Latest news with #ThomasHelm


The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Funeral for Palestinian-American killed in West Bank, and Syria's fires
Funerals were held for two Palestinians, one a US citizen, killed in the West Bank, over the weekend. Syrian authorities have closed a border crossing with Turkey after forest fires spread close to the coastal area north-west of the country. Iran's Foreign Minister says Tehran is "not afraid" of returning to negotiations on its nuclear programme. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Palestinian-American man beaten to death by Israeli settlers, authorities say Syria shuts land crossing with Turkey after forest fires spread near border Iran 'not afraid' of nuclear negotiations but needs to be certain of US commitment This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Khaled Yacoub Oweis, Jordan correspondent.


The National
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Mamdani could be great for New York
With reference to Ahmed Issawy and Cody Combs's piece Muslim candidate Zohran Mamdani wins New York Democratic mayoral primary in stunning upset (June 24): Mamdani earned the win. He may be inexperienced in this role but he worked hard and spoke to issues that New Yorkers are concerned about, like rent and affordability. Let's see what happens in November. Sarah Mitchell, New Jersey, US No to socialism. Where are the representatives who are pro market and liberal democracy? Seems like we're surrounded by either Trumpists or socialists. Amir Naghshineh-Pour, New York State, US This is good news. He seems like a decent person. Marvin Babtunde, Dubai Why does his religion matter? If he has all it takes to be a great mayor, that's great for the city. Just highlighting his religion can be a foundation for division. Ivan K, Dubai The responsibility of leaders to strive for peace In reference to Thomas Helm's report Netanyahu's party gets small popularity boost after Iran war, poll shows (June 25): It has seemed of late that the world is engulfed in one too many wars, most of which are avoidable. Many could have been avoided by restrained leadership. There is a new, dangerous machismo among some world leaders. The war in Ukraine has gone on for more than three years. US President Donald Trump had promised to end this battle. It has not happened. Israel continues to bomb the Gaza strip, in the hope of decimating Hamas. Again, this has not happened, even after 20 months of bitter fighting. In Gaza, the people are killed waiting in line for bread or water. What have we come to, in this world, that we even bomb families waiting for food? The problem with all wars is that innocent, ordinary people die or pay the price. Soldiers die. They too are human beings, with mothers, wives and children. All wars are horrendous, all wars cause suffering. It is the moral duty of every leader to contain them and end the cycle of misery. Rajendra Aneja, Mumbai Is the ceasefire going to hold? In reference to Thomas Harding's report War of words rages over Iran nuclear damage reports (June 26): It's a bit premature to declare peace. When everybody sits down to talk, we shall see if they are all mature enough to behave as adults. If Trump really has so much sway over politics in the Middle East, he should sit down with Netanyahu and demand an end to the destruction in Gaza. If he manages to pull that off, he might just get the peace prize he so craves.


The National
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Iran attacks US airbase in Qatar, and church bombing in Syria
Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid US airbase. An attack on a church in Syria has left the Christian community reeling. Egypt is facing unique implications of a dominant Israel in the case of Iran's defeat in the conflict. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Damascus church bombing threatens political gains of both Christians and new Syrian state This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent; Nada Atallah, Beirut Correspondent; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent.


The National
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
IAEA holds emergency meeting and Gulf countries monitor radiation
The UN's nuclear watchdog will today hold an emergency meeting after the US launched strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran. Gulf countries and Iraq are monitoring radiation levels in the region as the conflict escalates. Meanwhile, Israel is dealing with the aftermath of retaliatory strikes from Iran. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Gulf countries and Iraq on alert for radiation levels as Israel-Iran war rages Iran attacks Israel after US bombs nuclear facilities This episode features Cody Combs, Technology Policy Editor; Aarti Nagraj, Deputy Business Editor; and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent.


The National
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Iran 'won't surrender', and ruins of Hezbollah strongholds
Iran says it won't surrender to US threats. The National tours Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. Algerian gang leaders are convicted over smuggling migrants into France. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel says no calm in Beirut until Hezbollah is disarmed This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent, and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent.