logo
Moving nuclear subs isn't something you announce on social media

Moving nuclear subs isn't something you announce on social media

Straits Times16 hours ago
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Submarines are the apex predators of the oceans. They're not sabre-rattling tools, especially when the US and Russia have over 10,000 nuclear weapons between them.
The USS Minnesota, a Virginia-class attack submarine, sailing in waters off the coast of Western Australia on March 16.
Over the past week, two political leaders have exchanged barbs underlining the powerful nuclear arsenals of their respective nations. It was not just a pointless demonstration of bravado – it also showed that careless words and vague military threats can move the world closer to a disastrous conflict.
The first to lash out was Mr Dmitry Medvedev, a former president and prime minister of Russia, who now serves as deputy chair of President Vladimir Putin's security council.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How Trump's love for TV is shaping US diplomacy
How Trump's love for TV is shaping US diplomacy

Straits Times

time8 minutes ago

  • Straits Times

How Trump's love for TV is shaping US diplomacy

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox US President Donald Trump's love for television is well-documented, even when it comes to major decisions. WASHINGTON - Mr Donald Trump's sudden concern about starving Palestinians was a major shift for the US president, who had previously ignored the endless cries for help from aid groups. So what changed? In his words, it was images of emaciated children in Gaza that Mr Trump saw on television – his main window into the world that has long shaped his political and diplomatic decision-making. Mr Trump made clear his affection for the small screen in late July when asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a major US ally, that there was no famine in Gaza. 'Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry,' said Mr Trump, a former reality TV star. ' That's real starvation stuff. I see it, and you can't fake that. ' Since then, the 79-year-old has repeated that aid must be brought to people living in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, though he has stopped of any major diplomatic moves. Journalism professor at Northeastern University Dan Kennedy said: 'Trump has a reputation for not reading anything, including the briefing papers that his aides prepare for him, and for always believing that he knows better than his staff or anyone else does.' 'So it's not surprising that he would be affected by images on television, especially since he is known to spend a lot of time watching TV.' Mr Trump has attended 22 intelligence briefings since taking office in January, according to an AFP tally, despite several reports having revealed that he lacks interest in written reports. However, his love for television is well-documented – even when it comes to major decisions. In 2015, before he first entered the White House, the billionaire told a journalist asking how he educates himself on military strategy: 'Well, I watch the shows.' And a New York Times report recounted how Mr Trump spent several hours a day in his first term glued to the television, mainly watching Fox News – his favourite channel – but also CNN, NBC and ABC news channels. His second term has been little changed, despite Mr Trump leading an election campaign that deployed social media and podcasts. 'Trump is a product of his generation,' Prof Kennedy said. 'He's not sitting around looking at TikTok.' The Republican, who hosted 14 seasons of 'The Apprentice' television series, knows better than most how images can be weaponised for political point-scoring. He was gleeful after his shocking clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in February, which saw the pair rowing in front of the world's press. 'This is going to be great television,' Mr Trump said. And in May he gave a similar public dressing down to South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa when he sat in the Oval Office for what turned into a diplomatic ambush. Mr Trump hijacked the meeting by playing a video montage – one littered with inaccuracies – that purported to prove claims of a 'genocide' against white farmers in South Africa. AFP

US says it has started seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands
US says it has started seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands

Straits Times

time17 minutes ago

  • Straits Times

US says it has started seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Polymetallic nodules encrusted with coveted metals like cobalt, nickel and manganese seen onboard the research vessel MV Anuanua Moana in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. WASHINGTON - The US has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed minerals exploration and development, the State Department said on Aug 5. The Cook Islands, which had a population of 15,040 in 2021, lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and atolls. Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defense, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. Earlier this year, China and the Cook Islands signed a strategic partnership deal, which spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excluded security ties. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the US Statement Department said in a statement. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Morning commute disrupted as delays on East-West MRT Line persist after more than 3 hours Singapore Hidden vapes and where to find them: Inside ICA's clampdown at land checkpoints Singapore Sorting recyclables by material could boost low domestic recycling rate: Observers Singapore SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties Asia Trump's sharp India criticism corners Modi as rift deepens Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan It has its own government, and King Charles III is its head of state. Cook Islanders have New Zealand citizenship and passports. They have the same rights as a New Zealander such as the ability to work, go to school and use the medical system. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands as the relationship continued to deteriorate amid the island group's deepening ties with China. REUTERS

Stanford University lays off over 360 employees, citing Trump policies
Stanford University lays off over 360 employees, citing Trump policies

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Stanford University lays off over 360 employees, citing Trump policies

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Californian university said in June it had made a $180.3 million reduction in the general funds budget for the upcoming year. WASHINGTON - Stanford University said on Aug 5 it has laid off over 360 employees, citing budget constraints that it attributed to the federal funding policies of US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funds for universities over pro-Palestinian protests against US ally Israel's war in Gaza, climate initiatives, transgender policies and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 'Stanford is in the process of making budget reductions,' a university spokesperson said in emailed statement in response to media reports on the layoffs. 'Last week, many schools and units made staff workforce reductions. In total, 363 layoffs occurred.' The Californian university said in June it had made a US$140 million (S$180.3 million) reduction in the general funds budget for the upcoming year due to 'a challenging fiscal environment shaped in large part by federal policy changes affecting higher education'. Last week, the Trump administration froze more than US$330 million in funding for the University of California, Los Angeles, after alleging the university failed to prevent a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students since campus protests erupted after the start of Israel's war in Gaza. The Los Angeles Times reported on Aug 5 that UCLA leaders were preparing to negotiate with the Trump administration over the freeze. The government has recently settled its probes with Columbia University, which agreed to pay over US$220 million , and Brown University, which said it will pay US$50 million. Both institutions accepted certain demands made by the government. Talks to settle with Harvard University remain ongoing. Rights advocates have raised concerns about academic freedom and free speech over the government's actions. The Trump administration alleges universities allowed antisemitism during pro-Palestinian campus protests. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the government wrongly equates their criticism of Israel's military assault in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories with antisemitism, and advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism. REUTERS

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store