Indian Express News

The Taliban has imposed yet another restrictive and dehumanizing decree. This time, it prohibits women from hearing each other’s voices, even during prayer, revealing the Taliban’s relentless tightening of restrictions on Afghan women. These bans add to an already severe erosion of women’s freedoms and rights in Afghanistan.

The Latest Decree

The Taliban’s acting minister of the Vice and Virtue Ministry recently declared that women are now banned from hearing other women’s voices during prayer. This decree forbids women from reciting Quranic verses or expressing themselves vocally, even in the privacy of their own homes if there’s a chance they could be overheard.

In a shocking twist, even common Islamic phrases such as “subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah) are prohibited from being spoken out loud by women. The Taliban justifies this decision as a means of protecting society from “temptation and tempting others.” The government’s rhetoric essentially positions women as temptations, attempting to erase their voices from public—and now private—life entirely.

This ban joins a long list of restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan. Women are already required to be fully covered in public and must have a male guardian whenever they leave their homes. These measures paint a grim picture of a society that denies half of its population the right to live freely and express their faith openly.

Crimes Against Humanity?

The Taliban’s escalating restrictions against women’s fundamental rights are raising alarm globally. A recent United Nations report found that the Taliban’s system of gender oppression may constitute crimes against humanity. Documented abuses include incidents of sexual violence, including rape, against women detained by the Taliban, adding to the trauma endured by women and girls.

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett is expected to present these findings to the UN General Assembly on November 1. Bennett’s report highlights that the Taliban’s actions may amount to “gender persecution,” a crime against humanity under international law. The UN’s condemnation underscores the severity of the Taliban’s treatment of women and amplifies calls for global intervention.

A Dark Future for Afghan Women

These oppressive policies beg the question: What role are Afghan women allowed to play in their own country? In a society that restricts their movement, expression, and now even the ability to practice their faith, Afghan women are increasingly marginalized and invisible. The international community faces a moral imperative to act, as Afghanistan’s women are subjected to a regime that appears determined to silence, subdue, and control them completely.

For over two years, Russia has been under intense economic pressure due to sanctions from Western nations, especially impacting its vital oil and gas sectors. This critical source of revenue, which largely supports Russia’s wartime economy, has significantly dwindled. President Vladimir Putin admitted this week that the nation’s economy is suffering severely.

Beyond sanctions, Russia now contends with record-high national interest rates, with the central bank recently hiking the rate to 21%. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War warns that Russia’s financial resources are limited, stating, “Russia’s economy will reach a burnout point, and Putin cannot sustain these costs indefinitely.”

The economic situation has also drawn concerns from Russian business leaders, who caution that many companies may face closures as the crisis deepens.

To prepare for a potential war over Taiwan, the U.S is increasing its military presence in Australia to a level not seen since World War 2. Taiwan is regarded by China as part of its territory and Beijing has vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary. What advantages does Australia’s geography offer the U.S. in a potential fight in the Asia-Pacific region?

The Russian Foreign Ministry has expanded its sanctions list, targeting a range of defence industry personnel and public figures in Australia. Announced on October 29, the blacklist now includes 131 Australian citizens, accused by Russia of promoting anti-Russian sentiment.

The newly sanctioned individuals span key Australian defence companies and personnel from all levels of Australian government, as well as the Australian Defence Force, have also been added.

In an official statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed, “In response to politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities by the Australian government, introduced as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West,’ entry into the Russian Federation is closed on an indefinite basis for an additional 131 Australians from among representatives of the military-industrial complex, journalists, and public figures who are forming an anti-Russian agenda in this country.”

The ministry further indicated that as long as “official Canberra does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian course,” the Russian blacklist will continue to grow.

Among the notable figures targeted is Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson, who serves on the board of NIOA Group. Additional sanctioned individuals include Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanche, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Marcus Hellyer, Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett, and corrective services ministers from Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Former Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Robert Nioa are also included.

This latest move reflects the deepening strain between Russia and Australia, with both sides continuing to add to their respective sanction lists as geopolitical tensions persist.

The Australian government has announced a $316 million partnership with Lockheed Martin to establish a large-scale weapons manufacturing plant, aiming to produce 4,000 guided, multiple-launch rocket systems annually by later in the decade. In collaboration with Thales, the government will also enhance artillery shell production at the Commonwealth-owned Benalla facility in Victoria. By 2028, this site is projected to produce 15,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells per year, with capacity to scale up to 100,000 rounds if needed.

Australia’s push for domestic production is partly fuelled by delays in global procurement and concerns over the depletion of weapon supplies in international conflicts, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, demand has often outpaced production, highlighting the need for a more self-sustaining defence industry. “We are entering a ‘modern missile age,’ marked by rapid advances in technology and a strategic environment lacking in transparency and reassurance,” Conroy stated, referencing China’s substantial military build-up and long-range capabilities. This changing global landscape has underscored Australia’s need to enhance its defence capabilities, despite its geographic distance from traditional conflict zones.

To strengthen Australia’s defence infrastructure, the government has earmarked $22 million over the next three years for developing rocket motor production domestically. This move is part of a broader strategy to enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to engage potential threats at extended ranges, deterring potential adversaries. Conroy outlined plans for the navy, army, and air force to achieve strike capabilities extending to over 2,500 km, 1,000 km, and 900 km, respectively.

“Long-range strike capability is central to our deterrence strategy, allowing the ADF to hold adversary forces at risk from greater distances,” Conroy told the National Press Club. He emphasized that the rapid consumption of weapons in recent conflicts, such as the deployment of seven years’ worth of anti-tank missiles in the first month of Russia’s invasion, underscores the importance of Australia’s ability to produce and maintain its own guided weapons and explosive ordnance.

In line with this strategy, over $70 billion has been allocated across the next decade to strengthen Australia’s missile defence systems, long-range weaponry, and support capabilities. Conroy addressed a misconception that domestic manufacturing slows down the defence supply chain, arguing that producing weapons locally, such as naval strike missiles, would in fact provide the ADF with faster access to these resources compared to relying on overseas production facilities.

As part of this defence overhaul, the government is procuring more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles for the navy’s Hobart-class destroyers, scheduled for deployment by the end of 2024. Additionally, options to equip the Hunter-class frigates with Tomahawks are under review. Conroy also highlighted the fast-tracking of other essential military resources, including frigates, infantry fighting vehicles, and landing craft, to fortify Australia’s defence posture in the face of an evolving global threat landscape.

Do you know what one of the most dangerous jobs in the world is? Being the leader of Hezbollah. With a long history of high-risk confrontations, Hezbollah’s top leaders often face a precarious future. And now, it seems, it’s Naim Qassem’s turn at the helm.

Naim Qassem, 71, who has served as Hezbollah’s deputy chief since 1991, was recently appointed as the organization’s new leader by its governing Shura Council. It’s unclear if Qassem fully embraced the role or if it was merely a matter of tradition and duty pulling him into the position.

Qassem is no stranger to controversy or danger. His decades-long tenure as deputy has seen him as a primary spokesperson for Hezbollah, issuing statements and rallying the organization’s supporters. In one notable video, he famously delivered warnings to Israel, his seriousness underscored by visible nerves—a moment some still recall with humour.

Israel, Hezbollah’s longstanding adversary, has made it clear they’re not expecting Qassem’s leadership to last. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant even called his appointment “temporary,” hinting at a potentially short term for Qassem. Israel has previously targeted Hezbollah’s high-ranking members, including former leader Nasrallah and senior figure Hashem Safieddine. The pattern implies that Qassem could face similar challenges in his new role.

Qassem’s history with Hezbollah dates back decades. He became deputy chief under Abbas al-Musawi, who was later killed in an Israeli operation in 1992. Qassem’s long involvement has made him a consistent figure within the organization, especially during recent escalations in the Israel-Lebanon conflict. His appointment as leader cements his status within Hezbollah, though the longevity of his position remains to be seen.

There are rumours that Qassem might be hiding in Iran, adding to the complexity of his new position. Some speculate that he’s operating from Iran due to safety concerns in Lebanon. With Israel’s recent strikes reportedly compromising Iran’s aerial defences, the question remains whether Qassem would indeed be safer there, if he’s there at all.

The world will be watching to see what comes next for Hezbollah’s new leader, whose role promises to be anything but uneventful.

Australia currently faces its most complex strategic environment since World War II, with conflicts around the world underscoring the realities of modern missile warfare. The emergence of advanced long-range missiles, alongside space and cyber threats, disruptions to supply chains, and the weakening of Australia’s traditional geographic security, highlight an urgent need to bolster the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Responding to these challenges, the Government has committed up to $21 billion over the next decade to the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan, an initiative aimed at equipping the ADF to deter potential adversaries.

In an upcoming address at the National Press Club, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy will outline how the GWEO Plan will support the ADF’s immediate and long-term needs. This strategic overhaul is expected not only to reinforce Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities but also to generate secure jobs and strengthen the national defence industrial base—ensuring a safer future for Australians.

At a recent rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made bold promises to overhaul the nation’s energy policies and boost economic competitiveness. Trump pledged to “terminate the Green New Scam,” his term for the Green New Deal, and commit to slashing energy costs by 50% within his first year in office.

“I will terminate the Green New Scam, and I will cut your energy prices in half within 12 months,” Trump declared, emphasizing a focus on policies he claims will revitalize the job market and bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

To achieve this, Trump proposed creating a business-friendly environment by reducing taxes, cutting regulatory burdens, and ensuring the lowest energy costs for American companies. According to Trump, these changes will enable U.S. companies to thrive and compete globally, providing what he described as “free access to the best and biggest market on the planet.”

Trump’s remarks included criticism of current policies, suggesting that America’s economy is in decline. “The problem is, if we have more of these idiots running our country, you won’t have a big and best market anymore,” he added. “But we’re going to turn that around.”

With a focus on energy independence and deregulation, Trump’s promises signal a departure from current environmental policies, advocating instead for an economy powered by affordable energy and reduced governmental oversight.

The United States will not impose additional restrictions on Ukraine’s use of American weapons should North Korean troops join combat operations on behalf of Russia, the Pentagon confirmed on Oct. 28. This announcement follows NATO’s confirmation of North Korean troop deployment to Russia’s Kursk Oblast, a border region facing intensified Ukrainian counteroffensive efforts.

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh voiced concerns over this development, stating, “A portion of those soldiers have already moved closer to Ukraine, and we are increasingly concerned that Russia intends to use these soldiers in combat or to support combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast near the border with Ukraine,” Reuters reported.

According to Pentagon data released on Oct. 26, an estimated 10,000 North Korean troops have been stationed in eastern Russia for training, a significant increase from 3,000 troops reported just days earlier on Oct. 23. While initial reports of North Korean military involvement were dismissed by both Moscow and Pyongyang, recent evidence has spurred evasive responses rather than outright denials from both countries.

The first reports of North Korean troops’ movements toward Kursk Oblast surfaced on Oct. 24, when Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) disclosed that some units had already been deployed to the region. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Oct. 27 that the troops were expected to reach combat zones soon, with an estimated 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including 500 officers and three generals, poised for deployment.

Currently, Washington’s policy restricts Kyiv from using American-made long-range weaponry to strike deep into Russian territory. However, in light of these recent developments, the United States has signalled a potential shift in its military aid approach, indicating that if North Korean forces engage in combat, these restrictions may no longer apply.

Additionally, the Biden administration announced a new $700-800 million aid package on Oct. 21 to support Ukraine’s development of its own long-range strike capabilities, with President Zelensky confirming plans for expanded production of these systems domestically.

President Biden described the presence of North Korean forces in the conflict zone as “a very dangerous” escalation. The latest support measures reflect a commitment to Ukraine’s defence capacity amid a growing coalition of adversarial forces and underscore the United States’ response to Russia’s broadening alliances with nations like North Korea.