‘A Genuine Hero’: Unarmed Muslim Bystander Ahmed Al Ahmad Filmed Disarming Sydney Terrorist
New Age Islam News Bureau
15December 2025
Ahmed al Ahmed, 43-year-old fruit store owner, wrestles the weapon from one of the two gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Syndey's Bondi Beach, December 14, 2025. (Footage from X, used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)
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· ‘A genuine hero’: Unarmed Muslim bystander Ahmed Al Ahmad filmed disarming Sydney terrorist
· Christian Genocide: US, Nigeria Close To Finalising Strategic Framework To Combat Terrorism
· CAIR Joins Australian Muslims in Denouncing Deadly Attack on Jewish Community, Commends Muslim Hero for Disarming Attacker
· Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack on Jewish festival on Australia’s Bondi Beach
· Germany says foils 'Islamist' plot to attack Christmas market
· Will ask SC to release documents that led to verdict in favour of Ram Temple: Misra
· Islamic Jihad: Hamas's Launch Marked Decisive Turning Point
· Anwar says Asean foreign ministers’ meeting postponed as Thai-Cambodia conflict deepens
· Islamic Emirate Prioritizes Refugee Welfare, Ensures Coordinated Efforts for Effective Support, Minister
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Europe
· Family pray for 'hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter
· UK events remember Bondi victims as police step up security in Jewish communities
· German chancellor with Nazi family past likens Putin to Hitler
· Kiev mayor bemoans ‘devastating’ Ukraine corruption scandal
· Sydney shooting an ‘anti-Semitic terrorist attack’ – Australian PM
· Bondi Beach gunmen had possible Islamic State links, says ABC
· Changes to £5m mosque access set for approval
· Plans to turn vacant Stafford building into Mosque and community centre approved
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Africa
· CAR presidential campaign launches amid tension and promises of peace
· Islam: AI can take Muslims to paradise, hellfire, says Pate
· ‘No Compromise On Democracy, Terror Threatens Our Survival’ – ECOWAS Chair, Bio Declares
· UN condemns deadly drone strike on peacekeepers in Sudan’s Kordofan
· Why Should Anyone Believe A Terrorist – Sources Dismiss Bello Turji’s Allegations
· Cameroon post-election unrest: Protesters jailed, others freed
· ECOWAS To Establish Joint Counter-terrorism Force Amid Rising Extremism
· ‘I Don’t Have To Succumb To Any Threats’ – Natasha Speaks On Pressure To Join APC
· You Are A Clown, Why Do You Need Police Escorts? – Adebayo Fires Senator Ningi, Lawmakers
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North America
· Bondi Beach shooting: Zohran Mamdani vows to defend Jews of New York after 'antisemitic terror' attack that killed 11
· They were almost American - then Trump cancelled their citizenship ceremonies
· University of Arkansas in US fires Iranian professor over support for Iran, Palestine
· From X to face-to-face: Erika Kirk to meet Candace Owens in person — will this meeting end the feud?
· Ilhan Omar's son pulled over by ICE, asked to prove his American citizenship at Target store
· 'Don't delete social media apps from phone': Immigration attorney on US border checking
· Brazilians protest against bids to ease punishment for Bolsonaro, allies
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Arab World
· Saudi foreign minister: Youth are ‘future leaders’, ‘messengers of peace’
· China expresses support for developing and strengthening Saudi-Iranian relations
· Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025
· Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Syrian-US forces near Palmyra
· Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent
· Saudi desert innovation that cooled water long before refrigeration
· Saudi National Museum to celebrate World Arabic Language Day
· GCC secretary general receives Chinese FM in Riyadh
· Saudi housing authority begins home handovers across nation
· New youth development policy aims to support their role in Vision 2030
· Lucid and KACST partner for electric vehicle innovation center in Riyadh
· Diriyah seminar discusses Saudi water sustainability
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India
· Pahalgam terror attack case: NIA to file chargesheet in Jammu court on Monday
· Lt Gen Dushyant Singh: India must prepare for ‘Op Sindoor 2.0’ as Pak fixation makes conflict inevitable
· South's 'Ayodhya' moment? A flame divides the hill of many gods; why Karthigai deepam row matters beyond Tamil Nadu
· ‘Rahul ji himself says daro matt…’: Ex-MLA Mohammed Moquim’s first reaction after Congress expulsion; what he said
· ‘Elevation above caste & dynasty politics’: BJP’s new UP chief takes over
· In the age of perception, exposing Pakistan’s game and giving India the playbook for victory
· Man held on arrival from Saudi for Instagram post alleged to insult Hindu religion
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Mideast
· Israeli military raids in Syria raise tensions as they carve out a buffer zone
· Why US-Syrian coordination is more important than ever
· Iraq election result ratified by Supreme Federal Court
· Syria strongly condemns terrorist attack near Palmyra
· Iraq’s speaker race takes shape as al-Samarrai gains ground
· Sunni Council urges parliament to meet before Dec. 25
· Capital Secretariat Competition for First-Grade Students in Reading, Writing, & Qur’an proficiency
· Leader Barzani, former official review post-election steps
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Southeast Asia
· ‘Not a place for elites’: Anwar says Seri Negara must be symbol for all Malaysians
· Sungai Golok flood project to protect Kelantan’s high-risk areas
· Danantara signs deal for hotel, property assets in Mecca
· Perak to launch stray animal feeder app, moves towards mandatory microchipping for dog licences
· Durian Tunggal shooting: Lawyers demand Melaka police chief be placed on garden leave after whistleblower challenges police timeline
· Anwar calls for balance between tech progress and cultural heritage
· Worker’s successful PERKESO appeal shows need for wider social protection
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South Asia
· Iran Says Afghanistan Peace Impossible Without Active Support from Neighboring Countries
· Jamaat’s spin on intellectual killings in ‘71
· ‘Not ruling out the possibility of covert attacks’
· Health Minister, WHO Hold Talks on Strengthening Tuberculosis Services Nationwide
· MoIC Attaché Attends International Cultures Exhibition in Ankara
· Foundation Stone Laid for Major Petroleum Trade Center in Mazar-e-Sharif
· Azizi Highlights Government’s Responsibility to Preserve, Renovate Historical Monuments
· Trade Acceleration at Islam Qala Customs and Herat–Khaf Railway Discussed
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/unarmed-muslim-sydney-terrorist-genuine/d/138018
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‘A genuine hero’: Unarmed Muslim bystander Ahmed Al Ahmad filmed disarming Sydney terrorist
14 December 2025
Ahmed al Ahmed, 43-year-old fruit store owner, wrestles the weapon from one of the two gunmen who attacked a Hanukkah event at Syndey's Bondi Beach, December 14, 2025. (Footage from X, used in accordance with clause 27a of the copyright law)
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A bystander was filmed tackling and disarming a gunman during Sunday’s terror attack on a Hanukkah event in Sydney, with media naming him as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim father of two who owns a local produce store.
At least 15 people were killed and dozens were wounded when two gunmen opened fire on the event held at the Australian city’s iconic Bondi Beach.
Dramatic footage showed the unarmed Ahmed wrestling the weapon from one of the two gunmen, before pointing the attacker’s weapon at him.
According to Ahmed’s cousin, he was shot twice in the arm during the altercation, and was taken to a local hospital for surgery.
“He’s in hospital and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside,” the cousin, named only as Mustafa, told 7News. “We do hope he will be fine. He’s a hero, 100 percent.”
According to the Australian outlet, Ahmed had no experience with guns prior to the incident, and was shot by the second gunman, who was perched on a nearby footbridge, after succeeding in taking the gun from the first assailant.
A man who disarmed a terrorist has been identified as a Muslim named Ahmed Al Ahmad during an attack on a Jewish event in Sydney.
Source: timesofisrael.com
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-genuine-hero-unarmed-muslim-bystander-filmed-disarming-sydney-terrorist/
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Christian Genocide: US, Nigeria Close To Finalising Strategic Framework To Combat Terrorism
December 15, 2025
By George Oshogwe
United States Congressman Riley Moore has announced that the U.S. and Nigerian governments are nearing a “significant milestone” in the fight against terrorism, with a strategic security framework expected to be finalized soon.
In a post on X on Sunday, Moore stated that the proposed framework would focus on combating extremist groups in the North-East and Middle Belt regions and specifically ending the “genocide against Christians.”
Naija News recalls that Congressman Moore led a delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, where he witnessed the impact of violent extremism firsthand, particularly in Benue and Plateau states.
The delegation held meetings with senior Nigerian officials, including Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State and various religious and traditional leaders.
Moore said: “We did have positive conversations with the Nigerian government, and I believe we are close to a strategic security framework to address both the ISIS and Boko Haram threat in the Northeast, as well as the genocide against Christians by the radical Fulani Muslims in the Middle Belt.”
He stressed that the detailed report from the fact-finding mission would be presented to President Donald Trump and would “outline paths to work with the Nigerian government to end the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
He reinforced the horrific account of some of the victims he met during the visit, saying, “What I witnessed during my trip to Nigeria was heartbreaking.
“I met a woman who witnessed all five of her children murdered in front of her.
“Another woman lost her husband and two daughters and had her unborn child killed.”
The push for the security framework follows the previous redesignation of Nigeria by President Trump as a “Country of Particular Concern” over Christian killings, along with a threat to take military action against Fulani extremists should the Nigerian government fail to address their activities.
In response, the Federal Government initiated dialogue, with a delegation led by NSA Ribadu visiting the U.S. to present Nigeria’s position. The Nigerian government has since taken several actions to address insecurity, including declaring a state of emergency on insecurity, establishing a US-Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, and appointing Gen. Christopher Musa as the Minister of Defence.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/15/christian-genocide-us-nigeria-close-to-finalising-strategic-framework-to-combat-terrorism/
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CAIR Joins Australian Muslims in Denouncing Deadly Attack on Jewish Community, Commends Muslim Hero for Disarming Attacker
December 14, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined Australian Muslims in denouncing a deadly attack on the Jewish community in that nation and commended a Muslim “hero” for acting to disarm one of the attackers.
At least 11 people were killed in a mass shooting targeting the Jewish community on Australia’s Bondi Beach as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“We echo the Australian Muslim community’s statements denouncing the deadly attack on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney. We also commend Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Australian man who reportedly tackled and disarmed one of the shooters, taking fire and risking his own life to save lives.
“The criminals Mr. Al Ahmed bravely confronted do not represent the Australian Muslim community or the country’s diverse movement to peacefully advocate for Palestinian human rights, which is why both have rejected their violence.
“Their horrendous attack on Jewish worshipers at the start of Hanukkah was completely unacceptable and the very definition of antisemitic. So is holding the Jewish community responsible for the actions of the Israeli government or justifying the Israeli government’s actions in the name of the entire Jewish community.
“Predictably, extremists online are already using today’s crime to justify their calls for hate and violence against all immigrants and western Muslims. This, too, is unacceptable. We encourage people of all faiths to review their security procedures and precautions, and for law enforcement to ensure all communities are safe as the holidays approach.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
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Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-joins-australian-muslims-in-denouncing-deadly-attack-on-jewish-community-commends-muslim-hero-for-disarming-attacker/
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Saudi Arabia condemns terrorist attack on Jewish festival on Australia’s Bondi Beach
December 14, 2025
Policeman work at the scene after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025. (AFP)
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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a terrorist attack on a gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Two gunmen shot and killed 11 people and wounded many others in the attack on Sunday.
One of the alleged shooters was killed, and the second was in a critical condition.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom affirms its stance against all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, expressing its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Australia. It wishes the injured a speedy recovery.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2626242/saudi-arabia
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Germany says foils 'Islamist' plot to attack Christmas market
14 December, 2025
Police officers patrol the annual Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany in November 2025 [Getty]
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German authorities said Saturday they had arrested five men on suspicion of involvement in an "Islamist" plot to plough a vehicle into people at a Christmas market.
Officials have been on high alert during the festive season, after a deadly car-ramming attack at a market in the city of Magdeburg last Christmas shocked the nation.
Police and prosecutors said they had detained an Egyptian, three Moroccans and a Syrian on Friday over the plan to carry out the attack in southern Bavaria state.
Investigators suspect "an Islamist motive" for the plot, according to the statement.
The Egyptian, aged 56, was an imam at a mosque in the Dingolfing-Landau district, German newspaper Bild reported.
According to authorities, he had called for an attack to be carried out on a Christmas market in the area "using a vehicle in order to kill or injure as many people as possible".
The Moroccans - aged 30, 28 and 22 - allegedly then agreed to carry out the attack while the Syrian, 37, encouraged them.
All the suspects were brought before a magistrate on Saturday after their arrest and are in custody.
Joachim Herrmann, state interior minister in Bavaria, told Bild the "excellent cooperation between our security services" had helped to prevent "a potentially Islamist-motivated attack".
Authorities did not say where the suspects were arrested.
It was also not clear when the attack was supposed to take place, how detailed the plans were, and which market was to be targeted.
Rising security costs
Last year's attack in Magdeburg, which saw a car barrel through a crowded market, killed six people and wounded more than 300.
A Saudi doctor - who is a critic of Islam and an adherent of far-right views and radical conspiracy theories - went on trial last month accused of carrying out the rampage.
Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, a 51-year-old psychiatrist, has admitted ploughing a rented SUV through the market.
In 2016 an Islamist drove a truck into a crowd at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people.
The rampages have fuelled a heated debate about the security of the festive installations, which are hosted by nearly every town and consist of stalls with merchants selling gifts, hot mulled wine, sausages and sweets.
Some cities have cancelled the beloved winter tradition because of the mounting costs and complexity of ensuring security.
Magdeburg's Christmas market went ahead this year but only received approval shortly before opening.
Source: newarab.com
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https://www.newarab.com/news/germany-says-foils-islamist-plot-attack-christmas-market
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Will ask SC to release documents that led to verdict in favour of Ram Temple: Misra
Dec 15, 2025
Ayodhya: The Ram Mandir Trust will write to the Supreme Court requesting it release the historical evidence and documents on the basis of which it delivered the verdict in favour of Ram Mandir.
"All evidence found in the Archaeological department's excavation is currently secured with the Supreme Court, and the Ram Mandir Trust will write a formal letter to the court requesting to hand over the documents, which will be preserved in the museum being built in the Ram Mandir complex," said Ram Temple construction committee chairman Nripendra Mishra.
"All historical evidence will be preserved in the museum being built in the Ram Mandir complex," he added.
Zia Jilani, advocate and former member of the Babri Masjid legal team, said, "We will be very happy if the documents are released because the Supreme Court gave the verdict in favour of Ram Mandir under Article 142 (balance of convenience and larger public interest), and it is clearly stated in the verdict that no mosque was built by demolishing any temple. In fact, the Supreme Court declared the demolition of the mosque as a criminal act."
Claiming that no report could prove the existence of the temple beneath the structure, Jilani said that there is no harm in all the evidence coming into the public domain as they are in favour of the mosque.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/will-ask-sc-to-release-documents-that-led-to-verdict-in-favour-of-ram-temple-misra/articleshow/125966095.cms
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Islamic Jihad: Hamas's Launch Marked Decisive Turning Point
14 Dec 2025
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine stated on Sunday that the launch of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) marked a turning point in the history of the Palestinian people's struggle and resistance, and established a decisive turning point in the conflict with the usurping Zionist entity.
In a press statement received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the Islamic Jihad Movement extended its warmest congratulations to Hamas – its leadership, political bureau members, cadres, and supporters – and to the leadership and heroic fighters of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades on the 38th anniversary of Hamas's founding.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3607749.htm
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Anwar says Asean foreign ministers’ meeting postponed as Thai-Cambodia conflict deepens
By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
15 Dec 2025
PETALING JAYA, Dec15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today the Special Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled tomorrow has been postponed, as the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict deepens and concerns mount that it could escalate.
Tuesday’s meeting was meant to bring member states together to find a solution to the ongoing tension, which has killed dozens of people from both sides, but Anwar said both Thailand and Cambodia had asked for it to be temporarily called off.
“We are still coordinating, there is some slight postponement to the foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled on Tuesday as we are still trying to get everything in order,” he said after delivering a keynote address at a book launch here.
“But we are appealing to them to stop the fighting, which is very difficult,” Anwar added, disclosing that both sides have kept in contact “on a daily basis”.
Anwar was instrumental in brokering a ceasefire between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, but the fragile peace lasted only days before tensions renewed, as both sides accused each other of violating the truce signed at the Asean Summit in October here, overseen by US President Donald Trump.
A skirmish on December 7 that reportedly wounded two Thai soldiers sparked more military action at several borders.
The two sides are battling over longstanding competing claims to patches of frontier land, some of which contain centuries-old temple ruins.
More than two dozen people on both sides of the border have officially been reported killed in the past week’s fighting, while more than half a million have been displaced.
News reports from yesterday suggested Bangkok could impose a naval blockade of the Gulf of Thailand to incapacitate Cambodia’s military capabilities by blocking critical supplies from reaching the country, although the Thai navy later denied the report as misleading.
When asked to comment on the potential blockade, Anwar replied that negotiations were ongoing.
“We’re still negotiating to get things through,” the prime minister said.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/15/anwar-says-asean-foreign-ministers-meeting-postponed-as-thai-cambodia-conflict-deepens/201988
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Islamic Emirate Prioritizes Refugee Welfare, Ensures Coordinated Efforts for Effective Support, Minister
December 15, 2025
KABUL: Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to the welfare of refugees and returnees, emphasizing that all relevant agencies will work in full coordination to address their needs effectively.
Mawlawi Kabir highlighted the government’s efforts during a meeting with local leaders and officials from Baghlan and Paktika provinces, where they discussed the challenges faced by displaced families and returnees, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The Minister stressed that the Islamic Emirate has made the support and integration of refugees a top priority, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.
During these discussions, the officials shared concerns regarding basic services and infrastructure, including the construction of schools, clinics, and roads, which are crucial to improving living conditions for returning families.
The Minister assured that concrete measures would be implemented to resolve these issues, with agencies working in close coordination to deliver timely and effective support.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirate-prioritizes-refugee-welfare-ensures-coordinated-efforts-for-effective-support-minister/
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Europe
Family pray for 'hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter
Emily Atkinson
15 December 2025
The parents of a "hero" bystander who wrestled a gun from one of the Bondi Beach attackers have said they are praying he recovers from his wounds.
Video verified by the BBC showed Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, running at the gunman and seizing his weapon, before turning the gun round on him and forcing his retreat.
His cousin said Mr Ahmed had since undergone surgery for gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, while his mother told local media: "We pray that God saves him."
The fruit shop owner and father of two has been hailed as a hero for intervening in the shooting, which killed 15 people and left dozens injured at an event to celebrate Hanukkah on Sunday.
Police have declared it a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community.
Mr Ahmed's cousin, Mustafa, told 7News Australia late on Sunday: "He is a hero, 100% he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand."
In an update early on Monday, Mustafa said: "I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night. He was alright but we're waiting to see what the doctor (says)."
His parents told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he had been shot four or five times.
His father said Mr Ahmed "wasn't thinking about the background of the people he's saving, the people dying in the street".
"He doesn't discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there's no difference between one citizen and another."
They said they had been separated from their son since 2006 when he came to Australia. They had travelled to Sydney from Syria a couple of months ago.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns shared a picture of himself and Mr Ahmed late on Monday and described him as a "real-life hero".
"His incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk," he wrote on Facebook.
He said it had been an honour to spend time with Mr Ahmed and "to pass on the thanks of people across NSW".
"There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed's selfless courage."
Meanwhile, a US billionaire donated A$99,999 (US$ 65,000; £49,000) to Mr Ahmed, calling him a "brave hero".
William Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, made the top donation to a GoFundMe for Mr Ahmed, which had raised more than $1m by late Monday.
The footage of Mr Ahmed's intervention was shared widely online.
It shows one of the gunmen standing behind a palm tree near a small pedestrian bridge, aiming and shooting his gun towards a target out of sight.
Mr Ahmed, who was hiding behind a parked car, is seen leaping out at the attacker and tackling him.
He manages to wrestle the gun from the attacker, pushes him to the ground and points the gun towards him. The attacker begins to retreat back to the bridge.
Mr Ahmed then lowers the weapon and raises one hand in the air, appearing to show police he was not one of the shooters.
The same attacker is later seen on the bridge picking up another weapon and firing again.
Another gunman also continues firing from the bridge. It is unclear who or what they are aiming at.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday: "We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others.
"These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives."
Speaking at a White House Christmas reception, US President Donald Trump also praised Mr Ahmed, saying he had "great respect" for him.
"It's been a very, very brave person, actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters, and saved a lot of lives," he said.
Police say that the two shooters involved were a father and son aged 50 and 24. They have been named by local media as Sajid Akram and son Naveed Akram.
Sajid Akram died at the scene while his son remains in hospital in critical condition.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3wkey5p33o
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UK events remember Bondi victims as police step up security in Jewish communities
15 December, 2025
The victims of a mass shooting during an event marking Hanukkah at Australia's Bondi Beach have been remembered at events around the UK.
Police forces in England and Scotland have said they are increasing their visibility among Jewish communities, as events celebrating the religious holiday get under way.
Fifteen people, including a child, were killed during the Bondi shooting, officials have said, in an attack targeting members of the Jewish community.
A crowd of around 100 people gathered outside the Australian High Commission in central London for a vigil on Sunday evening.
People could be seen waving British and Israeli flags, while some held signs reading: "Stop the Hate".
Speaking at the vigil, the rabbi for Marleybone, Yisroel Lew, lit a menorah and said: "After hearing what happened this morning, the first thought was - how can we bring more light?
"Don't be afraid and celebrate Hanukkah."
Just down the road in Trafalgar Square, a large menorah was lit up to mark the first day of the festival.
Hundreds of people also attended Hanukkah events in north-west London on Sunday with music and dancing - and an increased police presence.
Present at one of them was Chanie Simon, who went to school with Rabbi Eli Schlanger, among those killed in the Sydney shooting. She described the 41-year-old victim as a "father in the prime of his life".
"We are reeling in pain," she told the BBC. "But we are going around and carrying on to make the world a bigger and better place, bringing acts of goodness, acts of light, because that's what the world needs.
"It's awful but we aren't going to let terror stop us."
The BBC also spoke to Joseph Sassoon who said: "I'm saddened that Jewish people have to be afraid in this day and age". He added: "Years after the Holocaust and Jews are still being murdered."
London-born Rabbi Eli, a father of five, was described as a "caring, vivacious, energetic, outgoing guy who loved people" by his cousin, Rabbi Zalman Lewis.
Speaking to the BBC earlier in the day, he said people should "spread light" by doing charitable acts in Rabbi Schlanger's name: "I know how he would have been reacting and it was something he said recently.
"Every human being on earth has a positive way to contribute to making the world a better place, and we just have to keep spreading light.
"The world is a positive place and we need to show that and I know Eli would be saying that."
Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, have lit a menorah in the window of Number 10.
Lady Starmer is Jewish, and Sir Keir has previously said they often mark the beginning of Shabbat on Friday nights.
In a post on social media, the prime minister said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those murdered in the terrorist attack on Bondi Beach today, their loved ones and the whole Jewish community.
"Light will always win over darkness."
Earlier, the UK's Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) called on the police and government to protect events celebrating Hanukkah - which began on Sunday evening and lasts for eight days - saying: "We must not let hatred extinguish the festival of light."
In a statement, the JLC said it is "devastated and angered that in Sydney, Jews appear to have been targeted once again for being Jewish".
"We know that such hatred also exists in this country, as we are still reeling from the attack on a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur."
Two people were killed in that attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on the holiest day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Starmer described the Bondi attack as "sickening" and said the government was working with Community Security Trust (CST), a Jewish security organisation, on the policing of Hanukkah events in the UK.
Police Scotland said it was carrying out additional patrols around synagogues and other Jewish venues and was "actively communicating with faith leaders".
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the Metropolitan Police would increase its visibility in Jewish communities ahead of Hanukkah events.
The police force said: "At a time when London's Jewish communities are coming together to begin the celebration of Hanukkah, we know this attack will be the cause of not just terrible upset but also significant heightened concern about safety."
It added that "there is no information to suggest any link between the attack in Sydney and the threat level in London".
King Charles said he was "appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack" at the Bondi Hanukah celebrations, and that his and Queen Camilla's "hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully".
He added that the light of the Jewish festival "will always triumph over the darkness of such evil".
The Prince and Princess of Wales also issued a statement, saying their "thoughts are with every Australian today", and they "stand with the Jewish community in grief".
Meanwhile, the UK's chief rabbi said the Jewish community will "rebuild with tenacity".
"As we kindle our first Chanukah lights this evening, we hold the victims of the unspeakable atrocity in Sydney in our hearts and in our prayers," Sir Ephraim Mirvis said in a statement on X.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he would be attending a Hanukkah event which "should be a celebration but instead our community is once again mourning".
"I will be thinking of everyone in Australia and those around the world in the Jewish community who know this fear and loss. We stand with you."
The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it had offered its support to its Australian partners and was in touch with the government to discuss the UK response.
"The scourges of terrorism and antisemitism are shared, international challenges and need concerted and determined action to defeat them," it added.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has advised any British people caught up in the shooting to contact the Sydney consulate for support.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8e95gkl5r3o
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German chancellor with Nazi family past likens Putin to Hitler
14 Dec, 2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose grandfather was a member of the Nazi Party, has compared Russian President Vladimir Putin to Adolf Hitler.
Merz’s maternal grandfather, Josef Paul Sauvigny, served as mayor of Brilon in what is now North Rhine-Westphalia from 1917 to 1937. Initially a member of the conservative Center Party, Sauvigny joined Hitler’s NSDAP after the Nazis came to power in the early 1930s.
Speaking at a Christian Democratic Union conference in Munich on Sunday, Merz accused Putin of seeking to restore the borders of the Soviet Union.
“If Ukraine falls, he won’t stop. Just as the Sudetenland was not enough (for Hitler) in 1938, Putin will not stop either,” Merz said, referring to the moment when Britain and France allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia.
Putin has repeatedly said that Russia would not attack NATO unless attacked first. He has also stressed the need to combat historical revisionism, particularly attempts to deny or belittle the Soviet Union’s decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The USSR lost around 27 million people in the war, including Putin’s older brother, who died during the blockade of Leningrad.
Speaking on Victory Day in Moscow in 2023, Putin warned about the spread of supremacist ideologies and said that “Western globalist elites” were “inciting hatred, Russophobia, and aggressive nationalism.”
Putin has argued that NATO expansion and the West’s growing military ties with Ukraine were among the key causes of the current conflict. Last month, he accused Western countries of seeking to “dismember” Russia and strip it of its sovereignty.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/629449-merz-compares-putin-hitler/
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Kiev mayor bemoans ‘devastating’ Ukraine corruption scandal
14 Dec, 2025
The ongoing corruption scandal linked to Vladimir Zelensky’s inner circle has delivered a “devastating blow” to Ukraine, Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko believes.
Klitschko made the remarks in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF aired on Thursday. Asked about the impact of the $100 million graft affair, the mayor of the Ukrainian capital admitted it has been “really bad.”
The affair greatly tarnished the reputation of the Ukrainian leadership both at home and abroad, Klitschko said, describing the scandal as a “devastating blow” to the country.
“The most important thing in life is trust. Trust from our international partners in Ukraine. Trust from our people in the central government. And scandals like this destroy trust,” the mayor stated.
The scandal, which has sent shockwaves across the Ukrainian political landscape, kicked off in mid-November, was prompted by an investigation launched by the Western-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The two anti-graft bodies announced having uncovered an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme that implicate individuals in Zelensky’s inner circle. The ringleader is believed to be close Zelensky associate Timur Mindich, who siphoned funds from Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear energy operator Energoatom, which is heavily reliant on Western aid. Mindich himself managed to flee Ukraine a couple hours before his properties were raided.
Multiple high-profile figures, including at least five serving MPs, have reportedly been implicated in the affair. The graft scandal has led to the downfall of Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svetlana Grinchuk. Also dismissed was Zelensky’s enigmatic chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, who was widely regarded as the key figure in the Ukrainian power structure and even described as the true ruler of the country. He also lost several other senior government posts.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/629448-ukraine-devastating-corruption-scandal/
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Sydney shooting an ‘anti-Semitic terrorist attack’ – Australian PM
14 Dec, 2025
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney as an “act of evil anti-Semitism,” vowing a decisive response to the attack. The incident left at least 12 people dead and more than two dozen wounded.
The attack on Sunday was perpetrated by two gunmen who targeted the ‘Hanukkah by the Sea’ celebration. One of the alleged attackers was killed in the ensuing firefight with police; the other was taken into custody in critical condition.
Police say they are treating the shooting as a “terrorist incident.” A number of “suspicious devices” believed to be improvised explosives were secured from a car linked to the attackers parked near the beach.
The Australian prime minister condemned the attack and vowed to eradicate “hate, violence, and terrorism in our nation.”
“There has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi at the Hanukkah By the Sea celebration. This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith. [The attack is] an act of evil anti-Semitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation,” Albanese said.
During the attack, one of the gunmen was ambushed by a bystander, who wrestled his firearm from him, videos circulating online suggest. The disarmed attacker retreated to his accomplice, apparently securing a backup firearm from him. The bystander received at least two gunshot wounds while trying to flee, according to the footage.
Local media identified the man as a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and member of the local Muslim community. He has been hospitalized with non-life-threatening wounds.
The attack resulted in the death of Eli Schlanger, the assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and one of the organizers of the event. Schlanger was a strong supporter of Israel amid the conflict in Gaza, repeatedly traveling there to meet with Israeli troops. Several other Chabad emissaries were among the injured, a spokesperson for Chabad Israel confirmed.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/629436-sydney-antisemitic-terrorist-attack/
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Bondi Beach gunmen had possible Islamic State links, says ABC
15/12/2025
Police have yet to provide a motive for Sunday's mass shooting, but they say it was clearly an antisemitic, terrorist act.
Senior officials in the investigation told the ABC that two IS flags were found in the gunmen's car at the beach, although New South Wales police said they could not confirm the report.
Details of the pair are emerging in the hours since the black-clad, 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son were seen side-by-side on a small bridge, firing long-barrelled guns at people on the beach.
The father, named in local media as Sajid Akram, was killed in a shootout with police, detectives say.
He had licenses for six guns, and police say they believe all of them were used to kill and wound people enjoying a sun-splashed day at Australia's best-known beach.
The father first came to Australia in 1998 on a student visa, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told reporters on Monday.
In 2001, he obtained a visa granted to the partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Since then, the government says he travelled overseas three times.
His son -- an Australian-born citizen according to the home affairs minister -- is critically injured in a Sydney hospital bed under police guard.
Security service assessment
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed Monday that the son -- named in local media as Naveed Akram -- came to the attention of Australia's security services in 2019.
"He was examined on the basis of being associated with others, and the assessment was made that there was no indication of any ongoing threat or threat of him engaging in violence," Albanese said.
Australia's public broadcaster ABC said Naveed Akram was believed to be closely connected to an Islamic State member who was arrested in July 2019 and convicted of preparing a terrorist act in Australia.
The broadcaster said counter-terrorism detectives believed the two Bondi Beach gunmen had pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
Police said they raided two properties in western Sydney during their investigations.
One was in the suburb of Bonnyrigg where local media said Naveed Akram lived, and the other was a home in Campsie where the father and son reportedly stayed before carrying out their attack.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation said it "does not comment on individuals or ongoing investigations".
"We want to understand the motive behind these two people," New South Wales police commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters.
"We want to understand whether these people were further involved in any offences, but we have no history to say that's the case."
Source: france24.com
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https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251215-bondi-beach-gunmen-had-possible-islamic-state-links-says-abc
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Changes to £5m mosque access set for approval
15 December, 2025
Bill Jacobs
Councillors will be asked to approve changes to an entrance to a £5m landmark mosque after it was altered.
It comes after the owners submitted a request for backdated approval after changing the secondary vehicle access to the Masjid E Vali on Preston New Road.
The mosque is being built by the Issa Foundation, which is a family charity run by the EG Group founders, brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's planning and highways committee will be recommended to approve the change at a meeting on Thursday night.
The changes include improved access and improved visibility for traffic as well as modifications to the car parking arrangements.
A report from borough planning manager Gavin Prescott said that "construction of the development has been ongoing for a number of years" and "changes proposed under this application have already been implemented".
He added: "Members are recommended to approve this application, detailed assessment of which finds the proposed amendments to be acceptable."
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjez1zj372yo
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Plans to turn vacant Stafford building into Mosque and community centre approved
By Phil Corrigan
15 December, 2025
The scheme received 39 letters of support, but also 42 objections, with concerns being raised over issues such as parking and flooding in the area. But planning committee members at Stafford Borough Council voted to approve the application, noting that highways and flood risk officers had not opposed the plans.
The proposals include an extension to the existing building to form entrances and a new single-storey outbuilding to be used as a mortuary. The main building will include multi-function prayer halls along with classrooms, a kitchen and office space.
Vehicular access will be via two existing entrances on Sandyford Street, and there will be a car park with 48 spaces. Objector Ian Carr told the planning committee he had concerns that people visiting the mosque would parking on nearby streets, exacerbating existing problems with congestion.
He said: “People will be coming into Stafford to go to the prayer centre who don’t know Stafford. They will park where they can, where there are no restrictions. If people from elsewhere are parking in front of people’s homes so they don’t have to pay for parking, that in itself is causing a problem.
“Sandyford Street itself has no parking restrictions but that is heavily used by people who park there for whatever reason, parking on the pavement. Families with pushchairs and people in mobility scooters can’t get past so they have to go out into the road.”
But highways officers considered the on-site parking provision to be sufficient, and raised no objections to the scheme, subject conditions. Flood risk officers also offered no objection, saying that while the site is at risk of flooding, there proposed use is considered ‘less vulnerable’, with mitigation measures being proposed as part of the plans.
Mohammed Afaq, agent for the applicants, said his clients had worked to address any concerns raised by officers.
He said: “We have looked at the parking, and noise and other issues. We’re quite happy with the conditions that are proposed as part of a possible planning approval. I’ve discussed them in detail with the client and they are more than happy to adhere to those conditions in terms of numbers and usage, and in terms of parking. From day one we’ve been quite open in responding to any query.”
Planning committee members Jill Hood believes the development will improve the area.
Cllr Hood said: “I’ve been to have a look at the area and it really is in a poor state. There’s litter everywhere and the building’s broken down. It seems that every condition has been met. We’ve had no objections from any agency, and the flooding agency says that it could actually help stop the flooding in the area. I think it’s good that there’s a building that will be made to look attractive.”
Source: expressandstar.com
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https://www.expressandstar.com/news/property/2025/12/15/plans-to-turn-vacant-stafford-building-into-mosque-and-community-centre-approved/
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Africa
CAR presidential campaign launches amid tension and promises of peace
15 December 2025
Election campaigning has officially begun in the Central African Republic ahead of the presidential vote scheduled for December 28.
Incumbent President Faustin-Archange Touadéra launched his campaign on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Bangui’s Omnisports Stadium, where he addressed thousands of supporters. Returning from the town of Sibut, where he had earlier kicked off his re-election bid, Touadéra was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. His camp is banking on a strong turnout to secure victory in the first round.
Igor Tola Kogadou, a candidate for the National Assembly from the ruling United Hearts Movement (MCU), hailed the scale of mobilisation in favour of the president.
“I saw the population mobilizing for this election, for the victory of the Head of State, Professor Faustin-Archange Touadéra, candidate number one, the champion of the United Hearts Movement in the first round,” he said.
Touadéra, who is seeking a second term, is presenting himself as the guarantor of stability. For his supporters, his record on peace and the prospect of a return to lasting stability are key reasons to renew their confidence in him over his rivals.
“You see there is joy, enthusiasm, and a lot of emotion, because we see that the population has understood that peace is needed. And the Central African people want peace with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. That is why we are all here, truly joyful, to begin this presidential, legislative, regional, and municipal campaign,” said Josiane Nina Bemakassui, former Minister of Humanitarian Action.
Opposition puts forward an alternative vision
Even before the official start of the campaign, opposition presidential candidate Anicet-Georges Dologuélé unveiled a programme built around 25 social pillars. His platform focuses on building a strong state and reviving the country’s fragile economy.
“Without a strong state, there is neither development, nor stability, nor a future. The third pillar is economic recovery and the creation of opportunities for all. We want a country where initiative is encouraged and where work pays,” Dologuélé said.
The opposition leader also announced Serge Bokassa's support, a former minister previously allied with Touadéra, in a move seen as a symbolic defection from the ruling camp.
At the same time, Dologuélé launched a stinging attack on the authorities, accusing them of instrumentalising questions of nationality and weakening democratic institutions.
“The architecture of Central African democracy has collapsed. Nationality is being handed out left and right; they even talk about distributing it through some tokenization, I don’t know what, and meanwhile, the nationality of fellow citizens is being challenged,” he said.
A tense campaign climate
The campaign period, which will run for two weeks, is unfolding in a highly tense context, according to the United Nations, with concerns about security, political polarisation and the risk of violence.
Despite the tensions, all main candidates, including President Touadéra, have called for a peaceful, orderly campaign and for citizens to express their choices at the ballot box rather than in the streets.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/14/car-presidential-campaign-launches-amid-tension-and-promises-of-peace/
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Islam: AI can take Muslims to paradise, hellfire, says Pate
DECEMBER 14, 2025
Umar Pate, vice-chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere in Gombe, has urged Muslim faithful to take advantage of new media to propagate Islamic values worldwide.
Mr Pate made the call on Sunday at the inauguration of the newly elected executives of the Adamawa Muslim Council in Yola.
He said that with the Internet, people can connect with anyone in the world within a second, thanks to the progress enabled by technology.
According to him, in the next five years, 92 million jobs will vanish due to AI, robots, and other advanced technologies, while currently 120 million new jobs have been created.
He added, “The new media can take a person to paradise if used positively, and it can also lead someone to hellfire when used negatively.”
Mr Pate advised people to be careful in handling new media to shun hate speech, fake news, and misinformation and malinformation.
“It’s good to have knowledge of handling new media for effective utilisation to promote Da’awa, coordination, announcements, and skills development, among others,” he said.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa tasked the new executives with ensuring justice and fairness in their leadership for greater success.
Fintiri called on clerics to propagate Islam without bias and advised them to control their utterances while preaching to their followers.
He further commended the council for its positive contributions to promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
Barkindo Mustapha, Lamido of Adamawa, congratulated the new executives and urged them to redouble their efforts to ensure unity among Muslims for greater success in propagating Islam.
In his acceptance speech, the chairman of the council, Gambo Jika, thanked the Muslim groups for the confidence reposed in them to lead it for the second time.
He assured that they would continue doing their best to ensure unity and progress in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Source: gazettengr.com
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https://gazettengr.com/islam-ai-can-take-muslims-to-paradise-hellfire-says-pate/
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‘No Compromise On Democracy, Terror Threatens Our Survival’ – ECOWAS Chair, Bio Declares
December 15, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, on Sunday warned that West Africa is at an existential crossroads as terrorism, coups and economic pressures threaten its stability.
Speaking at a high-level ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Maada Bio declared that the region could no longer afford disunity or hesitation, insisting that the body would not tolerate unconstitutional changes of government.
“Our unity is not optional; it is our greatest asset,” he said, stressing that “Instability in one nation is instability for all. No border can insulate us from violence or fragmentation.”
In a blunt rebuke of military takeovers and attempts to undermine democratic rule, the ECOWAS chairman said the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government posed a grave threat to citizens’ rights and regional peace.
“On behalf of this Authority, I strongly condemn any unconstitutional change of government and any attempt to undermine constitutional order in our region,” Maada Bio said.
He added that ECOWAS “does not and will not compromise on democratic governance,” noting that citizens across the region expect decisive leadership at a critical moment.
“Our citizens expect leadership, not hesitation, at this critical juncture,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Role, Regional Security Push
Maada Bio commended Nigeria for its leadership in recent regional security responses, saying the swift deployment of ECOWAS troops and air assets had sent a strong message that democracy remains non-negotiable in West Africa.
Against the backdrop of worsening insecurity in the Sahel, he disclosed that ECOWAS ministers were finalising plans to establish a 1,650-person air counterterrorism brigade by the end of 2026, with sustainable regional financing.
“Terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime and communal conflict continue to destabilise communities and undermine development,” he warned.
According to him, “Security is not only a military obligation; it is a human imperative.”
He further emphasised the need for integrated intelligence sharing, coordinated border operations and the full operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Beyond security challenges, the ECOWAS leader painted a grim picture of rising living costs, shrinking opportunities and fragile economies across the region, insisting that deeper economic integration had become unavoidable.
“Regional economic integration is the bedrock of the ECOWAS vision and the foundation of our collective prosperity,” he said.
Maada Bio reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to launching a single ECOWAS currency by 2027, citing renewed momentum in fiscal and monetary coordination.
“When achieved, a common currency will expand trade, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the competitiveness of millions of enterprises across West Africa,” he added.
Airfares To Drop from 2026
In a move expected to directly impact millions of citizens, Maada Bio announced that ECOWAS member states would slash the cost of air travel across the region from January 2026.
Under the agreement, countries will abolish air transport taxes and reduce passenger and security charges by 25 per cent.
“For too long, high airfares have constrained movement, limited business opportunities and kept families apart,” he said.
Describing the initiative as people-focused, he added, “This is a bold, people-centred reform that will ease mobility, deepen trade and strengthen regional ties.”
Marking ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary, Maada Bio said the next half-century must be defined by opportunity rather than crisis, with youth, women and strong institutions placed at the centre of regional renewal.
“Our youth are not merely participants in development; they are the authors of the ECOWAS story for the next 50 years,” he said.
He also warned that climate shocks, displacement and food insecurity required stronger early-warning systems and better-funded disaster responses, urging member states to prioritise institutional reforms, transparency and financial sustainability across the bloc.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/15/no-compromise-on-democracy-terror-threatens-our-survival-ecowas-chair-bio-declares/
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UN condemns deadly drone strike on peacekeepers in Sudan’s Kordofan
DECEMBER 14, 2025
The United Nations has condemned a recent drone attack that targeted its Sudanese logistics in the central region of Kordofan base in Kadugli, resulting in fatalities & injuries of members of the Bangladeshi Peacekeeping contingent.
The UN's Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement that attacks against UN peacekeepers like this one are unjustifiable & may constitute war crimes. He further reminded the parties to the war of their obligation to protect UN personnel & civilians, while also calling for accountability.
A drone strike hit the UN facility in war-torn Sudan on Saturday, killing six peacekeepers, according to the U.N.
Eight other peacekeepers were wounded in the strike.
All the victims are Bangladeshi nationals, serving in the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei, UNISFA.
“Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” said Guterres, who called for those responsible for the “unjustifiable” attack to be held accountable.
The Sudanese military blamed the attack on the Rapid Support Forces, RSF, a notorious paramilitary group at war with the army for control of the country for more than two years.
There was no immediate comment from the RSF.
The attack “clearly reveals the subversive approach of the rebel militia and those behind it,” the military said in a statement.
The military posted a video on social media showing plumes of dense black smoke over what it said was the U.N. facility.
The oil-rich Abyei is a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan, and the U.N. mission has been deployed there since 2011 when South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan.
Guterres also called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan to allow “a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process” to settle the conflict in the northeast African country.
Sudan was plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country.
The conflict has killed over 40,000 people — a figure rights groups consider a significant undercount.
The fighting has recently centered on Kodrofan, particuly since the RSF took control of el-Fasher, the military’s last stronghold in the western region of Darfur.
The war has wrecked urban areas and has been marked by atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings which the U.N. and rights groups have said amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in the western region of Darfur.
The war has also created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and pushed parts of the country into famine.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/14/un-condemns-deadly-drone-strike-on-peacekeepers-in-sudans-kordofan/
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Why Should Anyone Believe A Terrorist – Sources Dismiss Bello Turji’s Allegations
December 15, 2025
By George Oshogwe
Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has stirred fresh controversy by publicly accusing two former governors in the North-West of laying the foundation for the region’s long-running insecurity.
In a viral video that surfaced on Saturday, Turji specifically named a former Sokoto State governor and former Zamfara State governor as being “responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” and called for their investigation and arrest.
Turji’s core allegation centers on the political leadership’s actions in arming local vigilante groups, known as ‘Yan Banga,’ which he claims disproportionately targeted Fulani communities and escalated violence, thereby sparking the crisis.
Turji insisted that he is not a political tool, stating, “We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians. There is no human being backing us.”
Efforts to get a reaction from the named former governors were unsuccessful. However, sources close to them vehemently denied the claims, insisting that the words of a terrorist should not be believed and that Turji is simply trying to portray himself as a victim.
According to one of the sources, “why would anyone want to place a premium on the words of a terrorist? Is it not clear that the terrorist is just trying to present himself as a victim? It is all lies.”
Another source close to one of the governors told Vanguard: “I can confirm to you that Turji is telling lies. Somebody who has serially killed is the one you want to believe. All that he has said is lies.”
The Ministry of Justice and Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation also failed to comment on the development.
Turji’s video also served as a direct response to a former peace negotiator, Musa Kamarawa, who had accused Turji of receiving ₦30 million as part of a non-kinetic engagement process with the Zamfara State government.
Turji confirmed participating in a series of peace meetings at the Government House in Gusau during the administration of former Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle (now Minister of State for Defence). However, he firmly denied receiving any financial inducement.
He said “By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira. What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given the N30 million you are talking about.”
He stressed that the meetings were solely aimed at reducing violence and restoring peace, not for personal financial gain, and accused Kamarawa of peddling “false and malicious testimony” and betraying the trust built during negotiations.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/15/why-should-anyone-believe-a-terrorist-sources-dismiss-bello-turjis-allegations/
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Cameroon post-election unrest: Protesters jailed, others freed
DECEMBER 14, 2025
A political crisis continues to engulf Cameroon just a few weeks after the West African country held its presidential election.
Around 30 protesters were detained overnight from Friday, December 12th, to Saturday, December 13th, at the Yaoundé-Nkondengui Central Prison.
At the same time, the military court prosecutor's office released about twenty others.
Fifty people, including a minor, arrested during the post-election protests, were brought before the military court prosecutor. Around thirty were remanded in custody at Yaoundé's Kondengui prison.
The group of lawyers representing the defendants is calling for their outright acquittal.
According to civil society and government sources, more than 1,000 people remain in detention following the unrest that has shaken Cameroon after the dispute over the re-election of President Paul Biya .
Cameroon’s top court on October 27 declared Biya the winner of the election, with 53.66% of the vote, ahead of his former ally-turned-challenger Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who scored 35.19%.
There were protests in several parts of Cameroon days after the October 12 vote, followed by a three-day lockdown this week after Tchiroma claimed victory and alleged vote tampering.
The government has confirmed that at least five people were killed during the protests, although the opposition and civil society groups claim the figures are far higher.
Tchiroma insists Biya was awarded a “fraudulent” victory in the election.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/14/cameroon-post-election-unrest-protesters-jailed-others-freed/
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ECOWAS To Establish Joint Counter-terrorism Force Amid Rising Extremism
December 15, 2025
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is moving to establish a joint counter-terrorism force as part of a renewed and more robust strategy to combat the pervasive threat of violent extremism across the sub-region.
This significant disclosure was made by the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, during the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held at the State House, Abuja, on Sunday.
President Bio expressed deep concern over the proliferation of terror groups exploiting the fragility of the region’s borders to carry out cross-border attacks and destabilise member states.
He stressed that the proposed joint security force is intended to strengthen collective defence mechanisms, enhance coordinated responses among ECOWAS countries, increase border cooperation to counter terrorism and encourage closer intelligence sharing and coordinated military action.
The move signals a commitment to intensify political and military action to safeguard lives and restore stability across the region.
In a separate announcement focused on regional economic integration, President Bio also disclosed the appointment of the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as the pioneer Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council.
The new Council is designed to:
Serve as a platform for structured engagement between the public and private sectors.
Strengthen private-sector participation in the regional bloc’s economic integration agenda.
Deepen cross-border investments and mobilise business leaders in support of ECOWAS development objectives.
Focus on boosting trade, industrialisation, and economic resilience across West Africa.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/15/ecowas-to-establish-joint-counter-terrorism-force-amid-rising-extremism/
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‘I Don’t Have To Succumb To Any Threats’ – Natasha Speaks On Pressure To Join APC
December 14, 2025
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, says she does not have to jump on the bandwagon or succumb to any threat to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Naija News reports that Natasha disclosed this in an interview on Mic On Podcast with Nigerian journalist, Seun Okinbaloye.
According to the lawmaker, she has been approached by the people in the presidency to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Natasha maintained that she would not leave the PDP for the APC, adding that she enjoys her peace in her party.
She said, “And even when I got married, I also was faced with the question of, your husband is from Delta State, go contest in Delta State. You’re no more from Kogi.
“But at each time, I had such challenges, I had to brace myself. So I was ready for it. And I would tell every woman who wants to venture into it that it could be tough, but you have the strength in you.
“I was in APC briefly. At the start of everything but now, no. Why should I go join APC? I don’t have to follow the bandwagon. I don’t have to succumb to any threats or fall for any cajolement. Let me be honest about it. I’ve been approached by people from the presidency, from even my colleagues, even as recent as yesterday.
“I love my space. I love my peace here. I’m okay with my party now, so I don’t think I have to join the APC.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/14/i-dont-have-to-succumb-to-any-threats-natasha-speaks-on-pressure-to-join-apc/\
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You Are A Clown, Why Do You Need Police Escorts? – Adebayo Fires Senator Ningi, Lawmakers
December 15, 2025
By Richard Ogunsile
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mutalubi Adebayo, SAN, has insisted that senators do not require police escorts, stressing that only judges should be exempted from President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police personnel from Very Important Persons.
Adebayo made this assertion while reacting to the President’s recent order directing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs and redeploy them to areas where they are more needed, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking on Arise News, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) argued that senators who feel unsafe should seek protection from private security firms rather than rely on public police officers.
“Senators should apply for private guards if at all they feel they need security,” he said.
Adebayo maintained that the work of lawmakers cannot be equated with that of judges, insisting that judges occupy a unique position that makes police protection compulsory.
“Senators can’t compare their jobs with that of judges. Some civil servants need escorts, even ministers need,” he said.
“Judges are not VIPs. They are even a special class of people. They’re more than VIPs. They need police escort as a matter of duty. It is very compulsory for judges to get police escorts considering the kind of job they do. It won’t be good even for society.”
‘Senators Taking It Too Far’
The former Attorney General also criticised the reaction of some lawmakers to the policy, describing the opposition as excessive and unnecessary.
Referring specifically to Senator Abdul Ningi, Adebayo said, “To me, I’ll say that Senator Abdul Ningi is taking the matter too far. I’ll say he’s a clown. What are they doing in the Senate to need police escorts?”
“What are they doing there? Cracking jokes… making cheap money. They don’t need police escorts. But they can apply for private security guards from private companies. Do they want to compare their job with that of judges?” he queried.
Naija News reports that President Tinubu had earlier directed the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw police officers attached to VIPs across the country.
The President ordered that the affected personnel be redeployed to areas where they would be more useful, especially in strengthening internal security and combating terrorism.
However, following the directive, some senators have raised concerns, lamenting that the withdrawal of police escorts could expose them to security risks and endanger their lives.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/15/you-are-a-clown-why-do-you-need-police-escorts-adebayo-fires-senator-ningi-lawmakers/
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North America
Bondi Beach shooting: Zohran Mamdani vows to defend Jews of New York after 'antisemitic terror' attack that killed 11
Dec 15, 2025
After the brutal Bondi Beach shooting in Australia, world leaders condemned antisemitism and how it promotes violence against Jews. NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani also weighed in on the incident that left 11 dead.
In a post on X, the socialist democrat said: "The attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney today was a vile act of antisemitic terror. I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers. May the memories of all those killed be a blessing."
Mamdani mourned the death of Jewish families and a prominent Rabbi who was killed in Sydney: "While we are still waiting for all the facts to emerge, what we already know is devastating. At least 11 dead, including Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who held deep ties to Crown Heights. At least 29 injured. Another Jewish community plunged into mourning and loss, a holiday of light so painfully reduced to a day of darkness. This attack is merely the latest, most horrifying iteration in a growing pattern of violence targeted at Jewish people across the world. Too many no longer feel safe to be themselves, to express their faith publicly, to worship in their synagogues without armed security stationed outside. What happened at Bondi is what many Jewish people fear will happen in their communities too."
Mamdani further praised the "hero" who came to the rescue, tackling and stealing the gun from one of the shooters: "On Bondi Beach today, as men with long guns targeted innocents, another man ran towards the gunfire and disarmed a shooter. Tonight, as Jewish New Yorkers light menorahs and usher in a first night of Hanukkah clouded by grief, let us look to his example and confront hatred with the urgency and action it demands."
The NYC mayor-elect vowed to defend the Jews of New York and work for their safety: "When I am Mayor, I will work every day to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe—on our streets, our subways, at shul, in every moment of every day. Let this be a purpose shared by every New Yorker, and let us banish this horrific violence to the past."
The attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney today was a vile act of antisemitic terror. I mourn those who were murdered and will be keeping their families, the Jewish community, and the Chabad movement in my prayers. May the memories of all those killed be a blessing.
While…
Bondi Beach shooting
Police said two shooters were involved in the Bondi Beach attack. One was shot dead at the scene, while the other was critically injured and taken into custody. A bystander named Ahmed disarmed the first attacker, who was forced to retreat. An officer approached from behind the bridge and shot the remaining gunman dead. Footage later showed officers seizing both gunmen and pinning them to the ground. At least 11 were killed in the attack. Twenty-nine others were taken to the hospital. More than 26 resources were deployed, including helicopters and specialist
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/bondi-beach-shooting-zohran-mamdani-vows-to-defend-jews-of-new-york-after-antisemitic-terror-attack-that-killed-11/articleshow/125965630.cms
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They were almost American - then Trump cancelled their citizenship ceremonies
Grace Eliza Goodwin
December 15, 2025
Sanam, an Iranian immigrant who came to the US over a decade ago, was finally about to become a US citizen. Years of navigating paperwork, approvals, tests, and security vetting, had brought her to the last step: a naturalization ceremony.
But then, just two days before she was to take her oath on 3 December, the US government abruptly cancelled it.
Sanam was shocked and confused at first – there was no explanation. She didn't understand why the ceremony was cancelled when she hadn't done anything wrong, she told the BBC.
Later, she found out it was because of where she was born, and sadness and frustration crept in.
"It's been just years and just feeling drained and feeling like, can I even keep going with this process? Because it's been so hard," Sanam said. "It's just very heartbreaking."
Sanam - who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation but who chose to share her nickname - lives in Oregon with her husband, a US citizen from Kansas. Her identity has been verified by the BBC.
Her case is one of many – earlier this month the Trump administration began cancelling the citizenship ceremonies of immigrants from 19 countries already subject to a travel ban, including Iran.
That controversial decision left some legal permanent residents like Sanam – people who already had passed through every step of the process to become US citizens and were only awaiting the final formality – in an indefinite state of uncertainty.
"It just feels like our life is kind of in this limbo state, unstable," Sanam said, adding that she and her husband feel like they are "at the mercy of what the government decides".
This experience has led Sanam to start reconsidering whether it's worth it to stay in the US. She still has family in Iran, including her aging parents, and she doesn't know when she'll be able to see them again.
"It's hard to think about hope at this point," she said. "It's a really scary time and unfortunately as we approach the holidays, it's just really sad that people are going through this, and it's supposed to be a season of joy and getting together with your family."
19 countries affected by travel ban
The cancelling of oath ceremonies is just one part of the Trump administration's latest efforts to tighten immigration rules. Migrants from the 19 countries already subject to a travel ban have had their immigration processing halted no matter where they are in the process, not just those at the final step.
The move, and others like it, came in the days after an Afghan national opened fire on National Guard members in Washington DC on 26 November, killing one and critically injuring another. The Trump administration has used the shooting as justification for a number of new efforts to tamp down immigration, including sending an additional 500 National Guard troops to DC, reducing the work visa validity period from five years to 18 months, and pausing all asylum claim decisions.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has said the restrictions are necessary to safeguard national security, protect American lives, and ensure public safety.
But Mario Bruzzone, vice president of policy at the New York Immigration Coalition, a nonprofit that represents hundreds of immigrant rights groups, said the restrictions put immigrants who are in need of protection in dangerous situations.
"An indefinite pause is a ban, plain and simple, and they're using the recent shooting in DC as a pretext for an escalation in attacks on immigrants and refugees," Mr Bruzzone told the BBC.
One Venezuelan immigrant, Jorge, was also on the cusp of becoming a US citizen when suddenly, less than 24 hours before his ceremony on 2 December, he was told it had been cancelled without explanation.
"I had everything prepared, including attending the ceremony with my son. To have it cancelled the day before, without any clear reason, left us with no clarity about the next steps," Jorge said.
Jorge, which is not his real name, has asked to remain anonymous, but his identity and experience have been verified by the BBC. He said he obtained permanent residency in 2017 through the "extraordinary ability" category, which is reserved for professionals at the top of their field.
Jorge agrees with the Trump administration that there should be "stricter reviews" of immigrants, he told the BBC. He blames the Biden administration for allowing too many immigrants into the country, and added that if he had been able to vote, he would have supported President Donald Trump.
What concerns him, he said, is that long-term residents with no criminal history are now being "generalised" alongside people who he believes do require deeper scrutiny.
"I just want those of us who have followed every rule to be able to move forward with our cases — and for those who have committed fraud or crimes to face the appropriate legal consequences," Jorge said.
Mr Bruzzone of the NYIC said many immigrants from the 19 countries - including refugees, asylum seekers, and legal permanent residents like Sanam and Jorge - have already gone through extensive vetting that takes years and has multiple layers of security checks and health checks.
Living in New York state alone, there were an estimated 132,000 Venezuelan-born people in 2023, according to data gathered by the New York Immigration Coalition.
The halt has disrupted the lives of people at every stage of the immigration process, leaving them to wait it out in a "huge amount of uncertainty", Mr Bruzzone said.
Sanam's husband, who chose not to share his name for fear of retaliation, told the BBC that the timeline of events feels astounding.
"If those National Guard members weren't attacked last week, but this week, [my wife] would be a citizen right now," he told the BBC the day after Sanam's oath ceremony was supposed to happen.
"Your mind goes a little bit wild about how quick the mechanism for changing all of these policies came on," he said. "It just feels like the administration clearly didn't let a good crisis go to waste in this case. And it's pretty tough to be underneath that."
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8135qeezwo
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University of Arkansas in US fires Iranian professor over support for Iran, Palestine
14 December 2025
The University of Arkansas in the United States has dismissed an Iranian professor from her position as director of the Middle Eastern Studies department over her social media posts in solidarity with Iran and Palestine.
Speaking to The New York Post newspaper on Friday, a spokesman for the University of Arkansas announced the suspension of Shirin Saeidi from the Middle East Studies program, adding, however, that she still retains her position as a political science professor at the school.
The measure, which raises serious concerns about academic free speech, came after the university came under pressure from anti-Iran figures and the Zionist lobby.
In several X posts in November, the professor praised Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and offered prayers for his safety.
She also hailed Ayatollah Khamenei as “the leader who kept Iran intact during the Israeli attack,” referring to the illegal US-backed aggression against the country in June.
In separate posts on X, she condemned Israel as a “terrorist” and a “genocidal” regime.
The University also claims that Saeidi used the school’s letterhead to appeal for the release of Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian judiciary official who was illegally imprisoned in Sweden between 2019-24 on politically motivated charges.
The spokesman said the university is investigating the issue “in accordance with university policies.”
Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to the Israeli regime, has also attacked Saeidi for her pro-Palestine stance, claiming the professor “would probably be better suited to being given a one-way ticket to Tehran.”
In March, an Iranian scholar at Yale Law School was fired for her outspoken criticism of Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip.
Helyeh Doutaghi condemned the move as a normalization of “fascistic governance” at top universities in the US.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/12/14/760606/US-Arkansas%C2%A0university-professor-Iran-Palestine
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From X to face-to-face: Erika Kirk to meet Candace Owens in person — will this meeting end the feud?
Dec 15, 2025
After weeks of barbed exchanges online, the long-running digital spat between Erika Kirk and conservative commentator Candace Owens is set to move offline.
Turning Point USA chief Erika Kirk has announced plans to have a face-to-face meeting with Owens on Monday, marking a rare attempt to turn a social media feud into an in-person conversation.
Her meeting announcement came after pleading with Owens to stop spreading conspiracy theories about the murder of her husband, Charlie Kirk.
She added that she was postponing all livestreams and social media posts until after their private discussion, which coincides with the date Turning Point USA had planned to host a livestream addressing Owens’s claims.
In an X post, Erika Kirk wrote: “Candace Owens and I are meeting for a private, in-person discussion on Monday, December 15. [Owens] and I have agreed that public discussions, livestreams, and tweets are on hold until after this meeting. I look forward to a productive conversation. Thank you.”
Will this meeting end the fued?
The question is little difficult to answer but in their previous spat, it is believed that Kirk is not really happy with Owens statement regarding her husband's assassination.
Last week, Owens said she was ready to “blow this case open” with her latest theory — that the US military was involved in killing Kirk. She has also suggested that pro-Israel henchmen upset by Kirk’s “rational thoughts about Israel” or a hit squad authorised by French President Emmanuel Macron, including “one Israeli,” were responsible.
Owens further implicated some of Kirk’s friends at Turning Point USA and The Charlie Kirk Show in his death. They had challenged her to attend an in-person event later this month to debunk her claims, but that event appears to be on hold for now.
Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson soon after Kirk was shot at a TPUSA event in September. Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. He was turned in by his family.
Erika Kirk made it clear she was unhappy with Owens’s ongoing speculation. When asked by CBS News boss Bari Weiss about Owens’s comments, Erika Kirk’s message was: “Stop. That’s it. That’s all I have to say. Stop.” She told Fox News that while it was acceptable to go after her personally, she was angry that Owens targeted her family and her “Turning Point USA family.”
Owens responded that Erika Kirk’s recent comments are not “passing the vibe check,” adding: “You are not changing my mind about the fact that something weird happened that day and that TPUSA is acting funny because you give an impassioned plea.”
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/from-x-to-face-to-face-erika-kirk-to-meet-candace-owens-in-person-will-this-meeting-end-the-feud/articleshow/125969561.cms
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Ilhan Omar's son pulled over by ICE, asked to prove his American citizenship at Target store
Dec 15, 2025
Minnesota Rep Ilhan Omar who is at loggerheads with the Donald Trump administration, claimed that her son Adnan Hisri was pulled over by ICE agents Saturday and he was asked to prove his citizenship at a Target store. Omar's son was born in the US and he showed the ICE agents his passport ID and was let go, Ilhan Omar said. She said her son always carried his passport.
Omar told CBS News that ICE also previously entered a mosque where his son and others were praying, but left without incident. After that, she said she "had to remind him just how worried I am, because all of these areas that they are talking about are areas where he could possibly find himself in and they are racially profiling, they are looking for young men who look Somali that they think are undocumented."
Ilhan Omar came to the US from Somalia when she was a minor and became a US citizen in 2000 when she was 17 years old. In the wake of the allegations of embezzlement by the Somali community in Minnesota, the Republicans have called for Ilhan Omar's deportation and Donald Trump alleged that she married her brother to remain in the US -- an accusation that started as a rumor and Ilhan dismissed it but now turned into a regular jibe of the president.
Ilhan Omar has been married thrice: her first husband being Ahmed Nur Said Elmi in 2002. Critics claim Elmi to be Ilhan Omar's brother, though there is no record to prove that. They parted ways in 2011. In 2008, Omar entered a religious marriage with Ahmed Hisri. They have three children: Adnan, Nur and Isa. The couple divorced in 2011, reconciled and remarried in 2015 and then divorced again in 2018. In 2020, Ilhan Omar marrief Timothy Mynett, a political consultant.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/ilhan-omars-son-pulled-over-by-ice-asked-to-prove-his-american-citizenship-at-target-store/articleshow/125966258.cms
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'Don't delete social media apps from phone': Immigration attorney on US border checking
Dec 15, 2025
Checking social media before allowing entry into the country is not a new practice for the US but the new regulations only ensure that there will strict enforcement, Canada-based immigration attorney Benjamin Green said as Canadians, who don't require a visa to enter the US, will also come under some kind of social media checking. According to a proposed rule, the US administration will check social media details, old phone numbers, unused email addresses of all those who travel to the US -- even from countries which are on visa waiver.
Canada is ona visa waiver but social media checking at US border is nothing new, Green said, adding that people should not delete all social media apps from their phones, as that would instantly raise suspicion. Those who require visa will have to provide their details during the visa process but for Canadians, the check may happen in person when a border official asks for the phone of a person entering from Canada to the US.
Green told CTV that if a border agent finds out that a person's phone has no social media app or the person is traveling with a burner phone, this is an immediate red flag. “If I’m an officer and I see somebody has a wiped phone or a phone without social media or without any personal emails, that doesn’t scream to me, ‘Wow this is somebody who has nothing to hide.’ This screams to me that it’s somebody with something to hide.”
Green said Canadians should not face any problem if they are stopped at the border and their phones are checked. “This type of a search only happens in a larger, cascading series of events. On a given entry, you’ve said something that makes an officer question some things and on and on until they’re pulling you into secondary (screening) and looking at your phone,” he said. “But the average person, as long as it’s calm, cool and collected, it’s largely business as usual.”
Green said Canafdian travelers have the right to refuse to show border officers their phones or laptops but then the border officer also has the right to deny the entry.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/dont-delete-social-media-apps-from-phone-immigration-attorney-on-us-border-checking/articleshow/125966088.cms
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Brazilians protest against bids to ease punishment for Bolsonaro, allies
15 December 2025
Tens of thousands of Brazilians have taken to the streets to protest a bill advancing in Congress that would significantly shorten the prison term of former President Jair Messias Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to more than 27 years in jail for attempting to overturn Brazil’s 2022 presidential election.
Demonstrations, organized by social movements, artists, and political parties, were held across major Brazilian cities on Monday.
Protesters voiced opposition to lawmakers’ efforts to soften penalties for Bolsonaro and his allies, including supporters convicted over the attack on government buildings in Brasília after his electoral defeat.
The rallies were the first major nationwide protests since Bolsonaro began serving his sentence last month.
The former president, whose far-right movement reshaped Brazil’s political landscape, is being held in a specially prepared cell at a federal police facility in the capital.
The demonstrations followed a vote last week in the lower house of Congress, where a conservative majority advanced a bill that, according to its sponsor, could cut Bolsonaro’s sentence to just over two years. The proposal now awaits debate in the Senate.
If approved, the measure would also reduce sentences for Bolsonaro’s supporters involved in the 2023 storming of government institutions in Brasília.
Even under the new rules, Bolsonaro, now 70, would remain barred from holding public office for another three decades.
The bill would further revise parole rules, allowing prisoners to move from full confinement to parole after serving one-sixth of their sentence, compared with one-fourth under current law.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the 2022 election and plans to seek reelection next year, is expected to veto the bill if it clears the Senate. Congress could override such a veto, a step likely to trigger challenges before Brazil’s Supreme Court.
Bolsonaro’s legal troubles have also drawn attention abroad. In July, US President Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, citing several reasons, including Bolsonaro’s trial, which he described as a “witch hunt.”
Brazilians, including President da Silva and the Supreme Court, condemned Trump’s actions as attempts to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.
Source: presstv.ir
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https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/12/15/760663/Brazilians-protest-bid-to-ease-punishment-for-Bolsonaro,-allies
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Arab World
Saudi foreign minister: Youth are ‘future leaders’, ‘messengers of peace’
December 15, 2025
RIYADH/SYDNEY: Youth are the leaders of the future and messengers of peace, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said on Sunday.
He made the remarks at the opening of the 11th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia is hosting the forum under the theme: “Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity: Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos attended the forum.
The event also featured foreign ministers, political and religious leaders, heads of international organizations, and civil society representatives.
In his opening address, the foreign minister affirmed that hosting the forum demonstrates the Kingdom’s support for UN efforts to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among civilizations and cultures.
He said that Saudi Vision 2030 reflects a national commitment to moderation, openness to other civilizations, and opposition to hate speech and extremism.
Prince Faisal said that the 11th session of the UN Alliance of Civilizations provides an opportunity to review past efforts and exchange ideas on managing diversity through communication and dialogue among civilizations and religions.
The minister highlighted the important role of youth in fostering a peaceful and tolerant world.
He said: “They are the leaders of the future and messengers of peace.”
Prince Faisal expressed his pleasure at the strong youth participation. “In this context, I cannot help but express my great pleasure at seeing so many young people in this hall.”
He said that a dedicated youth forum will be held alongside the main event, and the venue will also host the graduation ceremony for the eighth cohort of the Salam Project for Civilizational Communication’s Young Leaders Qualification Program.
“Accordingly, it can be said that this UN Alliance of Civilizations forum is a forum for youth,” he added.
The forum aims to review two decades of global dialogue, address current challenges, and plan future collaboration to enhance mutual understanding and support international peace and stability.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2626288/saudi-arabia
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China expresses support for developing and strengthening Saudi-Iranian relations
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his country’s support for developing and strengthening Saudi-Iranian relations on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He also appreciated the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve regional and international security and stability, SPA added.
Wang visited the Kingdom on Sunday in response to an invitation from his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. He also met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Prince Faisal and Wang held talks during which they reviewed the comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries.
They commended the level of Saudi-Chinese relations in all fields, including the economic, trade, investment, and energy sectors.
They noted that Wang’s visit coincided with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their countries, which have witnessed significant development and a convergence of visions, SPA said.
The two ministers held the fifth session of the political committee emanating from the Saudi-Chinese High-Level Joint Committee. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
Both sides affirmed their commitment to exchanging support on issues related to the vital interests of both countries, and their support for everything that achieves security, stability, development, and prosperity in the two nations.
Saudi Arabia also reiterated its commitment to the One China policy, stating that the Chinese government is the only legitimate government representing China as a whole, and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.
Wang praised the economic developments taking place in the Kingdom within the framework of Vision 2030 and expressed China’s readiness to participate in Expo 2030 which will be hosted by Riyadh.
Views were exchanged on regional and international issues of common interest, and both sides expressed their readiness to enhance communication and coordination on these matters, SPA added.
Both foreign ministers affirmed their support for efforts aimed at finding a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian question and establishing an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution, relevant UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.
They also signed an agreement on the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2626254/saudi-arabia
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Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025
December 15, 2025
JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.
The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
It also placed KAIA among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.
“This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world,” the report said.
It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.
KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.
The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.
She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.
JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2626289/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Syrian-US forces near Palmyra
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday strongly condemned a terrorist attack that targeted Syrian and US security forces during a joint operation near the ancient city of Palmyra on Saturday, according to a statement from the Kingdom’s foreign ministry.
The attack occurred while Syrian forces and personnel from the US were on joint patrol as part of efforts to combat terrorism in the area.
Two US troops and a civilian interpreter were killed.
The foreign ministry statement extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the governments of Syria and the US. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2626239/saudi-arabia
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Absher Hackathon finalists highlight scale of Saudi tech talent
GHADI JOUDAH
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s push to position itself as a global hub for digital innovation was on display this weekend as the Absher Tuwaiq Hackathon 2025 — billed as the world’s largest hackathon — concluded with the announcement of finalist teams competing for prizes totaling SR1 million ($266,000).
The three-day hackathon, organized by the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy, brought together innovators from across the Kingdom to develop digital solutions aligned with the ministry’s digital transformation goals.
The finalist teams recognized for their projects were: Shadow, Wusool, Watheeq , Tanabbah, HRS, Ikhlaa, Amal, Mustabiq, Al‑Dahna, Inspire, Saqour Al‑Watan, Thaqib, Sawt Al‑Mustaqbal, Manee, and YS Advance International.
In addition to cash prizes, the competition offered SR450,000 in support from the National Technology Development Program, along with incubation opportunities at Invi Lab to help teams turn prototypes into market-ready products.
Tariq Al‑Hamid, official spokesperson for the Absher Conference, told Arab News that the hackathon has generated strong momentum nationwide.
This year’s event included more than 4,000 participants from all regions of the Kingdom — “a reflection of the growing national enthusiasm for digital innovation,” he said.
According to Al‑Hamid, the 2025 event was structured around four specialized tracks: digital identity and security applications; artificial intelligence for predictive and proactive security; Internet of Things applications supporting field operations; and innovations to enhance or expand services on the Absher Platform.
He added that this focused approach allowed participants “to present high‑quality ideas and advanced prototypes at levels comparable to international competitions.”
Participants also took part in more than 80 training programs delivered by global partners including Google Cloud, Meta, NVIDIA, and Huawei, an experience Al-Hamid said significantly strengthened both the competition and participants’ skills.
Al-Hamid said that the hackathon’s impact extends beyond prize money. “More important than the cash reward is the opportunity to turn creative ideas into real products that make an impact on citizens, residents, and visitors.”
Standout participants often attract the attention of leading national technology companies seeking new talent, he added.
Participation was open to individuals and teams from across Saudi Arabia, from high school students to industry professionals, highlighting the inclusivity of the event and the breadth of the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.
The hackathon forms part of the wider Absher Tuwaiq initiative, a core pillar of the upcoming Absher Conference 2025, which will empower more than 100,000 participants across seven technical tracks in 16 cities, in partnership with 20 local and international organizations.
The conference, organized by the Ministry of Interior and Tuwaiq Academy, sponsored by Elm Company and held in strategic partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, will take place in Riyadh from Dec. 17 -19.
The event will showcase national digital innovations and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role in global technology.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2626264/saudi-arabia
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Saudi desert innovation that cooled water long before refrigeration
December 14, 2025
BURAIDAH: For generations, desert communities in Saudi Arabia relied on the qirbah, a traditional waterskin made from tanned animal hide, to carry, store and cool water, as well as preserve clarified butter and buttermilk.
Typically suspended in open air, often from a simple three-legged wooden stand, the qirbah cooled water naturally through evaporation, reflecting a practical response to harsh desert conditions and symbolizing self-reliance and ingenuity, Saudi Press Agency said in a recent report.
Mohammed Al-Shomar, a specialist in heritage tools, told SPA that several types of qirbah were used for different purposes.
Al-Sa’n, made from goat or sheep hide, was used to store and cool water, while Al-Sumeel served for storing and churning buttermilk.
Al-Akka was designed for clarified butter, and Al-Shakwa was more versatile, used for milk, butter, sour buttermilk, and honey.
Crafting a qirbah involved softening the hide with fat or tallow, cutting it to size and stitching it with a large needle.
The neck formed the opening, while the legs acted as grips for carrying or securing the container.
Once essential for long desert journeys, the qirbah is known for its longevity and remains in use in modern times, often hung outside vehicles to keep drinking water cool.
Today, renewed interest in innovations like the qirbah reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to preserve and celebrate traditional heritage as part of its cultural transformation.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi National Museum to celebrate World Arabic Language Day
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Museum is organizing a cultural program to celebrate World Arabic Language Day, observed annually on Dec. 18.
The three-day program, running until Dec. 20, will offer visitors a unique experience combining heritage, arts, and the Arabic language.
The celebration will feature cultural and intellectual dialogues exploring the human and cultural dimensions of Arabic, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
A key highlight is a session titled “The Aesthetics of Language in Saudi Folk Songs,” examining the relationship between traditional songs and the role of language in preserving cultural heritage, connecting tools and crafts to the living heritage of Saudi societies.
Visitors can also attend a book signing session, interacting directly with authors and exploring the aesthetics of Arabic in their works, the SPA added.
The program will conclude with workshops, interactive activities, and artistic performances showcasing the richness and diversity of traditional crafts and arts, offering an exceptional cultural experience that blends discovery, knowledge, and celebration of living heritage.
Source: arabnews.com
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GCC secretary general receives Chinese FM in Riyadh
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi received Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed areas of cooperation between the GCC and China under the Joint Action Plan for 2023–2027, the General Secretariat said.
Wang praised the efforts of the GCC General Secretariat to strengthen the partnership between the two sides in ways that serve shared interests.
Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for China’s role in supporting security and stability in the region.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi housing authority begins home handovers across nation
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Developmental Housing Foundation announced on Sunday that it has begun handing over homes to citizens across the country.
The move by Sakan, as a part of the Jood Eskan housing initiative, follows directives from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince has donated SR1 billion ($266.5 million) from his personal funds to the initiative to support home ownership for eligible families and improve living standards.
Sakan said the first phase marks the beginning of a wider delivery plan that will have houses handed over in six phases across all regions of the Kingdom.
The timeline follows directives from the crown prince to complete allocated housing projects within a maximum period of 12 months while adhering to the highest standards of quality and governance.
The Sakan program is implementing a monthly distribution plan that will cover two regions per phase, aimed at streamlining beneficiary access and improving delivery efficiency.
Sakan said the initiative reflects the crown prince’s commitment to projects that enhance social stability and contribute to long-term developmental progress across the Kingdom.
Source: arabnews.com
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New youth development policy aims to support their role in Vision 2030
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new policy aiming to empower youth participation in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The General Policy for Youth Development seeks to amplify the involvement of youth in the workforce across government institutions, the private sector and nonprofit organizations.
It aims to not only empower Saudi youth to be pioneers within the Kingdom, but also to become problem solvers and innovators on a global scale, the ministry added.
The policy hopes to become an empowering guideline by providing youth with tools and building blocks that will help create a long-term and sustainable environment in the Kingdom for youth to thrive.
The General Policy for Youth Development focuses on five main areas of growth and youth involvement: economic empowerment, community participation, extending education and lifelong learning, health and wellbeing and national identity and religious values.
According to the ministry, all of these objectives are tackled by the policy as it aims to reduce legislative gaps, address youth-related issues and financially empower youth-led initiatives.
For example, some of the objectives highlighted by the policy emphasize digital safety, protection from discrimination and violence, equal opportunities between the two genders, and empowering youth with disabilities.
Prior to establishing the policy, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development conducted in-depth research in youth preparation programs by examining the policies of 20 leading countries in the field, backed by the ministry’s organizing of over 34 workshops with stakeholders.
In the ministry’s pursuit of research, it also held meetings with both local and foreign experts in carrying out surveys that have targeted more than 11,000 young men and women across the Kingdom.
In 2024, the Youth Development Strategy was launched; which was developed with the support of over 30 government and private entities — a milestone that encompasses the Kingdom’s dedication to supporting its youth in diverse ecosystems.
The General Policy for Youth Development is another step forward in making the Kingdom a hub for youth enrichment, as 69.4 percent of the population is under 35 years of age and 35.9 percent of the population are aged 15 to 34.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development quoted in its policy document King Salman speaking about the importance of empowering the youth: “You are the nation’s investment in the future.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Lucid and KACST partner for electric vehicle innovation center in Riyadh
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: A new center to carry out high-level research into electric vehicle technology has been inaugurated in Riyadh.
The center is a partnership between the Riyadh-based King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the PIF-backed Lucid Group.
Research conducted at the center will focus on improving the efficiency, functionality and performance of Lucid vehicles, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It aims to harness experts from the Kingdom and further abroad to bolster the company’s research capabilities.
“This new innovation center embodies our ongoing commitment to leading the advancement of electric vehicle technology, and our support toward strengthening Saudi Arabia a hub for technological innovation,” Lucid interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, said.
“By combining Lucid’s engineering expertise with KACST’s advanced research capabilities, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“Our teams are eager to begin the planned work together, recognizing this research will help shape the future of sustainable mobility.”
Senior vice president for research and development at KACST, Dr. Talal bin Ahmed Al-Sedairy, added that the center accelerated “the transformation of knowledge into products and technologies that support the future of sustainable mobility and enhance the competitiveness of the national economy.”
President of Lucid Middle East Faisal Sultan said: “The opening of this center is a major step forward in Lucid’s commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration strengthens our regional presence, nurtures local talent, and contributes to building a vibrant technology ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030.”
The center was developed in collaboration with KACST, one of the Kingdom’s leading research, development and innovation institutions, forming the second phase of the partnership between the two parties.
The center began its operations as a specialized facility for testing and validation and has since evolved to cover all stages of electric vehicle development.
It is the latest addition to Lucid’s network of facilities in the US and Saudi Arabia, including a showroom that opened in Alkhobar on Dec. 5.
The company said that its innovation center will serve as a key pillar of the Kingdom’s national research and development infrastructure, and actively contribute to the innovation and industrial application of future technologies within the country.
Source: arabnews.com
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Diriyah seminar discusses Saudi water sustainability
December 14, 2025
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently participated in the Diriyah Global Seminar under the theme “Sustaining Civilizations: Oases and the Continuity of Heritage.”
During the presentation, the ministry highlighted the evolution of the Kingdom’s water sector, moving from scarcity to sustainability, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
This progress, from the early 20th century to today, has established Saudi Arabia as a global leader in desalination, water management, and the expansion of supply and treatment networks.
Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, deputy minister for water affairs, emphasized water’s cultural and developmental significance and its role in shaping lifestyles in desert environments.
He also reviewed traditional methods of water extraction and irrigation, alongside major institutional transformations in the sector, the SPA added.
Al-Shaibani highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in 2025 and its targets for 2030, noting that water supplies in 2025 rose to over 16 million cubic meters per day, consolidating Saudi Arabia’s position as the world’s largest producer of desalinated water.
The sector has also recorded two new Guinness World Records, bringing the total to 11, further affirming its global leadership in desalination technologies, the SPA reported.
Moreover, the Kingdom operates the world’s largest water transmission and storage system, with capacities exceeding 18.5 million cubic meters per day for transmission and over 29 million cubic meters for storage.
Source: arabnews.com
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India
Pahalgam terror attack case: NIA to file chargesheet in Jammu court on Monday
Dec 15, 2025
NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will file a chargesheet in the Pahalgam terror attack case before a special court in Jammu on Monday, officials said.
The probe agency's investigation has found the direct involvement of three terrorists in the April 22 attack, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran area.
Earlier in June, the NIA arrested two men for allegedly harbouring the three terrorists. The accused, identified as Parvaiz Ahmad Jothar of Batkote and Bashir Ahmad Jothar of Pahalgam, are accused of providing food, shelter and logistical support to the attackers, officials said.
During questioning, the two men disclosed that the attackers were Pakistani nationals linked to the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The three terrorists were later killed by security forces in an encounter on July 28 on the outskirts of Srinagar under operation code-named "Operation Mahadev".
The April 22 strike at Baisaran was the deadliest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack.
In response to the attack, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on May 7 under "Operation Sindoor", targeting terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation hit nine locations, including headquarters and training centres of LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed, from where terror attacks against India were planned and directed.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Lt Gen Dushyant Singh: India must prepare for ‘Op Sindoor 2.0’ as Pak fixation makes conflict inevitable
14.12.25
Lieutenant General Dushyant Singh (retd) on Sunday warned that the Indian armed forces must remain prepared for a future military confrontation, saying “Operation Sindoor 2.0” is inevitable as Pakistan’s military continues to remain fixated on Kashmir with backing from China and Turkiye.
Singh said the ceasefire reached during Operation Sindoor in May remains “fragile” because of repeated violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), underscoring the likelihood of renewed escalation.
Addressing a gathering at the headquarters of the Indian Air Force’s South Western Air Command near Gandhinagar, Singh said India also needs to significantly improve its narrative-building capabilities, identifying it as one of the shortcomings during the military operation.
Singh, Director General of the New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), was delivering the ninth edition of the Late Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (PVC) Annual Memorial Lecture, organised by the Air Force Association, Gujarat Branch.
“Operation Sindoor was not the end, but it was the beginning of new dynamics of escalation management. So, what are the chances of any future conflict with our adversary? The answer is yes. ‘Operation Sindoor 2.0’ is not merely a possibility; it is inevitable. The earlier we prepare for it, the better we are,” Singh said.
He added that the prospects of another such operation remain high as Pakistan’s military remains focused on Kashmir, with strategic support from China and Turkiye.
Singh, however, expressed confidence in the Indian government’s ability to deal with future threats.
"One of the successes of Operation Sindoor was the doctrinal shift. It discarded restraint and exposed Pakistan's weaknesses. For the first time since the 1971 war, a tri-service synergy was achieved. Political clarity translated into military precision, air defence innovation, and surprised global observers," said Singh.
Operation Sindoor was India's swift, targeted military response in May 2025 to a major terrorist attack in Pahalgam, aiming to destroy terrorist infrastructure and launchpads inside Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Highlighting shortcomings, Singh said India was weak in international narrative management.
"Diplomatic missions were not briefed aggressively, and pro-India lobbies abroad remained under-utilised. Narrative warfare was not fully leveraged. This is a gap we cannot afford in the future," the retired Army officer said.
He noted that Pakistani social media influencers flooded platforms such as TikTok, with amplification support from Chinese social media networks, and even targeted youth audiences in Bangladesh.
Singh also pointed to intense cyber warfare during the four-day operation.
"Cyber attacks on India were heavy during the four days of Operation Sindoor, but our counter-offensive cyber operations were either not clearly articulated or we were not aware of them," he said.
Singh said cyber attacks on government networks had surged sevenfold during the four-day period.
"The power sector witnessed nearly two lakh cyber attacks, while the National Stock Exchange faced around 40 crore cyber attacks. Had any been successful, it could have triggered a financial crisis," he said.
Singh emphasised that modern conflicts extend beyond land, sea and air, underscoring that multi-domain warfare is now a reality.
"We need coordinated information propagation during conflicts. On the information warfare front, Chinese media were deeply engaged in data analysis and crafting messages to amplify India’s fault lines," he said.
He recommended codifying a "national security strategy.
"India needs a well-documented national security strategy. We also need to reform intelligence and internal security, fast-track the integrated theatre command, raise defence spending by 3 per cent of the GDP, excluding pensions, and focus on outcome-based budgeting, not process-driven," the retired officer said.
Singh also called for the creation of dedicated Cyber Warfare and Cognitive Warfare Commands, and stressed the need to overhaul India’s strategic communications.
"We need to mend India's strategic communication for better narrative building. Siloed messaging by agencies such as the MEA and MoD led to delayed rebuttals during the operation, which amplified Pakistan’s narrative. These things are equally important because they affect India's overall image.
"Weak technology integration failed to counter viral claims about Indian jets. We must deploy AI for disinformation tracking and engage the 32 million-strong Indian diaspora as narrative amplifiers," Singh added.
Air Vice Marshal Anil Golani (retd), Director General of the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), spoke about the relevance of air power and the future of the Indian Air Force.
He said Operation Sindoor was a strategic shift from restraint to "deterrence by punishment".
Claiming that Pakistan's aggressive moves against India during the military conflict exposed collusion between China and Pakistan, Golani said China used the conflict to test its weapons.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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South's 'Ayodhya' moment? A flame divides the hill of many gods; why Karthigai deepam row matters beyond Tamil Nadu
Dec 14, 2025
Rising at the edge of Madurai, Thiruparankundram in Tamil Nadu's Madurai has served as sanctuary, landmark, battlefield, shrine and memory for centuries. First to Jain monks who chiselled beds into its stone nearly 2,300 years ago, later to poets of the Sangam age who immortalised it as Murugan Kundram, and eventually to monarchs, pilgrims and mendicants who left inscriptions and belief layered into its slopes.
Across centuries, the hill took on meanings that were never singular. It became a sacred space for Murugan devotees, a site associated with the god’s divine wedding, a spiritual retreat that bore Jain inscriptions in early Tamil script, and by the 14th century, a place of significance for followers of Sikandar Shah, whose memorial evolved into the Sikander Badusha Dargah. As rituals shifted and dynasties changed, Thiruparankundram continued to absorb new customs into its landscape.
For generations of residents, the hill's story was not interpreted through boundaries or separations, but through the shared steps people climbed and the shared festivals they observed.
Today, that long history forms the backdrop against which new questions are being posed about space, symbolism and tradition. A debate that has become a flashpoint between devotees in courtrooms and a stage for fresh DMK vs BJP.
A hill that carries centuries of coexistence
Thiruparankundram occupies a singular place in Tamil Nadu's cultural and religious landscape. Recognised as one of the Arupadai Veedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, it is revered as the site associated with the divine wedding of Murugan and Deivanai, a narrative deeply embedded in Tamil devotional literature and temple ritual.
Abodes of Lord Murugan.
References to the hill appear in Sangam-era texts such as 'Akananuru' and 'Thirumurugatrupadai', indicating that its sanctity has been acknowledged for well over two millennia. Archaeological evidence traces the hill's significance even further back: around 2,300 years ago, Jain monks carved stone beds with Tamizhi-era inscriptions along its slopes, marking it as a place of spiritual retreat long before the temple infrastructure seen today.
By the sixth century, the site appears in the 'Tevaram' hymns as 'Parankundram' and over time it evolved into a complex centre of worship. In the eighth century, Pandya ruler Parantaka Varagu and General Santhan Ganapathy commissioned a rock-cut temple dedicated to Soma Skanda, depicting Shiva, Parvati and Murugan together.
The temple houses shrines for Vishnu, Vinayaka, Durga, Jyeshta Devi and others, representing the Panchayatana tradition of multiple deities within a single sacred complex.
Inscriptions from the period, including one from 773 CE referencing the worship of Jyeshta Devi, showcase a layered ritual ecosystem that adapted and expanded with dynastic rule and regional belief.
The history of the hill took another turn in the 14th century.
During the Madurai Sultanate, following the invasion led by Alauddin Khilji's general Malik Kafur, the region came under the rule of ten Muslim sultans. The last among them, Sikandar Shah, is believed to have sought refuge in the hills before being killed. A memorial to him eventually transformed into the Sikkander Badusha Dargah, developing into a site of devotion where followers regarded him as a Sufi saint.
According to researchers and local oral histories, including interpretations cited by the Thiruparankundram Jamath, a Pandya ruler is said to have sanctioned a prayer site out of repentance, a narrative symbolising reconciliation rather than conflict.
The dargah on the hill.
Over centuries, religious practices have evolved on this hill through shared participation.
One such tradition is 'kandoori', a practice involving offering and sharing of meat as thanksgiving, described by the Jamath as conceptually similar to nerthi kadan in Hindu customs where vows are fulfilled through food or offerings. Members of the Muslim community note that Hindus have historically participated in kandoori rituals, while Muslims join in temple festivals, tonsuring infants’ heads and celebrating street processions.
Living together on sacred stone - The people of the hills
Local residents often describe the hill's identity not through the lens of division but through shared spaces and shared customs. C Santhalingam, a former officer of the Tamil Nadu archaeology department told TOI that Thiruparankundram is "among the most unique as it is a place where histories and faiths intersect." He emphasises that the hill "has never belonged to one community," pointing out not only the temple and the dargah but also the Jain beds with inscriptions, evidence of its long and diverse spiritual heritage.
However, Santhalingam and others note that in recent months, debates surrounding religious practice have begun overshadowing this legacy of coexistence. A disagreement over a signboard referring to facilities for kandoori rituals triggered a fresh set of tensions in February this year, leading to protests, petitions and involvement from political stakeholders.
Tamil Nadu deepam row
"Kandoori is not an orthodox Muslim practice," M Arif, secretary of Thiruparankundram Jamath told TOI in February. "It is closer to gurbani, where meat is shared after an animal is butchered. In kandoori, a person makes a wish, cooks food, and shares it, which is like the Hindu practice of nerthi kadan (offering food or some valuables as a vow)."
Jamath member A Abudahir said even Hindus in the area followed kandoori and offered prayers at dargahs. "We are not outsiders. We are Tamil Nadu's people. It's just that we have some unique customs. Even today, we tonsure our newborns' heads like they do in Hindu rituals before we offer kandoori at the hilltop dargah," he said.
Sathya Seelan, a third-generation hairdresser, said that for generations, his family has been tonsuring the heads of those who participate in the kandoori ritual. "A decade ago, some people earned money by carrying goats and cooking materials up the hill for this ritual," he said. During the annual Santhakoodu festival, much like a temple car festival, a decorated dome placed on a cart is drawn through streets, said Abudahir. "People apply sandalwood paste to the dome in memory of Sikandar Shah. All Hindus participate and we have never had any issue. We also enjoy the temple car festival."
The dispute over lighting the Karthigai deepam is seen by many locals as part of a broader shift, where questions of space, symbolism and historical rights have become increasingly contested.
For much of its past, the hill held room for many traditions at once, and its rituals adjusted to the rhythms of diverse communities. The current debates, both legal and political, revisit unresolved questions from earlier decades, but they also reflect contemporary anxieties over identity, culture and authority. As many long-time residents reiterate, conflict is not the oldest story of Thiruparankundram; coexistence is.
Today, this hill is the focus point of DMK vs BJP in Tamil Nadu. The issue has echoed from Parliament o Supreme Court.
However, legal disputes around ownership and ritual usage of the hill began in the early 20th century, long before the current political and administrative controversy surrounding the Karthigai deepam ritual.
Who owns the hill?
In the 1920s, both the temple administration and the dargah trustees approached the courts seeking recognition over sections of the hill. The case travelled through the colonial judiciary, and the Privy Council eventually upheld the temple’s ownership of the hill. It also recognised a small but significant portion of land to the dargah.
Although the judgment settled ownership, it did not address ritual traditions or determine exclusive religious rights at various points on the hill. That space later became ground for differing interpretations.
For decades following this verdict, the Karthigai deepam festival proceeded without becoming a symbol of territorial claim. The lamp was lit at the Uchipillaiyar temple mandapam, a practice widely recognised and rarely challenged. The serenity broke only in the 1990s, when the first petition asked that deepam be shifted upward to Deepathoon.
When devotees moved to court for sacred lamp
In 1994, a devotee approached the Madras high court demanding the lamp be lit at the hilltop pillar instead of the Uchipillaiyar mandapam.
In 1996, the court responded by affirming the mandapam as the "traditional spot". This was the first time the spot for lighting the flame was confirmed, keeping it at a safe distance from the dargah.
It was an order rooted in practicality but written with ambiguity. It left the door open for a possible change in the future.
Almost two decades later in 2014, another petition revived the same demand. The court rejected the plea again, asserting that devotees cannot enforce ritual preferences in court and that judges must not intervene in spiritual practices unless administrative failures are proven.
In 2017, a division bench upheld that reasoning. Temple management, the court reiterated, retains autonomy over rituals, locations and modalities. These pronouncements seemed settled law. But the Karthigai deepam debate is yet far from its final chapter.
A new legal question built on old legislative stones
In 2024, Hindu Tamilar Katchi founder Rama Ravikumar filed a fresh petition. His argument rested on three pillars:
the 1920 decree gave the temple ownership of the hill and thus rights over ritual space;
no judicial order specifically prohibited lighting the lamp at Deepathoon;
refusal to even consider the location violated fairness and procedure.
On December 1, Justice GR Swaminathan agreed with the petitioner and directed that the lamp be lit at the hilltop pillar. When the order was not implemented on the festival day, the judge concluded that the breach was clear and he permitted the petitioner and ten others to light the lamp themselves, with Central Industrial Security Force protection.
However, the administration blocked the access to the hill citing prohibitory orders, a pending appeal, safety concerns and the need to maintain communal harmony. The police prevented even personnel of a central security force from proceeding, and the unlit deepam became a headline.
What could have been a closed legal loop immediately expanded into a political spiral.
The flame meets politics
Dispute over deepam ritual matter because they turn abstract ideology, Dravidian vs Hindutva, into a tangible battle over who speaks for Tamil Hindus, on temple steps and hilltops both parties cannot afford to lose.
The symbolism is powerful: a flame, a hill, a shared sacred space. The BJP sees opportunity; the DMK sees risk.
DMK has alleged that BJP is trying to use the deepam issue to create an Ayodhya-like situation (Babri masjid) in Tirupparankundram.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran accused the Stalin government of indulging in vote-bank politics, claiming there was no Muslim opposition to the ritual and framing the controversy as a "manufactured hurdle". He has also retorted that "Ayodhya is in India, not in England or Europe. There is nothing wrong in Tirupparankundram becoming Ayodhya. We have heard the greatness of Ram Rajya and want to implement it here."
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya escalated the rhetoric by calling the DMK administration "undemocratic and fascist" for failing to enforce a judicial order. Union Minister L Murugan added that the state was "denying the right to worship" and acting in contempt of the law.
The VHP called the situation an "attack on constitutional rights of Hindus", urging central intervention and judicial cognisance.
The DMK government countered with a narrative rooted in continuity and caution. Chief minister MK Stalin said the deepam was lit "at the right place at the right time" according to age-old practice, and argued that those insisting on the hilltop location were attempting to turn a spiritual tradition into a divisive exercise.
He described such efforts as "cheap politics of the worst kind" and reassured that Tamil Nadu remained a place where people of all religions lived "like relatives", protected by the light of equality lit by Periyar’s reformist ideals.
The Left parties alleged that there were attempts to whip up communal tensions in Tamil Nadu by manufacturing a controversy around the religious sites. In a joint statement, the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), RSP, and AIFB condemned the targeting of Madurai MP Su Venkatesan over the issue.
"The Left parties strongly condemn the attempts by the BJP and other Hindutva communal forces to whip up communal tensions in Tamil Nadu by manufacturing a controversy around the religious sites situated on Tirupparankundram Hill in Madurai district, with a sinister eye on political gain," the statement read.
The AIADMK meanwhile passed resolutions condemning interference in the judiciary and sought projection of its leader as a future chief minister. While its criticism converged with BJP’s, its rhetoric positioned itself as a defender of judicial independence rather than explicitly labeling the issue as anti-Hindu.
When the debate reached Parliament
As DMK MPs protested in Parliament this week during Winter session demanding the issue be raised, the Lok Sabha was adjourned. When remarks were made against the judge behind the order, reactions from ministers were swift, reminding members that criticism of the judiciary crosses constitutional boundaries. Outside the courts, the Madras high court division bench warned against demoralising the institution and cautioned that the judiciary’s patience must not be tested.
At the same time, the INDIA bloc initiated steps for impeachment of Justice Swaminathan, alleging judicial overreach and potential disturbance to communal harmony. Impeachment motions against judges are rare, politically consequential and historically treated as measures of last resort.
The three axes of the conflict
The Karthigai deepam row cannot be read purely as a religious issue. Three themes intersect at the hill:
Judicial authority and constitutional limits
State discretion in preventing potential unrest
Devotee autonomy in ritual practice
Meanwhile, the question of coexistence, an unwritten social contract honoured for centuries, hangs in the background.
Source: indiatimes.com
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‘Rahul ji himself says daro matt…’: Ex-MLA Mohammed Moquim’s first reaction after Congress expulsion; what he said
Dec 15, 2025
NEW DELHI: Former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim reacted to his expulsion from the party on Monday, defending his move to write to Sonia Gandhi expressing dissatisfaction with the party leadership, citing recent electoral losses. He cited Rahul Gandhi's suggestion of "daro matt (don't be scared)" and said that he had "told the truth to the party's high command" but had to be expelled.
"I came to know that I have been expelled from the party. I had taken the right step after due deliberation. We are such a big party but we are unable to connect to people in every state. We are unable to win. Congress is minimising. So, as a true Congress worker, I thought that if the high command is not meeting us and we are unable to communicate with them," he said.
"So, I expressed my thoughts to Sonia ji through a letter. The truth and the need to reform the party - I just gave her a suggestion. Later, it came in the media and when they asked me I told them the truth. Rahul ji himself says 'daro matt'...I told the truth to the party's high command but had to be expelled," Moquim added.
Congress party cited "anti-party" activities as the reason behind his expulsion.
"This is for the information of all concerned that AICC has approved the proposal for the expulsion of Sri Md. Moquim from the primary membership of the party, due to anti-party activities," the notice issued by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) said.
In the letter, Moquim had urged Sonia to bring forward "young leaders", as the party was going through a "difficult phase".
"The recent outcomes in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Kashmir, where our defeats were by staggering margins, are not just electoral setbacks; they reflect a deeper organisational disconnect," the letter said.
"A series of wrong decisions, misguided leadership choices, and the continued concentration of responsibility in the wrong hands have weakened the Party from within. Rather than correcting these errors, we appear to be repeating them and the consequences are now visible to the entire nation," the letter added.
Source: indiatimes.com
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‘Elevation above caste & dynasty politics’: BJP’s new UP chief takes over
Namita Bajpai
15 Dec 2025
LUCKNOW: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary was on Sunday appointed as the president of the BJP’s Uttar Pradesh unit, ending months of speculation over who would secure the coveted position.
Chaudhury extended his gratitude to the party leadership on the occasion, saying, “Only in the BJP can an ordinary party worker like me be elevated to role of leadership like this. The decision is guided neither by dynastic politics nor caste politics.”
The announcement was made in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak. Union Minister Piyush Goyal and party national general secretary Vinod Tawde were also present.
A seven-time Lok Sabha MP from Maharajganj, Chaudhary is the fourth Kurmi leader to lead the party in the state’s history. Chaudhary had filed his nomination papers for the post on Saturday. The 61-year-old is also a prominent OBC leader from Gorakhpur, the stronghold of UP CM Yogi Adityanath in eastern Uttar Pradesh. His name was proposed by the CM himself.
The party’s decision to name him as the state unit chief seems to have been shaped by the its electoral setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the OBC voter base drifted away from it. Chaudhury’s election was finalised reportedly keeping in mind the party’s electoral strategy for the Assembly elections slated for early 2027 as well as the three-tier panchayat polls due in the middle of next year.
Chaudhary assured party workers that they are of prime importance for him. “I will fight for you and will become adamant for your rights. I will always be available to listen to you as karyakarta (worker), karyakram (events), karyalaya (office) and kosh (treasury) – all these four factors are significant for any organisation,” he said.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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In the age of perception, exposing Pakistan’s game and giving India the playbook for victory
December 15, 2025
By Ashish Upreti
In today’s world, the first signs of victory in any conflict are often not on the battlefield but in the narrative space. The side that controls the story, controls perception. How people feel about a news event can matter as much as the event itself. Emotion shapes belief faster than evidence, and opinions now compete with facts for space and attention. This reality makes perception a decisive front in any modern conflict. Pakistan has long understood this and has spent considerable time and effort honing its skills. However, off late, India has responded with equal measure and skill. Hence, today more than ever, it must be understood that strategic communication for us is no longer optional; it is a pre-requisite for national security.
Pakistan’s Playbook
Whenever India responds to cross-border attacks in the kinetic domain, Pakistan’s information reaction follows a clear pattern: Denial, victimhood, retaliation and de-escalation. Knowing this pattern allows India to plan responses in advance.
In the first phase of denial, post an Indian strike, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quickly denies and underplays the extent of damage caused and accuses India of blatant aggression. For Pakistan, this is understandably necessary as the scale and magnitude of damage caused affects public perception not just of India’s capability and intent but also the factors considered in its decision-making (for example, striking terror camps only). India, post kinetic action, must respond with verified visuals and affirm its right to respond through appropriate legal framing (like Article 51 of the UN Charter).
In the second phase of victimhood (for internationalisation), Pakistan turns to claims of humanitarian excesses by India and uses international platforms to portray itself as the victim. This is done with the aim of establishing a narrative of jus ad bellum or “just war” against the evil neighbour. India’s counter should include dynamic diplomatic outreach, synergised diaspora engagement with pre-drafted briefs that reach key capitals early to tell our story of justice served with restraint and proportionality of response. Where a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million and verified visuals of strikes as well as post-strike damage will be useful in fighting the misinformation waged by Rawalpindi. India must prioritise use of its superior Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to obtain these in real time to fight the perception battle.
Pakistan, in the third phase, carries out retaliatory signalling, showcasing strength through symbolic and often diversionary conventional responses. This is often done in consonance with issuing grave threats of an impending nuclear response to a counter response by India. Again, this enhances the perception of a capable and decisive Pakistan armed forces, the defenders of Islam in the Subcontinent that must save the hapless Muslims in general and Pakistanis in particular against perpetual Indian aggression. India’s counter should highlight its robust defensive posture and restraint while exposing Pakistan’s actions in real time. Care must be taken in exposing Pakistani reverses, as this may increase pressure on the Pakistan army to urgently pursue its “Notion of Victory”, which can raise escalation risks.
Finally, in the phase of de-escalation management, after counteractions, Pakistan seeks to appear responsible. This is partly to provide itself an off ramp and signal India to de-escalate as prolonging a conflict follows the law of diminishing returns with risks rising faster than gains for Pakistan. India should continue pursuance of its desired objectives and once those are met, must declare them clearly while maintaining readiness and deterrence. It is important to not lose sight of perspective: Wars are pursuance of national objectives through military means and must not be prolonged once the objectives are met.
Operation Sindoor, a Case Study
In 2025, after the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. Pakistan followed the familiar script of denial and victimhood, but India’s clear communication, verified visuals and steady media engagement blunted the misinformation to a large extent. However, a clear lesson from the operation is that even decisive military outcomes are judged not only by battlefield results but by the perceptions they leave, which depend directly on the strength of the strategic communication plan.
India’s advantage lies in planning. A pre-positioned content vault with verified visuals, diplomatic talking points and nuanced legal framing with appropriate references can ensure fast and credible responses. Truth told quickly and effectively is stronger than propaganda told loudly.
Strategic communication must now be treated as the primary operational domain. A 24×7 Strategic Communications Operations Room bringing together experienced subject matter experts from all stakeholders and ministries at the apex level can ensure unified messaging. Future wars will be fought as much on the screens as in the field. While India is adept at striking precisely, it must also be geared to speak quickly and precisely. In the age of information, the story can shape the outcome.
Upreti is a serving Indian Army officer with over 25 years of experience in operations, crisis management, and strategic communications. A practitioner in defence communication, he has represented India at international forums. Views are personal
Source: indianexpress.com
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Man held on arrival from Saudi for Instagram post alleged to insult Hindu religion
15.12.25
A 27-year-old man was arrested on his return to India after police linked him to an allegedly derogatory and provocative Instagram post about the Hindu religion that was uploaded while he was working in Saudi Arabia, officials said on Monday.
The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, had been employed in Saudi Arabia at the time the post appeared online, police said.
According to investigators, a suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 following the circulation of an allegedly offensive post from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. The content, police said, was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.
During the course of the investigation, technical analysis traced the post back to Nehad, who was residing abroad when it was uploaded, a senior police officer said.
Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him. He was taken into custody upon his arrival in India, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
On December 14, Nehad arrived from abroad at the Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody by the police upon arrival. Further investigation is underway, police added.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Mideast
Israeli military raids in Syria raise tensions as they carve out a buffer zone
December 15, 2025
BEIRUT: Qassim Hamadeh woke to the sounds of gunfire and explosions in his village of Beit Jin in southwestern Syria last month. Within hours, he had lost two sons, a daughter-in-law and his 4-year-old and 10-year-old grandsons. The five were among 13 villagers killed that day by Israeli forces.
Israeli troops had raided the village — not for the first time — seeking to capture, as they said, members of a militant group planning attacks into Israel. Israel said militants opened fire at the troops, wounding six, and that troops returned fire and brought in air support.
Hamadeh, like others in Beit Jin, dismissed Israel’s claims of militants operating in the village. The residents said armed villagers confronted Israeli soldiers they saw as invaders, only to be met with Israeli tank and artillery fire, followed by a drone strike. The government in Damascus called it a “massacre.”
The raid and similar recent Israeli actions inside Syria have increased tensions, frustrated locals and also scuttled chances — despite US pressure — of any imminent thaw in relations between the two neighbors.
An expanding Israeli presence
An Israeli-Syria rapprochement seemed possible last December, after Sunni Islamist-led rebels overthrew autocratic Syrian President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Iran, Israel’s archenemy.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who led the rebels who took over the country, said he has no desire for a conflict with Israel. But Israel was suspicious, mistrusting Al-Sharaa because of his militant past and his group’s history of aligning with Al-Qaeda.
Israeli forces quickly moved to impose a new reality on the ground. They mobilized into the UN-mandated buffer zone in southern Syria next to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria during the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed — a move not recognized by most of the international community.
Israeli forces erected checkpoints and military installations, including on a hilltop that overlooks wide swaths of Syria. They set up landing pads on strategic Mt. Hermon nearby. Israeli reconnaissance drones frequently fly over surrounding Syrian towns, with residents often sighting Israeli tanks and Humvee vehicles patrolling those areas.
Israel has said its presence is temporary to clear out pro-Assad remnants and militants — to protect Israel from attacks. But it has given no indication its forces would leave anytime soon. Talks between the two countries to reach a security agreement have so far yielded no result.
Ghosts of Lebanon and Gaza
The events in neighboring Lebanon, which shares a border with both Israel and Syria, and the two-year war in Gaza between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas have also raised concerns among Syrians that Israel plans a permanent land grab in southern Syria.
Israeli forces still have a presence in southern Lebanon, over a year since a US-brokered ceasefire halted the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. That war began a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, with Hezbollah firing rockets into Israel in solidarity with its ally Hamas.
Israel’s operations in Lebanon, which included bombardment across the tiny country and a ground incursion last year, have severely weakened Hezbollah.
Today, Israel still controls five hilltop points in southern Lebanon, launches near-daily airstrikes against alleged Hezbollah targets and flies reconnaissance drones over the country, sometimes also carrying out overnight ground incursions.
In Gaza, where US President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire deal has brought about a truce between Israel and Hamas, similar buffer zones under Israeli control are planned even after Israel eventually withdraws from the more than half of the territory it still controls.
At a meeting of regional leaders and international figures earlier this month in Doha, Qatar, Al-Sharaa accused Israel of using imagined threats to justify aggressive actions.
“All countries support an Israeli withdrawal” from Syria to the lines prior to Assad’s ouster, he said, adding that it was the only way for both Syria and Israel to “emerge in a state of safety.”
Syria’s myriad problems
The new leadership in Damascus has had a multitude of challenges since ousting Assad.
Al-Sharaa’s government has been unable to implement a deal with local Kurdish-led authorities in northeast Syria, and large areas of southern Sweida province are now under a de facto administration led by the Druze religious minority, following sectarian clashes there in mid-July with local Bedouin clans.
Syrian government forces intervened, effectively siding with the Bedouins. Hundreds of civilians, mostly Druze, were killed, many by government fighters. Over half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights.
Israel, which has cast itself as a defender of the Druze, though many of them in Syria are critical of its intentions, has also made overtures to Kurds in Syria.
“The Israelis here are pursuing a very dangerous strategy,” said Michael Young, Senior Editor at the Beirut-based Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.
It contradicts, he added, the positions of Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt — and even the United States — which are “all in agreement that what has to come out of this today is a Syrian state that is unified and fairly strong,” he added.
Israel and the US at odds over Syria
In a video released from his office after visiting Israeli troops wounded in Beit Jin, barely 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the edge of the UN buffer zone, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel seeks a “demilitarized buffer zone from Damascus to the (UN) buffer zone,” including Mt. Hermon.
“It is also possible to reach an agreement with the Syrians, but we will stand by our principles in any case,” Netanyahu said.
His strategy has proven to be largely unpopular with the international community, including with Washington, which has backed Al-Sharaa’s efforts to consolidate his control across Syria.
Israel’s operations in southern Syria have drawn rare public criticism from Trump, who has taken Al-Sharaa, once on Washington’s terror list, under his wing.
“It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria, and that nothing takes place that will interfere with Syria’s evolution into a prosperous State,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social after the Beit Jin clashes.
Syria is also expected to be on the agenda when Netanyahu visits the US and meets with Trump later this month.
Experts doubt Israel will withdraw from Syria anytime soon — and the new government in Damascus has little leverage or power against Israel’s much stronger military.
“If you set up landing pads, then you are not here for short-term,” Issam Al-Reiss, a military adviser with the Syrian research group ETANA, said of Israeli actions.
Hamadeh, the laborer from Beit Jin, said he can “no longer bear the situation” after losing five of his family.
Israel, he said, “strikes wherever it wants, it destroys whatever it wants, and kills whoever it wants, and no one holds it accountable.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Why US-Syrian coordination is more important than ever
ANAN TELLO
December 14, 2025
LONDON: A deadly terrorist attack that targeted a joint patrol of Syrian security forces and US troops near the ancient city of Palmyra has drawn strong condemnation across the Arab world, while also highlighting the importance and potential of emerging cooperation between Damascus and Washington.
Saturday’s attack in Palmyra, in Syria’s central Homs countryside, struck a joint Syrian-US patrol during a field tour of the area. The city, home to UNESCO-listed ruins, was occupied by Daesh during two periods between 2015 and 2017, marked by systematic cultural destruction, public executions and severe repression of civilians.
According to official accounts, the assailant opened fire on the patrol, killing two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, and wounding three US troops and two Syrian security personnel. US Central Command said the attacker was an alleged Daesh militant who was subsequently killed.
In a post on the social-media platform X, Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani condemned the attack, calling it a “terrorist” assault on a joint counterterrorism patrol. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and to the US government and people, and wished the injured a swift recovery.
On Sunday, Syria’s Interior Ministry said the attacker was a member of the security forces who had been identified for dismissal over extremist views. Noureddine Al-Baba, a ministry spokesperson, said the individual had served for more than 10 months, had been posted to several cities, and was due to be fired for holding “extremist Islamist ideas.”
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned of “very serious retaliation,” describing the incident as a Daesh attack in a part of Syria “not fully controlled” by Damascus. He added that Syria’s interim president, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, was “extremely angry and disturbed” by the assault.
For Ghassan Ibrahim, a Syria expert and founder of the Global Arab Network, the attack exposes long-standing structural problems rather than a sudden failure. “These problems are not new; what is happening now is that we are uncovering them,” he told Arab News.
He said extremism and the resurgence of Daesh were rooted in the legacy of the deposed regime of Bashar Assad, compounded by years of international disengagement and mismanagement of the Syrian conflict. “Daesh, extremism and similar threats are the direct result of that failure,” he said, adding that the current moment should be used to confront, rather than evade, these realities.
Ibrahim argued that the Palmyra incident must be understood in the context of a rapidly rebuilt security apparatus. The Syrian government, he said, has been working under intense pressure to reconstruct its army and internal security forces after years of war. “What happened was largely a consequence of the urgency of that rebuilding process,” he said.
Crucially, he added, the incident could ultimately strengthen cooperation with Washington. Syrian officials, through ongoing contacts with US counterparts, understand that despite the tragedy, the attack could serve as a catalyst for deeper coordination. “The Americans understand this does not point to a systemic security gap,” Ibrahim said. “Incidents like this can occur in any army, especially one that is barely a year old.”
Both Ibrahim and Ibrahim Hamidi, editor-in-chief of the Arabic magazine Al-Majalla, stressed that the Palmyra attack underscores the inseparable link between security and development.
Central Syria, particularly the vast and sparsely populated areas around Palmyra stretching toward the Euphrates, remains vulnerable to Daesh remnants, Ibrahim said. Many militants, he noted, escaped from prisons or camps once controlled by Kurdish-led forces in the northeast, sometimes through bribery, and now operate with relative freedom.
“Eliminating Daesh is essential for sustainable development,” Ibrahim said. “Without security, development cannot be sustained.” He added that this dual imperative explains Syria’s decision to join the international coalition against Daesh — a strategy aimed at restoring stability while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.
Hamidi echoed that assessment, saying US talk of “retaliation” would likely be interpreted in Damascus as a signal of readiness for closer cooperation rather than confrontation. Such cooperation, he said, could involve intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and stricter vetting of new recruits in Syria’s General Security services.
But he cautioned that cooperation is a delicate process. “It is built quietly,” Hamidi said, noting that Syria formally joined the Global Coalition Against Daesh during interim President Al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington and his meeting with Trump on Nov. 10. The Palmyra attack, he added, is a major test of whether trust can be institutionalized.
Hamidi said when he met Al-Sharaa in August, the Syrian leader, who has survived three attempts on his life by Daeshs, identified the group as his enemy number one, citing the loss of 2,000 men so far. Damascus, he added, expects greater US support given that Syrian government forces are Sunni conservatives and direct partners in the fight against Daesh, unlike other regional actors.
Addressing the deeper question of Syria’s need for international backing, Hamidi said dismantling the legacy of the former regime — built over five or six decades — cannot be achieved quickly or in isolation. “The Palmyra attack is the first in which both American and Syrian victims were killed, but it will not be the last,” he said. “Joint counterterrorism operations will reduce the risks.”
That message was echoed by Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkiye and special envoy for Syria, who said the attack underscored Daesh’s enduring global threat. Washington’s strategy, he said, is to empower capable Syrian partners with limited US operational support, keeping the fight local while preventing a resurgence of the group.
Meanwhile, Arab states have strongly condemned the attack in Syria. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Jordan all issued statements rejecting terrorism and expressing solidarity with Syria and the US, underscoring regional backing for stability and counterterrorism cooperation.
The attack came amid a broader recalibration of US policy toward Syria following the fall of the Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024. Sanctions have been eased, the Caesar Act partially suspended, and Syria has been reintegrated into international frameworks, including the Global Coalition Against Daesh as its 90th member.
While Syria’s formal participation in the anti-Daesh coalition is new, coordination with the US began shortly after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime, when the extremist group appeared to be regrouping and expanding its operations.
Daesh mounted at least 660 attacks across Syria in 2024 — its most active year since its territorial defeat in 2019 — according to data compiled by Syria Weekly.
On Nov. 8, two days before President Al-Sharaa’s trip to Washington, Syria’s Interior Ministry said it had carried out 61 nationwide raids targeting Daesh cells. The operations resulted in 71 arrests and the seizure of weapons and explosives, the ministry told state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iraq election result ratified by Supreme Federal Court
December 14, 2025
BAGHDAD: The result of last month’s parliamentary elections in Iraq was ratified by the Supreme Federal Court on Sunday, confirming that the party of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani won the largest number of seats — but not enough to assure him a second term.
The court confirmed that the voting process met all constitutional and legal requirements and contained no irregularities that would affect its validity.
The Independent High Electoral Commission submitted the final results of the legislative elections to the Supreme Federal Court on Monday for official certification after resolving 853 complaints submitted regarding the election results.
Al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition won 46 seats in the 329-seat parliament.
However, in past elections in Iraq, the bloc that won the most seats has often been unable to impose its preferred candidate.
The coalition led by former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki won 29 seats, the Sadiqoun Bloc, which is led by the leader of the Asaib Ahl Al-Haq militia, Qais Al-Khazali, won 28 seats, and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Masoud Barzani, one of the two main Kurdish parties in the country, won 27 seats.
The Taqaddum (Progress) party of ousted former Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi also won 27 seats, setting the stage for a contest over the speaker’s role.
Overall, Shiite alliances and lists secured 187 seats, Sunni groups 77 seats, Kurdish groups 56 seats, and nine seats reserved for minority groups.
Al-Sudani came to power in 2022 with the backing of the Coordination Framework, a coalition of Iran-backed Shiite parties, but it is unclear whether the alliance will support him again.
With no single bloc able to form a government alone, political leaders have launched negotiations to build a ruling coalition.
Source: arabnews.com
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Syria strongly condemns terrorist attack near Palmyra
December 14, 2025
DAMASCUS: Syria strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a joint patrol of Syrian security forces and US forces near the city of Palmyra on Saturday, extending its condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the US government and people, the Syrian News Agency reported.
Earlier, Palmyra in the Homs countryside witnessed an armed attack targeting a joint patrol of Syrian security forces and US forces during a field tour in the area.
A gunman opened fire on the patrol, resulting in the deaths of two US soldiers and a civilian interpreter, in addition to injuring three US soldiers and two Syrian security personnel.
“Syria strongly condemns the terrorist attack that targeted a joint Syrian-US counterterrorism patrol near Palmyra. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims and to the US government and people, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery,” Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani said in a post on platform X.
Source: arabnews.com
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Iraq’s speaker race takes shape as al-Samarrai gains ground
2025-12-15
Iraq’s Sunni political forces narrowed the race for parliament speaker to a small group of contenders, with Muthanna al-Samarrai emerging as the frontrunner, while former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi has formally entered the contest, sources familiar with the talks told Shafaq News on Sunday.
The discussions were held under the umbrella of Iraq’s National Political Council, comprising Sunni groups that secured seats in the 2025 parliamentary elections, including Taqaddum (Progress) led by al-Halbousi, the Sovereignty (Al-Siyada) Alliance headed by Khamis al-Khanjar, Al-Azm (Determination Party) led by al-Samarrai, and Al-Hasm al-Watani, chaired by Defence Minister Thabet al-Abbasi.
Council leaders met on Sunday evening at al-Samarrai’s residence in Baghdad to finalize criteria for selecting a single Sunni nominee for the speakership and to discuss mechanisms for distributing parliamentary and cabinet entitlements in line with each bloc’s electoral weight.
Sources said the list of candidates has been reduced from six to three, with growing consensus around al-Samarrai as the most likely choice. Several participants cited his relatively moderate positions and stable relations across Sunni factions and with other political blocs, describing him as best placed to secure broader political acceptance.
Moreover, a source within the Taqaddum bloc said al-Halbousi had formally nominated himself for the post, alongside al-Samarrai and al-Abbasi, signaling a renewed bid by the former speaker to reclaim the position he previously held.
Negotiators also discussed the political cost of the speakership within Iraq’s informal power-sharing system. According to sources, the post carries an estimated value of 25 to 30 political points, while sovereign ministries are valued at roughly 15 points, with remaining portfolios to be allocated based on parliamentary representation.
Council leaders are expected to continue consultations over the coming days, with a final nominee likely to be announced within 10 days, sources said. The chosen candidate would then be presented to the Shiite Coordination Framework and Kurdish parties ahead of a formal announcement, in an effort to secure cross-bloc consensus.
Earlier, the National Political Council formally urged President Abdul Latif Rashid to set a date for the first session of the new parliament before December 25, per Article 54 of the constitution.
The developments come after Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court ratified the final election results, triggering constitutional deadlines that require parliament to convene within 15 days to elect its speaker and deputies, followed by the election of a president and the nomination of a prime minister to form the next government.
Source: shafaq.com
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Sunni Council urges parliament to meet before Dec. 25
2025-12-15
Iraq’s National Political Council, which represents major Sunni blocs, on Sunday urged the president to convene the new parliament before December 25 to accelerate government formation following last month’s elections.
In a statement, the council—comprising Sunni groups that secured seats in the 2025 parliamentary vote, including Taqaddum (Progress) led by former Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi, the Sovereignty (Al-Siyada) Alliance under Khamis Al-Khanjar, Al-Azm (Determination Party) headed by Muthanna Al-Samarrai, and Al-Hasm Al-Watani led by Thabet Al-Abbasi—confirmed that leaders met at Al-Samarrai’s residence in Baghdad to align positions ahead of the next political phase.
The council also welcomed the Federal Supreme Court’s ratification of the results, praising the Independent High Electoral Commission and Judicial Electoral Panel for finalizing procedures for Iraq’s sixth parliamentary term.
According to the statement, members reviewed constitutional entitlements, outlined their vision for the incoming government, and discussed expected challenges during negotiations, while stressing the need to engage political partners and expedite cabinet formation based on a focused, responsive program.
Earlier today, the Federal Supreme Court officially endorsed the final election results. Under the constitution, the president must convene parliament within 15 days of ratification, after which lawmakers must elect the speaker, then the president, who will task a nominee with forming the new government.
Iraq’s power-sharing system assigns the premiership to a Shia, the speakership to a Sunni, and the presidency to a Kurd.
Source: shafaq.com
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Capital Secretariat Competition for First-Grade Students in Reading, Writing, & Qur’an proficiency
14 Dec 2025
The Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Nabeh Nasser, and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research for Basic Education, Hadi Ammar, inaugurated on Sunday in the Capital Secretariat the curricular competition for first-grade students in reading, writing, and proficiency in the Holy Qur’an through the Yemeni Qa‘ida book.
The competition, organized by the Supreme Committee for Activities and Summer Courses in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research under the slogan “Read in the Name of Your Lord Who Created,” features male and female first-grade students from a number of schools in Shu‘ub District of the Capital Secretariat. It is supervised by a member of the Technical Committee for Activities and Summer Courses and the Capital Secretariat's Yemeni Qa‘ida follow-up program coordinator, Amah Al-‘Aleem Al-Dailami.
Participants demonstrated notable skills in reading and writing, as well as mastery of the rules of Qur’anic recitation.
Imam Ali bin Abi Talib School (peace be upon him) in Shu‘ub District won first place, followed by Al-Hilal School in second place and Al-Walaa School in third. Students from the three schools were honored.
At the inauguration, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports emphasized the importance of programs that teach young children the Holy Qur’an, reading, and writing, describing them as foundational educational initiatives that develop children’s language skills at early stages and strengthen their connection to the Book of Allah. He noted that this positively reflects on students’ behavior , academic discipline and supports efforts to build a conscious generation that is academically and educationally qualified.
He added that such competitions serve as a significant incentive for both students and teachers, help discover talented learners and develop their abilities, and strengthen partnership among official institutions in serving the educational process.
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research explained that the program represents a cornerstone in reforming the educational process from its roots, addressing learning loss in the early grades, and establishing correct reading and proper pronunciation, alongside instilling Qur’anic values in the hearts of young learners. This, he said, contributes to preparing a generation equipped with knowledge and identity and capable of continuing their education efficiently.
He affirmed that the ministry places great importance on developing basic education programs and is working to expand the application of the Yemeni Qa‘ida in schools, given its tangible impact on improving educational outcomes in the early grades.
Similar competitions for first-grade male and female students will be held tomorrow, with the participation of several schools from Al-Thawra District.
Source: saba.ye
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Leader Barzani, former official review post-election steps
2025-12-14
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Leader Masoud Barzani on Sunday discussed local and regional developments during a meeting with former Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Rafi Al-Issawi.
According to a statement from Barzani’s office, the talks also covered post-election steps following the Iraqi parliamentary vote and coordination among Iraqi political forces.
Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing arrangement, the country’s top three federal posts are traditionally divided among its main political components. The prime minister is chosen from the Shia parties, the speaker of parliament comes from the Sunni blocs, and the presidency is held by a Kurdish nominee.
IHEC held the special and general voting rounds on November 9 and 11. Shiite lists secured 187 seats, Sunni lists won 77 seats, and Kurdish lists obtained 56 seats. The commission reported that the Reconstruction and Development Alliance, led by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, recorded broad gains across 12 provinces, followed by the Taqaddum Party headed by Mohammed Al-Halbousi and the State of Law Coalition led by Nouri Al-Maliki.
Source: shafaq.com
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https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Leader-Barzani-former-official-review-post-election-steps
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Southeast Asia
‘Not a place for elites’: Anwar says Seri Negara must be symbol for all Malaysians
By Muhammad Yusry
15 Dec 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 — Seri Negara must no longer be a symbol of colonial power or a playground for a new ruling elite, but a space that belongs to all Malaysians, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the completion of conservation works at the historic site, Anwar said its restoration was not just about a physical structure, but about reclaiming the nation’s identity and giving a deeper meaning to its independence.
“Our country was independent, our fathers and mothers had contributed immensely, yet there still stood a powerful symbol on a lofty hill in Kuala Lumpur representing the supremacy of the colonial rulers,” he said.
Anwar said Seri Negara had once symbolised the grandeur and dominance of British colonial rule, a reality that continued to trouble him even after Malaya gained independence.
He recalled that in 1982 he and others protested and urged the government to reclaim the site through a fair process, which was later agreed to by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
That decision resulted in the property being formally recognised as belonging to the nation, he said.
However, Anwar said periods of neglect followed due to a lack of awareness about national identity, including phases of private management that weakened the site’s historical significance.
“That is why I truly appreciate the role of Khazanah and colleagues who have helped restore its meaning as a symbol,” he said.
He stressed that Seri Negara must not remain an exclusive space and should be accessible to schoolchildren, young people and ordinary Malaysians.
“This must not be a place enjoyed only by elites. Do not prevent ordinary people from enjoying these facilities,” he said.
Anwar also rejected the view that Malaysia’s independence was easily won, saying children must be taught that freedom came through struggle and sacrifice.
“Our country did not achieve independence on a ‘golden platter’. There was a price paid in sweat, blood and tears,” he said.
He said the conserved site now weaves historical narratives with local arts, culture and literature from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, while incorporating modern technology.
Anwar also warned of Malaysia’s lingering “post-colonial angst”, saying political independence was incomplete if mindsets and attitudes remained unchanged.
“We may be independent, but our soul, mind and attitude are not yet fully free,” he said, adding that replacing colonial rulers with elitist leaders betrayed the spirit of anti-colonialism.
He said the Madani concept emphasised inclusivity by ensuring heritage spaces were shared by all citizens.
“For the first time in history, Seri Negara has been conserved with care and expertise and is now meant to be utilised by all Malaysians,” he said, adding that it should inspire pride in a sovereign nation.
Built in 1913 and formerly known as King’s House, Seri Negara played a central role in national history, including hosting discussions on drafting the Constitution of Malaya between 1955 and 1957.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/15/not-a-place-for-elites-anwar-says-seri-negara-must-be-symbol-for-all-malaysians/201977
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Sungai Golok flood project to protect Kelantan’s high-risk areas
14 Dec 2025
The Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin project aims to reduce flood risk in Kelantan, with full completion of all phases targeted for 2029
PUTRAJAYA: The phased Sungai Golok Integrated River Basin (PLSB) project is set to bolster flood defences in high-risk areas of Kelantan upon full completion.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) stated the long-term project consists of three main phases.
Hydrological analysis indicates full implementation can reduce flood risk to the 50-year Annual Recurrence Interval level, meeting safe protection standards.
Phase 1 has reached 71.3% physical progress and is slated for completion by July 2026.
Phase 2 is at the procurement stage, with physical works expected to start in February 2026.
Phase 3 has achieved 9.2% progress and is targeted for full completion in April 2029.
Upon completion, the project will provide more comprehensive protection to Rantau Panjang, Pasir Mas and Tumpat.
PETRA said the approach combines temporary measures with long-term solutions for continuous protection.
The strategy addresses monsoon risks while building sustainable structures for climate change impacts.
Pending the long-term project’s completion, PETRA and the DID have enacted several mitigation measures.
These include dredging at Sungai Lanchang Lemal to increase river capacity in Tumpat and Pasir Mas.
Other measures are SOPs for Danau To’ Uban reservoir management and installing mobile flood barrier walls.
Dredging works at the Sungai Golok estuary will also be carried out soon.
PETRA stressed the project encompasses comprehensive management of major river overflows, not just embankments.
This includes river widening, flow control structures and integrated flood mitigation measures.
“The federal government remains committed to implementing the Sungai Golok PLSB project according to planned timelines and safety standards,” PETRA said.
The implementation involves continuous cooperation with the state government for long-term resident protection.
PETRA added it welcomes public feedback to strengthen solutions for the area’s recurring monsoon floods. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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Danantara signs deal for hotel, property assets in Mecca
December 15, 2025
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Danantara Indonesia has announced the signing of an agreement with Thakher Development Company for the acquisition of hotel and real estate assets within the Thakher City complex in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Thakher City is an integrated development located roughly 2.5 kilometers from the Grand Mosque.
In a statement issued in Jakarta on Sunday, Danantara CEO Rosan Perkasa Roeslani said the transaction marks the company’s first step into Mecca’s hospitality sector and forms part of a phased, long-term strategy to improve services for Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
“Every year, more than two million Indonesians perform Umrah, while the number of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims consistently exceeds two hundred thousand,” he said.
The investment covers one operating hotel and a series of hospitality-focused development assets with a potential capacity of up to 5,000 hotel rooms, all subject to further studies and regulatory approvals.
Danantara and Thakher Development Company agreed to acquire Novotel Makkah Thakher City, an operating hotel with 1,461 rooms, along with 14 plots totaling approximately 4.4 hectares designated for future development.
The plots will be developed under an integrated master plan that includes hospitality, retail, and other supporting facilities, aligned with Makkah’s broader urban development framework.
Roeslani said the agreement lays the groundwork for Danantara’s long-term involvement in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.
The transaction is supported by Al Khomasiah Real Estate Development, a strategic local partner providing market insight and development expertise in Mecca.
All development stages will be carried out in coordination with relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, in accordance with applicable licensing and governance procedures.
Danantara Indonesia is also coordinating with the Government of Saudi Arabia through the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) as part of the ongoing bidding process for the first phase of this long-term collaborative development.
Source: antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/396508/danantara-signs-deal-for-hotel-property-assets-in-mecca
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Perak to launch stray animal feeder app, moves towards mandatory microchipping for dog licences
By John Bunyan
15 Dec 2025
Perak to Launch Stray Animal Feeder App, Moves Towards Mandatory Microchipping for Dog Licences
IPOH, Dec 15 — Perak is set to launch a first-of-its-kind “feeder mapping” mobile application to regulate the feeding of stray animals, while also moving forward with a plan to make microchipping a mandatory requirement for all new dog licences in the state.
State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said both initiatives are part of the state’s new data-driven approach to managing its stray animal population more effectively and humanely.
The new feeder mapping app, which will be launched on Dec 28, is designed to identify stray animal feeding hotspots across the state.
“Through this programme, the authorities aim to identify locations where stray animals are fed, enabling more structured, focused and effective planning for sterilisation, monitoring and intervention,” she said at a press conference at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here.
The app will also serve as a tool to educate the public on proper feeding practices.
“We want to educate feeders on how to maintain cleanliness in the area,” she said, noting that many current feeding spots have become breeding grounds and a source of public disturbance.
To encourage participation, individuals who attend a briefing on the new app will receive a subsidised sterilisation coupon worth RM50, which can be used at four partner veterinary clinics.
In a separate but related move, Ng confirmed that the state government is in the final stages of making microchipping a mandatory condition for obtaining a dog licence.
She said the proposal is currently undergoing a legal review, and the state hopes to gazette the new regulation soon.
“The state government is in the process of making microchipping a requirement under subsidiary legislation,” she said.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/15/perak-to-launch-stray-animal-feeder-app-moves-towards-mandatory-microchipping-for-dog-licences/202000
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Durian Tunggal shooting: Lawyers demand Melaka police chief be placed on garden leave after whistleblower challenges police timeline
By Anis Zalani
15 Dec 2025
PETALING JAYA, Dec 15 — Lawyers representing the families of three men killed in the Durian Tunggal shooting have urged Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to place the Melaka police chief, Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar, on garden leave or transfer him out of the state, citing concerns that his continued involvement could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
Lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan said that if the case is genuinely being investigated by a Bukit Aman Special Task Force, as claimed, then Dzulkhairi’s ongoing public statements and actions amount to interference.
“If Bukit Aman is truly investigating, his continued interference compromises the integrity of the investigation. We have fully cooperated with the police — we handed over the audio recording, gave our statements, and provided all the evidence. And yet, this is how the victims are treated,” he said at a press conference today.
He also said they have received no updates or official statements from the federal police.
Instead, he explained all public information has continued to come from Dzulkhairi.
“Where are Bukit Aman’s statements? Who is heading this special task force, and why is the name being kept secret?
“The Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) has stated that this investigation must be transparent. Where is the transparency? Everything remains shrouded in darkness. The Melaka police chief continues to issue daily statements.
“Three individuals have been killed in cold blood. Has this case been classified under Section 302? If not, what exactly is being investigated?” he asked.
He further questioned whether the apparent lack of transparency was due to the alleged perpetrators being police officers themselves, while the investigation is also being handled by police.
The lawyer also condemned recent remarks by Dzulkhairi questioning the marital status of the deceased’s wife, describing the comments as irrelevant and amounting to victim-blaming.
“She is also a victim. Her husband has just been killed. Whether she was legally married or traditionally married in a temple has nothing to do with the killing of three individuals.
“This is victim-blaming. It is illogical and completely unacceptable,” he said.
Rajesh then rejected claims that the deceased’s wife has a criminal record, describing the allegation as categorically false and misleading.
He then challenged Dzulkhairi to produce proof if he insisted the claim was true.
“A criminal record only exists when a person has been charged, tried, and convicted in a court of law. Being investigated by police or giving statements does not amount to a criminal record.
“Many lawyers, including senior lawyers present here, have been investigated countless times. That does not make them criminals. If the Melaka Police Chief insists this is true, we challenge him to produce proof — which court, which charge, which conviction? This claim defies logic,” he said.
Separately, activist Arun Dorasamy revealed that he had received a letter from a whistleblower, together with photographs, which he said provided crucial evidence contradicting the official police timeline.
According to the letter, a PLUS patrol detected a car stalled at kilometre 224 of the PLUS Highway and subsequently alerted tow truck operators to provide assistance.
The first tow truck operator arrived at the scene at about 1.25am, a timing that matches the lawyers’ earlier assertions.
The whistleblower claimed that upon arriving, the tow truck operator witnessed police officers beating and forcibly pulling the victims from the vehicle.
When the tow truck operator stopped and attempted to approach the scene, police officers allegedly shouted at him using abusive language, told him it was police business, and ordered him to leave while making threatening gestures.
The tow truck operator later informed other drivers about what he had seen.
A second individual arrived at the scene at 2.21am and found only the victims’ vehicle, a Proton Saga with registration number CCP 7208, parked at the emergency bay on the highway — a location that matches the area later examined by forensic teams and Bukit Aman officers.
Arun said the individual then photographed the car without touching or interfering with it, solely to document the date and time.
The photographs were taken at 2.21am on November 24, according to the letter.
The same vehicle was later reported to have been found at Ladang Kelapa Sawit Taman Tambun.
The whistleblower said he was initially unaware that the car he photographed was linked to the Durian Tunggal murder case.
Upon realising this several days later, he felt morally obliged to come forward and submit the information, despite fears of being identified.
Photographs of the vehicle’s interior also showed a walkie-talkie and a mobile phone on the floor, later confirmed to belong to Logeswaran, aged 29, according to his wife, who was present at the press conference.
“The letter clearly stipulates exactly what happened. More importantly, it confirms the existence of CCTV footage. PLUS Highway detected a stalled vehicle and broadcast the information to tow truck groups. That alone confirms CCTV coverage exists,” he said.
Arun added that he and the lawyers subsequently visited the site and confirmed a CCTV camera near the emergency bay.
He also confirmed that eight police officers were present at the scene, travelling in three vehicles — an Aruz, a Saga, and a Waja.
“Previously, we released audio recordings. Now we have substantiated it with photographic evidence. This is extremely damning material,” he said.
On November 24, three men — Puspanathan Murulitharan, 21, Poonesvaran Tiagrajan, 24, and Logeswaran Georgie, 29 — were shot dead by police at a palm oil plantation in Durian Tunggal, Melaka.
The 4.30am incident left the officer, in his early 30s, with serious injuries to his left arm.
Dzulkhairi had earlier said that all suspects, believed to be members of the Durian Tunggal Gang, were en route to commit a robbery.
The gang was reportedly active since 2024, implicated in 20 cases in Melaka and one each in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, with total losses amounting to RM1.35 million.
However, on December 3, the families of the three men denied claims that the victims had acted violently or attacked the police.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/15/durian-tunggal-shooting-lawyers-demand-melaka-police-chief-be-placed-on-garden-leave-after-whistleblower-challenges-police-timeline/201984
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Anwar calls for balance between tech progress and cultural heritage
15 Dec 2025
PM Anwar says technological advancement must align with preserving national identity and heritage, citing Seri Negara restoration as a model
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that mastering new technologies for national progress must be balanced with efforts to strengthen national identity and cultural heritage.
He said the restoration of the Seri Negara heritage building was not just a conservation project but an initiative to reaffirm the meaning of independence for younger generations.
Anwar stated the building, once a symbol of colonial grandeur, must now serve as an inclusive asset for all Malaysians.
“These edifices becoming preferred spaces for the ruling elite is not wrong, but ordinary citizens must not be prevented from enjoying the same facilities,” he said at the Seri Negara Conservation completion ceremony.
He added that Seri Negara should reflect the nation’s narratives, history, and culture in line with the MADANI principle of inclusivity.
Anwar said the project proves high-investment development can proceed without sacrificing historical and architectural values.
He proposed this approach as a model for other heritage conservation projects nationwide through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Such efforts are vital to prevent cities from becoming “culturally barren” and to create sustainable, people-centred environments, he noted.
The government has introduced the Kuala Lumpur Heritage Project (Warisan KL) to conserve historic assets as economic drivers.
Under the Warisan KL initiative, Khazanah has been entrusted with conserving eight heritage and historic buildings, including the Bukit Carcosa properties of Seri Negara and Carcosa, as well as the construction of a new bridge linking Carcosa, Seri Negara and the Perdana Botanical Gardens here.
Warisan KL is projected to generate RM7.85 billion by 2035, focusing on key sites like Dataran Merdeka and Seri Negara.
Under Budget 2026, Khazanah Nasional has allocated RM600 million for the restoration of Seri Negara.
The building was constructed in 1896 and served as the official residence of the first British Resident-General of the Federated Malay States Sir Frank Swettenham. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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Worker’s successful PERKESO appeal shows need for wider social protection
14 Dec 2025
A worker’s successful PERKESO claim after a commute accident highlights gaps in coverage, prompting calls for the new 24-Hour Protection Bill
GEORGE TOWN: A successful appeal for a Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) claim by an injured worker has underscored the need to expand social protection coverage.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the case involved a 53-year-old storekeeper, Ah Aik, who suffered serious injuries including a broken leg in a road accident.
The claim was initially rejected due to incomplete documentation.
Sim said the victim lost his job after the accident and relied on his wife’s factory income while supporting their school-going children.
“After the appeal was submitted and processed in accordance with the required procedures and legal provisions, PERKESO approved the claim,” he stated.
Sim personally handed over a cheque for RM9,100 to Ah Aik, with other benefits to be managed by PERKESO.
The case was recognised as an occupational hazard because the accident occurred during his commute home from work.
Sim highlighted a gap where workers stopping for personal errands are not covered if an accident occurs during those activities.
He said the recently passed 24-Hour Protection Bill seeks to provide more comprehensive protection reflecting modern workers’ realities.
The bill is scheduled for presentation in the Dewan Negara on December 17, with hopes for its prompt approval and implementation. – Bernama
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/workers-successful-perkeso-appeal-shows-need-for-wider-social-protection/
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South Asia
Iran Says Afghanistan Peace Impossible Without Active Support from Neighboring Countries
By Fidel Rahmati-
December 15, 2025
Iranian Foreign Minister stresses that sustainable peace in Afghanistan cannot be achieved without active collaboration and coordination among neighboring countries in political and economic initiatives.
Iran stresses that Afghanistan’s long-term stability and economic development require coordinated regional cooperation, urging neighboring countries to engage actively in dialogue and integration initiatives.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that lasting stability and development in Afghanistan are strategic imperatives for all neighboring countries, highlighting the critical role of regional collaboration.
He made the remarks during a Tehran meeting of special representatives from Afghanistan’s neighboring states and Russia, aimed at discussing the country’s evolving situation and fostering stronger regional ties.
However, analysts reject this assertion, noting that regional rivalries, historic enmities, geopolitical contestants, boder issues and durand line and particularly involving Pakistan and India and external influence from the United States make such coordinated regional solutions unrealistic and unlikely to bring lasting peace.
Araqchi noted that Afghanistan was invited to participate, but its authorities chose not to attend. He affirmed that this decision would not negatively impact Iran’s bilateral relations with Afghanistan.
The meeting convened representatives from Pakistan, Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Pakistan participated at the prime ministerial level, while Russia and Uzbekistan sent presidential-level envoys, reflecting high-level engagement.
The Iranian minister warned that externally imposed solutions have consistently failed to deliver stability or sustainable development, advocating regionally led approaches as the most effective means of conflict resolution and cooperation.
Araqchi stressed the importance of integrating Afghanistan into regional economic, transit, and energy networks. Strengthening infrastructure, trade facilitation, and border cooperation could position Afghanistan as a central hub connecting Central, South, and West Asia.
He further highlighted Iran’s readiness to support Afghanistan via neighboring countries, promoting regional connectivity for trade, energy transit, and broader economic cooperation.
Analysts suggest that these regional initiatives could boost economic interdependence, reduce tensions, and lay the foundation for sustainable growth, peace, and long-term stability in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/iran-says-afghanistan-peace-impossible-without-active-support-from-neighboring-countries/
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Jamaat’s spin on intellectual killings in ‘71
Dec 15, 2025
Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has claimed that it was India who carried out the conspiracy to kill the country's intellectuals during the Liberation War.
He said the murders of intellectuals were "part of a well-planned plot by the Indian army and Indian intelligence agencies."
Porwar made the remarks at a discussion organised by the party's Dhaka north unit at the Krishibid Institution auditorium, marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day yesterday.
He also claimed that Indian forces had already taken control of Dhaka by December 14, while Pakistan soldiers, Razakars, and Al-Badr members were busy saving their own lives rather than searching for people to kill.
"Those from outside the political arena who manipulate and create new political narratives for Bangladesh -- the Delhi loyalists of this country -- have conventionally and contemptibly tried to place all the responsibility for the killings of intellectuals on Jamaat-e-Islami."
Referring to an interview of Pakistan General Rao Farman Ali, Porwar said the general had stated that the Pakistan army wanted to surrender on December 14.
"However, dialogue was taking place between Jagjit Singh Aurora, the chief of the Bangladesh-India joint command, and the surrendering General Niazi to set the date of surrender. At the will of the Indian army, the date was deferred by two days to December 16," he claimed.
On December 14, university teachers, journalists, artists, writers, and other intellectuals were hunted down and killed one by one.
"Had they lived, they could have played an extraordinary role in building a newly independent Bangladesh with their knowledge," the Jamaat leader said.
Explaining his remarks, he said the question was why they were killed. "To rebuild a war-ravaged Bangladesh after victory, the intellect, thinking, creativity, and innovation required were possessed by the nation's best sons -- the intellectuals. They [India] did this so that Bangladesh would remain forever subservient to them and under their dominance.
"Bangladesh would exist in name only, with its borders remaining those of 1947. It would appear to be an independent country, but its economy, politics, foreign policy -- everything -- would be controlled from Delhi."
Porwar opined that India did not help Bangladesh with good intentions but to avenge its defeat by Pakistan in the 1965 war.
At another event, Muhammad Nazrul Islam, Chattogram city Jamaat ameer, said, "Killing one innocent person is like killing all humanity. There are no words strong enough to condemn such crimes."
Speaking at a discussion in Jamaat's Dewanbazar office, he demanded an inquiry commission to identify the culprits and initiate judicial proceedings to settle the debt of history.
He added that fabricating narratives to hide the killers and shift blame was also a crime. "Over the past decade and a half, false cases were filed, evidence was ignored, and leaders were eliminated through politically motivated judicial killings."
Nazrul also claimed that many of the slain intellectuals supported the then government or Pakistan's unity.
He said neutral researchers and intellectuals have expressed similar views, noting that many of those killed were pro-Pakistan and that none had gone to India.
"Why would Pakistan soldiers kill loyal intellectuals? Anyone with military experience would suspect that someone else used the name of the Pakistan army to carry out the killings. India's name comes up first among the suspects. Those who did not go to India incurred India's wrath."
At another programme, Prof Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, pro-VC (academic) of Chattogram University, said it was "absurd" to think Pakistan forces -- busy fleeing and surrendering -- killed intellectuals at that time.
At a discussion on Martyred Intellectuals Day at the Vice-Chancellor's office, he described the killings as part of an international conspiracy to subjugate Bangladesh. "To this day, we have not found Zahir Raihan. If he had been traced, we would have known the true history."
Speaking on the number of Liberation War martyrs, Prof Shamim said, "We do not want to hear rhetorical statements before the nation. We truly want to know what happened in Bangladesh in 1971, who were martyred, and who carried out the killings. That is still unknown to us."
He said, "In Bangladesh, the blame for killings is first placed on one group, but years later the real culprit emerges. One narrative replaces another ..."
Shamim also called for the formation of an independent and neutral commission to find out what happened on December 14, 1971.
For perspective, it is widely documented that Al-Badr Bahini, formed with members of Islami Chhatra Sangha -- the then student wing of Jamaat -- is responsible for the intellectual killings.
How Al-Badr, an auxiliary force of the Pakistan occupation army, was formed and its links with Chhatra Sangha were detailed in a report of Dainik Sangram, Jamaat's mouthpiece.
The report, published on September 14, 1971, says the Al-Badr force was formed under the leadership of Mohammad Ashraf Hossain, the then president of Momenshahi (Mymensingh) Islami Chhatra Sangha, immediately after the Pakistan army entered Jamalpur on April 22, 1971.
The report was presented as evidence at the International Crimes Tribunal.
The International Crimes Tribunal-2, in its verdict in a case filed against Chowdhury Mueen Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman Khan in 2013, said Jamaat played "a culpable role in liquidating the notable pro-liberation intellectuals, the best sons and daughters of the soil, by providing express and active approval to the killing squad formed of Al-Badr men who in fact belonged to ICS [Islami Chhatra Sangha]."
The tribunal handed down the death penalty to Mueen Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman for their role in the intellectual killings in 1971.
Terming Al-Badr a brainchild of Jamaat, the tribunal observed, "It is now settled that the Al-Badr, the 'action section' of JEI [Jamaat-e-Islami], was formed of the workers of ICS [Islami Chhatra Sangha]."
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/jamaats-spin-intellectual-killings-71-4058706
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‘Not ruling out the possibility of covert attacks’
Dec 14, 2025
Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah today said that any attempt to obstruct or derail the upcoming national election would fail, asserting that law enforcement agencies would act firmly wherever necessary.
"The message from the Election Commission is very clear. There is no concern regarding the election," Sanaullah told reporters after a special meeting between the EC and heads of law enforcement agencies at the Election Building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
While satisfied with current measures, he noted areas where further action was needed as the EC was aware of attempts to tarnish the national election.
Sanaullah said the recent shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8, was extensively discussed at the meeting. He described it as a covert attack, adding that investigations were ongoing.
Asked whether the shooting of Hadi within 24 hours of the election schedule announcement would affect the polls, Sanaullah said, "Those behind this act are trying to create an atmosphere of fear. Today's meeting was held to defy these attempts."
He acknowledged that incidents would inevitably have direct or indirect impacts on the election, but emphasised that what mattered was whether law enforcement agencies played an effective role in mitigating the situation.
Sanaullah cautioned against individuals posing as allies, particularly political actors, calling the recent incidents an "eye-opener."
He also revealed attempts to set fire to election offices at the upazila level in two locations.
"We are not ruling out the possibility of covert attacks. The objective is to ensure such incidents do not recur or are suppressed with a firm hand. And if they do occur, those responsible must be arrested," he said.
The EC has asked law enforcement agencies to increase checkpoints to restrict criminal activities, arrest suspects, and recover missing illegal arms.
Sanaullah confirmed that the second phase of operation "Devil Hunt" had resumed from yesterday and would continue in a coordinated manner.
Agencies have also been instructed to share intelligence, with special focus on border areas, including Rohingya-populated regions, to examine possible links to larger incidents.
Sanaullah also highlighted the need to counter misinformation on social media, stressing that law enforcement agencies were alert and actively addressing the issue.
"Some incidents do occur during elections, but it must be ensured that things never go out of control and that no saboteur feels encouraged," he said.
The meeting was attended by the home secretary, the principal staff officer of the Armed Forces Division, the inspector general of police, the director general of Border Guard Bangladesh, and the director general of Ansar and VDP, among others.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/not-ruling-out-the-possibility-covert-attacks-4058341
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Health Minister, WHO Hold Talks on Strengthening Tuberculosis Services Nationwide
December 15, 2025
KABUL: Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate, in a meeting with Dr. Edwin Ceniza Salvador, Head of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Afghanistan, discussed the enhancement of tuberculosis services across the country.
Participated by officials from WHO’s Tuberculosis (TB) departments, the meeting focused on strengthening TB services, expanding facilities at health centers, ensuring timely and high-quality care for patients, increasing budget allocations for TB programs, improving the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment, and building the capacity of healthcare workers, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Mawlawi Jalali praised WHO for its continued support, stating: “Prevention and treatment of tuberculosis are among the priorities of the Ministry of Public Health. With the support of international partners, we are committed to delivering standard health services to all residents of the country.”
The Minister emphasized that the cooperation of the WHO is critical for strengthening Afghanistan’s health system, controlling infectious diseases, and enhancing public health programs.
Meanwhile, WHO officials reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the ministry to combat tuberculosis and expand services nationwide.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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MoIC Attaché Attends International Cultures Exhibition in Ankara
December 15, 2025
KABUL: Qari Hamidullah Tamkeen, Cultural Attaché of the Ministry of Information and Culture in Turkiye, participated in the International Cultures Exhibition held at the ATO Congress Hall in Ankara.
The three-day exhibition brought together ambassadors, diplomats, cultural attachés, poets, writers, intellectuals, researchers, and prominent cultural figures from more than 70 countries, creating a vibrant platform for intercultural exchange, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Each participating embassy was allocated a well-organized and separate pavilion to showcase elements of national heritage, including traditional clothing, handmade carpets, handicrafts, artistic works, images of historical sites, and diverse representations of cultural traditions and intangible heritage.
The exhibition has received a warm and wide-ranging reception from cultural activists, university professors, researchers, and visitors from various regions of the Republic of Turkiye.
The event has provided an effective opportunity for mutual cultural interaction, dialogue, and deeper understanding among nations, highlighting the role of culture in strengthening international relations.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Foundation Stone Laid for Major Petroleum Trade Center in Mazar-e-Sharif
December 15, 2025
Mazar-e-Sharif: The foundation stone for a new petroleum products commercial center worth $15 million has been laid in Mazar-e-Sharif, marking the beginning of a major investment project aimed at strengthening fuel trade and market regulation in the province.
The provincial governor’s press office said in a statement the other day that the petroleum trading market has recently been relocated from Hairatan Port to Mazar-e-Sharif, and construction has officially commenced in the presence of government authorities and private sector representatives.
“The relocation of the market is intended to improve quality control of petroleum products, prevent unreasonable price hikes, and provide greater facilities for traders,” the statement said.
Petroleum traders have welcomed the move, describing it as economically beneficial.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Azizi Highlights Government’s Responsibility to Preserve, Renovate Historical Monuments
December 15, 2025
KABUL: Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi, Deputy Minister of Information and Culture for Culture and Arts, emphasized the government’s critical responsibility in preserving, restoring, and renovating Afghanistan’s historical and cultural monuments.
Speaking at a professional committee meeting to discuss the restoration and renovation of the Khanqah of Mawlana Jalaluddin Balkhi, Azizi underlined that all restoration work must respect historical authenticity, uphold cultural values, and adhere to international standards, according to a statement from the ministry on Sunday.
The meeting was attended by engineers and representatives from leading cultural and heritage institutions, including Engineer Ajmal Maiwandi, Head of the Cultural Department at the Aga Khan Foundation, Engineer Javid, Head of the HAFO Institute, the statement said.
The Deputy Minister also instructed the committee to strengthen technical assessments of restoration projects and implement practical work gradually and systematically, ensuring that cultural heritage sites are preserved for future generations.
Mawlawi Azizi’s remarks highlight the ministry’s ongoing commitment to protecting Afghanistan’s rich historical legacy, maintaining the integrity of cultural landmarks, and coordinating with relevant institutions to carry out professional and sustainable restoration initiatives.
According to the statement, the TIKA Institute presented a comprehensive plan for restoring the Khanqah and developing a surrounding park to better organize the area.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Trade Acceleration at Islam Qala Customs and Herat–Khaf Railway Discussed
December 15, 2025
HERAT: A meeting was held to review challenges and enhance facilitation measures for accelerating exports and imports through Islam Qala Customs and the Herat–Khaf Railway, under the leadership of Shaikh Mawlawi Islam Jar, Governor of Herat Province.
The meeting was attended by heads of customs, public health, environmental protection, agriculture departments, as well as representatives of traders and farmers, the provincial governor’s press office said in a statement on Sunday.
Discussions focused on improving coordination and resolving operational issues affecting key trade corridors, the statement said.
Governor Islam Jar stressed the strategic importance of Islam Qala Customs and the Herat–Khaf Railway in meeting the country’s commercial needs, emphasizing that operational processes along these vital trade routes must be further expedited.
He noted that despite 24-hour operations, enhanced coordination between Islam Qala Customs and Rozanak Station is essential, and any form of obstruction must be prevented.
The governor also assured relevant departments of the provincial administration’s full support in providing necessary facilities and equipment.
Representatives of government departments, traders, and agricultural producers expressed appreciation for the governor’s attention and reaffirmed their commitment to maximizing efforts to accelerate trade processes, ensuring improved services and smoother operations for the business community.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/trade-acceleration-at-islam-qala-customs-and-herat-khaf-railway-discussed/
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