East Asia & the Pacific
Australia: Treasurer announces rework of stalled superannuation tax increase plan
ABC News (Australia)
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has confirmed several concessions to the government’s “contentious” superannuation tax proposal have been made. The proposed new threshold at which tax on earnings would be doubled will now be indexed to inflation, and the measure will not apply to unrealized capital gains.
Cambodia: Cambodia, South Korea Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Online Scams
Khmer Times (Cambodia)
The Cambodian government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to combatting online scams and transnational cybercrimes, while deepening cooperation with South Korea in law enforcement and criminal investigations. These talks come from a significant increase in online scams resulting in human trafficking.
China: China says it expelled Philippine planes from disputed South China Sea reef
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
Beijing says the aircraft had ‘illegally entered’ Chinese airspace over Scarborough Shoal, but Manila said its planes had been put in danger by being “subjected to aggressive interference”.
Fiji: Ministry finds way to ban single-use plastics
Fiji Times (Fiji)
Permanent secretary for Climate Change and Environment Sivendra Michael said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently instructed the ministry to find a way to ban all forms of plastics, particularly single-use plastics.
Laos: Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Trilateral Military Exercise
Laotian Times (Laos)
On 14 October, Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, held high-level meetings in Laos with President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, and Lao Minister of National Defence General Khamlieng Outhakaisone. During the talks, Vietnam and Laos signed several agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in military training, resource management, and infrastructure development.
Marshall Islands: Ribbon cut for ‘game-changer’
Marshall Islands Journal (Marshall Islands)
Hailed as a game-changing technology for the tuna industry in the Marshall Islands, a tuna loader was officially handed over to the tuna industry and port services company Pacific International Inc. (PII) last Thursday. The new equipment is a major step forward in the RMI’s efforts to bring more value from the multi-billion-dollar tuna industry onshore.
Mongolia: Mongolian Prime Minister Faces Dismissal Amid Coal-Driven Power Struggle
Mongolia Weekly (Mongolia)
Mongolia’s latest political storm reveals how the country’s richest coal deposits continue to shape its politics. On October 7, over 50 lawmakers from across the spectrum—ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), opposition Democratic Party (DP), and junior coalition partner HUN—submitted a motion to dismiss Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar.
Myanmar: Myanmar army, ethnic ally takes 100 civilians captive in advance on Banmauk
Myanmar Now (Myanmar)
Junta forces and the allied Shanni Nationalities Army are now within three miles of Banmauk, captured by the resistance late last month.
South Korea: Seoul struggles to respond to rise in Cambodia abductions
The Korea Herald (South Korea)
South Korea has pledged stronger measures to protect its citizens in Cambodia amid a surge in reported abductions and forced labor cases, including the recent death of a 22-year-old Korean student who was tortured after being lured by a fake job offer.
Taiwan: Cabinet approves NT$44.2 billion plan to boost Taiwan’s drone industry
Focus Taiwan (Taiwan)
“The Executive Yuan approved a plan on Thursday to develop Taiwan’s drone industry, pledging NT$44.2 billion (US$1.43 billion) in funding through 2030.”
Thailand: Chinese navy ships make friendship visit to Thai port
Bangkok Post (Thailand)
Chinese Navy’s 83rd Fleet docked in the Chon Buri province last Thursday, marking the first time a Chinese fleet was permitted to make a public visit on their ship. The stop was to promote positive bilateral “navy-to-navy” relations between China and Thailand.
Thailand: Anutin pledges Thai–Korean cooperation to fight scam gangs in Cambodia
The Nation (Thailand)
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand and South Korea’s President, Lee Jae Myung, agreed to collaborate against online scam gangs linked to Cambodia yesterday over the phone while Anutin was conducting friendly diplomatic outreach in Laos.
Europe & Eurasia
Poland: Polish court refuses to extradite Ukrainian Nord Stream sabotage suspect to Germany
Notes from Poland (Poland)
A Polish court decided not to extradite the Ukrainian man wanted by Germany under a European Arrest Warrant under suspicion of sabotage involving Russian gas pipelines.
France: France’s police arrest men suspected of plot against Russian dissident
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Anti-terrorism prosecutors launched a probe to investigate four men arrested by police who are alleged to have been plotting an attack on an exiled Russian opposition figure.
United Kingdom: Prince Andrew gives up royal titles amid Epstein fallout
Politico (United States)
After the release of more files mentioning Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex crimes, Prince Andrew has surrendered his royal titles, including the Duke of York.
European Union: EU sets 2027 target for anti-drone system to defend against Russia
BBC (United Kingdom)
In the face of the increasing use of drone warfare in Ukraine, a new European defense plan aims to have a comprehensive anti-drone system operational by 2027.
European Union: Putin-Trump summit in Hungary forces EU leaders to mull airspace exemption
Politico (United States)
Ahead of the upcoming summit between American and Russian officials, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper confirmed during a briefing with journalists that individual EU countries could make exceptions to the travel ban that affects Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine: Zelensky fails to secure Tomahawk missiles at talks with Trump
BBC (United Kingdom)
At a White House meeting with President Zelensky on Friday, President Trump stated that the US would not be supplying Ukraine with tomahawk missiles at the current moment, but did not rule it out in the future, citing hope for the upcoming meeting with Russian President Putin in Hungary.
Portugal: Portuguese parliament approves ban on wearing face veils in public spaces
Euronews (France)
A bill proposed by Portugal’s far right Chega party that prohibits the wearing of coverings such as niqabs and burqas in public will move forward in the legislative process to the parliamentary committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees.
Cyprus: Turkish Cypriots elect new leader, reigniting hopes for renewed talks to heal Cyprus’ ethnic split
WTOP News (United States)
Sunday’s elections in Turkish Cyprus resulted in the election of Tufan Erhurman, a politician who campaigned on the promise of negotiating a two-zone federation for Cyprus
Serbia: Serbia again convicts wartime fighters for Bosnia train abductions
Balkan Insight (Serbia)
Three former Serb fighters have again been convicted over the abduction of 20 passengers from a train at Strpci station in Bosnia during the period of ethnic violence in 1993 – who were later killed.
Greece: Greece busts human trafficking ring for exploiting Nepalese migrant workers
Balkan Insight (Serbia)
Greek police claimed to have dismantled a criminal gang believed to be responsible for trafficking Nepalese men to be exploited for agricultural labor in Greece, rescuing twenty-five men.
Near East
Palestine: Aid Trucks allowed to enter Gaza’s Khan Younis
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
In light of the recent ceasefire agreement reached in the Sharm El Sheikh peace conference, aid trucks have been allowed to enter Gaza. It is reported, however, that the northern parts of Gaza are still not receiving aid.
Palestine: Reopening of Rafah crossing in Palestine is delayed by Israel
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
The Rafah crossing, one of the most vital entry and exit points of Gaza to Egypt, is still not open after the recent ceasefire agreement. This has led to massive delays in aid reaching Gaza and the general movement of people.
Lebanon: Huge Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
Despite having reached a ceasefire in November 2024, Lebanon continues to face massive airstrikes from Israeli forces. Israel claims these attacks are strategically seeking to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure.
Egypt: Egypt pledges to lead reconstruction of Palestine’s water sector
Daily News Egypt (Egypt)
Egyptian leaders have publicly announced their commitment to restoring Palestine’s access to clean, running water as well as their management of wastewater. Palestine’s water sector has been devastated by the war with Israel.
Qatar: Qatar, Bhutan establish diplomatic relations
The Peninsula (Qatar)
Qatar and Bhutan officially established diplomatic relations at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in New York.
Sub-Saharan Africa
Chad: Chad restores ties with wildlife charity linked to Prince Harry
BBC (United Kingdom)
African Parks, a conservation organization dedicated to protecting national parks’ natural and cultural landscapes across 12 countries, has gained Chad’s approval to establish a new partnership. Two weeks earlier, the Central African nation had severed a 15-year relationship with the organization, accusing African Parks of failing to combat poaching and mistreating the local community.
DRC: Congo and M23 Rebels Agree to Form Ceasefire Monitoring Body
allAfrica (United States)
After months of negotiations, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, have finally agreed to form a joint ceasefire monitoring body. This body will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of a permanent ceasefire and preventing continued conflict.
Kenya: Raila’s Homecoming Exposes Gaps in Kenya Security Sector
allAfrica (United States)
At least three people were killed and many were injured as the police opened fire during the deceased former prime minister Raila Odinga’s homecoming. Many supporters had gathered at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, breaching security to mourn the loss of Odinga.
Kenya: Raila Odinga: The Man Who Shaped Kenyan Politics
BBC (United Kingdom)
The passing of Raila Odinga, known as “one of the founding fathers of multi-party democracy in Kenya”, has led to the remembrance and mourning of his legacy in Kenya. With five runs for the presidency and no victory, his death leaves a vacuum in the opposition leading up to the 2027 elections.
Liberia: Plan to Test Liberian Schoolchildren For Drugs Blocked
BBC (United Kingdom)
Last year, drug and substance abuse was declared by President Joseph Boakai as a national emergency, with recent reports by the EU that estimate one in five young Liberians takes drugs. Fitzgerald Biago, the interim head of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), announced that testing schoolchildren would help address this problem, sparking discussions of privacy invasion and the cost of expenses. Ultimately, the Education Ministry stated it was unaware of such plans and added that further research would need to be considered.
Madagascar: Madagascar coup leader Randrianirina sworn in as president
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Following youth-led protests that forced out former Madagascar leader Andry Rajoelina, coup leader Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in on Friday as President. Although cheers followed this change in leadership, the African Union and the United Nations have condemned the military coup.
Niger: Exclusive: CNPC keeps oil flowing in Niger as negotiations seek to tackle disputes, sources say
Reuters (United Kingdom)
Despite disputes between Niger government officials and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) regarding the push for localization, CNPC has continued to operate in the country and export crude oil, which has generated a revenue of more than $2 billion.
Uganda: The ‘Shadow Army’ Helping Uganda’s Long-serving President Keep an Iron Grip on Power
BBC (United Kingdom)
The Special Forces Command (SFC), an elite military unit within the Ugandan Army, has faced accusations of working as a private army to ensure President Yoweri Museveni stays in power by engaging in abductions, torture, and the killing of opposition activists. They have denied these allegations, but fears that this unit and the Army would clash one day remain.
Zimbabwe: Huayou to start Zimbabwe lithium sulphate production early 2026
Reuters (United Kingdom)
In a move to increase local processing, China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt’s new $400 million plant in Zimbabwe will begin producing lithium sulfate in early 2026. With an estimated capacity of 60,000 metric tons, this intermediate product will be used in battery manufacturing.
Zimbabwe: Zimbabwean Police Warn Against Illegal Anti-Mnangagwa Protests
allAfrica (United States)
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has referred to nationwide anti-government protests in Zimbabwe, urged by Blessed Geze, a war veteran and ex-Zanu PF committee member, as “illegal.” ZRP has referred to the accusations of government corruption as misinformation and warned that participants would face “the full wrath of the law.”
South & Central Asia
Central Asia: Fuel shock: Central Asia feels the heat from Russia’s energy crisis
ASIA-Plus (Tajikistan)
Due to Russia’s escalating fuel crisis, Moscow has set off a ripple effect in Central Asia with imposed bans and restrictions on gasoline and diesel exports to ensure consistent domestic supply.
Afghanistan: Afghanistan, Pakistan enter 48-hour truce after deadly border clashes
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
After a week of escalating violence, Afghanistan and Pakistan have implemented a 2-day ceasefire after a detrimental border class killing dozens on both sides.
India: All Gujarat ministers except CM Patel resign ahead of cabinet expansion
Hindustan Times (India)
The day before a planned cabinet expansion in Gujarat, all 16 ministers, minus Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel resigned this past Thursday to permit Patel to commit a “strategic reset” before the local body elections and 2027 assembly elections of the region.
Kazakhstan: Tokayev instructed the government to submit a plan for economic recovery by the end of the week
Vlast (Kazakhstan)
“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov to submit a plan of specific measures to streamline the implementation of the government’s economic reform program in the interests of citizens by the end of the working week.”
Pakistan: PM Shehbaz wants Kabul to blink first amid back-channel push
Dawn (Pakistan)
Pakistan Prime Minister clarified this past Thursday that Afghanistan must be the first to act in resolving border-crossing terrorism if the Taliban claim they are willing to participate in dialogue. Despite previous diplomatic effort attempts, Pakistan and other back-channel collaborators including Qatar, China, Iran, and the United Nations plan to prioritize Pakistan’s principle demand of getting rid of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) existence in Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan: World Bank Approves $800 Million Loan to Uzbekistan for Poverty Reduction and Trade Expansion
Fergana News (Russia/Uzbekistan)
This past Thursday, the World Bank approved $800 million in concessional loans to Uzbekistan to further finance their ongoing structural reforms. As their second loan, in the last two years, this money will be used to promote “social protection and inclusion, gender equality, economic reforms, trade and market liberalization, and energy reforms.”
Western Hemisphere
Honduras: Mudslides and Flooding
Asharq Al-Awsat (London)
The tropical storm stalled over the coast as of last Saturday, leading to overflowing rivers, flooding, and mudslides across Honduras. However, there have been no reported mass casualties nor other major ramifications beyond damage to homes. May have been as a result of the quick effective evacuation plan implemented and mobilization by citizens that may have evaded lasting damage.
Guatemala: Severe flooding, heavy rainfall, missing peoples, and mass panic.
Neuvo Mundo (Guatemala)
Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Cornred) reported 875 incidents resulting from heavy rainfall leading to blocked roads, destroyed homes, sinkholes, power outages, and trapped peoples left in need of immediate rescue as President Alvaro mobilizes the military and civilian sources to begin relief services.
Mexico: Displaced peoples, communities in ruin, heavy floods, and extreme downpour in Mexico’s southern regions.
The Watchers (Croatia)
Mass destruction has rained upon Mexico’s southern regions with over 120 people dead, 65 people reported missing, and 100,000 homes left in ruin in the aftermath of heavy rainfall. Leaving many people in crisis in need of relief services with the Mexican military and civilian emergency services rolling in to save the day.
Puerto Rico and other Caribbean nations on the lookout for another possible hurricane
USA Today (United States)
The National Hurricane Center as of October 17th, 2025, is closely monitoring a tropical wave far out in the Atlantic that continues to produce tropical storms and thunderstorms. Issuing warnings to Puerto Rico and other Caribbean nations to not let their guard down if there’s a potential – shown by computer generated storm simulation – it becomes another hurricane they will in theory call Melissa.
The SHU World Review is produced by the Student Research Assistants of the DiploLab at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University. Back issues are available in Seton Hall’s repository.