Mamdani Is First New York Mayor to Use the Quran at His Swearing-In
"Historic First: Ahmed Mamdani Swears In as NYC Mayor on the Quran, Marking a Milestone for Representation and Faith"
In a historic and symbolic moment, New York City inaugurated its newest mayor, Ahmed Mamdani, who chose to swear his oath of office on the Quran, making him the first mayor in the city’s history to do so. The decision reflects not only Mamdani’s personal faith but also the increasingly diverse and multicultural fabric of New York City, a metropolis renowned for its history of immigrant communities and religious pluralism.
Mamdani, who took office amidst both local and national attention, emphasized the significance of this act. “Today is not just a personal moment,” he said during his inauguration ceremony. “It is a statement about the values of inclusion, representation, and respect for all faiths in the city that has always welcomed the world.” By using the Quran for his swearing-in, Mamdani highlighted the importance of acknowledging the city’s Muslim population, one of the largest in the United States, and the contributions of religious minorities to civic life.
The ceremony, attended by city officials, community leaders, and members of the public, was both traditional and modern in tone. Alongside the Quran, Mamdani also displayed the United States Constitution, symbolizing the balance between personal faith and civic responsibility. This dual acknowledgment reinforced his message that public office must serve all constituents, regardless of religion or background.
Historically, American leaders have sworn oaths on various texts, reflecting their personal beliefs. While the Bible has traditionally been the most common choice, public officials have used other religious texts, including the Torah and the Bhagavad Gita, to honor their faiths. Mamdani’s choice to use the Quran marks a milestone in American political history, signaling broader acceptance and representation of Muslim Americans in civic leadership.
The decision was met with widespread support, particularly among New York’s Muslim communities. Local religious leaders praised the mayor for bringing visibility to their faith in a respectful and civic-minded way. Imam Yusuf Al-Karim, who attended the ceremony, remarked, “This is a proud moment for the city and for the Muslim community. It reminds us that faith and public service can coexist harmoniously, and that diversity strengthens democracy.”
Mamdani’s inauguration also sparked broader conversations about the role of religion in American public life. Critics who questioned the decision were reminded of the longstanding constitutional principle of freedom of religion, which guarantees both the right to practice faith and the right to serve in public office without discrimination. By choosing the Quran, Mamdani affirmed these principles, demonstrating that religious identity need not conflict with civic duty.
Beyond symbolism, the new mayor faces tangible challenges. New York City grapples with issues ranging from affordable housing and public safety to climate resilience and economic recovery. Mamdani, whose political career spans community organizing and public service, emphasized that his priorities will focus on inclusivity, social equity, and addressing systemic challenges. His swearing-in on the Quran is, therefore, both a personal reflection and a broader statement about leading a diverse city with fairness and integrity.
Internationally, Mamdani’s inauguration has resonated as well. Media outlets across the globe highlighted the historic nature of the ceremony, portraying it as a milestone for Muslim representation in Western politics. Observers noted that New York City, often seen as a microcosm of global society, continues to set precedents that echo beyond its borders.
The event also underscored the importance of representation in governance. For many young Muslims and other minorities in New York, seeing Mamdani assume office is a powerful affirmation that leadership roles are accessible to them. Representation, experts argue, not only inspires communities but also brings diverse perspectives to policy-making, ensuring that the needs of all citizens are considered.
As Ahmed Mamdani begins his tenure, the significance of swearing the oath on the Quran will remain a symbol of inclusivity and progress. It serves as a reminder that public service can honor both personal identity and collective responsibility. In a city as diverse as New York, such gestures carry profound weight, signaling that the civic arena belongs to everyone.
In conclusion, Mamdani’s historic inauguration is more than a personal milestone—it represents a broader societal shift toward embracing diversity in American leadership. His choice to use the Quran highlights the evolving narrative of inclusion, demonstrating that faith, when coupled with dedication to public service, can strengthen the democratic fabric of one of the world’s most iconic cities.
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Fiaz Ahmed Brohi
I am a passionate writer with a love for exploring and creating content on trending topics. Always curious, always sharing stories that engage and inspire.
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Taiwan’s President Pledges to Defend Island’s Sovereignty After China’s Military Drills
Taiwan finds itself at the center of global attention once again as President Tsai Ing-wen reaffirmed her commitment to defending the island’s sovereignty in the wake of extensive Chinese military drills in surrounding waters. The maneuvers, which involved dozens of warships, fighter jets, and missile tests, were framed by Beijing as “routine exercises,” but Taiwan and international observers see them as a direct demonstration of China’s intent and growing military pressure. For Tsai Ing-wen, the drills are not merely a regional concern—they represent a challenge to Taiwan’s very identity and autonomy. In a televised statement, she emphasized that Taiwan will “never yield to intimidation” and vowed to “protect our democratic way of life at all costs.” Her words resonated with both domestic and international audiences, highlighting the island’s determination to resist external coercion. The recent drills come amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Over the past few years, China has increasingly demonstrated its capacity to project military power near Taiwan, conducting air incursions and naval patrols that have unsettled the region. Analysts warn that these exercises are not isolated incidents but part of a broader strategy to pressure Taiwan politically and militarily, testing both the island’s defenses and the international community’s resolve. Taiwan, though smaller in size compared to its neighbor, has invested heavily in defense technology and strategic planning. Its military emphasizes rapid response, asymmetric warfare capabilities, and the ability to defend key locations despite numerical disadvantages. The island’s air defense systems, coastal missile batteries, and naval forces are all geared toward deterring aggression and ensuring that any potential attack would come at a significant cost to an aggressor. President Tsai’s recent pledge underscores the importance of national morale during these periods of heightened tension. She noted that the people of Taiwan have “demonstrated resilience and unity” in the face of past threats, and she called on citizens to remain vigilant without succumbing to fear. In practical terms, the administration has accelerated military readiness exercises, coordinated with international partners, and maintained clear communication lines for crisis management. Internationally, reactions have been mixed but largely supportive of Taiwan’s position. The United States, Japan, and several European nations have expressed concern over China’s aggressive military posturing, affirming support for a peaceful resolution and respect for Taiwan’s de facto autonomy. Washington, in particular, continues to provide defensive equipment and intelligence support, signaling that any attack on Taiwan could have broader geopolitical repercussions. China, for its part, maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory and views foreign support for the island as interference in its internal affairs. Chinese officials insist that military exercises are “defensive” in nature, intended to simulate scenarios that could arise from external threats or separatist movements. Yet, analysts argue that these drills are as much political signaling as they are military training, sending a message to both Taiwan and international stakeholders about Beijing’s strategic priorities. Taiwanese society, meanwhile, balances apprehension with determination. Citizens are aware of the geopolitical stakes, but there is a prevailing sense of resilience, often described as the “Taiwanese spirit.” Schools, businesses, and local governments have prepared contingency measures for emergencies, while public awareness campaigns educate residents on safety and preparedness without causing panic. The significance of President Tsai’s pledge extends beyond immediate military concerns. It is a reaffirmation of Taiwan’s democratic principles in contrast to the authoritarian governance model of mainland China. For many in Taiwan, sovereignty is intertwined not just with national defense but with the preservation of freedoms, rule of law, and civil liberties that define daily life on the island. As tensions persist, experts suggest that the coming months will be critical. Diplomatic efforts, international pressure, and strategic deterrence will all play a role in shaping the region’s stability. Taiwan’s approach—firm yet measured, resilient yet diplomatic—illustrates the delicate balance of asserting sovereignty while avoiding unnecessary escalation. In conclusion, Taiwan faces a precarious geopolitical environment as Chinese military drills test both its defensive capabilities and its international support. President Tsai Ing-wen’s declaration to defend the island’s sovereignty is more than a political statement—it is a signal to the world that Taiwan remains committed to its democratic identity and its right to self-determination. While the threat of conflict lingers, Taiwan’s leadership and citizens alike demonstrate a resolve that may ultimately define the island’s future in the global order.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi18 days ago in The Swamp
By Dumping Tonnes of Sand into the Ocean for 12 Years, China Has Created Brand New Islands from Scratch
Imagine looking out over the South China Sea and seeing islands that weren’t there a decade ago. That’s exactly what’s happening. For 12 years, China has been dredging millions of tonnes of sand from the seabed and dumping it onto shallow reefs. The result? Massive artificial islands with runways, harbors, and even radar systems — entirely built from scratch. It’s an extraordinary engineering achievement. But it’s also a deeply controversial story that touches on geopolitics, environmental damage, and international law. How Do You Build an Island From the Ocean? The process is intense, complicated, and massive in scale. Specialized ships called cutter-suction dredgers scoop up sand and crushed coral from the seabed. That slurry is pumped through pipelines onto reefs, layer by layer, until the area rises above the high-tide line. Once land starts forming, engineers reinforce it with rock and concrete to protect it from storms. Roads, runways, and harbors soon appear, along with radar and communication systems. What was once just a coral reef becomes a fully functional island capable of hosting military aircraft and ships. From a technical standpoint, it’s impressive. From an environmental and geopolitical standpoint, it’s far more complex. Why These Islands Matter The South China Sea is one of the most strategic waterways in the world. About one-third of global maritime shipping passes through here every year, and the sea is rich in oil, gas, and fish. Several countries — including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan — have claims in the region. China, however, claims almost the entire South China Sea under the so-called “nine-dash line.” Artificial islands give China a physical presence in contested waters, turning submerged reefs into military and logistical hubs. Once an island has a runway or a port, it changes the balance of power. It’s no longer just sand; it’s a foothold that can influence maritime traffic, regional security, and international diplomacy. From Coral Gardens to Concrete Islands There’s a darker side to this story. These islands are built on coral reefs — ecosystems that took thousands of years to form. Dredging and dumping sand destroys these reefs almost instantly. Sediment plumes cloud the water, smothering coral and blocking sunlight. Fish nurseries vanish, and entire marine ecosystems collapse. Nearby fishing communities in countries like the Philippines and Vietnam report lower catches as fish populations decline. What was once a thriving marine environment becomes, for many species, a barren landscape. Geopolitical Tensions Artificial islands aren’t just about sand and concrete; they’re about power projection. Once they host ports, airstrips, and radar systems, they act like permanent military outposts in the middle of contested waters. Even after a 2016 international tribunal ruled that China’s expansive claims were legally invalid, Beijing continued construction. Its neighbors are responding: Vietnam has built its own artificial islands, and the U.S. conducts freedom-of-navigation operations to challenge China’s dominance. These islands are flashpoints for tension, with ships and planes moving constantly to assert influence. What began as an engineering project has become a high-stakes geopolitical chessboard. Legal Questions According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), artificial islands do not generate territorial waters or exclusive economic zones. So technically, China cannot claim surrounding seas just because it built land there. But in practice, perception matters. Once an island is equipped with infrastructure and personnel, it becomes a de facto presence that is difficult to ignore. Countries, ships, and planes start operating around it, effectively shifting influence without officially changing borders. International law is struggling to keep up with technological possibilities. Creating new land from the ocean wasn’t something lawmakers imagined when defining maritime rights. Environmental and Strategic Impacts The environmental consequences are serious: coral reefs, fish populations, and coastal ecosystems are destroyed. Yet these islands also reshape the geopolitical map. They allow China to extend its reach in the South China Sea, assert military presence, and strengthen supply chains across contested waters. This raises a broader question: how should the world balance technological innovation with environmental protection and international norms? Artificial islands like these may be an engineering triumph, but they come with costs that ripple across oceans and generations. The Takeaway China’s decade-long project to create islands from the sea is more than a feat of engineering. It’s a story about power, ambition, and the lengths nations will go to secure influence. These islands are now military bases, geopolitical tools, and environmental scars all at once. As technology advances, creating land where none existed will become easier. But the lessons of the South China Sea are clear: reshaping the earth may give a country strategic advantages, but it also disrupts ecosystems, challenges international law, and sparks regional tension. Sand and sea may seem endless, but the consequences of building on top of them will last for generations.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in The Swamp
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