Author: Rayhan Uddin
After fourteen years of Conservative rule, Britain has decisively voted for a change in government. Keir Starmer’s Labour Party achieved a landslide victory in the general election, winning over 412 seats while the Tories saw a sharp decline in their MPs, signaling the end of Rishi Sunak’s leadership. While Labour celebrated their overwhelming win, shock victories for pro-Palestinian independent candidates and a rise of a far-right anti-immigrant party added complexity to the election night’s narratives. Key Takeaways from the Election Results: 1. Labour’s Vote Share Comparison: Despite their victory, Labour’s share of the popular vote was the lowest ever for…
A recent report highlighted the impact of a prolonged dengue outbreak in the UAE following severe flooding, particularly affecting low-income migrant workers. The heavy rainfall in April led to stagnant water pools, ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Despite warnings from authorities to avoid stagnant water and use mosquito repellents, many residents, especially migrant workers, have fallen ill. Efforts to address the outbreak include deploying specialist teams to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. However, areas with high migrant worker populations, like Dubai and Sharjah, still struggle with stagnant water issues, leading to more cases of dengue infections. Reports…
Israel’s controversial pick of Ron Shapira as an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa’s genocide case has stirred debate due to his combative nature and support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms. Shapira will replace Aharon Barak, who stepped down for personal reasons. Unlike Barak, Shapira lacks extensive judicial experience and has faced criticism for his stance on the ICJ. He is known for his support of Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, which aim to give the government more control over judicial appointments and decisions. While Barak was seen as a liberal judge and advocate for…
The head of the Muslim World League, Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, gave a keynote speech at a right-wing British think tank, Policy Exchange in London. Issa discussed various topics, including Islamophobia and Gaza. One notable revelation was his positive relationship with French far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Despite controversies, Issa emphasized the importance of respecting the values of the countries where Muslims reside. He also addressed criticisms of Islam, advocating for a proper understanding of the faith. Issa highlighted the need for Muslims to engage in Western societies while promoting co-existence. In response to questions about Islamophobia, Issa clarified…
When Moinul escaped from Bangladesh to London, he never imagined he would once again be caught in a political storm. Fleeing threats due to his political affiliations, the student found himself at the centre of controversy as Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, seemingly targeted Bangladeshi asylum seekers for deportation. Facing backlash from the Bangladeshi community, Starmer clarified his remarks, emphasizing he values their contribution. However, Moinul, a former local organizer for an opposition party in Bangladesh, fears for his life if sent back. Similarly, Liton, forced into asylum for criticizing the government on social media, faces threats…
Jerusalem’s deputy mayor has stirred up controversy by calling for the denial of waste collection and lawn mowing services to the French consulate for Palestinians. In a letter to the municipality, Aryeh King cited French President Macron’s anti-Israel resolutions as the reason for this action. The consulate, located near the Old City in East Jerusalem, was the target of King’s directive. The move comes amid tensions between France and Israel over the banning of Israeli companies at a defence exhibition in Paris. Internal discord within the Israeli government has also emerged over a French initiative to ease tensions on the…
Israel’s foreign minister reacted strongly to Spain’s recognition of Palestine by cutting off services to Palestinians through its consulate in Jerusalem. The move came after Spain, along with Norway and Ireland, announced their recognition of Palestine, joining over 140 other UN members. The Spanish Deputy Prime Minister justified the decision based on defending human rights and stopping the genocide of the Palestinian people. Angered by Spain’s actions, Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz, severed connections between Spain’s representation and Palestinians, prohibiting the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from serving West Bank Palestinians. Additionally, Katz urged Spain to learn from history,…
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is making headlines with its move to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders. The charges range from war crimes to crimes against humanity, marking a significant legal challenge for Israel. The ICC’s chief prosecutor named specific allegations against the individuals, including extermination, murder, and sexual assault. Currently, the warrants have not been issued, pending review and approval by ICC judges in the pre-trial chamber. If approved, member states of the ICC will be responsible for carrying out the arrests, with the court lacking its…
The ruler of Kuwait made a controversial decision to dissolve parliament for up to four years, sparking concerns about the country’s unique semi-democratic political system. Emir Mishal al-Ahmed Al Sabah suspended Kuwait’s National Assembly and parts of the constitution to review the “democratic process” possibly until 2028. With the only elected parliament in the Gulf, Kuwait has faced political deadlocks leading to this drastic move by the Emir. This decision grants the ruler full control over legislation, affecting the traditional power-sharing dynamics within the government. As a new parliament was appointed, analysts worry about the potential suppression of dissent and…
In an alarming report, former Saudi intelligence officer Colonel Rabih Alenezi revealed that Saudi security officers were ordered to use lethal force against people who resisted eviction in order to make way for the construction of the megacity Neom and redevelopment in the Qatif region. The Saudi government has been accused of forcibly displacing members of the Howeitat tribe in Tabuk province to make room for the $500 billion megacity. Alenezi, who sought asylum in London, disclosed that he was ordered to carry out evictions in Tabuk and was made aware of a “kill order” via internal intelligence software. He…