博客

In a recent development, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that he played a pivotal role in de-escalating hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump declared, ‘I stopped a war just today.’ He attributed this achievement to his strategic use of economic leverage, including the threat of imposing steep tariffs, which he believes enhances U.S. diplomatic influence. Trump revealed that he had engaged in phone conversations with the prime ministers of both nations, stating, ‘They’re doing great. They were not doing great,’ and expressed confidence that the situation would stabilize. The conflict, which erupted in late July over territorial disputes along the border, resulted in significant casualties, including dozens of soldiers and civilians. Trump’s intervention reportedly led to a temporary ceasefire, which was further solidified during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia last month. However, tensions flared again recently when Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reported that a villager was killed in a border skirmish. The Thai military countered by alleging that Cambodian soldiers initiated the violence. The historical enmity between the two nations, rooted in centuries-old territorial claims, remains unresolved, with the ceasefire failing to address the underlying border disputes.

China has issued a series of forceful warnings to Japan following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s controversial remarks regarding potential military intervention in Taiwan Strait affairs. The Chinese government has emphasized that any such interference would result in severe consequences for Japan. These warnings were delivered through multiple diplomatic channels, including meetings between Chinese and Japanese officials.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a strong appeal to Tunisia’s judiciary to overturn the convictions of 37 individuals accused of conspiring to destabilize the nation. The case, widely referred to as the ‘Conspiracy Against State Security,’ is set for a hearing at the Tunis Court of Appeals on Monday. HRW has condemned the proceedings as part of a broader ‘crackdown on dissent’ in the country. In a statement released on Friday, HRW revealed that it had reviewed court documents and found the charges to be baseless, lacking credible evidence. The organization urged the court to reverse the convictions and release all detainees. Bassam Khawaja, HRW’s deputy Middle East and North Africa director, criticized the case as a ‘masquerade,’ highlighting the absence of fair trial guarantees and calling for an end to the ‘judicial farce.’ The defendants, including activists, lawyers, political opponents, and researchers, were sentenced in April to prison terms ranging from four to 66 years. HRW has pointed out numerous irregularities in the case, such as convictions after only three hearings, sentencing in absentia, and inadequate notice of appeal hearings. Some defendants, including opposition leader Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, have initiated hunger strikes to protest their conditions and alleged mistreatment. Ben Mbarek’s lawyer and sister, Dalila Ben Mbarek Msaddek, has raised concerns about his health and reported physical abuse in prison. Other opposition figures, including Rached Ghannouchi, have joined the hunger strike. HRW has noted a significant escalation in the suppression of dissent since President Kais Saied assumed control of state institutions in July 2021. Arbitrary arrests and detentions have surged, undermining judicial independence and fair trial rights. Experts have highlighted violations such as the use of videoconferencing for trials, prolonged pretrial detentions, and retaliation against defense lawyers. HRW has called on Tunisia’s international partners to condemn these injustices and pressure authorities to ensure fair trials and uphold the rule of law.

Pakistan’s parliament has passed a controversial constitutional amendment granting Field Marshal Asim Munir, the country’s army chief since November 2022, expanded powers, lifetime immunity from arrest and prosecution, and oversight of the navy and air force. The 27th constitutional amendment, enacted on Thursday, also introduces significant changes to the judiciary, including the creation of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional matters. Critics argue the move consolidates military influence and undermines civilian governance, while supporters claim it brings clarity to the military command structure and addresses court backlogs. The amendment has sparked resignations from Supreme Court justices, who decry the erosion of judicial independence. Analysts warn the changes signal a shift towards authoritarianism, with the military’s role in Pakistan’s politics becoming increasingly dominant.