North Korea and Russia ratify defence deal

North Korea ratified the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through a decree signed Monday. The defence treaty, described in a report on AP News as the countries’ biggest defence deal since the end of the Cold War, stipulates mutual military aid and will take effect when both sides exchange documents on the ratification.

The partnership allows both Russia and North Korea to provide military assistance in the case of an attack. NATO has confirmed that North Korea has reportedly sent over 8 000 troops to Russia under the treaty, which signals increasing military ties between the two Asian nations. Additionally, it calls on both countries to actively co-operate in efforts to establish a joint and multipolar world order and strengthen co-operation in various sectors, including atomic energy, space, food supply, trade and economy.

For South Korea, the partnership poses significant concerns, Sanusha Naidu said during this week’s Asia-Pacific Report.

“This has posed challenges to countries like South Korea, where it’s looking at this and saying that the whole challenge here is that the North Koreans will now have a bigger footprint outside of North Korea. This is now challenging the security architecture,” Naidu, a senior research associate based at the Institute of Global Dialogue, said, referencing the potential for Russia to transfer sensitive technology to enhance North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

The agreement is also cause for concern for China, analysts say, because it means having an unstable neighbour and that Asia might be drawn into the European conflict. The United States is putting pressure on China to control both North Korea and Russia, reports say.

“It also means that Russia is finding traction in countries that are considered to be pariah states, like North Korea,” Naidu observed.

China demands joint security for its citizens in Pakistan after Karachi attack

Thousands of Chinese citizens live and work in Pakistan. After last month’s bombing attack near Karachi airport allegedly targeted two Chinese engineers, Beijing has said Pakistan must allow its own security staff to provide protection to Chinese citizens living in the country.

“[Chinese] workers, citizens, diplomats have been at the forefront of attacks by internal forces,” Naidu said, adding that Chinese officials want to join forces with Islamabad to create a joint security system.

Australia’s proposed social media ban for children under 16 likely to be passed by end of year

The plan, described by experts as a significant move in the fight for increased regulation of technology companies and social media, will be introduced to parliament this year. The law will come into effect a year after legislators approve it.

The ban will test age-verification systems that will block children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.

“Australia has been the maverick in this political fight against social media platforms. They feel that social media has become a serious destructive force in children’s lives, that children have complete access to content social media without any filters,” Naidu said.

Additionally, the ban aims to hold technology and social media companies accountable for content they upload on their platforms.

“We need to understand the influence of social media, not just in this space, but in relation to many aspects of the lives of young, impressionable teenagers.” Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition of Australia said in a meeting about the plan to protect children from online harm.

He added, “We’ve been talking for a long time about the need to have the rule of law apply online as it does in the real world. That’s the principle, really, that we’ve applied. If you have a child who’s online speaking to a paedophile, or being groomed by somebody online, it’s not something we would accept in the real world, obviously. So why would we tolerate an environment where that sort of conduct, that sort of behaviour is commonplace? The social media companies don’t have any interest in our children except seeing them as a profit line.”

The proposal aims to control the amount of time children spend on social media platforms and to facilitate an increase in their physical fitness.

Additionally, the plan is to increase the regulated use of social media content- which is often difficult to monitor- and mitigate its risks.

The move supports parents who have voiced concerns about the harms of social media and the type of content available to children.

The new restrictions, which come after Australia banned the use of smartphones in public schools in October last year, are more comprehensive and block children from accessing social media on any device no matter where they are.

Social media companies have opposed the plans, saying that the move signals extreme forms of state intervention and regulation.

Listen to the Asia-Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

3-minute read
10 November 2024 | 11:45 CAT

As the US prepares for another term under the leadership of Donald Trump, the implications for South Africa’s economy, trade relationships, and political landscape are a topic of considerable debate.

President Donald Trump’s re-election victory sparks discussions on what this could mean for South Africa’s economy, trade agreements, and climate policies. Economists are weighing in on the potential ripple effects of Trump’s America-first approach on emerging markets like South Africa.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, Professor Andre Roux from Stellenbosch Business School highlighted the likely impact of Trump’s protectionist stance. “His focus on American nationalism and protectionism suggests a potential increase in import tariffs, which could strain trade with South Africa and other regions,” Roux explained. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access to specific African goods to the U.S., may be re-evaluated under Trump’s administration. “The U.S. could remove countries from AGOA’s duty-free list if they’re seen as non-compliant with American policies or human rights standards,” Roux noted.

Economic analysts have raised concerns that Trump’s policies could disrupt trade flows between the U.S. and China, South Africa’s largest trading partner. “A slowing Chinese economy due to trade restrictions could negatively impact Africa, given China’s significant demand for African natural resources,” Roux said, adding that such restrictions might dampen economic growth across the continent.

Professor Roux also pointed out that Trump’s anticipated lower interest rates in the U.S. could attract South African investors to higher-yield markets. “If Trump lowers U.S. rates to make credit more affordable, it might drive capital towards South Africa,” Roux commented. However, he cautioned that risk perceptions surrounding Africa could limit this potential benefit.

Another point of contention is Trump’s stance on climate change. Roux described Trump as “a climate change denialist,” suggesting a rollback on global climate initiatives. “Africa, while contributing the least to climate change, faces high vulnerability to its effects, including droughts and rising sea levels,” he remarked. For Africa, Trump’s approach could hinder long-term climate mitigation efforts, further impacting the continent.

As Trump begins his second term, South African economists and policymakers will closely monitor these unfolding policies, which have significant implications for trade, economic growth, and climate resilience across Africa.

You can listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Professor Andre Roux from Stellenbosch Business School here.

Border tensions between India and China de-escalate after troops withdrawn from key areas along disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The withdrawal of troops, a major outcome of the BRICS summit held in Russia last week, signifies improving bilateral ties between the two countries and an end to the four-year stalemate at the contested border areas.

After weeks of discussions involving military negotiators as well as Indian and Chinese diplomats, an accord on patrolling arrangements along the LAC on the India-China border was reached.

Since the announcement of the agreement on the eve of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia for the BRICS summit, both countries have withdrawn troops from several friction points along the LAC, particularly in eastern Ladakh. The disengagement has focused on areas like Gogra Hot Springs and parts of the Pangong Lake region, where both sides had fortified positions.

A disagreement between the two countries surfaced in July 2020, when a military clash reportedly killed twenty Indian and four Chinese soldiers on the western sector, which lies between Ladakh on the Indian side and the Tibet and Xinjiang regions on the Chinese side.

It is not clear whether the accord means that India and China will withdraw the tens of thousands of additional troops stationed along key points of the disputed border in the eastern Ladakh region since the 2020 military clash.

The LAC notional demarcation line between the two regional powers is a border in the Himalayas. With a length of 3 488km, it separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory and was introduced by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1959. The term later came to refer to the boundary formed after the Sino-Indian conflict in 1962.  Now, the LAC refers to the disputed, de facto boundary separating the countries and is divided into the western, middle, and eastern sectors.

“This reduction in tensions at the border suggests that they’ve been able to come to some kind of agreement,” Sanusha Naidu said on Radio Islam’s  Asia-Pacific Report earlier today. “Both India and China have decided to remove their troops from that border area and try to find subtlety towards making sure that the tensions between the two countries in terms of the disputed border areas is no longer seen as a key issue.”

China to implement zero-tariff policy for all imports from world’s least developed countries (LDCs) that have diplomatic ties to China

The policy aims to boost China’s commitment to increase trade relations with at least 43 LDCs, 33 of which are African countries. The announcement is resultant of the FOCAC summit held in September 2024 and will enable LDCs to access China’s market- a move that is expected to give Beijing more influence in global trade and lower shipping costs from parts of Asia and Africa.

Naidu said that it marks the first major step for China, which is considered a global economic powerhouse, and expands market access for Africa’s agricultural products.

While the tariff scheme will apply to every import category, Naidu said that non-tariff barriers remain unclear.

“The downside is that it’s not clear what these products are going to be. And secondly, the zero-tariffing treatment to these products has not necessarily made more clear the non-tariff boundaries,” Naidu said.

Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are obstacles to international trade that are not import or export duties. China has reportedly used sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures as a non-tariff barrier to restrict trade.

An example is China’s use of foot and mouth disease (FMD) as an SPS to stop exports from Africa to China. China imposed restrictions on South African meat imports due to FMD multiple times, with notable bans beginning around 2019 and extending intermittently in subsequent years. By invoking SPS regulations, China argued that these restrictions were necessary to protect its own livestock and agricultural health standards. While compliant with World Trade Organisation (WTO) regulations on SPS measures, the tactic has been seen as a form of NTB impacting South Africa’s agricultural export market.

“South Africa is one of those countries where they had to negotiate with China around how to ensure that our beef industry doesn’t get caught up in that. If there’s a foot and mouth disease outbreak in one of our abattoirs, it doesn’t mean that it affects every abattoir,” Naidu explained.

Potential extended political crisis in Bangladesh as doubts surface over Hasina’s resignation

It remains unclear whether Sheikha Hasina formally resigned after she absconded earlier this year, which raises complications for leadership in Bangladesh and has triggered calls for new elections in the midst of economic volatility.

On August 5, Hasina left for India after student protests unseated her 15-year administration, which was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and human rights violations. Now, calls are being made for President Mohammed Shahabuddin to resign after he made comments that raised doubts about former Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation.

President Shahabudin reportedly said that he had not seen Hasina’s resignation letter, provoking anger from the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus as well as student activists.

“This in itself created another burden in terms of where is the whole issue of her resignation. How does it fit into the idea that there needs to be new elections held because there’s an interim government in place,” Naidu said, adding that the issue could extend the political crisis in the country.

According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, Hasina will remain as the de facto prime minister in the absence of a formal resignation. The parliament, where Hasina’s party the Awami League has a majority, will have to amend the constitution if fresh elections are held.

Listen to the Asia-Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

With just under a week before Americans head to the polls for the 2024 United States (US) presidential election, surveys show that Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead of 1 percent of the popular vote over Donald Trump.

In US presidential elections, the federalist system shapes a two-layered voting process: the popular vote and the Electoral College. The popular vote represents individual citizens’ votes within each state, but it does not directly determine the winner. Instead, each state is assigned a certain number of Electoral College votes, roughly proportional to its population, and most states award all their Electoral College votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote within that state. The candidate who receives a majority of these 538 electoral votes—at least 270—wins the presidency, even if they did not win the nationwide popular vote.

According to the 538/ABC News election poll, Harris’s lead over Trump is even narrower in the swing states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Wisconsin and Nevada.

Both the Democratic and Republican parties have intensified campaigns in these states, which are likely to determine the outcome of the election, Hafidh Ibrahim Deen said earlier today on Radio Islam’s Media Lens.

Deen noted that while polling provides a snapshot of citizens’ opinions- which are subject to change- trends have shown declining support for Harris because of her stance on Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has alienated a large proportion of the electorate.

“From a broader perspective, the hype surrounding Harris’ campaign has actually weakened over the past few months. A lot of it is the fact that she’s stayed the same as Biden on Gaza, for example, which is alienating not just Muslim and Arab voters, but also young Democrats,” Deen said.

Additionally, Harris recently included Liz Cheney in her campaign in the three swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman, has been described as a war hawk for her support of the US’s invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. Her inclusion in Harris’s events on Monday in Chester, Oakland and Waukesha counties is seen as an attempt to rally support from Republicans who are disillusioned with Trump.

Overall, the upcoming US presidential election has been given wide media coverage, Deen said and outlined the factors that have been overlooked by major news outlets.

One such factor is the lack of opposition for the view of Trump as an isolationist advocating for a foreign policy that opposes involvement in the political affairs and wars of other countries. Additionally, the media lacks in its coverage of Trump’s support for Israel and the September 2020 Abraham Accords, which consist of bilateral agreements on Arab-Israeli normalisation between Israel and the UAE, as well as between Israel and Bahrain.

“One is foreign policy. There is still this focus that Trump is very isolationist, and in actual fact he isn’t. Also, very little focus of his support for Israel and the Abraham Accords… Statements on Israel-Palestine from Trump officials…which have genocidal intent,” Deen said.

Reasons for the decline in support for Harris from Arab, Muslim and young Democrat voters have been given wider coverage in external media outlets than internal American outlets, Deen pointed out.

Critics argue that US election discourse remains insular, highlighting the rights of Americans while largely overlooking global implications. This framing reflects a historical narrative in American politics where civil rights have been prioritised over broader human rights.

Analysts suggest that while Harris appears poised to secure the popular vote, winning the Electoral College vote remains challenging, hinging on razor-thin margins in key swing states.

Listen to the Media Lens on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

3-minute read
29 October 2024 | 11:45 CAT

Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Chief Mandla Mandela, has been barred from entering the UK, where he was scheduled to deliver a series of talks supporting the Palestinian cause during Black History Month.

Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, has been denied entry to the United Kingdom over his public support for Palestinian resistance. Mandela had been scheduled to participate in a speaking tour across Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, organized by UK-based Palestinian solidarity groups.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Ali Komape from Africa4Palestine criticized the visa denial, calling it “a deliberate political move.” Komape revealed that Mandela had been informed of the ban in mid-October. “The UK government initially claimed he didn’t need a visa due to his diplomatic passport, but then made him apply, only to reject the application,” Komape explained. “This was influenced by right-wing groups lobbying to keep him out.”

The visa refusal letter cited Mandela’s social media posts and public remarks as evidence of his alignment with what the UK deems “terrorist organizations.” Komape condemned this framing: “They are weaponizing his support for Palestinian resistance and equating solidarity with terrorism.”

Mandela’s planned appearances were part of efforts to raise awareness of the ongoing occupation of Palestine. “He wasn’t coming to the UK for leisure or to campaign for personal causes,” Komape emphasized. “He was invited by grassroots organizations to engage with progressive movements and advocate for Palestinian rights.”

While Mandela was barred from attending in person, he addressed some events remotely, reaffirming his commitment to the Palestinian struggle. “This decision exposes the UK’s hypocrisy,” Komape said. “At a time when France and other European nations are scaling back arms deals with Israel, Britain is acting as Israel’s proxy, silencing dissent and doing its bidding.”

Komape urged the public to see the visa ban as part of a broader trend. “The UK government is aligning itself with reactionary forces instead of standing for justice. Mandela’s rejection reflects the pressure Israel’s supporters exert globally to stifle solidarity with Palestine.”

Mandela’s supporters remain undeterred, and Komape vows to continue the campaign. “We’ll keep exposing the UK’s double standards and standing with Palestine,” he affirms.

This incident has sparked outrage among activists, raising concerns about the shrinking space for Palestinian advocacy in Europe. As the situation develops, Mandela’s allies calls for increased global solidarity to challenge the UK’s stance.

Listen here to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Ali Komape.

In a year celebrated globally as a “super democracy”, North Africa’s recent elections in Algeria and Tunisia cast a shadow over supposed democratic ideals, signalling a backslide towards authoritarianism. Both countries held elections recently, but outcomes reveal concerning trends.

Tunisian President Kais Saied and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune both reportedly secured over 90% of the vote, a margin critics argue underscores their authoritarian grip.

Tunisia, the country that inspired the Arab Spring, faces harsh criticism as Saied consolidates power, having used courts to exclude opposition candidates, undermining the democratic spirit that once thrived there.

In this week’s Media Lens with Ibrahim Deen said, “Both presidents apparently awarded more than 90% of their votes. In the case of Tunisia, the courts were used to actually…exclude political opponents.”

Meanwhile, Algeria, whose “Hirak” movement just five years ago pushed out its long-term president, now seems to have regressed as Tebboune reasserts tight control, ensuring little space for dissent.

International analysts observe that Western powers are tacitly complicit in this democratic regression. Eager for stability, they appear willing to overlook human rights violations in exchange for strengthened border controls and security cooperation.

These governments view stability as essential, especially given North Africa’s proximity to Europe and its role in migration management. As a result, countries like Egypt and the UAE continue to support authoritarian regimes in the region, with minimal pressure from the West to halt this interference.

Media coverage of this crisis, particularly in Western outlets, has also been limited. Algeria’s election, aside from sporadic coverage in French outlets like Le Monde Diplomatique, went largely unreported in mainstream Western media. Tunisia, due to its symbolic role in the Arab Spring, received more attention, but coverage neglected the influence of regional powers like Egypt and the UAE in supporting the slide toward dictatorship.

“When you look at media coverage of these issues, the Tunisian election, the Algerian election wasn’t covered at all on Western media, aside from probably Le Monde Diplomatique…” Deen said.

Across the border, Libya remains mired in chaos, with two rival governments and militia groups dividing control. Since Muammar Gaddafi’s ouster in 2011, Libyan society has seen little progress; GDP and living standards have returned to early 2011 levels, while healthcare and public infrastructure continue to deteriorate.

“Libya is an example of, once an uprising happened, people forgot about it and expected everything to go back to normal without building the institutions for government,” Deen said.

Outside players like Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, and even France wield significant influence, backing opposing factions and leaving Libyans caught in a prolonged state of instability.

The outlook for North Africa and the broader region remains bleak. With neighbouring countries like Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia also grappling with violence, authoritarianism, or centralised power grabs, the region appears locked in a cycle of conflict and repression. Experts warn that the closure of democratic space leaves violent uprisings as the only alternative for change, heightening the potential for unrest across North Africa.

Analysts stress that without robust international accountability for external interventions in North Africa, the region is likely to remain unstable. The growing gap between those with rights and those without continues to widen, deepening democratic backsliding and compounding the region’s challenges.

Background and analysis

Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune was elected for a second time after winning 84,3 percent of the vote in the 7 September 2024 presidential election.

Tebboune’s opponents challenged the preliminary results which showed that Tebboune had received nearly 95 percent of the votes according to an Al Jazeera report.

Analysts say that Algeria has experienced a continual backsliding towards dictatorship. This has been aided by the international community, which provides protection for dictators and tolerates violations of human rights to fulfil the need for stability in the country.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s authoritarian style of governance serves the interests of several Western powers by ensuring stability, predictability, and a degree of control in a region that is otherwise prone to turmoil.

Western powers, particularly France and the United States benefit from a centralised, authoritarian government in Algeria that can maintain control over supposed security efforts. A dictatorial government can more effectively impose heavy-handed security measures without facing strong domestic pushback, allowing Western nations to collaborate with Algeria on intelligence-sharing and border security operations.

Algeria’s significant natural gas reserves make it an attractive energy partner, especially for European Union (EU) countries like Italy and Spain that seek alternatives to Russian gas. A dictatorial government like Tebboune is able to maintain a stable supply, secure energy facilities, and quickly respond to Western demands for energy supplies without the complexities of a democratic process. This centralised control allows the West to negotiate favourable terms on energy exports, strengthening their own energy security with a predictable partner.

Dictatorial governments are often more effective at implementing strict border controls, which aligns with EU interests in curbing migration from North Africa. Tebboune’s regime can enforce border security and immigration restrictions without facing significant public opposition, helping Western nations to control migration from the country

Western companies, particularly in the energy, construction, and arms sectors, benefit from the predictability and access that comes with an authoritarian regime. Algeria’s leadership under Tebboune provides favourable conditions for Western investment, with fewer regulatory barriers, minimal risk of labour strikes or civil unrest, and government cooperation in securing profitable contracts.

Western powers also view an authoritarian Algeria as a counterweight to the influence of Russia and China in North Africa. With a regime that seeks Western alliances for stability, the West can indirectly limit Russian and Chinese involvement in the region, which could otherwise grow in a fragmented or democratised Algeria that might seek alternative allies.

Tebboune’s authoritarian approach ultimately provides a predictable ally, willing to prioritise security, energy partnerships, and immigration control that suit Western interests. For the West, this stability outweighs potential concerns about human rights abuses, as the arrangement bolsters their geopolitical and economic goals in the region.

The situation in Tunisia, where Kais Saied secured his second term with over 90% of votes, shares some similarities with Algeria regarding Western interests, but it differs due to Tunisia’s unique political and economic dynamics, historical background, and recent struggles with democracy.

Like Algeria, Tunisia is an important player in North African dynamics, and Western powers value its stability. However, Tunisia’s approach has historically leaned toward a more democratic system post-2011 Arab Spring. After President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab and increasingly authoritarian policies, some Western countries are cautiously supportive because a stable, centralised regime can more directly target security threats.

Tunisia, like Algeria, is crucial in managing migration flows from North Africa into Europe. Under an authoritarian approach, like that of Saied’s, Tunisia is more willing to implement strict immigration policies and border controls, aligning with EU interests to reduce migrant arrivals. Italy and the EU have been particularly vocal in supporting stronger migration controls in Tunisia, often providing financial aid to help manage migration as Tunisia becomes a significant transit point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

Unlike Algeria, Tunisia’s economy is more vulnerable and dependent on foreign aid, especially from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the EU, and other Western partners. This dependency gives Western nations greater leverage over Tunisian policy, especially in an authoritarian regime with fewer checks and balances. In return for financial assistance, Western powers can press Tunisia to implement specific economic reforms, enforce migration controls, or limit the influence of competing powers like Russia and China.

In Tunisia, Western powers thus benefit from a stable, centralised government for migration control, security cooperation, and investment protection. However, given Tunisia’s democratic history, Western countries face the challenge of balancing support for Saied’s authoritarian moves with their long-standing encouragement of democratic governance. Western powers tend to adopt a cautious, sometimes conditional, approach, pressuring Saied to maintain some democratic norms while tolerating authoritarian actions that enhance regional stability.

Listen to the Media Lens on Sabaahul Muslim with Mawlana Habib Bobat.

RUSSIA: Implications for ASEAN countries added as BRICS partner countries

Several ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam are in attendance at this year’s BRICS Summit, which is being held in Russia’s southwestern city of Kazan. These countries, along with 10 others, have officially been added to the BRICS alliance as partner countries.

The addition, according to analysts, could spell vast economic benefits for ASEAN countries through access to global trade opportunities as well as funds from the BRICS New Development Bank.

“Being added as a partner country to the bloc means that you become part of the global trade. And BRICS accounts for one fifth of global trade [and] is surpassing the G7 countries in terms of GDP output,” Sanusha Naidu, senior research associate based at the Institute of Global Dialogue, said earlier on Radio Islam’s Asia-Pacific Report.

Additionally, partnering with BRICS could open bilateral relations between ASEAN and BRICS countries, particularly India and China. It will also allow for increased co-operation in areas of development finance and security, Naidu said.

Expanding BRICS to include Southeast Asian nations could strengthen the Global South’s ability to influence the global order and could help counter the practices of the great powers, such as their logic of exclusion and alliance-building.

However, some critics have questioned the bloc’s capacity to deliver tangible economic benefits, citing the fact that while BRICS countries, particularly China and India, have significant economic interests in ASEAN, these interests may not always align with the developmental goals of ASEAN nations. These nations may feel pressure from BRICS countries’ dominant economies, which will limit opportunities for balanced economic growth.

Additionally, critics argue that BRICS is a diverse grouping with different economic systems, governance models and regional priorities, which may limit its ability to implement policies that directly benefit ASEAN networks, which have their own regional integration framework, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

SRI LANKA: Two arrested after alleged planned attack on Israeli tourism spot

Israel has issued a travel warning to parts of the country after Sri Lankan police arrested two suspects for allegedly planning an attack on Israeli tourists in the Arugam Bay area on Thursday. The area is reportedly a hot spot for Israeli surfing enthusiasts.

The arrest came a day after Israel’s national security council warned Israeli citizens to leave some tourist areas in the southern part of Sri Lanka due to a potential attack.

Naidu said that the incident indicates the ripple effects that Israel’s war on Gaza is having on other parts of the world.

“Countries in Southeast Asia, countries in South Asia, and even down in Africa, which could be popular tourist destinations for Israeli citizens, then become part of the protracted nature of this conflict,” Naidu said, adding that the safety of non-Israeli citizens in the area could also be compromised.

INDIA: Germany’s Chancellor to visit subcontinent in bid to strengthen defence and economic ties

In a move aimed at bolstering relations, Germany’s Chancellor is set to visit India this Friday, with defence, economy, and labour issues at the top of the agenda. As a leading member of the G7 and a key player in the European Union, Germany’s deepening engagement with India reflects both nations’ growing global influence.

Both countries are also expected to discuss the ongoing Russian-Ukraine crisis, an issue of global significance. India’s position on the conflict has been noted for its diplomatic balance, as it navigates its relationships with both Russia and the West, underscoring its stance of strategic alignment.

This visit is significant for both sides, as it comes at a time when India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage. As a member of BRICS and the G20, India has emerged as a leading voice for the Global South, positioning itself as a bridge between different global spheres of influence. Germany, recognising India’s growing importance, is keen to strengthen ties in areas such as green and sustainable development, digital technology, and other key sectors.

Listen to the Asia-Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Mawlana Habib Bobat.

The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, held in Islamabad on 15 and 15 October 2024 was attended by leaders of various member states, including China, India, Iran and Russia.

The SCO was instituted by China and Russia in 2001 to examine security concerns in Central Asia and the wider region.

This year’s summit carried significant importance due to rising security concerns in the region, Sanusha Naidu told Radio Islam presenter Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat in this week’s Asia-Pacific Report.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a crucial element for enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation. He also highlighted the potential of the SCO to drive economic progress, regional peace, and stability by improving infrastructure such as roads, rail, and digital networks across the region.

Pakistan, playing a central role as host, called for a robust connectivity framework and supported the establishment of an SCO alternative development funding mechanism to revive stalled development projects.

“What makes this meeting so critical is it elevates the status of Pakistan,” Naidu observed.

In addition, poverty alleviation, climate change, and economic cooperation were high on the agenda.

Outcomes included commitments to energy cooperation, enhanced investor collaboration, and joint efforts on environmental protection. The SCO also emphasised the importance of private sector engagement to boost trade and investment within the region, and Pakistan pledged to organise simulation exercises for disaster preparedness.

Notably, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar travelled to Islamabad for the summit- the first time in almost 10 years an Indian foreign minister travelled to Pakistan and the first time since Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country in 2016 that any minister stepped foot on Pakistan soil.

“India wants to be seen not just as a country that is in the shadow of China, but a country that essentially is standing its own ground economically, politically, globally, in terms of influence, in terms of how its shaping global norms,” Naidu noted about India’s involvement at the summit in terms of tensions with China.

Listen to the Asia-Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.

Iran launched its largest military strike against Israel, firing 182 ballistic missiles targeting three Israeli military bases, as a response to Israel’s attacks on militant leaders in Iran and Lebanon. Despite the intensity, the strike seems more symbolic, with Iran signaling restraint unless provoked further by Israel.

Iran launched its retaliatory airstrike on Israel last night, in which it launched 182 ballistic missiles at Israel’s military facilities. Three Israeli military bases had been targeted, according to Iran’s state news agency.

The assault comes as a response to Israel’s attacks on militant leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh in Iran as well as Hasan Nasrallah and six other Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon. Additionally, Israel’s increased aggression in Lebanon and Gaza catalysed Tehran’s attack.

However, in a post on X early today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, “Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful.”

Tehran’s attack appears to be a superficial salvo to save face as it tries to avoid being drawn into battle with Israel.

“It’s just more for the optics rather than the effect, although, unlike previously in April, this attack did see a few ballistic missiles hit targets rather than previously it was all shot down,” Hafidh Ibrahim Deen said during this week’s Media Lens.

The missile attack, Iran’s biggest military assault on Israel, differs from previous strikes. Unlike earlier attacks where drones were primarily used, this time ballistic missiles were employed, which are more challenging to shoot down due to their speed and trajectory.

The change in leadership in the Islamic Republic with the election of Masoud Pezeshkian after President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in May 2024 might be the reason for the country taking a more balanced approach to the conflict.

Iran is in a more compromised position both militarily and economically than it was before and is holding out hope for diplomatic negotiations with Europe.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has promised to retaliate, having reportedly said during an emergency political security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it.”

The United States has expressed its support for Israel and said it would ensure that Iran faced “severe consequences” for the missile attack.

Media coverage- particularly that of western media outlets – of Tuesday’s attack mainly focuses on Iran’s attack on Israel without sufficient context about Israel’s continuous and expanding aggression.

“It’s seen in many media outlets as Iran directly attacking Israel, when there’s a whole history of Israeli activity in Iran- it’s de-linked from Israel’s actions in Lebanon, no media coverage about the three massacres that happened yesterday in Gaza, which killed 40 people,” Hafidh Deen said, noting how the media’s narrative often frames Israel’s attacks as defensive.

He added that changes in media ownership and editorial decisions would be needed for a shift in how these events are portrayed. Until then, Deen argued, mainstream outlets will continue to present a skewed version of events.

Looking ahead, it appears that the missile strike will not lead to a wider war. Hafidh Deen noted that Iran is playing a waiting game hoping for a change in US leadership after the upcoming presidential elections in November. It appears, Deen said, that Iran is hoping that Vice President Harris might soften foreign policy if she wins.

In a separate incident, reports emerged of an attack at an Israeli train station, killing at least six people. While details remain unclear, Deen suggested that this attack may be linked to internal tensions within Israel. The Israeli Occupation Forces claimed to have neutralised the attackers, and no official links to Iran or Lebanon have been confirmed.

Listen to the Media Lens on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Bobat.

Hasan Nasrallah’s death after an airstrike on Hezbollah’s underground headquarters near Beirut in Lebanon on Friday has further intensified tensions in the region, with warnings of potential retaliation.

While some view it as a blow to the Iranian-backed militia’s organisational structure and as Israel’s attempt to reassert its dominance following the intelligence failures during the October 7^th infiltration, analysts have said that it is a superficial indicator of swift and outstanding success and a moment that will facilitate increased resistance against Israel.

The assassination, believed to be part of Israel’s strategy to weaken Hezbollah, comes after a period of increased fighting in the region.

Commentary from various regional actors reflects the complexity of Nasrallah’s contested legacy. Some argue that his refusal to disengage from fighting on multiple fronts, including the Lebanon-Israel and Gaza-Israel borders, is what made him a target for Israel. Meanwhile, others have criticised Nasrallah’s support for the Assad regime.

“The doctrinal differences cannot be glossed over,” Moulana Ebrahim Moosa said during the Palestine Report this morning, referencing the fundamental distinction between the Ahlus Sunnah and Shi’a sects.

Political analysts have noted that Israel and its allies, particularly in the US, may attempt to exploit this situation to shift the regional balance of power. Additionally, the situation indicates the ruthlessness with which the Zionists deal with any actor that challenges their hegemony in the region.

“Amidst this apparent Israeli buoyancy and regaining the momentum, we remind ourselves of a few things: that every Day-After plan in Gaza so far has failed…What’s happening in Lebanon is a distraction from the failures in Gaza,” Moulana Moosa said. “Whatever Israel apparently projects at this time, it doesn’t detract from the downward decline of US global power,” he added.

Criticism has been levelled at Iran for naively accepting the promise of a ceasefire in Gaza on condition that it did not retaliate for Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in July this year.

Commentators have emphasised that dealing with Israel through passive means is no longer viable, given Israel’s current aggression. They argue that those who do not respond with decisive action are bound to lose, with hesitation seen as a fatal misstep. This perspective criticises reliance on the international community and diplomacy, suggesting that without proportionate and forceful deterrence, any resistance will ultimately fail.

As Israel’s right-wing government seeks to solidify its dominance, particularly after its supposed military successes, any inaction would only lead to further marginalisation and defeat. Strategic stagnation in the face of such aggression can be equated with self-destruction, Moulana Moosa said.

As the one-year commemoration of October 7^th approaches, events marking this milestone are being planned in solidarity with Palestine. These include calls from the United Ulama Council of South Africa for sunnah fasting and increased ibaadah. A major rally is scheduled for Saturday next week in Cape Town to honour Palestinian resistance.

“The point of many of these activities is twofold: One is internal introspection to question ourselves as the Ummah [about] how such a level of depraved violence from the Israelis has gone unchecked for one entire year,” Moulana Moosa said.

“It is also a celebration of Palestinian resistance. The small group in Gaza has challenged the world order, and has stood steadfast for an entire year, not only against the forces of Israel, but also the entire western world and its hypocrisy,” he added.

Listen to the Palestine Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.