.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png.8488ab72b8bb2e508209bfe3211b6e08.png)
-
Topics
-
-
Popular Contributors
-
Latest posts...
-
29
Thai Restaurant Sparks Outrage with Controversial 'Skinny Discount'
That's simple science 🙂 You eat food, your digestive system breaks it down. It's absorbed into your blood and thence to your cells where it is converted (in a chemical change with the oxygen that is in the air that you breath in) into ATP ('energy needed for staying alive, growing, running etc). But if your body doesn't need that ATP (because you are a lazy toe-rag who sits on the sofa all day), then since you can't destroy energy, it is stored as fat on your body. If your digestive system fails to diffuse all of your nutrients/fat/proteins/carbs etc into your blood, then indeed you will poop them out. But that is a medical disorder. -
0
Hezbollah Signals Willingness to Discuss Disarmament if Israel Withdraws from South Lebanon
Amid intensifying calls for Hezbollah to disarm, a senior official from the group has stated that it is willing to discuss its weapons with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun—on the condition that Israel withdraws its troops from five strategic hilltops in southern Lebanon and halts its airstrikes. This marks a significant shift in Hezbollah’s stance, which has long resisted disarmament, citing its arsenal as vital for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression. Key Developments Conditions for Talks: Hezbollah has expressed readiness to discuss its arms within the framework of a national defense strategy but insists that any dialogue hinges on Israel pulling out of the contested positions and ceasing its military strikes on Lebanese territory. Lebanese Government’s Initiative: President Aoun, who took office in January, has vowed to establish state control over all weapons in Lebanon and plans to open talks with Hezbollah soon, according to political sources. Hezbollah’s Weakening Position: The group emerged severely weakened from the 2024 war with Israel, losing top leaders, thousands of fighters, and much of its rocket arsenal. Background on Disarmament Calls The debate over Hezbollah’s arsenal has gained momentum following last year’s conflict with Israel and the ousting of its Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad. The ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S. requires the Lebanese army to dismantle unauthorized military facilities and confiscate arms south of the Litani River. While Hezbollah complied by withdrawing its armed presence from the area, Israeli airstrikes have continued, keeping pressure on the group. Critics argue that Hezbollah’s weapons undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and drag the country into conflicts unilaterally. The group counters that its arms are essential for resisting Israeli aggression and protecting Lebanese territory. Hezbollah’s Position The senior official emphasized that Hezbollah’s willingness to discuss disarmament is contingent on Israel fulfilling its obligations under the ceasefire agreement. “Hezbollah is ready to discuss the matter of its arms if Israel withdraws from the five points and halts its aggression against Lebanese,” he told Reuters. However, Hezbollah remains skeptical of Israel’s intentions, accusing it of using military pressure to push Lebanon toward normalizing relations—a move Hezbollah staunchly opposes. The group warned that if Israel continues its strikes and Lebanon fails to enforce the ceasefire terms politically, it may resort to alternative measures, hinting at renewed armed resistance. Regional Implications Israeli Perspective: Israel has largely withdrawn from southern Lebanon but retains control over five hilltop positions, citing security concerns. It has stated that these areas will eventually be handed over to Lebanese forces once stability is assured. U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire: The agreement requires both sides to comply with strict conditions, but ongoing Israeli strikes have strained its implementation. Washington continues to demand Hezbollah disarm while preparing for nuclear talks with Iran—Hezbollah’s primary backer. Iran’s Role: With supply lines via Syria cut due to Assad’s ouster, Hezbollah faces logistical challenges in maintaining its arsenal, further weakening its position as Iran’s most powerful regional proxy. Challenges Ahead The prospect of disarming Hezbollah raises fears of instability in Lebanon, where sectarian tensions remain high. Critics worry that forcing the group to surrender its weapons could reignite civil conflict or leave Lebanon vulnerable to external threats. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s insistence on linking disarmament talks to Israeli withdrawal complicates efforts to reach a resolution. President Aoun faces a delicate balancing act: asserting state authority while avoiding confrontation with Hezbollah, which retains significant political influence and support among Lebanon’s Shiite community despite recent losses in leadership and military strength. What’s Next? Negotiations: Talks between President Aoun and Hezbollah are expected soon but will likely hinge on progress toward Israeli withdrawal from contested areas in southern Lebanon. Ceasefire Compliance: The Lebanese army must continue dismantling unauthorized military infrastructure while managing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. Regional Stability: A resolution could reduce hostilities along the border but risks further escalation if either side fails to meet ceasefire conditions. Bottom Line Hezbollah’s willingness to discuss disarmament represents a potential opening for dialogue but remains fraught with challenges tied to regional dynamics and domestic politics. Whether these talks lead to meaningful progress or deepen divisions will depend largely on Israel’s actions and Lebanon’s ability to navigate this delicate issue. Compiled from various mainstream media reports 08.04.2025 -
64
Foreign Tourist Punches Thai Driver During Heated Argument in Phuket
What's worse, one big overweight foreigner hitting a small Somchai or five Somchai's hitting one foreigner? -
40
IPhones to Hit $3.5K? Trump Tariffs Spark Apple Revolt
During Covid I was balls deep into using margin loans. It was 1% or less. I don't do it now because of the volatility and the loan rate. Are you retarded? -
96
Trump Doesn't Understand How Stock Market Works
"The day Donald Trump fires Peter Navarro the stock market will soar" Even a South African hustler knows that. 😃 -
118
British Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport for 207-Day Visa Overstay
Exactly right….what’s the reason to detain her now?….Thai authorities not great decision makers
-
-
Popular in The Pub
-
ASEANNOW
ASEANNOW (formerly Thai Visa) Thailand's oldest and most popular forum for expats and foreigners.
Sign up today and have your say
MORE INFO
POPULAR AREAS
CONTACT US
219/59 Asoke Towers, 15th Floor, Soi Sukhumvit 21, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
(+66) 99 196 1100
support@aseannow.com
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now