Israel’s proxy war with Iran faced a setback when US plans for a strike leaked. Israeli intelligence suspects Ariane Tabatabai, an Iranian-born Pentagon official, previously linked to Tehran’s influence campaign. Despite Republican claims of her being a spy, US intelligence denies her involvement. Israeli sources remain skeptical, especially after a potential retaliatory strike for Iran’s missile attack was exposed. Tabatabai, a senior policy advisor, was linked to Robert Malley, a suspended Iran envoy. Calls have been made to revoke her security clearance, but she remains employed. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 4:30 am
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Middle East trip ended in London without a Gaza cease-fire breakthrough, unsurprising to U.S. and Arab officials amid regional conflicts. The visit followed Israel’s killing of Hamas military chief Yahya Sinwar, aiming to revive cease-fire talks. Discussions focused on post-war Palestinian governance and regional security. Blinken’s last day in Tel Aviv was marked by air raid sirens due to rockets from Lebanon. Despite low expectations, U.S. and Israeli negotiators plan to meet in Qatar to reignite peace talks. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 1:00 am
Elon Musk has reportedly engaged in secret talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, according to The Wall Street Journal. These discussions, involving business, personal, and geopolitical issues, occurred during Russia’s war on Ukraine. Putin allegedly pressured Musk to withhold SpaceX’s Starlink from Taiwan, favoring China. NASA’s Bill Nelson expressed concern and suggested an investigation. The Wall Street Journal’s report, citing various officials, remains unverified by CNBC. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 1:00 am
The Washington Post, led by CEO William Lewis, will not endorse any presidential candidates in future elections, returning to its tradition of non-endorsement. This aligns with its historical stance, as noted in a 1960 editorial, which emphasized the importance of maintaining independence while expressing opinions on key issues. The Post believes in discussing candidates’ understanding and leadership capacities without formal endorsements, a practice it briefly deviated from in 1952 when endorsing Eisenhower. Ava Sinclair 26/10/2024 1:00 am
King Charles III addressed Commonwealth leaders in Samoa, acknowledging the painful legacy of slavery and colonialism. Despite personal beliefs, he couldn’t offer an apology or reparations due to government policy constraints. The UK government had already indicated no apology would be made at the summit. The King diplomatically echoed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s stance on history, while previously expressing “sorrow and regret” in Kenya without explicitly apologizing, aligning with official policy. Penelope Kingsley 26/10/2024 1:00 am
North Korean troops may soon join Russia in Ukraine, claims Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, raising global tensions. Western officials warn this could escalate the war and have geopolitical impacts, especially in the Indo-Pacific. U.S., Japan, and South Korea expressed grave concerns, urging Russia and North Korea to halt actions expanding the conflict. Over 3,000 North Korean troops might be in Russia for training, possibly deploying to the Kursk region. Zelenskyy canceled a visit by U.N. Secretary-General Guterres after a controversial photo with Putin. Penelope Kingsley 25/10/2024 9:30 pm
Scientists have long warned that a 3°C rise in global temperatures would be catastrophic. The UN now emphasizes urgent action, stating that greenhouse gases are at unprecedented levels. To avoid severe climate impacts, emissions must be cut by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to stay below the 1.5°C target set in the Paris Agreement. The world is in “climate crunch time,” with just a few years to act decisively. Noah Prescott 25/10/2024 9:30 pm
The Washington Post will not endorse a presidential candidate this year or in future elections, a decision made by owner Jeff Bezos. This marks a return to the paper’s earlier practice of not endorsing candidates. The decision, announced by publisher Will Lewis, has sparked outrage among staff, who had prepared an endorsement for Vice President Kamala Harris. The move is seen as aligning with the Post’s values of character, courage, and respect for the rule of law. The Harris campaign reportedly did not engage with the editorial board during the endorsement process. Noah Prescott 25/10/2024 9:30 pm
Israeli forces entered Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, firing on the complex amid ongoing military operations. The hospital, low on supplies, is overwhelmed with injured patients. WHO lost contact with staff after the raid, which disrupted aid efforts. Israel claims the operation targets terrorist infrastructure, while evacuations and aid deliveries were facilitated. The hospital shelters around 200 patients and many others seeking refuge. Parts of the hospital’s wall were reportedly demolished by Israeli forces. Penelope Kingsley 25/10/2024 9:30 pm
An Israeli airstrike in southeast Lebanon killed three journalists at a guesthouse used by media covering the war. The 3 a.m. strike destroyed chalets and vehicles marked “PRESS,” with no prior warning from the Israeli army. Those killed were Ghassan Najjar, Mohammed Rida, and Wissam Qassim, affiliated with Al-Mayadeen TV and Al-Manar TV. The attack follows a pattern of strikes against journalists in the region. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, emphasize that targeting journalists is a war crime, as they are protected under international humanitarian law. Noah Prescott 25/10/2024 6:00 pm
