Global News in Turmoil

Thailand's parliament has chosen Anutin Charnvirakul as the country's prime minister, the third in two years, after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office by the constitutional court. Anutin's Bhumjaithai party broke from the coalition led by the Shinawatras' Pheu Thai and secured enough support in parliament to win the premiership. The Shinawatra family, which has dominated Thai politics since 2001, has been dealt a significant blow. Anutin's rise to power is seen as a result of his party's transactional nature and his ability to form alliances with other parties. However, his premiership is expected to be short-lived, with the People's Party, which is supporting him, demanding an election within four months and amendments to the military-drafted constitution. Anutin faces challenges in piloting the country out of its political crisis within a short timeframe.

A funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal, killed 16 people, including three British nationals, on Wednesday evening. The iconic 140-year-old Glória funicular derailed and crashed into a building, with many of the victims being foreign nationals. Sonia Silva, a survivor who narrowly missed the funicular ride that killed her friend, expressed her grief and anger, stating she was 'very, very angry' because her colleagues died. Colleagues of the victims held a service at a church next to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia charity's headquarters, where many of the victims worked. The Portuguese prime minister described the incident as 'one of the biggest human tragedies of our recent history'. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway, with speculation among mourners about potential causes, including overcrowding and poor maintenance.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid on a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia, arresting 475 workers, mostly South Korean citizens, for violating their visitor visas by working illegally. The raid has sparked tension between the US and South Korea, with the latter's foreign ministry calling for the rights of its citizens to be respected. The incident highlights the conflict between President Donald Trump's priorities of building up US manufacturing and cracking down on illegal immigration. Hyundai stated that the arrested workers were not directly employed by the company, while LG Energy Solution, which operates the plant with Hyundai, pledged to cooperate with the authorities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has intensified its offensive in Gaza City, destroying dozens of buildings and displacing thousands of Palestinians. Satellite images reviewed by BBC Verify show significant damage in several neighbourhoods, including Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, and Tuffah. The IDF claims it is targeting 'terror infrastructures' embedded in buildings, but UN humanitarian officials warn that a full-blown offensive would be 'beyond catastrophic'. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 64,231 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The IDF's actions have also led to the displacement of over 1.9 million Gazans, with many forced to flee their homes and live in tents. The situation remains dire, with the IDF continuing its military campaign in Gaza.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the US will 'blow up' foreign crime groups if needed, during a visit to Ecuador. Rubio announced that the US will designate two of Ecuador's largest criminal gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organisations. The comments come after a recent US military strike on a boat in the Caribbean Sea, which killed 11 drug-traffickers. The US will also provide $13.5m in security aid and $6m in drone technology to help Ecuador crack down on drug trafficking. The designation of the gangs as terrorist organisations is expected to help the US target their assets and share intelligence with the Ecuadorian government. However, legal experts have raised concerns that the strike may have violated international human rights and maritime law.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission has accused Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing crimes against humanity during their siege of el-Fasher in Darfur. The report cites evidence of murder, torture, enslavement, rape, and other war crimes by both the RSF and the regular army. The RSF has denied responsibility, blaming local militias for the violence. The US has accused the RSF of committing genocide against Darfur's non-Arabic population and has placed sanctions on army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced 13 million people to flee their homes. The report calls for an international arms embargo and independent judicial process to hold perpetrators accountable.

A landslide in Sudan's western Darfur region has killed hundreds of people, with aid workers struggling to reach the remote village of Tarasin due to heavy rains and flash floods. The disaster has compounded a deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where 30 million people are in need of assistance. Aid agencies, including Save the Children and World Vision, have delivered supplies to the affected communities, but the scale of the disaster remains unclear.

A powerful earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least 2,205 people and injuring 3,640 others. The Taliban administration reported that many homes were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless. Aid workers are racing to reach survivors in remote areas, with some having to walk for miles or be flown in by helicopter. The United Nations' World Health Organization warned that the death toll is likely to rise as entire families may be buried under rubble. The disaster has exacerbated Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crisis, with local resources stretched to the breaking point. The Taliban has launched an appeal for donations, and some countries have offered aid funding, but more is likely needed.

A devastating funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal, killed 16 people from various nationalities and injured over 20 others. The Elevador da Gloria funicular derailed and crashed into a building on Wednesday, with the cause believed to be a snapped cable. Authorities have identified the nationalities of the victims, including five Portuguese, three Britons, and one American. The incident has sparked an investigation, with a preliminary report expected soon. The city is observing three days of mourning, and officials are working to provide support to the victims' families.

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced that the US is designating two Ecuadorian gangs, Los Lobos and Los Choneros, as foreign terrorist organizations. The designation allows the US to work with Ecuador to crack down on these groups, including killing them and taking action against their properties and banking accounts in the US. Rubio called the gangs 'vicious animals' and 'terrorists.' The move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal migration in the region. The designation comes after a US military strike against a Venezuelan drug-running ship crewed by members of Tren de Aragua, a gang also designated as a terrorist organization.

Government bond yields have hit notable highs worldwide, reflecting investor unease about governments' fiscal plans. Although yields eased off earlier highs, they remain elevated, putting pressure on mortgage prices and constraining the private sector. Analysts warn of a 'slow-moving vicious circle' where higher yields increase debt servicing costs, further pressuring long-term yields. The impact is seen across various markets, including mortgages, stocks, and corporate bonds. Experts discuss the potential economic drag and the implications for fiscal policies.

The Trump administration plans to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man, to Eswatini, a small African nation, despite his objections and fears of persecution. Abrego Garcia has been in ICE custody since being brought back to the US to face human smuggling charges. He had previously been deported to El Salvador, where he was detained in a notorious mega prison. The administration had initially planned to deport him to Uganda, but he objected, citing fears of persecution. Abrego Garcia prefers to be sent to Costa Rica, which has offered him legal status. A federal judge has ruled that he cannot be deported until early October, pending testimony from Trump administration officials.

The Trump administration is considering military strikes against drug cartels operating in Venezuela as part of a broader strategy to weaken Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The administration has moved substantial military firepower into the Caribbean, including ships armed with Tomahawk missiles and advanced F-35 fighter jets. A recent strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat killed 11 people, and officials believe that future strikes could put pressure on Maduro's regime. The administration has labeled Maduro a narco-terrorist and doubled the bounty for his arrest to $50 million. While the administration is being intentionally nebulous about its plans, officials believe that the preferred course of action is for Maduro to leave power voluntarily.

The US is increasing visa fees for foreign travelers, with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee nearly doubling to $40 on September 30. Travelers arriving by land will also see their fees increase from $6 to $30. Additionally, a new $250 'visa integrity fee' is looming for travelers from non-visa waiver countries. The fee increases come as travel to the US is in decline, with the World Travel and Tourism Council projecting a $12.5 billion loss in international visitor spending in 2025. Immigration attorney Steven Brown believes the fee increases won't be a major hindrance for most travelers, but is uncertain about the new visa integrity fee.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the world to choose between 'war or peace' amidst a massive military parade in Beijing, attended by leaders from Russia, North Korea, and other countries. The event showcased China's growing military might and geopolitical influence, with Xi emphasizing the need for a more 'democratic' international system. The move is seen as a challenge to the US-led global order, with Xi's administration seeking to reshape the international system to favor China's interests. The display of military strength and Xi's rhetoric have raised concerns about China's intentions, particularly regarding Taiwan, and the potential for conflict.

An 8-year-old Gazan boy named Abdul Rahim Muhammad Hamden, also known as 'Abboud,' was reported dead by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in May, according to a former Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) contractor, Anthony Aguilar. However, after an investigation by GHF, Abboud was found alive and healthy with his mother, Najlaa, in the Gaza Strip. They were safely extracted from Gaza on Thursday and relocated to a safe location. The GHF investigation used facial recognition software and biometric data to verify Abboud's identity. The incident highlights the complexities and challenges of reporting from conflict zones and the importance of verifying information before it is disseminated.

Berlin swing musician David Hermlin was excluded from jazz festivals after asking questions and wearing a yellow pin in support of hostages held in Gaza. Hermlin claims he was 'canceled' and faced criticism for his actions, which he says were meant to spark dialogue. He believes his treatment is part of a broader pattern of exclusion in the entertainment world and is reminiscent of the McCarthy era. Despite the backlash, Hermlin vows to continue playing and promoting unity through his music.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping were caught on a hot mic discussing organ transplants and the possibility of living up to 150 years or achieving immortality. A top U.S. transplant specialist, Dr. James Markmann, dismissed their claims as unfounded, stating that there is no scientific evidence that organ transplants promote immortality or that humans can realistically reach 150 years of age through transplants. The conversation took place during a military parade in Beijing, China, where Putin and Xi were in attendance alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Putin has shown interest in anti-aging research in the past, and Xi has positioned biotechnology as a central pillar of China's economic and strategic growth. Dr. Markmann emphasized that the ethical concern should be equity, access, and making sure organs save lives today, rather than immortality.

Russia has rejected the idea of foreign troops being stationed in Ukraine, as European leaders met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and held a joint call with President Donald Trump. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that any plan to deploy foreign military personnel to Ukraine would be "unacceptable" to Moscow. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously suggested sending European troops to Ukraine, but Germany also expressed doubt about the proposal. The meeting between world leaders discussed ways to contribute to ensuring Kyiv's security and emphasized the need to increase support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy thanked Trump for his efforts to end the war and expressed a shared view that Russia is trying to prolong the conflict.

The Trump administration is taking a hard stance against drug traffickers, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing that President Donald Trump wants to 'wage war' against narco-terrorists. Rubio made the statement during a joint news conference with Ecuador's foreign minister, where he also announced the designation of Los Choneros and Los Lobos as foreign terrorist organizations. The US committed $13.7 million to combat drugs and crime in Ecuador, as well as $6 million worth of unmanned aircraft vehicle systems for the Ecuadorian Navy. Rubio emphasized that the designation allows the US and Ecuador to share intelligence for potentially lethal operations against the terrorist groups. He also criticized Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, calling him a 'fugitive of American justice' and referencing a grand jury indictment. The US recently carried out a strike on a cartel-operated vessel off the coast of Venezuela, killing 11 members of Tren de Aragua, a terrorist organization designated by the Trump administration in February.

The Trump administration has taken an unprecedented approach against cartels by conducting a military strike against a suspected Tren de Aragua drug boat off the coast of Venezuela. The strike, which killed 11 members of the cartel, marks a shift from previous seize and apprehend operations. The US has designated Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization and is taking a hard stance against international organized crime. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the strike as an attempt to seek regime change, but experts are skeptical about this being a precursor to a larger conflict.

The US Defense Department has confirmed that two Venezuelan aircraft flew near a US Navy vessel in international waters, calling it a 'highly provocative move.' The incident comes as the Trump administration ramps up its anti-narco-terrorism efforts, including a recent strike on a cartel-operated vessel that killed 11 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as an 'indicted drug trafficker' and a 'fugitive of American justice,' and indicated that the US is working with allies to identify and disrupt drug traffickers.

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has responded to comments made by Nick Kyrgios, saying she can beat him in a 'Battle of the Sexes' showdown. The match, expected to take place in January before the Australian Open, is seen as a modern-day replay of the famous 1973 match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Sabalenka, currently the women's world number one, has vowed to 'kick Kyrgios's ass' and is confident in her ability to win. Kyrgios had previously claimed he wouldn't need to play at 100% to beat Sabalenka. The location and time of the match have not been confirmed, but Sabalenka said it will be held where there will be a lot of people watching.

A British couple, Kayleigh Smith and William Nelson, were among the 17 people killed in a funicular crash in Lisbon, Portugal. The crash occurred when one of the carriages plummeted out of control down a steep hill, crashing 30m from the bottom. The cause of the crash is still unknown, but speculation suggests that the steel cable linking the two carriages may have snapped or the brakes on one of the cars failed. A preliminary technical report is due on Saturday, and authorities are under pressure to quickly identify the cause. The crash has been described as "one of the biggest tragedies of our recent past" by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.

The Ibiza wall lizard, endemic to Ibiza and Formentera, is nearing extinction due to invasive snakes and litter left by tourists. Conservationists warn that the species, vital to the ecosystem, has decreased by 70-90% since the introduction of snakes in the early 2000s. Litter, particularly discarded bottles and cans, traps and kills the lizards, while snakes prey on them. Experts say that tourism, which accounts for 84% of Ibiza's economy, is exacerbating the issue. Organizations are working to save the species, but the outlook is grim.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the U.S. Open, advancing to the final where he will face Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz won the match 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2, marking a significant victory over the 24-time major champion Djokovic. Sinner, meanwhile, defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime to set up the final against Alcaraz. The upcoming final is notable as it will be the first time the same two players have met in three consecutive Grand Slam finals within a single season. Both Alcaraz and Sinner have been dominating men's tennis, having split the past eight major trophies and taken 10 of the past 13. The final will also determine the No. 1 ranking, with Sinner currently holding the top spot.

A former FBI official, Charles McGonigal, who was later sentenced to prison for colluding with a Russian oligarch, compromised an FBI investigation into a Chinese energy company, China Energy Fund Committee (CEFC), by tipping off an employee about planned arrests. The company had business dealings with the Biden family, with Hunter and James Biden receiving $4.8 million from CEFC China Energy in 2017 and 2018. McGonigal's actions were deemed to have damaged the integrity of the FBI and violated public trust.

The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 in an NFL game played in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Justin Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling Patrick Mahomes. The win snapped a seven-game skid for the Chargers against the Chiefs. The game was streamed on YouTube and featured a halftime performance by Colombian singer Karol G. The Chiefs were missing several key players due to injury and suspension, and lost another receiver during the game. The Chargers' next game is against Las Vegas on Sept. 15.

The article criticizes Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services under Donald Trump, describing his leadership as chaotic and ineffective. Kennedy's personal agenda and obsessions have led to numerous problems within the department, including purgings, resignations, and policy reversals. The article argues that Kennedy's actions are not only causing issues within HHS but also reflecting poorly on the Trump administration as a whole. It suggests that Kennedy's focus on his own agenda, rather than Trump's vision, is a significant part of the problem. The article concludes that Kennedy's continuation in the role is detrimental to the administration and that it may be time for him to be replaced.

The article discusses billionaire businessman Bill Ackman's foray into politics, specifically his attempts to influence the New York City mayoral election. Ackman initially promised to 'crowdsource' a centrist candidate to challenge the Democratic Socialists but quickly backed off after realizing the complexity of local politics. He then supported Mayor Eric Adams, but later switched his endorsement back to Andrew Cuomo, citing Cuomo's 'relevant experience and skills.' The article argues that Ackman's approach to politics is naive and that successful political influence requires sustained effort, critical constituencies, and consistent base-building.

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semifinals, advancing to his first final in three years. Alcaraz outmuscled and outmaneuvered Djokovic on a hard court for the first time in his career, winning 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2. The victory marked a significant milestone for Alcaraz, who demonstrated improved consistency and mental toughness compared to their previous encounters. Djokovic, meanwhile, struggled with stress and physical issues, ultimately succumbing to Alcaraz's strong play. The win positions Alcaraz to continue his Grand Slam duopoly with Jannik Sinner, who has also been performing exceptionally well. Djokovic's future plans are uncertain, but he intends to play in a small tournament in Athens at the end of the season.

The article discusses how President Trump's diplomacy has driven his rivals together, particularly India, Russia, and China. Trump's blunt-force diplomacy and punishing tariffs have had unintended consequences, leading to a strengthening of ties between these nations. The article highlights how Trump's actions have alienated India, a key partner of the US, and pushed it towards China. The article also notes that Trump's approach has helped drive an aggregation of aggrieved states, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. The author warns that the US needs a strategy to deal with the reshaping of power underway.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will face each other in the U.S. Open final for the third consecutive time in a Grand Slam. Sinner defeated Félix Auger-Aliassime in a closely contested match, while Alcaraz eased past Novak Djokovic. The two players have dominated the tournament, with Sinner and Alcaraz being the only ones to consistently perform at a high level. The final is expected to be a closely contested match, with both players having their strengths and weaknesses. Sinner has been working on his serve and physicality, while Alcaraz has improved his serve and regulated his in-match volatility.

The article discusses the aftermath of a 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June 2025, which resulted in over 1,000 Iranian deaths, mostly civilians. The war marked a significant escalation of the long-standing shadow war between the two countries, with Israel launching direct military attacks on Iranian soil, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists. The article explores the human cost of the war, featuring stories of civilians killed or injured in the attacks, and examines the impact on Iranian society and the country's leadership. Many Iranians fear that the fragile calm that has returned will not last, and the article suggests that the war has brought the region to a volatile and dangerous new phase.

The Trump administration did not notify Congress about a high-stakes SEAL Team 6 mission into North Korea in 2019, raising questions about whether they improperly or illegally withheld the information. The mission went awry when the SEALs encountered and killed unarmed North Korean civilians. The Biden administration later briefed top congressional officials about the mission. The rules for informing Congress about military and intelligence operations are ambiguous and subject to interpretation. The article examines the relevant laws and norms, including the War Powers Resolution and Title 50 of the United States Code, and discusses the tension between the president's power to protect state secrets and Congress's power of oversight.

President Trump signed an executive order to ceremonially recognize the Department of Defense as the 'Department of War,' a name it held until after World War II. Trump claimed that the name change after World War II led to the U.S. not fighting to win in subsequent wars. The order also changed the title of the Secretary of Defense to 'Secretary of War.' Democrats criticized the move as a political stunt, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported it, saying it was about restoring 'warrior ethos' to the agency. Trump also boasted about the wars he claimed to have ended and mused about ending the war in Ukraine.

The article discusses the potential economic challenges facing President Trump as the midterm elections approach. Despite his previous campaign promises to improve the economy, recent data shows a slowdown in job growth and rising inflation. The article highlights the negative impact of Trump's tariffs on prices and the economy, as well as his attempts to exert control over the Federal Reserve. Democrats are seizing on the economic issues to criticize Trump's policies and are focusing on the economy as a key issue in the midterms. Trump, on the other hand, is trying to shift the focus to other issues like crime and immigration.

The article discusses the factors influencing America's young voters in the 2024 US presidential election. It highlights their disillusionment with the current state of the economy, education, and job prospects. The youth are attracted to Kamala Harris's campaign themes, which focus on addressing their concerns, such as providing grants for first-time homebuyers and banning price gouging at grocery stores. In contrast, Donald Trump's proposals, including imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, are met with skepticism by some young voters. The article notes that young voters are more fired up than in the past, with a larger proportion of young Democrats saying they will definitely vote in the coming election.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defence to the Department of War, a title it held until after World War Two. The move is seen as Trump's latest effort to rebrand the US military and reflects his 'win-at-all-costs' attitude. The renaming will require legislative and executive actions to be made permanent, but Trump questioned whether he needed congressional approval. The change has been met with support from some Republican lawmakers and officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has long advocated for the change. However, critics argue that the renaming is costly and an unnecessary distraction for the Pentagon.

Japan's Prince Hisahito celebrated his 19th birthday with a coming-of-age ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, marking his transition to adulthood. The event was overshadowed by the ongoing debate over the royal family's male-only succession rules, which have been criticized for being outdated. Prince Hisahito is currently second in line to the throne after his father, and his coming of age has reignited discussions about the need for reform. The Japanese government has debated the issue for decades, with a 2005 panel recommending that the succession rules be changed to allow the oldest child to inherit the throne regardless of sex. However, traditionalists have resisted these changes, citing the importance of maintaining the 'unbroken imperial line.' The article highlights the challenges faced by women in the royal family, including the pressure to produce sons and the scrutiny they face in their personal lives.

The article discusses the recent gathering of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing, which has been seen as a show of unity among countries skeptical of the US. The event was marked by a large military parade, which was perceived as a display of China's military might and a demonstration of the alliance between the three countries. The article notes that the gathering has raised concerns in the West, particularly in the US, about the implications of this alliance for the global order. However, some analysts also point out that the 'axis of upheaval' is not as solid as it seems, with internal fractures and differing interests among its members.