by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | international relations, military, news, politics, politics and law
Two U.S. conservative periodicals have urged the Trump administration to remove its forces from the Kogălniceanu Base in Romania, arguing that the choice was “undemocratic.”
block Călin Georgescu’s candidacy
And the significant expense associated with the base.
The
first article
Published in The American Conservative, the article entitled “It’s Time to Sever Ties with Romania” is penned by Anthony J. Constantini. In this piece, the author criticizes Romania’s Constitutional Court.
canceling the 2024 presidential elections
and prohibiting Calin Georgescu from participating again. He states this
condemnations issued by U.S. Vice President JD Vance
serve as a positive initial move, yet “the Trump administration should take additional steps by utilizing this chance to clearly state its intention to withdraw troops and support from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.”
Days later,
another article
In an opinion piece published on the conservative platform The National Interest, it was suggested that “reassessing” America’s ties with Romania could serve as a foundational move towards overhauling NATO. Like in the previous article, the writer mentions how far-right pro-Russian contender Calin Georgescu was disqualified from contesting the presidency. Additionally, the author contends that the decisions of the Romanian Constitutional Court were made under the endorsement of the Biden administration.
“Pulling out troops from Romania might unsettle NATO, indeed, yet it would showcase America’s determination and spur Europeans into taking concrete steps toward strategic independence rather than merely discussing it. Such a move could also serve as leverage to motivate Russia to stop combat operations in Ukraine, considering their longstanding concern over NATO forces advancing further east,” writes author Michael Hall.
The two articles could potentially signal a significant change in the relationship between the United States and Romania. During an interview,
HotNews
According to security expert Iulia Joja, the possibility of troop withdrawal from the base by the US remains plausible.
“In just a couple of days, two articles emerged suggesting this might be part of a coordinated effort. Upon closer examination, they share common threads, focusing specifically on the Kogălniceanu base. We could have potentially discussed another location like the one in Deveselu instead,” said Iulia Joja, who teaches at both Georgetown and George Washington Universities.
Furthermore, in each instance, an immediate connection exists between the creator or distributor of the publication and Russia. Dmitri Simes, who previously served as the CEO of the Center for the National Interest, hails from Moscow and reportedly sustains connections to Russia, as reported by U.S. media outlets. The writer behind the piece in The American Conservative, Anthony J. Constantini, pursued his education in Vienna and earned a Master’s degree in arms control and strategic studies from Saint Petersburg State University.
Russia has frequently objected to the presence of the Kogălniceanu base. The decision to withdraw might align with the Trump administration’s approach of extreme accommodation towards Putin.
Joja states that for Russia, having a military base – which happens to be one of NATO’s biggest installations – where troops from Western countries such as America, France, Britain, or Germany could be deployed poses a significant issue.
“The expert emphasized that we should not view these as mere coincidences, particularly considering the connections between certain authors, publishers, and Russian affiliations. Additionally, it is noteworthy how closely aligned the statements made by the Trump administration about the eastern flank, European security, and Ukraine align with Russia’s strategic objectives,” she added. “Given this alignment, Russian intelligence services would logically advocate for policies aimed at hindering NATO expansions, such as the development of the Kogălniceanu military base, using whatever means necessary—even fabricated information,” the analyst concluded.
Shutting down the base would directly contradict this.
earlier statement
According to reports from US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, in February he informed Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu that the military bases in Romania would not only remain but also undergo expansion.
By February 2025, approximately 5,000 foreign troops were stationed in Romania, with just 1,500 being Americans distributed across three main locations: Kogălniceanu, Deveselu, and Câmpia Turzii. Among these sites, Kogălniceanu accommodates the most personnel at roughly 1,000 soldiers. In contrast, Poland hosts around 10,000 U.S. military members within its borders.
radu@romania-insider.com
(Photo credit: Inquam Photos/George Calin)
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | gaza israel conflict, israel and the gaza strip, news, palestine, politics
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt met with Mohammed Ishtayeh, his Palestinian counterpart, in Cairo on Sunday. They discussed recent events in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as well as initiatives for establishing a truce and aiding in the rebuilding of Gaza.
Madbouly said during his address that Egypt’s plan for reconstructing Gaza, endorsed at the most recent Arab Summit, will require enhanced collaboration with multiple regional and international entities, along with the Palestinians, to finalize details concerning its execution.
The Egyptian representative additionally stressed the critical necessity of halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip to cease the shedding of Palestinian blood and commence rebuilding efforts.
In his statement, Mustafa emphasized the significance of maintaining the truce in Gaza. He pointed out the continuous collaboration with Arab and Islamic nations along with global entities concerning the area’s circumstances and the arrangements being made for the upcoming Gaza Reconstruction Conference.
The post
Egypt and Palestine talk about ways to achieve a truce in the Gaza Strip.
appeared first on
LIFEHACKEnglish – Morocco News
.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, government regulations, news, politics, politics and government
Elena Lasconi, the presidential candidate and head of the pro-reform Save Romania Union (USR) opposition party, stated that it would be highly beneficial for the government to close down TikTok prior to the upcoming presidential elections in May.
During her visit to Slatina, which is located in southern Romania, Lasconi expressed these views. She also mentioned that the widely used Chinese social network would be temporarily shut down to avoid external interference.
“If we cannot get such assurances from them, I think it would be wise to close it for at least one or two weeks prior to the presidential elections and then restart operations,” Lasconi stated to reporters.
The contender who secured the second position in the
canceled presidential elections scheduled for 2024
, barely edging out Social Democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, stated that “incompetence” has led Romania to a critical juncture where shutting down TikTok would be necessary.
“I am an advocate for free speech and democratic principles, however, considering the potential risks posed by both governmental and non-governmental interference, which has been brought to our attention, I think we can proceed with making this decision,” stated Elena Lasconi during a press briefing, according to reports.
Agerpres
.
Lasconi additionally mentioned that false information spreads unchecked on TikTok, and he pointed out that the nine government bodies responsible for safeguarding the digital space are not fulfilling their duties effectively.
“We have specific proposals, such as a legislative initiative presented to Parliament, which mandates that false information must be removed within a maximum of 15 minutes, and content with potential manipulation should not reach more than 150 individuals. Although there is a proposed bill, I notice that it remains untouched in a drawer,” she said.
Other political leaders in Romania have repeatedly rejected banning the popular social media platform, which has amassed around 9 million users in Romania, roughly 47% of the population. Experts say Romania is especially vulnerable to fake news, as it has the lowest digital literacy skills in the EU, at around 1 in 2, compared to the Union average of 71%.
radu@romania-insider.com
(Photo source: Inquam Photos | Adriana Neagoe)
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | economics, gold, money, news, precious metals
Gold prices remained largely unchanged on Monday morning following their sharp decline from all-time peak levels at the end of last week.
The gold bar pricing set by Saigon Jewelry Company stood at VND97.4 million (US$3,798.76) per tael. Previously, it had hit an all-time peak of VND100.4 million the preceding Thursday.
The cost of gold rings increased by 0.1%, reaching VND97.1 million per tael. Last Thursday, it reached an all-time high of VND100.7 million. One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or approximately 1.2 ounces.
Worldwide, gold saw minimal movement on Monday with traders awaiting new stimuli following a previous surge that lifted prices to all-time peaks. This rise was driven by geopolitical tensions and expectations for reductions in U.S. interest rates.
Reuters
reported.
Spot gold remained steady at $3,025.38 per ounce. Meanwhile, U.S. gold futures climbed by 0.3%, reaching $3,029.70. The precious metal had hit an all-time peak of $3,057.21 on Thursday.
”
Gold is still well-positioned
For additional gains, markets might continue to be wary of potential adverse growth impacts from tariffs. However, this downside risk could be somewhat mitigated if aRussia-Ukraine cease-fire agreement moves nearer to implementation,” noted Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
“President Trump has created some flexibility regarding the reciprocal tariffs, possibly making them less harsh than anticipated, which has somewhat eased market concerns but…it has also reduced the upward trajectory of gold prices,” according to Waterer.
Zero-yield bullion is considered a safeguard against geopolitical and economic instabilities, along with inflation.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | controversies, funding, government, healthcare and medicine, news
Letters canceling funding, which abruptly halts millions of rand worth of HIV and TB research grants sponsored by the U.S. government at South African universities, began arriving over the weekend. According to an impacted researcher, it’s expected that more than 300 such grants will be terminated by the end of Sunday. This situation has significant repercussions for higher education and research institutions, including substantial job cuts.
Certain specialists approximate that around 70% of South Africa’s medical research funding, equivalent to approximately $400 million (roughly R7.2 billion) including both primary and subsidiary grants from the previous fiscal year, originates from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH comprises numerous components supporting this significant contribution.
27 institutes and centres
Each initiative targets a particular field of study. The NIH funds roughly seventy-five percent of global biomedical research.
On Friday night, the University of the Witwatersrand hosted an event.
Wits Health Consortium
The unit responsible for managing the institution’s clinical trials and donor-funded initiatives has received termination notices for all parts of a $2.5 million (approximately R460 million) grant, which concludes in November 2027. This particular grant was provided via the NIH.
National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
.
Letters canceling funding, issued on behalf of the chief grants management officer at USAID, Emily Linde, appear to follow a typical format. These letters inform researchers that their projects “fail to advance understanding of biological processes, yield minimal financial benefits, and do not improve public well-being, longevity, or disease reduction.” Additionally, they suggest these initiatives may negatively impact “the wellbeing of American citizens.”
The Wits project was conducted
by lead researchers Helen Rees, who heads the
Wits Reproductive Health Institute
, with Ian Sanne leading the Clinical HIV Research Unit and now also contributing to the international development organization,
Palladium
as its
chief medical officer
.
Ironically, our grant concluded on Human Rights Day, a time meant for aiding and protecting those who are most susceptible,” Sanne said to Bhekisisa. “Now, however, the U.S. government is compelling us to act contrary to these principles. Abruptly halting study participation could place trial volunteers in harm’s way. Does this align with global ethical standards for human research?
The study, ongoing since 2007, came under the
The Wits Research Group Clinical Trials Unit,
and carried out HIV and TB prevention and treatment studies, along with clinical trials for hepatitis and HIV-associated cancers.
Letters of termination were received on Human Rights Day
Other grants that have apparently been terminated up until now encompass research initiatives at the
Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa
, Caprisa,
headed up
by Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim
Several South African universities, which received sub-grants for health research from U.S. institutions like Columbia University in New York, received cease-and-desist directives on Friday following the loss of funding by the American entities. At present, these South African organizations wish to remain unnamed.
Science magazine
reports
The ex-leader of the South African Medical Research Council, Glenda Gray was informed that her $3.1 million (approximately R56.5 million) grant for a clinical trial unit in Soweto [operated via Wits] has shifted from an approved to a pending status.
The
Center for AIDS Research Program in South Africa
, Caprisa,
headed up
By Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, who receive substantial funding from the NIH, is currently on high alert. “So far, we haven’t gotten any notices of termination for our NIH grants,” said Salim Abdool Karim to Bhekisisa early Sunday morning.
TB funding ends as the US confronts TB outbreaks.
Throughout the years, certain HIV prevention research conducted within Sanne’s and Rees’s initiative has focused on populations more susceptible to contracting HIV. These include adolescent girls and young women in Africa, transgender individuals, and female sex workers.
The cancellation email mentioned that their “award no longer aligns with agency goals” and noted that “research programs focused mainly on artificial and nonscientific criteria, such as vague equity aims, go against scientific exploration, fail to broaden our understanding of living organisms, yield minimal benefits for investments made, and ultimately do not improve health outcomes, extend lifespan, or decrease illnesses.”
Worst of all, the note said, “so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) studies are often used to support unlawful discrimination on the basis of race and other protected characteristics, which harms the health of Americans. Therefore, it is the policy of NIH not to prioritise such research programmes.
The allusions in the letter to diversity, equity, and inclusion probably pertain to the work conducted at Wits regarding transgender individuals and female sex workers—categories of people disapproved of by the Trump administration.
On the evening of his inauguration, which took place on January 20, the president
signed an executive order
banning people’s right to identify as transgender or non-binary individuals. There are only two genders, the executive order declared: male and female.
However, Sanne argues that the mentions of DEI in their letter are not logical. Despite having conducted some studies on communities like transgender individuals and sex workers, much of their work centers around developing efficient treatments for pediatric tuberculosis and improving medications for those with multi-drug resistant TB, along with focusing on preventative measures against TB.
In numerous aspects, our work aligns perfectly with President Trump’s vision of ‘making America great.’ It enhances American safety, strength, and prosperity by safeguarding citizens from tuberculosis-related illnesses. Moreover, a significant portion of the patents and intellectual property for the novel medications we evaluate belong to U.S.-based firms.
SUBHEAD: Experts weigh in
Linda-Gail Bekner, who leads the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation at the University of Cape Town and also obtains NIH funding, cautions that this further setback to our clinical research sector occurs when new TB infections are ”
are at their peak levels in many years within the USA
”.
Kansas is presently experiencing the biggest tuberculosis outbreak that the United States has witnessed in this period.
past 30-40 years
(TB is a condition that has been well-managed in the U.S. for many years.) Furthermore,
60TB of data related to disease cases, along with two fatalities, have been reported.
.
By Saturday, Bekker hadn’t gotten a cancellation letter regarding her grant, yet she states: “Reducing the impact of HIV and TB epidemics to the point where they no longer pose a major public health risk is a matter of worldwide importance. South Africa has taken considerable steps and made notable contributions toward advancing this cause.”
Yogan Pillay, who leads HIV and TB initiatives at the Gates Foundation – an organization that also supports HIV andTB research and stands to be affected by U.S. government budget reductions – cautions: “These cuts will halt progress in both prevention and treatment of HIV. As a result, eradicating or even controlling AIDS has become nothing more than an illusion, with HIV continuing to proliferate.”
“It’s absolutely tragic.”
Trump stated, “Corrective action cannot be taken here.”
The Wits project conducted significant TB research. One
study
Published in February and featured on the NIH website, this study examined the effectiveness of administering double doses of the antiretroviral medication dolutegravir in TB patients.
Previous trials looked at
How secure was it for expectant mothers with HIV to use preventative tuberculosis medication?
, at how effective long-acting, injectable versions of antiretroviral therapy are
worked for teens
And how effective this bi-monthly HIV injection is
worked
.
Sanne states, “It’s unimaginable that [the alleged] Elon Musk-led governmental office for efficiency doesn’t grasp that there is more going on beyond merely DEI initiatives through HIV and various other research endeavors.”
The email stated: “While NIH typically opts for suspending (instead of outright terminating) a grant and provides the recipient a chance to undertake necessary corrective actions prior to making a final termination decision, such measures cannot be taken in this instance.”
The essence of this award is at odds with the agency’s goals, and no changes to the project would bring it in line with these priorities.
Terminations not unexpected
However, the termination of the grants was not unforeseen — or at least not since last week.
On March 12,
Science magazine reported
Matthew Memoli, who was serving as the acting director of the NIH, requested officials at the institute to assemble lists of grants related to South Africa. This email mirrored the phrasing used in previous NIH inquiries that resulted in the cancellation of numerous grants focused on areas such as transgender health, vaccine hesitance, and others not supported by the current administration.
At least
300 US university projects
have also had their grants revoked by the Trump administration, with numerous institutions being US universities.
resulting in demonstrations throughout the United States
.
These terminations are part of what the Trump administration views as cost-saving measures or research that doesn’t align with their beliefs, and such cuts are expected to keep happening globally.
SA researchers have initiated discussions with philanthropic foundations and the government to provide financial support, according to Sanne, who notes that “there haven’t been definite results” yet.
Projects in South Africa that received cancellation notices were informed that they had the opportunity to “contest and submit data and documents refuting” their termination decisions.
However, they must initially go through a “first-level grant appeal process” which needs to be completed before they can proceed to “file an appeal with the departmental appeals board.”
If projects decide to contest the decision, they must file an appeal within 30 days of receiving their termination notice.
Sanne mentions his intention to utilize the appeals process, and should those efforts not succeed, he aims to negotiate an ethical and responsible method for terminating the trials. “Our research saves lives, and the NIH has supported us in this endeavor,” he states. “Now, what we must do is persuade them of the importance of continuing our work instead of ending decades of investment which could lead to the loss of many lives.”
The Gates Foundation is referenced in this piece. Although Bhekisisa receives financial support from the Foundation, it maintains its independence in editing and content decisions.
This tale was crafted by the
Bhekisisa Center for Health Journalism
. Register for the
newsletter
.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | children, health, news, politics, women
The child of an older British couple who have been detained
Afghanistan
For unspecified reasons, she expressed concern that her parents might pass away in prison due to their declining health.
Peter, aged 79, and Barbie Reynolds, who is 75 years old, were taken into custody upon returning to their residence in Bamiyan province on February 1 for reasons that have not yet been disclosed.
Although they were not formally accused of any offenses, it is thought that the
Taliban
showed interest in the pair as they conducted a class instructing women about parenting techniques since the extremist organization imposes strict limitations on female education.
Nearly two months since their arrest, Sarah Entwistle, the family’s oldest daughter, stated that her father’s health was deteriorating and her mother was collapsing because of malnutrition.
As Peter became estranged from his spouse and was transferred to a high-security facility controlled by the Taliban, he began experiencing a chest infection, a dual-eye ailment, and serious gastrointestinal problems, according to Entwistle’s statement to the Times. The report also noted that without prompt medical intervention, his condition could be fatal.
She stated: “He’s having shakes in his head and left arm.”
Sarah informed the press that her family felt extremely exasperated because her parents were still being detained by the Taliban despite repeated assurances from them that Peter and Barbie would soon be freed due to some confusion.
“The guards mentioned that another judge will now take over this case, and we still hold out hope that they will get a just hearing in the upcoming week,” Entwistle stated.
This occurred just days after the pair was reportedly taken to court unexpectedly along with their interpreter, who has since been detained as a ‘suspect.’
In a concerning update relayed to the Mail, Sarah Entwistle, the Reynolds’ daughter from Daventry, Northamptonshire, mentioned that Mrs. Reynolds had phoned her using a public telephone to share the ‘upsetting’ information about their impending appearance in court on Thursday.
Mrs. Entwistle stated, “No charges have been brought against them, and they have not been notified.”
The cause of the court appearance is still not evident.
Alarmed, the interpreter assisting the couple—who has been looking after Mr. Reynolds during his medical issues—is now being held as a “suspect” without having been informed of the accusations against them, she mentioned.
‘He will no longer be allowed to translate for them, and is also due to be produced in court, together with them, tomorrow.
‘Mother is clearly very worried that without a capable interpreter, their case might not be portrayed accurately or justly and they won’t be able to fully understand or participate in the legal process, which would severely violate their rights.’
Mrs. Entwistle mentioned that the Reynolds chose not to abandon Afghanistan when the Taliban suddenly took control in August 2021, asserting they couldn’t depart while Afghans faced their moment of crisis.
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds got married in Kabul back in 1970, having met each other while studying at Bath University.
They possess both British and Afghan citizenship and have resided in the nation for 18 years.
They operate five educational institutions in Kabul, including a program for training mothers and children that is said to have been endorsed by the Taliban.
Read more
