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Report Washington Cuts Ties with UNESCO Over Palestine and Policy Disputes
The United States has once more severed ties with UNESCO, accusing the UN cultural body of being biased against Israel and promoting divisive causes. This decision underlines long-standing tensions, as President Donald Trump previously ordered a similar withdrawal in 2017 during his first term. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated that involvement is "not in the national interest" of the US and criticised UNESCO's focus on sustainability as a "globalist, ideological agenda." She further highlighted the organization's admission to Palestine as a member state as problematic and contrary to US policy. UNESCO, known for its world heritage sites, aims to promote education, scientific cooperation, and cultural understanding. Its preservation projects span globally, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Pyramids of Egypt. Despite these efforts, criticisms regarding its inclusions and policies have persisted. Bruce stressed that UNESCO's decision to admit the 'State of Palestine' fostered anti-Israel rhetoric within the organisation. This move has contributed to the strained relationship between the US and UNESCO, leading to the recent withdrawal. This isn’t the first split; President Ronald Reagan also withdrew the US from UNESCO in the 1980s, citing similar issues. The US later rejoined under President George W. Bush, before the Trump and Biden administrations saw fluctuating membership statuses. While President Joe Biden restored US membership, citing the importance of global cooperation, the latest decision reflects ongoing diplomatic differences. This exit raises questions about future cultural collaborations and commitments. UNESCO continues to advocate for global cultural and educational cooperation, but the US departure echoes historical criticism, revealing deep-seated disagreements about the organisation’s direction and impact. The implications of the US withdrawal will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of UNESCO, as the organisation navigates its future role without one of its prominent members. Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-07-24 -
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USA Trump's Fiery Warning: US Ready to Hit Iran’s Nuke Sites Again
Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, asserting that the US could target the country's nuclear facilities once more "if necessary." Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, swiftly declared that US strikes in June had severely damaged their nuclear sites. Despite this, Araghchi maintained that Iran would not abandon its nuclear enrichment programme, citing national pride. Trump doubled down on Araghchi's comments via his Truth Social platform, boasting about the damage inflicted on the Iranian sites and reaffirming America's readiness to act. The US strikes on 22 June targeted key Iranian nuclear locations—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—amidst a 12-day conflict involving Israel. Although Trump claimed these actions obliterated Iran's nuclear capability, a US intelligence report later suggested the programme was only briefly delayed, sparking a firm rebuttal from the White House. Further adding to the tension, Iran announced upcoming talks with European nations on its nuclear programme. Scheduled for Friday in Istanbul, these discussions will involve the E3 nations—the UK, France, and Germany—and the European Union's foreign policy chief. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, indicated that lifting sanctions and peaceful nuclear matters will be the primary focus. The backdrop to these developments is the faltering 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in return for easing sanctions. The deal has been unravelling since the US withdrew in 2018, and Iran has since increased its uranium enrichment to levels alarmingly close to weapons-grade. European nations have threatened to trigger the deal's "snapback" mechanism, potentially reinstating sanctions if Iran fails to comply. Despite global concern, Iran steadfastly denies ambitions for nuclear weapons, asserting its nuclear ambitions are purely civilian. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor the situation, but as tensions simmer, the potential for escalation remains. The unfolding saga not only highlights the fragile state of Middle Eastern geopolitics but also underscores the delicate balance of international diplomacy. The stakes are high, with both Iran and global powers navigating a complex web of strategic interests and national pride, while the spectre of renewed conflict looms on the horizon. Adapted by ASEAN Now from EURONEWS 2025-07-24 -
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USA US Olympic Committee to Follow Trump’s Order on Trans Athletes
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has announced it will comply with a Trump administration directive prohibiting transgender athletes from competing. Initially issued in February, the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" order aims to ensure competitive fairness in women's sports. The USOPC’s updated athlete safety policy, a 27-page document, now includes a section aligning with this directive. Although the word "transgender" is not mentioned, the policy emphasises the protection of women's competition by referencing Trump’s executive order and the Ted Stevens Olympic & Amateur Sports Act. In a letter, the committee emphasised that it holds an obligation as a federally chartered organisation to meet federal expectations. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland and President Gene Sykes sent a letter to stakeholders, assuring that they have engaged in “respectful and constructive conversations” with federal officials regarding this change. The message underlined that the guidance aligns with the Ted Stevens Act to uphold athlete safety and fair competition. The national governing bodies of sports across the United States have received the updated policy and are now required to comply with the new guidelines. On the USOPC’s webpage for transgender athlete policies, a new line instructs users to refer to the updated athlete safety policy as of July 21, 2025. Previously, the USOPC stated its commitment to relying on data and science-based evidence rather than ideology when determining eligibility for transgender athletes. This shift marks a significant policy realignment for the committee, reflecting broader changes across US sports organisations. We will closely monitor the implications of this decision, as it impacts numerous athletes and sports bodies across the nation. This development underscores the continuous discussion about inclusivity and fairness in competitive sports. Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-24 -
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Report Pakistan's Big Cat Crackdown: Owners Scramble to Hide Their Pets
video screenshot Amidst a thrilling crackdown on big cat ownership in Pakistan, owners are rushing to hide their majestic pets. At a hidden farmhouse near Lahore, Fayyaz, one of the largest big cat dealers, keeps an astonishing 26 lions, tigers, and cubs. As regulations tighten, he's grappling with drastic changes. Big cats have long been symbols of power in Pakistan, even making appearances at weddings. However, after a pet lion attacked a woman and her children in Lahore, the government introduced strict regulations. Owners now face hefty fees for each animal and must limit their collection to 10 big cats from two species. Violations could yield severe fines and potential prison time. Wildlife officials recently discovered a breeder's empty cages, with five lion cubs left behind. The absent owner is suspected of hiding the adult cats. The rescued cubs are now undergoing medical checks at Lahore's public zoo. Officials believe Punjab alone houses hundreds of undeclared big cats, and the crackdown could reveal the extensive scale of illegal ownership. This wave of government intervention might take months to unravel. A significant concern is the widespread inbreeding among these privately owned big cats, potentially leading officials to consider euthanasia in some cases. This episode highlights the complexity of the situation as authorities work to enforce new regulations. Back at Fayyaz's facility, authorities require major adjustments—transforming his farm into a publicly accessible zoo. Animal rights activists argue for sanctuaries instead of zoos, advocating for transparency and systematic solutions rather than quick fixes. As Pakistan tackles this issue, the challenge remains vast. With time running out for compliance, the country's big cat crisis sheds light on deeper conservation and ethical dilemmas needing urgent attention. Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-24 -
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Can't apply for DTV yet, what are my best options to stay here?
Why do you need a US bank account? Can't you do it with your personal account in your name in your home country? You should always have a personal account in your home country. Why close all your accounts in your home country when you move to another country. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 24 July 2025
Fugitive Extradited to China After 31 Years on the Run for Embezzlement Picture courtesy of Daily News. Authorities have extradited Zhou Jinghua, a Chinese national who fled to Thailand over three decades ago to escape prosecution for embezzlement of state assets in China. She was returned to Chinese custody on 18 July following a lengthy legal process. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367658-fugitive-extradited-to-china-after-31-years-on-the-run-for-embezzlement/
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