Bombs Alone Won't Stop Iran's Nuclear Plans
The only air strike that succeeded in nuclear elimination was Israel's 2007 attack on Syria's Al Kibar weapons reactor. Damascus didn't have the resources to rebuild the North Korean engineered plant or to seek an alternative. By contrast Iraq responded to the 1981 Israeli bombing of its Osirak reactor by constructing a secret nuclear enrichment plant. But for the serendipity of the 1991 Persian Gulf War and insertion of international inspectors to ferret out and eliminate elements, Baghdad could have had weapons material within a year. Likewise, the final stake into Nazi Germany's sputtering nuclear enterprise was the Allied victory and occupation followed by program dismantlement and incarceration of scientists.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
U.S. envoy: Israel must 'comply' after Lebanon's 'first step' to disarm Hezbollah
BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. Special Envoy Thomas Barrack said Monday that it is now Israel's turn to comply with the cease-fire agreement reached last November to end the war with Hezbollah, now that Lebanon has taken "the first step" toward disarming the Iran-backed militant group. Barrack, who met with Lebanon's top officials in Beirut, hailed the cabinet for endorsing earlier this month the objectives of a U.S.-proposed plan to disarm Hezbollah and for tasking the Army with preparing a plan to enforce a state monopoly on weapons by the end of the year. "This is a Lebanese decision that requires Israel's cooperation," he said after meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace. He added, "There's always a step-by-step approach, but I think the Lebanese government has done their part; they've taken the first step... Now what we need is Israel to comply with that equal handshake." Asked whether Israel is then expected to stop its violations and pullout from occupied parts of south Lebanon, Barrack said this was "the next step," noting the need for Israel's "participation" and for an economic plan "for prosperity, restoration and renovation of everybody." "You can't just take something and not give anything," he said. Israel refused to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon in accordance with the U.S.- and French-brokered cease-fire agreement of Nov. 27, retaining five strategic positions and continuing to strike suspected Hezbollah sites, resulting in the deaths of additional operatives and civilians. Despite the Lebanese Army taking control of most Hezbollah positions and facilities, pushing the group away from the Israeli border, and preventing any military presence south of the Litani River, Israel continued to insist on Hezbollah's complete disarmament. Hezbollah, significantly weakened during the 14-month war and reportedly having lost the bulk of its military capabilities, refrained from retaliating against Israel's continued attacks but refused to yield to pressure to fully disarm, insisting it would not do so as long as Israel violates the cease-fire accord. Barrack clarified that there has been "no American proposal to Israel and they have not negated anything," explaining that Washington has been discussing first with Lebanon to know its position and was in the process of holding the same discussions with Israel now. He tried to assure Lebanon's Shiite community, saying Hezbollah was part of the Shiite population who "have to see what is in store for them; what's the option and what's a better alternative than the alternative they have." He expressed optimism "to see progress on all sides" in the next few weeks, saying it would mean "a better life for the people" and "at least the beginning of a roadway to a different kind of dialogue" in the region. Lebanon's decision to set a timeline for Hezbollah disarmament was mainly motivated by the risk of another devastating war with Israel and of losing well-needed funds to rebuild its war-devastated regions. President Aoun told Barrack that "the other parties" would need to adhere "to the contents" of the plan agreed upon with Washington; secure greater support for the Lebanese Army and accelerate the internationally backed efforts to launch the reconstruction process in the war-ravaged areas. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who also met the U.S. envoy, emphasized the need for the U.S. to assume its responsibility in pressuring Israel to halt its hostile actions, withdraw from the five occupied points, and release Lebanese detainees captured during the war. Salam stressed the importance of renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon at the end of this month, highlighting its role in reinforcing stability and assisting the Lebanese Army in extending state authority in the south. He, moreover, called for a clear international commitment to convening a conference to support reconstruction and economic recovery in Lebanon, which the World Bank has estimated at $11 billion, while Lebanese officials put it at more than $14 billion. House Speaker Nabih Berri, Hezbollah's main ally who negotiated the November 2024 cease-fire accord on its behalf, asked Barrack about Israel's commitment to the agreement and withdrawal from south Lebanon, saying: "This is the gateway to stability in Lebanon and an opportunity to begin the reconstruction process in preparation for the return of residents to their towns." The Hezbollah-Israel war, which killed and wounded more than 21,500 people, displaced over 1.2 million people, damaged or destroyed nearly 64,000 buildings and disrupted education for hundreds of thousands of students, according to a U.N. report.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
5 things to know for August 18: Ukraine, Israel-Hamas war, DC, Hurricane Erin, Pollution
Remember this name: Bodhana Sivanandan. The 10-year-old British girl recently made history in the Game of Kings. Here's what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day. Prior to last week's historic summit in Alaska, President Donald Trump said he would be disappointed if a ceasefire wasn't reached between Russia and Ukraine, and even threatened 'severe' consequences on Moscow if Russian President Vladimir Putin didn't end the fighting. However, Trump returned from the summit with different priorities. He is now focused on securing a peace deal without a ceasefire and said 'we don't have to think' about sanctions against Russia. Trump will host a summit at the White House today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders to discuss his talks with Putin in more detail. But on his social media site, Trump appeared to preview the message he'll deliver to his visitors: If Zelensky wants the war in Ukraine to end, he must agree to some of Russia's conditions, including that Ukraine cede Crimea and agree never to join NATO. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis gathered around Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday to demand an end to the war in Gaza and the return of the remaining 50 hostages. Many protesters also participated in a nationwide general strike, blocked major roads and staged rallies in cities across Israel. These events were led by family members of the hostages and the October Council, which represents bereaved families from the war. It was one of the largest coordinated demonstrations since the beginning of the Gaza war nearly two years ago. 'We are united in one simple demand directed at the Israeli government: Put an Israeli proposal on the table today for a comprehensive deal — to end the war in exchange for the return of the last hostage,' said Vicky Cohen, whose son Nimrod is a hostage. Israeli police said at least 38 protesters were arrested for allegedly disturbing the peace. President Trump's recent declaration of a crime emergency in Washington, DC, and his decision to federalize the city's police force have already prompted protests and at least one lawsuit. Now, three Republican-led states are sending hundreds of their own National Guard troops to the nation's capital to assist in Trump's efforts. West Virginia plans to send 300 to 400 National Guard troops, South Carolina has authorized the deployment of 200 troops and Ohio said it will send 150. These units will join the 800 DC National Guard troops that Trump has already deployed to patrol the district along with Border Patrol, ICE, FBI and DEA agents. Although Mayor Muriel Bowser's office declined to comment on the deployment of additional troops in DC, she posted on X: 'American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.' Hurricane Erin became one of the fastest-strengthening Atlantic hurricanes on record when it transformed from a Category 1 storm with 75 mph winds on Friday to a Category 5 with near 160 mph winds just over 24 hours later. So far, the storm's outer bands have dumped heavy rainfall across Puerto Rico and left 100,000 people without power, Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón said Sunday. Additional rainfall of up to 6 inches is forecast over the Turks and Caicos and the eastern Bahamas through Tuesday. But as it churns through the Atlantic Ocean north of the Caribbean, Erin could double or even triple in size, which may cause rough ocean conditions across much of the western Atlantic, the Hurricane Center said. While the storm is forecast to stay well offshore, its expansive wind field is already sending large swells outward for hundreds of miles and bringing dangerous rip currents to US shores. Satellites will face greater risks in the coming decades during solar-triggered geomagnetic storms because of the effect that climate pollution has on Earth's atmosphere, a new study found. As planet-warming carbon dioxide increases in the upper atmosphere, it will likely make the air less dense. Geomagnetic storms have the opposite effect; they increase how dense the air is in these upper layers, making it difficult for satellites to maintain their speed and altitude. During their study, researchers found that geomagnetic storms later this century could cause bigger spikes in atmospheric density because Earth's upper atmosphere will be less dense overall. Such a rapid throttling up of atmospheric density may damage critical satellite networks — including those used for GPS and communications — and cause problems for society at the Earth's surface. GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. Despite back-to-work orders from the Canadian government, more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants plan to continue their strike. The tennis champ decided to see a doctor after noticing symptoms such as double vision and weakness in her arms and legs. The wildly popular online gaming platform is accused of perpetuating an environment where sexual predators 'thrive, unite, hunt and victimize kids.' The thrash metal giants are planning to bid their final farewell in 2026. Here are 12 of America's most iconic sandwiches and where to eat them. British actor Terence Stamp dies at 87Stamp appeared in dozens of movies, but he was best known to American audiences for playing General Zod in two 'Superman' films. He later provided the voice of Jor-El, Superman's father, in the hit TV series 'Smallville.' $177 millionThat's how much AT&T has agreed to pay to settle claims related to data breaches in 2024. Millions of customers will be eligible to file claims — and could receive up to $7,500. 'The citizens of the world know what's happening here in the United States, formerly the so-called beacon of democracy. It don't look like that now!' — Spike Lee The Oscar-winning director commenting on President Trump's orders about what should and shouldn't be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. 🌤️ Check your local forecast to see what you can expect. And he did it all in just one year! Today's edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN's Andrew Torgan.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Israeli hostages will only be freed ‘when Hamas is confronted and destroyed' in Gaza, Trump says
President Trump backed Israel's expansion of the war in Gaza, saying that the remaining 50 hostages can only be freed if Hamas is completely eradicated. 'We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!' Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday. 'The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be.' The president's remarks suggests he approves of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to invade Gaza City to clear out Hamas' terrorists and pressure the group into agreeing to a cease-fire deal. Advertisement 4 Donald Trump said that Hamas must be eradicated in order to free the remaining hostages in Gaza. AFP via Getty Images 4 Smoke billows over Khan Younis following an Israeli airstrike on Monday. Trump also suggested that the US could be directly involved in the conflict beyond serving as mediators at the negotiating table. 'Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!),' the president claimed. Advertisement 'I was the one who ended 6 wars, in just 6 months. I was the one who OBLITERATED Iran's Nuclear facilities,' he added. 'Play to WIN, or don't play at all!' Israeli officials greenlit a plan last week for the IDF to fully occupy Gaza City, where Hamas is believed to be housing some of its remaining battalions among the refugee population. 4 Thirty-nine hostages were freed under Trump, with the president vowing to free the remaining 50, only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive. Anadolu via Getty Images Advertisement The plan has been criticized by the international community and the IDF's own chief of staff, who warned that an escalation in the war would only put the remaining hostages and troops in danger. Netanyahu, however, has maintained that military might is the only way to secure the 50 hostages — only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive. Israeli-American hostages Itay Chen, 19, and Omer Neutra, 22, are among the dead still in the Palestinian enclave. 4 A nation-wide strike began in Israel on Sunday as thousands took to the streets to demand an end to the war. Getty Images Advertisement As Israel prepares to occupy Gaza City, mediators in Egypt and Qatar are working around the clock to try and secure a cease-fire deal to end the war, which has gone on for more than 21-months following the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack in Israel. Hamas has reportedly agreed to cede control of the Gaza Strip, but has repeatedly rejected calls for the group to disarm unless Palestinians are granted statehood. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the condition, with Israel vowing to keep the war going until Hamas is eradicated and Gaza no longer stands as a threat to the Jewish state.
