World 24/7: America in turmoil ahead of midterm elections

America is uneasy ahead of the midterm elections:Over the weekend, the sending of packages containing explosive devices to a series of politicians, including a former US president, influential figures, and major news outlets in the US, has heightened the already tense and divisive political climate in America. In the photo: A member of the New York City Police Department's bomb disposal team outside the Time Warner Center in Manhattan after a suspicious package containing a bomb was found inside CNN headquarters in New York.

Although all the packages and explosive devices were neutralized and no one was injured, the rapid unfolding of the incident caused widespread panic and fear in the United States. In particular, this "letter bomb" incident has the potential to create a new dynamic with less than two weeks remaining until the midterm elections. (Image: Democratic figures who received packages containing bombs earlier this week.)

Following days of nationwide investigation, on October 26, Cesar Sayoc, the suspect in the series of letter bombs, was arrested in a Florida parking lot after investigators narrowed down their search. Although Sayoc is currently in custody, the FBI director warned that many more explosive devices may have been sent but remain undiscovered. (Image caption: Suspect Cesar Sayoc and his vehicle, which was plastered with images supporting President Trump and opposing the Democratic Party.)Reuters

NATO begins its largest military exercises since the Cold War:On the morning of October 25th, 50,000 soldiers, 10,000 combat vehicles, 65 warships, and 250 aircraft from 31 NATO countries began the Trident Juncture 18 exercise in Norway. This is NATO's largest exercise in 20 years. In the photo: German and British troops after crossing a river to the exercise area.

The exercise simulates a scenario in which NATO forces defend a member state against invasion. The Trident Juncture 18 exercise, which will run until November 23rd, aims to demonstrate that NATO remains united, despite doubts about the alliance's cohesion since Donald Trump took office.

Saudi Arabia admits to murdering journalist:On October 25, Saudi Arabian prosecutors admitted that the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was premeditated, contradicting earlier government claims that Khashoggi died in an accident. This is the latest information after several changes in the Saudi authorities' statements. Initially, Riyadh denied any involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance after he went to the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Türkiye, to register his marriage on October 2.

The Islamic Jihad group agrees to a ceasefire in Israel:The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group announced on October 27 that it would end attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel after its fighters fired numerous heavy rockets across the border since August. The group had previously launched rockets in retaliation for Israel killing four Palestinian protesters on October 26 near the border. In response, Israel attacked dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip on October 27. (Image caption: Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip on October 27)

Economic cooperation paves the way for Japan-China relations:During his three-day visit to China (October 24-26), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the meeting, both leaders affirmed that the stable and positive development of Japan-China relations would bring fundamental benefits to both countries, as well as to the region and the international community.

With approximately 1,000 Japanese business representatives accompanying Abe to China, 500 economic agreements worth around $18 billion were signed, spanning various sectors from easing maritime tensions to cooperation in banking, securities, energy, infrastructure development, and technology, signaling a significant shift in bilateral economic relations. In the photo: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono attend the signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 26.

The vicious cycle of the Central American migration crisis:These days, American and international media are flooded with images of massive, supposedly record-breaking, migrations from Central American countries pouring towards the Mexican border, carrying with them the hope of an "American Dream." In the photo: Honduran migrants on their journey to the United States along the route connecting Ciudad Hidalgo and Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico, on October 21st.

Even as US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of troops to the border to forcefully stop the flow of migrants, cut aid to destination countries, and even threatened to close the US-Mexico border, the situation did not improve. In the photo: Honduran migrants attempt to cross a checkpoint on the Guatemala-Mexico border. Mexican police were almost powerless against the influx of migrants, despite their efforts to block the road with two trucks.

World's longest sea bridge opens to traffic:On October 24th, the more than 55-kilometer-long sea bridge connecting Zhuhai, Hong Kong, and Macau was opened to traffic. This event marked the completion of the world's longest sea bridge project, a nine-year undertaking. The bridge is designed to withstand an 8-magnitude earthquake, super typhoons, and ship collisions. It was constructed using 400,000 tons of steel, 4.5 times the amount of material used in the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA.