'Stop Talking, Start Acting': Erdogan Attacked By Own For 'DOING NOTHING' To Stop Israel In Gaza
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The Hindu
19 minutes ago
- The Hindu
U.S. to probe Smithsonian museums to remove 'partisan narratives'
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) it had ordered a sweeping review of some Smithsonian museums to ensure their exhibitions laud American exceptionalism and "remove divisive or partisan narratives." Mr. Trump has moved to assert control over major American cultural institutions since starting his second term in January, while also slashing arts and humanities funding. The Smithsonian is one of America's most hallowed institutions, with its vast network of museums boasting tens of millions of artifacts for public display. A letter to the institution's secretary Lonnie Bunch, published on the White House website on Tuesday, said the administration would carry out a "comprehensive internal review of selected Smithsonian museums and exhibitions." "This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions," said the letter, signed by three senior White House officials. It will target eight major museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian, the letter said. The review aims to assess "tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals" across exhibitions, educational materials and digital content ahead of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History removed last month a label referring to Trump's two impeachments, a move its parent institution later denied came under White House pressure. The review requires that the museums submit extensive documentation -- including exhibition plans, wall text, educational materials, grant information and internal guidelines -- within 30 days. The Smithsonian did not respond immediately to AFP's request for comment. It said in a statement to The New York Times that its "work is grounded in a deep commitment to scholarly excellence, rigorous research and the accurate, factual presentation of history." "We are reviewing the letter with this commitment in mind... and will continue to collaborate constructively with the White House, Congress and our governing Board of Regents," it said.
The Hindu
19 minutes ago
- The Hindu
New Zealand PM says Netanyahu has 'lost the plot'
New Zealand's prime minister said Wednesday (August 13, 2025) that Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu had "lost the plot", accusing him of going too far in his efforts to wage war on Gaza. "What's happening in Gaza is utterly, utterly appalling," said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. "Netanyahu has gone way too far. I think he has lost the plot," added Luxon in unusually candid comments. "He is not listening to the international community and that is unacceptable." Mr. Netanyahu recently rolled out plans to take control of Gaza City and wipe out Hamas, insisting it was "the best way to end the war" despite growing calls to halt the bloodshed. UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has severely restricted the entry of humanitarian aid. Israel has faced mounting criticism over the war, which was triggered by Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel. New Zealand on Monday hinted it could join the likes of Australia, Canada, France and Britain in recognising a Palestinian state. "New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if," Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said. "Cabinet will take a formal decision in September over whether New Zealand should recognise a state of Palestine at this juncture — and if so, when and how."
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First Post
19 minutes ago
- First Post
What happened during Trump's call with Zelenskyy and European leaders?
Donald Trump held a call with European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on Thursday. This comes a day ahead of the US president's meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Here's what we know so far Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Friday (August 15) – the first meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States in years. Ahead of his summit with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump has had a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Trump and Putin are set to meet in Alaska on Friday (August 15) – the first meeting between the leaders of Russia and the United States in years. Putin previously met Joe Biden in 2022. The call comes in the backdrop of the White House reportedly pushing a ceasefire plan that involved Ukraine giving up the Donbas in exchange for a ceasefire. Zelenskyy has dismissed such a plan outright and European leaders have said that no talks about territory exchanging hands can occur without the involvement of Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened during the call? What do we know? Let's take a closer look European leaders push Trump to clarify position The European leaders during the call pushed Trump to clarify his position with Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said European nations doing everything possible to help set the agenda for the summit in Alaska. Merz said Ukraine needed to be involved in peace talks and getting the ceasefire was a first step. He said the Europe and the US world have to exert even more pressure on Putin if there is no ceasefire agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron said 'any talks of territorial exchange must only be discussed with Ukraine'. Trump has previously said that the Russia and Ukraine could arrive at a piece deal via a land swap. Russia currently controls about 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory. 'The American will is to obtain a ceasefire,' Macron said. 'The exchange with President Trump allowed him to declare his intentions for the meeting on the 15 August and allowed us to very clearly explain our expectations.' Macron said that it is a 'good thing' that Washington and Moscow are talking but added that Europe needs to be heard on issues that impact the entire continent. French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the allies are united. AP 'We have reiterated until there is a durable peace, we must maintain support for Ukraine,' Macron said 'And by we, I mean Europeans and Americans.' Macron said the leaders on the call are united and that the US president hopes to achieve a ceasefire. Macron says leaders were 'very clear' that any decisions on territory can only be negotiated with Zelenskyy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the call said 'international borders must not be changed by force and Ukraine must have robust and credible security guarantees to defend its territorial integrity as part of any deal'. A spokesperson for Starmer after the call described his support for Ukraine as 'unwavering'. 'All leaders agreed this week marks an important moment for the future of Ukraine". The spokesperson said the European leaders on the call thanked Trump for his 'efforts in bringing Putin to the table in pursuit of a ceasefire to end to the ongoing bloodshed' Europe and the US will continue to work for a 'just and lasting peace in Ukraine,' the statement added. 'Putin is bluffing' Zelenskyy, speaking to the media in the aftermath of the call, claimed the Russian president was bluffing. 'Putin is bluffing, he's trying to trying to push all over the front line", Zelenskyy said. He added that Russia is feigning that it can take over Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy said he told Trump and European leaders that the Russian strongman doesn't 'want peace'. He added that they completely understood his position. Zelenskyy said 'there should be a ceasefire first, then security guarantees – real security guarantees'. Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy said he told Donald Trump and European leaders that the Vladimir Putin doesn't 'want peace' He added that Russia should be further sanctioned if it refuses to accept a ceasefire. 'Trump supported us today', the Ukrainian president said. He added that Ukraine is 'very grateful to Germany" for its support. Zelenskyy also individually thanked his allies including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Nato's Mark Rutte, Italian President Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Zelenskyy said leaders all over the world were united for the goal of peace in Ukraine. He said European allies spoke with 'one voice towards one mission'. He reiterated that there can be no peace deal without Kyiv. 'Everything about Ukraine has to be discussed with Ukraine - we have to be part of the conversation'. Zelenskyy said Trump would reach out to him after the Putin meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agenciess
