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Feud erupts between Trump and ally Marjorie Taylor Greene ahead of Epstein files vote

Afham5 months ago04 mins

A fresh political rift has opened between former U.S. President Donald Trump and one of his most vocal allies, Marjorie Taylor Greene, just days before a high-stakes congressional vote on the release of newly compiled Epstein files. The clash—unexpected given Greene’s long-standing loyalty to Trump—has injected new tension into Republican ranks as lawmakers prepare for what could become one of the most politically explosive disclosures in years. The feud reportedly began after Greene publicly urged full and immediate transparency regarding the Epstein documents, calling on Trump to support a broad, unredacted release. She argued that the American public deserves “every single name, every visitor, every associate and every official” tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s network. Her remarks were widely shared online and interpreted as a challenge to Trump’s more cautious stance. Trump, speaking to reporters, criticized Greene for what he described as “reckless pressure” that could lead to the release of unverified or politically motivated information. According to advisers, he favours a phased disclosure overseen by independent reviewers to avoid what he termed a “witch-hunt environment.” Trump also suggested that some Republicans were trying to weaponize the moment for personal branding—comments broadly seen as aimed at Greene. Greene, never one to sidestep confrontation, fired back during a conservative radio appearance, insisting that “America has been lied to long enough” and that any hesitation to release the files in full raises “questions of motive.” While she did not mention Trump by name, her implication that political interests were obstructing transparency escalated tensions dramatically. The dispute comes at a critical juncture for Congress, where bipartisan support has been growing for the full declassification of Epstein-related evidence. Lawmakers are expected to vote later this week on whether to compel the release of hundreds of pages of documents, flight logs, visitor entries, correspondence records and newly gathered materials from previously sealed investigations. The vote is shaping up to be one of the most watched and debated decisions of the year. Within the Republican Party, reactions to the Trump-Greene feud have been mixed. Some conservative allies have rallied behind Greene’s push for aggressive transparency, arguing that the party should champion accountability across all political and social circles. Others have sided with Trump, warning that releasing unvetted information could unleash baseless accusations with long-lasting political fallout. As both sides entrench their positions, the political temperature is rising. Whether the feud is a brief flare-up or the start of a deeper rift may depend on how the Epstein files vote unfolds—and how much political damage the disclosures ultimately inflict.

Trump says he will take legal action against BBC over Panorama edit

Afham5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

Donald Trump has announced that he will pursue legal action against the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of defamation after what he describes as a deceptive and damaging edit of his January 6, 2021 speech in a recent Panorama documentary. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he intends to file the lawsuit “sometime next week,” adding that he is seeking between $1 billion and $5 billion in compensation. His lawyer, Alejandro Brito, previously sent the BBC a letter demanding a full retraction, a public apology, and significant financial damages. The controversy centers on the Panorama episode titled “Trump: A Second Chance?”, which aired shortly before the 2024 U.S. election. The documentary used excerpts from Trump’s January 6 speech, but critics say the program spliced together lines from different parts of the address, making it appear as though Trump called on supporters to “fight like hell” as they moved toward the Capitol. In reality, the statements were made nearly an hour apart, and key segments in which Trump urged protesters to remain peaceful were omitted. These editorial choices prompted accusations that the documentary created a misleading narrative about Trump’s intentions on the day of the Capitol riot. Following the outcry, the BBC issued an apology, with its chair Samir Shah describing the edit as an “error of judgment.” The broadcaster also confirmed that it would not rebroadcast the documentary in its existing form. However, despite acknowledging the editing mistake, the BBC rejected Trump’s request for damages, arguing that there is no legal basis for a defamation claim of the scale he is pursuing. Trump has remained firm in his stance, insisting that he feels an “obligation” to proceed with the lawsuit. He argues that media organizations should be held accountable when they distort or manipulate his words. He publicly described the Panorama edit as a “corrupt” example of fake news designed to misrepresent his message and influence public perception. The fallout from the incident has already been significant. Two high-profile BBC executives—Director-General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness—have resigned amid the ongoing scandal, reflecting both internal and external pressure over the handling of the documentary. Despite Trump’s determination, legal experts have expressed skepticism about the viability of the lawsuit. Questions have been raised regarding the statute of limitations under UK defamation law, as well as the complexities of pursuing such a claim in U.S. courts. Nevertheless, Trump continues to frame the dispute as part of his broader battle against what he views as longstanding media bias, reinforcing his narrative that major news outlets frequently distort his rhetoric. This planned lawsuit is the latest escalation in Trump’s ongoing clash with mainstream media organizations and underscores his intent to confront those he believes have misrepresented him.

Epstein alleged that Trump ‘spent hours’ with one of his victims, as thousands of documents released

Afham5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Thousands of pages of newly unsealed court documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein have revealed fresh details about his network of associates and alleged interactions with powerful figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. The files, which stem from a long-running civil case against Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell, include depositions, witness statements, and correspondence that shed light on the scale of Epstein’s operations and the alleged involvement of several high-profile individuals. Among the revelations, one of Epstein’s alleged victims claimed that Trump had “spent hours” with her at Epstein’s Palm Beach residence. The woman, whose identity remains confidential in the documents, did not accuse Trump of sexual misconduct but described his presence at gatherings organized by Epstein in the early 2000s. The allegations add to the growing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s connections with influential figures from politics, business, and entertainment. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or inappropriate relationship with Epstein or his associates. He has acknowledged knowing Epstein “like everybody in Palm Beach,” but insisted he was “not a fan” of the financier and severed ties with him long before his 2019 arrest. Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking of minors, died in jail that same year in what was officially ruled a suicide. The newly released files also mention other prominent names, including Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and several former officials and celebrities. While the documents contain numerous allegations, much of the material remains unverified or based on witness testimony, and no additional criminal charges have been filed as a result of the disclosures. Legal experts say the release of these records underscores the far-reaching nature of Epstein’s influence and the need for continued transparency. Victims’ advocates have welcomed the disclosures, saying they help expose the scale of Epstein’s alleged abuse and the systems that enabled it to persist for years. The Epstein case continues to be one of the most controversial scandals involving sexual exploitation, wealth, and power. As investigators and journalists sift through the newly unsealed evidence, questions remain about who else may have known about or participated in Epstein’s activities—and whether justice can ever be fully served for his victims.

Elon Musk’s $1tn pay deal approved by Tesla shareholders

Afham6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

At Tesla’s annual shareholders meeting in Austin, Texas, more than 75% of shareholders voted in favour of a new compensation plan for Elon Musk. The package, potentially worth up to around $1 trillion, would be the largest corporate CEO compensation award ever if all performance conditions are achieved. The deal is structured largely as stock-based incentives rather than a fixed salary, linking Musk’s potential earnings to Tesla’s long-term performance. If successful, Musk’s ownership stake in Tesla could increase from roughly 13% to about 25%, further cementing his control over the company. Key Performance Conditions The massive payout depends on Tesla achieving a series of ambitious goals over the coming years. These include reaching a market capitalization of about $8.5 trillion, delivering 20 million vehicles annually, and deploying 1 million robotaxis alongside selling 1 million humanoid robots, such as Tesla’s “Optimus” models. Additionally, Tesla must record sustained annual profits in the hundreds of billions of dollars and Musk must remain as CEO for a defined period while guiding the company through these milestones. Why Supporters Backed It Supporters argue that Musk is the driving force behind Tesla’s transformation from an electric carmaker to a broader AI and robotics powerhouse. They believe the plan aligns Musk’s personal incentives with Tesla’s long-term growth rather than short-term profit. For many investors, the potential benefits justify the risk. Musk’s proven record with Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures gives confidence that he can push the company toward extraordinary achievements in automation, energy, and self-driving technology. Why It’s Controversial Despite the strong vote in favour, the deal has attracted significant criticism. The sheer scale of the potential payout—$1 trillion—has been labelled excessive by critics who question its fairness and impact on corporate governance. Some institutional investors and governance experts warned that such a plan could dilute shareholder value and place too much power in the hands of a single individual. Sceptics also argue that achieving all the performance targets is unlikely. Tesla faces mounting challenges, including intensifying EV competition, slowing demand, supply chain risks, and regulatory scrutiny. Entrusting so much influence to one figure raises concerns about oversight and succession planning. What This Means Going Forward If Musk meets all conditions, he could become the first person in history to receive a corporate payout of this magnitude, potentially making him the world’s first trillionaire. For Tesla, it represents a daring bet on future dominance across multiple sectors—EVs, robotics, and AI. The vote signals strong investor faith in Musk’s leadership and Tesla’s long-term vision. Yet, it also sets towering expectations that may prove difficult to meet. The outcome will define not only Musk’s personal wealth but also Tesla’s position in the global technology landscape. Read this also Inside Gaza, BBC sees total devastation after two years of war Bottom line: Tesla shareholders have handed Musk a colossal opportunity—and an equally colossal challenge. The $1 trillion plan embodies both Tesla’s ambition and the immense risks that come with placing so much of its future in one man’s hands.

Inside Gaza, BBC sees total devastation after two years of war

Afham6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Two years after the war between Israel and Hamas began, the Gaza Strip has been reduced to ruins, with once-thriving neighborhoods now resembling ghost towns. A BBC team granted rare access to the territory describes a landscape of total devastation — homes flattened, hospitals barely functioning, and thousands of displaced families struggling to survive amid the wreckage. Entire districts that were once crowded with markets, schools, and apartment blocks now lie in rubble. In northern Gaza, what used to be Gaza City’s commercial heart is now a sea of collapsed concrete and twisted metal. The BBC crew reported seeing children playing amid debris, their laughter echoing in streets that have no running water, electricity, or sanitation. “It’s like time stopped here,” one resident told reporters. “We are alive, but everything around us is dead.” The humanitarian situation remains dire. The United Nations estimates that more than 1.7 million people — nearly 80 percent of Gaza’s population — are still displaced. Many live in makeshift shelters or tents built from scrap metal and plastic sheets. Food shortages are chronic, with aid deliveries continuing to face restrictions at border crossings. Hospitals, already crippled by years of blockade, are overwhelmed. Doctors work without adequate supplies, and power cuts force surgeries to be done under flashlights. The BBC also visited Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, once the territory’s largest medical facility. Its corridors are dark, lined with patients on stretchers, while generators rumble outside. “We’ve lost colleagues, we’ve lost equipment, and we’re losing patients we could have saved,” said one exhausted doctor. Israel’s government maintains that its military operations were aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure, following the deadly attacks that triggered the war in 2023. Officials say rebuilding can only begin once Hamas’s influence is completely removed. However, international aid agencies argue that ordinary civilians have borne the brunt of the destruction, with entire families wiped out and public infrastructure obliterated. Despite calls from global powers for a long-term ceasefire and reconstruction plan, progress has been painfully slow. Many foreign donors remain hesitant to fund rebuilding projects without assurances of stability. Meanwhile, Gazans face another winter with little shelter and minimal hope. At the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border, crowds gather daily, hoping for rare permits to leave. “We just want to live somewhere safe,” said a young mother holding her child. “We have nothing left here.” Two years on, the BBC’s report paints a bleak picture: a territory trapped between the ruins of war and the uncertainty of peace. For Gaza’s people, survival has become the only measure of victory.

Trump says Putin talks ‘don’t go anywhere’ as he imposes new sanctions

Afham6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin “didn’t go anywhere,” as his administration imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Moscow over its continued military involvement in Ukraine. The statement marks a sharp turn in tone just days after Trump had expressed optimism about brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said his team had “made every effort” to prepare for constructive talks with the Kremlin, but that “the Russian side was not ready to make meaningful commitments.” He added that he would not pursue another meeting “until there’s a real change in attitude from Moscow.” The two leaders had been expected to meet in Budapest later this month to discuss potential steps toward ending the war. The sanctions announced by the U.S. Treasury target more than 40 Russian entities and individuals, including defense manufacturers, energy companies, and senior officials close to the Kremlin. According to Trump, the measures are aimed at “pressuring Russia to engage seriously in peace negotiations” while maintaining support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. “We are not walking away from diplomacy,” Trump said. “But we are not going to waste time when the other side refuses to move toward peace.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the new sanctions, calling them “unfriendly and counterproductive.” He said Moscow viewed Washington’s move as “a continuation of pressure politics” and reiterated that Russia would not negotiate “under threats.” Russian state media also downplayed Trump’s comments, suggesting the U.S. was using sanctions to strengthen its negotiating position. In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new U.S. sanctions, saying they demonstrated continued American commitment to Ukraine’s defense. “Every step that isolates Russia’s war machine helps us bring peace closer,” Zelensky said in a televised address. Analysts say the collapse of the planned Trump–Putin meeting underscores the ongoing difficulty in finding common ground on Ukraine, even as both sides face mounting pressure to end the war. “Trump’s decision to suspend talks sends a message that the U.S. expects concrete concessions before engaging further,” said Rachel Kim, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Policy Institute. Read This Also Trump says he did not want ‘wasted meeting’ after plan for Putin talks shelved For now, Washington appears to be balancing a dual strategy of deterrence and diplomacy — maintaining economic and political pressure on Moscow while keeping open the possibility of future talks. Whether these sanctions will push Russia toward meaningful engagement remains uncertain, but Trump’s latest move signals that patience with Putin’s approach is wearing thin.

Israel launches air strikes in Gaza, accusing Hamas of ‘blatant violation of ceasefire’

Afham6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Israel launched a series of air strikes on the Gaza Strip late Sunday, accusing Hamas of breaching the fragile ceasefire that has held since the end of major hostilities earlier this year. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted what it described as “terror infrastructure” belonging to Hamas, following what it called “a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.” According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes hit several sites across northern and central Gaza, including alleged rocket manufacturing facilities and command posts. “Hamas fired multiple projectiles toward Israeli territory in clear violation of the ceasefire terms,” the IDF said in a statement. “In response, we have targeted key sites used by the organization to prepare further attacks.” Local sources in Gaza reported multiple explosions overnight, with plumes of smoke rising above residential areas. The Gaza Health Ministry said at least eight people were injured, including two children, though there were no immediate reports of fatalities. Hospitals in Gaza, already under strain due to shortages of medical supplies, struggled to treat the wounded. Hamas condemned the strikes as an “unprovoked act of aggression” and denied responsibility for any rocket fire. In a statement, the group said, “The Israeli occupation bears full responsibility for the escalation and its consequences. This aggression is part of Israel’s ongoing attempts to undermine the stability of Gaza and impose new conditions on the ceasefire.” The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and supported by the United States and Qatar, had largely held since July, following months of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. It was seen as a crucial step toward easing humanitarian conditions in Gaza and allowing reconstruction efforts to continue. However, tensions have remained high, particularly over the slow pace of aid delivery and restrictions on imports. Regional mediators expressed concern over the renewed violence. Egyptian officials reportedly contacted both sides overnight, urging restraint and warning that further escalation could unravel months of diplomatic progress. “The situation is extremely fragile,” one Egyptian diplomat said. “Both parties must avoid actions that could reignite a broader conflict.” The United Nations also called for calm, emphasizing that civilians should not pay the price of renewed hostilities. “We urge all sides to return to dialogue and respect the ceasefire commitments,” said a spokesperson for the UN Middle East envoy. Analysts say the latest flare-up underscores the difficulty of maintaining long-term stability in Gaza, where recurring cycles of violence have repeatedly derailed peace efforts. Whether this incident leads to another full-scale conflict will depend on the coming days and the willingness of both sides to step back from confrontation.

French PM Sébastien Lecornu survives two no-confidence votes by MPs

Afham6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has survived two separate no-confidence motions in the National Assembly, allowing his month-old government to remain in power despite growing political turbulence. The motions, brought by opposition lawmakers from both the left-wing and far-right blocs, were triggered by discontent over Lecornu’s controversial economic reforms and his handling of nationwide protests. The first no-confidence motion was tabled by the leftist coalition La France Insoumise (LFI), accusing the government of “authoritarian methods” and “ignoring the voice of workers.” The second, introduced by the far-right National Rally (RN), criticized Lecornu for what it described as “weak leadership” and “failure to address France’s security and cost-of-living crises.” Both motions were decisively defeated, with the government securing a clear majority of votes in its favor. Lecornu, who was appointed prime minister in September following the resignation of Gabriel Attal, has faced mounting challenges in his short tenure. His proposed labor market reforms, aimed at increasing flexibility for employers and reducing public spending, have been met with fierce opposition from trade unions and student groups. Demonstrations across major French cities have intensified, with protesters accusing the government of pursuing austerity at the expense of social welfare. In a speech following the votes, Lecornu thanked lawmakers who supported his administration and pledged to continue his reform agenda. “France cannot afford paralysis,” he said. “We must move forward with courage and dialogue to secure our economy and restore trust in our institutions.” He also extended an olive branch to opposition parties, calling for “constructive engagement” on key issues such as energy policy, immigration, and public services. Political analysts say Lecornu’s survival offers only temporary stability. While his victory in the Assembly prevents an immediate collapse of the government, deep divisions persist within the political landscape. The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, continues to gain popularity ahead of the upcoming regional elections, while the left-wing alliance remains determined to block future government initiatives through parliamentary tactics. President Emmanuel Macron, who appointed Lecornu in a bid to rejuvenate his administration, has also seen his approval ratings decline amid the unrest. Observers note that Lecornu’s resilience in parliament will now depend on his ability to deliver tangible results and restore public confidence in Macron’s centrist platform. China seizes 60,000 maps over ‘mislabelled’ Taiwan For now, Lecornu’s government remains intact—but the dual rejection of the no-confidence motions highlights the fragility of France’s political climate and the growing disillusionment among voters with traditional parties.

Who are the released hostages? Hamas Released

Afham6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

As of October 13, 2025, all 20 living Israeli hostages who were held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, have been released and have returned to Israel. This marked the conclusion of a two-year-long ordeal for dozens of Israeli families who had been waiting for their loved ones’ return. These 20 released hostages include:Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Angrest, Matan Zangauker, Eitan Horn, Eitan Abraham Mor, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Alon Ohel, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Rom Braslavski, Ariel Cunio, and David Cunio. Their release followed months of indirect negotiations and mediation efforts led by international actors, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Many of these hostages were abducted during the early stages of the October 2023 Hamas attack and had been held in various locations across Gaza. Their return was seen as a major breakthrough in the long and complex ceasefire process. Earlier Releases Before this final group, several hostages had already been freed during earlier phases of exchange deals. Among the first to return home were Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, who were released in January 2025 under a temporary ceasefire agreement. Following that, Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, and Naama Levy were released in a subsequent exchange phase. Their release, which came after months of uncertainty, brought immense relief to their families and highlighted the humanitarian side of the ceasefire negotiations. A later January 2025 exchange saw the return of Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger, and Gadi Moshe Moses, who were also among those kidnapped during the October 7 attacks. Eli Sharabi was freed on February 8, 2025, after spending more than a year in Hamas captivity. On February 22, 2025, six additional hostages were released: Omer Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed. In addition to negotiated releases, one hostage, Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, a Bedouin Israeli, was rescued through a special Israeli operation after spending 326 days in captivity. Overview of Phases and Numbers Phase 1 of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal began around January 19, 2025. It primarily involved the release of women, children, and elderly hostages, along with the return of the remains of several who had died in captivity. Over the following months, more hostages were freed in a series of phased agreements and rescues. Finally, in October 2025, the last group of 20 living hostages was released, bringing home those who had remained alive in Gaza. The moment was widely celebrated across Israel, marking a symbolic end to one of the most painful chapters of the conflict.

Jeremy Bowen: Two years on, will Israel and Hamas seize the chance to end the war?

Afham7 months ago7 months ago04 mins

Two years after the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted, the question now dominating diplomatic circles is whether both sides are finally ready to end the war. The toll — human, political, and regional — has been immense. According to BBC Middle East Editor Jeremy Bowen, there are tentative signs that exhaustion on both sides might open a narrow window for negotiation, but mistrust and political calculation continue to overshadow peace efforts. The war has left Gaza in ruins, with much of its infrastructure destroyed and millions displaced. Israel, despite its military advantage, faces growing international isolation and domestic pressure over the war’s economic and moral costs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, already weakened by internal divisions, struggles to balance its hardline coalition demands with international calls for restraint. Hamas, meanwhile, has seen its leadership decimated and its military capabilities significantly weakened. Yet the group remains a potent political force in Gaza, maintaining control over key areas despite Israeli bombardments and a worsening humanitarian crisis. According to Bowen’s analysis, Hamas believes survival itself is a form of victory — a message it continues to project to a population weary of destruction but fearful of losing sovereignty. International mediators, led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, are once again attempting to revive a ceasefire framework. A proposal circulating in recent weeks reportedly involves phased prisoner releases, humanitarian corridors, and limited reconstruction aid under UN supervision. But both Israel and Hamas remain wary. Israel demands disarmament guarantees and the return of all hostages, while Hamas insists on a permanent end to Israeli military operations and the lifting of the blockade. Jeremy Bowen notes that both sides are trapped by the politics of survival. Netanyahu fears that any perceived concession could fracture his coalition, while Hamas risks losing credibility if it appears to compromise under pressure. Yet, after two years of relentless warfare, public opinion in both Israel and Gaza shows signs of fatigue — a critical factor that could push leaders toward a pragmatic truce. Whether this moment becomes a turning point or another missed opportunity will depend on leadership and timing. For now, the guns have not fallen silent, but the diplomatic machinery is beginning to hum once more. As Bowen observes, “Wars often end not when sides are ready to forgive, but when they simply can’t go on.”