Prabowo Subianto was inaugurated as Indonesia’s eighth president, transitioning from an ex-general with a controversial past to the presidential palace. Celebrated by thousands in Jakarta, Subianto, 73, took his oath on the Quran. Formerly a rival of President Joko Widodo, Subianto was appointed defense chief, leading to an alliance. He won February’s election, promising policy continuity, including infrastructure projects and economic reforms. Subianto’s vice president is Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo’s son. Despite his victory, Subianto’s governance approach remains uncertain. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
Moldovans appeared to reject adding EU membership to their constitution, with 55% voting “no” in a referendum. The turnout was nearly 50%, surpassing the 33% needed for validity. Pro-Russian parties opposed the move. Meanwhile, incumbent Maia Sandu led the presidential election with 35%, likely facing Alexandr Stoianoglo, who had 29%, in a runoff. Sandu, a pro-Western candidate, competed against 10 others, with turnout over 51%. Recent polls showed her support at around 36%. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
An Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahia in northern Gaza killed at least 87 people, including 27 bodies retrieved and 60 still under rubble, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Over 40 were injured, some critically. CNN couldn’t confirm the figures, but they align with Kamal Adwan hospital’s data. Graphic footage showed children among the dead and numerous body bags at the hospital. Rescue workers searched through rubble of flattened buildings. Witnesses called for international intervention, emphasizing their civilian status and pleading for an end to the conflict. Ava Sinclair 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
South Korea’s intelligence confirmed North Korean officers aiding Russian troops in Ukraine, using AI facial recognition. Despite Moscow and Pyongyang’s denials, analysts highlight Russia’s economic fragility, exacerbated by defense spending, sanctions, brain drain, and war casualties. This strains labor markets and inflates costs, challenging Putin’s war efforts. Experts predict Russia’s economic collapse, potentially ending Putin’s regime. As resources dwindle, Putin faces tough choices: demand societal sacrifices or exhaust military forces, risking defeat. Economic distortions from war spending further undermine Russia’s stability. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
Paul Whelan, wrongfully detained in Russia for over five years, disclosed he passed information from fellow prisoners fighting in Ukraine to Western officials. He communicated using “burner” phones, with guards turning a blind eye in exchange for goods like cigarettes. Whelan, who holds citizenship in the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland, said 450 prisoners from his camp joined the fight, recruited by groups like the Wagner Group. Consular officials regularly met with him to monitor his situation and discuss efforts for his release. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
An investigation is underway into the leak of classified U.S. intelligence documents detailing Israel’s plans for a retaliatory strike on Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the leak “very concerning” and is set to receive a briefing. The documents, shared on Telegram, were prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and describe U.S. interpretations of Israeli military planning. The Pentagon is investigating. Israel plans to respond to Iran’s missile attack on October 1. President Biden indicated he understands Israel’s response strategy. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
Hurricane Oscar hit northeastern Cuba near Baracoa with 130 km/h winds, exacerbating a nationwide blackout caused by a power plant failure. The storm worsened the crisis, leaving millions without power amid shortages of essentials. Despite efforts to restore electricity, the grid collapsed multiple times. President Diaz-Canel emphasized protection efforts, while Prime Minister Marrero Cruz declared an “energy emergency,” suspending non-essential services. Schools are closed, and only essential workers are to report. Residents face prolonged outages, with some experiencing up to 20-hour daily blackouts. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 10:30 pm
A Libyan national, identified as Omar A, was arrested in Germany for planning an attack on the Israeli embassy in Berlin, linked to ISIL. Arrested in Bernau, his home was searched, and another person’s home near Bonn was also searched. The suspect, who sought asylum in Germany, was rejected in September 2023. Authorities acted on a foreign intelligence tip, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighting the vigilance against Islamist threats. Justice Minister Marco Buschmann noted the frequent targeting of Israeli institutions by terrorists. Tensions over Israel’s actions in Gaza have heightened in Germany. Ava Sinclair 20/10/2024 7:00 pm
Israel plans to strike Hezbollah’s financial network, specifically targeting the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, a nonprofit linked to Hezbollah. This institution, founded in 1983, provides interest-free loans to the Shia community. The IDF aims to disrupt Hezbollah’s finances and erode trust with the Shia population. Al-Qard Al-Hassan operates like a bank but avoids SWIFT to evade sanctions. Israeli airstrikes have intensified on Lebanese border towns, with 14 strikes reported in Khiam near the Israeli border. CNN awaits IDF comments on these airstrikes. Ava Sinclair 20/10/2024 7:00 pm
The IDF released footage of Yahya Sinwar’s death to prove his demise and warn enemies, but it backfired, portraying him as a martyr. Israel is now in damage control, releasing older images to depict Sinwar as selfish. Gershon Baskin, a Middle East expert, criticized the release as politically motivated. The Israeli government faces domestic and international criticism over the Gaza conflict and hostage situation. The footage inadvertently bolstered Sinwar’s legacy as a heroic figure in Palestine and the Arab world. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 7:00 pm
