In a bid to prevent further tragedies, Kenya has mobilized extensive security measures in Kisumu, a western city, for the final public viewing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body. This comes in the wake of five fatalities during the previous two funeral events. On Saturday, military personnel, police forces, and air surveillance units were stationed at a local soccer stadium, where thousands of mourners had gathered overnight to pay their respects. Odinga, a revered political figure in Kenya and beyond, passed away on Wednesday in India at the age of 80. He is set to be buried on Sunday in his rural hometown of Bondo. Odinga’s supporters, known for their fervor and determination, have been turning out in large numbers since his body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday. The funeral events have been marred by violence, with police firing live bullets and tear gas on Thursday, resulting in three deaths. A stampede on Friday claimed two more lives and left 163 injured. Odinga’s widow, Ida, and his brother, Oburu, have both urged mourners to maintain peace and avoid provoking law enforcement. Odinga, who ran for Kenya’s presidency five times over three decades, is celebrated for his lifelong activism that significantly contributed to Kenya’s transition to a multiparty democracy. His body lay in state at parliament on Friday, an honor typically reserved for presidents and former presidents. Kenya’s President William Ruto, who once campaigned for Odinga in 2007 but later became his political rival, praised him as a patriot and selfless statesman. Earlier this year, the two leaders signed an agreement following months of anti-government protests, leading to the appointment of opposition party members to Cabinet positions.
博客
-
Nearly 60 South Koreans repatriated by Cambodia over alleged scams
In a significant international operation, 59 South Koreans detained in Cambodia for their alleged participation in online scam networks have been repatriated to their home country. The group, escorted in handcuffs, arrived at Incheon Airport on Saturday morning. This development follows a high-level diplomatic mission by South Korean officials to Cambodia, prompted by reports of a South Korean student’s alleged death due to torture within a scam center. The repatriation underscores the growing global concern over cybercrime and human exploitation in Southeast Asia. According to the United Nations, an estimated 200,000 individuals have been ensnared in such schemes across the region, lured by promises of lucrative jobs or coerced into participation. The majority of the repatriated individuals were apprehended during a Cambodian government crackdown, while five reportedly surrendered voluntarily. Upon arrival, they were immediately taken into custody by South Korean authorities, as the aircraft carrying them is considered South Korean territory under national law. South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung-lac, emphasized that the group’s involvement in the scams ranged from voluntary to involuntary, with most likely having committed criminal acts. The repatriation coincides with heightened diplomatic efforts between South Korea and Cambodia to combat transnational cybercrime. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet recently met with South Korean officials to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in preventing and suppressing online scams. This incident also follows a U.S. government crackdown on a Cambodian business empire allegedly involved in a $14 billion cryptocurrency scam. Online fraud centers in Southeast Asia, including those orchestrating romance scams, generate billions annually for criminal networks, according to UN estimates.
-
Canadian Leylah Fernandez advances to the WTA’s Japan Open final with win over Cîrstea
OSAKA, Japan — Leylah Fernandez, the sole remaining seeded player at the WTA Japan Open, secured her place in Sunday’s final after a hard-fought victory over Sorana Cîrstea. The Canadian star triumphed 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in a gripping semifinal match on Saturday. The decisive moment came at 4-4 in the final set, where Fernandez broke Cîrstea’s serve and held her own to seal the win. Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open runner-up, now advances to her eighth career final. She will face either Jaqueline Cristian or 18-year-old qualifier Tereza Valentova, who contested their semifinal later in the day. Cristian’s path to the semis was eased when top-seeded Naomi Osaka withdrew due to a left leg injury on Friday, granting her a walkover in the quarterfinals. Fernandez’s journey this season has been marked by resilience, with her only semifinal appearance prior to this coming at the WTA 500 D.C. Open, where she clinched her fourth WTA singles title. Despite a recent setback in the China Open, where she fell to Coco Gauff in three sets, Fernandez has demonstrated her tenacity and skill on the court, setting the stage for an exciting final in Osaka.
-
Trump only one who can force Putin to negotiating table, Finnish president tells BBC
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has asserted that Donald Trump is the sole figure capable of compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Stubb emphasized that Finland will never recognize Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk as part of Russia. He expressed his commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s future as an EU and NATO member post-war. Stubb’s remarks came ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with Trump at the White House, where Zelensky appealed for U.S. assistance in ending the war. Trump, in turn, revealed that Putin has agreed to a face-to-face meeting in Hungary, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Stubb underscored the necessity of applying pressure on Russia to bring them to the negotiating table, contrasting Trump’s earlier ‘carrot’ approach with a more forceful ‘stick’ strategy. He expressed optimism about the progress made in peace negotiations during Trump’s second term, citing economic sanctions and the depletion of Russia’s reserves as critical factors. Stubb also highlighted the importance of U.S. support in providing air defense, intelligence, and operational assistance to Ukraine. He outlined a two-phase peace process, beginning with a ceasefire and followed by extended negotiations, expressing hope for tangible results in the near future.
-
How an old suitcase revealed a hidden family fortune, lost under Nazi rule
In 2009, Antony Easton stumbled upon a small brown leather suitcase hidden under his late father Peter’s bed in Lymington, Hampshire. What he discovered inside would unravel a decades-long mystery about his family’s past, revealing a tale of immense wealth, devastating loss, and survival during the Holocaust. The suitcase contained immaculate German banknotes, photo albums, and a birth certificate that shattered Antony’s understanding of his father’s identity. Peter Roderick Easton, who had prided himself on his ‘Englishness,’ was, in fact, born Peter Hans Rudolf Eisner in pre-war Germany, a member of one of Berlin’s wealthiest Jewish families.
-
Learn about Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, stands as the most significant annual celebration in India, particularly for Hindus, yet it transcends religious boundaries, embraced by over a billion people globally. This five-day festival, rooted in the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’ meaning ‘a row of lights,’ symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Celebrants illuminate their homes with traditional clay oil lamps, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual renewal. This year, Diwali falls on October 20, aligning with the Hindu lunar calendar. While its origins vary by region, the overarching theme remains consistent: the victory of good over evil. In southern India, Diwali commemorates Lord Krishna’s defeat of the demon Naraka, while in the north, it honors Lord Rama’s return from exile. The festival is marked by vibrant traditions, including fireworks, feasts, rangoli art, and the exchange of sweets and gifts. Unique regional practices, such as the early morning oil bath in the south and the worship of Goddess Lakshmi in the north, further enrich the celebrations. Despite concerns over air pollution, India’s Supreme Court has permitted the use of ‘green fireworks’ to mitigate environmental impact. Beyond Hinduism, Diwali holds significance for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each observing the festival with their own narratives. In a landmark move, California has designated Diwali as an official state holiday, joining Pennsylvania and Connecticut in recognizing the festival’s cultural importance. This decision underscores the growing acknowledgment of Diwali’s universal appeal and its role in fostering inclusivity.
-
Netherlands mocked as ‘pirate’ after taking over China’s Nexperia
The Dutch government’s recent seizure of control over the Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia has ignited a diplomatic row with China, with state media and analysts accusing the Netherlands of “21st-century piracy.” The move, executed under the Goods Availability Act on September 30, was justified by the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs as a measure to address “serious governance shortcomings” and ensure the availability of Nexperia’s products in emergencies. However, Chinese commentators argue that the decision reflects political coercion and discriminatory practices. Nexperia, a subsidiary of Wingtech Technology, has faced increasing scrutiny from European authorities since its acquisition in 2018. The UK government forced the company to sell its Newport wafer plant in 2022, citing national security concerns, while German regulators blocked public funding for its battery-efficiency research in 2023. The Dutch government’s demands included establishing a supervisory board with veto powers over key business decisions and exploring a public listing in the EU, which Wingtech rejected. Chinese state media, including the Global Times, condemned the actions as an attempt to seize Chinese technological achievements. Analysts warn that China could retaliate by leveraging its dominance in rare earth production and other strategic sectors, potentially harming Dutch industries. The situation underscores the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding semiconductor technology and global trade.
-
UK sees lessons from Northern Ireland that could aid the fragile Gaza ceasefire process
As the ceasefire in the two-year Gaza war holds, the international community looks to the Northern Ireland peace process of the 1990s for insights into resolving seemingly intractable conflicts. Key figures from that era, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his former chief of staff Jonathan Powell, have re-emerged in discussions about Gaza’s future. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized the UK’s readiness to assist in disarming Hamas, drawing parallels to the disarmament of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Northern Ireland peace process. The IRA’s eventual agreement to decommission weapons, overseen by an international commission, was a pivotal moment in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended decades of violence known as ‘the Troubles.’ However, experts caution that while there are parallels between the two conflicts, the scale of devastation and complexity in Gaza is far greater. The Trump-backed plan for Gaza focuses narrowly on Hamas’ disarmament but fails to address broader issues like Palestinian statehood, which is widely seen as essential for lasting peace. The Northern Ireland experience highlights the importance of inclusivity and patience in peacebuilding, though achieving a similar consensus in the Middle East remains a monumental challenge. Despite its successes, the Northern Ireland peace process was not without setbacks, including occasional dissident attacks and the collapse of its power-sharing government. Experts argue that excluding Hamas from future political processes could hinder progress, as inclusivity was a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s success. As key players like Blair and Powell return to the spotlight, their experience in conflict resolution may offer valuable lessons, though the path to peace in Gaza remains fraught with uncertainty.
-
Hamas will not commit to disarm until further negotiations, official says
In a recent interview with Reuters, Mohammed Nazzal, a prominent member of Hamas’s politburo, revealed that the group is not prepared to commit to disarming immediately. Instead, Hamas is advocating for a ceasefire lasting three to five years to facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza. When questioned about relinquishing arms, Nazzal responded ambiguously, stating, ‘I can’t answer with a yes or no. It depends on the nature of the project.’ He further questioned the logistics of disarmament, asking, ‘To whom will the weapons be handed over?’
Arab diplomats have indicated that mediators are exploring alternatives, such as transferring Hamas’s weapons to Arab peacekeepers or securing long-range missiles rather than destroying them. This approach aligns with US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which calls for Hamas’s demilitarization and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, though it lacks a specific timeline.
Nazzal emphasized that Hamas would provide a definitive stance during the second phase of negotiations, contingent on consultations with other Palestinian factions like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Islamic Jihad. He clarified that the proposed ceasefire is aimed at rebuilding Gaza for civilian purposes, not preparing for future conflict. ‘The priority is to return Gaza to normal civilian life,’ he stated.
Trump’s plan excludes Hamas from Gaza’s future governance but offers amnesty to its members. It proposes a technocratic administration overseen by a ‘board of peace’ chaired by Trump, with a vague mention of potential Palestinian statehood. On the ground, Hamas remains well-organized, with its security forces deployed post-ceasefire. While Trump initially supported their presence to curb crime, he later reiterated the need for disarmament.
Nazzal described the current situation as a transitional phase, with Hamas maintaining its presence until Palestinian elections are held. Hamas has governed Gaza since 2007, following a violent split with Fatah, which controls the West Bank. Despite years of reconciliation talks, progress toward unity and fresh elections remains elusive.
-
Britain’s Prince Andrew gives up royal title, denies accusations in Epstein case
In a significant development within the British royal family, Prince Andrew has announced his decision to relinquish his title as the Duke of York. This move comes amidst ongoing scrutiny and criticism regarding his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking. Prince Andrew made the announcement on Friday, October 17, 2025, emphasizing his continued denial of the allegations against him. In a formal statement, he expressed concern that the persistent accusations were diverting attention from the duties of his elder brother, King Charles, and the broader responsibilities of the royal family. ‘I will therefore no longer use the title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me,’ Prince Andrew declared. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the royal family’s efforts to distance itself from the scandal and maintain its public image.