In a “60 Minutes” interview, Vice President Kamala Harris identified Iran as America’s greatest foreign adversary, citing its involvement in attacks and the need to prevent it from becoming a nuclear power. She emphasized prioritizing this issue but declined to discuss potential military action against Iran. Her statement surprised some, as many consider China the top U.S. adversary. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 11:30 pm
The BJP’s hopes of gaining power in Kashmir were dashed as the Congress-JKNC alliance won 48 seats, defeating BJP’s 29, in the first election since the region’s autonomy was revoked in 2019. The election, marked by a 64% turnout, was seen as a chance for Kashmiris to voice dissatisfaction with Modi’s policies. Omar Abdullah of JKNC, poised to become chief minister, declared democracy had prevailed and urged Modi to restore statehood. Kashmir remains a conflict zone, with a history of disputes and insurgency. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 8:00 pm
Bob Woodward’s new book “War” claims Donald Trump had up to seven private calls with Vladimir Putin post-presidency and secretly sent COVID-19 test machines to Putin during the pandemic. Trump allegedly agreed to keep this secret. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, dismissed the book as fiction and criticized Woodward. The book, obtained by The Associated Press, is set for release next week. Meanwhile, Trump has engaged with various foreign leaders, including a recent meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, advocating for peace amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 8:00 pm
A year into the Gaza conflict, Israel’s goal of defeating Hamas remains elusive. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to continue efforts to topple Hamas and eliminate threats from Gaza. Israel has intensified military operations, issuing new evacuation orders in northern and southern Gaza. In Jabalya, northern Gaza, a new ground operation targets Hamas, despite previous claims of defeating them there. Clashes continue, with casualties rising. Hospitals reported multiple deaths and injuries from Israeli strikes. Displaced Palestinians are urged to move to Al Mawasi, a crowded humanitarian zone. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 8:00 pm
Hundreds of Columbia University students participated in a walkout marking the anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war, part of citywide campus protests. Security barriers were set up, and access was restricted to students and staff. Memorials for Israelis affected by Hamas attacks were displayed. Pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime organized demonstrations, including one at NYU. The protests test new campus speech and protest restrictions, following last year’s chaotic demonstrations. Columbia’s Interim President Katrina Armstrong acknowledged preparations for potential unrest. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 8:00 pm
US Vice President Kamala Harris identified Iran as the US’s greatest adversary, citing its recent missile attack on Israel. She emphasized preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power as a top priority. Harris’s comments highlight renewed US focus on the Middle East amid the Gaza conflict, despite recent strategic emphasis on China and Russia. Iran denies seeking nuclear arms, but its program advances. Harris avoided discussing military action against Iran, while former President Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 8:00 pm
Tom Tugendhat has been eliminated from the Conservative leadership race, leaving James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, and Kemi Badenoch as the remaining candidates. Cleverly leads with 39 votes, followed by Jenrick with 31, and Badenoch with 30. MPs will vote again to determine the final two candidates, who will then face a party membership vote. The new leader will be announced on November 2. Tugendhat thanked his supporters, while Cleverly emphasized that “the job’s not finished” despite his lead. Ava Sinclair 08/10/2024 8:00 pm
CBS News criticized anchor Tony Dokoupil for an interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates, where Dokoupil challenged Coates’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. CBS executives said the interview didn’t meet editorial standards, responding to internal concerns. Coates’s book compares Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to Jim Crow laws. Dokoupil questioned Coates’s framing, suggesting it could align with extremist views, and asked about his stance on a Jewish state. Coates clarified he opposes ethnocracies, not Jewish states specifically. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 4:30 pm
The Israeli military killed senior Hezbollah commander Suhail Husseini in Beirut, while Hezbollah’s acting leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, vowed continued resistance. Hezbollah claims its military capabilities remain intact despite Israeli airstrikes. Palestinian militants in Gaza launched rockets into Israel, marking the anniversary of Hamas’ attack. Israel is at war with Hamas and Hezbollah, with recent strikes killing 36 and wounding 150 in Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in 2,119 deaths and 10,019 injuries over the past year, according to Lebanese officials. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 4:30 pm
As Israel marks a year since the Hamas attack, concerns grow over Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Security officials warn of rising Jewish terrorism, partly fueled by right-wing policies. However, these statements often overlook the role of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the violence. Since the 2000s, a policing force within the IDF, comprising border police and settler militias, has emerged, informally controlled by settler communities and their leaders, complicating the narrative of responsibility. Noah Prescott 08/10/2024 4:30 pm
