During the presidential debate, former President Trump highlighted his foreign policy achievements, emphasizing strong relationships with leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Trump claimed Orban and other leaders, including those from China and Russia, respected and feared him, preventing conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He criticized Vice President Harris for her comments on his admiration for dictators and noted Putin’s recent endorsement of her. Trump also condemned Biden’s handling of the XL pipeline and praised his own interventionist approach, which he argued ensured global stability. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 3:30 am
In a televised debate in Philadelphia, US presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump clashed, with Europeans keenly observing for insights on how the November election might impact the continent. While the debate focused on domestic issues, both candidates touched on topics relevant to Europe. Trump highlighted his relationship with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, claiming Orbán respects him and suggesting global leaders fear his absence, implying his return would stabilize international relations. Noah Prescott 12/09/2024 12:00 am
In a heated presidential debate, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris clashed over Russia, Putin, and the Ukraine war. Harris criticized Trump, claiming Putin would dominate Ukraine if Trump were president and accused him of being ready to abandon Ukraine. She praised NATO’s importance and condemned Putin as a dictator. Trump countered, asserting the war wouldn’t have started under his leadership and that Putin would remain in Moscow without significant losses. U.S. intelligence estimated around 315,000 Russian casualties in the war. Ava Sinclair 12/09/2024 12:00 am
On Aug. 6, Ukrainian forces breached defenses along the Russia-Ukraine border near Russia’s Kursk Oblast, capturing 400 square miles and routing poorly-trained Russian conscripts. This pressured Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered a recapture by Oct. 1. On Wednesday, Russian troops launched a counterattack targeting Snagosk, involving at least eight tanks from the 51st Airborne Regiment. The village remains contested, with the situation worsening for Ukrainian forces, according to analysis group Deep State. Penelope Kingsley 12/09/2024 12:00 am
Pope Francis concluded his Asia trip by flying to Singapore from East Timor, where he held a record-setting Mass and a rally with young people. He urged East Timorese youth to build their nation on the foundations laid by older generations who secured independence in 2002. Speaking off the cuff in Spanish, Francis emphasized the importance of remembering past sacrifices. Earlier, around 600,000 people attended his Mass in a seaside park. In his final remarks, he warned against external influences threatening their culture and history. Francis had no public events scheduled upon arrival in Singapore. Ava Sinclair 12/09/2024 12:00 am
Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after workers went on strike to protest a planned 30-year lease to India’s Adani group. The strike caused flight delays and cancellations, forming large queues. Union leaders agreed to return to work after assurances that the deal wouldn’t be finalized without their approval. The government argues private investment is needed to upgrade the over-capacity airport. Protests included chanting and police intervention. Penelope Kingsley 12/09/2024 12:00 am
A Russian cargo ship, Port Olya 3, suspected of carrying Iranian ballistic missiles for use in Ukraine, was seen at a Russian port on the Caspian Sea, according to satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies. The ship had been in Iran’s Amirabad port before turning off its transponder. The US Treasury confirmed the vessel transported CRBMs from Iran to Russia, leading to sanctions. Iran’s Foreign Minister denied the claims. The US believes Russia received Iranian Fatah-360 missiles, likely to be used soon in Ukraine. The ISW expects these missiles to target Ukrainian infrastructure. Noah Prescott 11/09/2024 8:30 pm
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza hit a U.N. school and two homes, killing at least 34 people, including 19 women and children, according to hospital officials. The deadliest strike targeted the U.N.’s Al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School, killing 14, including two children and a woman, and wounding 18. The Israeli military claimed it targeted Hamas militants at the school, but this couldn’t be independently confirmed. One child killed was the daughter of a Gaza civil defense member. Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians are sheltering in Gaza’s U.N.-run schools. Penelope Kingsley 11/09/2024 8:30 pm
Dozens were arrested after clashing with police at an anti-war protest in Melbourne targeting a military hardware sales show. Protestors threw rocks, manure, and acid-filled bottles at officers, who responded with flashbang grenades and irritant sprays. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, emphasizing peaceful protest. About 1,200 people, many with Palestinian flags, participated. The event, expected to draw over 1,000 corporations, showcased military equipment allegedly used by Israeli forces in Gaza. Footage showed fires, roadblocks, and injured officers, with 39 arrests reported. Penelope Kingsley 11/09/2024 8:30 pm
Russia has launched a major counterattack to drive Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, achieving some success by retaking territory and driving a wedge into Ukrainian lines. Videos show a large Russian armored column attacking near Snagost and Ukrainian troops taken prisoner. The counterattack focuses on the western flank of Ukraine’s incursion, which began on August 6. Analysts and bloggers confirm the situation is dangerous for Ukraine, with inadequate coordination among its forces. Despite Ukraine’s initial success in seizing territory, Russia’s response was predictable, though Ukrainian commanders reportedly ignored some warnings. Penelope Kingsley 11/09/2024 8:30 pm
