Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, and a former Democrat turned Donald Trump supporter, faced intense questioning during his Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Thursday. Nominated in March 2024 to become the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, Ghalib’s confirmation has been delayed due to his controversial social media posts and outspoken criticism of Israel, which have drawn criticism from pro-Israel groups and right-wing media outlets. Ghalib, the first Muslim mayor to endorse Trump, defended his past remarks, including his dismissal of reports of Hamas’ sexual violence during the October 7 attacks, which he later attributed to a lack of awareness of the evidence. Senator Jeanne Shaheen challenged Ghalib on his comments, citing well-documented evidence of Hamas’ atrocities. Ghalib condemned all forms of abuse and expressed regret for his past social media activity, which he described as a “bad habit” of engaging with inflammatory posts. He also addressed his previous opposition to the Abraham Accords, stating that he now supports normalization with Israel. Ghalib emphasized his commitment to combating antisemitism, citing a resolution passed under his leadership in Hamtramck. Despite the controversy, Ghalib retains Trump’s support, as evidenced by a recent phone call from the former president. Ghalib’s nomination has sparked debate within both political parties, with some viewing it as a test of the Republican Party’s relationship with the Arab American community. His hearing highlighted the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with public office, as well as the broader political implications of his appointment.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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ICC judges reject jurisdiction challenge by Philippine ex-president Duterte
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed a jurisdictional challenge filed by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, allowing his case to proceed. Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in March and transferred to The Hague following an arrest warrant connecting him to alleged murders during his controversial war on drugs. This campaign, which targeted suspected drug dealers and users, resulted in thousands of deaths. Duterte and his legal team argued that his arrest was unlawful, claiming the ICC lacked jurisdiction because the Philippines withdrew from the court in 2019, before a full investigation was launched. However, ICC judges ruled that the preliminary examination initiated by prosecutors prior to the withdrawal was sufficient to establish jurisdiction under the court’s rules. The ruling did not address a separate defense motion questioning Duterte’s fitness to stand trial due to alleged cognitive decline. A panel of medical experts is expected to submit a report on his health by the end of October, with a decision on its impact on the trial anticipated in mid-November.
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17 countries, organisations, including Saudi Arabia, condemn Israeli laws on sovereignty over West Bank
A coalition of 17 countries and international organizations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has issued a strong condemnation of two Israeli laws asserting sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. The joint statement, released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), denounces the laws as a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334. This resolution explicitly condemns any actions by Israel that alter the demographic or legal status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.
The statement also references the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has repeatedly declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land illegal. The ICJ has emphasized Israel’s obligation to ensure access to essential resources for Palestinians and to facilitate humanitarian aid through UN channels. Furthermore, the court has reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and independent statehood.
The coalition warns against Israel’s continued illegal activities in the West Bank and calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. They urge global leaders to ensure that Israel respects the rights of the Palestinian people and adheres to international legal standards. This unified stance highlights growing international concern over Israel’s policies in the region and underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict.
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Pakistan bans radical party after deadly protest under anti-terrorism laws
Pakistan has once again banned the far-right Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under anti-terrorism laws, following violent clashes during anti-Israel protests near Lahore that resulted in at least five fatalities. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marks the second time the group has been outlawed. TLP has been at the forefront of some of Pakistan’s most violent protests in recent years. The prime minister’s office stated that the Federal Cabinet unanimously concluded TLP is involved in terrorism and violent activities, citing its violent protests, rallies, and demonstrations that have led to the deaths of security personnel and innocent bystanders. The latest unrest began on October 9, when TLP supporters, led by party chief Saad Rizvi, marched from Lahore towards Islamabad to protest a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Clashes erupted in Muridke, resulting in at least five deaths, including a police officer. Authorities have since launched a sweeping crackdown, sealing 95 bank accounts and several properties allegedly linked to the group. Rizvi has gone underground to avoid arrest. TLP was previously banned in April 2021 after violent anti-France protests but was unbanned seven months later. The group, which contested the 2018 and 2024 general elections, has mobilized thousands of supporters to paralyze cities, demand the expulsion of Western ambassadors, target religious minorities, and incite riots. The party, also known as the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, rose to prominence in 2016 protesting the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated Punjab governor Salman Taseer in 2011 over his calls to reform Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
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Japan coach Eddie Jones is back and hopes to again torment the Wallabies
In a highly anticipated rugby showdown, Eddie Jones, the former coach of Australia, is set to face his old team for the first time since his resignation following their disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign. Now at the helm of Japan, Jones aims to continue his dominance over the Wallabies, a team he defeated nine times in ten encounters during his tenure as England’s coach from 2015 to 2022. Despite Japan’s winless record against Australia in their six previous meetings, Jones remains optimistic about his team’s chances. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match at Tokyo’s National Stadium, Jones acknowledged the unique emotions of facing his home country but emphasized his competitive drive. The 65-year-old coach will face a revamped Australian squad led by Nick Champion de Crespigny, who will captain the team in his third test. Regular skipper Harry Wilson will start on the bench, providing backrow cover. Australia’s head coach, Joe Schmidt, has opted to assess the team’s depth in this one-off test, resisting pressure to reintegrate Carter Gordon immediately after his return from the National Rugby League. Schmidt highlighted the threat posed by Japan, describing them as a tough and fast-playing team, especially on home soil. The Wallabies enter the match after a narrow 28-24 loss to New Zealand in the Rugby Championship, while Japan suffered a defeat to Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup final. Jones has made six changes to Japan’s starting lineup, including bringing in Michael Leitch and Ben Gunter to strengthen the back row. Leitch, a former captain, will earn his 90th cap, while Gunter, one of four Australia-raised players in the squad, starts at blindside flanker. The match marks the beginning of a challenging series for Australia, with upcoming tests against England, Italy, Ireland, and France in November.
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Trump says he will decide whether Marwan Barghouti should be freed and will visit Gaza soon
In a recent interview with TIME Magazine, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed he is considering whether to pressure Israel to release Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian political leader imprisoned since 2002. Trump also announced plans to visit the Gaza Strip, marking a historic first for a sitting U.S. president. These statements come as Trump continues to tout his role in brokering a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, despite ongoing violations and unresolved issues. The ceasefire, part of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, has been challenged by Israel’s refusal to open the Rafah border crossing and continued air strikes, as well as Hamas’s failure to disarm. Trump emphasized his pivotal role in halting the conflict, attributing the success to his willingness to take decisive actions, including a joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June. He also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, portraying him as the primary obstacle to peace. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has dispatched key aides, including Jared Kushner and Vice President JD Vance, to stabilize the ceasefire. Vance publicly condemned Israel’s recent moves to annex the West Bank, aligning with Trump’s pledge to prevent such actions. Trump also expressed skepticism about the Palestinian Authority’s ability to lead post-war Gaza, hinting at the need for a unifying figure like Barghouti. While Trump remains optimistic about expanding the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has set conditions, including irreversible steps toward a Palestinian state. Trump anticipates Saudi Arabia’s participation by 2025, envisioning a peaceful Middle East free from threats.
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Saudi Arabia sees role in Gaza as sidelining Hamas and funding PA, document reveals
Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious strategy to play a pivotal role in stabilizing post-war Gaza, as detailed in an internal foreign ministry report obtained by Middle East Eye. The kingdom’s plan focuses on disarming and marginalizing Hamas while bolstering the Palestinian Authority (PA) through financial and logistical support. Central to this vision is the deployment of an international peacekeeping mission in Gaza, with Saudi Arabia and other Arab and Muslim-majority nations expected to contribute significantly. The report emphasizes the kingdom’s commitment to fostering stability in the Palestinian territories by reforming the PA to align with Palestinian aspirations for an independent, sovereign state based on the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital. Saudi Arabia criticizes Hamas for obstructing peace efforts and deepening divisions, advocating for its sidelining through progressive disarmament and international agreements. The kingdom also aims to enhance the PA’s governance by combating corruption, improving efficiency, and ensuring broader representation of Palestinian factions. Financial and technical support will be provided to help the PA deliver essential services, though specific funding details remain undisclosed. The plan includes organizing regional workshops and conferences to facilitate Palestinian national dialogue and integrate factions under the PA’s umbrella. Notably, the document does not mention Israel or specify whether Hamas will be included in these efforts. The report, dated September 29, aligns with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan’s call at the UN General Assembly for immediate international action to halt the conflict in Gaza. Earlier efforts by Saudi Arabia and France to broker a settlement included proposals for an international security force and Israeli-Palestinian dialogue. While the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in October incorporated some elements of this plan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE expressed dissatisfaction with their limited roles. As the region’s wealthiest states, they are expected to fund much of Gaza’s humanitarian relief and reconstruction. Meanwhile, U.S. efforts to normalize Saudi-Israeli relations face resistance, with Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rejecting any deal contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
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Ajman Bank posts 32% surge in profit before tax for first nine months of 2025
Ajman Bank has announced a remarkable financial performance for the first nine months of 2025, with profit before tax soaring by 32% year-on-year to Dh414 million. This impressive growth underscores the bank’s operational strength and strategic focus on sustainable development. The results were reviewed during a Board of Directors meeting led by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Bank. Profit after tax also saw a substantial increase, rising 31% to Dh380 million. Total operating income reached Dh1.2 billion, while net operating income stood at Dh660 million, reflecting robust performance across the bank’s core business segments. Ajman Bank’s total assets grew by 23% since the end of 2024, reaching Dh28.0 billion, driven by a 20% increase in total financing to Dh18.5 billion. Customer deposits rose 14% to Dh20.6 billion, and shareholders’ equity increased 8% to Dh3.4 billion, highlighting the bank’s stable funding base and balance sheet expansion. Key financial metrics also improved, with Return on Equity (ROE) rising to 15.6% and Return on Assets (ROA) improving to 2.0%. The bank’s asset quality strengthened significantly, with the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) Ratio dropping to 7.7% and the Real Estate Ratio declining to 31.9%. Mustafa Al Khalfawi, CEO of Ajman Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, optimizing its balance sheet, and expanding its digital ecosystem to drive sustainable growth. The bank also reaffirmed its dedication to Ajman Vision 2030 and the UAE’s broader economic transformation goals, including its Dh4 billion Sustainable Finance pledge by 2030 and Net Zero Emission target by 2050.
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Israeli minister regrets ‘unfortunate’ remarks about Saudi Arabia
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has expressed regret over his controversial comments about Saudi Arabia, describing them as ‘unfortunate.’ In a video statement posted on X, Smotrich acknowledged the potential offense caused by his earlier remarks, in which he suggested that Saudi Arabia could ‘keep riding camels’ if it demanded an independent Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing relations with Israel. However, he also emphasized that he expects Saudi Arabia to refrain from offending Israel in return. Smotrich, a staunch advocate for annexing the occupied West Bank, reiterated his belief in Israel’s deep historical connection to the region, referring to it by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria. His comments sparked widespread criticism within Israel, with opposition leader Yair Lapid condemning the remarks and asserting that Smotrich does not represent the state. Former defense minister Benny Gantz also criticized Smotrich, accusing him of ignorance and a failure to understand his responsibilities as a senior government official. Saudi Arabia’s normalization talks with Israel, which were frozen following Hamas’s October 2023 attack and the subsequent Gaza war, remain a contentious issue in the region. The UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, but Saudi Arabia has yet to follow suit.
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The mysterious owner of a ‘scam empire’ accused of stealing $14bn in crypto
At just 37 years old, Chen Zhi, a Cambodian tycoon with a baby-faced appearance, stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest cyber-fraud operations in history. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged him with running scam compounds in Cambodia that allegedly stole billions in cryptocurrency from victims worldwide. In a landmark move, the U.S. Treasury Department seized over $14 billion in bitcoin linked to him, marking the largest cryptocurrency seizure ever. Despite these allegations, Chen’s company, the Cambodian Prince Group, portrays him as a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist. Born in China’s Fujian province, Chen moved to Cambodia in the early 2010s, capitalizing on the country’s real estate boom fueled by Chinese investment and the Belt and Road Initiative. He quickly amassed wealth, founding the Prince Group in 2015, which expanded into banking, aviation, and luxury property development. Chen’s rise was marked by his acquisition of Cambodian citizenship, Cypriot and Vanuatu passports, and high-profile connections, including advisory roles to Cambodia’s political elite. However, his empire began to unravel in 2019 when Cambodia’s online gambling ban, prompted by pressure from China, led to a mass exodus of Chinese nationals and a collapse in property values. U.S. and UK investigations allege that Chen’s wealth stemmed from online fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering, with sanctions now targeting 128 companies and 17 individuals linked to his operations. Despite his philanthropic image, Chen remains an enigmatic figure, having disappeared from public view since the sanctions were announced. The case has raised questions about Cambodia’s tolerance of scam businesses and the global financial systems that enabled Chen’s alleged crimes.