Australian telecommunications giant Optus is under intense scrutiny following a catastrophic systems outage that left hundreds unable to contact emergency services for 13 hours, resulting in multiple deaths. The incident, which occurred last week, affected more than half of the country, with over 600 emergency calls failing to connect, primarily in South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Optus CEO Stephen Rue has publicly apologized for the ‘completely unacceptable’ failure, acknowledging that at least three lives were lost due to the outage, including a baby boy. However, police have indicated that the network failure was ‘unlikely’ to be the cause in the infant’s case. Authorities in Western Australia also suspect a fourth death linked to the incident. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (Acma) has launched an investigation, criticizing Optus for its delayed response. The company waited 40 hours to inform the public and regulators, contrary to standard practice. Rue attributed the outage to a technical fault during a network upgrade but admitted the company was unaware of the issue for 13 hours. Despite multiple customer complaints, the problem was not escalated promptly. Acma expressed deep concern, emphasizing that access to emergency services is a fundamental responsibility of telecom providers. This is the second major outage for Optus in two years, following a 2023 incident that resulted in A$12 million in penalties. Communications Minister Anika Wells has condemned the failure, stating that Optus will face ‘significant consequences.’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has suggested Rue consider resigning. Investigations are ongoing, with Rue promising daily public updates.
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My three boys starved to death. I hope angels bring them home, says Afghan mother
In the desolate graveyard of Sheidaee, outside Herat in western Afghanistan, Ghulam Mohiddin and his wife Nazo mourn the loss of their three young sons—Rahmat, Koatan, and Faisal Ahmad—all victims of malnutrition. Their story is a harrowing testament to the silent wave of child mortality sweeping across Afghanistan, a crisis exacerbated by severe food shortages, economic collapse, and dwindling international aid. The couple, who survive by breaking walnut shells, have received no assistance from the Taliban government or NGOs, leaving them helpless in the face of unimaginable grief. ‘One minute there’s a baby in your arms, the next minute they are empty,’ Nazo lamented. The graveyard, filled with hundreds of small graves, starkly illustrates the scale of the tragedy, with two-thirds of the burials being children. The UN has labeled the situation an ‘unprecedented crisis of hunger,’ with nearly half of Afghanistan’s children under five suffering from stunted growth. The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that over three million children are at risk of severe malnutrition, as aid funding dries up and winter approaches. The Taliban’s policies, including restrictions on women’s rights and bans on NGO operations, have further complicated efforts to deliver life-saving assistance. With WFP’s funding set to run out in November, the situation is dire. ‘We are starting to turn away malnourished women and children because we simply cannot afford to feed them,’ said John Aylieff, WFP’s country director. As Afghanistan teeters on the brink of catastrophe, the world watches, seemingly powerless to stop the unfolding disaster.
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When the US cedes Asia to China
In the wake of a reportedly positive phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, speculation is rife about the future of US-China relations, particularly regarding a potential partial US withdrawal from Asia. This move, if realized, could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape, granting China greater political and strategic influence in the region. However, such a shift is fraught with risks and uncertainties, as Asian countries are wary of being left to navigate China’s growing dominance without US support. Francesco Sisci, a prominent analyst, warns that a US retreat from Asia could exacerbate regional tensions, potentially leading to a nuclear arms race among neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan. The situation is further complicated by shifting alliances and defense agreements, such as the recent pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which could push India closer to Iran. Meanwhile, countries like the Philippines are caught in a delicate balancing act between aligning with China or the US. Sisci emphasizes that any bilateral agreement between the US and China must be part of a broader multilateral framework to avoid destabilizing the region. The interview underscores the fragile and unpredictable nature of Asia’s geopolitical dynamics, where the US presence has historically acted as a stabilizing force. Without it, the region could descend into heightened conflict and militarization, with far-reaching global consequences.
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UK formally recognises Palestinian state
In a landmark move, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the formal recognition of a Palestinian state, marking a significant shift in British foreign policy. The decision, unveiled in a video statement on X, aligns the UK with countries like Australia, Canada, and Portugal, which have also recognized Palestinian statehood. France is expected to follow suit. Starmer emphasized that the recognition aims to preserve the possibility of peace and a two-state solution amidst escalating violence in the Middle East. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared that a Palestinian state ‘will not happen,’ and from families of hostages held in Gaza, who argue it rewards terrorism. The US and Israeli governments view the recognition as a diplomatic victory for Hamas following its October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Starmer countered these claims, asserting that the decision does not legitimize Hamas but instead seeks to isolate the group from future governance. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the move, calling it a step toward peaceful coexistence with Israel. The UK Foreign Office clarified that recognition is based on provisional borders along the 1967 lines, with final boundaries to be negotiated. The two-state solution envisions a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Despite recognition by 75% of UN member states, Palestine lacks internationally agreed borders, a capital, or an army, rendering its statehood largely symbolic. The announcement comes amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have displaced hundreds of thousands and caused widespread devastation. A recent UN commission accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel vehemently denies. UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged that recognition alone would not resolve the crisis but stressed the importance of advocating for a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Israeli far-right leaders have called for annexing the West Bank and dismantling the Palestinian Authority. The decision has sparked mixed reactions domestically, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeling it ‘absolutely disastrous,’ while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey praised it as ‘long overdue.’
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Li calls on US lawmakers to enhance exchanges, ties
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with a delegation of US congressmen at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 21, 2025. The delegation, led by Adam Smith, the Democratic leader of the House Armed Services Committee, marked the first visit by US House representatives to Beijing since 2019. Premier Li emphasized that fostering stable, sound, and sustainable relations between China and the United States aligns with the shared interests of both nations and the broader international community. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation as foundational principles for bilateral relations. Li expressed optimism that both countries could address their respective concerns through dialogue grounded in equality, respect, and reciprocity. He urged the US Congress to play a constructive role in advancing friendship and shared development, reinforcing the notion that China and the US should be partners in development, empowering each other for mutual success.
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‘Icing on cake’ – Fraser-Pryce retires with world silver
In a poignant moment at the Tokyo National Stadium, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the most decorated female 100m sprinter in history, concluded her illustrious career with a silver medal in the 4x100m relay. This marked her 25th and final global podium appearance, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. At 38, Fraser-Pryce, an eight-time Olympic medallist and five-time world 100m champion, passed the baton to the next generation, including 21-year-old twin sisters Tia and Tina Clayton, who were part of the Jamaican quartet. Reflecting on her journey, Fraser-Pryce expressed gratitude for her remarkable career, stating, ‘I have had an amazing career, and today’s medal is the icing on the cake.’ Her son Zyon, born in 2017, was a driving force behind her post-motherhood comeback, which saw her win back-to-back world 100m titles and become the oldest woman to claim a 100m world title in 2019. Despite a disappointing withdrawal from the 100m semi-final at the 2024 Olympics due to a panic attack, Fraser-Pryce was determined to end her career on her own terms. Her final race saw her finish sixth in the 100m final, just 0.19 seconds off the podium. Tributes poured in from fellow athletes, including Usain Bolt, who hailed her as ‘the greatest of all time.’ Fraser-Pryce now plans to focus on advocacy, supporting women and athletes, and continuing to make an impact beyond the track.
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Kenya’s Sawe and Wanjiru win Berlin marathons
Kenya celebrated a triumphant double victory at the 2025 Berlin Marathon, with Sabastian Sawe clinching the men’s title and Rosemary Wanjiru securing the women’s crown. Sawe, 30, showcased his exceptional endurance and speed, finishing the race in 2:02:16, marking his third consecutive marathon win. The Kenyan athlete, fresh from his victory at the London Marathon earlier this year, set a blistering pace, leaving his competitors trailing behind. He was accompanied by his pacesetters for much of the race, demonstrating his dominance in long-distance running. Japan’s Akasaki Akira secured second place, nearly four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele rounded out the podium in third. Reflecting on his performance, Sawe expressed satisfaction, stating, ‘I did my best and I am happy for this performance. I felt well, but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.’ Sawe had aimed to challenge Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35, reaching the halfway mark in 1:00:12, but couldn’t sustain the pace towards the end. In the women’s race, Wanjiru surged ahead after 25 kilometers, finishing in 2:21:05. Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed closely, just three seconds behind, with Azmera Gebru taking third place in 2:21:29. Wanjiru’s time, while impressive, was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, set in Chicago in 2024. The Berlin Marathon once again highlighted Kenya’s prowess in marathon running, with Sawe and Wanjiru delivering standout performances.
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Murdered Kenyan’s friends want UK soldier to face justice
More than a decade after the tragic murder of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya, a Kenyan court has issued an arrest warrant for a British national suspected of the crime. If extradited, this would mark the first instance of a serving or former British soldier being tried abroad for the murder of a civilian. Agnes, a young mother, was killed in March 2012, and her body was discovered in a septic tank near the Lions Court Hotel in Nanyuki, Kenya. The case has drawn significant attention due to allegations of a cover-up by the British Army. Agnes’s friends recall the night she went missing, describing her interactions with British soldiers at a local bar. Despite initial assumptions of a consensual arrangement, Agnes was later found stabbed to death. The Kenyan judge concluded in 2019 that British soldiers were responsible for her murder. Recent investigations have revealed ongoing misconduct by British soldiers in Kenya, including transactional sex with vulnerable women. In April 2025, UK Defence Secretary John Healey met with Agnes’s family, offering condolences and pledging support for justice. The issuance of the arrest warrant in September 2025 is seen as a significant step toward accountability, though legal hurdles remain. Agnes’s family and friends continue to seek justice, emphasizing the need for financial security for her now-teenage daughter.
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On the front line of Congo’s conflict, a trauma center tells a story of horror and survival
In the heart of Goma, eastern Congo, a sunlit rehabilitation room at Shirika la Umoja orthopedic center becomes a sanctuary for survivors of the region’s relentless conflict. Among them is Jerome Jean Claude Amani, 35, who, after losing his wife and four children in a rebel attack earlier this year, is now learning to walk again with a prosthetic leg. ‘I feel at peace,’ Amani reflects. ‘This leg is not just plastic; it’s a second chance.’ His story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss. The center, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross since 2005, has seen a surge in demand for prosthetics due to escalating violence. In the first half of 2025 alone, it provided 326 artificial limbs, a stark increase from 422 in all of 2024. The conflict, involving over 100 armed groups, has displaced 7 million people and deepened one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Despite peace efforts, sporadic clashes continue to claim lives and limbs. For patients like Melisa Amuli, 30, who survived a bombardment but lost her mobility, the center offers hope. With a custom orthotic brace, she dreams of returning to work. Similarly, Violetta Nyirarukundo, 27, a mother of four, faces the dual trauma of losing a leg and being abandoned by her husband. Yet, she remains determined to rebuild her life. Faustin Amani, 20, a former street vendor, grapples with the emotional toll of losing both legs in a tragic accident. ‘I wonder if I’ll ever have a normal life,’ he says. The center’s workshop, where prosthetics are meticulously crafted by hand, symbolizes a collective effort to restore mobility and dignity. Julienne Paypay, a prosthetic technician and amputee herself, embodies this mission: ‘I know what it means to walk again.’ Despite challenges like material shortages and limited technicians, the center persists, offering a lifeline to those who have lost so much. For Amani, the prosthetic leg is not a reminder of weakness but a testament to survival and hope. ‘I will fight for my children,’ he vows. ‘This is my victory.’
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Exclusive: Egypt’s Nato-style Arab defence force proposal rejected at Doha summit
Egypt’s ambitious plan to establish a NATO-style Arab defense force faced significant opposition at the recent Doha summit, with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leading the resistance. The proposal, aimed at creating a rapid-response alliance under the 1950 Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation Treaty, sought to shield member states from external threats, particularly Israel. However, deep-seated disagreements over leadership and regional security priorities derailed the initiative, according to senior Egyptian diplomats.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty presented the plan as a defensive measure to protect the region without relying on foreign powers. However, the proposal was met with resistance, primarily due to disputes over leadership. Saudi Arabia sought command of the force, while Egypt argued that its extensive military experience made it the most suitable leader. The impasse highlighted the broader divisions within the Arab world over how to address regional security challenges.
The summit, held on September 15 and attended by leaders from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), failed to produce a unified stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite Egypt’s push for concrete measures, including a demand to end Israel’s military operations and reject the forced displacement of Palestinians into North Sinai, the gathering concluded with only statements of support for Gaza and condemnation of Israel. The outcome underscored the influence of the United States, which reportedly pressured Arab states to avoid taking decisive action against Israel.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi left the summit deeply frustrated, as Gulf states rejected his proposal and opted to confine discussions to their own defense council. The rejection marked a significant setback for Egypt, which had hoped to position itself as a leader of Arab and Islamic defense. Sisi’s characterization of Israel as ‘an enemy’ during the summit reflected Cairo’s growing concerns over Israeli threats, including potential operations targeting Hamas leaders on Egyptian soil.
The failure to revive the 1950 treaty is emblematic of the long-standing challenges in achieving Arab military cohesion. Political rivalries, conflicting national priorities, and reliance on bilateral security agreements have repeatedly undermined collective defense efforts. Egypt’s latest attempt to unify Arab states against external threats has once again exposed the fractures within the region, leaving Cairo isolated in its defensive ambitions.