Latest news with #anti-Israel
First Post
4 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Iran-Israel War: How Tehran & Tel Aviv Went from Friends to Arch-Enemies Firstpost America
Iran-Israel War: How Tehran & Tel Aviv Went from Friends to Arch-Enemies | Firstpost America | N18G Iran-Israel War: How Tehran & Tel Aviv Went from Friends to Arch-Enemies | Firstpost America | N18G Iran and Israel were once friends, allegedly sharing intelligence, oil, and military ties. But after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, relations collapsed. Iran's first Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, allegedly ended all cooperation with Israel, denounced its occupation of Palestine, and reportedly closed its embassy. Despite alleged secret dealings during the Iran-Iraq war, tensions rose over time. Iran's alleged support for anti-Israel groups and Israel's fears over Tehran's missile and nuclear programmes turned the former friends into arch-enemies. Now, with their conflict entering its seventh day, the decades-long hostility is reaching a dangerous new phase. Watch the video to know more. See More
New York Post
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
NYC mayoral wannabe Mamdani keeps struggling to defend ‘globalize the intifada' rallying cry — as even cross-endorser Lander piles on
Mayoral contender Zohran Mamdani on Thursday continued to stumble defending the 'globalize the intifada' rallying cry – as even fellow Democratic candidate Brad Lander, who cross-endorsed him, joined a pileup of criticism. The usually smooth-talking Mamdani devolved into word salad as he maintained the phrase is not an incitement to violence against Jews. 'These words have different meanings for many different people, and my point is rather to say that each and every New Yorker deserves that safety and that my focus is going to be on making this an affordable city,' Mamdani said at a news conference. 'I've been clear that any incitement of violence is something that I'm in opposition to.' 3 Zohran Mamdani keeps struggling to defend his refusal to denounce the rallying cry, 'Globalize the infitada.' Bloomberg via Getty Images The Democratic socialist's awkward response came after he not only refused to denounce the anti-Israel cry but argued he viewed it as a call to stand up for Palestinian human rights. He also tried to downplay the term by noting the US Holocaust Memorial Museum used the Arabic word 'intifada' to describe the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising by Polish Jews against the Nazis. The museum slapped down Mamdani's argument — as did his critics, who view the Queens state assemblyman as, at best, being blind to antisemitism. Thursday's backlash included Lander, the lefty city comptroller who last week vowed to rank Mamdani second on his ranked-choice city ballot — a pledge his friendly rival returned. The pair's cross-endorsement could carry weight in the ranked-choice voting primary, where voters pick up to five candidates in order of preference. Even if a voter's first choice is eliminated in successive rounds of ranked-choice calculations, their other picks – from second on down – could still be in the mix and emerge as the eventual overall winner with more than 50% of the vote. 3 Mayoral contender Brad Lander criticized Mamdani's remarks but still ranked him second in the primary. Michael Nagle Lander told the 'Pod Save America' podcast Tuesday that the phrase 'globalize the intifada' carries violent associations for Jews such as himself, especially after the recent assassination of two Israeli Embassy staffers and a Molotov cocktail-hurling wacko's attack in Colorado. 'Maybe you don't mean to say it's open season on Jews everywhere in the world, but that's what I hear,' Lander said of those who use the term. 'And I'd like to hear that from other people as well,' he said of his comments, implicitly knocking Mamdani. But Lander still insisted during the podcast that he doesn't believe Mamdani is antisemitic — and noted his own problems with Israel's war in Gaza and treatment of Palestinians. He repeated his measured criticism Thursday of Mamdani's defense of 'globalize the intifada' and overall support of his rival's character as he voted early in the primary. 'I believe that Zohran Mamdani is a person of decency and integrity, and I am therefore encouraging people to rank him number two,' Lander said. 'We do not agree on everything about Israel and Palestine, but I do believe that he will protect Jewish New Yorkers and our rights, and I was proud to rank him myself.' 3 Mamdani has said he rejects any incitement to violence. Bloomberg via Getty Images Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has seen his polling lead in the mayoral primary chipped away by Mamdani, didn't miss the chance to lambast his opponent after a brief speech at a Bronx Juneteenth celebration. Cuomo twice mispronounced Mamdani's name — as he did during a recent debate, drawing an emphatic correction from his rival — while he accused him of 'inciting violence against the Jewish community worldwide. 'He is divisive across the board,' Cuomo said. Lander, during his podcast interview, argued it was Cuomo — not Mamdani — who failed to try to unite New Yorkers during that debate. 'I do not agree with him on Israel and Palestine on every issue, and that's appropriate,' Lander said of Mamdani, before adding, 'Cuomo did not try one iota to speak to Muslim New Yorkers or signal that he will bring people together.' Mamdani would be the first Muslim mayor of New York City, if elected. — Additional reporting by Carl Campanile and Craig McCarthy
Indian Express
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Now, US wants to review students' social media accounts as visa process resumes
After a brief suspension, the United States has resumed processing student visa applications, but with a strict new condition. All applicants must now make their social media accounts public for review by consular officers, the State Department announced on Thursday. The move comes after last month's announcement by the Trump administration that had temporarily halted new appointments for student and exchange visitor visas. Now that the suspension has been lifted, the visa process is restarting, but not without new hurdles. According to the State Department, any applicant who refuses to unlock their social media accounts for public viewing could face rejection. Officials will review posts and messages for any content considered hostile to the US government, its culture, institutions, or principles. Previously, the US had already introduced some social media checks, particularly targeting returning students suspected of joining protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. But the new rule expands that inspection to all new applicants. A State Department notice made public on Wednesday confirmed that the May suspension had been revoked. However, it said that those unwilling to share their social media activity could be seen as attempting to hide something, a potential red flag during the visa screening process. One applicant, a 27-year-old PhD student from China studying in Toronto, told the Associated Press that he was relieved to finally secure a visa appointment for next week. 'I've been refreshing the website a couple of times every day,' said the student. He's aiming to begin a research internship in the US this July. Students from India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines have been closely monitoring visa portals and press briefings to track any updates. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the previous order, reflecting the broader Trump administration's push to tighten immigration controls. That includes not just stricter student visa rules, but also increased deportations and pressure on academic institutions. Harvard University has recently come under fire from the administration for allegedly failing to curb speech and anti-Israel protests. Separately, the US Embassy in India issued a warning to current and prospective students. It stressed that visa holders must follow all rules attending classes regularly and staying enrolled or risk losing their student status and future visa eligibility. India, now the largest source of international students in the US for the first time since 2008-09, had over 3.31 lakh students enrolled in American universities in 2024, overtaking China.
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Business Standard
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Who is Zohran Mamdani, Indian-origin assemblyman running for NYC mayor?
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Assemblyman from Queens, New York, has suddenly emerged as one of the most talked-about candidates in the upcoming New York mayoral election, scheduled for June 24. The Indian-origin politician is now polling second, right behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and has captured attention with his progressive platform and viral social media presence. But with popularity has come backlash. Mamdani, who is a Democratic Socialist, is now facing increasing attacks from far-right groups and critics online — many of whom accuse him of anti-Israel and divisive rhetoric. Who is Zohran Mamdani? Born in Kampala, Uganda, to a renowned intellectual family, Zohran Mamdani moved to New York City at the age of seven. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a well-known Ugandan author and Marxist scholar of Indian descent, while his mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning Indian-American filmmaker best known for 'Monsoon Wedding' and 'The Namesake'. Mamdani grew up in New York, studied in the city's public schools, graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Africana Studies from Bowdoin College. He became a naturalised American citizen in 2018. Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor, assisting low-income families in Queens with housing, financial literacy, and foreclosure prevention. He is the first South Asian man and the first Ugandan to be elected to the New York State Assembly, and only the third Muslim ever to hold the position. From grassroots activist to mayoral challenger Mamdani entered politics with the Democratic Socialists of America in 2017. His early campaign work included stints with local progressive candidates like Tiffany Caban and Khader El-Yateem. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and re-elected unopposed in 2022 and 2024. Known for championing causes such as affordable housing, fare-free public transport, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030, Mamdani has sponsored 20 bills, three of which have become law. His policies are often inspired by Bernie Sanders and aim to make New York a more equitable city. 'This campaign is for every person who believes in the dignity of their neighbors and that the government's job is to actually make our lives better,' Mamdani said while announcing his mayoral bid. He is contesting against several prominent names, including Adrienne Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council; former hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson; and Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York. Controversies: Israel, PM Modi, and 'India card' Despite his progressive credentials, Mamdani has come under fire for several of his remarks — especially those related to Israel and India. In a recent interview with Fox5's Good Day New York, Mamdani stated he does not support Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. 'Because I'm not comfortable supporting any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion or anything else,' he told anchor Rosanna Scotto. 'In the way we have in this country, equality should be enshrined in every country in the world,' he added. His position sparked outrage among pro-Israel groups and conservative commentators, many of whom accused him of promoting anti-Semitism. Mamdani has also drawn criticism for his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When asked in an interview whether he would attend a hypothetical joint press conference with PM Modi if the Indian leader visited New York, Mamdani flatly said he would not. He further compared Modi to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Recently, Mamdani also faced backlash for releasing a Hindi-language, Bollywood-style campaign video. In the 2-minute-23-second video, Mamdani spoke directly to Indian voters in Hindi, blending New York politics with Indian cinematic flair. While some praised the cultural nod, many on social media accused him of playing the 'India card' for votes. 'Shame on you for spreading antisemitism and Hinduphobia. You don't represent New York City, you represent division and hate,' one user commented online. Others labelled his campaign style 'gimmicky' and accused him of identity politics. (With agency inputs)
Sky News AU
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Tucker Carlson does not represent ‘any significant portion' of the MAGA base
President of the Centre of the American Experiment John Hinderaker says Tucker Carlson does not speak for 'any significant portion' of Donald Trump's base of the Republican Party. US Republican Senator Ted Cruz and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson have gone head-to-head in a heated debate over the conflict in the Middle East. This comes as United States President Donald Trump weighs up the potential for involvement in the conflict. 'The idea that there is a significant part of the Republican Party that is pacifist or isolationist or anti-Israel, is a fiction,' Mr Hinderaker told Sky News host Rita Panahi.
