Jump to content

Social Media

Global Moderator
  • Posts

    10,263
  • Joined

  • Last visited

4 Followers

About Social Media

Profile Information

  • Location
    Thailand

Previous Fields

  • Location
    Thailand

Recent Profile Visitors

28,415 profile views

Social Media's Achievements

Star Member

Star Member (12/14)

  • First Post
  • Posting Machine Rare
  • 10 Posts
  • Conversation Starter
  • One Year In

Recent Badges

13.4k

Reputation

  1. Title: BBC Faces Backlash Over Alleged Bias in Coverage of White Farmer Killings in South Africa The BBC has come under fire from South African businessman Robert Hersov, who accused the broadcaster of downplaying violence against white farmers in South Africa and exhibiting what he called a “Leftist” bias in its reporting. Hersov, a vocal critic of the African National Congress (ANC) and the current state of affairs in his home country, condemned the BBC for what he sees as one-sided journalism lacking in nuance. “There is no nuance in their coverage – they are just Leftist,” he said, adding that the organization “should be disbanded.” Hersov's comments come in response to a BBC article about a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. During their Oval Office meeting, Trump reportedly surprised Ramaphosa by dimming the lights and showing video clips he claimed proved the existence of a “genocide” against white farmers in South Africa. The BBC covered the incident under the headline “Ramaphosa keeps cool during Trump’s choreographed onslaught,” and dismissed the genocide claims as “discredited,” describing them as originating “among Right-wing groups” and circulated through “misleading information online.” In stark contrast, Hersov argued that Trump was “100 per cent right” in raising concerns. “What’s going on in South Africa, driven by the ANC, is evil, egregious, pernicious and a real threat not just to minorities in South Africa, but to Western civilisation,” he said. Citing crime statistics, he added, “It is three times more likely to be killed in South Africa being a farmer than being a policeman... the most dangerous job in South Africa by far is being a farmer.” He accused the ANC government of sweeping the issue under the rug by attributing it to general crime levels in the country. Trump’s claims were echoed by Elon Musk, who has also used social media to voice fears about a white genocide in South Africa. However, a South African high court ruled earlier this year that such claims are imaginary. During the White House meeting, Ramaphosa responded to Trump’s assertions by stating, “This is not government policy,” after viewing footage purportedly showing black South Africans singing “kill the Boer.” Despite Ramaphosa being flanked by Afrikaner billionaire Johann Rupert and former golfer Ernie Els, Hersov insisted that the ANC’s approach is fundamentally discriminatory. “The ANC, for 30 years, have destroyed South Africa’s economy, broken South Africa’s democracy,” he said. “Cyril Ramaphosa is 100 per cent responsible for the destruction of our economy and for the anti-white racism that is pervasive.” In a striking comparison, Hersov invoked the "10 stages of genocide" framework, suggesting that several of these stages are evident in South Africa today. “Even though there isn’t an extermination on a broader scale, like the Nazis with the Jews, a lot of what is happening has taken place not just against farmers, but against minorities. And not just against white minorities, but against whites, coloureds, Indians, Jews and Afrikaners,” he said. Trump’s administration took these concerns seriously, accepting 59 white South Africans as refugees earlier this month. Washington also expelled South Africa’s ambassador, accusing him of being a “race-baiting politician” who harbored animosity toward the U.S. and its then-president. Trump went further in his criticism, accusing the South African government of “taking people’s land” and allowing those individuals “to be executed. They’re being executed and they happen to be white, and most of them happen to be farmers, and that’s a tough situation.” While Trump’s stance was welcomed by some, experts in South Africa continue to argue that there is no specific campaign targeting white individuals. They point out that farmers of all races are frequent victims of violent crime in a country with one of the highest crime rates globally. Ramaphosa had hoped the Oval Office meeting would help repair strained U.S.–South Africa relations, which have hit a low not seen since the days of apartheid. The BBC has declined to comment on the criticism leveled against its coverage. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-24
  2. French Report Warns of Islamist Infiltration Threatening National Unity A newly released government-commissioned report has raised alarm in France over what it describes as a concerted effort by Islamist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, to infiltrate French republican institutions. Presented to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, the report warns of a growing phenomenon termed “entryism,” which it claims poses a significant threat to the cohesion of the French state. The report, authored by two senior civil servants, argues that Islamist activists are not merely creating parallel societies—a concern long debated under the concept of separatism—but are actively embedding themselves within the core structures of the Republic. According to an unnamed Élysée official speaking off the record, “There is a new phenomenon – entryism – which is different from separatism. Entryism means getting involved in republican infrastructure… in order to change it from the inside. It requires dissimulation… and it works from the bottom up.” President Macron, after convening his security cabinet, has asked his government to draft “new proposals” by early next month in response to the report’s conclusions. The move underscores the gravity with which the French government views the findings. Central to the report’s concern is the Federation of Muslims of France (FMF), which the authors identify as the principal French affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood. Founded a century ago, the Brotherhood originally sought to revive core Islamic values. Today, according to the report, its French offshoot controls 139 places of worship and has ties to an additional 68, representing around 7% of all mosques in France. The FMF also oversees approximately 280 associations involved in activities ranging from sports to education and charity, as well as 21 private schools. The report warns that these organizations are part of a strategic effort to build localized “ecosystems” that shape Muslim lives from birth to death. The authors write, “The movement’s officials, who are hardened activists, enter into a relationship with the local authority… Social norms – the veil, beards, dress, fasting – are gradually imposed as the ecosystem solidifies.” They note a troubling trend of increasingly strict religious observance, including a marked rise in young girls wearing Islamic dress such as the abaya and hijab. “Some are as young as five or six,” the report notes. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, newly elected leader of the conservative Les Républicains party, echoed the report’s concerns earlier this week. He warned of “below-the-radar Islamism trying to infiltrate institutions, whose ultimate aim is to tip the whole of French society under sharia law.” With municipal elections scheduled for next year, Retailleau expressed alarm at the possibility of Islamist-backed electoral lists making inroads into local government. Not all political figures are in agreement with the report’s implications. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon sharply criticized the reaction from Macron’s security cabinet, accusing it of embracing what he described as “delusional theories” associated with both Retailleau and far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen. “Islamophobia has crossed a line,” Mélenchon stated, warning that such rhetoric risked stoking fear and division. The authors of the report visited ten regions in France and four European countries during their investigation. They argue that the Muslim Brotherhood, facing diminished influence in the Middle East and North Africa, is now redirecting its efforts toward Europe. “Having given a Western look to the ideology in order to implant themselves in Europe,” the authors write, “(the Muslim Brotherhood) tries to lay down the roots of a Middle Eastern tradition while concealing a subversive fundamentalism.” They cite financial backing from Turkey and Qatar as instrumental in this shift. As France grapples with balancing religious freedom and secular values, the report is likely to intensify debate over how the state should respond to perceived Islamist threats without undermining the civil liberties of its Muslim population. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-05-24
  3. Trump Threatens Major Tariff Surge on EU Amid Trade Frustrations U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited transatlantic trade tensions by proposing a sweeping 50% tariff on goods from the European Union, warning that current negotiations have stalled and accusing the bloc of longstanding unfair trade practices. In a fiery post on Truth Social Friday morning, Trump expressed deep dissatisfaction with the trajectory of talks between Washington and Brussels. “Their powerful Trade Barriers, VAT Taxes, ridiculous Corporate Penalties, Non-Monetary Trade Barriers, Monetary Manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against American Companies, and more, have led to a Trade Deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable,” he wrote. He added, “Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore, I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025.” The European Commission did not immediately issue a formal response. Olof Gill, a spokesperson for the Commission, said they would withhold comment until after a scheduled call between European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The call was reported by Reuters to be set for 11 a.m. ET Friday. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has not responded to media requests for comment. Markets reacted swiftly to the announcement. Major European indexes plunged, with Germany’s DAX falling 2.6%, France’s CAC down 2.8%, and the UK’s FTSE slipping 1.3%. U.S. stock futures also dipped sharply, with futures tied to the Dow dropping over 600 points, or 1.4%. The proposed 50% tariff would more than double the 20% levy Trump previously implemented in April before pausing the measure to allow time for negotiations. That pause, set to expire on July 9, produced only one new agreement, with the United Kingdom, leaving broader EU talks unresolved. Trump has consistently criticized what he refers to as “non-monetary trade barriers” and has shown particular disdain for policies that result in the U.S. running a trade deficit. The former president often argues that the U.S. gets the short end of trade deals, particularly when the country imports more than it exports. Commerce Department data showed a $236 billion trade deficit between the U.S. and EU in 2023—less than the $250 billion Trump claimed but still significant. His objections also target EU taxes such as value-added taxes (VATs) and digital service taxes (DSTs). VATs are indirect taxes imposed on goods and services, and though they are refunded on exports from the EU, they are applied to imports, including those from the U.S. Trump argues this creates an imbalance in trade. DSTs have been another major sticking point. These taxes apply to the gross revenue generated by digital services companies operating within a country, regardless of their profitability. This tax model disproportionately impacts American tech giants like Meta, Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. A report from the Congressional Research Service last year underscored that U.S.-based firms bear the brunt of DSTs, raising concerns about digital trade discrimination. As Trump eyes a potential return to the White House, this bold tariff threat signals a return to aggressive trade policy tactics reminiscent of his first term. Whether this move forces a breakthrough in negotiations or triggers a full-blown trade war remains to be seen. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-05-24
  4. Medical Ethics Clash with Government Over Mandatory Chemical Castration Plans for Sex Offenders A proposed policy to enforce chemical castration on sex offenders has ignited a fierce debate among medical professionals, politicians, and advocacy groups, with many doctors warning they would refuse to comply with compulsory treatment orders. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood suggested mandatory medication to suppress sexual urges in paedophiles could have a "big and positive impact" and revealed the government is examining the legal pathways to enforce it. “We’re exploring all of the options,” said Alex Davies-Jones, the victims minister, noting one possibility includes sectioning offenders under the Mental Health Act to force hospital admission and treatment. “Another option is … that, currently, you could be sectioned for protecting the public or ensuring that there is public safety at the heart of this. There are options where this can be done and we are exploring all of those … We’re straining every sinew.” The concept of mandatory chemical castration, however, has drawn significant opposition from the medical community. Don Grubin, emeritus professor of forensic psychiatry at Newcastle University and a key figure in NHS England’s sexual arousal management programme, rejected the notion outright. “I don’t know quite how it would work and we certainly don’t support it,” Grubin told BBC Radio 4’s World at One. “We’ve always resisted suggestions for mandatory prescribing whenever they’ve been raised. We’ve always structured the programme as treating a health condition, helping patients manage sexual arousal. And that’s very much why I think it’s been effective — because the individuals who are taking the medication want to reduce the risk.” Grubin emphasized that such an approach would fundamentally alter the doctor-patient relationship. “There’d be a lot of resistance from doctors because you’d be asking them really to prescribe not to patients but to reduce risk for society. So they become, in fact, agents of social control, which is something that we’ve always resisted.” Currently, a pilot scheme in eight prisons allows 34 offenders to voluntarily take libido-reducing drugs. Mahmood announced the program will expand to two more regions, ultimately encompassing 20 prisons. Despite this controlled rollout, critics remain skeptical of enforcing treatment without consent. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, labeled the government’s announcement a “gimmick,” accusing it of diverting attention from controversial sentencing reforms that allow early release for many serious offenders. He described the proposals as a “recipe for a crime wave” and a “‘get out of jail free’ card for dangerous criminals.” He further argued, “Starmer cannot mandate chemical castration without ripping up human rights legislation. Pigs will fly before that happens.” Families of crime victims have also voiced strong opposition. The parents of Sarah Everard joined the Justice for Victims group in condemning the sentencing policy changes, stating there “isn’t any excuse for letting the worst offenders get out of prison even earlier.” Dame Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner, added that the proposed changes send “a clear message to domestic abusers that they can offend with little consequence,” while the Suzy Lamplugh Trust warned of increased risks to stalking victims. Despite the storm of controversy, some authorities support expanding voluntary chemical castration. The head of the Prison Officers’ Association claimed successful outcomes and reported no issues administering the drugs. Former justice secretary David Gauke, who previously conducted a sentencing review, argued that voluntary treatment offers potential. “I had come across sex offenders who were desperate to rid themselves of sexual desires,” he said, noting that “they were very keen to be able to take chemical suppressants to try to reduce those urges.” While weight-loss medications are also being considered for their potential to curb addictive behaviors, critics like the Prison Reform Trust maintain that forced treatment raises “clear ethical considerations,” with CEO Pia Sinha warning of the “invidious” position such mandates could place doctors in. The debate over mandatory chemical castration continues to highlight the complex intersection of criminal justice, medical ethics, and public safety. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-24
  5. Blurring Reality: Google's Veo 3 Unleashes Hyperrealistic AI-Generated Videos Google’s latest leap in artificial intelligence has sparked awe, admiration, and alarm. The tech giant’s new video generator, Veo 3, is producing clips so realistic that many viewers online cannot tell them apart from content made by actual filmmakers and human actors. The realism is so striking that it’s unsettling audiences and reigniting debates about what it means for art, authorship, and the future of film. Veo 3, revealed at the recent Google I/O event, is available to subscribers of Google AI Ultra for $249 per month in the United States. Unlike previous AI tools, such as OpenAI’s Sora, Veo 3 adds another dimension to synthetic media by integrating dialogue, soundtracks, and sound effects into its productions. It follows complex prompts with a precision that surprises even seasoned creators, generating sequences that obey real-world physics and feature accurate lip-syncing and human-like continuity. The results are impressively lifelike—down to actors having exactly five fingers per hand. Filmmaker and molecular biologist Hashem Al-Ghaili recently demonstrated Veo 3’s capabilities in a now-viral post on X. In a chilling sequence of short films, AI-generated actors deliver dramatic monologues criticizing their digital existence and the creators who brought them into being. Viewers were stunned—not just by the emotional depth of the scenes, but by the indistinguishably human expressions, tone, and presence of these entirely synthetic characters. This isn’t just a step forward in video production—it’s a seismic shift. “It feels like it’s almost building upon itself,” said filmmaker Dave Clark in a promotional video for Flow, a new platform that incorporates Veo 3. The comment reflects the growing unease among professionals who see Veo 3 not merely as a tool but as a creative entity evolving on its own. Google claims that the development of Veo 3 was deeply informed by feedback from filmmakers and content creators. While some are embracing the technology as a means to expand artistic boundaries, others remain skeptical. For many artists, the proliferation of these videos is disheartening. The authenticity of craft is being challenged by code and datasets, and the line between creative genius and algorithmic output grows thinner by the day. Critics have already started questioning the originality of Veo 3’s outputs. 404 Media reported that multiple users received the exact same unoriginal dad joke when prompting the tool to generate a stand-up comedy routine. Similarly, tech reviewer Marques Brownlee noted eerie similarities between Sora-generated videos and his own YouTube setup, suggesting these tools may be trained on specific real-world media without clear disclosure or consent. Despite the controversy, AI analyst Ethan Mollick believes Veo 3 could find practical applications in marketing and commercial media. But broader concerns linger. Who owns AI-generated art? What rights do the “faces” in the videos have, if any? How can consent be managed when the actors are not real? As tools like Veo 3 continue to evolve and democratize hyperrealistic video creation, society is only beginning to grapple with the ethical, legal, and artistic implications. The film industry faces a complex future where the boundaries between reality and simulation, creator and machine, may no longer be clear—or even relevant. Adapted by ASEAN Now from AXIOS 2025-05-24
  6. Trump Urges Starmer to Abandon Wind Power in Favor of North Sea Oil Donald Trump has called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ditch his government’s support for wind energy and instead focus on ramping up fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea. In a typically outspoken post on his TruthSocial platform, the former U.S. president suggested that the United Kingdom should move away from what he described as “costly and unsightly windmills” and embrace offshore oil drilling to reduce its energy bills. “Our negotiated deal with the United Kingdom is working out well for all,” Trump wrote, referring to the recently finalized trade agreement between the two countries. “I strongly recommend to them, however, that in order to get their energy costs down, they stop with the costly and unsightly windmills, and incentivize modernized drilling in the North Sea, where large amounts of oil lay waiting to be taken.” Trump claimed that there is “a century of drilling left” and proposed Aberdeen as a strategic hub for this renewed fossil fuel effort. He also took aim at the UK’s existing tax system, saying it discourages drilling activity. “The old fashioned tax system disincentivizes drilling, rather than the opposite. UK’s Energy Costs would go WAY DOWN, and fast!” he added. His comments come at a time when the UK is seeing some relief in energy prices. Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, recently announced a 7 percent decrease in household energy bills starting in July. This means the average annual bill will drop by £129 to £1,720. Despite the decrease, energy costs remain substantially higher than in previous years. Ofgem noted that the level of bills in July will still be £152 more than during the same period last year. The regulator has also encouraged consumers to shop around, with some households potentially saving up to £200 a year by switching to cheaper tariffs. Trump’s comments are likely to stir political debate in the UK, where energy policy is a key part of the Labour government’s strategy to transition toward net-zero emissions. Starmer’s administration has supported a mix of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, as part of its broader climate agenda. However, with energy prices remaining high and North Sea reserves still substantial, Trump’s remarks may resonate with those advocating for greater energy independence and lower costs. As the energy conversation continues, Trump’s remarks have injected a provocative new angle, challenging the UK's green ambitions with a blunt call to return to fossil fuels. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-24
  7. UK Police Urge Vigilance Among Jewish Community Following Washington DC Attack Following a deadly anti-Semitic attack in Washington DC, British authorities are urging members of the Jewish community in London to remain alert and cautious. The Metropolitan Police issued a public warning after two Israeli embassy staff were killed near the US capital’s Jewish museum by a man reportedly shouting “Free Palestine.” “We understand why the awful attack on the Jewish community in Washington DC on Wednesday evening will undoubtedly have increased concerns among Jewish Londoners,” said a Metropolitan Police spokesman. “It comes at a time when many are already increasingly worried about their safety.” Although Scotland Yard emphasized there is no intelligence indicating a direct threat to London stemming from the Washington incident, it underscored the importance of vigilance. “There is nothing to indicate that events in Washington have specifically increased the risk or threat here in London, but they are a reminder of the ever-present need to be vigilant. Our message to Jewish Londoners remains the same – please be alert, but do not be alarmed,” the spokesman continued. “If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it.” The Metropolitan Police also noted an uptick in anti-Semitic hate crimes since October 7, 2023, alongside persistent concerns over extremism and terrorism. In response, officers have increased their engagement with Jewish communities and are coordinating with organizations like the Community Security Trust (CST) to provide reassurance and a more visible security presence in areas with large Jewish populations. The CST, which supports and protects Jews in the UK from threats of terrorism and anti-Semitism, echoed the call for vigilance. “CST condemns the terrorist murder of two Israeli embassy staff outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. Our thoughts are with their family and colleagues at this awful time,” the organization said in a statement. “This kind of terrorism is a global threat to all Jewish communities that has risen significantly since Oct 7, and it is the reason why there is so much security across the Jewish community in the UK.” Reiterating its commitment to community safety, the CST said, “CST will continue working tirelessly with the police, government and other partners to enable a safe, proud Jewish way of life in this country.” The organization regularly advises community members to secure buildings, remain aware of suspicious behavior, avoid lingering outside communal venues, and be cautious of "tailgating," where someone follows closely behind to gain unauthorized access to buildings. Security measures across Jewish institutions in the UK have reportedly been heightened since Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks and have remained stringent. Recent incidents in the UK underscore the elevated tensions. On May 15, Rico House in Prestwich, a Jewish-owned office block, was targeted by Palestine Action. Red paint was splashed on its facade, and graffiti reading “Happy Nakba Day” was left on the building, referencing the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. In another incident, a man was arrested in April after allegedly attempting to break into the Israeli embassy in west London while armed with a knife. According to the CST, the UK saw 3,528 anti-Semitic incidents last year, marking the second-highest total ever recorded. More than half of those incidents in 2024—approximately 1,844—have featured rhetoric linked to the Middle East conflict. The phrase “Free Palestine” appeared in at least 355 cases, reportedly used in a hostile manner against Jewish people or institutions purely based on their Jewish identity. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Telegraph 2025-05-24
  8. Comer Demands Testimony from Biden’s Doctor and Former Aides Amid Questions of Mental Fitness Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, is intensifying scrutiny over President Biden’s mental capacity, calling for interviews with five former White House aides and the president’s personal physician. In a statement released Thursday, Comer accused members of the Biden administration of covering up what he described as a noticeable cognitive decline in the president. “The American people deserve to know when this decline began, how far it progressed, and who was making critical decisions on his behalf,” Comer stated. His request specifically targets Dr. Kevin O’Connor, President Biden’s physician; Neera Tanden, former Director of the Domestic Policy Council; and former White House assistants Anthony Bernal, Annie Tomasini, and Ashley Williams. Comer is also questioning key executive actions that he claims may have been signed with an autopen — a device used to reproduce a signature — while the president was allegedly unable to execute his duties. “Key executive actions signed by autopen, such as sweeping pardons for the Biden Crime Family, must be examined considering President Biden’s diminished capacity,” Comer said. These requests come as the House Oversight Committee prepares to hold hearings examining Biden’s cognitive abilities and his reported use of autopen signatures throughout his presidency. A group of Senate Republicans has joined the push, urging testimony from Biden officials to address what they characterize as a coordinated effort to hide the president’s mental struggles. Both President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have pushed back firmly against reports alleging significant cognitive decline. Despite their denials, several journalists and former staffers have emerged with claims suggesting that Biden displayed signs of mental lapses during his time in office. A particularly contentious point centers around a two-day interview between Biden and former special counsel Robert Hur. While a transcript was eventually released, the Biden administration blocked the Justice Department from making the audio available to the public. Special counsel Hur concluded his investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents by describing the president as a “well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” That description has since been cited by critics as evidence supporting concerns about Biden’s cognitive health. Adding fuel to the debate, Axios recently published leaked audio reportedly from the Hur interview. The clip includes extended pauses and verbal stumbles that Comer claims render the president incapable of fulfilling his duties. “After reviewing the clip, it’s clear President Biden wasn’t capable of making decisions and became incoherent,” Comer asserted. Comer has formally requested that the five individuals testify before the Oversight Committee on June 18. The scrutiny over Biden’s mental state comes at a politically sensitive time, as public attention has turned to the president’s age and competence in the lead-up to the 2024 election. The release of two high-profile political books has only heightened interest. CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson co-authored Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again, while Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by The Hill’s Amie Parnes and NBC’s Jonathan Allen also delves into Biden’s recent years in office. Both books reportedly raise new concerns about the president’s ability to continue leading the country. As the June hearings approach, the political and public spotlight on President Biden’s mental fitness is likely to intensify, with Republicans pressing for greater transparency and accountability from those closest to the president during his term. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Hill 2025-05-24
  9. Some off topic and inflammatory posts about Israeli and the Israeli flag have been removed. The topic here is: Kneecap Rapper Liam O’Hanna Faces Terrorism Charge Over Hezbollah Flag Display
  10. A post making a false equivalence to the Holocaust has been removed.
  11. Brussels is calling on the United Kingdom to allow up to half a million young Europeans to live and work in Britain as part of a proposed "youth experience scheme" negotiated under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s post-Brexit reset agenda. The EU’s demands significantly exceed the UK government’s intended cap and have sparked fears of a renewed political storm over migration. Sir Keir Starmer has agreed in principle to a reciprocal youth mobility scheme with the EU, allowing adults aged up to 30 to work and study in Britain, while offering the same opportunity to young Britons across the continent. However, while UK ministers are aiming to limit the number of EU nationals entering the country through this route to below 100,000, Brussels appears to have other ideas. An EU official speaking to The Times argued that the scheme should mirror the scale of the UK’s existing arrangement with Australia. But since the EU’s population is vastly larger — roughly 450 million compared to Australia’s 26 million — this would equate to potentially admitting around 500,000 young Europeans. “Are Australians better than Europeans? If the same model applies, then the numbers would have to be much higher or it would be hurtful,” the official said. “What is the British problem with our young people, our children?” Such a scale would undoubtedly ignite fresh controversy over immigration at a time when the Prime Minister is under growing pressure to reduce net migration, which surged under the previous Conservative government. EU member states had demanded a youth mobility scheme in exchange for the Prime Minister's desire for closer post-Brexit defence and trade ties with the bloc. Following Monday's UK-EU summit in London, it was announced that both sides would 'co-operate further' on establishing such a scheme. But Downing Street last night insisted the Government had set a series of 'red lines' for those continuing discussions. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-23
  12. Trump Concedes Putin Unwilling to End Ukraine War, But Holds Back on Sanctions In a private conversation with European leaders earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not prepared to end the war in Ukraine—a stark departure from his previous public statements. According to three individuals familiar with the exchange, Trump told European counterparts during a Monday call that Putin believes he is winning the war and thus sees no reason to pursue peace. This candid admission marked a significant shift in tone for Trump, who has often portrayed Putin as a potential partner for peace. For European leaders, the statement was less a revelation than a confirmation of what they had long suspected. However, hearing it directly from Trump for the first time added weight to their ongoing diplomatic concerns. The White House declined to comment officially on the conversation but pointed to a social-media post by Trump on Monday, in which he characterized his call with Putin as positive. “The tone and spirit of the conversation were excellent. If it wasn’t, I would say so now,” Trump wrote. Despite his newfound understanding of Putin’s reluctance to end the conflict, Trump has not taken the tougher stance that European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been urging. In a call with European leaders on Sunday, prior to his two-hour conversation with Putin, Trump had floated the possibility of imposing sanctions on Russia should Putin refuse to agree to a cease-fire. However, by Monday, he had reversed course, expressing instead a desire to initiate lower-level peace talks between Russia and Ukraine at the Vatican. The Monday call, which included Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, was the culmination of an intensive European diplomatic push to persuade Trump to apply pressure on Putin. While the effort failed to convince Trump to enact new sanctions, European leaders saw value in the exchange. It served to clarify Trump's position and reinforced their belief that Putin has no intention of ending the war for now. “This isn’t my war,” Trump told reporters following his conversation with Putin. “We got ourselves entangled in something we shouldn’t have been involved in.” Despite the lack of direct U.S. action, European officials remain cautiously optimistic that the U.S. will not obstruct the continued flow of weapons to Ukraine, provided that either European nations or Ukraine bear the financial burden. According to those familiar with the situation, there is little concern among European leaders that the Trump administration would block arms shipments under those conditions. On Sunday’s call with European heads of state—including Macron, Merz, Meloni, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer—Trump had suggested he would send Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Keith Kellogg to participate in the upcoming peace talks in the Vatican. However, by Monday, he appeared less committed to any concrete U.S. role in the discussions, according to a person briefed on the call. The proposed negotiations at the Vatican are expected to commence in mid-June, with hopes that even a limited dialogue might lead to some form of diplomatic progress. Yet with Putin showing no signs of retreat and Trump hesitant to escalate pressure, European leaders now find themselves increasingly responsible for shaping the path forward in Ukraine. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Wall Street Journal 2025-05-23
  13. Donald Trump Jr Hints at Possible Presidential Bid: ‘That Calling Is There’ During an appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum, Donald Trump Jr. suggested he may one day run for president, acknowledging a potential future in American political leadership while maintaining a tone of cautious ambiguity. The 47-year-old son of U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the possibility when prompted by a panel moderator during a public conversation, sparking interest with his candid and reflective response. “So the answer is I don’t know, maybe one day,” Trump Jr. said when asked if he would consider stepping into his father’s political shoes. “You know, that calling is there. I’ll always be very active in terms of being a vocal proponent of these things. I think my father has truly changed the Republican Party.” His remarks suggest a continuing engagement in conservative political discourse, even if a formal candidacy remains uncertain. Trump Jr.'s comments came during a session alongside Omeed Malik, founder of 1789 Capital. The discussion touched on politics and policy, offering a glimpse into Trump Jr.'s evolving role in public life. When the moderator asked whether he would “pick up the reins” after his father’s eventual departure from the political stage, his initial reaction drew a mix of humor and humility. “Here we go. Well… oh boy,” he said, eliciting faint applause from the audience. “It’s an honor to be asked and an honor to see that some people are okay with it,” he added. Trump Jr. went on to joke about the applause, remarking that it came from “the couple of people we know,” a light-hearted acknowledgment of the mixed reactions his political ambitions can evoke. While he stopped short of announcing any future campaign plans, Trump Jr.’s comments add fuel to ongoing speculation about his potential aspirations. His public persona has evolved in recent years from businessman to outspoken political figure, often defending his father’s legacy and promoting America First policies. His statement that “the calling is there” hints at a deeper internal consideration, even as he remains noncommittal. For now, he continues to play the role of a vocal supporter of conservative values, signaling that regardless of whether he seeks elected office, he intends to remain an influential figure within Republican circles. The moment at the Qatar Economic Forum was a revealing one—part jest, part genuine reflection—that underscored Donald Trump Jr.'s awareness of his political presence and the possibility of an even larger role in the future. Adapted by ASEAN Now from USA Today 2025-05-23
  14. Discovery of Radiation-Resistant Bacteria Aboard China's Space Station Could Transform Deep Space Travel A newly discovered strain of bacteria found aboard China's Tiangong Space Station may hold the key to unlocking safer and longer human journeys into deep space. Scientists say this microbe, with an unusual resistance to radiation and environmental stress, could greatly support astronaut health and spacecraft maintenance during extended missions beyond Earth. The strain, a variant of Niallia, was identified on the surface of hardware on the space station by Chinese taikonauts in May 2023. The findings were recently published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, marking a significant advancement in understanding microbial life in outer space. According to the published report, “Understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and maintaining the functionality of spacecraft.” This discovery is especially timely as space agencies around the world plan increasingly ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Bacteria in space are exposed to extreme conditions such as microgravity, high radiation levels, and a scarcity of nutrients. Only the most robust strains can survive these hostile environments, and studying them provides crucial insights into both risk management and potential resource utilization in space missions. The newly identified strain closely resembles Niallia circulans, a species commonly found on Earth. However, it distinguishes itself through its impressive resistance to radiation and oxidative stress, two of the most pressing biological threats in space. What makes this strain particularly remarkable is its “unique ability” to hydrolyze gelatine—a capability that could become extremely useful when nutrients are in short supply. The discovery has implications that extend well beyond theoretical interest. Learning how this bacterium survives and thrives under space conditions could lead to the development of biological tools or shielding techniques that protect astronauts from harmful radiation. Additionally, its capacity to break down certain compounds in nutrient-poor settings could assist in bio-recycling or even food production in closed space systems. By isolating and studying this bacteria, scientists hope to better understand how life adapts to space, potentially unlocking innovations in biotechnology and space medicine. The authors of the report emphasize that research into microbial behavior is critical for not just contamination control, but also for building sustainable life support systems for long-duration spaceflights. As humanity prepares for the next great leap into deep space, the discovery of this resilient strain of Niallia may represent a small but vital step toward making interplanetary travel safer and more feasible. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Sky News 2025-05-23
×
×
  • Create New...