Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces have been clandestinely supplying smuggled fuel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at the behest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to a report by the US-based watchdog, The Sentry. This illicit activity, which has escalated into a national crisis for Libya, costing the country approximately $6.7 billion annually, is also exacerbating the deadly conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The report highlights how Haftar’s loyalty to the UAE has made him a key enabler of the RSF’s operations, particularly in the Darfur region, where the paramilitary group has been accused of systematic atrocities, including murder and sexual violence against civilians. The RSF’s mobility and tactical operations in Darfur are heavily reliant on the persistent flow of diesel and gasoline provided by Haftar’s forces. Additionally, the Haftar family has strengthened its strategic control in southeastern Libya through this illegal trade. The report also implicates Russia as a beneficiary of Libya’s fuel smuggling, which supports Moscow’s military activities in sub-Saharan Africa. Fuel smuggling, a long-standing issue in Libya, has surged since the current government took office in 2021, with more than half of the imported fuel being siphoned off by criminal networks. This has led to severe economic consequences for Libya, including a $20 billion loss in revenue, exacerbating fiscal imbalance, currency depreciation, and inflation. Despite pledges to reform fuel subsidies, the surge in smuggling persists, undermining Libya’s legitimate economy and further entrenching the power of its incumbent rulers.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Ajay Devgn’s film is a passable entertainer
De De Pyaar De 2, the sequel to the 2019 romcom, attempts to revisit the age-gap romance trope but falls short of leaving a lasting impression. Directed by Anshul Sharma and co-written by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain, the film stars Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, R. Madhavan, and Gautami Kapoor. While it offers moments of humor and charm, the film is marred by tonal inconsistencies, a lackluster plot, and underdeveloped characters. The story follows Ashish (Devgn), a 52-year-old man, and Ayesha (Singh), his 20-something lover, as they navigate the challenges of gaining her parents’ approval for their relationship. Despite a promising premise, the film struggles to balance its comedic and emotional elements, often resorting to exaggerated sequences and a caricatured climax. The performances are uneven, with Devgn appearing disengaged and Singh failing to deliver in emotional scenes. Madhavan and Kapoor shine as Ayesha’s parents, but the absence of Tabu, who brought depth to the first film, is keenly felt. De De Pyaar De 2 is a passable entertainer, suitable for a casual watch, but it lacks the substance needed to make a meaningful impact.
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Freed British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah barred from flying to the UK
British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, recently pardoned and released from prison, was reportedly stopped at Egyptian passport control while attempting to travel to the UK, according to his family. Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure in the 2011 Arab Spring uprising, had been imprisoned for nearly a decade following President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s military coup in 2013. He was pardoned on September 22 and released from Wadi al-Natrun prison. Abd el-Fattah was scheduled to fly to the UK with his sister, Sanaa Seif, to attend the Magnitsky Human Rights Awards in London, where he and his mother, Laila Soueif, were honored with the Courage Under Fire award for their relentless fight for his freedom. Seif accepted the award on their behalf, expressing her wish for Abd el-Fattah to reunite with his 13-year-old son, Khaled, who lives in Brighton, UK. The Free Alaa campaign noted that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had pledged to secure Abd el-Fattah’s release and reunite him with his family. Despite his release, Abd el-Fattah’s travel plans remain uncertain as he faces obstacles at Egyptian passport control.
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Lancang-Mekong countries vow to target telecom and cyber fraud
In a significant move to tackle the growing menace of telecom and cyber fraud, senior officials from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam convened in Kunming, Yunnan province, for a ministerial-level meeting on Friday. The delegates pledged to deepen law enforcement cooperation and launch coordinated crackdowns against these transnational crimes. The meeting, attended by observers from Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center, highlighted the severe impact of such fraud on regional economic development, public security, and social stability. The officials called for concerted efforts to eradicate these crimes and protect the lawful rights and interests of citizens across the region. As a crucial step forward, the six nations signed outcome documents and discussed China’s proposal to establish an international alliance against telecom and cyber fraud, initially presented at the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. The parties expressed strong commitment to the initiative, agreeing to develop a standing coordination mechanism, enhance real-time information exchange, and continue joint repatriation of suspects to improve enforcement effectiveness and safeguard regional peace. In recent years, China has actively implemented the Global Security Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, strengthening law enforcement cooperation with neighboring countries and achieving concrete results. Notable achievements include the establishment of a trilateral coordination mechanism with Myanmar and Thailand, leading to the repatriation of over 5,500 suspects to China, and joint operations with Laos and Vietnam resulting in the capture of hundreds of suspects. An officer from China’s Ministry of Public Security emphasized the ongoing multinational joint operations against cross-border telecom and cyber fraud, reaffirming the commitment to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation and eliminate criminal dens to protect the safety of people’s lives and property.
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Why you’re your own best crisis manager in the world of Crypto
In the ever-turbulent realm of cryptocurrency, self-reliance emerges as the ultimate crisis management tool. Drawing inspiration from Reese Witherspoon’s advocacy for female agency in cinema, this narrative explores the parallels between personal empowerment and navigating the unpredictable crypto markets. Last week’s market downturn, which rattled even the most seasoned investors, served as a pivotal moment for one crypto enthusiast. Initially seeking reassurance from a male-dominated Telegram group, she found only silence and pessimism. This prompted her to take decisive action, selling a portion of her holdings not out of fear, but to strategically capitalize on the dip. Although the market stabilized sooner than expected, the experience underscored a profound lesson: the importance of trusting one’s instincts and taking ownership of financial decisions. The author reflects on her past tendency to seek external validation, a habit she now recognizes as counterproductive. Instead, she advocates for self-education, resilience, and the courage to make independent choices. This philosophy aligns with the ethos of the crypto community, which champions decentralization and personal sovereignty. A subsequent emergency call with a women’s crypto group reinforced this mindset, as participants collectively affirmed their commitment to their investments and beliefs. The author concludes with a forward-looking perspective, embracing the challenges and opportunities of a nascent financial system while vowing to rely solely on her own judgment moving forward.
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Twenty-five states funnelled oil to Israel during genocide: Report
A recent report by Oil Change International has unveiled that 25 countries supplied Israel with crude oil and refined petroleum products during its two-year military operations in Gaza. Between November 1, 2023, and October 1, 2025, a total of 323 shipments, carrying nearly 21.2 million tonnes of fuel, were tracked. Among these, 171 shipments transported 17.9 million tonnes of crude oil, with 70% originating from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Azeri crude is routed through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline to Turkey, while Kazakh crude is exported via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) to Russia’s Black Sea coast. Despite being listed under Turkey and Russia as countries of origin, the crude is identified as Azeri BTC and Kazakh CPC, respectively. Shipments from Africa and Brazil were also recorded, though Brazilian exports to Israel reportedly ceased in 2025, possibly redirected to refineries in Italy. Additionally, 17 countries supplied 152 shipments of refined petroleum products, with 45% coming from Russia. Notably, the U.S. contributed nine shipments of JP-8 jet fuel and two diesel shipments. The report raises legal and ethical questions, particularly in light of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) interim order on preventing genocide. Dr. Irene Pietropaoli, in a legal opinion, emphasized that states risk complicity in genocide under the Genocide Convention by continuing fuel exports to Israel. In September 2025, the UN’s Independent International Commission urged member states to halt arms and fuel transfers to Israel, citing potential use in military operations involving genocide.
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China slams Japanese leader for refusing to withdraw her remarks
China has issued a stern rebuke to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her refusal to withdraw controversial remarks suggesting potential Japanese military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian condemned the comments as ‘extremely erroneous, dangerous, and provocative,’ emphasizing that they constitute blatant interference in China’s internal affairs and threaten the post-war international order. Lin’s statement followed a meeting between Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Japanese Ambassador Kenji Kanasugi in Beijing. Lin reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any attempts to challenge these principles would be met with a resolute response. He stressed that forces seeking to obstruct China’s reunification are destined to fail, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The remarks have further strained China-Japan relations, which are already navigating a complex political landscape. China, a nation dedicated to peace, remains steadfast in defending its core interests against external provocations.
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Protesters in Pikachu costumes demand Japan end fossil fuel financing at UN climate conference
In a striking demonstration at the United Nations climate conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, activists donned Pokemon costumes to protest Japan’s continued financing of coal and natural gas projects in Southeast Asia and other Global South regions. The protest, organized by environmental groups including Friends of the Earth Japan, coincided with the conference’s energy-focused thematic day. Activists accused Japan of undermining Asia’s transition to renewable energy by funding fossil fuel developments in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Hiroki Osada, a representative of Friends of the Earth Japan, emphasized the importance of Global South voices in pressuring Japan to halt such investments. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation, a key player in Japan’s overseas aid, has reportedly financed $6.4 billion in coal projects and $874 million in gas projects from 2016 to 2024, according to a study by the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development. The protest featured life-sized inflatable Pikachu costumes, with activists chanting slogans like “Only Pokemon, no fossil fuels” and “Sayonara fossil fuels.” The event highlighted the growing frustration with Japan’s fossil fuel agenda, which activists argue is incompatible with global climate goals. The demonstration was part of a series of anti-fossil fuel actions at COP30, including a “Kick Out the Suits” event targeting fossil fuel lobbyists and a planned “funeral for fossil fuels” march. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has called for a clear roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, a sentiment echoed by several countries. However, environmental groups like Greenpeace International stress the need for actionable outcomes rather than symbolic pledges.
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China expresses worry over Japan’s military and security moves
China has expressed deep concern over Japan’s recent military and security developments, emphasizing the need for Japan to adhere to peaceful development. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted these concerns during a press conference on Friday, pointing to Japan’s ambiguous stance on its Three Non-Nuclear Principles and its consideration of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. These actions, Lin argued, represent a significant and alarming shift in Japan’s defense policy, raising fears of a return to militarism. Lin also referenced Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent comments, which suggested potential military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, further escalating regional tensions. He urged Japan to reflect on its history of aggression, particularly as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Lin called on Japan to cease its military buildup and take concrete steps to rebuild trust with its neighbors and the international community.
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ASICS signs with Dubai Marathon in landmark multi-year partnership
ASICS has cemented its dedication to the global running community by entering into a groundbreaking multi-year partnership with the Dubai Marathon. Announced on November 14, 2025, the collaboration designates ASICS as the official footwear and apparel partner, as well as a presenting sponsor for the prestigious event from 2026 to 2028. This alliance underscores the brand’s mission to promote its founding philosophy, ‘A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,’ across the Middle East. The partnership coincides with the marathon’s 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone in its history as one of the world’s fastest and most esteemed road races. ASICS brings its global expertise to enhance the experience for elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Innovations inspired by leading international events will be introduced, covering every aspect from pre-race preparation to post-race recovery. On race day, participants and spectators can explore the ASICS Experience Zone, showcasing the brand’s latest advancements in performance footwear, apparel, and technology. Beyond the event, ASICS plans to nurture the running culture in the UAE through year-round initiatives, including training workshops and wellness programs. These efforts aim to inspire movement at all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, while attracting top marathoners to Dubai. By fostering a culture that celebrates both performance and participation, ASICS seeks to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a premier running destination. Nikola Djordjevic, Deputy GM of Marketing at ASICS Middle East, emphasized the brand’s belief in the transformative power of movement. ‘Through this partnership, we aim to inspire runners to move with purpose, connect through community, and experience the joy of running at its best,’ he said. This collaboration reaffirms ASICS’ leadership in promoting performance, innovation, and wellness in the Middle East, championing a running culture that values mental clarity and balance alongside physical endurance.