Washington and the West struggle for a way forward with Putin’s Russia

Washington and the West struggle for a way forward with Putin’s Russia Moments after welcoming Americans recently released from Russian prisons, President Joe Biden was asked if he had a message for Vladimir Putin. His response was brief: "Stop." But whether Biden's directive referred to imprisoning innocent foreigners, persecuting Russian dissidents, invading Ukraine, violating international law, or undermining the U.S.-led global order, Putin has shown no signs of retreat. This presents a pressing dilemma for Western leaders, including Biden and his potential successor, regarding how to address Putin's ongoing aggression.

Across the Atlantic, uncertainty lingers over how to counter Putin's provocations without igniting direct conflict with the leader of the world's largest nuclear arsenal. This concern, combined with the lack of a clear strategy from even the most seasoned Western diplomats, has prompted renewed calls for a Cold War-style approach to containment. This strategy involves limiting engagement with Moscow to only essential matters while bolstering military capabilities in Europe and Ukraine in preparation for potential conflict. Current U.S. policy, according to Fiona Hill, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former top Russia adviser under President Trump, is more reactive than proactive. "We haven’t had a holistic approach," Hill noted, highlighting the absence of a comprehensive, long-term strategy for dealing with Russia. As Putin transforms Russian society into a militarized state primed to confront the West for years to come—overhauling the education system, monopolizing cultural narratives, redefining gender roles, and indoctrinating youth—he continues to frame a potential victory in Ukraine as a broader defeat for American global dominance. Read more visit the link: While Washington has supplied military aid and financial support to Ukraine, it has yet to outline a clear, long-term approach for managing a resurgent Russia. For over two decades, U.S. presidents have oscillated between attempts to foster friendship with Russia and writing off the nation, but Putin’s actions suggest that a more definitive strategy is needed moving forward.

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Mark Robinson vows to stay in NC governor race after CNN report

Mark Robinson vows to stay in NC governor race after CNN report Readmore news: https://rb.gy/rmu1az

Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, announced Thursday that he will remain in the race despite a recent report alleging he made numerous lewd and inflammatory comments over a decade ago on a pornography website. The report, published by CNN, stated that between 2008 and 2012, Robinson posted on a site called Nude Africa under the username “minisoldr,” where he referred to himself as a “black NAZI,” expressed support for reinstating slavery, and shared explicit stories, including one about watching women in gym showers when he was 14. Robinson, elected lieutenant governor in 2020, reportedly made these comments before entering politics. In response to the report, Robinson posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) dismissing the allegations as “tabloid trash.” He said, “The things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.” He reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign, stating, “We are staying in this race, we are in it to win it.” Robinson also took a jab at his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, accusing him of perpetuating lies, and expressed confidence in his victory come November 5. While Robinson’s campaign pushes forward, concerns have emerged within the Republican Party. Senator Ted Budd, R-N.C., called Robinson’s alleged remarks “disgusting,” though he added that Robinson denies the comments and must prove this to voters. Other Republican lawmakers, such as Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., expressed caution, with Hudson stating that Robinson needs to explain the situation to the people of North Carolina. Despite these concerns, the North Carolina Republican Party backed Robinson, accusing Democrats of launching personal attacks. “Mark Robinson has categorically denied the allegations made by CNN, but that won’t stop the Left from trying to demonize him via personal attacks,” the party said in a statement. Readmore: Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, announced Thursday that he will remain in the race despite a recent report alleging he made numerous lewd and inflammatory comments over a decade ago on a pornography website. The report, published by CNN, stated that between 2008 and 2012, Robinson posted on a site called Nude Africa under the username “minisoldr,” where he referred to himself as a “black NAZI,” expressed support for reinstating slavery, and shared explicit stories, including one about watching women in gym showers when he was 14. Robinson, elected lieutenant governor in 2020, reportedly made these comments before entering politics. In response to the report, Robinson posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) dismissing the allegations as “tabloid trash.” He said, “The things that you will see in that story, those are not the words of Mark Robinson. You know my words, you know my character, and you know that I have been completely transparent in this race and before.” He reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign, stating, “We are staying in this race, we are in it to win it.” Robinson also took a jab at his Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, accusing him of perpetuating lies, and expressed confidence in his victory come November 5. While Robinson’s campaign pushes forward, concerns have emerged within the Republican Party. Senator Ted Budd, R-N.C., called Robinson’s alleged remarks “disgusting,” though he added that Robinson denies the comments and must prove this to voters. Other Republican lawmakers, such as Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., expressed caution, with Hudson stating that Robinson needs to explain the situation to the people of North Carolina. Despite these concerns, the North Carolina Republican Party backed Robinson, accusing Democrats of launching personal attacks. “Mark Robinson has categorically denied the allegations made by CNN, but that won’t stop the Left from trying to demonize him via personal attacks,” the party said in a statement. Readmore visit the link: Democrats, however, were quick to criticize Robinson’s candidacy. Rep. Jeff Jackson, D-N.C., said, “What I just read made me sick to my stomach,” and urged Robinson to drop out of the race. The Democratic Governors Association also issued a statement calling Robinson “unhinged, dangerous, and completely unfit to be governor.” Robinson has previously faced backlash for his controversial remarks, particularly on abortion and LGBTQ+ issues. He has called abortion “murder” and “genocide” and vowed to eliminate abortion rights in North Carolina if elected. He has also made derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community and suggested that transgender individuals should use bathrooms outside rather than in public facilities. The CNN report is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Robinson, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Trump has praised Robinson publicly, even comparing him to “Dr. Martin Luther King on steroids” at a National Rifle Association conference. However, following the recent allegations, Trump’s campaign has distanced itself from Robinson, with a spokesperson stating that Trump is focused on winning the White House and that North Carolina remains a key battleground state. Despite these challenges, Robinson continues his campaign, and the North Carolina Republican Party has indicated that, under state law, should he drop out, they would be responsible for naming his replacement. However, with military and overseas absentee ballots scheduled to be sent out soon, time is running short for any potential changes to the ballot.

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India VS Bangladesh Test Cricket Update

India vs Bangladesh LIVE, 1st Test Day 2: Rohit Sharma Continues To Disappoint As India Go 1 Down vs Bangladesh

Read more news: India vs Bangladesh 1st Test LIVE Score: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have started the proceedings for India on Day 2 of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. Jasprit Bumrah's powerful spell helped India bundle out Bangladesh for 149 on Day 2 of the first Test in Chennai. Bumrah scalped four wickets while Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Akash Deep scalped two wicket each. For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan was the top scorer with 32 runs. With this, India have taken a lead by 227 runs. Earlier, Ravichandran Ashwin (113) and Ravindra Jadeja (86) stitched a memorable partnership but India got bundled out for 376 on Day 2 of the first Test in Chennai. (LIVE SCORECARD) Here are the LIVE Score Updates of India vs Bangladesh 1st Test Match Day 2, Straight from Chennai 1st Test, Bangladesh in India, 2 Test Series, 2024, Sep 19, 2024Day 2 | Post Tea Sessionnotify IND376&19/1 (4.3) BAN149MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennailead by 246 runsCRR: 4.22Batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal10 (9)Shubman Gill4* (11) Bowler Taskin Ahmed13/1 (2.3)Hasan Mahmud6/0 (2) Get alerts for live updatesTurn on notifications to receive alerts as stories develop in real-time. You can manage alerts in your app's settings. Toggle September20202415:46 (IST) IND vs BAN, 1st Test Day 2 Live: OUT OUT!!! Taskin Ahmed has provided Bangladesh with a major breakthrough as he dismissed India skipper Rohit Sharma for 5. Rohit tries to play a defensive shot but the ball finds the thick edge and travels straight to Zakir Hasan, placed at the third slip. Zakir makes no mistake and takes a stunning catch. Rohit continues to disappoint as he once again gets out cheaply. India have lost their first wicket. IND 15/1 (2.3 overs) September20202415:39 (IST) IND vs BAN, 1st Test Day 2 Live: India off to terrific start India are showing their attacking cricket against Bangladesh, right from the very first over of their second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal shows no mercy to Taskin Ahmed and smashes two brilliant boundaries as the Bangladesh pacer concedes 10 runs in the first over. What a brilliant start to the innings as India re high on confidence.

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Government shutdown deadline nearing as U.S. House stumbles on stopgap spending bill

Government shutdown deadline nearing as U.S. House stumbles on stopgap spending bill WASHINGTON — With just 12 days remaining before a government shutdown, Congress has yet to approve a short-term funding bill. Despite the approaching deadline, Republican leaders in the House and Democratic leaders in the Senate have not initiated negotiations. On Wednesday, House GOP leaders attempted to pass a six-month continuing resolution, which included a provision requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. However, the bill failed with a 202-220 vote, as 14 Republicans opposed it and two members voted present. The vote came after Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump urged lawmakers to use a government shutdown as leverage to pass the voter ID law. “If Republicans don’t get the SAVE Act, and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form,” Trump wrote on social media. The failure of the bill may create an opportunity for House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, to negotiate with the Senate. However, with only one week left before Congress adjourns for a six-week election break, time is running out for leaders to reach an agreement, pass the bill, and secure President Joe Biden’s signature. When asked about the possibility of a shutdown, Johnson remained noncommittal, saying, “We’ll see what happens with the bill. We’re on the field in the middle of the game; the quarterback is calling the play, and we’re going to run the play.” Senate Blame Johnson blamed the Senate for not advancing the annual appropriations process, implying that chamber might be responsible for a potential government shutdown. While the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved 11 full-year funding bills with bipartisan support, it faced issues with the Homeland Security funding measure. The House Appropriations Committee approved all 12 bills along party lines, moving five of them forward with GOP support but little backing from Democrats. Despite this, House and Senate leaders have not allowed the two chambers to conference on the bills, a step typically taken in past years. It is unlikely that more full-year funding bills will be brought to the floor this fall, leaving the outcome of the upcoming elections as a critical factor in resolving the issue. McConnell: Shutdown Would Be ‘Politically, Beyond Stupid’ Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has consistently called for avoiding a government shutdown but has refrained from personally negotiating a stopgap bill. He emphasized that a shutdown just before the election would be politically damaging for Republicans, as they would likely be blamed. Readmore... McConnell stressed that government funding discussions will ultimately fall to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Speaker Johnson, adding, “I’m for whatever avoids a government shutdown.” Election-Year Tensions Relying on a short-term spending bill has been a common feature of Congress’ appropriations process for nearly 30 years. As in previous election years, the struggle to pass a continuing resolution has become increasingly dramatic. In a divided government, bipartisan support is essential to avoid a shutdown. The House's failed six-month resolution was opposed by many Senate Republicans, who argued it was too long and could hinder the next president's ability to confirm a Cabinet in early 2025. Defense-focused lawmakers in both chambers also raised concerns about leaving the Department of Defense with stagnant funding for half the fiscal year, warning it could harm national security. December Deadline in Sight The final stopgap bill Congress is likely to pass would extend funding through December 20, the last day of the current session. It is unlikely to include the voter registration ID requirement, but could feature additional funding for the Secret Service, given recent security concerns involving Donald Trump. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Fla., chair of the State-Foreign Operations spending panel, predicted that Congress will pass a stopgap measure extending into mid-December, stating, “The first thing is, we can’t have a shutdown… that would be catastrophic, particularly when half the world is in flames.” During a government shutdown, many federal workers continue working without pay, while others are furloughed. Once the government is funded, all employees receive back pay. A shutdown in October would affect a wide range of departments, including Agriculture, Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and State. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, chair of the Interior-Environment appropriations subcommittee, expressed confidence that there would not be a shutdown, though he did not specify how Congress would reach a bipartisan agreement in the remaining days. “I don’t think anybody wants to shut the government down,” Simpson said. “That’s not a viable option.”

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Israel says 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers hit in Lebanon

Israel says 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers hit in Lebanon

Israel launched extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting over 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other sites, including a weapons storage facility. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the launchers were prepared to strike Israel, though it was unclear if there were any casualties. Lebanon's National News Agency reported at least 52 Israeli strikes on Thursday evening, while Hezbollah retaliated by attacking military positions in northern Israel. The Israeli strikes, lasting more than two hours, were some of the most intense since the conflict began. By Friday morning, Israel lifted movement restrictions in the Golan Heights and northern Israel, imposed the previous day, while announcing military activities over the weekend. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, accused Israel of crossing "red lines" following deadly explosions earlier in the week, which killed 37 and wounded 3,000. Israel has not claimed responsibility for these explosions. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated Israel is entering a "new phase" of the war, focusing more efforts on the northern front. Cross-border fighting between Hezbollah and Israel intensified after October 8, 2023, following an attack by Hamas on Israel. Since then, hundreds of Hezbollah fighters have been killed, and thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border. Medical facilities in Beirut received numerous patients following the explosions, with injuries mainly affecting the face, eyes, and upper body. Surgeries were scheduled to handle the influx of casualties. Companies in Taiwan, Hungary, and Bulgaria denied involvement in producing the pagers used in the attacks. Hezbollah, supported by Iran and classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the UK, and other countries, claims it is fighting in solidarity with Hamas. The IDF vowed to continue degrading Hezbollah's infrastructure to defend Israel. Israeli forces also urged residents near the Lebanese border to avoid gatherings and stay close to bomb shelters, as Hezbollah continued to fire missiles and drones across the border, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.

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Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment.

Vote for Kamala Harris to Support Science, Health and the Environment.

Two contrasting visions for the U.S. in the upcoming presidential election, comparing Kamala Harris's policy stances with those of Donald Trump. It highlights critical issues like health care, climate change, and governance, arguing that Harris's approach is based on science, evidence, and inclusivity, while Trump's past record is depicted as one that undermines public health and safety, neglects the climate crisis, and sows division. It points out Harris's commitment to expanding healthcare access, improving public health through policies like the Affordable Care Act, and addressing climate change through clean energy. In contrast, Trump's policies are described as focusing on deregulation, cutting key programs, and fostering a more divided society. Health care policy differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, focusing on their actions and plans regarding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, Medicaid, and responses to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s a breakdown: Kamala Harris's Health Care Policy: Support for ACA: The Biden-Harris administration expanded access to health insurance under the ACA by increasing subsidies. Harris aims to further expand the program, which is linked to better health outcomes through preventive care and coverage for acute medical needs. Medicaid Expansion: Harris backs Medicaid expansion, citing evidence that states that adopted the expansion saw health improvements, while those that restricted eligibility did not. Medicaid expansion is crucial for low-income populations. Medicare Funding: Harris supports increasing taxes on individuals earning $400,000 or more to ensure the sustainability of Medicare, the health insurance program for older Americans. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): This act, passed during the Biden-Harris administration, caps the cost of essential medications, including insulin, for Medicare recipients. Harris's vice presidential pick, Tim Walz, was also proactive in reducing drug costs, particularly against excessive price hikes on generic drugs in Minnesota. Pandemic Preparedness: As vice president, Harris contributed to the administration's efforts in vaccine distribution, free COVID test programs, and virus surveillance. The newly established Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy addresses emerging health threats like bird flu. Donald Trump’s Health Care Policy: Attempts to Repeal ACA: Trump consistently sought to repeal the ACA, a signature healthcare reform of the Obama-Biden administration, without offering a clear alternative. This approach risked eliminating health coverage for millions. Medicare and Medicaid Cuts: While in office, Trump proposed cuts to both Medicare and Medicaid, though Congress did not enact these proposals. Additionally, Trump introduced a work requirement for Medicaid eligibility, which would have made it harder for some to access the program. Drug Price Concerns: Like Harris, Trump has expressed concern about drug prices. In 2020, he signed an executive order aimed at lowering the cost of drugs covered by Medicare. COVID-19 Response: During his presidency, Trump faced significant criticism for his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. His approach to vaccine distribution and public health strategies lacked coordination, leading to mixed results compared to the efforts during the Biden-Harris administration. Overall, Harris’s health care platform emphasizes expanding coverage and access, particularly for low-income and elderly populations, while addressing the rising costs of medications. Trump’s record shows efforts to dismantle existing programs like the ACA without clear alternatives, along with policy initiatives that could reduce access to care for vulnerable populations.

During his first debate with Kamala Harris, Trump promoted his pandemic response. However, in 2020, he fueled resistance to basic public health guidelines, spread misinformation about treatments, and infamously suggested that injecting disinfectants might cure COVID. By the end of 2020, around 350,000 Americans had died from the virus, with the total now exceeding a million. Despite the success of Operation Warp Speed, which accelerated vaccine development, Trump intends to make significant budget cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the agencies that initiated the COVID vaccine research. He’s also expressed interest in dismantling the Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, dismissing it as unnecessary spending. These positions align with Project 2025, a conservative roadmap created by several of Trump's former staffers for his next term. Reproductive Rights Harris has consistently championed reproductive rights, stating in the September debate her intention to restore "the protections of Roe v. Wade." She believes that personal freedoms, particularly decisions about one’s own body, should not be controlled by the government. Harris has also committed to increasing access to abortion and defending the right to obtain abortion pills like mifepristone through the mail, even as MAGA Republicans attempt to block these rights. As a senator, she co-sponsored legislation to address the rising maternal mortality rate. Trump, on the other hand, supports restrictive abortion laws like Florida’s “heartbeat” bill, which bans most abortions after six weeks. He was instrumental in appointing the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and has continued to spread misleading information about abortion, even suggesting that some states permit "execution after birth," which is categorically false. Gun Safety The Biden-Harris administration has taken steps to improve gun safety, such as closing the gun-show loophole that allowed unlicensed firearm purchases. Harris supports the use of court orders to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. Trump, in contrast, vowed to eliminate all of the Biden-Harris administration’s gun safety regulations, continuing to prioritize the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) agenda. Even after being personally injured in an assassination attempt, Trump has remained silent on the need for gun reform. His running mate, J.D. Vance, has downplayed the rise in school shootings, attributing it to an unfortunate "fact of life" and suggesting stronger school security rather than addressing gun access.

Environment and Climate Harris, during the debate, reaffirmed her belief in the reality of climate change and pledged to continue the Biden administration’s aggressive climate policies. The Biden-Harris administration re-entered the U.S. into the Paris Agreement and passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes major investments in renewable energy and clean technology. Harris has committed to maintaining these efforts, which aim to reduce U.S. carbon emissions by half by 2030. Conversely, Trump has consistently downplayed climate change, favoring policies that encourage pollution and rolling back regulations designed to protect the environment.

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