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US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a "comprehensive review" of the chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members and 150 Afghans due to an Islamic State bombing at Kabul's airport. The specifics of Hegseth's review remain unclear, particularly in relation to previous investigations conducted by the military, State Department, and other entities. Critics suggest the review may be politicized, as the Biden administration has attributed the chaos to inadequate planning and troop reductions initiated by the Trump administration. In a memo, Hegseth emphasized the need for accountability and regaining trust with the American public and military personnel. Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, will lead the review, which will also include input from former military personnel like Stuart Scheller, who criticized the withdrawal. 
Published: May 21 2025, 9 ameznews.inA new study published in *Nature* warns that the rapid melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets may be irreversible, potentially resulting in significant sea level rise that could displace millions from coastal areas. Even if global warming is limited to the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, current warming levels of around 1.2 degrees C could trigger unstoppable ice sheet retreat, with projections suggesting a rise of up to 2.9 degrees C by 2100 if emissions remain unchecked. The ice sheets hold enough water to elevate global sea levels by approximately 213 feet, and their melting has quadrupled since the 1990s, contributing 370 billion tons of ice loss annually. Experts emphasize the need for drastic reductions in fossil fuel use to keep warming closer to 1 degree C, though achieving this remains unlikely. While limiting warming to 1.5 degrees C is crucial, it may not prevent ongoing sea level rise, underscoring the urgency of climate action.
Published: May 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inDuring a recent U.S. congressional hearing, Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace displayed a nude image of herself, alleging it was recorded without her consent by her ex-fiancé, Patrick Bryant. Advocating for stronger video voyeurism laws, Mace stated, "Freedom is not a theory - it's the right to sleep without someone's camera filming your naked body," emphasizing her experience as a survivor. The image was shown alongside surveillance footage she claimed captured her without knowledge in her home. Mace has accused Bryant of serious sexual offenses, including rape, which he vehemently denies, calling her allegations "false and outrageous." He criticized her for making claims within Congress, suggesting she is using her position to avoid legal repercussions. Mace previously alleged that Bryant possessed over 10,000 videos and images documenting abuse, and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division is currently investigating her claims.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTech billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX-owned Starlink has officially launched its satellite internet service in Bangladesh, marking the nation as India's second neighbor to access this technology after Bhutan. Starlink announced the availability of its high-speed, low-latency internet across Bangladesh on X, with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus highlighting the service's resilience against potential political disruptions. This comes in light of last year's protests that led to internet service suspensions. Yunus, who initially reached out to Musk in February, emphasized the transformative potential of Starlink for the country's youth and women. Monthly service packages start at 4,200 taka ($35), with a one-time setup fee of 47,000 taka. While Starlink has expanded to over 70 countries, its launch in Bangladesh precedes similar services in India and Pakistan, amid ongoing regional tensions.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA 24-year-old Australian woman, Corbie Jean Walpole, has pleaded guilty to arson after setting her friend, Jake Loader, on fire during a party at her home in Howlong, New South Wales. The incident occurred on January 7, 2024, following a misogynistic comment made by Loader, who told Walpole to "stay in the kitchen making scones" if she couldn't handle drinking with men. Walpole, reportedly under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, reacted by pouring gasoline on Loader and igniting him with a lighter, resulting in burns to 55% of his body. Loader spent 74 days in a burn unit and underwent ten surgeries. Walpole expressed deep remorse for her actions, attributing her behavior to struggles with substance abuse and Loader's antagonistic conduct throughout the night. Sentencing has been adjourned as she awaits her fate in Albury District Court.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inTaiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has reaffirmed the island's right to self-determination, firmly rejecting China's claims over Taiwan's sovereignty. Speaking at a press briefing, Lin emphasized that it is not up to China to decide Taiwan's status, as the island elects its own government. He expressed a willingness to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, suggesting that a handshake could signify a positive start to dialogue, despite acknowledging the low likelihood of such a meeting due to the lack of mutual recognition between the two governments. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te has also reiterated calls for peaceful talks with China, which Beijing dismissed as a "two-faced tactic." Amid escalating military tensions, Taiwan remains vigilant, warning that China may increase military drills to coincide with significant anniversaries. The situation underscores the ongoing complexities of cross-strait relations as Taiwan seeks to assert its identity on the global stage.
Published: May 21 2025, 4 pmeznews.inIn Goma, the eastern Congolese city captured by the M23 rebel group in January, cash scarcity has forced parents to pay school fees with cans of palm oil, highlighting the dire economic situation. Following the city’s takeover, authorities halted cash supplies to banks in M23-controlled areas, leading to widespread bank closures and empty ATMs. Teachers like Richard Mbueki report that survival is the priority, as parents barter food for education. While the school has adapted to this interim solution, mobile payment systems remain underutilized. The ongoing conflict has devastated the local economy, with rising food prices and job losses exacerbating the crisis. Traders report significant drops in sales, and the M23's attempt to establish a financial authority has failed to gain traction. Amidst this turmoil, crime rates have surged as residents struggle to navigate daily life in one of the world’s poorest regions.
Published: May 21 2025, 2 pmeznews.inA UAE-based brokerage firm, Gulf First Commercial Brokers, has abruptly disappeared, leaving investors in turmoil after allegedly absconding with millions of dirhams. Previously operating from two offices in Dubai's Capital Golden Tower, the firm employed around 40 staff who aggressively marketed forex investments. Now, the offices lie abandoned, with dust-covered floors and ripped phone wires. Among the defrauded investors are Kerala expats Mohammad and Fayaz Poyyl, who lost $75,000. They and others were lured into investments through persistent phone calls, often pressured to deposit more funds under the guise of guaranteed returns. Police have initiated investigations against Gulf First and its linked entity, Sigma-One Capital, which operates without proper authorization. Previous scams in the UAE mirror this case, characterized by cold-calling tactics and the promise of secure trading, leaving victims with empty offices and financial losses.
Published: May 21 2025, 3 pmeznews.inBruce Springsteen and Donald Trump, both in their 70s and with New Jersey ties, have emerged as cultural figures representing contrasting ideologies. Springsteen, a longstanding critic of Trump, recently delivered a scathing indictment of the current administration during a concert in Manchester, England, calling it "corrupt" and urging Americans to resist authoritarianism. In response, Trump disparaged Springsteen on social media, labeling him a "dried out prune" and questioning his talent. The exchange escalated, with Trump suggesting an investigation into Springsteen and Beyoncé for potential illegal campaign contributions to Kamala Harris. Springsteen’s political activism is not new; he has a history of challenging Republican leaders through his music and public statements. Fellow musician Neil Young also defended Springsteen, criticizing Trump for his priorities. As Springsteen continues his European tour, the political divide between him and Trump remains stark, highlighting the ongoing cultural battle in America.
Published: May 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inJapan's Agriculture Minister, Taku Eto, resigned on Wednesday amid backlash over his remarks regarding rice gifts from supporters, which many perceived as out of touch with the economic struggles facing consumers. His comments followed the government's release of over 300,000 tonnes of rice from emergency stockpiles to mitigate rising prices, which have surged to record levels. During a fundraiser, Eto stated he had "never bought rice" due to the generosity of his supporters, prompting public outrage. After acknowledging the insensitivity of his remarks, he submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is already under pressure ahead of the upcoming upper house elections. Japan is grappling with rice shortages caused by poor harvests and rising production costs, and a recent survey indicated that 87% of respondents are dissatisfied with the government's handling of rice pricing, contributing to a significant drop in Ishiba's cabinet approval ratings.
Published: May 21 2025, 1 pmeznews.inThe European Union and Britain have introduced extensive sanctions targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," a covert network of aging oil tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions and secretly export Russian oil. This initiative, described as the EU's largest-ever package against such operations, aims to further strain Moscow's financial resources amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The shadow fleet, which operates outside international shipping regulations by frequently changing flags and names, has become essential for Russia to maintain oil revenues following strict sanctions imposed by the West. Recent incidents linked to these vessels have raised environmental and security concerns, including significant oil spills and potential sabotage activities. The EU has blacklisted 342 vessels, while the UK has sanctioned 100, as part of broader efforts to enhance maritime security. Meanwhile, hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine dimmed following a recent call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Published: May 21 2025, 1 pm
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