The Japan Times - Politics

Hispanics feel 'betrayed' on immigration, Republican warns Trump

US lawmakers from both parties attacked President Donald Trump's mass deportation drive Thursday, with a member of his own party warning that Hispanic voters who helped return him to the White House now "feel betrayed."

Can we shut down AI?

The debate over potential dangers posed by artificial intelligence has resurged in recent weeks, with researchers once again warning the technology could end humanity, and leaders of AI companies suggesting development needed to be slowed.

Macron hosts Lebanon security talks to back 'indispensable' army

The leaders of France, Lebanon and Jordan on Thursday met in Paris to to drum up international support for the cash-strapped Lebanese army which President Emmanuel Macron described as "indispensable" for bringing stability to the country.

Final rally of season in Saudi Arabia cancelled due to Middle East conflict

The final round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in Saudi Arabia in November has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced on Thursday.

AFP photo shows Trump examining image of Kennedy Center apparent demolition

An AFP photo of Donald Trump examining a depiction of Washington's Kennedy Center apparently being demolished sparked social media attention Thursday after the president threatened to tear down the revered arts venue because he has been blocked from renaming it after himself.

Andersson vows to take Sweden in 'new direction' after election win

The leader of Sweden's left-wing bloc that won a slim majority in the country's election, Magdalena Andersson, vowed Thursday to lead the country in a "new direction" after four years of right-wing rule backed by the far-right.

Turkey's Erdogan to run again in early 2028 vote, top adviser says

A top adviser to Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Turkish leader would run again in an early election likely to be held in April 2028, media outlets reported on Thursday.

Sweden's Andersson: a trusted, no-nonsense political operator

Magdalena Andersson, who was Sweden's first woman prime minister in 2021-2022, is a no-nonsense operator looking to return the left to power after her election win on Thursday.

Macron hosts Lebanon security talks as UN mission nears end

The leaders of France, Lebanon and Jordan on Thursday met in Paris to discuss international support for the cash-strapped Lebanese army and the creation of a new force to succeed a longstanding UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

From land to race laws: what's driving the US-South Africa rift?

The Trump administration this week announced visa restrictions on South African officials over alleged discrimination against the country's white minority, warning that the move was the opening salvo in a series of potentially "severe" punitive measures.

Sweden's left-wing wins election thriller

Sweden's left-wing opposition won a narrow majority in the country's general election after the vote count ended Thursday, but faces laborious negotiations to form a government.

Real Madrid fan group wants Mbappe apology over Ceuta shirt snub

A Real Madrid supporters' group has demanded a public apology from Kylian Mbappe and two team-mates after they declined to fully wear a t-shirt in support of the people of Ceuta.

Stocks mostly rise after US Fed rate hike, oil eases

Stock markets mostly rose on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve delivered a widely expected interest rate hike, while falling oil prices and easing bond yields also helped calm inflation fears.

Palestinians turn rugged caves into homes after Israeli demolitions

Palestinian herder Mohammed Emar has set up a fully functional home for his family where his daughters can even sing karaoke. Only it is inside a cave after the Israeli army demolished his two houses.

'One of the kindest people': Taraneh, 21, facing execution in Iran

On the nights of January 8 and 9, twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi joined thousands of others in protests against the Iranian authorities in the central city of Isfahan.

Lebanon security talks in Paris focus on replacing UN mission

The leaders of France, Lebanon and Jordan on Thursday met in Paris to discuss international support for the cash-strapped Lebanese army and the creation of a new force to succeed a longstanding UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

Canada alliance plan 'not against anyone', EU says after Trump threat

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to make Canada an "associate member" of the bloc is not aimed against the United States, the European Commission said Thursday after President Donald Trump threatened trade ties over the plan.

Most stocks rise as Fed hikes and oil prices drop

Most equities rose on Thursday after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the first time in three years and boss Kevin Warsh sounded a hawkish note that ramped up bets on another increase as officials fight surging inflation.

'Vande Mataram': Why is India's freedom song in spotlight?

A song once used to rally Indians against British rule is fuelling fresh debate overpatriotism, moving from political rallies to the beloved sport of cricket.

Ukrainian fashion designer debuts art between air raids

In Kyiv's largest art museum, Arina Petrova and her father Serhii busily applied the final touches to their mannequins, anxious that a Russian drone attack could delay her long-awaited debut.

Leader's sister says only 'idiots' think N. Korea to give up nukes

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Thursday that the country's nuclear-armed status was "absolute", calling those hoping for its denuclearisation "idiots".

Australia to cut migration to fix housing crisis: minister

Australia will reduce migration by curbing "visa hopping", tightening rules on students and working holiday makers as well as cracking down on overstayers, its interior minister said Thursday, as the far-right surges in the polls.

US again denies Palestinian leader Abbas visa to attend UN assembly

The United States has denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas an entry visa to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, a source familiar with the case said Wednesday.

Lula says he will go to UN to tell Trump to 'stay out' of Brazil's elections

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday he will tell US President Donald Trump "not to meddle in Brazil's elections" next week during the United Nations General Assembly.

Trump to host Xi amid pomp, low expectations

The US military honor guard has been rehearsing and the new White House helipad is ready. But will Xi Jinping and Donald Trump achieve lift-off at their summit next week?

Harry set for UK public outings with security, royal status hazy

Prince Harry and wife Meghan have kept a low profile since returning to Britain three weeks ago but, as his first public engagements loom, tensions over their security and monarchy relationship have surfaced.

Trump threatens EU over 'hostile' Canada association plan

US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to cut trade with the European Union after the bloc proposed to make Canada its first ever associate member.

US House backs data center power cost bill amid midterm backlash

The US House of Representatives approved legislation Wednesday aimed at making data centers shoulder more of their own electricity costs, as the power-hungry engines of America's AI boom become a major issue in November's midterm elections.

Houthis report Saudi strikes as Riyadh accuses them of targeting Mecca

Yemen's Houthis reported fresh Saudi airstrikes on Wednesday, as Riyadh accused the group of launching a "cowardly" attack targeting Islam's holy city of Mecca.

Gaza apartment block collapse kills 21, including 12 children

Gaza authorities said Wednesday that 12 children were among the 21 people killed when an apartment building collapsed due to damage sustained in earlier Israeli strikes.

Gaza apartment block collapse leaves 21 dead

Gaza authorities said Wednesday that 21 people including five children had died after an apartment building collapsed from damage sustained in earlier Israeli strikes.

Liga boss criticises Real Madrid trio for Ceuta shirt incident

La Liga president Javier Tebas criticised three Real Madrid stars, including Kylian Mbappe, on Wednesday for not properly wearing a t-shirt supporting the people of Ceuta, a Spanish territory in north Africa affected by a migration crisis.

The Japan Times - Politics (English)

Featured

Chile's Bachelet quits race to be next UN chief

Trump says will not tolerate attempts to slow AI growth

Last news