election

Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister

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Dutch politician Wilders says he is ready to forego job of prime minister

Dutch politician Geert Wilders expressed his willingness to not pursue the position of prime minister to help establish a new right-wing government, following an election held on November 22, where his party received the most votes. Despite efforts and discussions with potential allies for over 100 days since the election, no successful coalition has been formed. Wilders emphasized his preference for a right-wing cabinet focused on reducing asylum and immigration, stating his love for his country and its voters surpasses his personal ambitions. The possibility of forming an “extra-parliamentary” cabinet, where leaders would not join the government but appoint external experts and politicians to government roles, has been considered.

ANALYSIS-Biden-Netanyahu rift raises questions about US weapons to Israel

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ANALYSIS-Biden-Netanyahu rift raises questions about US weapons to Israel

A rift has developed between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over potential military actions in Gaza, particularly concerning a ground offensive in the south of the enclave. This situation has led to discussions within the U.S. administration about possibly leveraging military aid to encourage Israel to facilitate humanitarian relief in Gaza and minimize civilian casualties in its conflict with Hamas. Despite Biden’s historical support for Israel, he has shown signs of frustration with Netanyahu’s responses and has not ruled out the possibility of conditioning military aid on Israel’s actions, especially regarding an invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. The U.S. has begun airdropping humanitarian supplies into Gaza and plans to build a floating aid dock off the Gaza coast. Conversations have occurred within the U.S. State Department about limiting military aid to Israel, though this idea has not gained traction among senior leadership. Biden’s approach to the situation is influenced by his 2024 re-election bid, aiming to balance support among pro-Israel voters and progressive Democrats. Public messaging from the U.S. has intensified following incidents that resulted in Palestinian civilian casualties.

Our View: What are schools if not human centred?

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Our View: What are schools if not human centred?

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou prioritized the transition to a modern, human-centred, and inclusive school system that cultivates abilities, skills, and knowledge for the next school year.

U.S. preparing new weapons package for Ukraine-officials

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U.S. preparing new weapons package for Ukraine-officials

The United States is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at up to 0 million. This package, the first in months, comes as additional funds for Kyiv are blocked by Republican leaders in Congress. The funding for this package is sourced from credits refunded to the Pentagon for recent purchases. U.S. President Joe Biden supports military aid to Ukraine, contrasting with his likely Republican opponent in the upcoming election, former president Donald Trump, who has a more isolationist stance. There is pressure on the House to pass a billion national security package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific, which has already cleared the Senate with a 70-29 vote. However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has resisted putting the aid bill up for a vote in the House.

Anti-Kremlin fighters launch cross-border attacks into Russia

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Anti-Kremlin fighters launch cross-border attacks into Russia

Armed fighters claiming to be Russian citizens opposed to the Kremlin conducted cross-border incursions into western Russia from Ukraine using tanks. Moscow reported repelling the attacks. The groups, acting independently according to Ukraine, aimed to distract Russian forces and relieve pressure on Ukrainian troops in eastern Ukraine. The Freedom of Russia Legion claimed control of Tyotkino, a village in Russia’s Kursk region. The attacks involved the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Siberian Battalion. Russia’s defense ministry stated it repelled the incursions and drone attacks in the Belgorod and Kursk regions. The incidents occurred days before Russia’s presidential election, with the groups hinting at opposition to the expected re-election of Putin.