分类： politics

President Donald Trump has announced a meeting with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, scheduled for Friday at the Oval Office. This comes after months of tension, during which Trump threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and Muslim, won the election. Mamdani, born in Uganda, secured a decisive victory on November 4, defeating former New York governor Andrew Cuomo with over 50% of the vote. Despite Cuomo’s national profile and political dynasty, Trump backed him, citing shared billionaire donors. Trump, a Queens native, built his real estate empire and celebrity status in New York City.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has appointed Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), as its chief advisor on global affairs. This move has ignited significant controversy, given HJS’s reputation as a polarizing think tank. Critics, including its own founders, have labeled HJS as a ‘monstrous animal’ and a ‘racist organisation,’ particularly for its anti-Muslim stance and neoconservative policies. Mendoza, a former Conservative councillor, recently defected to Reform, a party known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric and rising popularity in national polls. His appointment signals a potential shift in Reform’s foreign policy, which may align with HJS’s hardline approach to Islamist extremism and strong pro-Israel stance. HJS has long advocated for banning Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and has funded Tory MPs to attend pro-Israel conferences. Mendoza’s past statements, including opposition to allowing Palestinian students’ dependents into the UK and criticism of the government’s handling of radical Islam, further underscore his controversial views. This appointment comes amid broader scrutiny of Reform UK, with Farage himself facing allegations of racist behavior during his youth. The party has also been accused of ’embracing racism’ following the hiring of Matthew Goodwin, who has made contentious remarks about immigrant integration. Reform UK’s alignment with figures like Mendoza and Goodwin raises questions about its ideological trajectory and its appeal to a broader electorate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and military chief of staff Eyal Zamir, visited an Israeli military outpost in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights on Wednesday. The visit, which took place in a buffer zone unilaterally seized by Israel in December, was marked by heightened security measures, including blurring the faces of soldiers in media coverage to shield them from potential legal repercussions over alleged war crimes. Netanyahu emphasized the strategic importance of the region, stating, ‘We attach immense importance to our capability here, both defensive and offensive, safeguarding our Druze allies, and especially safeguarding Israel and its northern border opposite the Golan Heights.’ He added that the mission could escalate at any moment, expressing confidence in the troops’ readiness. The visit drew sharp criticism from Syria, which condemned it as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and international law. Syria’s foreign ministry labeled the actions of Israeli officials as ‘null, void, and legally invalid,’ accusing Israel of perpetuating aggression and breaching UN Security Council resolutions. Syrian ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, urged the Security Council to enforce the 1974 disengagement agreement and halt Israeli violations. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressed concern over the visit, reiterating the importance of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Israeli ambassador Danny Danon called on Syria to demonstrate a commitment to peace and justice, while Olabi countered by highlighting Israel’s repeated strikes on Syrian territory. The visit underscores the ongoing tensions in the region, with both nations locked in a complex geopolitical struggle.

The recent meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump has sparked significant interest, particularly regarding discussions on the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets and nuclear technology sharing with Riyadh. However, within Iran, the focus shifted to a written message sent by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian to the Saudi leader just before his departure. While Iranian government officials downplayed the message as a simple note of gratitude for Saudi assistance with Iranian Hajj pilgrims, media outlets close to the government hinted at deeper implications. These sources suggested that Mohammed bin Salman could emerge as a new mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington, potentially revitalizing stalled nuclear negotiations. Pro-Pezeshkian newspapers prominently featured the story, with headlines like ‘News Bombshell of Messaging to Riyadh’ and ‘A Message Just Before Boarding,’ while hard-line publications ignored it entirely. The Sharq daily emphasized the Crown Prince’s potential role in facilitating indirect talks, while Arman Emroz speculated on Riyadh’s involvement in resolving disputes over Iran’s enriched uranium and the possibility of a regional nuclear consortium. Meanwhile, Tehran residents faced alarming news of a looming water crisis, with experts criticizing the government’s mismanagement of resources. In a separate development, the suicide of journalist Fowad Shams highlighted the immense pressures faced by Iranian society, particularly journalists. Additionally, Iranian students protested outside European embassies in Tehran, frustrated by visa delays despite their university acceptances. The Turin court condemned the treatment of Iranian students as ‘discriminatory,’ yet no progress has been made.

In the wake of a transformative uprising, Nepal is witnessing a remarkable surge in political engagement, particularly among its youth. This newfound enthusiasm is not limited to voting but extends to active participation as candidates in the upcoming March 2026 elections. The movement, initially sparked by a government-imposed social media ban, has evolved into a broader demand for systemic change, fueled by years of economic stagnation and entrenched corruption. Young Nepalis, who played a pivotal role in the protests that ousted the previous government, are now stepping forward to ensure their voices are heard in the political arena. Kishori Karki, a 25-year-old law graduate, epitomizes this shift. A first-time voter, Karki has also applied to register a new political party, driven by the desire to bring fresh perspectives to Nepal’s political landscape. Her actions during the protests, including transporting an injured demonstrator to hospital, have made her a symbol of the movement’s spirit. The September 8-9 demonstrations, which saw the deaths of at least 76 people and the destruction of key government buildings, were a turning point. The subsequent appointment of former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim leader marked a significant step towards political reform. The youth-led movement has also embraced technology, with thousands of activists using the group-chat app Discord to coordinate their efforts. The introduction of an online voter registration system has further facilitated participation, with nearly 675,000 new voters already registered. This surge in political interest is not confined to the youth; older citizens like Sunita Tamang, 40, who registered to vote for the first time, are also motivated by the promise of change. Despite the challenges ahead, including a volatile political landscape and deep public distrust in established parties, the momentum for reform is undeniable. As Uparjun Chamling, a 25-year-old activist, aptly put it, ‘In the spirit of the Gen Z movement, we need new faces. But, more importantly, we need new thinking.’