Defying predictions, the Bhumjaithai Party is leading in the seat count by a wide margin. Outgoing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a populist businessman who got a boost by the conflict with Cambodia, also won in Pheu Thai strongholds. The reformist People's Party, unable to reach beyond young voters and urban middle class, was defeated. A yes vote in the referendum opens to the way to changes to the military-imposed constitution.
With yesterday's landslide victory, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be able to advance her electoral platform, potentially opening the door to constitutional reform. The prime minister has also proposed cutting consumption taxes and boosting the defence forces. Analysts believe that tensions with China in recent months had an impact on results.
The entire area of the ancient city of Samaria north of Nablus has been expropriated and separated from the nearby Palestinian village in the name of promoting only the Jewish period of its history. Meanwhile, the Knesset is discussing the establishment of an authority to extend control over archaeological assets even in areas assigned to the Palestinian Authority.
The Punjab government has brought back the Basant cultural festival. Celebrated from 5 to 9 February, it enlivened the city, reviving tourism and the local economy. Strict security measures were in place to prevent accidents that led to the 2007 ban, which was also supported by the Muslim clergy. Activists and citizens enthusiastically welcomed the return.
Today's news: Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Leaders in Delhi and Kuala Lumpur intend to strengthen trade ties. The 9th Congress will be held in North Korea by the end of February. Riyadh has announced a major package of investments in Syria, ranging from energy to telecommunications.
Never before have the Americans tried so hard to show Central Asians how mutual cooperation can compensate for the inevitable irritation of Russia and China. The approach of the current Trump administration is to put ideological issues aside and focus on economic advantages, finding much greater harmony with the historical “satraps” of the region.
