分类： world

The skeletal remains of Khartoum stand as a haunting monument to Sudan’s devastating civil conflict. A derelict armored vehicle, mounted with anti-aircraft artillery, now corrodes within the shattered lobby of the once-grand Meridien hotel. Colonial-era hospitals lie inoperative while government structures and commercial towers bear the scorched evidence of urban warfare.

Palace Road, historically the city’s vibrant artery, now echoes with an eerie silence broken only by birdsong. This desolate thoroughfare leads to the Republican Palace—a site of profound historical significance where General Gordon perished in 1885 and where, over a century later, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries reportedly executed presidential guardsmen.

The conflict ignited in April 2023 when the RSF—a paramilitary organization with origins in the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur—clashed with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) over integration disputes. What followed was a systematic campaign of urban destruction that transformed the capital into a battleground.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the war targeted Sudan’s cultural soul. The National Museum, home to invaluable artifacts spanning from the biblical Kingdom of Kush to Islamic arrival eras, suffered catastrophic looting. Archaeologist Rehab Khider reported discovering 2,000 priceless artifacts missing, with RSF fighters allegedly occupying the museum and even shooting ancient mummies in search of gold.

The destruction extended to Sudan’s broadcasting heritage at the national radio station, where archival recordings documenting decades of cultural history were deliberately incinerated. Culture Minister Khalid Ali Aleisir condemned these actions as intentional cultural erasure, stating: ‘The RSF do not just want to kill the Sudanese people, they want to erase our country too.’

Amid the devastation, one symbol endures: the massive statue of King Taharqa, the ‘Black Pharaoh,’ protected by its immovable weight and steel encasement. This ancient monument now stands as both reminder of Sudan’s glorious past and potential harbinger of future restoration.

The strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China stands as a paradigm of rapidly evolving international relations, transforming from modest beginnings into a multifaceted alliance shaping global dynamics. Despite formal diplomatic relations only established in 1990, the historical connections trace back centuries through the ancient Silk Road that facilitated early trade and cultural exchanges between the Arabian Peninsula and China.

The modern relationship has progressed through three distinct phases of development. The initial period (1990-2005) saw bilateral trade commence at $417 million, focusing primarily on Saudi oil exports and Chinese manufactured goods. A significant breakthrough occurred in 1999 with the first energy sector strategic cooperation agreement during President Jiang Zemin’s visit to Riyadh.

The second phase (2006-2012) witnessed substantial elevation following King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s landmark 2006 visit to China—the first by a Saudi monarch. This period marked China’s emergence as Saudi Arabia’s top oil customer, coinciding with China’s extraordinary economic growth exceeding 10% annually for 16 consecutive years. The partnership between Saudi Aramco and Sinopec became emblematic of this era, while Chinese companies contributed to major infrastructure projects including the Mecca-Medina-Jeddah high-speed railway.

The current phase (2013-present) represents the most transformative period. In 2013, China became Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner with bilateral trade reaching $69.1 billion—a 230-fold increase from 1990. The relationship achieved its highest recognition through President Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit, which established the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement. This formalized the convergence of Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, creating unprecedented alignment between the two nations’ strategic objectives.

The partnership has expanded beyond energy into diverse sectors including digital transformation (5G, AI, cloud computing through Tencent, Alibaba Cloud, and Huawei), renewable energy projects, and infrastructure development. A $972 million solar plant project by China Energy Engineering Corporation in 2024 exemplifies this diversification. The relationship has also yielded significant diplomatic achievements, most notably China’s successful brokering of the Saudi-Iran reconciliation in March 2023.

Economic indicators demonstrate remarkable growth: bilateral trade reached $107 billion, China has become the largest source of foreign direct investment ($16.8 billion in 2023), and approximately 1,005 Chinese companies now operate in the Kingdom. The relationship has qualitatively transformed from simple commodity exchange to a comprehensive strategic partnership actively shaping regional dynamics and future technological development.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intercepted and repatriated a group of 13 settlers who illegally crossed the border from Israel into Syrian territory. The incident occurred on Thursday when members of a group identifying as the ‘Pioneers of the Bashan’ used angle grinders to breach the border fence at two separate locations before driving vehicles into Syria with declared intentions of establishing new settlements.

According to military reports, five individuals crossed in the Mount Hermon region while eight others entered near the Syrian village of Bir Ajam within the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. IDF troops responded promptly to both incursions, locating the civilians shortly after the breach. The military statement acknowledged that some settlers ‘clashed’ with soldiers during the apprehension process.

All suspects were ‘safely returned to Israeli territory under IDF escort,’ according to an official communiqué that strongly condemned the incident as ‘a grave incident constituting a criminal offence’ that endangered both civilians and military personnel.

The ‘Pioneers of the Bashan’ organization, established in April 2025, advocates for Jewish resettlement in the historical Bashan region of southern Syria, referenced in biblical texts as territory allotted to Israelite tribes. This marks at least the second border breach attempt by the group, following a similar incident in August when members crossed into Syria with intentions to establish ‘Neveh Habashan’ settlement.

An open WhatsApp group associated with the movement, cited by Haaretz newspaper, indicates the group formed ‘after recent developments in Syria’ and seeks to realize ‘our historical right to the lands that were once lost to us.’ Following the apprehension, the group posted on social media platform X, stating: ‘God be praised, we had the privilege of walking through the Bashan – the land of our forefathers,’ while urging the Israeli government to permit their settlement activities, claiming it would ‘bring security to the Golan and to all of Israel.’

The International Criminal Court’s Appeals Chamber has definitively rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s petition for interim release, compelling his continued detention in The Hague. This decisive ruling, delivered on November 28, 2025, marks a significant legal setback for Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

In a formal statement, the Duterte family expressed acceptance of the judicial outcome ‘with peaceful hearts,’ signaling a subdued response to the unfavorable decision. The family affirmed their commitment to maintaining close collaboration with Duterte’s legal defense team and sustaining regular communication with the former leader throughout the ongoing judicial proceedings. They extended gratitude to supporters who had offered prayers during this critical phase.

Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibañez Carranza articulated the court’s position, emphasizing that the Pre-Trial Chamber’s initial assessment had been conducted with rigorous scrutiny of all available evidence. The Appeals Chamber unanimously dismissed all three legal arguments advanced by Duterte’s defense counsel, thereby validating the earlier determination that his release would pose substantial risks under Article 58(1)(b) of the Rome Statute.

Duterte’s arrest transpired on March 11, 2025, when Philippine authorities executed an ICC-issued warrant. His transfer to Dutch custody followed shortly thereafter, where he remains confined pending trial for alleged systematic extrajudicial killings during his presidential term from 2016 to 2022.

The judicial outcome has elicited strong reactions from political allies, including Senator Robin Padilla, who openly expressed profound disappointment. Padilla recounted watching the proceedings with anticipation, only to recognize the inevitable ruling as the judge detailed the legal merits. His statements reflect the emotional toll the case has exacted on Duterte’s supporters within Philippine political circles.

The November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon stands on increasingly precarious ground as violations mount and diplomatic efforts stall. According to UNIFIL’s latest report, Israeli forces have conducted over 10,000 air and ground incursions into Lebanese territory since the truce took effect, significantly undermining the agreement’s stability.

The situation deteriorated further with recent Israeli strikes across the northern border, resulting in the assassination of Hezbollah’s top military commander and deadly attacks on Palestinian refugee camps. Israel maintains these operations target Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts, with Israeli military sources indicating preparations to ‘finish the job’ against the militant group.

From a historical perspective specializing in Israeli-Lebanese relations, Israel’s emergence as regional military hegemon has failed to translate into Middle Eastern stability or constructive change. The deteriorating ceasefire demonstrates that military power alone cannot substitute for diplomatic engagement and long-term stabilizing agreements.

The ceasefire originally aimed to conclude the latest Israel-Hezbollah conflict that escalated following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The agreement stipulated Lebanon’s disarmament of nonstate military forces south of the Litani River, with the Lebanese army remaining the sole armed authority. In exchange, Israel committed to withdrawing from occupied southern territories within 60 days and participating in US-brokered border delineation negotiations.

One year later, none of these objectives have materialized. Israel continues occupying five border posts inside Lebanon while conducting daily raids, some of which have endangered UNIFIL peacekeeping forces. The February 2025 formation of a new Lebanese government—the first since 2008 without Hezbollah veto power—initially presented opportunity for state sovereignty reclamation and economic recovery following Lebanon’s 2019 financial collapse.

However, disarming Hezbollah remains profoundly challenging given the group’s military dominance and political entrenchment. The Lebanese army lacks sufficient capacity, political influence, or will to coercively disarm Hezbollah without risking civil conflict. Complicating matters, U.S. pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah has created diplomatic friction, including the canceled November 25 trip of Lebanon’s army chief to the United States.

Meanwhile, reports indicate Iran channeled approximately $1 billion to Hezbollah despite its weakened regional position, providing critical support while Lebanon struggles to secure foreign aid. These dynamics create continued friction between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel adopting a zero-tolerance security doctrine post-October 7.

Domestic Israeli politics further complicate matters, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces accusations of prolonging conflicts to deflect from legal troubles and governmental deficiencies. Border disputes remain unresolved due to deep mistrust and active conflict, despite being a constant source of tension since 2000.

The current trajectory suggests a return to the vicious cycle characterizing Israel-Lebanon relations since the 1960s: nonstate actors respond to Israeli incursions, triggering further retaliation that weakens the Lebanese state. Breaking this cycle requires strengthened Lebanese state capacity as sole arms holder and foreign policy authority. Ultimately, sustainable resolution depends primarily on internal Lebanese political processes rather than Israeli military pressure, potentially facilitated by US diplomacy that applies balanced pressure to all parties.

Authorities in Hong Kong and the Philippines are continuing search operations for one overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who remains unaccounted for following a devastating high-rise fire that engulfed multiple buildings on November 26. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the ongoing efforts to locate the missing individual, whose precise whereabouts at the time of the incident remain undetermined.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that investigators are working to establish whether the Filipina national was present within any of the eight affected structures when the massive blaze erupted. “That is the report. But we don’t know for sure about her exact whereabouts. So the search continues. I don’t want to speculate as to where she is exactly,” Cacdac told ABS-CBN News. The DMW has established communication with the missing worker’s family in the Philippines to provide support and updates.

Official reports from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) indicate that at least 23 overseas Filipino workers were affected by the catastrophic incident, which resulted in numerous fatalities. One hospitalized OFW is reported to be in stable condition after being rescued alongside her employer and an infant.

Beyond the immediate physical dangers, the fire has created significant administrative challenges for survivors. OWWA Administrator Patricia Caunan revealed that many affected workers lost crucial documentation, including passports and employment contracts, in the blaze. In response, DMW officials have committed to providing replacement contract copies and coordinating with Hong Kong authorities to resolve documentation issues. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong will facilitate the restoration of travel documents.

Secretary Cacdac assured that there would be no employment barriers for affected workers wishing to continue their positions in Hong Kong once their documentation is restored. Emergency assistance, including food packs and support services, has been distributed to victims, while dedicated teams are contacting families in the Philippines who have lost communication with relatives in Hong Kong.

THE HAGUE – The International Criminal Court (ICC) has decisively rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s petition for provisional release, ensuring his continued detention at the Scheveningen facility near The Hague. The ruling came Friday from the ICC Chamber of Appeal, presided over by Peruvian Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza.

Duterte’s legal team had vigorously argued for his release based on humanitarian grounds, citing the former leader’s advanced age of 80 and allegedly deteriorating health condition. However, Judge Carranza dismissed these arguments, stating that the proposed release conditions “were not sufficient to mitigate the risks” associated with interim freedom for the accused.

The court further rejected defense claims that Duterte should be released for humanitarian reasons, maintaining that the seriousness of the charges warranted continued detention. According to court documents, Duterte stands accused of authorizing “violent acts including murder to be committed against alleged criminals, including alleged drug dealers and users” during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.

Duterte was apprehended in Manila on March 11 and transferred to ICC custody, where he appeared visibly frail during his initial video court appearance. The charges against him stem from his controversial anti-drug campaign that human rights organizations claim resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings.

The ICC has yet to determine whether Duterte is medically fit to stand trial. This latest ruling follows an October decision that rejected defense arguments challenging the court’s jurisdiction over three separate charges of crimes against humanity. These charges encompass:

– 19 murders occurring between 2013-2016 during Duterte’s tenure as Davao City mayor
– 14 killings of alleged drug bosses in 2016-2017 during his presidency
– 43 killings of suspected low-level drug offenders

Official Philippine National Police estimates place the death toll during Duterte’s drug war at over 6,000, while independent human rights organizations suggest the actual figure may reach 30,000. The case continues to draw international attention as victims’ families and human rights advocates closely monitor proceedings.