‘What will he do next?': Andrew Bolt examines Trump's role in Iran-Israel conflict
'Does anyone actually know what America is doing? Sure, Donald Trump is claiming victories and demanding surrenders, but are American troops actually doing any of the fighting?' Mr Bolt said.
'Was the US President even for this war until it actually happened?
'I don't think that Trump was tricked into an unjust war, but I do think Israel exploited his vanity and forced him to back a war he didn't really want.'
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SBS Australia
9 minutes ago
- SBS Australia
Ceasefire comes into effect between Thailand and Cambodia
A ceasefire agreed to in 'good faith'. That's how the acting Thai Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai described Cambodia and Thailand's agreement to end their worst fighting in more than a decade, on Monday. "We agreed to a ceasefire with assurance that it will be carried out successfully in good faith by both sides." The ceasefire came into effect at midnight after five days of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia that killed at least 38 people, and displaced more than 300,000 people from both sides of the border. Leaders of the fighting sides met in Malaysia, along with representatives from the United States and China, after US President Donald Trump had threatened to halt trade negotiations while the conflict continued. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hailed the 'unconditional ceasefire' as the restoration of peace and security. "The United States President Donald J. Trump has been in contact with the leaders of both countries, urging the leaders to find peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Chinese side have kept close contact with Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia and relevant countries to actively promote dialogue, ceasefire, and restoring peace. The presence and collaboration of all parties underscore a shared commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability." The parties blame each other for initiating the border conflict that erupted on Thursday - a dispute that dates back over a century to disagreements over French colonial-era maps. Cambodia deployed truck-mounted rocket launchers, which Thailand says were used to target civilian areas, while the Thai armed forces despatched US-made F-16 fighter jets, using one to bomb military targets across the border. Both sides offered different versions of events. Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet also spoke at the press conference, offering assurances that his country will honour the deal. "We hope that the solutions that Prime Minister Anwar just announced will set a condition for moving forward for our bilateral discussion to return to normalcies of the relationship and as a foundation for future de-escalation of forces." The fighting followed weeks of tensions after a Cambodian soldier was killed in an armed confrontation on the border in May. There was also a dispute in February over a Khmer temple close to the border in Thailand, when Thai police stopped Cambodian tourists from singing their national anthem near the holy site. The ceasefire is welcome news for many Thai and Cambodian residents, including 50-year-old resident Hun Srey Yan. "I agreed with our leader's call with Trump, and Donald Trump's intervention in this ceasefire effort, so the people can no longer live in fear and both sides can stop fighting immediately." But others are more cynical about the deal - like 37-year-old Saifon Karnket, a Thai villager temporarily sheltered in Thailand's Sisaket province. "I don't believe Cambodia because I don't think they would easily give up. We'd have some conditions for them for the ceasefire and I don't think they would accept them and easily agree with us." Global leaders reacted positively to news of the ceasefire, including US President Donald Trump, who took to his social media platform Truth Social to announce a resumption of trade negotiations with Thailand and Cambodia, and to take credit for the deal, describing himself as the 'President of Peace'. Despite the ceasefire announcement, Thai authorities have warned people who have evacuated from border areas not to return home until further notice.
Sky News AU
33 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
'Unfiltered rant': King Charles III 'very concerned' about US President Donald Trump stoking migration fears during his upcoming state visit
King Charles III is said to be "very concerned" about US President Donald Trump's upcoming state visit, with palace insiders revealing the monarch fears the President could use the royal platform to push a political agenda. Earlier this month, the 76-year-old monarch surprised many by inviting the 79-year-old president back to the UK for what's being touted as a historic second state visit, a gesture not yet extended to any other world leader. But now, according to palace sources who spoke to The Daily Beast, the King may be questioning the decision. King Charles III is said to be growing "very concerned" about US President Donald Trump's upcoming state visit, with palace insiders revealing the monarch fears the President could use the royal platform to push a political agenda. Picture: Aaron Chown -A civil servant also told the publication on Monday that His Majesty fears Trump "could upend protocol and make politicised comments when delivering a traditional speech at his state banquet." The outlet added Charles "will be very concerned about the possibility of a repeat of Trump's outburst [when he visits in] in September." Concerns have reportedly been growing since Trump's recent comments about Canada, a Commonwealth realm where Charles is the head of state, referring to it as "the 51st state". But they've intensified after a string of inflammatory comments made by the president during his current five-day visit to Scotland. "On immigration, you'd better get your act together. You're not going to have Europe anymore," Trump told reporters on Friday. "You've got to stop this horrible invasion that's happening to Europe. Some people, some leaders, have not let it happen. They're not getting the proper credit. "I could name them to you right now, but I'm not going to embarrass the other ones. But stop, this immigration is killing Europe." The remarks were made just days before Trump met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with whom he offered "advice" on the ongoing small boat crisis. While he admitted he knows "nothing" about small boats, Trump told Starmer that most people on them are probably "bad people". U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media as he meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club in Turnberry, Scotland, Monday, July 28, 2025. Picture: Christopher Furlong/Pool Photo via AP The friend of the king told the publication that Charles "will be appalled by what Trump said on Friday, which seems to be entirely driven by his domestic agenda". It's unlikely Trump will meet with King Charles during the informal trip, despite His Majesty also being in the country ahead of his annual summer vacation at Balmoral. According to The Telegraph, Buckingham Palace and the White House agreed it would be "preferable to delay meeting in person until Mr Trump's official state visit in September, when the King will host him in Windsor Castle." The delay was officially attributed to "diary challenges". When asked by the BBC what he hoped to do on his return to the UK, Trump simply said, "Have a good time and respect King Charles." The official state visit will take place from 17 to 19 September. It's understood the King, who is still receiving weekly cancer treatment, will split hosting duties with Queen Camilla.
Sky News AU
33 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
'How long is it going to take?' Demoted Labor backbencher Ed Husic grills Anthony Albanese on Labor recognising Palestinian state
A Labor backbencher has questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's timeline for recognising Palestinian statehood during a meeting of the caucus in Canberra. Sky News understands Ed Husic, who was dumped from the ministry shortly after the election, took to his feet during Labor's caucus meeting on Tuesday morning to ask the Prime Minister 'how long is it going to take?' to formally recognise a Palestinian state. Raising the matter in the caucus room indicates rising internal pressure on the Albanese government to consider fast-tracking Palestinian recognition, rather than waiting until later in the peace process. In response to Mr Husic's question, Mr Albanese referred the caucus to his comments in Question Time on Monday, in which he noted 'recognition of a Palestinian state by Australia might occur before the finalisation of a peace process'. The Prime Minister told caucus there needs to be 'democratisation' in Gaza, also referencing the 'abominable actions' of Hamas. He cited a quote often attributed to Nelson Mandela, noting that 'things may seem impossible until they happen'. About 147 countries already recognise Palestinian independence. Later this year, French President Emmanuel Macron will use a speech at the United Nations to recognise a Palestinian state. Since his demotion to the backbench, Mr Husic has indicated he will continue to speak publicly about Palestinian statehood. Speaking to Sky News on Monday, Mr Husic argued recognition cannot wait any longer. 'I understand the logic that's been expressed by our government that said it should be part of a process, but the reality is that events have changed,' the former Industry Minister told Newsday. 'We should be making that case and saying we are prepared to recognise that now'. Also in response to Mr Husic's question, Mr Albanese told caucus Israel's claims that starvation is not occurring in Gaza, telling caucus such suggestions are 'beyond comprehension'. Earlier, US President Donald Trump told reporters on a visit to Scotland that there is 'real starvation' taking place in Gaza. On Monday night, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), claiming 'there is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza, and I assure you that we have a commitment to achieve our war goals'. Israel's Deputy Ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron, also claimed there is no starvation in Gaza during a briefing with journalists. Caucus meetings provide backbenchers an opportunity to ask questions of senior ministers on whatever subject they choose.
