Japanese stocks fell sharply after Shigeru Ishiba’s unexpected win over Sanae Takaichi in the ruling party’s leadership race, disrupting investor expectations of more monetary stimulus. The Nikkei 225 dropped 4.8%, and the Topix index fell 3.5%. The yen strengthened, and 10-year bond futures declined. The selloff, driven by short-term speculators, hit exporters hardest due to yen concerns, while the banking sector was the only gainer.

Penelope Kingsley 30/09/2024 9:00 am

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, won 29.2% of the vote, surpassing the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP) but falling short of a majority. Kickl celebrated the victory as historic, amid high voter turnout focused on migration, asylum, the economy, and the Ukraine war. Despite the win, the ÖVP refuses to join a coalition with Kickl, citing his conspiracy theories. The FPÖ’s success follows a trend of far-right gains in Europe, with Kickl promising to build “Fortress Austria” and aligning with Hungary’s Viktor Orban. Social Democrat leader Andreas Babler cautioned against Austria following Hungary’s path.

Noah Prescott 30/09/2024 5:30 am

The New York Times faced backlash for an article perceived as softening the image of Hezbollah founder Hassan Nasrallah, who advocated for Israel’s annihilation. The piece, titled “Protesters Mourn Nasrallah’s Death Around the World,” praised Nasrallah as a “gifted orator” and a champion of “equality” for religious groups. Critics highlighted his role in numerous deadly attacks on Jews, including bombings and rocket strikes. Nasrallah, killed by Israeli forces, co-founded Hezbollah in 1982. The article’s portrayal led to accusations of “Jihadsplaining” and diminishing his calls for genocide.

Noah Prescott 30/09/2024 5:30 am

Asian markets had a volatile start, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index dropping nearly 5% while Chinese markets surged on new economic stimulus. Japanese shares fell after Shigeru Ishiba was chosen to succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Ishiba supports raising interest rates and possibly corporate taxes, seen as less market-friendly than his rival. The Nikkei was down 4.7% by midday Monday. The yen strengthened, impacting exporters like Toyota, which fell 3.5%.

Penelope Kingsley 30/09/2024 5:30 am

Lebanon experienced a deadly day with Israeli bombardments killing at least 105 people and injuring 359. A significant attack in Ain al-Delb near Sidon killed 32, including many displaced families. Lebanese politicians called it a “massacre.” Israel claimed to target Hezbollah, but strikes hit homes and buildings across southern Lebanon and Beirut. An Israeli airstrike in Beirut marked an escalation, killing three. This follows the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and senior official Sheikh Nabil Kaouk. Despite losses, Hezbollah continued attacks on Israel, dismissing reports of leadership changes.

Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 5:30 am

MK Gideon Sa’ar’s United Right party will join the government, as announced by Sa’ar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sa’ar was unanimously voted in as a minister-without-portfolio and will serve on the security cabinet. This move increases the coalition’s size from 64 to 68 MKs, reducing the influence of far-right parties. It also poses a threat to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Sa’ar joined the government with MK Benny Gantz on October 11 but later left over Gaza policy disagreements. Netanyahu praised Sa’ar’s problem-solving abilities in a joint press conference.

Noah Prescott 30/09/2024 2:00 am

In the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have caused significant devastation, with over 30 bombings in an hour, resulting in 46 confirmed deaths and many critically injured. Six-year-old Noor Mossawi lies unconscious in a pediatric ICU with a fractured skull. Her mother, Rima, prays by her bedside, recalling Noor’s bright and sociable nature. The tragedy struck last Monday during an Israeli attack, altering their lives forever.

Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 2:00 am

The Freedom Party won Austria’s national parliamentary election, marking the first far-right victory since WWII, with 29.2% of the vote. The Austrian People’s Party came second with 26.5%, and the Social Democrats third with 21%. The outgoing coalition of the People’s Party and Greens lost its majority. Herbert Kickl, the Freedom Party leader, aims to be chancellor but needs a coalition partner, which rivals oppose. The party capitalized on concerns over immigration, inflation, Ukraine, and COVID-19, advocating for strict border controls, ending Russia sanctions, and reducing EU powers.

Penelope Kingsley 30/09/2024 2:00 am

Retired Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster, former National Security Adviser in the Trump administration, joined “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan. McMaster, who has not endorsed any presidential candidate, is also a CBS News contributor and author of “At War With Ourselves.” The interview began with Robert Costa acknowledging McMaster’s presence and referencing a prior segment with retired General McChrystal.

Penelope Kingsley 29/09/2024 10:30 pm

Pope Francis, during a visit to Belgium, emphasized that bishops who have abused children must face justice and not be shielded by the Church. Addressing thousands in Brussels, he declared that “evil must not be hidden” and called for abusers to be judged, regardless of their position. His remarks followed criticism from Belgium’s king and prime minister over the Church’s handling of abuse cases. Since 2012, Belgium has reported over 700 clerical abuse cases. Francis also met with 17 abuse victims, reiterating that the Church must not cover up abuse.

Noah Prescott 29/09/2024 10:30 pm