In a significant move, the Trump administration has officially designated four European left-wing groups as terrorist organizations. This decision, announced on Thursday, aligns with President Donald Trump’s pledge to intensify efforts against leftist extremism following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The targeted groups, all based in Europe, include an Italian anarchist front, two Greek networks, and a German anti-fascist group. These organizations have been implicated in various violent activities, ranging from bombings to physical assaults on neo-Nazis. The designation allows the U.S. government to sever any financial support these groups may receive from American sources. This action underscores the administration’s broader strategy to combat what it perceives as threats to Western civilization. The announcement has sparked discussions on the implications for international relations and the ongoing battle against political extremism.
标签： Europe
欧洲
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Turkey-registered plane crashes in Croatia reportedly killing the pilot
A tragic aviation incident unfolded in western Croatia on Thursday when a Turkey-registered aircraft crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot, according to local authorities. The Air Tractor AT-802 vanished from radar screens shortly before 5 p.m. local time, as confirmed by an official statement from Croatia’s Interior Ministry. Approximately 20 minutes later, emergency services were alerted to a plane engulfed in flames near the coastal town of Senj, located along the Adriatic Sea. The aircraft was reportedly en route from the northern port city of Rijeka to the capital, Zagreb, and was on its return journey when the accident occurred. The Air Tractor AT-802, typically utilized for agricultural purposes or firefighting, was identified as belonging to Turkey’s forestry administration. Rescue teams swiftly responded to the scene, extinguishing the fire and recovering the pilot’s body. Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Further details regarding the cause of the incident remain under investigation.
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Kliff Kingsbury returns to Europe celebrating healthy Commanders offensive line
Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, is no stranger to Europe. Having vacationed in Spain and played for the Cologne Centurions in Germany, Kingsbury is back on the continent with a mission: to help the Commanders (3-7) break a five-game losing streak. This Sunday, they face the Miami Dolphins (3-7) in the NFL’s final international game of the season at Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Kingsbury acknowledges the challenges posed by numerous injuries but remains optimistic about the team’s offensive line, which has shown improvement in recent weeks. Key players like Josh Conerly Jr., Laremy Tunsil, Tyler Biadasz, Chris Paul, and Sam Cosmi have been consistent, providing a glimmer of hope for the struggling team. Despite the absence of star players like Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Austin Ekeler, Kingsbury praises the resilience of the squad. The Commanders are coming off a tough 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions, but Kingsbury believes the European trip offers a fresh perspective and a chance to regroup. He is particularly excited about playing at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu stadium, a venue he admires as a soccer fan. Reflecting on his past experiences in Europe, Kingsbury hopes the international setting will inspire his team to turn their season around.
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British commentator Sami Hamdi mulling possibility of taking legal action against US over detention
LONDON — British political analyst Sami Hamdi announced on Thursday that he is contemplating legal action against U.S. authorities following his detention in an immigration center, which he attributes to his outspoken views on the Gaza-Israel conflict. Hamdi, who recently returned to the U.K., described his detention as a “botched” operation by “extremists” within the U.S. government, though he praised federal judges for ultimately exonerating him. Speaking to reporters and supporters near London’s Heathrow Airport, Hamdi emphasized that his ordeal was not just a personal attack but a broader assault on global freedoms. Hamdi, a Muslim commentator, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 26 during a speaking tour in the U.S., shortly after addressing a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that his visa had been revoked, and he was placed in immigration proceedings, with accusations of supporting Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamdi denied these claims, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted and aimed at highlighting the consequences of Palestinian oppression. He maintained that his actions were legal and within the scope of his visa, which he believes was revoked due to his advocacy for Palestine. Hamdi’s detention is part of a broader U.S. effort to address foreign nationals accused of supporting protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a policy criticized by civil rights groups as infringing on free speech protections. While Hamdi is considering legal action, he expressed gratitude for the “cooler minds” in the U.S. State Department and judiciary that ultimately supported his case. He confirmed that his voluntary departure from the U.S. carries no restrictions, leaving the door open for future visa applications.
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AP Interview: Security guard who foiled Stade de France bomber recounts traumatic night
Ten years after the devastating Paris terror attacks, Salim Toorabally, a security agent at Stade de France, continues to grapple with the psychological scars of that fateful night. On November 13, 2015, coordinated attacks across Paris claimed 132 lives and injured over 400. At the national stadium, Toorabally’s vigilance prevented a catastrophic loss of life by stopping Bilal Hadfi, one of the three suicide bombers, from entering the venue. Despite being hailed as a hero by then-President François Hollande and the public, Toorabally’s own suffering has remained largely unaddressed.
Toorabally, stationed at Gate L, recounted how he intercepted Hadfi, who attempted to tailgate another fan. Suspicious of Hadfi’s behavior, Toorabally alerted his colleagues, ensuring the bomber was denied entry. Hadfi later detonated his explosive vest outside the stadium, causing one death and injuring 14. Toorabally vividly remembers the explosions, the smell of burning, and the chaos that followed. He also tended to a wounded man, an experience that left him with haunting memories of blood and human flesh on his hands.
Despite his heroism, Toorabally received no immediate psychological support, leading to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has since sought therapy, but the traumatic images of that night, including the graphic aftermath of Hadfi’s death, remain etched in his mind. Toorabally’s story underscores the long-term impact of terrorism on survivors and first responders, even as they are celebrated for their bravery.
As France commemorates the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Toorabally’s presence at a recent World Cup qualifier in Paris was a poignant reminder of the night that changed his life forever. His courage averted a potential disaster, but the emotional toll continues to weigh heavily on him. Former President Hollande and French footballer Blaise Matuidi have praised Toorabally’s actions, acknowledging the unimaginable tragedy he prevented. Yet, for Toorabally, the battle with his own trauma remains far from over.
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Trump’s new ambassador Guilfoyle visits head of Greece’s Orthodox Church
ATHENS, Greece — Kimberly Guilfoyle, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Greece and a prominent figure in President Donald Trump’s inner circle, met with Archbishop Ieronymos II, the head of Greece’s Orthodox Church, on Thursday. This marked one of her first significant engagements since assuming her diplomatic role in Athens. Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor and Fox News host who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Greece, emphasizing the importance of strengthening U.S.-Greece relations. During the meeting, she revealed that Archbishop Ieronymos was the first person she contacted after her nomination, describing the conversation as a spiritually enriching experience. The 56-year-old ambassador, who presented her credentials to Greece’s president on November 4, highlighted her commitment to fostering a blossoming relationship between the two nations. Archbishop Ieronymos extended his appreciation to President Trump for the opportunity to enhance bilateral ties and offered prayers for the U.S. leader. Guilfoyle’s visit underscores the significance of religious and diplomatic collaboration in advancing mutual goals.
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Pope Leo XIV appoints his first Irish bishop
In a significant development for the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, Bishop Niall Coll has been appointed as the new Bishop of Raphoe, his native diocese. This marks the first Irish appointment by Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The announcement was made at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny, County Donegal, following Mass on Thursday. The diocese had been without a bishop since February 2024, when Bishop Alan McGuckian was appointed to Down and Connor. Bishop Coll, 62, a native of Saint Johnston in east Donegal, returns to the northwest after serving as Bishop of Ossory since January 2023. Ordained a priest in 1988, Bishop Coll has a rich academic and pastoral background, including studies in Maynooth, Rome, and Trinity College Dublin, and roles as a chaplain, teacher, and parish priest. His appointment underscores the Church’s commitment to leadership continuity and local roots.
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EU investigates Google over concerns content is unfairly demoted in search results
The European Union has initiated an investigation into Google’s search practices, scrutinizing whether the tech giant is unfairly demoting content from media publishers in its search results. The probe, announced by EU regulators on Thursday, centers on Google’s site reputation abuse policy, which the company claims is designed to combat scammers and deceptive content. However, the European Commission expressed concerns that this policy may be harming publishers by treating them in a discriminatory manner, potentially violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the EU’s comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at curbing monopolistic practices in digital markets. Teresa Ribera, an executive vice-president at the Commission, emphasized the need to ensure that publishers are not deprived of crucial revenues, especially during a challenging period for the industry. Google defended its policy, stating that it protects users from low-quality and fraudulent content. Pandu Nayak, Google Search’s chief scientist, argued that the investigation is misguided and could undermine efforts to maintain the integrity of search results. The EU’s move comes amid ongoing tensions with U.S. tech companies and follows a history of antitrust actions against Google, including a €2.95 billion fine in September for favoring its own advertising services. The new investigation, which must conclude within 12 months, could result in significant penalties for Google’s parent company, Alphabet, including fines of up to 10% of its global revenue or even the divestiture of parts of its business.
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UK commits to ensuring ‘poignant’ COVID memorial wall in London will be preserved
The British government announced on Thursday that the National COVID Memorial Wall in London, a poignant tribute to those who lost their lives during the pandemic, will be preserved permanently. Located on the Albert Embankment along the River Thames, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament, the 8-foot-high Portland stone wall commemorates the approximately 240,000 COVID-related deaths in the UK and honors the sacrifices of key workers, particularly in health and care sectors. Established in March 2021 by the groups COVID-19 Bereaved Families for Justice and Led by Donkeys, the wall features over half a kilometer of hand-painted hearts, each representing a life lost. Volunteers, known as The Friends of the Wall, maintain the memorial, refreshing the artwork weekly with durable masonry paints. Culture Minister Fiona Twycross described the wall as a ‘powerful reminder of the pandemic’s toll,’ emphasizing the importance of remembering those who died. The government also pledged to continue an annual day of reflection in March and support the creation of additional memorial spaces nationwide. The UK, which experienced one of Europe’s deadliest COVID outbreaks, has faced criticism for its pandemic response, particularly the delayed lockdown in March 2020. However, its vaccine rollout has been widely praised. A national inquiry into the handling of the pandemic, launched two years ago, is ongoing and expected to conclude in 2027.
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Ukraine’s army chief visits besieged city as Zelenskyy confronts graft scandal
Amid escalating tensions on the frontlines and a deepening corruption scandal, Ukraine finds itself grappling with dual crises that threaten its stability and international reputation. On Thursday, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top military commander, visited troops defending the strategic eastern city of Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian forces are engaged in intense street battles against Russian advances. Syrskyi emphasized the importance of regaining control of key areas, securing supply routes, and ensuring the evacuation of the wounded. He dismissed claims of Russian operational encirclement, asserting Ukraine’s resolve to hold its ground. Simultaneously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration is embroiled in a high-profile corruption scandal involving the state-owned nuclear power company, Energoatom. The scandal, which has already led to the resignation of two ministers and the dismissal of several Energoatom executives, centers on an alleged kickback scheme worth $100 million. Tymur Mindich, a co-owner of Zelenskyy’s media production company, is suspected of orchestrating the scheme, though his current whereabouts remain unknown. The investigation, spanning 15 months and involving extensive wiretaps, has resulted in five detentions and implicated seven others. The scandal has reignited concerns about corruption within Ukraine’s highest echelons, recalling Zelenskyy’s controversial attempt last summer to curtail anti-corruption watchdogs, which he later reversed under public and EU pressure. Despite the turmoil, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €6 billion ($7 billion) loan to Ukraine, with promises of additional financial support to address the country’s energy sector needs, heavily strained by Russian bombardments. Von der Leyen also criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy, asserting that the EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s future and countering Putin’s attempts to prolong the conflict.