Latest news with #JeffreySachs
Russia Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Trump calls Tucker Carlson ‘kooky' over Israel-Iran position
US President Donald Trump blasted conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson on Monday, calling him 'kooky' after the journalist questioned Washington's support for Israel following its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israel launched attacks on Iran's uranium enrichment and reactor sites starting last Friday, claiming it was a preemptive move to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Carlson, normally a Trump ally, condemned supporters of West Jerusalem's military escalation and hosted guests on his program who shared similar views. 'Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, 'IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!'' Trump wrote on his social media platform. On Friday, Carlson denounced 'those who casually encourage violence' and urged Trump not to back Israeli military action against Iran. He argued that the fundamental divide today is not between those supporting West Jerusalem and those backing its adversaries, but 'between warmongers and peacemakers.' Carlson also discussed the role of Israel in US foreign policy during a recent interview with Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs. The host remarked that warnings about Iran being 'weeks away' from developing nuclear weapons have circulated for more than two decades. Sachs, a vocal critic of the entrenched unelected bureaucracies in the US known as the 'deep state,' argued that Israel was aiming for regime change in Tehran. Sachs noted that Iran was the final country on a list of seven that the George W. Bush administration had intended to 'take out' in five years, beginning with Iraq. The list, as described by retired US Army General Wesley Clark, also included Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. These nations have all been targeted either through direct US military action or covert operations, the economist said, adding that all were perceived as hostile by Israel. 'America has been doing Israel's bidding for 30 years. Because of the Israel lobby. Because of the concocted idea that this is US security,' Sachs said. He argued that 'arrogance in Washington is the first point of reference' in foreign interventions, asserting that policymakers 'don't believe this is hard.' In a separate interview Monday with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon, Carlson raised concerns that Middle East hostilities could 'blow up' the so-called MAGA coalition which fueled Trump's political resurgence in the 2024 election cycle. Bannon warned that 'the American people are 90% against forever wars,' and said Trump faces a crucial battle against the deep state if he is to advance his agenda.
Russia Today
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Ukrainian attacks on Russian planes ‘Western' intel op
Ukraine's drone strikes on Russian military airfields earlier this month were a 'Western intelligence operation' orchestrated by the CIA and MI6, American public policy analyst Jeffrey Sachs has claimed. In an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson released on Wednesday, Sachs accused Western intelligence services of covertly working to undermine peace efforts aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, acting on orders from the US 'deep state.' On June 1, Ukrainian drones struck several Russian airbases in a coordinated assault across five regions – from Murmansk in the north to Irkutsk in Siberia – which Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky later called Operation Spider's Web. Kiev claimed that around 40 Russian military aircraft were damaged or destroyed, including long-range bombers. Moscow has dismissed the numbers and extent of damage, saying some of the aircraft were damaged, but that it was minimal and will be repaired. It added that most of the drones were intercepted. The attacks were reportedly carried out using commercial trucks rigged with explosive-laden drones smuggled into Russia. Asked whether the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) could have executed such a large-scale attack on its own, Sachs replied, 'of course not.' 'This was a Western intelligence operation. Without question,' he said, adding that the plan was likely prepared in secret by the CIA with help from the British. Sachs was also asked whether US President Donald Trump, who has been actively mediating peace efforts, could have been unaware. He replied that the CIA is 'self-operating' and 'out of control,' and has not been held accountable by Trump or previous presidents for over 50 years. He believes the agency answers to the 'deep state' and military companies that fund its operations. Sachs called the attacks a 'reckless' escalation that risked a direct confrontation between the two nuclear superpowers. 'Whether or not the White House knew, the operation itself is completely reckless and alarming, because attacking part of the nuclear triad in this way is a step towards nuclear Armageddon.' Sachs argued that to prevent the Ukraine conflict from escalating further, the US must cut funding for the 'desperate' Kiev regime and negotiate directly with Russia. 'In the end, we can't control Ukraine, but they can't fight without the US,' he said, noting that Trump has the constitutional authority to end the conflict by changing US foreign policy. Western officials have denied involvement in the attacks. Russian investigators have launched a probe, and the Russian military has since targeted strategic military sites across Ukraine, including weapon design bureaus, repair facilities, and airfields used by Ukraine's tactical aircraft.
Free Malaysia Today
05-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean's balancing act in an era of US-China rivalry
Key themes discussed by Asean leaders at the bloc's 46th summit in Kuala Lumpur last month included regional resilience and strategic diversification. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : As US-China geopolitical tensions escalate across multiple fronts, from tariffs to technology disputes, Asean finds itself navigating the complexities of balancing its ties with the world's two largest economies. The 10-member bloc depends on US investments and access to Western markets, while China, its top trading partner, has become deeply embedded in its supply chains. Denis Hew. Denis Hew, senior fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said Asean's ability to stay neutral is shrinking fast, with China's economic reach across Southeast Asia constantly growing. 'The US is becoming more protectionist, but it's gone beyond that. It's beginning to undermine the existing economic order,' he said, pointing to the weakening of institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the UN. 'China's trade and production linkages with Asean have grown significantly, making the relationship an important part of the region's economic landscape.' He warned that without stronger internal cohesion, Asean risks being shaped more by outside powers than its own priorities. Navigating a shifting global order Economist Jeffrey Sachs, a professor at Columbia University, said the global order is shifting towards multipolarity, with Asia coming to the fore after a long era of Western dominance. Jeffrey Sachs. He said Asean should resist the pressure to pick sides, and that global powers must learn to work with the 10-nation bloc and other similar groupings around the world. Tricia Yeoh of the University of Nottingham Malaysia said Asean must rethink how it engages with the US, especially in the light of Washington's inconsistent approach to the region. It should also not rely too much on China, she added. Tricia Yeoh. Yeoh said Asean must build broader ties with regions such as the EU, Latin America and Africa. 'These global ties will strengthen Asean's resilience in the face of growing conflict and deepening uncertainty—not just in economics and trade, but also in security and cultural spheres,' she said. Diversifying through strategic summits Asean, for its part, is trying to avoid being boxed in. The regional bloc recently held its first Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit, aimed at strengthening trade and connectivity. This trilateral push reflects Asean's strategy to avoid dependence on any one power and instead anchor stability through a broad web of partnerships. However, this strategy of non-alignment is not something new. As far back as in 1970, Malaysia, then under prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, led efforts to promote Asean's neutrality. The Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan), was formalised two years later, affirming Asean's commitment to remain free from external interference amid the ongoing Cold War tensions. Sachs said Zopfan remains relevant, and the region must stay open to all without being pulled into global conflict. With the room for neutrality narrowing, Asean is left walking a tightrope. However, that does not mean it is powerless. 'If Asean can get its act together and integrate deeper, it can be a formidable economic entity. Some estimates suggest that by 2030, this could be a US$4 trillion regional economy, the fourth largest in the world, if integrated,' Hew said.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jeffrey Sachs exposes US, Israel's role in Syrian conflict
Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz, World Food Programme Chief Operating Officer Carl Skau, U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen and U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network President Jeffrey Sachs participate in a panel discussion titled 'Syria: Reconstructing and Reconciling the Country' at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Exposing the US and Israel's role in the Syrian crisis, Jeffrey Sachs said, "American interference, at the behest of Netanyahu's far-right Israel, has left the Middle East in ruins." Show more Show less
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sachs to Asean countries: Prioritise global partnerships
KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming summit with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a critical opportunity for Asean to deepen cooperation and embrace a future-focused agenda. As such, United States-based economist Jeffrey Sachs urged Asean countries to prioritise regional integration, sustainable development and stronger global partnerships to navigate a changing economic and geopolitical landscape. Speaking ahead of the Asean Summit with China and GCC nations, which starts tomorrow, Sachs underscored the bloc's role in driving a green global economy, especially under Malaysia's chairmanship. Sachs, a professor at Columbia University and the president of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, described the summit as a historic opportunity to deepen Asean ties with East Asia and West Asia. "This meeting brings together Asean, China and the GCC. "It's an important and promising moment, especially with Malaysia playing a leadership role." He expressed optimism that significant commitments would emerge during the summit and the Asean leaders' meeting later this year. "We can expect progress on regional integration, advancements in the sustainable development agenda and enhanced ties with global partners." He said this at a dialogue on "Asean Amid Shifting Global Order" organised by Sunway University and the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation in Petaling Jaya near here on Friday. A DECLINE IN US DOMINANCE Sachs addressed the shifting global economic landscape, highlighting the declining dominance of the US in politics and trade. "Just as the US no longer dominates the world economy, the US dollar is losing its stronghold in global trade," he said. He pointed to recent developments, including the downgrade of the US credit rating and rising interest rates, as indicators of growing uncertainty about the US economy and policies. "This presents a critical opportunity for Asean to explore alternative trade and financial arrangements that promote resilience and long-term stability." LEADING THE GREEN AND DIGITAL ECONOMY He emphasised Asean's potential to lead the global transition to a green and digital economy, advocating for the adoption of sustainable energy systems and new technologies. "Asean must embrace a new energy trajectory by adopting low- or zero-carbon technologies," he said, highlighting the need for renewable energy sources. He urged the bloc to implement an Asean power grid. "Asean needs a low-carbon, high-efficiency regional energy system that integrates all 10 member states," he said. He outlined the benefits of an interconnected energy marketplace, which would support electric vehicles, clean shipping, hydrogen economies and advanced biofuels. He stressed the importance of linking Asean's energy initiatives with regional partners, including China, Australia and Japan, to maximise impact. "Building a robust power grid and enhancing infrastructure will not only attract investments but also strengthen Asean's global competitiveness." STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS AND TRADE RESILIENCE He highlighted the importance of Asean's economic partnerships with China and the GCC, describing them as vital for the bloc's global standing. Asean, he added, should have good relations with all parts of the world rather than be allied with other countries or groupings. "The idea is that Asean is a very open region, and trades with the US, Europe, China and others." On US trade protectionism, Sachs expressed confidence in a return to multilateralism. "The world prefers a rules-based trading system under the World Trade Organisation. "Asean, like others, should maintain open trade and avoid following the US into protectionist policies," he said, adding that Asean leaders should act collectively and decisively. "Together, we can create a sustainable and prosperous future by focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals — planet, people, prosperity and peace."
