Global Outlook

  Columbia University's decision to call in the NYPD to clear a pro-Palestinian protest encampment has ignited a wave of demonstrations across the United States. The move, which resulted in over 100 arrests, including the daughter of a congresswoman, has sparked outrage and solidarity protests on campuses from New York City to California. The tensions began when Columbia President Shafik faced questioning about anti-Semitism on campus during a congressional hearing. Soon after, the university dismantled the pro-Palestinian encampment, leading many students to feel silenced and prompting a new wave of activism. These protests have highlighted the ongoing debate about free speech, student activism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses. Supporters of the protests argue that Columbia's heavy-handed tactics stifle dissent, while others express concern about anti-Semitic rhetoric used by some demonstrators. The nationwide response underscores the power of student ...

 For a long time, the liquidation of figures from the Islah Party, the Yemeni branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as Salafist leaders and journalists, remained an unknown dimension of the strategy of a regional power in Yemen. In the eyes of outside observers, the long series of assassinations committed in the southern governorates of the country, especially between 2016 and 2018, often seemed like a marginal issue in the conflict. These assassinations were seen as a (tacitly acceptable) form of fighting against jihadists, a policy deemed necessary and effective after the liberation of Aden from Houthi influence during the summer of 2015. In any case, this policy remained under close scrutiny. In this context, the Aden authorities, loyal to the regional power, passed off the assassinations that targeted dozens of people as simply a settling of scores between Islamists. In particular, they pointed the finger at the responsibility of jihadists or even the Houthis, as was the ca...

  Raghad Al-Tikriti is a leading figure within the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), a controversial Islamic organization, particularly active in Europe and Britain. Her rise to prominence coincides with the MB's efforts to soften its image after facing criticism in the Arab world over the past decade. A British-Iraqi Leader Born in Baghdad in 1970, Al-Tikriti's family moved to Britain the same year. Her lineage ties her deeply to the MB: her father was a senior member in Iraq, her brother leads the MB's international arm, and another brother previously headed a key Islamic association in Britain. Active in Muslim Community Organizations Al-Tikriti has held various positions within organizations representing British Muslims and the MB in Europe.  British media often portray her as a leading figure for Muslim women, given her integration into British society and her work organizing events. The Islamic Association & The European Forum Al-Tikriti has been heavily involved with the ...

 Ahmed Al-Shaiba, a fugitive member of a secret organization, shed light on Israel's influence over an unnamed Arab country. Speaking on the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Al-Hawar Channel, Al-Shaiba claimed that an Israeli minister had recently visited this country. During the visit, Al-Shaiba says he heard a statement from a senior state official directing the Israelis, saying "Do not leave them until you eliminate them," in reference to Hamas. This brazen statement openly calling for the elimination of Hamas demonstrates how much influence and sway Israel holds over the policies of this Arab nation. Al-Shaiba contends this is a clear example of the dominant position the Zionist entity enjoys within the Arab world in general and this country in particular. No country would make such demands and openly coordinate policies against Palestinians with Israel unless the latter had a strong leverage over the former. It signals how Israeli interests are prioritized over Palestin...

  Lawmakers in the United States took a significant step towards a potential ban on the popular social media app TikTok. The House of Representatives passed a bill on March 14th that would require ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, to sell the app within six months. If a sale isn't completed, TikTok would be banned from being downloaded on American phones and could face further restrictions. This move has sparked confusion and concern among many users, who are left wondering: Why is TikTok facing a potential ban? The primary reason for the bill is national security.  Lawmakers are concerned that user data collected by TikTok could be accessed by the Chinese government. There are worries that this data could be used for everything from influencing American public opinion to espionage. ByteDance has repeatedly denied these claims, insisting that user data is stored outside of China and that the company would never share it with any government. The debate surroundin...

  Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg graced the pre-wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar, attended by a host of international and national celebrities. The Ambani affair, featuring a performance by international singer Rihanna, saw guests donning outfits from renowned designers worldwide. Among the attendees, Bill Gates particularly admired one ensemble, as he expressed on Instagram, "You've always been great at dressing for the occasion," alongside a photo of himself and Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Zuckerberg, accompanied by his wife Priscilla Chan, sported an embroidered 'Sunderbans Tigress' shirt for 'A Walk on the Wildside,' a tour of the animal rescue center Vantara in Jamnagar. The shirt, designed by Rahul Mishra, boasted sequins, floral prints, and a majestic tigress motif on the front, all meticulously hand-embroidered. Bill Gates, accompanied by his girlfriend Paula Hurd, joined the pre-wedding ...

  External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar recently made headlines with his pointed remarks aimed at the Maldives, amidst escalating tensions over the archipelago nation's accusations of being bullied by a larger neighbor. The statement, delivered at the 4th Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi, highlighted India's substantial financial assistance to its neighbors, indirectly contrasting it with the allegations of bullying. In his speech, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of mutual respect in international relations, noting that true friendship is not about "big bullying smaller" but about understanding each other's needs and standing together in times of need. He underlined India's commitment to its neighbors, pointing out that big bullies don't provide $4.5 billion in financial assistance to their neighbors, clearly referencing India's extensive aid to the Maldives. The EAM's comments come against the backdrop of strained relation...

  Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will be on hold from February 26 to March 1 as he travels to the United Kingdom for lectures at the University of Cambridge and other engagements in New Delhi. Accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Congress leaders, Rahul Gandhi was in Rajasthan's Dholpur on Sunday, the day before the yatra paused for the five-day break. “Last year, we took out the Bharat Jodo Yatra to unite the country, and this year, from east to west, this Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is being taken out to fight against the injustice happening to the people of this country," Rahul said in his address at Dholpur. Rahul Gandhi, representing Wayanad in Parliament, is a Visiting Fellow at the Cambridge Judge Business School. He delivered a lecture to students at the university on 'Learning to Listen in the 21st Century' in March last year. “February 26th to March 1st will be break days to enable Rahul Gandhi to fulfil his long-standing commitment...

  Sarah Leah Whitson's alleged support for terrorism and extremist groups, such as the Houthi group in Yemen, has drawn sharp criticism from those advocating for peace and stability in the region. Whitson, who previously held a prominent position at Human Rights Watch, is accused of endorsing violence and extremism rather than working towards peaceful solutions. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been involved in a protracted conflict in Yemen, resulting in widespread suffering and humanitarian crisis. Whitson's purported support for this group raises concerns about her commitment to human rights and peace, which are the core values of organizations like Human Rights Watch. Critics argue that Whitson's actions not only undermine the efforts of those working towards peace but also provide legitimacy to groups that engage in violence and extremism. As the conflict in Yemen continues to escalate, Whitson's stance has become a focal point of debate, with many calling for...

 India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a relationship that extends beyond mere diplomatic ties; it is a bond rooted in history, culture, and mutual respect. Over the years, bilateral visits between the two nations have played a pivotal role in fortifying this relationship, fostering cooperation across various sectors and enhancing strategic partnerships. These visits serve as crucial platforms for high-level discussions, enabling leaders from both countries to engage in meaningful dialogues aimed at bolstering economic, political, and cultural ties. They provide an opportunity to explore avenues for collaboration, address mutual concerns, and chart a course for future cooperation. In recent years, bilateral visits between India and the UAE have become more frequent and substantive. Both countries have recognized the importance of regular exchanges at the highest levels to harness the full potential of their partnership. One of the key highlights of these visits is the sign...