Dutch authorities have disclosed alarming details to their British counterparts regarding the conduct of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans during a November 2024 match in Amsterdam. According to intelligence reports, over 200 fans were linked to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with hundreds more described as ‘experienced fighters,’ ‘highly organized,’ and ‘intent on causing serious violence.’ This revelation has sparked significant controversy, particularly in light of the recent ban on Maccabi fans from attending a match in Birmingham, England, which was criticized by the British government as antisemitic. The ban, upheld by West Midlands Police and Birmingham’s safety advisory group, was based on Dutch police reports detailing the fans’ violent behavior in Amsterdam. The assessment highlighted incidents of targeted hate crimes, including assaults on Muslim taxi drivers, vandalism, and clashes with police. British MP Jeremy Corbyn condemned the government’s handling of the issue, accusing officials of distorting facts for political gain. Meanwhile, Birmingham Police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring public safety during the upcoming match, amid planned protests by pro-Palestine groups. The situation underscores the complex intersection of sports, politics, and public safety.
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‘Critical mistake’: UAE diplomat says world collectively failed to stop Sudan coup
A senior UAE diplomat has openly criticized the international community for its collective failure to prevent the 2021 military coup in Sudan, describing it as a ‘critical mistake’ that led to the ongoing civil war. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, made these remarks during the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. He emphasized that the global community should have taken a firmer stance when the coup occurred, as it has since resulted in widespread ethnic violence and a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 13 million people. In response, the UAE has pledged an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid, focusing on areas like El Fasher. This aid will be distributed through international organizations such as the Red Crescent and the World Food Programme. Dr. Gargash also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to the Quad statement, which calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire and the establishment of a transitional civilian government within nine months. The Quad, comprising the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, was formed in September 2025 to address the Sudan conflict. Dr. Gargash stressed the urgent need for peace and the importance of holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable.
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Fierce mountain snowstorms and avalanche kill nine in Nepal
A series of devastating snowstorms and a catastrophic avalanche in Nepal’s Himalayan region have resulted in the deaths of nine individuals, including five Italian climbers. The incidents occurred over several days, with the most severe event taking place on Monday at the base camp of the 5,630-meter Yalung Ri peak near the Chinese border. An avalanche struck a group of 12 climbers, claiming the lives of seven, including three Italians, two Nepalis, a German, and a French national. The remaining five survivors were rescued and airlifted to Kathmandu for medical treatment. Survivors described the terrifying moment when massive ice slabs descended upon them, burying some under the snow. In a separate incident, two Italian climbers lost their lives while attempting to scale the 6,887-meter Panbari mountain in western Nepal. The climbers had been missing since Friday and were confirmed dead by local authorities. Nepal, home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest, attracts hundreds of climbers and trekkers annually. The autumn season, though less popular than spring, still sees significant expedition activity despite the challenging conditions. Last week, Cyclone Montha brought heavy rain and snowfall, stranding many trekkers on popular routes. According to the Himalayan Database, avalanches have been responsible for nearly a third of the 1,093 recorded deaths on Himalayan peaks since 1950.
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China’s exhibitors at e-commerce expo in Jakarta generate promising prospects
The China International E-Commerce Industry Expo 2025, held in Jakarta from October 29 to 31, has set the stage for enhanced economic collaboration between China and Indonesia. The event, attended by government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, highlighted the transformative potential of e-commerce technologies in fostering bilateral trade. With Indonesia prioritizing its digital economy to drive growth, local entrepreneurs are poised to leverage insights from the expo to develop products for both domestic and global markets. The expo showcased a diverse range of products, primarily from China, including consumer electronics, agricultural machinery, and new energy solutions, alongside offerings from Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations. Xiong Canxin of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade emphasized the expo’s role as a gateway for both countries to access global markets. Over 400 Chinese companies from provinces such as Hunan, Zhejiang, and Guangdong participated, underscoring the event’s significance. Li Feng, CCPIT’s chief representative in Indonesia, noted that digital economy and cross-border e-commerce are emerging as key areas of cooperation, with Indonesia’s e-commerce market projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2025. Ahmad Ridha Sabana, Indonesia’s special envoy for MSMEs and digital economy, highlighted the need for partnerships with China, a global leader in digital innovation, to co-create a robust digital ecosystem.
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Zelensky visits troops near embattled front line town of Pokrovsk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited troops near the embattled town of Pokrovsk, a key strategic location in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Accompanied by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Zelensky met with soldiers at a command post in the Dobropillya sector, approximately 20 kilometers north of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. The visit underscores the town’s critical importance as a logistical hub and frontline stronghold in the war-torn Donbas region.
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Palestinian-Israeli opinion polls expose hollowness of Trump’s ‘Peace Plan’
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often perceived as a series of new developments, is in reality a repetition of unresolved historical patterns. This is the central theme of Robert Malley and Hussein Agha’s book, “Tomorrow is Yesterday.” The recent actions of Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump’s “Peace Plan for Gaza” have only exacerbated the situation, turning what was once termed “conflict management” into a more devastating and unresolved crisis. Both Israeli and Palestinian political systems have failed to heal their societies, instead intensifying fear, grievance, and denial. The Palestinian political landscape remains fragmented, while Israel grapples with internal legitimacy struggles and a drift towards authoritarianism. Public opinion on both sides has hardened, with Israelis increasingly rejecting Palestinian statehood and Palestinians showing rising support for Hamas. The war has not opened avenues for compromise but has deepened existential threats, resulting in a military, psychological, and political stalemate. Israeli society’s dehumanization of Palestinians, evident in surveys and actions, contrasts sharply with Palestinian attitudes, which reflect anger towards both Hamas and Israel but prioritize survival and reconstruction. The ceasefire has not alleviated the distress in the West Bank, where settler and army violence continues unabated. The political imagination of Israelis and European diplomats remains limited, unable to conceive of a moderated Hamas or a two-state solution. The Palestinian Authority’s poor performance and corruption have led to widespread demands for Mahmoud Abbas’s resignation. The majority of Palestinians prefer general elections and political unification of the West Bank and Gaza, despite their criticism of Hamas. The gap between Gaza and West Bank attitudes may prompt Israel to act more aggressively in the West Bank, perpetuating the cycle of violence and division.
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Schools close as torrential rain from Typhoon Kalmaeigi hits Hainan
Hainan Province faced severe disruptions as Typhoon Kalmaegi unleashed torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding and the closure of schools in several cities and counties. On November 4, 2025, educational institutions in Qionghai, Tunchang, Ding’an, and Qiongzhong were forced to shut down to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Qionghai Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters escalated its emergency response from Level IV to Level III at 10:20 am, reflecting the escalating crisis. The relentless downpour caused the Wanquan River in Qionghai to swell dangerously, with water levels upstream of the Jiaji Dam reaching 11.54 meters by 11 am, accompanied by a flow rate of 5,125 cubic meters per second. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise, posing significant risks to local communities. Emergency operations have been mobilized across the region to mitigate the impact of the flooding and safeguard residents.
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Pakistan cancels Eni LNG cargoes, seeks to renegotiate Qatar supplies
Pakistan has taken decisive steps to address its oversupply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by canceling 21 cargoes under its long-term contract with Italy’s Eni. The move, initiated at the request of gas distributor SNGPL, reflects a broader strategy to reduce excess imports that have overwhelmed the country’s gas network. According to an official document from Pakistan LNG Ltd (PLL) dated October 22, 11 cargoes scheduled for 2026 and 10 for 2027 will be canceled, with only peak winter shipments retained. Eni agreed to the cancellations under the contract’s flexibility provisions, allowing it to potentially sell cargoes in the more lucrative spot market. Eni declined to comment, while PLL, SNGPL, and Pakistan’s petroleum ministry remained silent on the matter. Simultaneously, Pakistan is in talks with Qatar to renegotiate gas supplies, exploring options such as deferring cargoes or reselling them under existing agreements. QatarEnergy has yet to respond to inquiries. The surplus stems from declining LNG demand, driven by increased renewable energy generation and reduced industrial consumption. Pakistan’s long-term contracts with Qatar and Eni cover approximately 120 cargoes annually, but imports have plummeted this year due to higher solar and hydropower output. The oversupply has forced Pakistan to sell gas at steep discounts, curb local production, and consider offshore storage or reselling excess cargoes. Eni’s last delivery to Pakistan was on January 3, and no further cargoes are expected in 2025.
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Narco-sub carrying 1.7 tonnes of cocaine seized in Atlantic
In a significant maritime operation, Portuguese authorities have intercepted a semi-submersible vessel transporting over 1.7 tonnes of cocaine in the mid-Atlantic, approximately 1,000 nautical miles off the coast of Lisbon. The vessel, en route to the Iberian Peninsula, was seized in a coordinated effort involving the Portuguese police, navy, and international agencies, including the UK’s National Crime Agency and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Four crew members, identified as two Ecuadorians, a Venezuelan, and a Colombian, were arrested and remanded in pre-trial custody following their court appearance in the Azores. Vítor Ananias, head of Portugal’s drug trafficking police unit, highlighted the multinational nature of the operation, suggesting the involvement of a transnational criminal organization. The narco-sub, deemed too fragile to tow back to shore due to adverse weather conditions, eventually sank in the open sea. This incident follows a similar seizure in March, where a vessel carrying 6.5 tonnes of cocaine was intercepted 1,200 nautical miles from Lisbon. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on drug smuggling, with recent strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean drawing criticism from Latin American leaders over their legality and human rights implications.
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Heart attacks and hunting accidents: Five times Cheney became the story
Dick Cheney, the former U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush, passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy marked by controversy, conviction, and significant influence in Washington. Known for his unorthodox approach to politics, Cheney often made headlines that overshadowed those of his boss. His career was defined by moments that showcased his willingness to break from the president when he deemed it necessary, as well as his ironclad belief in his decisions.
One of the most infamous incidents in Cheney’s career occurred in 2006 during a hunting trip in south Texas. While aiming at a bird, Cheney accidentally shot and injured 78-year-old Harry Whittington, who suffered a minor heart attack and injuries to his face, chest, and neck. Cheney initially remained silent about the incident but later admitted responsibility, stating, ‘I’m the guy that pulled the trigger.’ The event became a source of ridicule for late-night TV hosts, with David Letterman quipping, ‘Good news, ladies and gentlemen, we have finally located weapons of mass destruction: It’s Dick Cheney.’
Cheney’s health struggles also drew attention, particularly his decision to modify his heart pacemaker in 2007 to prevent potential hacking. This move sparked speculation among fans of the TV series ‘Homeland,’ which featured a plot where the vice president dies after terrorists hack into his pacemaker. Cheney’s doctor, Jonathan Reiner, explained that the modification was necessary to ensure the vice president’s safety.
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, Cheney was isolated in an ‘undisclosed location’ to secure the presidential succession in case George W. Bush was killed. From this hideout, Cheney issued the extraordinary order to shoot down any passenger jets thought to be hijacked if they headed toward the White House or the U.S. Capitol building. This decision underscored his role as a wartime leader operating from the shadows.
Cheney’s stance on gay marriage also set him apart from Bush. Despite Bush’s support for a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage, Cheney openly supported gay marriage, stating, ‘Freedom means freedom for everyone.’ This position drew criticism from within their Republican party, with conservative groups urging Cheney to align with Bush’s stance.
Cheney’s disregard for Senate traditions was evident in 2004 when he used an expletive on the Senate floor in response to accusations of war profiteering from former Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. Although using profanity on the Senate floor is against the rules, Cheney reportedly avoided reprimand as the Senate was not in session.
Dick Cheney’s career was marked by moments that highlighted his influence, conviction, and willingness to break from convention, leaving a lasting impact on American politics.