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Good fortune: PM Paetongtarn’s assets exceed 13 billion baht
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Antony Blinken’s Challenging Tenure: Defending Diplomacy Amid Crisis
Four years ago, after the upheaval of the Trump administration, President Joe Biden entered office with a promise to restore alliances and uphold democracy. The responsibility for executing this vision on the global stage fell to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a seasoned diplomat and close Biden confidant with two decades of collaboration with the president. Their message to allies and adversaries alike was clear: a stable and predictable era of American leadership was on the horizon. However, Blinken’s tenure quickly became a trial by fire. The chaotic and widely criticized withdrawal from Afghanistan marked a difficult start. This was soon overshadowed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that presented a generational challenge to global stability. More recently, Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza further plunged the region into turmoil, with ripple effects destabilizing both international and domestic political climates. Despite these challenges, Blinken has remained steadfast in advocating Biden’s vision of strong, proactive diplomacy as the solution to the world’s most pressing issues. "We continue to believe that the quickest way, the most effective way to have an enduring end to Gaza is through an agreement on a cease-fire that brings the hostages home. The two biggest impediments to getting that over the finish line — and we’ve been so close on several occasions and as we speak today, we’re also very close — there have been two major impediments, and they both go to what drives Hamas. One has been whenever there has been public daylight between the United States and Israel and the perception that pressure was growing on Israel, we’ve seen it: Hamas has pulled back from agreeing to a cease-fire and the release of hostages. And so there are times when what we say in private to Israel where we have a disagreement is one thing, and what we’re doing or saying in public may be another. But that’s in no small measure because with this daylight, the prospects of getting the hostage and cease-fire deal over the finish line become more distant." As Biden’s administration nears its conclusion, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East persist, showing no clear path to resolution. The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House raises further uncertainty. A new Trump administration is expected to adopt a markedly different approach, retreating from the alliances and international institutions that Blinken and Biden have worked to strengthen. This oscillation in American foreign policy has left observers questioning the country’s reliability and its evolving role in the global order. Throughout these turbulent years, Blinken has remained committed to the ideals of diplomacy and international cooperation. His efforts have underscored the complexities of balancing immediate crises with long-term strategic goals. The legacy of his tenure, like the administration he serves, will likely be judged in the context of these extraordinary challenges and the outcomes they yield. Antony Blinken Says the War in Gaza Won’t Define His Legacy Based on a report by NYT 2024-01-06 -
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Tammy Bruce Ex Fox News Joins Trump's State Department as Spokesperson
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that former Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce will soon be joining his State Department. Bruce is set to work alongside Marco Rubio, the nominee for United States Secretary of State, as the new Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State. “It is my great honor to announce that Tammy Bruce will be joining our incredible Nominee for United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State,” Trump shared on his social media platform, Truth Social. Bruce had been a contributor at Fox News until Friday, a role she held since joining the network in 2005. She is also an accomplished author of several books. A Fox News spokesperson confirmed Bruce’s departure, stating, “Tammy Bruce has been an extremely valued contributor at FOX News Media for nearly 20 years, and we wish her all the best in her new role.” Trump praised Bruce, calling her a “highly respected political analyst” who had firsthand experience with “the lies and fraud of the Radical Left.” According to her bio on Fox News, Bruce was once a registered Democrat and was involved in several left-wing political campaigns during the 1990s. She later transitioned to using her experience as a liberal community organizer to oppose and expose the leftist agenda. Previously, she led the National Organization for Women. “As one of the longest-serving News Contributors, Tammy has brought TRUTH to the American People for over two decades,” Trump wrote. “I know she will bring that same strength of conviction and fearless spirit to her new position as State Department Spokesperson.” Bruce joins a growing list of former Fox News personalities who have been appointed to positions in Trump’s incoming administration, including Sean Duffy, Pete Hegseth, Janette Nesheiwat, and Monica Crowley. Notably, Bruce’s new role does not require Senate confirmation. Based on a report by The Hill 2024-01-06 -
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Elon Musk: ‘Don’t Engage with the Troll’
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently shared his thoughts on handling tech mogul Elon Musk, who has been exchanging sharp comments with German politicians. Scholz advised against engaging with Musk, suggesting it is better not to “feed the troll.” “There are a lot of people on social media who want to attract attention with snappy slogans,” Scholz said during an interview with the German magazine *Stern*, published on Saturday. “I don’t believe in courting Mr. Musk’s favor,” he added, “I’m happy to leave that to others.” Scholz further emphasized that as a Social Democrat, he is accustomed to dealing with wealthy media entrepreneurs who do not appreciate Social Democratic policies and openly express their disdain. His remarks came amidst an ongoing back-and-forth with Musk, a tech billionaire closely allied with President-elect Donald Trump. Musk, recently appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, has used his social media platform to mock Scholz, referring to him as “Oaf Schitz” and predicting his defeat in the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 23. This jab came shortly after Musk wrote an op-ed in the German newspaper *Welt am Sonntag*, where he expressed strong support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), led by Alice Weidel. In the op-ed, Musk criticized Germany's bureaucracy and regulatory overreach, endorsing AfD’s immigration policies. Following the publication of Musk’s op-ed, the German government accused him of interfering in the country's electoral process. However, they downplayed his efforts to boost support for the AfD, stating that “freedom of expression also includes the greatest nonsense.” In his New Year’s address, Scholz subtly responded to Musk’s provocations, saying, “In our debates, one can be forgiven for sometimes thinking the more extreme an opinion is, the more attention it will garner.” Scholz expressed greater concern over Musk’s support for the AfD, a party with elements that are right-wing extremist, promote reconciliation with Putin’s Russia, and seek to weaken transatlantic relations. “It’s much more worrying than such insults,” Scholz told *Stern*. Musk, who has been increasingly involved in U.S. politics, backing Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign with a significant financial contribution of at least $250 million, is set to speak with Weidel, the AfD leader, on January 9 via his platform, X. Germany is heading into its February election amidst political turmoil, following the collapse of Scholz's coalition in November. Based on a report by The Hill 2024-01-06 -
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Bill Maher Critiques the 'Crazies' on the Woke Left and the State of U.S. Politics
Bill Maher has not held back his criticism of the "crazies" within the Democratic Party, making his views clear during a recent interview with the *Wall Street Journal*. Known for his sharp wit and unapologetic commentary, Maher explained why his comedy increasingly targets the left, despite being a lifelong Democrat. “You’re damn right I do, because you give me more material,” Maher said when asked about his satirical focus on the left. “I’m a comedian. I’m going to go where the gold is.” He emphasized the unique power of humor in political discourse, stating, “I think humor is one of the best avenues to get at the truth, maybe the best, especially in politics. When someone laughs, it is involuntary. So you can make the audience admit that they agree with you even if they really don’t want to.” Maher criticized the left’s inability to tolerate differing viewpoints, agreeing with the interviewer’s observation that the “woke” often fail to laugh at themselves. “This is one of the issues I have with the left,” he remarked. “They can’t stand to have to endure a moment of hearing something they don’t already agree with. Not that the right doesn’t do it, too, but the left does it worse.” He also addressed backlash from his liberal friends regarding his decision to host conservative guests on his show, such as Ann Coulter. “‘I had liberal friends who just couldn’t stand that. Just think about what this is,’” Maher said, pausing for effect. “‘That’s people who hate me for who I won’t hate.’” He repeated for emphasis, “‘People who hate me for who I won’t hate.’” When asked why many on the left struggle to engage civilly with those they disagree with, Maher attributed it to virtue signaling. “It’s in their psychological profile. They just have this need for virtue signaling, and to have their friends—and I guess everybody on social media—think of them as the good people. ‘We’re the good people. We know who’s good. And it’s us.’” Despite his criticism, Maher dispelled rumors of switching political allegiances. “Many Republicans say, ‘Maybe we could get Bill Maher.’ No, you can’t. What you can get is Bill Maher being honest about the left. I’m not going to join your team that doesn’t believe in democracy.” However, Maher acknowledged the appeal of the Republican Party to some voters, explaining, “There are voters who are not particularly enamored with Trump, not blind to his many flaws, but they just feel that the crazy on the left is somehow worse. I don’t agree with them, but I get it. I don’t hate them for voting for him.” Maher also critiqued the younger generation for what he perceives as a lack of perspective, particularly those educated at elite universities. “They have no idea, no perspective. Of course, if they’ve gone to elite universities, i.e., a—h— factories, they’ve been indoctrinated into this idea that they live in the worst country in the world at the worst time in history, when actually they live in, with all our flaws, still probably the best, with definitely indisputably the best time in history.” While Maher called for a “metaphorical colonic” for the country, he rejected the notion that America needs a revolution. “I like America. America does not need a revolution,” he said, pushing back against extremist rhetoric. Maher expressed concern that Democrats risk losing elections by failing to connect with voters. “They often say, when they lose elections, ‘We didn’t get our message out.’ Yes, you did. They just didn’t like it. You got it out loud and clear.” Concluding with his signature bluntness, Maher turned his sights on Vice President Kamala Harris, declaring, “You lost a crazy contest to an actual crazy person. Congratulations.” Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-06 -
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Labour Faces Accusations of Election Manipulation Amid Controversial Proposals
Labour has been accused of attempting to manipulate the next general election by proposing significant changes to voting laws. Critics claim the proposed reforms could dismantle safeguards against voter fraud and extend voting rights to millions of foreign nationals, potentially securing a Labour majority in future elections. Speculation in Westminster suggests Labour ministers are planning sweeping electoral reforms. Among the most contentious proposals is a move to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds, a change that could be enacted through legislation expected later this year. Adding to the controversy, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), a think-tank aligned with Labour, has recommended relaxing or removing the requirement for voters to present photographic identification, a measure introduced in 2022 to prevent voter fraud and intimidation. The IPPR argues that easing photo ID rules could increase voter turnout among marginalized groups, such as renters and non-graduates. The think-tank's report warns that ignoring political inequality would harm the Government's legitimacy, stating, “Letting current trends in political inequality play out would be an obvious act of self-harm for this Government.” Another divisive suggestion from the IPPR involves granting voting rights to approximately five million foreign nationals who are permanent taxpaying residents in the UK. Currently, voting rights are restricted to citizens of the UK, Ireland, and Commonwealth nations. The IPPR’s report highlights, “Around five million permanent taxpaying residents of the UK do not have the right to vote in its elections… There is clear need for a wider political conversation about the notion of citizenship and voting rights in the UK.” Additionally, the report proposes automatically registering voters before their 16th birthdays, potentially adding 700,000 young people to the electoral register annually. The combination of these changes could significantly alter the electorate, with critics arguing the reforms disproportionately benefit Labour. The proposals have sparked fierce backlash from Conservative MPs. Nigel Huddleston, co-chairman of the Conservative Party, accused Labour of attempting to undermine the electoral process. “This is nothing more than a shameless attempt by Labour to rig elections in its favour and turn a blind eye to electoral fraud,” Huddleston said. “It is no surprise that Labour has resorted to dirty tricks to improve its chances of electoral success and try to distract people away from its failures. In six short months in power, it has trashed the economy, whacked up taxes, and cut the winter fuel payment for 10 million vulnerable pensioners.” The controversy has also reignited scrutiny of the IPPR, a think-tank with a storied history of influencing Labour policy. Once dubbed “Tony Blair’s favourite think-tank,” the IPPR played a pivotal role during the New Labour era. Today, it wields significant influence over Sir Keir Starmer’s administration. The Prime Minister has appointed former IPPR executive director Carys Roberts and policy expert Rachel Statham to advisory roles, signaling the think-tank’s continued sway in shaping Labour’s agenda. As the debate over electoral reforms intensifies, questions remain about the broader implications for democracy and the balance of power in the UK. Critics argue the proposed changes represent a dangerous precedent, while supporters contend they are necessary to modernize the voting system and promote inclusivity. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-06 -
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The Looming Economic Storm in Europe
Europe stands on the brink of an economic apocalypse, with its longstanding prosperity under siege from stagnation, dwindling competitiveness, and the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. As Mario Draghi starkly warned in a recent report, this is “an existential challenge” for the continent. Historically, Europe thrived on innovation and a robust economic model underpinned by its eastern expansion and strong trade relationships with the U.S. and Asia. Yet, the once-firm foundations of this prosperity now show alarming cracks. With China’s economic boom losing steam and U.S.-Europe trade relations clouded by rising tensions, Europe’s economic trajectory appears increasingly precarious. The challenges could escalate dramatically under a second Trump presidency. His administration has already hinted at imposing punitive tariffs on European goods, from Bordeaux wine to luxury Italian suits. Trump’s persistent demand for NATO allies to contribute more financially to their own defense adds another strain. European governments, already grappling with soaring deficits and declining tax revenues, face the prospect of deeper financial and political turmoil. Europe’s woes, however, go beyond external pressures. At its core, the continent faces a troubling truth: it has become an “innovation desert.” Despite a storied history of transformative inventions—from the automobile to modern pharmaceuticals—Europe has ceded ground in global innovation. Christine Lagarde, speaking at Paris’s historic Collège des Bernardins, cautioned that Europe’s cherished social model is at risk unless the region swiftly adapts. “Otherwise, we will not be able to generate the wealth we will need to meet our rising spending needs to ensure our security, combat climate change and protect the environment,” she said. The statistics paint a grim picture. Europe’s global tech presence is paltry, with only four of the world’s top 50 tech firms hailing from the continent. In the automotive sector, despite accounting for over 40% of global R&D spending, European carmakers missed the electric vehicle revolution. Germany’s auto giants, for instance, focused on optimizing diesel engines while companies like Tesla and Chinese manufacturers dominated the electric vehicle market. This failure has led to significant repercussions, including Volkswagen’s decision to shutter some German plants for the first time in its history. Compounding the issue is Europe’s chronic underinvestment in emerging technologies. IMF data reveals that U.S. tech companies spend over twice as much on R&D as their European counterparts, resulting in a 40% productivity surge in the U.S. tech sector since 2005, compared to stagnation in Europe. Lagarde succinctly captured the problem: “Europe is falling behind in emerging technologies that will drive future growth.” This economic malaise extends beyond tech and cars. European industries face mounting competition from China in areas like machinery and trains, sectors where the region once held dominance. Meanwhile, social spending in many EU nations is unsustainable under current economic conditions. France, for example, spends over 30% of GDP on social programs but is grappling with a budget deficit expected to surpass 7% by 2025. As borrowing costs rise and economic growth stagnates, the stark reality is that Europe may face difficult decisions reminiscent of Greece’s austerity measures in 2010. Clemens Fuest of the Ifo Institute reflected on Europe’s lack of preparation for these challenges: “The failure of Europe’s leaders to draw lessons from the last Trump presidency is now coming back to haunt us.” If Europe’s leaders fail to act decisively, the continent risks becoming a “debt-ridden, open-air museum,” as Draghi described. The trouble is, by the time Europeans wake up to their new reality, it may be too late to do much about it. Based on a report by Politico 2024-01-06 -
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Tragedy in New Orleans: A Sobering Reminder of what 'Globalize the Intifada' Means
As Americans celebrated the arrival of a new year on New Year's Day, the dark reality of radicalized violence shattered the festive atmosphere in New Orleans. Around 3:15 a.m. local time on Bourbon Street, a bustling hub of New Year's revelry, tragedy struck. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran who had converted to Islam and reportedly embraced extremist ideologies, drove a rented pickup truck into a dense crowd of partiers. The vehicle was more than just a weapon of impact; it was packed with firearms, improvised explosive devices, and an ISIS flag. This horrific act of violence left at least 15 dead and more than 30 injured, turning a night of joy into one of devastation. Jabbar’s journey toward radicalization remains under investigation, but some details are emerging. He had been associated with Masjid Bilal, a mosque in Houston. In the wake of this horrific event, the mosque advised its members via social media to avoid speaking directly with the FBI, instead directing inquiries to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR, a controversial organization, has faced criticism and scrutiny over the years. It was listed by the FBI as an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2007 case against the Holy Land Foundation, the largest terror financing prosecution in U.S. history. Former FBI counterterrorism officials have also described the group as a “front organization for Hamas,” a designation that continues to stir heated debate. A few hours later several hundred demonstrators called for an intifada at an anti-Israel protest in New York City’s Times Square to mark New Year’s Day. Attendees chanted “Resistance is glorious — we will be victorious,” “We will honor all our martyrs,” and “Gaza, you make us proud.” They carried signs that said “Zionism is cancer,” “No war on Iran,” and “End all US aid to Israel.” “There is only one solution — Intifada revolution,” they chanted, using a common refrain at anti-Israel rallies in the US. “Intifada,” Arabic for “uprising,” is associated with the Second Intifada, a period of terror attacks in Israel in the early 2000s marked by suicide bombings. For decades, political leaders and commentators have oscillated between vigilance and complacency regarding the threat posed by radical Islamic extremism. The assassinations of figures like Osama bin Laden and the dismantling of ISIS’s territorial control fostered a dangerous sense of security among some policymakers. Groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, often dismissed as regional concerns primarily affecting Israel, were deprioritized in the broader U.S. national security strategy. However, history provides ample warnings about the risks of underestimating jihadist networks. The 1983 Hezbollah bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, which claimed the lives of 241 American servicemen, remains a poignant reminder of their capacity for destruction. In contrast to this historical vigilance, recent political and cultural priorities have shifted focus domestically, with some officials concentrating on issues like abortion clinic protests and school board controversies. Meanwhile, fundamental security recommendations, such as those outlined in the 9/11 Commission’s final report urging a secure U.S.-Mexico border, appear to have been sidelined. The New Orleans attack is a grim testament to the persistent and evolving threat of radical Islamic jihad. It underscores the urgent need for robust national security measures, including tightened border controls and renewed international cooperation to combat extremism. The United States must remember the lessons of the past and confront the realities of the present. As the nation mourns the victims of this senseless act, it is imperative to recognize that complacency is not an option. If America is to prevent future tragedies, it must commit to a vigilant and proactive stance against the multifaceted threats posed by radical ideologies. Based on a report by NewsWeek | TOI 2024-01-06 -
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Donald Trump Criticizes UK’s Windfall Tax and Wind Energy Policy
Donald Trump has voiced strong criticism of the United Kingdom's energy policies, particularly its reliance on wind energy and the recent hike in windfall taxes on fossil fuel profits. Trump called these moves a "very big mistake" and urged the UK to "get rid of windmills" while opening up the North Sea for more oil and gas production. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump shared a news article from November detailing the withdrawal of a major U.S. oil producer, Apache, from the North Sea. The region, situated off the Scottish coast, is a significant hub for oil production. Trump wrote, "The UK is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of windmills!" Apache announced it would cease operations in the North Sea by 2029, attributing its decision partly to the increased windfall tax imposed on fossil fuel companies. The energy profits levy, introduced as a response to surging energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was raised to 38% in October by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves. This marked an increase from the original 25% introduced by Rishi Sunak in 2022. John Christmann, chief executive of Apache’s parent company, APA Corporation, explained that the investment required to meet UK regulations, combined with the "onerous financial impact" of the windfall tax, made hydrocarbon production beyond 2029 economically unviable. He also noted that substantial investments would be necessary to comply with regulatory requirements, further discouraging long-term commitments in the region. Trump's remarks reflect his broader stance on energy production. During his first presidential campaign, he popularized the phrase "drill, baby, drill," signaling his commitment to expanding oil and gas production. He has indicated that increasing domestic energy output will remain a key focus if he secures a second term in office. The windfall tax, formally known as the energy price levy, was introduced to address record profits reported by many oil and gas companies amid soaring energy prices. The additional revenue was intended to help alleviate the financial burden on households facing skyrocketing gas and electricity bills during a widespread cost-of-living crisis. Despite its intended benefits, the policy has faced criticism from industry stakeholders, with Apache being one of several firms reevaluating or scaling back operations in the North Sea. Critics argue that the tax discourages investment in the region, potentially undermining the UK’s energy security and economic stability. As global energy challenges continue, the debate over the balance between promoting renewable energy and maintaining fossil fuel production remains contentious. Trump's call to prioritize oil and gas over wind energy adds a high-profile voice to the conversation, further fueling the discourse on the future of energy policy in the UK and beyond. Based on a report by Sky News 2024-01-06
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