Quarter of a million flood Amsterdam streets in solidarity with Gaza

Quarter of a million flood Amsterdam streets in solidarity with Gaza

    Monday, October 06, 2025   No comments

 Nearly 30 percent of Amsterdam’s population—around 250,000 people—marched through the Dutch capital yesterday, demanding stronger action from their government against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Organizers described the rally as one of the largest in the city’s history. Participants, dressed in red to mark a symbolic ‘red line’ against Israel’s siege, filled Amsterdam’s streets for a six-kilometer march. Police confirmed the crowd size.

"We are here to condemn everything that is happening in Gaza," said 27-year-old Emilia Rivero, who traveled from Utrecht to join the march.

PAX Netherlands, which organized the demonstration, said the protest aimed to pressure the government to act decisively against Israeli crimes. 

Director Rolien Sasse told Reuters that demonstrators want an immediate ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s actions. "We hope there will be a real ceasefire very, very soon … but we are also worried about the long-term commitment of Israel to stop the genocide," she said.

The protest came just weeks before national elections, with activists accusing the Dutch government of failing to confront Israel’s war policy.

Morocco's "Gen Z 212" Movement: A Youth-Led Uprising Against Corruption and Failed Services

Morocco's "Gen Z 212" Movement: A Youth-Led Uprising Against Corruption and Failed Services

    Saturday, October 04, 2025   No comments

A new, decentralized youth movement is shaking the political landscape of Morocco. Dubbed "Generation Z 212" — a nod to the country's international dialing code and its digitally-native leaders — the group has sustained protests for over a week in several cities, channeling widespread public anger over corruption, deteriorating public services, and a deep-seated political disillusionment.

The movement's core demands are starkly local: improved healthcare and education, a serious fight against corruption, and the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. However, its emergence reflects a global pattern of youth-led activism fueled by economic stagnation and a loss of faith in traditional institutions.

A Spark in Agadir, A Fire Across Cities

The immediate catalyst for the protests was a tragic incident in the southern city of Agadir. The deaths of eight pregnant women in less than a month at a public hospital ignited public outrage, serving as a grim symbol of a healthcare system in crisis. The protests that began there quickly spread to other urban centers.

The situation on the ground has been volatile. While "Gen Z 212" activists have called for and committed to peaceful demonstrations, their gatherings have been met with bans, violence, and mass arrests by the authorities. Some protests have devolved into riots, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to dozens. The movement's activists have been quick to disavow the violence, blaming it on opportunistic elements and reaffirming their commitment to peaceful dissent.

A Generation Filling a Political Vacuum

Analysts point to a profound vacuum in political and social representation as the bedrock of this unrest. The majority of Moroccan youth have lost confidence in established political parties, which they view as having lost their credibility. The traditional power of labor unions has also waned.

This void has been filled by young people organizing through social media and digital networks, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. The movement is leaderless and organic, making it both resilient and difficult for the government to engage with through conventional channels.

The economic backdrop is bleak. According to the High Commission for Planning, Morocco's overall unemployment rate stands at 12.8%, a figure that skyrockets to 35.8% among young people and 19% among university graduates. This lack of opportunity for a highly educated generation is a primary source of frustration.

A "Ticking Time Bomb" No Longer Silent

Experts had long warned that this combination of factors was a recipe for social explosion.

Professor Mohamed Al-Merrani Boukhabza, a political scientist at Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, highlighted the demographic reality: "There is a demographic shift whereby a third of the population pyramid in Morocco is made up of young people between the ages of 15 and 35." He noted that the socioeconomic reality, coupled with declining public services and weak trust in traditional institutions, formed a "ticking time bomb" that has now detonated.

Echoing this sentiment, Ahmed Al-Bouz, a professor of Political Science and Constitutional Law, stressed the need for "urgent and tangible reforms, especially in education, health, and employment, while guaranteeing freedom of expression and the right to protest." He warned that in the absence of such reforms, any government dialogue with the youth would be seen as merely a tactic to buy time.

A Government in Response Mode

Faced with the growing momentum, the government has stated that it "understands the demands of the movement" and has expressed its readiness to open a dialogue with the protesting youth. However, for a generation that feels it has been repeatedly promised change without seeing results, mere words are no longer enough.

The "Gen Z 212" movement represents a critical juncture for Morocco. It is the voice of a disenfranchised, connected, and impatient generation demanding not just dialogue, but demonstrable action to address the deep-rooted economic and social crises that define their daily lives. The government's next steps will determine whether this energy can be channeled into meaningful reform or if it will further fuel the flames of discontent.

Trump Demands Israel "Immediately" Halt Bombing of Gaza, Hamas Agrees to Proposal

Trump Demands Israel "Immediately" Halt Bombing of Gaza, Hamas Agrees to Proposal

    Friday, October 03, 2025   No comments

In a significant and unexpected shift, former US President Donald Trump has publicly called on Israel to immediately cease its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, as the Palestinian group Hamas announced its acceptance of a comprehensive peace proposal he previously outlined.

The developments, which unfolded on Thursday, have introduced a potential breakthrough in the long-running conflict, injecting a new dynamic into stalled diplomatic efforts.

Trump's Direct Appeal and Hamas's Acceptance

The momentum began when Hamas issued a formal statement expressing its "immediate" readiness to enter into negotiations through mediators to discuss all details related to implementing an agreement. The group confirmed its agreement to release all captives, both living and the remains of the deceased, in line with the framework of Trump's plan.

In a swift response on his Truth Social platform, Trump amplified the possibility of a deal. He stated that the Hamas statement was "an indicator that they are ready for a permanent peace" and made a direct demand: "The American President Donald Trump has demanded that Israel stop bombing the Gaza Strip 'immediately' to allow for the release of the detainees in the strip."

Trump further revealed that "discussions are currently underway regarding the details that need to be worked on" to implement the plan for ending the war. He framed the moment as a critical juncture, emphasizing that the issue "is not only about Gaza, but about the long-awaited peace in the Middle East."

A Comprehensive White House Plan

The proposal at the center of the flurry of statements originates from a detailed plan released by the White House on September 29, 2025. That plan called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, to be followed by a comprehensive reconstruction program and a reorganization of the strip's political and security situation.

Hamas's statement aligned with several key aspects of this vision. The group renewed its prior agreement to hand over the administration of Gaza to a body of Palestinian independents, based on a national consensus and supported by broader Arab-Islamic backing.

Crucially, Hamas also signaled a significant political concession, stating that the provisions in Trump's proposal concerning the future of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people "are linked to a national position to be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will be included and will contribute to with all responsibility."

Unanswered Questions and the Path Ahead

While the statements from both Trump and Hamas mark the most positive diplomatic development in recent memory, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The most significant immediate question is Israel's official response. The Israeli government, which has long maintained that military pressure is essential for securing the release of captives and dismantling Hamas's capabilities, has not yet publicly commented on these latest developments.

Furthermore, the "details" Trump mentioned as being under discussion are likely to be highly complex, encompassing the sequencing of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange, the guarantees for security, and the composition and authority of the proposed Palestinian administrative body.

For now, the world watches to see if this unexpected convergence of statements—a US political figure's direct demand, a White House plan, and Hamas's strategic agreement—can create the necessary momentum to halt the fighting and open a new, albeit uncertain, chapter for Gaza and the region.

Trump signs order EO considering any attack on Qatar as security threat to US--Israel’s Strike on Qatar Shakes US Credibility in the Gulf

Trump signs order EO considering any attack on Qatar as security threat to US--Israel’s Strike on Qatar Shakes US Credibility in the Gulf

    Wednesday, October 01, 2025   No comments

The United States has long positioned itself as the primary security guarantor for Gulf states, but that image has been severely shaken following Israel’s unprecedented strike on Doha earlier this month. Despite Qatar’s role as host to the largest US military installation in the Middle East, and despite decades of close security cooperation, Israel—a close American ally—was able to carry out an attack on Qatari soil with no immediate US response.

The incident rattled regional leaders and raised difficult questions: if Washington cannot—or will not—restrain Israel from striking a partner it formally protects, how reliable can its security assurances really be?

In an effort to repair the damage, President Donald Trump this week signed an executive order declaring that “any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar” will be treated as a direct threat to the peace and security of the United States. The order commits Washington to take all “lawful and appropriate measures”—including diplomatic, economic, and if necessary, military action—to defend both American and Qatari interests.

The timing was no accident. The decree came just three weeks after Israel’s air strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, an operation that provoked outrage in Doha and embarrassment in Washington. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since issued a rare apology to Qatar, the episode left a lingering sense that US security guarantees may be more fragile than Gulf states had assumed.

At stake is not just the bilateral relationship with Qatar, but the broader credibility of the United States as the cornerstone of Gulf security. For years, Washington’s promise of protection has been central to its influence in the region, countering both Iranian power and the growing appeal of alternative security partners such as China and Russia. The failure to prevent or deter the Israeli strike cut to the heart of that credibility.

Complicating matters further is the ongoing war in Gaza. Qatar has played a key mediating role in negotiations, including talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the humanitarian crisis. If Washington, working through Doha, can help deliver a viable and lasting deal, it could partially repair the trust eroded by Israel’s attack. Such success would reaffirm the US as not only a military protector, but also as a diplomatic broker capable of shaping outcomes in the region.

But the risks are equally stark. If a Gaza deal collapses or fails to halt the bloodshed, the damage to Washington’s standing could be irreparable. Gulf leaders may conclude that the United States lacks both the will and the leverage to restrain its own allies, let alone manage conflicts across the Middle East.

The executive order signed by Trump is therefore more than a symbolic gesture toward Qatar. It is a test of whether American promises still carry weight in a region where credibility is everything—and where one misstep can reshape alliances for decades to come.

Media reaction and analysis:

Israeli Media noted the changed posture and connected it to the Gaza plan. Israel's Channel 12 correspondent and Axios reporter Barak Ravid says the US will 'dramatically upgrade' its commitment to Qatar's security:

• "As part of the initiative to end the war in Gaza and as compensation to Qatar for the Israeli strike in Doha, President Trump signed a presidential decree on Monday that dramatically upgrades the US commitment to Qatar’s security. This marks an unprecedented security agreement between the US and an Arab state."
•  "According to the presidential decree, published today, 'The United States will regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.'
•  "The decree further states: 'In the event of such an attack, the United States will take all lawful and appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military, to protect the interests of the United States and the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.'

Grassroots Resistance and Diplomatic Shifts Challenge Israel’s War on Gaza

Grassroots Resistance and Diplomatic Shifts Challenge Israel’s War on Gaza

    Monday, September 29, 2025   No comments

As Israel’s war on Gaza enters its most devastating phase yet, a powerful wave of international opposition is surging—not just in diplomatic corridors, but in the streets, ports, and parliaments of nations once considered unwavering allies. From dockworkers in Genoa to government ministers in Madrid, and even within the shifting sands of U.S. politics, the world is increasingly refusing to be complicit in what many now describe as a humanitarian catastrophe.

Dockworkers as Defenders of Conscience

In a striking display of moral solidarity, port workers in Genoa, Italy, have thrown their weight behind the Global Solidarity Flotilla—a civilian maritime initiative aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. These workers, part of a broader European network of port laborers, are no longer content to stand by as their infrastructure facilitates what they see as war crimes.

“We want to be on the right side of history,” declared Riccardo Rodino, a veteran dockworker and leader of the Genoa Port Laborers’ Assembly (CALP), in an interview with Politico. “We don’t have tanks or missiles. Our bodies—and our ability to halt shipments—are our only weapons.”

Their stance is not symbolic. Following drone attacks on flotilla vessels last week, Italian dockworkers issued a stark warning: any further aggression against humanitarian ships will trigger a general strike. Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, has pledged full support, vowing to shut down commerce tied to Israel if the flotilla is harmed. “If Israel doesn’t change course in Gaza,” Rodino warned, “a full commercial blockade will be imposed. There is no other way.”

This grassroots mobilization reflects a broader awakening across Europe, where ordinary citizens are leveraging their economic power to demand accountability—proving that resistance to injustice isn’t confined to politicians or diplomats, but lives in the hands of those who keep global trade moving.

Spain Draws a Red Line on U.S. Arms Transfers

Meanwhile, Spain has taken a bold sovereign stand that challenges even its closest military ally: the United States. According to El País, the Spanish government has blocked American military aircraft and vessels carrying weapons destined for Israel from using two key U.S.-operated bases on Spanish soil—Rota in Cádiz and Morón de la Frontera in Seville.

Crucially, this ban applies not only to shipments directly bound for Israel but also to those using third countries as transit points. Spanish authorities emphasized that these bases remain under full Spanish sovereignty and are “not an open corridor without oversight.” The move forced the U.S. to reroute F-35 fighter jets through the Azores—a logistical detour that underscores Madrid’s newfound willingness to assert ethical boundaries over military convenience.

This decision is more than procedural; it’s political. It signals that even NATO allies are no longer willing to serve as silent conduits for arms fueling destruction in Gaza. In doing so, Spain joins a growing list of European nations reevaluating their complicity in Israel’s military campaign.

Diplomatic Earthquake: Allies Recognize Palestine

The diplomatic landscape is shifting just as dramatically. In a historic break from decades of Western alignment with Israel, countries including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia have officially recognized Palestinian statehood—a move Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced as a “disgraceful decision” that rewards Hamas.

Yet this recognition is less about Hamas and more about acknowledging the untenable status quo. With over 40,000 Palestinians killed and much of Gaza reduced to rubble, the moral calculus has changed. Public outrage, amplified by relentless documentation of civilian suffering, has pressured governments to act.

Even in Washington, the ground is trembling. Former President Donald Trump—no stranger to hardline pro-Israel positions—is now hosting Netanyahu at the White House to pitch a “Gaza peace plan,” reportedly backed by key Arab states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. While Trump frames it as a grand “Middle East peace” initiative, the urgency is unmistakable: Israel is facing unprecedented isolation, and its most vital ally is scrambling to broker an exit before global patience runs out.

The People’s Leverage

What unites these disparate actions—from Genoa’s docks to Madrid’s defense ministry—is a shared conviction: silence equals complicity. Workers, governments, and citizens are realizing that economic and political leverage can be wielded not just by states, but by collectives who refuse to normalize atrocity.

As Rodino poignantly put it, “Obstructing shipments is the people’s weapon.” And it’s proving effective. Every blocked arms shipment, every threatened strike, every diplomatic recognition chips away at the architecture of impunity that has long shielded Israel’s military campaign.

The war on Gaza may continue, but it no longer enjoys the blanket global acquiescence it once did. A new coalition—forged in ports, parliaments, and public squares—is rising. And it is saying, with growing force: Enough.

Russia and Iran Seal $25 Billion Nuclear Deal in the Shadow of Conflict

Russia and Iran Seal $25 Billion Nuclear Deal in the Shadow of Conflict

    Friday, September 26, 2025   No comments

In a move that signals a profound shift in the geopolitical landscape, Iran and Russia have signed a monumental $25 billion agreement to expand Iran’s nuclear energy program. The deal, coming just 15 weeks after a major US-Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, is being interpreted by analysts as more than a simple commercial venture; it is a strategic gambit that likely includes unspoken security guarantees, effectively placing Iran’s nuclear ambitions under a Russian shield.

The Deal: A Massive Expansion of Nuclear Capacity

The agreement, signed between Iran’s Hormoz Energy Company and Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, entails the construction of four new, advanced nuclear power plants in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province. The project, which will occupy a 500-hectare site, involves third-generation reactors, representing a significant technological leap. This deal is an execution of a memorandum of understanding signed days earlier in Moscow, highlighting the rapid pace of deepening ties between the two nations.

This expansion is in addition to Rosatom’s ongoing work completing the second and third units at the existing Bushehr nuclear power plant, solidifying Russia's role as the primary architect of Iran's civilian nuclear infrastructure.

Strategic Context: The Unspoken Security Guarantee

The timing and scale of this agreement cannot be divorced from the recent military confrontation. A 12-day war, initiated by a US and Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, demonstrated Tehran’s vulnerability to Western military action. However, one critical detail from that conflict has not gone unnoticed in world capitals: Russian-built facilities, namely the Bushehr power plant, were conspicuously spared from attack.

This selective targeting is widely believed to be a deliberate choice by the US and Israel to avoid a direct military confrontation with Russia. It underscored a stark reality: infrastructure under Moscow’s umbrella enjoys a level of protection that purely Iranian facilities do not. 

It is within this context that the new $25 billion deal must be viewed. While officially a "peaceful nuclear energy" project, the agreement almost certainly contains implicit, if not explicit, security understandings. By massively expanding its physical and financial stake in Iran’s nuclear program, Russia is raising the stakes for any future adversary.

An attack on these new facilities would not just be an attack on Iran; it would be an attack on a $25 billion Russian asset, potentially triggering a direct response from Moscow. This creates a powerful deterrent. The security guarantee may also manifest in the form of advanced Russian air defense technology, such as the S-400 system, specifically deployed to protect these sensitive sites.

Geopolitical Implications: A New Axis Solidifies

This deal represents a formalization of the Iran-Russia axis, which has been strengthening over years of shared opposition to Western foreign policy. For Russia, the agreement serves multiple strategic purposes:

• Economic Leverage: It injects billions into its state-owned nuclear industry, circumventing Western sanctions.
• Strategic Depth: It anchors Russian influence deep in the Middle East and the crucial Strait of Hormuz. 
• Deterrence Posturing: It signals to the West that Russia is willing to directly underwrite the security of US adversaries, complicating future military calculations.

For Iran, the benefits are equally clear. Beyond the energy independence the plants may provide, the deal offers a form of insulation from external military threats that it could not achieve on its own. In the wake of the recent attacks, securing this Russian "nuclear umbrella" for its facilities is a paramount strategic victory.

Beyond this deal...

The $25 billion nuclear deal between Moscow and Tehran is far more than an energy contract. It is a direct consequence of the recent conflict and a strategic response to it. By embedding its nuclear corporations ever deeper into Iranian soil, Russia is not just building power plants; it is constructing a geopolitical fortress. The unspoken message to the West is clear: any future strike on Iran’s nuclear program will have to calculate the high risk of striking a Russian target, fundamentally altering the calculus of confrontation in the Middle East. 

Media Review: Erdogan says agreement reached with Trump on Gaza ceasefire and "lasting peace"

Media Review: Erdogan says agreement reached with Trump on Gaza ceasefire and "lasting peace"

    Friday, September 26, 2025   No comments

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump on steps to secure a ceasefire and "lasting peace" in Gaza and Palestine following their talks at the White House on Thursday.

"Our meeting was very important in terms of putting forth the will to end the massacres in Gaza. Mr. Trump stated during the meeting the need to end fighting in Gaza and reach lasting peace," Erdogan told reporters, according to a transcript released by his office on Friday.

"We explained how a ceasefire can be achieved in Gaza and the whole of Palestine, and lasting peace afterwards. An understanding was reached there," he added. "We said that the two-state solution was the formula for lasting peace in the region, that the current situation cannot continue."

Trump: “I’m not allowing Israel to annex the West Bank”

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he will not allow Israel to annex the occupied West Bank.

Trump’s response came after he was asked whether he had promised Arab leaders during a meeting at the United Nations this week that he would prevent any annexation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed not to allow a Palestinian state, and far-right members of his cabinet have threatened to annex the West Bank in response to the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western countries. He was met by boos and walk out at the UN on Friday.

Netanyahu at the UNGA: "We'll never accept a Palestinian state. I say to the European and Western leaders; you cannot shove this Palestinian state down our throats, just because you don't have the guts to stand up against the antisemitic media... Unfortunately, the Western media is pro-Khamas"

Humanitarian Flotilla attacked, Italy Spain Sent military ships to help

Video footage taken by journalists aboard the lead ship of the Global Sumud Flotilla shows an Italian navy ship near the fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Thursday that a second naval frigate will be deployed to support the Flotilla after it came under at least 13 drone attacks since the late hours of Tuesday.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday that Spain would also be sending a navy ship to assist the flotilla.

Arab and Muslim Leaders, who met with Trump, Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as First Step Toward Lasting Peace

Arab and Muslim Leaders, who met with Trump, Call for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as First Step Toward Lasting Peace

    Wednesday, September 24, 2025   No comments

 In a significant diplomatic move on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from eight Arab and Muslim-majority nations joined U.S. President Donald Trump in a high-level summit focused on ending the war in Gaza. Following the meeting on Tuesday, the group issued a joint statement on Wednesday emphasizing that an immediate cessation of hostilities is “the first step toward a just and lasting peace.”

The leaders described the situation in Gaza as “an unbearable and tragic humanitarian catastrophe,” citing massive civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and the dire consequences for regional stability and the broader Muslim world. They reaffirmed their collective rejection of forced displacement and stressed the necessity of allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.

Central to the joint declaration was a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire that would facilitate the release of all hostages and guarantee the unimpeded delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza. “Ending the war and achieving an immediate ceasefire—ensuring the release of hostages and the entry of adequate humanitarian assistance—is the essential first step toward a just and lasting peace,” the statement read.

The leaders also underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, built upon proposals previously advanced by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This plan, they said, must include robust security arrangements and international support for Palestinian leadership to ensure long-term stability and recovery.

Trump’s 21-Point Peace Plan Unveiled

Adding further context to the summit, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff revealed on Wednesday that a detailed 21-point peace proposal crafted by the Trump administration had been presented to the assembled leaders. According to the American news outlet Axios, the plan outlines a phased approach to de-escalation and post-conflict governance.

Key elements of the proposal include:

The full release of all hostages and prisoners;

A permanent ceasefire;

A gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza;

A “day-after” governance framework that explicitly excludes Hamas from any role in administering the territory;

The deployment of an international security force in Gaza, including Arab troops, to maintain order and support reconstruction efforts.

Witkoff expressed optimism about the prospects for a breakthrough, stating, “I hope—or maybe I’m even confident—that we will soon announce some form of breakthrough regarding Gaza.” He described the plan as a realistic and actionable roadmap designed to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term political stability.

In a related development, Witkoff also signaled the administration’s openness to diplomacy with Iran. When asked about potential negotiations, he confirmed, “We are talking to them, and we have a desire to negotiate,” suggesting a broader regional strategy that could link Gaza’s stabilization to wider Middle East diplomacy.

Trump reportedly urged Arab and Muslim leaders to send troops to Gaza to ‘facilitate Israel's withdrawal’ and finance reconstruction.

A Unified Regional Stance

The summit marked a rare moment of alignment between the Trump administration and key Arab and Muslim leaders on the Gaza crisis. By jointly endorsing a ceasefire as the cornerstone of any peace process—and backing a reconstruction plan that sidelines Hamas while empowering Palestinian institutions—the group signaled a shared vision for Gaza’s future.

While challenges remain, particularly in securing buy-in from all conflict parties and ensuring the plan’s implementation, the New York summit has injected renewed momentum into efforts to end one of the region’s most devastating recent conflicts. As Witkoff put it, the goal is not just to stop the fighting, but to “rebuild Palestinian lives in Gaza” with dignity, security, and hope.

Politico: 'Trump promises Arab, Muslim leaders he won’t let Israel annex the West Bank'

At a closed-door meeting on 23 September at the United Nations, President Donald Trump assured Arab and Muslim leaders that he would not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the occupied West Bank, according to six sources familiar with the discussions, reports Axios.

Trump was described as “firm” on the issue, telling participants that Israel would not be permitted to absorb the territory, which is under Palestinian Authority governance. His administration also circulated a white paper detailing its postwar plan, including governance and security arrangements.

Despite Trump’s assurances, participants noted that a ceasefire to end Israel’s nearly two-year war on Gaza remains distant. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the meeting “fruitful,” while Arab leaders privately emphasized that West Bank annexation would collapse the Abraham Accords — Trump’s signature regional achievement — and halt Israel’s integration into the region. 

The White House has yet to release an official readout.

Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact Reshapes Middle Eastern Geopolitics

Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact Reshapes Middle Eastern Geopolitics

    Wednesday, September 17, 2025   No comments

In a move that has sent seismic waves across the international community, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have formally signed a mutual defense pact. The announcement, coming in the immediate aftermath of a devastating Israeli attack on Qatar, signals a dramatic and potentially dangerous realignment of power in a region already on a knife's edge.

This agreement, far more than a simple reaffirmation of longstanding ties, represents a fundamental shift in the strategic calculus of the Middle East and South Asia, with implications for global security, energy markets, and the future of conflict in the region.

From Strategic Partnership to Ironclad Guarantee

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share a deep, decades-long relationship built on a foundation of economic support, religious solidarity, and security cooperation. Riyadh has long been a financial benefactor to Islamabad, while Pakistan has provided the Kingdom with military trainers and troops for its defense. However, this new pact elevates that relationship to an entirely new level.

The core tenet of the agreement, as stated by the Pakistani prime minister’s office, is that "any aggression against either country will be treated as aggression against both." This transforms a friendly understanding into a legally binding, ironclad security guarantee. For Saudi Arabia, a nation rich in wealth and oil but with a relatively small population, this pact effectively places it under the umbrella of Pakistan's formidable military—the world’s sixth-largest—and, most significantly, its nuclear arsenal.

The Qatar Catalyst: A Region on the Brink

The timing of the announcement is impossible to ignore. The pact was finalized during emergency talks in Riyadh between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, held just days after Israel's unprecedented attack on Qatar.

This context is crucial. The strike on Qatar, a nation that also hosts a major U.S. military base, demonstrated a terrifying escalation in the ongoing regional proxy wars. For Saudi Arabia, a longstanding rival of Qatar, the attack was likely seen not just as an strike against a neighbor, but as a harbinger of unchecked aggression that could one day be directed at Riyadh itself. The message from the Saudi leadership is clear: the traditional security architecture, heavily reliant on the United States, is no longer seen as dependable. They are seeking new, more immediate guarantees for their survival.

By aligning directly with a nuclear-armed power, Saudi Arabia is sending a powerful deterrent message to all regional adversaries, primarily Israel and Iran: an attack on the Kingdom will now carry an incalculable and existential risk.

Iran's Calculated Response: Diplomatic Outreach in a Shifting Landscape

This development comes as Iran's security leadership has initiated a regional outreach, seeking to capitalize on the chaos to advance its own vision for a new security architecture. In a highly significant move, Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader and former Parliament Speaker, was dispatched to Saudi Arabia.

Larijani’s mission is multifaceted:

• Testing the Waters: Iran is likely probing Saudi Arabia's commitment to its new partnership with Pakistan and gauging its level of anxiety post-Qatar.

• Offering an Alternative: Tehran is positioning itself as a necessary partner for regional stability, arguing that a collective security agreement that includes Iran is preferable to a polarized arms race.

• Exploiting Divisions: Iran may see an opportunity to drive a wedge between Saudi Arabia and its traditional allies by presenting itself as a more reliable, or at least inevitable, neighbor in a post-American era.

The Larijani mission underscores that while the Saudi-Pakistan pact is a Sunni-centric bloc, Iran is not remaining idle. It is responding with its own diplomatic offensive, recognizing that the regional order is up for grabs.

The Nuclear Question: A Delicate Balance

The most profound element of the pact is Pakistan’s status as a nuclear power. This agreement implicitly, though not explicitly, introduces a nuclear dimension into the heart of Middle Eastern security.

• Deterrence or Provocation? From Saudi Arabia's perspective, this is the ultimate deterrent. It hopes the mere existence of this pact will prevent any future aggression. However, from the perspective of Israel and Iran, it represents a massive escalation, potentially forcing them to recalibrate their own military and strategic doctrines.

• The "Sunni Shield" Narrative: The pact solidifies a powerful bloc of Sunni Muslim nations, with Pakistan’s bomb acting as a counterweight to Shiite Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s presumed nuclear capabilities. This risks hardening the sectarian and geopolitical fault lines in the region, moving from a cold war to a much more volatile standoff.

Global Repercussions and Shifting Alliances

The ramifications of this defense pact extend far beyond the Middle East:

1. A Challenge to U.S. Influence: This is a stark indication of Riyadh’s desire to diversify its security partnerships away from Washington. While not a full break, it shows Saudi Arabia is willing to build an independent security infrastructure, reducing its reliance on the U.S. military umbrella.

2. A Dilemma for Washington: The United States now faces a complex challenge. Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally, while Saudi Arabia remains a critical energy partner. However, a mutual defense pact that could potentially draw a nuclear-armed Pakistan into a Middle Eastern conflict is a nightmare scenario for U.S. strategists.
   

3. 
   India's Strategic Anxiety: For India, Pakistan’s arch-rival, this is deeply troubling news. It formalizes the military alliance between its two adversaries—Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s close ally, China. India must now consider the possibility that a future crisis with Pakistan could, in the worst case, involve a much broader coalition or divert Pakistani resources and attention westward.

4. Iran's Isolation and Response: For Iran, the pact is the consolidation of a hostile, US-backed, and now nuclear-linked alliance on its flanks. The Larijani mission shows its strategy is two-fold: resist this consolidation through diplomacy while likely accelerating its own military and nuclear programs as an ultimate guarantee.  Being aware of what Iran represents for Shia Muslims, and recognizing that Pakistan has a large Shia Muslim community, steps are being taken to signal that this pact is not intended to threaten Iran or exclude Shia Muslims. To this end, on September 18, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia called his Iranian counterpart, not details of the call was made available. And on September 19, the Saudi Minister of Defense called his Iranian counterpart to inform "Iran of the details of the Saudi-Pakistani mutual defense treaty, and provided a document with information." Iran's DM thanked the Saudi Defense Ministry for its briefing, and offered its good wishes for the success of this alliance and Islamic nations in general, stating that "we will always support initiatives that seek to strengthen the mutual cooperation between Islamic nations." said Iran's Minister of Defense Aziz Nasirzadeh.
   

A New, More Dangerous Era

The Saudi-Pakistan mutual defense pact is not merely a signed document; it is a symptom of a world order fracturing and reorganizing itself. It is born from a moment of extreme crisis and has triggered a swift and calculated response from Iran, as seen in the Larijani mission.

While intended to create stability through deterrence, the pact risks creating a more brittle and dangerous landscape. By explicitly tying the fate of the Arabian Peninsula to the nuclear calculus of South Asia, it has created a tripwire that, if ever crossed, could escalate a regional conflict into a global catastrophe overnight. The world is now witnessing a high-stakes diplomatic chess game where the moves are bold, the players are nervous, and the consequences are unimaginable. The world will be watching this new axis of power with bated breath and profound concern.

Javier Bardem Turns Emmy Spotlight Into a Call to End Gaza Genocide

Javier Bardem Turns Emmy Spotlight Into a Call to End Gaza Genocide

    Monday, September 15, 2025   No comments

At the 2025 Emmy Awards, Spanish actor Javier Bardem transformed a night of Hollywood glamour into an unflinching political statement. Stepping onto the red carpet draped in a black-and-white keffiyeh, Bardem called on the world to recognize what he described as Israel’s “genocide in Gaza” and to take concrete action to stop it.

Quoting the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS)—a body of academics who have studied the situation extensively—Bardem declared that the evidence leaves little ambiguity. “This is genocide,” he said plainly, before urging nations to impose sanctions and commercial boycotts against Israel until the violence ceases. “Free Palestine,” he concluded, his voice carrying over the flash of cameras and the buzz of entertainment reporters.

Culture Meets Conscience

Award shows are often critiqued for being insular, insulated from the world’s crises. But Bardem’s intervention reflects a growing expectation that public figures, especially those with global platforms, must use their visibility for more than self-promotion.

In choosing the Emmys as his stage, Bardem joined a lineage of artists who have used cultural moments to demand justice. From Marlon Brando’s refusal of his Oscar in 1973 to highlight Native American struggles, to the chorus of actors and musicians speaking out during the Vietnam War, South African apartheid, or most recently Black Lives Matter, Bardem’s statement fits into a broader tradition of celebrity activism.

What distinguishes his remarks, however, is their immediacy and specificity. He did not issue a vague call for “peace.” Instead, he named institutions and corporations he believes are complicit in “whitewashing or justifying” Israel’s actions, and pledged never to work with companies that fail to condemn the violence in Gaza. He also publicly aligned himself with Film Workers for Palestine, a coalition that presses the entertainment industry to sever ties with organizations connected to alleged war crimes.

Bardem’s stance underscores the deep fault lines running through the cultural industries. Hollywood and European cinema have long had fraught relationships with politics in the Middle East. Some actors and directors have faced backlash, blacklisting, or funding withdrawals for voicing pro-Palestinian views. Others have been criticized for silence or for participating in events seen as normalizing the occupation and violence.

The reaction to Bardem’s remarks mirrors these tensions. On social media, many praised his courage, sharing clips and quotes under hashtags like #FreePalestine and #ArtistsForJustice. Activist groups hailed him for giving voice to the voiceless at one of the year’s most visible entertainment events. Yet detractors accused him of politicizing a celebration of art, reflecting a broader discomfort with celebrities who challenge geopolitical orthodoxies.

A Pattern of Rising Voices

Bardem is far from alone. In recent years, artists across disciplines have increasingly spoken out about Gaza. During the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Palestinian director Lina Soualem wore a keffiyeh on the red carpet, while musicians such as Macklemore and Roger Waters released songs condemning Israeli military actions. The South African parliament even cited statements by international artists when it voted to cut diplomatic ties with Israel in 2023.

What sets Bardem’s Emmy moment apart is its timing and stage. The Emmys are broadcast worldwide, reaching millions of viewers who may not otherwise encounter unfiltered commentary on Gaza amid mainstream coverage. By wearing a keffiyeh and directly invoking the authority of genocide scholars, Bardem disrupted the carefully choreographed glamour of the event with a stark moral indictment.

Celebrity, Responsibility, and the Public Sphere

Bardem’s words raise a central question: what role should artists play in confronting injustice? For some, the answer is simple—entertainers should entertain. For others, the unique visibility of celebrity comes with responsibility. As Bardem himself noted, silence in moments of atrocity risks complicity.

Whether Hollywood will heed his call for accountability is uncertain. Studios and streaming giants have rarely taken a united stand on international conflicts, and the economic ties of the industry complicate any sweeping boycott or sanctions. Still, Bardem’s refusal to collaborate with companies unwilling to condemn the Gaza genocide adds personal stakes to his pledge, potentially influencing peers and partners.

The 2025 Emmy Awards will be remembered not only for who won but for what was said. Javier Bardem’s intervention punctured the surface of celebrity culture, reminding viewers that the red carpet can be more than a catwalk—it can be a pulpit for urgent truths.

In spotlighting Gaza on one of television’s most glamorous nights, Bardem signaled that artists are not merely entertainers. They are witnesses, voices, and sometimes the conscience of their generation. Whether or not the industry acts, Bardem’s words have already reverberated far beyond Hollywood, joining a chorus that insists the world must not look away.