USA

Iran’s capacity to move oil reliant on Malaysian providers, US official says

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Iran’s capacity to move oil reliant on Malaysian providers, US official says

The United States is concerned about Iran’s oil being moved with the help of service providers based in Malaysia, particularly near Singapore. Treasury official Brian Nelson visited Singapore and Malaysia to counter Iran’s financing and revenue generation efforts in Southeast Asia. Treasury imposed sanctions on Malaysia-based companies supporting Iran’s drone production. Nelson also mentioned progress in sanctions against Russia, affecting Moscow’s oil sales and global energy markets. Shipping hub Singapore faces challenges in verifying compliance with the Russian oil price cap.

Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah

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Jordan’s King Abdullah presses Biden to avert Israel offensive in Rafah

Jordan’s King Abdullah warned U.S. President Joe Biden that an Israeli offensive in Rafah could lead to a new massacre of Palestinian civilians and urged urgent international action. Israel carried out airstrikes in Rafah, prompting concerns about a regional conflict. Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to proceed with a large-scale military offensive in Rafah without a plan to protect civilians. The leaders discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Jordan and other Arab states have been critical of Israel’s actions and have been calling for a ceasefire.

Turkey is not the West, let’s come to terms with it

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Turkey is not the West, let’s come to terms with it

The Turkish president cancelled his visit to the USA, scheduled for May 9th, despite the Americans making preparations. This decision was not surprising due to deteriorating relations between the two countries. The postponement will increase suspicion between Washington and Ankara, impacting US-Turkish relations. Some analysts see it as a missed opportunity to improve relations and believe Turkey could be a mediating factor in various crises, but Turkey consistently opposes the West and prioritizes its own interests. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan navigates alliances to advance his plans, which those dealing with Turkey should take into consideration.

US military completes half of artificial port for Gaza aid

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US military completes half of artificial port for Gaza aid

The US military has completed over 50% of the construction of a temporary artificial port in Gaza to help deliver humanitarian aid, costing around 0 million. The port is expected to be operational soon, but it will not replace aid deliveries through land routes. US officials are working to address the food insecurity faced by the 2.4 million people in Gaza, following a deadly conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Police mass near UCLA pro-Palestinian protest camp, a day after violent clashes

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Police mass near UCLA pro-Palestinian protest camp, a day after violent clashes

Law enforcement officers gathered at the University of California at Los Angeles to clear out a pro-Palestinian protest camp that was attacked by pro-Israel supporters the night before. The police were met with jeers and chants from hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists as they moved in to remove the encampment. Similar protests and arrests of pro-Palestinian activists have been reported at other universities across the United States in response to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Russia-US judicial thriller in Cyprus

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Russia-US judicial thriller in Cyprus

A legal battle over the extradition of businessman Artur Petrov, who is accused by the US of supplying microelectronic components for Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, has been ongoing in Cyprus since last August. The Court of Appeal recently overturned a decision blocking his extradition, leading to a potential appeal to the Supreme Court. This case has political dimensions and international implications, with Russian news agency TASS closely following the developments.

Gov. Phil Murphy’s corporate tax to fund NJ Transit should be derailed

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Gov. Phil Murphy’s corporate tax to fund NJ Transit should be derailed

Fact: Trenton lawmakers are considering a new tax on businesses to fund NJ Transit, proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy.

Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

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Some US officials say in internal memo Israel may be violating international law in Gaza

Some senior U.S. officials do not find Israel’s assurances about using U.S.-supplied weapons in line with international humanitarian law credible or reliable. The State Department is divided on this issue, with some expressing concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The department must report to Congress by May 8 on the credibility of Israel’s assurances. Israel’s military conduct in Gaza has raised questions about potential violations of international humanitarian law. Biden has the option to suspend or put conditions on U.S. weapons transfers to Israel if needed.

Regulating AI will benefit everyone, MEP tells Phileleftheros

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Regulating AI will benefit everyone, MEP tells Phileleftheros

The European Parliament passed the EU Artificial Intelligence Act in April, setting a global precedent for regulating AI. The legislation aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI systems while fostering innovation. The regulation will become EU law once ratified by the European Council, with full implementation expected within 24 months. It does not regulate the technology itself but focuses on the risks posed by AI systems. The regulation categorizes AI systems based on risk levels, with strict rules for high-risk systems. Other countries are expected to follow the EU’s lead in regulating AI. The regulation is designed to adapt continuously to keep pace with technology advancements. Technology companies may raise objections, but the legislation sets strict penalties to ensure compliance. The regulation is not expected to hold back the EU from technological development or innovation.

Trump trial tests his campaign strategy of embracing bad publicity

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Trump trial tests his campaign strategy of embracing bad publicity

Donald Trump is facing a hush money trial in New York and is using the media attention to amplify his claims of persecution. He is meeting with foreign dignitaries at Trump Tower, making staged visits to locations like a convenience store in Harlem, and posting on his Truth Social platform. Despite the trial, Trump has not had any campaign rallies but is planning some in battleground states. The trial could carry political risks for Trump, as opinion polls show some Republican voters may turn against him if he becomes a convicted felon. The Biden White House is seeking to draw a contrast between Trump and Biden, with Trump accusing the trial of being a witch hunt on his social media platform. Foreign dignitaries have visited Trump at Trump Tower, and he has made efforts to engage in major issues like the war in Ukraine.