标签： Asia

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.

Kuwait International Airport has resumed normal operations following severe disruptions caused by dense fog early this morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that flight activities were temporarily halted due to hazardous weather conditions. According to Abdullah Al Rajhi, the official spokesperson for the DGCA, horizontal visibility plummeted to less than 100 meters at approximately 2 am, rendering it unsafe for aircraft to land or take off. This led to the diversion of several flights to neighboring countries. As the fog dissipated and visibility improved, the airport gradually restored its operations. Al Rajhi emphasized the DGCA’s commitment to passenger and staff safety during adverse weather conditions and commended the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in managing the situation. The incident highlights the challenges posed by extreme weather in the region and the importance of robust contingency planning in aviation.

Saudi Arabia has executed two of its citizens, Fahd bin Ali bin Abdulaziz Al-Wushail and Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Mansour, for their involvement in planning terrorist attacks on places of worship and other security-related crimes. The Ministry of Interior announced the executions on Sunday, November 9, 2025, following a court ruling that upheld their death sentences. The two individuals were found guilty of manufacturing explosives, harboring terrorist elements, and joining a foreign terrorist organization aimed at destabilizing the Kingdom’s security. Charges against them included targeting security facilities and personnel, as well as possessing illegal weapons. The court’s decision was appealed but ultimately confirmed, and a royal order was issued to carry out the executions. Saudi authorities emphasized their unwavering commitment to enforcing Islamic Sharia law and protecting the safety and rights of its citizens. The Ministry’s statement did not specify the timeline of the planned attacks.

Japan has issued a tsunami advisory following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the northern Pacific region on Sunday. The quake, which occurred at approximately 5:03 PM local time (0803 GMT) off the coast of Iwate, prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to warn of potential tsunami waves up to one meter (three feet) high. The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake at a slightly higher magnitude of 6.8. The JMA has urged residents to stay away from coastal areas, as offshore tsunami waves have already been observed. National broadcaster NHK echoed this warning, emphasizing the immediate danger. Live television feeds, however, showed calm seas in the region. The area is still haunted by the memory of the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which claimed approximately 18,500 lives and triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima plant. Japan, located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, experiencing around 1,500 tremors annually. While most are mild, the potential for significant damage remains, depending on the quake’s location and depth.

In a swift and efficient rescue operation, the Royal Oman Coast Guard Police saved 15 individuals after their boat collided with a navigation buoy near Khasab Port in Oman’s Musandam Governorate. The incident, which occurred on November 9, 2025, resulted in injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Following the evacuation, the injured were promptly transported to Khasab Hospital to receive necessary medical care. The operation was conducted under the leadership of the Musandam Governorate Police, highlighting their preparedness and responsiveness in maritime emergencies. This incident underscores the importance of navigational safety measures in busy port areas and the critical role of local authorities in ensuring public safety. The Royal Oman Coast Guard Police’s timely intervention prevented further complications and demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding lives in the region.

A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 6.07 struck the Andaman Islands, India, on Sunday, as reported by the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The seismic event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles). While the GFZ provided this magnitude, the Indian National Centre for Seismology recorded a slightly lower magnitude of 5.4. Despite the discrepancy in measurements, both agencies confirmed the occurrence of the quake. Fortunately, initial reports indicate no loss of life or property damage. The Andaman Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are no strangers to seismic activity due to their proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. This event serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents have been advised to remain vigilant. The incident underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.