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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
US drops support for a Palestinian state
Supporting an independent Palestinian state is no longer official US policy, according to Mike Huckabee, America's ambassador to Israel. Mr Huckabee used an interview with Bloomberg to rule out a two-state solution in the Middle East, a policy first supported by George W Bush in 2002, ditched by Donald Trump at the start of his first term in 2017 and reinstated by Joe Biden. Asked whether Washington backed a two-state solution, Mr Huckabee replied, 'I don't think so'. He continued: 'Unless there are some significant things that happen that change the culture, there's no room for it.' Mr Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas who ran for the White House in 2008 and 2016, is a long-standing supporter of Israel. Upon being nominated as Washington's ambassador to Israel, Mr Huckabee told Israeli Army Radio that he believed the annexation of Judea and Samaria – the biblical term used by Israel to describe the West Bank – was a possibility. In the Bloomberg interview, Mr Huckabee argued that three million Palestinians currently living under occupation in the West Bank could be re-accommodated in land carved out of another Muslim country in the Middle East, rather than expecting Israel to surrender territory. 'Does it have to be in Judea and Samaria?' he said. An Evangelical Christian and former Baptist minister, Mr Huckabee has led religious pilgrimages to Israel and visited the country dozens of times. He has long dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state. 'There's really no such thing as a Palestinian,' he said in a previous interview. Mr Huckabee's appointment by Mr Trump was seen as an endorsement of hard-liners in the Israeli government and the burgeoning settlements in the West Bank. On being appointed, he hailed Mr Trump's support for Israel, which, during his first term, included recognising Israeli control of the Golan Heights and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. According to a Pew Research poll, 46 per cent of American Jews do support a two-state solution. The State Department has not responded to Mr Huckabee's remarks. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
US drops support for a Palestinian state
Supporting an independent Palestinian state is no longer official US policy, according to Mike Huckabee, America's ambassador to Israel. Mr Huckabee used an interview with Bloomberg to rule out a two-state solution in the Middle East, a policy first supported by George W Bush in 2002, ditched by Donald Trump at the start of his first term in 2017 and reinstated by Joe Biden. Asked whether Washington backed a two-state solution, Mr Huckabee replied, 'I don't think so'. He continued: 'Unless there are some significant things that happen that change the culture, there's no room for it.' Mr Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas who ran for the White House in 2008 and 2016, is a long-standing supporter of Israel. Upon being nominated as Washington's ambassador to Israel, Mr Huckabee told Israeli Army Radio that he believed the annexation of Judea and Samaria – the biblical term used by Israel to describe the West Bank – was a possibility. In the Bloomberg interview, Mr Huckabee argued that three million Palestinians currently living under occupation in the West Bank could be re-accommodated in land carved out of another Muslim country in the Middle East, rather than expecting Israel to surrender territory. 'Does it have to be in Judea and Samaria?' he said. An Evangelical Christian and former Baptist minister, Mr Huckabee has led religious pilgrimages to Israel and visited the country dozens of times. He has long dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state. 'There's really no such thing as a Palestinian,' he said in a previous interview. Mr Huckabee's appointment by Mr Trump was seen as an endorsement of hard-liners in the Israeli government and the burgeoning settlements in the West Bank. On being appointed, he hailed Mr Trump's support for Israel, which, during his first term, included recognising Israeli control of the Golan Heights and moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. According to a Pew Research poll, 46 per cent of American Jews do support a two-state solution. The State Department has not responded to Mr Huckabee's remarks.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
With Letter to Trump, Evangelical Leaders Join the AI Debate
Credit - Getty Images/iStockphoto—Andrea Danti Two Evangelical Christian leaders sent an open letter to President Trump on Wednesday, warning of the dangers of out-of-control artificial intelligence and of automating human labor. The letter comes just weeks after the new Pope, Leo XIV, declared he was concerned with the 'defense of human dignity, justice and labor' amid what he described as the 'new industrial revolution' spurred by advances in AI. 'As people of faith, we believe we should rapidly develop powerful AI tools that help cure diseases and solve practical problems, but not autonomous smarter-than-human machines that nobody knows how to control,' reads the open letter, signed by the Reverends Johnnie Moore and Samuel Rodriguez. 'The world is grappling with a new reality because of the pace of the development of this technology, which represents an opportunity of great promise but also of potential peril especially as we approach artificial general intelligence.' Rodriguez, the President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, spoke at Trump's first presidential inauguration in 2017. Moore, who is also the founder of the public relations firm Kairos, served on Trump's Evangelical executive board during his first presidential candidacy. The letter is a sign of growing ties between religious and AI safety groups, which share some of the same worries. It was shared with journalists by representatives of the Future of Life Institute—an AI safety organization that campaigns to reduce what it sees as the existential risk posed by advanced AI systems. The world's biggest tech companies now all believe that it is possible to create so-called 'artificial general intelligence'—a form of AI that can do any task better than a human expert. Some researchers have even invoked this technology in religious terms—for example, OpenAI's former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, a mystical figure who famously encouraged colleagues to chant 'feel the AGI' at company gatherings. The emerging possibility of AGI presents, in one sense, a profound challenge to many theologies. If we are in a universe where a God-like machine is possible, what space does that leave for God himself? 'The spiritual implications of creating intelligence that may one day surpass human capabilities raises profound theological and ethical questions that must be thoughtfully considered with wisdom,' the two Reverends wrote in their open letter to President Trump. 'Virtually all religious traditions warn against a world where work is no longer necessary or where human beings can live their lives without any guardrails.' Though couched in adulatory language, the letter presents a vision of AI governance that differs from Trump's current approach. The president has embraced the framing of the U.S. as in a race with China to get to AGI first, and his AI czar, David Sacks, has warned that regulating the technology would threaten the U.S.'s position in that race. The White House AI team is stacked with advisors who take a dismissive view of alignment risks—or the idea that a smarter-than-human AI might be hostile to humans, escape their control, and cause some kind of catastrophe. 'We believe you are the world's leader now by Divine Providence to also guide AI,' the letter says, addressing Trump, before urging him to consider convening an ethical council to consider not only 'what AI can do but also what it should do.' 'To be clear: we are not encouraging the United States, and our friends, to do anything but win the AI race,' the letter says. 'There is no alternative. We must win. However, we are advising that this victory simply must not be a victory at any cost.' The letter echoes some themes that have increasingly been explored inside the Vatican, not just by Pope Leo XIV but also his predecessor, Pope Francis. Last year, in remarks at an event held at the Vatican about AI, Francis argued that AI must be used to improve, not degrade, human dignity. 'Does it serve to satisfy the needs of humanity, to improve the well-being and integral development of people?' he asked. Or does it 'serve to enrich and increase the already high power of the few technological giants despite the dangers to humanity?' To some Catholic theologians, AGI is simply the newest incarnation of a long-standing threat to the Church: false idols. 'The presumption of substituting God for an artifact of human making is idolatry, a practice Scripture explicitly warns against,' reads a lengthy missive on AI published by the Vatican in January. 'AI may prove even more seductive than traditional idols for, unlike idols that 'have mouths but do not speak; eyes, but do not see; ears, but do not hear', AI can 'speak,' or at least gives the illusion of doing so. Yet, it is vital to remember that AI is but a pale reflection of humanity—it is crafted by human minds, trained on human-generated material, responsive to human input, and sustained through human labor.' Write to Billy Perrigo at
Toronto Sun
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
PARKER: What makes the U.S.-Israel relationship so special?
The relationship between the United States and Israel is usually seen as 'special' because of technical matters. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. Israel and the U.S. share vitally important intelligence and technology. But what about shared values? Shortly after America's new ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, arrived at his post, he sat for an interview with the Christian network TBN. Huckabee, the first Evangelical Christian to hold this post, was clear that what roots him in Israel is the Bible. '3,500 years ago years ago, God said, 'This is my people, this is my land, this is my place, this is my purpose,'' noted our new ambassador. He later continued, 'America stands with Israel.' Polling data shows Americans with religious identity, who attend church, are much more strongly in support of Israel than Americans with no religious identity. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Per Gallup, on average from 2020-2024, among American Protestants, 66% expressed more support for Israel, compared to 18% who expressed more support for the Palestinians. Among Americans with no religious identity, 34% expressed more support for Israel, compared to 43% who expressed more support for the Palestinians. Over 2020-2024, among those who said they attend church once per week, 67% expressed more support for Israel, and 17% expressed more support for the Palestinians. However, among those who never attend church, 41% expressed more support for Israel, and 37% said they express more support for the Palestinians. Gallup connects weakening support for Israel with weakening religious identity. Over 2001-2004, 32% of Americans said they attend church once per week. By 2020-2024, this was down to 23%. In the 2001-2004 period, 15% said they never attend church. By the 2020-2024 time period, this was up to 30%. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. So, the Bible could well be the most important dimension of the unique and special relationship between Israel and the United States. We've heard a lot about Make America Great Again. With all the anxiety now regarding domestic and foreign affairs, we ought to ask, 'What makes America great?' One of the great speeches in American history is the speech that President Ronald Reagan delivered March 8, 1983, to the National Association of Evangelicals, in which Reagan called the Soviet Union an 'evil empire.' In that speech, Reagan quoted French nobleman Alexis de Tocqueville, who wrote what many view as the greatest book ever written about the United States — Democracy in America, published in 1835. Tocqueville noted: 'Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits enflamed with righteousness did I understand the greatness and genius of America. America is good. And if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The following is the increase from 2001 to 2023 of the percentage of Americans saying the following are morally acceptable: Gay and lesbian relations, 40% to 64%; bringing a baby outside of marriage, 45% to 70%; sex outside of marriage, 53% to 72%; polygamy, 7% to 23%; doctor-assisted suicide, 49% to 53%; pornography, 30% to 39%; abortion, 42% to 52%. From 2001-2024, federal debt as a percentage of gross domestic product went from 32.8% to 96.2%, and federal spending went from 17.6% to 23.1%. The percentage of households with married parents dropped from 24% to 17.9%. And the fertility rate went from 2.03 children per woman to 1.61. The average real growth rate of the U.S. economy from 1950-1999 was 3.6% per year. From 2000-2024, it was down to 2.2%. There we have it. The way to make America great again is to make America good again. Emblazoned on the Liberty Bell is the verse, 'Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,' taken from the Book of Leviticus in the Five Books of Moses. There is indeed a special relationship between the U.S. and Israel. The common ground between our countries is the eternal Bible. Star Parker is founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education Celebrity Ontario Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists Toronto & GTA
Dublin Live
11-05-2025
- General
- Dublin Live
Religious group seeking to establish 'wife factories' as Dublin students warned
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A church seeking converts on Irish college campuses has said its houses should be 'wife factories.' Students here have been urged by universities to exercise caution when interacting with groups on campuses after the Evangelical Christian group set up in Dublin. Videos show Luke Snow, the main leader of the Dublin International Christian Church (Dublin ICC), telling the group that if they had closer relationships with their family and friends outside the church than with people in Dublin ICC, 'you will not get to heaven'. However, Mr Snow told the Irish Mirror: 'We love God. We love Ireland.' The Dublin ICC is an affiliate of the US-based International Christian Church which was founded around 2006 by Thomas 'Kip' McKean after he separated from a different organisation, named the International Churches of Christ, which he had founded in the 1970s. Mr McKean is understood to no longer be the leader of the International Christian Church. The International Christian Church describes itself as 'part of a worldwide movement of SoldOut Disciples with the vision to evangelise the nations in this generation'. Although initially based in America, the group has established several branches in Europe, including in London. In a YouTube video, named Doublin' Dublin, published on September 1, 2024, Luke Snow stated that the Dublin International Christian Church had come to Ireland in 2023. Mr Snow and his wife Francesca 'Frankie' Snow are living with their young son in an apartment in an affluent area of South County Dublin. The church currently has 16 members. Videos posted on social media show 'disciples' being 'baptised' at several locations around Dublin, including the cross-shaped pool at the Garden of Remembrance. Videos posted on the Dublin ICC Instagram and Facebook pages show the groups posting religious content using social media trends popular with young people. They regularly advertised events on college campuses, including Trinity College Dublin, UCD, and the Technological University of Dublin (TUD). A spokesperson for Trinity College confirmed to the Irish Mirror it had been 'made aware of instances of this group approaching students'. They added: 'Our approach is to ask them to leave the campus.' Late last year, Dublin ICC organised a Christmas event at TUD. A spokesperson said: 'In November 2024, a communication was sent to students on behalf of the TU Dublin Students' Union, urging students to exercise caution when attending events that are not affiliated with the TU Dublin Students' Union or the University.' Mr Snow said that he has never 'been personally asked' to leave any college campuses, but did not know if his colleagues had been. When asked if they had been at college campuses, he said: 'We have been evangelising all over the city.' Francesca Snow took part in a 'study' session with female members called 'Are You Marriage Material?', posted on YouTube on April 10. She said that one of her 'biggest passions as a disciple is making women into wives'. Mrs Snow said: 'God actually desires for us to be wives, which is so awesome. My job is to help everyone become wives as the elder. 'God wants us to be unashamed in wanting to be wives. I think that's so awesome. 'Our sister households should be wife factories; just, like, making wives, producing wives'. She also said that 'men are simple creatures' and should be given 'submission, servitude and respect'. She warned against becoming a 'cat lady', adding, 'Our husbands lead us to heaven'. When asked if people were only allowed to date others in the church, Mr Snow said: 'We believe in what the Bible says about marriage. 'The Bible is very clear that Christians should only marry Christians. I wouldn't say it is a fair description [to call it an arranged marriage]. 'I've been married for five years, have an awesome son, a beautiful daughter on the way. It was absolutely my choice.' When asked about a 'marriage factory', Mr Snow said 'the whole point is helping people to be the kind of person that would have a happy marriage'. He added: 'Whether people want to get married is completely up to them.' Members are expected to give a 'tithe' to the church. In a sermon called 'Acceptable Worship', posted on YouTube in March, Mr Snow discussed financial contributions made by a 17-year-old member to the church. Mr Snow said: '[The young man] is one of the biggest givers in the church when you talk about percentage. He's a teen, so he don't have that much money. 'The tithe is 10 percent. [The young man's] vow is to give 50 percent of what he gets. 'In order to do that, he said, 'Okay, I don't need to eat this food today, I don't need to buy that kind of thing'. 'Some of you guys don't manage your finances half as what he thinks about. Now, it's not the quantity. [He] doesn't have this crazy amount of income that he can give.' Mr Snow told the group that you can 'always see the condition of someone's faith based on their giving'. He also acknowledged that members of the church were having trouble holding down jobs and told them the reason they 'keep getting fired is because they're not faithful to their pledge'. Mr Snow branded Islam a 'totally false religion' and recently delivered a sermon called 'Refuting Islam – The Doctrine of Deception'. During the Doublin' Dublin sermon, Mr Snow spoke about the importance of disciples putting the church before their 'physical family'. He said: 'Last week, we were speaking about family. We were talking about how we must put the family of God before any other relationship in our life. 'If you are not closer to the individuals in this room than you are your physical family or your friends from the world, you will not get to heaven.' Mr Snow also warned that people would have 'weak, quiet times' where they were going to 'fall away' as 'your friend doesn't want to talk to you anymore because you have your commitment to Jesus'. When asked whether the group might be regarded by some as a cult, Mr Snow stated: 'We love the bible. Anyone trying to do something great is going to get persecuted for it.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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