Politics
Canada: 10 killed in school shooting in British Columbia
A tragic incident in Canada has left 10 people dead and dozens injured in a shooting at a school in Tumbler Road. Police are investigating the motives and describing the incident as the worst in recent history.
In a tragic incident that has shaken Canadian society and sparked a wave of profound grief, the province of British Columbia, specifically the town of Tumbler Red, witnessed a bloody mass shooting yesterday (Tuesday). The incident, described by authorities as one of the worst chapters of violence in the country's recent history, resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including the female perpetrator, leaving local residents in a state of shock.
Details of the incident and the distribution of victims
According to official data released by the Canadian police, the incident was not confined to a single location, but rather its tragic effects extended to several points. Initial investigations confirmed the deaths of six people within the grounds of the high school in Tumbler Reed, where the horror began. In a related development, security authorities found two additional bodies inside a residence, which police believe has a direct connection to the perpetrator of the attack or to the motives behind it. The death toll also rose after another person succumbed to their severe injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Injuries and health condition
The death toll wasn't limited to fatalities; the attack also left a large number of people injured. Medical and security sources indicated that at least two people are in critical condition in the hospital, receiving intensive care. Meanwhile, approximately 25 other injuries were recorded, described as non-life-threatening, ranging from minor wounds to psychological and emotional trauma resulting from the panic that gripped students and staff during the incident.
General context and history of gun violence in Canada
Mass shootings in schools are rare in Canada compared to its neighbor, the United States, making this incident a profound shock to Canadian society, which typically prides itself on its high safety standards and strict gun control laws. Historically, Canada has experienced very few such incidents, making the Tumblr Reed tragedy a painful turning point that will likely reignite discussions about school safety and mental health in the country.
Expected impact and reactions
This incident is expected to cast a long shadow over the political and social landscape in Canada in the coming period. Such tragedies are typically followed by comprehensive reviews of safety procedures in educational institutions, as well as renewed calls for stricter gun control laws. Locally, the town of Tumbler Reed is in mourning, with psychological support teams available to help students and families cope with the trauma of this violent incident, while law enforcement continues its intensive investigation to uncover all the circumstances and hidden motives behind this bloody attack.
Politics
Egypt: Extensive cabinet reshuffle includes defense minister and the return of the Ministry of Information
Details of the new cabinet reshuffle in Egypt, which included the appointment of 14 new ministers, including the Minister of Defense, and the return of the Ministry of Information, with a focus on the economic and security file.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, making fundamental changes to the government structure and affecting nearly half of the ministerial portfolios, including the sovereign Ministry of Defense. The reshuffle also saw the return of the Ministry of Information to the political scene after years of absence. This reshuffle comes at a critical juncture, reflecting the Egyptian state's move to reprioritize its objectives, with a strong focus on national security and sustainable economic development.
Sovereign changes and the return of the media portfolio
In a notable move within the new amendment, Lieutenant General Ashraf Salem Zaher Mansour was appointed as the new Minister of Defense, succeeding Lieutenant General Abdel-Magid Saqr, who assumed the position in July 2024. The appointment of the Minister of Defense comes in accordance with Egyptian constitutional procedures that require the approval of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which was announced separately from the rest of the amendments approved by the House of Representatives.
The new cabinet also saw the return of the Ministry of State for Information, with the portfolio assigned to Diaa Rashwan, the former head of the State Information Service. This move indicates the state's desire to regulate the media landscape and unify its media message in light of current challenges, following the ministry's abolition in 2021.
Restructuring the economic file
The economic portfolio received the lion's share of the reshuffle, in an attempt to inject new blood capable of addressing global and domestic challenges. The changes included the appointment of former World Bank expert Ahmed Rostom as Minister of Planning, and the appointment of Mohamed Farid Saleh, the former head of the Financial Regulatory Authority, as Minister of Investment and International Trade, reflecting a trend toward strengthening the investment climate and attracting foreign capital.
In an effort to improve government performance, some previously merged ministries were separated. The Ministry of Industry was separated from the Ministry of Transport, with Khaled Maher assuming the Industry portfolio to focus on developing local industries, while Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir retained the Transport portfolio to oversee major national projects in that sector. Additionally, a new position of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Development was created to ensure effective coordination among economic ministries.
Political and parliamentary context
This cabinet reshuffle came about a month after the newly elected parliament convened on January 12th, following the parliamentary elections. Although there is no constitutional provision requiring the government to resign at the start of a new parliamentary session, political custom in Egypt has established a practice of making cabinet changes to align with the new vision for the coming period.
The new ministers took the constitutional oath before President Sisi in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who retained his position, which has been in place since 2018. During the meeting with the new government, the President stressed the need for immediate action to achieve specific goals related to preserving national security, improving the standard of living for citizens, strengthening the energy and food security sectors, and building the Egyptian people.
Politics
Saudi Foreign Minister meets with Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Addis Ababa to meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and discuss regional developments and ways to enhance regional security and stability.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived today (Wednesday) in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing issues of common interest between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
His Highness the Minister of Foreign Affairs is scheduled to hold extensive talks with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali. The meeting will address the latest developments in the region, as well as review international and regional efforts to achieve security and stability, particularly in the Horn of Africa, which faces multiple geopolitical challenges requiring ongoing coordination among key players.
The dimensions of the visit and its important timing
This visit is particularly significant given its timing, as the region witnesses intensive diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing crises and bolstering peace prospects. Saudi Arabia views Ethiopia as a crucial strategic partner on the African continent, considering its significant population, political influence, and strategic geographic location. These initiatives align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes deepening partnerships with African nations, a commitment clearly demonstrated in recent Saudi-African summits focused on economic and security cooperation.
Saudi-Ethiopian relations and Red Sea security
Historically, Riyadh and Addis Ababa have enjoyed long-standing relations, and both countries play a pivotal role in the security of the Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade. The talks are expected to address ways to secure waterways and enhance cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational threats. The Sudanese issue is also likely to be on the agenda, given the geographical proximity, the Kingdom's role in mediating a solution to the Sudanese crisis, and its direct impact on stability in Ethiopia and neighboring countries.
Promoting regional stability
Saudi diplomacy, under the leadership of Prince Faisal bin Farhan, seeks to build bridges of understanding and constructive dialogue to resolve regional disputes peacefully. Ethiopia, as the headquarters of the African Union, serves as a key gateway for diplomatic efforts on the continent. Therefore, Saudi-Ethiopian coordination not only benefits both countries but also extends its impact to strengthening collective security in East Africa and the Arab region, thus opening broader horizons for developmental and economic cooperation that serves all the peoples of the region.
Politics
The leadership congratulates the Iranian president on the anniversary of the National Day: messages of goodwill and wishes for prosperity
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince sent congratulatory telegrams to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the occasion of the National Day, wishing the Iranian people progress and prosperity in light of the growing relations.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, sent congratulatory telegrams to His Excellency President Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the occasion of his country’s National Day, in a move that reflects the continuation of the diplomatic approach based on mutual respect and good neighborliness.
Wishing you health and prosperity
In their respective telegrams, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince expressed their sincerest congratulations and best wishes for continued health and happiness to His Excellency, and for further progress and prosperity to the government and people of the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran. This message of congratulations is in line with the high-level diplomatic protocols that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen to uphold with its brotherly and friendly nations, participating in their national occasions and official celebrations.
The context of Saudi-Iranian relations
This congratulatory message is particularly significant given the positive developments in Saudi-Iranian relations in recent times, especially following the historic agreement reached in Beijing in March 2013, which paved the way for the resumption of diplomatic relations and the reopening of embassies. These messages underscore the Saudi leadership's commitment to promoting de-escalation and cooperation in the region, serving the interests of both nations and enhancing opportunities for joint development.
The importance of regional stability
Observers believe that the exchange of greetings on national occasions between the leadership of the two countries is a vital indicator of stable political relations and reflects a shared desire to move forward in building bridges of trust. Saudi Arabia, through its ambitious Vision 2030, places regional stability as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, believing that economic prosperity and sustainable development can only be achieved in an environment of security and constructive cooperation among neighboring countries.
National Day symbolism
The Iranian people celebrate their National Day, a significant milestone in the country's modern history. The Saudi leadership's participation in this occasion, through congratulatory messages, underscores the fraternal ties that bind the peoples of the region and renews the call for joint action to confront regional and international challenges, ensuring a brighter and more stable future for the entire Middle East.
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