The Sunday Subject – September 29, 2024

Israel launched air strikes on Beirut and across Lebanon in a campaign against Hizbullah.

Hassan Nasrallah, Hizbullah’s leader, was killed in the strikes, which were carried out over residential buildings that Israel said were above Hizbullah’s central command center. Lebanese officials said more than 700 people have been killed this week in the bombardments. Israeli troops were told to prepare for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon amid a continued campaign against Hizbullah. The United States and 11 of its allies have called for a 21-day ceasefire.

New York City mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal public corruption charges.

Adams was charged with bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. Prosecutors accused him of accepting money from “straw” donors and receiving perks from at least one Turkish official. Adams allegedly fast-tracked the opening of a Turkish consular building in exchange for flights and rooms at opulent hotels. 

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party elected Shigeru Ishiba as the next prime minister.

Ishiba, a former defense minister and political veteran, will replace Fumio Kishida after his resignation amid low approval ratings. Ishiba has pledged to reform his party, backing initiatives such as the establishment of an Asian version of NATO and allowing women to become emperor. He has called for a general election on October 27.