Biden allows long-range missile attacks on Russia. Kyiv residents expressed gratitude for President Biden’s approval of ATACMS for Ukraine but criticized the delayed decision. Many called for broader strikes on Russia, highlighting frustrations over Western hesitation. Yevhenii Lesyk, 26, noted that Russia “only understands force,” while Volodymyr Drach, 70, questioned why it took so long. Tetiana, 35, and Liudmyla Havliuk, 52, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the toll on Ukrainian lives. The US intends the weapons primarily for Kursk, a key Russian region targeted in Ukraine’s summer counteroffensive.
MASS STABBING AT CHINESE COLLEGE: EIGHT DEAD
A stabbing attack at Wuxi Vocational Institute of Arts and Technology in Yixing, Jiangsu province, located in eastern China, killed eight and injured 17 on November 16. The suspect, a recent graduate, was reportedly motivated by academic failures and dissatisfaction with internship compensation. Video footage showed victims lying on the ground as bystanders screamed. This incident adds to a series of recent violent attacks in China, including a deadly car incident in Zhuhai and stabbings in Beijing and Shanghai, shaking the perception of safety in a nation known for low violent crime rates.
BRAZIL TO BUILD ON INDIA’S LEGACY FROM G20 PRESIDENCY
Brazilian Ambassador Kenneth da Nóbrega praised India’s G20 presidency for fostering consensus on geopolitical issues, aiding Brazil’s leadership. As Brazil prepares for the G20 summit in Rio, priorities include fighting hunger, addressing climate change, and reforming global institutions like the UN. The Ambassador highlighted India’s successful push for African Union inclusion and emphasized the shared focus of Brazil, India, and South Africa on advancing global South priorities. Brazil’s presidency also seeks innovative financial mechanisms to support climate action and poverty alleviation in developing nations.
KHAMENEI ADDRESSES COMA RUMOURS
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei clears coma rumours making rounds through a photo shared on X, showing him meeting Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. Reports had speculated his critical health and his son Mojtaba’s nomination as successor. The meeting followed Khamenei’s rare October sermon, where he justified missile strikes on Israel as legitimate and called it “public service”. He also warned Israel that it would fail and ‘won’t last long’. The ambassador, who was among the 3,000 people to get injured in pager blasts, attributed to Israel, updated Khamenei on his recovery,
COP29: PACIFIC LEADERS CONDEMN AUSTRALIA’S CLIMATE POLICIES
At COP29 in Baku, Pacific leaders accused Australia of “climate injustice,” highlighting its expansion of gas industry in Western Australia. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s climate envoy, criticized Australia’s export of climate destruction, contrasting it with Pacific nations’ minimal emissions yet severe climate impacts. Tuvalu’s Minister Maina Talia called the 1.5°C limit a lifeline for vulnerable communities facing rising seas. Australia’s push for new fossil fuel projects, including extending the North West Shelf gas facility to 2070, undermines its bid to co-host COP31. Pacific leaders demand Australia halt fossil fuel development and prioritize emission cuts.
