From solemn commemorations in New York to political shocks in Europe and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the past week was defined by significant global events.
In Manhattan, the “Tribute in Light” installation illuminated the skyline on September 10, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The public art piece honors the 2,996 victims killed when the Twin Towers were destroyed, representing the deadliest terrorist attack in history.
Meanwhile, in India, exiled Tibetans marched through New Delhi on September 11 to protest Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s attendance at a BRICS summit. Protests also erupted in Bangkok on September 10, where demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli embassy to oppose foreign nationals purchasing Thai land.
Europe witnessed major political shifts as Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a breakthrough in regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6. The victory paves the way for the first extreme-right state government in Germany since World War II. In response, tens of thousands participated in a large rally against the far-right in Berlin on September 12, while AfD members celebrated with banners featuring party leader Ulrich Siegmund in Magdebourg.
Conflict continued to impact daily life across several regions. In Kyiv, firefighters battled a blaze at a petrol station following a Russian strike on September 11. In the occupied West Bank, a Palestinian Bedouin was photographed using a flashlight near his home in Taybeh after spotting Israeli settlers on September 10. Additionally, hundreds attended funerals in Kfar Rumman, south Lebanon, on September 8, for twelve people killed in an Israeli strike.
On the sports front, American tennis player Ben Shelton reached his maiden US Open final on September 8 after defeating seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz. In basketball, French captain Gabby Williams led her team to a semi-final victory over host nation Germany on September 12, sending France to its first-ever Women’s Basketball World Cup final.
Elsewhere, Republican voters welcomed Vice-President JD Vance at a Midterms Party Conference in Dallas on September 10. In Southern California, large waves from Hurricane Marie crashed onto the shore at Huntington Beach on September 7, while onlookers walked along the pier.
Ben Shelton beating Alcaraz for a spot in the final was such an upset! Hard to believe he’s reaching his first Grand Slam final this early in his career.
Germany’s political shift is deeply concerning. It feels like history is repeating itself in ways we thought were left behind decades ago.