Vance, Rubio peddle fiction that 88 percent of foreign aid doesn't go overseas
'There are all these humanitarian programs, where we sent money to people for medicine, for food, okay? What I thought, before I got into government, what most Americans think is, okay, so we sent $100,000 to this group to buy food, for like poor kids in Africa, okay? And what actually happens is it's not $100,000 that goes to the poor kids in Africa. The NGO, the nongovernmental organization, that gets that money, contracts that out to somebody else, … there are like three or four middlemen. What Marco Rubio told me … his best estimate, after having his team look at it, is that 88 cents of every dollar is actually being collected by middlemen. So every dollar we were spending on humanitarian assistance, 12 cents was making it to the people who actually needed it. That's crazy. There's a lot of waste.'
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News24
24 minutes ago
- News24
Malema slams R700m price tag for ‘useless' National Dialogue in face of high unemployment
@EFFSouthAfrica/X formerly Twitter EFF leader Julius Malema has strongly criticised the estimated R700 million price tag for the National Dialogue, accusing the government of prioritising funds for 'ukukhuluma' (talking) while neglecting financial support for the youth. During Sunday's funeral service for seven of the 10 EFF supporters who died in a bus accident on Youth Day in KwaZulu-Natal, Malema called for the establishment of a permanent unemployment grant in South Africa. 'This country can afford it. There is no shortage of money, only shortage of political will. We have R700 million for useless National Dialogue, but when it comes to feeding the children of the poor, suddenly, the budget is under pressure. 'R700 million of ukukhuluma (talking), asikhulume (let's talk), vula'mlomo (gift or payment to initiate talks) ... R700 million is available for such nonsensical programmes, yet our people are unemployed. We say to this government, the youth are watching. They will not forget your indifference,' said Malema. News24 previously reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national convention on 15 August to set the agenda for the National Dialogue. He also announced that a group of eminent South Africans, including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and renowned actor John Kani, would guide the dialogue. An estimate that R700 million would be required to fund the national talks to craft a new path for the country has been widely criticised. Malema delivered the keynote address at the mass funeral of seven of the 10 EFF supporters who died when their bus collided with a truck on the R34 near Ulundi in northern KwaZulu-Natal last Monday. They were returning home from a Youth Day rally at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. The funeral was held at the Cecil Emmett Hall in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal. Two of the supporters will be buried in a private ceremony, while another will be buried in Zimbabwe. The seven are: Sibongakonke Mbatha, 17; Phumlani Zulu, 36; Nontombi Radebe, 19; Lungani Mbatha, 26; Ayanda Khumalo, 27; Gcwalisile Sibisi, 44; Siboniso Manqele, 23; and Thokozani Mashazi, 30. Senior ANC and IFP leaders in the province also attended the funeral. Malema said when a roll call was taken on 17 June, the 10 supporters did not respond. 'These are not just names in headlines or numbers in a report, these were young people who had dreams. They were full of life, full of promise, and full of the courage that defines the children of working class and oppressed families,' said Malema. He said black communities should not normalise premature deaths. 'Their death must not be in vain. Their passing must become a turning point. We must honour them not only with flowers ... We must fix our roads, regulate the transport industry and demand accountability.' EFF/X Malema told mourners that his party had been championing the fight to reduce data, electricity and education costs. The EFF, he said, also called for justice for the crimes of apartheid because the murderers of the past were living with impunity. 'We want the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) recommendation implemented. We want those who committed crimes against humanity to face the full might of the law, and we will not rest until there is justice for our people.' Malema said some young people die of hunger, depression and hopelessness. He added: Today, 45.1% of South Africa's youth are unemployed. Almost one in every two young people is without work. They wake up every morning with no salary, no opportunity and no dignity. 'They stand on the street corners with degrees and diplomas while others are denied even the chance to study because this government has still failed to deliver free quality decolonised education and a promise made on stages and forgotten boardrooms.' According to Stats SA, the current youth unemployment rate is 46.1%. Meanwhile, Malema said in South Africa prisoners receive three meals a day, have access to free uniforms, and are offered education and rehabilitation programmes, while some young people go to bed on empty stomachs. In Parliament, the EFF would continue to fight until young people had access to free education, decent work and a basic income, he said. He claimed the EFF was the only political home in South Africa that did not treat its youth like ornaments. READ | UPDATED: 'They died in the line of duty' – EFF says of 10 party members killed in KZN bus crash 'We do not make them sing songs in corners while elders speak. No, we elect them. We send them to Parliament. We put them in front of microphones, in front of enemies and in front of history. 'Today, in the Parliament of South Africa, young leaders from the EFF benches stand boldly and speak truth to power. They interrogate ministers, they expose looters, they write legislation, and they make sure that the voice of the youth is not just heard, but it's impossible to ignore.' He told the parents of the 10 EFF supporters that they should be proud because their children died on the battlefield. 'We must continue to be disciplined and die in the revolution because to die in a revolution must be an honour. And as a result, we're going to honour all of these 10 fallen heroes, each one of them with a house, a proper house that has got all the facilities,' he announced. Should there be no access to water, Malema said the party would build boreholes to restore the families' dignity. Malema ended his address with the 'Kill the Boer' chant. Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa said the tragedy shouldn't have happened. 'To be visited by God in this way while carrying out the important work of the nation does not sit well with anyone. We will carry you in our prayers.' Hlengwa revealed that the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) had given him a preliminary report on the circumstances surrounding the accident. The deputy minister said the department had been discussing the need to engage political parties on transport arrangements for their members as part of the government's review of the national road safety strategy. 'We have done this with the churches, and we want to call for a closer working relationship and collaboration, particularly in areas of pooling and sharing of information and resources.'
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
How Iran Could Close the Strait of Hormuz
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian lawmakers have said blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz could be one retaliatory response to U.S. and Israeli attacks, and have given symbolic approval to the decision. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged China on Sunday to press Iran against closing the Strait following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Why It Matters If the Iranian government blocks passage through the Strait, Asian markets are expected to be most hit, but American markets will be too, with energy prices likely to rise. Oil prices jumped on Monday to their highest since January following the U.S. strikes. Located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, connecting to the wider Indian Ocean, the chokepoint on one of the world's busiest maritime routes is vital to global energy security and it handles roughly 20 percent of global oil trade. In this photo released by the Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, a missile is launched from a boat during a naval drill in the Persian Gulf, Iran. In this photo released by the Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, a missile is launched from a boat during a naval drill in the Persian Gulf, Iran. Iranian Revolutionary Guard/AP What To Know Since 2019, Iran has repeatedly used the Strait of Hormuz to apply pressure. In June 2019, it was accused of attacking two oil tankers with limpet mines. It also seized the British-flagged Stena Impero in retaliation for Britain detaining an Iranian tanker near Gibraltar. In 2023, units of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps briefly seized oil tankers in Gulf waters, prompting U.S. naval deployments. That demonstrated Iran's ability to target shipping. The strait is little over 20 miles wide at its narrowest point and while it could not be closed in the traditional sense, Iran could make it too dangerous for ships to pass — so that shipping companies and their insurers would stop According to one lawmaker, Seyyed Ali Yazdi Khah, speaking before the U.S. strikes, Iran would be compelled to shut down the Strait to "protect its national interest," in the face of "global arrogance" from the U.S. and the West, Mehr News Agency reported earlier this week. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said an average of 20 million barrels per day—around one fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption—moved through the waterway in 2024 and that volume has remained stable through the first quarter of 2025. Iran's Options H.I. Sutton, an independent and open-source intelligence analyst, outlined several scenarios for disruption on his YouTube channel. One feasible option is mining the strait. Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby. Iran could also employ anti-ship ballistic missiles—a method used by its allied Yemeni Houthis since 2023 to disrupt Red Sea traffic. The IRGC has drone carriers, fast attack boats, and Ghadir-class submarines—small, short-range vessels capable of launching torpedoes and laying mines. Sutton noted that despite limited lethal power, Iran's numerous platforms and long-range strike ability pose a serious deterrent. Iran has been conducting large-scale naval drills in the region, including with Chinese and Russian naval vessels, signaling broader strategic coordination and an additional challenge for the U.S. and Western allies. But Iran would need to operate carefully in the Strait to avoid disrupting Chinese oil shipments, a lifeline for its economy and a cornerstone of its strategic partnership with Beijing. What People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Fox Business Sunday Morning Futures: "Well, I would encourage the Chinese Government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil. If they do that, it'll be another terrible mistake. It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that. But other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries' economies a lot worse than ours. It would be, I think, a massive escalation that would merit a response not just by us but from others." Marko Papic, chief strategist at BCA Research, told Newsweek: "Oil prices would likely double, to well above $100. The extent to which that price shock would be sustainable is unclear." U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in a report last week: "Saudi Arabia and the UAE have some infrastructure in place that can bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which may somewhat mitigate any transit disruptions through the strait." What Happens Next Iran has signaled that there will be a response to U.S. strikes, but has not said exactly what yet and whether that would include targeting shipping in the Strait or Hormuz.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Trump hints at regime change in Iran after surprise attack on nuclear sites
US President Donald Trump on Sunday hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, questioning the future of Iran's ruling theocracy. Trump's social media jab at the regime in Iran came after he ordered a surprise attack on three of the country's main nuclear sites, raising the risk of a broader war in the Middle East amid warnings from his supporters at home and allies and foes from abroad. 'It's not politically correct to use the term 'regime change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be a regime change,' Trump posted on social media. His comments seemingly contradicted an earlier call to Iran for negotiations and de-escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's words also marked something of a reversal from his US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's Sunday morning news conference that detailed the aerial bombing. 'This mission was not and has not been about regime change,' Hegseth said. Speaking on Fox News on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any retaliation against the US or a rush toward building a nuclear weapon would 'put the Iranian regime at risk.' Rubio explained that what the US administration has made clear is that it wants Iran to stop any development of nuclear weapons. 'We're not at war with Iran,' US Vice President JD Vance said in a separate interview with NBC. 'We're at war with Iran's nuclear program.' According to him, the strike offers a chance to restart stalled talks on reducing Iran's nuclear program. Despite the efforts of Trump's senior aides to clarify the situation and establish a coordinated message and strategy regarding US involvement or plans, Trump himself has made a series of threatening statements, even as he has simultaneously called for restarting negotiations. Analysts believe the messaging makes it hard to get a complete read on whether the US president is simply taunting an adversary or using inflammatory words that could further widen the fighting between Israel and Iran that began earlier this month. Related US operation against Iran in detail: Bombs, planes and missiles used Can Iran attack the US now and how (and where) can it do it? Before Trump's post on Sunday afternoon, the coordinated messaging from Trump's secretary of state, top military adviser, vice president, and head of the Pentagon indicated a belief that any fallout would be controlled. The Israel-Iran conflict began on 13 June when Israel attacked Iran's military infrastructure, killing a number of Tehran's top commanders, including the country's intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy Hassan Mohaqiq, and several prominent nuclear scientists. Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israel, but Iran's military capabilities are believed to have been severely decimated after Israel's aerial campaign that took out much of Tehran's air defences and missile launchers. At least 950 people have been killed by Israel's strikes on Iran, according to figures from a Washington-based group, Human Rights Activists, and 27 people have died in Israel from Iran's retaliatory strikes.
