ahead of the 2026 national elections. Bihar, with a population comparable to Mexico, remains a bellwether state in the Hindi-speaking north, where the BJP has yet to govern independently. The party is leveraging economic incentives to appeal to voters, particularly in a region where poverty and unemployment dominate daily life. For Rajkumari Devi, a 28-year-old housewife from Muzaffarpur district, survival hinges on her husband’s irregular earnings as a daily wage laborer, highlighting the economic struggles faced by millions. Despite Bihar’s grim poverty indicators, the state has seen progress over the past decade, with multidimensional poverty rates dropping from over 50% in 2016 to about a third in 2021. Modi’s recent announcements of $8 billion in infrastructure projects and an $844 million initiative for women entrepreneurs aim to bolster the BJP’s appeal. However, the party faces stiff competition from the opposition alliance led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, which promises job creation and economic revival. Political analysts suggest that a BJP victory in Bihar could energize its campaign in other key states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for a strong performance in the 2026 elections. The outcome of this election will ultimately hinge on which party voters believe can secure their economic future.
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Sandwich thrown by protester ‘exploded’ and left mustard stain on border agent, court hears
A Washington DC protester, Sean Dunn, has gone on trial for allegedly assaulting a Customs and Border Patrol agent with a sandwich during a heated confrontation in August. The incident, which occurred along the U Street corridor, has become a symbol of opposition to former President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in the city. Agent Gregory Lairmore testified that he could feel the impact of the sandwich through his ballistic vest, describing how it ‘exploded all over him’ and left mustard stains on his uniform. Despite the dramatic testimony, Dunn’s lawyer, Julia Gatto, argued that the act was a ‘harmless gesture’ that caused no injury. Prosecutors, however, insist that Dunn must be held accountable for his actions. The case has sparked debate over the politicization of law enforcement and the boundaries of protest in the nation’s capital.
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Zohran Mamdani: From immigrant roots to mayor of New York City
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and staunch democratic socialist, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his political career by being elected as the mayor of New York City. His journey began in Uganda, where he was born into an immigrant family, and has now culminated in one of the most prestigious political positions in the United States. Mamdani’s rise to prominence is a testament to his dedication to progressive policies and his ability to connect with diverse communities. His election marks a significant shift in the political landscape of New York City, reflecting a growing appetite for socialist ideals in urban governance. As mayor-elect, Mamdani faces the challenge of addressing pressing issues such as housing affordability, public transportation, and social inequality, all while navigating the complexities of leading one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
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Canada’s Carney welcomes floor-crossing MP to the Liberals
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is navigating a pivotal moment in his political career as he seeks to pass his first federal budget. With his Liberal Party just two seats short of a majority, the defection of Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont to the Liberal camp has provided a significant boost. d’Entremont, representing Nova Scotia, announced his decision to switch parties shortly after Carney unveiled his fiscal plan, citing a lack of alignment with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s leadership and policies. This move has brought the Liberals closer to securing a majority, a crucial step in ensuring the budget’s passage. d’Entremont expressed his support for the Liberal budget, stating it aligns with the priorities of his constituents and offers a ‘better path forward’ for Canada. The Conservative Party, however, criticized his defection, accusing him of abandoning his electoral promises and acting on ‘personal grievances.’ The political landscape in Ottawa remains tense as Carney appeals for broader support to avoid the risk of another election. The budget, dubbed an ‘investment budget,’ aims to attract capital to Canada and mitigate the impact of US tariffs. However, it has drawn criticism for increasing the deficit to C$78 billion, the second largest in Canadian history, while proposing cuts such as reducing the federal workforce by 10%. Opposition parties, including the Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois, have signaled their intent to oppose the budget, with Poilievre condemning it for prioritizing debt interest over healthcare. The New Democratic Party, holding seven seats, has yet to decide its stance. A vote on the budget is expected in mid-November, with Carney’s leadership and political strategy under intense scrutiny.