Blog

  • Press Release – ISSI Celebrates Somalia’s Independence Day

    Press Release – ISSI Celebrates Somalia’s Independence Day

    Press Release 
    ISSI Celebrates Somalia’s Independence Day
    July 01, 2025

    The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with  Pakistan Africa Institute for Development and Research (PAIDAR), organized an event to celebrate Somalia’s Independence  Day. The proceedings,  which began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Somalia,  were moderated by Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA. Speakers included Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Mr. Yasin Mire Mohamud, Deputy Head of Mission of Somalia to Pakistan; Mr. Shahid Ali Seehar, Ambassador of Pakistan to Djibouti (accredited to Somalia); and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, President PAIDAR, and the Keynote Speaker was Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Secretary (Africa), Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed praised the “blood-cemented solidarity” between Pakistan and Somalia, recalling Pakistan’s peacekeepers martyred in Mogadishu and military aid during the 1978 Ogaden conflict as proof that “Islamabad has always stood by Mogadishu in its hour of need.”He urged the Foreign Office to reopen Pakistan’s embassy in Mogadishu and pledged to lead a think tank delegation there. With both Pakistan and Somalia on the UN Security Council, he called for deeper cooperation in security, trade, and education, noting Pakistan hosts the largest cohort of Somali students worldwide. “Together we will build a better tomorrow,” he concluded.

    Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, recalled the historic significance of July 1, 1960, when the union of British and Italian Somaliland gave birth to the Somali Republic, a landmark in Africa’s decolonisation and a symbol of the Somali people’s aspirations for freedom,  dignity and sovereignty.  Ambassador Sohail noted the longstanding Pakistan-Somalia ties rooted in mutual respect, shared faith, and people-to-people links, recalling that Pakistan was among the first to recognise Somalia’s independence. He also highlighted the invaluable services rendered by Pakistani peacekeepers in Somalia as part of Pakistan’s commitment to international peace and security, as well as Somalia’s security and stability.

    Ambassador Sohail Mahmood further highlighted strong educational ties, with a number of Somali students studying in Pakistan and now contributing significantly to efforts for national development in their homeland. Stressing the importance of trade and economic ties, he underscored the need to enhance the interface between business communities and chambers of commerce. He also noted shared positions at forums like the UN and OIC and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepen collaboration with Somalia under the ‘Engage Africa’ policy. Given Somalia’s strategic location, he said it plays a key role in regional peace and maritime security. He expressed ISSI’s readiness to expand academic and policy collaboration with Somali institutions and appreciated the support of the Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and PAIDAR.

    Ambassador Hamid Asghar emphasized Africa’s vast untapped potential in trade, investment, and cooperation, urging Pakistan to deepen its engagement with the continent. He highlighted Somalia’s strategic location and stressed that peace and governance are key to its progress. Citing Pakistan’s support through NADRA’s ID project and peacekeeping efforts, he called for a Preferential Trade Agreement and joint ventures in sectors like pharmaceuticals, ports, and agriculture. He also appreciated the vibrant Somali community in Pakistan and proposed expanding scholarships and cooperation rooted in shared values and faith.

    Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, marked Somalia’s Independence Day as a tribute to the resilience and pride of its people. She reaffirmed Africa’s central place in Pakistan’s ‘Engage Africa’ policy and CAMEA’s commitment to deepening ties with Somalia. Highlighting Pakistan’s historic support and shared positions at multilateral forums, she also acknowledged the vibrant Somali diaspora in Pakistan. She called for greater collaboration in trade, investment, training, and institutional development based on mutual respect and shared goals.

    Mr. Yasin Mire Mohamud, Deputy Head of Mission of Somalia to Pakistan, described the occasion as a tribute to Somalia’s progress, built on the sacrifices of its forefathers. He highlighted recent advancements in governance, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as growing business and investment. He called the joint election of Somalia and Pakistan to the UN Security Council a shared milestone. Expressing gratitude, he recalled Pakistan’s vital support during Somalia’s civil war and its role in peacekeeping and diplomacy, including backing the lifting of the arms embargo in 2023. He affirmed Somalia’s resolve to build a secure and prosperous future.

    Ambassador Shahid Ali Seehar extended warm greetings to the Somali nation and highlighted the historic and growing ties since Somalia’s independence in 1960. He noted the strong convergence of views, especially as both countries currently serve as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. He mentioned Pakistan’s support, including a US$14 million grant for Somalia’s National ID System and increased scholarships for Somali students. Appreciating Somalia’s backing at multilateral forums, he called for greater cooperation in counterterrorism, boosting trade beyond US$72 million, and exploring maritime connectivity.

    Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, in his vote of thanks, stated that Pakistan has great love and affection for Somalia. He added that a large Somali diaspora is benefiting from Pakistan’s educational facilities. He affirmed that there are no impediments in Pakistan-Somalia relations and these are expected to grow significantly in the future.

    Continue Reading

  • From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment | News | Notre Dame News

    From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment | News | Notre Dame News

    Twelve-year-old Lauren Eglite was thrilled to attend a Notre Dame football game with her father, Erik, in 2017, even though her acute peanut allergy demands constant vigilance.

    She was even more excited when the stadium’s brand-new video board aired an NBC Fighting For story about Basar Bilgicer’s research into blocking peanut allergens from triggering immune system overreactions. She asked her father, a drug company executive and Notre Dame business school alumnus, if this might be an opportunity to get involved with a solution to a condition that had complicated her life since childhood.

    “I remember to this day her looking at that screen and turning to me,” Dr. Erik Eglite said. “She said, ‘Daddy, can I meet him? I really want to do something about it.’ This kid actually did that.”

    It was a bold request, but Bilgicer didn’t hesitate after Dr. Eglite reached out. The Notre Dame professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering invited the whole Eglite family to his lab and explained his complex research in overwhelming detail.

    The coincidence of that video playing to the right audience of two has led to immense mutual benefits. Nearly eight years later, Bilgicer and Eglite have partnered to form a company called Artin Immunology that aims to turn Bilgicer’s peanut allergy research into a blockbuster drug.

    Read the story

    Continue Reading

  • JCP approves chief justices of Islamabad, Peshawar, Sindh and Balochistan high courts

    JCP approves chief justices of Islamabad, Peshawar, Sindh and Balochistan high courts





    JCP approves chief justices of Islamabad, Peshawar, Sindh and Balochistan high courts

    Pakistan


    Judicial Commission of Pakistan meeting chaired by CJP Yahya Afridi


    Topline

    • Justice Sarfraz Dogar approved as Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court

    • Justice SM Attique Shah’s name approved for top judge at Peshawar High Court

    • Justice Rozi Khan and Justice Junaid Ghaffar to head Balochistan and Sindh high courts respectively






    ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has approved the appointment of permanent chief justices for four high courts.

    Justice Sarfraz Dogar has been approved as Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court, Justice SM Attique Shah of the Peshawar High Court, Justice Rozi Khan as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, and Justice Junaid Ghaffar as Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court.

    According to sources, the meeting of the Judicial Commission was chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi to consider appointments for permanent chief justices of the high courts of Sindh, Balochistan, Peshawar, and Islamabad. The names of the three most senior judges from each court were reviewed during the session.

    Read also: Peshawar High Court halts oath-taking of reserved seat MPAs

    The Judicial Commission comprises 13 permanent members. However, in the case of High Court Chief Justice appointments, the number of commission members rises to 16, and a majority of at least nine members is required for the approval of a nomination.

    The Judicial Commission includes the Chief Justice of Pakistan, four judges of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General, two government representatives, and two opposition members.

    In addition, Ahsan Bhoon represented the Pakistan Bar in the commission, while Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, nominated by the Speaker of the National Assembly, also participated. For the appointment of provincial Chief Justices, the relevant Provincial Law Minister, a representative of the High Court Bar, and a former High Court judge were also present at the meeting.

    Justice Mansoor Shah raises objection

    Senior Supreme Court judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah raised an objection during a Judicial Commission meeting, demanding that a decision on the 26th Constitutional Amendment be made before proceeding with any appointments.

    Justice Muneeb Akhtar and two PTI members of the commission supported his stance.

    Justice Mansoor objected during the proceedings, insisting that the unresolved issue of the 26th Amendment should be addressed first. PTI’s judicial commission members and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Law Minister also backed his view.

    Earlier, PTI Senator Ali Zafar, a member of the Judicial Commission, spoke to the media outside the Supreme Court. He reiterated PTI’s stance that the most senior judge should be appointed as Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court. He added that the matter of judges’ seniority in the IHC is still pending in an intra-court appeal.

    He emphasized that until a final decision is made on the seniority matter, further discussions should be avoided. “Our position will be reflected in our vote,” he said, without disclosing how PTI members plan to vote.

     

    ‘ ;
    var i = Math.floor(r_text.length * Math.random());
    document.write(r_text[i]);

    Continue Reading

  • Abnormal anorectal manometric and sensory functions in patients with functional anorectal pain | BMC Gastroenterology

    Abnormal anorectal manometric and sensory functions in patients with functional anorectal pain | BMC Gastroenterology

    Our findings have contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition. We identified abnormalities in rectal sensitivity, anorectal pressure dynamics, and defecation-related anorectal dyscoordination in FARP. Additionally, We explored the psychological characteristics of patients with FARP and found that comorbid mood disorders are common in patients with FARP. Our findings provide a basis for the diagnosis and treatment of FARP.

    Changes in the properties of the rectal wall and abnormalities in neural afferent pathways and central processing may all cause changes in rectal sensation. In terms of rectal sensory function, we found that when compared with controls, patients with FARP had significantly reduced sensation thresholds for desire to defecate, urgency to defecate and maximum tolerable sensation, indicating rectal hypersensitivity. Visceral hypersensitivity is a hallmark of IBS and manifests as reduced pain thresholds as a result of rectal distension and enhanced perception of bowel lumen distension, and studies have demonstrated a correlation between pain thresholds and the severity and frequency of pain symptoms [23]. FARP and irritable bowel syndrome are both centrally mediated FGIDs, and the mechanisms via pain that occur in these conditions may be similar. Several studies have shown that patients with IBS have lower initial sensation and initial pain thresholds and that visceral hypersensitivity to intestinal dilatation correlates with symptom severity [24,25,26]. Our findings suggest that visceral hypersensitivity is an important pathophysiological mechanism of FARP. Although the findings regarding first sensation were not statistically significant, patients with FARP showed an overall trend toward reduced sensation threshold, which might be related to the material in the expanded balloon used in our examination to assess rectal sensation. Rectal sensory thresholds are influenced by the stiffness of the rectal balloon. This balloon was mounted on a manometry catheter, and its tension might directly affect rectal compliance [27]. In future studies, we plan to investigate rectal sensory thresholds in patients with FARP further by using non-compliant polyethylene balloons and constant pressure or by means of electrical stimulation.

    In this study, resting anal pressure and maximum anal squeeze pressure were significantly lower in the patients with FARP than in the controls, and the pelvic floor muscles were predominantly flaccid, which is consistent with previous findings [28]. Some investigators have focused on FARP associated with abnormal anorectal pressure. The correlation between abnormal anorectal pressure and anal pain is controversial, with few relevant reports in the literature. However, it is generally believed that anal levator ani syndrome is mostly caused by spasm of the pelvic floor muscles and elevated annal resting pressure and that an overactive anal sphincter muscle causes chronic pain. Grimaud et al. have suggested that chronic idiopathic anal pain may be caused by persistent abnormal contraction of the external anal sphincter and that this pain can be relieved by biofeedback treatment to relax the external anal sphincter and reduce muscle spasm and neuropsychological stress [23, 29]. We found that the anal resting pressure was lower in patients with FARP, which was the opposite of previous findings and might reflect the epidemiological characteristics of FARP. In our study, 72.14% of FARP patients were female, mainly perimenopausal patients, which is consistent with the characteristics of FARP patients in the study of Atkin GK et al. [30]. Most of these women had a history of pregnancy and childbirth, with obstetric damage to the anal sphincter and pubic nerves, damage to the tissues supporting the pelvic floor muscles, decreased muscle function, decreased hormone levels, and loss of elastin, manifesting as reduced pelvic floor muscle strength and decreased muscle tone [31, 32]. Weakness or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles is thought to be one of the pathophysiological bases for chronic pelvic pain [33].

    During testing, we identified paroxysmal, transient, periodic sphincter spasms with elevated pressure in some patients with FARP, which might explain the spasm-related pain that occurs in these patients. Proctalgia fugax is short and episodic and is usually considered to be pain caused by abnormal smooth muscle contractions [34, 35, 36]. Some studies have shown that botulinum toxin injections relax the anal sphincter or levator ani muscle, but their therapeutic effect is inconsistent. The mechanism underlying anal sphincter or levator ani muscle tension in FARP remains unclear.

    Some studies reported that the majority of patients with functional defecation disorders had anal levator muscle pressure pain and that their defecation disorders were improved with biofeedback treatment, suggesting that rectoanal incoordination of defecation is the pathophysiology of levator ani syndrome [37]. Interestingly, this hypothesis was consistent with our finding of paradoxical contraction of the anal sphincter during defecation in 76.92% of men with FARP. Defecation coordination disorders are manifested by insufficient rectal impulsion or abnormal anal canal relaxation during defecation. Chronic pain over time may cause the patient to fear defecation, which further increases pelvic floor muscle coordination disorders. Therefore, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction may be one of the causes of FARP.

    Our findings indicate that anal resting pressure is positively correlated with sensory thresholds. The anal resting pressure mainly reflects the pressure of the internal anal sphincter (smooth muscle), so it is inferred that there may be a correlation between rectal sensitivity and smooth muscle pressure, but the mechanism of action needs to be investigated further. In contrast, the pathogenesis of FARP in patients with high anal resting pressure may be pain caused by smooth muscle spasms.

    In our study, most patients with FARP exhibited symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although no significant gender differences were observed in anxiety and depression scores, female patients tended to report higher levels of these symptoms than males. Currently, Gut-brain interaction disorder is the most widely accepted theory regarding the pathogenesis of FGIDs. These disorders are often associated with psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety, and these mood disorders cause gastrointestinal symptoms [38]. Anxiety states are widespread in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and psychological factors may influence the persistence and perceived severity of these symptoms, which are significantly associated with pain levels and physical symptoms. Women’s anxiety, depression, and somatization are more obvious [39, 40]. Pain intensity is closely related to emotional symptoms. Pain has been shown to cause emotional disorders, and emotional disorders can exacerbate pain [41]. Whether pain is a somatic manifestation of psychological disorders and whether chronic pain is the main cause of emotional problems requires further research. Although our study did not find a correlation between mood and pain, it provides a basis for guidelines for the management of mood disorders in patients with FARP, which may include central neuromodulators, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other central nervous system-targeted agents.

    There were several imitations in our study. First, as a retrospective study, we were unable to obtain complete data on VAS scores, HAM-A scores, and HAM-D scores. A prospective study is needed to further investigate the anorectal physiological characteristics of FARP. Second, we did not assess the structure and function of the pelvic floor muscles in patients with FARP using a combination of pelvic floor ultrasound and defecography. Although HARM can aid in understanding the physiological features of the anus and rectum, it is better to be combined with other examinations to improve the diagnostic system for FARP, clarify its etiology and pathogenesis.

    Continue Reading

  • BBC chief faces questions over failure to pull live stream of Bob Vylan IDF chant | BBC

    BBC chief faces questions over failure to pull live stream of Bob Vylan IDF chant | BBC

    The BBC’s director general is facing questions over why he did not pull the live-stream footage of Bob Vylan after being informed during a visit to Glastonbury of the chants calling for the death of Israeli soldiers.

    Tim Davie, who has led the BBC for nearly five years, was told of the chanting of “death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]” by Bob Vylan’s vocalist after it had been broadcast live on the BBC on Saturday afternoon.

    He was at the festival in Somerset on a visit to meet presenters and production staff when he was told that the chanting had been aired.

    “At that point he was clear it should not feature in any other Glastonbury coverage,” a BBC spokesperson said. The decision was taken that the footage of Bob Vylan would not be made available on the broadcaster’s on-demand service.

    But the live stream of the West Holts stage where Bob Vylan performed continued to be aired for a number of hours after the incident, allowing anyone watching the broadcast live to rewind it.

    The band put out a statement on Tuesday saying they were “not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group”. In an Instagram post they said: “Today a good many people would have you believe a punk band is the number one threat to world peace. Last week it was a Palestine pressure group, the week before that it was another band.

    “We are not for the death of Jews, Arabs or any other race or group of people. We are for the dismantling of a violent military machine. A machine whose own soldiers were told to use unnecessary lethal force against innocent civilians waiting for aid. A machine that has destroyed much of Gaza.

    “We, like those in the spotlight before us, are not the story. We are a distraction from the story and whatever sanctions we receive will be a distraction.”

    The Irish rap trio Kneecap, including the member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who appeared in court earlier this month charged with a terror offence, took to the stage directly after Bob Vylan and led chants of “Free Palestine”. Their performance was not livestreamed.

    The BBC did not offer any explanation for the decision made after consultation with Davie.

    The broadcaster has already issued an apology on behalf of its staff running the live operations for failing to pull away from the performance of Bob Vylan during the chanting, describing the scenes as “utterly unacceptable”.

    A BBC spokesperson said: “The director general was informed of the incident after the performance and at that point he was clear it should not feature in any other Glastonbury coverage.”

    Sir Ephraim Mirvis, the chief rabbi, said the incident was a “national shame”.

    He wrote on X: “The airing of vile Jew-hatred at Glastonbury and the BBC’s belated and mishandled response, brings confidence in our national broadcaster’s ability to treat antisemitism seriously to a new low.

    “It should trouble all decent people that now, one need only couch their outright incitement to violence and hatred as edgy political commentary, for ordinary people to not only fail to see it for what it is, but also to cheer it, chant it and celebrate it. Toxic Jew-hatred is a threat to our entire society.”

    Avon and Somerset police said on Monday they had launched an investigation into both performances after reviewing video footage and audio recordings. A senior detective has been appointed to lead the investigation.

    A police spokesperson said: “This has been recorded as a public order incident at this time while our inquiries are at an early stage.

    “The investigation will be evidence-led and will closely consider all appropriate legislation, including relating to hate crimes.”

    Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, said he had been shocked by the behaviour of some at the festival.

    He told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “There are some lessons, I think, for broadcasters from this, but let’s also not shy away from the issue, which is people in a crowd glorifying violence.

    “I don’t think it’s something we’d associate with any music festival, but it’s a wider societal problem.

    “It’s possible, I think, to be completely concerned by the scenes in Gaza and not stray into the kind of behaviour and endorsement that we saw with that performance.

    “And I’m deeply shocked to be honest, that people would even not realise what I think they’re participating in when they do that.”

    Writing on Instagram, Pascal Robinson-Foster, who performs under the name Bob Vylan, wrote: “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place …

    “Let us display to them loudly and visibly the right thing to when we want and need change. Let them see us marching in the streets, campaigning on ground level, organising online and shouting about it on any and every stage that we are offered.”

    The band is due to perform on 5 and 6 July at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester & Region has urged the venue to call off the show.

    A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said: “We are aware that Bob Vylan will be performing in Manchester at the weekend.

    “Greater Manchester is famous for promoting music of all genres and we welcome all artists to our region. However, we will act immediately on any reports of commentary or actions that could be breaking the law.”

    Continue Reading

  • SAS places record order for 55 E195-E2 to power growth and regional connectivity

    SAS places record order for 55 E195-E2 to power growth and regional connectivity

    Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has entered into an agreement to acquire 45 Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 10 aircraft — the largest SAS jet order direct from a manufacturer since 1996. This milestone agreement supports SAS’ long-term fleet renewal strategy, which is focused on increasing efficiency, reducing emissions, and unlocking future growth opportunities from its global hub in Copenhagen as well as across its Scandinavian and international network.

    The first aircraft deliveries from Embraer are scheduled to begin in late 2027, with further deliveries extending over approximately four years. Excluding purchase rights, the value for the order is approximately US$4 billion.

    “This is a defining moment for SAS,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO, SAS. “The Embraer E195-E2 is a world-class aircraft, combining outstanding performance with excellent fuel efficiency and comfort. This aircraft is key to enabling future growth and improved connectivity across Scandinavia and beyond. We’ve taken the time to make the right decision — and this major investment reflects our confidence in the future and the strength of the agreement we’ve secured.”

    The E195-E2 will play a vital role in optimizing SAS’ operations and enhancing connectivity across Scandinavia and Europe. Its size and range are ideally suited to complement SAS’ existing fleet and route structure, allowing for more frequencies, better network flexibility, and lower trip costs.

    Built for the future of sustainable aviation
    “The E2 is central to our strategy to build a modern, efficient fleet with strong performance. It enables us to serve more routes with lower emissions, better economics, and a premium experience for our passengers,” adds Van der Werff. “Together with Embraer, we are setting the course for the next chapter of SAS.”

    The E2 family of aircraft has already been tested with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and is in the process of being fully certified to fly on 100% SAF in the foreseeable future. Today blends of up to 50% SAF are already achievable.

    Arjan Meijer, President and CEO Embraer Commercial Aviation, says: “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with SAS through this landmark deal. The E2 is the quietest single aisle jet available today – 29% more fuel efficient and with a 62% reduction in noise footprint over the previous generation jet, the E195-E2 is a game-changer in terms of efficiency, performance, and passenger comfort. We are confident that these aircraft will play a crucial role in SAS’ fleet renewal and expansion strategy, supporting their ambitious growth plans and enhancing their operational capabilities.”

    Powered by Pratt & Whitney’s advanced PW1900G GTF engines, the E195-E2 delivers double-digit reductions in fuel burn, emissions, and noise compared to previous-generation aircraft. The new fleet will help lower SAS’ environmental footprint and reinforce its position as a driving force in reducing aviation’s climate impact.

    This order marks another step in SAS’ future-focused transformation, supporting a modernized fleet and improved travel experience. SAS continues to strengthen its overall network and international reach while enhancing connectivity between regional cities and global destinations through more seamless and sustainable operations.

    This order was facilitated by the support of Skyworks Holding.

    SAS was recently ranked as the world’s most punctual airline*, a testament to the company’s commitment to operational excellence and reliability.

    *SAS ranked No. 1 out of 660 airlines globally for on-time performance in April and May 2025 (source: Cirium).


    Continue Reading

  • Why is Musk calling for a new America Party over Trump’s Beautiful Bill? | Donald Trump News

    Why is Musk calling for a new America Party over Trump’s Beautiful Bill? | Donald Trump News

    Billionaire Elon Musk said on Monday that he would form a new political party in the United States if a Republican-leaning Congress passes President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”, which proposes tax breaks and funding cuts for healthcare and food programmes.

    Musk has voiced criticism of the bill on multiple occasions over the past month and began suggesting the idea of the new party on social media starting early June.

    Here is more about Musk’s reservations about the bill, and about his new proposed party.

    What has Musk said about the America Party?

    Musk has been saying that if the bill is passed, Republicans are no different from Democrats, who are often accused by conservatives of being profligate with spending taxpayers’ dollars.

    The version of the bill that the Senate is discussing at the moment, if passed by both chambers of Congress, would expand the national debt by $3.3 trillion between 2025 and 2034. The current US national debt stands at more than $36 trillion.

    “If this insane spending bill passes, the America Party will be formed the next day,” Musk posted on his social media platform, X, on Monday.

    “Our country needs an alternative to the Democrat-Republican uniparty so that the people actually have a VOICE.”

    In an earlier post, Musk wrote: “It is obvious with the insane spending of this bill, which increases the debt ceiling by a record FIVE TRILLION DOLLARS that we live in a one-party country – the PORKY PIG PARTY!!”

    The debt ceiling, set by the US Congress, determines the upper limit to the amount of money that the US Treasury can borrow. The current debt limit is $36.1 trillion.

    Why does Musk oppose the bill?

    Once a key aide and major campaign donor for Trump, Musk had a public online falling out with the president in June over his criticism of the bill.

    On June 3, Musk wrote on X: “I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore. This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.”

    Musk alleged that Trump was linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in a now-deleted post on X. However, Trump and Musk seemed to have reached a detente when Trump told reporters that he wished Musk well while the latter wrote on X on June 11 that he had gone “too far” in his criticism of the US president.

    However, since then, Musk has argued in a series of online posts that the bill would increase the debt ceiling, “bankrupt America”, and “destroy millions of jobs in America”.

    Musk owns the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla. The current version of the bill, with amendments made by the Senate, seeks to end the tax credit for purchases of EVs worth up to $7,500, starting on September 30. This could reduce the consumer demand for EVs in the US.

    What is the America Party that Musk proposed?

    On June 5, Musk posted a poll on his X account, asking his followers: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80 percent in the middle?”

    While social media polls are known to be nonrepresentative of broader public sentiment, 5.6 million people voted on the poll, and 80.4 percent responded with “yes”. Since then, Musk has repeatedly reposted the poll result, citing it as evidence that most Americans want a new party to be formed.

    “Musk believes that 80 percent of Americans are unhappy with the two major parties and are not being represented,” Natasha Lindstaedt, a professor at the Department of Government, the University of Essex, told Al Jazeera.

    While that number might not reflect the wider American public, it does point to a trend in the electorate; according to a Gallup poll from 2024, 43 percent of Americans identified as independent, 28 percent identified as Republican and 28 percent identified as Democrat. In other words, more Americans identify as independent than as either Democrat or Republican.

    One of Musk’s followers replied to a post on X with an image with the text “America Party”. The world’s richest man responded: “‘America Party’ has a nice ring to it. The party that actually represents America!”

    How real is Musk’s threat?

    Experts say Musk, whose net worth is $363bn as of Monday according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, would realistically be able to fund a third party in the US. However, it is still unclear whether he would go ahead with his plan or whether his party would have a significant effect on US elections.

    “Musk certainly has the financial power to back a third party that could be very disruptive to the Republican Party, but it’s not certain if Musk will take on this risk,” Lindstaedt said.

    Lindstaedt recalled how earlier this month, Musk backed down from his criticism of Trump on X. “If we take him at his word, he could spend hundreds of millions on this project,” she added.

    “Musk has been ramping up his criticism of the bill lately, and he may find specific legislators [particularly from the House] would be willing to defect if their constituencies are more negatively affected by Trump’s policies,” Lindstaedt said, referring to the House of Representatives. “He will also have the attention of fiscal hawks in particular.”

    Lindstaedt added that among American voters, there is a “huge appetite” for a third party.

    “The bill will leave the US spending hundreds of billions just in the interest, and the more Americans understand this, the more they may want to flock to something different. US public frustration with the traditional parties is at an all-time high, and Musk may be able to capitalise on this.”

    However, Thomas Gift, an associate professor of political science in the UCL School of Public Policy in London, said it was unclear whether Musk is serious and suggested that the barriers to breaking the Republican-Democrat duopoly are hard to scale for anyone.

    “This is Elon Musk bluffing,” he told Al Jazeera. “He knows as well as anyone that the power of party machines behind Democrats and Republicans is too much to surmount.”

    Gift added that while forming a party is possible, “winning seats in Congress or the White House is another matter entirely”.

    “At best, a third party will have little impact on US elections; at worst, it will play ‘spoiler’, taking votes from one of the two parties and de facto giving it to another.”

    What has Trump said about Musk?

    On Monday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, saying: “Elon Musk knew, long before he so strongly Endorsed me for President, that I was strongly against the EV Mandate. Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.”

    Trump added: “Without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”

    “Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!” Trump wrote, referring to the Department of Government Efficiency, an advisory body aimed at boosting government efficiency and upgrading Information Technology, that Musk formed and led at the start of Trump’s second administration, before leaving on May 30.

    Continue Reading

  • Shefali Jariwala’s last hour: A deadly price for eternal beauty

    Shefali Jariwala’s last hour: A deadly price for eternal beauty





    Shefali Jariwala’s last hour: A deadly price for eternal beauty – Daily Times


































    Continue Reading

  • Over 5,000 unaccompanied Afghan children return from Iran: UNICEF – ANI News

    1. Over 5,000 unaccompanied Afghan children return from Iran: UNICEF  ANI News
    2. Over 230,000 Afghans left Iran in June ahead of deadline  Dawn
    3. Nowhere to run: The Afghan refugees caught in Israel’s war on Iran  Al Jazeera
    4. No Safe Return: The Case Against Deporting Afghan Refugees  The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine
    5. TAWDIKHABARI – Deportation of Afghan Refugees from Iran, Pakistan Discussed  TOLOnews

    Continue Reading

  • Aftermath of an Israeli air attack on a Gaza cafe | Israel-Palestine conflict News

    Aftermath of an Israeli air attack on a Gaza cafe | Israel-Palestine conflict News

    Israeli forces killed at least 95 people in Gaza on Monday with air raids that left 39 dead at a seaside cafe and gunfire that killed Palestinians trying to get desperately needed food aid, witnesses and health officials said.

    One air raid hit al-Baqa Cafe in Gaza City when it was crowded with women and children, said Ali Abu Ateila, who was inside at the time.

    “Without warning, all of a sudden, a warplane hit the place, shaking it like an earthquake,” he said.

    At least 39 people were killed and dozens were wounded, many critically.

    Among the dead was journalist Ismail Abu Hatab, as well as women and children who had gathered at the cafe.

    The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said more than 220 journalists had been killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023.

    The cafe, one of the few businesses to continue operating during the 20-month war, was a gathering spot for residents seeking internet access and a place to charge their phones.

    Continue Reading