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      <title><![CDATA[At 250, young Americans dream of a more united nation]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12950/At-250%2C-young-Americans-dream-of-a-more-united-nation?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12950/At-250%2C-young-Americans-dream-of-a-more-united-nation?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 22:20:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Sponsored content from URL Media By URL Media ▶ Watch the video Video: YouTube / @url-media As the United States marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, a group of young Americans has a simple wish for what comes next: a country in which people can talk to one another again. The young people were part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Youth Council. They shared their thoughts at the organization's summit in June 2026 in Atlanta. They introduce themselves by first name only, before describing the nation they hope to see. It starts with identifying the difficulties of our present era: "I feel like the United States of America is a really polarized country," one says, pointing specifically to divisions between people who support different political parties. But they stay resolutely focused on what a brighter future might look like. "In 25 years, I would really love for us to become a more unified nation," that speaker adds. Another describes the America they want as "one where we're all united," and says the country is now in a space of animosity toward "people and individuals we don't even know." What they're describing isn't a new form of politics or policy. It's more a description of the way they hope they and their fellow Americans can live day-to-day. They want people "to have hard conversations and be able to communicate without violence and be able to really listen to each other." That aspiration echoes 1776. The Declaration of Independence rooted the nation's legitimacy in its origination in "the consent of the governed." That consent depends on citizens who can deliberate, disagree, and still be united around common principles. The Declaration's signers closed by pledging to one another "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor," a commitment to a shared cause rather than agreement on everything. The young speakers aren't describing a country without conflict. They're describing one where conflict doesn't turn into hostility and where listening comes before judgment. That is a modest request, but it asks Americans to do what the founders did: build something together across differences. YOU MATTER The future is built one voice at a time. Hear how America's youth envision stronger communities, brighter futures, and a country where everyone belongs. Watch the latest Youth Voices stories. Because every voice helps shape what's next. Remember, You Matter. Call. Text. Chat 988. MORE FROM THE URL MEDIA NETWORK At 250, all Americans pay the costs for a healthcare system rooted in segregation (URL Media) The semiquincentennial of second sight: Black America's X-ray vision for democracy (URL Media) America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land (Native News Online) 250 milestones in AAPI history for America 250 (AsAm News) Young people share their vision for a kinder America (Youth Voices, Alhawadeth)]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Laith and the Battle of the Beasts]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12949/Laith-and-the-Battle-of-the-Beasts?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12949/Laith-and-the-Battle-of-the-Beasts?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:25:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Night drew its veils over the hospital, and its meager lights cast a shade of desolation along the corridors. In one of the rooms, Laith lay on his bed, his body exhausted, his strength drained, torn by the aftereffects of brutal chemotherapy sessions that had not been content to rob his body of its health, but had plundered a share of his soul as well. Pale faces surrounded him: eyes worn out by sleepless nights, trembling hearts hanging on what the coming minutes would reveal, souls weighed down by fear of the dark unknown. It was as if everyone sensed that something grave was approaching, and that this night might not be like the ones before it. The doctor came in with quick, hurried steps, and barely had he glanced at Laith before he asked everyone to leave the room; he had to run urgent tests, after the first indicators showed a worrying decline. Laith began to stare at the clock on the wall, following with his eyes its hands, whose slowness he could not bear, as if time had decided to punish him by stretching out his moments of waiting. A light chill crept over him as the night grew so still that the faintest sound in the room took on something strange and frightening. Meanwhile his family waited in the hospital lobby, torn between prayers and fears, clinging to a thin thread of hope, however small it seemed before the horror that awaited them. Laith turned his face toward the door, then looked back to where his mother had been before she left, as if his eyes refused to accept her absence. Longing came over him, and he wished he could gaze at her face a little longer, for in her features he found a healing and mercy that no medicine could give and no hospital machine could replace. His mother, as he had always known her, was his first refuge and his only peace: she scattered his fears and wiped worry and grief from his chest, a safety no one outgrows, even when the hair turns gray and the steps grow weak. But the hands tied to IV lines, and the oxygen mask he breathed through, kept reminding him of the harshness of his reality and returned him, at every moment, to the prison of a body worn out by illness. Autumn had struck his days and settled as a heavy guest on what remained of his life. The trees stood bare but for their branches, and winds carried something of endings, while the roads were carpeted with yellowed, fallen leaves, as if whispering of extinction, painting a scene of loss, of letting go, of a season folding away. A strange feeling hesitated to visit him, then vanished, only to return as anxieties and questions that took hold of him: could these broken moments of calm repair what a lifetime of fatigue and sorrow had left behind? Was it enough to recover a few beautiful memories in order to make peace with all that fate had denied him? He wished he could tell his story, whose lines destiny had written with its own hand, denying him the right to choose its ending: dreams left unfinished, wishes hanging at the doors of tomorrow. At times he thought that life, after all he had been through, would finally grant him some peace. But life has fates that do not ask their owners' permission, and the days write for us what we never reckoned with. A sense that the end was near stirred in him, filling his soul with an uneasy calm. Preparing to leave the noise of the world, he wished he could give life one last rose, a rose watered with cold tears, that might put out some of the fire of his fears and ease the weight of the nightmare that kept chasing him and refused to leave him, dressing up for him an ending that had chosen him before he could choose it. But what nightmare is this, from which sleep cannot wake him? And what unknown awaits a person at the end of the road? The hospital had chosen for him a corner of this gloomy room, a room whose walls held painful secrets, where much pain had stayed locked in its corners: mortal bodies that came in carrying hope, then left as corpses cold to the touch. These details did not escape Laith. He knew well what hovered around him, and perhaps understood it better than others wanted to believe. Would he be the only survivor of the web of that black spider that had spun its threads around everyone who passed through here? Could his story escape an ending he had seen so often that he had grown used to its features, losing the ability to tell apart what he had become used to and what he should never have become used to? "Maybe, and why not?" The phrase visited his mind several times. "Why not," and his faint smile never left his lips, even in his darkest moments, declaring defiance and hiding his inability to voice the burning that was ravaging his limbs. The doctors and nurses came to know him and grew used to his presence, until they credited him with the courage and strength of a lion, the meaning of his name, Laith: a bold fighter who refused to give the disease an easy victory. But the disease gnawed at his body in return, its branches spreading like a Christmas tree. Grief settled in his being and drained him, raising the bar of defiance on his face and testing his patience and endurance. He closed his eyes, hoping to get away from his tragic reality and reach the depths of himself, searching there for something to reassure him. He found nothing but memories: memories of his family and relatives, his brothers and sisters, his mother and father, and his children. Faces he loved, voices he knew, days gone by and a life that rushed past without his realizing that one day it would become what he longed for most, wishing it would return. Images crowded and jostled in his memory, one pulling another, until he had replayed the reel of the chapters of his life, which would close on a hospital bed. That man, worn out by illness, was none other than another Laith, separated from the first by years of patience and suffering: a young man, handsome, of good reputation, with the heart of a bird and fine manners. There was something in him of the full moon, a shining full moon, and in his features and character something that made people love to be around him. He grew up in a simple family that did not have many of life's ornaments and luxuries, but believed that knowledge, then knowledge again, and a good upbringing are the wealth that never perishes, the inheritance that loss cannot touch. He studied at the University of Hydrocarbons, and from his student years he showed remarkable intelligence and a clear drive to excel. When he finished his studies, he went to work as a specialist in electricity. He was creative in his work, precise, sharp-minded, ahead of others in finding solutions, always looking for ways to improve whatever was in his hands. He soon won the respect of his colleagues and the appreciation of his superiors, for his knowledge and experience and for his manners, humility and seriousness. Before long he was rewarded for his excellence with a promotion that made him a manager at one of the largest oil companies in his country. Life, as Laith knew it, does not reveal its secrets to those who fear to face it. In his eyes, challenges were just another face of beauty, and courage was nothing but the ability to keep going in the presence of fear. Perhaps it was this belief that led his company to choose him for a special professional training program in Italy, to learn about the latest studies and developments in his field and to benefit from modern expertise and technology, so that he could develop methods of work and learning in his specialty. Laith traveled and saw aspects of life there he had never known before, but he did not let the glitter and temptations of the West change his principles or pull him away from his roots. He knew what he wanted, and carried within him enough conviction to stay true to himself and his upbringing. When he finished his training, he returned to his country and his work; living abroad had been only one step on his ambitious path. Yet life, which had paved one road of professional success after another for him, was hiding at another turn a trial of a different kind, a different ordeal, a test to which neither intelligence nor degrees nor years of experience could give a decisive answer. While visiting a dentist, the doctor was struck by Laith's good manners and sound judgment. He admired his character and found in him qualities that made him think of having him as a son-in-law. After a short conversation, he told him frankly that he had a daughter studying dental surgery, and that he wished Laith would become her husband. Laith smiled politely, then gently declined, explaining that he had already given his word to his cousin, his maternal aunt's daughter, and that he intended to ask for her hand. The doctor looked sorry; he saw in Laith a man who, had he become his daughter's husband, would in his view have made her the happiest woman on earth. But Laith himself had never planned to marry his cousin. It was not love that pushed him to that decision so much as her declared feelings for him, and her insistence on telling him that she had loved him for a long time. She had placed her heart in his hands and made him feel, in one way or another, that he was now responsible for its fate. He decided to raise the subject with his mother and told her he wished to marry her. His mother did not receive the news with the joy he may have expected. Instead she seemed somewhat worried, as if her son's words had awakened old fears she preferred not to recall. She knew her sister very well: her difficult nature, her domineering ways, her urge to control those around her. She was not an easy woman to deal with. She carried wounds from her failed previous marriages that she had never been able to get past, and in the eyes of Laith's mother she was one of those people who pour the bitterness of their experiences into the lives of others. What pained her most about her sister was that old complex about bearing sons: God had given her daughters, while her siblings had been blessed with sons among their daughters. What should have been acceptance of God's will turned into envy and resentment, then into a hostility that took hold of her and grew stronger until it was beyond change, and its contagion passed to her daughters, who absorbed something of that hostility, until tension and quarreling became part of the nature of relations inside that family. There was an old woman who had witnessed enough of that behavior that she grew fed up and nicknamed them "the owl and her daughters," for she believed that ruin settled wherever they settled, and that discord often followed their presence. Laith's mother was not speaking of a stranger she did not know, but of her own sister, with whom she had lived for many years, and whose nature she knew well enough to fear for her son a future whose harshness he might not foresee. Laith kept looking at her, lost in thought, as if her words had put his heart and mind in a confrontation he did not know how to end: torn between a woman declaring her love for him and a family reality weighed down by disputes and hostilities, conflicts for which he could find no solution and whose end was nowhere in sight. The decision was not easy. Some promises are moral chains that are hard to break free of, even if the days one day lead their maker down a road his soul never rested on. While he was lost in his thoughts, he noticed his phone, which would not stop ringing. His cousin's calls kept coming, one after another, with intense insistence, until it seemed to him that she left him no room to think or to back away. She was imposing her presence on his life with persistence, as if the decision to marry had already been made. In the end, he went back to his mother and told her of his decision to complete half of his faith with her, as marriage is called. That decision was not born of sweeping romantic passion, nor was it the fruit of a long-awaited love. It was, in large part, an attempt not to break the heart of a woman attached to him, and loyalty to a promise he had already made. Perhaps he saw keeping one's word as a virtue that must not be squandered, even if his heart remained unable to say for certain what awaited him behind that door. His mother looked at him for a long time, then answered in a voice that mixed tenderness and worry: "I raised you to believe that a word is a covenant, and that a man does not break a promise he has made, neither toward his Lord nor toward His servants. Perhaps you did not take your time before, but since things have come this far, I will not stand in your way. If your happiness is with her, we will go and ask for her hand. But be certain that you are about to step, of your own free will, into a nest of vipers." She put her hand over her mouth, closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. A sudden dizziness seized her under the weight of it all. Was it easy for her to advise her son to stay away from a house whose hidden corners she knew, when she was bound to the woman of that house by blood? She knew what her sister concealed behind the sweetness of her talk, and saw the bitterness hidden behind her calm features: she spat poison into honey, smiling on the surface while leaving in people's hearts a bitterness that never fades. Despair crept into her heart, and a vague fear of the unknown awaiting her son came over her. She did not want to take from him the right to dream, nor deny him a life he chose for himself; she knew deep down that life, however hard, stays dry when it is empty of dreams. But for dreams to turn into nightmares, and for what a person hopes for to become the source of his pain, that was the irony she feared. She felt a fist of anxiety squeezing her heart whenever she looked ahead to what the future held for her son. Something inside her warned that the happiness he hoped for would be nothing but a falsehood unsupported by reality, and that the days would reveal the truth to him only when going back had become harder than going on. And she did not know, as she watched him walk toward that decision, that doors of trial would open before him. The engagement took place, and time moved on toward the wedding day. Laith, like someone who wants to keep a promise he made to himself, began preparing to build a new life, determined to be a good husband and to give his life partner every comfort and happiness he could. Shortly before the wedding, he traveled to Europe and came back loaded with the things he had chosen for his bride's trousseau, eager for everything to be at its finest. But some of those belongings were later hidden from his family, an act that was only one of the first signs of things being managed far from their eyes. Laith thought he was about to found a home with a woman he had chosen, but he found himself entering another world, with its own laws, its unchanging cast, and its director, who allowed no one to challenge her control of the stage. From the beginning, his aunt, who had become his mother-in-law, had the first and last word. She and her daughters were the ones who decided, who ran the household, drew the boundaries of relationships and handed out roles as they pleased. As for Laith's mother and siblings, they were put off the stage, with no role but to watch a worn-out play whose acts repeated themselves, whose beginnings and endings looked alike, until the same scene replayed itself with different names and occasions. They had no choice but to keep watching, forced to stay silent, observing cautiously and avoiding any noise that might spoil the sequence of events drawn up by a woman behind a curtain of artificial diplomacy, healing her old wounds by inflicting new ones on the souls of those around her. She had had her eye on Laith since he was born, treating him differently and openly favoring him over his brothers, until he grew up believing he held an exceptional place in his aunt's heart, as the son she had been denied. The wedding was held in the most luxurious of halls and celebrated in an atmosphere full of joy, a wedding out of the Thousand and One Nights, the kind every girl dreams of. Then the two returned to their new life, surrounded by signs of comfort and happiness. Yet not every painful ending is born of sudden events; tragedies often begin with small, trivial decisions whose consequences their makers only grasp once they can no longer be undone. No sooner had they returned from their honeymoon than the wife told her aunt, now her mother-in-law, that she had decided to move with Laith into a house they had rented near her mother's home. Laith's mother did not ask her son about the reasons for that decision, nor did she try to talk him out of it. From the beginning she had chosen not to stand in the way of his new life, and to respect his choice, however different it was from what she had imagined. But a mother's heart cannot hide its pain for long. One day Laith's wife came to his family's house and told his mother she had come to take some of his things from his room, in preparation for their move. The mother heard her daughter-in-law's words and chose silence, swallowing the questions and reproaches churning in her chest. She did not want to create a problem, nor to make her son a party to a dispute that might cloud his married life. When night let down its curtains, she withdrew to her room and found herself alone. The house, whose corners used to ring with movement and the voices of her children, seemed to her that night wider and lonelier. She felt as if she had suddenly been cut off from the life she knew. Her imagination carried her far away: it seemed to her that the room was a desolate grave wrapped in darkness, and that she was lying inside it, surrounded by the creatures of the earth, devouring her body as the hungry devour their prey. She touched her frail body, a body that held only a little of its years of health, and contemplated the fatigue and pain the years had left in it. A truth that grief had hidden pulled her out of her reverie: she was not a fragile woman, nor a body worn out by the years. She was the one who had faced poverty and need and fought the harshness of circumstance with a will of stone and iron, who refused to let hardship be an excuse for falling short, and insisted that her children's future be different from the hard beginnings she had known. Laith went back to work, where the nature of his job forced him to be away from home for intervals. Over time, his car became an almost permanent means of transport for his wife's family instead of for his own trips. He drove this one and that one, and never hesitated to run their errands, whether for close relatives or distant ones. He did it out of generosity and good manners, believing his kindness would be returned. But in their eyes it gradually turned into something ordinary, fixed and deserved rights that called for no gratitude. What he offered them was never met with appreciation, until the line between help and entitlement disappeared, and giving became, in their view, a duty that earned no thanks. Laith learned that his wife was pregnant and received the news with overwhelming joy. He saw in the coming child an extension of his life and the start of a new chapter of fatherhood and responsibility. When the due date approached, his wife did not bother to tell her husband's family, and gave them no chance to be by her side on an occasion that should have brought the two families together, an occasion for joy and closeness. The news reached Laith's mother late, but she did not hesitate to go with her daughter, wanting to stand by her son and share his joy at his first child. But the joy was not complete. The child was born in critical condition, on the verge of losing his life, and the moments of waiting turned into intense fear. Hearts clung to prayer, and in those moments Laith's mother and father could do nothing but plead with God, asking for his survival and health, and that their hearts might be comforted by watching his first steps among his family. Then the medical news made things heavier still: the family was told that the child suffered from a disorder that could affect his growth and development, and that he might be autistic, which meant he would need continuous follow-up, care and treatment. The news fell heavily on everyone, but each had a position of their own. His mother-in-law was concerned above all with her daughter's well-being and seemed to pity her for the burdens and responsibilities the coming years might bring. She could not look at the child except through what he might impose on her daughter, to the point of wishing him gone if his survival meant her unhappiness. Another journey began in Laith's life: a journey of treatment, follow-up and spending, neither short nor easy. The costs of treatment were enormous and required years of follow-up and attention, and Laith carried the financial and emotional burdens without retreating or falling short in his responsibility toward his son. He never saw him as a burden; he was his son, who needed him more than ever. For his sake and for his future, he kept giving everything precious, clinging to the hope that his condition would improve and that he would find his way in life as far as his abilities and needs allowed. The child grew, and his features became ever more beautiful, until he looked like a smaller copy of his father. Two younger sisters followed him, and the three children became Laith's small world and one of the most important sources of his happiness. The days turned their pages, between the responsibilities of work, the burdens of family and the costs of treatment, until Laith decided to buy a plot of land and begin building a large family house that would bring him together with his wife and children and finally give him independence and stability. The building went up stage by stage, and in every stone set in place he saw a step toward a new life, a life in which he would be master of his house and his decisions, able to give his children a safe space to grow up in, away from disputes and interference. But finishing a house does not mean finishing a life filled with affection and sheltered by security. Once, a dispute broke out between Laith and his wife. It began as a misunderstanding, then widened little by little until it became a major quarrel, made worse by his mother-in-law's interference. Instead of trying to calm tempers and bring the family together, she poured oil on the fire and inflamed the dispute, until the argument reached a point where Laith could no longer stay silent. He tried to talk her out of her position, explaining that escalation would lead to no solution but would only make the dispute wider and more complicated. But she paid no attention to what he said. She met his words coldly and simply placed the responsibility for the children on him alone. His reply was firm. He insisted he had never neglected his children and needed no one to remind him of his responsibility toward them. Despite the nature of his work and his frequent absences, he tried to lighten his wife's load as much as he could: he used every leave to bring her enough supplies to last while he was away, took the boy to his regular checkups, and made sure to provide the doses of medicine and treatments he needed, even from the private hospital. He did not see this as a favor, but as a father's duty beyond bargaining. Laith told everyone of his decision to take his children to his mother. At that, his mother-in-law burst into hysterical laughter, followed by biting sarcasm, mocking his turning to his family: "What family?" The phrase carried enough contempt to ignite whatever calm he had left. He did not answer her, nor enter into a new argument with her. Words could no longer contain the situation, and dialogue was no longer of any use, so he found himself forced to leave the house and return to his parents' home, seeking a safer refuge for his little ones. His mother received him with worry and looked at the children before asking him what had happened. He tried to make light of it, describing what happened as a passing disagreement between him and his wife that would soon blow over. She did not want to add to his distress by questioning him, but his eyes revealed what his tongue concealed. After things calmed down a little, he laid out everything that had happened in full detail, recounting the confrontation. Because she did not want to see her son torn between his wife and his wife's family, his mother decided to step in herself, hoping to contain the dispute before it turned into a rupture that would be hard to repair. She went to her sister's house, accompanied by her eldest daughter, hoping to find a door to dialogue and to set things right. But she was surprised by a scene that looked nothing like the reconciliation meetings she knew: she found her sister in a state of intense anger, with her daughters gathered around her. Voices rose, wounding words flew, and curses calling down evil and disaster on Laith followed one after another, along with threats and promises to harm and insult him. His mother-in-law did not stop there. She began talking about her daughter divorcing him, insisting she would marry her to a better man, as if the years of marriage, with all the responsibilities and children they had brought, meant nothing. Laith's mother stood stunned at what she heard. She had not come to wage war; she had come to repair what anger had spoiled. But her sister did not receive her words as an effort at reconciliation. She met them with looks charged with rage, and laid the blame for how things had turned out on her and her daughters, accusing them of being the cause of what had happened. Laith's mother froze in place for a few moments, astonished by an accusation she had never imagined hearing. Her sister went on blaming her sharply, holding her responsible for what she considered a deviation in her daughter's life, and insisting that she was the one who had spoiled Laith and changed the course of her daughter's life. Then Laith's mother realized that dialogue was no longer possible, and that if she stayed any longer she would hear only more of the words her sister knew so well how to choose to wound whoever stood before her. It was not the first time she had seen that face, but it was perhaps the time she felt that every attempt at understanding had reached a dead end. She left and went back home, weighed down by a new disappointment, finding herself accused in a matter over which she had neither decision nor hand. When she entered the house, she found Laith sitting with his children, caring for them and seeing to their needs. Gloom hung over his face; he could not control the trembling of his hands, as if his body were translating what his tongue could not express. He was still, his mind and gaze far away, as if he had left the place, and he only came out of his daze at the sound of violent pounding on the front door. Hardly had the door been opened when his mother-in-law burst in, followed by her daughter, both seized by anger. Screaming, cursing and insults rose, and wounding words flew without restraint. Laith kept looking at them in astonishment, trying to match these two women with the image he had known of them all those years. How had that outward affection turned into so much hostility? He studied their scowling faces, trying to understand the source of that recklessness. The words came out of his mother-in-law's mouth like shrapnel, flying around the room and tearing apart whatever good feelings remained in his heart. He no longer saw in the scene anything but naked cruelty, nor heard in the voices anything but hostility. One of Laith's sisters tried to step in to calm things down, hoping to stop the flood of insults and bring the conversation back within reasonable limits. But she did not know that her intervention would make her a target too. His mother-in-law shot her a look full of contempt, then unleashed her tongue with all its cruelty. She was not content to insult her; she mocked her for not marrying, wishing that her life would end with her raising orphans. It was a stab aimed at the dignity of a woman who had chosen to put off her own life for her family's sake and to bear responsibilities no one had imposed on her, out of loyalty and love. But Laith's sister was not one to swallow an insult. She faced her steadily, explaining that she had not married by her own choice, having decided to devote her life to caring for her parents and her sick siblings and to standing by her elderly mother. Nor did she stop there. She exposed what she saw as their greed and obsession with appearances and material things, pointing out that they saw a man only through what he owned and what he could provide for them; that they did not value what they had, but kept their eyes fixed on what others had, measuring their lives against the lives of others and asking for more without ever knowing contentment. Her words were sharp, but they came after a string of insults that left her no room to hold her tongue. Suddenly, Laith's wife came up to her, pulled her daughter from her aunt's arms, raised her hand and struck her with a resounding slap. A heavy silence fell over the room; faces froze, and for a few moments everyone was unable to take in what had happened. No one had expected the dispute to go this far, for words to turn into a physical assault inside the family home, before everyone's eyes. Laith's sister felt humiliated, but she thanked God silently that her brother had not been in the room when it happened. She did not want to add to his pain, nor let the incident become a new scandal that would widen the rift, so she chose to keep what had happened to herself and swallowed the bitterness of the insult. The argument ended on the sound of that slap. The wife took her children and went off with her mother, and the two left the house. A silence heavy with betrayal closed over Laith and his family. What had been said was no small thing, and what the confrontation left in their souls was not a wound that heals quickly once a quarrel ends. But the estrangement did not last long. Laith and his wife reconciled and decided that the ship of life should keep sailing, despite the holes widening in its hull and the waves coming from every side. That reconciliation did not herald a serene life, nor prove that things had straightened out or that hearts had settled. It was, in large part, an attempt to preserve the family, and to make sure the children did not pay the price for disputes they had not chosen and could neither understand nor defend themselves against. So Laith kept trying to gather the scattered pieces of his life, holding on to his children, bearing whatever burdens he could, and believing the days might bring some change. Laith's son grew up and recovered from autism after his father spent vast sums on the latest available treatments. He returned to his life as a child walking steadily toward his future, entered school, and soon became one of the top students. Laith saw in him the fruit of years of patience, spending and perseverance, and perhaps his son's success was one of the few victories he managed to wrest from the claws of life. As for his relationship with his wife's family, it never found its way to reconciliation. The estrangement continued, and there was no longer any sign that things would ever return to normal. The days went by until the day Laith's father died. The loss cast its shadow over the family, but no one knew it would mark the beginning of another pain in his life: he noticed a sudden swelling in his eye, and his brother, a doctor, advised him to have the necessary tests to be sure of his condition. The swelling was not the ordinary thing everyone had hoped. The tests revealed it was caused by a tumor in the eye socket, and his brother moved quickly to book him an appointment for surgery to remove it. The operation was performed, and the sample was sent to the laboratory, ending in a diagnosis no one was prepared to receive: Laith had myeloma, a blood cancer. The news hit his family like a sudden hurricane that swept away whatever energy and hope remained in them. As for Laith, he began to recall the past. It occurred to him that the years of worry, misery, quarrels and squabbles that had surrounded his life had not passed without a price, and that perhaps he would be the one to pay the bill alone. He went back to his family, his body shaking with cold, at that late hour of the night. He wanted to throw himself into his mother's arms, to become for a moment a small child again, carrying no worries of life on his shoulders and chased by no fear of tomorrow. He wanted to silence all the noise that had settled inside him and to sleep for a long time, escaping everything around him, hoping that what he was living was only a heavy nightmare, and that he would wake to find it had all been a dream. He looked at the darkness filling the room. From beyond the window, the streetlights crept in, even though the windows were shut and the curtains drawn. Threads of light slipped through the gaps and drew parallel lines on the carpet covering the floor. He stared at those lines for a long time, as if they were iron bars separating him from a future he had hoped to live in full beside his children. He closed his eyes, trying to get away from faces and people linked in his memory with sadness and fatigue, and from life with all the disappointments it had brought him. He had grown weary of everything except his children's voices; they alone could touch his heart and bring him some peace. He sat up in bed and turned his back to the window, as if looking for an escape from his thoughts. He lifted the pillow and pressed it over his ear and closed his eyes, but the troubled thoughts came back to chase him. Questions hung over him: how long would they grieve for him if he left? Would he stay present in their memory, or would the days fold away his memory? He did not think his children would deny him, nor that he would vanish easily from their hearts, but he feared the cruelty of time and what it might do through forgetting. Laith decided to begin treatment. He knew that average survival with this disease could range from two to eight years, but he was not ready to surrender before fighting his battle in full. His treatment began with sessions of chemotherapy and radiation, and the first phase lasted nearly a year. Then the disease came back, and he went back to treatment in the same way, this time with an autologous bone marrow transplant. The transplant succeeded, and he left the hospital after a harsh journey. During his recovery, he did not let himself give in to rest for long. He kept finishing his house, followed his affairs, and took his children to the gym to exercise. He kept doing his work himself and tried to live his life as he always had. He gave his illness no room and no right to rob him of his role as a father and the man responsible for his family. Seven full years passed with his illness, back and forth: days at home, and other days when his stays in the hospital grew long. Many kinds of medicines and treatments were tried on him, and his journey was like a fierce war whose end only God knew. With the start of the eighth year, his condition began to clearly deteriorate. The symptoms grew worse, the chemotherapy sessions increased, and his stays in the hospital became longer than before. Sometimes he improved, and he seized every chance to go out and return home to finish what he had begun with his own hands. His house occupied him more than anything else; he wanted to leave his children a safe shelter that would bring them together and protect them from life's upheavals. So whenever his condition improved a little, he went back to the building site that was still not finished. A few days later, the disease returned, faster and more cruel. Chemotherapy no longer brought the hoped-for result, so the doctors asked him to have a CT scan, which revealed that the tumors had spread through his head with great density and speed. Laith had fought his battle for many long years, but now he found himself facing a different confrontation, fiercer than anything before. Could he see it through to the end, or had the fighting exhausted his body, and had the time come for him to fall in the arena, leaving his opponent the banner of victory? After the tests and procedures were complete, it became clear that the disease had reached its final stage, and that it was now only a matter of time. Only then did Laith ask his brother, the doctor, to keep the developments of his condition secret. He refused to see fear in his family's eyes, or to have to explain what he now knew. He gathered the photos and videos that recorded his trips with his family and their shared memories. He sat at his desk and arranged them carefully on CDs, writing down their dates and placing them in their cases in chronological order. He knew those recordings would stay with them for a long time, and that they would return to them whenever they missed him, to see his face and hear his voice. The next morning he went out early to the administration at his workplace and took the opportunity to ask the officials there, after his death, to complete all the procedures needed to make it easy for his wife and children to receive their entitlements, so that they would not face administrative complications or extra hardship at a time when they would most need someone to support them. The staff were amazed at his calm and courage. Before them stood a man who knew the disease was nearing its end, and yet was thinking of arranging his family's affairs and securing its future. He was not preoccupied with fear for himself so much as with what he would leave behind. He finished what he could, then got into his car and headed to the house of his mother and siblings. That visit was different from all those before it. The conversations went on and on, laughter rose now and then, and they recalled old memories and remembered those who were gone and those who had shared life's joys and sorrows with them. It seemed as if he wanted to relive in a few hours a whole lifetime spent among them. Then he turned to them, his voice calm in a way that made them even more anxious, and began to beg them to pray for him often, hoping that God would not prolong his life if staying alive meant depending on others, a prisoner of their pity, forced to beg their sympathy or to show them his weakness and brokenness. His mother's eyes filled with tears, and she could not hide what his words had done to her heart. She reproached him for words that stirred her fears and hurt her heart. He came close and kissed her forehead, then began to express his deep gratitude to her and to his sisters, saying that over the years he had come to realize that women like her, with such pure and contented souls, are rare. Appearances and material things could not change their hearts; contentment stayed rooted in their souls, satisfied with what God had given them, their eyes never straying to what others had. He compared them with the greed he had seen in some people, who know no limit of enough and never hesitate to ask for more, as if the world could never fill their eyes however much they got from it. Souls seized by greed are satisfied by nothing, and nothing stops the flood of their greed but the dust of the grave. Laith left his parents' house with the feeling that these steps might be his last there. He went back to his children and gathered them. His son was the first to sit beside him, and he gave him a serious, solemn talk, one he meant to be closer to the counsels of Solomon, in which he handed him the trust of responsibility, than to the words of a father saying goodbye to his son: that in his absence he should be a support for his family, take responsibility for the house, his mother and his two sisters, and grow up a good man of upright character, proud of his upbringing and protective of his family's standing and dignity; that he be a good extension of his family's roots and leave a good mark wherever his feet trod. He turned his gaze to his middle daughter and surrounded her with counsel no less important, urging her to be a kind sister to her brother and a support to help him face life, and to surround her younger sister with care and attention, never overlooking her need for tenderness and guidance, and never forgetting the values and principles he had worked to plant in them over the years. He assured them that money, however great its value, is not the measure of a person's worth and honor, and that what they should truly hold on to is a clean reputation and good roots; those were their roots, and the mark he hoped they would carry of his name to those near and far. He went to bed, but something that night was not as usual. It was no longer the cold refuge he retreated to after the hardship of the hospital. It seemed to embrace him for the last time, every inch of it saying goodbye. The corners of his room trembled under the weight of something hidden that flowed between the walls, foretelling an absence unlike any other. The next morning he entered the hospital to receive the strongest doses of chemotherapy, but the disease had already outrun the treatment's power to stop it, and kept settling, colonizing, spreading and scattering. His mother came in to see him. As soon as his eyes settled on her face, longing overcame him, and he asked her to move her mask aside a little, so that he could look at her as long as he wished, engrave in his memory her features, which seemed clothed in beauty and radiance, and take from that moment something to help him face what awaited him. After visiting hours ended, his wife stayed by his side. Shortly before the dawn call to prayer on Friday morning, his condition worsened further as his heart weakened. Yet he remained fully conscious, keeping his courage, and the smile never left his face, the smile everyone who knew him knew him by. His wife repeated, her voice flooded with fear: "Who are you leaving me to?" "To your family. And if the roads storm against you and every way is cut off, you will find in my family a support and a help," he answered steadily and confidently. The doctors rushed in and decided to move him to intensive care. Before he was intubated and his ability to speak was dulled, he turned to the intensive care doctor, a faint smile on his lips, and entrusted her with his last plea: "Promise me I will wake up to see the fruits of my heart." The eyes of those around him were full of pity, absorbed in staring at the body stretched out before them, worn out by years of suffering and endless sessions, and their hope was that God would answer the prayers of his family and loved ones. Laith recited the profession of faith and surrendered to God's will and decree. The minutes after which he was expected to regain consciousness passed, but the awakening everyone clung to never came. God's decree had been carried out: a lifetime of sorrow and suffering, in which he spent everything he had until his strength gave out and the battle ended, the battle in which he had always refused to raise the white flag. His death was announced with the dawn call to prayer. The machines stopped their moaning, silence closed over the place, a heavy grief weighed on hearts and a bitter lump choked throats, while golden words of "To God we belong and to Him we return" and acceptance of God's will and decree rose and were repeated on every tongue, trying to put out the flame of grief trapped in hearts. Laith left the arena, leaving behind children he loved with all his heart, a house he finished building to be their shelter, and memories he arranged carefully to protect his image from absence and forgetting. He never used his pain as an excuse to escape his responsibilities, nor let the dread of his departure stop him from planning for those he would leave behind. "Some faces, that Day, will be radiant, looking at their Lord." So he departed, dismounting from a lowly world in which illness and accumulated burdens had worn him out, hoping that God would envelop him in His vast mercy and grant him the meeting with Him. Through all the trials that poured down on him, he remained a tender father whose heart never turned away from his children, a son longing for his mother's embrace, and a human being who wanted to leave in life a print and a good mark that the days would not erase. Eight years of struggle, in every hour of which he stared into the eyes of death and his last wish from life was nothing but one last look into the eyes of the flowers of his life, and that his allotted time might grant him a few final seconds to shower them with kisses, precious and dear, full of embers and longing, to lay upon their foreheads, until his soul met its Creator and he returned the trust to the One who had entrusted it to him. By the writer Sobha Beghoura. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Is a Left-Wing Perestroika Knocking at the Walls of the American System?]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12948/Is-a-Left-Wing-Perestroika-Knocking-at-the-Walls-of-the-American-System%3F?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12948/Is-a-Left-Wing-Perestroika-Knocking-at-the-Walls-of-the-American-System%3F?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:20:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The blue electoral wind has finally swept across America, and the Republicans have collapsed. The Democrats won a landslide with record turnout in almost every state. They easily won Senate races in Georgia and North Carolina and also took control of the House of Representatives. In Florida, Republicans barely managed to stop the Black socialist Angie Nixon from reaching the Senate, in a state considered a stronghold of the "Make America Great Again" movement. In South Carolina, the Graham family lost after Democrats succeeded in removing it from power, and results keep coming in from Ohio and Iowa. In Texas, the Democratic Party won its first victory since 1988, almost forty years. The last time Democrats won a landslide like this in the House was at the end of the Bush administration. Republicans faced an electoral collapse like that of 2006 and 2008. Voters gave them a very low rating because of their failure to handle Iran, the fuel crisis and runaway inflation in the American economy. Meanwhile, the Democratic leadership pledged to open immediate investigations into Trump over the Iran war and corruption, forcing the White House into a long and painful confrontation with Congress. After these results, Democrats now hold an absolute mandate from voters to wage war on Trump, exploiting the collapse of the Republican Party. Who could have imagined that the fiercest electoral battle in the United States would be fought on election night in Mississippi, in the Deep South? Democrats won from North Carolina and Georgia to Michigan, Texas and Kansas. In Kansas, Democrats won a Senate seat for the first time in almost a century, since 1932, and they took 56 seats in the Senate. That is an even bigger success than the 2006 elections, when Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress by exploiting public anger over the Iraq war, but with fewer seats than they hold now. For the first time in 40 years, Texas turned blue, with the Democratic Party controlling all of its seats, in addition to the Senate seat, the governorship and other lower-level elected offices. The obstacle facing the Democrats after this result lies in their growing internal conflict, which pushes forward the progressive socialists, who have gained influence in many areas and states, including Michigan. Centrist Democrats, on the other hand, will focus on sweeping criticism of Trump and on corruption investigations, and on his state as a Nero watching Rome burn. His failure in Iran has set the Republican Party back for several election cycles, and getting out of this crisis will be very difficult. J.D. Vance's run in the next presidential election has become doubtful, and the Democrats have seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack on the exhausted "Make America Great Again" coalition. The Democrats' win in the congressional elections directly affects the next presidential election, which starts today. Both parties are immediately preparing for this new election cycle, and Jon Ossoff leads the scene in the Democratic Party. Jon easily won reelection as senator from Georgia, beating the Republicans by 18 points. Ossoff is known as "the white Obama" and makes use of the image of a promising young politician: he became the first member of the young generation elected to the Senate. Jon is seen on the surface as a centrist politician, but he promotes left-wing initiatives such as "universal health care for all." He supported Israel in 2023 but later voted to restrict arms sales to it, even though he himself is of Jewish descent; his grandparents emigrated from present-day Lithuania before the Bolshevik Revolution. Polls show Ossoff ahead of J.D. Vance in the coming 2028 presidential race, according to betting-market forecasts, although Vance has not yet decided whether to run after the crushing defeat of the Republicans. We may see a Republican candidate emerge from outside the Trump camp, for example Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is now criticizing the White House and the war in Iran. But the socialists clearly do not want another version of Obama; they want a radical restructuring of the left in America. Grief and shock hang over the Republican camp and its supporters, and the crushing electoral defeat immediately set off fights and a hunt for scapegoats. Laura Loomer, known for her support of Israel and Ukraine, describes the current situation as the collapse of the United States and is convinced that the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States has become a funeral for America. Right-wing isolationists, meanwhile, accuse Loomer, along with Ben Shapiro and Mark Levin, of causing the war on Iran, which led to the collapse of the Republicans, especially the neoconservative hawks, who were pushed out of Congress. That happened despite Trump's move to rescue the situation on the eve of the election, when he himself announced an end to military aid to Israel in the hope of saving the day. But the attempt failed, amid a sharp rise in the number of Israel's critics on the far left and a serious push to reconsider relations with the Israeli entity. At the same time, Republicans must begin a long and difficult process of correcting their sins, the result of irrationally backing Trump's policies. Internal conflicts will deepen now that they have lost the support of young people and Latinos who helped Trump win. Republicans are unlikely to regain their positions in Congress before 2032, unless the Democrats make fatal mistakes, a scenario that could happen. As for the cheering over the victory of some candidates with Arab voices, it is symbolic and has no effect on the big decisions. No one should forget that they could later be tamed, and they carry no real political weight. Nor should we forget the history of the Democratic Party, which during its time in power gave the Israeli entity more than the Republicans did. We must wait for the dust of the electoral battle to settle and see what actually happens: a change in foreign policy toward our causes and the causes of other peoples, and a start on ending today's intractable Iranian-American confrontation, rather than using voters' voices only at election time, after which things go back to the way they always were. In foreign policy, the deeds of the winners, and of those they will carry into the Oval Office in the near future, will tell the truth. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Secrets of the Marvelous Real: Sanaa Al-Shalan and Isabel Allende]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12947/The-Secrets-of-the-Marvelous-Real%3A-Sanaa-Al-Shalan-and-Isabel-Allende?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:18:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[There are things that happen in human lives that find no direct explanation. There are feelings, memories, fears and dreams that go beyond the limits of the tangible, yet remain more present and more powerful than many material facts. For exactly this reason, literature needs imagination: not to escape the world, but to approach it from another side, one that familiar realistic language alone cannot reach. In this context, two literary experiences stand out. They belong to two different cultures, yet they meet in a narrative space built on contemplation, the marvelous, the strange and wonder: that of the Jordanian-Palestinian writer Sanaa Al-Shalan (born 1977), and that of the Chilean-American novelist Isabel Allende (born 1942). Between the world Al-Shalan shapes, with its openness to symbol, possibility and existential questions, and the worlds Allende weaves, where family memory, historical events, spirits and unusual destinies sit side by side, an interesting literary relationship takes shape. It rests not on sameness but on a shared way of seeing reality as a world wider than its visible borders. To speak of the marvelous real here does not mean putting the two writers in a single critical box, or assuming that everything they write belongs to magical realism in the strict technical sense. That would be a reduction that serves neither of them. It is more useful to see the marvelous as a way of questioning reality, and of rearranging the relationship between what we know and what we do not, between what we believe and what we dismiss, and between life as facts impose it and life as the imagination reveals it. One of the main problems facing the traditional reading of literature is that it treats realism as a commitment to what can happen under ordinary rules, and treats every departure from the familiar as an automatic move into the world of myth or fantasy. But good literature does not always draw such strict lines. A strange event may express a human truth better than a familiar one, and a character who talks with the dead may be closer to the reality of a grieving person than a character who sees life as nothing more than a series of daily events. The marvelous is not merely the appearance of a supernatural being or an event that cannot be explained. It is a disturbance in the way we see the world, one that makes us reconsider the assumptions we have learned to treat as final truths. In this sense it is not separate from reality. It feeds on it, and draws its strength from reality's contradictions, its gaps and its zones of silence. When Sanaa Al-Shalan writes, imagination does not look like verbal decoration or a device for producing wonder. The many genres she works in, from the novel and the short story to theater and children's literature, open different ways for her to approach human beings and their questions. Her work shows clear attention to human and social issues and to the relationship between the individual and the surrounding world, as well as the use of symbol and possibility to build meaning. Isabel Allende, for her part, has made the interweaving of memory, history, private life and unusual elements a prominent feature of a number of her works. In her world, spirits and supernatural events do not seem foreign to life. They enter the fabric of the narrative alongside politics, family, love, loss and power. It is hard to read Sanaa Al-Shalan's creative work by looking for the story alone, because writing for her is also tied to a position on people and society, and to questions of freedom, identity, justice, women, childhood and those on the human margins. These themes do not necessarily appear as direct statements. They can take narrative and symbolic forms that let the reader discover their meanings for themselves. What deserves attention in her world is that reality is not presented as a complete truth beyond objection. A literary character cannot be reduced to an individual who performs a function in the plot. The character is a space where desires, fears and social constraints collide, and its fate may turn into a question about the nature of the world it lives in. In some of Sanaa Al-Shalan's works, her engagement with future possibility and science fiction allows a reading of the relationship between the human being, identity, the body and love from outside the usual frames. The imagined future does not draw its value only from the strangeness of what it contains, but from its ability to raise again questions that are present in human life: what remains of people's identity if the conditions of their existence change, and whether love can keep its meaning when the borders by which we know the body and the self shift. These ideas make imagination a means of thinking, not a substitute for it. The future in literature matters not because it runs ahead of time, but because it reveals the possibilities and fears that the present hides. What seems strange in the world of a novel may be the logical extension of a problem whose danger nobody noticed. This is why the marvelous in Al-Shalan's work should not be treated as a synonym for strangeness. Strangeness alone does not make literature, just as an abundance of symbols does not automatically give a text depth. Real value arises when unusual elements become an organic part of the work's vision, and when the reader finds behind them a human question worth keeping open after the reading ends. Imagination that changes nothing in our understanding of reality may become mere display. But imagination that pushes the reader to examine certain certainties and assumptions, and to reflect on practices built on injustice, exclusion or surrender, takes on a cognitive and moral function beyond entertainment. In Isabel Allende's work, the marvelous world seems more closely bound to family memory, inherited stories, and political and social history. She does not always put a realistic world on one side and a supernatural world on the other. She lets the two sit side by side and overlap to the point where it is hard to tell the moment the narrative leaves the familiar. For Isabel Allende, the family is not just a frame in which characters move. It is a space where memory, secrets, inheritances and social and political tensions accumulate. Across successive generations, the characters come to carry a family history that does not end when those who lived it are gone, but keeps shaping the children and grandchildren. Spirits and unusual powers are not used simply to confuse or surprise the reader. They help shape a view of the world that does not separate life from death once and for all, and does not reduce human experience to the facts that can be documented. The past stays alive in the present, and memory does not behave like a still archive but like a force that intervenes in destinies and reshapes relationships. What makes this work striking is that the marvelous does not cancel history. In Isabel Allende's world it sits alongside political violence, class, tyranny and social conflict. Strange events do not protect the characters from cruelty, nor do they turn tragedies into rosy tales. Spirits may exist, but death still hurts; the imagination may widen, but power can still crush people; a family may pass down its secrets, but that does not spare it from facing its mistakes. This interweaving gives imagination a function other than escape. It brings back voices that official history tried to silence, and gives family memory the power to resist forgetting. That is why magical realism cannot be separated from the political and social question: the issue concerns a society with its wounds, and people whose private lives are entangled with public change. Isabel Allende herself does not accept reducing her whole career to magical realism. She has made clear that the style is strongly present in her writing but does not apply to all of her novels, and that each story has its own way of being told. This is an important observation, because it warns us against turning a broad literary experience into a ready-made critical formula. Placing Sanaa Al-Shalan and Isabel Allende in a single comparison may seem tempting because of the presence of imagination and unusual elements in both bodies of work. But a serious comparison should not become an attempt to prove that one resembles the other in everything. Each writer has her own world, references and narrative tools, and the cultural and historical context in which each experience took shape imposes its own questions. Sanaa Al-Shalan writes from an Arab space with its own social and cultural particularities. She deals with the issues, questions and transformations of the Arab individual, and uses varied narrative forms to unpick that individual's relationship with society, power and identity. Isabel Allende belongs to a Latin American literary space with a long history of magical realism, and to a tradition of novels that made myth, folk heritage, memory and history core materials of the story. But difference does not rule out points of intersection worth studying. The first is that neither writer sees reality as neutral material. For both, reality is charged with meaning and full of things that do not show on the surface of events. A character may be trapped by social or historical laws, yet still be able to create an inner world different from the one imposed on her. The second is that woman is not merely an element in the story but an important center for understanding human change. Writing about women is not limited to describing their suffering or celebrating their strength. It extends to questioning the structures that shape their fate and determine what they are allowed to do and what they are denied. Through imagination, the writer can put these structures to the test, and imagine possibilities that daily life does not easily allow. The third is that memory holds an important place in resisting forgetting. A human being does not begin at the present moment, but carries the accumulated traces of experiences, relationships and losses. Sanaa Al-Shalan's work opens many paths for thinking about the self, identity and human existence, while Isabel Allende appears deeply tied to family history and its extensions. This does not mean memory plays the same role for both writers. Rather, they meet in recognizing that a person is larger than the moment in which we see them. Another aspect deserves a pause: the relationship between women's writing and the marvelous world. Literary history has not always been fair to the female imagination. Dreams, intuition, oral memory and inherited stories have often been treated as marginal, while other forms of knowledge were granted greater authority because of their link to official logic or dominant institutions. In Al-Shalan's work, writing about women and about human beings is tied to questions of freedom, dignity and self-determination. The tools of fiction, symbol and possibility allow her to go beyond the limits of direct representation, so that social reality can be questioned by building another narrative reality, one better able to expose what customs and constraints conceal. In Allende's worlds, stories about spirits, intuition and unusual powers do not seem separate from women's experience or from family history. A woman is not merely a recipient of events. She may hold knowledge that society does not recognize, or carry a memory that official history does not want to keep. The marvelous gives the marginalized a chance to reclaim their right to speak. When the rules of the world change inside the text, the positions of the characters change too. Whoever was silent becomes the owner of the story; whoever was condemned to helplessness gains the power to act; and whoever society saw as different or strange emerges as the one who best understands the truth of things. The reader does not enter a novel of the marvelous seeking scientific proof of events, nor expects the writer to explain every phenomenon. The reader looks for an emotional and intellectual experience that lets them see the world from a new angle. A supernatural event in a text may matter less than its effect on a character; the appearance of a spirit may simply be a way into talking about loss; and a journey into the future may be a way of exposing the fears of the present. Strangeness is not an end in itself but a means of rearranging the familiar. A person who has lost a loved one does not experience death only as a biological fact. They keep talking with the absent one in memory, hear their voice again in moments of silence, and see their presence in details that once seemed ordinary. This experience may not be supernatural in the literal sense, but it carries an emotional force that brings it close to the worlds of the strange, the marvelous and the magical. A person living under the weight of fear does not need a mythical monster to feel terror. Reality can be more monstrous than any creature myths imagine. And a society that suppresses difference does not need imagined worlds to look strange; it is enough to watch what it does to people to realize that the familiar is not always natural or acceptable. Yet the marvelous idea alone is not enough to make a successful novel. A text that merely piles up coincidences, oddities and unusual characters may arouse curiosity at first, but it loses its effect once the reader discovers that the events do not arise from a coherent inner logic, and that the strangeness serves no purpose beyond grabbing attention. The range of Al-Shalan's writing, across the novel, the short story, theater and children's literature, shows an interest in the possibilities of literary form and a desire to handle an idea through different artistic molds. This range should not be read as mere quantity of output, but as an opportunity to study how the tools of expression change when the nature of the subject, the audience and the genre change. In Allende's novels, what stands out is the long storytelling breath, the many characters and generations, and the ability to link family details to historical change. A personal event does not stay confined to the person who lived it; it gains a wider meaning through its relationship with others and with time. And the story, with its secrets, paradoxes and overlaps, helps build a world that seems vast and open to successive layers of meaning. Real criticism does not settle for listing positive traits. We must ask how well the idea is balanced with the artistic structure, whether the symbol can merge into the event without becoming a direct signal, and how independent the characters are from the intellectual function the writer gives them. A character who lives only to deliver a message becomes closer to a teaching aid than to a human being in a novel. A symbol that keeps explaining itself loses part of its energy, and dialogue that turns into a lecture weakens the discovery of life's details, even if it carries correct ideas. The power of literature does not come from the nobility of its subject alone, but from the way it turns that subject into an artistic experience. A human cause may be great, but treating it requires economy of language, convincing characters, and events that arise from within the world the text builds. This standard should remain present when studying both writers, away from the influence of prizes, fame or geographic affiliation. A writer is measured not only by what they want to say, but by what they manage to achieve artistically. A common critical mistake is to treat magical realism as the exclusive property of Latin American literature, or as a literary form that can be carried from one culture to another unchanged. Humanity has known myths, folk tales and beliefs about spirits, dreams and absence in many cultures. What differs is the context in which these elements become an artistic structure. In Latin America, many works of magical realism were tied to colonial history, cultural diversity, folk traditions and the tension between modernity and heritage. That climate helped produce narrative forms that blend historical facts with the marvelous, without the characters feeling any need to offer a rational explanation for everything that happens. Arab culture, for its part, holds a rich store of folk tales, epic biographies, myths and traditional ideas about the visible and invisible worlds. But using this store in literature does not mean copying another experience. The Arab writer can start from his cultural memory and social reality to create his own marvelous, on condition that he does not turn heritage into folkloric decoration or treat it as ready-made material that needs no rebuilding. Here the importance of Sanaa Al-Shalan's work stands out in the comparison with Isabel Allende: it shows how imagination in an Arab context can reshape reality, and what qualities it gains when it connects with the issues, anxieties and questions of the Arab individual. Every culture has its way of imagining the world, and every society has its fears, its ghosts and its endless questions. The tools may be similar, but the meaning they produce changes with the context. The most important common ground between Sanaa Al-Shalan and Isabel Allende lies in their insistence that a human being is not a number inside history, or a passing figure in a social system larger than themselves. A person carries contradictions, lives with private fears, searches for love, belonging and recognition, and tries to find meaning in the loss, injustice and disappointment they face. When direct reality cannot contain these experiences in all their complexity, imagination comes to widen the space for expressing them. For Al-Shalan, imagination becomes a field for testing the limits of the human being and the questions of existence, for questioning reality, and for rethinking identity, social relations and the possibilities life opens. Still, it remains necessary not to turn this intersection into a final critical verdict. For Allende, the family story becomes a way of recovering an entire history; memory becomes a confrontation with forgetting; and the marvelous reveals what historical language alone cannot convey. Both bodies of work need close textual reading that takes the works one by one and examines the structure of the narrative, the characters, the language, time and symbol, instead of settling for sweeping judgments about similarity and difference. A critical reading that merely calls a writer creative, or her novels enchanting worlds, adds nothing to our understanding of literature. What is needed is to discover how the effect is made, what makes a scene convincing, and why some events stay in the memory while others pass without leaving a trace. The comparison between Sanaa Al-Shalan and Isabel Allende offers a chance to think about the complex relationship between reality and imagination, and about literature's ability to break through the borders people draw around their knowledge of the world. More importantly, it reminds us that the marvelous is not necessarily the opposite of truth, and that what seems unfamiliar may sometimes carry a deeper truth than the facts people are used to. Sanaa Al-Shalan does not use imagination, possibility and symbol simply to leave reality behind. Through them she opens questions about the human being, identity, rights and destiny, and tests the ability of narrative to imagine worlds beyond existing constraints. Isabel Allende does not summon spirits to make life stranger. She gives memory, story and the past a place inside the present, and through them reveals how personal destinies are entangled with social and political history. The truly marvelous world does not necessarily live in faraway places, nor does it always need ghosts, strange creatures and impossible events. It may begin in a room that keeps the scent of someone who has gone, a memory that refuses to forget, a woman trying to reclaim her right to be herself, or a person who discovers that the future he feared has become his daily reality. Literature does not ask the reader to believe everything, but it invites us not to rush to deny what we do not understand. This is one of the most important functions of the imagination: to give the reader a distance from which to see reality differently, and to remind them that the world they live in is not as simple as they think, and that the human being is more complex than all the definitions that try to contain them. Between Sanaa Al-Shalan and Isabel Allende, the point is not to search for a single magical world, but to discover many ways of reading the human world. There is an imagination that sets out from family memory and history, and there is an imagination that turns toward the future, identity and possibility. Between them, the space of literature widens to receive what daily life cannot say clearly. The marvelous real is not an alternative world the reader goes to in order to forget their life. It is a window through which they return to their life, more attentive to what was hiding in it. That is why literature remains capable of surprise: it does not settle for showing us what happened, but makes us ask what could have happened, what is actually happening without our seeing it, and what we may discover in ourselves. Ibrahim Abu Awad is a writer from Jordan. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[US and Israeli Elections and the Palestinian Cause: Chances for Change]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12946/US-and-Israeli-Elections-and-the-Palestinian-Cause%3A-Chances-for-Change?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12946/US-and-Israeli-Elections-and-the-Palestinian-Cause%3A-Chances-for-Change?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:14:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The political shifts tied to the American and Israeli elections are opening a new phase for the Palestinian Cause. American public opinion toward Israel is changing, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party is gaining influence, and a new Israeli government may be formed that ends the era of Benjamin Netanyahu and the extreme religious right. But the central question is not only what kind of change comes to Washington and Tel Aviv. It is how far that change will be reflected in policies toward the Palestinians, and whether the Palestinian leadership can make use of it. Washington: "Trump's plan continues, under closer Democratic oversight" US policy toward the Palestinian issue is expected to shift gradually over the next two years, especially now that Democrats control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the progressive wing inside the party is growing more influential. That is a result of the changes brought about by the war on Gaza, the Israeli massacres, and the rise of settler terrorism in the West Bank. These changes will not necessarily mean a reversal of American policy. But they will make unconditional support for Israel more costly politically, and they will impose closer scrutiny on the decisions of the US administration. At the same time, Trump will keep backing the Board of Peace and his plan for Gaza, which he treats as one of his signature political projects, though with less drive than before. Republicans and Democrats agree that the Strip must be disarmed, that Hamas rule must end, and that new arrangements are needed to govern it. Criticizing Israel and standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people does not necessarily mean supporting Hamas or backing its continued control of Gaza. Democrats, however, will pay closer attention to how the Board of Peace is put together, the interests of the parties taking part in it, and the risk that rebuilding Gaza turns into an investment project driven by political and economic calculations, instead of a path to rebuilding Palestinian life and securing national rights. So the coming US policy will combine continued support for the Board of Peace plan with growing criticism of Israeli conduct, especially settlement building and settler attacks. The future of relations with the Palestinian Authority will depend on the nature of the next Israeli government. Israel: "A new government does not necessarily mean the end of the conflict" On the Israeli side, if Gadi Eisenkot is asked to form the government, without Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, that could mark an important shift in how domestic affairs and relations with the Palestinians are managed. Despite the disputes inside the opposition camp, the wish to end Netanyahu's rule is the common thread among its parties. Yet a change of government does not necessarily mean a change in Israel's strategic position on Palestinian rights. It may instead reflect a change in the methods and tools used to manage the conflict. In Gaza, the new government is likely to align with the Trump administration on disarmament, ending Hamas rule and carrying out the Board of Peace plan. But if the plan stalls and Hamas is blamed for it, the prospect of military escalation could return. On the other hand, the new government could open the way to gradual Israeli withdrawals, the entry of the stabilization force, and allowing the national committee and the new Palestinian police to carry out their duties under the agreed arrangements. In the West Bank, the new government is expected to be firmer in confronting settler terrorism, more willing to dismantle agricultural and herding outposts, and less hostile toward the Palestinian Authority. That could include reconsidering the transfer of the accumulated clearance revenues and gradually easing restrictions on Palestinian workers entering Israel. Even so, a less extremist government does not mean a government ready to end the occupation or recognize a Palestinian state. There is a big difference between changing the tools for managing the conflict and changing the substance of one's position on it. The Palestinians: "From waiting for change to taking back the initiative" Against these shifts, the Palestinian arena appears stuck in stagnation and division, without a strategic vision. That places a historic responsibility on Palestinians to move beyond a politics of waiting and of avoiding national obligations. The past period saw movement on national dialogue and reconciliation, but it did not turn into practical, lasting results. That reinforces the impression that some of these moves were more about containing pressure than about a real will to reform the political system. Elections are not a magic solution to the Palestinian crisis, but they remain the main gateway to restoring legitimacy and renewing the popular mandate. Legitimacy does not come from closed-door understandings between leaders and factions, or from sharing out posts and positions. It comes from citizens choosing who represents them and decides their future. The next phase requires a national vision that goes beyond managing the division: one that addresses the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, rebuilds institutions on democratic foundations, and ties the reconstruction of Gaza to ending the political and geographic separation between the Strip and the West Bank. Chances for change must be seized The shifts in Washington and Tel Aviv may offer a chance to ease the pressure on Palestinians and to rearrange some political, security and economic files. But they do not guarantee an end to the occupation or a Palestinian state. The United States will keep making its strategic calculations, and Israel will defend its interests, even under a new government. The real challenge, then, lies not only in what Washington and Tel Aviv decide, but in the Palestinians' ability to regain the political initiative and national legitimacy. Governments, alliances and the balance of power may change; without that, outside shifts will remain postponed opportunities, and others will go on deciding the future of the Palestinian Cause. Professor Hussein Al-Deek is an expert on American and Israeli affairs. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Lessons Learned From the 2026 Elections]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12945/Lessons-Learned-From-the-2026-Elections?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12945/Lessons-Learned-From-the-2026-Elections?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 17:13:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Washington Watch November 9, 2026 There were surprises and non-surprises in this year's midterm elections. Democrats were expected to win and they did. All of the indicators normally considered in a midterm election pointed in that direction. And when reviewing state-by-state polling in key contests featuring vulnerable Republican senators, Democrats had the edge in everyone-Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, and Texas. What wasn't expected was that Democrats would also beat Republicans in Iowa, Kansas, and South Carolina. In the weeks before the elections, warnings were raised that the polls were inflating the Democrats' chances in several states. This cautionary note proved to be unfounded. The polling averages suggested that overall Democrats would likely beat Republicans by 11 points. They ended up besting Republicans by 13 points. Maybe the biggest miscalculation of this election was made by President Trump who assumed that he would be an asset to vulnerable Republicans by holding rallies in their states. As it turned out, his events proved to be more about him and his need to be centerstage. In some, he spoke for almost two hours, mostly about himself-his grievances, wild claims about how great the country is doing (thereby dismissing the economic concerns of many voters), and engaging in vulgar, bigoted, and demeaning attacks on immigrant groups and Democratic opponents in other states-often overshadowing and ignoring the candidates he was supposed to be helping. His constant refrain in these speeches was: "Vote as if I were on the ballot." In the end, as one reporter observed, voters did just that. And since Mr. Trump has a 32% favorable rating, the outcome wasn't a good one for Republicans. There was a real concern that the White House might attempt to stymie the vote in some districts. Others worried there might be a "October Surprise"-renewed bombing of Iran, sending armed immigration enforcement officials to select polling places to intimidate voters, or ordering the FBI to seize ballot boxes. None of this happened and so Election Day and its immediate aftermath proved uneventful. Because Democratic candidates were raising more money than Republicans, the GOP turned to what are called superPACs, corporate PACs, and other non-reportable independent expenditure entities to give them an advantage. As a result, this was the most expensive election in history. While the numbers are still being tallied, it appears that more than $14 billion was spent by both parties. The New York Times published an early list of 20 billionaire donors to campaigns who collectively spent more than $2 billion in this election. While there were some Democrats in the group, most were Republicans. Elon Musk, for example, invested over $450 million to support Republicans (half in Texas) while entities related to the Soros family put $100 million into Democratic campaigns. If anything, this election has brought to the center of our political debate the role of unregulated and unreported money in politics. As expected, the issues that dominated this election were the cost of living, immigration, corruption, and foreign wars. Most of these broke in favor of Democrats, which left Republicans trying to blame high prices on the Biden administration or to shift the discussion to the threat posed by immigrants. Such tactics may have worked in the 2024 election, but the impact of the president's tariffs on many consumer goods and the ever-increasing costs of gasoline, diesel fuel, and home heating took their toll on the GOP. The issues of US military aid to Israel and the role played by the pro-Israel lobby (AIPAC) in intimidating and silencing politicians played a less significant role in the November election than it had in the Democratic primaries where support for Israel proved to be the undoing of several incumbents. In the Senate races, a number of Democrats who won this year were clear in their opposition to aid to Israel and their refusal to accept the support of AIPAC, but because they weren't challenged by their Republican opponents, the issue didn't become a central theme in the November election. The major exception was the Senate contest in Michigan between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and his Republican opponent, Mike Rogers. But it wasn't Rogers who made El-Sayed's criticism of Israel the issue. Instead, following the lead of President Trump, Rogers focused on charges that El-Sayed is a socialist or Islamic extremist who couldn't be trusted to be loyal to America. The attacks against El-Sayed's criticism of Israel were left to the woman he'd defeated in the Democratic primary, who continued to demand that he adopt her positions on Israel. When El-Sayed refused to do so, she endorsed Mike Rogers, an act of political suicide which ended up benefiting El-Sayed's campaign. Policy matters aside, one "meta-issue" helped shape this year's contests. Voters on both sides of the partisan debate are fed up with politicians-especially the blow-dried, consultant-shaped characters who've long dominated the stage. Voters want authenticity: candidates who speak hard truths, whom they feel can be trusted to address their needs. One might argue that this was Donald Trump's appeal in 2016 and Joe Biden's in 2020. And it's the edge that Mr. Trump has lost-with his expensive vanity remodeling projects, shady business dealings, and demonstrated insensitivity to the economic hardships of many voters. If anything, this year was a classic "throw the bums out" election-leading to many establishment Democratic politicians being beaten in the primaries and the GOP's establishment crowd being shown the door in the general. Lessons must be learned from this election-and it appears the establishment consultants on both sides don't appear to understand. Democrats mustn't assume that this year's victories will automatically repeat in 2028. The consultants who are telling Democrats that the GOP is dead and it's time to move to the center, are wrong on both counts. Voters chose Democrats willing to fight for a change in economic priorities-where health care is seen as a right and affordable for all; where resources are allocated away from war and weapons toward meeting domestic priorities; and where money from corporations and billionaires don't dominate our politics. If Democrats, now in charge, don't address these issues that brought them victory, they may pay a price in 2028. Dr. James J. Zogby is President of the Arab American Institute.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Suggests Immigration Crackdown Was Too Harsh Following Election Results]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12944/Donald-Trump-Suggests-Immigration-Crackdown-Was-Too-Harsh-Following-Election-Results?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12944/Donald-Trump-Suggests-Immigration-Crackdown-Was-Too-Harsh-Following-Election-Results?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 05:00:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Following a difficult set of midterm election results, Donald Trump has expressed that the administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement may have been overly severe, noting that it likely impacted the party's performance at the polls. While maintaining that border security remained a top priority, Trump acknowledged that certain aspects of the crackdown were politically damaging.In a detailed television interview, Donald Trump provided a candid assessment of his administration's signature policy issue. He explained that while he believes his efforts to secure the border deserve the highest marks, the broad nature of deportations had unintended political consequences. Trump noted that while he remains proud of efforts to remove individuals with criminal records, the enforcement actions also swept up people who were well-integrated into their communities, held steady jobs, and had no prior legal issues beyond their immigration status. This shift in tone marks a significant departure from previous rhetoric that favored an uncompromising stance on all undocumented individuals.The data from the recent elections suggests that immigration was a primary concern for the American public, trailing only the economy and the health of the democratic system. In states that traditionally lean conservative, such as Texas, a notable shift occurred among Latino voters. This demographic change contributed significantly to the shifting balance of power in Congress. Donald Trump admitted that the immigration issue acted as a double-edged sword during the campaign, providing both momentum and obstacles for his fellow candidates. He specifically pointed out that the perception of being "too tough" likely alienated voters who might have otherwise supported the platform.Despite these reflections from the top, other parts of the administrative apparatus appear to be maintaining their original course. Officials within the Department of Homeland Security have indicated that there are no immediate plans to scale back arrest or deportation operations. Spokespeople for the department emphasized a continued focus on locating and removing those who pose threats to public safety. This creates a visible tension between the reflective political strategy discussed by Trump and the operational reality on the ground, where enforcement targets have actually seen recent increases.The internal debate over the future of immigration policy is also reflected in the voices of other prominent figures. JD Vance has suggested that a change in strategy might be necessary, proposing a shift in focus toward businesses that employ undocumented labor rather than focusing solely on individual deportations. However, the recent appointment of Stephen Miller as White House Chief of Staff suggests that hardline views still hold significant weight within the inner circle. Stephen Miller has long been recognized as a primary architect of strict border and interior enforcement policies.The human cost of these policies has also fueled intense public debate and local unrest. Enforcement actions across major cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles have sparked widespread protests. In one tragic incident in Minneapolis, the tension reached a breaking point when two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, lost their lives during a confrontation involving immigration agents. Such events have intensified the scrutiny on how federal agencies conduct their operations. As the administration looks toward the future, it faces the complex task of balancing security goals with the political and social realities that were made clear during the recent elections. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Drone Strike on Iraqi Gas Facility Disrupts Regional Energy Supply]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12943/Drone-Strike-on-Iraqi-Gas-Facility-Disrupts-Regional-Energy-Supply?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12943/Drone-Strike-on-Iraqi-Gas-Facility-Disrupts-Regional-Energy-Supply?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 04:53:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A significant drone attack targeted the Khor Mor gas field in northern Iraq, leading to a massive suspension of production and causing widespread power outages across the region. Officials report that over 70 percent of the area's electrical grid was knocked offline following the incident.An aerial attack involving an explosive-laden drone struck the Khor Mor gas facility, a critical energy hub located in the Sulaimaniyah governorate. The strike resulted in a fire at the site and forced an immediate halt to all production activities. As a result of this disruption, millions of residents in northern Iraq found themselves without electricity. The impact was felt across several major urban centers, including Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, Bazian, Chamchamal, and Duhok. Authorities have noted that the sudden loss of gas supply caused a drop of approximately 2,500 to 2,800 megawatts from the regional power grid.In response to the emergency, local energy officials have transitioned to alternative measures to ensure that essential services remain functional. While residential areas face significant blackouts, electricity is being prioritized for critical infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment facilities. To manage this, technical teams are operating hydroelectric stations and utilizing plants that can run on different fuel sources. These efforts are aimed at preventing a total collapse of public services while the damage at the Khor Mor field is assessed and eventually repaired. The fire caused by the drone was monitored closely, with footage showing thick smoke rising from the industrial site shortly after the impact.Ali al-Zaidi confirmed that, based on preliminary reports, there were no casualties or injuries resulting from the explosion. However, the economic and logistical impact is substantial. Ali al-Zaidi has ordered the formation of a specialized joint investigative committee to look into the circumstances of the attack. This committee will involve both local and regional security experts to determine the origin of the drone and the intent behind the strike. The incident adds to a series of security concerns involving energy infrastructure in the area, which has seen similar disruptions in the past year.The Khor Mor field is one of the most vital gas sources in the country, and any disruption there has immediate ripple effects on the stability of the entire region's energy sector. Residents have been advised to conserve power where possible as technicians work to restore the flow of gas. While no group has immediate claimed responsibility for the strike, it occurs during a period of heightened regional tension. Security around energy facilities has been tightened as a precaution against further incidents that could threaten the livelihoods of the population. The focus remains on stabilizing the grid and ensuring the safety of the workers at the gas facility. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[US Establishes Task Force Iron Gate to Monitor Land and Sea Trade Routes]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12942/US-Establishes-Task-Force-Iron-Gate-to-Monitor-Land-and-Sea-Trade-Routes?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12942/US-Establishes-Task-Force-Iron-Gate-to-Monitor-Land-and-Sea-Trade-Routes?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 04:48:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — The US military has officially launched a specialized unit named Task Force Iron Gate to enhance efforts in regulating the movement of advanced military hardware and restricted materials across land borders and the Caspian Sea. This move follows a prolonged period of maritime restrictions and aims to close logistical gaps in regional trade monitoring.Task Force Iron Gate, as announced by regional military officials, will be headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The team consists of 20 experts from both civilian and military backgrounds who are tasked with coordinating a multi-agency response to unauthorized trade. The primary objective is to monitor and prevent the transport of advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, and materials that fall under international sanctions. By expanding oversight to land routes and the Caspian Sea, the initiative seeks to address pathways that were previously less scrutinized compared to the high-profile naval corridors.Brad Cooper, a high-ranking official involved in the operation, emphasized that the new task force is designed to build upon the results of ongoing maritime efforts. The goal is to create a more integrated approach between various government departments to ensure that financial streams and supply chains for military equipment are thoroughly monitored. This collaboration is expected to limit the ability of sanctioned entities to rebuild industrial facilities or replenish their hardware reserves. Officials claim that previous naval measures have already had a significant impact on trade volumes, reportedly affecting billions of dollars in energy exports.This initiative is part of a broader strategy of economic and logistical pressure. Earlier this year, Scott Bessent introduced a campaign known as Operation Economic Outcast. This campaign specifically targets several sectors of the economy, including gold, digital assets, aviation, shipping, and technology. The logic behind these measures is to isolate specific financial networks and sever the lifelines that allow for the continuation of certain regional policies. Bessent described the approach as a comprehensive effort to ensure that trade remains within the bounds of international expectations.In a related move over the summer, Donald Trump directed the reimposition of naval restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. These measures were intended to regulate energy exports and covered the entire coastline, including major industrial terminals. While the restrictions are broad, they include specific protections for neutral shipping. Transit passage for vessels heading to or from destinations not involved in the conflict is still permitted. Additionally, the policy makes clear that humanitarian goods, such as food and medicine, are allowed to pass, provided they are subject to the required inspection protocols to verify their contents.Despite the intensity of the naval blockade and the new land-based task force, some regional trade in oil and liquefied natural gas has persisted. The creation of Task Force Iron Gate represents a tactical shift toward a more holistic view of regional logistics. By combining sea-based blockades with land-based tracking, the military aims to create a tighter network of oversight. The task force will focus on intelligence sharing and real-time monitoring of ground routes that cross multiple borders, ensuring that the movement of sanctioned goods is intercepted before reaching its destination. This integrated strategy highlights the ongoing complexity of managing regional trade and the continuous efforts to adapt to changing logistical patterns. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mamdani Enhances Fresh Food Access for New Yorkers on SNAP]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12941/Mamdani-Enhances-Fresh-Food-Access-for-New-Yorkers-on-SNAP?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12941/Mamdani-Enhances-Fresh-Food-Access-for-New-Yorkers-on-SNAP?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 04:42:42 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — New York City is taking significant steps to ensure that residents relying on food assistance can afford healthy meals by expanding two major produce programs. Zohran Mamdani has announced additional funding for the "Health Bucks" and "Get the Good Stuff" initiatives, which aim to put more fruits, vegetables, and beans into the hands of those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).This move comes at a critical time for the city. Residents are currently facing a double challenge: the rising cost of groceries due to inflation and recent federal budget cuts to the SNAP program. These federal changes have left approximately 26,500 New Yorkers without their usual monthly food aid, making city-level interventions more vital than ever. To further address these high costs, Mamdani is also moving forward with a plan to launch five city-owned grocery stores designed to reduce grocery bills by up to 30%.The expansion of the "Get the Good Stuff" program is a key component of this effort. This initiative provides a dollar-for-dollar match for SNAP recipients when they purchase fresh, frozen, or canned fruits, vegetables, and beans. Currently, the program allows participants to earn up to $10 in rewards per day at 21 participating supermarkets across the city. With the new funding, officials are looking to add 12 more grocery stores to the network. Interested retailers have until November 20 to apply to join the program and help expand access in underserved neighborhoods.Another major change is coming to the "Health Bucks" program, which operates at local farmers' markets and farm stands. Historically, this program allowed SNAP users to receive $2 for every $2 they spent on fresh produce. However, starting in January, the city will increase the maximum benefit. Instead of a $10 limit, New Yorkers will be able to receive up to $14 in matching funds, providing even more purchasing power for locally grown, healthy food. These coupons are a staple for many who prefer shopping at community markets for high-quality produce.The necessity of these programs is underscored by recent data from the city’s health department. Research indicates that nearly 80% of adults at risk of food insecurity struggle to afford balanced, nutritious meals. Perhaps more alarming is the finding that almost one in five of these individuals had not consumed any fruits or vegetables at all during the previous day. Health officials, including Dr. Helen Arteaga and Dr. Alister F. Martin, emphasize that access to these foods is not just a matter of convenience but a public health priority to reduce the risk of diet-related illnesses.By investing in these programs, the city aims to bridge the gap between high market prices and the dietary needs of its most vulnerable residents. New Yorkers can find participating locations and farmers' markets by using the official health department maps. This expansion represents a proactive approach to food justice, ensuring that a healthy diet is a right for all residents regardless of their financial situation. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New Court Records Detail Arrest in Fatal Brooklyn Path Stabbing]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12940/New-Court-Records-Detail-Arrest-in-Fatal-Brooklyn-Path-Stabbing?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12940/New-Court-Records-Detail-Arrest-in-Fatal-Brooklyn-Path-Stabbing?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 04:34:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Recently released court documents are providing a clearer picture of how law enforcement identified and apprehended a suspect in the tragic death of a woman on a Brooklyn jogging trail. The investigation into the incident, which occurred late last month, has led to serious charges against a local resident as the community calls for increased security in public recreational areas.The legal proceedings involve the death of 28-year-old Katie Suarez, who was fatally attacked while running along the Shore Parkway greenway on October 30. Sayed Mohassib, a 27-year-old resident of Bath Beach, appeared in court recently to face several charges, including second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and criminal possession of a weapon. During his appearance at Kings County Supreme Court, he entered a plea of not guilty. A judge ordered that he remain in custody without bail as the legal process moves forward.Surveillance technology played a pivotal role in the investigation. According to the documents, video footage captured a man entering the area of the running path shortly before the incident and fleeing the scene afterward. Additional footage from a residential building showed the suspect returning home and later emerging in different clothing to discard items in a trash chute. When questioned by investigators, the suspect reportedly admitted to being at the location with a weapon, citing a fear for his family’s safety, though he denied involvement in the stabbing itself. He claimed he had simply sat on a bench where he became stained with blood. However, a detective noted seeing the suspect attempting to clean a reddish stain from a wall inside his residence.The background of the suspect has also come under scrutiny. He was employed by the New York City Department of Education at Public School 200. Following the arrest, education officials confirmed his suspension and stated that they would proceed with termination depending on the legal outcome of the case. Furthermore, records show he had brief stints with both the Marine Corps and the local police department’s training program in the Bronx. Stephen Chan, who represents the 17th District, expressed concern over the hiring processes for public institutions, suggesting that more rigorous psychological evaluations should be standard for those in positions of public trust.The incident has left many residents who frequent the Shore Parkway path feeling uneasy. On a recent Sunday, several cyclists and joggers shared their concerns, noting that while the area generally feels safe, the randomness of the attack has made them more cautious. Many are now calling for a more consistent presence of patrols to ensure that those using the greenway for exercise can do so without fear. The sentiment among the local community is one of shock, as many describe the neighborhood as a typically quiet and secure environment.Amidst the tragedy, a meaningful legacy has emerged through the victim’s final contribution. Katie Suarez was a registered organ donor, and officials have confirmed that her organs have saved the lives of four individuals. Organizations dedicated to organ donation highlighted this as a significant light in a dark situation, emphasizing how such a selfless act can provide a sense of hope to grieving families. As the case against the suspect continues in the court system, the community remains focused on both the pursuit of justice and the life-saving impact of the victim’s generosity. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Directs Justice Department to Investigate Democrats Over Alleged Threats Against Officials]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12939/Donald-Trump-Directs-Justice-Department-to-Investigate-Democrats-Over-Alleged-Threats-Against-Officials?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12939/Donald-Trump-Directs-Justice-Department-to-Investigate-Democrats-Over-Alleged-Threats-Against-Officials?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:52:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump has instructed the Department of Justice to launch an inquiry into Democratic lawmakers, accusing them of using threats of impeachment and legal intimidation against administration officials and political donors following the recent midterm elections. This move comes as political tensions rise following a shift in Congressional control.Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has ordered the Department of Justice to begin a formal investigation into several Democratic members of Congress. The allegations involve what Trump describes as "threatening" behavior directed at high-ranking officials, including Attorney General Todd Blanche. The announcement was made through a social media post shortly after the conclusion of midterm elections, which resulted in the Democratic party gaining majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.According to the statement, Trump claims that Democratic leaders are targeting individuals with the threat of impeachment and other forms of punishment despite lacking valid grounds for such actions. He characterized these maneuvers as a form of political harassment aimed at destabilizing the current administration. The focus of the dispute centers on the future of Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has become a primary target for several incoming majority lawmakers. Reps. Hank Johnson of Georgia and Deborah Ross of North Carolina have both publicly expressed their intentions to pursue impeachment proceedings against Blanche once the new Congress is seated.The tension is not limited to the Attorney General's office. While some Democrats have focused on Blanche, others have suggested that the legislative priority should be directed toward other officials, such as Pete Hegseth. Interestingly, Trump’s post did not mention that some Republican members of Congress, including Thomas Massie, have also signaled potential impeachment articles against Hegseth. This internal and external pressure highlights the volatile atmosphere surrounding the administrative cabinet as the new legislative session approaches.In addition to the impeachment threats, Trump specifically identified Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan in his accusations. He referenced comments she made during an appearance at the University of Chicago, where she discussed creating a "deterrence message" for those considering working within the Trump administration. Slotkin suggested that individuals who enable certain political agendas should face professional consequences to discourage participation in the administration. Trump interpreted these remarks as a direct threat against young professionals and supporters of Republican values.Furthermore, the investigation is expected to cover allegations that Democratic figures have been intimidating Republican donors. Trump claimed that major financial supporters have been threatened with imprisonment and legal scrutiny because of their political affiliations. Reports indicate that as Democrats prepare to take over key committees in Congress, they intend to launch various probes into corporate entities and large-scale donors associated with the White House. Trump concluded his statement by calling for those he termed "extortionists" to face legal repercussions, framing their actions as a criminal attempt to interfere with the functions of the government. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Winter Storm Floods Tens of Thousands of Shelters for Displaced Families in Gaza]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12938/Winter-Storm-Floods-Tens-of-Thousands-of-Shelters-for-Displaced-Families-in-Gaza?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12938/Winter-Storm-Floods-Tens-of-Thousands-of-Shelters-for-Displaced-Families-in-Gaza?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:41:58 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Thousands of families living in temporary shelters across the Gaza Strip are facing a dire humanitarian crisis as the first major winter storm of the season has caused widespread flooding and structural damage. Local officials report that approximately 70,000 tents have been submerged or severely damaged within just 12 hours of rainfall, leaving many of the most vulnerable residents without dry ground or protection from the cold.The onset of winter has brought a new level of hardship to a population already struggling with limited resources. Initial assessments estimate the financial losses from the storm at roughly $3 million. However, the human cost is much higher, with dozens of injuries reported due to collapsing walls and buildings that were already weakened. The sudden deluge has turned camp walkways into rivers of mud and sewage, soaking mattresses, blankets, and personal belongings that are nearly impossible to dry in the current conditions.Emergency response teams have been working around the clock, receiving over 1,500 distress calls in a single morning. In several displacement sites, water levels rose by nearly 16 inches, forcing families to flee their tents in the middle of the night. Civil defense representatives expressed grave concern for the safety of newborns, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, warning that the lack of proper shelter and heating could lead to a significant rise in fatalities. Many families are now wandering in search of any high ground or surviving structures, but options are increasingly limited as the rain persists.The health infrastructure has also taken a hit. A major medical complex in Gaza City reported that its emergency department was temporarily put out of service after rainwater flooded the facility. Medical professionals are sounding the alarm over a potential surge in respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal infections. The mixture of rainwater with overflowing sewage systems creates a dangerous environment, particularly for children who are often seen navigating the flooded areas barefoot. There is a specific and urgent fear for the lives of infants who require warmth that these thin plastic shelters simply cannot provide.Along the coastline, where nearly a million people have sought refuge, the situation is even more precarious. High tides and strong winds threaten to sweep away tents pitched dangerously close to the sea. These shelters, many of which are years old and held together by patches and string, offer little resistance to the elements. Local committees state that at least 200,000 new tents and significant heating supplies are required immediately to prevent a total catastrophe. Despite the clear need, the entry of essential reconstruction and shelter materials remains heavily restricted, leaving humanitarian agencies with almost no resources to distribute to those in need.The international community is being urged to intervene and ensure the opening of crossings for humanitarian aid. Reports indicate that while some trucks are entering the region daily, the number carrying actual aid is a small fraction of what was previously agreed upon. Thousands of tents are reportedly held up at border points while families in the interior face the freezing rain without even a tarpaulin for protection. Without a rapid increase in the flow of supplies, the winter months threaten to turn a displacement crisis into a mass health and safety disaster for the hundreds of thousands of people living in the open. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Invites UFC Chief Dana White to Lead White House Press Office]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12937/Donald-Trump-Invites-UFC-Chief-Dana-White-to-Lead-White-House-Press-Office?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12937/Donald-Trump-Invites-UFC-Chief-Dana-White-to-Lead-White-House-Press-Office?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:35:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump has publicly reached out to Dana White, the prominent leader of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), offering him the high-profile position of White House Press Secretary. In a social media announcement, Trump praised White's combative spirit and suggested that his unique leadership style would be a perfect fit for the administration's communications team.The invitation was extended through a post on Truth Social, where Donald Trump expressed a strong desire for White to take over the role. He described White as a "fighter and warrior," suggesting that he could bring a new level of energy to the White House briefing room. Interestingly, the proposal included a suggestion that White bring several high-profile professional fighters with him to help navigate the political landscape. Among the names mentioned were several international athletes, including Islam Makhachev, who is recognized globally for his skills in the octagon. By referencing these athletes, Trump emphasized a desire for a "tough" approach to defending administrative policies against political opponents.While the public offer caught many by surprise, Dana White has not immediately accepted or declined the position. In recent statements, White confirmed that he has a scheduled meeting with Donald Trump on Monday to discuss the possibility further. On social media, White shared a photograph of himself standing behind the official White House lectern, captioned with a note about moving to a "next chapter," though it remains unclear if the post was intended seriously or as a lighthearted nod to the rumors. When questioned by reporters during a recent trip to London, White noted that he already manages a very full schedule, including his leadership of the UFC, the Power Slap league, and his newly launched boxing promotion, Zuffa Boxing. Additionally, White serves on the board of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.The position of White House Press Secretary has been vacant since mid-October following the departure of Katie Zacharia. The role is known for being one of the most demanding in Washington, requiring the ability to manage intense media scrutiny and maintain the administration's public image. White’s history with the media has been notably confrontational at times; he is known for his direct and often blunt responses to journalists covering the world of mixed martial arts. This history of standing his ground against critics is likely what attracted Donald Trump to him for this specific role.The relationship between Donald Trump and Dana White spans over two decades. In 2001, when the UFC was struggling to find venues and facing bans in multiple states, Trump provided a platform for the organization by hosting events at his properties in Atlantic City. White has frequently credited this support as a turning point that saved the sport from obscurity. Over the years, White has remained a loyal supporter, speaking at several major political conventions and appearing alongside Trump during significant public events. This long-standing friendship forms the foundation of the current job offer, as Trump looks to fill his team with trusted allies who share his communication style. Whether the transition from the sports arena to the political podium will actually happen remains a topic of significant speculation as the Monday meeting approaches. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Court Directs City to Release Shelter Information to Federal Immigration Authorities]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12936/Court-Directs-City-to-Release-Shelter-Information-to-Federal-Immigration-Authorities?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12936/Court-Directs-City-to-Release-Shelter-Information-to-Federal-Immigration-Authorities?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:30:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a significant legal development, a federal court has ordered city officials to provide immigration agents with personal details of individuals staying at a large municipal shelter in the Bronx. The ruling specifically concerns the names and birthdates of certain residents at the facility, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing tension between local sanctuary policies and federal enforcement efforts.Lewis Kaplan issued the order requiring the administration led by Zohran Mamdani to comply with a subpoena from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The federal agency is seeking this information as part of an investigation into residents who may be eligible for deportation. While the city has historically resisted such requests to protect the privacy of those in its care, the court found that the legal grounds for withholding the information were insufficient in this instance.The dispute centers on a massive shelter located on Bruckner Boulevard in the South Bronx. The facility, a converted warehouse, currently houses more than 2,000 individuals and serves as a major emergency housing site for migrants. Although Zohran Mamdani previously indicated plans to phase out this specific location by the end of the year, it remains a focal point for federal investigations. The court's decision noted that the city failed to prove that providing the requested list would be an unreasonable burden, leading to the enforcement of the subpoena.To address concerns regarding the scope of the data, the ruling includes a compromise. Instead of a blanket release of all resident names, a special master has been appointed to oversee the process. This official will identify only those residents who have serious criminal histories, ensuring that the federal agency receives targeted information rather than a complete directory of all people living at the shelter. This measure was introduced after the city criticized previous federal requests as broad "fishing expeditions" that lacked specific investigative goals.The legal battle has been brewing since late 2025. Between August of that year and the present, federal authorities made four separate attempts to obtain personal data through subpoenas. Each time, the city refused to comply, citing local laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These sanctuary policies are designed to build trust between immigrant communities and local government, ensuring that individuals can access services without fear of being reported to federal agents.Advocacy groups have reacted strongly to the decision. Murad Awawdeh, representing the New York Immigration Coalition, has called on the city to appeal the ruling immediately. Awawdeh argued that the federal efforts represent a campaign that targets vulnerable community members and violates the spirit of local protections. The coalition emphasizes that the city and state have a responsibility to protect everyone under their supervision, regardless of their immigration status, and that sharing civil data for enforcement purposes contradicts established local protocols.As of now, the office of Zohran Mamdani has not released a formal statement regarding whether they will pursue an appeal. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how other municipalities handle similar subpoenas in the future, especially as the debate over local versus federal jurisdiction continues to intensify in New York and across the country. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New York's Political Landscape: Kathy Hochul Earns Strong Mandate for Future Growth]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12935/New-York's-Political-Landscape%3A-Kathy-Hochul-Earns-Strong-Mandate-for-Future-Growth?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12935/New-York's-Political-Landscape%3A-Kathy-Hochul-Earns-Strong-Mandate-for-Future-Growth?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:20:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Kathy Hochul has secured a commanding re-election victory in New York, achieving a nearly 20-point margin that signals a powerful mandate for her upcoming term. This victory was highlighted by unexpected successes in Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, areas that had previously shown significant opposition. With a historic alignment of New York leadership in Washington D.C., including Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, the state is positioned for a unique era of federal cooperation and investment.The scale of this electoral victory places Kathy Hochul among a select group of historical figures in New York politics. Not since the early 20th century have many leaders reached such a wide margin of support. This achievement provides a clear path to pursue an ambitious agenda aimed at addressing the state's most pressing structural issues. By winning over voters in traditionally difficult districts, the message from the electorate is one of confidence in the current direction while demanding continued progress on affordability and infrastructure.One of the most significant advantages for New York moving forward is the unprecedented concentration of power at the federal level. With Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer holding top positions in the House and Senate, the state has a direct line to federal resources. Despite the political presence of Donald Trump, who remains a central figure in national politics, the potential for federal investment in New York’s aging infrastructure and technology sectors has never been higher. This alignment offers a rare opportunity to transform the state’s economic landscape through large-scale projects.Kathy Hochul’s strategy involves a focus on what some call an 'abundance agenda.' This includes tackling the high cost of living by re-evaluating tax structures and reducing the regulatory burdens that have historically slowed growth. Previous efforts, such as middle-class tax cuts and the 'Let Them Build' initiative, have already begun to reshape the state's approach to housing and environmental reviews. Moving forward, the focus shifts toward massive investments like high-speed rail. The goal is to connect cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany to New York City with modern, efficient transit that could revitalize regional economies.In addition to economic and physical infrastructure, there is a strong push for systemic reform. This involves utilizing modern technology, such as AI, to make government services more responsive and efficient. There is also a significant call for ethical reforms and the implementation of term limits, which a majority of New Yorkers support. By embracing these changes, Kathy Hochul aims to transition from a leader who stepped into the role during a crisis to a transformative figure who redefined the state’s future. The focus remains on making New York a more affordable and innovative place for working families and businesses alike. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Proposal for 'Thriving States' Alliance to Build Global Supply Chain of Peace]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12934/Proposal-for-'Thriving-States'-Alliance-to-Build-Global-Supply-Chain-of-Peace?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12934/Proposal-for-'Thriving-States'-Alliance-to-Build-Global-Supply-Chain-of-Peace?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:51:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a recent address, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani introduced a vision for a new international collective known as 'Thriving States,' aimed at leveraging the unique strengths of smaller, stable nations to foster global security and economic cooperation. This initiative suggests that countries which have successfully turned their geographic size into a strategic advantage should now lead efforts in establishing a reliable 'supply chain of peace' across the globe. During a significant speaking engagement, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani highlighted the evolving role of smaller nations in the modern geopolitical landscape. He argued that these countries, characterized by their agility, stability, and prosperity, are no longer just observers of international events but are essential contributors to the world's well-being. By pooling their diplomatic resources and economic expertise, these 'Thriving States' can provide a structured approach to conflict resolution that larger powers might find difficult to navigate alone.The proposal emphasizes that smaller nations are often the first to feel the impact of global conflicts they did not start. To counter this vulnerability, the vision for a 'Thriving States' bloc involves a proactive stance where these nations do not simply wait for peace to happen but actively work to shape it. The core of this idea is the 'supply chain of peace and stability,' a metaphor for a continuous and resilient network of diplomatic efforts that ensures global safety remains uninterrupted by the friction of major power rivalries.In addition to the new alliance proposal, the discussion touched upon the ongoing mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. It was noted that Doha has been working closely with American officials to find ways to de-escalate tensions and contain potential conflicts. Despite shifts in the political landscape following recent elections, the intention to find a peaceful resolution remains steady. The focus is on preventing situations from spiraling out of control, a goal that has seen cooperation from various voices in Tehran who seek to avoid regional instability.The diplomatic approach favored here is one of pragmatism. Rather than holding out for a 'perfect' peace deal that may never arrive, the strategy is to secure 'good' deals that provide immediate relief and long-term stability. While the pace of diplomacy can fluctuate, the commitment to engagement remains a priority. The message is clear: stability cannot be outsourced, and the international community must remain active in building the foundations for a peaceful future through persistent and inclusive dialogue.Ultimately, the goal of the 'Thriving States' concept is to empower nations that are often overlooked to take a seat at the table of global leadership. By working together, these countries can ensure that the international order remains balanced and that the voices of smaller, prosperous nations are heard in the quest for a more harmonious world. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[US Issues Security Alerts for Americans Traveling Across Middle East]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12933/US-Issues-Security-Alerts-for-Americans-Traveling-Across-Middle-East?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12933/US-Issues-Security-Alerts-for-Americans-Traveling-Across-Middle-East?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:39:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — US diplomatic missions have issued a series of security alerts for American citizens residing in or traveling through the Middle East. The warnings, released on November 7, urge individuals to maintain a high level of vigilance due to regional tensions and potential threats to safety. These alerts highlight concerns regarding possible disruptions to international travel and the security of government personnel in several countries throughout the region.The security notifications cover a wide range of locations, specifically identifying ten different areas where caution is advised. These include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Bahrain, Yemen, and Iran. Additionally, specific notices were issued for individuals in Iraq and Jerusalem. The primary focus of these warnings is the potential for sudden changes in the security environment which could impact daily life and movement for foreign nationals.One of the most significant concerns highlighted in the alerts is the possibility of major travel disruptions. Authorities have warned that the current climate could lead to unexpected flight cancellations, the closure of various airspaces, and broader interruptions to transportation networks. Americans in the region are being strongly encouraged to keep a close watch on local news developments and to strictly follow any safety guidance provided by both US officials and the host governments of the countries where they are located.In Saudi Arabia, the alert was particularly detailed, noting a history of hostilities involving Houthi forces that have previously targeted civilian infrastructure, including airports. Such incidents in the past have resulted in casualties and significant delays for travelers. Consequently, the mission in Saudi Arabia has advised heightened awareness. It was also noted that certain non-emergency government personnel and their families were previously organized to depart the country as a precautionary measure in late October. While some transport options like rail and bus services remain operational, travelers are urged to verify their flight status directly with airlines before heading to the airport.For those in Jerusalem and Iraq, the guidance emphasizes the importance of knowing the location of nearby shelters and staying informed through real-time alert systems. In Jerusalem, citizens are advised to utilize local emergency applications that provide notifications regarding potential aerial threats. The overall message across all these locations is one of preparedness rather than immediate panic, as the alerts are designed to ensure that citizens are not caught off guard by rapidly changing circumstances.To stay informed, the State Department recommends that all Americans abroad register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program allows individuals to receive direct security updates from the nearest embassy or consulate, making it easier for authorities to reach them in case of an emergency. While these alerts do not confirm that attacks have occurred in every listed location, they serve as a critical reminder of the complexities of the current regional security landscape and the importance of proactive safety measures for all international travelers. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Heavy Rain Floods Gaza Displacement Camps and Causes Building Collapse]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12932/Heavy-Rain-Floods-Gaza-Displacement-Camps-and-Causes-Building-Collapse?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12932/Heavy-Rain-Floods-Gaza-Displacement-Camps-and-Causes-Building-Collapse?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:30:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Torrential rains have triggered a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, flooding thousands of temporary shelters and causing structural collapses that left several residents injured. The sudden change in weather has worsened the already desperate living conditions for hundreds of thousands of people residing in makeshift tents across the region.The onset of the storm system has brought significant hardship to families living in low-lying areas. Reports indicate that rainwater inundated thousands of tents, seeping into the living quarters and damaging the few belongings families had left. The flimsy structures, often made of nylon and thin fabric, offered little to no protection against the rising water and biting cold. In northern Gaza, the situation turned critical when a wall of a building, previously weakened by military bombardment, collapsed under the weight of the downpour. Two individuals were injured in the incident and required medical attention, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by damaged infrastructure during severe weather events.Current estimates suggest that there are approximately 270,000 tents distributed across the Gaza Strip. However, more than 400,000 displaced people are living in locations considered highly vulnerable to flooding, including those near the seashore or in areas where rainwater naturally accumulates. The lack of proper drainage systems, which have been largely destroyed, means that even moderate rainfall can lead to significant flooding in these crowded camps. Families are struggling to keep their children and the elderly dry as the water compromises the integrity of their shelters.The humanitarian challenge is further complicated by a severe shortage of essential supplies. There is a critical lack of fuel and heating materials, leaving displaced populations exposed to dropping nighttime temperatures. Without adequate blankets, warm clothing, or even dry ground to sleep on, the risk of illness among the most vulnerable groups is rising rapidly. The international community has expressed growing concern over the lack of winter-proof shelter materials, such as heavy-duty tents and waterproofing supplies, which are desperately needed to prevent a larger health catastrophe.As the storm continues to move through the territory, the cycle of displacement and destruction intensifies. Each weather event adds a new layer of suffering for those who have already lost their homes and are now struggling against the elements. The immediate need for emergency supplies, including heating equipment and durable shelter, remains the top priority for aid organizations on the ground. The resilience of the population is being tested to its limits as they face the dual threats of environmental hazards and a total lack of basic resources. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Brooklyn Infrastructure Project Aims to Accelerate Bus Commutes and Protect Pedestrians]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12931/Brooklyn-Infrastructure-Project-Aims-to-Accelerate-Bus-Commutes-and-Protect-Pedestrians?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12931/Brooklyn-Infrastructure-Project-Aims-to-Accelerate-Bus-Commutes-and-Protect-Pedestrians?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:15:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A major infrastructure initiative has officially commenced in Brooklyn, focusing on the redesign of DeKalb and Lafayette Avenues to enhance bus efficiency and road safety. The project is expected to benefit approximately 18,000 daily commuters on the B38 line while introducing protected lanes for cyclists and safer crossings for pedestrians.Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Mike Flynn announced the groundbreaking of this transit-focused redesign, which targets key stretches of Brooklyn’s road network. The scope of the work includes DeKalb Avenue from Broadway to Flatbush Avenue and Lafayette Avenue from Ashland Place to Patchen Avenue. Over 2.7 miles of new bus lanes—both offset and curbside—will be installed to prevent traffic congestion from delaying public transportation. By prioritizing bus movement, the city aims to provide more reliable commutes for residents traveling between Downtown Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy, and Bushwick.This initiative is part of a broader program called "Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service," a collaborative effort involving city and state officials. The goal of this partnership is to modernize 175 bus routes, covering nearly 75% of the city's bus network. Zohran Kwame Mamdani emphasized that residents should not have to choose between punctuality and safety, noting that the redesign is a practical application of a commitment to respect New Yorkers' time and well-being. The administration is moving quickly to build streets that prioritize people over vehicle congestion.Safety is a primary driver for these changes. Data shows that since 2021, accidents on DeKalb and Lafayette avenues have resulted in 841 injuries, including 47 severe cases and one fatality. By implementing protected bike lanes and narrowing certain corridors, the project seeks to calm traffic and reduce the risk of collisions. Mike Flynn pointed out that a person’s zip code should not dictate their access to safe and affordable transportation. The redesign aims to create a more equitable transit environment, particularly in neighborhoods where 80% of the population relies on walking, cycling, or public transit to reach their workplaces.The B38 bus route is a critical lifeline for Brooklyn, and Janno Lieber noted that the borough is currently at the center of a transit revolution. With most households in the affected areas not owning a personal vehicle, improvements to bus speed and reliability are essential for economic and social mobility. In addition to the work in Brooklyn, similar safety and speed projects are being advanced across the five boroughs. Current projects include Fordham Road and Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, 34th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan, Victory Boulevard on Staten Island, and Broadway in Queens. These efforts collectively reflect a citywide strategy to build a modern transportation system that serves the millions of New Yorkers who depend on public infrastructure every day. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Hochul Considers New Tax Options to Fund Universal Childcare Programs]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12930/Hochul-Considers-New-Tax-Options-to-Fund-Universal-Childcare-Programs?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12930/Hochul-Considers-New-Tax-Options-to-Fund-Universal-Childcare-Programs?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 10:58:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Kathy Hochul has indicated a willingness to explore new tax revenues to support the implementation of a multi-billion dollar universal childcare system. During a recent gathering in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the discussion centered on finding sustainable funding for social programs that benefit working families in New York.In a significant move toward addressing the needs of families, Kathy Hochul expressed openness to raising taxes to secure the necessary resources for a universal childcare program. This initiative, which has been a primary focus for Zohran Mamdani, aims to provide comprehensive support for parents across the state. While speaking at a press conference, Hochul emphasized the importance of finding "creative paths" to ensure that childcare remains a long-term commitment. The estimated cost for such an ambitious program is expected to reach several billion dollars, necessitating a stable and significant funding stream.Kathy Hochul pointed out that this wouldn't be the first time tax adjustments were made to fund essential services. Reference was made to previous efforts, such as the implementation of the pied-à-terre tax, which targets secondary homes owned by individuals who do not reside in the city full-time. Additionally, adjustments to the payroll mobility tax were previously utilized to support infrastructure improvements for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). These examples were cited to illustrate a history of using targeted taxation to solve complex financial challenges and invest in the public good.Zohran Mamdani, who stood alongside Hochul during the announcement, expressed optimism about the partnership. Mamdani noted that the recent election results showed that New Yorkers are eager for policies that provide tangible financial relief. With a legislative session approaching, it is anticipated that there will be significant support from state lawmakers for wealth tax proposals. Many in the state Assembly and Senate have historically favored increasing taxes on high earners to balance the budget and fund social safety nets.The visit to Puerto Rico also involved various members of the city administration, including Lillian Bonsignore, Mike Flynn, Kamar Samuels, Ahmed Tigani, and Faiza Ali. These officials participated in discussions with legislators to represent city interests. Beyond the policy meetings, Zohran Mamdani attended a public demonstration in San Juan against proposed changes to immigration enforcement. The rally focused on opposing amendments to Senate Bill 1062, which critics argue would allow federal immigration agents access to public schools.Addressing the crowd at the rally, Mamdani spoke about the importance of protecting children in educational environments, stating that schools should be the safest places for youth. The event was attended by several cabinet members, including Samuels, Tigani, and Ali, who joined in a show of solidarity. The group argued that the proposed legislative changes in Puerto Rico could unfairly target residents and create an atmosphere of fear. This display of advocacy highlighted the interconnectedness of local leadership and broader civil rights issues affecting the community. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Young people share their vision for a kinder America]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12928/Young-people-share-their-vision-for-a-kinder-America?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12928/Young-people-share-their-vision-for-a-kinder-America?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:30:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Sponsored content from URL Media By URL Media ▶ Watch the video Video: YouTube / @url-media What if the biggest thing young people want from America isn't a policy at all? They're asking for a country that prioritizes "mental health and peace," where mentors show up and neighbors actually get along. Speakers in a video about America's future introduce themselves by first name, then describe the country they hope to build. One wants an America where everyone prioritizes what it takes for America to have "an empowering future." Mentorship is part of the plan. Another speaker hopes mentors will "help lead young people" so the next generation can "build success." What they're asking is practical: For adults who have walked the path to show up for those just starting. Success, as they explain, is something older and younger Americans build together. Others kept their vision broad and hopeful: "To continue progressing." Another pictured America in 25 years as "a nice, peaceful, calm place where everyone and everything gets along." Those hopes arrived 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Its authors named "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" among inalienable rights. For these speakers, a happy life and a peaceful one are inseparable from mental well-being. So what can Americans do with what these young people said? The takeaways are straightforward. We should make room for honest conversations about mental health. Step up as mentors. Build communities where "everyone belongs." Mentors can offer guidance, neighbors can offer patience and communities can make support easy to find. The young people in this series have said what they want. The next step belongs to those of us who listened and to whoever decides to act on it. YOU MATTER The future is built one voice at a time. Hear how America's youth envision stronger communities, brighter futures, and a country where everyone belongs. Watch the latest Youth Voices stories. Because every voice helps shape what's next. Remember, You Matter. Call. Text. Chat 988. MORE FROM THE URL MEDIA NETWORK At 250, all Americans pay the costs for a healthcare system rooted in segregation (URL Media) The semiquincentennial of second sight: Black America's X-ray vision for democracy (URL Media) America 250: A Republic Built on Native Land (Native News Online) 250 milestones in AAPI history for America 250 (AsAm News) At 250, young Americans dream of a more united nation (Youth Voices, Alhawadeth)]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Major Tech Stocks Tumble as US Election Results Spark AI Growth Concerns]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12927/Major-Tech-Stocks-Tumble-as-US-Election-Results-Spark-AI-Growth-Concerns?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12927/Major-Tech-Stocks-Tumble-as-US-Election-Results-Spark-AI-Growth-Concerns?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 11:03:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Global financial markets experienced a significant downturn as technology stocks faced a massive sell-off following the recent US midterm elections. The shift in political power has triggered widespread anxiety among investors regarding the future of artificial intelligence development and the infrastructure required to support it. Trillions of dollars in market value evaporated across major exchanges in the United States, Europe, and Asia, marking one of the most volatile periods for the sector in recent months.The tech-heavy Nasdaq index bore the brunt of the decline, falling by 5.5% in a single day, which represents an estimated loss of $2.5 trillion. This downturn was not limited to smaller firms; the industry giants known as the 'magnificent seven,' which include Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla, collectively lost nearly a trillion dollars in value. Nvidia, a leader in the AI chip market, saw its shares slide by more than 9%, while other semiconductor manufacturers like AMD and Micron suffered even steeper losses, both dropping by over 17%.The primary driver behind this market reaction appears to be the outcome of the US midterm elections, where Democrats gained control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This political shift has raised concerns about more stringent regulations on the technology sector. Several successful candidates campaigned on platforms that opposed the rapid expansion of data centers, which are essential for training and running advanced AI models. For instance, Gina Hinojosa campaigned with a promise to halt new data center construction, citing environmental and local impacts.Public figures have expressed varying views on the market's performance. Donald Trump attributed the decline to the election results, suggesting that the political change directly influenced investor confidence. On the other hand, figures like Bernie Sanders have called for increased oversight, suggesting that the growth of large tech companies needs to be balanced with environmental protections and job security. Sanders specifically advocated for a national moratorium on data center expansion, a stance that has unsettled investors who had previously banked on unchecked growth in AI infrastructure.The impact of the US political landscape quickly spread to international markets. In Europe, chipmaker Infineon and equipment manufacturer ASML saw their share prices drop significantly. The trend continued into Asia, where Japan’s Nikkei index fell by 6%. Major South Korean companies like SK Hynix and Samsung also recorded sharp declines, reflecting the global nature of the tech supply chain and its sensitivity to US policy changes.Tech industry leaders are now acknowledging the need for better communication with the public and policymakers. Greg Brockman, a prominent figure at OpenAI, noted that the industry was surprised by the level of pushback against data centers. He emphasized the importance of engaging with local communities rather than assuming that infrastructure projects would be automatically welcomed. Similarly, Dina Powell McCormick from Meta suggested that the industry must do a better job of explaining the benefits of AI to ensure long-term support. As the market settles, the focus remains on whether the massive investments in AI will eventually yield the expected returns or if the sector is facing a necessary correction. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Iran Outlines Seven Conditions for Nuclear Discussions with the United States]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12926/Iran-Outlines-Seven-Conditions-for-Nuclear-Discussions-with-the-United-States?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12926/Iran-Outlines-Seven-Conditions-for-Nuclear-Discussions-with-the-United-States?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:59:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Iran has submitted a fresh diplomatic proposal regarding its nuclear program to Washington through Qatari mediators. However, Tehran insists that seven specific prerequisites, including the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets, must be addressed before any formal negotiations can proceed. Tehran has officially communicated a new framework for nuclear discussions to the United States, utilizing Qatar as a diplomatic bridge. This move comes at a critical juncture in regional relations, as both nations navigate a complex landscape of military tension and diplomatic maneuvering. According to reports from senior officials, the proposal is currently under review by the United States. While the specific contents of the proposal remain confidential, the Iranian stance is clear: formal dialogue is contingent upon the fulfillment of seven key demands.Mohsen Rezaei, a prominent security official, emphasized these conditions during a recent visit to Russia. He stated that the resumption of negotiations is strictly tied to Washington’s willingness to execute these requirements. Among the primary demands are the complete removal of economic sanctions imposed on Iran, the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets held abroad, and the payment of reparations related to recent conflicts. Furthermore, the Iranian side has linked the security and accessibility of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global shipping lane—to the satisfactory resolution of these conditions.The backdrop of this diplomatic outreach is a period of significant regional instability that began earlier this year. Military actions involving various regional players have led to a broader confrontation, impacting several neighboring countries. The conflict has seen activity in Lebanon and Yemen, with various groups engaging in strikes that have affected energy infrastructure and maritime security. This environment has made the role of neutral mediators like Qatar increasingly vital in preventing further escalation. Qatar’s involvement highlights its ongoing efforts to facilitate communication between parties that lack direct diplomatic channels.Within the United States, the timing of this proposal coincides with the aftermath of midterm elections. Donald Trump has indicated that the possibility of renewed military operations remains a factor in strategic planning, while also acknowledging the impact of foreign policy on domestic political outcomes. The United States has consistently maintained that any preliminary talks must prioritize the Iranian nuclear program. Conversely, the Iranian leadership insists that their seven conditions are non-negotiable precursors to any discussion regarding nuclear activity.As the international community watches closely, the standoff remains a test of high-stakes diplomacy. The demand for war reparations and the link to the Strait of Hormuz add layers of complexity to an already difficult negotiation process. For now, the path toward a diplomatic resolution remains blocked by these competing priorities, with both sides waiting to see how the other will respond to this latest proposal. The focus remains on whether a middle ground can be found that addresses security concerns while providing the economic relief sought by Tehran. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Signs Order to Designate Oval Office as National Monument]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12925/Donald-Trump-Signs-Order-to-Designate-Oval-Office-as-National-Monument?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12925/Donald-Trump-Signs-Order-to-Designate-Oval-Office-as-National-Monument?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:54:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a move aimed at preserving the architectural integrity of one of the world's most famous rooms, Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring the Oval Office a national monument. The order is intended to prevent future leaders from making significant structural changes to the space while still allowing for traditional redecoration and furnishing updates. Donald Trump announced the decision on Thursday, emphasizing that the Oval Office serves as a vital symbol of the country’s greatness. By designating it as a national monument, the order seeks to ensure that the office remains intact and is not subject to major alterations or demolition by those who might wish to change its shape or fundamental design. Trump noted that while the room is a working office, its historical and symbolic value requires a higher level of protection than it currently receives under existing regulations.The executive order specifies that while the structural elements and architectural character of the room are now protected, future occupants of the space will maintain the authority to redecorate. This includes selecting new furniture, hanging different artwork, and making necessary security or operational adjustments. The document clarifies that these routine changes are permitted as long as they do not "substantially impair" the historic structure of the monument. This distinction allows for the personal touches each leader typically brings to the office while locking in the physical layout and permanent fixtures.This move follows a series of significant renovations overseen by Trump, including the addition of a gold plaque outside the room and extensive interior changes featuring gold accents and portraits. Interestingly, the order comes at a time when other parts of the White House grounds have seen massive changes. For instance, the East Wing was recently dismantled in a project aimed at creating a new ballroom, a move that has sparked legal debates and criticism for bypassing typical congressional approval processes for such large-scale construction.Trump described the condition of the White House prior to his updates as being in disrepair, citing issues like cracked walls and broken stone. He suggested that his efforts have restored the prestige of the building. Under the new order, the National Park Service will be tasked with maintaining the Oval Office in a way that protects its historic character and association with the office of the leader. While the White House is already a National Historic Landmark, this specific designation treats the Oval Office as a distinct structure of national significance.Legal experts have raised questions regarding the permanence of this designation. While executive orders are generally subject to being overturned by future administrations, the process of revoking a national monument status is a legal gray area that has not been fully tested in the court system. Some observers have pointed out the irony of the order, noting that Trump previously scaled back national monuments in other states. Nevertheless, the order stands as a significant attempt to cement the current aesthetic and structural state of the Oval Office for years to come. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Six Dead and Nine Injured in Tragic Brooklyn Residential Fire]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12924/Six-Dead-and-Nine-Injured-in-Tragic-Brooklyn-Residential-Fire?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12924/Six-Dead-and-Nine-Injured-in-Tragic-Brooklyn-Residential-Fire?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:47:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A devastating fire in Brooklyn's Sunset Park neighborhood has resulted in the deaths of six residents and left nine others injured. The early morning blaze, which broke out in a two-story home, required a massive response from over 200 emergency personnel as investigators look into a lithium-ion battery found at the scene.The quiet of the early morning hours in Sunset Park was shattered on Thursday when a massive fire tore through a residential building on 58th Street, located between 6th and 7th Avenues. Emergency calls began coming in around 1:40 a.m., reporting flames engulfing a two-unit home. By the time the first responders arrived at the scene, the situation was already critical. Officials reported that the fire had spread rapidly across every floor of the structure, with flames visible from every window and even spreading to an adjacent building.The intensity of the blaze necessitated a massive operation, drawing more than 200 firefighters, police officers, and medical teams to the site. Despite their rapid arrival, the speed at which the fire moved made rescue efforts extremely difficult. It took crews approximately three hours of intense labor to bring the fire under control. During the operation, firefighters encountered severe structural hazards, including a partial collapse of an interior staircase that complicated their efforts to reach those trapped inside.Tragically, the fire claimed the lives of six people. Four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two others who were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition later succumbed to their injuries. Among the nine people injured in the incident were three firefighters and two police officers, all of whom sustained minor injuries while working to save lives. The other four injured civilians are expected to survive their wounds, which were described as non-life-threatening.Investigators from the fire department are currently focusing on the cause of the ignition. A key piece of evidence found at the scene was a lithium-ion battery, or possibly two. While it has not yet been officially confirmed if the battery started the fire, the discovery has raised immediate concerns. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric bikes and various household electronics, have been linked to a significant spike in dangerous fires across the city and the nation recently. In New York alone, there have been more than 400 battery-related fires reported this year, highlighting a growing public safety challenge.Zohran Mamdani commented on the tragedy, expressing deep sorrow for the loss of life and praising the bravery of the first responders who entered the burning building under extreme peril. Mamdani emphasized the urgent need for enhanced fire prevention and safety awareness, particularly regarding the storage and charging of electronic devices. The incident follows a similar tragedy in the Bronx just last week, where an e-bike battery fire resulted in four fatalities, further underscoring the dangers these devices can pose if they malfunction.Kevin Woods, a high-ranking official with the fire department, described the scene as harrowing. He noted that crews had to force their way through a rear entrance to reach victims who were trapped behind window security bars. The loss of life in this incident adds to a sobering national statistic, as fire administration data indicates that over 1,500 people have died in residential fires across the country so far this year. As the community mourns, officials continue to work toward a definitive cause and urge residents to remain vigilant about fire safety protocols in their homes. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Progressive Candidates Achieve Major Victories in New York Primaries]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12923/Progressive-Candidates-Achieve-Major-Victories-in-New-York-Primaries?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12923/Progressive-Candidates-Achieve-Major-Victories-in-New-York-Primaries?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2026 10:41:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a significant shift within New York’s political landscape, a group of progressive candidates has secured major wins in recent Democratic primary elections. These victories, supported by a growing coalition led by Zohran Mamdani, saw several established political figures defeated by challengers focused on anti-war platforms and social justice issues. This outcome signals a changing tide in the city's representation, particularly regarding international human rights and domestic policy priorities.The primary results have sent ripples through the political establishment as newcomers and grassroots organizers successfully challenged long-standing incumbents. In the 10th Congressional District, Brad Lander secured a notable victory over Dan Goldman. Throughout the campaign, the discussion focused heavily on the balance between domestic safety and international advocacy. Brad Lander was able to build a diverse coalition, including progressive and secular Jewish voters, by connecting the fight against local discrimination with a strong stance on Palestinian human rights. This approach resonated with a wide segment of the electorate seeking a more balanced perspective on global conflicts.Further uptown, in the 13th Congressional District, Darializa Avila Chevalier achieved what many considered a surprising upset against Adriano Espaillat. Darializa Avila Chevalier, known for her background in campus activism, centered her campaign on her dissatisfaction with the status quo regarding military aid and international conflict. Her message specifically targeted younger voters and those calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. By focusing on these high-stakes humanitarian issues, she managed to mobilize a voter base that felt unheard by traditional leadership, ultimately leading to her primary win.In parts of Brooklyn and Queens, the momentum for progressive change continued in the 7th Congressional District. Claire Valdez emerged victorious in a race to succeed Nydia Velázquez, defeating Antonio Reynoso. Claire Valdez’s campaign was defined by an uncompromising anti-war stance and a commitment to progressive social reforms. She successfully framed the contest as a choice between a new, dedicated movement and an establishment that she argued was only reactive to political trends. Her win further solidifies the influence of the democratic socialist movement within the city's congressional delegation.While these shifts were prominent in congressional races, the broader state leadership remained relatively stable, with Kathy Hochul facing no major opposition in her primary. However, the sweeping success of progressive candidates in New York City suggests that the Democratic Party is experiencing a significant internal debate over its future direction. The results indicate that voters are increasingly drawn to candidates who prioritize humanitarian concerns and challenge traditional foreign policy stances. These new leaders are expected to bring a different set of priorities to Washington, focusing on equity, human rights, and a re-evaluation of military spending.The success of this coalition, frequently associated with the Democratic Socialists of America, highlights the organizational strength of local grassroots movements. By focusing on direct community engagement and clear, value-driven messaging, these candidates were able to overcome the financial and structural advantages typically held by incumbents. As the general election approaches, the impact of these primary victories will likely continue to influence the national conversation about the Democratic Party's platform and its responsiveness to a younger, more diverse, and socially conscious electorate. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Death Toll Rises to 40 Following Strike on Ukraine Aid Center with Dozens Missing]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12922/Death-Toll-Rises-to-40-Following-Strike-on-Ukraine-Aid-Center-with-Dozens-Missing?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12922/Death-Toll-Rises-to-40-Following-Strike-on-Ukraine-Aid-Center-with-Dozens-Missing?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:53:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A devastating aerial attack on a humanitarian aid distribution point in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine has resulted in at least 40 deaths, while rescue teams continue to search for nearly 60 individuals who remain unaccounted for. This incident marks one of the most significant losses of life in a single strike this year, occurring at a time of intense diplomatic maneuvering. The village of Komyshuvakha became the site of a grim recovery operation this week as personnel in military attire were seen transporting remains in white plastic bags. The strike targeted an underground school building that had been repurposed to serve the community. Although classes were suspended long ago due to the village’s proximity to the front lines—roughly 11 miles from active positions—the site remained a vital hub for distributing food and essential supplies every Monday.Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the attack involved multiple phases. Initial aerial bombs struck the underground facility just as residents arrived to collect aid. This was followed by additional strikes on the shelter, complicating rescue efforts and increasing the scale of the tragedy. Among those confirmed dead are four police officers and two members of a local rescue crew who were on-site to assist the civilian population. Ivan Fedorov, a representative for the Zaporizhzhia Regional Defense Council, noted that at least 59 people are still missing, buried under the layers of earth and rubble created by the massive blasts.In contrast to the reports of civilian casualties, the Russian defense ministry claimed that the operation targeted military units stationed around Komyshuvakha and nearby settlements. Their statement asserted that the strikes resulted in the deaths of up to 25 servicemen. While both sides in the conflict continue to deny the intentional targeting of non-combatants, the scale of destruction at this humanitarian site has drawn international attention. Technical reports indicate that the destruction was likely caused by a 3-ton FAB glide bomb, a high-explosive weapon fitted with a kit allowing it to be deployed from significant distances.Evidence of the chaos was captured in bodycam footage from a police officer who lost his life in the attack. The video shows civilians gathered near the entrance of the underground shelter when a warning of incoming glide bombs was broadcast over the radio. The footage depicts a frantic rush down stairs into the deeper sections of the facility just moments before a massive explosion occurs and the screen goes dark. This visual documentation underscores the sudden and violent nature of the strike on a location that residents believed offered a degree of safety.This escalation follows the expiration of a six-day local ceasefire intended to facilitate the evacuation of hundreds of people from occupied areas. That humanitarian pause had been brokered through the efforts of Melania Trump. The timing of the strike is particularly sensitive, as delegations are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. These upcoming talks, organized with the assistance of Steve Witkoff, are intended to address de-escalation, postwar security arrangements, and potential paths toward ending the long-standing conflict. The tragedy in Komyshuvakha casts a long shadow over these diplomatic efforts as the humanitarian cost of the fighting continues to rise. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Tehran Increases Military Alert as Diplomatic Efforts in Qatar Aim to Prevent Further Conflict]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12921/Tehran-Increases-Military-Alert-as-Diplomatic-Efforts-in-Qatar-Aim-to-Prevent-Further-Conflict?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12921/Tehran-Increases-Military-Alert-as-Diplomatic-Efforts-in-Qatar-Aim-to-Prevent-Further-Conflict?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:07:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — As global attention turns toward the Gulf, diplomatic representatives are working tirelessly in Doha to mediate between Washington and Tehran. While discussions continue to find a peaceful resolution, officials in Iran have placed their military forces on high alert to respond to any potential security developments following recent political shifts in the United States.The diplomatic landscape in the Middle East is currently dominated by high-stakes negotiations hosted by Qatar. These talks are aimed at de-escalating tensions that have risen significantly in recent weeks. Marco Rubio recently indicated that while Donald Trump has not yet finalized a decision regarding future military actions, there is a strong preference for a diplomatic path. This comes at a sensitive time as the United States navigates the aftermath of midterm elections, which often influence the direction of international policy. Observers note that the delay in any potential military response has been linked to the political calendar in Washington, providing a narrow window for mediators to bridge the gap between the two nations.In Tehran, the atmosphere is one of high readiness. Mojtaba Khamenei has issued directives to the armed forces to be prepared for any eventuality. This instruction for increased vigilance covers critical geographical areas, including the Gulf coast, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. The Iranian military has confirmed that steps are being taken to bolster defensive capabilities along the northwestern and southeastern borders. Statements from Tehran emphasize that any perceived threat would be met with a comprehensive response, highlighting the fragility of the current peace. Furthermore, Mohsen Rezaei, a key figure in security discussions, mentioned that officials are weighing various strategic options, including the status of long-standing policies regarding nuclear capabilities, though no definitive changes have been made yet.The mediation efforts led by Qatar involve a specific proposal designed to build trust between the conflicting parties. This plan suggests a seven-day period of incremental steps taken by both Washington and Tehran to foster a sense of security before moving toward broader peace negotiations. However, reaching an agreement remains a challenge. Reports suggest that initial reactions to the Qatari proposal have been mixed, with some officials seeking more favorable terms. Concurrently, an alternative seven-day plan has been discussed by Iranian representatives, which focuses on the lifting of maritime blockades and the unfreezing of assets as a prerequisite for reopening vital shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.Amidst these high-level talks, communication channels remain open, albeit complex. JD Vance recently reached out via correspondence to explore the possibility of restarting formal dialogue, a move that has been viewed with cautious optimism by some and downplayed by others as a humanitarian gesture. Meanwhile, Abbas Araqchi has confirmed that Iranian officials are carefully reviewing these communications, maintaining that their specific proposals remain the most viable route to resolving the maritime disputes. As the international community watches closely, the balance between military readiness and diplomatic compromise remains the central focus of the ongoing crisis in the region. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Consultations Begin in Israel to Resolve Political Standoff Following Recent Elections]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12920/Consultations-Begin-in-Israel-to-Resolve-Political-Standoff-Following-Recent-Elections?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12920/Consultations-Begin-in-Israel-to-Resolve-Political-Standoff-Following-Recent-Elections?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:55:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Isaac Herzog has initiated formal discussions with various political factions to determine who will lead the effort to form a new government. This move follows a general election that resulted in a significant deadlock, with no single bloc securing a clear majority in the legislature. On Wednesday morning, Isaac Herzog received the certified election data from the Central Election Committee. During the ceremony, he emphasized the need for political flexibility, warning party leaders that compromise is essential to prevent the country from sliding into yet another round of voting. The results confirm a fractured political landscape where traditional alliances fall short of the 61-seat threshold required to govern the 120-seat Knesset.The statistical breakdown reveals a deeply divided electorate. The group led by Benjamin Netanyahu, which includes the Likud party and several right-wing and religious allies, secured 53 seats. On the other side, a bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot and his centrist partners earned 48 seats. A notable development in this cycle was the performance of Arab-led alliances, specifically the United Arab List and the Joint List, which together captured 19 seats. This surge in representation came after a high turnout among Arab voters, placing these parties in a potential position of influence, though many Jewish factions had previously pledged not to partner with them.Amidst the political maneuvering, officials have addressed concerns regarding the integrity of the vote. Noam Sohlberg, chair of the Central Elections Committee, stated that there was no evidence of widespread irregularities. He dismissed claims of election theft as unsubstantiated and cautioned that casting doubt on the results without proof poses a danger to democratic foundations. However, the Shin Bet security service is currently looking into reports of potential foreign interference. While these investigations continue, authorities have clarified that any findings are unlikely to fundamentally alter the certified outcome.The process of forming a government now rests on the discussions led by Isaac Herzog. Although the role is largely ceremonial, the task of selecting a candidate to build a coalition is a pivotal responsibility. The chosen individual will have 28 days to secure a majority, with a possible two-week extension. Isaac Herzog has the discretion to choose the person he believes has the highest probability of success, rather than simply selecting the leader of the largest party.Tensions remain high between the competing factions. Supporters of Benjamin Netanyahu have raised questions about the legitimacy of certain votes, while opponents like Gadi Eisenkot have accused their rivals of undermining the rule of law. Furthermore, Isaac Herzog has taken a firm stand against divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting Arab citizens who make up a significant portion of the population. He condemned any racist or exclusionary language, calling for a stable government that serves all people without discrimination. As the 28-day clock begins, the focus remains on whether the various parties can bridge their deep ideological gaps to avoid further political instability. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Kathy Hochul Wins New York Gubernatorial Election in Historic Victory]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12919/Kathy-Hochul-Wins-New-York-Gubernatorial-Election-in-Historic-Victory?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12919/Kathy-Hochul-Wins-New-York-Gubernatorial-Election-in-Historic-Victory?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:38:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Kathy Hochul has secured a decisive victory in the race for New York’s top office, defeating Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. The election results also mark a major milestone for the state, as Adrienne Adams becomes the first Black woman elected to the position of Lieutenant Governor, forming the state’s first all-women gubernatorial ticket to win an election.The election results reflect a significant margin of victory for Kathy Hochul, who effectively rallied support across various demographics in New York. According to data provided by the New York State Board of Elections, unofficial tallies show that Hochul earned 59.12% of the total vote. Her opponent, Bruce Blakeman, received 39.67%, while approximately 0.2% of the ballots were cast for write-in candidates. These numbers highlight a strong mandate for Hochul as she prepares to lead the state through its next chapter.During her victory address, Hochul shared an optimistic vision for the future of the state. She spoke passionately about the potential of New York and its residents, emphasizing a shared journey toward prosperity. Hochul noted that the state is on the edge of achieving a unique version of the American Dream—one that she described as even more rewarding because it aims to lift every individual regardless of their background. Her speech focused on unity and the collective effort required to unlock New York’s full potential in the coming years.The election is equally significant for the role of Lieutenant Governor. Adrienne Adams made history by securing her place as the first Black woman to be elected to this high-ranking state office. Running alongside Hochul, Adams was part of a groundbreaking partnership that resonated with voters across the state. This victory solidifies the first time in New York's history that two women have been elected together on a single gubernatorial ticket, representing a transformative moment in the state's political landscape.Observers noted that the campaign focused on various issues affecting New Yorkers, from economic opportunities to social progress. By securing nearly 60% of the vote, the Hochul-Adams ticket demonstrated a broad appeal. The transition into this term is expected to focus on the themes mentioned in the victory speech, particularly the idea of inclusivity and economic growth. As the unofficial results are finalized, the focus shifts to the implementation of policies aimed at improving the lives of all citizens in the state.This election cycle has been one of the most watched in the region, drawing attention to the shifting dynamics of New York politics. The success of this ticket not only sets a precedent for female leadership but also highlights the changing representation within the state's executive branch. With the election concluded, the focus now turns to the legislative priorities and the collaborative efforts between the leaders to address the challenges facing the Empire State. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Kathy Hochul Secures Victory in New York Gubernatorial Race]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12918/Kathy-Hochul-Secures-Victory-in-New-York-Gubernatorial-Race?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12918/Kathy-Hochul-Secures-Victory-in-New-York-Gubernatorial-Race?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:34:09 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Kathy Hochul has emerged victorious in the race for the top leadership position in New York, securing a second term after a decisive election. Running alongside Adrienne Adams, the duo made history by forming the state’s first all-female winning ticket for these high-ranking offices. The election results reflect a significant margin of support for the Democratic candidates against their Republican challengers.The electoral process concluded with Kathy Hochul maintaining a strong lead throughout the counting phase. According to official data from the New York State Board of Elections, Hochul garnered approximately 59.12% of the total votes cast across the state. Her primary opponent, Bruce Blakeman, received 39.67% of the vote, while a small fraction of about 0.2% went to write-in candidates. This victory marks a significant milestone for Hochul, who focused her campaign on economic growth and social progress.In her victory address, Kathy Hochul expressed deep gratitude to the voters and shared an optimistic vision for the future of the state. She emphasized that the state is on the verge of achieving a version of the American Dream that is inclusive and uplifting for every resident. Her speech highlighted a commitment to unlocking the full potential of New York’s resources and people, promising a term dedicated to unity and advancement. The atmosphere at the victory event was one of celebration, as supporters gathered to witness the continuation of her leadership.A major highlight of this election was the success of Adrienne Adams, who won the position of lieutenant governor. Adams has made history as the first Black woman to be elected to this specific role in New York. The partnership between Kathy Hochul and Adrienne Adams represents a landmark moment in the state's political history, as it is the first time two women have been elected together to lead the executive branch. This shift in representation is seen by many as a step toward more diverse and inclusive governance in the region.The campaign season was marked by intense discussions on local issues, but the final numbers showed a clear preference among the electorate. By securing such a wide margin, particularly in key urban and suburban districts, Kathy Hochul has solidified her position for the upcoming term. The focus now shifts toward the implementation of the policies discussed during the campaign, with a heavy emphasis on community development and economic stability. As the new term begins, the focus remains on how this historic leadership team will navigate the challenges facing New Yorkers in the coming years. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mamdani Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal E-Bikes and Scooters in NYC Business Sweep]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12917/Mamdani-Intensifies-Crackdown-on-Illegal-E-Bikes-and-Scooters-in-NYC-Business-Sweep?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12917/Mamdani-Intensifies-Crackdown-on-Illegal-E-Bikes-and-Scooters-in-NYC-Business-Sweep?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:19:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a significant move to enhance public safety on city streets, officials have launched an extensive enforcement campaign targeting retail businesses that sell illegal and high-powered electric mobility devices. The two-month sweep resulted in dozens of businesses being cited for violations related to fire-prone batteries and vehicles that exceed legal speed and power limits, reflecting a growing effort to regulate the rapidly expanding micromobility market in the five boroughs.Inspectors from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) carried out a comprehensive series of visits to 229 retail locations across New York City between early August and late September. This enforcement blitz uncovered a total of 136 individual violations, leading to more than 75 summonses issued to business owners. Each of these summonses carries a significant penalty of $1,000. During the operation, three specific stores were ordered to close their doors immediately due to the severity of their non-compliance, while five other businesses were forced to work directly with the agency to bring their inventory into alignment with city safety standards.The primary focus of these inspections is to ensure that all e-bikes and electronic scooters sold to the public meet rigorous safety requirements. This includes verifying that all devices and their accompanying batteries carry UL certification, which is a critical standard for preventing battery-related fires. Additionally, stores are required to prominently display fire safety educational materials and are strictly prohibited from selling "e-motos"—devices that are often marketed as e-bikes but possess motor power and speed capabilities that far exceed what is legally allowed on city streets and bike lanes.According to current city regulations, electric scooters are deemed illegal if they weigh over 100 pounds or can travel faster than 20 miles per hour. For electric bikes, the legal threshold is a motor capacity of no more than 750 watts and a top assisted speed of 25 miles per hour. Many of the devices seized or cited during the sweep were found to be out-of-class vehicles that operate more like motorcycles but lack the necessary registrations and safety features required for motor vehicles. These overpowered devices have been linked to several high-profile accidents and fatalities, prompting politicians to take more aggressive action against their sale and distribution.The crackdown is not limited to physical storefronts. City legal representatives recently sent cease-and-desist orders to over 40 online retailers, demanding they stop shipping illegal e-motos to addresses within the city. While major global platforms like Amazon and Walmart have moved toward compliance by implementing geographic shipping restrictions, many smaller direct-to-consumer brands continue to market and ship high-speed vehicles to local residents. To address these loopholes, Kristen Gonzalez has introduced state-level legislation intended to explicitly ban the sale and false advertising of these overpowered vehicles, ensuring that consumers are not misled into buying devices they cannot legally use in public spaces. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Cyber-Attacks Target Supermarket Refrigeration Across Multiple European Countries]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12916/Cyber-Attacks-Target-Supermarket-Refrigeration-Across-Multiple-European-Countries?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12916/Cyber-Attacks-Target-Supermarket-Refrigeration-Across-Multiple-European-Countries?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:52:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A coordinated series of cyber-attacks has struck supermarket chains in at least ten European nations, causing freezer temperatures to soar and resulting in the loss of millions of dollars worth of food. Officials in the European Union are investigating these incidents as a deliberate attempt to interfere with the continent's food supply chain.The scale of the disruption is significant, with retailers in Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, and Sweden reporting major technical failures. The attacks specifically targeted the digital systems that monitor and control industrial refrigerators and freezers. In some locations, temperatures inside units meant to keep food frozen rose to a staggering 50°C (122°F), rendering the contents unsafe for consumption and forcing stores to empty their shelves into waste containers.European authorities have expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of essential infrastructure. Christophe Hansen, who handles food and agriculture matters for the region, stated that these incidents are being taken with the utmost seriousness. While no specific group has claimed responsibility for the breach, the pattern of the attacks suggests a sophisticated effort to disrupt daily life. Thomas Regnier, speaking on behalf of regional authorities, noted that these are not isolated events and highlight the urgent need for collective resilience against digital threats that can impact the basic needs of citizens.In Italy, the government led by Giorgia Meloni convened a meeting with intelligence officials to assess the damage. While the impact in Italy was described as limited due to many chains having updated security, several stores in Sicily and Tuscany were affected. Reports indicate that the businesses most vulnerable were those using older security systems with interfaces directly exposed to the internet, lacking modern authentication protocols. This has highlighted a critical gap in how food storage technology is protected from remote interference.The human and economic cost is particularly visible in Belgium, one of the hardest-hit regions. Dozens of stores faced total refrigeration failure, leading to heart-wrenching scenes of massive food waste. Store managers expressed distress over the situation, noting the difficulty of seeing so much food thrown away. Meanwhile, in Ireland, over a dozen stores operated by the Musgrave Group were impacted, though efforts to restock and restore services began shortly after the breach was detected.Technical investigations suggest that the hackers may be targeting external service providers who manage refrigeration for multiple clients. In Germany, a supermarket in the western part of the country saw its systems fail after an attack on a third-party system provider. Similar patterns were observed in Portugal, where several stores were linked to a breach involving a provider responsible for refrigeration management. The National Cyber Security Centre in the UK has also issued warnings to retailers, advising them to immediately update software on all temperature control devices to prevent similar exploitations.As the investigation continues, experts warn that the threat is evolving. Richard Horne, a leader in cybersecurity, indicated that there have been instances where vulnerable technology was exploited within the food supply chain beyond just retail stores. There are growing concerns that the integration of artificial intelligence into hacking tools could lead to even more frequent and automated attacks on national infrastructure within the next few years. For now, the focus remains on securing the digital gateways that connect our food supply to the internet. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Recent Aerial Strikes in Gaza Result in Multiple Casualties and Rising Tensions]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12915/Recent-Aerial-Strikes-in-Gaza-Result-in-Multiple-Casualties-and-Rising-Tensions?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12915/Recent-Aerial-Strikes-in-Gaza-Result-in-Multiple-Casualties-and-Rising-Tensions?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:36:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — At least five people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries following a series of aerial strikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday. The incidents occurred amidst a backdrop of stalled diplomatic efforts and a significant increase in regional friction. The Gaza Strip experienced a wave of violence on Monday as medical officials reported multiple casualties resulting from aerial operations. In Khan Yunis, two separate strikes claimed the lives of three individuals and left six others with various injuries. Another fatality was recorded in Al-Mussadar following a similar event. As the day progressed, the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City became the site of an additional strike targeting a vehicle, which resulted in one death and several more injuries. These developments highlight the fragile security situation in the region, where a previously brokered ceasefire remains stalled and tensions continue to simmer.The underlying causes of the increased military activity involve conflicting narratives regarding the adherence to past agreements. Reports suggest that accusations of rearming and renewed tactical movements have led to an escalation in strikes over recent weeks. Conversely, these claims have been met with denials, with some parties accusing others of undermining the prospects for a lasting peace deal in the territory. Currently, negotiators have faced significant hurdles in reaching a consensus on terms regarding disarmament or the withdrawal of security forces from key areas, including those who maintain control over large portions of the territory. This stalemate has left the civilian population in a state of constant uncertainty and danger.Amidst these local developments, international figures have voiced deep concerns regarding the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability. Abdullah II, speaking at a public assembly, emphasized that the region cannot achieve true security or lasting peace without addressing the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people to a homeland. The leader pointed out that the ongoing humanitarian crisis, coupled with persistent operations in areas like the West Bank and Jerusalem, poses a significant threat to future hopes for regional cooperation. These remarks underscore the belief that the absence of a political resolution continues to fuel the cycle of violence and instability that affects the entire region.The political landscape remains complex, following a recent legislative election where Benjamin Netanyahu and associated political groups secured a significant number of votes but did not achieve an absolute majority. This political uncertainty coincides with active military movements on the ground. In the West Bank, security forces recently concluded an operation in a Hebron neighborhood. This particular operation followed an earlier incident at a checkpoint and led to the temporary displacement of thousands of residents. During the withdrawal, officials stated that searches were conducted, individuals were detained, and structures were demolished, further complicating the humanitarian situation for the local population. The combination of military action and political deadlock continues to shape the daily reality for those living in the region. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Iranian Official Interprets US Election Results as a Rejection of War]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12914/Iranian-Official-Interprets-US-Election-Results-as-a-Rejection-of-War?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12914/Iranian-Official-Interprets-US-Election-Results-as-a-Rejection-of-War?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:22:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Following recent political shifts in the United States, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf stated that American voters have signaled a clear desire for peace and a rejection of military conflict. This comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and reports of new maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf recently commented on the results of the American midterm elections, suggesting that the public has voiced a firm "no" to war. In a statement shared on social media, he emphasized that Iran supports this sentiment. However, he also issued a stern warning, suggesting that if the American government ignores the public's will to serve external interests, it would face significant consequences. This rhetoric highlights the deep-seated friction between the two nations as they navigate a complex landscape of military posturing and stalled diplomatic efforts.Donald Trump, whose party saw unexpected results in the congressional elections, acknowledged that the ongoing regional conflicts and the subsequent rise in fuel prices likely influenced voter behavior. Despite the political setback, Donald Trump maintained his stance on previous military actions, including a joint operation with Israel earlier this year. In recent interviews, he noted that while some may agree with the strategic direction regarding Iran, the immediate economic impact, specifically at the petrol pump, was a major concern for the electorate. He further stated that the current conflict would conclude only when he deems it finished, while noting that forces are prepared for further action if necessary.While political discussions continue, the situation on the ground remains volatile. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently reported that several oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after encountering naval mines. According to local reports, some vessels were intercepted for allegedly attempting to use unauthorized maritime routes. These incidents coincide with reports from maritime trade organizations indicating that tankers have been struck by unidentified projectiles near the Musandam peninsula. Such events underscore the extreme risks currently facing global shipping in one of the world's most vital energy corridors.In addition to maritime tensions, there have been reports of aerial confrontations. Iranian forces claimed to have downed an MQ-9 drone over the Strait of Hormuz, following previous limited strikes by the U.S. military on Qeshm Island. These escalations occur against a backdrop of stalled indirect negotiations. Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated a commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue, warning that renewed full-scale war would benefit no one. He noted that Mojtaba Khamenei has provided the necessary authority to discuss previously restricted topics to find a path toward stability.Currently, the basis for potential resolution rests on a seven-step proposal mediated by Qatar. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baqai mentioned that this proposal has been streamlined to allow for rapid implementation if an agreement is reached. The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the crisis; since the start of the conflict, the waterway has seen significant disruptions due to drone attacks and naval blockades. While a preliminary agreement was reached earlier in the summer to reopen the strait, it quickly disintegrated, leading to the current state of high-alert protection for commercial tankers passing through these contested waters. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Democrats Secure Control of Both House and Senate in Major Midterm Shift]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12913/Democrats-Secure-Control-of-Both-House-and-Senate-in-Major-Midterm-Shift?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12913/Democrats-Secure-Control-of-Both-House-and-Senate-in-Major-Midterm-Shift?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:12:12 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — The Democratic Party has achieved a significant milestone by winning majorities in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate during the 2026 midterm elections. This widespread victory represents a major shift in the American political landscape and is being viewed by many as a direct response to the leadership of Donald Trump and the Republican Party over the last two years.The 2026 midterm elections have concluded with a decisive outcome that places the Democratic Party in a position of considerable power within the United States Congress. By securing control of both chambers, the party has effectively altered the balance of power in Washington. This result, often described as a "blue wave," saw Democrats flipping key seats in regions that were previously considered Republican strongholds, signaling a change in voter sentiment across the country.In the Senate, Democrats have extended their lead to 54 seats in the 100-member chamber. This shift was solidified by several high-profile victories, including Troy Jackson’s win over Susan Collins. The lead could potentially grow to 55 seats depending on the final tally in Mississippi. In a surprising turn of events, the race in Mississippi—a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988—remains extremely close. With nearly all votes counted, the Democratic challenger holds a slim lead of just 21 votes, a scenario that few political analysts had predicted for such a traditionally conservative state.The House of Representatives also saw a dramatic transformation. Democrats are projected to hold approximately 240 seats, comfortably surpassing the 218 needed for a majority. Having already flipped 25 seats from Republican control, the party now leads with 225 seats compared to 136 for the Republicans. This dominant position in the lower house will allow Democrats to set the legislative agenda and provide a rigorous check on the administration’s policies for the remainder of Donald Trump’s term.Several historic milestones were reached during this election cycle. Kansas sent a Democrat to the Senate for the first time since 1932, while James Talarico secured a historic win for the party in Texas. In the South, Jon Ossoff won the Georgia Senate race, and South Carolina voters also chose a Democratic representative in what is being seen as a clear message to the Republican leadership. Additionally, Keisha Lance Bottoms made history by becoming the first Black woman to be elected as a governor in the United States.Political observers note that these results serve as a significant referendum on the past two years of governance. With control of both the House and Senate, the Democratic Party is now positioned to influence domestic policy, judicial appointments, and international relations. The next two years are expected to be a period of intense legislative activity as the new majority seeks to implement its platform and address the concerns of the voters who delivered this sweeping victory at the polls. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Zohran Kwame Mamdani Praises Voters for Approving Faster City Government Reforms]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12912/Zohran-Kwame-Mamdani-Praises-Voters-for-Approving-Faster-City-Government-Reforms?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12912/Zohran-Kwame-Mamdani-Praises-Voters-for-Approving-Faster-City-Government-Reforms?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 11:51:15 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a significant shift for local governance, residents have overwhelmingly approved five ballot measures designed to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy within the city. The passage of these proposals, which received support from over a million voters, marks a major step toward a more efficient municipal system that aims to address affordability and service delivery challenges.Zohran Kwame Mamdani expressed strong support for the election results, noting that the public has clearly asked for a government that operates at a modern pace. By approving these measures, the community has paved the way for faster approvals for outdoor dining, accelerated street safety initiatives, and a more rapid approach to housing construction. The goal is to remove the procedural delays that often hinder the city’s ability to respond to the needs of its residents and small business owners.The approved changes are the result of extensive work by the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE). This group was tasked with reviewing the city's charter to find ways to make administrative processes more effective. Ann Cheng, who leads the commission, highlighted that the feedback from numerous public hearings was consistent: people want city services to be delivered without unnecessary delays. The commission's efforts included reaching out to thousands of residents across all five boroughs to explain how these changes would impact daily life.One of the most notable changes concerns small businesses. The new rules are expected to cut the application time for outdoor dining by 75 percent, reducing a process that previously took eight months down to just two. This change is not only about speed but also about cost, as it is estimated to save business owners significant funds in application fees and administrative labor. Additionally, the approval process for making entrances more accessible through ramps and lifts will also be shortened by two months, improving mobility for all residents.Infrastructure and housing are also central to the reform package. New measures will simplify the construction permitting process by consolidating various agency approvals into a single point of contact. This is intended to help builders move faster on housing projects, which is a critical component of addressing the local housing shortage. Furthermore, street safety projects, such as the installation of bike lanes, are expected to move 33 percent faster under the new guidelines. To support the city's long-term financial health, the reforms also establish a target for a "rainy-day" savings fund, aiming to set aside 12 percent of tax revenue to ensure stability during future economic downturns.Patrick Gaspard, who chaired the commission, emphasized that these reforms were shaped by the residents themselves. By voting in favor of these proposals, the public has transformed community suggestions into law. Beyond efficiency, these measures are expected to generate revenue through the sale of smaller city-owned lots and air rights, potentially adding over $200 million to the city's budget. As the city begins the transition to these new rules, the focus remains on turning these legal changes into tangible results that improve the quality of life for everyone living and working in the area. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Deadly Bombing Hits Humanitarian Center in Ukraine, 29 Confirmed Dead]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12909/Deadly-Bombing-Hits-Humanitarian-Center-in-Ukraine%2C-29-Confirmed-Dead?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12909/Deadly-Bombing-Hits-Humanitarian-Center-in-Ukraine%2C-29-Confirmed-Dead?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:03:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A devastating aerial attack on a village in southern Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of at least 29 people, according to local officials. The strike targeted a site where humanitarian aid was being distributed to residents, leaving dozens more injured or missing. Efforts to recover survivors continue under difficult conditions as the region mourns the loss of life.The attack occurred in the village of Komyshuvakha, located in the Zaporizhzhia region. Mykhailo Semikin, a regional official, reported that at least nine heavy aerial bombs struck the area, specifically hitting a local school that had been repurposed for humanitarian needs. The victims include residents who had gathered to receive essential supplies, as well as first responders who arrived after the initial blast. In addition to the 29 confirmed fatalities, 10 individuals were injured and 48 others remain unaccounted for, prompting fears that the death toll may increase as search teams clear the rubble.Volodymyr Zelensky described the incident as a horrific tragedy, noting that the assault involved a secondary strike on the location where people were seeking shelter after the first explosion. Footage from the scene showed a massive crater and emergency teams working through the night. Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the location was well-known as a site where local residents received humanitarian aid every week. He suggested that the timing and nature of the strike indicated a disregard for de-escalation efforts in the ongoing conflict.The humanitarian impact of the bombing has been profound. Among those confirmed dead were four police officers and two rescue workers who were caught in the follow-up strikes while trying to assist survivors. Mykhailo Semikin declared a day of mourning for the Zaporizhzhia region, describing the scale of the destruction as immense. Rescue operations have been complicated by the continued presence of drones in the area, which have forced teams to pause their work several times to ensure their own safety.This escalation comes at a sensitive time for international diplomacy. Recently, a successful operation had been carried out to evacuate civilians from the city of Oleshky, a move that was facilitated during a temporary ceasefire involving discussions with Melania Trump. While that event had provided a brief glimmer of hope for peace, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the recent killings send a contrary signal regarding the prospects for a ceasefire. The conflict, which began when Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in early 2022, continues to claim civilian lives daily.On the diplomatic front, plans for renewed peace talks are currently in motion. Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Donald Trump, announced that representatives from various nations are scheduled to meet in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to discuss post-war security arrangements and de-escalation strategies. While many observers do not expect an immediate breakthrough, the talks represent a continued effort to find a path toward peace. In the meantime, negotiators are also expected to meet with European and international officials in Brussels to coordinate humanitarian efforts and security protocols as the situation on the ground remains volatile. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[United States Conducts Targeted Strikes on Qeshm Island Amid Rising Regional Tensions]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12908/United-States-Conducts-Targeted-Strikes-on-Qeshm-Island-Amid-Rising-Regional-Tensions?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12908/United-States-Conducts-Targeted-Strikes-on-Qeshm-Island-Amid-Rising-Regional-Tensions?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:59:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — US officials have confirmed targeted military strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz following reports of Iranian forces firing on an American aircraft. This development comes at a critical time as international mediators work to prevent the escalation of the ongoing conflict and restore stability to one of the world's most vital maritime corridors.The recent military action on Qeshm Island has been described by officials as a limited and defensive measure. According to reports, the decision to strike was made after members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps allegedly targeted a US aircraft in the region. While the US military has maintained a level of discretion regarding the specifics of the operation, Iranian news outlets reported several explosions on the island. In response, Iranian representatives claimed that their forces successfully downed multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, specifically mentioning two MQM-170 drones and one MQ-9 drone, in areas surrounding the island and the eastern Strait of Hormuz.These strikes coincide with a high-stakes political atmosphere in the United States. Donald Trump is currently navigating significant internal pressure and shifting public opinion regarding the continuation of the conflict, which trace back to early February. During recent interactions with the press, Donald Trump suggested there is no immediate rush to escalate military operations further, noting that existing economic measures have already placed significant strain on the region's financial resources and infrastructure. He pointed out that the local population is feeling the weight of these economic challenges, particularly regarding the availability of essential resources like gasoline.Despite the recent exchange of fire, diplomatic channels remain active. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are reportedly facilitating intensive discussions between the involved parties to find a path toward peace. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf recently stated that the responsibility now lies with the American side to take steps toward preventing a broader war, noting that while their forces remain prepared, they have also provided what they consider a rational response through diplomatic channels. Abbas Araghchi, an Iranian official, confirmed that these negotiations are focusing on resolving the underlying causes of the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had a profound impact on global energy markets, as approximately twenty percent of the world's oil and gas shipments typically pass through this narrow waterway. The passage became effectively blocked following the start of hostilities due to a combination of missile attacks on commercial ships and a naval blockade. Reopening the strait is a primary goal for international negotiators. Recent proposals involve a multi-step process that includes the lifting of naval restrictions and the release of frozen assets. While a preliminary agreement was briefly reached in June, it was not sustained, leading to the current state of heightened security where the US military continues to provide protection for tankers navigating these volatile waters. Efforts continue to ensure that exports from Gulf nations can move safely through Omani waters and beyond. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Critical Midterm Elections Begin as Americans Vote for Control of Congress]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12907/Critical-Midterm-Elections-Begin-as-Americans-Vote-for-Control-of-Congress?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12907/Critical-Midterm-Elections-Begin-as-Americans-Vote-for-Control-of-Congress?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:53:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Americans are heading to the polls today for pivotal midterm elections that will decide the balance of power in Washington for the next two years. The outcome of these races will determine which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate, significantly impacting the legislative direction of the administration of Donald Trump.The voting process began early Tuesday morning, with polling stations in Vermont opening their doors at 5:00 AM. Shortly after, voters across the East Coast, including those in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maine, began casting their ballots. As the day progresses, polls will continue to open across the nation, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. At stake are all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate. Additionally, various states are electing governors and local officials who will shape policy at the regional level.Control of Congress is the central theme of this election cycle. Currently, the Republican Party maintains a slim majority in both chambers, allowing for a smoother implementation of the current agenda. However, the Democratic Party is working to flip enough seats to take control. If successful, they would gain the authority to block proposed legislation, launch oversight investigations, and potentially influence judicial appointments. This shift could lead to a divided government, requiring significant negotiation to pass any major federal laws.Economic concerns are weighing heavily on the minds of voters this year. High costs for basic necessities, such as food and fuel, have become a dominant campaign issue. In some regions, the price of diesel reached record highs of over six dollars per gallon. These financial pressures are often attributed to ongoing international tensions and trade policies. Specifically, the conflict involving Iran has had a visible impact on global energy markets, creating a difficult environment for many households across the United States. Recent military developments, such as strikes on strategic locations in the Strait of Hormuz, have further highlighted the volatility of the situation.Prominent political figures have spent the final days of the campaign urging their supporters to take action. Barack Obama has been active in battleground states, suggesting that the electorate is looking for a change in direction. Meanwhile, Donald Trump concluded a series of rallies with a speech in Washington, D.C., highlighting economic achievements and criticizing the opposition's platform. Intra-party dynamics have also made headlines, such as in Michigan, where Haley Stevens chose to endorse Mike Rogers, a move that sparked debate within political circles. As the polls begin to close later tonight, early results from states like Ohio and Maine may provide the first indications of which way the national mood is swinging. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Child Dies from Measles in New York's First Fatal Case in Three Decades]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12906/Child-Dies-from-Measles-in-New-York's-First-Fatal-Case-in-Three-Decades?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12906/Child-Dies-from-Measles-in-New-York's-First-Fatal-Case-in-Three-Decades?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:47:43 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Health officials have confirmed the tragic death of a child in Lewis County due to measles, marking the first time in thirty years that the viral disease has claimed a life in New York State. The incident highlights a troubling rise in the illness as public health protections face new challenges and vaccination rates see a decline in certain areas.The death occurred in New York’s North Country, specifically in Lewis County, which is located northeast of Syracuse. This year alone, the county has recorded at least 15 cases of measles, all occurring in individuals who had not been vaccinated. Kathy Hochul expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the situation as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers posed by preventable diseases. The tragedy comes at a time when the state is grappling with a significant surge in measles cases, with at least 178 infections reported across New York this year, the majority of which have surfaced since late summer.Public health experts point to a variety of factors contributing to the resurgence of a disease that was once nearly eradicated in the United States. Across the country, measles cases have skyrocketed to over 4,800 this year, more than doubling the figures from the previous year. In New York, the outbreak is currently concentrated in about ten counties in the upstate region. Some of the hardest-hit groups include the Amish and Mennonite communities, often referred to as 'Plain communities.' These groups sometimes face unique challenges regarding medical interventions, and in some areas, vaccination rates remain significantly lower than the general population.The current health landscape is also being shaped by shifts in national policy. Donald Trump has previously issued directives aimed at reducing the number of required immunizations for children, citing personal concerns about vaccine safety that have not been supported by mainstream scientific studies. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has led efforts to scrutinize vaccine research and has canceled several federal contracts related to immunization development. These moves have coincided with a growing trend of parents choosing to opt out of routine vaccinations for their children, a movement that has gained momentum since the global pandemic.Measles is recognized as one of the most contagious viruses known to medicine. It spreads through respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. For young children and infants, the risks are particularly high. While many associate the disease with a fever and a characteristic rash, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or swelling of the brain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection, yet in Lewis County, the vaccination rate for toddlers remains slightly below the state average.Despite the legal battles regarding vaccine mandates in schools, New York maintains strict laws that do not allow for religious exemptions for students. However, the ongoing outbreak demonstrates that when vaccination levels drop below the threshold for 'herd immunity,' even communities with relatively high coverage can see rapid transmission. Health officials continue to urge families to ensure their children are up to date on all immunizations to prevent further loss of life from this highly preventable illness. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[2026 Midterm Election Guide: Essential Voting Information for New York and New Jersey]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12905/2026-Midterm-Election-Guide%3A-Essential-Voting-Information-for-New-York-and-New-Jersey?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12905/2026-Midterm-Election-Guide%3A-Essential-Voting-Information-for-New-York-and-New-Jersey?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:15:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Today marks a pivotal moment in the 2026 midterm elections as residents across New York and New Jersey head to the polls. This election cycle is set to determine the balance of power in Congress and decide several key state-level leadership positions. While midterms are frequently viewed as a reflection of the national political climate, many voters this year are specifically focused on local economic challenges, including the rising costs of groceries, fuel, and general housing expenses. In New York, polling locations opened at 6 a.m. and will remain available to voters until 9 p.m. New Jersey voters also saw polls open at 6 a.m., though they will close slightly earlier at 8 p.m. It is vital for every citizen to verify their specific polling site before heading out, as locations can occasionally change between election cycles.For those utilizing mail-in ballots, the procedures differ slightly between the two states. In New York, completed mail ballots can be hand-delivered to a county Board of Elections office or any active polling site on Tuesday. To be counted, these ballots must be received by the end of Election Day or arrive within seven days if they carry a postmark dated no later than today. Because the postal service does not always provide an immediate postmark, officials suggest hand-delivery for last-minute submissions. In New Jersey, mail-in ballots must be placed in secure drop boxes or delivered to the county Board of Elections by 8 p.m. If sent via mail, they must be postmarked by today and received within six days. Notably, New Jersey polling sites do not accept mail-in ballots directly.New York’s ballot features high-stakes races for governor, attorney general, and state comptroller, alongside various federal and state legislative seats. Residents of New York City face an additional task, as they must decide on five specific ballot questions that could influence local governance. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, congressional races are taking center stage. One of the most closely watched contests is in the 7th Congressional District, where Rebecca Bennett is challenging Tom Kean. Bennett, a former healthcare executive and Navy pilot, has campaigned on middle-of-the-road policies focused on affordability. Kean, who comes from a well-known political family and has a long history in the state legislature, is seeking a third term in a district that has historically leaned conservative.Other notable contests in New Jersey include a tight race in the 2nd Congressional District between Jeff Van Drew and Zack Mullock. Additionally, candidates such as Analilia Mejia, Adam Hamawy, Nellie Pou, and Chris Smith are participating in races across their respective districts. Cory Booker is also on the ballot, seeking another term in the Senate. Regarding security at the polls, federal law enforcement or immigration agents are not permitted at voting sites. However, in New York City, local police officers are stationed at polls in accordance with state regulations. For any issues or concerns while voting, a nonpartisan hotline is available at 1-866-OUR-VOTE to provide assistance and ensure every voice is heard. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[How and Why Arab Americans Will Vote in 2026]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12904/How-and-Why-Arab-Americans-Will-Vote-in-2026?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12904/How-and-Why-Arab-Americans-Will-Vote-in-2026?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 16:10:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Washington Watch, November 2, 2026Dr. James J. Zogby, President, Arab American Institute On Election Day, Arab Americans will overwhelmingly vote for Democrats over Republicans running in Senate and Congressional campaigns across the country. The actual margin is 59% for Democrats versus just 26% for Republicans. This dramatic swing back to the Democratic Party is just one of the findings of the most recent poll of Arab American voters commissioned by the Arab American Institute and conducted by John Zogby Strategies. AAI and JZS have been polling Arab American voters for over three decades and in all that time the community has favored Democrats if only by a small margin. The Iraq war and the Bush administration's widespread repressive policies against Arab and Muslim Americans and immigrants so significantly changed attitudes toward the two parties and their candidates that for more than a decade and a half Arab Americans ended up voting for Democrats by a two to one margin. This changed in 2024 as a result of the Biden administration's acquiescence to and, at times, overt support for Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. The community was so angered by Democrats' complicity in that war that support for Democrats declined, while Republican numbers rose. Democrats still had the edge, but in that November's presidential election a significant number of Arab Americans voted for third party candidates, while many didn't vote at all. What accounts for the flip back toward the Democratic Party's candidates in 2026? The recent AAI/JZS poll points to a number of factors; chief among them are the policies and behaviors of President Trump. Eighty-two percent (82%) of Arab Americans say they have personally experienced economic hardship due to the rising costs of health care, utilities, groceries, or gas prices. Ninety percent (90%) say that the war in Gaza is still important in determining their vote (and will remain so as they choose a presidential candidate in 2028). More than two-thirds say they have experienced discrimination because of their heritage, and an even greater percentage fear this may increase in the future. In this context, President Trump's anti-Muslim assault on Abdul El-Sayed, the Arab American Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, has only added fuel to the dangerous fires of hate. Finally, it's important to note that, as our polling has demonstrated going back to a study issued in 2001, "What Ethnic Voters Really Think," Arab Americans, like other ethnic immigrant communities, while holding moderate views on some cultural issues, are quite liberal when addressing economic and governmental policies. This is borne out in the most recent AAI/JZS poll where 56% of Arab Americans say they are more aligned with the social and economic views of the Democratic Party versus only 28% who say they feel more aligned with the Republican Party. And when asked to describe their political ideology, ranging from MAGA Republican on the right to Democratic Socialist on the left, only 18% indicate a right-leaning ideology as opposed to 47% who are left-leaning. Thirty-one percent (31%) describe themselves as moderate. What is especially fascinating about the results in this poll is the extent of convergence in the views of the diverse component groups within the community. While there are some understandable variations in the responses given to a few questions, the most important demographic subgroups (Christian, Muslim; country of origin; immigrant or native US born) all express concern about the economic situation, the war in Gaza, and the fear of discrimination resulting from this election's hateful anti-Muslim, anti-Arab hate speech. Sectarian and national conflicts may afflict countries and regions across the Middle East, but Arab Americans have found their way to coalesce around shared heritage and issues of concern. It is this convergence that is the cornerstone of community building.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[From the Statue of Liberty to ICE Bullets: Is the Face of the American Dream Changing?]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12903/From-the-Statue-of-Liberty-to-ICE-Bullets%3A-Is-the-Face-of-the-American-Dream-Changing%3F?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12903/From-the-Statue-of-Liberty-to-ICE-Bullets%3A-Is-the-Face-of-the-American-Dream-Changing%3F?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:45:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA["Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." These words, engraved on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty, were not just a poem welcoming immigrants. Over decades they became part of the image America presents to the world: a land of opportunity and freedom, and the last refuge for those seeking a better life. But what happens when the road to that dream turns into a scene of gunfire, and a father finds himself shot while his five-year-old child sits in the back seat? In Marble Hill, New York City, the scene was not just a passing security incident. It was a harsh test of the meaning of force, the limits of state power, and people's right to feel safe in the streets of their own city. A wounded father and a child in the back seat On October 8, 2026, Oscar Belgal, 28, was shot in the neck during an operation carried out by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, in the Marble Hill area of New York. According to preliminary information released by the NYPD, the man was in his car with a five-year-old child whom authorities said was his son. Agents in plain clothes, some wearing reflective vests and masks covering their faces, approached before the shooting. The New York police commissioner said an ICE agent fired at least seven rounds, one of which struck the man in the neck. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. The child was not physically hurt, but found himself at the center of an incident no child that age should witness. Here we must stop at the most important question: how can a law enforcement operation end with so many shots fired at a car with a small child inside? Asking the question does not mean prejudging the incident, nor ignoring the authorities' right to enforce the law. But it does mean that the use of firearms, especially on a residential street among families and children, must be subject to serious, independent scrutiny, and that every bullet must be explainable and accountable. Two accounts, and the evidence must decide The U.S. Department of Homeland Security gave an account different from that of local officials. It said the operation aimed to arrest the man, that he did not comply with orders, and that his car struck government vehicles and moved toward the agents, which the department said led them to fire in self-defense. New York officials, for their part, raised questions about how the operation was carried out and about the presence of masked agents in plain clothes with long guns in a residential neighborhood. Officials also called for a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. It is important here to separate what has been officially established, what each side says, and what still needs investigation. Merely accusing someone of wrongdoing does not give any agency immunity from accountability, and criticizing ICE's actions does not relieve a journalist of the duty to present the conflicting accounts accurately. This is not a trial on social media, nor a contest of accusations. It is about knowing what actually happened: How did the confrontation begin? What did the agents see before they fired? Was the use of force proportionate to the danger they faced? And what do the recordings, forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts reveal? These are questions that should be settled not by slogans, but by evidence. The child the bullet missed, but who was there Perhaps the most painful sentence in this incident is that the child came out without physical injury. It is an ending that could have been far more tragic, but it does not make the scene simple or ordinary. A child who watches his father being shot may carry fear and confusion that do not appear in medical reports. Children are not side details in security operations; they are people whose safety must be considered before decisions are made that could put their lives at risk. When an operation takes place in a residential neighborhood, near homes, schools and passersby, the responsibility is not limited to arresting the target; it also includes reducing the danger to anyone who may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. No one is asking the authorities to abandon the law. What is asked is that the law be enforced in a way that does not make civilians fear their street will turn into a shooting range. New York and immigrants: the fear goes beyond one incident New York lives on the contributions of immigrants, from workers in restaurants and shops to taxi drivers, hospital staff and small business owners. In the city's five boroughs, different languages, cultures and experiences intertwine in daily life. That is why any controversial security operation cannot be read in isolation from the general climate. When people see masked agents approach a car and open fire in a residential neighborhood, the question is not only who the target was, but how safe residents feel, and how they can tell a lawful operation from a sudden danger whose source they do not understand. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials expressed anger over the incident and demanded clear accountability, while federal authorities defended their agents' actions. This dispute reflects a wider struggle over immigration enforcement methods, the limits of cooperation between local and federal authorities, and the impact of these operations on the communities where immigrants live. But it is important that this debate not become a generalization about every law enforcement employee, or an assumption that every operation that ends with the use of force is necessarily unlawful. The right standard is to investigate each incident separately and assign responsibility based on the evidence. Has Americans' view of ICE changed? Debate over ICE's role and methods in enforcing immigration laws has grown, and arrests, deportations and the use of force have become the subject of escalating political and legal debate. Opinion polls published in the United States reflect division over the agency's performance and immigration policy in general; but reading any poll requires attention to when it was conducted, how its questions were worded, and how participants were chosen. So the opinion of a sample of Americans should not be taken as a final verdict on the whole society. More important than the numbers is that trust in institutions is not built by force alone. It needs clear rules, transparency, and accountability when there is evidence of abuses. If the state asks people to respect the law, it must show that its own institutions are subject to the same law. From the Statue of Liberty to the question of justice The irony is painful: at the entrance to New York Harbor stands the Statue of Liberty, a global symbol of hope, refuge and opportunity. And in one of the city's neighborhoods, a father is shot while his young child sits in the back seat. This image alone is not enough to condemn an entire institution, but it is enough to raise questions that must not be ignored. The United States has the right to enforce its immigration laws, and the authorities have the right to deal with real dangers. At the same time, every person has the right to know why force was used against them, society has the right to demand an independent and transparent investigation when bullets are fired on a residential street, and a child has the right to have his safety be a priority, not a detail mentioned after the fact. The value of the law shows not only when it is applied to the weak, but when those who enforce it are also held accountable. The question that must remain present until all the details are clear: can America protect its borders and enforce its laws without making fear the language in which immigrants relate to the streets where they live? Sources: Office of the Mayor of New York City (statement and press conference on the Marble Hill shooting, October 8, 2026); Office of the New York State Attorney General (statement, October 9, 2026); CBS New York; Reuters. By Ahmad Mourad, a journalist based in New York Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Three Religions and the Night of Fright: What Do Sheikhs, Priests and Rabbis Say About Halloween?]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12902/Three-Religions-and-the-Night-of-Fright%3A-What-Do-Sheikhs%2C-Priests-and-Rabbis-Say-About-Halloween%3F?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12902/Three-Religions-and-the-Night-of-Fright%3A-What-Do-Sheikhs%2C-Priests-and-Rabbis-Say-About-Halloween%3F?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:42:11 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[In a single night, American streets turn into a stage of masks, glowing pumpkins and frightening costumes, as children race to collect candy from door to door. But behind this seemingly innocent scene lies a question that sparks debate every year: is Halloween just a social occasion, or does taking part in it conflict with religious teachings? In New York, where Muslims, Christians and Jews live side by side, the question does not stay theoretical. It enters homes and schools and confronts parents: Should I let my child take part? Should I reject the occasion entirely, or treat it as a social custom that does not necessarily carry religious meaning? The "Night of Fright" is not just costumes and candy. It is an occasion that reveals differences in how people understand religion, tradition and identity, even among followers of the same faith. First: What does Islam say? Is Halloween forbidden? The Islamic position is not a single fatwa that everyone agrees on, and this is where the surprise begins. Egypt's Dar al-Ifta published a fatwa on July 22, 2013, on celebrating occasions such as Halloween and Valentine's Day, ruling that taking part in social occasions is permissible as long as it involves nothing contrary to Islamic belief. By contrast, the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) published a fatwa by Sheikh Jamaal Zarabozo on October 30, 2011, concluding that Muslims may not take part in Halloween activities, based on religious considerations about the occasion's origin and imitating other peoples' festivals. Press reports also quoted Sheikh Ouweida Othman, a fatwa secretary at Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, warning against some forms of celebration that may conflict with religious and educational values. So we are looking at differing fatwas and interpretations, not a consensus that can rightly be attributed to all Muslim scholars. The question every parent should ask: does taking part mean simply wearing a costume and collecting candy, or does it involve practices the religion rejects? Does the child know the origin and meaning of the occasion, or is he taking part because his classmates do? Second: What does Christianity say? Is Halloween a satanic holiday? The irony is that the name Halloween itself comes from "All Hallows' Eve," the eve of All Saints' Day, which falls on November 1 in the Catholic tradition. According to Catholic Answers, Father Charles Grondin explained that the Catholic Church has no specific church teaching forbidding Halloween in general, and that activities should be judged by their nature and whether they glorify evil or involve practices contrary to the Christian faith. In Brooklyn, the rector of the Cathedral-Basilica of St. James published an article on October 23, 2025, on taking part wisely while avoiding the glorification of evil, violence and occult practices. The Philippine News Agency also reported in October 2025 that Bishop Renato Mayugba called for restoring the spiritual meaning of All Saints' Eve through prayer and remembering the saints, rather than focusing on ghosts and demons. But it would be wrong to turn these statements into a single position for all churches and Christian denominations; there are differences in interpretation and practice, and some religious groups take a more reserved stance toward the celebration. Third: What do the rabbis say? Does Judaism reject Halloween? In the American Jewish community, there is another debate about the limits of taking part in occasions with non-Jewish roots. Chabad.org published an article by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman titled "Should Jews Celebrate Halloween?", comparing the occasion with the Jewish holiday of Purim, when participants wear costumes and exchange gifts and food, while stressing the different religious background and meaning of the two occasions. Taking another direction, Rabbi David Z. Vaisberg, writing on the Reform Judaism website, discussed treating Halloween as a secular social occasion, as many Americans see it, while keeping Jewish values in mind. Rabbi Michael Broyde, in an analysis published by Canopy Forum in December 2021, discussed objections to taking part in Halloween based on Jewish law, and how the occasion's transformation into a secular celebration may affect how it is judged. So it is not correct to say that all rabbis forbid Halloween, nor to claim that all of them permit it. Positions vary by religious authority, interpretation and the nature of participation. Fourth: Is Halloween really an ancient pagan festival? Historical studies link Halloween's roots to ancient European traditions, including the Celtic festival of Samhain, and it later became tied to All Saints' Eve in the Christian tradition. Its modern form in the United States has developed into a widespread occasion that includes costumes, pumpkin carving, children collecting candy, and commercial parties. But there is an important difference between knowing an occasion's historical roots and judging everyone who takes part in it today. Historical origin alone does not necessarily tell us how each participant understands the occasion, or whether they consider it a religious ritual or a social activity. Here many people make a common mistake: they reduce a complex history to a single sentence, then build on it a sweeping judgment of millions of people. Fifth: What about our children in American schools? For Arab and Muslim families in New York, the matter is not only a religious debate but a practical situation parents face every year. A child may want to wear a costume because classmates are taking part, and a parent may fear the child will feel isolated if the family refuses. On the other hand, the family may see abstaining from the celebration as part of its religious commitment and of raising its children with their identity. The solution does not require mocking others or making children afraid of their classmates. Parents can explain their religious position clearly, listen to the child's questions, and distinguish between respecting neighbors and taking part in all of their traditions. They should also pay attention to safety in the streets, costumes that block vision, and candy that is unwrapped or of unknown origin. A child can learn to respect different religions and cultures, even if the family chooses not to take part in a particular occasion. Sixth: The final verdict: what do the three religions tell us? After reviewing the published positions, the picture looks like this: In Islam: Egypt's Dar al-Ifta permits social participation within limits, while some scholars reject taking part in Halloween activities. In Christianity: some church voices accept a moderate celebration while warning against glorifying evil and violence, and others call for refocusing on the occasion's spiritual meaning. In Judaism: some rabbis reject participation for religious and historical reasons, while others accept treating Halloween as a secular social occasion within limits. The main conclusion is that talk of "the ruling of the three religions" must not become a misleading generalization; within each religion there are different authorities, interpretations and positions. As for a family's practical decision, it requires understanding the source of the fatwa, or the church or Jewish position it follows, and knowing the nature of the activity the child will take part in. The question we leave open for discussion: is Halloween in America just a social celebration that has lost much of its religious meaning, or are its historical roots enough to make some families refuse to take part however its outward forms change? Do you agree with children taking part in Halloween, or do you think it is better to stay away from it to preserve religious identity? Why? Share your view, while respecting others' right to differ. Report by Ahmad Mourad, a journalist based in New York Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[November 1: The Epic of Algerian Sovereignty and the Memory of a Nation That Forged Its Freedom Through Sacrifice]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12899/November-1%3A-The-Epic-of-Algerian-Sovereignty-and-the-Memory-of-a-Nation-That-Forged-Its-Freedom-Through-Sacrifice?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12899/November-1%3A-The-Epic-of-Algerian-Sovereignty-and-the-Memory-of-a-Nation-That-Forged-Its-Freedom-Through-Sacrifice?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:18:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[O page on which survival was inscribedby the fire and light of the proud ones' struggleO heroism that sweeps across the worldinspired by everlasting values November 1 is a date whose memory is renewed every year, the title of a decisive stage that reshaped and sharpened Algeria's relationship with itself and with the world, and declared that the will of peoples, however unbalanced the scales of power around them, remains able to seize its right to freedom and sovereignty. On November 1, 1954, Algeria chose to open the road to its independence with a historic decision that embodied the maturity of the national movement and proved that liberation was the project of a nation whose features had formed in the conscience of its people over decades of resistance and steadfastness. The outbreak of the Algerian revolution came as the culmination of a long path of confrontation with the weight of French colonialism and the bitterness of oppression, which since the occupation of Algeria in 1830 had sought to subjugate its land, dismantle its social fabric and confiscate the pillars of its national identity. Yet attempts at erasure and subjugation failed to uproot Algerians' bond with their land and identity; resistance remained present in many forms, from popular uprisings and armed confrontations to the national movement and political and cultural work, until the moment when a historic conviction took shape that recovering sovereignty required moving the struggle to a new stage. November 1 was a declaration of decisive national will and the opening of a stage in which freedom became a clear goal and independence a political horizon beyond compromise. The Declaration of November 1, 1954, carried a complete vision of the revolution's aims and means, and laid down its political reference by calling for the restoration of national sovereignty, the unity of Algerian territory, and the building of an independent, sovereign Algerian state. It also expressed the revolution's leaders' awareness of the importance of explaining the Algerian cause to public opinion at home and abroad, and of linking the struggle on the ground with political and diplomatic work. The true strength of the revolution lay in its ability to turn aspirations for liberation into a unifying national cause. From every corner of the country, the fuse of will met the gunpowder of an unbridled desire for independence, and the knights and champions of the resistance bore the burden of a struggle that lasted nearly eight years of hardship and deprivation. They faced arrest, torture, displacement and destruction, and gave lives and sacrifices that made freedom the fruit of an arduous path that refused passing concessions and political handouts. The unity of the people with the National Liberation Army and the National Liberation Front was one of the main pillars that gave the revolution its ability to endure, despite the vast gap in resources and means. Alongside the confrontation at home, the revolution waged a broad political and diplomatic battle to internationalize the Algerian cause and win recognition of the people's right to self-determination. Its leaders understood that national liberation does not stop at establishing a presence on the ground, but also requires addressing the world's conscience, refuting colonial narratives and building outside support for a just cause. The Algerian revolution thus became linked to its Arab and African surroundings and to liberation movements around the world, its cause became part of the international anti-colonial path, and it stood as proof that national sovereignty is an inherent right of peoples, not a privilege that dominant powers grant or withhold according to their interests. This path, with all its steadfastness, sacrifices and political shifts, led to Algeria regaining its independence on July 5, 1962, after paying the heavy price of colonial repression to recover its national decision. Since that date, the country has entered the stage of building the independent state, carrying a revolutionary legacy and a historic responsibility: preserving sovereignty, protecting the unity of the national territory, and securing Algeria's place among nations on the basis of independent decision-making and respect for peoples' right to self-determination. Loyalty to the message of November requires grasping its historical and national dimensions, and linking pride in the past with a responsible awareness of the demands of the present. States that rest on their history draw on their glories and take from them confidence in their ability to face challenges, develop their institutions, strengthen their economies, consolidate their social unity and expand their contribution regionally and internationally. The sovereignty Algerians won through sacrifice remains tied to the ability of successive generations to preserve independence in its full sense, which includes independent decision-making, strong institutions, the means of development, and the protection of national interests within relations built on mutual respect and cooperation. November is the dawn that instilled in the proud and dignified the certainty of achieving glory and greatness, and gave itself a lasting power to remind Algerians that nations are built by will and protected by responsibility when their sons and daughters unite around their highest interests. It is a golden pledge renewed with every generation: that the sacrifices of the martyrs remain present in the national consciousness, and that the freedom the people seized remains the foundation of every project aimed at Algeria's prosperity and standing. On the 72nd anniversary of the outbreak of the glorious Algerian revolution, Algeria stands before its history with the pride of a calm yet revolutionary people, risen on its boiling blood, who knew the harshness of the road to independence and proved that the will to be free is stronger than attempts at subjugation. November 1 will remain a shining page in the nation's record, a witness to Algerians' ability to turn sheer suffering into bloody resistance, resistance into decisive revolution, and revolution into an independent state. And the record of glory born from the womb of hardship and every kind of torment will remain bound to the epic of a people who chose to write their destiny with their own hands and fists, to make sovereignty and national dignity two firm pillars of their march toward the future, and who resolved that Algeria shall live free and proud. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[A Tent on the Edge of the Storm]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12898/A-Tent-on-the-Edge-of-the-Storm?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12898/A-Tent-on-the-Edge-of-the-Storm?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:17:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[On a dusty night, the boom of thunder besieges me and flashes of lightning chase me. They pierce the pores of my small tent, sever its ties and threaten its corners. Tent poles shake as if locked in a fierce fight with nature, followed by whirlwinds and gales that sweep the whole place, trying to tear away my tent's resistance. But it murmurs through its edges: either victory, or lifting off with no direction and no map. Pieces of stone fly from the top of the rubble when the winds of the past blow, and the cruelty of nature and of time meet at once. There is no escape, and no fighting back helps, except turning to the Lord of creation... Am I really still on the land of the calamity? Was this rubble once a house that held my family between its banks? Was it a witness to times of joy and sorrow, and the source of my inspiration? A year ago I stood at the threshold of my balcony, delighting my eyes with falling raindrops followed by hailstones from the clouds. How beautiful they were as they wiped the dust of a lifetime from the edge of ruin, as if the window were the common ground between the one who sees and what is seen! As if the rain were washing what was left of clay, sand and homeland... I closed the window of my joy and hurried down with my family to the garden, where we wrote our names in the hail. My God, how sweet those moments were, when hail turns into letters and words, into the heart's blood of the lover who writes them, and into joy to come... We took pictures to keep in the file of warm family memories. Then the soil embraced the hailstones and they vanished after a short while, and the names melted into the sand of my home. So I carry them to write a new story with them, and a unique, central picture on which our names gathered in several languages in 2014, to which I added words last June as I welcomed my fortieth year in this universe... a picture that brings together three birth dates. Perhaps I should tell you that my lines carry its meaning, its purpose and its depth: Ghada: letters that gathered clay and snow between them..a vessel that held this mixture, and how cruel the hours of ripening...If sorrow could be built, I would raise the tallest building and tower...And yet...I wait for joy like a wild horse with no bridle and no saddle...If the world closes in on me, you remain the sail and I the wave... I gathered more hailstones, placed them on a piece of plastic and took another silent picture, and added to it words made of defiance, hope and waiting, titled "I Return to You": I return to you... carrying longing, giving you my heart and my days, all of me resolve...a dialogue of soul and body together... consensus and confirmation in the laws of love...There is no escape from you and no fleeing; the meeting is certain...and if in distance there is connection and resolve,the snow will melt, the meadow will bloom, and how fragrant the narcissus in March... Now winter has become a heavy burden on my shoulders. In it we check on, and miss, many things, the first of them the loss of shelter and of warm feelings. The hail melted, the house vanished and hope failed, and in their place came pain and the throes of dying. Only the picture and the words remain, in dialogue with the cruelty of nature and the steadfastness of the sad tent... Ghada Ayesh Khader, 2026 Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[After the U.S. Elections, "The Drums of War Are Beating Again": Is a Third Confrontation with Iran Near?]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12897/After-the-U.S.-Elections%2C-%22The-Drums-of-War-Are-Beating-Again%22%3A-Is-a-Third-Confrontation-with-Iran-Near%3F?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12897/After-the-U.S.-Elections%2C-%22The-Drums-of-War-Are-Beating-Again%22%3A-Is-a-Third-Confrontation-with-Iran-Near%3F?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:13:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The possibility of renewed military confrontation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other is no longer just a hypothetical scenario in security and strategic calculations. It has become tied to a set of political, military and regional shifts that could push toward a new round of conflict. In this context, the hypothesis emerges that the post-election period may be a suitable time to put the military option back on the table, amid talk of American and Israeli preparations to rearrange the tools of confrontation. Talk of a third round of war with Iran stems not only from the possibility of escalation on the ground, but from the nature of the strategic conflict between the parties, the continuing dispute over Iran's nuclear program, Tehran's regional influence, and the equations of deterrence and security in the Middle East. Where is the confrontation heading? Reports published on October 22, 2026, indicate that Washington and Tel Aviv have prepared plans to resume military strikes on Iran after the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026. Reports also spoke of intensified military exercises and operational preparations, and of discussions of possible targets including nuclear facilities, energy, and the missile and drone arsenal. These data reinforce the seriousness of the scenario of resumed war. The electoral timing is especially important; the U.S. administration appears to be seeking to avoid further economic and political fallout from the war before the elections, especially amid rising energy costs and their impact on American voters. Postponing any military decision until after the elections could therefore give Washington wider political room to act and reduce the impact of direct confrontation on domestic electoral calculations. At the same time, American calculations cannot be separated from the Israeli position. The Israeli government sees Iran's continued nuclear and missile capabilities as a long-term strategic challenge, and seeks to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its military capabilities and expanding its regional influence. From this standpoint, Tel Aviv may see resumed military operations as a chance to complete the goals not achieved in previous rounds and to reshape the regional deterrence equation. Why the next round could be more destructive The danger of any new confrontation lies in the possibility that it moves from targeting military and nuclear capabilities to a wider set of targets, including economic infrastructure, energy and vital facilities. Reports circulating about the American and Israeli plans speak of intensive operations targeting strategic sectors, which could make the war's consequences go beyond Iran and Israel to reach the Gulf states and the regional and global economic system. Iran is also preparing wider response options if the attacks resume, raising the likelihood that the confrontation turns into a multi-front regional conflict. Here the Strait of Hormuz stands out as a strategic passage for global energy trade, along with the possibility of attacks on interests and facilities tied to the parties involved in the war. Thus the danger of a third round is not tied only to the scale of the military strikes exchanged, but to the possibility that what remains of the rules of engagement collapses, that the circle of parties involved widens, and that the cost of confrontation rises for regional economies, especially states caught between security commitments to Washington and the risks of an Iranian response. After the elections does not necessarily mean before the war Current indicators allow us to say that the region stands at a highly sensitive stage, and that the possibility of resumed military confrontation after the U.S. elections is now seriously present in strategic calculations. But the move from planning and preparation to a decision for war remains subject to complex political, military and diplomatic calculations. The central question is no longer only whether Washington and Tel Aviv are able to launch a new round of attacks, but whether they are able to control its course and outcomes. A war may begin with an American and Israeli decision, but it will not necessarily end according to the calculations of those who made it. A third round, if it breaks out, may not be just a continuation of the previous rounds, but a turning point in the structure of the regional conflict and in the equations of security, energy and influence in the Middle East. The drums of war beating in Washington and Tel Aviv therefore reflect not only new military readiness, but an open strategic crisis whose exit may cost far more than its entry. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA["Between Polls and Ballot Boxes": The Republican Scenario That Could Upend the 2026 Congressional Elections]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12896/%22Between-Polls-and-Ballot-Boxes%22%3A-The-Republican-Scenario-That-Could-Upend-the-2026-Congressional-Elections?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12896/%22Between-Polls-and-Ballot-Boxes%22%3A-The-Republican-Scenario-That-Could-Upend-the-2026-Congressional-Elections?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 14:10:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[As the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026, approach, the battle for control of Congress appears open to contradictory scenarios. Democrats lead in a number of Senate races, while Republicans could keep their majorities in both chambers if the polling errors seen in previous U.S. elections are repeated. This raises a strategic question: do the polls really reflect voters' leanings, or could they be hiding an electoral shift that gives the Republican Party a chance to upend expectations? Polls do not decide elections Current indicators show Democrats ahead in a number of swing states, but this lead does not look decisive, especially since the gaps in most races fall within the statistical margin of error. Democrats need a net gain of four seats from Republicans to control the Senate, which currently has 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats. The latest polls show Democrat Talarico leading in Texas with 50% to Republican Paxton's 45%, Democrat El-Sayed leading in Michigan with 51% to Rogers's 45%, and Jackson leading in Maine with 51% to 44% for Republican Sen. Susan Collins. In Georgia, Democrat Jon Ossoff leads with 55% to his Republican opponent's 40%. In Iowa, the race looks closer, with Democrat Turek ahead 45% to 43% over Republican Hinson. In Ohio, a poll of the special election shows candidates Brown and Husted tied at 47% each. In Nebraska, Republican Ricketts leads independent Osborn by one point, while Florida leans more Republican, with Moody ahead of Democrat Nixon 51% to 43%. But these numbers must be read with caution: the Echelon polls were conducted between October 16 and 23, 2026, with margins of error of roughly 5 to 6 points, leaving many of these races open to several outcomes. The Republican scenario: when the polls are wrong On the other hand, there is an electoral scenario that could turn the calculations upside down: the possibility that the polls have once again underestimated Republican support, as happened in previous election cycles. According to historical data in the election figures, early-October polls underestimated Republican strength in 14 of 16 election cycles since 1994, with an average error of about four points. If this pattern repeats in 2026, Democrats could face an unexpected electoral surprise. Under this scenario, a shift of two to four points in Republicans' favor could give them 53 Senate seats to the Democrats' 47, with Michigan moving into the Republican column and the party holding on to its core seats. In the House, a polling error of more than three points could give Republicans 218 seats or more, enough to keep the majority. This means the Republican Party could keep control of both chambers, despite current indicators giving Democrats an edge in a number of races. Turnout: the deciding factor The electoral battle is not only about the voting intentions shown in polls, but about the makeup of the electorate that actually reaches the ballot box. Turnout rates, the distribution of early voting, and the two parties' ability to mobilize their bases will be more decisive than the narrow numerical gaps in last-minute polls. This matters because midterm elections often become a political referendum on the performance of the sitting administration, but they also reflect the opposition's ability to turn political discontent into actual turnout. So a Democratic lead in the polls does not necessarily guarantee a breakthrough in Congress, just as a Republican decline in some states does not mean their bases have lost the ability to mobilize. Congress between possible change and a surprise of continuity The most important scenario in the 2026 elections is not only that Democrats might regain control of one or both chambers of Congress, but that Republicans might keep their legislative dominance despite political pressure and polls showing their opponents ahead. If Republicans keep their majorities in both chambers, President Donald Trump will gain wider political and legislative room to carry out his domestic and foreign agenda, while Democrats' ability to exercise legislative oversight and block some presidential policies will shrink. If Democrats win a majority, the U.S. administration will enter a new phase of political balances, and perhaps institutional confrontation with Congress. In the end, the November 3, 2026, elections look like a double test of the credibility of the polls and of both parties' ability to mobilize voters. Between an undecided Democratic lead and a possible Republican surprise, the real battle remains at the ballot box, not in the polling tables. Translated from the Arabic original by AI.]]></description>
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