Best of BS Opinion: How we manage change can turn the future around
Today's columnists assess change, and the various forms it takes - from Trump's flip-flops to changing the ideal of what a company should do, to the Indian cricket team's leadership churn
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Hello, and welcome to BS Views, our daily wrap of the opinion page. Today's columnists assess change, and the various forms it takes - from Trump's flip-flops to changing the ideal of what a company should do, to the Indian cricket team's leadership churn, from data that throws up new realities to new realities that must force change on our borders. Read on.
In our lead column today, Max Hastings argues that US President Donald Trump's dislike of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as his penchant for deal-making, has given Russia's President Vladimir Putin a clear upper hand at the negotiating
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Indian Express
26 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Donald Trump to attend NATO summit on Tuesday, will urge members to boost defense spending
The NATO alliance has crafted a summit in The Hague this week to shore itself up by satisfying US President Donald Trump with a big new defence spending goal – but it now risks being dominated by the repercussions of his military strikes on Iran. The two-day gathering is also intended to signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that NATO is united, despite Trump's previous criticism of the alliance, and determined to expand and upgrade its defences to deter any attack from Moscow. The summit and its final statement are meant to be short and focused on heeding Trump's call to spend 5% of GDP on defence – a big jump from the current 2% goal. It is to be achieved by investing more in both militaries and other security-related spending. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, however, upset NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's preparations on Sunday as he declared Madrid did not need to meet the new spending target even as Spain approved the summit statement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has had to settle for a seat at the pre-summit dinner on Tuesday evening – rather than a formal session with the leaders when they meet on Wednesday – due to his volatile relationship with Trump. The US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend makes the summit much less predictable than Rutte – a former prime minister of the Netherlands hosting the gathering in his home city – and other NATO member countries would like. Much will depend on the precise situation in the Middle East when the summit takes place – such as whether Iran has retaliated against the US – and whether other NATO leaders address the strikes with Trump or in comments to reporters. If the meeting does not go to plan, NATO risks appearing weak and divided, just as European members confront what they see as their biggest threat since the end of the Cold War – Russia – while bracing for possible U.S. troop cuts on the continent. Under the new defence spending plan, countries would spend 3.5% of GDP on 'core defence' – essentially, weapons and troops – and a further 1.5% on security-related investments such as adapting roads, ports and bridges for use by military vehicles, protecting pipelines and deterring cyber-attacks. Such an increase – to be phased in over 10 years – would mean hundreds of billions of dollars more spending on defence. Last year, alliance members collectively spent about 2.6% of NATO GDP on core defence, amounting to about $1.3 trillion, according to NATO estimates. The lion's share came from the United States, which spent almost $818 billion. Washington has insisted it is time for Europeans to take on more of the financial and military burden of defending their continent. European leaders say they have got that message but want an orderly and gradual transition, fearful that any gaps in their defences could be exploited by Putin. They are particularly keen to stress their spending commitment as Trump has previously threatened not to protect allies that do not spend enough on defence. A prepared text summit statement agreed by NATO governments and seen by Reuters says: 'We reaffirm our ironclad commitment to collective defence as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – that an attack on one is an attack on all.' As part of their efforts to keep Trump onside, NATO officials have shunted difficult topics to the sidelines of the summit or kept them off the agenda altogether. While many European nations see Russia as an ever-growing threat, Trump has expressed a desire for better economic relations with Moscow – a prospect that Europeans think would help Russia to strengthen its military and threaten them more. Similarly, many Europeans are deeply wary of Trump's moves to lessen Russia's diplomatic isolation as part of his efforts to secure a deal to end the war in Ukraine. The brief summit statement will include just one reference to Russia as a threat to Euro-Atlantic security and another to allies' commitment to supporting Ukraine, diplomats say.
Indian Express
26 minutes ago
- Indian Express
What are sleeper cells and why is the US on high alert after Iran nuclear sites bombing?
The United States is on high alert after Iran threatened to activate sleeper cells inside the country in response to President Donald Trump's strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, which drew the US directly into Israel's war with Iran. The airstrikes, carried out on Saturday night, hit key facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan sites central to Iran's uranium enrichment operations. The strikes came as part of a joint effort with Israel, whose offensive against Iran began earlier this month. Iran had earlier warned that if attacked, it could activate sleeper cells inside the US. The warning was reportedly delivered to Trump through an intermediary at the G7 summit in Canada last week, according to The Telegraph. Now, security agencies including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security have increased surveillance to counter potential threats linked to Iran or its allies, including Hezbollah. Sleeper cells are operatives who live quietly in a country, blending into society until they are told to act. These individuals may work normal jobs and avoid drawing attention. When activated, they could carry out attacks, sabotage or espionage. Former Homeland Security adviser Michael Balboni told Fox News, 'The Iranians have shown a good capability in terms of their intelligence apparatus and operatives being able to work clandestinely. They are determined. The question is how many are in the country and the answer is we don't know.' According to Fox News, White House border czar Tom Homan revealed that over 1,200 Iranian nationals reportedly entered the US during former President Joe Biden's time in office, sparking concerns about potential domestic sleeper cells driven by foreign terrorist organisations. Homan shared this information on 'Sunday Morning Futures' with Maria Bartiromo, highlighting the risks associated with foreign nationals flowing into the country. National security experts are worried that these individuals could pose a threat to US security, especially in light of recent tensions with Iran . However, US officials are especially concerned about cells linked to Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran. The FBI began stepping up monitoring of suspected Hezbollah-linked agents well before the latest strikes. The National Terrorism Advisory System issued a bulletin warning of a 'heightened threat environment' after the strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. While no specific plot has been identified, the advisory said the risk of violence could rise if Iran calls for retaliation inside the US. Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker told Fox News that the situation is made more difficult because of gaps in border controls in recent years. 'We don't know where those thousand Iranians are and who knows how many others got across the border,' he said. He believes that authorities missed an opportunity to gather intelligence by not thoroughly vetting these individuals, saying 'we missed the opportunity to gather intel by interviewing them and thoroughly vetting them. We just simply let them go.' Swecker attributes this to 'gross negligence on the part of the Biden administration.' According to CBS News, potential targets of Iranian-backed plots include high-profile critics of the Iranian government, such as John Bolton, former national security adviser, and Masih Alinejad, an Iranian American journalist. Both individuals have been subject to alleged plots to be harmed, with prosecutors charging people with plotting to kill them in recent years. The increased surveillance started earlier this month, after Israel's Operation Rising Lion offensive began, according to the report. This heightened vigilance stems from longstanding concerns about Iranian operatives, particularly after the 2020 assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, which prompted the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to bolster counter-threat resources. Since then, several US-based individuals have been charged with plotting to kill Trump and his former national security adviser John Bolton. The airstrikes ordered by Trump targeted the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, which are central to Iran's ability to produce enriched uranium. Israel's campaign against Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure began on 13 June. Trump's decision to join the offensive marks a major escalation in US involvement. Iran has described the US strikes as 'unforgivable' and vowed to respond. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran that any attack on the US would be 'the worst mistake they've ever made,' speaking on Fox Business. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel was 'close' to destroying Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. Sleeper cells have long been a concern for US security services. After the 9/11 attacks, agencies increased efforts to detect covert groups that could plan violence while appearing to live normal lives. While the 9/11 hijackers were not sleeper agents living in the US long-term, the attack highlighted the dangers of operatives planning in secret. Iran has previously been linked to attempts to use such cells for attacks or assassinations abroad. Balboni told Fox News that sleeper cells could target individuals or infrastructure and are difficult to track because they 'look just like everyone else.' Mashkoora Khan is a sub-editor on the global desk. With a background as a multimedia journalist, her work has been featured in publications such as Al Jazeera, Down to Earth, and The Wire among other national and International outlets. ... Read More
Hans India
27 minutes ago
- Hans India
Balidan Diwas Observed with Grandeur in Aiza to Honor Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee's Sacrifice
Gadwal: On the occasion of Balidan Diwas commemorating the sacrifice of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, a solemn program was organized under the leadership of Kampati Bhagat Reddy, President of BJP Aiza Town, and Gopalakrishna, President of Aiza Mandal BJP. Former Jogulamba Gadwal District BJP President S. Ramachandra Reddy took part as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. He paid rich tributes to Dr. Mukherjee by garlanding his portrait and recalling his supreme sacrifice for the unity and integrity of India on the occasion of his 73rd death anniversary. In a symbolic gesture honoring Dr. Mukherjee's environmental and national values, saplings were planted collectively at the Government PHC (Primary Health Centre) as part of the tribute program. In his address, S. Ramachandra Reddy remarked: 'Many death anniversaries are observed across the country every year, but only a few noble souls become immortal through the tireless efforts of their followers and admirers who give meaningful expression to their sacrifices. Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee was one such divine patriot who offered his life for the nation on June 23, 1953. He strongly opposed the divisive decree of 'Two Flags, Two Constitutions, and Two Prime Ministers' (Do Nishan, Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan) and laid down his life for a unified India.' He further elaborated that as a Member of Parliament and President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Dr. Mukherjee challenged then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in Parliament, declaring: 'I will either safeguard the Constitution or perish in the attempt.' He entered Jammu & Kashmir without permission, defying the separate permit system in place at the time. He was subsequently arrested by Sheikh Abdullah's government and died in custody shortly afterward under mysterious circumstances. Reddy noted that Dr. Mukherjee was the first Indian to sacrifice his life for national unity and integrity. Several party members and local leaders participated in the event, including Rajashekar, Mahesh, Veeresh Goud, Bheemanna, G. Raghu, T. Narasimhulu, Bheemaesh, and Bhanu. The event concluded with patriotic slogans and a collective vow to uphold the ideals of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee.
