分类： politics

The family of Sami Hamdi, a British Muslim journalist detained by US authorities, has urgently called for the UK government to secure his immediate release, expressing frustration over its perceived inaction. Hamdi, the editor-in-chief of The International Interest, was detained by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport during a speaking tour in the US. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has labeled his detention as retaliation for his criticism of Israel, describing it as an ‘abduction.’

Hamdi’s wife, Soumaya, voiced her distress, stating that her husband was ‘abducted’ for advocating Palestinian rights. She emphasized his role as a devoted family man and urged the UK government to provide full consular support, which she claims has not yet been extended. ‘Sami is now being held captive thousands of miles away from our children, who miss their father dearly,’ she said. ‘We are increasingly concerned by the lack of action and communication from the UK government.’

Hamdi had recently spoken at a CAIR gala in Sacramento, where he condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, and was scheduled to speak at another event in Florida. CAIR condemned his detention as a blatant attack on free speech, asserting that it was motivated by his criticism of Israeli policies. Meanwhile, Israel activist Amy Mekelburg, who claimed responsibility for Hamdi’s arrest, accused him of ‘legitimizing Jihadi networks,’ a claim echoed by Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security.

This incident occurs amid broader accusations of efforts to silence critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Human Rights Watch reported that over 3,000 students have been arrested in the US in 2024 for protesting against Israel’s military operations, labeling the Trump administration’s crackdown as ‘illegitimate and false.’ Hamdi’s case has reignited debates about free speech and the treatment of dissenting voices in the US and beyond.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s inaugural official visit to Ankara on Thursday signifies a pivotal shift in Berlin’s approach toward Turkey, emphasizing a security-oriented and transactional partnership. This visit underscores Germany’s growing reliance on Ankara’s role in bolstering European security and marks an effort to reset bilateral relations on a new foundation of cooperation. Historically, Germany’s concerns regarding Turkey revolved around domestic issues, human rights, and migration, particularly concerning Syrian refugees. However, Merz’s agenda now encompasses broader collaboration, including joint efforts to address the war in Ukraine and potential defense sector initiatives. A notable development is Germany’s approval of a €10.7 billion Eurofighter jet deal with Turkey, featuring advanced Meteor missiles and cutting-edge weaponry. Sources in Ankara suggest that Berlin has also urged Greece and Cyprus not to obstruct Turkey’s participation in the EU’s Safe initiative, which allocates €170 billion for defense industry investments. Merz emphasized the multifaceted nature of German-Turkish relations, spanning foreign policy, security, migration, energy, and trade, during his arrival in Ankara. He expressed his commitment to strengthening this partnership through discussions with President Erdogan. Turkey’s mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict, including hosting talks between Russia and Ukraine, have been welcomed by Berlin. However, achieving a lasting peace would require significant strategic adjustments, potentially involving territorial compromises for Ukraine. Beyond Ukraine, Turkey has raised bilateral concerns, including a request for price reductions on Siemens high-speed trains for its expanding rail network. Ankara also seeks updates to the customs union, visa facilitation, and cooperation in Africa to counter Chinese influence. Additionally, Turkey aims for Germany’s continued support for the Gaza ceasefire plan brokered by Donald Trump, which envisions Hamas’s disarmament and political transformation. Merz is expected to address the issue of Turkish asylum seekers, pressing Ankara to accept more rejected applicants as Germany intensifies deportation efforts. Official data reveals that 22,560 Turkish nationals await deportation, with Germany also exploring the resumption of deportations to Syria, contingent on Turkey’s cooperation. This visit highlights the evolving dynamics of German-Turkish relations amid shifting geopolitical priorities.

During a whirlwind five-day tour across Asia, President Donald Trump showcased a surprising shift from his ‘America First’ rhetoric to a more globally engaged approach. From dancing with local performers in Malaysia to receiving a gold medal and crown in South Korea, Trump appeared to relish the international spotlight. His trip included high-profile meetings with leaders such as Japan’s Prime Minister and South Korea’s President, where he emphasized mutual benefits in trade and diplomacy. Despite a federal government shutdown and low poll numbers back home, Trump expressed enthusiasm for his foreign engagements, declaring his meetings ‘great’ and ‘fantastic.’

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has convened the first round of discussions between political parties and youth representatives following last month’s violent anti-corruption protests that led to the collapse of the previous government. The unrest, which erupted on September 8-9, was sparked by a temporary social media ban but was fueled by long-standing grievances over economic hardship and systemic corruption. The clashes resulted in at least 73 fatalities and left key government institutions, including parliament and courts, in flames. Karki, a former chief justice appointed as interim leader, emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation and trust in a statement on social media. She stated, ‘We have succeeded in creating an environment of cooperation and trust by ending the state of lack of dialogue.’ The four-hour meeting, attended by major political parties and ‘Gen Z’ representatives, aimed to address the deep public distrust in Nepal’s established parties and prepare for the March 2026 elections. Karki pledged to ensure fair, secure, and timely elections while restoring order and addressing demands for clean governance. The meeting also included representatives from the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Ram Rawal, Karki’s media coordinator, noted that the dialogue helped bridge the trust gap between the government, political parties, and the youth. The unrest has further strained Nepal’s fragile economy, with the World Bank reporting that 82% of the workforce is engaged in informal employment and GDP per capita stood at just $1,447 in 2024.

During a meeting with US President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed unwavering confidence in China’s ability to navigate through various economic risks and challenges. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and during Xi’s state visit to South Korea. Xi likened the Chinese economy to a vast ocean, emphasizing its size, resilience, and promising future. He highlighted that China’s economy grew by 5.2 percent in the first three quarters of the year, with a 4 percent expansion in import and export trade, despite facing both domestic and external difficulties. Xi also mentioned that the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, at its fourth plenary session, had adopted recommendations for the economic and social development plan over the next five years. He reiterated China’s commitment to deepening reforms, expanding opening-up, and promoting higher-quality economic growth, aiming for well-rounded human development and common prosperity. Xi emphasized that China’s focus remains on managing its own affairs well and sharing development opportunities with the world, rather than challenging or supplanting any other country. He expressed optimism that these efforts would expand the space for cooperation between China and the United States.