A World Vote

This is The World Today [View in browser](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvb3B2bjNrZGFuYy8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) A World Vote [Share Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdWRiejc3NXFzeC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) [GlobalPost] [Listen to Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNHE2aWNiMTY2OC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) [GlobalPost] [Share Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNm95OWU4Nnhycy8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) [Listen to Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNXNyanJ4OGo1ci8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) GlobalPost is an exclusive benefit for subscribers of The Charlotte Observer The Largest Daily Newsletter Devoted to World News A World Vote THE WORLD TODAY — Tuesday, November 5, 2024 ~/AASU4wA~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_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~ A World Vote A World Vote Need to Know A World Vote [World](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdjlhMDlpMGp3Zi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Chinese President Xi Jinping would probably prefer not to have to conduct relations with former President Donald Trump next year, while the Saudi, Israeli and Russian leaders, however, likely would. Europeans and Latin Americans are pining for Vice President Kamala Harris, while Africans and Asians are split. Regardless of their preferences, leaders and their voters around the world will be watching the US elections on Tuesday very closely because whoever moves to the White House come January will likely impact their countries, too. “From Beijing to Buenos Aires, people follow the fortunes of the US election candidates and tune in for the results – it has a global audience like no other election,” the BBC [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvY3FvZzR0cDlnci8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). “(That’s) because America still matters like no other country.” For China, the choice is clear. Trump, after all, initiated trade wars and an anti-China turn in American foreign policy when he was in the White House. But whether Trump or Harris wins the US election on Nov. 5, Xi can expect bumpy times ahead between China and the US, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvd2h5czg2dDY3dC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) NBC News. Harris, for example, appears ready to build on Trump and President Joe Biden’s anti-China policies. Analysts speaking to the Anadolu Agency [added](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcDVoYmJjbTRhNS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) that relations between the US and Taiwan have drawn closer since President Barack Obama first “pivoted” to Asia as the focus of American military strategy. The US has since sold Taiwan weapons and munitions to defend the island from potential Chinese aggression. Others have more riding on the outcome of the American election. Trump has long expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, [noted](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNjQzend0NGg3ay8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) longtime American journalist James Risen in the Intercept, adding that Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu want Trump to win so that might “prolong and intensify their brutal wars without the possibility of American interference.” Harris, meanwhile, would be more likely [to criticize](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvem5tOG53cG14Mi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Israel’s response in Gaza to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack and the recent military incursions into Southern Lebanon. [Writing](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvODdlaXZrZDE3by8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) in the National Interest, the former commander of American Army forces in Europe, Ben Hodges, and a former US Senior Defense Attaché to Russia, Peter Zwack, said that only Harris would aid Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Many European leaders share this opinion, [added](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdnJucG5lYXA4di8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Reuters. That said, Trump imposed plenty of sanctions on Russia, too, [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZXdzYmI1N3V3cC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) the Associated Press, suggesting that American policy won’t necessarily change as much as some people believe no matter who sits in the Oval Office. South of the border, Mexican officials likely would also prefer Harris to win, given how she might seek to negotiate new border and trade deals through traditional channels versus how Trump would likely use his bully pulpit to force concessions from their country, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvMnRtOXl2dmtzbi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Barron’s. Mexico and Canada, incidentally, are America’s [biggest](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZGw2Z2FlODljdi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) trading partners. The value of goods traded between the US and Mexico in 2023 was more than $800 billion, while Canada’s trade with the US amounted to $782 billion. China’s trade with the US was $576 billion. For Canada, this election “keeps a lot of people up at night,” with the country sending a “Team Canada” for a “charm offensive” across the border to lobby for friendly policies, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsva2E5NGFyNmtxYS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) the Washington Post. That’s because the Canadians remember how Trump tore up the North American Free Trade Agreement, setting off a bruising renegotiation, imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, and constantly [insulted](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsva2M5eXIxZHAwbi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In Europe, with the exception of [Hungary](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsveHhqZnliam8ycC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~), officials in most capitals are fretting over a possible Trump victory and what that means for the Ukraine war and the future of NATO. Meanwhile, the vast majority of Europeans – including those on the far right – want a Harris win, a new poll [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNnMwczl4Y2kyaC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) by Euronews shows. “Europe would face major problems if Donald Trump is reelected president,” [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvb2M0ajNpZHJibi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Deutsche Welle, the German state broadcaster. “Security and free trade might be endangered. But EU (European Union) leaders say they are ready for anything.” While Middle Eastern leaders, especially in the Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, would prefer a Trump win, [noted](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcDRtOGZsaGVhNS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) the Arab Center of Washington DC, in Asia, countries such as Japan, the Philippines and other allies are preparing for a more insular US if that happens, Nippon [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvOXVnbnhxd290ei8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). In India, there is no discernable preference for Harris except for the visible support for her in the [home village](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsveXNrNnkzanRwZi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) of her mother, with the Diplomat [writing](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvaG5iYXNhdGxsdi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) that neither candidate means much change for the US-India relationship. However, that’s not the case in Jamaica, from where Harris’ father hailed. Here, there’s a certain pride that someone of Jamaican descent can “make big waves in the US,” one Jamaican student [told](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvc2R3aGs4b255bS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) the Guardian, adding that if she wins, “Jamaica’s name, its flag, is going to fly high once more!” Africans, meanwhile, are more sanguine about who wins the election, expecting little change in US policy, one that is often driven by the desire to counter or cut off Chinese influence on the continent, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsveXJkcGExaTBwbi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) the Center for Strategic and International Studies. By contrast, the US election will directly impact the economies of South and Central America because of the different approaches to immigration policy of the two main parties and their candidates, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvMGh3bmU2OWZzcS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Voice of America, quoting the Fitch ratings agency: “Central America is highly vulnerable to US immigration policies, as remittances fund a large component of their economic activity.” Reuters [added](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcWtubHR3OTRpby8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) that “Latin America (is bracing) for the US election’s impact on trade and tariffs.” The BBC, addressing the impact of the US elections on countries around the globe, added a cautionary note. As well as the host of crises – two wars, the fallout from the pandemic, global warming – that America already is confronting, the next president will also have to deal with the unexpected, it [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNTRiYW9wM3duMS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). “The US can’t tackle any of those things without strong global alliances – which is why the world’s reaction to this election doesn’t just matter to the rest of the world,” the broadcaster added. “It matters to America, too.” [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvN2hweTFldXdjdy8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) A World Vote ~/AASU4wA~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_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~ The World Briefly The Utility of Leaks The Utility of Leaks [Israel](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvMmx3MjVycWFneC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a public uproar and accusations of jeopardizing national security after a court partially lifted a gag order on a case involving leaked classified information that was used to dampen public support for a ceasefire, the Associated Press [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvb252dHBzMGkzZy8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). In its Sunday ruling, the court identified the main suspect in the leaks as Eli Feldstein, who Israeli media reports say joined Netanyahu’s team as an adviser after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in southern Israel. Feldstein allegedly leaked sensitive documents to two foreign media outlets, the Jewish Chronicle – which later retracted its article – and Germany’s Bild newspaper. The Jewish Chronicle piece suggested that Hamas was planning to move hostages through Egypt, while the Bild article claimed that Hamas was manipulating negotiations to pressure Israel. The case has ignited a political firestorm across Israel with critics arguing that the leaks were intended to bolster Netanyahu’s hardline stance in the negotiations by framing Hamas as deliberately stalling in order to dissuade public support for a ceasefire deal. Observers added that the timing of the leaks has raised questions: The documents were published as Netanyahu advocated for Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border – a point of contention in ceasefire talks. Public criticism of Netanyahu reached a boiling point in early September after Hamas killed six Israeli hostages, sparking mass protests and calls for a general strike. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office has denied that Feldstein had access to classified information, and said that the prime minister learned of the leaked documents from media reports. The scandal has spurred a backlash from political figures and families of the hostages, with former Defense Minister Benny Gantz condemning the incident as a “national crime” and opposition leader Yair Lapid questioning Netanyahu’s oversight. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, representing families of the captives, expressed “outrage and deep concern” at the possible undermining of public support for a deal. Analyst Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group [told](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcWdqYjg4bWZrNS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) NBC News that even if Netanyahu was not directly involved, the leaks would likely have come from what she described as a “well-oiled machine” within his administration that frequently leverages sensitive information for political gain. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcjF4bjBsd2diOC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Sighs and Smiles Sighs and Smiles [Moldova](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvOXNpdGtib2tzOC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Moldova’s President Maia Sandu claimed victory in the country’s presidential runoff election Sunday, a contest seen as a pivotal choice between Western alignment and Russian influence, BBC [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNXozbjBjYmJqbi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). The Central Electoral Commission announced Monday that pro-European Union Sandu secured a second term in office with 55.4 percent of the vote, while her Russia-aligned opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo garnered just over 44 percent of the vote. Sandu, 52, thanked supporters, calling her victory a triumph for Moldova’s “unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future.” Her appeal extended to Moldovans living abroad, whose turnout in record numbers – exceeding 300,000 people – notably boosted her lead. Following her win, Sandu reiterated her pledge to implement judicial reform and anti-corruption measures, acknowledging that voters had voiced a strong mandate for change. The election underscored Moldova’s internal divisions, with Sandu sweeping the capital, Chișinău, and winning heavily among young and urban voters, while Stoianoglo led in rural areas. Sandu’s opponent, a former prosecutor general backed by the Russian-backed Party of Socialists, had campaigned on improving ties with Moscow. However, Stoianoglo has denied being a Kremlin ally. Meanwhile, Moldova’s national security adviser accused Russia of interference, citing “massive influence” efforts such as organized buses to take voters to polls. Russia’s government denied the claims, calling them “unfounded.” European leaders congratulated Sandu, viewing her victory as a boost for Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU, CNBC News [noted](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcGMwZWR6eW9qNC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised her for “setting the country on a European course,” while French President Emmanuel Macron lauded Moldova’s resilience against “interference.” Located between Ukraine and Romania, the former Soviet state has faced pressure from Moscow, particularly in the Russian-backed separatist region of Transnistria, where thousands of Russian troops are stationed. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdHkzZTBydHc0eC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) A World Vote A World Vote ~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP4RnAWh0dHBzOi8vbGlxd2lkLm5ldC9uYWQvP2tleT1BQzI3LUJEMkQtMzZBNi1CRjM4JmNsaWNrPTEmcGlkPTI0NDE4JmlkPTE4ODMzJmNoYW5uZWxTbHVnPWRhaWx5LWNoYXR0ZXItY2hhcmxvdHRlLW9ic2VydmVyJmJyYW5kU2x1Zz1kYWlseS1jaGF0dGVyJmNhbXBhaWduSWQ9aDlxOGczb2V3YyZkYXRlPTIwMjQxMTA1JmNpdHk9JnN0YXRlUHJvdmluY2U9JmNvdW50cnk9JnBvc3RhbENvZGU9JmpvYlRpdGxlPSZhZ2U9JmludGVyZXN0cz0mY2hpbGRyZW49JmV0aG5pY2l0eT0mZWR1Y2F0aW9uPSZnZW5kZXI9JnBvbGl0aWNhbEFmZmlsaWF0aW9uPSZwZXRzPSZsYXN0SVBBZGRyZXNzPSZ3ZWJzaXRlPSZ3ZWJzaXRlUHJvZmlsZU5hbWU9VwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~ ‘In a Slump’ ‘In a Slump’ [Chad](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvc3phdG9tNW95by8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Chad’s interim President Mahamat Déby Itno threatened this week to withdraw his country from a multinational security force fighting jihadist insurgents in the Lake Chad region, a move that observers said would impact efforts in tackling Boko Haram and other militant groups terrorizing the region, Reuters [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNjkwMnFlOHhlay8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~). Déby made his comments Sunday during a visit to the western region, which borders Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. The visit came days after around 40 Chadian soldiers were killed in a surprise attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters. As he was announcing the launch of a military operation against the attackers, the interim leader said he was considering pulling Chad from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional security alliance made up of troops from the countries bordering Lake Chad. Déby cited “the lack of joint efforts against the common enemy, which is unfortunately always observed on the ground” over his potential decision. He added that the force appeared to be “in a slump.” The MNJTF’s efforts have been hindered by divisions and a lack of cooperation among its members. Observers noted that Chad’s withdrawal would be a major blow to the 11,000-strong coalition, as the country’s armed forces are among the most respected in the region. Security issues and militant attacks have plagued the Lake Chad region since Boko Haram began an insurgency in Nigeria in 2009, [according](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvMXd0dmxxdjhqdi8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) to Agence France-Presse. The United Nations has reported that more than 40,000 people have died and three million have been displaced across the region as a result of the conflict. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvc3V0c3lpMThkZC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Weekly Quiz ~/AASU4wA~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_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~ No Buzz Discoveries No Buzz Humans are generally thought to have the highest tolerance for alcohol in the animal kingdom. We could outdrink lions, despite their larger size, in a heartbeat. But surprisingly, certain hornets might have us beat. Scientists recently discovered that a certain species of hornets, despite their small size, can handle their alcohol unlike any other animal on the planet, [according](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZDl2c2I4eTB5cy8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) to New Scientist. A [study](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvajFnaXE3NGxnbC8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) published earlier this month by researchers from Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Tel Aviv University discovered that the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) often consumes foods containing alcohol without affecting its behavior. This is because the hornets are used to a diet that consists of nectar and ripe fruits. The sugar in the fruits naturally ferments over time, turning into ethanol. While nutritious, ethanol is also highly intoxicating. Most creatures that routinely eat fermenting fruits, such as fruit flies, cannot stomach more than four percent ethanol, but the V. orientalis doesn’t appear to even get a buzz. To arrive at this result, lead researcher Sofia Bouchebti and her team gave hornets nothing to eat for a week except sugary solutions containing different percentages of ethanol, ranging from one to 80 percent. The hornets seemed completely unaffected by the ethanol and their behavior and lifespan remained unchanged. “In the beginning, we did the experiment only with 20 percent (ethanol) and we were already amazed,” co-author Eran Levin told New Scientist. The 80 percent ethanol figure was “even harder to believe,” as this amount of alcohol content is four times higher than anything found in nature. The answer to this mystery lies in the insect’s genes: The researchers analyzed the genomes of various hornet species and found that hornets have two to four copies that produce the NADP+ gene, which helps break down alcohol. “To the best of our knowledge, no other animal has shown such resistance to ethanol under chronic consumption conditions,” Levin [told](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RCaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNmg5ZHZ3d29iMS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Science News. Still, other researchers questioned Levin’s findings, noting that it is hard to compare data from other animal studies. The authors now hope to conduct further research to confirm their findings and delve deeper into other aspects, such as whether ethanol consumption affects the social interactions of the hornets. For now, though, the oriental hornet passes the sobriety test. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRpDH9PP0RmaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsveDVzM3hleHNiYS8_bGhfYWlkPTE4ODMzJmxoX2NpZD1oOXE4ZzNvZXdjJmxoX2VtPXRyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5JTQwZ21haWwuY29tVwNzcGNCCmcTV_opZwkRUShSG3RyaXN0cmFtYmFsZHdpbjg5QGdtYWlsLmNvbVgEAAAAWg~~) Thank you for reading or listening to GlobalPost. Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 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