Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, stated he chose freedom over justice after agreeing to a plea deal with the U.S. to end his decade-long extradition battle. Assange criticized the U.S. for criminalizing journalism, linking it to a broader suppression of free expression. Since May 2019, Assange faced U.S. charges for releasing classified military documents, with authorities alleging he breached espionage laws.

Penelope Kingsley 01/10/2024 1:00 pm

Japan’s parliament elected Shigeru Ishiba as the new prime minister, replacing Fumio Kishida, who resigned earlier on Tuesday. Ishiba, chosen as the Liberal Democratic Party leader on Friday, plans to call a parliamentary election for October 27 and dissolve parliament on October 9. Opposition parties criticized Ishiba for announcing the election plan before officially becoming leader, leading to a delayed parliamentary vote. Kishida resigned to allow for new leadership amid corruption scandals. Ishiba aims to address challenges and gain public support for his policies.

Penelope Kingsley 01/10/2024 9:30 am

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, won the national parliamentary elections with 29.2% of the vote, marking the first far-right victory since WWII. This reflects a broader European trend of rising nationalist, anti-immigration parties. The FPÖ campaigned on sealing borders and stricter immigration controls. Despite the win, forming a government will be challenging as other major parties refuse to form a coalition with them. This mirrors gains by Germany’s far-right AfD in recent elections.

Ava Sinclair 01/10/2024 6:00 am

Aboard an aging Boeing 707 above the Red Sea, I wear 3D goggles and watch a monitor as Saudi Arabia’s desert and Egypt’s coast pass by. An F35 fighter jet appears on the screen. I am the first foreign journalist with the IDF on a combat mission over a thousand miles from Israel. Israel is engaged in escalating conflicts since Hamas’ October 7 attack, involving Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran. Israel’s response has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. Security is tight; no cellphones or cameras are allowed. This mission offers rare access to Israel’s military operations.

Penelope Kingsley 01/10/2024 6:00 am

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iranians, predicting imminent regime change and a future of peace between Israel and Iran. He criticized Iran’s “fanatic theocrats” and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people, stating they deserve better leadership. Netanyahu’s message follows heightened tensions in the Middle East, including an Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. He condemned Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah, urging Iranians not to let their hopes be crushed by their current rulers. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s support for the Iranian people and a shared future of prosperity and peace.

Ava Sinclair 01/10/2024 6:00 am

On Monday, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador held his final mañanera, a daily 7 a.m. news conference he conducted for six years. Known for their length and rambling nature, these briefings allowed López Obrador to tout achievements, criticize enemies, and set the day’s agenda. After 1,438 consecutive sessions, he steps down, handing power to Claudia Sheinbaum. López Obrador, a leftist populist, prioritized direct communication with the Mexican people over political elites, fostering an image of transparency. His folksy style and candid approach resonated with many voters, marking a transformative era in Mexican politics.

Ava Sinclair 01/10/2024 2:30 am

Nearly 6,000 Haitians are starving, and almost half of the 11 million population faces crisis levels of hunger due to gang violence disrupting food transportation and access, according to a new report. The number of people in crisis, emergency, and famine levels of hunger rose by 1.2 million to 5.4 million in the past year. Double-digit inflation and past natural disasters have exacerbated the situation. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric and Martine Villeneuve of Action Against Hunger highlighted the severity and unexpected scale of the crisis.

Penelope Kingsley 01/10/2024 2:30 am

The US reported that Israeli officials informed them of “limited operations” targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. Israeli forces have initiated “limited, localized, and targeted” ground raids in Lebanon following the killing of Hezbollah’s chief Hassan Nasrallah. The raids, part of Operation “Northern Arrows,” focus on Hezbollah infrastructure in south Lebanon. Despite global calls for a ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes on Beirut, causing significant casualties and displacements. Hezbollah’s deputy leader stated they are prepared for further conflict if Israel advances.

Noah Prescott 01/10/2024 2:30 am

American-made 2,000-pound bombs, likely BLU-109 “bunker busters” with JDAM precision guidance kits, were used in the Israeli attack that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, according to CNN and munitions experts. Footage showed Israeli jets carrying at least 15 such bombs. The attack created a large crater and leveled four apartment buildings. Experts confirmed the use of BLU-109s, which penetrate deep underground before detonating. Israeli officials stated 80 bombs were used, but exact numbers are hard to verify due to debris and unknown underground facilities.

Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 11:00 pm

Israel’s leaders see a rare chance to reshape the Middle East, targeting not just Hamas and Hezbollah but also undermining Tehran’s clerical leadership. Prime Minister Netanyahu aims to weaken Iran, the supporter of these groups, and promises peace for the Persian people. Israel demonstrates its technological and espionage superiority, striking Iranian assets and allies. Recent actions include the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and attacks on Iranian facilities. Netanyahu’s message limits Iran’s maneuverability, posing a significant challenge to Tehran’s regional influence. Israel’s offensive is expected to continue.

Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 11:00 pm