Sudan's Army Intensifies Khartoum Offensive as Global Sanctions and Humanitarian Crises Unfold
Sudan's army escalates offensive against Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum as humanitarian crisis worsens.
Sudan's army launched its largest operation involving artillery and airstrikes in Khartoum to retake areas from the Rapid Support Forces just ahead of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan's UN General Assembly address. Witnesses reported intense clashes, with the ongoing 17-month conflict causing severe humanitarian crises and displacing over 10 million people, particularly in Darfur.
Meanwhile, Britain intensified sanctions on Russian vessels, targeting five new ships and two additional shipping entities to curb evasion tactics. This comes after sanctions were imposed on ten additional Russian ships earlier this month, as Russia continues to reject Western pressures to restrict its oil exports, leading to an increase in tankers bypassing conventional regulations and insurance.
In another development, the Taliban dismissed accusations of gender discrimination amid legal proceedings launched by several countries for violating a UN convention on women's rights. These proceedings, supported by over 20 countries, challenge the Taliban's restrictive policies on women's education, employment, and public presence, demanding justice and the inclusion of Afghan women in the process.
Shifting focus to the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels next week to "reset" post-Brexit relations. Despite maintaining key Brexit red lines, Starmer's visit aims to address trade and security issues and explore a potential youth mobility scheme, marking his first official visit to Brussels as Prime Minister.
In cultural news, the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 is showcasing global literature and Qatar's cultural legacy at King Saud University until October 5. With over 2,000 publishing houses from more than 30 countries, the fair includes seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and a special pavilion highlighting Qatar's heritage, solidifying Riyadh's position as a major international cultural hub.
Lastly, Harrods has issued an apology to former employees alleging they were sexually assaulted by the late owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The store's managing director acknowledged past misconduct and secrecy during Al Fayed's ownership, and has established a settlement process for the victims, addressing a troubling chapter in the store's history.
Meanwhile, Britain intensified sanctions on Russian vessels, targeting five new ships and two additional shipping entities to curb evasion tactics. This comes after sanctions were imposed on ten additional Russian ships earlier this month, as Russia continues to reject Western pressures to restrict its oil exports, leading to an increase in tankers bypassing conventional regulations and insurance.
In another development, the Taliban dismissed accusations of gender discrimination amid legal proceedings launched by several countries for violating a UN convention on women's rights. These proceedings, supported by over 20 countries, challenge the Taliban's restrictive policies on women's education, employment, and public presence, demanding justice and the inclusion of Afghan women in the process.
Shifting focus to the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels next week to "reset" post-Brexit relations. Despite maintaining key Brexit red lines, Starmer's visit aims to address trade and security issues and explore a potential youth mobility scheme, marking his first official visit to Brussels as Prime Minister.
In cultural news, the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 is showcasing global literature and Qatar's cultural legacy at King Saud University until October 5. With over 2,000 publishing houses from more than 30 countries, the fair includes seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and a special pavilion highlighting Qatar's heritage, solidifying Riyadh's position as a major international cultural hub.
Lastly, Harrods has issued an apology to former employees alleging they were sexually assaulted by the late owner Mohamed Al Fayed. The store's managing director acknowledged past misconduct and secrecy during Al Fayed's ownership, and has established a settlement process for the victims, addressing a troubling chapter in the store's history.
