Latest news with #Cuban-American
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
In the name of diplomacy
Listen to article In today's interconnected world, diaspora communities play a main role in shaping narratives and lobbying for policy shifts in their countries of origin. This advocacy is not new to US foreign affairs, as seen with the Cuban-American influence on the Cuba policy of the Washington government, and the Armenian-American effort to have the genocide recognised. However, when such influence goes over the line and begins to politicise internal affairs of sovereign states, especially where there is aid conditionality, then it brings up uneasy answers as to where diplomacy ends. A recent example brings this concern to the fore. US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has reportedly urged a conditional review of military assistance to Pakistan, linked not to institutional reform or policy outcomes, but to the continued tenure of the country's military leadership. However noble these positions may seem, they raise the very candid question: should personalities be used to trade foreign aid against principles? Military and political leadership in any sovereign country is determined through constitutional processes. An external party, no matter how well meaning, will run the liability of intruding whenever they seek to exert influence on such outcomes by diplomatic or financial means. Whenever the application of aid is not based on the desire to enhance policy change but rather serve as a tool of reshaping leadership structures, the segment between strategic partnership and political engineering starts to be obscured. The aspect has a wider diplomatic cost to it. Conditioning aid on internal appointments suppresses the long-established convention of non-interference in the domestic jurisdiction of sovereign nations. It may signal disregard for local institutions and create this perception that foreign governments seek to pick winners and losers in the political or military hierarchy of other nations. What happens is that when foreigners get their hands into the housekeeping of another nation, the place becomes a mess. It has occurred in the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, and so on. Of course, there are occasions when the intentions are good, but the repercussions are seldom positive, and the damage to future confidence is high. How do we measure foreign aid then? It is not the matter of driving leaders to resign and the molding of those in control. The aid must support stability, growth and common ambitions, not merely administer a political wallop. Policies that appear to personalise aid undermine the credibility of international partnerships and erode the confidence that states place in diplomatic engagements. Moreover, the demands of accountability and transparency of foreign aid utilisation are reasonable and justified, but they have to be based on uniform standards. When standards are changed based on political preferences or personalities, then it becomes confusing to partner nations and undermines the integrity of aid policy. In Pakistan's case, the country remains a significant regional partner in areas ranging from counterterrorism to economic cooperation. Any makeover must be conducted on transparent policies and respect. Emphasis on individual politics threatens to throw away the larger institutional gears that make the relationship stable. Diplomacy requires restraint at its best. It acknowledges complexity and sovereignty and encourages interaction rather than intrusion. With world politics getting more and more polarised and emotional, the role of lawmakers and diplomats to maintain the balance and long-term perspective becomes even more important. When too tightly entangled in domestic leadership conflicts, aid loses its status as a bridge and turns into a wedge that widens the gap instead of creating understanding. In an age where global cooperation is necessary, principled diplomacy must remain the compass. The alternative is a world where personal preferences override policy, and where international relations are no longer built on trust, but on terms.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Tom Cruise, 63, FINALLY goes official with Ana De Armas, 37, as loved-up couple hold hands on romantic mini break
HOLLYWOOD star Tom Cruise has finally gone official with girlfriend Ana de Armas — months after The Sun revealed the romance. The loved-up couple were photographed holding hands during a picturesque getaway in Vermont, US, this week. 11 Tom Cruise has finally gone official with girlfriend Ana de Armas Credit: 11 The loved-up couple were photographed holding hands Credit: 11 Actress Ana de Armas stuns in a black dress on the red carpet Credit: Getty 11 Three-times married Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise Credit: Getty Mission: Impossible star They are on a romantic, low-key trip to the small country town of Woodstock after a year of jetting around the world. The couple were seen in London last weekend at the Oasis comeback gig at Wembley stadium, having flown into the capital in Tom's £1million helicopter. The Sun previously revealed that three-times married Tom It included chartering his own chopper to take 11 The couple were enjoying a picturesque getaway in Vermont Credit: 11 It comes months after we revealed the couple's romance Credit: 11 Mission: Impossible star Tom was dressed down, wearing a navy T-shirt, jeans and a cap, alongside Bond girl Ana Credit: Cuban-American Ana — Her latest role was with Keanu Reeves in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. Most read in Celebrity A source at the time said: 'Tom and Ana have grown closer over the past couple of months and he has huge respect for her as an actress. 'He is developing a new film and he has approached Ana to be his leading lady. Ana is one of the best actresses in the business as far as Tom is concerned and he wants her by his side in the new movie. Tom Cruise & Ana de Armas: The new Hollywood power couple heats up 'Tom has a lot on his plate at the moment, with his new Mission: Impossible film being released later this month and another film called Judy in the works. 'But this new project is really exciting for Tom and he wants Ana to be in it with him.' 11 Ana, pictured with Tom, opted for a simple white T-shirt and jeans Credit: 11 The pair are on a romantic trip to the small country town of Woodstock Credit: 11 Cuban-American Ana starred in Bond's No Time To Die in 2021 Credit: Getty 11 Ana's latest role was in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Tom Cruise, 63, FINALLY goes official with Ana De Armas, 37, as loved-up couple hold hands on romantic mini break
Scroll down to see pictures of the loved-up couple during the picturesque getaway LOOK CRUISE IN LOVE Tom Cruise, 63, FINALLY goes official with Ana De Armas, 37, as loved-up couple hold hands on romantic mini break HOLLYWOOD star Tom Cruise has finally gone official with girlfriend Ana de Armas — months after The Sun revealed the romance. The loved-up couple were photographed holding hands during a picturesque getaway in Vermont, US, this week. 11 Tom Cruise has finally gone official with girlfriend Ana de Armas Credit: 11 The loved-up couple were photographed holding hands Credit: 11 Actress Ana de Armas stuns in a black dress on the red carpet Credit: Getty 11 Three-times married Mission: Impossible star Tom Cruise Credit: Getty Mission: Impossible star Tom, 63, was dressed down, wearing a navy T-shirt, jeans and a cap, while Bond girl Ana, 37, also opted for a simple white T-shirt and jeans. They are on a romantic, low-key trip to the small country town of Woodstock after a year of jetting around the world. The couple were seen in London last weekend at the Oasis comeback gig at Wembley stadium, having flown into the capital in Tom's £1million helicopter. The Sun previously revealed that three-times married Tom splurged tens of thousands of pounds on a trip to New York in May. It included chartering his own chopper to take Ana from central London to Heathrow Airport. 11 The couple were enjoying a picturesque getaway in Vermont Credit: 11 It comes months after we revealed the couple's romance Credit: 11 Mission: Impossible star Tom was dressed down, wearing a navy T-shirt, jeans and a cap, alongside Bond girl Ana Credit: Cuban-American Ana — first linked to Tom in February — starred in Bond's No Time To Die in 2021. Her latest role was with Keanu Reeves in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina. Back in May, The Sun revealed that Cruise had cast Ana as the star of his next blockbuster film. A source at the time said: 'Tom and Ana have grown closer over the past couple of months and he has huge respect for her as an actress. 'He is developing a new film and he has approached Ana to be his leading lady. Ana is one of the best actresses in the business as far as Tom is concerned and he wants her by his side in the new movie. Tom Cruise & Ana de Armas: The new Hollywood power couple heats up 'Tom has a lot on his plate at the moment, with his new Mission: Impossible film being released later this month and another film called Judy in the works. 'But this new project is really exciting for Tom and he wants Ana to be in it with him.' 11 Ana, pictured with Tom, opted for a simple white T-shirt and jeans Credit: 11 The pair are on a romantic trip to the small country town of Woodstock Credit: 11 Cuban-American Ana starred in Bond's No Time To Die in 2021 Credit: Getty
Sky News AU
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Tom Cruise's rumoured new girlfriend Ana de Armas takes aim at his ex Nicole Kidman by liking post mocking Aussie film star's appearance
Tom Cruise's rumoured new girlfriend has taken aim at his ex-wife Nicole Kidman by liking a post mocking the Australian film star. Cuban-American actress Ana de Armas, 37, and 63-year-old Cruise are thought to be in a relationship after they were recently spotted together numerous times at different romantic locations across the globe. De Armas took to Instagram to heart Celeb Mess' post of Kidman, which showed her face up close with the caption: "When you keep it real". The photo was reposted on Reddit, where fans of Kidman, 58, took to the comments to lash out at the War Dogs actress for shading their idol. "Lol let's see what she looks like at almost 60," one person said of her. Another person said it fascinates them when "people in their 20s and 30s are rude about people aging." "Like, where do you think you're headed? And do you know what the alternative to aging is?" they said. A third person hit out at de Armas for dating a "senior Tom Cruise", adding, "but sure Ana, you're the winner here lmao." "Having a one-sided internet beef with your boyfriend's wife from 20 years ago, this openly is just absurd lol," another person said. One more Nicole fan championed the Aussie's decades-long acting career, which has endured throughout her youth and more recently. "Looks fade, talent doesn't. Nicole's had a 40-year career. Let's see where Ana's is in 10," the Reddit user said. "Nicole Kidman has more talent, beauty, and grace than she ever will have." The furore comes after de Armas and Cruise touched down in London together on Friday after being spotted enjoying a leisurely escape aboard a yacht docked off the Spanish island of Menorca in June. Both stars cut a casual figure as they disembarked a helicopter, with Cruise wearing a T-shirt and jeans while his rumoured beau donned leggings and a sweatshirt with her dogs Elvis and Sasha in tow. The two appear to have been getting cosy, spending the days leading up to Valentine's Day and the actress's birthday in April together. Cruise and de Armas ignited romance rumours in February, when they were spotted strolling together in London. The actress subsequently said it occurred as the two were engaged in business talks with filmmakers Christopher McQuarrie and Doug Liman. And they are set to star in Liman's upcoming film Deeper, which sees Cruise star as a disgraced astronaut on a perilous deep-sea mission. Nevertheless, they are yet to confirm anything more than a friendship. In June, Ana said she was "really happy and proud" to have Cruise championing her film, Ballerina, after he paid her a compliment. The Chruch of Scientology believer said the John Wick spin-off "kicked ass." 'There's an actress that has dramatic chops, someone who's comedic, very, very talented," he said in May, adding: "Just a great actress."
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Miami through Pitbull's eyes: a guide to his favorite spots in the Magic City
Imagine if you could tour Miami with Pitbull. You'd probably hear your fair share of 'Dale!' Now you can discover the Cuban-American rapper's favorite spots. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of his album 'Dale,' he's teamed up with Apple Maps to create a guide to his favorite restaurants and small businesses, Pitbull's Miami Spots. Each spot is dear to his heart and he explains their significance to his career or his love of Miami on the Apple Maps tour. 'I never forget my roots or the people who helped me along the way,' Pitbull says on the tour. Mary's Cafe and Coin Laundry This is one of Pitbull's favorite hangouts, and he's not alone. Lots of people come here to do their laundry and have pan con bistec or a Cuban sandwich. It's just as good as any place in town claiming to have the best Cuban sandwich in Miami. 'This spot's the real Miami—cafecito strong, abuelas louder, and hustle in the air. I grew up seeing magic in places like this, where every stain on the floor tells a story. Dale, if you wanna know the city's heartbeat, start here. No failures, only cafecito,' says Pitbull on the Apple map. Miami Coral Park Senior High Before he was Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull was just Armando — a student at this Southwest Miami high school. 'That's where I went from being a Cuban kid with three strikes to Mr. Worldwide,' the artist says of his alma mater. The hallways were his first stage. Versailles Pitbull has a special connection to this longtime Miami dining institution on Calle Ocho. 'My uncle Juan Pérez-Cruz designed the Versailles mirrors,' Pitbull proudly says in the text that accompanies the guide. La Carreta There are nine La Carretas around town. Pitbull probably likes the one on Calle Ocho, with its elegant rooster at the entrance. Domino Park There are things that never change in Miami, like the sound of the dominoes in Domino Park, says Pitbull of this spot in the heart of Little Havana. That park is where 'tradition and community' come together, he notes. Jose Marti Park Before the Miami River got trendy, Pitbull and his family used to hang out in this park. 'This park is my family's thriving and surviving. Resilience isn't a word here; it's the air,' says Pitbull. Pitbull Stadium Florida International University's stadium is now Pitbull Stadium, thanks to a major partnership with the university. He donates $1.2 million annually and gets to host 10 events a year. 'It's proof that with hard work and passion, anything is possible here in the 305,' he says. SLAM Academy Pitbull's impact goes beyond music. He founded Sports Leadership and Management Charter School (SLAM) in Little Havana to give back to the next generation — and it's expanded to West Palm Beach and even Nevada. Big Cypress Distillery Located in South Miami-Dade, this is where Voli 305 Vodka — a brand Pitbull has a stake in — is made. 'You can taste the soul of Miami in every drink,' says the rapper. Florida Keys When Mr. 305 wants to unwind, he hits the road to the Florida Keys. Key Largo is his go-to escape — a mix of ocean breeze, mangroves, seafood, and fan love. 'It's the kind of place that recharges you with positive energy.' Other Apple Maps guides include: Los Angeles Spots by Becky G; Miami Spots by Camila Cabello, Puerto Rico Spots by Young Miko, and Mexico City Spots by Enrique Olvera.
