Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly celebrated Donald Trump’s reelection, calling it “the greatest comeback in history.” His far-right coalition ministers expressed excitement even before the official results. Netanyahu was among the first to congratulate Trump, discussing Israel’s security and the Iranian threat. A poll showed 67% of Israelis were pleased with Trump’s victory. Critics, however, view Trump’s return as concerning. During his first term, Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, reversing longstanding US policy. Noah Prescott 09/11/2024 8:00 am
President-elect Donald Trump plans to reinstate his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, focusing on diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions, particularly targeting Iran’s oil exports. Experts predict Trump will support Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and energy facilities and reimpose sanctions to weaken Iran’s economy and limit its funding of proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. This approach contrasts with the Biden administration’s softer stance. Trump may also target Chinese ports receiving Iranian oil and Iraqi officials funding Tehran-backed militias, aiming to reduce Iran’s oil exports significantly. Ava Sinclair 09/11/2024 4:30 am
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano on Flores Island has been highly active, with eruptions since Monday causing significant damage and prompting evacuations. The volcano spewed ash columns up to 10 kilometers high, and authorities expanded the danger zone to an 8-kilometer radius. The eruptions have damaged infrastructure, including schools and churches, and affected over 10,000 people, with plans to evacuate 16,000 residents. Despite the intense activity, no casualties were reported from the latest eruptions. The alert status remains at the highest level. Penelope Kingsley 09/11/2024 4:30 am
A New Delhi court has cast doubt on India’s decadeslong ban of Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses” due to missing paperwork. The court found no notification of the 1988 ban, allowing potential importation of the novel. However, its availability in bookstores remains uncertain, pending publisher decisions. The ruling could be appealed by individuals, groups, or the government. Rushdie and his literary agent have not commented, while Penguin Random House India called the ruling a “significant new development” and is considering next steps. Ava Sinclair 09/11/2024 1:00 am
In Dawson City, Yukon, five newly elected councilors refused to swear allegiance to King Charles III, a legal requirement under the Yukon’s Municipal Act. This decision, made collectively in support of councilor Darwyn Lynn, challenges the colonial-era oath due to historical issues with the Crown and First Nations. While they took their oaths of office, they avoided the allegiance oath, risking nullification of their election. Yukon officials are seeking a solution to prevent a by-election. Changes to the regulation, not the legislation, could resolve the issue more swiftly. Noah Prescott 08/11/2024 9:30 pm
Donald Trump’s election victory grants him a strong mandate to implement his agenda, both domestically and internationally. With fewer constraints, he can shape foreign policy significantly, depending on his appointees. Potential candidates include Marco Rubio, Richard Grenell, Kash Patel, Mike Pompeo, Mike Flynn, and Elbridge Colby. Trump will demand loyalty while relying on them for strategic direction. His administration might pursue an “America First” approach, potentially withdrawing from NATO, reducing support for alliances, and demanding more defense spending from partners. Ava Sinclair 08/11/2024 9:30 pm
New DNA analysis of Pompeii’s victims challenges long-held assumptions about their identities and relationships. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals that traditional interpretations of gender and family roles may be inaccurate. For instance, a person thought to be a mother was actually an unrelated man, and one of two people believed to be women was a man. The research highlights the dangers of projecting modern gender norms onto ancient societies. It also shows Pompeii’s diverse ancestry, tracing primarily to eastern Mediterranean immigrants, reflecting the Roman Empire’s multicultural nature. Ava Sinclair 08/11/2024 9:30 pm
Germany is facing a political crisis as Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government collapses. Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the resignation of two other cabinet members and leaving Scholz with a minority government. He now requires opposition support to pass key policies, including the 2025 budget and measures for Ukraine. Scholz seeks cooperation from opposition leader Friedrich Merz, but Merz demands immediate elections. The situation leaves Germany, Europe’s largest economy, politically unstable amid economic challenges and an impending Trump presidency. Ava Sinclair 08/11/2024 6:00 pm
After a soccer match in Amsterdam, antisemitic rioters targeted Israeli supporters, resulting in five hospitalizations and 62 arrests. The violence, condemned by Dutch and Israeli leaders, occurred despite a ban on a pro-Palestinian demonstration. Israel coordinated flights to bring affected citizens home, while Dutch authorities vowed to prosecute the perpetrators. The incident, described as a “terrible antisemitic attack,” has deeply shamed the city and its leaders. Penelope Kingsley 08/11/2024 6:00 pm
The Cop29 chief executive, Elnur Soltanov, was filmed agreeing to facilitate fossil fuel deals at the climate summit, sparking calls to ban fossil fuel lobbyists from future talks. Global Witness, posing as a fake oil and gas group, recorded Soltanov discussing potential deals and introducing them to Socar executives. Soltanov described fossil fuels as a long-term energy source, contradicting climate goals. The Cop29 team also appeared willing to waive climate requirements for event sponsors, undermining commitments to emissions reduction and net-zero transition plans. Penelope Kingsley 08/11/2024 6:00 pm
