British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described Tony Blair as a ‘great leader’ who could ‘make a huge contribution’ to the peace board proposed by Donald Trump to oversee Gaza’s governance. Blair, who served as Labour Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, has been a polarizing figure, particularly for his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion, which Starmer once protested and labeled as illegal. Since leaving office, Blair has remained active on the international stage, recently advocating for a transitional authority to govern post-war Gaza and positioning himself to lead it.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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My friend Bipin threw back Hamas grenade – and saved my life
In a harrowing tale of bravery and tragedy, Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old Nepalese student, displayed extraordinary courage during the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. According to his fellow student, Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary, Bipin threw back a grenade aimed at their bunker, saving lives but ultimately being taken hostage. Bipin’s body was recently identified among the four dead hostages returned by Hamas under the Gaza ceasefire accord. The attack on Kibbutz Alumim, where Bipin and 15 other Nepalese agriculture students were working under Israel’s ‘Earn and Learn Programme’, resulted in the deaths of ten students and the capture of Bipin. Dhan Bahadur, who survived the attack, credits Bipin’s quick thinking for his own survival. The Nepalese community, both in Israel and back home, is mourning the loss of Bipin, who had dreams of starting his own enterprise and improving his life. The Israeli government is making arrangements to repatriate Bipin’s remains to Nepal, while his family and friends grapple with the devastating news. Bipin’s story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring bonds of friendship and courage.
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Gulf job market adds 7 million workers as UAE leads shift toward gender-inclusive growth
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) job market has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past five years, with employment surging by nearly 7 million workers, according to the latest data from the Gulf Statistical Center. Between 2020 and 2024, the total workforce across the GCC grew from 28 million to 34.9 million, marking a 24.8% increase. This growth has been driven by robust labour market reforms, private-sector development, and a significant rise in female workforce participation, which expanded by 11.6% during the same period, from 2.8 million to 3.1 million women. The UAE has emerged as a regional leader in fostering a more dynamic, diversified, and inclusive labour market, particularly through its Emiratisation programme, Nafis, which has expanded to include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and incentivised private-sector employment for Emiratis. Across the GCC, targeted reforms such as Saudi Arabia’s Saudisation policies, Kuwait’s private-sector incentives, and Bahrain’s flexible work permits have further bolstered workforce growth. Notably, women’s participation in the workforce has been a standout trend, with female nationals increasing from 2.2 million to 2.3 million between 2023 and 2024. However, challenges remain in achieving gender parity in leadership roles, as women still account for only 28% of promotions in top-performing companies. Despite this, 95% of leading companies in the region now offer leadership training for women, and 79% provide formal mentoring, signalling a cultural shift toward greater workplace inclusivity. Experts predict that the Gulf’s focus on integrating women into growth sectors like technology, finance, and renewable energy could mark a historic turning point for gender parity, with the UAE’s inclusive economic agenda serving as a model for the wider region.
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Japan beats Brazil for the first time in Tokyo comeback
In a landmark moment for Japanese football, the national team achieved their first-ever victory against Brazil in a thrilling 3-2 comeback on Tuesday at Tokyo’s Ajinomoto Stadium. The match, played in front of a sold-out crowd, saw Japan overcome a two-goal deficit to secure a historic win in their 14th encounter with the South American giants. Ayase Ueda’s decisive header in the 71st minute sealed the victory, igniting jubilant celebrations among fans. Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, initially dominated the first half with goals from Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli, seemingly on track for their 12th win over Japan. However, Japan’s resilience shone through in the second half. Takumi Minamino capitalized on a defensive error by Fabricio Bruno to score in the 52nd minute, followed by Keito Nakamura’s equalizer, which deflected off Bruno just after the hour mark. Despite Brazil’s strong form following their 5-0 victory in South Korea four days prior, Japan’s determination turned the tide. Both teams have already secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This historic win marks a significant milestone for Japanese football as they continue to build momentum ahead of the global tournament.
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IMF upgrades US growth outlook as Trump’s tariffs cause less disruption, for now
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its global economic growth projections upward, citing resilience in the face of U.S. tariffs. In its latest World Economic Outlook report, the IMF forecasts the U.S. economy to expand by 2% in 2025, slightly higher than previous estimates of 1.9% in July and 1.8% in April. For 2026, U.S. growth is projected at 2.1%, a marginal increase from earlier predictions. Globally, the IMF anticipates a 3.2% growth rate for 2025, up from 3% in July, with 2026 holding steady at 3.1%. Despite these positive adjustments, the IMF warns that ongoing tariff threats and trade uncertainties continue to pose significant risks.
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China announces countermeasures against five US-linked subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean
In a significant diplomatic move, China has announced countermeasures targeting five US-linked subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean, a major South Korean shipbuilding company. The decision, revealed on October 14, 2025, underscores escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington amid ongoing geopolitical disputes. The Chinese government cited national security concerns and the need to protect its economic interests as the primary reasons for the sanctions. These measures are expected to impact trade relations and business operations between the involved parties. The announcement follows a series of recent diplomatic maneuvers by China in response to perceived threats from foreign entities. Analysts suggest that this action could further strain US-China relations, potentially influencing global trade dynamics and regional stability.
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Death toll rises to 16 after factory fire in Bangladesh capital
A devastating fire broke out at a garment factory and adjacent chemical warehouse in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least 16 people, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defense department. The blaze, which originated on the third floor of a seven-story building in the Mirpur area, left several others injured. Fire official Talha bin Jashim confirmed that rescue teams have recovered multiple bodies, and efforts to control the fire and complete the rescue operation continued into the evening. Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest garment exporter after China, employs approximately 4 million workers in this sector, predominantly women. The industry, which generates around $40 billion annually from exports to the United States and Europe, has a troubled history of industrial accidents and fires, often attributed to inadequate safety monitoring and violations of building codes. This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement in the country’s garment sector.
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Pakistan police officer killed in attack by gunmen on a polio vaccine team
In a tragic incident on Tuesday, suspected militants targeted a polio vaccination team in the Matta area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwestern Pakistan, resulting in the death of a police officer assigned to protect the health workers. The attack occurred amidst a nationwide weeklong campaign aimed at immunizing 45 million children against polio. According to local police official Javed Khan, the assailants, riding a motorcycle, opened fire on the team while they were administering polio drops to children in a residential area. A search operation has been launched to apprehend the attackers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, pledging strict action against those responsible. While no group has claimed responsibility, suspicion has fallen on militant factions that have historically targeted polio workers and their security escorts. Since the 1990s, over 200 polio workers and police officers have been killed in Pakistan, with militants often propagating false claims that vaccination campaigns are part of a Western conspiracy to sterilize Muslim children. Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where wild poliovirus transmission persists, according to the World Health Organization. Since January, Pakistan has reported 29 polio cases, and the ongoing campaign involves over 400,000 trained workers conducting door-to-door vaccinations.
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Document to support Gaza ceasefire deal signed at summit in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh
In a landmark event held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, a pivotal document supporting the Gaza ceasefire deal was signed on Monday, October 13, 2025. The agreement, mediated by Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Turkey, was formalized by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Notably, neither Israel nor Hamas were present at the signing ceremony. The summit, co-chaired by the Egyptian and US Presidents, saw participation from leaders of over 20 countries and various international organizations. President Sisi hailed the agreement as a ‘glimmer of hope’ for peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for a two-state solution. The summit underscored the importance of international cooperation to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire, including Israeli troop withdrawals, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas announced the release of all 20 remaining hostages, while Israel began freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The conflict has resulted in over 67,000 deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza, according to health authorities and UN-backed experts.
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Japan’s LDP reels from trust crisis
Japan’s political landscape is in upheaval as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) grapples with a deepening trust crisis fueled by ongoing political funding scandals. The fallout has not only eroded grassroots support but also led to the dissolution of its 26-year alliance with coalition partner Komeito, casting uncertainty over the nation’s governance. Analysts warn that the LDP’s traditional mechanisms for maintaining power are under severe strain, with the party’s ability to mobilize voters and secure funding significantly weakened. The recent appointment of lawmakers implicated in the scandal by LDP President Sanae Takaichi has further exacerbated tensions, prompting Komeito’s exit from the coalition. This development has delayed the selection of Japan’s next prime minister, originally scheduled for October 20, and raised concerns about the stability of future governance. Political experts suggest that the opposition parties may now have an opportunity to unite behind a single candidate, potentially leading to a shift in Japan’s political dynamics. However, the path forward remains uncertain, with complex negotiations and competing interests among opposition factions. The LDP’s diminished support base and the opposition’s growing influence could result in a minority coalition cabinet, leaving Japan’s policy agenda vulnerable to opposition influence and political drift.