10 hours ago
France or Britain should take the lead in engaging with Russia about Ukraine as part of European efforts to support Kyiv, Finland's president Alexander Stubb said.
European countries who joined a "coalition of the willing" to back Ukraine agreed at a meeting last week that at least one of their leaders should engage with Russia at some stage, Stubb said.
"My personal preference would be that our representatives of the Coalition of the Willing would be doing that.
Finland is part of the European coalition that has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine's army, in response to European concern that the U.S. no longer represents a bulwark of support for Ukraine's three-year-old fight against Russian invasion.
Finland, which shares a 1,300-km (800-mile) border with Russia, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and joined the NATO military alliance in 2023 in response to Russia's 2022 invasion. Moscow at the time cast the move as a dangerous and historic mistake.
European countries who joined a "coalition of the willing" to back Ukraine agreed at a meeting last week that at least one of their leaders should engage with Russia at some stage, Stubb said.
"My personal preference would be that our representatives of the Coalition of the Willing would be doing that.
Finland is part of the European coalition that has vowed to continue supporting Ukraine's army, in response to European concern that the U.S. no longer represents a bulwark of support for Ukraine's three-year-old fight against Russian invasion.
Finland, which shares a 1,300-km (800-mile) border with Russia, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine and joined the NATO military alliance in 2023 in response to Russia's 2022 invasion. Moscow at the time cast the move as a dangerous and historic mistake.
11 hours ago
Bulgaria received on Wednesday the first of 16 new F-16 military jets from the United States that the Balkan country needs to upgrade its defense and bring its air force in line with NATO standards.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov hailed the arrival of the first jet at the Graf Ignatievo air base in central Bulgaria.
“This is not just a fighter jet, but a symbol and embodiment of Bulgaria’s strategic partnership with the United States … a partnership that offers a new perspective for the Bulgarian Army," the prime minister said.
Bulgaria contracted to buy eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 aircraft in July 2019 for $1.3 billion. Plans initially called for the first planes to arrive in Bulgaria in 2023, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed their delivery.
In 2022, the Bulgarian government signed a contract with American aerospace company Lockheed Martin for a second batch of another eight of the F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2027.
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov hailed the arrival of the first jet at the Graf Ignatievo air base in central Bulgaria.
“This is not just a fighter jet, but a symbol and embodiment of Bulgaria’s strategic partnership with the United States … a partnership that offers a new perspective for the Bulgarian Army," the prime minister said.
Bulgaria contracted to buy eight multi-role F-16 Block 70 aircraft in July 2019 for $1.3 billion. Plans initially called for the first planes to arrive in Bulgaria in 2023, but the coronavirus pandemic delayed their delivery.
In 2022, the Bulgarian government signed a contract with American aerospace company Lockheed Martin for a second batch of another eight of the F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2027.
11 hours ago
France's foreign minister warned on Wednesday that a military confrontation with Iran would be "almost inevitable" if talks over Tehran's nuclear programme failed.
"In the event of failure, a military confrontation would appear to be almost inevitable," Jean-Noel Barrot said in parliament, adding that it would severely destabilise the region.
Earlier Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron chaired a meeting on Iran.
US President Donald Trump has threatened that Iran will be bombed if it persists in developing nuclear weapons. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised to hit back.
"Our confidence and our conviction remain intact," Barrot said. "Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons."
"Our priority is to reach an agreement that verifiably and durably constrains the Iranian nuclear programme," he added.
"In the event of failure, a military confrontation would appear to be almost inevitable," Jean-Noel Barrot said in parliament, adding that it would severely destabilise the region.
Earlier Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron chaired a meeting on Iran.
US President Donald Trump has threatened that Iran will be bombed if it persists in developing nuclear weapons. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised to hit back.
"Our confidence and our conviction remain intact," Barrot said. "Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons."
"Our priority is to reach an agreement that verifiably and durably constrains the Iranian nuclear programme," he added.
11 hours ago
Taiwan's defence ministry on Thursday detailed a surge in Chinese military activity as Beijing wrapped up a second day of war games overnight Wednesday, saying it had detected 59 warplanes and 23 navy ships operating around the island.
China, which views democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory despite the objections of the government there, announced on Wednesday that its Strait Thunder-2025A drills, that included some live-fire drills far to the north of the island, had finished.
China said the exercises were a response to it views as provocations from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who won election last year and who Beijing reviles as a "separatist".
Taiwan's defence ministry, in its regular morning update of Chinese military activities over the previous 24 hours, reported a rise in navy ships compared with its report the prior day, though a drop in the number of warplanes.
China, which views democratically ruled Taiwan as its own territory despite the objections of the government there, announced on Wednesday that its Strait Thunder-2025A drills, that included some live-fire drills far to the north of the island, had finished.
China said the exercises were a response to it views as provocations from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who won election last year and who Beijing reviles as a "separatist".
Taiwan's defence ministry, in its regular morning update of Chinese military activities over the previous 24 hours, reported a rise in navy ships compared with its report the prior day, though a drop in the number of warplanes.
11 hours ago
Right to buy arms for security-
The potential purchase of F-16 jets by the Philippines from the United States does not harm the interests of any third party, including China, a Philippine security official said.
National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya assured China the planned acquisition is not intended as a threat to any nation and is merely part of the Philippines' efforts to modernize its military.
"We would like to assure the People's Republic of China that the planned procurement of the F-16 fighter jets to the Philippine arsenal does not in any way harm the interest of any third party," Malaya told a briefing.
The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Tuesday the State Department had approved a possible foreign military sale to the Philippines of 20 F-16 planes for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion.
The potential purchase of F-16 jets by the Philippines from the United States does not harm the interests of any third party, including China, a Philippine security official said.
National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya assured China the planned acquisition is not intended as a threat to any nation and is merely part of the Philippines' efforts to modernize its military.
"We would like to assure the People's Republic of China that the planned procurement of the F-16 fighter jets to the Philippine arsenal does not in any way harm the interest of any third party," Malaya told a briefing.
The U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Tuesday the State Department had approved a possible foreign military sale to the Philippines of 20 F-16 planes for an estimated cost of $5.58 billion.
11 hours ago
Syrian state media said Israel struck near a defence research centre in Damascus and hit central Syria on Wednesday, as Israel said it struck "military" capabilities and a monitor reported four dead.
Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on sites in Syria since Islamist-led forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, saying it wants to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of the new authorities, whom it considers jihadists.
"An Israeli occupation aircraft strike targeted the vicinity of the scientific research building" in Damascus's northern Barzeh neighbourhood.
It also reported an Israeli raid targeting "the vicinity of the city of Hama" in central Syria, without specifying what was hit.
The Israeli military said in a statement that forces "struck military capabilities that remained at the Syrian bases of Hama and T4, along with additional remaining military infrastructure sites in the area of Damascus".
Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on sites in Syria since Islamist-led forces ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, saying it wants to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of the new authorities, whom it considers jihadists.
"An Israeli occupation aircraft strike targeted the vicinity of the scientific research building" in Damascus's northern Barzeh neighbourhood.
It also reported an Israeli raid targeting "the vicinity of the city of Hama" in central Syria, without specifying what was hit.
The Israeli military said in a statement that forces "struck military capabilities that remained at the Syrian bases of Hama and T4, along with additional remaining military infrastructure sites in the area of Damascus".
11 hours ago
Vladimir Putin’s supporters have turned on the Kremlin over Muslim migration into Russia from Central Asia, comparing the situation with that of European cities with large minority populations.
Rybar is a prominent Telegram blog with more than 1.3 million subscribers and whose founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, a former military translator, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Fatherland Second Class by Putin in 2023.
In a flashy, well-produced video, the channel pinpointed several areas where migrants had reportedly attacked residents. It also claimed that out of 8,000 local schoolchildren, only 50 per cent were ethnically Russian.
Terrorist recruiters were active at a Moscow junk market where weapons and Russian passports could be bought, and identified the locations of “ethnic brothels” and illegal mosques.
It ends with the on-screen message: “So, who benefits from this breeding ground of Islamic radicals, Russophobes and bandits near the Russian capital?”
Rybar is a prominent Telegram blog with more than 1.3 million subscribers and whose founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, a former military translator, was awarded the Order of Merit of the Fatherland Second Class by Putin in 2023.
In a flashy, well-produced video, the channel pinpointed several areas where migrants had reportedly attacked residents. It also claimed that out of 8,000 local schoolchildren, only 50 per cent were ethnically Russian.
Terrorist recruiters were active at a Moscow junk market where weapons and Russian passports could be bought, and identified the locations of “ethnic brothels” and illegal mosques.
It ends with the on-screen message: “So, who benefits from this breeding ground of Islamic radicals, Russophobes and bandits near the Russian capital?”
11 hours ago
Countries across the world, including some of America's closest allies, condemned President Trump's reciprocal tariffs and some pledged counter-measures while hoping the White House would be open to negotiations.
China urged the United States to immediately cancel its latest tariffs and vowed to safeguard its own interests, threatening to spiral the world's largest economies deeper into a trade war that is likely to upend global supply chains.
"This is not the act of a friend," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, a nation often described as America's "deputy sheriff" in Asia. "The administration's tariffs have no basis in logic and they go against the basis of our two nations' partnership."
Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea, all major U.S. allies in the region, blasted Trump's move. "We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner," said Trade Minister Yoji Muto, when asked whether Japan would retaliat
China urged the United States to immediately cancel its latest tariffs and vowed to safeguard its own interests, threatening to spiral the world's largest economies deeper into a trade war that is likely to upend global supply chains.
"This is not the act of a friend," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, a nation often described as America's "deputy sheriff" in Asia. "The administration's tariffs have no basis in logic and they go against the basis of our two nations' partnership."
Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea, all major U.S. allies in the region, blasted Trump's move. "We need to decide what is best for Japan, and most effective, in a careful but bold and speedy manner," said Trade Minister Yoji Muto, when asked whether Japan would retaliat
11 hours ago
China on Thursday urged the United States to immediately cancel its latest tariffs and vowed countermeasures to safeguard its own interests, after President Donald Trump declared sweeping levies on U.S. trading partners around the world.
The U.S. move disregards the balance of interests reached in multilateral trade negotiations over the years and the fact that it has long benefited greatly from international trade, China's Commerce Ministry.
"China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests," the ministry said, as the world's largest economies look set to spiral deeper into a trade war that stands to upend global supply chains.
China would be hit with a 34% tariff, on top of the 20% he previously imposed earlier this year, bringing the total new levies to 54% and close to the 60% figure he had threatened.
Chinese exporters, like those from other economies around the world, will face a 10% baseline tariff, as part of the new 34%
The U.S. move disregards the balance of interests reached in multilateral trade negotiations over the years and the fact that it has long benefited greatly from international trade, China's Commerce Ministry.
"China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests," the ministry said, as the world's largest economies look set to spiral deeper into a trade war that stands to upend global supply chains.
China would be hit with a 34% tariff, on top of the 20% he previously imposed earlier this year, bringing the total new levies to 54% and close to the 60% figure he had threatened.
Chinese exporters, like those from other economies around the world, will face a 10% baseline tariff, as part of the new 34%
11 hours ago
Great Decision-Hungary on Thursday said it will quit the International Criminal Court, just as its Prime Minister Viktor Orban hosted Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, whom the tribunal has accused of war crimes in Gaza.
Hungary's announcement that it will start the year-long withdrawal process came as Orban welcomed Netanyahu in Budapest on his first trip to Europe since 2023.
Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant that Hungary said it would not carry out, welcomed his hosts' "bold and principled" decision to leave the tribunal, calling it a "corrupt organisation".
Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.
The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) urged Hungary to "comply with the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant by immediately handing Netanyahu over to bring him to justice".
Hungary's announcement that it will start the year-long withdrawal process came as Orban welcomed Netanyahu in Budapest on his first trip to Europe since 2023.
Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant that Hungary said it would not carry out, welcomed his hosts' "bold and principled" decision to leave the tribunal, calling it a "corrupt organisation".
Set up in 2002, the ICC, based in The Hague, seeks to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves.
The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority (PA) urged Hungary to "comply with the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant by immediately handing Netanyahu over to bring him to justice".
18 hours ago
💡 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 = 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬! 🔥
A problem-oriented mindset is not about seeing obstacles—it's about finding solutions. 🚀
🔍 Instead of reacting emotionally, leaders & teams analyze situations from different angles, unlocking hidden opportunities.
💡 A shift in strategy often leads to greater clarity & better outcomes.
### 📌 The 5-Step Structured Approach to Problem-Solving:
✅ Define the Problem – Clearly identify the issue.
🔍 Study the Problem – Gather data & understand the impact.
🔎 Find the Root Cause – Identify the "why" behind the issue.
🛠 Identify Corrective Actions – List effective countermeasures.
🔄 Apply Solutions (PDCA Approach) – Plan, Do, Check, Adjust.
This framework works repeatedly across all life situations—yet, most people give up at Step 1, blaming fate instead of evolving.
🔥 Success comes to those who don’t stop at the first hurdle, but keep searching...
A problem-oriented mindset is not about seeing obstacles—it's about finding solutions. 🚀
🔍 Instead of reacting emotionally, leaders & teams analyze situations from different angles, unlocking hidden opportunities.
💡 A shift in strategy often leads to greater clarity & better outcomes.
### 📌 The 5-Step Structured Approach to Problem-Solving:
✅ Define the Problem – Clearly identify the issue.
🔍 Study the Problem – Gather data & understand the impact.
🔎 Find the Root Cause – Identify the "why" behind the issue.
🛠 Identify Corrective Actions – List effective countermeasures.
🔄 Apply Solutions (PDCA Approach) – Plan, Do, Check, Adjust.
This framework works repeatedly across all life situations—yet, most people give up at Step 1, blaming fate instead of evolving.
🔥 Success comes to those who don’t stop at the first hurdle, but keep searching...
19 hours ago
📝 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬! 💣🔥
Without darkness, light has no value. 💡
Deep within every heart, spirit, and soul lies a kindness frequency—tuned to spread love and compassion. 💖
✨ Small acts of kindness remind us to keep putting good energy into the world. The tiniest gestures can create massive waves of change. 🌊
💞 Love knows no barriers. It unites us beyond skin color, culture, tradition, religion, or beliefs. We are one humanity, bound by the same light inside. ❤️💚💜🧡🖤🤍
Let’s choose love over hate.
Let’s choose kindness over indifference.
Let’s choose light over darkness.
💥 Even the smallest spark can light up a dark world. 💫
💬 What’s one small act of kindness you’ve experienced or given recently? Share below! 👇
Without darkness, light has no value. 💡
Deep within every heart, spirit, and soul lies a kindness frequency—tuned to spread love and compassion. 💖
✨ Small acts of kindness remind us to keep putting good energy into the world. The tiniest gestures can create massive waves of change. 🌊
💞 Love knows no barriers. It unites us beyond skin color, culture, tradition, religion, or beliefs. We are one humanity, bound by the same light inside. ❤️💚💜🧡🖤🤍
Let’s choose love over hate.
Let’s choose kindness over indifference.
Let’s choose light over darkness.
💥 Even the smallest spark can light up a dark world. 💫
💬 What’s one small act of kindness you’ve experienced or given recently? Share below! 👇
19 hours ago
💡 Creativity: The Rebellion That Sparks Innovation! 🔥
Creativity isn’t just thinking outside the box—it’s breaking the box entirely.
Yet, what holds most people back?
🚧 “What if I fail?”
🚧 “Is this even worth my time?”
The truth? Fear of failure kills more dreams than failure ever will.
💎 That’s why the wealthiest minds invest in art—the purest form of human expression.
🎨 The simplest ideas often hold the most value—because true creativity isn’t about complexity, but boldness.
Want to unlock your creative potential?
🧠 Step back from overthinking—the best ideas emerge when you least expect them.
💡 Embrace the weird & unexpected—innovation thrives where rules are rewritten.
🚀 Dare to take risks—every breakthrough starts with a leap into the unknown.
Creativity flourishes when you stop asking for permission.
💬 What’s your secret to unlocking creativity?
Drop a comment below!👇
Creativity isn’t just thinking outside the box—it’s breaking the box entirely.
Yet, what holds most people back?
🚧 “What if I fail?”
🚧 “Is this even worth my time?”
The truth? Fear of failure kills more dreams than failure ever will.
💎 That’s why the wealthiest minds invest in art—the purest form of human expression.
🎨 The simplest ideas often hold the most value—because true creativity isn’t about complexity, but boldness.
Want to unlock your creative potential?
🧠 Step back from overthinking—the best ideas emerge when you least expect them.
💡 Embrace the weird & unexpected—innovation thrives where rules are rewritten.
🚀 Dare to take risks—every breakthrough starts with a leap into the unknown.
Creativity flourishes when you stop asking for permission.
💬 What’s your secret to unlocking creativity?
Drop a comment below!👇
19 hours ago
🔥 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝!
💡 Technology is evolving, but mental resilience is the real game-changer.
In a world where screens dominate, raising strong, independent, and emotionally tough children is more crucial than ever.
🚀 5 Powerful Lessons for Building Mental Toughness in Kids:
✅ Encourage a growth mindset—problems are opportunities, not roadblocks.
✅ Let them struggle (a little)—confidence comes from "I did it myself!"
✅ Teach problem-solving, not quick fixes—resilience is built through challenges.
✅ Set boundaries on screen time—technology is a tool, not a crutch.
✅ Model strength & patience—kids absorb what they see more than what they hear.
💭 What’s your parenting philosophy?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
💡 Technology is evolving, but mental resilience is the real game-changer.
In a world where screens dominate, raising strong, independent, and emotionally tough children is more crucial than ever.
🚀 5 Powerful Lessons for Building Mental Toughness in Kids:
✅ Encourage a growth mindset—problems are opportunities, not roadblocks.
✅ Let them struggle (a little)—confidence comes from "I did it myself!"
✅ Teach problem-solving, not quick fixes—resilience is built through challenges.
✅ Set boundaries on screen time—technology is a tool, not a crutch.
✅ Model strength & patience—kids absorb what they see more than what they hear.
💭 What’s your parenting philosophy?
Drop your thoughts in the comments!
19 hours ago
💡 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭! 🔥
Yes, money brings financial security, reduces stress, and provides peace of mind—but is it the ultimate goal? 🤔
We are not machines—we desire wealth, but when we chase money blindly, we often realize: more money ≠ more happiness.
💡 Key Lessons on Money & Life:
💰 Money is a tool, not the destination—use it wisely.
💡 Too much comfort breeds complacency—growth comes from challenges.
❤️ True fulfillment comes from relationships, experiences, and purpose—not just wealth.
🚀 If money has no purpose, it leads to power struggles & greed.
🕊 At the end, we take nothing with us—so focus on living fully.
The real purpose of life? To LIVE before it's gone. 🌍✨
💬 What’s your take on this? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
Yes, money brings financial security, reduces stress, and provides peace of mind—but is it the ultimate goal? 🤔
We are not machines—we desire wealth, but when we chase money blindly, we often realize: more money ≠ more happiness.
💡 Key Lessons on Money & Life:
💰 Money is a tool, not the destination—use it wisely.
💡 Too much comfort breeds complacency—growth comes from challenges.
❤️ True fulfillment comes from relationships, experiences, and purpose—not just wealth.
🚀 If money has no purpose, it leads to power struggles & greed.
🕊 At the end, we take nothing with us—so focus on living fully.
The real purpose of life? To LIVE before it's gone. 🌍✨
💬 What’s your take on this? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
21 hours ago
Everyone has an opinion on many subjects
and is ready to share those opinions -
labeling them as "truth."
Sometimes it is relatively easy
to filter out these opinions.
Upon hearing an ad for the latest
weight-loss powder on late-night TV,
our skepticism leaps to our defense.
However, if we have heard the same opinion for years
from our parents, friends,
government officials, or religious leaders,
we are more likely to believe without questioning
than to raise our filter of skepticism
and ask the hard questions.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
and is ready to share those opinions -
labeling them as "truth."
Sometimes it is relatively easy
to filter out these opinions.
Upon hearing an ad for the latest
weight-loss powder on late-night TV,
our skepticism leaps to our defense.
However, if we have heard the same opinion for years
from our parents, friends,
government officials, or religious leaders,
we are more likely to believe without questioning
than to raise our filter of skepticism
and ask the hard questions.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
21 hours ago
May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to you.
Faithful friends near you.
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.
- Irish Blessing
A sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.
Laughter to you.
Faithful friends near you.
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.
- Irish Blessing
21 hours ago
May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.
- Traditional Irish Blessing
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.
- Traditional Irish Blessing
21 hours ago
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
- Irish Blessing
May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
- Irish Blessing
21 hours ago
May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
- Irish Blessing
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
- Irish Blessing
21 hours ago
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,
but not their own facts.
- Daniel Patrick Moynihan
but not their own facts.
- Daniel Patrick Moynihan
21 hours ago
When we blindly adopt a religion,
a political system, a literary dogma,
we become automatons. We cease to grow.
- Anais Nin
a political system, a literary dogma,
we become automatons. We cease to grow.
- Anais Nin
21 hours ago
If you would be a real seeker after truth,
it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt,
as far as possible, all things.
- Rene Descartes
it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt,
as far as possible, all things.
- Rene Descartes
21 hours ago
Believe those who are seeking the truth.
Doubt those who find it.
Facts Don't Change With One's Opinions Or Beliefs.
The presence of those seeking the truth
is infinitely to be preferred
to the presence of those who think they've found it.
Doubt those who find it.
Facts Don't Change With One's Opinions Or Beliefs.
The presence of those seeking the truth
is infinitely to be preferred
to the presence of those who think they've found it.
21 hours ago
Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip is expanding to seize “large areas” of the Palestinian territory.
Israel Katz said in a written statement that Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip is “expanding to crush and clean the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure and capture large areas that will be added to the security zones of the State of Israel”.
He called on Gaza residents to “expel Hamas and return all hostages”.
The militant group still holds 59 captives, of whom 24 are believed to still be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s offensive has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, including hundreds killed in strikes since a ceasefire ended about two weeks ago, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants
Israel Katz said in a written statement that Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip is “expanding to crush and clean the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure and capture large areas that will be added to the security zones of the State of Israel”.
He called on Gaza residents to “expel Hamas and return all hostages”.
The militant group still holds 59 captives, of whom 24 are believed to still be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s offensive has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, including hundreds killed in strikes since a ceasefire ended about two weeks ago, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants
21 hours ago
As Israel orders wide new evacuations across the Gaza Strip, Palestinians say they are crushed by exhaustion and hopelessness at the prospect of fleeing once again. Many are packing a few belongings and trudging off in search of new shelters. Some say they just can’t bear to move.
When ordered out of Jabaliya in northern Gaza, Ihab Suliman and his family could only grab some food and blankets before making their way south March 19. It was their eighth time fleeing over the past 18 months of war.
“There is no longer any taste to life," said Suliman, a former university professor. "Life and death have become one and the same for us.”
Suliman is among the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have fled temporary shelters since Israel shattered a 2-month-old ceasefire on March 18 with renewed bombardment and ground assaults.
Daunted by the notion of starting over, some Palestinians are ignoring the latest evacuation orders — even if it means risking their lives.
When ordered out of Jabaliya in northern Gaza, Ihab Suliman and his family could only grab some food and blankets before making their way south March 19. It was their eighth time fleeing over the past 18 months of war.
“There is no longer any taste to life," said Suliman, a former university professor. "Life and death have become one and the same for us.”
Suliman is among the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have fled temporary shelters since Israel shattered a 2-month-old ceasefire on March 18 with renewed bombardment and ground assaults.
Daunted by the notion of starting over, some Palestinians are ignoring the latest evacuation orders — even if it means risking their lives.
21 hours ago
For Chinese auto part suppliers, Americans are picking up the tab for Trump's tariffs.
If you’ve ever fixed your own car brakes, the part you bought could very well have been made by Chinese auto parts supplier Judy Zhang.
That’s on top of a 25% tariff imposed during President Donald Trump’s first term, plus 20% tariffs he has imposed on Chinese imports since returning to office in January. Trump announced an additional 34% levy on Chinese imports as part of “reciprocal” tariffs imposed on countries around the world, bringing the total combined tariff on Chinese goods to at least 54%.
Though Trump insists that China, among other countries, will pay for the U.S. tariffs, Zhang and other auto parts suppliers say that the tariffs will most likely be shouldered by American consumers and that they won’t bring manufacturing in their industry back to the United States.
If you’ve ever fixed your own car brakes, the part you bought could very well have been made by Chinese auto parts supplier Judy Zhang.
That’s on top of a 25% tariff imposed during President Donald Trump’s first term, plus 20% tariffs he has imposed on Chinese imports since returning to office in January. Trump announced an additional 34% levy on Chinese imports as part of “reciprocal” tariffs imposed on countries around the world, bringing the total combined tariff on Chinese goods to at least 54%.
Though Trump insists that China, among other countries, will pay for the U.S. tariffs, Zhang and other auto parts suppliers say that the tariffs will most likely be shouldered by American consumers and that they won’t bring manufacturing in their industry back to the United States.
21 hours ago
Germany is deploying troops to another country on a long-term basis for the first time since World War II.
It's putting thousands of soldiers in Lithuania, a NATO member that borders Russia.
It described the move as an effort to protect NATO. Germany's defense spending is also rising.
Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, announced on Tuesday that they'd created a new brigade, the 45th Armored Brigade, to be stationed in Lithuania.
It will be the first long-term deployment of German soldiers to another country since World War II.
Brig. Gen. Christoph Huber, the commander of the 45th Armored Brigade, said that with its creation, "we're not only moving toward operational readiness, we're taking responsibility."
"For the alliance, for Lithuania, for Europe's security," he said. "As a sign of our determination to defend peace and freedom with our partners."
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a surge of defense agreements and spending among European countries.
It's putting thousands of soldiers in Lithuania, a NATO member that borders Russia.
It described the move as an effort to protect NATO. Germany's defense spending is also rising.
Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, announced on Tuesday that they'd created a new brigade, the 45th Armored Brigade, to be stationed in Lithuania.
It will be the first long-term deployment of German soldiers to another country since World War II.
Brig. Gen. Christoph Huber, the commander of the 45th Armored Brigade, said that with its creation, "we're not only moving toward operational readiness, we're taking responsibility."
"For the alliance, for Lithuania, for Europe's security," he said. "As a sign of our determination to defend peace and freedom with our partners."
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a surge of defense agreements and spending among European countries.
21 hours ago
The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East as a war of words between Iran and President Donald Trump over Iran's nuclear ambitions sent tensions spiraling in recent days.
The Pentagon extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group and ordered a second flotilla to the Middle East, Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Tuesday. It also sent additional warplanes to the region, including F-35 fighters and B-2 stealth bombers, according to a U.S. official.
The posture shift came as Trump threatened to bomb Iran if the country does not strike a deal over its nuclear weapons capabilities.
"If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," he said.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hit back on Monday that, while Iran believes a U.S. strike is unlikely, "if they commit any mischief they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow."
The Pentagon extended the deployment of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier strike group and ordered a second flotilla to the Middle East, Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Tuesday. It also sent additional warplanes to the region, including F-35 fighters and B-2 stealth bombers, according to a U.S. official.
The posture shift came as Trump threatened to bomb Iran if the country does not strike a deal over its nuclear weapons capabilities.
"If they don't make a deal, there will be bombing," he said.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hit back on Monday that, while Iran believes a U.S. strike is unlikely, "if they commit any mischief they will surely receive a strong reciprocal blow."
21 hours ago
Chinese President Xi Jinping is to be the guest of honour when Russia marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with the annual Victory Day parade on Moscow's Red Square on May 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"We are preparing a good and extensive programme," Putin said on receiving Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow. He highlighted the significance of relations between the two countries.
China is Russia's most important ally, and the two leaders are seen as close on a personal level. Moscow and Beijing constantly stress the depth of their bilateral relations and have continued to do so following a change of course in Washington since US President Donald Trump took office in January and revived ties with Moscow.
China has not imposed sanctions on Russia in relation to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Xi visited Russia the next year, when the two leaders signed an agreement on economic cooperation up to 2030.
"We are preparing a good and extensive programme," Putin said on receiving Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Moscow. He highlighted the significance of relations between the two countries.
China is Russia's most important ally, and the two leaders are seen as close on a personal level. Moscow and Beijing constantly stress the depth of their bilateral relations and have continued to do so following a change of course in Washington since US President Donald Trump took office in January and revived ties with Moscow.
China has not imposed sanctions on Russia in relation to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Xi visited Russia the next year, when the two leaders signed an agreement on economic cooperation up to 2030.
