Politics Archives - Page 16 of 59

According to the PM, Russia jeopardizes Ukraine’s global food security.

25Oct

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

According to the PM, Russia jeopardizes Ukraine’s global food security.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that Russia is stepping up attacks on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – delaying the export of agricultural produce, including aid intended for Palestinians caught up in the conflict with Israel. During several days of strikes in early October, Russian weapons hit at least four cargo ships, including one reportedly carrying 6,000 tonnes of corn. Sir Keir said that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin was willing “to gamble on global food security in his attempts to force Ukraine into submission”. The prime minister's remarks came as he travels to the Pacific Island of Samoa for a meeting of Commonwealth heads of government. During several days of strikes, Russian missile strikes on the Odesa region hit a Panamanian-registered ship

The LDP is predicted to lose support as Japan PM Ishiba’s defense reforms confront an electoral obstacle.

25Oct

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

The LDP is predicted to lose support as Japan PM Ishiba’s defense reforms confront an electoral obstacle.

New Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba faces major obstacles in pushing his ambitious defence agenda as polling suggests his party will lose ground in Sunday’s general election, forcing it to lean more heavily on its pacifist coalition partner. Analysts say Japanese voters are more focused on domestic issues such as rising living costs than foreign policy or defence, which will also make it difficult for Ishiba to prioritise his controversial security reforms that include a proposal for an “Asian version of Nato”. Polling ahead of the October 27 election indicates the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) may lose its majority in the lower house, which means it is likely it will have to rely on its coalition partner, Komeito, to remain in power. The LDP, which has held s

How Israeli settlers transformed Israel’s politics and democracy from the periphery

24Oct

By Stuart WhiteNo Comments

How Israeli settlers transformed Israel’s politics and democracy from the periphery

The increase in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank over the past year has been unprecedented. Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack and the start of the war, there have been more than 1,000 attacks, according to a new report from the International Crisis Group. The spike, which has raised international alarm, is often blamed on the permissive policies of Israel’s right-wing government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu. According to a UN investigation, nearly half of all settler attacks documented in October 2023 were conducted in collaboration with, or in the presence of, Israeli military forces. I have studied Jewish violent extremism for more than 20 years. I would argue these developments result from long processes tied to the erosion of Israe

Reuven Azar, Israel’s ambassador, says he is “encouraged by support for” India’s political and economic position in West Asia.

23Oct

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Reuven Azar, Israel’s ambassador, says he is “encouraged by support for” India’s political and economic position in West Asia.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has praised India for its economic and political role in West Asia and highlighted that Israel was “encouraged” by India's support for its self-defence. Speaking with news agency ANI, Reuven Azar said, “We have good relations with India. We were encouraged by the fact that India has supported our right for self-defence. I think that India has a huge role to play in West Asia because of what they have to offer and what they bring to the table, both economically and also politically.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to condemn Hamas' October 7 2023 attack on Israel, and called for a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. India has also repeatedly pushed for the ‘two-state so

Politicians are urged by the Sri Lankan Church not to politicize the 2019 Easter terrorist assaults.

23Oct

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Politicians are urged by the Sri Lankan Church not to politicize the 2019 Easter terrorist assaults.

A deadly terrorist attack in Sri Lanka needs to not be exploited by a politician, according to the Archdiocese of Colombo. Speaking to the media on Oct. 17, archdiocesan spokesman Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said the government investigation of the 2019 Easter attack that killed over 200 people needs to continue without interference after Member of Parliament Udaya Gammanpila threatened to publicize two committee reports on the tragedy. On April 21, 2019, which was Easter Sunday, three churches and three luxury hotels were bombed in a series of coordinated attacks that left hundreds dead. ISIS spokespersons would later claim responsibility for the bombings, saying the targets had been Christians and citizens of countries involved in the anti-ISIS coalition. Hotels hit by explosi...

Opinion: The BNP’s Predicament in the New Political Environment of Bangladesh

23Oct

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Opinion: The BNP’s Predicament in the New Political Environment of Bangladesh

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads in its political landscape, marked by contradictions and the potential for transformation. Against this backdrop, the recent overtures by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) toward India are not merely diplomatic gestures but signify a critical juncture in the party’s quest for identity, authority, and national unity. This commentary seeks to unravel the complex interplay of these themes and reveal how the BNP’s current actions reflect profound philosophical questions about political legitimacy, collective memory, and the construction of identity. At its core, the BNP grapples with the specter of a fractured identity, shaped by years of exclusion from power under the Awami League’s authoritarian regime. The party has been histori

Pakistan’s Judicial Overhaul Squeaks Through After Serious Political Drama

22Oct

By Yusara AskariNo Comments

Pakistan’s Judicial Overhaul Squeaks Through After Serious Political Drama

After weeks of intense political maneuvering, Pakistan’s Parliament has passed a set of constitutional amendments that will overhaul the process for appointing the country’s chief justice. Critics called it an effort to rein in the Supreme Court as it has emerged as a political force in its own right and challenged Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. The governing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and other groups managed to cobble together the two-thirds majority needed to change the Constitution in a session that continued into the early hours of Monday. In fiery speeches railing against what they called judicial activism, lawmakers in the ruling coalition said the amendments would bolster the primacy of political leaders in Pakistan. But the party of former Prime Minister

22Oct

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

Tehreek-e-Insaf in Pakistan

political party of Pakistan founded in 1996 by Imran Khan, a popular cricketer and philanthropist, with the goals of fighting corruption and promoting social welfare. After becoming the second largest party in the 2013 legislative elections, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) became one of the most prominent political players in the country’s politics. Founding and political orientation The PTI was founded to address dissatisfaction among Pakistan’s primary ruling entities, including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and the armed forces. Khan, who had retired from cricket in 1992 at the height of his celebrity, was deeply affected by the red tape involved in pursuing his philanthropic efforts, including the bureaucratic dif

China deploying thousands of fake social media profiles to influence 2024 US Presidential Elections’ outcome

20Oct

By Joanne SerriehNo Comments

China deploying thousands of fake social media profiles to influence 2024 US Presidential Elections’ outcome

As the 2024 US presidential election approaches, concerns about foreign interference in the democratic process have resurfaced. One of the most significant and worrying threats comes from China, which is reportedly deploying thousands of fake social media profiles to influence public opinion and sway the election's outcome, according to a latest report by The Epoch Times. This sophisticated disinformation campaign is part of China's broader strategy to exert influence over global politics, and the US presidential election is a prime target, The Epoch Times reported.According to intelligence reports and cybersecurity experts, China has been working to influence US elections for several years, but its efforts have intensified in the lead-up to the 2024 election. The...

China’s Taiwan reunification goal: More rhetoric less reality

17Oct

By Nectar GanNo Comments

China’s Taiwan reunification goal: More rhetoric less reality

For China, it would be the worst moment in its modern history. It is economically declining, while it is battling growing negative sentiments against it in several countries because of its expansionist designs and use of unfair means to fulfil its political, economic, and strategic agenda. In the midst of such developments, on October 13, Taiwan reported detecting a Chinese aircraft carrier group, Liaoning sailing to the island’s south on October 13, with the People’s Liberation Army of China putting out a video saying it was “preparing for battle.” It took place just three-day after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, in a rare but bold move, questioned Beijing’s sovereignty claims on the self-governing island, during his speech on the island’s National Day on October 10. Lai