Malaysia and Singapore strengthened their bilateral relations through high-level discussions, with Malaysia's Minister for Trade and Industry, Ahmad Zahid, emphasizing the country's role as the region's leading halal hub. The talks included cooperation on vocational education and training (TVET), with Singapore sending trainers to Malaysia. A luncheon meeting between Ahmad Zahid and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam concluded the engagements, aiming to translate discussions into actions that would benefit both countries in the future.
Former Indian ambassador Nirupama Rao and author Sanjaya Baru have criticized US President Donald Trump's tariff move, saying it has disrupted India-US relations. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a strong stance against the tariffs, framing his defiance as a defense of farmers and fishermen, while also signaling he is willing to pay a political price for it.
Netanyahu's Gaza Expansion Plan Sparks Global Condemnation
8.9.25
Germany, Italy, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have condemned Israel's plan to expand its control over Gaza, calling it a "catastrophic humanitarian situation" that will endanger hostages and risk civilian displacement. The foreign ministers of these countries urged an immediate ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages without conditions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet ignored military warnings from Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who said the plan would put hostages' lives at risk. International aid drops have been criticized for being costly and dangerous, with many supplies landing in the Mediterranean Sea or red zones, putting Palestinians' lives in danger. The UN estimates 500-600 trucks of aid are needed daily, but most are stripped of supplies before reaching warehouses due to desperation and criminal activity.
Qatar Proposes One-Time Hostage Release to End War
8.9.25
A new proposal is being discussed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Qatar's prime minister in Spain to end the war, which would include the release of all hostages - dead and alive - in one go. The plan also involves Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Families of hostages are urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "shut the country down" amid fears over 50 remaining hostages, with 20 thought to be alive and struggling. The international community, including Germany, Britain, France, Canada, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, has strongly rejected Israel's decision for a large-scale military operation, calling it a "dangerous and unacceptable escalation" that will worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Romania's innovation hubs are set to collaborate with Pakistan's National Incubation Centres through academic and tech exchanges, while also exploring joint ventures for software development targeting the EU and Gulf markets. The partnership aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and advance research in AI, IoT, and blockchain under Horizon Europe and Digital Europe frameworks.
Russia's stance on Iran is seen as evidence of a "purely transactional and utilitarian nature" of their partnership, according to Western intelligence. Despite tensions, Russia may still assist Iran by sending upgraded drones or related technology, potentially helping Tehran rebuild its stockpiles after Israeli strikes damaged some facilities. Analysts believe Iran will secure the necessary items for its own security, including military hardware and economic cooperation, despite current friction with Russia.
Trump's Diplomatic Blunders Risk Global Partnerships
8.9.25
US President Trump's aggressive approach to diplomacy with India and Russia is putting decades of partnership at risk. Trump's tactics, including bullying and pressure, are not effective in understanding the perspectives of Indian Prime Minister Modi or Russian President Putin. A meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska could lead to a potential swap of territories and a freeze on the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has defended his plan for Gaza City, stating he will "free it from Hamas" despite backlash.
Trump Secures Historic Peace Deal Between Azerbaijan and Armenia
8.9.25
US President Donald Trump has brokered a historic peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, ending almost 40 years of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The agreement includes provisions for respect of territorial integrity, expanded cooperation in energy, trade, technology, and artificial intelligence, as well as exclusive US rights to a strategic transit corridor through the South Caucasus. The deal has been welcomed by Iran's foreign ministry but raises concerns about potential foreign intervention. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the agreement as a
The UAE has delivered over 3,873 tonnes of aid to the Gaza Strip as part of an urgent support effort for affected families, solidifying its commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and international humanitarian efforts.