4 hours ago
China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom.
Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year, sketching out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing’s monetary policy to encourage more investment and consumer spending.
Leaders of the ruling Communist Party wrapped up their two-day Central Economic Work Conference on Thursday with praise for President Xi Jinping's guidance and a pledge to “enrich and refine the policy toolbox” One of the biggest: threats by President-elect Donald Trump to sharply raise tariffs on imports from China once he takes office.
China's economy has been growing slightly more slowly than the “about 5%” target leaders set for this year.
Who pays, and how?
The leaders committed to raising China’s deficit, which has been long capped at 3% of its GDP, and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth.
Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year, sketching out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing’s monetary policy to encourage more investment and consumer spending.
Leaders of the ruling Communist Party wrapped up their two-day Central Economic Work Conference on Thursday with praise for President Xi Jinping's guidance and a pledge to “enrich and refine the policy toolbox” One of the biggest: threats by President-elect Donald Trump to sharply raise tariffs on imports from China once he takes office.
China's economy has been growing slightly more slowly than the “about 5%” target leaders set for this year.
Who pays, and how?
The leaders committed to raising China’s deficit, which has been long capped at 3% of its GDP, and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth.
4 hours ago
Trump's pledge against 'forever wars' could be tested with Syria in hands of jihadist factions.
President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for his second White House term just weeks after the abrupt toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria— a pivotal moment that could test Trump's long-held promises to end U.S. involvement in so-called "forever wars" in the Middle East or putting more American boots on the ground in these countries.
With roughly six weeks to go before he takes office, Trump does not appear to be backing down on his promises of pursuing a foreign policy agenda directed toward prioritizing issues at home and avoiding entanglements overseas.
However, Trump's promises about ending U.S. military commitments abroad could be tested in Syria, where conditions in the country are now vastly different from Trump's first term — creating a government seen as ripe for exploitation by other foreign powers, including governments or terrorist groups.
President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for his second White House term just weeks after the abrupt toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria— a pivotal moment that could test Trump's long-held promises to end U.S. involvement in so-called "forever wars" in the Middle East or putting more American boots on the ground in these countries.
With roughly six weeks to go before he takes office, Trump does not appear to be backing down on his promises of pursuing a foreign policy agenda directed toward prioritizing issues at home and avoiding entanglements overseas.
However, Trump's promises about ending U.S. military commitments abroad could be tested in Syria, where conditions in the country are now vastly different from Trump's first term — creating a government seen as ripe for exploitation by other foreign powers, including governments or terrorist groups.
4 hours ago
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq to meet with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the international community grapples with the implications of the Syrian government’s collapse.
Blinken met with Sudani for more than an hour in Baghdad — the latest in a string of meetings in Turkey and Jordan amid an urgent effort to coordinate an approach to Syria following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to rebel forces.
US works with its key regional partners like Iraq, there is particular focus on ensuring that “any interim government also makes sure that Syria is not used as a base for terrorism, extremism and pose a threat to its neighbors or ally with groups like ISIS,” Blinken said. He noted that the infamous terrorist “no doubt will seek to regroup.”
Blinken’s meeting with the Iraqi prime minister comes days after the top US military commander for the Middle East visited “for an assessment of the D-ISIS mission inside Iraq and Syr
Blinken met with Sudani for more than an hour in Baghdad — the latest in a string of meetings in Turkey and Jordan amid an urgent effort to coordinate an approach to Syria following the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime to rebel forces.
US works with its key regional partners like Iraq, there is particular focus on ensuring that “any interim government also makes sure that Syria is not used as a base for terrorism, extremism and pose a threat to its neighbors or ally with groups like ISIS,” Blinken said. He noted that the infamous terrorist “no doubt will seek to regroup.”
Blinken’s meeting with the Iraqi prime minister comes days after the top US military commander for the Middle East visited “for an assessment of the D-ISIS mission inside Iraq and Syr
5 hours ago
For the Rest of the World, Trump Is Already the U.S. President.
Last weekend, leaders from France, Ukraine and the United States met in Paris. While the gathering’s primary purpose was to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame—newly restored after the 2019 fire that destroyed large parts of the cathedral—it also offered the opportunity for diplomacy. The three leaders talked over the next phase of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seemed....
Zelenskyy noted that they had “discussed important issues on the battlefield and in the global situation, from our frontlines to North Korea,” before adding, “We count on America and the entire world to help stop Putin. The only things he fears are America and global unity.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks are not surprising, as he has long made clear that U.S. support to Ukraine is critical to its war effort. What was surprising about the meeting was that the U.S. leader in attendance was not current President Joe B
Last weekend, leaders from France, Ukraine and the United States met in Paris. While the gathering’s primary purpose was to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame—newly restored after the 2019 fire that destroyed large parts of the cathedral—it also offered the opportunity for diplomacy. The three leaders talked over the next phase of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seemed....
Zelenskyy noted that they had “discussed important issues on the battlefield and in the global situation, from our frontlines to North Korea,” before adding, “We count on America and the entire world to help stop Putin. The only things he fears are America and global unity.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks are not surprising, as he has long made clear that U.S. support to Ukraine is critical to its war effort. What was surprising about the meeting was that the U.S. leader in attendance was not current President Joe B
5 hours ago
A long road ahead to decide Syria’s future after rapid end to Assad’s rule.
For the first time in 50 years, the question of how Syria will be governed is wide open. The end of the Assad family's rule is for many Syrians a moment of mixed joy and fear, of the total unknown.
The insurgency that swept President Bashar Assad out of power is rooted in Islamist jihadi fighters. Its leader says he has renounced past ties to al-Qaida, and he has gone out of his way to assert a vision of creating a pluralistic Syria governed by civil institutions — not dictators and not ideology.
But even if he is sincere, he is not the only player. The insurgency is made up of multiple factions, and the country is riven among armed groups, including U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters controlling the east. Remnants of the old regime’s military —
Foreign powers with their own interests have their hands deep in the country, and any of them — Russia, Iran, Turkey, the United States and Israel — could act as sp
For the first time in 50 years, the question of how Syria will be governed is wide open. The end of the Assad family's rule is for many Syrians a moment of mixed joy and fear, of the total unknown.
The insurgency that swept President Bashar Assad out of power is rooted in Islamist jihadi fighters. Its leader says he has renounced past ties to al-Qaida, and he has gone out of his way to assert a vision of creating a pluralistic Syria governed by civil institutions — not dictators and not ideology.
But even if he is sincere, he is not the only player. The insurgency is made up of multiple factions, and the country is riven among armed groups, including U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters controlling the east. Remnants of the old regime’s military —
Foreign powers with their own interests have their hands deep in the country, and any of them — Russia, Iran, Turkey, the United States and Israel — could act as sp
5 hours ago
The small South American nation of Paraguay reopened its embassy in Jerusalem on Thursday, becoming the latest of just a small handful of countries to recognize the bitterly contested city as Israel’s capital.
The move marks a welcome diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has watched Israel’s international isolation deepen as the devastating war in Gaza drags on.
Paraguay first relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under the pro-Israel government of then-President Horacio Cartes but reversed its decision months later when a new administration came to power.
The decision of President Santiago Peña, a protégé of Cartes who has followed in his mentor's footsteps, to reopen the Jerusalem embassy makes Paraguay the first country to make the move since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack last year triggered the war.
The fate of Jerusalem is one of the most intractable disputes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The move marks a welcome diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has watched Israel’s international isolation deepen as the devastating war in Gaza drags on.
Paraguay first relocated its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under the pro-Israel government of then-President Horacio Cartes but reversed its decision months later when a new administration came to power.
The decision of President Santiago Peña, a protégé of Cartes who has followed in his mentor's footsteps, to reopen the Jerusalem embassy makes Paraguay the first country to make the move since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack last year triggered the war.
The fate of Jerusalem is one of the most intractable disputes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
5 hours ago
Israel eyes Iran nuke sites amid reports Trump mulls moves to block Tehran atomic program.
The Israeli air force is apparently readying itself for a potential strike against Iran’s nuclear program as the incoming Trump administration is also reportedly mulling a "maximum pressure 2.0" campaign against Tehran as the situation in the Middle East rapidly evolves.
The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime – a former ally of Iran – due in large part to the dismantling of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and in extension Syria, has not only once again changed the political landscape in the Middle East, it has left Tehran increasingly isolated.
Israeli reports on Thursday said the evolving reality in the region has prompted Israel to once again consider targeting Iran’s nuclear program, which Jerusalem and its international allies have deemed one of the greatest emerging threats at a time when tensions between the West and nations like Russia and Iran continue to deteriorate.
The Israeli air force is apparently readying itself for a potential strike against Iran’s nuclear program as the incoming Trump administration is also reportedly mulling a "maximum pressure 2.0" campaign against Tehran as the situation in the Middle East rapidly evolves.
The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime – a former ally of Iran – due in large part to the dismantling of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and in extension Syria, has not only once again changed the political landscape in the Middle East, it has left Tehran increasingly isolated.
Israeli reports on Thursday said the evolving reality in the region has prompted Israel to once again consider targeting Iran’s nuclear program, which Jerusalem and its international allies have deemed one of the greatest emerging threats at a time when tensions between the West and nations like Russia and Iran continue to deteriorate.
5 hours ago
BBC’s reporting on Syria displays gross historical ignorance.
It is not clear yet whether Syria is destined for a democratic future or will fall prey to jihadists previously affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
It seems BBC is optimistic. But BBC parents Britain, USA and France created Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
‘‘This is one of the most diverse countries in the Middle East with multiple Christian and Muslim sects. And you can see it here in the Old City, all the different Quarters – Jewish, Muslim, Christian. They’re all here.”
There are believed to be three Jews left in Syria. That’s right, three Jews. The rest fled for their lives. After Syria gained independence from France in 1946, Jewish people and their property were repeatedly targeted. In 1947, the Syrian government organised and encouraged Arab inhabitants of Aleppo to attack Jews. Synagogues, Jewish schools and orphanages were destroyed. From that point on it was clear that Jews were not welcome in Syria.
It is not clear yet whether Syria is destined for a democratic future or will fall prey to jihadists previously affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
It seems BBC is optimistic. But BBC parents Britain, USA and France created Islamic State and Al-Qaeda.
‘‘This is one of the most diverse countries in the Middle East with multiple Christian and Muslim sects. And you can see it here in the Old City, all the different Quarters – Jewish, Muslim, Christian. They’re all here.”
There are believed to be three Jews left in Syria. That’s right, three Jews. The rest fled for their lives. After Syria gained independence from France in 1946, Jewish people and their property were repeatedly targeted. In 1947, the Syrian government organised and encouraged Arab inhabitants of Aleppo to attack Jews. Synagogues, Jewish schools and orphanages were destroyed. From that point on it was clear that Jews were not welcome in Syria.
5 hours ago
The leader of UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, paid tribute to slain chief executive officer Brian Thompson and acknowledged that the health care system "does not work as well as it should" in an op-ed published in The New York Times on Friday.
There has been an "enormous outpouring of support" for Thompson and his loved ones after the UHC leader was shot and killed in New York City, Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, wrote, but he said company employees have also faced threats and vitriol online
"No employees — be they the people who answer customer calls or nurses who visit patients in their homes — should have to fear for their and their loved ones' safety," Witty wrote.
Witty said that he understood people's frustrations. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, even as insurers are rejecting more than 1 in 5 claims. Most adults in the U.S. say they worry about their ability to pay for health care services or unexpected medical
There has been an "enormous outpouring of support" for Thompson and his loved ones after the UHC leader was shot and killed in New York City, Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, wrote, but he said company employees have also faced threats and vitriol online
"No employees — be they the people who answer customer calls or nurses who visit patients in their homes — should have to fear for their and their loved ones' safety," Witty wrote.
Witty said that he understood people's frustrations. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, even as insurers are rejecting more than 1 in 5 claims. Most adults in the U.S. say they worry about their ability to pay for health care services or unexpected medical
5 hours ago
President-elect Donald Trump says renewing tax cuts would turbo-charge investment and boost US economic growth — a pledge that helped propel him to election victory in November.
But new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, warns that extending tax cuts set to expire next year could do almost nothing to grow the economy. That’s a jarring data point for Republicans framing the case to renew the costly legislation as a way to boost an economy that many voters say isn’t serving them.
Most of the measures up for renewal largely benefit individuals and households, including lower income tax rates and an expanded child tax credit. While those are an easy sell to voters, economists caution on the scale of economic dividend they generate. The bigger spur for investment, they say, would be cuts for corporations.
The business tax breaks in the 2017 law Trump signed in his first term aren’t up for renewal.
But new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), a nonpartisan fiscal watchdog group, warns that extending tax cuts set to expire next year could do almost nothing to grow the economy. That’s a jarring data point for Republicans framing the case to renew the costly legislation as a way to boost an economy that many voters say isn’t serving them.
Most of the measures up for renewal largely benefit individuals and households, including lower income tax rates and an expanded child tax credit. While those are an easy sell to voters, economists caution on the scale of economic dividend they generate. The bigger spur for investment, they say, would be cuts for corporations.
The business tax breaks in the 2017 law Trump signed in his first term aren’t up for renewal.
9 hours ago
A top Chinese economist just said what many people suspected:...
A Chinese economist said China's official GDP figures may be higher than actual numbers. He said China's GDP is likely to grow between 3% and 4% in the next three to five years, but the official number is likely to remain at around 5%. China faces economic challenges including a...
https://afriprime.net/posts/75043
9 hours ago
What is Captagon, the synthetic stimulant that earned billions for...
The Assad regime in Syria came toppling down in lightning speed after rebel forces led a days-long offensive across the country and captured the capital, Damascus, on Sunday, with President Bashar Assad ultimately fleeing to Russia. How did it happen so quickly? Some Syrian analysts, as well...
https://afriprime.net/posts/75038
10 hours ago
China's new tactic against Taiwan: drills 'that dare not...
A man poses with his own placard at the
https://afriprime.net/posts/75026
10 hours ago
Xi’s RSVP is a snub to Trump, but the inauguration invite is still a big deal.
Imagine the scene, at noon on January 20, on the west front of the US Capitol.
As Donald Trump swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution on the same spot where his supporters rioted four years ago, an extraordinary VIP guest looks on, overshadowing ex-presidents, military brass and members of Congress.
Bundled up to ward off the winter chill is Xi Jinping, the hardline leader of China — the country almost everyone on the inaugural platform sees as an existential threat to US superpower dominance as a 21st century cold war accelerates.
It’s a fantastical picture, because even before sources on Thursday confirmed Xi wouldn’t attend, it was obvious it could not happen, despite Trump’s stunning invitation to the leader of the Chinese Communist Party for a second inauguration he hopes to turn into a striking global statement.
Imagine the scene, at noon on January 20, on the west front of the US Capitol.
As Donald Trump swears to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution on the same spot where his supporters rioted four years ago, an extraordinary VIP guest looks on, overshadowing ex-presidents, military brass and members of Congress.
Bundled up to ward off the winter chill is Xi Jinping, the hardline leader of China — the country almost everyone on the inaugural platform sees as an existential threat to US superpower dominance as a 21st century cold war accelerates.
It’s a fantastical picture, because even before sources on Thursday confirmed Xi wouldn’t attend, it was obvious it could not happen, despite Trump’s stunning invitation to the leader of the Chinese Communist Party for a second inauguration he hopes to turn into a striking global statement.
10 hours ago
Russia is dispatching four ships to its bases in Syria, per Ukraine's main intelligence directorate.
They will evacuate weapons and military equipment from its key base in Tartus, they said.
Russia is trying to secure a deal with Syria's new leadership to keep the bases, per reports.
Russia is sending four ships to its bases in Syria to evacuate weapons and military equipment, according to Ukraine's main intelligence directorate (GUR).
GUR said that Russia was moving its Ivan Gren-class large landing ship and the Ropucha-class tank landing ship Olenegorskiy Gornyak from the Norwegian Sea to Tartus on Syria's Mediterranean coast.
Their mission, it said, is to evacuate weapons and equipment.
It also said the Russian Sparta and Sparta II cargo ships left Baltiysk, Kaliningrad Oblast, and St Petersburg, respectively, and are heading to Tartus to transport military equipment from the Russian base.
They will evacuate weapons and military equipment from its key base in Tartus, they said.
Russia is trying to secure a deal with Syria's new leadership to keep the bases, per reports.
Russia is sending four ships to its bases in Syria to evacuate weapons and military equipment, according to Ukraine's main intelligence directorate (GUR).
GUR said that Russia was moving its Ivan Gren-class large landing ship and the Ropucha-class tank landing ship Olenegorskiy Gornyak from the Norwegian Sea to Tartus on Syria's Mediterranean coast.
Their mission, it said, is to evacuate weapons and equipment.
It also said the Russian Sparta and Sparta II cargo ships left Baltiysk, Kaliningrad Oblast, and St Petersburg, respectively, and are heading to Tartus to transport military equipment from the Russian base.
11 hours ago
French President Emmanuel Macron is planning to visit China in the new year, as speculation swirls about Beijing's potential role in ending the Ukraine war.
Macron's trusted diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne travelled this week to Beijing with a team of aides to lay the groundwork for a trip by the French leader.
Bonne's visit was timed to coincide with Macron's return this week from Poland. There, Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussed plans to put troops from European Union member states in Ukraine to monitor a future ceasefire.
Macron, US president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed leveraging China's influence over Russia as part of a ceasefire deal.
"Trump also pushed the Europeans to do more to get the Chinese to press the Kremlin to end the conflict, according to a person briefed on the meeting. They discussed using tariffs on China as a bargaining chip, if Beijing doesn't agree to do so,"
Macron's trusted diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonne travelled this week to Beijing with a team of aides to lay the groundwork for a trip by the French leader.
Bonne's visit was timed to coincide with Macron's return this week from Poland. There, Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk discussed plans to put troops from European Union member states in Ukraine to monitor a future ceasefire.
Macron, US president-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed leveraging China's influence over Russia as part of a ceasefire deal.
"Trump also pushed the Europeans to do more to get the Chinese to press the Kremlin to end the conflict, according to a person briefed on the meeting. They discussed using tariffs on China as a bargaining chip, if Beijing doesn't agree to do so,"
11 hours ago
Russian troops ‘rapidly withdraw from Syria’
Russian wheat supplies to Syria have been suspended, according to Russian and Syrian sources, as Moscow’s forces appear to be quickly withdrawing from the country.
Two vessels carrying Russian wheat for Syria - a vital lifeline for its population that has endured 13 years of civil war - did not reach their destinations on Friday.
The sources told Reuters that the supplies had stopped due to uncertainty about the new government and payment delays.
“I think no one would dare supply wheat to Syria under the current circumstances,” the source said.
Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter and a major ally to Bashar al-Assad, supplied wheat to Syria through complex financial and logistical arrangements to circumvent Western sanctions.
In the wake of the move, Ukraine said it was willing and ready to step in. “If Syria needs food - then we are there,” Vitaliy Koval, Kyiv’s agriculture minister.
Russian wheat supplies to Syria have been suspended, according to Russian and Syrian sources, as Moscow’s forces appear to be quickly withdrawing from the country.
Two vessels carrying Russian wheat for Syria - a vital lifeline for its population that has endured 13 years of civil war - did not reach their destinations on Friday.
The sources told Reuters that the supplies had stopped due to uncertainty about the new government and payment delays.
“I think no one would dare supply wheat to Syria under the current circumstances,” the source said.
Russia, the world’s largest wheat exporter and a major ally to Bashar al-Assad, supplied wheat to Syria through complex financial and logistical arrangements to circumvent Western sanctions.
In the wake of the move, Ukraine said it was willing and ready to step in. “If Syria needs food - then we are there,” Vitaliy Koval, Kyiv’s agriculture minister.
11 hours ago
An Austrian gas company ended its historic relationship with Russia's Gazprom.
Austria framed the move as defiance against Russian energy blackmail attempts.
It's a key step in Europe's thorny path to gaining energy independence from Russia.
A European gas supplier ended a decades-long contract with Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy juggernaut.
Analysts are hailing the decision as a sign of Europe moving to be more resilient in its energy supplies.
The Austrian gas conglomerate OMV announced on Wednesday that it was cutting ties with Gazprom over a protracted contract dispute, ending its dealings with Russia.
OMV was one of the last large, long-term buyers of Russian gas.
"Huge, positive development. Russia is in trouble," political scientist Michael McFaul, a former US ambassador to Russia.
The termination of the 34-year contract comes after months of wrangling between the two companies, in which Gazprom switched off the gas supply to OMV last month.
Austria framed the move as defiance against Russian energy blackmail attempts.
It's a key step in Europe's thorny path to gaining energy independence from Russia.
A European gas supplier ended a decades-long contract with Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy juggernaut.
Analysts are hailing the decision as a sign of Europe moving to be more resilient in its energy supplies.
The Austrian gas conglomerate OMV announced on Wednesday that it was cutting ties with Gazprom over a protracted contract dispute, ending its dealings with Russia.
OMV was one of the last large, long-term buyers of Russian gas.
"Huge, positive development. Russia is in trouble," political scientist Michael McFaul, a former US ambassador to Russia.
The termination of the 34-year contract comes after months of wrangling between the two companies, in which Gazprom switched off the gas supply to OMV last month.
11 hours ago
The rebels now in power in Syria said on Thursday they want to have warm ties with all countries, as they thanked several states for maintaining operations at their embassies in Damascus.
"We hope to build good relations with all countries that respect the people's will and Syrian sovereignty and unity," the Political Affairs Department run by the rebels
They thanked Egypt, Iraq, Italy and several Gulf states for resuming the work of their diplomatic missions in the capital. They also welcomed promises by Qatar and Turkey to reopen their embassies soon.
The Czech Republic said on Thursday that it wants to reopen its embassy in Damascus as soon as possible.
A rebel alliance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has been taking control of government entities in Damascus.
HTS is designated as a terrorist group by several Western powers - including the United States and the European Union - but since its victory it has attempted to present a moderate face.
"We hope to build good relations with all countries that respect the people's will and Syrian sovereignty and unity," the Political Affairs Department run by the rebels
They thanked Egypt, Iraq, Italy and several Gulf states for resuming the work of their diplomatic missions in the capital. They also welcomed promises by Qatar and Turkey to reopen their embassies soon.
The Czech Republic said on Thursday that it wants to reopen its embassy in Damascus as soon as possible.
A rebel alliance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has been taking control of government entities in Damascus.
HTS is designated as a terrorist group by several Western powers - including the United States and the European Union - but since its victory it has attempted to present a moderate face.
11 hours ago
More than a year after Yemen-based Houthi rebels began an onslaught of missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels sailing through the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy is still fending off attempted strikes in the region.
U.S. Naval ships successfully resisted two instances of Houthi-launched attacks in the Gulf of Aden in a two-week span. The two destroyers, USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane, defeated a range of weapons launched at them, once during a Nov. 30-Dec. 1 transit bound for the Port of Djibouti, and again during a Dec. 9-10 voyage departing from the port.
In both attacks, the Stockdale and O’Kane were escorting three U.S. owned, operated and flagged merchant vessels, according to statements from U.S. Central Command.
The attacks on the ships resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval members.
U.S. Naval ships successfully resisted two instances of Houthi-launched attacks in the Gulf of Aden in a two-week span. The two destroyers, USS Stockdale and USS O’Kane, defeated a range of weapons launched at them, once during a Nov. 30-Dec. 1 transit bound for the Port of Djibouti, and again during a Dec. 9-10 voyage departing from the port.
In both attacks, the Stockdale and O’Kane were escorting three U.S. owned, operated and flagged merchant vessels, according to statements from U.S. Central Command.
The attacks on the ships resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval members.
11 hours ago
A U.S. Navy warship will make a port call next week in Cambodia, China's close ally in Southeast Asia, the first such visit in eight years, according to a Cambodian statement on Friday.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said USS Savannah will dock at the port of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand on Dec. 16-20. Savannah, classed as a Littoral Combat Ship, carries a crew of 103, the ministry said.
The visit was scheduled after a U.S. request for a port call, it added, and would “strengthen and expand the bonds of friendship as well as promote bilateral cooperation" between the two nations.
Relations have long been rocky and Washington has criticized Cambodia's government for political repression and human rights violations. The U.S. has also been concerned about the upgrading of a Cambodian naval base near Sihanoukville, which it believes will be utilized by Chinese vessels to serve Beijing’s strategic interests in the region.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense said USS Savannah will dock at the port of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand on Dec. 16-20. Savannah, classed as a Littoral Combat Ship, carries a crew of 103, the ministry said.
The visit was scheduled after a U.S. request for a port call, it added, and would “strengthen and expand the bonds of friendship as well as promote bilateral cooperation" between the two nations.
Relations have long been rocky and Washington has criticized Cambodia's government for political repression and human rights violations. The U.S. has also been concerned about the upgrading of a Cambodian naval base near Sihanoukville, which it believes will be utilized by Chinese vessels to serve Beijing’s strategic interests in the region.
11 hours ago
Russia is reportedly close to securing a deal with the new Syrian leadership that would secure the future of its military bases in the country.
Under the deal, Russia would keep its naval port in Tartus and air base in Hmeimim.
Russia’s defence ministry said it had a tacit understanding with Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that spearheaded the collapse of the Assad regime on Sunday and is leading efforts to set up a transitional government.
However, satellite images show the base appeared to have been abandoned. Five warships, including three frigates and at least one submarine, were photographed in the port last week but had left by Monday.
Russia has had a naval base at Tartus since 1971, with the facility being expanded in 2012 as Moscow began to increase its support for the Assad regime.
It is Russia’s only “replenishment and repair point” in the Mediterranean and has become a key staging post for its operations in Africa.
Under the deal, Russia would keep its naval port in Tartus and air base in Hmeimim.
Russia’s defence ministry said it had a tacit understanding with Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that spearheaded the collapse of the Assad regime on Sunday and is leading efforts to set up a transitional government.
However, satellite images show the base appeared to have been abandoned. Five warships, including three frigates and at least one submarine, were photographed in the port last week but had left by Monday.
Russia has had a naval base at Tartus since 1971, with the facility being expanded in 2012 as Moscow began to increase its support for the Assad regime.
It is Russia’s only “replenishment and repair point” in the Mediterranean and has become a key staging post for its operations in Africa.
11 hours ago
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video message addressed to the Iranian people Thursday celebrating the weakening of the "Iranian regime's axis of terror." Speaking in English in a video with Farsi subtitles, Netanyahu said that Israeli attacks on Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon had set off a "chain reaction" in the Middle East.
11 hours ago
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry unveiled a new state agency for its armed forces last year. It was the government's answer to the rampant corruption within the ministry's procurement companies, and meant to be a driver of reform on the elusive path toward NATO membership.
The enterprise, in charge of purchasing nonlethal military goods such as food, clothes and fuel, has already contracted 95% of the products requested for supply, and saved 25% in the process, says Arsen Zhumadilov, the CEO of the State Logistics Operator, known by the local abbreviation DOT.
These kinds of results are an example of the type of reform that Ukraine hopes will help clear the path toward NATO, a key deterrent against Russia, officials have argued. Membership in the alliance remains largely a political question, with key states reluctant to grant it, fearing escalation from Moscow.
Western officials are also keenly awaiting the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump before making declaratio
The enterprise, in charge of purchasing nonlethal military goods such as food, clothes and fuel, has already contracted 95% of the products requested for supply, and saved 25% in the process, says Arsen Zhumadilov, the CEO of the State Logistics Operator, known by the local abbreviation DOT.
These kinds of results are an example of the type of reform that Ukraine hopes will help clear the path toward NATO, a key deterrent against Russia, officials have argued. Membership in the alliance remains largely a political question, with key states reluctant to grant it, fearing escalation from Moscow.
Western officials are also keenly awaiting the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump before making declaratio
11 hours ago
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered Israeli troops to prepare to stay over the winter on Mount Hermon, a strategic location overlooking Damascus, adding to signs that Israel's presence in Syria is set to continue for a prolonged period.
"Due to what is happening in Syria - there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak of Mount Hermon," a statement from Katz's office said on Friday.
The order suggests that Israeli troops who moved into a buffer zone inside Syrian territory as well as a "few additional points" following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government are likely to remain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the troops would remain until there was an effective force in place to enforce the Separation of Forces Agreement signed following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Israel has called the move a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of its borders but it is unclear when it will.....
"Due to what is happening in Syria - there is enormous security importance to our holding on to the peak of Mount Hermon," a statement from Katz's office said on Friday.
The order suggests that Israeli troops who moved into a buffer zone inside Syrian territory as well as a "few additional points" following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government are likely to remain.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the troops would remain until there was an effective force in place to enforce the Separation of Forces Agreement signed following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
Israel has called the move a limited and temporary measure to ensure the security of its borders but it is unclear when it will.....
11 hours ago
Ukraine is making videos and dropping leaflets on North Korean troops to get them to surrender.
North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, per sources.
"Many see it as a chance to escape the regime," the project's spokesman told Euronews.
Ukraine is trying to persuade North Korean soldiers to surrender rather than fight alongside Russia.
Ukrainian intelligence services have been distributing leaflets via drones and projectiles, and making videos urging North Korean troops to desert.
"I Want to Live" project, "of course, not everyone wants to fight."
"We know very well the living conditions in North Korea," he said. "Therefore, many see it as a chance to escape the regime and go to another country."
Ukraine is carrying out its efforts under "I Want to Live," a service that has facilitated Russian soldiers' surrender. In October 2022, Russia blocked access to its hotline and chatbot, though it is still accessible in the country via VP
North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia in its war against Ukraine, per sources.
"Many see it as a chance to escape the regime," the project's spokesman told Euronews.
Ukraine is trying to persuade North Korean soldiers to surrender rather than fight alongside Russia.
Ukrainian intelligence services have been distributing leaflets via drones and projectiles, and making videos urging North Korean troops to desert.
"I Want to Live" project, "of course, not everyone wants to fight."
"We know very well the living conditions in North Korea," he said. "Therefore, many see it as a chance to escape the regime and go to another country."
Ukraine is carrying out its efforts under "I Want to Live," a service that has facilitated Russian soldiers' surrender. In October 2022, Russia blocked access to its hotline and chatbot, though it is still accessible in the country via VP
11 hours ago
China's defence ministry on Friday broke its silence about days of military activities around Taiwan, saying it was entitled to stage exercises and the military would "not be absent" if required to fight separatist forces.
Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday went on alert and activated an emergency response centre after reporting a surge in Chinese military activity, both nearby and more broadly in the East and South China Seas.
Beijing views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory - a claim rejected by Taipei, which says that only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
Responding to a question on Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's recent visits to Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam, and whether or not China had held drills, China's defence ministry offered neither confirmation nor denial.
"Whether or not to hold exercises and when to hold them is a matter for us to decide on our own according to our own needs and the situation of the struggle," it said.
Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday went on alert and activated an emergency response centre after reporting a surge in Chinese military activity, both nearby and more broadly in the East and South China Seas.
Beijing views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory - a claim rejected by Taipei, which says that only Taiwan's people can decide their future.
Responding to a question on Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's recent visits to Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Guam, and whether or not China had held drills, China's defence ministry offered neither confirmation nor denial.
"Whether or not to hold exercises and when to hold them is a matter for us to decide on our own according to our own needs and the situation of the struggle," it said.
12 hours ago
United Arab Emirates and China explore new ways of collaboration to foster economic growth.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China have taken a significant step toward deepening their strategic partnership, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth.
As both nations continue to expand their influence on the global stage, their shared commitment to enhancing trade, investment and cultural exchange offers promising prospects for mutual prosperity.
With a focus on innovation, sustainable development and cutting-edge technologies, the growing relationship between the countries will create new partnership opportunities across various sectors, from infrastructure and finance to energy and tourism.
ADGM, the international financial centre of the UAE’s capital city, is now hosting the third edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW). The event is focusing on how the city is leveraging the power of capital to ensure long-
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China have taken a significant step toward deepening their strategic partnership, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth.
As both nations continue to expand their influence on the global stage, their shared commitment to enhancing trade, investment and cultural exchange offers promising prospects for mutual prosperity.
With a focus on innovation, sustainable development and cutting-edge technologies, the growing relationship between the countries will create new partnership opportunities across various sectors, from infrastructure and finance to energy and tourism.
ADGM, the international financial centre of the UAE’s capital city, is now hosting the third edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW). The event is focusing on how the city is leveraging the power of capital to ensure long-
12 hours ago
Syrian Shi'ites and other minorities flee to Lebanon, fearing Islamist rule.
Tens of thousands of Syrians, mostly Shi'ite Muslims, have fled to Lebanon since Sunni Muslim Islamists toppled Bashar al-Assad, fearing persecution despite assurances from the new rulers in Damascus that they will be safe, a Lebanese official said.
At the border with Lebanon, where thousands of people were trying to leave Syria on Thursday. a dozen Shi'ite Muslims interviewed described threats made against them.
Their accounts reflect fears of persecution despite promises of protection by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - the Sunni Islamist group which has emerged as the dominant force in the new Syria but is far from being the only armed faction on the ground.
Shi'ite communities have often been on the frontline of Syria's 13-year civil war, which took on sectarian dimensions as Assad, from the minority Alawite faith, mobilised regional Shi'ite allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, to help fight Sunni rebe
Tens of thousands of Syrians, mostly Shi'ite Muslims, have fled to Lebanon since Sunni Muslim Islamists toppled Bashar al-Assad, fearing persecution despite assurances from the new rulers in Damascus that they will be safe, a Lebanese official said.
At the border with Lebanon, where thousands of people were trying to leave Syria on Thursday. a dozen Shi'ite Muslims interviewed described threats made against them.
Their accounts reflect fears of persecution despite promises of protection by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) - the Sunni Islamist group which has emerged as the dominant force in the new Syria but is far from being the only armed faction on the ground.
Shi'ite communities have often been on the frontline of Syria's 13-year civil war, which took on sectarian dimensions as Assad, from the minority Alawite faith, mobilised regional Shi'ite allies, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, to help fight Sunni rebe
21 hours ago
Hazel Hypersonic Missile: Russia Threatens To Use “Game...
Russia needs to send another message to the United States by launching an Oreshnik (Hazel) missile at Ukraine, according to the former Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, Konstantin Dolgov. Konstantin Dolgov, the former Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN,...
https://afriprime.net/posts/74674
