Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, announced during a recent interview that if he wins, he would instruct NYPD officers to arrest Israel’s prime minister should he set foot in the city. Mamdani described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a war criminal responsible for genocide in Gaza. He stated that if Netanyahu visits New York, he would carry out the arrest order issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) by directing police to detain him at the airport.
Legal experts have cautioned that such actions would be highly unlikely and possibly violate federal law. Despite this, Mamdani remains firm, asserting, “This is something I intend to follow through on. I want this city to stand for international law.”
It’s important to note that the United States does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction, and President Donald Trump imposed measures against the court in February after it issued the arrest warrant for Netanyahu, claiming the court lacked authority over the U.S. and Israel.
Netanyahu has dismissed the threats, calling Mamdani’s proposal “silly in many ways” during a meeting with Trump at the White House, and adding, “I’ll come with President Trump, and we’ll see.” Trump echoed the sentiments, warning Mamdani to “behave,” implying that any misstep could lead to serious consequences.
The ICC warrant accuses Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, alleging that he and other Israeli officials intentionally deprived civilians of essential resources including food, water, and medicine. Mamdani has argued that Netanyahu made military decisions while in New York that resulted in civilian casualties in the Middle East.
A recent survey conducted by The New York Times and Siena College showed that New Yorkers broadly support Mamdani’s stance on Israel and the conflict. Among likely Jewish voters, Mamdani led narrowly at around 30%, closely followed by incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo, Mamdani’s main opponent, has been a vocal supporter of Israel and even volunteered to join Netanyahu’s legal team last November, shortly after the ICC issued its warrant.
Trump commented Friday that Mayor Adams’ ongoing reelection campaign makes it unlikely for anyone to defeat Mamdani but also stated that Adams is “free to do what he wants.” He added, “If he (Adams) remains in the race, especially against Mamdani, victory seems unlikely.” Trump also suggested Cuomo might have a better chance if it’s a one-on-one race, but with multiple candidates, the competition would be tougher.
US President Donald Trump has announced that his administration is actively negotiating to remove trade barriers with India and expects to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the coming weeks. This development has sparked optimism about reaching a new trade agreement, following weeks of tension.
Trump expressed a positive outlook on social media, stating he looks forward to connecting with Modi soon and believes both countries can achieve a mutually beneficial resolution. In response, Modi also shared a hopeful message, emphasizing the strong friendship and partnership between Washington and New Delhi. He highlighted that both teams are working diligently to conclude trade talks quickly and anticipates a joint effort toward a prosperous future for their peoples.
Recently, Trump suggested that India might reduce its tariffs on U.S. goods to zero, criticizing the delay and suggesting that India should have lowered tariffs years ago. His more optimistic remarks follow a period of fluctuating negotiations that strained the relationship.
India’s top economic advisor warned that the 50% tariffs imposed by Trump could potentially cut India’s gross domestic product by half a percentage point in 2025. Trump had previously claimed the two sides were close to a trade deal but then doubled tariffs on Indian imports, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-India economic ties, which had grown stronger during Trump’s earlier term.
These higher tariffs followed India’s refusal to cease buying Russian oil amid U.S. efforts to pressure Moscow over Ukraine. Additionally, reports indicate Trump has been urging the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on imports from India and China.
In 2024, U.S.-India trade in goods totaled $129 billion, with the U.S. experiencing a deficit of approximately $45.8 billion, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
France’s parliament voted to oust the government Monday over its plans to address the rapidly growing national debt, intensifying the political crisis and leaving President Emmanuel Macron with the difficult task of selecting a fifth prime minister in less than two years.
74-year-old François Bayrou, who assumed the role of prime minister just nine months ago, is now required to resign. This development narrows Macron’s options as financial markets express concern about France’s political and economic stability.
Bayrou called the confidence vote unexpectedly to seek backing for his approach to reduce a deficit nearly twice the EU’s 3% limit, while also tackling a debt load equaling 114% of GDP. However, opposition parties showed little interest in supporting his plan to cut 44 billion euros ($51.5 billion) from next year’s budget, especially with a presidential election scheduled for 2027.
Macron could appoint another centrist or conservative figure as his next prime minister, though this would likely result in an unstable coalition. Alternatively, he might choose a moderate socialist or a technocrat. Regardless, none of these options appears likely to secure a parliamentary majority. Finance Minister Eric Lombard warned that the formation of a new government would probably lead to a scaled-back deficit reduction plan.
There’s speculation that Macron might call a snap election to resolve the crisis, but so far, he has resisted pressure from the far-right National Rally and the hard-left France Unbowed to dissolve parliament again.
### Fiscal Crisis
The immediate challenge for the incoming government will be passing a new budget—an uphill battle that Bayrou also faced.
“You have the power to bring down the government, but you cannot erase reality,” Bayrou told lawmakers before the vote. “Reality remains relentless: expenses continue to climb, and the overwhelming debt burden will only grow more costly and difficult to manage.”
France’s very survival is at stake, he warned.
European allies are watching with concern. France’s deficit as a share of GDP is the highest among eurozone countries, and it spends more on debt service than Spain. The spreads on French 10-year bonds against benchmark German bonds are at their highest in four months.
Fitch Ratings announced it would review France’s AA- credit rating with a negative outlook on September 12, with Moody’s and S&P following suit in October and November. A downgrade would make it harder for France to borrow cheaply, worsening its debt issues.
Uncertainty over France’s political and fiscal future could weaken Macron’s influence across Europe, especially as the U.S. adopts a more assertive stance on trade and security, and as conflict persists in Ukraine on Europe’s eastern border.
Macron and other centrist and conservative leaders believe holding a snap election wouldn’t resolve the crisis and are exploring dialogue with the Socialists, according to two sources familiar with his thinking.
The Socialists have proposed a counter-budget, including a new 2% tax on personal fortunes over 100 million euros and expected savings of 22 billion euros. However, this plan conflicts with Macron’s pro-business reform agenda.
Public unrest may also be mounting. A grassroots protest group called “Bloquons Tout” (Let’s Block Everything) plans nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday, with trade unions organizing strikes the following week.
“France is finished,” said Mohamed, an 80-year-old retired hospital worker selling produce at Paris’s Aligre market.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to step down to prevent a split within his ruling party, Japanese media reported Sunday, raising new political uncertainty in the world’s fourth-largest economy. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Reuters, but the government announced that Ishiba would hold a press conference at 6 p.m. local time (9 a.m. GMT).
Since taking office last September, Ishiba’s coalition has lost its majority in both chambers of parliament amid public frustration over rising living costs. Despite internal calls within the Liberal Democratic Party for him to resign and take responsibility for the July loss in the upper house, he has refused to step down. Last week’s political turmoil triggered a sell-off in the yen and Japanese government bonds, with the 30-year bond yield reaching a record high on Wednesday.
Speculation about Ishiba’s future intensified when the LDP scheduled a vote for Monday on whether to hold an extraordinary leadership election. While the political deadlock could further harm an economy already affected by U.S. tariffs, markets are more focused on the potential replacement of Ishiba by a leader advocating for looser fiscal and monetary policies, such as Sanae Takaichi, who has criticized the Bank of Japan’s interest rate hikes.
Ishiba narrowly won the LDP leadership runoff against Takaichi. If he resigns, his final act as Prime Minister will have been to finalize a trade agreement with the United States last week, under which Japan committed to investing $550 billion in exchange for reduced tariffs from President Donald Trump on key Japanese autos.
Hamas claims there will be no disarmament unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. They state that they will not give up their weapons otherwise. The group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 but has been heavily militarily damaged by Israel, insists it will continue armed resistance.
Negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages recently ended without agreement. Meanwhile, Hamas has released a second video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appears gaunt and is seen digging a hole, claiming it is for his own grave.
David’s brother, Ilay, warned at a rally in Tel Aviv supporting the hostages that they are on the verge of death and may only have days left to live under their harsh conditions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the situation, stating the international community cannot remain silent over the graphic images of hostage suffering, including starvation.
Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, visited Israel and spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a recording reviewed by Reuters, Witkoff said they are working on a comprehensive plan with Israel for Gaza’s reconstruction, which would effectively end the war. The White House did not respond immediately to request for details on his comments.
Witkoff also mentioned that Hamas might disarm to end the conflict, though the group has consistently refused to surrender its weapons. Hamas reiterated its stance that it will maintain “armed resistance” until an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is achieved.
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, seeking a ceasefire and hostage releases, concluded last week without progress. On Saturday, Hamas released another video of Evyatar David, showing him in a depleted state, claiming he is preparing his own burial site.
His brother, Ilay, emphasized at a rally that the hostages are in dire condition, with some only days away from death. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Sa’ar, demanded the world condemn the hostage abuses, including starvation.
In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, Witkoff visited aid agencies in southern Gaza, where the UN has criticized the partial aid efforts and called for increased access. Gaza’s health ministry reports recent deaths from malnutrition following Israel’s blockade of supplies for nearly three months.
Israel blames Hamas for Gaza’s suffering and claims it is taking steps to facilitate aid, such as pausing fighting during parts of the day, conducting air drops, and establishing routes for convoys. However, UN officials say these measures are insufficient, and much more aid needs to be allowed in by land to prevent further tragedy.
The conflict erupted when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. Currently, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only around 20 believed to be alive.
Bangladesh’s temporary government announced on Saturday that it will introduce a set of democratic reforms on August 5, marking the one-year anniversary of the ousting of the previous authoritarian regime.
The South Asian country, home to approximately 170 million people, has been embroiled in political unrest since a student-led uprising toppled then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, ending her 15-year leadership.
Muhammad Yunus, the 85-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate now serving as the chief adviser leading the caretaker government until elections take place, has stated he inherited a “completely broken” public administration system.
Yunus had previously committed to unveiling a “significant package” to revamp democratic institutions.
However, progress has been slow as political parties compete for control ahead of the early 2026 elections.
Yunus’s administration has cautioned that ongoing political power struggles could threaten the progress achieved so far.
On July 29, Yunus shared that he is working toward “building a broad national consensus around a renewed political system — one that guarantees inclusive, participatory, and credible elections.”
His office indicated that the “July Proclamation” would be “presented to the nation… in the presence of all political parties involved in the mass uprising.”
Under Hasina’s tenure, widespread human rights abuses were reported, including mass arrests and extrajudicial killings of political opponents.
Her government was also accused of politicizing the courts and civil service, manipulating election outcomes, and dismantling democratic safeguards on its authority.
Hasina, 77, fled to India, where she has ignored court orders to attend her ongoing trial on charges that amount to crimes against humanity.
Protests erupted on July 1, 2024, when university students demanded reforms to a quota system for public-sector jobs.
These demonstrations peaked on August 5, 2024, when thousands of protesters stormed Hasina’s palace as she escaped in a helicopter.
Elon Musk converses with US President-elect Donald Trump during the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, November 19, 2024. — Reuters
WASHINGTON: Elon Musk has taken the political arena by storm, calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
The billionaire entrepreneur’s demand follows a heated public dispute with Trump over government spending and electric vehicle subsidies.
Once allies, the two have become opponents, with Musk asserting that Trump is no longer suitable for leadership. Their conflict escalated on social media, capturing public attention and shaking the markets.
The tensions began when Trump critiqued Tesla CEO Musk during a meeting at the Oval Office. Within hours, their previously solid alliance had visibly crumbled, with the world’s wealthiest man and its most powerful trading barbs on Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X platform.
“A simple way to cut costs from our budget — savings in the billions — is to eliminate Elon’s government subsidies and contracts,” Trump claimed on Truth Social.
Following Trump’s remarks, Wall Street reacted sharply, causing Tesla’s stock to plummet by 14.3%, wiping out around $150 billion in market value — the largest single-day drop in the company’s history.
Just after the market closed, Musk responded affirmatively to a post on X that suggested Trump should be impeached. Currently, Trump’s Republican Party holds majorities in both chambers of Congress, making impeachment highly improbable.
The rift had been simmering, starting when Musk criticized Trump’s extensive tax-cut and spending legislation. Initially, Trump remained silent while Musk fought against the bill, arguing it would exacerbate the nation’s $36.2 trillion debt.
Finally addressing the issue, Trump expressed his disappointment in Musk during a Thursday briefing in the Oval Office.
“Elon and I used to have a great relationship. I’m not sure that will continue,” Trump remarked.
As Trump spoke, Musk unloaded a series of pointed posts on X.
“Without my support, Trump would have lost the election,” Musk declared, referencing his nearly $300 million backing for Trump and other Republicans in the last election. “What ingratitude!”
In another post, Musk cautioned that Trump’s tariffs might lead the U.S. into a recession by year’s end.
In addition to Tesla, Musk oversees SpaceX and its satellite division, Starlink, which are critical components of the U.S. government’s space initiatives. In retaliation to Trump’s threats, Musk announced the planned retirement of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, the only U.S. vehicle currently able to transport astronauts to the International Space Station.
A Clash of Titans
While the dispute was not entirely surprising, as both Trump and Musk possess strong personalities and are unafraid to engage in public disputes, many had speculated about a possible fallout.
Even before Musk exited the administration last week, his influence had started to wane due to ongoing disagreements with cabinet officials over his aggressive cost-cutting measures.
This marks the first significant split with a senior advisor for Trump since he began his second term, although his initial term was marked by several dramatic exits.
Trump said goodbye to multiple chief of staff, national security advisors, and political strategists between 2017 and 2021, with some, like Steve Bannon, remaining loyal, while others, such as Ambassador John Bolton, became outspoken critics.
Musk had been one of Trump’s most visible advisors, notably as the largest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign. As the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk spearheaded a controversial initiative to downsize the federal workforce and reduce spending.
He was frequently seen at the White House and Congress, often accompanied by his young son.
Just six days prior to Thursday’s flare-up, Trump and Musk were seen together in the Oval Office, praising each other’s contributions and promising future collaboration.
However, this feud now poses a threat to Republican cohesion ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Musk’s vast following and fundraising connections within Silicon Valley could complicate matters for the party.
Moreover, Musk has indicated plans to cut back on his political donations moving forward.
Shortly after Trump’s comments, Musk conducted a poll for his 220 million followers on X asking:
“Should we consider forming a new political party in America that truly represents the 80% in the center?”
On the Offensive
This week, Musk harshly criticized Trump’s “magnificent bill,” labeling it a “repugnant disaster” that could inflate the federal deficit. His remarks have further exposed divisions within the Republican Party that threaten the bill’s passage in the Senate.
Nonpartisan analysts have suggested that the bill could potentially increase the $36.2 trillion national debt by an estimated $2.4 trillion to $5 trillion.
Trump countered, saying Musk’s opposition stems from the bill’s reduction in electric vehicle tax credits, asserting that Musk longs for his time in the White House.
“He’s not the first,” Trump commented. “People leave my administration… and eventually they miss it. Some embrace their return, while others grow resentful.”
Musk responded on X, exclaiming: “KILL the BILL,” adding that he might consider relinquishing the EV credits if Republicans eliminated the “mountain of offensive spending” within it.
He also alluded to Trump’s previous criticisms of excessive government spending: “Where is this guy today?”
When he entered government, Musk vowed to trim $2 trillion from the budget but departed having achieved only a modest cut of half a percent, leaving chaos in his wake.
His shifting political stance has provoked protests at Tesla facilities in both the U.S. and Europe, impacting sales and raising concerns among investors about Musk’s distractions.
Protests Intensify in Dhaka Amid Political Turmoil
Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party demonstrate in Dhaka’s Naya Paltan area. — Reuters/File
Thousands gathered to support the Bangladesh National Party in Dhaka.
Leftist parties are preparing protests against the release of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader.
At least six different demonstrations occurred in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Protests have become a routine part of life in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Many residents either participate in the events as political factions vie for power after last year’s upheaval or try to avoid the chaos altogether.
Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024—having fled by helicopter as demonstrators stormed her palace—the South Asian nation of approximately 170 million has been embroiled in political strife.
Hasina’s 15-year-long authoritarian governance stifled dissent, holding back protests until a student-led uprising led to her downfall.
On Wednesday, Dhaka, a city with over 20 million residents, witnessed at least six protests, encompassing political rallies, counter-protests, labor strikes, and even celebrations surrounding the release of a leader from death row.
“I was freed this morning after spending 14 years in prison,” exclaimed ATM Azharul Islam, waving to thousands of supporters from the Jamaat-e-Islami party.
As the crowd erupted in cheers following his release from a prison hospital in central Dhaka—a day after the Supreme Court overturned his death sentence and acquitted him of war crimes—Islam communicated his past grievances and expressed hope for future justice.
“Previous rulings lacked fairness… We anticipate that the court will uphold justice moving forward,” he stated.
In contrast, leftist factions have condemned his release and plan to hold counter-demonstrations.
Across Ramna Park in the Naya Paltan district, a massive crowd filled the streets in a show of support for the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), as political groups brace for much-anticipated elections scheduled by the interim government for no later than June 2026.
‘Unpredictable’ Atmosphere
While tens of thousands of protesters gather at key intersections in Dhaka, others struggle through the congested streets.
“All major roads are blocked during the day,” lamented Zakir Hossain, a chicken vendor. “I’ve had to adjust my working hours and now start my day at midnight, even though the security situation is deteriorating, and muggings are becoming frequent.”
This instability is a reminder of the violence that erupted last year when police attempted to suppress protests that ultimately led to Hasina’s exit.
“The situation is unpredictable—protests can escalate into violence at any time,” voiced a housewife who wished to remain anonymous due to her husband’s government employment. “I used to refrain from calling him often, but now I worry whenever he is late returning home.”
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate heading the caretaker government, has called for unity among political factions to ease the intense competition for power.
The government issued a warning on Saturday about “unreasonable demands” impeding its efforts.
‘Finding Balance’
Yunus has proposed that elections could occur as soon as December, although he indicated a later date would allow more time for governmental reforms.
Rallies organized by the influential BNP are demanding the government set a date for the elections and address a range of other issues, including the dismissal of certain cabinet members.
Tax authority employees have been staging a partial strike for two weeks in response to reforms that would place their agency under the finance ministry’s purview.
This tension intensified over the weekend when security forces cordoned off the national tax headquarters, subsequently prompting the government to reconsider its proposals.
Civil servants also staged protests this week at major government office complexes against directives altering employment regulations, which the government indicated it would review.
The demonstrations continue as everyday life is disrupted.
“Customers rarely visit the bank when the roads are blocked,” remarked bank manager Muhammed Sazzad. While he supports the right to protest, he suggested that authorities might designate specific areas for demonstrations.
Rakib Hasan Anik, a lecturer at the Bangladesh University of Professionals, expressed concern about the academic disruptions caused by the unrest, with students frequently caught in traffic and missing classes.
“There needs to be a balance,” he said. “We hope all parties can come together to prioritize the needs of the public.”
