标签： Asia

The Sultanate of Oman has officially declared a two-day holiday for both public and private sector employees in celebration of its 55th National Day. The holiday, announced on Sunday, November 9, 2025, will be observed on Wednesday, November 26, and Thursday, November 27. This decision was communicated by Oman’s official news agency, citing a directive from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The National Day itself is celebrated on November 20 and 21, with various events and festivities, including the illumination of landmarks with the Omani flag, particularly in the UAE. Under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s leadership, Oman has been advancing its ‘Oman Vision 2040’, a strategic roadmap aimed at modernization, economic diversification, and sustainable growth. The holiday serves as a moment for citizens and residents alike to reflect on the nation’s progress and achievements.

The Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, a sprawling facility in Gujarat, India, has once again come under intense scrutiny. Operated by the son of Asia’s wealthiest individual, the zoo has been accused of importing endangered species in potential violation of international conservation laws. The facility, which claims to house 150,000 animals, was recently cleared of wrongdoing by India’s Supreme Court. However, a report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has raised alarms about its practices. The report, published ahead of CITES discussions this month, highlights inconsistencies in the zoo’s import records, particularly concerning Appendix I species—the most critically endangered animals globally. Experts warn that Vantara, as the zoo is informally known, may be inadvertently driving illegal wildlife trade. The report calls for significant reforms to ensure compliance with international regulations. Among the allegations is the acquisition of a Tapanuli orangutan, the world’s most endangered great ape, from the United Arab Emirates. Despite CITES’ prohibition on trading such species, Vantara classified the orangutan as ‘captive-bred,’ a claim disputed by Indonesian experts who assert no such breeding programs exist. Similar concerns have been raised regarding cheetahs from Syria, a gorilla from Haiti, and bonobos from Iraq. Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder of the Orangutan Information Centre, has been advocating for the return of several orangutans to Indonesia, including one intercepted in India and handed to Vantara. The CITES report underscores the need for India to overhaul its import procedures and enhance oversight. Independent wildlife trade expert Daniel Stiles described the report as a ‘true examination’ of Vantara’s operations. The findings have sparked concerns about India’s conservation credibility, with experts urging immediate action to address the irregularities.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed profound condolences to Brazil in the wake of a catastrophic hurricane that ravaged the state of Paraná, resulting in numerous fatalities, injuries, and extensive material destruction. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the Brazilian government, and its citizens, while also wishing a swift recovery to those injured. In a gesture of solidarity, UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent formal messages of condolence to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The UAE’s response underscores its commitment to fostering international goodwill and supporting nations during times of crisis. This tragic event highlights the increasing severity of natural disasters, prompting global calls for enhanced climate action and disaster preparedness.

Iraqi security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) cast their ballots on Sunday in early voting ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11. The polls opened at 0400 GMT, allowing over 1.3 million members of the armed forces and more than 26,500 IDPs to participate. This election marks the sixth parliamentary vote since the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. A total of 7,740 candidates, including nearly a third women, are vying for the 329 seats in parliament. The elections will be governed by an old electoral law reinstated in 2023, which critics argue favors larger political parties. In the 2021 elections, around 70 independents secured seats, but only 75 are contesting this time. Concerns loom over voter turnout, which hit a record low of 41% in 2021, reflecting widespread voter apathy and disillusionment amid entrenched leadership, mismanagement, and corruption. Influential Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has called for a boycott, labeling the election as ‘flawed.’ Since the US-led invasion, Iraq’s Shia majority has dominated politics, with key figures like former Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki and cleric Ammar Al Hakim expected to play pivotal roles. Current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, backed by pro-Iranian parties, is seeking a second term and is anticipated to secure a significant bloc. By tradition, the prime minister’s post is held by a Shia, the parliament speaker by a Sunni, and the largely ceremonial presidency by a Kurd. The next prime minister will be chosen by the coalition that forms the largest parliamentary bloc through negotiations.

Shady Abu Sedo, a 35-year-old Palestinian photojournalist, recently shared his harrowing experience of being detained in Israeli prisons during the Gaza war. Arrested in March 2024 while working at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Abu Sedo was held under Israel’s ‘unlawful combatants’ law, which allows indefinite detention without charge. He described his time in Sde Teiman and Ofer military prisons as a ‘black hole,’ where he endured prolonged periods of isolation, physical torture, and psychological trauma. Denied access to his lawyer for months, Abu Sedo lost all sense of time and was unable to communicate with the outside world. His release on October 13, 2025, came as part of a US-brokered ceasefire that exchanged 20 Israeli hostages for approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned Israel’s use of the ‘unlawful combatants’ law, which they argue facilitates arbitrary detentions and violates international humanitarian standards. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also been barred from visiting detainees, further isolating prisoners and hindering their legal defense. Despite calls for reform, Israel continues to hold around 1,000 ‘unlawful combatants’ in military and civilian prisons, with many detainees, including healthcare workers, languishing without charge.