分类： politics

A groundbreaking new book titled *L’Affaire Ben Barka. La fin des secrets* (“The Ben Barka Affair: The End of Secrets”) has unveiled Israel’s covert involvement in the 1965 assassination of Mehdi Ben Barka, a prominent Moroccan opposition leader. Ben Barka, the exiled head of the left-wing National Union of Popular Forces (UNFP), was abducted in Paris on October 29, 1965, and his body was never recovered. While the Moroccan state had long been suspected due to Ben Barka’s opposition to King Hassan II, the book reveals the extent of Israel’s Mossad spy agency’s role in the operation. Authored by journalists Stephen Smith and Ronen Bergman, the book draws on previously classified documents to detail the collaboration between Mossad and Moroccan security forces. The operation was reportedly overseen by Ahmed Dlimi, deputy director of Moroccan security, and Rafi Eitan, a key Israeli intelligence figure. Mossad operatives allegedly procured tools and corrosive materials in Paris, including sodium hydroxide, to dispose of Ben Barka’s body. After his abduction, Ben Barka was held south of Paris and later interrogated and drowned by Dlimi, who documented the killing to confirm its completion. The book also highlights the covert ties between Morocco and Israel, which have persisted since the 1960s and were formalized in 2020 with U.S. recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This alliance has fueled trade and defense cooperation, including the transfer of F-35 jet components used in Israel’s Gaza operations, sparking widespread anger in Morocco over Israel’s actions in Gaza.

In a unique approach to spousal support, Taku Yamamoto, the husband of Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has vowed to remain a ‘stealth husband,’ offering quiet support while staying out of the public eye. Yamamoto, a 73-year-old former lawmaker from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), emphasized the cultural preference for partners to avoid the spotlight in Japan, unlike in Western countries. This stance comes as Takaichi, Japan’s first female Prime Minister, assumes her role with a vision to lead the nation. Yamamoto, who has been married to Takaichi twice—first in 2004, then again in 2021 after a brief divorce—expressed his commitment to ensuring his presence does not hinder her political ambitions. The couple’s relationship has been marked by their shared political journey, including Yamamoto’s support during Takaichi’s unsuccessful bid for the LDP leadership in 2021. Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke and prostate cancer, Yamamoto continues to support Takaichi, even taking on household responsibilities like cooking. Takaichi, known for her conservative views and admiration for Margaret Thatcher, has faced criticism for her stance on gender issues, including her opposition to revising Japan’s 19th-century law requiring married couples to share the same surname. The couple’s unique dynamic, blending personal and political lives, offers a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of leadership in Japan’s political landscape.

Former Labour leader and independent MP Jeremy Corbyn has accused Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy of making “grossly misleading” statements in parliament regarding the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a November match against Aston Villa. Corbyn’s letter, revealed by the Guardian, highlights police intelligence that contradicts Nandy’s claims, asserting that the ban was primarily due to the risk of violence posed by Maccabi fans, not their Israeli or Jewish identity. Labour ministers have called for the ban’s reversal, labeling it antisemitic. Police intelligence, supported by Dutch authorities, indicated that Maccabi fans had previously attacked random Muslims in Amsterdam, raising concerns about potential violence in Birmingham. West Midlands Police also noted local Jewish support for the ban, fearing reprisals from residents. Nandy defended the ban in parliament, emphasizing the safety of Maccabi fans due to their Israeli and Jewish identity. Corbyn, however, insisted the ban was not about religion but about public safety, urging Nandy to retract her comments. Independent MPs, including Ayoub Khan and Iqbal Mohamed, criticized the conflation of antisemitism with the ban, highlighting the fans’ violent history. Maccabi Tel Aviv later announced it would not sell tickets to its fans for the Birmingham match, following a history of violence and hate speech in European cities, including a recent ban in Amsterdam.

A spokesperson from the Chinese mainland has emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation across the Taiwan Strait in advanced technological sectors, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), while criticizing Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for prioritizing political gains over the island’s industrial competitiveness. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made these remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday, addressing concerns over the challenges faced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in the United States. Zhu highlighted the rapid development of the mainland’s high-tech industries, which she said offers a robust foundation and vast opportunities for cross-Strait collaboration. She pointed out that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, a key competitive sector, could benefit significantly from such cooperation. However, Zhu accused the DPP authorities of leveraging the industry as a political bargaining chip, aligning it with U.S. interests at the expense of Taiwan’s economic autonomy. She called for unified efforts between the mainland and Taiwan to deepen integrated development and jointly counter external risks and challenges.

In a heartfelt address during the 80th anniversary commemoration of Taiwan’s retrocession, Lin Ching-mao, a young resident of Changhua, Taiwan, voiced strong opposition to the ‘de-Sinicization’ movements on the island. Lin emphasized that historical evidence unequivocally supports the notion that ‘Taiwan people have always been Chinese.’ This statement comes amidst ongoing debates about Taiwan’s identity and its historical ties to mainland China. Lin’s speech highlighted the shared history and cultural bonds that link Taiwan to China, underscoring the importance of unity and mutual understanding. The event served as a platform for reaffirming the enduring connection between Taiwan and the broader Chinese nation, despite the complexities of contemporary political discourse.

Legal experts have raised significant concerns over the UK government’s plans to prosecute individuals under terrorism charges for supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action, warning that the current trial framework could undermine defendants’ right to a fair trial. Since the Labour government banned Palestine Action in July, over 2,100 people have been arrested at demonstrations opposing the proscription, with 170 now facing charges under the Terrorism Act for holding placards expressing support for the group. Judges have outlined a trial plan that would see defendants tried in groups of five during two-and-a-half-hour hearings, with two sessions per day starting in March 2024. If all arrested individuals are charged, this could result in at least 400 trials. Solicitor Laura O’Brien highlighted the impracticality of this approach, noting that most defendants lack legal representation due to inaccessible legal aid, making it nearly impossible to adequately present their cases within the allotted time. District Judge Michael Snow defended the schedule, asserting that the time is sufficient, but defendants and their legal representatives argue that the rushed process risks prejudicing outcomes. A successful legal challenge by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori could overturn many prosecutions, as the Court of Appeal recently granted her additional grounds to challenge the ban. Critics, including former government lawyer Tim Crosland, argue that the charges under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act require a nuanced examination of context, which the current trial framework does not allow. The unprecedented volume of cases has also strained the judicial system, with Middle East Eye reporting a fourfold increase in Section 13 charges since July compared to the entire post-9/11 period. The scheduling of trials has further created disparities, with defendants in May potentially benefiting from binding legal precedents set by earlier cases, while those in March will not. Solicitor Katie McFadden warned that the court may adopt a deterrent approach, potentially imposing custodial sentences of up to six months on defendants, most of whom are pensioners. The streamlined trial process, intended to save court time, may instead lead to delays and adjournments, further complicating the judicial process.