Latest news with #SecondWorldWar
Leaders
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Leaders
China Condemns Israel's ‘War of Aggression' against Iran
Chinese scholar and former diplomat Dr. Victor Gao described Israel's strikes on Iran as a 'war of aggression', urging for an immediate end to the conflict, according to Al Arabiya. Strong Condemnation During his online interview with Al Arabiya English's GNT, Gao denounced Israel's attacks and missiles on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing them as a 'surprise attack' that could have global ramifications. 'China really deplores Israel's military attack on nuclear facilities inside Iran and considers it as a very serious offense against a world of peace and security,' Gao said. Israel's 'High Hypocrisy' Gao also dismissed Israel's allegations of starting the attacks for the sake of self-defense, describing the claims as 'high hypocrisy' especially when it comes to the fact that Israel owns undeclared nuclear arsenal. 'It is of high hypocrisy for a country like Israel, which violated international convention in possessing nuclear weapons, to accuse another country of trying to possess nuclear weapons,' he added. Apart from this, he accused Israel of not only undermining international norms but also creating a threat of a regional – and potentially global – catastrophe. 'In my best judgment, it is like the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in the Second World War,' he said. Iran's Right of Self-Defense Gao stressed that China believes that Iran is a sovereign nation and has full rights to defend its territory. 'Whatever Iran is doing is justified, because they are defending their own sovereignty and territorial integrity,' he said. 'They are fighting back against aggressors.' Stark Warning Moreover, he mentioned the mounting suspicions that the US is playing a secret role in Israel-Iran conflict. 'Evidence points out to a joint operation by the United States and Israel against the country of Iran,' he warned. 'If the United States really gets bogged down in this war against Iran, no one knows what will happen… in the coming years or coming decades,' he added. China's Geopolitical Benefits In this context, Gao also dismissed the idea that China could benefit geopolitically from a distracted US. 'China always benefits by protecting peace and stability anywhere in the world,' he said. 'It is time to stop Israel in this war against Iran and to prevent the United States from really joining this war… which may escalate the situation and create… consequences for mankind as a whole,' he added. A Warning for Netanyahu In a stark rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Gao warned that Netanyahu will not be able to escape from the reach of law. 'No one should allow Prime Minister Netanyahu [to try] saving his own political skin from justice at home and justice in Hague by launching this war of aggression against Iran,' Gao concluded. Israeli-Iranian Tensions On June 13, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on Iran under the name of Operation Rising Lion. The military campaign targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists. As a response, Iran launched a retaliatory wave of missiles against Israel and targeted Tel Aviv. Israel also killed three more Iranian nuclear scientists, bringing the total number of scientists slain to nine, Gulf News reported. Currently, both countries are trading missiles and attacks amid intensifying efforts to halt the conflict. Related Topics: 'Nobody Knows': Trump on US Striking Iran Iran's Natanz Facilities Were 'Badly Hit': IAEA's Chief Jordan King Warns: Israel-Iran Escalation Risks Global Chaos Short link : Post Views: 11
RTÉ News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Sinn Féin MEP calls on EU official to apologise over Irish comments
An Irish MEP has asked the EU's most senior foreign affairs official to apologise for suggesting Ireland's policy of neutrality is in part due to Ireland not having a modern-day understanding of "atrocities, mass deportations, suppression of culture and language". European Commission vice president and high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, made the remarks during a debate on an upcoming NATO meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in France. Responding to a discussion which involved various views on NATO, conflicts including Russia's war in Ukraine and whether the EU needs to increase defence spending, Ms Kallas, who is from Estonia, said: "I do want to address our Irish colleagues. I mean, yes, peace doesn't mean that human suffering will stop. "If, you know, you surrender and you have the aggressor and you say okay take all that you want, it doesn't mean that the human suffering will stop. "Our experience behind the Iron Curtain [the de facto border between East and West during the cold war], after the Second World War countries like Ireland got to build up their prosperity, but for us it meant atrocities, mass deportations, suppression of culture and language. "This is what happens. It is also peace, but it's actually not freedom, freedom of choice for people, and that is what an EU is all about, and that is what we are fighting for." In a statement today, Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion said: "I was astonished by Leas-Uachtarán Kallas's remarks, which displayed a clear lack of understanding of Ireland's history. "In my speech, I underlined Ireland's long-standing policy of neutrality, which was shaped by our own experience of colonialism and struggle for self-determination. "Vice President Kallas's suggestion that Ireland simply prospered in the post-war period without trauma or oppression is deeply inaccurate and dismissive of our island's experience. "Ireland too endured atrocities, from the Ballymurphy massacre to Bloody Sunday, where innocent civilians were shot and killed by British soldiers. "Our people suffered internment without trial, and widespread discrimination in housing and employment, particularly in the North. "Furthermore, the suppression of Irish language and culture has been an ongoing battle, as evidenced by the decades-long campaign for an Irish Language Act in the North. "Vice President Kallas's comments were ill-advised and deeply insensitive to the experiences of Irish communities still seeking justice to this day," she said. The Sinn Féin MEP continued that she has written to Ms Kallas's office "asking her to withdraw her remarks".
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Burchett calls Republicans advocating US intervention in Iran ‘war pimps'
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) called Republicans pushing for U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict 'war pimps,' in an interview Wednesday. CNN's John Berman asked Burchett about the growing divide in the party between the anti-interventionists like Tucker Carlson and folks like Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who advocated unequivocal support for Israel's campaign against Iran. 'Congressman, where do you come down on this?' Berman asked. 'Tucker Carlson has called some members of your own party 'warmongers.'' 'Yeah, well, I call them war pimps,' Burchett responded. 'You know, Lindsey Graham's a friend of mine. Ted Cruz is a friend of mine. I just — look, I got a daughter who just turned 18 last week, on the same day as the president did and the United States Army. I don't want to see her go to war,' he continued, referring to the Army's 250th anniversary that coincided with President Trump's 79th birthday Saturday. Burchett said he thinks the matter should be left to the Israelis, saying there's no 'just cause' to warrant further escalation. 'My daddy fought in the Second World War. Hell, my mama flew an airplane during the Second World War. She lost her brother. To the day she died, every time they unfurled that flag, she would tear up. And that was for a just cause,' Burchett said. 'I just don't see American boys and girls going to a faraway land that many of us couldn't even find on a map,' he continued. 'Again, the Israelis can handle this thing. Let's let them handle it.' Burchett said he supports letting Trump continue trying to negotiate with the Iranians for a nuclear deal, saying that's why the president earned his vote in November. 'We do not need a three-front war in our lifetime right now. I just don't think that's the route to go. There'll be room for debate, but I think we ought to let the president do his negotiating skills. That's what I elected him to do,' Burchett said. The remarks come as Trump weighs whether to up U.S. involvement in Israel's war with Iran. Trump said he gave Iran the 'ultimate ultimatum' Wednesday and called for the country's 'unconditional surrender.' 'I may do it, I may not do it,' Trump said earlier in the day. 'I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do. I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble. And they want to negotiate. And I say why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Letters to the Editor, June 19, 2025
Thursday letters Photo by Illustration / Toronto Sun TRUMP THE CAT, CARNEY THE MOUSE Donald Trump using 'Mark' instead of Prime Minister Carney shows that Trump sees a very weak man — he does it more subtly than he did for Justin Trudeau! Trump's still playing Carney — he sees a weakness in Carney. Carney looks completely out of his depth and Trump sees it! I look at Trump the cat, Carney the little mouse! This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Shelley Carrington Jempson (This encounter does not bode well for Canada getting a favourable trade deal with the U.S. But things can change) ADMIRATION IN HIS EYE When I was 10 years old in 1944, I had worked with my father collecting metal to help in the Second World War drive. My father was so proud of me he bought a used Schwinn, balloon tire, longhorn handle bar bicycle for me, I would be the most popular in my neighbourhood. When dad was talking, I looked up at him as the greatest man who ever lived. An old photo shows me fixated at my father in such an adoring gaze — he was my hero, he was the strength, the idol, the person I always wanted to be. He was the person I would follow anywhere. Now, Donald Trump was answering questions outside of the G7 meeting explaining why he had to leave early. Look at the video. Look at the photo. Look at Carney's face, his expression, his complete unashamed adoration for the man who was talking. Carney's look was that of a follower of their hero, a complete worshipping, hanging on every word as if the president was proclaiming a new gospel for politicians. That look, that adoring gaze, the unspoken commitment by Carney that like a faithful disciple, he would follow Trump anywhere. Carney looked at Trump the same as I looked at my father many years ago. We all have heroes, Carney openly showed his hero is Donald Trump. Russ Sanders Ennismore, Ont. (It was quite pathetic compared to what we heard Carney say during the election — elbows up etc. etc. What he is learning is governing is complex and nuanced) NHL Canada Soccer Columnists Canada
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
Former prime minister Paul Keating slams Defence Minister Richard Marles for ‘careless betrayal' over US-China war comments
Former prime minister Paul Keating has launched a scathing attack on Defence Minister Richard Marles, accusing him of surrendering Australia's foreign policy independence. Mr Marles declared at a summit on Monday that Australia could play a role in any future war between the United States and China. In a blistering critique published in The Australian, Mr Keating described Mr Marles' comments as a 'careless betrayal of the country's policy agency'. He also said Mr Marles' stance on Australian involvement in a US-China conflict would 'go down as a dark moment in Australia's history'. 'China's singular crime is to have built an economy larger than the United States,' Mr Keating said. 'This is the affront which the United States cannot bear… Now, the US is running about trying to sweep gullible allies into its declining and failing pitch. 'Yet, it believes there is always a mug who will buy its venal view of affairs. And in Australia, the United States is not disappointed.' During The Australian's Defending Australia summit on Monday, the Defence Minister said Australia would play a key role in a war between China and the US. He also expressed a belief that Australia would not be under threat of invasion, but that 'sea lines of communication' may be compromised in any conflict. 'Australia's geography today is more relevant to great power contest than it has been at any point since the end of the Second World War,' he said. Asked about Australia's potential to play a role in a potential war on Thursday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong did not rule it out. 'The focus of everything we do is to prevent conflict,' she told reporters at a press conference at Parliament House. 'The focus of everything that we do, both in hard deterrence, also in reassurance, and the work we do, and I lead in the region, is to prevent conflict and to preserve peace.' Ms Wong also did not rule out the possibility of Australian involvement in the Middle East conflict. 'We're not a central player in the Middle East,' she said in response to questions about moving defence assets to the Middle East.
