This week’s events underscore the close interconnection between domestic politics, regional crises, and global dynamics—particularly the issue of Palestine’s bid, which has the potential to heighten tensions among major powers within the global political constellation. At the same time, the series of natural disasters occurring almost weekly across various parts of the world reflects the urgency of global issues that must be addressed collectively through international cooperation.
From New York, a total of 157 out of 193 United Nations member states, representing 81 percent of the international community, granted official recognition to Palestine as a sovereign state during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Western European countries such as France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Andorra, and Belgium also issued their recognition, followed by the Holy See. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu firmly rejected the move. In a post on his X account, Netanyahu claimed that recognizing Palestine was a “major reward for terrorism” following the attacks of 7 October 2023.
On the other hand, Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, was appointed as the interim leader of the Gaza Strip through the establishment of the Gaza International Transitional Authority. This body is designed to administer Gaza for up to five years before it is handed over to the Palestinian Authority. The mandate will be submitted to the United Nations, with the aim of becoming the highest political and legal authority in the post-war territory.
Meanwhile, East Asia was struck by severe natural disasters. Super Typhoon Ragasa hit Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China before moving toward Vietnam on Thursday (25/9), with average wind speeds of 165 mph. The storm caused significant damage, including the explosion of a barrier lake that killed 17 people. At the same time, Typhoon Bualoi struck Luzon, Philippines, resulting in nine fatalities.
Still in the Philippines, large-scale demonstrations led by the youth erupted after the exposure of a fictitious flood-control project that resulted in billions of dollars in losses. What began as peaceful protests turned violent when masked groups attacked security forces, burned vehicles, and damaged property. The police arrested 224 suspects, some of whom are minors.
From the Middle East, the United Nations has reinstated an arms embargo on Iran after the country was deemed to have violated the 2015 nuclear agreement. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany accused Tehran of continuing to develop nuclear technology with potential military applications, while Iran denied the allegations. The collapse of the nuclear deal risks heightening tensions, especially after Israel and the United States carried out attacks on several Iranian nuclear facilities.
A crisis also struck South Korea, where a fire at the national data center on Friday (26/9) crippled 647 government online services, including the postal office, emergency response systems, and public complaint platforms. South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued an official apology for the incident, which was caused by a lithium battery fire that housed the country’s core IT systems.
In Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste abolished the lifetime pension policy for public officials after facing pressure from student-led demonstrations. The law, in effect since 2006, had guaranteed former members of parliament, presidents, prime ministers, and cabinet ministers full salary benefits for life. On Friday (26/9), the parliament officially revoked the policy by majority vote.
Source:
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