3 ساعات منذ
Former Vice President Mike Pence lightly criticized President Trump in an interview that aired on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday over at least one aspect of his trip to the Middle East this week, saying he’s “never been a fan of American presidents criticizing America on foreign soil”
“To have the president in Saudi Arabia questioning America’s global war on terror, and describing it as nation-building and interventionist, I thought was a disservice to generations of Americans who wore the uniform and who took the fight to our enemy, you know, in Afghanistan and in Iraq,” Pence told NBC’s Kristen Welker. “And particularly giving that speech in Saudi Arabia, where 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers hailed from —not including Osama bin Laden, I thought was unfortunate.”
During a stinging speech in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump denounced American intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan and praised Saudi Arabia and other countries that he said prospered without help from the
“To have the president in Saudi Arabia questioning America’s global war on terror, and describing it as nation-building and interventionist, I thought was a disservice to generations of Americans who wore the uniform and who took the fight to our enemy, you know, in Afghanistan and in Iraq,” Pence told NBC’s Kristen Welker. “And particularly giving that speech in Saudi Arabia, where 15 of the 19 9/11 hijackers hailed from —not including Osama bin Laden, I thought was unfortunate.”
During a stinging speech in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump denounced American intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan and praised Saudi Arabia and other countries that he said prospered without help from the
3 ساعات منذ
Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota assailed Donald Trump in a law school graduation speech Saturday, accusing the Republican president of creating a national emergency by repeatedly violating the rule of law.
Walz, the vice presidential nominee in 2024, call on graduates to stand up to abuses of power. Lawyers, he said, "our first and last line of defense.”
“Right now, more than any other time in my lifetime, we need you to live up to the oath that you’re about to make. Because, I have to be honest with you: You are graduating into a genuine emergency," Walz told the crowd, which greeted him with loud applause. “Every single day, the president of the United States finds new ways to trample rights and undermine the rule of law."
Walz pointed to Trump's immigration crackdown, which includes deporting alleged gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador without due process, and the offer of a gifted jet from the Qatari ruling family to the president.
Walz, the vice presidential nominee in 2024, call on graduates to stand up to abuses of power. Lawyers, he said, "our first and last line of defense.”
“Right now, more than any other time in my lifetime, we need you to live up to the oath that you’re about to make. Because, I have to be honest with you: You are graduating into a genuine emergency," Walz told the crowd, which greeted him with loud applause. “Every single day, the president of the United States finds new ways to trample rights and undermine the rule of law."
Walz pointed to Trump's immigration crackdown, which includes deporting alleged gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador without due process, and the offer of a gifted jet from the Qatari ruling family to the president.
3 ساعات منذ
Pakistan's foreign minister will make a three-day official visit to China, his office said on Sunday, a little over a week after Islamabad reached a ceasefire with India to end their most serious conflict in decades.
Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of deputy prime minister, will start his visit on Monday in Beijing where he will hold "in-depth discussions" with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi "on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability", his office said in a statement.
"The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," it said.
Dar's visit to Beijing comes on the heels of a tumultuous couple of weeks, following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed.
Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of deputy prime minister, will start his visit on Monday in Beijing where he will hold "in-depth discussions" with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi "on the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability", his office said in a statement.
"The two sides will also review the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest," it said.
Dar's visit to Beijing comes on the heels of a tumultuous couple of weeks, following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in which 26 people were killed.
3 ساعات منذ
Antisemitism is real. It is ugly, persistent and absolutely worth condemning at every turn. But criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu — the man, the politician, the schemer — is not antisemitism. It’s realism, and it’s long overdue.
So when Donald Trump bypassed Israel on his recent Middle East tour, choosing instead to shake hands in Riyadh and Doha while skipping Tel Aviv altogether, it wasn’t hatred. It wasn’t betrayal. It was distance. It was pragmatism. It was a reminder that the U.S. is the superpower — not a client state, not a donor, not a servant. And it doesn’t need to stop in Tel Aviv to make that point.
America has been afraid to utter for far too long: Benjamin Netanyahu is no friend of the U.S. He may call himself an ally. He may speak before Congress. He may wrap himself in shared values and talk about Western civilization. But strip away the optics, and you’re left with a man desperately clinging to power, willing to endanger global stability
So when Donald Trump bypassed Israel on his recent Middle East tour, choosing instead to shake hands in Riyadh and Doha while skipping Tel Aviv altogether, it wasn’t hatred. It wasn’t betrayal. It was distance. It was pragmatism. It was a reminder that the U.S. is the superpower — not a client state, not a donor, not a servant. And it doesn’t need to stop in Tel Aviv to make that point.
America has been afraid to utter for far too long: Benjamin Netanyahu is no friend of the U.S. He may call himself an ally. He may speak before Congress. He may wrap himself in shared values and talk about Western civilization. But strip away the optics, and you’re left with a man desperately clinging to power, willing to endanger global stability
3 ساعات منذ
Israel has retrieved thousands of items belonging to the country’s most famous spy after a covert operation in Syria.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some of the 2,500 items from the Syrian archive relating to Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the political echelon in Syria, with Cohen’s widow. Sunday marked 60 years since Cohen was hanged in a square in Damascus.
The items recently spirited into Israel include documents, recordings, photos, and items collected by Syrian intelligence after his capture in January 1965, letters in his own handwriting to his family in Israel, photographs of his activity during his operational mission in Syria and personal objects that were taken from his home after his capture.
Suitcases of items brought to Israel included worn folders stuffed with handwritten notes, keys to his apartment in Damascus, passports and false identification documents, missions from the Mossad to surveil specific people and places, and documentation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some of the 2,500 items from the Syrian archive relating to Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy who infiltrated the political echelon in Syria, with Cohen’s widow. Sunday marked 60 years since Cohen was hanged in a square in Damascus.
The items recently spirited into Israel include documents, recordings, photos, and items collected by Syrian intelligence after his capture in January 1965, letters in his own handwriting to his family in Israel, photographs of his activity during his operational mission in Syria and personal objects that were taken from his home after his capture.
Suitcases of items brought to Israel included worn folders stuffed with handwritten notes, keys to his apartment in Damascus, passports and false identification documents, missions from the Mossad to surveil specific people and places, and documentation.
4 ساعات منذ
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian called for nuclear program negotiations between Tehran and Washington to continue and said that President Trump is sending “contradictory” messages.
“No one but Trump himself believes his words against the Iranian nation; on the one hand, he speaks of peace and stability, and on the other hand, he threatens with the most sophisticated tools for homicide, and with contradictory statements, he simultaneously sends messages of peace, bloodshed, and insecurity,” Pezeshkian said during his Saturday morning speech to Navy officials.
“We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights,” Pezeshkian added.
Trump said on Friday that the U.S. gave Iran a formal proposal for a new nuclear agreement and added that “more importantly, they know they have to move quickly.”
“No one but Trump himself believes his words against the Iranian nation; on the one hand, he speaks of peace and stability, and on the other hand, he threatens with the most sophisticated tools for homicide, and with contradictory statements, he simultaneously sends messages of peace, bloodshed, and insecurity,” Pezeshkian said during his Saturday morning speech to Navy officials.
“We are not seeking war, we favor negotiation and dialogue, but we are not afraid of threats either, and we will in no way retreat from our legal rights,” Pezeshkian added.
Trump said on Friday that the U.S. gave Iran a formal proposal for a new nuclear agreement and added that “more importantly, they know they have to move quickly.”
4 ساعات منذ
Human rights and UN tell Hamas to release all kidnapped, SURRENDER and make peace.
Tens of thousands of red-clad protesters marched through the Dutch capital on Sunday to demand their government do more to halt Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
Human rights groups and aid agencies — including Amnesty International, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders — estimated the peaceful crowd at more than 100,000 people, and the streets of The Hague were packed with the old, young and even some babies on their first protest.
“We hope this is a wake-up call for the government,” said teacher Roos Lingbeek, attending the march with her husband and their 12-week-old daughter, Dido, who slept in a carrier as her parents brandished a sign simply reading: “STOP”
The march took the young family past the Peace Palace, headquarters of the United Nations’ International Court of Justice, where last year judges ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in
Tens of thousands of red-clad protesters marched through the Dutch capital on Sunday to demand their government do more to halt Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
Human rights groups and aid agencies — including Amnesty International, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders — estimated the peaceful crowd at more than 100,000 people, and the streets of The Hague were packed with the old, young and even some babies on their first protest.
“We hope this is a wake-up call for the government,” said teacher Roos Lingbeek, attending the march with her husband and their 12-week-old daughter, Dido, who slept in a carrier as her parents brandished a sign simply reading: “STOP”
The march took the young family past the Peace Palace, headquarters of the United Nations’ International Court of Justice, where last year judges ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in
4 ساعات منذ
Vietnam and the United States held their first direct ministerial-level negotiations on Friday against the backdrop of an impending U.S. tariff of 46% on imports from the Southeast Asian nation, which could significantly impact its growth.
The Vietnamese trade ministry said in a statement released on Saturday that the meeting, which occurred in Jeju, South Korea, following the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Trade, symbolised both nations' commitment to fostering a stable economic, trade, and investment relationship.
The talks follow a phone call last month between Vietnamese trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that officially started negotiations.
"USTR Greer agreed with Vietnam's current approach and proposal," the trade ministry's statement said. "The United States hopes that with the mutual efforts, the technical-level negotiations in the coming days will yield positive results."
The Vietnamese trade ministry said in a statement released on Saturday that the meeting, which occurred in Jeju, South Korea, following the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting on Trade, symbolised both nations' commitment to fostering a stable economic, trade, and investment relationship.
The talks follow a phone call last month between Vietnamese trade minister Nguyen Hong Dien and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that officially started negotiations.
"USTR Greer agreed with Vietnam's current approach and proposal," the trade ministry's statement said. "The United States hopes that with the mutual efforts, the technical-level negotiations in the coming days will yield positive results."
4 ساعات منذ
Ukrainian officials believe a largely stalemated war of attrition with Russia is likely to continue for several more years, despite international efforts pushed by Donald Trump to end the fighting.
After the inconclusive breakup of the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul on Friday, and despite the US president’s planned calls with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they see no evidence that Moscow is serious about peace.
The comments came as Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, with 273 aimed largely against the central Kyiv region and the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions in the country’s east.
“The Russians can’t destroy us and we can’t liberate territory,” adding that without significant US assistance that situation was likely to remain and potentially worsen. “Without the US it is impossible to change the balance. And over time, it will push the balance to Russia. We will still be alive but we will pay a huge pric
After the inconclusive breakup of the first direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul on Friday, and despite the US president’s planned calls with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they see no evidence that Moscow is serious about peace.
The comments came as Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, with 273 aimed largely against the central Kyiv region and the Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions in the country’s east.
“The Russians can’t destroy us and we can’t liberate territory,” adding that without significant US assistance that situation was likely to remain and potentially worsen. “Without the US it is impossible to change the balance. And over time, it will push the balance to Russia. We will still be alive but we will pay a huge pric
4 ساعات منذ
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of his visit to Rome for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.
During the talks, Zelensky briefed the US officials on what he described as the "unrealistic conditions" set by the Russian delegation at the peace negotiations in Istanbul on Friday.
"I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," Zelensky.
The meeting also covered the need for additional sanctions against Russia, developments on the battlefield and an upcoming prisoner exchange - 1,000 detainees on each side - which emerged as the only concrete outcome from the latest round of peace talks.
"Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war," Zelensky emphasized. "And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace."
During the talks, Zelensky briefed the US officials on what he described as the "unrealistic conditions" set by the Russian delegation at the peace negotiations in Istanbul on Friday.
"I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible," Zelensky.
The meeting also covered the need for additional sanctions against Russia, developments on the battlefield and an upcoming prisoner exchange - 1,000 detainees on each side - which emerged as the only concrete outcome from the latest round of peace talks.
"Pressure is needed against Russia until they are eager to stop the war," Zelensky emphasized. "And, of course, we talked about our joint steps to achieve a just and durable peace."
4 ساعات منذ
Trump hints at China trip after tariff cuts...
President Donald Trump indicated he's ready to take the next step in diplomacy. Speaking on Fox News, Trump said, “I would certainly” be open to visiting China to meet President Xi Jinping, calling the US-China relationship “important.”
Trump emphasized his personal efforts in stabilizing global alliances, particularly referencing his recent tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, where he sought to counter China’s growing influence. “They were going to China, and that was going to be their parent, and that’s not happening,” he said.
“If I didn’t do that deal with China, I think China would have broken apart,” Trump claimed, underscoring his belief that this agreement marks a major turning point.
President Donald Trump indicated he's ready to take the next step in diplomacy. Speaking on Fox News, Trump said, “I would certainly” be open to visiting China to meet President Xi Jinping, calling the US-China relationship “important.”
Trump emphasized his personal efforts in stabilizing global alliances, particularly referencing his recent tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, where he sought to counter China’s growing influence. “They were going to China, and that was going to be their parent, and that’s not happening,” he said.
“If I didn’t do that deal with China, I think China would have broken apart,” Trump claimed, underscoring his belief that this agreement marks a major turning point.
4 ساعات منذ
Peter Schiff blasts US-China trade deal — says the Asian nation won by calling Trump’s ‘bluff’ on 145% tariffs.
While the White House is trumpeting the “Art of the Deal,” some may say the recent U.S.-China trade deal is a chapter out of “The Subtle Art of Getting Steamrolled.”
“How is this trade deal a win for Trump?” he asked. “China has agreed to nothing. The 145% tariffs we imposed have been reduced to 30%. The 125% tariffs they imposed in response have been reduced to 10%. If 145% tariffs were just a bargaining chip, China already called Trump's bluff and won.”
He continued in response to comments, “So what have we won by agreeing to pause the war we started? We did not win a single battle in this war.”
Other economists echoed this view. "'Big beautiful tariffs' were intended to encourage reshoring and generate trillions in tax revenue to fund tax cuts," James Knightley, chief international economist.
While the White House is trumpeting the “Art of the Deal,” some may say the recent U.S.-China trade deal is a chapter out of “The Subtle Art of Getting Steamrolled.”
“How is this trade deal a win for Trump?” he asked. “China has agreed to nothing. The 145% tariffs we imposed have been reduced to 30%. The 125% tariffs they imposed in response have been reduced to 10%. If 145% tariffs were just a bargaining chip, China already called Trump's bluff and won.”
He continued in response to comments, “So what have we won by agreeing to pause the war we started? We did not win a single battle in this war.”
Other economists echoed this view. "'Big beautiful tariffs' were intended to encourage reshoring and generate trillions in tax revenue to fund tax cuts," James Knightley, chief international economist.
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
He who rejects change is the architect of decay.
- Harold Wilson
He who rejects change is the architect of decay.
- Harold Wilson
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
Scientific advancement should aim to affirm and to improve human life.
- Nathan Deal
Scientific advancement should aim to affirm and to improve human life.
- Nathan Deal
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
Knowledge is power.
Information is liberating.
Education is the premise of progress,
in every society, in every family.
- Kofi Annan
Knowledge is power.
Information is liberating.
Education is the premise of progress,
in every society, in every family.
- Kofi Annan
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
Seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us,
but they only take root in minds well prepared to receive them.
- Joseph Henry
Seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us,
but they only take root in minds well prepared to receive them.
- Joseph Henry
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines,
whimpering and complaining.
You make progress by implementing ideas.
- Shirley Chisholm
You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines,
whimpering and complaining.
You make progress by implementing ideas.
- Shirley Chisholm
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
If we all did the things we are capable of doing,
we would literally astound ourselves.
- Thomas Edison
If we all did the things we are capable of doing,
we would literally astound ourselves.
- Thomas Edison
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
Live out of your imagination, not your history.
- Stephen Covey
Live out of your imagination, not your history.
- Stephen Covey
6 ساعات منذ
Seeds of great discoveries ...
Change is the Inherent Nature of Progress.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
Change is the Inherent Nature of Progress.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie
6 ساعات منذ
Pause, Think, and See Things as They Are-
Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are,
and doing things as they ought to be done.
- Josh Billings
Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are,
and doing things as they ought to be done.
- Josh Billings
6 ساعات منذ
Pause, Think, and See Things as They Are-
Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius.
- An Wang
Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius.
- An Wang
6 ساعات منذ
Pause, Think, and See Things as They Are-
Common sense in an uncommon degree
is what the world calls wisdom.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Common sense in an uncommon degree
is what the world calls wisdom.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
6 ساعات منذ
Pause, Think, and See Things as They Are-
I reject any religious doctrine that does not appeal
to reason and is in conflict with morality.
- Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
I reject any religious doctrine that does not appeal
to reason and is in conflict with morality.
- Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi
14 ساعات منذ
SBK- Round 5: Motul Czech Round – Autodrom Most (May...
Race 1 Results (Saturday, May 17): Toprak Razgatlıoğlu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) Nicolò Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) Alex Lowes (Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) Álvaro Bautista (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati)...
https://sappertask.com/posts/4284
14 ساعات منذ
Giro d'Italia Stage 9 – Sunday, May 18: Gubbio →...
Winner: Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) triumphed on the gravel-laden roads to Siena, showcasing his prowess on challenging terrain. Top 5 Finishers: Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) Isaac Del Toro (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) Giulio Ciccone (Lidl-Trek) Richard...
https://sappertask.com/posts/4283
14 ساعات منذ
2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Italy, held on May 18:
2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Race Results Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:31:33.199 Lando Norris (McLaren) – +6.109s Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +12.956s Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +14.356s Alex Albon (Williams) – +17.945s Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)...
https://sappertask.com/posts/4282
22 ساعات منذ
Predicting a McLaren 1-2 finish at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Predicting a McLaren 1-2 finish at the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is both ambitious and plausible, considering their recent form and qualifying performance. Here's an analysis of the factors supporting this prediction: McLaren's Current Form Oscar Piastri secured pole position with a lap...
https://sappertask.com/posts/4281
1 يوم منذ
Israel threatened to target the leadership of Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels after the air force struck two rebel-held ports on Friday, following repeated Huthi missile attacks in recent days.
The Huthis agreed earlier this month to stop firing on international shipping in the Red Sea after the United States stepped up air strikes on rebel-held areas with British support.
But the rebels vowed to keep up their strikes on Israel despite the deal and fired three missiles in as many days this week that triggered air raid warnings in major cities.
The Huthis' Al-Masirah television reported strikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for aid, as well as the port of Salif further north.
The Israeli military said 15 fighter jets dropped over 30 munitions on Huthi targets in the air force's eighth round of strikes in Yemen.
It said the ports were "used to transfer weapons" and that prior warnings had been issued to Yemeni civilians to evacuate.
The Huthis agreed earlier this month to stop firing on international shipping in the Red Sea after the United States stepped up air strikes on rebel-held areas with British support.
But the rebels vowed to keep up their strikes on Israel despite the deal and fired three missiles in as many days this week that triggered air raid warnings in major cities.
The Huthis' Al-Masirah television reported strikes on the Red Sea port city of Hodeida, a key entry point for aid, as well as the port of Salif further north.
The Israeli military said 15 fighter jets dropped over 30 munitions on Huthi targets in the air force's eighth round of strikes in Yemen.
It said the ports were "used to transfer weapons" and that prior warnings had been issued to Yemeni civilians to evacuate.
1 يوم منذ
The United States will begin discussions with European allies to reduce U.S. troops in Europe later this year, U.S. ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on Friday.
Asked to comment on a report that the Trump administration is considering withdrawing troops from Europe, Whitaker said "nothing has been determined".
"But as soon as we do, we are going to have these conversations in the structure of NATO", said Whitaker.
"It will be certainly after the summit, sometime later in the year, we are going to start those conversations... All our allies are ready to do it", he added, referring to the NATO summit in The Hague in June.
"It’s more than 30 years of U.S. desire (to reduce troops in Europe), President Trump just said, enough, this is going to happen and it’s going to happen now, this is going to be orderly, but we are not going to have any more patience for foot dragging in this situation... We just need to work through the practical consequences", Whitaker said.
Asked to comment on a report that the Trump administration is considering withdrawing troops from Europe, Whitaker said "nothing has been determined".
"But as soon as we do, we are going to have these conversations in the structure of NATO", said Whitaker.
"It will be certainly after the summit, sometime later in the year, we are going to start those conversations... All our allies are ready to do it", he added, referring to the NATO summit in The Hague in June.
"It’s more than 30 years of U.S. desire (to reduce troops in Europe), President Trump just said, enough, this is going to happen and it’s going to happen now, this is going to be orderly, but we are not going to have any more patience for foot dragging in this situation... We just need to work through the practical consequences", Whitaker said.
