The World Opinion

Tag: US

  • ‘Enemy’s Psychological Warfare’: Iran Defense Minister On US THAAD System Delivery To Israel | world news

    Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh shrugged off the US delivery of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile defense system to Israel as part of the “enemy’s psychological warfare.” He made the remarks on Wednesday in an address to reporters on the sidelines of a weekly cabinet meeting in Tehran, reports Xinhua, quoting the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

    “The THAAD is an anti-ballistic missile system. It is not a new thing and has existed before. We assess such actions as being in line with the enemy’s psychological warfare. There is no particular problem in that regard,” he said. The United States announced on Sunday that it would send its THAAD system to Israel with soldiers to operate it.

    The decision comes as Israel has, over the past few days, threatened to take military action against Iran in response to Tehran’s missile strikes on Israel earlier this month. On October 1, Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israeli targets.

    Tehran described the strikes as retaliation for the assassinations of several leaders of the regional resistance groups and Israel’s military actions against Lebanese and Palestinian armed groups. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had made a “grave mistake” and vowed retaliation.

  • Expect India And See It As Leader Within Quad: US official | world news

    Lauding India’s role in the Quad, the US has said that it expects and sees India as a leader within the Quad and expressed gratitude for its leadership.

    While addressing a press briefing, US National Security Council Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, Mira Rapp-Hooper, said that the US’ Indo-Pacific strategic mentions that it seeks New Delhi’s role as a leader in the region and is increasingly partnered with Washington, D.C.

    When asked about India’s role in Quad, Mira Rapp-Hooper said, “When it comes to the role that we expect India to play, we expect and indeed see India as a leader within the Quad. I think, the best encapsulation of, you know, the way we think about India’s role is captured in our Indo-Pacific strategy, where we say that the United States seeks an India that is increasingly a leader in the region and increasingly partnered with the United States.”

    “The Quad has been an ideal venue through which, through which rather we can work together because it not only allows for the critical exchange of strategic views where, of course, we are, as I say, increasingly aligned, but it also allows us to identify opportunities and priorities that not only matter to the United States or its traditional treaty allies like Australia and Japan, but really matter to India. course is a huge strategic priority for the government in Delhi,” she added.

    Mira Rapp-Hooper said that this year’s Quad Summit was scheduled to be held in India. However, she added that the decision to change the venue was taken considering the schedules of the four leaders. She stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to swap host years with the US and US expects Quad leaders to meet in India in 2025.

    Asked whether the next Quad Summit will take place in India, she said, “Yes, we do expect next year’s Quad Summit to take place in India. When we were planning for this year’s Quad Summit. India was, exactly as you say, scheduled But as we looked at all four of these leaders schedules, it became increasingly clear that the best way to make sure that they met and have the time that they wanted to have these deep discussions would be this weekend here in the United States. So, Prime Minister Modi graciously agreed to swap host years with us and we do expect all four Quad leaders to meet in India next year.”

    PM Narendra Modi will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by US President Joe Biden on September 21. Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.

    Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries–Australia, India, Japan, and the United States.

    Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday that PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the US will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement with US President Joe Biden, where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States.

    While addressing a press briefing on PM Modi’s visit to the US, Misri said “…This is also going to be kind of a farewell event in so far as the Quad is concerned for President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida of Japan and therefore, the Quad event provides the Prime Minister with an opportunity to thank both leaders for their leadership in giving momentum and salience to the Quad partnership.”

    He said, “There will be an opportunity to have a substantive engagement between Prime Minister and President Biden where they will have the opportunity to review the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States which today covers almost every aspect of human endeavor through the 50 plus engagements and bilateral dialogue mechanisms that we have between the two sides.”

    “We also expect to have bilateral meetings with the leaders of Japan and Australia,” he added.

  • ‘That’s Laughable’: State Dept On Allegations Of US Govt’s Involvement In Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation | world news

    The United States Department of State strongly rejected the allegations of the government’s involvement in former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, terming them ‘laughable’ and ‘absolutely false’ claims. “That’s laughable. Any implication that the United States was involved in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation is absolutely false,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, Vedant Patel, said in a press briefing on Tuesday (local time).

    Patel further said that a lot of disinformation has been seen in recent weeks regarding the current happenings in Bangladesh.

    “We have seen a lot of disinformation in recent weeks and we were made incredibly committed to strengthening information and integrity across the regional ecosystem, especially our partners in South Asia,” he said.

    Recently, in an interview with ANI, Michael Kugelman, a US -based Foreign Policy expert, and Director of the South Asia Institute at The Wilson Center, refuted allegations of foreign interference behind the mass uprising that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, stating he had Not seen any ‘plausible evidence’ to support these claims.

    He noted that the Hasina government’s harsh crackdown on protesters escalated the movement. “My view has been very simple. I see this as a crisis that was driven by purely internal factors, by students who were unhappy about a particular issue, job quotas that they didn’t like and they were worried about the government. Sheikh Hasina’s The government cracked down very hard on the students and that then turned the movement into something much bigger,” Kugelman said.

    Kugelman dismissed allegations from Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who claimed foreign interference behind the protests, saying that the unrest was driven by “internal factors.”

    “Now, you know, when there is a conspiracy theory that is rooted in issues of foreign influence, one cannot disprove such type of allegation. Also, at the same time, one cannot conclusively prove it. I think the onus, is the responsibility to provide a plausible explanation for how it can be true. I am yet to hear that from Sheikh Hasina’s son, from anyone,” he added.

    Bangladesh has been witnessing a fluid political situation ever since protests started across the country, leading to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation from the post of Prime Minister on August 5. The protests, led mainly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, evolved into anti-government demonstrations.

    A large number of people protested outside the White House in Washington on Friday last week against alleged violence targeting minority Hindus and others in Bangladesh since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.

    Protesters carried American and Bangladeshi flags and held posters demanding that Bangladeshi minorities be “saved.” They chanted slogans of “We want justice” and called for peace amid the recent surge in violence.

  • Israel PM Netanyahu Warns Hezbollah Will ‘Pay Heavy Price’ After Golan Heights Attack Kills 11 | world news

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Hezbollah, stating that they will ‘pay a heavy price’ for the rocket attack on Saturday that resulted in the deaths of 11 young people in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights region, reported AP.

    According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu told a local community leader, “Israel will not let this murderous attack go unanswered, and Hezbollah will face a heavy price for it, a price it has never paid before.”

    Israeli authorities reported that a rocket strike on Saturday at a soccer field resulted in the deaths of at least 11 children and teenagers. This incident marks the deadliest attack on an Israeli target along the northern border since the conflict with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

    Israel accused Hezbollah of carrying out the strike in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights, however Hezbollah quickly denied any involvement.

    Netanyahu’s office announced that he would cut short his visit to the United States by several hours, though it did not specify his return time. Upon his arrival, he plans to convene the security cabinet, reported AP.

    The White House National Security Council in a statement cited by AP said the US “will continue to support efforts to end these terrible attacks along the Blue Line, which must be a top priority. Our support for Israel’s security is iron-clad and unwavering against all Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah.”

  • J&K: Palestinian Flag Waved, Anti-US Slogans Chanted During Muharram Procession |

    Srinagar: In a significant development, thousands from the Shia community gathered today at Lal Chowk to join the mourning procession of 8th Muharram, an event that had not been allowed for over three decades due to security concerns. The procession marked a stark contrast to previous restrictions, under which even small gatherings were prohibited. 

    The participants of the procession carried Palestine flags, and slogans against Israel and the United States were heard. This year’s event followed the lifting of a 34-year ban by the Jammu and Kashmir government, which had initially imposed the restriction in 1989 amid rising terrorism threats. 

    The ban was lifted last year when the government permitted the 8th Muharram procession to follow its traditional route from Gurubazar to Dalgate in Srinagar. This decision came after assessments indicated improved security conditions in the region. 

    Shia community members expressed their gratitude to the government for allowing the procession. “We are very happy with the decision of the government. Today, our sentiments were respected, and the arrangements were commendable,” said one participant. 

    Extensive security measures were implemented to ensure the safety of the procession. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, VK Bhri, chaired a joint meeting with police and other security agencies to discuss the arrangements and challenges. The IGP, along with the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and other officials, personally oversaw the procession to ensure everything was in place. 

    “Complete security arrangements have been made. A three-tier security system is in place, and all necessary provisions have been made. Peace has returned to the valley,” said IGP Kashmir VK Bhri. 

    The procession, which started at 5 am from Gurubazar following Fajr prayers, was scheduled to conclude by 8 am but was extended till noon due to the peaceful nature and large turnout of participants. 

    Divisional Commissioner Vijay Bhidhuri commented on the comprehensive preparations: “All needed arrangements are in place, be it water, toilets, or health facilities. People have been very cooperative, and it’s a big change we are seeing in Kashmir.” 

    The 8th of Muharram commemorates the day of Karbala when Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds profound significance for Muslims, particularly the Shia community. Ensuring a safe environment for the mourning programs and processions was a top priority for the authorities. 

    Despite the peaceful atmosphere, a group of youths carrying Palestinian flags and raising anti-Israel and anti-US slogans was briefly observed before dispersing from the procession. 

    This historic event highlighted the Shia community’s deep-rooted traditions and the improved security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a new chapter in the region’s religious and social landscape. 

  • US President Biden Increases Tariffs On Imports Of Electric Vehicles, Other Goods From China | world news

    New Delhi: US President Joe Biden has directed his Trade Representative to increase tariffs on USD 18 billion of imports from China, including semiconductors, solar cells, batteries, and critical minerals to ‘protect’ American workers and businesses, the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.

    The White House said that the decision has come in response to China’s ‘unfair trade practices’ and to counteract the resulting harms.

    “China’s unfair trade practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation are threatening American businesses and workers. China is also flooding global markets with artificially low-priced exports. In response to China’s unfair trade practices and to counteract the resulting harms, today, President Biden is directing his Trade Representative to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on USD 18 billion of imports from China to protect American workers and businesses,” the White House statement read.

    The statement on hiked tariffs on imports from China also noted that the Chinese government has used unfair and non-market practices for too long now.

    “China’s forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft have contributed to its control of 70, 80, and even 90 percent of global production for the critical inputs necessary for our technologies, infrastructure, energy, and health care–creating unacceptable risks to America’s supply. chains and economic security,” the White House said.

    “Furthermore, these same non-market policies and practices contribute to China’s growing overcapacity and export surges that threaten to significantly harm American workers, businesses, and communities,” it added.

    The US and the European Union have often expressed their concern over “industrial overcapacity” in China that is impacting their domestic companies.

    US Treasury Secretary Janet L Yellen met with the Economic Working Group (EWG) and Financial Working Group (FWG) between the US and China in April this year following her trip to Beijing and Guangzhou. “The US delegation continued to express concerns about China’s non-market practices and industrial overcapacity,” the US Treasury Department had said after the meeting.

    “Both sides agreed to further discuss these issues,” according to a readout on the meeting.

    In a meeting between Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron of France, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, urged the visiting Chinese President to address “the wave of subsidized exports flowing from his nation’s factories into Western countries,” NYT reported.

    “These subsidized products — such as the electric vehicles or, for example, steel — are flooding the European market,” von der Leyen said. “The world cannot absorb China’s surplus production,” von der Leyen was cited in the US daily.

  • US Accuses Russia Of Violating International Chemical Weapons Ban In Ukraine | world news

    The United States on Wednesday claimed that Russia is violating the international chemical weapons ban. The US accused Russia of using, chloropicrin, a choking agent on Ukrainian military and using riot control agents “as a method of warfare” in Ukraine.

    “The use of such chemicals is not an isolated incident and is probably driven by Russian forces’ desire to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and achieve tactical gains on the battlefield,” reported Reuters quoting the US State Department statement. Russia has violated the Chemical Weapons Convention’s (CWC) ban on employing riot control agents as a means of warfare, according to the statement.

    As per Reuters, the Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment, regarding these allegations.

    What is Chloropicrin?

    Last used during World War I, Chloropicrin has been designated as a prohibited choking agent by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), headquartered in The Hague. This organization was established to enforce and oversee adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) of 1993. During World War I, German forces deployed this gas against Allied troops, marking one of the earliest instances of chemical warfare.

    While civilians typically can evade riot control gases during protests, soldiers confined to trenches without protective masks must either retreat amid enemy gunfire or face the possibility of suffocation.

    Use Of Chemical Weapons

    As per a report by Reuters published earlier this month, The Ukrainian military claimed that Russia has intensified its offensive by increasing its illegal use of riot control agents while advancing in eastern Ukraine.

    Besides chloropicrin, Russian troops are reported to have employed grenades containing CS and CN gases. The Ukrainian military claims that over 500 of its soldiers have required treatment due to exposure to these toxic substances, with one casualty reportedly resulting from suffocation due to tear gas.

    Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

    The CWC prohibits making and using chemical weapons. It also tells all 193 countries that signed it, including Russia and the US, to get rid of any banned chemicals they have.

    The State Department was supposed to tell the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), its determination that Russia broke the CWC.

    Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for breaking the rules in meetings at the OPCW. But the OPCW says it hasn’t been asked to start looking into the use of banned stuff in Ukraine.

  • US Universities Rocked By Protests Amid Israel-Gaza Conflict; 282 Arrested

    The NYPD arrested a total of 282 individuals at Columbia University and the City College of New York, from Tuesday night until Wednesday morning.

  • Iran-Backed Militia Coalition Alleges US Airstrike Targets Base In Iraq

    Popular Mobilization Forces’ Kalsu base suffered an airstrike on Saturday injuring three members of the PMF.

  • Twitter Ban: Pakistan Imposes Curb On Elon Musk’s

    New Delhi: The Pakistan Interior Ministry informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the disruption of social media platform ‘X’ in the country aims to address concerns regarding its misuse, as reported by Dawn.

    Ministry’s Submission To The Court

    Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, representing the ministry, submitted a report to the IHC in response to journalist Ehtisham Abbasi’s petition challenging the ban. (Also Read: Viral Video: Zomato Boy Delivering Food On Harley-Davidson Surfaces Online — Watch)

    Background Of Ban

    Access to ‘X’ has been disrupted in Pakistan since February 17, following allegations made by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Chattha against the chief election commissioner and chief justice of Pakistan regarding rigging in the February 8 general elections. (Also Read: ‘Open To Anything,’ Says Microsoft Worker Who Was Laid Off After 3 Decades Of Service)

    Reasons for ban

    The interior ministry’s report cited the failure of Twitter/’X’ to comply with lawful directives and address concerns about misuse, leading to the imposition of the ban.

    The decision was made in the interest of national security, public order, and the country’s integrity, considering reports from intelligence and security agencies.

    Government’s Objective Of Ban

    The ban on ‘X’ aims to counter hostile elements seeking to create chaos and instability, with the ultimate goal of destabilizing Pakistan.

    The platform’s lack of registration and cooperation with Pakistani authorities necessitates regulatory measures to ensure accountability and adherence to national laws.

    Response From Rights Bodies And US

    Rights bodies, journalists’ organizations, and internet service providers have condemned the social media disruption. The United States called on Pakistan to lift restrictions on social media platforms.

    Court Proceedings

    The IHC has been overseeing the matter, with Chief Justice Aamer Farooq warning of further action if satisfactory reasons for the disruption are not provided. Additional hearings are scheduled, with the next hearing set for May 2.

    (With ANI Inputs)