Peace negotiations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, mediated by Turkey and Qatar in Istanbul, concluded without a resolution on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This development marks a significant setback for regional stability, following deadly border clashes earlier this month. The talks aimed to establish a long-term truce between the two South Asian neighbors, who have been embroiled in escalating violence since the Taliban assumed power in Kabul in 2021. Despite agreeing to a ceasefire brokered in Doha on October 19, the second round of discussions failed to yield common ground, with both sides attributing the impasse to the other. A Pakistani security source claimed that the Afghan Taliban refused to commit to restraining the Pakistani Taliban, a militant group hostile to Pakistan. Conversely, an Afghan source cited “tense exchanges” over the issue, emphasizing that Kabul has no control over the Pakistani Taliban. The breakdown in talks could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire and escalate tensions between the two nations. Over the weekend, clashes near the border resulted in the deaths of five Pakistani soldiers and 25 militants, underscoring the volatility of the situation. Neither the Afghan Taliban government nor Pakistani officials provided immediate comments on the failed negotiations.
分类： world
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Gunman pleads guilty to Japan ex-prime minister’s murder
In a landmark court hearing on Tuesday, Tetsuya Yamagami, the 45-year-old gunman accused of assassinating Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pleaded guilty to the charges. The shocking murder, which occurred in broad daylight in July 2022, sent ripples across a nation unaccustomed to gun violence and exposed deep-seated issues surrounding the influence of the Unification Church on Japanese politics. Yamagami, handcuffed and with a rope around his waist, appeared in the Nara court, where he admitted to the crime in a barely audible voice. His lawyer indicated plans to contest certain charges, including violations of arms control laws, as Yamagami had allegedly used a handmade weapon. The trial, delayed due to a suspicious item found in 2023, has been a focal point of national attention, particularly for its exploration of Yamagami’s motivations. Prosecutors revealed that Yamagami harbored deep resentment toward the Unification Church, blaming it for derailing his life. He initially sought to target Church executives but, unable to procure a firearm, decided to craft his own. Yamagami believed that killing a figure as influential as Abe would draw public scrutiny to the Church. Abe had faced criticism for his perceived ties to the sect, which has been accused of exploiting its members. Yamagami’s lawyers argued that his life was devastated by the Church, citing his mother’s extreme financial devotion to the sect and the subsequent collapse of their family. The assassination prompted a national reckoning, leading to the resignation of four ministers and the dissolution of the Church’s Japanese arm. It also spurred Japan to further tighten its already stringent gun control laws, introducing penalties for sharing firearm-making tutorials online.
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How do hurricanes form and are they getting stronger?
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in history, has unleashed catastrophic conditions across Jamaica, prompting urgent warnings from the US National Hurricane Center. While climate change is not directly increasing the frequency of hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones globally, it is amplifying their intensity. Warmer oceans and a heated atmosphere, both driven by climate change, are fueling higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and heightened risks of coastal flooding. This phenomenon is transforming already dangerous storms into even more destructive forces. Tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, are characterized by extreme wind speeds, torrential rains, and storm surges, which often result in widespread devastation. Although the global frequency of these storms has not risen over the past century, a growing proportion are reaching the most severe categories, with wind speeds exceeding 111 mph (178 km/h). The IPCC highlights ‘medium confidence’ in the increased average and peak rainfall rates linked to these storms, as well as a rise in ‘rapid intensification events,’ where wind speeds escalate dramatically. Additionally, tropical cyclones are moving slower across the Earth’s surface, prolonging rainfall and exacerbating flooding. For instance, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 stalled over Houston, dumping 100 cm of rain in just three days. Rising sea levels, driven by melting glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater, are further compounding the risks of coastal flooding. The IPCC concludes with ‘high confidence’ that human activities have contributed to increased precipitation in tropical cyclones and ‘medium confidence’ in their role in intensifying these storms. As global temperatures continue to climb, the proportion of category four and five hurricanes is expected to rise, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.
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Gulf nationals get equal treatment as citizens in health facilities across GCC countries
In a landmark development for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, citizens of member states now have access to comprehensive healthcare services across the region, regardless of their country of residence or visit. This initiative underscores the GCC’s commitment to fostering unity and equal treatment among its citizens. During 2023, over 204,000 Gulf nationals benefited from government medical services outside their home countries, as revealed by Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, during a meeting of GCC health ministers. The scope of healthcare services varies based on the duration of stay. Visitors staying up to three months are entitled to primary healthcare, emergency and ambulance services, and hospitalisation for critical cases until the emergency is resolved. For those residing in a GCC country for over three months, with valid residency and property ownership or lease contracts, all health services in hospitals and government health centres are accessible. The GCC region boasts an extensive healthcare infrastructure, with over 863 hospitals and 3,400 health centres and complexes. This initiative reflects the GCC’s vision of a ‘collective homeland,’ where citizens enjoy benefits equivalent to those of nationals in each member state. In the UAE, GCC nationals working in the private sector are treated equally to Emirati nationals in terms of employment and insurance coverage, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 72/5 of 2007. This policy, however, does not impact the Emiratisation quota for UAE citizens in the private sector. The move highlights the GCC’s dedication to enhancing regional integration and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
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Israel’s killing of Abu Akleh was intentional, says lead US investigator
A retired US colonel involved in the investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh has asserted that she was deliberately shot by an Israeli soldier. In an interview with Zeteo News, Steve Gabavics, who served as chief of staff at the Office of the United States Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (USSC) at the time of the incident, revealed that his findings concluded the shooting was intentional. Gabavics also accused the Biden administration of downplaying the results to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli forces killed Abu Akleh during a raid in Jenin, occupied West Bank, in May 2022, sparking international outrage. While the Israeli army claimed the shooting was accidental, independent investigations and Gabavics’s evidence suggest otherwise. Gabavics presented his findings to General Michael Fenzel, who dismissed them, citing Israeli officials’ claims of a tragic accident. Gabavics expressed frustration over the US government’s perceived bias toward Israel, stating, ‘The favoritism is always toward the Israelis. Very little of that goes to the Palestinians.’
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Air India bus catches fire at New Delhi airport; operations undisrupted
A bus operated by Air India’s ground-handling service provider, AI SATS, caught fire at Terminal 3 of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. The incident occurred near bay number 32, close to a parked aircraft. Fortunately, no passengers were onboard at the time, and there were no reported injuries or casualties. Airport emergency teams, including the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit, responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze within minutes and preventing it from escalating. The Delhi Airport Authority confirmed that the bus was stationary and vacant during the incident, and all airport operations remained unaffected. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the airport emphasized that passenger and staff safety remains their top priority. The swift action of the emergency teams ensured that the situation was contained without disrupting flight schedules or causing harm to individuals. This incident highlights the efficiency of the airport’s emergency response protocols and their commitment to maintaining operational continuity even in unforeseen circumstances.
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RSF’s takeover of Sudan’s El Fasher a ‘terrible escalation’ that raises new concerns
In a devastating turn of events, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have captured El Fasher, the last military stronghold in Sudan’s Darfur region, marking a grim escalation in the 31-month-long conflict. The paramilitary group, notorious for its brutal tactics, reportedly killed and detained hundreds of civilians during the takeover, which began on Sunday. The Sudanese military withdrew from the city, citing concerns for civilian safety after enduring over a year of relentless RSF attacks. General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, the military chief, condemned the RSF’s ‘systemic destruction and killing of civilians.’
The United Nations has described the situation as a ‘terrible escalation,’ with reports of summary executions, sexual violence, and house-to-house raids emerging from the city. Graphic footage on social media shows RSF fighters shooting and beating civilians attempting to flee, while others were detained and abused. Amnesty International’s Tigere Chagutah called the reports ‘horrifying’ and urged the RSF to cease attacks and allow humanitarian aid.
Medical workers were not spared, with five abducted, including doctors and nurses. Satellite imagery analyzed by Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab revealed scenes consistent with mass killings, including gun-mounted trucks and reddish earth discoloration, possibly indicating bloodshed. The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in the 2000s, has not responded to the allegations. The Biden administration has accused the RSF of committing genocide in the current conflict.
The fall of El Fasher raises fears of Sudan’s fragmentation, reminiscent of South Sudan’s secession a decade ago. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an end to foreign military support to the warring parties, hinting at external interference undermining peace efforts. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported the killing of five volunteers in Kordofan state, underscoring the peril faced by humanitarian workers.
The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives, displaced 14 million people, and created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with parts of Sudan, including El Fasher, facing famine. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and halt the atrocities.
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‘We’re absolutely terrified’: Millions brace for Melissa’s impact in Jamaica
Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm of the year, approaches its shores. With winds so fierce they can knock people off their feet, residents and tourists alike are bracing for what experts predict will be catastrophic and life-threatening conditions. The National Hurricane Center has issued dire warnings of torrential rainfall, deadly flash flooding, and landslides. Already, the storm has claimed lives in the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica and four in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for at least seven high-risk areas in the southeast, where critical infrastructure, including the international airport and power plants, is located. Power outages have left over 200,000 people without electricity, and thousands have sought refuge in government shelters. However, many are reluctant to leave their homes, opting instead to fortify them with plywood, sandbags, and tied-down shutters. Supermarkets are empty, and essentials like bread are scarce. Tourists, too, are feeling the strain, with airports closed and flights canceled, leaving many stranded. Rebecca Chapman, visiting for her 25th wedding anniversary, described the eerie quiet and the ominous roar from the sea. Tim Hookway, a British national in Montego Bay, noted the muted atmosphere, while Alex Baskeyfield, from West Yorkshire, recounted the extreme preparations at his hotel, where everything from ceiling fans to televisions has been removed. The Foreign Office has advised Britons in Jamaica to heed local authority advice, particularly regarding evacuation orders. As Hurricane Melissa makes its slow approach, the sense of impending doom is palpable, with everyone hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
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Israeli forces kill three Palestinians in Jenin raid involving air strike
In a pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, Israeli forces conducted a raid on the village of Kafr Qud, located west of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians. The operation involved air strikes and intense exchanges of fire, according to local media reports. The Palestinian General Authority for Civil Affairs identified the deceased as Abdullah Mohammed Omar Jalamneh, 27, Qais Ibrahim Mohammed al-Baytawi, 21, and Ahmad Azmi Aref Nashrati, 29. Israeli media stated that the army had cornered the three men inside a cave before snipers shot them, killing two and wounding the third. Subsequent air strikes killed the remaining individual, and Israeli forces later seized at least two of the bodies. The Israeli army claimed the men were planning attacks in the area but provided no further evidence. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that forces would remain in northern West Bank refugee camps, including Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, which have been targeted since January, causing widespread destruction. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad condemned the raid, labeling it a ‘dangerous escalation.’ Since October 2023, Israeli forces have increasingly used air strikes in the West Bank, with over 100 such attacks reported in the past two years. UN figures reveal that more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed by Israeli fire during this period, including 213 children, 20 women, and seven individuals with disabilities. This death toll represents 43 percent of all Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank over the past two decades.
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Pregnant British teen may get 2-years in Georgia prison for drug smuggling after plea deal
A British teenager, Bella May Culley, who was arrested in Georgia earlier this year on drug smuggling charges, may receive a two-year prison sentence following a plea deal that involved her family paying over $180,000. Culley, 19 and pregnant, was apprehended at Tbilisi Airport in May for allegedly attempting to smuggle 12 kilograms of marijuana and 2 kilograms of hashish into the country. Initially facing up to 15 years or life imprisonment, her lawyer, Malkhaz Salakhaia, confirmed that a plea agreement is nearing finalization. Salakhaia stated, ‘Reaching an agreement with the prosecutor’s office is in its final stage. All conditions are known to my client and her family, with only technical issues remaining.’ The final verdict is expected to be announced on Monday, with the possibility of a presidential pardon if convicted. Culley’s mother, Lyanne Kennedy, disclosed that the family has paid 500,000 lari (approximately $184,000) as part of the plea bargain. In Georgia, financial plea agreements are legally permissible to reduce or eliminate prison sentences in certain cases, particularly in drug-related offenses. Culley, from Teesside in northeast England, was reported missing in Thailand before her arrest on May 10. She initially pleaded not guilty, claiming she was tortured in Thailand and coerced into carrying the drugs. Salakhaia noted visible signs of torture upon her arrival in Georgia, though it remains unclear if her plea changed as part of the deal.