Latest news with #AbrahamicFamilyHouse
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomes Dawoodi Bohra Sultan, shares Eid Al Adha greetings and hopes for global peace
Source: X On Monday, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra community, at Qasr Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. In view of the UAE's strong commitment to interfaith dialogue and multicultural relations, this meeting exemplified the UAE's continued efforts to foster religious harmony, human dignity and coexistence on an international stage. UAE continues to declare itself a beacon of faith diplomacy, welcoming international interfaith gatherings such as the Abrahamic Family House and the World Tolerance Summit. This meeting, held, includes international faith leaders such as Sultan Saifuddin, further fueling this narrative. The face of the meeting may have appeared as a simple exchange of pleasantries, bearing greater geopolitical and diplomatic implications, but it appeared to the better diplomatic implications. UAE President welcomes Dawoodi Bohra community Sultan shares Eid AI Adha greetings The Sultan of Dawoodi Bohra community welcomed by UAE President highlights the significance of the meeting which was held during one of Islam's most sacred events that contributed a religious and symbolic dimension to the Eid Al Adha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Posted by Dawoodi Bohras on X (Formerly Twitter) leaders from the two sides exchanged Eid wishes, shared common aspirations for international peace, prosperity, and human welfare during religious celebrations. This is an extension of the overall soft power policy that the UAE employs, including religious diplomacy to engender international goodwill. During the meeting, Sultan Saifuddin commended Sheikh Mohamed's leadership, more so his efforts in spearheading philanthropic causes and promoting universal values of tolerance, compassion, and dialogue. He commended the UAE model of living together where communities of different faiths, including the Dawoodi Bohras, coexist and thrive together in peace. Source: X Who are the Dawoodi Bohras The Dawoodi Bohras are a Shi'a Muslim community known for their strong emphasis on education, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, and cleanliness. With global headquarters in India, the community has a significant presence in the UAE and contributes actively to the country's economic and civic life. Their topmost leadership, Sultan Mufaddal Saifuddin, not only commands respect as a religious leader but also as a champion of sustainable urban development, food security, and social well-being in accordance with UAE's values. UAE leaders join in common support for religious coexistence The presence of senior Emirati leaders at the meeting, according to the Gulf News report, indicated the importance the UAE places on such interfaith and intercultural interactions. Those present at the meeting included: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Their attendance reflects an agreement among the UAE leadership to adopt religious tolerance and open debate. UAE cements its place as a beacon of peaceful coexistence The Al Shati Palace summit reiterates the UAE's strategic location as a global hub for tolerance where over 200 nationalities and multiple religious communities coexist in harmony. This model is especially relevant in a world beset by rising polarization, extremism, and cultural misconceptions. Sultan Saifuddin's visit and the respectful reception he was given are evidence of religious institutions' respect for state leadership, as they show how such understanding can bring about social stability and international collaboration.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Trump to call Putin TODAY to ‘stop the bloodbath' in Ukraine after war's ‘biggest drone strike' and Vlad's warning
TRUCE HOPES Trump to call Putin TODAY to 'stop the bloodbath' in Ukraine after war's 'biggest drone strike' and Vlad's warning PRESIDENT Donald Trump is to call mad Vladimir Putin today to "stop the bloodbath" in Ukraine. It comes a day after Russia launched its largest drone attack since the start of the war - despite engaging with Ukraine in face-to-face peace talks in Turkey on Friday. 4 Resident Vadym Tsybenko, 22-year-old, stands next to his house and a house of his neighbours, heavily damaged by a Russian drone strike on Sunday Credit: Reuters 4 Russian large landing ship Peresvet conducted war games in the waters of the Sea of Japan Credit: East2West 4 U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he visits the Abrahamic Family House during his visit in Abu Dhabi on Friday Credit: Reuters 4 Russian President Vladimir Putin talks on the phone in January 2023 Credit: AFP Trump announced plans to speak with Putin at 10:00am local time to put an end to what he calls a 'bloodbath' and "a very violent war" that 'should have never happened'. The US president said he'll follow up with a call to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky and later consult with NATO leaders. Trump said on Truth Social on Sunday: "HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE A PRODUCTIVE DAY, A CEASEFIRE WILL TAKE PLACE, AND THIS VERY VIOLENT WAR, A WAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED, WILL END." It comes after Russia unleashed the "war's biggest drone attack" overnight on the weekend - the largest Ukraine had seen since 2022. A harrowing 273 exploding drones were fired across the Kyiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions. Putin also bluntly told Trump to stop trying to dictate terms to him for a ceasefire and an end to the bloodshed in the conflict. The Russian dictator told Kremlin-controlled state TV: 'You know, the Americans — the American people and the American leadership, including the president — have their own national interests. 'We respect that. We proceed from the assumption that we will be treated the same way.' But the tyrant went a step further, warning he plans to finish what he started three years ago in seeking to invade and control Ukraine. 'We have enough strength and resources to bring what was started in 2022 to its logical conclusion with the result that Russia needs,' he said. Vladimir Putin expands nuclear missile base after test at frozen site killed five in horror radiation leak disaster Meanwhile Zelensky met with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio in Rome following Pope Leo's inauguration on Sunday. The Ukrainian president revealed that the meeting was "good" and "reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible." And Putin staged his latest war games in a show of strength to the West. Large landing ship Peresvet staged war games in the Sea of Japan, using a 122-mm Grad-M multiple launch rocket systems hit targets more than a whopping six miles away. AK-176 and AK-630 artillery units were used to destroy sea and air targets, and 12.7-mm heavy machine gun crews successfully exploded a balloon and mock sea mine. There was no immediate sign of Russia conducting a Yars intercontinental missile test, which Ukrainian military intelligence warned was imminent. Follow our live coverage below...
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Trump caps Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi with dizzying investment pledges
ABU DHABI: US President Donald Trump on Friday concluded his Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi after overseeing the signing of another raft of multi-billion-dollar deals, while also securing a $1.4 trillion investment pledge from the UAE. The eye-watering amounts of money in investments were accompanied also by the lifting of decades-long sanctions on Syria and renewed optimism over an Iran nuclear deal during the multi-day trip across the Gulf. On his first foreign tour of his second term, Trump oversaw a $200 billion order from Qatar Airways for Boeing jets and a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia — including nearly $142 billion in weapons, which the White House described as the largest-ever arms deal. 'I'm just thinking we have a president of the United States doing the selling,' Trump quipped, during a business roundtable alongside Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed. 'I think I have to be a cheerleader for our country,' he added. Following the business roundtable, the president briefly toured the Abrahamic Family House, a complex opened in 2023 that houses a mosque, church and the country's first official synagogue — and then departed the country on Air Force One. On Thursday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed lauded the strong partnership between the two countries that grew under Trump's leadership and vowed to invest $1.4 trillion in the US economy over 10 years. The White House said the two countries had also signed business deals worth more than $200 billion, including a $60 billion partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and a $14.5 billion Etihad Airways order of Boeing planes. 'You're an amazing country. You're a rich country. You can have your choice, but I know you'll never leave my side,' Trump said after the $1.4 trillion announcement Thursday, addressing the UAE president. 'That's your biggest investment that you've ever made, and we really appreciate it,' he added saying he will treat the UAE 'magnificently' and that Sheikh Mohamed was 'a magnificent man, and it's an honour to be with you'. The White House also said both countries inked an AI agreement that will see the UAE invest in US data centres and commit to 'further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of US-origin technology'.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Live updates: Trump wraps up Mideast tour as death toll in Gaza rises
President Donald Trump President Donald Trump on Friday wrapped up a Mideast tour in the United Arab Emirates with a breakfast for business leaders and a visit to an interfaith place of worship named for the Abraham Accords he negotiated. As part of the accords, the UAE and some other countries in the Middle East recognized Israel. Trump departed Abu Dhabi after his visit to the Abrahamic Family House . During his visit to the region, violence flared in the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli strikes killed at least 93 people Friday, adding to the more than 120 people who died in recent days. Here's the latest: Large metal plates will protect DC streets from tanks during June parade The Army will place large metal plating at key points on Washington's streets. That's to better protect them from the thunderous movements of 25 M1 Abrams main battle tanks set to roll through the capital in a military parade on June 14. Each of the Abrams tanks weighs approximately 60 tons, and concerns about what that weight could do to D.C.'s streets ultimately kept them from being used for a parade during President Donald Trump's first term. The plates will be put at points along the parade route where the tanks will turn — and where their metal and rubber tracks can do the most damage to D.C.'s paved streets. ▶ For more on the story Humanities groups sue Trump administration to reverse local funding cuts A humanities federation and a state council have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to reverse local funding cuts made by Trump adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, and names DOGE, its acting administrator and the endowment among the defendants. The lawsuit says DOGE and the endowment exceeded their authority in terminating funding mandated by Congress. DOGE shut down the funding and laid off more than 80% of the staff at the endowment as part of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, a Republican. The White House hasn't returned a message seeking comment. ▶ For more on the story House conservatives stymie Trump's tax breaks package Conservatives have blocked Trump's big tax breaks and spending cuts bill, delivering a stunning setback for the president. House Republicans failed Friday, on a 16-21 vote, to push it out of the Budget Committee. Five GOP conservatives voted against it, demanding further cuts to Medicaid, green energy tax breaks and other changes. Committee Chair Rep. Jodey Arrington put the panel into recess as talks continue. Tallying a whopping 1,116 pages, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is teetering at a critical moment. At the same time, lawmakers from high-tax states including New York are demanding a deeper local tax deduction. Democrats call the package 'bad economics.' Trump administration must resume $11 billion in funding for public health departments, judge rules U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy in Rhode Island granted the preliminary injunction request Friday in the lawsuit brought last by a coalition of Democrat-led states. She had granted a temporary restraining order last month in the case. The lawsuit filed April 1 by 23 states and the District of Columbia sought to immediately halt $11 billion in cuts, alleging it would decimate public health infrastructure across the country. The money, allocated by Congress during the pandemic, supported COVID-19 initiatives and mental health and substance abuse efforts. The injunction only applies to the states involved in the lawsuit. The federal government must file documentation that they're complying with the order by Tuesday evening. Israel strikes two ports in Yemen and intensifies attacks in Gaza as Trump wraps up visit to region Israel's military said Friday it struck two ports in Yemen that were controlled by the Houthi militant group. It claimed that the Hodeida and Salif ports were used by the Houthis to transfer weapons. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Watching Trump from afar, Israel fears being left out of a new Middle East it helped create As President Trump jetted from one sprawling palace to another, embracing Arab leaders and heralding a new Middle East this week, many in Israel worried that the best partner they've ever had in the White House had lost interest. For decades, Israel has leveraged its special relationship with the United States to serve as a gatekeeper to Washington. From the Camp David Treaty with Egypt to the Abraham Accords brokered by Trump in his first term, Arab states seeking U.S. favor usually had to first make nice with Israel. And rarely did their interests prevail if they clashed with Israel's. But on Wednesday, to Israel's dismay, Saudi Arabia and Turkey brokered a historic meeting between Trump and Syria's new president, and Trump portrayed his decision to lift sanctions on Damascus as a favor to his host, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. ▶ Read more about Israel and the Middle East Returning from Mideast, Trump turned to pop culture, criticizing Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen During a recent concert in Manchester, England, Springsteen said the United States was 'currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.' 'Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. He said Springsteen 'ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, that's just 'standard fare.' Then we'll all see how it goes for him!' Trump also targeted Swift, seemingly unprompted. 'Has anyone noticed that, since I said 'I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,' she's no longer 'HOT?'' he wrote. Trump originally attacked Swift shortly after she endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris in last year's presidential election. Freed Israeli-American hostage has left the hospital, parents say Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American hostage released Monday after backdoor US-Hamas diplomacy, left the hospital Friday, according to a statement released by his parents, who said his recovery is far from over. Yael and Adi Alexander said their son still needed medical treatment for his injuries suffered during the Hamas attack Oct. 7, 2023, and over his 18 months in captivity. His hands are injured from a tunnel collapsing on him, they said. Alexander returned to his grandmother's home in Tel Aviv, where his parents said he will stay for the time being. 'Today we were able to take down Edan's hostage photos from the wall with a great sigh of relief and an enormous sense of comfort,' they said, calling for the return of 58 hostages still in Gaza. Democrats want to focus on Trump. Instead, they're being asked about Biden's mental acuity Joe Biden's time in public office is now behind him, but his age and mental acuity have become a litmus test for the next leaders in his party. A new book that alleges White House aides covered up Biden's physical and mental decline has put the questions about Biden's health back in the spotlight, months after former Vice President Kamala Harris lost to Trump. Several potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 nomination in recent days have been asked whether they believe Biden was declining in office or whether he should have sought reelection before a disastrous debate performance led to his withdrawal. Many Democrats would prefer to focus on Trump's second term. Trump has done his best to prevent that — mentioning Biden's name an average of six times a day during his first 100 days in office, according to an NBC News analysis — and Republicans have followed his lead, betting that voters frustrated by Trump's policy moves will still prefer him over memories of an unpopular presidency. ▶ Read more about the Democrats and former President Joe Biden European leaders agree with Trump that Russia's position on ceasefire talks is unacceptable And they intend to coordinate a response, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday. 'We just had a meeting with President Zelensky and then a phone call with President Trump to discuss the developments in the negotiations today, and the Russian position is clearly unacceptable,' Starmer told reporters. 'As a result of that meeting with President Zelensky, under discussion with President Trump, we are now closely aligning and coordinating our responses and will continue to do so,' he said, as European leaders held a summit in Albania. He said the decision with Trump was also agreed on with the leaders of France, Germany and Poland. ▶ Read more about the European summit in Albania Trump says James Comey 'knew exactly what that meant' Speaking to Bret Baeir during his Middle East trip, Trump criticized the former FBI director for posting a picture of shells that said '86 47.' 'He knew exactly what that meant,' Trump said, according to interview excerpts released Friday. 'A child knows what that meant. If you're the FBI director and you don't know what that meant, that meant assassination.' Trump is the 47th president. The number '86' means 'to throw out,' 'to get rid of' or 'to refuse service to,' according to Merriam-Webster, the dictionary used by The Associated Press. Comey apologized for the post and denied it was a call for violence. Trump didn't say what should happen next with Comey, saying 'I don't want to take a position on it' and the matter was up to his staff. However, he described him as a 'dirty cop.' 'And if he had a clean history, I could understand if there was a leniency, but I'm going to let them make that decision,' he said. The Secret Service is investigating, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. 'This better be a good deal, Howard' Trump made his name by playing a demanding boss on 'The Apprentice,' and he still likes to give his staff a hard time. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told Fox News about the president hovering behind him while he signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. ''This better be a good deal, Howard,'' Lutnick recalled Trump saying. 'And then he leans close, he goes, 'Or your ass is grass.'' Death toll in Gaza rises to 93 At least 93 people were killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza on Friday, as President Trump wrapped up his regional trip. Strikes overnight hit across Gaza, including the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis. Gaza's health ministry said hundreds more were injured in addition to those killed. The widespread attacks across come as Trump finishes his visit to Gulf states but not Israel. There had been widespread hope that his regional trip could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month. ___ UN peacekeeping force confronted in southern Lebanon The force, known as UNIFIL, said one of its patrols was confronted between the villages of Jmayjmeh and Khirbet Selm Friday by a large group of people in civilian clothing who 'attempted to stop the patrol using aggressive means, wielding metal sticks and axes, resulting in damage to the vehicles.' The peacekeepers used 'non-lethal force' in response, and there were no injuries, it said in a statement. Hezbollah supporters in Lebanon frequently accuse the U.N. mission — which was created to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after Israel's 1978 invasion -- of collusion with Israel. Israel has accused the peacekeepers of turning a blind eye to Hezbollah's military activities in southern Lebanon. Earlier this week, UNIFIL issued a statement that complained of 'aggressive behavior' by Israeli forces towards its peacekeepers, including shots fired across the border that hit a UNIFIL base south of the village of Kfar Shouba. ___ At least 82 killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza Strikes overnight and into Friday hit across Gaza, including the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis. At least 66 people were killed according to the Indonesian hospital, where most of the bodies were taken. A further 16 bodies were taken to Nasser hospital, said health officials. The widespread attacks across northern Gaza come as Trump finishes his visit to Gulf states but not Israel. ___ Trump says he sent Iran a proposal for nuclear deal Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One before take off, the president said the U.S. has given Iran a proposed agreement. It was the first public acknowledgement of a significant development in the high-stakes negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. 'They have a proposal,' Trump said. 'But most importantly, they know they have to move quickly, or something bad is going to happen.' He did not give specifics. ___ Dozens of Israelis protest in support of a soldier imprisoned for refusing to fight in Gaza The protesters expressed support for Daniel Yahalom, a reserve soldier who is serving five days in prison for refusing to participate in what he called an unjust fight. He's part of a small but growing number of Israelis who are refusing to show up for service as the war drags on and Israel intensifies its operations in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed Yahalom was going to prison and said he was not the first to receive a prison sentence for refusing to serve during the current Israel-Hamas war. 'This boy always cares about others even before himself ... He cares about the suffering of our brothers who are dying underground, and he is willing to pay the price,' said his mother Haya Yahalom. ___ Trump boards Air Force One to end his Mideast trip President Donald Trump has boarded Air Force One in Abu Dhabi as he ends his Mideast trip. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's ruler and the leader of the United Arab Emirates, met Trump at the airport. The men shook hands and spoke for a few moments. Trump also said goodbye to other officials. He looked back, saluted and pumped his fist in the air before boarding the aircraft to head back to Washington. ___ Trump says people in Gaza are starving President Donald Trump has said 'a lot of people are starving' in Gaza, a rare acknowledgement of the humanitarian crisis in the territory as Israel's war with Hamas is on the verge of escalating anew. Speaking to reporters at a business forum in Abu Dhabi on the final day of his trip to the Middle East, Trump said he was looking to resolve a range of global crises. 'We're looking at Gaza,' he said. 'And we've got to get that taken care of. A lot of people are starving ... There's a lot of bad things going on.' ___ Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 64 At least 48 bodies were brought to the Indonesian hospital and another 16 bodies were taken to Nasser Hospital, health officials in Gaza said, as strikes overnight into Friday morning hit the outskirts of Deir al-Balah and the city of Khan Younis. The strikes came as U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his Middle East visit that skipped Israel and offered no prospect for a ceasefire in the war-battered territory. There had been widespread hope that Trump's regional trip could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month. An Israeli official said the strikes on Friday were preparatory actions in the leadup to a larger operation and meant to send a message to Hamas that it will begin soon if there isn't an agreement to release hostages. The official was not authorized to brief media and spoke on condition of anonymity. — Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv, Israel ___ Trump arrives at Abrahamic Family House The interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi features a mosque, church and synagogue — houses of worship for the three Abrahamic faiths. It was built after the United Arab Emirates signed onto the Abraham Accords in 2020, during President Donald Trump's first term. The agreement –- which Trump has encouraged other Middle Eastern and North African countries to join –- saw the UAE recognize Israel. The visit to the white-marble place of worship on the shores of the Persian Gulf is set to conclude Trump's first major foreign trip of his second term. ___ Trump says he expects to meet with Russia's Putin soon 'I think it's time for us to just do it,' Trump told reporters in Abu Dhabi. Trump reiterated that he wasn't surprised that Putin skipped a U.S. orchestrated meeting in Turkey between Ukrainian and Russian officials. Putin didn't want to go because he's not there, Trump said. Trump added that a meeting with Putin would happen 'as soon as we can set it up.' ' I would actually leave here and go,' said Trump, who noted his daughter Tiffany just gave birth to her first child. 'I do want to see my beautiful grandson.' ___ Trump says he's heading home to meet his new grandchild Trump says he's had an 'incredible' trip to the Middle East but that 'now it's time to go back home.' He added: 'My daughter had a baby and I'm going to go home and see that baby.' Tiffany Trump gave birth to a boy. 'She's doing great and the baby's great.' ___ Israeli Cabinet assessing Qatar negotiations An Israeli official said Cabinet members are meeting Friday to assess the negotiations in Qatar and to decide on next steps. The official was not authorized to brief media on the meeting and so spoke on condition of anonymity. ___ Trump says he's doing the selling for the United States At an event to highlight business partnerships between the UAE and US companies, Trump gave himself a big pat on the back. 'I'm just thinking we have a president of the United States doing the selling,' Trump said to business leaders as they walked him through a presentation on investments that are benefitting the American economy. 'You think Biden would be doing it? I don't think so. But I think its so important. I have to be a cheerleader for our country.' ___ President Trumps gets a single drop of oil President Donald Trump has arrived at a business forum being held at Qasr al-Watan, a ceremonial palace in Abu Dhabi. Trump entered and listened to a presentation from Sultan al-Jaber, the head of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., as well as officials from Exxon Mobil Corp. and Occidental, two oil firms. Al-Jaber then presented Trump a memento that included a drop of oil in it. 'This is the highest quality oil there is on the planet,' Trump told those watching. He then drew laughter when he said: 'And they only gave me a drop -- so I'm not thrilled.' ___ Hostage families call on their government to work with Trump to release those still held in Gaza Hostage families called on their government Friday to work with President Trump to release those still held in Gaza. A statement from the hostages forum, which supports the families said people woke up with 'heavy hearts' amid reports of increased attacks across Gaza at the end of Trump's visit to the Middle East. There were widespread attacks in northern Gaza Friday as Trump was finishing his visit to Gulf States but not Israel. Israel says about 23 of the hostages are said to be alive. ___ Hostage families call on PM to 'join hands' with Trump Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to push ahead with a promised escalation of force in Israel's war in the Gaza Strip to pursue his aim of destroying the Hamas militant group, which governs Gaza. The hostage families called on Netanyahu to 'join hands' with Trump's efforts to release the hostages. 'Missing this historic opportunity for a deal to bring the hostages home would be a resounding failure that will be remembered in infamy forever. ___ Trump slams opponents to his birthright citizenship order as 'Sleazebags' Trump is wrapping up his four-day visit to the Middle East, but he's keeping a close eye on what's going on back in Washington. Before heading out Friday morning to the Qasr Al Watan presidential for the final engagements of his trip, the president took to his Truth Social platform to hammer 'Radical Left Sleazebags' after Supreme Court justices on Thursday heard more than two hours of arguments debating how the lower courts should handle Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship. 'I hope the Supreme Court doesn't fall for the games they play,' Trump added. 'The people are with us in bigger numbers than ever before.' ___ President Trump kicks off final day of Mideast trip President Donald Trump is kicking off the final day of his Middle East trip with a meeting of U.S. and UAE business executives alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Energy, health care, aviation, entertainment and other business leaders will be in attendance to highlight ties between the two countries -- a central focus of Trump's trip to the region. Trump will then tour the Abrahamic Family House, a complex that houses a church, mosque and synagogue and is a symbol of interfaith tolerance. Trump has encouraged other countries in the region to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel, as the UAE did in 2020. The president will then depart back to Washington. ___ Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Gaza Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people in Gaza on Friday morning, as U.S. President Donald Trump wraps up his Middle East visit. An Associated Press journalist counted the bodies at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, where they were brought. Survivors said many people were still under the rubble. The widespread attacks across northern Gaza come as Trump finishes his visit to Gulf states but not Israel. There had been widespread hope that Trump's regional visit could usher in a ceasefire deal or renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza. An Israeli blockade of the territory is now in its third month. The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the strikes. ___ Trump to visit Abrahamic House on last day of his Mideast trip President Donald Trump will make several stops before taking off on Air Force One to end his Mideast trip on Friday. He'll attend a business summit in the morning in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Trump later will visit the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. It is home to a mosque, a church and a synagogue. The UAE built it after diplomatically recognizing Israel in an agreement known as the Abraham Accords, as Christianity, Islam and Judaism are all known as the Abrahamic faiths. ___ Etihad Airways says it is buying Boeing aircraft during Trump trip Etihad Airways announced Friday it would purchase 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft during a visit by President Donald Trump to the United Arab Emirates. Etihad is the government-owned airline of Abu Dhabi that also flies East-West routes like Emirates, the long-haul carrier in neighboring Dubai. Etihad said in a statement that the sale included 'a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE engines and supported by a services package.' Boeing did not immediately acknowledge the deal. Trump was due to address a business conference in Abu Dhabi on Friday, the last day of his Mideast trip that's also taken him to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which booked a major Boeing order for its long-haul carrier, Qatar Airways. ___ Tia Goldenberg contributed from Tel Aviv The Associated Press
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Republicans Wants to Make Tanning Salons Cheaper
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. House Republicans are pushing for legislation that would repeal the federal excise tax on indoor tanning services, which has been in place under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since 2010. On Monday, the House Ways and Means Committee released a draft of an expansive tax and spending package dubbed "One Big, Beautiful Bill." One proposal calls for repealing the excise tax on indoor tanning services, which was originally implemented to help fund the ACA and discourage the use of indoor tanning. Why It Matters According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tanning beds significantly raise the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Proponents of the repeal argue that the tax disproportionately affects small businesses that provide tanning services and unfairly targets the tanning industry compared to similar services that are not taxed. What To Know Under the current law, indoor tanning services are defined as any service using equipment that incorporates ultraviolet (UV) lamps intended for skin tanning. The 10 percent excise tax is applied to the total cost of these services. If the proposed legislation passes, the repeal will take effect immediately upon enactment. The IRS notes that the tax applies to any indoor tanning service, including those offered at fitness centers and other facilities, unless specifically exempted. Some small business owners have criticized the tax, arguing that it has led to declining revenues and increased financial strain. President Donald Trump signs the guest book after touring the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025. President Donald Trump signs the guest book after touring the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi on May 16, 2025. Alex Brandon/AP According to a 2015 report from the Tax Foundation, when the tax came into effect on July 1, 2010, it was originally expected to raise $2.7 billion over 10 years. The Joint Committee on Taxation revised the projection down to $1.5 billion in 2012 because of lower-than-expected compliance and reduced demand for tanning services. The think tank said the tax brought in $92 million in 2014, far below the $300 million originally anticipated for that year. According to the Tax Foundation, compliance was a challenge, with 11,000 out of an estimated 25,000 tanning businesses paying the tax quarterly in 2011. Additionally, the exclusion of gyms and fitness centers from the tax reduced the tax base, disproportionately affecting smaller, stand-alone tanning salons. The unintended economic consequences of the tax included a significant number of tanning salons going out of business and higher loan default rates among tanning businesses in states such as Florida. The measure to repeal the federal excise tax on indoor tanning services is part of an expansive tax and spending package dubbed "One Big, Beautiful Bill. " The bill also includes the elimination of taxes on overtime, loan interest for American-made cars, and Social Security. The tax cuts in the bill are estimated to cost over $5 trillion. In addition to tax reforms, the bill proposes significant changes to social programs. Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would see stricter work requirements and cost shifts to states, potentially leading to millions losing health coverage. The legislation also includes provisions to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal taxes on gun silencers. On the education front, the bill aims to overhaul student loan repayment plans, impose taxes on large university endowments, and expand fossil fuel extraction on public lands. It also introduces "MAGA" savings accounts for newborns Defense and border security are also focal points, with the bill allocating billions to revive Trump's border wall, increase deportations, and fund a new missile defense system dubbed the "Golden Dome." What People Are Saying Steven Rattner, former head of the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry, on X (formerly Twitter): "Among the more obscure features of the House bill is the repeal of tanning salon taxes. Can't get more MAGA than that." Wendy Sherman, former deputy secretary of state, on X: "Tax universities more, wipe out taxes on tanning salons... Really?!" What Happens Next The bill, which the House Ways and Means Committee approved on Wednesday, could see a vote in the House as early as next week. But while the bill has advanced through several House committees, its passage remains uncertain due to internal Republican divisions and anticipated resistance in the Senate. Members of the conservative Freedom Caucus are demanding deeper cuts to Medicaid and the immediate implementation of work requirements for aid recipients, rather than the delayed start proposed in the bill. Simultaneously, moderate Republicans from high-tax states, such as New York, are advocating for a more substantial increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. The current proposal to raise the cap from $10,000 to $30,000 is deemed insufficient by these lawmakers, who argue for a higher threshold to benefit their constituents. Even if the bill passes the House, it faces additional hurdles in the Senate. Some Senate Republicans have already expressed skepticism about the bill's provisions. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin referred to the House budget plan as a "sad joke," while Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky criticized the spending cuts as "wimpy" and "anemic."
