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Philadelphia Police Shooting Kills 35-Year-Old Woman

by خانم هاشمی

In a tragic incident in Philadelphia, a 35-year-old woman, later identified as Christina Miranda, was shot and killed by police officers responding to an emergency call. What began as a reported suicide attempt turned into a deadly confrontation, prompting an official investigation.

What Happened: The Sequence of Events

Early Sunday morning, around 4:11 a.m., officers from the Philadelphia Police Department responded to a 911 call concerning a woman reportedly holding a gun to her head in the 900 block of West Erie Avenue, North Philadelphia.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a 35-year-old woman, later named as Christina Miranda, holding a .22-caliber handgun to her head. According to police, despite repeated orders to drop the weapon, she did not comply. One officer deployed a taser — which had no effect.

Moments later, the woman allegedly turned and pointed the gun toward the officers, prompting two officers to open fire. She was struck multiple times. She was rushed to Temple University Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Official Response: Investigation Underway

The officers who fired their weapons — one with 17 years of service and one with two years — have been placed on administrative duty, following department policy. Body-worn cameras were active during the shooting.

Authorities have initiated a full investigation. The case is now under the review of the department’s Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Unit, the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

According to official statements, no other officers or bystanders were harmed in the incident.

Context: Growing Scrutiny Over Police Use of Force

This shooting has renewed public scrutiny of how Philadelphia police handle high-risk encounters, especially those involving individuals in emotional or mental distress. While each case has its own circumstances, community advocates say incidents like this highlight the need for stronger de-escalation training and more comprehensive crisis-intervention resources.

Local officials and civil-rights groups have repeatedly emphasized that emergency calls involving suicidal individuals require specialized responses — and that tragedies of this kind underscore the urgency of improving those protocols.

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From: Mizanonline

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Politics

Israeli-American Billionaire Influences Trump’s Israel Agenda

by خانم هاشمی

In a recent address to Israel’s parliament, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised Israeli-American philanthropist and mega-donor Miriam Adelson—known as the “Lady of the Lobby”—revealing just how central her role has become in shaping U.S. policy toward Israel.

A Doctor Turned Power Player

Miriam Adelson was born in Tel Aviv in 1945, to Jewish-Polish immigrant parents. She trained as a medical doctor specialising in addiction treatment, studying at Tel Aviv University and later working on substance-abuse research. Her background in medicine may seem far removed from casino business and political donations, yet it provided the starting point for a very different journey.

In 1991, she married casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, founder of Las Vegas Sands. After his death in 2021, she inherited control of his gambling empire and became one of the wealthiest individuals associated with Israel and U.S. conservative politics.

The “Lady of the Lobby” and Her Influence

Miriam Adelson’s influence stems not only from her vast wealth but also from her media holdings (including the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom) and deep connections to both U.S. political networks and pro-Israel advocacy. In the speech to the Knesset (Israel’s parliament), Trump singled her out by name, acknowledging how often she and her late husband had visited the White House and “shaped decisions” on U.S. policy for Israel—such as recognition of Jerusalem, relocation of the U.S. embassy, and policy toward the Golan Heights.

That public acknowledgment is highly unusual—for a former president to name a donor and concede that she helped shape policy—raising questions about the boundaries between private influence and public office.

Conditional Support and Geopolitical Stakes

One of the most talked-about aspects of her engagement is that her financial contributions to U.S. political campaigns appear to have been tied to explicit policy goals regarding Israel. Reports suggest she and the Adelson family made large donations under the condition that Israel’s West Bank be annexed and that the U.S. move its embassy to Jerusalem.

For example, in the 2016 cycle, the family donated millions to Trump’s campaign and reportedly pressed for these objectives to be implemented. Trump’s 2017 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the 2019 U.S. recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights aligned with these priorities. The fact that such major geopolitical decisions coincided with high-level donor influence stirs debate: what does it mean for democratic accountability when privately-funded individuals tie their support to national foreign-policy decisions?

A Major Donor in U.S. Politics

Miriam Adelson has been among the largest individual donors to the U.S. Republican Party in recent years. Her backing of Trump and other conservative candidates runs into hundreds of millions of dollars. Her wealth—derived in large part from the Las Vegas Sands empire—is estimated by sources such as Bloomberg and Forbes at tens of billions of dollars.

Given this financial muscle combined with her political aims, her case serves as a lightning-rod for discussion about the role of mega-donors in modern politics, particularly when foreign-policy interests are involved.

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From: Fars

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    AfricaopinionPolitics

    Sudan’s Hijab Law and the Path to Israel Normalisation

    by خانم هاشمی

    As the world watches in shock at the brutality sweeping Sudan — where Emirati-Israeli-backed forces have targeted women and children — the image of Alaa Salah has become a social-media trend. Clad entirely in white and standing atop a car, she sings “al-thawra, al-thawra…” (“the revolution, the revolution…”), claiming the struggle against religious tyranny in her country.

    ✍|by Ms. Maryam Ordouei

    The Early Sparks: From Arrests to Global Attention

    Alaa Salah did not emerge as a symbol of Sudanese women’s resistance overnight. The movement’s roots trace back to Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein, arrested for “improper dress” and fined 146 pounds or sentenced to a month in jail. Lubna reached out to media and human-rights groups, inviting hundreds to attend her court hearing.

    Her case gained international attention, leading to her participation in the Oslo Freedom Forum in Sweden. Supported by Amnesty International, she published her book, Forty Whiplashes for Trousers, drawing global attention to Sudanese women’s struggle. This momentum helped establish the “No to the Oppression of Women” campaign as a global trend.

    Amira Osman and the Challenge to Public Order Laws

    The push to abolish Sudan’s hijab law continued with Amira Osman Hamed in 2013, arrested for appearing in public without a headscarf. Her case brought international scrutiny to Sudan’s public order laws.

    The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, under the banner of defending women’s rights and promoting gender equality across Africa, called for an immediate reform of Sudan’s public order laws and used the media to drum up support for the abolition of the hijab law.

    Alaa Salah and the 2018–2019 Revolution

    By 2018, amid economic crisis and protests over fuel subsidy cuts, Alaa Salah emerged as a symbol of women’s resistance against Omar al-Bashir. Her image — standing in white atop a car, leading chants for revolution — circulated worldwide.

    She gained a platform at the United Nations Security Council and addressed international bodies, including MANSAM, the coalition of Sudanese civil society organisations. Ultimately, Bashir fell in 2019 under combined domestic and international pressure.

    Repeal of the Hijab Law and Political Shifts

    Following Bashir’s ouster, Sudan’s transitional government:

    • Abolished the hijab/public order law.
    • Legalised alcohol consumption.
    • Recognised same-sex relationships.

    In 2021, Alaa Salah’s book, Revolution’s Song: Sudan’s Uprising as Told by Its Icon, was published. The transitional government also began normalising relations with Israel, culminating in official steps toward reconciliation by early 2023. That same year, Alaa received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Women, Peace and Security.

    The Unfinished Struggle for Women’s Rights

    Despite Bashir’s fall, Sudanese women still face systemic oppression. Feminist activist Saeeda Yousuf told Le Monde:

    “We were at the forefront of overthrowing the Bashir regime; but we are the first victims of the backlash.”

    The struggle of yesterday’s Alaa Salahs for removing the headscarf has become today’s horror of women’s heads being slashed by the sharp blade of UAE-backed tyranny. Those beheaded faces speak volumes for our times.

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    Central America

    Trump Dismantles Women’s Rights Offices at State Department

    by خانم هاشمی

    In a sweeping shift described as the dismantling of more than six decades of bipartisan foreign-policy consensus, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump has moved to eliminate institutional structures that positioned women at the heart of America’s international diplomacy. According to a joint article by Foreign Policy, this action signals a fundamental redefinition of U.S. foreign-policy priorities.

    A Break from Established Consensus

    The article in Foreign Policy, authored by Rebecca Turkington and Saskia Brechenmacher, argues that since Trump’s return to the White House in January the U.S. has dismantled the policy framework that had for decades recognised women as an integral component of American foreign-policy strategy. What was once considered a pillar of the U.S.’s soft-power influence—promoting women’s health, education and participation in peace and security—has now been subjected to cuts and restructurings.

    Previously, administrations of both parties understood that supporting women globally was not only a moral imperative but also tied to U.S. strategic and economic interests. For example, the first Women in Development Office under USAID was established in 1974 under Republican leadership, stemming from legislation passed in 1973.

    Institutional Shifts: From Support to Dissolution

    Rather than simply shifting emphasis—such as from broader gender equality issues to women’s economic empowerment—this administration has moved to disband or defund key structure that supported women’s issues in U.S. diplomacy and aid. As Turkington and Brechenmacher note: “This is not just a conservative turn in U.S. gender policy, but a complete collapse of the institutional and political architecture…”

    Among the changes:

    • The proposed £2026 budget request eliminates all bilateral funding for family-planning and reproductive-health programmes (except polio) and for maternal and child health.
    • The office within USAID and the U.S. State Department charged with advancing women’s global issues — the Office of Global Women’s Issues (GWI) — is targeted for elimination or major restructuring, with roles dispersed beyond dedicated institutional leadership.

    Programmatic Collapse: From Health & Security to Relief Only

    The previous paradigm underscored the interconnectedness of women’s rights, health, education and security with stable societies — especially in conflict and developing regions. But under the current approach:

    • Much of U.S. foreign assistance has been redirected to emergency relief and defence, while longer-term programmes for women’s health and participation face elimination.
    • Initiatives that advanced women’s participation in peace and security processes are being cut back: one example being the elimination of a major programme at the U.S. Department of Defense noted in recent news coverage.

    These shifts suggest a move away from viewing gender equality as foundational to global diplomacy and security, toward a narrower conception of U.S. interest.

    Implications: A Redefinition of U.S. Foreign-Policy Priorities

    According to the authors, what is happening now reflects “an explicit push to redefine U.S. foreign policy on the basis of explicit patriarchal conservatism, in which women’s rights — rather than being seen as a national interest — are recast as a radical left-wing agenda.”

    In practical terms, the dismantling of these programmes and offices raises several concerns:

    • A loss of U.S. leadership in global gender-equality diplomacy and in shaping norms around women’s rights, peace and security.
    • Reduced capacity to integrate gender perspectives into U.S. foreign-aid and security efforts, potentially undermining effectiveness in crisis and conflict zones.
    • A signal to international partners and aid recipients that U.S. commitment to institutional gender-equity support is no longer assured, potentially affecting relationships and influence in regions where women’s participation is critical.

    Conclusion

    Once positioned centrally in U.S. diplomacy and development, women’s rights and gender-equity programmes now face radical institutional upheaval under the Trump administration. The shift goes beyond budget cuts or reprioritisation: it appears to represent a deliberate dismantling of the structures that have for decades supported women as a vital vector of American foreign-policy strategy. Whether this approach will reshape global norms or diminish U.S. diplomatic influence remains to be seen.

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    From: foreign policy

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    Central America

    17 Million Victims: Domestic Violence in the United States

    by خانم هاشمی

    Domestic violence in the United States has evolved into a deadly crisis for the most vulnerable—overshadowed by inaction and official disregard.

    A Hidden Crisis in a Land of Rights

    Domestic violence is one of the gravest challenges faced even by Western nations that profess strong women’s rights protections. It is women and children who bear the brunt of this violence. In the Gregorian calendar, October is marked as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and October 12 is observed as Survivors of Domestic Violence Day. The United States first adopted such observances in 1987. Decades later, however, the domestic violence crisis remains a persistent and stubbornly unresolved issue.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the year covered by the national intimate partner violence survey, 17 million people were harmed by domestic violence.

    These figures reveal the deep magnitude of the problem. Below is a snapshot of key statistics concerning domestic violence in the U.S.:

    • On average, 24 people every minute fall victim to rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner—equating to more than 12 million people over the course of one year.
    • Nearly 3 in 10 women (29 %) in the U.S. report that they have experienced intimate partner violence.
    • Less than 15 % of American women report being injured by intimate partner violence.
    • One in four women aged 18 or older has suffered severe violence from an intimate partner at some point in her life.
    • About half of all women report having experienced coercive control or psychological abuse during their lives.
    • Women ages 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 face the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
    • Between 1994 and 2010, around 4 out of 5 victims of intimate partner violence were women.
    • Most female victims had previously been abused by the same perpetrator.
    • One in five women in the U.S. has experienced sexual assault in her lifetime.
    • 81 % of women who experienced intimate partner violence report significant consequences such as injuries or post-traumatic stress symptoms.
    • In one in four domestic violence cases filed in U.S. state courts, children were eyewitnesses to the abuse.
    • Between 30 and 60 % of perpetrators also abused children in the household.
    • About 40 % of child abuse victims report also being subject to domestic violence.
    • Some research indicates that children exposed to domestic violence are 15 times more likely than the national average to be physically or sexually abused.
    • According to the U.S. Child Abuse and Neglect Advisory Board, domestic violence might be the single leading cause of death connected to child abuse and neglect.
    • Survivors of domestic violence are:
      • 3 times more likely to develop PTSD symptoms
      • 2 times more likely to display depressive symptoms, and 3 times more likely to develop clinical depression
      • 3 times more likely to engage in self-harm
      • 3 times more likely to entertain suicidal thoughts and 4 times more likely to attempt suicide
      • 6 times more likely to develop substance use disorders

    Government Shutdown, Funding Cuts, and Heightened Risk

    As Domestic Violence Awareness Month began in 2025, the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown following a budget deadlock between Democrats and Republicans. The shutdown has left many support systems for victims effectively paralyzed.

    Among the most alarming impacts:

    • The Department of Justice furloughed staff in offices that distribute grants to shelters and organizations aiding survivors, including the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)—delaying or suspending critical funding.
    • Officials fear these disruptions intentionally weaken programs meant to protect victims.
    • Under the Trump administration, cuts to federal grants have already threatened shelter closures, reduced service hours, and staff layoffs among domestic violence assistance organizations.
    • At the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), reassignment of personnel in the Violence Against Women Act unit could render the department unable to enforce protections for survivors.

    Such breakdowns in safety nets intensify the danger for those already trapped in abusive situations.

    Who Suffers Most in the Void?

    Domestic violence affects all segments of society, but certain groups are disproportionately endangered, particularly when institutional safeguards are weakened.

    • Children, immigrants, and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable.
    • Barriers such as lack of language access, limited mobility, or fear of deportation can trap these individuals in harmful environments.
    • With crippled institutional support during shutdowns or funding cuts, these groups are often left with even fewer avenues for escape or protection.

    Domestic violence in America is far more than a social issue—it is a systemic failure, especially under conditions of inaction, austerity, and political paralysis.

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    From: Politico

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    Conference and Meetings

    Echoes of Martyrs’ Families at the United Nations

    by خانم هاشمی

    A high-level Iranian human rights delegation, accompanied by families of martyrs from the 12-Day War, convened on Monday, mid-September 2025, at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Their goal: to bring global attention to the human rights consequences of the 12-day assault on Iran carried out by Israel and with U.S. support.

    A Shock at Dawn: Attack on Iran during Nuclear Talks

    Nasser Seraj, Secretary of the Human Rights Headquarters and Vice-President for International Affairs of Iran’s Judiciary, opened the session by recalling the pre-dawn attack on June 13, 2025, when Israel struck Iranian territory. He emphasized that Iran had been engaging in nuclear discussions with good faith, yet suffered blatant aggression. Seraj stated that the United States not only failed in its obligation to maintain peace and security but, by fully supporting Israel, targeted four of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    Seraj also pointed to the horrifying events in Gaza and a recent attack on Qatar by Israel. He asserted that Iranian citizens’ rights—especially their right to life and security—have become victims of expansionist and unlawful policies by the occupying regime. He criticized international institutions for their silence, saying Iranians had expected an immediate response from the UN Security Council, but instead met passivity and inaction.

    Voices of Loss: Families Speak

    Families of those killed in the 12-Day War shared painful personal stories:

    • Ramin Mansour Hezarjaribi, father of Parsa Hezarjaribi, an Iranian padel champion, held up a photo and described the brutal, inhumane death of his 26-year-old son. He called the strike a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.
    • Alireza Sedighi Saber, brother of Ayatollah Mohammadreza Sedighi Saber, who was killed along with all family members in an Israeli attack on Astaneh Ashrafieh. He recounted how their home was completely destroyed and 15 innocent civilians killed.
    • The uncle of Amirali Amini, a 12-year-old taekwondo athlete, spoke with a picture of Amirali, stressing the child’s innocence and the breach of his right to life.

    Ali Bahraini, Iran’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, described the attacks by Israel and the U.S. as outright violations of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. He asserted that, despite these crimes, the Iranian people remain united and resilient.

    Mohammad Sargazi, Head of the Judiciary Commission and member of Parliament, stated that the assaults contradict all principles of international law and severely damage its credibility. He urged those present not to allow more people to be deprived of their right to life and dignity.

    Alfred de Zayas, international law professor, declared that Israel’s attack on Iran lacks legal justification and violates Article 51 of the UN Charter. He also criticized the lack of accountability for the U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    UN Special Rapporteur Reem Al-Salem, whose mandate covers violence against women and girls, pointed out that many of those killed have been women and children, and classified the attacks as violations of humanitarian rights.

    Final Note: A Demand for Recognition

    At the close of the meeting, all attendees condemned the aggressive actions of the Israeli regime and called for urgent adherence to international law and human rights norms.

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    From: mizan

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    Women Pioneers

    Marzieh Hashemi: A Voice of Truth Amidst the Storm of Oppression

    by خانم هاشمی

    Marzieh Hashemi—born Melanie Franklin—is an American-born Iranian journalist whose embrace of Islam and the ideals of Imam Khomeini transformed her life into a beacon for the values of the Islamic Revolution. Today, she stands as a prominent media personality and international advocate for those ideals.

    From Melanie Franklin to Marzieh Hashemi

    Born Melanie Franklin on December 21, 1959, in New Orleans to an African-American Christian family, she pursued broadcasting studies and found herself deeply influenced by the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Engaging with Iranian students in the United States and inspired by the persona of Ayatollah Khomeini, she converted to Islam. Upon embracing her new faith, she adopted the name Marzieh Hashemi—“Marzieh” in honor of Fatimah bint Muhammad, and “Hashemi” from her Iranian husband.

    A New Chapter: Life and Career in Iran

    After her conversion, Marzieh Hashemi relocated to Iran in 2008, where she became a dual citizen and embarked on a distinguished media career. Serving as a television presenter, journalist, documentary filmmaker, and voice-over artist, she found a prominent role at Press TV—Iran’s English-language state-owned news network—becoming one of its most recognizable faces.

    Unwavering Advocacy Amid Intense Pressure

    Hashemi has been a vocal proponent of the values and narrative of the Islamic Revolution, frequently targeted by U.S. authorities and pro-Israel lobby groups. Her 2019 arrest by the FBI at St. Louis Airport—while en route to visit her family—made global headlines. Held as a material witness and released after testifying before a grand jury, the case sparked widespread criticism from Iranian officials, who labeled it a politically motivated affront to freedom of expression.

    The Guiding Influence of Imam Khomeini

    Marzieh Hashemi regards Imam Khomeini as the transformative figure of her life. Her search for understanding the Iranian Revolution led her to study both the Quran and the Bible, ultimately embracing Islam after two years of exploration. This spiritual journey marked a turning point, guiding her toward a new purpose dedicated to the propagation of revolution-inspired values.

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    opinionPolitics

    UN and Support for Afghan Women: Truth or Illusion?

    by خانم هاشمی

    Once again, the United Nations has expressed concern over the situation of Afghan women, blaming the Taliban while conveniently ignoring the central role of U.S. meddling policies that laid the groundwork for both the rise of the Taliban and the current crisis.

    ✍|by Ms. Maryam Ordouie

    A Selective Narrative of Suffering

    UN officials, whose salaries revolve around voicing alarm over human rights failures in West Asia, periodically warn about the plight of Afghan women and girls—mourning their lack of basic welfare and healthcare services. Yet, right after these expressions of regret, they point the finger squarely at the Taliban, painting them as the sole villains responsible for all injustices and shortcomings.

    As a recent display of performative concern, UN representatives claimed: “Life for women and girls in informal settlements in Afghanistan is difficult due to the lack of basic services and drinking water, and returning families face forced displacement.” While the UN is adept at declaring “red alerts” for regional crises, its expressions of concern often carry an odor of hypocrisy.

    Misplaced Blame, Overlooked Causes

    The narrative is skewed and dishonest. The UN directs its accusing finger at the Taliban—“backward, bearded men”—who are themselves the product of a far greater cause: the United States. The UN, rooted in U.S. interests, simply cannot acknowledge America, for its raison d’être is built on overlooking the “big devil” at center stage.

    This organization is loquacious when reporting on the current state of Afghan women, yet renders itself mute when it comes to America’s propagandized attacks on Afghanistan and the legitimacy given to NATO’s military presence. The UN is quick to lament the consequences (the Taliban) but never the cause. It remains indifferent to the fact that after September 11, the U.S.—with the pretext of defending women’s rights—set foot in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, years earlier, under President Reagan, American foreign policy had already embraced support for “Islamist freedom fighters,” inadvertently nurturing the Taliban. The UN remains silent on CIA interventions that transformed secular Afghan schools into centers of radicalized teachings, corrupting the notion of jihad.

    Turning a Blind Eye to Imperialist Roots

    The UN feigns ignorance regarding the explosive rise in CIA-backed religious schools—from 2,500 in 1980 to 39,000 later on—filled with violent, takfiri doctrines. These lessons later fueled the Taliban’s mushrooming influence—a justification for America’s invasion, and NATO’s military presence, ostensibly to protect women from Taliban restrictions!

    Exposing the Colonial Facade

    Even Gargi Bhattacharyya, in her pivotal work Dangerous Brown Men: Exploiting Sex, Violence and Feminism in the ‘War on Terror’, lays bare how feminism became a tool for imperial agendas: “The problem for women in the ‘West’ is that the name of our feminism is being taken in vain by those who historically have had little interest in our advancement […] claims that are being made in our name are not, in fact, easily distinguishable from those articulated by ‘real’ feminists.”

    Meanwhile, those familiar with embedded feminism—or the misuse of feminist discourse to justify state intervention—understand how women’s rights were co-opted to legitimize war efforts in Afghanistan.

    Western Feminism as a War Rhetoric

    As Bhattacharyya explains, Western imperial violence clothed in rhetoric of rights and democracy—“a project of bombing for freedom”—has revealed the contradictions at the heart of modern imperial relations. The invocations of democracy and feminism have become convenient shields for violent expropriation.

    Conclusion

    Take heed: Western human rights charters—so proudly proclaimed in the West—will not warm the cause of Eastern freedoms.

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    Politics

    Emine Erdoğan Urges Melania Trump to Speak Out on Gaza’s Children

    by خانم هاشمی

    Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan has penned a heartfelt letter to U.S. First Lady Melania Trump—urging her to extend the compassion she showed for Ukrainian children to those suffering in Gaza, and to address the humanitarian crisis with renewed urgency.

    A Personal Reminder Anchored in Shared Memory

    In her letter, Emine Erdoğan opens with warm recollections of her meeting with Melania Trump at the White House six years earlier, noting how their sincere conversation and gracious hospitality remain vivid in her memory.

    Universal Rights Beyond Borders

    Referencing Melania Trump’s recent letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding Ukrainian children, Emine Erdoğan praises her moral consciousness and highlights a universal truth: “Every child has the universal and undeniable right to grow up in a loving and safe environment”—a right not confined by geography, ethnicity, religion, or ideology.

    From Silent Smiles to Cries for Life

    Noting Melania’s solidarity with “648 Ukrainian children who lost their lives,” Emine Erdoğan presses for equal or greater advocacy for Gaza. She states Gaza has seen “62,000 innocent civilians, including 18,000 children, brutally murdered within two years”.

    A Graveyard for Children—The “Unknown Baby”

    Drawing on UNICEF’s stark description of Gaza, Emine Erdoğan laments its transformation into “a hell on earth above ground and a graveyard for children below.” She powerfully questions whether we’d ever imagine the term “unknown soldier” being used for children. Today, coffins marked “unknown baby” bear witness to thousands of unidentifiable Gazan children—a scar on humanity’s conscience.

    Emine Erdoğan Urges Melania

    Unrelenting Trauma, Lost Innocence

    She describes the psychological ruin inflicted on surviving children—those who’ve forgotten how to smile, who scream into microphones that they want to die, their innocence crushed. In some cases, the trauma has even turned their hair gray from unimaginable pain and fear.

    A Plea for a Historic Voice of Conscience

    Emine Erdoğan urges Melania Trump to write to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis. At a time when global recognition of Palestine is rising, such a gesture would fulfill a “historic responsibility” toward the Palestinian people.

    Standing Against a Distorted Global Order

    The letter frames this crisis as part of a larger injustice: a distorted international order where some lives are valued less than others. Emine Erdoğan calls for solidarity against this injustice, stressing the defense of international law and shared human values.

    Time Is Running Out, But Not Yet Too Late

    As a mother, a woman, and a human being, Emine Erdoğan shares deeply in Melania’s sentiments and appeals for the same hope to be extended to Gaza’s children. She mourns the 18,885 babies and children already lost—including Hind Rajab, age six, killed with 335 bullets, and three-year-old Rim, kissed goodbye by her grandfather with a joyful look—but insists it’s not too late for over one million surviving children. “The time is long overdue,” she concludes.

    This letter, widely published—including by Anadolu Agency and Reuters—stands as a poignant diplomatic appeal rooted in shared humanity and moral responsibility.

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    Central America

    Supreme Court Faces Bid to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

    by خانم هاشمی

    For the first time in a decade, the U.S. Supreme Court is confronted with a formal request to overturn its landmark 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage—this time driven by former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, reigniting long-standing debates at the intersection of religious freedom and marriage equality.

    A Decade of Controversy Renewed

    It has been ten years since the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which granted marriage rights to same-sex couples across the United States. Now, former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has filed an official petition asking the Court to revisit and reverse that milestone opinion. Davis, who was jailed for five to six days in 2015 after refusing to issue marriage licenses to a same-sex couple on religious grounds, is fighting both the legacy of that defiance and the financial judgments against her.

    Davis was ordered to pay a jury award of $100,000 in emotional-distress damages, along with approximately $260,000 in attorneys’ fees. She argues that as an individual acting on grounds of conscience, she deserves First Amendment protection—and should be exempt from both personal liability and the financial burdens imposed. Her petition frames Obergefell v. Hodges as “grossly mistaken” and asserts that the concept of substantive due process upon which it rests is a “legal fiction.”

    From Appeals to the High Court

    Lower courts—including a panel of the Sixth Circuit—have already dismissed her arguments, holding that, while a private citizen may enjoy certain First Amendment protections, a public official acting in an official capacity cannot transform personal religious beliefs into state policy. Still, Davis and her legal team at Liberty Counsel have asked the Supreme Court to step in, marking the first such formal appeal on this matter since 2015.

    Broader Stakes and Context

    This legal effort is unfolding amid a broader conservative push to shift authority over marriage laws back to the states. At least nine states have introduced measures in 2025 aimed at restricting or formally opposing same-sex marriage rights—or urging the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell. Moreover, even if Obergefell were vacated, the federal Respect for Marriage Act would still require states to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed elsewhere.

    Surveys show that public support for same-sex marriage has grown since 2015—Gallup reports an increase from around 58% to approximately 68% of U.S. adults favoring it. However, the Supreme Court is widely expected to be hesitant to reverse Obergefell, especially in a case regarded by many experts as a weak legal vehicle to challenge the precedent.

    What’s Next?

    The Supreme Court will consider the petition during its private conference this fall. If the justices opt to hear the case, oral arguments could take place in spring 2026, with a decision expected by June of that year.

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    From: abcnews

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