Latest news with #Kruger
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The Truth Behind the US and Israel's Military Strikes on Iran
US military claims victory in strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Image: AFP The United States of America is applauding itself for its strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites. This is despite evidence that the Middle Eastern country was not developing nuclear weapons. Even if Iran was developing such armaments, why do the two states want to deter this? Additionally, the US which is the only nation in the world that has used two nuclear bombs, killing hundreds of thousands of people has appointed itself as the arbiter of which countries should or should not have them. Civil nuclear engineer expert Hugo Kruger said that the official position of the intelligence agencies, the CIA, Mossad, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is that Iran does not have a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme. "Iran however has a civilian nuclear programme and a policy of strategic ambiguity. It does enrich uranium, but there is no serious bomb programme under construction. There is a long history around this going back to the Iran-Iraq war when Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons on Iran. "As a consequence, when Ayatollah Khomeini came to power, he put fatwa (religious ruling), against WMDs, that is to say chemical and nuclear weapons," said Kruger. More than a decade ago, Khomeini asserted that Iran would not be building nuclear weapons. "Nuclear weapons neither ensure security, nor do they consolidate political power, rather they are a threat to both security and political power. "The events that took place in the 1990s showed that the possession of such weapons could not even safeguard a regime like the former Soviet Union. And today we see certain countries which are exposed to waves of deadly insecurity despite possessing atomic bombs," Khomeini said. Kruger pointed out that Israel is hypocritical as it is reported to have between 100 and 200 nuclear weapons, and Benjamin Netanyahu is related, for example, to the Uranium Smuggling Mafia (smugglers of uranium and plutonium). This is according to the FBI's declassified Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy files. "As for Israel, I do not believe that they have done anything significant, the real nuclear technology is in the head of Iranians, and they have domesticated it. Meaning even if they bomb the place to ashes, the people will be able to rebuild it, because they have human capital," Kruger said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading For political analyst, Siyabonga Ntombela, Israel and the US don't think Iran should have nuclear weapons because it poses existential threat for both countries. "No country deserves to be bombed especially if they have not used the nuclear weapons at all. The US claims to promote democratic ideals and it is in such times that those beliefs are put to the test. International diplomatic engagements must ensue to ensure minimum casualties and unnecessary loss of lives," Ntombela argued. Ntombela went on to say that the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology), must be understood and executed in an open and fearless manner for all countries, both with and without nuclear capability. "Israel has nuclear (weapons), why does it have it and other surrounding states do not have? Is it for self-preservation? Possibly but how do other states who would like to be safe view this double standard." Trump also appears to have undermined his own intelligence intel. In March, the US' Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, reported before Congress that the Middle Eastern country was far from the capability of building a nuclear bomb. "The Intelligence Community (IC) continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and Supreme Leader Khomeinei has not authorised the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003... Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons," Gabbard said.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
49ers Urged to Pull Off Blockbuster WR Trade to Give Brock Purdy New Weapon
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After three straight NFC Championship Game appearances and two Super Bowl appearances in the last five years, few saw the hard fall from grace coming for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. But with injuries to top stars like running backs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, offensive tackle Trent Williams, defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward, and safety Talanoa Hufanga, San Francisco just couldn't stay healthy enough to put forth a fight in most games. But after some retooling, and locking up quarterback Brock Purdy to a monster five-year, $265 million contract extension, many are back on the 49ers bandwagon in believing the team is back to Super Bowl contender status. Among that group of believers is veteran Bay Area sports reporter Larry Krueger, who believes San Francisco is just three moves away from winning its first Lombardi Trophy since 1994. In a post on X, Kruger laid out the moves he thinks the 49ers need to execute before the season begins, and his most head-turning suggestion involves jettisoning All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. "Trade Brandon Aiyuk to the Commanders for Terry McLaurin," Krueger wrote. "Win-win trade. Daniels gets his guy Aiyuk, who's the younger, and potentially better receiver. SF gets a healthy receiver now." After signing his four-year, $120 million extension last season, things couldn't have gone worse for Aiyuk. He was barely noticeable in the seven games he played before tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the season. Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Santa Clara, 27-year-old hasn't been shy about his desire to play with former Arizona State teammate and current Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, and adding McLaurin would be a big get for the 49ers offense. Though he's two years older, McLaurin isn't coming off a major injury, and he's put up five straight 1,000-yard seasons and he logged a career-high 13 touchdowns last year. The Ohio State alum could also be a perfect mentor to 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall. Kruger also makes a case that the 49ers can shore up their secondary by sending a sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for disgruntled Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who Miami is actively trying to trade, though it would likely take more than a sixth-rounder to pique the Dolphins' interest. More NFL: Brandon Aiyuk Sends Clear Message to 49ers Amid Trade Rumors "The Future HOF(er) can play outside and SF can return Lenoir to his best spot, slot CB and give rookie CB Upton Stout time to adjust to the NFL," Krueger continued. "Ramsey could also help inside at safety." Krueger also boldly urged the 49ers to deal defensive end Robert Beal, a 2025 second-round pick, plus a conditional 2027 fourth-rounder to the Cincinnati Bengals for pass-rusher Shemar Stewart. The 17th overall pick in April's draft, Stewart remains unsigned because he and the Bengals are at an impasse with his contract. Adding a young player like Stewart on a rookie contract would give the 49ers two stud first-round pass-rushers to help take some of the attention off Bosa. "Stewart and Mykel Williams could be SF next dynamic DL duo," Krueger added. "Bengals are going to get fleeced for Stewart. #49ers might as well do the fleecing. Cincy has until Aug 5th to get him signed or traded. Stay tuned." For more San Francisco 49ers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Animal sighting: Heartless buck throws baby back into crocodile's jaws
Today's animal sighting video captures an incredible and rare moment in the wild, as a heartless buck throws a baby animal back into a crocodile's jaws after it escaped. According to the Latest Sightings YouTube page, the footage was captured and shared by Latest Sightings – Kruger. FOR MORE ANIMAL SIGHTING VIDEOS, VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE Watch today's incredible video of a python trying to escape a crocodile while being ripped apart. WATCH | Animal sighting: Leopard's incredible mid-air catch caught on Camera [Video] Keep up with The South African website for all the essential information you need! Enjoy a wide variety of exciting videos from news, business, lifestyle, travel, sport, viral videos, and lots more! Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Ithala bank court saga continues
Finance MEC Francois Rodgers welcomed the announcement of a new date for the hearing of the appeal by Johannes Kruger, appointed as South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Repayment Administrator (RA) in the matter involving Ithala bank. The matter is expected to be heard in the Durban division of the KZN High Court on 25 July. ALSO READ: King organises support for troubled Ithala Bank In the Pietermaritzburg division of the High Court in May, Judge Muzi Ncube ruled that Kruger had overstepped his mandate, which relates only to the deposit book and that he had no mandate to take over all other operations of Ithala. Judge Ncube further ruled that Ithala should resume its core business activities, excluding deposit-taking and transacting. This ruling followed court proceedings that were heard in the Labour Court in Durban in March. Undeterred by another court loss, Kruger opted to appeal Judge Ncube's ruling, causing a delay in the resumption of Ithala activities. Rodgers said this was an action that affects KZN's most vulnerable, including pensioners, taxi drivers, SMME owners and domestic workers, among others, whose accounts remain frozen as the alleged attempts of Ithala's systemic collapse persist. 'It appears that the RA, in their actions and instructions, are to the detriment of Ithala's depositors for whom we have been fighting. It is a common cause that Ithala serves a niche market of mainly rural citizens in KZN. Many of Ithala's customers may not find similar services and assistance in the commercial banks,' said the MEC. Rodgers said he was concerned by what appears to be 'fruitless and wasteful' in Kruger's failed litigation attempts. 'We will be submitting a question in the National Assembly to establish how much the RA has been paid by the SARB's Prudential Authority so far, and a quantification of their litigation cost. 'I still maintain that the matter can be resolved amicably by all relevant stakeholders, including National Treasury, if the parties were willing to engage on the matter,' said Rodgers. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
DWP urged to review Motability scheme as part of new welfare reforms
Conservative MP Danny Kruger has urged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to include a review of the Motability scheme as part of the UK Government's planned benefits reforms. The shadow minister put the suggestion to the senior DWP ministerial team on Monday during oral questions. The MP for East Wiltshire said: 'One area where the Government do not seem to be looking for savings is in the Motability scheme. It was supposed to help physically disabled people get around, but now we have 100,000 new people a year joining the scheme, many of them not physically disabled at all.' He highlighted how one in five of all new car purchases are bought through the Motability scheme which is 'costing taxpayers nearly £3 billion a year'. Mr Kruger added: 'I know that the Minister will blame us (Conservative party) for the system, but the fact is that the Government are not even looking at Motability. They have had a year, and it is their policy now. Will the Minister commit to a proper review of the Motability scheme, and if not, why not?' Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, responded: 'I am not sure whether the shadow Minister wants me to go further or not so far - he seems to be facing both ways. He is right that we are not at this point proposing any changes to the Motability scheme.' The Motability Scheme enables people in receipt of a disability benefit, with an award for the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility component, to transfer some or all of the payment to lease a new car, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, scooter or powered wheelchair. As well as a new car, customers also benefit from insurance, breakdown assistance, servicing, maintenance, tyres and windscreen repairs as part of the package. The latest price list for leasing packages shows there are now more than 800 vehicles to choose from. It's important to be aware the DWP does not oversee the scheme, but instead facilitates a direct transfer to Motability of a claimant's payment - in part or full - if they elect to join the nationwide scheme. The higher rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is worth £77.05 each week, some £308.20 every four-week payment period. The latest figures from the charity behind the Motability Scheme (Motability Operations) show there are now 815,000 customers across the UK, including around 80,000 living in Scotland. The Motability Scheme, or Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme as it is known for those on devolved disability benefits such as Adult Disability Payment (ADP) or Child Disability Payment (CDP), offers an affordable way for disabled people to get around outside more easily. PIP reforms There are currently 3.7 million people across Great Britain in claim for PIP, however, the UK Government expects that figure to rise by a further 750,000 to 4m by the end of the decade and has proposed a raft of new measures to make the benefit sustainable for future generations. Proposed package of reforms to overhaul the welfare system, include: Ending reassessments for disabled people who will never be able to work and people with lifelong conditions to ensure they can live with dignity and security. Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment to end the process that drives people into dependency, delivering on the UK Government's manifesto commitment to reform or replace it. Providing improved employment support backed by £1 billion including new tailored support conversations for people on health and disability benefits to break down barriers and unlock work. Legislating to protect those on health and disability benefits from reassessment or losing their payments if they take a chance on work. To ensure the welfare system is available for those with the greatest needs now and in the future, the UK Government has made decisions to improve its sustainability and protect those who need it most. These include: Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and are not written off. Targeting PIP for those with higher needs by changing the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria. Rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit to improve the Standard Allowance. Consulting on delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee. DWP also launched an online consultation on the new proposals to coincide with the publication of the Green paper. The consultation can be completed by anyone and is open until 11.59pm on Monday June 30, 2025 - you can find full details on here. It's important to be aware that the proposed reforms announced by the DWP will not affect people in Scotland claiming Adult Disability Payment. The Scottish Government announced earlier this week it has no plans to mirror the proposed changes to devolved disability benefits.
