In other news

The article discusses a recent event at Sednaya prison in Syria where gunmen stormed the facility, telling inmates they were free. However, some prisoners were skeptical, fearing it was a trick by the Assad regime. The event highlights the brutality of the Syrian government and potentially provides evidence for future trials against regime members. The article is part of a larger discussion on the Middle East and Africa in The Economist.

The Netherlands is preparing for elections on October 29th after a year of political chaos, with the current caretaker government having resigned on June 3rd. The Dutch people hope to focus on real issues such as housing, but the political landscape is dominated by Geert Wilders, who wants to focus on asylum-seekers. The article discusses the recent resignation of Caspar Veldkamp, the Dutch foreign minister, and the implications of the upcoming election.

The article discusses how Brazil's recent experience with a populist president, Jair Bolsonaro, who lost his re-election bid and subsequently faced a criminal investigation and trial for plotting a coup, serves as a test case for democratic maturity and recovery from populist fever. The article draws parallels between Brazil's situation and the current state of democracy in America, suggesting that Brazil's handling of the situation offers a lesson in democratic maturity. The article highlights the importance of accepting election results, the rule of law, and the separation of powers in maintaining democratic stability.

The French government is on the verge of collapse due to a dispute over public debt, with Prime Minister François Bayrou proposing €44bn in savings, which is being opposed by the minority government's opposition parties. If Bayrou loses a vote of confidence on September 8th, France will lose its third prime minister in over a year, posing a fiscal hazard to Europe. The crisis is attributed to France's high debt pile, which stands at 114% of GDP, and the opposition's refusal to compromise.

The article discusses the potential danger to the Federal Reserve, America's central bank, following an attempt by the US President to sack a governor on its board. The credibility of the central bank is crucial to the US economy, but financial markets have reacted calmly to the news. The article questions whether important norms have been broken and highlights the implications for the central bank's independence.

The article discusses how Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and depots have intensified, with 20% of Russia's refining capacity taken out. This has led to a petrol crisis in Russia, with drivers queuing for fuel. The article references a statement by Donald Trump that it is hard to win a war without attacking an invader's country, suggesting that Ukraine's actions are a response to Russia's invasion.

The article argues that schools should ban smartphones from the classroom as they are a significant distraction and hinder the learning process. It highlights how modern technology has changed the way students slack off, with smartphones providing a constant source of compelling and distracting apps. The article suggests that removing smartphones from the classroom will lead to improved grades and happier pupils.

The article discusses the 10-year anniversary of Angela Merkel's decision to open Germany's borders to over 1 million migrants, primarily from Syria and Afghanistan. The move, encapsulated by her phrase 'Wir schaffen das' (We can handle this), was initially seen as a bold and potentially divisive step. While Germany managed to integrate the migrants better than expected, the decision has had significant political repercussions, strengthening Merkel's opponents. The article reflects on the complexities and outcomes of Merkel's migration policy, describing it as a 'pyrrhic victory'.

The article discusses a controversy surrounding the body of a deceased Zambian president, Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa on June 5th. His family wants to bury him in South Africa, while the Zambian government, led by his political rival Hakainde Hichilema, insists on a state funeral in Zambia. The dispute highlights the significance of funeral rites in African politics. South Africa's highest court has endorsed Zambia's wish to repatriate the body. The article touches on the broader implications of this episode for African politics and the role of funeral rites in the region.

The article discusses the upcoming 25th joint cabinet meeting between France and Germany, highlighting the significance of their bilateral relationship for the European Union's security and stability. The meeting, to be held in Toulon, a key naval base, symbolizes the importance both countries place on their mutual ties. The article emphasizes that this relationship remains indispensable for Europe's security at a crucial moment. It also touches upon other European issues and news, such as Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian refining capacity and Finland's approach to war and peace.

The article discusses Ukraine's unveiling of a new cruise missile called the Flamingo, which has a declared range of 3,000km and a payload of over a tonne. The missile's development was completed in just nine months, a significant achievement considering the usual timeframe for such projects is years or decades. The article highlights the potential impact of the Flamingo on the ongoing conflict with Russia, particularly in European Russia. However, some sceptics question the missile's capabilities, wondering if the claims made about it are too good to be true. The article also touches on the management team behind the missile's development, noting that they claim to have had no previous defence-industry experience.

The article discusses how Finland's experience with Russia in the 1940s could provide valuable lessons for Ukraine in its current conflict. Finland was invaded by Russia and forced to cede territory and promise neutrality, but later became a successful and prosperous European state. The article suggests that Ukraine could follow a similar path, with President Alexander Stubb arguing that Ukraine can repeat Finland's success. The article draws parallels between the two countries' experiences with Russia and highlights Finland's ability to maintain its sovereignty and prosperity despite being in Russia's sphere of influence.

The article discusses how Poland is shifting its center of gravity northwards, becoming less Central European and more Baltic, driven by energy and security concerns. The installation of large wind turbines in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Poland is cited as an example of this shift. The article suggests that Poland's focus is moving away from its traditional Central European orientation and towards the Baltic region, driven by the need for energy security and diversification. This change is reflected in Poland's increasing engagement with other Baltic states and its efforts to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.

China is promoting its home-grown civilian aircraft, particularly the C919, by training representatives from Southeast Asia in aviation management. The training is part of China's effort to break Airbus and Boeing's dominance in the global aviation industry. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is seeking to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, a region with 700 million people and a growing demand for air travel. The C919 aircraft has already operated in Southeast Asia, making 470,000 passenger trips. Experts believe that China's economic cooperation with Southeast Asia creates a favorable environment for Comac to promote its aircraft.

China has imposed anti-dumping tariffs on US fibre-optic firms, including OFS Fitel, Corning, and Draka Communications Americas, in response to the US Treasury's sanctions on a Guangzhou-based chemical firm. The tariffs, ranging from 33.3 to 78.2 per cent, were imposed after a six-month probe found that US exporters were mislabelling a specific optical fibre to dodge existing anti-dumping duties. This marks China's first-ever anti-circumvention investigation.

A Hong Kong father, Wilfred Lam Chi-wing, is seeking public help to locate his 23-year-old daughter, Joan Lam Nga Yau, who went missing overseas. Joan had claimed to be studying in the UK but reportedly flew to Germany in July. Her father last spoke to her on July 28 and has since lost all contact. He is worried about her safety and is reaching out to the public for assistance in finding her. Joan was described as a kind person who had been struggling emotionally. She had originally traveled to the UK in December to study a nursing foundation program at the University of Huddersfield.

The son of a British POW who was forced to work in a Japanese coal mine during WWII has expressed disappointment that senior Japanese politicians, including the chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, did not attend a commemorative event to mark 80 years since Tokyo's formal surrender. Terry Smyth, a history fellow at the University of Essex, said his father Edwin suffered greatly during his three years in captivity, contracting multiple diseases and suffering from PTSD. Smyth believes the Japanese government has been 'unnecessarily defensive' towards POW families and should be more open to providing information and recognizing their suffering.

The Shaoxing city government in China's Zhejiang province has introduced a stimulus plan to encourage high-value consumers to dine out by offering subsidies of up to 5,000 yuan for banquets with five or more tables and spending over 10,000 yuan. The measure aims to boost consumption and stimulate economic growth, but may contradict the central government's austerity drive. The policy was announced amid strained economic growth and Beijing's anticorruption campaign, with President Xi Jinping re-emphasizing the need to implement austerity rules. The new measures are expected to bring in an additional 178 million yuan in funding this year.

Nasdaq has proposed stricter listing standards, including a higher minimum public float for certain new listings and a faster process to suspend and delist thinly traded companies, particularly targeting companies from China. The proposed rules, submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for review, include a requirement for companies primarily operating in China to raise a minimum of US$25 million in public offering proceeds to qualify for listing. This move comes as a record number of Chinese companies are seeking to list in the US, driven by onerous domestic rules and the prospect of better valuations despite volatile US-China relations and regulatory scrutiny.

A survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and The Carter Centre found that Chinese citizens have a nuanced view of US-China relations, with 48% believing that China is interested in a shared leadership role with the US, implying peaceful coexistence. The survey also revealed that Chinese people are optimistic about their nation's future, economy, military, and culture. However, the authors cautioned that some findings may have been influenced by self-censorship due to concerns about being monitored.

Qatar has pledged to invest US$103 billion in Africa, joining other Gulf states in becoming a major financier on the continent as Western and Chinese interest wanes. The investment will be spread across six sub-Saharan countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique receiving the largest amounts. The Qatari investment is focused on extracting minerals, oil, and gas, with a particular emphasis on critical metals. This move is part of a broader trend of Gulf Arab states increasing their engagement in Africa, driven by a desire for food security, ports, and geopolitical influence.

The article analyzes Chinese President Xi Jinping's growing authoritarian influence and its implications for the West. Xi is portrayed as having imperial ambitions, reshaping the world order in China's favor, and aligning with other authoritarian regimes. The article highlights Xi's consolidation of power, suppression of dissent, and aggressive foreign policy, which are seen as threats to democracy and the current world order. The gathering of autocratic leaders in Beijing is viewed as a sign of shifting power dynamics, favoring authoritarian regimes over democratic nations.

An 80-year-old woman in Japan was conned by a romance scammer posing as a stranded astronaut, resulting in a loss of £5,000. The scammer met the victim on social media, developed an online relationship, and eventually asked for money to buy oxygen for his supposedly damaged spaceship. Police warned people to be suspicious of online requests for money from people they have never met.

Nadeen Ayoub, 'Miss Palestine 2022,' is competing in the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand, aiming to represent Palestinian culture and humanity. She delayed her entry due to the Gaza war and faced criticism for calling the situation in Gaza a 'genocide.' Ayoub emphasizes showcasing Palestinian identity and culture, declining to comment on the conflict.

Fashion giant Shein is investigating after a shirt on its website was modelled by an image of a man bearing a striking resemblance to Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering a US healthcare chief executive. The image was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery. Shein has stringent standards for listings on its platform and is conducting a thorough investigation and strengthening its monitoring processes.

US President Donald Trump announced that a US military strike on a Venezuelan gang's drug-carrying vessel resulted in the deaths of 11 people. The vessel was identified as being operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which was designated a terrorist group in February. Trump alleged that the gang is controlled by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who denies the claims. The US has deployed warships and spy planes to the southern Caribbean to crack down on drug cartels. Maduro has warned that he would 'constitutionally declare a republic in arms' if Venezuela were attacked by US forces.

The New York Giants are on the verge of selling a 10% minority stake to the Koch family at a record valuation of $10 billion. The deal, which is expected to be finalized after approval from other NFL owners at a meeting in October, will bring an influx of cash into the team. Julia Koch, the widow of David Koch and the richest woman in New York City, will lead the Koch family's investment. The Mara family has maintained ownership rights since the team's founding in 1925, but previously sold 50% of the franchise to the Tisch family in 1991. Other potential buyers, including former Giants greats Eli Manning and Michael Strahan, were also considered.

A 24-year-old bystander, Jaden Perry, intervened in a brawl at the Alaska State Fair over Labor Day weekend, disarming a man who pulled out a gun. The incident was captured on video and praised by fair organizers and staff. Perry stated that he acted instinctively to protect the crowd, mostly families with children. The fight involved around eight young men, and it's unclear if anyone was arrested or what sparked the dispute.

A 37-year-old former New Jersey high school English teacher, Julie Rizzitello, has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two of her teenage students. The abuse took place between 2017 and 2024 in multiple townships in New Jersey. Rizzitello was arrested in July 2024 after allegations surfaced of her having multiple sexual encounters with an 18-year-old student. Further investigation revealed that she had also had sex with another student multiple times between 2017 and 2018. Prosecutors will seek a 10-year prison term and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Rizzitello faces lifetime parole supervision and may be barred from holding public office. She will be sentenced on January 9, 2026.

The Powerball drawing on Wednesday did not have a winner for the $1.4 billion jackpot, causing it to roll over to an estimated $1.7 billion for the next drawing on Saturday. The winning numbers for the drawing were 3, 16, 29, 61, 69, and 22. Although there was no jackpot winner, four ticket holders won $2 million prizes and 11 people won $1 million. The winner of the jackpot can choose between a lump sum payment of approximately $770.3 million or an annuity payment with 29 annual premiums increasing by 5% each. The current jackpot is approaching the record set in 2022 of $2.04 billion.

UFC legend Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson has cut contact with his son Raja after the latter brutally attacked professional wrestler Syko Stu during a wrestling event in California. Raja, 25, jumped into the ring and beat Stu unconscious, resulting in severe injuries, including a head injury, jaw trauma, and lost teeth. Rampage Jackson initially defended his son but later condemned his actions, calling for Raja to be jailed and undergo anger management therapy. The incident was live-streamed on the Kick streaming service and went viral online. Syko Stu was hospitalized but later released. Rampage Jackson is waiting for an arrest warrant to be issued for his son.

The Metropolitan Police Chief, Sir Mark Rowley, has appealed for clarity on laws governing online free speech after the arrest of Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan for anti-transgender social media posts. Linehan was arrested by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport and is due to appear in court on separate charges of online harassment of a transgender woman. The arrest has sparked debate over freedom of speech, with some politicians and celebrities criticizing the police action as an attack on free speech, while others have supported the arrest. The police chief has called for the government to 'change or clarify' the relevant laws, stating that officers are in an 'impossible position' when dealing with online content.

Hurricane Lorena is threatening Mexico's Baja California peninsula with heavy rain and potential flash floods and mudslides. The storm is expected to move parallel to the west coast of the peninsula before approaching the coast on Thursday night and Friday. A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of Baja California Sur, with forecasters predicting 5-10 inches of rain and isolated areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. Meanwhile, Hurricane Kiko is strengthening in the Pacific but is not expected to hit land.

A French anesthetist, Frederic Pechier, is on trial for allegedly poisoning 30 patients, resulting in 12 deaths, between 2008 and 2017. Pechier, who has been banned from practicing medicine, denies the charges and faces life imprisonment if convicted. The trial is expected to last until December and has garnered significant attention due to its unprecedented nature in French legal history.

The article discusses the mixed signals in the US financial markets, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rising on Wednesday due to tech shares and optimism around a potential Federal Reserve rate cut. However, weak economic data, including a decline in job openings, has raised concerns about the labor market. The article also touches on other news, including Trump's efforts to save tariffs, the impact of fiscal and monetary policies on bonds, and the rise in gold prices.

Nidec Corp's shares plummeted 22.44% after the company announced an investigation into allegations of improper accounting within its group. An internal probe of its Chinese subsidiary, Nidec Techno Motor, found evidence suggesting malpractice linked to management. This development follows Nidec's delay in submitting its financial report in June due to potentially erroneous declarations of country of origin for certain motors, potentially resulting in unpaid import tariffs. Nidec, a major manufacturer of motors used in various devices and appliances, has seen its shares decline 10.61% since the start of the year, underperforming the Nikkei 225 index.

U.S. President Donald Trump is hosting a dinner for two dozen high-profile tech and business leaders in the White House's renovated Rose Garden. The invitees include Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and OpenAI founder Sam Altman. The meeting follows a separate White House event on artificial intelligence hosted by first lady Melania Trump. The gathering highlights the complex relationship between Trump and the Big Tech sector during his second administration. Many of the executives have sought friendlier ties with Trump, often appearing at events alongside the president to announce moves that align with the administration's goals on emerging technologies and American reshoring. Notable attendees include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Palantir chief technology officer Shyam Sankar, and Scale AI co-founder Alexandr Wang. Tesla CEO Elon Musk was not on the invitation list, despite previously serving as a special government employee in the Trump administration.

The article discusses the last generation of people who experienced the India-Pakistan Partition in 1947 and their memories of their homeland. It highlights the stories of two individuals, Vikram Kalra and Reena Varma, who were forced to flee their homes in Lahore and Rawalpindi, respectively, and have been unable to return. The article also provides historical context about the Partition, including the violent migration of over 15 million people and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. The author notes that as the last generation of Partition survivors passes away, their memories and experiences are at risk of being lost.

Multiple health groups and medical associations have called on US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr to step down, citing his disregard for decades of lifesaving science and reversal of medical progress. The groups, including the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Public Health Association, expressed concern that Kennedy's decisions are putting Americans' health at risk. Kennedy has made significant changes to vaccine policies, including withdrawing federal recommendations for Covid shots for pregnant women and healthy children, and firing the CDC's expert vaccine advisory panel.

A new law in Texas prohibits the sale of homes, commercial spaces, and farmland to entities from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, citing national security concerns. Critics argue that the law is racist and discriminatory, targeting Asian Americans and potentially leading to increased anti-Asian violence. The law has been met with backlash from the Chinese American community and some lawmakers, who claim it sends a message that Asian Americans are unwelcome. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to prevent foreign adversaries from acquiring critical infrastructure and exploiting the US border.

The Australian government has agreed to pay an additional $475m in compensation to victims of the 'Robodebt' scheme, a welfare program that wrongly demanded repayments from hundreds of thousands of people. The scheme, which operated from 2016 to 2019, used an automated system to determine if welfare recipients had been overpaid, but the algorithm was flawed and led to mistakes. A class action lawsuit was launched, resulting in a initial settlement of $1.8bn in 2020. However, new evidence emerged showing that government officials knew the scheme was 'unlawful' but continued to implement it, leading to a further claim for compensation. The total redress scheme now amounts to around $2.4bn, making it the largest payout in Australian history.