Latest news with #Accords
India.com
12-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Another Muslim nation set to sign Abraham Accord soon, could create a big shift in the Islamic world, it is linked with Israel, US, through…, the country is…
Another Muslim nation set to sign Abraham Accord soon, could create a big shift in the Islamic world, it is linked with Israel, US, through..., the country is... Another Muslim-majority country, Mauritania, may soon join the Abraham Accords, a major peace agreement that began in 2020 during US. President Donald Trump's first term. If this happens, the number of Muslim countries in the agreement will rise to five. The Abraham Accords marked the first time some Islamic countries agreed to normalize ties with Israel. So far, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, and Sudan have joined. This was seen as a big step because many Muslim countries have avoided ties with Israel due to the long-standing conflict with Palestine. Now, efforts are being made to bring Mauritania on board. Mauritania is a member of the Arab League, and if it joins the Accords, it could create a big shift in the Islamic world. The announcement could come at any time, although neither Israel nor the U.S. has confirmed it yet. According to a report by Semafor, a meeting is expected between the leader of Mauritania and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. This meeting is likely to happen outside of the upcoming U.S.-Africa Summit. If Mauritania officially joins, it would be another big step toward changing the relationship between Israel and the Muslim world. Talks Around Syria and Lebanon also gaining pace The upcoming meeting between Mauritania's leader and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could decide when Mauritania will officially join the Abraham Accords. This is being seen as a very important step, especially because there is also talk about Syria possibly joining the Accords in the future. To make this happen, Trump lifted all economic sanctions on Syria. Earlier, Syrian leader Ahmed Al-Shara had also met leaders in Saudi Arabia, which is seen as a key move toward building trust. Many believe that these gestures by Trump were aimed at bringing Syria closer to Israel and encouraging it to normalize relations under the Abraham Accords. There are also discussions around Lebanon, with reports suggesting that it, too, might be considering steps to improve ties with Israel. Mauritania had cut ties with Israel in 2010 In 2010, Mauritania had completely ended its diplomatic ties with Israel. The country is quite large, with a land area of about 1 million square kilometers. If Mauritania now decides to join the Abraham Accords, it would be a big win for both Israel and the United States, as it adds strategic value and influence in the region. President Trump has repeatedly said in recent weeks that the Abraham Accords are likely to expand soon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also expressed that Israel is now ready to welcome more countries into the agreement. According to both leaders, the goal of expanding the Abraham Accords is to bring greater peace and stability to the Middle East by encouraging cooperation over conflict between Israel and more Arab nations.
Al-Ahram Weekly
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
US-Israeli plans for the region - World - Al-Ahram Weekly
Could a permanent ceasefire in Gaza pave the way for a comprehensive regional settlement Following the conclusion of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, optimism is growing about the possibility of an end to the Israeli war on Gaza. Ceasefire negotiations had earlier reached deadlock due to the conflicting parties' insistence on specific conditions. However, the current discussions about a potential deal extend beyond a ceasefire in Gaza, falling within a broader regional framework that, according to reports, includes expanding the so-called 'Abraham Accords' between Israel and the Arab countries to include Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. If such Accords are signed, this would mean Hamas' failure in halting normalisation with Israel in the region, which it has been promoting as a key objective of its Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, launched on 7 October 2023. There are indications, however, that the geopolitical environment in the region is not conducive to such a transformation, and there are few signs that its implementation is feasible in this form. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coming visit to Washington is expected to include meetings on a Gaza deal. Several indicators suggest that the US is considering not only ending the war on Gaza but also integrating it into a broader regional settlement. Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper has reported that US President Donald Trump threatened to suspend aid to Israel in a post on Truth Social if efforts to prosecute Netanyahu on corruption charges continue, arguing that such a trial would harm Israel and the interests of the US. If anything, this means that Netanyahu is willing to fully engage with Trump's regional plan. According to this narrative, the next steps would involve working to end the Gaza war, followed by early Israeli elections aimed at replacing Netanyahu's extremist allies with figures more open to participating in future settlements. Netanyahu does not appear apprehensive about such early elections, especially with his popularity rising since the 12-day war with Iran. Prior to this war, his approval ratings had declined in favour of competitor Naftali Bennett, prompting Netanyahu to undertake a political manoeuvre to prevent the Haredim Party from dissolving the Knesset. Leaks related to the US plan for the region indicate Israel's willingness to relinquish positions it occupied in southern Syria following the fall of the regime of former Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad in December. However, questions remain regarding the fate of Mount Hermon, which Tel Aviv considers a strategic location. This scenario would be contingent on Israel retaining control of the Occupied Golan Heights, ultimately paving the way for normalisation with Syria. The problem here is that Syria will not be able to reclaim sovereignty over the Golan, which would be unacceptable at the popular level in a country still grappling with instability after the collapse of the former Baathist regime. Other sources have suggested that the Golan Heights could be transformed into a 'peace park,' with no mention of the issue of final sovereignty. According to the Hebrew-language channel i24NEWS, the war between Israel and Iran has contributed to a rapprochement between Damascus and Tel Aviv, after Syria allowed Israeli aircraft to use its airspace during its operations. Some of these operations, according to the Israeli media, were launched from Syrian territory, against the backdrop of tensions between Iran and Syria following the fall of the former Syrian regime. As for Lebanon, also included on the normalisation agenda, the areas seized by Israel during its war with Hizbullah raise questions about the path of normalisation with Beirut. The Lebanese government says that Israel's presence in these areas hinders the implementation of the ceasefire agreement with Hizbullah. However, Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis may push it towards accepting a framework that guarantees land border demarcation with Israel or facilitates access to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. These incentives, along with a broader package, could be sufficient to advance Israel's normalisation process with Lebanon. On Hizbullah's position on normalisation, security and political developments in the region following the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood suggest that the group's influence has waned militarily and politically. Leaks have mentioned the possibility of integrating Hizbullah into the Lebanese Army, though the feasibility of this remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Israel remains active on the northern front. According to Israeli military assessments, its army still needs additional time to address threats from the north. Regarding normalisation with Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has repeatedly stated that normalisation with Israel will not be on the table without a clear political horizon for resolving the Palestinian cause. Netanyahu's office, according to Israeli media, continues to deny the existence of any talks between Israel and the US concerning a two-state solution, while internal criticism continues to rise within Israel. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, extremist Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said that 'they [the Saudis] should be the ones 'paying' for peace with Israel… The idea that we need to give the Saudis a Palestinian state in return for peace is so out of touch, only the Israeli Left could think of it.' This points to Israel's lack of understanding of public opinion in Saudi Arabia, a country with a population exceeding 30 million, where public sentiment exerts pressure on the political leadership. According to a study on Arab public opinion regarding the war on Gaza, 64 per cent of respondents in Saudi Arabia stated that the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was the result of Israel's continued occupation of the Palestinian Territories, indicating broad public sympathy for the Palestinian cause. An important factor in any deal is Hamas, especially given that the points that have obstructed a permanent ceasefire since October 2023 remain unresolved. What is certain is that Hamas is striving to secure its continued presence in the Gaza Strip, even if outside the structure of governance. The formula for a deal was initially introduced on a smaller scale, limited to normalisation with Saudi Arabia, by former US secretary of state Antony Blinken. Under the administration of former US president Joe Biden, the deal included the return of all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza, the full withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Strip, and the transfer of internal security responsibilities to a Palestinian Authority (PA) police force. At the time, the deal failed to move forward because the cost demanded of Israel, ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza, was seen as too high, and Netanyahu was unable to impose it on his extremist coalition. While it remains difficult to persuade far-right Israeli ministers to halt the war in Gaza, the Israeli military level in the Strip now suggests that combat operations have reached their peak. According to statements by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Operation Gideon's Chariots has achieved its objectives. This is a key variable that was not present when a similar version of the deal was proposed under Biden. * A version of this article appears in print in the 3 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Auto Blog
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
65,000 Honda Accords Recalled Over Driveshaft Failure Risk
View post: Amazon is selling a 'sturdy' $70 tool organizer wall mount for $33, and shoppers say it's the 'best thing ever' America's Favorite Sedan Has a Serious Issue The Honda Accord has long been a staple of the American driveway. Beloved for its reliability, practicality, and resale value, the Accord consistently ranks among the best-selling passenger cars in the US. In 2013 alone, Honda moved over 360,000 units of the nameplate across the country. Now, more than a decade later, a portion of those well-aged sedans may need to head back to a dealership for something more serious than a routine oil change. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen Chevrolet says a next-gen Camaro is still possible. What could it look like? Watch More Honda has confirmed a new safety recall affecting 65,115 units of the 2013 Accord equipped with four-cylinder engines and CVT. If you or someone you know is still commuting in one of these, there's a new risk under the floorpan that Honda wants to fix. The Driveshaft Problem That Took a Decade to Unfold According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Honda has identified a defect linked to the front drive shafts on certain 2013 Accord units. Specifically, it affects models built between July 17, 2012, and February 26, 2013, which were assembled using a particular lubricant (coded TB2720C) that inadvertently accelerates the degradation of the protective coating on the drive shafts. Here's the problem: In states that regularly salt their roads during winter, that worn coating leaves the metal vulnerable to corrosion from de-icing agents. Over time, corrosion can cause the drive shafts to weaken and break, especially under high torque. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. A broken driveshaft could not only disable the car's ability to move, but if the parking brake isn't engaged, it could allow the car to roll away. That's a serious safety risk, even if no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, as Honda claims. This issue is separate but related to a previous recall (NHTSA ID 20V769) that covered later 2013 Accords using a different lubricant. Source: Honda Better Not Wait to Have This Remedied If you own a 2013 Honda Accord with a four-cylinder engine and a CVT, check your VIN once Honda's lookup tool is updated. Starting August 11, 2025, owners of affected vehicles will receive mail notices asking them to visit a dealership. There, technicians will inspect the driveshafts for corrosion and replace them free of charge if necessary. Honda has begun notifying dealers as early as June 20, 2025. The updated replacement parts use a different lubricant that doesn't degrade the protective coating, effectively resolving the root cause. If you've already had the issue repaired at your own expense, Honda's reimbursement plan may allow you to claim those costs back. Either way, it's best not to wait. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
The Print
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
We're not in ‘business' of regime change or redrawing maps, says Israeli ambassador to India
Gurugram: Israel is not in the 'business' of changing regimes or redrawing maps in West Asia like Turkey or Iran, said Reuven Azar, the Israeli ambassador to India at ThePrint's Off The Cuff Monday. 'We are not in the business of redrawing the map of the Middle East. Israel is pretty different from other powers in the region. And you could see that very clearly following the turmoil that started in 2011, what was called the Arab Spring. You had Arab countries that collapsed or that entered into a huge turmoil. Israel didn't interfere there to try to determine their political future,' Azar said, in conversation with Shekhar Gupta, ThePrint's Editor-in-Chief at The Quorum, Gurugram. Azar added: 'There were other countries that did interfere, like for example, Iran and Turkey. So we are in the business of trying to serve our interests. And as much as we are concerned with dealing with our threats, we are trying to also grasp opportunity.' The 'opportunity' indicated by the Israeli envoy is the Abraham Accords—a series of treaties which normalised ties between Tel Aviv and a number of countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan. The Accords, which were signed between September 2020 and January 2021, were one of the most hard-won geopolitical battles in West Asia and North Africa this decade. They build on the Camp David Accords, which saw Israel and Egypt agree to peace at the end of the 1970s and the peace treaty between Jordan and Tel Aviv, signed in 1994. The agreements aimed to normalise diplomatic ties between Israel and the aforementioned states, eventually creating common interests between countries that for over seven decades had had none. 'This has nothing to do with redrawing maps. It's just a matter of fulfilling the common interest we have with those countries that are more pragmatic in our region and are interested like us to promote stability and connectivity,' Azar said, explaining the Accords. The Israeli envoy, when asked about why Tel Aviv did not push for regime change in Iran, made it clear that Israel has no capabilities to drag its 'conscript' army to impose such changes. Tel Aviv launched Operation Rising Lion on 13 June, striking at key Iranian nuclear facilities and military personnel. Within days at least 10 senior Iranian generals and a number of nuclear scientists were killed by Israel's military operation. The US joined in the strikes on 21 June, through Operation Midnight Hammer, which struck Tehran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. 'I don't remember any case in which there was regime change from the air, okay? So nobody was planning to invade Iran or to take care of a nation of 100 million people. And therefore (Israel), as a democracy, which, you know, is accountable to its people, that actually has a conscription army, we are not in the business of, you know, dragging our people to endless wars to change the political landscape in other countries,' said Azar. The ambassador added: 'We are not capable of doing it. We don't have the will, okay? …and of course, you know, I would be very happy if there would be a regime change in Iran, but it depends on the Iranian people.' In the 12-day war, Israel gained air superiority over Iran. Tehran, in its retaliatory operation—True Promise 3—sought to strike at Israel using ballistic missiles. The Israeli air defence systems were able to intercept roughly 90 percent of Iran's missiles. However, the use of ballistic missiles by Iran saw a number of buildings hit and 29 Israelis killed, while over 3,000 were injured. According to Iranian officials, 935 people were killed by Israeli air strikes in the West Asian nation. The air superiority gained by Israel allowed the US' B2 stealth bombers to enter Iranian airspace unhindered and drop 'bunker buster' bombs at Fordow and Natanz. Fordow, Iran's most fortified uranium enrichment site was buried deep underground. The US has claimed to have 'completely obliterated' the site. At least two such bombs were also used at Natanz. However, any assessments of the true damage to the nuclear programme of Iran will take time to be reported. 'What is important in our perspective is that… the fact that Iran will continue to possess fissile material that is enriched to a high level doesn't mean that they will be able to reconstitute their nuclear plan that easily, because we have destroyed their centrifuges factory,' Azar said. The Israeli ambassador added: 'We have hit dozens of sites that were related to the nuclear programme and we continue to have penetration into the Iranian system and the resolve to deal with the situation in which Iran re-embarks on a military nuclear plan.' (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Pakistan & North Korea are the 2 countries involved in Nuclear proliferation, says Israeli envoy to India
Miami Herald
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Stellantis Exec Wants Europe to Adopt Cheap, Tiny, Japanese-Style Kei Cars
Though it may seem different today, more than half a century ago, American and European drivers were not as familiar with Japanese automakers and the types of cars they offered. Today, well-known Japanese brands like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan are primarily recognized in the West for their locally built compact cars, sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. However, the situation is quite different in Japan. In fact, the majority of vehicles on the streets in Japan are not Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, Corollas, Crowns, or Camrys; instead, many fall under a category of super-compact vehicles known as "Kei cars." These unique compact vehicles are an essential mobility solution for Japanese drivers navigating their roads, but recently, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann encouraged European regulators to consider adopting a similar concept. On June 12, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann emphasized the urgent need for Europe to innovate and produce smaller, more affordable vehicles in the same vein as Japanese 'kei cars.' He pointed out that the high prices of current offerings, which he blamed squarely on excessively strict vehicle regulations, are hurting consumer demand for cars on the continent. During his remarks at the 2025 Automotive News Europe Congress, he pointed out that as recently as 2019, nearly 50 different models were sold in Europe with a price tag below €15,000 ($17,400); however, just a single model under that price tag exists these days. Elkann suggested that Europe should look for inspiration from Japan, where tiny and cheap kei cars have long captured a significant market share. He even proposed that Europe's version of the kei car could be named the E-Car. "There's no reason why, if Japan has a kei car, which is 40 percent of the market, Europe should not have an E-Car," Elkann said. In Europe, Stellantis already sells electric microcars that are classified as quadricycles in some European countries, specifically the bubble-shaped Citroën Ami, Opel Rocks-e, and Fiat Topolino. These vehicles' sales in Europe show a strong market for affordable electric mobility. However, a large variety of cars are offered as kei-compliant vehicles in Japan, including off-roaders like the Japanese-market Suzuki Jimny, roadsters like the Daihatsu Copen, family cars like the Honda N-Box, and even utility-focused kei trucks like the Mitsubishi Minicab. The 'Kei' in Kei car is short for a Japanese word called kei-jidōsha (軽自動車), which roughly translates to "light vehicle" in English. Kei cars are defined by maximum size and displacement restrictions, meaning they are only allowed to have a maximum length of about 134 inches, a width of about 58 inches, a height of about 79 inches, and a gas engine displacement of 660 cubic centimeters. In Japan, Kei cars are seen as around-town vehicles for city-dwellers, as their size and engine restrictions help owners by guaranteeing much lower tax and insurance costs while freeing up much-needed road space. Elkann emphasized that small cars, like Stellantis's own Fiat 500, have historically represented the core of the European automotive industry and served as a symbol of affordable mobility for the masses. Unfortunately, increasing regulations that made cars heavier and more expensive have made them unprofitable to manufacture. Some of the requirements for cars, ranging from small vehicles to SUVs, include safety features such as sensors that detect when a driver falls asleep and an SOS button. Elkann argues that features significantly increase the cost of vehicles primarily used for short city journeys. "We are going to face more than 120 new regulations by 2030" in Europe, he said. "If you look at our engineers, more than 25 percent just work on compliance, so no value is added." Though the buying preferences of the American car-buying public may indicate that no Fiat, Citroën, or Alfa Romeo-branded European E-cars would make it on American shores, this story out of Europe shows that Stellantis is facing two different kinds of problems on two different continents with huge car-buying potential with two wildly different sets of preferences. While we may be preoccupied with Ram Trucks and Jeep stuff, it is important to note that John Elkann and the incoming CEO, Antonio Filosa, are also responsible for keeping a significant number of Europe's car factories buzzing. However, in remarks at the same conference, Elkann said that Filosa was the right choice in an automotive industry with defined challenges in particular regions. "The experience that Antonio had running Argentina, running Brazil, running South America, and recently running North America is very much in phase with how the world is going between regulations, tariffs, and how you ultimately navigate that constructively with political forces," he said. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
