In the remote village of Shesh Pol in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, the closure of a once-vital maternity clinic has left families like Abdul and Shahnaz’s in despair. When Shahnaz went into labor, Abdul rushed her to the clinic where their two older children were born, only to find it shuttered. With no alternative medical facility within reach, Shahnaz delivered their baby girl in a taxi by the roadside. Tragically, both mother and child died shortly after due to severe bleeding. This heart-wrenching story is emblematic of a broader crisis unfolding across Afghanistan, where over 400 medical facilities have closed following the Trump administration’s abrupt decision to cut nearly all U.S. aid to the country earlier this year. The Shesh Pol clinic, a modest single-story structure with USAID posters still adorning its peeling walls, was a lifeline for pregnant women in a region plagued by historically high maternal mortality rates. Its closure has left countless women without access to essential healthcare, forcing them to endure perilous journeys to overcrowded hospitals or risk giving birth at home without medical assistance. The U.S. government justified the aid cuts by citing concerns that funds were benefiting terrorist groups, including the Taliban. However, the Taliban denies these allegations, claiming that aid is distributed through the UN and NGOs without government involvement. The consequences of these cuts are dire: maternal and newborn deaths have surged, and the few remaining healthcare facilities are overwhelmed. In Faizabad’s regional hospital, patients are crammed three to a bed, and funding has been slashed by nearly 70%. The Taliban’s restrictions on women’s education, including bans on midwifery training, have further exacerbated the crisis, leaving Afghanistan’s women and children in a precarious state. As the international community turns its back, the right to health and life for Afghan women hangs in the balance.
分类： world
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‘Clear narrative’: Quartet statement on Sudan is historic, says UAE President adviser
In a landmark move, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Egypt issued a joint statement on Friday, advocating for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan, followed by a nine-month transitional period aimed at establishing civilian-led governance. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, hailed the statement as historic, emphasizing its clear roadmap to resolve the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Dr. Gargash, in a post on X, stated that the statement accurately diagnoses the crisis, asserting that there is no military solution and reaffirming the commitment to peace and Sudan’s unity. The foreign ministers of the four nations collectively agreed that the current conflict results in ‘unacceptable suffering’ and poses significant risks to peace and security. The statement also rejected any involvement of the Muslim Brotherhood or affiliated groups in Sudan’s governance, referencing the Islamists who previously controlled the country until 2019 and have recently resurfaced in support of the army. While it remains uncertain whether the warring factions will agree to the proposed truce, the statement marks a significant step toward addressing the humanitarian and political challenges in Sudan. The initiative aligns with previous calls for peace, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ appeal for a week-long ceasefire in al-Fashir earlier this year.
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Romania becomes second Nato country to report Russian drone in its airspace
In a significant escalation of tensions in Eastern Europe, a Russian drone breached Romanian airspace on Saturday, marking the second NATO country to report such an incursion this week. Romanian F-16 fighter jets, monitoring the country’s border with Ukraine, detected the drone following Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure near the Danube River. The drone, identified as a Geran (the Russian designation for the Iranian-designed Shahed 136), was tracked 20 kilometers southwest of the village of Chilia Veche before disappearing from radar. Although it did not fly over populated areas or pose immediate danger, the incident has raised concerns about Russia’s expanding military activities in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the breach as a deliberate act of war expansion by Russia, while Moscow has remained silent on the allegations. Romania has summoned the Russian ambassador and is considering its response under a new law that authorizes the military to shoot down unauthorized drones. Meanwhile, Poland reported shooting down three Russian drones earlier in the week, prompting heightened defensive measures across NATO’s eastern flank. The Czech Republic has also deployed a special operations helicopter unit to Poland in response to the escalating threat. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Western leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have called for stricter sanctions on Russia, though NATO members remain divided on the best course of action.
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China-Russia gas pact heightens Western sanctions risks
The recent agreement to construct the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, set to transport 50 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas to China annually via Mongolia, marks a pivotal shift in global geopolitics and energy markets. Analysts from both China and the West highlight the deal’s potential to redefine energy dynamics in Eurasia. On September 2, China, Russia, and Mongolia signed a legally binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the project, with Russia offering China a discounted gas price and China accepting the Mongolian route—a compromise that had previously been a sticking point due to concerns over energy security. The pipeline, expected to be operational by 2031–2032, will elevate Russia-China gas trade to 106 billion cubic meters annually, meeting approximately one-fifth of China’s current gas demand. The deal also promises economic benefits for Mongolia, including transit fees, job creation, and reduced air pollution, while bolstering its geopolitical standing. However, risks remain, including potential Western influence and Mongolia’s “Third Neighbor” policy, which seeks to diversify its international partnerships beyond China and Russia. The project underscores Russia’s strategic pivot to Asia amid strained relations with Europe, particularly following the Ukraine conflict, which has drastically reduced Russian gas exports to the EU. While China welcomes the economic and strategic advantages of the deal, it remains cautious about upsetting its relations with Europe. Western analysts warn that the pipeline could undermine efforts to contain Russia’s war in Ukraine, prompting calls for targeted sanctions against Russian energy companies and their Chinese partners.
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United Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Japan, two people injured
A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 en route from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Cebu, Philippines, was forced to make an emergency landing at Kansai International Airport in Osaka on September 12, 2025, following concerns of a potential fire in the cargo hold. The aircraft, carrying 135 passengers and seven crew members, was evacuated using emergency slides. Two individuals sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment. United Airlines confirmed that an initial maintenance inspection revealed no evidence of a fire. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, prompting the diversion to Osaka. Authorities, including Kansai Airport officials, local police, and fire departments, were unavailable for comment outside regular business hours. The airline has not yet disclosed further details regarding the cause of the emergency or the nature of the injuries. The event underscores the importance of swift emergency response protocols in aviation safety.
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As Russian army inches closer, Ukrainians must decide to stay or go
In the war-torn town of Bilozerske, eastern Ukraine, the White Angels—a specialized police unit—embark on a perilous mission to evacuate civilians amidst relentless Russian drone attacks. The town, once home to 16,000 residents, now lies in ruins, with only an estimated 700 inhabitants remaining. The White Angels’ armored van, equipped with a steel cage and drone-jamming technology, offers scant protection against the ever-present threat of Russian drones. Despite the dangers, the team presses on, navigating shattered streets and burned-out homes to rescue those willing to leave.
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Kony crimes still felt in Uganda, 20 years on, ICC hears
The enduring scars of Joseph Kony’s alleged atrocities in Uganda were brought to the forefront during a landmark hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday. Kony, the elusive leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), faces 39 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape, torture, and enslavement, reportedly committed between 2002 and 2005 in northern Uganda. Despite the passage of two decades, the repercussions of these brutal acts remain deeply felt, with survivors still grappling with physical and psychological trauma. Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang emphasized the lasting devastation, stating, ‘The social and cultural fabric of Uganda has been torn apart, and they are struggling to recover.’ The LRA’s insurgency, which targeted the Ugandan government, resulted in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children, according to UN estimates. The group’s notoriety for extreme violence, including forced cannibalism and drinking of blood, has left indelible marks on survivors like Everlyn Ayo, who recounted the horrors of her childhood. Now 39, Ayo plans to follow the proceedings from Gulu, far from the ICC courtroom in The Hague. The hearing, the first of its kind to be held in absentia, aims to confirm charges against Kony, who has been on the run since 2006. While a trial cannot proceed without his presence, prosecutors hope the process will expedite justice if he is ever apprehended. Stella Angel Lanam, a former child soldier and now a counselor for victims, expressed a shared sentiment: ‘Even though we have passed through a lot, we cannot lose hope. At least I will get justice.’
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Ethiopia launches Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam amid deep rift with Egypt
Ethiopia has officially launched the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s development ambitions. The $5 billion dam, situated on a tributary of the River Nile, is expected to generate up to 5,150 MW of electricity, providing power to millions of Ethiopians and enabling energy exports to neighboring countries. However, the project has exacerbated long-standing tensions with downstream Egypt, which relies on the Nile for 90% of its freshwater supply. Egypt fears the dam could disrupt its water access during droughts and has vehemently opposed the project, citing violations of colonial-era water treaties. Sudan, another downstream nation, has joined Egypt in calling for legally binding agreements on the dam’s operation but could benefit from improved flood management and affordable energy. The GERD has become a symbol of national unity in Ethiopia, which funded the project domestically without foreign assistance. Despite the geopolitical rift, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized the dam’s potential as a ‘shared opportunity’ for regional development. Independent studies indicate no significant disruptions to downstream water flow so far, attributed to cautious reservoir filling during wet seasons. However, rural Ethiopians may face delays in accessing the dam’s benefits, as only half of the population is connected to the national grid. The dam’s reservoir has flooded an area larger than Greater London, promising steady water supply for hydropower and irrigation while mitigating floods and droughts. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s strategic plans to gain access to the Red Sea via Eritrea or Somalia have further strained relations with Egypt, which has backed Ethiopia’s regional adversaries. Analysts warn that tensions over the dam could escalate, potentially destabilizing the region.
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Trump shows S Korea who’s boss with Hyundai plant raid
In a dramatic operation on September 4, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, alongside Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), arrested 475 employees at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint venture’s electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant near Savannah, Georgia. The raid, described as the largest single-site enforcement operation to date, involved a heavily armed contingent, armored vehicles, and helicopters, with detained workers seen in ankle chains and handcuffs being transported on buses. Over 300 of those arrested were South Korean nationals, prompting immediate concern from the South Korean government. President Lee Jae-myung urged swift action to support affected citizens, while Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Hyun hinted at potential diplomatic discussions in Washington. The incident has raised questions about the treatment of foreign workers and the broader implications for international business relations. Steven Schrank, HSI’s chief special agent in Atlanta, emphasized the operation’s focus on protecting American jobs and ensuring legal compliance. However, South Korean media and officials have speculated about potential ulterior motives, linking the raid to political dynamics and the Biden administration’s prior endorsement of the facility. The raid has disrupted operations at the plant, which was slated to begin production in 2026, and could delay the production of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis EVs. The incident has also drawn criticism for the perceived humiliation of South Korean workers, with global media coverage amplifying the fallout. Hyundai Motor has pledged to review its compliance processes, but the event underscores the challenges foreign companies face in navigating U.S. immigration and labor laws.
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UAE offers condolences to Nigeria over boat accident that left 29 dead
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed its profound condolences to Nigeria following a devastating boat accident that claimed the lives of 29 individuals. The tragic incident occurred in the north-central Niger state, where an overloaded boat carrying 80 passengers capsized while crossing the Malale River. According to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the accident was caused by overloading and a collision with a tree stump. Rescuers managed to save 50 people, but 29 bodies were recovered, with two individuals still missing. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and the Nigerian government, wishing a swift recovery for the injured. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in river transportation across the region.