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Category: World

Ukraine Is Only First: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin’s Expansionist Agenda at UNGA

Ukraine Is Only First: Zelenskyy Warns of Putin’s Expansionist Agenda at UNGA

Fola Badmus04 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to the international community, declaring that Russia’s war in Ukraine is only the beginning of a broader plan by President Vladimir Putin to expand military aggression across Europe. Speaking during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday, Zelenskyy described the current moment as part of “the most destructive arms race in history,” urging world leaders to act decisively before the conflict spreads further. “Ukraine is only the first, and now Russian drones are already flying across Europe. Russian operations are already spreading across countries, and Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it,” Zelenskyy said from the UN headquarters in New York. Testing NATO and Undermining Europe Zelenskyy’s comments come amid growing concerns about Russian incursions into European Union and NATO airspace, testing the alliance’s eastern flank. Although Moscow has denied these allegations, European leaders have expressed alarm over the increasing scope of Russia’s military and cyber operations. The Ukrainian president also referenced an alleged Russian plot to destabilize Moldova, accusing the Kremlin of threatening the small nation’s sovereignty by supporting unrest and maintaining troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria. “Europe cannot afford to lose Moldova too,” Zelenskyy warned. “Supporting Moldova’s stability is not costly—but ignoring the threat will be.” Meeting with Trump, Plea for Weapons Over Words Zelenskyy’s UNGA appearance followed a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday. The U.S. leader, who previously urged Ukraine to consider territorial concessions, appeared to take a firmer stance in support of Kyiv. “Yesterday, we had a good meeting. President Trump and I also spoke with many other strong leaders, and together, we can change a lot. I appreciate the support we are receiving,” Zelenskyy said. In a sobering moment during his speech, Zelenskyy stressed that weapons—not diplomacy—will determine the outcome of the war. “If a nation wants peace, it still has to work on weapons. It’s sick, but that’s the reality. Not international law, not cooperation—weapons decide who survives,” he said. AI and Global Security at Risk Turning his focus to emerging technologies, Zelenskyy called for urgent global regulation of artificial intelligence in warfare, comparing its risks to nuclear proliferation. “We need global rules now for how AI can be used in weapons. This is just as urgent as preventing the spread of nuclear weapons,” he said. “Without real security guarantees and international cooperation, there will be no place left on Earth that’s still safe.”

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Khamenei Rules Out Talks with US Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Khamenei Rules Out Talks with US Over Iran’s Nuclear Programme

Fola Badmus07 mins

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ruled out any direct negotiations with the United States over the country’s nuclear programme, calling such talks a “sheer dead end” and accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms rather than engage in genuine diplomacy. Khamenei’s remarks, broadcast on Iranian state television, came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with diplomats from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom — known as the E3 — along with European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. The talks, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, focused on the looming reimposition of sanctions, expected to take effect within days. “The US has announced the result of the talks in advance,” Khamenei said. “The result is the closure of nuclear activities and enrichment. This is not a negotiation. It is a diktat, an imposition.” His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s speech at the UNGA, in which he vowed that Iran would “never possess a nuclear weapon” and labeled the Islamic Republic the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” Trump has continued to push a hardline stance, despite mounting tensions in the region and global calls for diplomacy. The diplomatic impasse comes in the wake of a failed UN Security Council resolution that would have extended sanctions relief for Iran. The E3 accuse Tehran of stockpiling enriched uranium well beyond limits set by the 2015 nuclear agreement — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — which Trump unilaterally withdrew from in 2018 during his first term. That agreement, signed between Iran and six world powers, aimed to lift economic sanctions in exchange for strict limits on Tehran’s nuclear activities. However, Trump reimposed sanctions under his “maximum pressure” campaign, a strategy that President Joe Biden continued despite initially opposing it. European nations have signaled willingness to delay the return of sanctions — if Iran resumes direct talks with the US, allows full access to its nuclear sites by UN inspectors, and provides a clear account of the more than 400kg of highly enriched uranium the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it is holding. But progress has been limited. According to Al Jazeera’s James Bays, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the Tuesday meeting “didn’t go particularly well.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added, “Diplomacy has a chance. The deadlines are running, and let’s see. We need to see some real action also on the Iranian side.” Iran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and insists on its right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Khamenei reiterated this in his speech, affirming that Tehran would not yield to international coercion. Tensions escalated dramatically in June after Israel, with support from the US, launched a 12-day military operation against Iran, targeting several nuclear sites. The strikes followed a ruling by the IAEA’s board that Iran was failing to comply with international nuclear safeguards. Iran responded by accusing Israel and the US of violating international law and ramping up regional instability. Last week, the UNSC voted against permanently lifting economic sanctions on Iran, a decision Tehran slammed as “politically biased.” That vote followed a 30-day ultimatum issued in August by the E3, warning of renewed sanctions unless Tehran met its nuclear obligations. Iran has threatened to suspend cooperation with the IAEA if sanctions are reinstated. On Monday, several hardline Iranian lawmakers called for the country to start developing a nuclear bomb, citing fears that sanctions could reignite conflict with Israel. If no agreement is reached by Saturday evening, the so-called “snapback” mechanism will automatically trigger the return of wide-ranging international sanctions, freezing Iranian assets abroad, halting arms sales, and targeting Iran’s ballistic missile programme. Still, there may be a narrow path forward. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told reporters on Tuesday that a team of inspectors is en route to Iran, prepared to resume monitoring activities if a last-minute deal is struck. “Everything is possible. Where there is a will, there is a way,” Grossi said. “We have our inspectors, and inspectors are on the way, and there is the possibility to start on this work, depending on the political will of Iran.”

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

Fola Badmus06 mins

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has sharply condemned Israel for a “treacherous attack” on Hamas leaders in Doha, accusing it of derailing ceasefire efforts and violating international norms during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. The emir warned that the September 9 attack “undermines any diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the genocide against the people in Gaza” and said it demonstrated that Israel has become a “rogue” state. The strike, which targeted Hamas officials in Qatar’s capital while they were meeting to discuss a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, was described by Doha as “state terrorism.” Although top Hamas leaders survived, six people were killed in what was seen as an unprecedented escalation. The attack took place in a residential neighborhood near diplomatic missions and schools. Qatar, a key mediator in the Gaza negotiations, said the bombing amounted to a political assassination. The emir said, “It is difficult to cooperate with such a mentality that does not respect the most minimum standards of cooperation,” adding that Israel simultaneously “negotiates with delegations” while plotting to assassinate members of negotiation teams. He accused Israel of attempting to render Gaza unlivable, “where no one can study or receive treatment.” Labeling Israel as a state “engaged in genocide,” Sheikh Tamim criticized it for branding all critics as either antisemitic or terrorists, a tactic he said “even Israel’s allies realise … and reject.” Drawing parallels to past global struggles, the emir likened the growing solidarity with Palestinians to the global movement against apartheid in the 20th century. His remarks came amid growing international backlash over the war in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023. Speaking earlier on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the war to stop “immediately,” while Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said silence in the face of the war amounted to complicity in “barbarity.” Jordan’s King Abdullah II described the Gaza war as “one of the darkest moments in this institution’s history,” urging world leaders to move beyond repeated condemnations and toward concrete action. “How long will we be satisfied with condemnation after condemnation without concrete action?” he asked. France and Saudi Arabia jointly convened dozens of leaders earlier this week to revive talks on a two-state solution, while several European nations—including France, Belgium, Malta, and Luxembourg—formally recognized Palestinian statehood. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also spoke, defending international human rights standards and referencing a landmark UN Human Rights Council report that found Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. The U.S. and Israel have both rejected the report. Guterres stated, “We must choose human dignity and human rights. Human rights are not an ornament of peace, they are its bedrock.” He emphasized that respecting rights must go beyond rhetoric, calling for “justice over silence.” Sheikh Tamim concluded his speech by tying the September 9 attack to broader violations of the international order, warning that tolerating such behavior would erode global norms. “These rules are based on the maintenance of international peace and security and the respect for human dignity and state sovereignty,” he said. “If we allow violations to continue, it means allowing the rule of the jungle, where perpetrators and violators enjoy benefits just because they can.”

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Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

In Major Policy Shift, Trump Says Ukraine Can Reclaim All Territory from Russia

Fola Badmus06 mins

In a dramatic change of stance, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Ukraine can recover all of its territory seized by Russia since the 2022 invasion — a departure from his previous suggestions that both sides would need to compromise to end the war. Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social platform following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and NATO, returning to Ukraine’s original borders is very much an option,” Trump wrote. The statement marks a significant reversal from Trump’s earlier position, in which he suggested both Kyiv and Moscow would need to cede land to secure peace. That approach had been sharply rejected by Zelenskyy and most of Europe’s leaders. Criticism of Russia and Praise for Ukraine Trump appeared to take aim at Russia’s military effectiveness, stating that the war had been fought “aimlessly,” and claiming a “real military power” would have won in less than a week. He also called Russia a “paper tiger,” adding that President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy are in “big trouble,” and urged Ukraine to take advantage of the moment. Despite previous skepticism about Ukraine’s chances and a public clash with Zelenskyy earlier this year, Trump struck a more supportive tone this week. “I have great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It’s pretty amazing, actually,” he said after the meeting. Zelenskyy: Trump Could Be a ‘Game-Changer’ Zelenskyy thanked Trump for what he called his “personal efforts to stop this war” and said the two had discussed post-war security guarantees for Ukraine. “We all understand that President Trump is ready to give Ukraine security guarantees after this war is finished,” Zelenskyy told reporters, adding that Trump’s leadership could be a “game-changer” in the conflict. Trump had previously opposed Ukraine’s membership in NATO and had insisted that Europe should play a larger role in arming Kyiv. But since taking office in January, he has positioned himself as a potential broker of peace — even promising during his campaign to end the war within 24 hours of becoming president. From Diplomacy to Deterrence Trump’s comments come amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO. When asked if NATO allies should shoot down Russian aircraft violating their airspace, Trump responded, “Yes, I do,” signaling support for a more assertive military posture. Earlier this week, Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes, prompting Estonia to call for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and to consult NATO allies. Similar incidents involving Russian drones have been reported by Poland. NATO issued a firm warning Tuesday, pledging to use “all necessary military and nonmilitary tools” to defend member states and calling the airspace breaches “a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behaviour” by Moscow. Uncertainty Remains Around Putin Asked whether he still considered Putin a reliable negotiating partner, Trump was vague. “I’ll let you know in about a month from now, OK?” he said. Trump has frequently delayed decisions related to sanctions or new steps against Moscow, often citing personal diplomacy as a better path forward. Backdrop: A War in Stalemate Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has seized nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The war has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II, with both sides locked in a prolonged and grinding battle. Trump’s newly declared support for Ukraine’s full territorial recovery introduces a major shift in the U.S. position and could realign Western diplomatic and military strategies — depending on whether the administration backs rhetoric with action.

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Taliban Bans Books by Women and Women-Focused Subjects from Afghan Universities Amid Broader Crackdown

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Taliban government has banned books written by women from Afghan university curricula, as part of sweeping new restrictions that also outlaw the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment. Out of 680 titles flagged as “anti-Sharia,” 140 were authored by women, including science texts like Safety in the Chemical Laboratory. Eighteen subjects have also been removed from university programs — six of them focused specifically on women, including Gender Studies and Women’s Sociology. A Taliban official stated these subjects conflict with “Sharia principles and government policy.” The move follows other recent bans, including one on fibre-optic internet in 10 provinces, aimed at curbing “immorality.” Women and girls remain disproportionately affected. They are already barred from schooling beyond sixth grade, and midwifery programs — one of the few remaining education options for women — were closed in late 2024. Former deputy justice minister Zakia Adeli, whose book was banned, said the move reflects the Taliban’s deep-rooted misogyny: “When women aren’t allowed to study, it’s no surprise their writings are also suppressed.” The ban also targets Iranian authors and publishers, reportedly to curb “Iranian influence” in Afghan education. Of the 679 banned books, 310 are linked to Iran. Professors warn the restrictions will isolate Afghan academia. One university lecturer said the banned books had been a key connection to global scholarship: “Their removal creates a substantial void in higher education.” Under the new guidelines, faculty must now create their own textbooks — but whether they can meet international academic standards remains uncertain.

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Canada and Australia Join UK in Recognising Palestinian Statehood

Canada and Australia Join UK in Recognising Palestinian Statehood

Fola Badmus07 mins

Coordinated move comes ahead of the UN General Assembly, as global support for a two-state solution gains momentum. By Kamal Yalwa | Published September 21, 2025 Canada and Australia have officially recognised the State of Palestine, joining the United Kingdom in a coordinated diplomatic move aimed at reviving efforts toward a two-state solution in the Middle East. The announcement comes just days ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as international pressure mounts over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and continued settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. In a formal statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Canada’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, stating: “Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel.” Carney also condemned the Israeli government’s ongoing actions, accusing it of working “methodically to prevent the prospect of a Palestinian state from ever being established.” He clarified that this recognition supports peaceful coexistence and strengthens moderate voices within the Palestinian Authority, not extremist factions: “This in no way legitimises terrorism, nor is it any reward for it. Recognising Palestine empowers those seeking peace and the end of Hamas.” Carney also revealed that the Palestinian Authority had made direct commitments to Canada, including pledges to reform its governance, hold democratic elections next year—excluding Hamas—and begin demilitarisation efforts. Australia Echoes Canada’s Move Shortly after Canada’s announcement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed his country’s formal recognition of Palestine. In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Albanese said the decision was made in coordination with Canada and the UK. The statement called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, while stressing that Hamas “must have no role in Palestine’s future.” UK Adds Diplomatic Weight UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had already signalled support for Palestinian statehood earlier this year, formally confirmed Britain’s recognition following the announcements from Ottawa and Canberra. “This move revives hope for peace for both Palestinians and Israelis, and reaffirms our commitment to a two-state solution,” Starmer said. Growing Global Shift The coordinated move from Canada, Australia, and the UK—three longstanding allies of Israel—marks a significant shift in the international approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The recognition follows months of escalating violence in Gaza, where over 65,200 Palestinians have been killed according to local health authorities. Israel has faced increasing international isolation, with mounting criticism from both governments and civil society groups. At a protest in Toronto on September 20, thousands marched against Prime Minister Carney’s domestic policies and in support of Palestinian rights, reflecting the growing public pressure shaping foreign policy in Western democracies. Meanwhile, Israel and the United States have warned that recognising Palestinian statehood amid ongoing conflict “rewards terrorism,” arguing it legitimises Hamas. Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz criticised the announcements, claiming they embolden Hamas and undermine hostage negotiations: “If you truly want peace in the Middle East, Western leaders must focus on applying pressure on Hamas—not legitimising them through premature recognition,” Gantz posted on social media. Recognition Gains but UN Status Still Stalled So far, 147 of 193 UN member states have recognised the State of Palestine. However, this symbolic recognition does not translate into full UN membership, which requires approval from the Security Council—a move currently blocked by the United States’ veto power. Still, momentum is building. France and several other nations are expected to follow suit during the UN General Assembly. Some Western countries have also begun imposing sanctions on Israel or threatening diplomatic boycotts. Notably, nations like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands have pledged to withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates next year. Even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently acknowledged the shifting global stance, admitting that Israel is experiencing a form of international isolation and will need to adapt its economy accordingly.

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UK to Recognize Palestinian State Today

Fola Badmus02 mins

The United Kingdom is expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state later today, British officials said, after Israel failed to meet key conditions laid out by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. These conditions included agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid into the enclave, ending measures toward annexing territory in the West Bank, and recommitting to a two‑state peace process. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy clarified that recognition would be largely symbolic and would not result in the immediate establishment of a sovereign state. The move is intended to preserve the prospects for a two‑state solution. The decision comes amid growing international pressure on Israel over its military operations in Gaza and concerns about worsening humanitarian conditions. Canada, France, and Portugal are among other Western nations preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood in alignment with the UN General Assembly later this week. Israel has criticized these recognition efforts, arguing that they amount to rewarding terrorism. Families of Israeli hostages have also expressed strong opposition to what they view as diplomatic moves that may undermine efforts to secure the hostages’ release.

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Beijing moves to curb commercialization of faith and reassert Communist Party control over spiritual life

China Bans Online Preaching and AI in Major Crackdown on Digital Religion

Fola Badmus06 mins

Beijing moves to curb commercialization of faith and reassert Communist Party control over spiritual life China has rolled out sweeping new restrictions on religious expression online, banning unlicensed digital preaching and the use of artificial intelligence to produce religious content. The move is part of a broader campaign by the Chinese Communist Party to clamp down on the commercialization of religion and ensure religious activities remain firmly under state control. The crackdown, introduced by the National Religious Affairs Administration, prohibits most forms of online religious engagement unless carried out by state-licensed religious institutions. This includes bans on livestreamed sermons, short religious videos, paid digital rituals such as online chanting or incense offerings, and AI-generated religious teachings. Authorities cited the need to combat the spread of “illegal information,” online fortune-telling, and “heretical cults” as key reasons for the policy. The tightening of online regulations comes amid rapid growth in what some analysts have dubbed China’s “temple economy,” estimated to be worth over $14 billion annually. Religious revival in the country—despite formal restrictions—has led to a boom in temple tourism, e-commerce sales of religious items, and digital spiritual services. While only about 10% of the population formally identifies with a religion, surveys suggest up to 40% of Chinese people believe in deities, spirits, or ghosts. The blending of faith and commerce has sparked criticism that religious practice is becoming overly commodified and detached from its spiritual roots. The timing of the new restrictions follows the public scandal surrounding Shi Yongxin, abbot of the iconic Shaolin Temple, who is currently under investigation for alleged financial misconduct and behavior deemed inconsistent with Buddhist teachings. Known as the “CEO monk” for his high-profile commercial ventures, Shi has been accused of turning the monastery into a profit-making enterprise. Several of his associates have reportedly been detained, and the case has become a flashpoint for debates about the blurred lines between religion, commerce, and state power in modern China. In response to the new measures, local religious bureaus across China have begun implementing compliance campaigns. In Sichuan province, officials have organized study sessions for Buddhist, Catholic, and Islamic leaders to reinforce the new rules. Religious organizations have been told to carry out internal “self-examinations,” and local authorities have pledged to “eliminate risks” posed by unregulated religious activity. Analysts view this as part of a broader ideological tightening under President Xi Jinping, whose administration has already conducted wide-ranging anti-corruption drives across government and the Communist Party. The current focus on religion reflects a desire to prevent religious leaders from accumulating social influence or wealth that might challenge the state’s authority. The new rules will significantly affect temples and clergy that have embraced digital platforms. At Mount Qingcheng, a Taoist sacred site in Sichuan, monks had begun livestreaming services and selling religious merchandise on Douyin (China’s TikTok), with some items priced over $1,400. Such practices have drawn both fascination and criticism on social media, where users mockingly described monks as luxury tourists. While the latest crackdown may curtail these ventures, observers expect some religious groups to find workarounds, noting that similar campaigns in the past have lost momentum after a few months. Ultimately, the latest restrictions highlight Beijing’s intent to keep religion subordinate to the state. According to Ian Johnson, author of The Souls of China, the policy is less about eliminating faith and more about controlling it. “Religion may flourish, temples may profit, and millions may worship,” he said. “But only on terms acceptable to the Communist Party.” As China balances economic development, political stability, and spiritual expression, the message remains clear: religious freedom exists—but only within limits drawn by the state.

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