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Al Arabiya
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
A weapon threatening global security
In Lebanon, Hezbollah's weapons are no longer just a divisive domestic issue. They have evolved into an international concern that threatens global peace, hinders the establishment of a functioning state, and paralyzes the entire political system. Despite the cautious optimism expressed by US Envoy Tom Barrack regarding Lebanon's response to the disarmament file, the party's leadership continues to reaffirm its unwavering attachment to its arms. As stated explicitly by Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem: 'Hezbollah can't be told to give up our weapons.' This statement is not just political posturing – it is a clear declaration that weapons have become a substitute identity for the state itself, serving as a shield for consolidating power rather than liberating land. For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. The model of a party or faction monopolizing power outside of state institutions is not unique to Lebanon. We also see it in Yemen, though it has escalated there in a more alarming form. Last week, Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar al-Eryani warned of the start of ballistic missile and drone manufacturing programs being localized in areas under Houthi control – specifically in Saada, Hajjah, and the outskirts of Sanaa. According to al-Eryani's warning, the situation has moved beyond smuggling into a stage of organized transfer of advanced military capabilities into environments that fall outside any form of legal oversight and do not recognize the concept of a national state. The shift from merely using weapons to manufacturing them within areas outside of control not only threatens Yemen, but also pushes regional and global security to the brink. Yemen's geographic position near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Arabian Sea makes it a vital corridor for global trade. Any tension or escalation in this region would destabilize international shipping routes and global supply chains. These warnings do not appear isolated from the broader international context. A 2022 report by Canada's National Defence Studies Centre noted that the Houthis, along with four other groups in the region, have developed advanced and sustainable drone programs. These programs differ in methods but are equally dangerous. The report emphasized that the real threat lies not just in possessing the technology but in incorporating it into aggressive military doctrines beyond any legal or regulatory framework. The report stressed that innovation and rapid adaptation in such programs – especially in areas beyond state control – represent a serious challenge that cannot be countered by traditional means. According to the report, each armed group has developed its own approach to drone warfare, tailored to its operational environment and objectives. This makes such programs flexible, scalable, and too complex to be addressed through temporary or reactive measures. What we are witnessing today cannot be dismissed as a passing or temporary phenomenon. It is the result of a long path of accumulating advanced weaponry in the hands of groups that do not recognize state sovereignty and are not hesitant to use these weapons across borders – in open defiance of the state. If Hezbollah's experience in Lebanon has ended in political paralysis and factional dominance over state institutions, then what the Houthis are building in Yemen signals something far more dangerous: a wide-open threat to global maritime security, given its proximity to a strategic waterway and one of the most vital straits in global supply chains. The real danger lies in the political vacuum that allows such groups to develop, store, and operate weapons without accountability or oversight. In an extremely sensitive region like the southern Red Sea, any reckless act could ignite a crisis that spreads far beyond the Yemeni conflict. Even so, the responsibility of Yemen's legitimate government is not only to express concern, but also to strengthen its political presence and intensify its efforts to confront this threat – even if that requires seeking international support to control the situation. Additionally, there must be a way to bring the Houthis back to the negotiating table in an attempt to find a way out of the broader crisis. Leaving this type of weaponry in areas beyond state control will transform Yemen from a site of internal conflict into a platform for global threat. Dealing with the issue of drones and ballistic missiles outside of state authority has become an urgent necessity that demands coordinated international action. When weapons are made in the shadows, tested at sea, and launched across borders, then talk of local security becomes meaningless – because the threat is now global, and weapons no longer recognize borders.
Times of Oman
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just 'convenience': PM Modi at BRICS summit
Rio de Janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 17th BRICS Summit on Sunday, asserted that condemning terrorism must be a "principle" rather than a matter of "convenience", describing it as the "most serious challenge" for humanity in the current global scenario. Addressing the BRICS Session on Peace and Security, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22 as a stark reminder of terrorism's threat to global peace and called for unwavering international solidarity. He stated that the attack was a blow to the "soul, identity, and dignity" of India, acknowledging the international support that the nation received in solidarity. "Terrorism has become the most serious challenge for humanity today. Recently India faced an inhuman and cowardly terrorist attack. On 22 April, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was a direct attack on the soul, identity, and dignity of India. This attack was a blow not only to India but to the entire humanity. In this hour of grief, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us, who expressed support and condolences," the PM stated. "Condemning terrorism should be our 'principle', not just a 'convenience'. If we first see in which country the attack took place and against whom, then it would be a betrayal against humanity," he added. He further emphasised the need for decisive action, calling for sanctions against such acts. He further noted that words and actions regarding terrorism should be the same. "There should be no hesitation in imposing sanctions against terrorists. The victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale. For personal or political gain, giving silent consent to terrorism and supporting terror or terrorists should not be acceptable under any circumstances. There should be no difference between words and actions regarding terrorism. If we cannot do this, then the question naturally arises: are we serious about the fight against terrorism or not?" he noted. The Prime Minister's address also situated the fight against terrorism within a broader global context, noting the pervasive threats from West Asia to Europe and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "From West Asia to Europe, today the world is surrounded by disputes and tensions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a cause of great concern. India firmly believes that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, the path of peace is the only option for the welfare of humanity," he said while reaffirming India's commitment to peace rooted in its cultural heritage and positioning the country as a proponent of peaceful resolution. "India is the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no place for war and violence for us. India supports every effort that takes the world away from division and conflict and leads it towards dialogue, cooperation, and coordination and increases solidarity and trust," he added. PM Modi also highlighted the role of BRICS in fostering global peace and security, stating, "Global peace and security is not just an ideal; it is the foundation of our common interests and future. The development of humanity is possible only in a peaceful and secure environment. BRICS has a very important role in fulfilling this objective. We have to unite and make collective efforts to face our common challenges. We have to move forward together." The Prime Minister concluded with an invitation to BRICS leaders to visit India for the next summit under India's chairmanship in 2026, further underscoring the alliance's potential to drive global stability. The summit, hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, saw leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia coming together during the event. (
CNA
04-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Tariff and trade wars will have ‘no winners': China's vice president at World Peace Forum
BEIJING: A senior Chinese leader on Thursday (Jul 3) made a subtle but pointed counterattack at United States President Donald Trump's foreign and trade policies. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said that tariff and trade wars will have no winners, during his speech at the 13th World Peace Forum at the Tsinghua University in Beijing. He added that maintaining the multilateral trade system is key to avoiding disruptions in global supply chains. His remarks came as the Jul 9 deadline nears for countries to complete tariff negotiations with Washington. Han laid out a four-point proposal on advancing global peace and prosperity – the theme of this year's forum. They are: learning from history and safeguarding international order, improving global governance, promoting openness and cooperation, and advancing toward modernisation. He warned against what he called a 'supremacist hegemonic mindset', a term typically used by Chinese state media to describe the US. He pitched China as a key force in maintaining peace amid heightened geopolitical tensions. 'In today's increasingly volatile world, all parties must take shared responsibility,' he said. 'Military force is not a viable solution to international disputes. It only fuels hatred and deepens division. We must not return to the law of the jungle or embrace hegemonism and unilateral dominance.' He also raised concerns about the threat of a widening gap between the rich and poor, as well as the inequalities in global growth, specifically among developing countries. WORLD PEACE FORUM Some 1,200 participants, including foreign dignitaries, international strategists and scholars, attended the event. The forum featured more than 60 foreign speakers, with half hailing from Global South countries such as Egypt, Kazakhstan, and South Africa. Analysts said Beijing is leveraging the platform to deepen ties with the Global South and reinforce the narrative of its peaceful rise as a global power. '(As) the largest country in the Global South, (China) wants to use its heft to represent the needs and wants of the Global South that aligns with its own national interests and agenda,' said Lim Tai Wei, a professor at Soka University. He added that some among the Chinese political elites perceive the US as shifting away from its traditional role of a global leader – marked by more inward-looking and nationalistic policies – and that Beijing could step in to fill the gap. While Vice President Han was discreet, the language was less subtle in another session at the peace forum, with a senior Chinese diplomat calling out the US for stirring up conflict instead of encouraging peace. Liu Jianchao, who heads the International Department of the Communist Party of China, cited US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent remarks at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, when he touted the Trump administration's peace through strength doctrine. Liu told the forum that a stable and secure external environment is essential for China's sustained development.
NHK
02-07-2025
- NHK
Over 10,000 wind chimes welcome visitors to temple in southwestern Japan
The soothing sounds of more than 10,000 wind chimes are providing relief from the heat at a temple in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Fukuoka. Visitors to Mitsuidera temple in Tagawa City can enjoy the refreshing musical accompaniment through August 31. Colorful strips of paper hang from the chimes, bearing messages people have written that wish for their family's health and global peace. Visitors are treated to a calming atmosphere created by the chimes and soap bubbles that are blown into the temple precinct. A woman from the prefecture's Kitakyushu City, who visited the temple with her friend, said the beautiful sounds of the chimes made her feel happy. Another woman, from Yamaguchi Prefecture, said she was moved by the sight, as she had never seen so many wind chimes.
Reuters
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
UN chief warns 80-year-old founding charter 'not an a la carte menu'
UNITED NATIONS, June 26 (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Thursday that the U.N. Charter was under assault like never before as the 193-member world body marked the 80th anniversary of the signing of its founding document. "We see an all too familiar pattern: Follow when the Charter suits, ignore when it does not. The Charter of the United Nations is not optional. It is not an a la carte menu. It is the bedrock of international relations," Guterres said. Countries regularly accuse each other of breaching the Charter, but few face concrete consequences. In recent years Russia and Israel have been called out by the General Assembly for violating the Charter with their wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, respectively. Both conflicts still rage. In the past week, Iran accused the United States of violating the Charter with its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the U.S. justified them under the Charter as self-defense. The United Nations was born out of the end of World War Two and the Charter was signed in San Francisco by an initial 50 states on June 26, 1945. It came into force four months later with the aim of saving succeeding generations from war and upholding human dignity and the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small. While the United Nations had done a lot of good over the past eight decades, senior U.S. diplomat McCoy Pitt said the world body should not "overlook the shortcomings that limit the UN's potential." "We regret that the U.N. has lost sight of its founding mission. In this regard, wars still rage on multiple continents," he said. "The principles of the UN Charter must remain at the heart of this institution, not just as an agreement for a better world, but also as a continuing call to action."
