Israel’s military offensive drives Arab and Muslim vote in US presidential race, Arab-American convention confirms

Israel’s military offensive drives Arab and Muslim vote in US presidential race, Arab-American convention confirms
People gather at Harvard University to show their support for Palestinians in Gaza at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Oct. 14, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 15 October 2024
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Israel’s military offensive drives Arab and Muslim vote in US presidential race, Arab-American convention confirms

Israel’s military offensive drives Arab and Muslim vote in US presidential race, Arab-American convention confirms
  • Speakers were pressed by attendees on whether they would denounce Israel’s violence

DEARBORN, IL: Community anger over US support for Israel’s bombardment in the Gaza Strip spilled open among Arab and Muslim voters and activists during a convention organized by the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in Dearborn, Michigan last week.

The ADC’s Annual National Convention, which ran from Sept. 12-15, was hosted outside Washington for the first time — an intentional choice aimed at answering the Wall Street Journal’s accusations that Dearborn was the city of terrorists in the US, ADC Chairman Safa Rifka told Arab News.

Dearborn is a “city of fantastic citizens, proud American citizens” and “we wanted to make a statement that it is the capital of Arab America,” he said.

The majority of the nearly 1,000 attendees demanded that Democratic officeholders support the third-party candidacy of Dr. Jill Stein, who many believe is the only presidential contender to strongly criticize the actions of Israel’s government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

More than 50,000 Gazans have been killed during the near yearlong war, but independent sources banned by Israel’s government from entering Gaza contend the number is in excess of 150,000.

Speaker after speaker were pressed by audience members on whether they would stand up and denounce Israel’s violence.

“The Gaza war dominates our concerns,” Rifka said “Clearly the community is concerned about how the elected officials in this country will respond to the carnage.”

Several attendees, activists and elected officials told The Ray Hanania Radio Show that the US government needed to do more than simply criticize Hamas for its assault on Oct. 7, which provoked Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

A few attendees expressed support for Republican candidate Donald Trump and others said they were hoping for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to not only condemn Hamas’ violence but also expand it to condemn the military campaign by Netanyahu’s government.

Michigan State Rep. Alabas Farhat said that when he and his colleagues called for a ceasefire, “dozens of representatives and elected officials” signed the letter.

“I think the Arab community right now has said very loudly, very clearly, they want a nominee for a ceasefire,” he said.

Many attendees believe it is still not too late for candidates to take action. With roughly six weeks until the election, Illinois State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid said that not only was the door open but there was a need for candidates to “change policy, protect lives and to earn the support of so many people who care deeply about this issue.”

“People need to vote in November and people need to engage with their elected officials to let them know where they stand,” he said.

Amid growing frustrating and political uncertainty, Georgia State Rep. Ruwa Romman said it was important not to give up.

Her biggest concern, she said, was the growing idea of “nihilism” and “cynicism” and “the idea that nothing matters, nothing will change, so there’s no point in trying.”

“That is making us surrender before we’ve even tried. My goal is to make sure nobody gives up,” she said.

The Ray Hanania Radio Show is broadcast on the US Arab Radio Network on Thursday at 5 p.m. EST and again on Mondays in Michigan on WNZK AM 690 radio. It is also broadcast on Facebook.com/ArabNews and on Youtube, and podcast at ArabNews.com/rayradioshow. For more information on the host, visit www.Hanania.com.


Canada PM says ‘disappointed’ by new US tariffs

Canada PM says ‘disappointed’ by new US tariffs
Updated 58 min 40 sec ago
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Canada PM says ‘disappointed’ by new US tariffs

Canada PM says ‘disappointed’ by new US tariffs
  • The US leader had warned of trade consequences for Ottawa after Mark Carney announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state
  • A wide swath of products covered by a 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement remain exempt from the tariff rate, however

OTTAWA: Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday his government is “disappointed” by President Donald Trump’s decision to increase US tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent.

The US leader had warned of trade consequences for Ottawa after Carney announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September.

In an executive order, Trump raised the levy from 25 percent to 35 percent.

A wide swath of products covered by a 2020 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement remain exempt from the tariff rate, however.

“The Canadian government is disappointed by this action,” Carney said in a statement.

Trump’s order cited Canada’s failure to “cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs” as well as its “retaliation” against his measures.

Carney outlined Ottawa’s efforts to crack down on fentanyl and to increase border security.

“Canada accounts for only one percent of US fentanyl imports and has been working intensively to further reduce these volumes,” he said.

Ottawa remained committed to the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the prime minister said.

“The US application of CUSMA means that the US average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest for all of its trading partners,” he said.

“Other sectors of our economy – including lumber, steel, aluminum and automobiles – are, however, heavily impacted by US duties and tariffs.”


Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday’s Russian attack on Kyiv

Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday’s Russian attack on Kyiv
Updated 01 August 2025
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Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday’s Russian attack on Kyiv

Two-year-old among 28 dead in Thursday’s Russian attack on Kyiv
  • City authorities declared Friday a day of mourning as rescue operations continued

KYIV: A two-year-old child was found dead in the rubble after Thursday’s sweeping Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine’s prime minister said on Friday, taking the death toll to 28, with over 150 wounded.

The toddler was the third child to have died in the attack, in which Russia launched more than 300 drones and eight missiles in the early hours of Thursday morning. The other two underage victims were six and 17 years old, the head of Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak said.

The rescue service said 16 of the injured were children, the largest number of children hurt in a single attack on Ukraine’s capital since Russia started its full-scale invasion almost 3-1/2 years ago.

City authorities declared Friday a day of mourning as rescue operations continued.

“This morning, the body of a 2-year-old child was pulled from the rubble, bringing the total dead to 28, of which 3 are children,” Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on X, adding that over 150 people had been wounded.

“The world possesses every instrument required to ensure Russia is brought to justice. What is lacking is not power – but will,” Svyrydenko said.

US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, sharply criticized Russia’s “disgusting” behavior against Ukraine but said he was not sure whether sanctions would deter Russia.

He has given Russian President Vladimir Putin until August 8 to make a deal or else he will respond with economic pressure.


US, Australia hold joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea for first time

US, Australia hold joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea for first time
Updated 01 August 2025
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US, Australia hold joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea for first time

US, Australia hold joint military exercise in Papua New Guinea for first time
  • Talisman Sabre exercises in Australia last month involved 40,000 troops from 19 countries
  • The US military gained access to Lae’s major seaport under a 2023 defense deal with Papua New Guinea

SYDNEY: The joint US and Australian military exercise Talisman Sabre extended across 500 kilometers of remote northern coast in Papua New Guinea this week, Australian officials said, the first time the war games have been taken to another country.

Talisman Sabre exercises in Australia last month involved 40,000 troops from 19 countries.

For the Papua New Guinea component, US, Australian and PNG forces are conducting disaster recovery and survival exercises through seven regions of PNG, moving through terrain from Wewak to Lae that saw fierce fighting between Japan and the US in World War Two.

The PNG activities test “combined capabilities across sea, land, air, cyber, and space operations,” a US Embassy spokesperson said in a statement.

The Talisman Sabre closing ceremony will be held on Monday in the PNG city of Lae.

The US military gained access to Lae’s major seaport under a 2023 defense deal with PNG, signed after China struck a security pact with neighboring Solomon Islands.

The PNG defense agreement will “enhance security and prosperity for both nations,” the US embassy spokesperson added.

Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape met the US undersecretary for defense policy, Elbridge Colby, in Washington last month to discuss regional security challenges, with Marape raising “the importance of defending Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty,” said the embassy spokesperson.

Colby has reportedly pressed US allies Australia and Japan to clarify what role they would play if the US and China went to war over Taiwan.

China has been a major infrastructure lender to PNG, and Marape’s office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Another key PNG site listed in the US defense agreement is the Lombrum Naval Base, which PNG’s Defense Minister Billy Joseph recently said will be officially handed over by Australia in a ceremony later this month, after a multi-million dollar renovation.

Australia outbid China to upgrade the strategically located navy base in 2018.

China’s embassy in PNG last week posted social media images of Joseph at a local event celebrating the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, and said China was willing to deepen military cooperation with PNG.


‘Win-win’ and still pushing: reactions to Trump tariffs

‘Win-win’ and still pushing: reactions to Trump tariffs
Updated 01 August 2025
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‘Win-win’ and still pushing: reactions to Trump tariffs

‘Win-win’ and still pushing: reactions to Trump tariffs
  • The 19 percent levy for Thailand and Cambodia — fresh from border clashes that killed over 40 people — is a let-off from the threatened 36 percent

TOKYO: Some nations reacted with relief Friday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs that in some cases were lower than threatened, and delayed by a week to August 7.

But others — including Switzerland and chip powerhouse Taiwan — still hope to negotiate lower rates, and uncertainty remains over transshipments and levies on Japanese cars.

Trump’s announcement does not cover export giant China — currently in negotiations on a trade deal ahead of an August 12 deadline — but here is how other economies reacted:

The 19 percent levy for Thailand and Cambodia — fresh from border clashes that killed over 40 people — is a let-off from the threatened 36 percent.

Thailand called it a “major success” and a “win-win approach aimed at preserving Thailand’s export base and long-term economic stability.”

The US trade deficit with Thailand hit $45.6 billion in 2024. Its main exports include machinery, vehicles and auto components.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called it “the best news for the people and economy of Cambodia to continue to develop the country.”

The major manufacturer of low-cost clothing for Western brands was initially menaced with a tariff of 40 percent.

Neighbouring Vietnam concluded an agreement with Washington at the beginning of July on a rate reduced to 20 percent.

But Washington also intends to impose a 40 percent surcharge on goods transported to the United States via third countries — known as transshipments.

This could hurt in particular nations in Southeast Asia, whose production chains are closely linked to China.

Many Cambodian factories, for example, are Chinese-owned and the White House has accused the kingdom of allowing Chinese goods to stop over on the way to US markets, skirting steeper rates imposed on Beijing.

Experts however are unclear on how Washington will define these “transshipment” goods.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te called its 20 percent tariff announced by Trump “temporary... with the possibility of further reductions should an agreement be reached.”

The US president had threatened to hit the island with a 32 percent tax and possible duties on the island’s huge semiconductors shipments.

Soaring demand for Taiwan’s AI chips industry has fueled its trade surplus with Washington, putting it in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff blitz.

Washington “needs Taiwan in supporting resilient supply chains, in supporting manufacturing and some high-end technologies,” Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said recently.

Switzerland expressed “great regret” that it was hit with 39 percent — up from the threatened 31 percent — despite its “very constructive position.”

The levy — more than double the European Union’s 15 percent — appeared to catch the rich Alpine nation off guard.

Switzerland ranks sixth in terms of direct investment in the United States, with pharma giants Roche and Novartis announcing major spending plans in recent months.

A tariff of 15 percent agreed last week between Japan and Washington — down from a threatened 25 percent — is due to be applied from August 7.

But Japanese auto exports were already being hit by a 25 percent rate, and Tokyo wants to know when this will be lowered too.

“We continue to urge the US to take prompt measures to implement the agreement, including lowering tariffs on automobile and auto parts,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday.

Confusion also surrounds Trump’s claim that Japan — as a “signing bonus” — will invest $550 billion in America, which will recoup 90 percent of the profits.

Malaysia also achieved a lower tariff of 19 percent — down from 25 percent — which the government called a “positive outcome.”

“This decision by the United States reflects the strong and enduring economic ties between our two nations,” Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.

Sri Lanka also expressed relief that it will face a 20-percent hit, a sharp reduction from the 44 percent originally floated, and expressed hope of a further cut.

“We are happy that our competitiveness in exports to the US has been retained,” finance ministry official Harshana Suriyapperuma told reporters.

Around 40 percent of Sri Lanka’s $5.0 billion of garment exports last year went to the United States.


Sierra Leone chimp refuge shuts doors to tourists to protest deforestation

Sierra Leone chimp refuge shuts doors to tourists to protest deforestation
Updated 01 August 2025
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Sierra Leone chimp refuge shuts doors to tourists to protest deforestation

Sierra Leone chimp refuge shuts doors to tourists to protest deforestation
  • Authorities acknowledge that the country’s rich wildlife is threatened by land seizures and illegal logging
  • Sierra Leone lost approximately 2.17 million hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2024

FREETOWN: The eco-lodges and tree-covered footpaths of West Africa’s largest chimpanzee refuge have been devoid of tourists for more than two months as its founder stages a protest about rampant deforestation in Sierra Leone.

Authorities acknowledge that the country’s rich wildlife is threatened by land seizures and illegal logging, but the founder of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Bala Amarasekaran, says they have not yet done enough about it to convince him to reopen to visitors.

“A few months back, we could see the land grabbing and the encroachment coming closer to the sanctuary,” Amarasekaran said at the refuge, which is home to more than 100 mainly orphaned chimps and normally lets guests stay in its lodges.

“(Deforestation) is really threatening the sanctuary’s existence, because it’s too dangerous when people come close to a wildlife preserve like this,” said Amarasekaran, who founded the refuge 30 years ago and has led it through crises including civil war and the 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic.

Sierra Leone lost approximately 2.17 million hectares (5.36 million acres) of tree cover between 2001 and 2024, representing about 39 percent of the total in 2000, according to online tracker Global Forest Watch.

The Western Area Peninsula, home to the capital Freetown and Tacugama, lost more than 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of tree cover during that same period.

Amarasekaran said deforestation in the area was fueled by “land grabbing” for development.

The consequences of rapid deforestation were highlighted by a mudslide on the slopes of Mount Sugar Loaf in 2017 that killed an estimated 1,000 people.

A 2019 paper published by the Geological Society of London blamed the incident on a mix of heavy rain, deforested slopes and unchecked construction. It said tree loss had weakened the soil’s ability to absorb water and hold together, worsening the mudflow.

“It’s a serious problem, an existential problem,” Sierra Leone’s Information Minister Chernor Bah said.

“We regret that the Tacugama authorities have taken the step that they have taken to shut down here, but it’s one that we understand.”

Amarasekaran said President Julius Maada Bio’s government had dispatched a task force to conduct some raids on illegal logging operations, but complained about a lack of follow-up operations.

Bah said the government was committed to protecting the peninsula’s forests.