In a compelling address to Morocco’s parliament, King Mohammed VI called on elected officials to prioritize social justice and address the grievances fueling nationwide youth-led protests. The monarch, who entered the chamber unaided, emphasized that tackling social inequalities is not a temporary task but a strategic imperative for the nation’s development. His speech, delivered in traditional white djellaba robes, echoed some concerns raised by the Gen Z 212 movement, which has organized protests demanding better public services, increased health and education spending, and an end to corruption. However, the King avoided direct mention of the movement or its specific demands, such as the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and investigations into corruption. He also sidestepped criticism of the government’s focus on 2030 FIFA World Cup infrastructure over pressing social needs. The King asserted that both large-scale national projects and social programs share the common goal of improving citizens’ lives. His address came after Gen Z 212 sent him a letter urging action against corrupt officials and faster reforms. While some protesters found the speech underwhelming, others resonated with his acknowledgment of regional disparities and rural poverty. The protests, which began nearly two weeks ago, have seen violent clashes in cities like Oujda and Agadir, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Unemployment among youth aged 15 to 24 remains high, and public hospitals and schools are severely underfunded and overcrowded. Gen Z 212 has called for urgent hiring of healthcare workers, increased public spending, and an end to the privatization of education, which activists argue deepens inequality. The King’s message was clear: elected officials must act decisively and without delay to address these systemic issues.
分类： politics
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Taiwan to build air defence dome against ‘hostile threats’
Taiwanese President William Lai has announced plans to develop a cutting-edge air defense system, dubbed the ‘T-Dome,’ to counter potential threats from China. The announcement came during his National Day address, where Lai emphasized the urgent need to bolster Taiwan’s defenses in response to escalating Chinese military activities near the island. While Lai did not explicitly name China, the context was clear, given Beijing’s longstanding claim over Taiwan and its refusal to rule out the use of force to achieve reunification. The T-Dome, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, aims to provide multi-layered defense, advanced detection, and effective interception capabilities to safeguard Taiwanese citizens. Lai revealed that Taiwan’s defense spending will rise to over 3% of its GDP next year, with a target of 5% by 2030. However, this ambitious plan faces significant hurdles, including opposition from lawmakers who have blocked several defense-related spending bills this year. Analysts caution that implementing the T-Dome will require substantial financial resources and time, potentially extending beyond Lai’s current term. The announcement also appears to signal Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense to the United States, which is legally obligated to support Taiwan in the event of an attack. Lai urged China to act responsibly by renouncing the use of force in the Taiwan Strait, drawing parallels to the lessons of World War II. Despite Beijing’s labeling of Lai as a ‘separatist,’ his administration has taken a firmer stance against China, including significant investments in military preparedness and large-scale defense exercises.
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Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize
In a historic recognition of her unwavering commitment to democracy, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday. The Norwegian Nobel Committee lauded Machado as a unifying figure in Venezuela’s deeply divided political landscape, praising her resilience in the face of authoritarianism and her dedication to peaceful resistance.
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Taiwan’s president pledges to build air defense system in face of China threat
In response to escalating military threats from China, Taiwan is fast-tracking the development of a comprehensive air defense system, referred to as the “Taiwan Shield” or “T-Dome.” President Lai Ching-te announced this initiative during a public address on Taiwan National Day, emphasizing the need to bolster the island’s defense capabilities. Lai pledged to increase defense spending to over 3% of GDP by 2025, with a target of 5% by 2030, citing the necessity to counter external threats and foster the growth of Taiwan’s defense industries.
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Kim lauds North Korea’s legacy at ruling party anniversary
North Korea marked the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party with grand celebrations, welcoming high-ranking officials from allied nations, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russia’s former President Dmitry Medvedev. The event, held in Pyongyang, showcased the country’s growing international prestige, according to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim emphasized that despite facing significant political and military pressure from adversaries, North Korea’s standing as a loyal member of the socialist bloc continues to strengthen. State media captured images of Kim warmly greeting foreign dignitaries and a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the night sky. The festivities also included leaders from other socialist states, such as Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam and Laos’s President Thongloun Sisoulith. Analysts suggest that the presence of such prominent figures underscores Pyongyang’s efforts to bolster diplomatic ties amid ongoing international sanctions. Premier Li’s attendance, in particular, signals a revival of North Korea-China relations, marking Beijing’s highest-level visit to Pyongyang since President Xi Jinping’s state visit in 2019. The celebrations also highlighted North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia, as evidenced by the participation of Russian artists in the anniversary concert and the recent military pact between the two nations. The event culminated in a night-time military parade, where North Korea showcased its latest missile and weaponry advancements.
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US Transportation Secretary threatens to fire absent air traffic controllers
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stern warning to air traffic controllers who are calling in sick during the ongoing government shutdown, threatening to terminate their employment. In a recent interview with Fox Business News, Duffy labeled the absent employees as ‘problem children,’ attributing more than half of the nation’s flight delays to their absence. He commended the majority of controllers who continue to report for duty, noting that only about 10% are refusing to work due to the government’s inability to pay them. ‘If we have some of our staff that aren’t dedicated like we need, we’re going to let them go,’ Duffy stated. He emphasized that this ‘small subset of controllers’ is causing significant disruptions in flight schedules, leading to delays and cancellations across the country. Duffy also addressed the issue of backpay, which President Donald Trump has suggested might not be provided to some federal workers. ‘When you come to work, you get paid. If you don’t come to work, you don’t get paid. That’s the way we’re going to do it,’ he asserted. The shutdown, now in its second week, has led to increasingly severe consequences, including the potential closure of Smithsonian Institution locations and missed paychecks for military personnel. The Senate’s failure to pass a resolution to reopen the government has further exacerbated the situation, with Democrats and Republicans continuing to blame each other for the impasse. The immediate effects of the shutdown are most evident at the nation’s airports, where rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers has forced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to cancel and delay flights. On Thursday night, flights at Newark Liberty International Airport were delayed by an average of 87 minutes. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, has denied that the absences are part of a coordinated effort to pressure the government to reopen. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has released a video blaming Democrats for the shutdown, which is reportedly being played in major US airports.
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Peru’s Congress removes President Boluarte as a crime wave grips the country
In a dramatic turn of events, Peru’s Congress voted early Friday to remove President Dina Boluarte from office, citing her administration’s failure to address a surging crime wave that has gripped the nation. The 130-member unicameral legislature swiftly replaced Boluarte with 38-year-old lawyer José Jerí, the president of Congress, who was sworn in as interim leader shortly after the vote. The decision came just hours after a shooting at a concert in Lima further inflamed public anger over the country’s escalating violence. Lawmakers had convened a late-night debate and impeachment trial on Thursday, voting to accept four requests for Boluarte’s removal. Despite being summoned to defend herself, Boluarte did not appear before Congress, prompting lawmakers to vote unanimously—124 in favor, with no opposition—to impeach her. This marked the ninth attempt to remove Boluarte from office, but unlike previous efforts, it garnered widespread support across legislative factions. Boluarte, Peru’s first female president, assumed office in December 2022 after her predecessor, Pedro Castillo, was impeached for attempting to dissolve Congress. Her tenure was marred by over 500 protests in her first three months and an inability to curb rising crime rates. Official statistics reveal a record 6,041 homicides between January and mid-August, alongside a 28% spike in extortion cases. Boluarte partially attributed the crisis to illegal immigration, claiming past administrations had failed to secure borders. Despite Prime Minister Eduardo Arana’s defense of her during a parliamentary hearing, lawmakers remained resolute in their decision. Jerí, now interim president, pledged to uphold Peru’s sovereignty and oversee the transition to a new government following elections scheduled for April 2025.
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India to upgrade Kabul mission to full embassy, signaling deeper ties with Taliban
In a significant diplomatic move, India has announced the upgrade of its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy, signaling a deepening engagement with Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made the announcement on Friday following a meeting with his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi. This marks the first high-level diplomatic interaction since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, ending two decades of U.S. military presence in the region. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty, development, and stability, pledging support in trade, health, and education sectors. He stated that closer cooperation between the two nations would foster regional resilience and stability. Muttaqi, who arrived in India after receiving a temporary travel exemption from U.N. sanctions, expressed Kabul’s desire for strong relations with India. His visit follows participation in an international meeting on Afghanistan in Russia, which included representatives from China, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. India’s pragmatic outreach to the Taliban reflects a strategic recalibration aimed at countering regional rivals, particularly Pakistan and China, both of whom have significant influence in Afghanistan. Experts suggest that India’s engagement is driven by the need to avoid strategic isolation and to establish a foothold in a region where geopolitical rivalries are intensifying. Despite historical tensions and concerns over the Taliban’s governance, India has maintained steady contact with the group, focusing on humanitarian aid and development support. The move underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities and its bid to strengthen its position as a regional power.
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US clashes with Venezuela and allies at emergency UN meeting on US strikes in Caribbean
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela escalated dramatically during an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council on Friday. The Trump administration defended its recent military strikes against alleged drug cartels, vowing to use its “full might” to combat narcoterrorism. Meanwhile, Venezuela accused the U.S. of preparing for an armed attack, citing the deadly strikes on four boats that Washington claims were involved in drug trafficking. Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador, Samuel Moncada, warned that the U.S. actions threatened regional and international peace, security, and stability. The U.S. justified the strikes, which reportedly killed 21 people, as a necessary act of self-defense against well-armed and organized cartels. Venezuela’s request for the emergency meeting followed a significant buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean, a move described as unprecedented in recent years. While Venezuela received backing from allies Russia and China, other Security Council members urged de-escalation and adherence to the U.N. Charter, which emphasizes respect for sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution. The U.S. delegation, led by Political Counselor John Kelley, reiterated President Trump’s stance that the military operations were consistent with international law. However, the council is unlikely to take action against the U.S. due to its veto power. France and Russia expressed concerns over unilateral military actions and the potential threat to international peace, with Russia describing the situation as increasingly acute. The meeting occurred just a day after U.S. Senate Republicans blocked legislation aimed at limiting Trump’s authority to use military force against drug traffickers.
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Israel approves Trumpâs plan for Gaza ceasefire and hostage release
A multinational force comprising approximately 200 troops, supervised by the US military, has been tasked with overseeing the Gaza ceasefire, as confirmed by a senior US official. The contingent is expected to include personnel from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE. Their primary responsibility will be to monitor, observe, and ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement, preventing any violations or incursions in Gaza.