United News of Bangladesh

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s order denying birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or on temporary status. The justices will hear Trump’s appeal of a lower-court decision that struck down the policy. The order has not taken effect anywhere in the nation. The case is scheduled for arguments in the spring, with a ruling expected by early summer. Trump signed the birthright citizenship directive on Jan. 20, the start of his second term, as part of a broader Republican-led push to tighten immigration enforcement. Other measures include ramped-up enforcement operations in several major cities and the first use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act during peacetime. The administration faces numerous legal challenges, and the Supreme Court has delivered mixed rulings on related issues. The justices temporarily blocked use of the Alien Enemies Act for fast-tracking the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, yet allowed immigration sweeps to resume in the Los Angeles area after a lower court halted them over profiling concerns. The Court is also reviewing the administration’s emergency request to deploy National Guard units in the Chicago area for immigration operations — a move currently frozen by a lower court. This is the first of Trump’s immigration policies to reach the Supreme Court for a final decision. The directive challenges more than a century of interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which has long been understood to guarantee citizenship to nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil, except for children of foreign diplomats or occupying forces. Several lower courts have struck down the order as unconstitutional — or likely unconstitutional — even after the Supreme Court limited the use of nationwide injunctions earlier this year. However, the Court left open the possibility of nationwide relief through class actions or state-led suits. Each lower court considering the issue has ruled that Trump’s directive violates the 14th Amendment, which was enacted to guarantee U.S. citizenship to Black Americans, including formerly enslaved people. Under long-standing practice, anyone born in the United States — including children of undocumented mothers — is automatically a U.S. citizen. The case now before the Court originated in New Hampshire, where a federal judge in July blocked the order in a class-action suit covering all affected children. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing the children and families challenging the policy. “No president can rewrite the 14th Amendment’s core guarantee of citizenship,” said Cecillia Wang, national legal director of the ACLU. “We look forward to resolving this issue definitively at the Supreme Court.” The administration also asked the justices to review a July ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that Democratic-led states challenging the policy needed a nationwide injunction to avoid a patchwork of citizenship rules. The Supreme Court did not act on the 9th Circuit case. The administration argues that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore do not qualify for citizenship. “The Citizenship Clause was intended to secure citizenship for newly freed slaves — not for children of individuals in the U.S. illegally or temporarily,” Trump’s solicitor general, D. John Sauer, wrote in urging Supreme Court review. Twenty-four Republican-led states and 27 GOP lawmakers, including Senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham, are supporting the administration’s position.

FIFA has long maintained that political messages have no place in football, frequently penalising players who display them. Yet on Friday, the organisation’s president Gianni Infantino handed US President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, prompting fresh questions about the body’s stance on neutrality. The announcement came less than a day after the Trump administration carried out another lethal air strike in the Caribbean, a timing that drew sharp criticism from rights advocates and football commentators. Craig Mokhiber, a former UN official who has pushed for Israel’s suspension from world football over its war in Gaza, called the award a “truly shameful development”. He argued that Infantino has consistently refused to hold Israel accountable, insisting that football “cannot solve geopolitical” problems. “Not satisfied with two years of FIFA complicity in genocide in Palestine, Infantino and his cronies have now invented a new ‘peace prize’ in order to curry favour with Donald Trump,” Mokhiber told Al Jazeera. He said the move helps “obscure” Trump’s “disgraceful record” on Israel, the deadly boat strikes in the Caribbean, and “gross violations of human rights” inside the United States. Infantino praises Trump’s global deals While presenting the award, Infantino lauded Trump’s international agreements, including the Abraham Accords that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab countries without addressing Palestinian statehood. The gesture appears at odds with Infantino’s previous insistence on keeping politics away from sport. “There’s no more powerful tool than sport to unite the people,” he said in 2023. “Now we have to protect the autonomy of sport: the political neutrality of sport and to protect the values of sport.” Critics noted the contrast between that message and the decision to honour a president who days earlier referred to people from Somalia as “garbage”. Football journalist Zach Lowy quipped on social media, “Giving Donald Trump a prize for peace is like giving Luis Suarez a prize for not biting people’s ears off.” Infantino has built a close relationship with Trump as the US prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. He has been a frequent visitor to the White House and joined Trump in October at a ceremony in Egypt marking the Gaza truce. FIFA did not respond to Al Jazeera’s request for comment. The Democratic Party also criticised the move, saying, “Trump couldn’t win a Nobel Peace Prize so FIFA made one up for him.” Trump’s record under scrutiny Despite brokering some international agreements, including between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Trump has consistently pushed for higher military spending among Western allies. He also ordered the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities in June and continued supplying arms to Israel amid its abuses against Palestinians. In the Americas, his administration has carried out 22 air strikes on vessels it claimed were transporting drugs, killing at least 86 people. Legal experts have broadly condemned the operations as unlawful extrajudicial killings. The US president has also deployed additional military assets near Venezuela, fuelling speculation of a possible intervention aimed at ousting President Nicolas Maduro. Domestically, Trump has intensified immigration crackdowns, detaining and attempting to deport non-citizens. Some advocates say they have been targeted over criticism of Israel, despite such speech being protected by the First Amendment. “US President Donald Trump was just awarded the newly created ‘FIFA Peace Prize’,” Human Rights Watch posted on X. “But his administration’s appalling human rights record certainly does not display ‘exceptional actions for peace and unity’.” Mokhiber said the “vulgar” award should be withdrawn. “FIFA rules do not allow play on a muddy pitch. They certainly shouldn’t play on a bloody pitch. But that’s precisely where Infantino is leading FIFA,” he said.    

Pakistani and Afghan forces traded gunfire late Friday along their tense shared border, though officials on both sides said no one was injured and no damage occurred. Each country accused the other of breaking a fragile, two-month ceasefire. Talks between Islamabad and Kabul meant to ease tensions and maintain the truce collapsed in November, although the Qatar-brokered agreement from October has largely remained in place. The latest exchange occurred a day after Pakistan agreed to let the United Nations move relief supplies into Afghanistan through the largely closed Chaman and Torkham crossings. Mohammad Sadiq, a Pakistani police official, said Afghan forces fired first near the vital Chaman crossing, prompting Pakistan to respond. In contrast, Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistan initiated the shooting in Kandahar’s Spin Boldak district, forcing Afghan forces to return fire. Afghan border police spokesman Abidullah Farooqi also alleged that Pakistani troops threw a grenade into the Afghan side before the clash, adding that Afghanistan still supports the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Mosharraf Zaidi, speaking for Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, wrote on X that the Afghan Taliban fired “unprovoked shots” earlier in the evening and that Pakistan’s military remains vigilant in defending its territory and citizens. Border tensions have been running high since deadly clashes in October left dozens dead and hundreds injured on both sides following explosions in Kabul that the Taliban blamed on Pakistan. The violence marked the worst confrontation between the neighbors in years. Although the Qatar-mediated ceasefire helped reduce hostilities, follow-up talks in Istanbul failed to reach a lasting solution. Pakistan continues to accuse the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) — a group separate from but closely linked to the Afghan Taliban — of carrying out most militant attacks inside Pakistan. Many TTP fighters are believed to have found refuge in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021, further straining relations.   

Russia has warned that it will take action if the European Union moves to seize its frozen assets, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday. Zakharova described any Russian response as a “surprise” for the EU but did not provide further details. She also criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s behavior as “inappropriate.” The remarks follow von der Leyen’s revised proposal on Wednesday to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The updated plan reduced the potential funding from a maximum of $186 billion to about $105 billion. Belgium has opposed the EU initiative, citing unresolved financial and legal risks. Most of the frozen Russian assets are held at Euroclear, a securities depository based in Brussels.

A 12-year-old boy was killed when Russian drones struck a house in central Ukraine, officials said Friday, as Ukraine carried out long-range attacks on a Russian port and oil refinery amid quiet U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year war. U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to meet a Ukrainian delegation in Miami on Thursday, though neither side confirmed whether the talks took place. The meeting was planned shortly after the envoys held discussions with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin earlier in the week. Officials have said little publicly about the latest peace efforts, and past attempts to break the stalemate have failed. Trump’s 28-point proposal was leaked earlier, but progress remains unclear. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his team in Miami sought updates from U.S. representatives about their conversations in Moscow. He and European allies have long accused Putin of using diplomacy to buy time while Russian forces push ahead on the battlefield. In a video address late Thursday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants to know “what other pretexts Putin has come up with to drag out the war and to pressure Ukraine.” Meanwhile, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov, speaking during Putin’s visit to India, repeated Moscow’s criticism of Europe’s position in the talks. He said Ukraine’s European partners were setting conditions that Russia would never accept, arguing that their demands hinder negotiations between Washington and Moscow. In Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, local authorities said a Russian drone destroyed a house Thursday night, killing the boy and injuring two women. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 137 drones of multiple types overnight. Ukraine also carried out its own strikes. Drones hit the Temryuk sea port in Russia’s Krasnodar region, sparking a fire and damaging infrastructure, officials said. Ukrainian drones also targeted the city of Syzran on the Volga River. Local media reported, without official confirmation, that an oil refinery there was hit. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses intercepted 85 Ukrainian drones over several regions and occupied Crimea during the night.  

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will lay a wreath at Coventry Cathedral on Friday, marking a symbolic act of remembrance for the victims of World War II as Germany and the United Kingdom move to strengthen their partnership at a time of renewed conflict in Europe. The visit to Coventry honors those killed when Nazi forces bombed the city on Nov 14, 1940, destroying its 14th-century Gothic cathedral and killing at least 568 people. More than half of Coventry’s homes were damaged or destroyed that night, the most concentrated assault on any British city during the war. The Duke of Kent will represent Britain at the ceremony, recognized for his long-standing efforts to promote reconciliation between the two nations. Steinmeier’s appearance comes at the end of a three-day state visit, the first by a German president in 27 years. The trip has emphasized a renewed spirit of cooperation as European countries close ranks to support Ukraine and counter Russian attempts to destabilize Western democracies through interference, disinformation and sabotage. Concerns over what they see as U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictability have pushed European states to increase defense spending and deepen military coordination. The German leader and King Charles III highlighted their countries’ shared history and values during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Steinmeier described Coventry as a symbol of reconciliation, saying the city’s rebirth shows “what is possible when people have the courage to pursue reconciliation.” Earlier this year, the UK and Germany signed a treaty to expand cooperation on defense, migration and climate change. Analysts say Steinmeier’s visit reflects a historic level of unity among European nations, unmatched since the early 19th century. The state visit included meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, an address to Parliament and a wreath-laying at the tomb of Queen Elizabeth II. The royal ceremony offered the full spectacle of British pageantry, with Charles and Queen Camilla welcoming Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, for a procession to Windsor Castle and a formal banquet in St George’s Hall, which was decorated with a towering Christmas tree. In his address to lawmakers, Steinmeier called Russia’s invasion of Ukraine an assault on the rules-based order built after World War II. He warned of “imperial ambitions” and attempts by destabilizing forces to divide democratic societies, urging Europe to remain united “for what defines us.”  

UN humanitarian agencies expressed deep concern on Thursday over escalating armed violence affecting civilians in southeastern Central African Republic (CAR). The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that ambushes in the Mboki region over the past weekend killed several civilians and heightened intercommunal tensions. The attacks also led to the destruction of multiple homes and the displacement of around 1,000 people, many of whom sought refuge at a local Catholic church. Mboki has experienced repeated clashes, and humanitarian access remains severely restricted due to insecurity and poor communications, OCHA noted. Last week, two staff members from a local NGO collaborating with the UN Population Fund were injured by stray bullets while providing essential food, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support. While some areas of CAR have seen improvements in security, violence continues to worsen conditions in other regions, with roughly 50,000 people currently in need of humanitarian assistance, OCHA said. The International Crisis Group highlighted in its November CAR report that although the state’s overall security has improved and the country no longer faces an existential threat, pockets of insecurity persist in rural areas. Armed groups continue to attempt control over mining sites and engage in banditry, further destabilizing local communities. The UN and humanitarian organizations stressed the urgent need for protection measures and continued support to assist affected populations amid ongoing insecurity.

Hong Kong will hold a legislative election on Sunday as the city grapples with public frustration and questions over governance after a devastating apartment fire killed at least 159 people, the deadliest since 1948. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of Beijing’s “patriots-only” political system and could weigh heavily on voter turnout, a key indicator of public sentiment in an era of shrinking political participation. The vote comes just 11 days after the massive blaze engulfed seven towers of a high-rise complex, prompting concerns about oversight of building maintenance and the authorities’ investigation. While widespread protests are unlikely due to the extensive security crackdown that began five years ago, residents have voiced worries privately, on social media and to reporters. This year’s race features significant changes within the 90-member Legislative Council. Nearly 40 percent of incumbents, including well-known and mildly outspoken figures, have chosen not to run. They are being replaced by a larger number of candidates with business links to mainland China and more individuals who serve in China’s legislature and political advisory bodies, reflecting Beijing’s tightening control over the city’s political landscape. Veteran lawmakers began announcing their departures in late September. Some, like Regina Ip, said they wanted to make way for younger politicians. Others denied facing pressure but their exits drew more attention to a legislature now fully aligned with Beijing after electoral rules were overhauled in 2021. Those changes reduced the number of directly elected seats from 35 to 20, expanded the role of a pro-Beijing election committee and introduced strict vetting of all candidates by national security authorities. Pro-democracy lawmakers have disappeared from the chamber after many were arrested under the 2020 national security law. Public concern about the performance of the legislature has grown. A local think tank earlier this year reported unease over the quality of debate and accountability. Meanwhile, an Associated Press review found that at least 26 of 161 candidates work in Chinese-funded enterprises, almost double the number identified in 2021. Sixteen candidates are delegates to China’s top legislature and 13 sit on its political advisory body. Analysts say the trend suggests Beijing favors younger, more compliant lawmakers and is reducing reliance on traditional political parties. Among the newcomers is Olympic fencing champion Vivian Kong, who passed official vetting after defending her eligibility to run in the tourism sector. Other candidates with ties to Chinese-funded companies defended their dual roles, saying their familiarity with national policies could help Hong Kong integrate with mainland development plans. Hong Kong leader John Lee rejected suggestions of interference and criticized what he called attempts to smear the election. He said personnel shifts are normal and that Beijing has a legitimate interest in the city’s political development. Turnout remains one of the biggest questions. Participation fell to a record low of 30.2 percent in 2021. The government has expanded polling locations, extended voting hours and encouraged employers to allow staff time to vote. Authorities have also made several arrests over social media posts allegedly discouraging voting or damaging election materials. But analysts say the fire has disrupted efforts to boost turnout and could depress participation further, with both pro-democracy supporters and some pro-government voters expected to stay home. John Burns, a University of Hong Kong scholar, said the disaster has “made it very difficult for the authorities to better the thirty percent,” adding that turnout will likely fall even lower.  

A United Nations Security Council (UNSC) delegation made a rare high-level visit to Syria on Thursday, marking the first engagement with Syrian authorities since the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. According to Syrian state media SANA, this is the first visit of its kind since the Security Council was established in 1945. The delegation, representing all Security Council member states, toured multiple sites in Damascus and held meetings with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, and other senior officials. The discussions focused on building trust, fostering dialogue, and advancing Syria’s political transition. Samuel Zbogar, Slovenia’s permanent UN representative and president of the Security Council for December, said the visit aimed to strengthen engagement and trust between the UN and the Syrian authorities. The delegation addressed a wide range of issues, including justice and reconciliation, inclusive political processes, national dialogue, humanitarian needs, economic recovery, reconstruction, and counterterrorism measures. They also emphasized the importance of preventing Syria from posing a threat to other nations. The delegation additionally met with UN representatives and communities affected by recent violence and coastal incidents in Sweida province. Zbogar described the discussions as both enlightening and difficult, providing a detailed perspective on Syria’s current situation. The visit comes as Syria continues efforts to stabilize the country politically and socially following the upheaval last December. UNSC representatives highlighted the need for economic development and reconstruction as crucial elements for long-term stability. The delegation also visited the old city of Damascus and entered Syria via the Lebanese border to engage directly with local communities. This high-level mission underscores the UN Security Council’s commitment to supporting Syria’s transition, addressing humanitarian challenges, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation in the post-Assad era.

China on Friday urged Japan to honor its obligations as a defeated nation of World War II, respect the post-war international order, and refrain from actions that could undermine peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks during a press briefing, responding to Japan’s recent approval of a higher defense budget and its talks with the Philippines on exporting Japanese missiles. Jiang criticized Japan for repeatedly violating its pacifist Constitution, significantly increasing its military spending, promoting the export of lethal weapons, and seeking to revise its three non-nuclear principles in recent years. He warned that Japan’s accelerated loosening of military restrictions signals a potential resurgence of militarism. He also condemned Japan for its slow handling of chemical weapons left in China during its wartime aggression. During its invasion of China, Japanese forces used large quantities of chemical weapons, causing over 200,000 military and civilian casualties. After Japan’s defeat, many chemical weapons were abandoned on Chinese soil, resulting in more than 2,000 additional victims and ongoing environmental hazards. China has called on Japan to accelerate the disposal of these weapons, provide timely information about them, assist in identification efforts, and take responsibility for remediation of contaminated water and soil. Jiang stressed that Japan must fully acknowledge its historical responsibilities and take concrete measures to address past wartime actions and their continuing impact on China.