The news, anew
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun vowed that no one would be allowed to share the state's sovereign authority, warning that Lebanon must not again pay the price for past mistakes. His remarks came as five countries calling themselves the "Friends of Lebanon" renewed their support for Lebanese sovereignty and urged lawmakers and political parties to publicly affirm that the state alone has the right to decide on war and peace.
Politics
The rebuke President Donald Trump suffered in the US midterm elections could prompt him to step up efforts to re-engage North Korea, but any willingness to make major concessions risks creating friction with regional allies. Analysts and officials in Asia expect Trump to focus on foreign policy as he seeks to build his legacy in the final two years of his term. With efforts to resolve the wars in Ukraine and Iran yet to produce breakthroughs, he is likely to turn to Asia, where he believes he has room to maneuver.
Politics
Authorities in Türkiye have arrested a former minister and deputy chair of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ’s ruling party over her alleged involvement in a share-price manipulation scandal involving several investment funds. Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya resigned as the deputy chair of the ruling Justice and Development Party in September, shortly after allegations emerged that she had sold shares worth tens of millions of dollars just before regulators decided to liquidate the investment funds over alleged manipulation, The Associated Press said.
Politics
Convicted in the 1MDB scandal for embezzling millions, jailed former Prime Minister Najib Razak will serve his prison term under house arrest after his party had collected donations to pay his fine.
