Latest news with #Promise
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
War, Iran's denuclearisation and the region
Listen to article The war in the Middle East is in its 7th day. Essential aspects were covered in my Tribune Sunday Magazine article titled, "Rising Lion, True Promise: the Israel-Iran shadow war goes hot" on 15 June. As discerned, from eliminating Iran's ability to acquire nuclear weapons; and to 'facilitate' regime change in Tehran, the US-Israel nexus now demands unconditional surrender of the Islamic Republic. Israel reckons nuclear weapons in the hand of clerics would continue to pose it an 'existential threat', therefore removal of both is an imperative. IDF's current targeting strategy of killing almost the entire Irani military, leadership and important political, religious leaders and scientists; its wide-ranging attacks on infrastructure; its operations against Irani military facilities, in addition to nuclear installations at Natanz, Fordow, Bushehr, IR-40 (Arak) and elsewhere are aimed at achieving these dual objectives. Tel Aviv reckons Irani regime stands on shaky grounds due to prolonged sanctions, poor economic performance, political unrest and degradation of its regional clout and proxy potential. Hence persistent operations 'would' lead to the regime change but before that nuclear potential has to be taken out. For this, Israel had been 'shaping the environment' for years through military and diplomatic coercion, assassinations, cyber-attacks and degradation of Iran's 3H (Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi) proxies through relentless overt and covert military, cyber and sabotage operations. Mossad has deep ingress at sensitive levels of the Irani state and society as substantiated by the recent assassinations of Irani scientists and military, religo-political leaders, not deemed possible without 'Humint' or human intelligence. However, Israel cannot go it along without substantial support from its key allies, the US, UK and France. Militarily, to take on the deeply burrowed Fordow fuel enrichment plant for example, IDF lacks bunker-busting munitions like the GBU-43/B, GBU-57 and the transporting bombers. It is also dependent upon its limited number of KC-707 air-to-air refuelers, to enable IAF's F-15L, F-16 and F-35 fighter jets to target Iran, during some 3,000 km of roundtrip. The US may join the war to compensate for Israeli shortfalls and has been repositioning its military, air as well as naval assets in the theatre. From messaging to posturing to shooting war, parties have room for diplomacy under coercion. Netanyahu from Day One was desperate to suck the US into this war. That outcome might leave Iran badly bruised but determined and hostile; Tehran's nuclear programme retarded, not eliminated but capped; and power within Iran re-arranged. The US is letting Israel weaken Iran sufficiently so that it is ready to sign a nuclear deal on unfavorable terms, which could be capping and rolling back the nuclear programme, short of an attack by the US forces. Such a deal might irreparably weaken the clerics, laying grounds for a regime change. Israel's deal, imposed on Hezbollah after recent military degradation, forcing Hezbollah to stay neutral in this war, can be a US-Israeli blueprint. However, the US participation in a shooting war has implications. First, declaration of war by any US president without consulting the Congress is unconstitutional, but US presidents have been doing so after World War II. So, domestic legal challenges can be circumvented. Second, any further degradation of nuclear facilities after the US involvement may cause dangerous radiation leaks and set wrong precedence; as the US, a responsible power would be attacking nuclear installations, legally forbidden even in war. Third, the US involvement may expose around 50,000 US troops on 19 bases in the Middle East to Irani and proxy retaliatory attacks. Although Tehran has been careful in its targeting strategy so far, desperation leads to errors and blunders. Fourth, conflagration would upend regional stability as Iran borders some six countries including Pakistan and Iraq, and has some 14 maritime neighbours. Regime change, domestic instability would have religious and sectarian repercussions especially in Iraq, that still bases US troops on sprawling Victory (Al Asad), Habbaniyah and Marez camps, etc. Iraq is Iran's known ally. Although the Jewish influence on the American policy is no hidden secret, and although Netanyahu sees everything through a dangerous and hate-filled binary, the world Jewry should be more careful in reigning Netanyahu, rather than allowing the US to get involved in a deeply unpopular war. World Jewry needs to be sensitive to the damage Netanyahu has already caused to their cause, and sense the international rage directed at Zionism and Jews for their genocidal war under America's criminal complicity in Gaza. So, by rational standards, the US should, instead of getting involved, push seriously to halt hostilities and work for a deal. However, as Netanyahu is apparently under nobody's control; Trump is unpredictably mercurial; ceasefire is making no apparent headway; and Israel is sustaining damage, however limited, so the conflict might escalate in the short term with or without the direct US involvement. The recent US pronouncements of Iran's unconditional surrender and killing Khamenei etc are part of posturing strategy aimed at bringing Iran to the negotiating table without getting involved in a shooting war. Iran is likely to fight back using its missile arsenal, the largest in the region. Continued military degradation would, however, reduce its lethality and effectiveness. With the present rate of around 11% missiles, especially in the Hypersonic category (Khyber Shikan for example) getting through the four-tiered Israeli AD system, the much smaller Israeli population would be subjected to fear, psychological trauma, shelter psychosis and insecurity. Iran may also usher in crisis in the oil markets by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway allowing 20% of global oil flows. What does it hold for Pakistan? Netanyahu's dislike for Pakistani nukes wed to an 'extremist ideology', as he mentioned in an interview, is no secret. And his influence over the US Administration, where he is considered 'running the US foreign policy' is also known. So, for Pakistan, investing in drone technology (usage and counter), missile regimes especially in hypersonic category with multiple and manoeuvrable warheads, asset hardening, AD and PAF are critical now, like never before. Army also needs a new look as Indian threat under Modi, with or without Israel, would be a lurking reality. Naval forces should be able to destructively shred any Indian naval blockade.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Akanksha Bhandari drops her most experimental track yet
Akanksha Bhandari, singer-songwriter, has released her latest single Promise , a bold and feminine Punjabi pop ballad, very distinct from her previous releases. With this powerful new single, she steps into an emotionally charged space, channeling the voice of a woman who loves fiercely, wholly, and without fear. With a vibrant yet soulful sonic backdrop produced by Kimeraa, the song captures the raw vulnerability of a girl deeply in love—where love is not just a desire but a lifeline. Her voice soars as she confesses her heart's deepest longing: a lifetime of unwavering love, asking her lover to stay true to the promises he once made. Sharing her thoughts on this release, Akanksha said, ''Promise' is one of my most experimental tracks so far. It blends a dark, moody soundscape with romantic, heartfelt lyrics—a combination that felt unusual but exciting to explore. I'm always looking to push my musical boundaries, and with this song, I wanted to showcase a different side of me. The melody for this song came to me quite spontaneously, and once Kimeraa came on board for the production, he instantly understood my vision. Rehan's lyrics tied it all together so seamlessly. I really hope people resonate with this new sound and continue to support my music.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Teacher incentives, math education bills become law in Oklahoma
Skelly Elementary teacher Charity Hargrave leads a reading exercise with a small group of fifth graders in Tulsa on April 9, 2024. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY — Longtime Oklahoma teachers will continue earning annual salary increases for an extra 10 years, and their children will qualify for a major state-funded scholarship under new laws the governor signed this week. Gov. Kevin Stitt approved House Bill 1087 on Tuesday to extend the teacher salary schedule, which grants annual incremental pay raises, up to 35 years. The bill also adds one day to the minimum length of an Oklahoma school year, stretching it to 181 instructional days in public schools. HB 1727, which Stitt also signed Tuesday, opens the Oklahoma's Promise college scholarship to the children of classroom teachers with at least 10 years of experience. Oklahoma's Promise pays an amount equal to full resident tuition at a public college or university. The state's largest teacher union, the Oklahoma Education Association, celebrated both bills as ways to retain veteran educators. Offering scholarship funds to educators' children is a 'powerful step for Oklahoma valuing its teachers and their households,' OEA President Cari Elledge said. 'By granting Oklahoma's Promise Scholarship to children of certified educators with at least a decade of service, this bill eases the college burden on our families while incentivizing long-term commitment to our schools,' Elledge, a former Norman teacher, said. 'OEA championed this from committee rooms to the governor's desk because addressing the educator shortage requires meaningful investment.' The governor also signed a bill offering grants to school districts that are trying to boost the pipeline of new teachers. Senate Bill 235 offers matching funds to districts that have established Grow Your Own Educator programs, which give undergraduate college tuition assistance or loan repayment to aspiring teachers. The bill's author, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, said lawmakers set aside $5 million for these grants. Pugh, who leads the Senate Education Committee, said the slate of school-focused bills the Legislature passed this year are 'building a stronger foundation for Oklahoma's future.' 'Each of these measures reflects our commitment to supporting students, empowering teachers and ensuring every child in our state has access to a high-quality education,' Pugh said in a statement. Multiple bills emphasizing math also passed. Stitt approved HB 1287, giving $3 million to the University of Oklahoma for a math tutoring program assisting the lowest-performing ninth graders. Qualifying students must attend a school district with enrollment of at least 30,000 or a public charter school. The governor also signed on Tuesday the Oklahoma Math Achievement and Proficiency Act, also known as SB 140. It's expected to cost $1 million, according to a fiscal impact estimate from legislative staff. The new law requires public schools to screen students' math proficiency three times a year in grades 2-5. Schools must create a math intervention plan for children who score below their grade level and could receive extra funds dedicated for these students. Struggling students also must be screened for dyscalculia, a learning disability affecting comprehension of arithmetic. Those who screen above their grade level in math must be offered advanced learning opportunities. 'Senate Bill 140 is a critical step forward in improving math outcomes across our state,' the bill's author, Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, said. 'By identifying students who need additional help or more advanced instruction, they will now have personalized support to ensure every child can succeed.' SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor Stitt quietly signs several Education bills
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – There are now a handful of bills still on the governor's desk this week, after he quietly signed several that brought funding to Oklahoma education. The state has one of the highest teacher turnover rates in the nation. While many lawmakers argue that rhetoric at the top needs to get better, it's funding that needs to get better as well. Tulsa World found earlier this year in their reporting that Oklahoma has one of the lowest per-pupil spending rates in the nation. This last session saw some of the biggest funding for education the state has seen in a while, like expanding teacher pay opportunities or putting money into math proficiency screening for students. 'These bills are great and all, but what do we do now? I mean, you can still look regional, we are lagging in teacher pay overall? I mean, we're last. So, in the region, if you look at that, it's kind of an arms race that we're losing,' said Representative Jacob Rosecrants (D-OKC). 21 bills still waiting on decision by Gov. Stitt Two major bills that many educators have had their eyes on include House Bill 1087, which would extend teacher pay raises by 10 years, and House Bill 1727, which expands Oklahoma's Promise, a program that gives scholarship opportunities to educators. 'We want young teachers to come into the system, but we don't want to have such a turnover rate like the one we have now,' said Representative Dick Lowe (R-Chickasha). Rep. Lowe authored HB 1087 and said it came with a catch. As of right now, teachers' pay raises go until 25 years of service, but now that 1087 is signed, they will receive it until 35 years of service. 'The second part of this bill came from the Senate, and it was a compromise where we had one more day of class for every school in the state of Oklahoma of instructional time,' said Rep. Lowe. HB 1727 was praised by many educators, and ones we spoke with were hoping the governor would sign it. Others had questions about it. There is a website that answers most of them here. 'It's great for teacher retention, absolutely, but this doesn't include all teachers and not even all school employees,' said Rep. Rosecrants. Other education bills that have been signed include SB 140, which ensures students in grades 2-5 are screened for math proficiency three times a year and identifies students in need of intervention. Then there is House Bill 1287, which creates a high-dosage tutoring pilot program through the State Regents for Higher Education, aimed at boosting student learning with targeted interventions. The initiative is a research-backed program that uses strategic funding to help students close learning gaps to better prepare them for the future. As of Thursday afternoon, there was a total of three bills left for action to be taken on. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Western Telegraph
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Hollyoaks star helping to rehome dog from Many Tears Rescue
Malique Thompson-Dwyer, best known for his role as Prince McQueen on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, has joined the search to find a special home for Promise, a long-term resident at Many Tears Animal Rescue in Llanelli. Promise, described by the rescue as a "forever pup," has complex needs and has not received a single rehoming enquiry despite months in care. Mr Thompson-Dwyer said: "I fell for the little guy immediately and was so tempted to apply to adopt him myself, but he needs a home where someone can devote more of their time to him than I can. "Even my mum was trying to work out a way so we could as a family adopt him. "If I can help Sylvia find him the special home he deserves though, I will be really pleased." Promise has been described as a 'forever pup' (Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue) The actor, who has rescue dogs himself, became aware of Promise's situation through a mutual friend and met Many Tears founder Sylvia Vanatta earlier this year. Many Tears Animal Rescue primarily takes in ex-breeding dogs that have never experienced life in a home or known human kindness. Since its founding, the rescue has rehomed nearly 40,000 dogs. Ms Vanatta said: "I called him Promise as I made a promise to him that I would never give up on him. "On arrival he showed obvious signs of complex needs. "He had no spatial awareness, had very little control of his body, and was walking into everything. "He didn't respond to human attention at all. "He also didn't sniff, which is unheard of; it was as if his brain did not work like any other dog we had known." Despite his challenges, Promise has made remarkable progress with the help of the rescue's dedicated staff. Ms Vanatta said: "Through the sheer dedication of the staff here at the rescue, he now responds to his name, runs around without falling down, plays with a ball, and is learning 'how to be a dog'. "He's adorable. "It's very likely that he will always be pup-like, which means he needs a very special person to watch out for him on his behalf. "For example, he doesn't recognise dangers. "It will be like dealing with a toddler." Hollyoaks star Malique Thompson-Dwyer is hoping to help Promise find his forever home (Image: Many Tears Animal Rescue) Mr Thompson-Dwyer hopes his involvement will help find Promise the right home. He said: "The search for the perfect owner starts here." He has recorded a video about Promise that has been shared on social media by both himself and the charity. Mr Thompson-Dwyer said: "Sylvia has invited me down to the charity again. "She is a remarkable woman and the work the charity does is equally as remarkable." The actor first gained recognition on CBBC's The Dumping Ground and has since appeared in Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! He was the youngest contestant in the history of the latter show at the time, taking part at just 20 years old. Anyone who believes they could offer Promise, or another dog at the rescue, a loving home is encouraged to visit for more information.
