In other news

Eritrea, Africa's most secretive dictatorship, is facing an existential crisis due to the threat posed by an expansionist Ethiopia. The country's dictator, Isaias Afwerki, who has been in power since 1991, continues to hold onto outdated views, denouncing the policies of former US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. The article paints a picture of a country frozen in time, with its capital Asmara retaining the architectural legacy of Italian colonists. The situation is precarious, with Eritrea's sovereignty under threat.

The article criticizes Donald Trump's proposed solution to high drug prices in the US, arguing that it is worse than the problem itself. The author contends that the issue is not solely the greed of pharmaceutical firms, as both Republicans and Democrats often claim. While America's list prices for branded drugs are significantly higher than in other wealthy countries, the article suggests that Trump's cure would be detrimental. The piece is part of a series of opinion articles from The Economist.

The article discusses how a MAGA-aligned Republican candidate, Jack Ciattarelli, has made the New Jersey gubernatorial race competitive, despite the state's historical Democratic leanings. New Jersey has traditionally been unfavorable to Donald Trump, who lost the state to Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. However, Ciattarelli's campaign has put the Democratic stronghold in play, making the race a bellwether for the state's political landscape.

The article discusses the security risks associated with Large Language Models (LLMs), a type of artificial intelligence. LLMs cannot differentiate between code and data, making them vulnerable to 'prompt injection' attacks, where they are tricked into following unauthorized commands. The article argues that coders need to adopt a more robust approach, similar to civil engineering, to mitigate these risks. It highlights the potential consequences of such attacks, ranging from embarrassing to damaging. The article emphasizes the need for a more secure approach to building AI systems.

Republicans in the western United States are pushing to increase the number of wolves that can be killed, reversing conservation efforts that have allowed wolf populations to recover since their reintroduction in the 1990s. The conflict between farmers and conservationists continues as around 2,600 wolves now roam between Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Historically, wolves were nearly exterminated in the western US by the 1930s due to government-funded programs aimed at protecting agriculture. The article highlights the ongoing debate between those who view wolves as a threat to livestock and those working to conserve them.

The article discusses the potential dangers of Donald Trump making a deal with North Korea, warning that he may be tempted to compromise America's interests and betray its allies in the region. The author recalls how, during his first term, Trump initially threatened nuclear war with North Korea before holding a series of summits with Kim Jong Un that ultimately yielded no progress. The article suggests that Trump's approach to North Korea has been ineffective and that he may be inclined to make concessions that would harm America's relationships with its allies.

The article discusses President Donald Trump's recent address to a gathering of top military generals and admirals, where he made alarming and absurd statements. Trump complained about modern warships and advocated for the return of old-school battleships. More concerning was his call to deploy military forces domestically to wage 'the war from within' against migrants and leftists, announcing plans to send the National Guard to Chicago and suggesting the use of 'dangerous cities as training grounds.' The article highlights the worrying nature of Trump's rhetoric and its implications for the role of the military in domestic politics.

The article discusses the rapid growth of robotaxi services in cities like San Francisco and Shenzhen, driven by companies like Waymo and Baidu. It highlights the significant increase in robotaxi trips conducted by these firms and argues that safety rules are hindering progress in the West. The article advocates for unleashing the robotaxi revolution, suggesting that it represents a significant step forward in transportation technology.

The article discusses a violent power struggle between two cousins from a prominent family in Iraqi Kurdistan, resulting in at least five deaths and widespread instability in the city of Sulaymaniyah. The conflict has exposed deep-seated factionalism and corruption within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the region's dominant parties. The incident has shaken the city, which was once considered the most stable part of Iraq.

The article discusses Vladimir Putin's grey-zone campaign against NATO, a strategy that involves a series of low-level, deniable actions aimed at unsettling Europe without escalating to outright conflict. The campaign includes cyber-attacks, drone incursions, propaganda, and other forms of aggression that individually may not be considered acts of war but collectively pose a significant threat. The article emphasizes the need for NATO to resist these efforts and maintain its unity in the face of Russian aggression. Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, is quoted as saying that Europe is no longer at peace but not yet at war, highlighting the ambiguous nature of the current situation. The article suggests that the West must be cautious and unified in its response to Putin's tactics, which are designed to test the resolve and cohesion of NATO member states.

Thousands have taken to the streets of Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, in anti-government protests driven by frustration over poverty and corruption. The protests highlight the country's infrastructure issues, exemplified by a recently completed cable car system that rarely functions due to power cuts.

The article discusses the current state of China-Israel relations amid the Gaza war and US-China rivalry. Despite a chill in diplomatic ties two years ago, Beijing and Tel Aviv have restored some balance in their relationship, driven by shared interests in maintaining trade and technological links. China's ambassador to Israel, Xiao Junzheng, has been actively fostering goodwill by visiting joint infrastructure projects and stressing the importance of continuing technology and trade cooperation. However, observers warn that the fallout from the Gaza crisis and growing US-China rivalry could complicate the path forward.

A social media account affiliated with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has strongly criticized the production and sale of toys depicting Japan's World War II biological warfare unit, Unit 731. The toys, which were sold on Chinese e-commerce platforms, have been removed from sale. The PLA-linked account, Junzhengping, accused the toys of promoting a distorted version of history and 'opportunism'. Unit 731 was responsible for biological warfare in northeastern China during World War II, killing thousands of civilians. The incident has sparked calls for better e-commerce content vetting.

China's southern provinces, including Guangdong and Hainan, are preparing for Typhoon Matmo, with over 150,000 residents relocated and emergency services on high alert. The National Meteorological Centre has issued a red typhoon alert, the highest level in its four-tier alert system, as the storm is expected to make landfall on Sunday. The typhoon is forecasted to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the region, with the storm's intensity expected to gradually weaken after landfall. Authorities have deployed over 10,000 emergency and rescue personnel, and local authorities have been instructed to take strict measures to prevent damage and ensure public safety.

Typhoon Matmo is moving away from Hong Kong, but is expected to cause disruptions to over 100 flights at Hong Kong airport, with 27 potentially cancelled. The Hong Kong Observatory has announced plans to downgrade the No 3 signal to the No 1 standby signal as the typhoon weakens. The Airport Authority has warned of major delays to flights. The typhoon was centred about 390km from Hong Kong at noon and is forecast to weaken further by the afternoon. The public has been urged to avoid water sports due to strong winds and occasional squally showers.

Hong Kong's education authorities are being urged to regulate private and international schools in line with subsidized institutions. Lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung believes that stricter regulations, including regular financial disclosure and self-evaluation checklists, would help prevent irregularities in private schools. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced plans to formulate a 'code of practice for private schools' and publish a list of compliant institutions. The code would also apply to international schools.

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has redefined the purpose of Nusantara, the country's planned new capital, labeling it a 'political capital' instead of the national capital. This change has sparked debate and uncertainty over the project's future and the legacy of former President Joko Widodo. The reclassification has raised questions about whether Nusantara's future is being protected or diluted for political convenience. The Nusantara Capital City Authority claims the move is intended to provide certainty for investors and the public, but many Indonesian legal scholars and politicians remain skeptical.

The NBA is returning to China with a game between the Nets and Suns in Macau, marking its first game in the country since 2019. The article traces the NBA's rise to popularity in China, its subsequent decline after a controversy involving a tweet by Daryl Morey, and its potential return. The NBA's popularity in China was fueled by the emergence of Michael Jordan and the popularity of the manga 'Slam Dunk'. Hong Kong fans, such as Wilson Tsang and Bobby Chan, share their experiences and reasons for following the NBA.

The article discusses how the US retreat from the UN under President Donald Trump's administration may create opportunities for other nations like China to fill the power vacuum. The UN is at a crossroads, and observers warn of a 'leaderless' era. Despite the UN's president, Annalena Baerbock, stating that the organization is 'still relevant', concerns over its future have been amplified by Trump's comments questioning its existence and effectiveness. The US has increasingly turned its back on the multilateral system it helped build, being the UN's main architect, biggest financial contributor, and host nation.

Billionaire populist Andrej Babis' party, ANO, won the Czech parliamentary election with 35% of the vote, securing 80 seats in the 200-seat lower house. Although short of a majority, Babis is expected to lead coalition talks. ANO's potential allies are eurosceptic and anti-immigrant parties, with whom Babis has varying levels of compatibility. The outcome has implications for Czech support for Ukraine and the country's stance within the EU.

Thousands of anti-government protesters marched in Tbilisi, Georgia, attempting to storm the presidential palace, resulting in clashes with police and the arrest of five people, including opera singer Paata Burchuladze. The protests, which have been ongoing since last November, are against the ruling Georgian Dream party's claimed victory in last year's election, which the opposition deems stolen. The government has paused EU membership talks and cracked down on opposition leaders, with many now imprisoned. Protesters demand the release of political prisoners and snap parliamentary elections.

Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old grandmother, is set to return to court for the appeal of Husamettin Dogan, one of the 51 men convicted of raping her after being drugged by her husband Dominique Pelicot. The trial, which took place last year, made Gisèle an icon of feminist resistance against rape and abuse. Despite the trauma, Gisèle has continued to speak out, and her courage has inspired many. The appeal trial is expected to be combative, with Dogan's lawyer previously suggesting that Gisèle may have been complicit in the rape. Gisèle's family has been torn apart by the trial, with her eldest children feeling betrayed by her silence on allegations of incest against their father.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison after being found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution. The hip-hop mogul had previously been acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges. During the sentencing hearing, Combs' family members and attorneys pleaded for leniency, while the judge considered the damage caused to the victims. Combs himself addressed the court, apologizing for his actions and taking responsibility.

Iran executed six death-row inmates on Saturday, alleging they carried out attacks on behalf of Israel. The executions follow a 12-day Iran-Israel war in June and are part of a wave of executions believed to be the highest in decades. Human rights activists warn that Iran often relies on coerced confessions and closed-door trials in death penalty cases, particularly those involving Israel. The executed men were accused of killing police officers and security forces, as well as orchestrating bombings in Iran's Khuzestan province. A Kurdish human rights group identified the men as 'Arab political prisoners' detained during protests in 2019 and alleged they were subjected to severe torture and coerced into giving televised 'confessions'. Iran has been putting prisoners to death at a rapid pace since the June war, with over 1,000 executions reported in 2025 so far.

The tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in Egypt's Valley of the Kings has reopened to the public after a two-decade renovation. The tomb, discovered in 1799, was looted and its contents were removed, including the sarcophagus. A Japanese-led restoration project renovated the paintings on the tomb walls and restored the site. The tomb features a 118-foot-long passageway and includes a main burial chamber for the king and two other chambers for his wives. The reopening is part of Egypt's efforts to revive the tourism sector, which suffered after the 2011 uprising. The tomb's renovation is also seen as a significant cultural and historical preservation effort.

The Rev. Sarah Mullally has been appointed as the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England. Mullally, a former nurse and bishop of London, will officially take on the role in January at a ceremony in London's St. Paul's Cathedral. She will be the spiritual leader of over 85 million Anglicans globally. The appointment comes as the Church of England faces controversy over covering up sexual and physical abuse. Mullally has stated that she will focus on listening and bringing people together to find hope and healing.

Brazil's Health Ministry is warning citizens to avoid cocktails after tainted liquor killed at least one person and sickened 127 others across the country. The contaminated liquor, suspected to contain methanol, has caused widespread panic, with many falling ill after consuming caipirinhas and other clear cocktails. The government has launched an investigation into the source of the tainted liquor, with federal police exploring potential links to organized crime groups. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has urged Brazilians to 'steer clear of colorless spirits' and announced emergency measures, including the purchase of antidotes for methanol poisoning. The scare comes as Brazil prepares for its peak tourism season, raising fears of an economic impact on its beaches and nightlife industry.

Iran executed six prisoners on Saturday who were accused of carrying out deadly attacks on behalf of Israel. The executions follow a 12-day Iran-Israel war in June and mark the latest surge in executions in Iran, with over 1,000 people executed so far in 2025. Human rights groups have criticized the executions, saying they were carried out under duress and that the prisoners were tortured. A seventh prisoner was also executed in Kurdistan province for the 2009 assassination of a Sunni cleric. The executions have sparked international scrutiny, with the United Nations and human rights experts sounding the alarm over the sheer number of executions.

The US withdrawal from Iraq and Syria has raised concerns among security experts that Iran will exploit the power vacuum to expand its influence in the region. Iran has been expanding its 'shadow empire' in Iraq and Syria for decades, establishing a complex presence militarily, politically, economically, and socially. Experts warn that the reduced US presence will allow Iran to strengthen its position, potentially creating a template for its influence in other regional countries. Iran has used Shia militant forces to construct a 'parallel military infrastructure' in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), transforming Syria into an 'Iranian forward operating base.' The situation is further complicated by the complex geopolitical dynamics in Syria, where various groups, including Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HST), the Kurds, and the Druze, are vying for influence.

French air traffic controllers have called off their planned strike from October 7 to 9, 2025, following agreements with the French government and the postponement of the French finance bill parliamentary debate. The strike, which was expected to cause significant disruption to air travel across Europe, particularly in the UK, would have resulted in the cancellation of around 600 flights per day, affecting 100,000 passengers. The decision to call off the strike comes after the SNCTA union pushed for better pay and conditions for air traffic controllers.

Robbie Williams has cancelled his concert in Istanbul, Turkey, citing 'public safety' concerns. The decision was made by city authorities and was beyond the singer's control. Williams expressed his disappointment and apologized to his fans in Istanbul, stating that their safety and security come first. The cancellation is a blow to Williams, who had been looking forward to performing in Istanbul for the first time as part of his ongoing Britpop world tour.

A month after a devastating earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan, families are struggling to cope with the aftermath. The quake killed around 2,000 people, mostly women and children, and left many without shelter or access to basic necessities. The region was already facing economic crisis, drought, and malnutrition, and the disaster has exacerbated these issues. The Taliban's response to the disaster has been praised, but concerns remain about the ability of communities to cope with the coming winter. Many children are orphaned, and malnutrition is a major concern. The article highlights the stories of individuals, including an 8-year-old boy who lost his younger brother and a mother who lost five of her children.

Bill Maher criticized Kamala Harris' new book '107 Days' for playing the victim and blaming others for her failed presidential campaign. Maher accused Harris of not taking responsibility for her loss and instead shifting the blame to others, including Joe Biden and the American public. He mocked her claims that she was let down by others and that the country wasn't ready for a black, female president with a gay vice president. Maher also compared her book title to 'Everyone Sucks But Me' and ridiculed her campaign anecdotes, including a story about not being able to get California Gov. Gavin Newsom's endorsement.

Paramount's CEO David Ellison is attempting to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, with the help of his newly hired attorney Makan Delrahim. Delrahim is trying to convince David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, to sell the company by highlighting potential regulatory hurdles that other potential buyers like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple may face. Zaslav is reportedly seeking a high price for the company's streaming and studio assets, around $30 per share, and has received interest from other major players. The deal is complicated by regulatory issues and the involvement of other potential buyers.

Russia launched air strikes in western Ukraine, targeting the Lviv region near the Polish border, killing at least two people and wounding two others. The attack prompted Poland to scramble jets and lock down its skies. Polish officials said they ramped up air patrols after suspected Russian drones were recently spotted over several NATO countries. The incident has heightened tensions among NATO's eastern allies, who have been on high alert after Poland shot down Russian drones in September.

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican musician, hosted 'Saturday Night Live' and addressed the backlash he faced for being chosen as the next Super Bowl's halftime performer. He mocked the criticism and emphasized his achievement as a representation of the Latino community's contribution to the US. Bunny also referenced the controversy surrounding his anti-ICE statements and the reaction from US government officials and conservative media.

Protesters in Portland, Oregon, held a naked bike ride to demonstrate against the Trump administration's plan to deploy federal troops to the city. The event was a unique form of protest against the administration's actions, which are seen as an overreach of federal power. The Trump administration cites renewed unrest in Portland as justification for the deployment.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service and the high-speed Electric Train Service (ETS). The train service is not only used by commuters but also by adventurers and nostalgia seekers who enjoy the scenic routes and cultural experiences. The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including reduced travel time, increased connectivity, and the opportunity to see rural areas and experience Malaysian culture.

The article discusses the remaining comfort women survivors in Asia, 80 years after being forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. It highlights the story of 97-year-old Park Pil-geun, one of the last surviving comfort women in South Korea, and the ongoing struggles of these survivors to seek closure and justice. The issue remains a contentious topic between South Korea and Japan, with tensions rising and falling over the years. The article also touches on the efforts of civic groups and international support to advocate for the survivors and install comfort women statues around the world.

The article reports on Pakistan's deportation of Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan under Taliban rule, despite many having pending U.S. resettlement cases. The deportees, who had worked with or supported the U.S. war effort, fear persecution and retribution from the Taliban. The Biden administration had previously given them protection letters, but Pakistani authorities have become less compliant in recent months. The deportees face significant challenges, including detention, bribery, and violence, and are now hiding in Afghanistan, fearing recognition and reprisal from the Taliban and local communities.

The article discusses how Russians are using AI-generated digital memorials to resurrect images of dead soldier husbands. The digital memorials allow families to create virtual reunions with their deceased loved ones, often using pre-war photos and videos to recreate memories. The article explores the emotional impact of this technology on families and the broader cultural context in Russia.

The article discusses the current state of global markets, highlighting the contrast between the record highs in major equity markets and the concerns about the impact of the U.S. government shutdown. It also notes the warnings from Saxo and Bank of America about potential market bubbles and the need for investors to diversify. The article also touches on the release of Taylor Swift's new album and its commercial success. The overall tone is neutral/informative, with a focus on providing analysis and insights on the market trends.

The article discusses the personal rituals and coping mechanisms of families whose loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and are still being held hostage in Gaza. Two years later, these families continue to wait for their loved ones, holding onto hope and finding ways to sustain themselves through daily rituals and practices that keep their loved ones' memories alive. The article highlights the stories of six families, showcasing their unique ways of coping with the uncertainty and trauma of having a family member held captive.