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Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What's driving US President's sudden warmth toward Pakistan
Donald Trump's White House lunch with Asim Munir on Wednesday represented a significant diplomatic departure, being the first instance of a US President hosting a Pakistani military leader who isn't the head of state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 's relationship with the US is experiencing renewed engagement, marked by enhanced counterterrorism cooperation and potential economic partnerships. Recent developments include Pakistan's capture of the suspected Abbey Gate bomber and discussions about trade deals, rare earth minerals, and cryptocurrency investments, signaling a shift from the previously strained relations under the Biden administration. This engagement stands in stark contrast to Trump's previous stance when he had accused Pakistan of deception and harbouring terrorists and former President Joe Biden's characterisation of Pakistan as highly dangerous. So what is the reason behind this change in heart? 'Pakistanis know Iran very well' Israel has been conducting strikes on Iranian cities since June 13, targeting generals, missile bases, nuclear facilities, and scientists, resulting in over 200 deaths. Iran's retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel have killed approximately 20 people in the past six days. The Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu has been seeking US support in their offensive against Iran, which shares a 900-kilometre border with Pakistan. Speaking in the Oval Office after lunch with Munir, Trump said: "The Pakistanis know Iran very well, better than most," while noting they are "not happy." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Capture of Abbey Gate bomber Pakistan has maintained a long-standing relationship with the US since its independence in 1947, initially aligning with Washington during the Cold War. The partnership strengthened during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, with Pakistan supporting US objectives and collaborating to aid the mujahideen forces, according to Aljazeera. The relationship faced challenges after 9/11, particularly when was discovered in Abbottabad near Pakistan's military headquarters in 2011. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Pakistan has increasingly looked to China for support. Three months ago, during his first address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, newly re-elected Trump revealed that Pakistan had apprehended the alleged perpetrator of the deadly Abbey Gate bombing at Kabul airport from August 2021. The bombing occurred during the chaotic evacuation of thousands of Afghans following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. In his address, Trump specifically acknowledged Pakistan's role in the arrest. "I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster," Trump said during his congressional address. General Michael E Kurilla, chief of US central Command, praised Pakistan's recent counterterrorism efforts during his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee. "They are in an active counterterrorism fight right now, and they have been a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world," Kurilla stated. Kurilla highlighted the direct coordination with Pakistan's army chief in recent operations. "Field Marshal Asim Munir called me to tell me they had captured one of the Daesh-K individuals," he said. Rare earth mineral resources trade Pakistan is now offering new economic incentives to strengthen ties with the US. According to Weinbaum, these include "more goodies, such as a trade deal with no tariffs, offering rare earth minerals, and crypto." The country has begun promoting its rare earth mineral resources to foreign investors, including the US and Saudi Arabia. These minerals are essential for defense, robotics, and electronics industries. Pakistan has established a crypto council and initiated discussions with US officials to attract investment and partnerships in the cryptocurrency sector. Transactional relationship Pakistan's relationship with the United States has historically been transactional, particularly in security matters. While US aid and investment supported Pakistan's infrastructure and military development when aligned with US strategic goals, the relationship has been plagued by mutual distrust, with accusations of double-dealing from the US and Pakistan claiming its sacrifices go unrecognized. The US has provided support to Pakistan when needed and withdrawn when its objectives were met. This pattern has characterized their diplomatic ties over the years. "Unless this relationship is institutionalised, beyond the security lens with which it is viewed, it's another tactical romance. And like past dalliances, it could fade once strategic goals are met or regimes change," said Rumi. "Much depends on whether it leans toward China or the US. That decision is also tied to the evolving Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of Iran," said Ansar, noting Pakistan's position at a crucial strategic crossroads amid global power shifts. Weinbaum offered a more cautious assessment: "If Pakistan does play some role in the Iran crisis, they could have more substantial meaning to these ties. But it needs to be prepared that there is nothing settled with this administration. It can change on a dime, at any hour." Continuance of military dominance in Pakistan The military institution has directly ruled Pakistan for over three decades, with the current elected government widely considered subordinate to military leadership under Munir. The military's prominent role follows historical patterns in Pakistan-US relations. Previous military rulers including Field Marshal Ayub Khan in the 1960s, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in the 1980s, and General in the 2000s maintained strong ties with the United States and received White House invitations after becoming heads of state. Munir is only the second Pakistani to achieve the field marshal rank after Khan, reinforcing the military's central role despite civilian government presence. "This meeting validates the enduring military-to-military track in US-Pakistan ties, but it also bypasses the civilian setup, which should worry anyone rooting for democratic consolidation. If this is the 'reset,' it's one where khaki once again trumps ballot," CUNY expert Rumi told Aljazeera. The Trump-Munir meeting exemplifies the continuing prominence of military leadership in Pakistan's international relations, despite having an elected government.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Lima, Peru earthquake: Chilling videos show devastation caused by 5.6 magnitude quake; one killed, several injured
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck off Peru's central coast on Sunday morning, shaking Lima and the nearby port city of Callao. Authorities confirmed one person was killed and 36 others were injured. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 11:35 a.m. local time in the Pacific Ocean. Its epicenter was about 14 miles southwest of Callao, just west of the capital, Lima. Police Col. Ramiro Clauco told RPP radio that a 36-year-old man in northern Lima died while 'standing outside his vehicle waiting for a passenger' when a wall from the fourth floor of a nearby building under construction fell and struck him, as cited by Aljazeera report. In addition, the Emergency Operations Center reported 36 injuries in Lima. The agency also said there was damage to roads and some school buildings. Also Read: Why the surge in earthquakes lately? Could a bigger one be next? | Explainer President Dina Boluarte is expected to travel to Callao to oversee the situation, according to a statement posted on X by the Peruvian presidency. Hernando Tavera, head of the Geophysical Institute of Peru, told TV channel N that the quake was felt across all districts of Lima. Local radio said the tremor caused the cancellation of a major soccer match that was scheduled to be held in Lima. Users on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared several videos of the powerful earthquake and the landslide it triggered. Peru sits on the 'Ring of Fire,' a seismic zone around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanoes are common. The country experiences more than 100 detectable earthquakes each year. The last major quake happened in 2021 in the Amazon region. It measured 7.5 in magnitude, injured 12 people, and destroyed over 70 homes. Peru's deadliest earthquake happened in 1970, in the Ancash region. That disaster caused landslides and killed around 70,000 people.
Leaders
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Catalonia Closes its Trade Office in Tel Aviv over Gaza Genocide
The Government of Catalonia announced on Thursday, May 22, the immediate closure of its trade office in Tel Aviv over Israel's genocide in Gaza, according to Aljazeera. Wide International Criticism This remarkable move comes amid mounting international criticism of Israel's heavy airstrikes and its blockade of humanitarian aid in Gaza. These genocidal actions have caused widespread calls across Europe to press on Israel to end the war and allow the entry of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians who are suffering unthinkable conditions. Eurovision Furthermore, the Catalan government has also criticized Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. It described it as 'double standards' in addressing the genocide in Gaza, where 'basic rights are being violated.' 'We are fully committed to human rights, and this double standard regarding Israel's participation in Eurovision weakens us,' Catalan Government Spokesperson Sílvia Paneque stated during a press conference. A Call for Exclusion In this context, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the Eurovision song contest should exclude Israel over its war in Gaza. Sanchez has also expressed solidarity with 'the people of Palestine who are experiencing the injustice of war and bombardment.' Sanchez's remarks come after protests against Israeli participation marked last weekend's extravaganza in Switzerland. Russians have not been allowed to take part in the competition because of Russia's invasion on Ukraine. 'Therefore, Israel shouldn't either, because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture,' Sanchez said at an event in Madrid. During his speech, the Spanish PM stressed Spain's commitment to applying the international law and human rights nothing that 'Europe's should be too.' 'Genocidal State' Last week, Sanchez called Israel a 'genocidal state' during his speech in the Spanish parliament, stating that Madrid 'does not do business' with such a country. The PM's remarks came as a response to a provocative comment from an anti-Israel member of parliament who condemned Spain's trade relations with what he called the 'genocide state' of Israel. Sanchez's comments sparked anger in Israel, prompting Israel's Foreign Ministry to summon the Spanish Ambassador, Ana Salomon, for a formal reprimand scheduled for Thursday in Jerusalem. 'Following the severe remarks made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish ambassador to Israel has been summoned for a reprimand meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem tomorrow,' the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Related Topics: Joint Statement: Over 70 UN Member States Call for Protecting Gazans Gaza War Prompts UK, EU Action against Israel France 'Determined' to Recognize Palestinian State, PM Says Short link : Post Views: 1
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Family members of drug lord El Chapo enter US, Mexican officials say
Family members of drug lord El Chapo enter US, Mexican officials say Show Caption Hide Caption El Chapo's family crosses into US in controversial border entry Over a dozen relatives of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman have entered the US, sparking debate and confusion over the approval process. Aljazeera - AJ+ Several family members of the infamous drug lord "El Chapo" have entered the United States as part of negotiations over one of his sons' trafficking charges, Mexico's security secretary said. Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán, was considered one of the leaders of the cartel and was extradited to the United States in 2023 to face federal charges that he and his brothers – known as "Los Chapitos" – made hundreds of millions of dollars by flooding the country with fentanyl. "It's evident that his family is going to the United States because of the negotiation or opportunity the Justice Department has given him," Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's secretary of security and civilian safety, told Mexican radio network Radio Fórmula, when asked about reports that 17 family members had left Mexico. He said the family members who entered the United States were not wanted by Mexican authorities. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo told reporters she was caught off guard by the news, and has asked the prosecutor's office to ask the U.S. Department of Justice for more information. Court records show Guzmán López, also known as "El Ratón," is set to appear in federal court in July to enter a change of plea. He previously pleaded not guilty. The records do not include details about a possible plea agreement. The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to May 14 request for comment from USA TODAY on the entry of his relatives to the country or the terms of his plea. Jeffrey Lichtman, an attorney representing Guzmán López, told Reuters earlier in May "we have no completed agreement yet but hope to in the future."Lichtman and another attorney listed for Guzmán López did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on May 14. The sons of Joaquin"El Chapo" Guzmán are credited by U.S. authorities with rebuilding their father's international drug empire since his 2017 extradition and 2019 incarceration. Guzmán López was first arrested in Mexico in 2019 but released after cartel members attacked civilians in Culiacán. He was arrested again in 2023 in an operation that led to 30 more deaths. Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY; Karol Suárez and Beth Warren, Louisville Courier Journal; Reuters
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First Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
‘If I can help, I will be there': Trump urges India and Pakistan to de-escalate
Trump said the US maintains friendly ties with both India and Pakistan and wants the tensions to come to an end, adding, 'If I can do anything to help, I will be there.' read more US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for India and Pakistan to halt their fighting and offered to help as the world saw the worst violence between the nuclear-armed countries in two decades. 'I want to see them stop,' AFP quoted Trump as saying at the White House. He said the US has friendly relations with both countries and wants the tensions to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. 'And if I can do anything to help, I will be there,' he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump's remarks came shortly after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to strike back after India's attack on nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 'We resolve that we will avenge the blood of our innocent martyrs,' Aljazeera quoted Sharif as saying in address to the nation. Pakistani prime minister also praised his country's air force following a claim that it downed 5 Indian jets. 'Last night, we showed that Pakistan can deliver a jaw-breaking response for its defence. At the Line of Control, the dogfight raged for about an hour. Pakistani pilots remained in their airspace, the enemy's planes were shattered to pieces,' he claimed, adding, 'In conventional warfare last night, we proved that Pakistan prevailed.' Meanwhile, India has warned Pakistan to 'behave or get punished' if it chooses to retaliate. According to a News18 report, citing top government sources, India has identified additional 'terror hubs' and is prepared to deliver a 'befitting reply' if Pakistan escalates.'India is not scared to continue its fight against terror. India is willing to teach Pakistan a lesson yet again,' News 18 quoted the sources as saying. 'Behave well or get punished,' they added. In direct message to Pakistan, the sources said there will be no leniency on the non-military front. With inputs from agencies
