Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Sultan is set to visit Washington for pivotal discussions with US President Donald Trump, with a key focus on Saudi Arabia’s request for 48 advanced F-35 stealth fighter jets. This high-stakes deal, potentially worth billions, has ignited debates over regional power dynamics, technological security, and US-Israel relations. The Saudis, inspired by Israel’s effective use of F-35s in conflicts across Syria, Yemen, and Iran, seek to bolster their military arsenal. However, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has raised alarms, warning that the sale could lead to the leakage of critical F-35 technology to China, a concern exacerbated by Saudi Arabia’s existing defense ties with Beijing. The DIA’s classified report, leaked to the press, has stirred controversy within the Pentagon, particularly as it challenges Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s stance on the deal. Meanwhile, Israel, the sole F-35 operator in the Middle East, views the potential sale as a threat to its Qualitative Military Edge (QME), a legal mandate ensuring its military superiority in the region. To address Israel’s concerns, the US may offer priority access to its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, featuring the F-47 fighter jet. Additionally, Trump may push Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, a framework for Middle East peace. The deal’s fate remains uncertain, with Congress demanding detailed briefings from the DIA and growing opposition on Capitol Hill. Should the sale collapse, Saudi Arabia could turn to China or Russia for stealth jets, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
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Aficionados fret as Trump moves to make pasta great again
The United States has proposed a staggering 107% tariff on Italian pasta imports, a move that has sent shockwaves through Italy’s food industry and sparked international trade tensions. The decision stems from a U.S. Commerce Department investigation alleging that Italian pasta producers, including major exporters La Molisana and Garofalo, engaged in anti-competitive practices by selling products in the U.S. at below-market prices. This 92% anti-dumping duty would be added to the existing 15% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on European exports, potentially doubling the price of Italian pasta for American consumers.
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South Africa hits back on second day of 1st test against India as hosts are 138-4 at lunch
In a gripping display of cricket, South Africa claimed three crucial wickets during the first session on the second day of the opening test against India at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens. The hosts, struggling at 138-4, faced further setbacks as captain Shubman Gill retired hurt due to a neck injury. India still trails by 21 runs after South Africa was dismissed for 159 in their first innings, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive 5-27 spell on Day 1. Ravindra Jadeja (11 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (5) held the crease at lunch, but India’s batting woes deepened. K.L. Rahul and Washington Sundar initially steadied the innings, adding 38 runs in 14 overs, but South Africa’s bowlers struck back after the drinks break. Sundar fell to Simon Harmer, caught at slip after scoring 29, while Rahul was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj for 39. Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 27 off 24 balls provided a brief spark, but India’s struggles on a challenging pitch continue. South Africa, seeking their first test win in India in 15 years, will aim to capitalize on their momentum. The second test begins on November 22 in Guwahati, marking the first men’s test at the Barsapara Stadium.
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‘Devastated’: Previously protected Syrians in US face upheaval as legal protections lift
More than 6,000 Syrians in the United States are bracing for an uncertain future as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) terminates their Temporary Protected Status (TPS), effective Friday. The decision, announced in September, will strip these individuals of their legal right to reside and work in the country, leaving them vulnerable to detention and deportation. Among those affected is Dahlia Doe*, a Syrian national who has lived in the US for a decade. Dahlia, who arrived as a student from a Middle Eastern country where she lacked citizenship, now faces the stark choice of deportation to Syria—a country she has never lived in—or fighting to remain in the US, where she has built a life with family and friends. She is one of seven plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the termination of TPS for Syrians, which was heard in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday. The judge is expected to rule before the policy takes effect on Friday. TPS, established in 2012 following the outbreak of civil war in Syria, provides temporary legal status to nationals from countries deemed unsafe due to conflict or natural disasters. However, it does not offer a pathway to permanent residency. In a September press release, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the decision, stating that conditions in Syria no longer prevent nationals from returning home. She described the move as ‘restoring sanity to America’s immigration system.’ Critics, however, argue that Syria remains unstable, with cities in ruins and ongoing armed conflict. Farrah Alkhorfan, co-founder of Immigrants Act Now, warned that ending TPS for Syrians would endanger their lives. The termination of TPS is part of a broader effort by the current administration to revoke the status for nationals from several countries, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. For Dahlia and others like her, the decision has brought immense stress and uncertainty. She now struggles to sleep, worrying about her future and the care of her parents, who are permanent US residents. ‘You have to attempt to live a normal life while going through a devastating instability, not knowing what might happen tomorrow,’ she said. The lawsuit, represented by Muslim Advocates, the International Refugee Assistance Project, and Van Der Hout LLP, seeks to halt the termination of TPS for Syrians, arguing that it is inhumane and unjust. As the clock ticks down, the affected individuals and their communities await the court’s decision, hoping for a reprieve from the looming threat of deportation.
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Australia’s Hazlewood out of first Ashes Test
Australia’s preparations for the first Ashes Test in Perth have suffered a significant setback with the confirmation that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain. The veteran fast bowler, who has claimed 295 wickets in 76 Tests, had initially been cleared after scans following a hamstring issue during a New South Wales match on Wednesday. However, subsequent imaging revealed a muscle strain, forcing him to withdraw from the series opener. This adds to Australia’s bowling woes, as captain Pat Cummins is already sidelined with a back injury. The absence of two key bowlers leaves Mitchell Starc as the sole member of Australia’s famed pace trio, with Scott Boland stepping in and Brendan Doggett poised for a Test debut. Michael Neser, 35, has been called up as cover, marking his potential return to Test cricket after a hiatus since 2022. Meanwhile, England received a boost with Mark Wood cleared of his hamstring issue. Hazlewood’s injury history is concerning, having missed most of the last Ashes in Australia due to a side injury. While Cummins is expected to return for the second Test in Brisbane, Hazlewood’s availability beyond Perth remains uncertain. Australia’s statement emphasized that initial scans can sometimes underestimate low-grade muscle injuries, leading to the late confirmation of Hazlewood’s strain. With backup seamer Sean Abbott also injured and long-term absentees Spencer Johnson and Lance Morris unavailable, Australia’s bowling depth is severely tested. Jhye Richardson, recovering from shoulder surgery, remains a potential option later in the series as he continues his comeback in domestic cricket.
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Once a shadowy dealmaker, one-time Zelenskyy associate is accused in Ukrainian corruption scandal
A sweeping corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s state nuclear energy company has thrust Tymur Mindich, a once-shadowy figure with deep ties to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, into the spotlight. Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy, is accused of orchestrating a $100 million embezzlement scheme, according to a 15-month investigation by Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies. The probe alleges that Mindich wielded significant influence over top officials, including former Energy Minister Herman Haluschenko, who resigned following the revelations. Mindich has since fled the country, leaving criminal proceedings to likely unfold in absentia. His rise to power, activists argue, was facilitated by his privileged relationship with Zelenskyy and his inner circle, enabling him to dominate lucrative sectors like energy and agriculture. The scandal has also implicated Mindich in alleged dealings with Ukraine’s top drone manufacturer, Fire Point, though no findings have been disclosed. This case underscores the pervasive corruption challenges Ukraine faces, particularly during wartime, as it seeks to stabilize its energy infrastructure and combat external threats.
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At least 8 killed in huge blast at a police station in Indian-controlled Kashmir
A devastating explosion at a police station in Srinagar, the main city of Indian-administered Kashmir, has resulted in at least eight fatalities and 27 injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred late Friday in the Nowgam area when forensic experts and police officers were examining a cache of confiscated explosives. The powerful blast destroyed the police station, ignited fires across the compound, and damaged multiple vehicles. Rescue efforts were hampered by subsequent smaller explosions, delaying the bomb disposal squad’s response. Most of the victims were police and forensic personnel, with several injured individuals reported to be in critical condition. This tragedy follows a car explosion in New Delhi earlier in the week, which claimed eight lives and was labeled a terror attack by Indian officials. The Srinagar explosion is believed to be connected to an ongoing investigation into a suspected militant cell operating from Kashmir to the outskirts of New Delhi. Recent raids in Kashmir have led to arrests and the seizure of weapons and bomb-making materials. The explosive material involved in the police station blast was reportedly part of the evidence collected during these operations. The Kashmir region remains a contentious issue between India and Pakistan, with both nations claiming sovereignty over the territory. Militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir have been resisting New Delhi’s rule since 1989, with India accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism, a claim Pakistan denies. Many Kashmiris view the conflict as a legitimate struggle for freedom.
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German Baumkuchen ‘tree cake’ survived a disaster and world wars to become a Japanese favorite
Baumkuchen, a traditional German cake, has found an unexpected home in Japan, where it has evolved into a symbol of longevity and prosperity. This culinary journey began over a century ago on the small island of Ninoshima, near Hiroshima, where Karl Juchheim, a German prisoner of war, first introduced the treat during World War I. Today, Baumkuchen is celebrated across Japan, with festivals dedicated to the cake and various Japanese adaptations, such as those incorporating matcha and sweet potatoes, becoming popular gifts for weddings and birthdays. The cake is widely available, from luxury department stores to convenience stores, reflecting its deep integration into Japanese culture. However, the origins of Baumkuchen in Japan are intertwined with the island’s wartime history. Ninoshima served as a quarantine station during Japan’s militarist expansion and later as a treatment center for victims of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. Juchheim’s resilience and dedication to his craft, despite the devastation of war, left a lasting legacy. His story, as told by Kazuaki Otani of the Juccheim Ninoshima Welcome Center, serves as a poignant reminder of the human desire for peace and the power of cultural exchange. Visitors to Ninoshima can now participate in Baumkuchen-making activities while learning about the island’s historical significance. Juchheim’s journey from prisoner to confectionery pioneer highlights the enduring impact of his work, which continues to bring joy and reflection to people across Japan.
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Trump targets longtime MAGA ally Marjorie Taylor Greene
Former President Donald Trump has publicly severed ties with Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch conservative who once championed his agenda but has recently voiced criticism of his policies. In a lengthy social media post, Trump accused Greene of leaning “far left” and urged her constituents to replace her in the upcoming midterm elections. The rift emerged after Greene questioned Trump’s commitment to his “America First” agenda, particularly his foreign policy focus and handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Greene suggested that Trump’s attacks were aimed at deterring other Republicans from supporting the release of the Epstein documents. Trump, in his post, dismissed Greene as a “ranting lunatic” and claimed her district was weary of her antics. The Epstein case has long been a contentious issue for Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing despite his past association with the disgraced financier. Greene, along with three other House Republicans, joined Democrats in pushing for the release of the Epstein files, a move Trump appears determined to block. Greene has also criticized Trump’s economic policies and involvement in foreign conflicts, while emphasizing her support for the women affected by the Epstein scandal. The escalating feud highlights deepening divisions within the Republican Party as it approaches the 2026 midterms.
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China’s investment drop highlights property-driven pressures
China’s fixed asset investment (FAI) experienced a significant downturn in October, reflecting mounting pressures on the real economy as the ongoing property crisis continues to dampen economic activity. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the cumulative FAI for the first ten months of 2023 stood at 40.89 trillion yuan ($5.7 trillion), marking a 1.7% year-on-year contraction. This represents a sharp deterioration compared to the 0.5% decline recorded in the first nine months of the year. In October alone, FAI plummeted by 12% to 3.74 trillion yuan, down from 4.25 trillion yuan in the same period last year. All three major sectors—primary, secondary, and tertiary industries—registered declines, with residential property development investment dropping 13.8% year-on-year to 5.66 trillion yuan in the first ten months. The property sector’s slump has been a significant drag on overall investment, accounting for a three-percentage-point reduction in growth. Despite these challenges, NBS spokesperson Fu Linghui emphasized that excluding real estate, FAI grew by 1.7% during the same period. He also highlighted robust expansion in high-tech industries, with aerospace manufacturing up 19.7% and information services investment surging 32.7%. However, analysts caution that China’s economy is entering the final quarter on a weakening trajectory, with softer industrial output and sluggish household consumption exacerbating the slowdown. The property market’s downward spiral, triggered by the Evergrande Group debt crisis in 2020, continues to weigh heavily on consumer confidence and investment. Home prices in major cities have shown broad-based declines, with first-tier cities experiencing a 4.4% year-on-year drop in October. Experts predict further adjustments in housing prices over the next three years, with some regions potentially hitting historic lows. The prolonged correction in the property sector reflects a deliberate policy shift away from property-led growth, but a genuine recovery will depend on rebuilding fundamentals such as employment, income growth, and social protections. Meanwhile, falling home prices are eroding household wealth, with over 70% of family assets tied to property, leading to reduced consumption and job market pressures. As China navigates these challenges, policymakers face the delicate task of balancing structural reforms with short-term stabilization measures.