As U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for his first trip to Asia since returning to office, speculation is growing about a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his stop in South Korea. This would mark their first summit since their impromptu meeting at the Korean border village of Panmunjom in June 2019, which was aimed at reviving stalled nuclear talks. While many experts remain skeptical about the likelihood of another spontaneous meeting, some predict that Trump and Kim could eventually resume talks in the coming months. However, others argue that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since 2019, with North Korea expanding its nuclear capabilities and strengthening alliances with Russia and China, making immediate diplomacy less probable. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to restore dialogue with Kim, praising their past relationship and calling the North Korean leader “a smart guy.” Kim, in turn, has hinted at a possible return to talks if the U.S. abandons its insistence on denuclearization. Despite these signals, neither Washington nor Pyongyang has indicated any high-profile meetings ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Observers note that Kim’s leverage has grown significantly, with an enlarged nuclear arsenal and stronger diplomatic backing, potentially reducing his urgency for talks. While a Trump-Kim meeting could provide a diplomatic boost for both leaders, experts caution that meaningful progress remains uncertain, given the complex dynamics and entrenched positions on both sides.
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Saudi Arabia to host ATP Masters 1000 tennis event from 2028
In a landmark decision for the world of tennis, the ATP has announced the introduction of a new Masters 1000 tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia starting in 2028. This event, which will be played on hard courts over the course of one week at the beginning of the season, marks the first expansion of the prestigious Masters 1000 series since its inception in 1990. The exact host city is yet to be determined. The announcement was made by ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi during a press conference in Paris. The Saudi tournament will join the existing nine Masters events held in iconic locations such as Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Toronto/Montreal, Cincinnati, Shanghai, and Paris. Gaudenzi described the expansion as ‘a proud moment’ and the culmination of years of planning. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the demanding schedule of the ATP tour, which runs from January to November. However, unlike most Masters events, the Saudi tournament will not be mandatory for players, offering them greater flexibility in their participation. The event is part of a strategic partnership with SURJ Sports Investments, a company linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports, particularly tennis. The kingdom has already hosted the WTA Finals in Riyadh since 2024 and the Next Gen ATP Finals since 2023. A Saudi source close to the deal emphasized the potential for tennis to grow significantly in the region, citing existing infrastructure and the sport’s appeal to younger generations. The PIF has also established partnerships with several existing Masters 1000 tournaments, further solidifying its presence in the tennis world.
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US military flew supersonic B-1 bombers up to the coast of Venezuela
In a significant escalation of military presence, the U.S. deployed a pair of supersonic B-1 Lancer bombers to the Venezuelan coast on Thursday, marking the second such exercise in just over a week. This maneuver, part of a broader training simulation designed to mimic an attack, has fueled widespread speculation about the Trump administration’s intentions toward Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, who faces U.S. charges of narcoterrorism, has been under increasing scrutiny as the U.S. military bolsters its forces in the Caribbean Sea and surrounding waters. Since early September, the U.S. has conducted lethal strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking off Venezuela’s coast, further intensifying tensions. Flight tracking data revealed that the B-1 bombers, capable of carrying more bombs than any other U.S. aircraft, departed from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and traversed the Caribbean. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the training exercise. The recent deployment follows a similar mission involving B-52 Stratofortress bombers and F-35B stealth fighter jets last week. President Trump dismissed claims that the flights were intended to increase military pressure on Venezuela, stating, ‘It’s false, but we’re not happy with Venezuela for a lot of reasons. Drugs being one of them.’ The U.S. military presence in the region now includes eight warships, P-8 patrol aircraft, MQ-9 drones, and an F-35 squadron, with a submarine also operating in South American waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth likened the administration’s anti-drug campaign to the post-9/11 war on terrorism, vowing to dismantle drug networks with the same intensity. The latest strikes, which expanded operations to the eastern Pacific, have resulted in at least 37 fatalities. Trump has also hinted at extending these operations to land-based targets, emphasizing readiness to ‘hit them very hard.’
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UAE duo make strong start at Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Emirates Golf Club
The 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, with UAE golfers Sam Mullane and Ahmad Skaik making a strong impression in the opening round. Mullane, making his debut, carded an impressive 67, tying for fourth place with six birdies and one bogey. Skaik, a seasoned participant in his seventh championship appearance, finished just one stroke behind with a 68, highlighted by a remarkable streak of four consecutive birdies. However, a double bogey on his final hole slightly marred his otherwise stellar performance. The UAE duo’s familiarity with the course, having practiced up to three times a week leading up to the event, played a crucial role in their success. Mullane expressed confidence in their ability to compete, stating, ‘There’s no reason why one of us can’t win it.’ The championship, featuring 120 players from 41 countries, saw Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee, Australia’s Billy Dowling, and Vietnam’s Khanh Hung Le sharing the lead with six-under 66s. The event, held on the Majlis Course, will continue with the second round on Friday, narrowing the field to the top 60 players for the weekend’s final rounds. Additionally, it was announced that the 17th edition of the championship will take place in New Zealand in 2026, with officials praising the venue as a ‘fantastic test of golf in a spectacular location.’
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How to stop letting fear control your financial decisions
Sally Maddison, a 44-year-old British expatriate and founder of MINT Market in the UAE, has transformed her tumultuous relationship with money into a story of empowerment and growth. Having moved to Dubai in 2008 to be with her now-husband, Maddison’s financial journey has been shaped by both personal and professional experiences. Her childhood, marked by the volatility of her entrepreneur father’s ventures, instilled in her a mix of resilience and anxiety around money. Her mother’s free-spirited approach to life taught her to pursue passion over profit, but Maddison has since learned to balance this idealism with practical financial management.
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Montenegro: Europe’s new luxury hotspot for spectacular views and culture
Montenegro, often referred to as the ‘little-known Monte Carlo of the Adriatic,’ has swiftly risen to prominence as a luxurious retreat for the global elite. This hidden gem, once a well-kept secret among the rich and famous, is now gaining widespread recognition for its breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness, and exclusive amenities. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently showcased the country’s allure with an Instagram post from the Bay of Kotor, where he stayed at the ultra-luxurious One & Only Portonovi resort. This sprawling 60-acre waterfront property features private beaches and a marina, epitomizing the opulence that Montenegro offers. The coastal town of Budva, with its historic charm and natural beauty, has long attracted celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Madonna, who even owns a home there. Flydubai has capitalized on Montenegro’s growing appeal, reporting a 10% annual increase in passenger numbers since launching direct flights to Tivat in 2017. Luxury brands are also flocking to the region, with SIRO Boka Place making waves as a premier wellness resort. The Kerzner Group, behind the One&Only brand, has further cemented Montenegro’s status as a luxury hotspot. Sunset Hospitality Group has also entered the market, opening the Aura Beach Club in Porto Montenegro and planning additional venues. Montenegro’s unique blend of pristine coastline, historic towns, and outdoor adventures, coupled with improved connectivity and government support for premium tourism, has positioned it as a top destination for sophisticated travelers seeking exclusivity and cultural depth.
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Lessons in love: When solitude is no longer a choice
In a deeply reflective narrative, Suresh Pattali explores the intricate relationship between solitude, love, and the passage of time. The story begins with a poignant scene of his partner, Amma, sleeping peacefully, a moment that evokes both tranquility and unease. Amma, though not his biological mother, has been his life partner for 43 years, a bond that has shaped his understanding of companionship and isolation.
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Trump’s pick for US ambassador to Kuwait grilled by lawmakers on Israel
Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, and a former Democrat turned Donald Trump supporter, faced intense questioning during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Thursday. Nominated in March 2024 to become the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, Ghalib’s confirmation has been delayed due to his controversial social media posts and outspoken criticism of Israel, which have drawn criticism from pro-Israel groups and right-wing media outlets. Ghalib, the first Muslim mayor to endorse Trump, defended his past remarks, including his dismissal of reports of Hamas’ sexual violence during the October 7 attacks, which he later attributed to a lack of awareness of the evidence. Senator Jeanne Shaheen challenged Ghalib on his comments, citing well-documented evidence of Hamas’ atrocities. Ghalib condemned all forms of abuse and expressed regret for his past social media activity, which he described as a “bad habit” of engaging with inflammatory posts. He also addressed his previous opposition to the Abraham Accords, stating that he now supports normalization with Israel. Ghalib emphasized his commitment to combating antisemitism, citing a resolution passed under his leadership in Hamtramck. Despite the controversy, Ghalib retains Trump’s support, as evidenced by a recent phone call from the former president. Ghalib’s nomination has sparked debate within both political parties, with some viewing it as a test of the Republican Party’s relationship with the Arab American community. His hearing highlighted the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with public office, as well as the broader political implications of his appointment.
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ICC judges reject jurisdiction challenge by Philippine ex-president Duterte
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed a jurisdictional challenge filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, allowing his case to proceed. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in March and transferred to The Hague following an arrest warrant connecting him to alleged murders during his controversial war on drugs. This campaign, which targeted suspected drug dealers and users, resulted in thousands of deaths. Duterte and his legal team argued that his arrest was unlawful, claiming the ICC lacked jurisdiction because the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019, before a full investigation was launched. However, ICC judges ruled that the preliminary examination initiated by prosecutors prior to the withdrawal was sufficient to establish jurisdiction under the court’s rules. The ruling did not address a separate defense motion questioning Duterte’s fitness to stand trial due to alleged cognitive decline. A panel of medical experts is expected to submit a report on his health by the end of October, with a decision on its impact on the trial anticipated in mid-November.
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Indian doctors in US worry higher H-1B fee may destroy rural healthcare
In the heart of rural America, immigrant doctors like Dr. Mahesh Anantha are indispensable to communities that would otherwise struggle to access critical healthcare services. Based in Batesville, Arkansas, a town of 11,000 surrounded by farmland and small industries, Dr. Anantha is one of the few interventional cardiologists in the region. His practice serves as a lifeline for nearby villages and cities, with no other medical facilities within an hour or two’s drive. A gold medallist from Madras Medical College in India, Dr. Anantha is among the thousands of foreign-trained doctors who fill crucial gaps in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in underserved rural areas. Recent data reveals that 25% of U.S. doctors are foreign-trained, with 64% working in rural regions where American graduates are reluctant to practice. Many of these doctors, including Dr. Anantha, are on H-1B visas, which allow them to work in the U.S. but leave them vulnerable to job instability and long waits for green cards. Last month, the Trump administration’s announcement of a $100,000 fee hike for new H-1B visa applicants sparked widespread fear among the roughly 50,000 India-trained doctors in the U.S. While the White House later clarified that the fee would not apply to existing H-1B visa holders, concerns remain about the future supply of foreign medical professionals. Experts warn that the fee hike could deter hospitals from hiring H-1B doctors, exacerbating the already critical shortage of physicians in rural areas. The American Medical Association (AMA) and other groups have emphasized that immigrant doctors are not taking jobs from U.S. graduates but are instead filling essential roles in communities that need them most. Dr. Rakesh Kanipakam, a nephrologist from Andhra Pradesh, India, exemplifies this contribution, traveling hundreds of miles weekly to treat patients with kidney failure in rural Alabama. The Conrad waiver, which allows foreign doctors to work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), has been instrumental in addressing acute doctor shortages. However, the proposed visa fee hike threatens to disrupt this vital pipeline. Dr. Anantha’s hospital credits him with transforming their facility into a center of excellence, generating over $40 million annually and earning numerous healthcare awards. While the AMA remains cautiously optimistic about potential exemptions for medical professionals, the urgency for action is clear. As Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, the first Indian-origin president of the AMA, warns, ‘International medical graduates are determining their next steps now, and the possibility of this fee hike could deter highly qualified physicians from working in the U.S.’