Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, unveiled on September 29, 2025, aims to end the Israel-Hamas war and includes key elements such as an immediate ceasefire, hostage and prisoner exchanges, demilitarization, and reconstruction under international oversight. The plan has received mixed reactions, with Hamas accepting parts but refusing to disarm, and Israel opposing Palestinian statehood. This webpage provides an overview of the plan, its transformations, and why China and Russia abstained from supporting the UN Security Council resolution endorsing it.

The Taliban, an Islamist militant group originating in Afghanistan, has played a significant role in terrorism since its formation in 1994. While initially focused on imposing strict Sharia law domestically, the Taliban has provided safe havens for international terrorist organizations, supported cross-border militancy, and engaged in attacks that have caused widespread instability. As of October 2025, under their second regime (since 2021), the Taliban remains designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) by the United States, and their governance continues to enable terrorist activities despite public denials.

A short-term ceasefire appears plausible within weeks, potentially ending immediate agony and enabling reconstruction— a pragmatic win after decades of failed talks. However, lasting peace remains distant without tackling entrenched issues like settlements, statehood, and mutual recognition. The plan's success could catalyze regional stability via expanded Accords, but pitfalls like legitimacy gaps and hardliner opposition risk collapse, prolonging the "agony." As one analyst notes, peace is "not naive—

Political instability in Asia and the Gulf remains a multifaceted threat, driven by sectarian conflicts, power rivalries, economic hardships, and external meddling. Hotspots like Yemen and Pakistan highlight the urgency of addressing these drivers to mitigate global risks, including terrorism and economic shocks.

This proposal's positives center on short-term relief—halting the war, aid influx, and hostage returns—which could save thousands of lives and provide breathing room for diplomacy. It's a rare framework addressing post-war governance, welcomed by moderates like the PA for its reform incentives and Arab buy-in. However, the negatives dominate: It's structurally imbalanced, prioritizing Israeli security over Palestinian rights, with no firm commitments to end occupation or statehood. Critics, including Palestinian analysts and X users...

Global political developments in 2025 are defined by ongoing conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, the rise of nationalism in China and India, economic instability from pandemics and wars, and vibrant social movements advocating for justice. These factors have fragmented the international order, challenging multilateralism while highlighting the resilience of activism. As new powers emerge and tensions escalate, the world faces a pivotal moment requiring cooperative solutions to address shared threats like climate change and inequality.

The State of Palestine’s recognition by 150 UN member states as of September 2025 reflects growing global support, but its governance under the PA is hampered by limited sovereignty, internal divisions, and external constraints. The absence of elections, territorial fragmentation, and financial dependence highlight a lack of a physical, independent state structure, with public support eroded by unelected leadership.

The Saudi-Pakistan relationship has been underpinned by Saudi financial aid (billions in loans and investments) and Pakistan's role in training Saudi forces and providing strategic depth. For Pakistan, the pact secures economic lifelines during fiscal challenges and positions Islamabad as a pan-Islamic security guarantor. For Saudi Arabia, it bolsters defenses against Iran-backed...

On September 9, 2025, Israel conducted a precision airstrike, codenamed "Fire Summit," targeting senior Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, as they prepared to respond to a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. The operation, involving 15 fighter jets (including F-35 stealth aircraft) and drones firing 10 munitions at a residential compound, killed five to six people, including Khalil al-Hayya's son Humam, a Hamas aide, three bodyguards, and a Qatari Internal Security Force member, while wounding civilians. Hamas leaders, including al-Hayya, Khaled Meshaal, and Zaher Jabarin, survived, but the strike derailed talks for a 60-day truce

Plant leaves, rich in bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine across cultures for their therapeutic benefits. Known for their "magic" in treating ailments from wounds to respiratory issues, these natural remedies often have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs when

The halal certification industry ensures products comply with Islamic standards, serving a $2 trillion market for 1.8 billion Muslims. Covering food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even construction materials, it verifies the absence of haram (forbidden) ingredients and adherence to specific slaughter methods. However, accusations of it being a "scam" stem from food fraud,...

Saudi Arabia’s *Vision 2030*, launched on April 25, 2016, by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeks to diversify the Kingdom’s oil-reliant economy, promote social reforms, and enhance governance. The Eastern Province, home to Saudi Aramco and major industrial hubs like Jubail and Dammam, is central to this transformation. 

The international education market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach $10 trillion by 2030, with the international schools segment growing to $95.9 billion at a 7.5% CAGR. Asia leads with 58% of global schools, driven by China and India, while Europe and North America attract students with prestigious curricula. ..

India’s economy in 2025 is significantly larger, more diversified, and faster-growing than Pakistan’s, driven by robust services, manufacturing, and FDI inflows. Pakistan struggles with structural issues, high inflation, and low reserves, limiting its growth to 2.649-2.8% compared to India’s 6.198-6.4%. While both nations face socio-economic challenges, India’s reforms and global integration give it a clear...

Iran's role in international politics blends ideological resistance, regional influence through proxies, and strategic alignment with non-Western powers like Russia and China. Its nuclear program and human rights record fuel global tensions, while economic challenges and domestic unrest limit flexibility. Recent events, like the 2025 Iran-Israel conflict and BRICS engagement, underscore Iran's resilience and...

Political families like the Kennedys, Bhutto-Zardaris, Nehru-Gandhis, and House of Saud have left indelible marks on their countries’ politics, leveraging historical legacies and resources to maintain influence. While they provide stability and continuity, they often face criticism for perpetuating inequality and limiting political diversity...

The OIC plays a vital role in promoting the welfare of Islamic countries through economic development, humanitarian aid, education, cultural preservation, and human rights advocacy. Institutions like the IDB, SESRIC, and ISESCO, alongside initiatives like the Astana Declaration, reflect its commitment to over 2 billion people. However, challenges...

Comparing the importance of Ukraine and Gaza oversimplifies two profound crises. Ukraine’s conflict has broader global implications—security, food, and energy—making it a strategic priority for the West. Gaza’s acute humanitarian crisis and symbolic weight in the Global South demand equal moral urgency. Both require tailored responses, and prioritizing one risks neglecting the other’s unique challenges. Ukraine’s ....

The situation in Gaza is a complex and deeply polarizing crisis, marked by allegations of genocide, a staggering death toll, and a severe humanitarian crisis. The ICJ’s provisional measures and South Africa’s case highlight global concern, while human rights organizations and some scholars argue that Israel’s actions meet the genocide threshold...

The concept of Greater Israel has sparked controversy and tensions, both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that it promotes expansionism and undermines Palestinian rights, while proponents see it as a means of fulfilling biblical prophecy or ensuring national security

The concept of Greater Israel has sparked controversy and tensions, both domestically and internationally. Critics argue that it promotes expansionism and undermines Palestinian rights, while proponents see it as a means of fulfilling biblical prophecy or ensuring national security

Tensions across the Middle East are rising amid renewed violence in Gaza, with Iran and Hezbollah backing Palestine and threatening retaliation against Israel. Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are pushing diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflict, while economic pressures mount in countries like Egypt. Iran faces mounting external pressure from Israel and the U.S., the UAE balances ties with both sides, and Yemen risks ...