The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the Jamaican port city of Black River in a state of utter devastation. As one of the most powerful Category 5 storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, Melissa unleashed fierce winds and a catastrophic storm surge that decimated nearly everything in its path. Roads are rendered impassable, buildings lie in ruins, and essential infrastructure, including hospitals and police stations, has been destroyed. Residents are now grappling with the dual challenges of survival and the search for missing loved ones.
分类： world
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Why the Indian passport is falling in global ranking
India’s passport has been ranked 85th out of 199 countries in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, a global ranking system based on visa-free travel access. This marks a slight decline from its previous position, highlighting ongoing challenges for Indian citizens seeking international mobility. While the number of visa-free destinations for Indians has increased from 52 in 2015 to 57 in 2025, the country’s ranking has remained stagnant, reflecting a more competitive global landscape in travel partnerships and visa policies. For comparison, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan continue to dominate the index, offering their citizens visa-free access to 193, 190, and 189 countries, respectively. Meanwhile, India shares its 85th rank with Mauritania, an African nation with a significantly smaller economy. Experts attribute India’s stagnant ranking to factors such as political instability, immigration concerns, and cumbersome visa procedures. Achal Malhotra, a former Indian ambassador, notes that India’s historical political upheavals, including the Khalistan movement in the 1980s, have tarnished its global image. Additionally, issues like passport fraud and slow visa processing further hinder its progress. Despite these challenges, India has introduced technological advancements, such as the e-passport, which incorporates biometric data to enhance security. However, experts emphasize that diplomatic outreach and travel agreements remain crucial for improving India’s passport strength and global mobility.
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‘I was accused of spying and beaten’ – a boy’s escape from captured Sudan city
The western Sudanese city of el-Fasher has become a focal point of the ongoing civil war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army. Twelve-year-old Abdiwahab, whose name has been changed for safety, recently escaped the city after it fell to the RSF. In a video shared with the BBC, he recounts being assaulted multiple times by RSF fighters, who accused him of espionage. Separated from his family during the chaos, Abdiwahab walked 80 kilometers over three days to reach Tawila, a town offering relative safety. His story mirrors those of thousands of others fleeing el-Fasher, where the UN estimates 60,000 have escaped amid reports of atrocities, including rape and mass killings. Many survivors arrive in Tawila alone, traumatized, and in desperate need of aid. Ali, a volunteer aid worker who fled el-Fasher himself, filmed Abdiwahab’s account and is now helping new arrivals at a temporary camp. The situation remains dire, with aid agencies overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people, many of whom are unaccompanied minors or suffering from injuries and malnutrition. Despite the RSF leader’s admission of ‘violations’ and promises of investigation, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, leaving over 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, trapped in el-Fasher under famine-like conditions.
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Israel and UAE influencers target Sudan army online as RSF massacres el-Fasher
In a coordinated social media campaign, Emirati influencers and an official Israeli state X account have targeted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), their paramilitary rival, have been accused of massacring hundreds of civilians in Sudan’s el-Fasher. The RSF seized control of el-Fasher, the last city in Darfur to fall under their control, after a 500-day siege. Satellite imagery and RSF fighters’ own documentation corroborate the mass killings and abuses committed during the takeover. As criticism mounted against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its well-documented support of the RSF, Emirati influencers and Israeli accounts, including the official Arabic language account of Israel, have shifted focus to the SAF, linking them to the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Amjad Taha, a prominent Emirati analyst, led the charge by comparing the SAF to Hamas, posting images of an Israeli family and a Sudanese family, claiming both were victims of ‘Muslim Brotherhood-led forces.’ However, Middle East Eye found that the Sudanese family image dates back to at least September, with no evidence linking their deaths to the SAF. Israeli and Emirati accounts have also made unverified claims about the SAF targeting Christian minorities, despite the war not being fought along religious lines. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and displaced over 13 million people. The UAE and Israel have strengthened ties since normalizing relations in 2020, with recent reports indicating UAE’s increased supply of weapons to the RSF, aided by Israel.
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Judge orders arrest of ex-Green Beret tied to failed Venezuela raid after court no-show
A federal judge in Tampa, Florida, has issued an arrest warrant for Jordan Goudreau, a former Green Beret accused of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in Venezuela in 2020. Goudreau, 49, failed to appear in court for a hearing regarding potential violations of his pre-trial release conditions. Last year, he was arrested on weapons smuggling charges tied to the botched invasion, which aimed to overthrow Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Released on bond secured by filmmaker Jen Gatien’s $2 million Manhattan apartment, Goudreau now faces allegations of abusive behavior and threats to flee the country. Gatien testified that Goudreau reneged on financial agreements and sent threatening messages, including claims he would not return to jail. Judge Christopher Tuite issued the warrant after Goudreau’s absence, despite his ankle monitor still being active in the Tampa area. Goudreau’s attorney expressed confusion over his client’s disappearance. The 2020 plot, dubbed the ‘Bay of Piglets,’ involved training Venezuelan deserters in Colombia for a cross-border raid. Exposed by The Associated Press, the mission failed, resulting in casualties and imprisonment of Goudreau’s associates. Gatien’s documentary, ‘Men of War,’ initially sympathetic to Goudreau, has since highlighted his deceit and coercive behavior. Prosecutors also revealed Goudreau’s attempts to retrieve assault rifles stored by an Oklahoma couple, violating court orders. Goudreau, a Canadian-born U.S. citizen, claims his mission had tacit approval from the Trump administration, which has faced criticism for its approach to Venezuelan regime change. He remains a polarizing figure, recently accusing the CIA of sabotaging his efforts and questioning U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela.
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Radio silence: How the defence of Sudan’s el-Fasher collapsed after comms blackout
The fall of el-Fasher, a besieged city in Sudan’s Darfur region, was triggered by a catastrophic communications blackout that left troops disoriented and isolated as Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters advanced. According to soldiers, commanders, and a telecoms worker who spoke to Middle East Eye, the blackout occurred on October 26, rendering all communication devices useless during a critical phase of the battle. This disruption forced military leaders to withdraw their forces, abandoning the city and its 260,000 residents to the RSF. Many soldiers, unaware of the withdrawal order, were left behind and either died fighting or fled in chaos. The RSF, accused of widespread massacres and atrocities, now controls the city, marking a significant shift in the ongoing conflict. The blackout is believed to have been facilitated by sophisticated jamming equipment, allegedly supplied by the United Arab Emirates, which targeted satellite and radio communications. This incident underscores the devastating impact of technological warfare in modern conflicts, where control over communication systems can determine the outcome of battles.
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Why China the spotlight at APEC
As the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting convenes in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, China has emerged as a focal point of discussions. Amid significant economic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, China’s role is increasingly pivotal. Experts highlight how China’s strategies and collaborations could drive regional recovery and sustainable growth. Herman Tiu Laurel, president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, emphasized China’s potential to revitalize APEC through free trade agreements, regional value chains, and investments in digital and green economies. He pointed to China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports and infrastructure projects in APEC nations as key initiatives enhancing economic resilience. Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, underscored the importance of China and APEC in defending trade multilateralism and regional development. He noted that the next three decades of Asia-Pacific cooperation will be more challenging, requiring a united effort to maintain the region’s economic dynamism. As APEC leaders strive to innovate and prosper, China’s active participation and collaboration with other members are seen as essential to addressing current challenges and fostering a sustainable future. The spirit of cooperation is crucial for building a resilient global economy and ensuring collective prosperity.
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UAE swiftly responds to aid people affected by hurricane Melissa
In a swift and decisive move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has mobilized emergency relief efforts to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa, which recently wreaked havoc across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Through the UAE Aid Agency and in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the UAE has dispatched critical supplies, including food, shelter materials, and infrastructure support, to aid recovery efforts. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to global humanitarianism and its dedication to assisting vulnerable populations during times of crisis. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, emphasized the nation’s proactive approach to disaster response, highlighting its role in providing essential resources such as food, medicine, and shelter to those in need. The UAE’s efforts reflect its longstanding tradition of solidarity with nations facing natural disasters, wars, and conflicts, reinforcing its ethical and international responsibilities.
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Israel once again violates Gaza ceasefire in fresh attacks and killings
The Gaza Strip witnessed renewed violence on Friday as Israeli military operations resulted in the deaths of at least five Palestinians, despite earlier announcements of a ceasefire resumption. Local media reported that Israeli forces carried out demolitions, artillery shelling, and aerial bombardments across the region, with the highest casualties recorded in Gaza City and Khan Younis. Among the victims was a young man killed in an air strike on his home in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis, while another succumbed to injuries from a prior attack. Israeli troops also opened fire in the Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, killing one and injuring another. A fourth fatality occurred near al-Jalaa Street, and a fifth Palestinian was killed in Jabalia, north Gaza, after Israeli forces targeted civilians. These assaults have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis affecting over two million people in the besieged enclave. Since October 11, Israel has committed at least 125 ceasefire violations, with the death toll surpassing 100 Palestinians and dozens more injured. Displaced families in Khan Younis expressed fears of a return to full-scale conflict, citing sleepless nights and dwindling supplies. Health officials have raised alarms over the severe shortage of necessities, with only a limited number of food aid trucks entering Gaza through the Kissufim crossing. Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s blockade continues to restrict humanitarian efforts, despite agreements to allow aid. Over 1,000 Palestinians in need of medical treatment have died due to Israel’s restrictions on essential supplies. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians and wounded over 170,000. In a related development, the bodies of 30 Palestinians were handed over to the Palestinian Ministry of Health as part of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas. The ministry confirmed that some bodies showed signs of severe torture, with missing organs and limbs. Hamas has released 20 Israeli captives in exchange for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and has returned 15 out of 28 deceased Israeli captives, with the remainder expected to be handed over once recovered.
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Exclusive: Inside the UAE’s secret Sudan war operation at Somalia’s Bosaso
At Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s Puntland state, the roar of heavy cargo planes has become a familiar sound. These aircraft, identified as IL-76 transport planes, are part of a clandestine operation that has raised eyebrows among local residents and international observers alike. According to multiple sources, including flight tracking data and satellite imagery, these planes originate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are destined for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of committing atrocities in the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The logistics materials transported are immediately transferred to standby aircraft, ensuring swift delivery to the RSF. The operation is shrouded in secrecy, with heavy security measures in place during loading and offloading. Local authorities, including the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), have expressed concerns over the nature of these shipments, which are not for domestic use but rather serve as a covert transit point. The UAE has long funded the PMPF to combat piracy, but the recent influx of weapons and logistical support has strained relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi. The presence of Colombian mercenaries at Bosaso Airport further complicates the situation, as they are reportedly involved in the conflict in Sudan. The UAE’s expanding influence in the region, driven by strategic interests and financial leverage, has drawn criticism from analysts who warn of the potential for broader geopolitical rivalries. Despite the concerns, Mogadishu has been unable to challenge the UAE’s activities in Puntland, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the Horn of Africa.