• Sun, December 15, 2024

by: The Independent

Keir Starmer is behaving like a civil servant, not a prime minister, and it's a disaster

He says all the right things, but why listen when so little seems to be getting done? Isabel Hardman looks at the internal power struggle inside the government and why the certain type of person getting the PM's ear means he's struggling to connect with anyone

by: The Financial Times

Restitution, wrangling and renewal in Benin

The soldiers, disappointed not to find any of the kingdom's legendary treasure, raised a French flag and drank Béhanzin's gin. Some hours later, they started digging in one of the palaces. A cache of royal objects was revealed: sceptres, statues and ornately sculpted doors.

by: Reuters

Macron has a new prime minister but the same old problems

When veteran centrist Francois Bayrou, France's new prime minister, was education minister in the 1990s, his plan to increase subsidies for private schools led to nationwide protests. He quickly caved in and would stay in the post for four more years.

by: The New York Times

Weeks of Upheaval Have Paralyzed This South American Nation. Here's Why.

Protests in Bolivia triggered by a feud between the president and a political rival have caused turmoil. One fallout: fuel shortages that have left drivers lining up for gas for days.

by: Business Standard

Atishi accuses Centre of settling Rohingyas in Delhi; Puri denies claim

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, accusing the BJP-led Centre of settling "a large number of illegal Rohingyas" in different parts of the city.

by: The Pioneer

Atishi claims Centre settling Rohingyas in Delhi; 'false narrative', says Hardeep Puri

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, accusing the BJP-led Centre of settling "a large number of illegal Rohingyas" in different parts of the city. With the AAP

by: Business Today

'Pranab should've been PM, Manmohan President...': Mani Shankar Aiyar highlights Congress's 'doomed' move behind 2014 poll loss

On the matter of Pranab Mukherjee's potential role, Aiyar argued that Pranab's health, vigour, and political experience made him a better fit to lead the government. In contrast, Manmohan Singh, despite his distinguished service,

by: Sky News Australia

Victorian government slammed for prioritising 'demands of activists' with refusal to bring back Australia Day parade

The Victorian government has been accused of putting the "demands of activists" ahead of the preferences of mainstream Australians after it confirmed it would not bring back the state's Australia Day parade.

by: RealClearPolitics

Government Should Not Legitimate Systemic-Racism Confessions

Denizens of the nation’s colleges and universities take perverse pride in proclaiming that America – including higher education – embodies

by: The Times of Northwest Indiana

Holcomb will hang around Statehouse after term as governor ends

The official portrait of the state's 51st chief executive was unveiled Friday by Gov. Eric Holcomb and added to the Indiana Governors' Portrait Collection.

by: The New York Times

Trump Names Richard Grenell for 'Special Missions' Role

A combative loyalist and the president-elect's former ambassador to Germany, Mr. Grenell had hoped to be secretary of state.

by: ABC

Trump picks Truth Social CEO Devin Nunes to head intelligence advisory board

Donald Trump tapped former California Rep. Devin Nunes as chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board as part of a series of announcements on Saturday.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Inside the race to bring the five remaining Bali Nine home

The sensitivities were so great that the families of the five men were told they could not be in Darwin to greet them when they landed.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

'Culture of control': Minister threatens council over 'silencing' dissent

Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has warned Georges River Council to do better over claims it has shut down criticism of its actions by councillors.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Teals unconvinced by Dutton's nuclear plan as Chalmers cites $4 trillion loss to economy

As the treasurer declared next year's federal election a referendum on nuclear power, the teal MPs who would be essential to a Coalition minority government emphasised the risks.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Liberal moderates were in the 'winner's circle' under Turnbull. It's a different story now

In 2019, there were about 22 members in the group that champions socially progressive causes. Now there are just 12 committed to staying on past the next election.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Five remaining Bali Nine members free men as they arrive back in Australia

Australians Matthew Norman, Michael Czugaj, Scott Rush, Martin Stephens and Si Yi Chen were accompanied back to Australia by government officials on a commercial flight on Sunday.

by: Sydney Morning Herald

Dutton's nuclear plan assumes $4 trillion loss to economy: Chalmers

Chalmers blasted "economic insanity" behind the opposition's assumption that the country will be using 40 per cent less electricity by the middle of the century.

by: MSN

Home Office in row with Burnham and Labour councils over homeless asylum seekers

The Labour-mayor of Greater Manchester accused the Home Office of placing responsibility for asylum seekers on local authorities 'to suit it's own purposes'

by: MSN

South Korean democracy holds firm against Yoon's martial law bid

South Korea's swift rebuke of martial law and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol from office have been hailed in the country as evidence of the strength of its young democratic institutions. Yoon has remained defiant throughout the turmoil that followed his martial law declaration.

by: MSN

Mt Kenya Won't Follow Gachagua, Uhuru if Their Politics Don't Align with Region's Interests

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua seems to be reading from a different script, which some argue could leave the Mt Kenya electorate confused.

by: MSN

Taking away rights of Delhi residents: Atishi to Amit Shah on Rohingya issue

Atishi, in her letter, not only questioned the Centre's border security measures but also accused the BJP-led government of resettling Rohingyas in Delhi, thus taking away resources meant for its residents.

by: MSN

PM Modi invokes Nehru to distract nation's attention from his own 'failures': Congress

Congress countered Prime Minister Modi's criticism, accusing him of defaming Nehru to distract from his own failures. Jairam Ramesh highlighted Modi's "obsession" with Nehru, arguing that the Prime Minister invokes Nehru to divert attention from current challenges and pre-2014 achievements.

by: MSN

Governors demand drone crackdown amid security concerns

The governors of New York and New Jersey have called on the US authorities to investigate suspicious drone activity near significant facilities. According to the FAA, nearly one million drones are registered in the US.

by: MSN

Delhi Election 2025: BJP Leader Ramesh Pahelwan Set to Join AAP Today - Sources

BJP leader Ramesh Pahelwan is set to join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today, marking a significant political shift. Known for his strong association with Surat, Pahelwan has been an active leader in the BJP for a long time,

by: MSN

Drones attack Chechen capital, likely targeting bases of riot police and special forces - video

Drones attacked the city of Grozny in Chechnya on the morning of 15 December, hitting a building. [The Chechen Republic, also known as Chechnya, is a federal subject of the Russian Federation; the Ukrainian parliament has recognised it as the temporarily Russian-occupied territory of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria - ed.

by: MSN

Starmer's government hails joining CPTPP - two years after he said impact would be 'very small'

Starmer's government hails joining CPTPP - two years after he said impact would be 'very small' - Sir Keir's business secretary said the agreement would 'boost trade and create opportunities for UK co

by: MSN

First border construction, now Trump. Uncertainty swirls around the future of Friendship Park.

At a section of border fence in San Diego on Saturday, where dozens of people had gathered to mark Mary and Joseph's search for shelter before Christ's birth, a reverend asked attendees to raise their pinkie fingers to share peace.

by: MSN

Anwar confirms discussions on Tengku Zafrul joining PKR

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that discussions are underway about the possibility of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz joining PKR. Read full story

by: MSN

Europe's Schengen Area sees more internal border controls

As the EU's Schengen Area is set to expand on January 1, more countries are bringing in internal border checks.

by: MSN

'If I dig up Parliament and find something, will that make it mine?': Asaduddin Owaisi

In a parliamentary address, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the misuse of religious history and criticized laws targeting minorities. He highlighted the erosion of constitutional rights, citing cow vigilantism,

by: MSN

One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again

One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again - A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria's President B

by: MSN

Feds must turn local police loose to take down mystery drones over N.J., congressman says

A New Jersey congressman is calling on federal authorities to permit state and local police to take down unauthorized drones, as reports of mysterious flights continue to surge. U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer,

by: MSN

Trump attends Army-Navy game alongside key allies

President-elect Donald Trump was huddling with allies and a Republican cause célèbre at Saturday's Army-Navy football game, taking in one of the most storied rivalries in college sports while spotlighting his emerging national security team.

by: MSN

He's running nation on 3 hours of sleep: Saif Ali Khan's praise for PM Modi

Actor Saif Ali Khan described his "special" meeting with PM Modi, sharing details of their conversation and the warmth the PM showed despite his busy schedule, as the Kapoor family invited him to the Raj Kapoor Film Festival.

by: MSN

Illegal Channel crossings rise as Cooper refuses to set migration deadline

Use precise geolocation data and actively scan device characteristics for identification. This is done to store and access information on a device and to provide personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

by: MSN

South Korea's acting president reaffirms alliance with US

US President Joe Biden and South Korea's interim President Han Duck- soo held a phone call after Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Biden called the alliance with Seoul the "linchpin for peace" in the region.

by: MSN

Korea exposed to Trump risk amid leadership crisis

Korea's ongoing leadership crisis, triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt to impose martial law, is feared to leave the country vulnerable to potential new tariffs from the incoming Donald Trump administration during upcoming trade and economic negotiations,

by: MSN

Russia retains naval base in Syria despite Assad's fall

Russia is pulling back from northern Syria's front lines but not moving its two main bases after Assad's fall, officials said. Footage from Tartous showed camouflaged equipment and ongoing troop activity at the naval base.

by: MSN

"Never does what he says...": Sanjay Raut on PM Modi's zero tolerance towards corruption

MP Sanjay Raut criticized PM Modi's speech on zero tolerance for corruption, questioning his sincerity given the alleged corruption of BJP leaders like Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde. Raut also highlighted PM Modi's relationship with Gautam Adani,

by: MSN

Politics in Washington may sink effort to save lakeside cabins in SW Nebraska

A bill to allow lakeside cabin areas to remain at two southwest Nebraska reservoirs is being threatened by last-minute opposition from departing U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, and a small group of other legislators.

by: MSN

Argentina President Javier Milei Granted Italy Citizenship, Decision Sparks Outrage

The Italian government has granted Argentine President Javier Milei citizenship in recognition of his Italian heritage, a move that has sparked outrage across Argentina, according to a report by The New York Times.

by: MSN

Dockworkers' union VP says Trump understands 'hard work, sacrifices and dedication' of members

The vice president of a union representing thousands of dockworkers said Trump understands "the importance of the work our members do every single day."

by: MSN

Cong and BJP should stop invoking Savarkar, Nehru for their politics: Aaditya Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Saturday said Congress and the BJP should stop blaming Jawaharlal Nehru or Vinayak Damodar Savarkar for the sake of their politics, and instead talk about f

by: MSN

Mahayuti cabinet to be sworn-in at 4 pm: Who's in and who's out?

Out of its 20 cabinet berths, the BJP is likely to leave some vacant as some new faces are expected to be inducted into the state cabinet. The Shiv Sena is also likely to induct some new faces, while some ministers from the previous Mahayuti government are likely to be dropped by Eknath Shinde's faction.

by: MSN

Trump's executive action strategy: Go ahead, sue me

Even proponents of unilateral moves such as restricting birthright citizenship and rejecting federal spending measures expect them to face litigation. That's part of the plan.

by: MSN

Blinken says US has had 'direct contact' with Syria's HTS rebels who toppled al-Assad

Speaking at a press conference in the Jordanian city Aqaba, Blinken said that America and its allies 'have an important stake in helping the Syrian people chart this new path.' View on euronews

by: MSN

Advocates call for change as Indigenous employment in N.W.T. gov't hits record low

Two years after the Northwest Territories government established a plan to hire and retain more Indigenous staff, Indigenous representation in the territorial public service has hit a record low.

Trump Names Richard Grenell for 'Special Missions' Role

A combative loyalist and the president-elect's former ambassador to Germany, Mr. Grenell had hoped to be secretary of state.
The article from The New York Times, published on December 14, 2024, discusses former President Donald Trump's consideration of appointing Richard Grenell to lead a new "special missions" office within the State Department. Grenell, who previously served as Trump's ambassador to Germany and acting Director of National Intelligence, would oversee a unit focused on countering China's influence globally. This office would operate with a degree of autonomy, aiming to disrupt and challenge Chinese initiatives in areas like technology, infrastructure, and international alliances. The move reflects Trump's ongoing strategy to confront China more aggressively, using unconventional diplomatic tactics. Critics express concern over the potential for this office to bypass traditional diplomatic channels, possibly leading to increased tensions with China and other nations.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/us/politics/trump-richard-grenell-special-missions.html


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