In her memoir “Freedom,” former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflects on her interactions with global leaders, notably Vladimir Putin’s “power games,” including being kept waiting and his use of a dog despite her fear. Merkel discusses her tenure’s major challenges, such as the financial crisis and refugee influx, and questions if she could have prevented Brexit. She describes her political career with dry wit, maintaining her “never explain, never complain” approach. Merkel also recalls Putin’s self-righteousness and his stance against foreign influence in Russia. Ava Sinclair 27/11/2024 9:00 pm
The ruble hit a two-year low due to low oil prices, new sanctions, and increased government spending on the war effort. In response, Russia’s central bank suspended currency purchases to support the ruble and curb inflation, which has forced interest rates up to 21%. Official inflation is at 8.5%, but private surveys suggest it’s higher. The ruble’s decline is exacerbated by falling oil prices and new U.S. sanctions targeting Gazprombank and other Russian financial entities. Ava Sinclair 27/11/2024 9:00 pm
Romanian officials alerted the EU about TikTok irregularities during the presidential election. Ancom reported TikTok’s slow response to securing the election, prompting the European Commission to consider a formal investigation under the Digital Services Act. TikTok faces scrutiny over its handling of political content after Călin Georgescu’s unexpected success, partly attributed to TikTok. EU lawmakers demand TikTok’s CEO address the European Parliament, while Romanian NGOs urge compliance checks. The European Commission oversees TikTok’s adherence to the DSA, balancing investigation with non-interference in national elections. Noah Prescott 27/11/2024 5:30 pm
Opposition supporters in Pakistan have paused protests demanding former PM Imran Khan’s release after clashes in Islamabad. Protesters breached barriers but were met with tear gas and police resistance, resulting in six deaths. Khan’s party, PTI, suspended protests citing “government’s brutality.” Over 500 PTI supporters were arrested, and reports claim several party workers were killed. Authorities denied firing on protesters. PTI leaders Ali Amin Gandapur and Bushra Bibi have left Islamabad, returning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 2:00 pm
China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun is under investigation in an anti-corruption probe affecting the People’s Liberation Army’s top ranks, according to the Financial Times. Dong is the third consecutive Chinese defence minister investigated for corruption. The Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the report as “chasing shadows.” Since last year, a significant anti-corruption purge has removed at least nine PLA generals. Dong, appointed in December 2023, recently declined a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over Taiwan-related issues. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 2:00 pm
Australia’s House of Representatives passed a bill banning children under 16 from social media, pending Senate approval. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook face fines up to AU$50 million for non-compliance. The bill passed 102-13, with a year for platforms to implement age restrictions. Amendments will enhance privacy, prohibiting platforms from requiring government IDs. The Senate’s debate is expected to pass the bill, despite criticism from non-aligned lawmakers. Noah Prescott 27/11/2024 2:00 pm
Hamas expressed readiness for a cease-fire in Gaza following Israel’s truce with Hezbollah in Lebanon. They are open to ending the 13-month conflict, contingent on conditions like Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, return of displaced Gazans, and a hostages-for-prisoners swap. Hamas blames Israeli PM Netanyahu for delays, while Netanyahu insists on eradicating Hamas first. President Biden supports a cease-fire, emphasizing humanitarian relief and hostage release, including Americans, as essential steps. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 2:00 pm
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has requested an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against humanity targeting the Rohingya Muslim minority. Nearly a million Rohingya fled to Bangladesh amid violence described as ethnic cleansing. Prosecutor Karim Khan plans to seek more warrants, emphasizing the Rohingya’s right to legal protection. The Rohingya face severe discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship and not recognized as an ethnic minority. Human rights groups support the warrant request. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 2:00 pm
A Sydney jury found police officer Kristian James Samuel White guilty of manslaughter for using a Taser on 95-year-old Clare Nowland, who later died. Nowland, a dementia patient, was holding a steak knife when White discharged the Taser, causing her to fall and sustain fatal injuries. White, on bail, faces up to 25 years in prison. The case sparked debate on Taser use by police. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb expressed condolences and noted no changes were made to Taser policy after a review. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 10:30 am
The ceasefire deal, announced by US President Biden, aims to end 13 months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It is designed to be permanent, with Hezbollah withdrawing fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River within 60 days. The Lebanese army will replace Hezbollah with 5,000 troops, though concerns about their enforcement role persist. Israel will also gradually withdraw its forces. The US and France will monitor the agreement, which aligns with UN resolution 1701, despite past violations by both sides. Ava Sinclair 27/11/2024 10:30 am
