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

Afham8 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

Afham8 months ago8 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.

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

Afham9 months ago9 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.

Jamaica in path of ‘life-threatening’ category five Hurricane Melissa

Afham9 months ago9 months ago04 mins

Jamaica is bracing for the full force of Hurricane Melissa, now an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm, as it barrels through the Caribbean with devastating winds and torrential rain. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that the storm poses a “life-threatening threat” to the island, bringing the potential for catastrophic damage, flooding, and storm surges. Melissa, with sustained winds exceeding 260 kilometers per hour (160 mph), is the strongest hurricane to form in the Atlantic this season. The hurricane’s eye was located just 150 kilometers southeast of Kingston on Tuesday afternoon, moving northwest at around 20 kilometers per hour. Meteorologists say the storm’s outer bands have already begun lashing Jamaica’s southern coast with heavy rainfall and fierce winds. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for low-lying and coastal areas, including parts of St. Catherine, Clarendon, and St. Elizabeth parishes. Shelters have been opened across the island, and the government has mobilized emergency services, soldiers, and medical personnel in preparation for the storm’s landfall, expected late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged citizens to take the warnings seriously, emphasizing that this hurricane could cause “unprecedented destruction” if residents do not act swiftly. “We are facing a dangerous and unpredictable system. Everyone must move to safety and avoid taking risks,” Holness said during a national address. Meteorologists predict that Melissa could drop up to 600 millimeters (24 inches) of rain in some areas, leading to flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions. Coastal communities face the risk of storm surges up to 5 meters (16 feet) high, capable of inundating entire neighborhoods and cutting off access to vital infrastructure. Airports across the island have suspended operations, and airlines have canceled flights in and out of Jamaica. The national power company has warned of possible widespread outages as high winds threaten to topple electricity poles and damage transmission lines. After passing Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa is projected to continue northwest toward the Cayman Islands and western Cuba, though slight changes in its path could alter its trajectory. The NHC continues to monitor the storm closely, warning nearby nations to remain vigilant.

Trump says he did not want ‘wasted meeting’ after plan for Putin talks shelved

Afham9 months ago9 months ago05 mins

Donald Trump has said that he did not want a “wasted meeting” with Vladimir Putin, after plans for a face-to-face summit in Budapest were put on hold. The context: Trump had announced last week that he intended to meet Putin “within two weeks” in Budapest to try to help bring an end to the war in Ukraine. But on Tuesday he told reporters that the meeting is not going ahead “in the immediate future,” after Moscow signalled strong refusal to accept an immediate cease-fire. In his remarks, Trump said:“I don’t want to have a wasted meeting. I don’t want to have a waste of time, so we’ll see what happens.” This signals that he believes the pre-conditions for meaningful talks are not yet in place, especially since Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, made clear that Russia’s negotiating position remains unchanged. From the Russian side, spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed that preparation is still required before any summit:“Preparation is needed, serious preparation,” he said.He also added, “No one wants to waste time, neither President Trump nor President Putin.” Hungary — where the meeting was due to take place — also weighed in. Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, confirmed that although the date is not set, “preparations … are continuing,” suggesting the summit is not formally cancelled, just deferred. One major obstacle remains: Russia recently sent a private diplomatic communication — a “non-paper” — to the United States, restating its long-standing peace terms for Ukraine. These terms are seen as maximalist and incompatible with what Ukraine and its European allies are prepared to accept. In short, Russia is staying firm, making it difficult to arrange a meeting worth having from the U.S. side. Meanwhile, behind these diplomatic moves, Russia launched a major overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine — killing civilians, including children, and striking key energy infrastructure. That escalation further complicates prospects for diplomacy and puts pressure on both sides over whether any talks can succeed. Trump’s shift in tone is also noteworthy. Earlier this year, he had suggested that he wanted to bring an end to the war quickly and had appeared open to the idea of territorial compromises by Ukraine. But now he seems to be aligning with the idea of freezing the war along current frontlines — a position also tentatively echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who called Trump’s recent proposal “a good compromise,” though he expressed doubt that Russia would accept it. Why this matters Trump’s insistence on avoiding a “wasted meeting” underscores how difficult it is to achieve meaningful diplomacy when both sides’ positions remain far apart. For Ukraine and its Western allies, the pause in the planned summit may actually be a relief, as they fear that a poorly prepared meeting could legitimize Russian territorial gains or pressure Kyiv into concessions. On the other hand, the suspension of the summit may also be viewed as a missed opportunity to re-energize diplomatic efforts at a time when the war continues to drag on and the human and economic costs keep rising.

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

Afham9 months ago9 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.

Zelensky fails to secure Tomahawk missiles at talks with Trump

Afham9 months ago9 months ago04 mins

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s highly anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House has ended without an agreement on the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles, dealing a blow to Kyiv’s hopes of acquiring advanced long-range weaponry to bolster its defenses against Russian forces. According to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the discussions between the two leaders were “constructive but inconclusive.” Zelensky had arrived in Washington seeking approval for the sale or transfer of Tomahawk missiles, capable of striking targets up to 1,600 kilometers away, arguing that such systems were vital to Ukraine’s ability to deter Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and logistics hubs. However, President Trump reportedly declined to approve the request, citing concerns that providing such high-precision, long-range weapons could escalate the conflict and draw the United States deeper into the war. Instead, Trump proposed increasing U.S. intelligence sharing and offering a new package of defensive systems, including Patriot interceptors and counter-drone technologies. In a joint press conference following the meeting, Zelensky said he appreciated Washington’s continued support but admitted that “Ukraine had hoped for more tangible commitments.” He added that Kyiv would continue discussions with American defense officials and Congress in hopes of securing “the tools necessary to end the war on fair terms.” Trump emphasized his administration’s focus on “peace through strength” and suggested that further negotiations between Russia and Ukraine could take place “under the right conditions.” He also reiterated his belief that a diplomatic settlement remains possible if both sides “show flexibility and put national interest above pride.” Analysts say the outcome highlights the ongoing tension between Kyiv’s urgent battlefield needs and Washington’s cautious approach to escalation. While the U.S. remains Ukraine’s largest supplier of aid and weaponry, the Trump administration has increasingly framed its support in the context of a potential peace deal rather than open-ended military assistance. The failure to secure Tomahawk missiles is likely to frustrate Ukrainian commanders, who argue that long-range precision weapons are essential for targeting Russian supply lines deep inside occupied territories. Without them, Ukraine remains largely dependent on shorter-range systems like ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles provided by other Western allies. Despite the setback, Zelensky vowed to keep pushing for stronger defense partnerships. “Ukraine will not stop fighting for its freedom and independence,” he said. “We will continue to work with our partners to ensure our country’s security and future.” The talks mark a pivotal moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Kyiv balances gratitude for continued support with growing pressure to achieve decisive results on the battlefield before winter sets in.

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

Afham9 months ago9 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

Afham9 months ago9 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.

Israel and Hamas agree first phase of Gaza ceasefire deal

Afham10 months ago10 months ago04 mins

In a major breakthrough toward ending nearly a year of bloodshed, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire deal, marking a cautious but significant step toward lasting peace in the region. The deal, brokered through Egyptian and Qatari mediation with strong backing from the United States, outlines an initial cessation of hostilities and the exchange of prisoners and hostages, while setting the stage for future negotiations on Gaza’s political future. According to Israeli and Palestinian officials, the agreement was signed after days of intensive talks in Sharm el-Sheikh. Under the terms of the first phase, Hamas will release all remaining Israeli hostages believed to be alive within 72 hours of the deal’s ratification. In return, Israel will withdraw its forces from several key positions inside Gaza, easing military pressure on densely populated areas. Additionally, Israel has agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been detained without trial during the conflict. The ceasefire is expected to take effect within 24 hours of final cabinet approval in Jerusalem. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has played a key role in promoting the wider peace framework, described the deal as “a historic opportunity for both sides to end the suffering and rebuild Gaza.” The agreement is reportedly part of a broader 20-point peace plan that envisions gradual disarmament of militant factions and the creation of a joint Israeli-Palestinian reconstruction authority. Despite the optimism, the deal faces considerable challenges. Hardline factions within both Israel and Hamas have expressed skepticism about the plan’s longevity. In Israel, far-right ministers have criticized the decision to release Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas leaders have warned that any delay in Israel’s troop pullback could trigger renewed hostilities. Analysts note that the first phase addresses only the immediate humanitarian crisis and hostage situation, leaving thornier issues—such as Gaza’s governance and Hamas’s military capabilities—for later stages. Regional powers have cautiously welcomed the development. Egypt praised the accord as a “vital first step toward de-escalation,” while Qatar emphasized the need for international monitoring to ensure both sides uphold their commitments. The United Nations has offered logistical support for aid delivery and reconstruction efforts once the truce takes hold. If successfully implemented, this first phase could pave the way for phase two, involving a full Israeli withdrawal, the establishment of a demilitarized Gaza, and potential normalization talks. Yet, with mistrust running deep, the path to a durable peace remains uncertain. For now, the agreement provides a rare moment of hope amid one of the region’s most protracted and devastating conflicts.