Global Pulse

分类： politics

  • Trump gets approval for gold coin in his likeness

    Trump gets approval for gold coin in his likeness

    A presidential advisory commission exclusively appointed by former President Donald Trump has authorized the creation of a commemorative gold coin bearing his likeness, generating significant political controversy. The approved design, confirmed by officials on Thursday, depicts Trump standing with clenched fists atop a desk on one side, while the reverse showcases an eagle with outstretched wings perched atop a bell-shaped object.

    The coin commemorates America’s 250th anniversary since founding, though it carries no monetary value as legal tender. While official pricing remains undisclosed, comparable commemorative coins issued by the US Mint typically command prices exceeding $1,000.

    US Treasurer Brandon Beach expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We are thrilled to prepare coins that represent the enduring spirit of our country and democracy. There is no profile more emblematic for the front of such coins than that of our serving president.” Beach clarified that this design would differ from Trump imagery planned for two additional coins: a circulating $1 piece and a separate one-ounce gold coin.

    The approval process proved contentious from its inception. Last October, Trump dismissed all six members of the US Commission of Fine Arts, replacing them with personally selected appointees. Another advisory body, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, had previously refused to place Trump’s coin on its February agenda for discussion.

    Historical precedent adds another layer to the controversy. As noted by committee member Donald Scarinci, no democratic nation since the 1776 Declaration of Independence has issued coins featuring democratically elected leaders during their active service. “Only those nations ruled by kings or dictators display the image of their sitting ruler on the coins of the realm,” Scarinci remarked during the February deliberations.

    The Commission of Fine Arts declined to comment when approached by AFP regarding the design approval, despite multiple media outlets having obtained and published images of the proposed coin.

  • Australia PM heckled at Sydney mosque Ramadan event

    Australia PM heckled at Sydney mosque Ramadan event

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encountered vocal protests during an Eid al-Fitr ceremony at Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque on Friday, highlighting deepening tensions within the nation’s Muslim community regarding the government’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

    Accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, the prime minister attended morning prayers upon invitation from community leaders, marking the first such prime ministerial visit since the October 7th escalation of Middle Eastern hostilities. During proceedings, multiple attendees interrupted the event with chants of ‘genocide supporters’ and demands for the politicians to leave the premises.

    The Lebanese Muslim Association, which administers the mosque, subsequently issued a formal statement acknowledging heightened emotions while defending their engagement strategy with elected officials. ‘Choosing to engage with the leadership of this country is not a betrayal of our concerns,’ the organization stated. ‘It is how we give them a voice.’

    Law enforcement removed one particularly vocal protester from the premises, though no charges were filed according to Australian Associated Press reports. The incident represents the latest in a series of politically charged encounters at Australian Islamic events, following similar disruptions during last year’s federal election campaign.

    Security concerns have intensified for the Lakemba community, with the mosque receiving multiple threatening letters in recent months that prompted police investigations. Despite the reception, Prime Minister Albanese characterized his participation as ‘an honor’ in social media posts featuring photographs of him greeting worshippers.

  • Trump 24-karat gold coin approved by hand-picked federal panel

    Trump 24-karat gold coin approved by hand-picked federal panel

    A federal arts commission has unanimously approved the design of a 24-karat gold coin featuring President Donald Trump, intended to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July. The controversial coin depicts Trump with his fists pressed against a desk in a pose derived from an official White House photograph.

    The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts endorsed the design following a presentation by the U.S. Mint, despite apparent conflicts with federal regulations that typically prohibit living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency. The issuance proceeds under the authority of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who holds discretionary power to authorize proof gold coins.

    Commission Vice-Chairman James McCrery not only moved to approve the design but enthusiastically recommended maximizing its dimensions, suggesting a potential diameter of up to three inches—significantly larger than the standard quarter dollar’s sub-one-inch width.

    This development occurs against a contentious backdrop: Trump replaced the commission’s entire membership with allies last year, while Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York previously proposed legislation—the Trump (The Restrict Ugly Money Portraits) Act—specifically designed to prevent presidents from issuing currency bearing their own likeness. The bill failed to advance through Congress.

    If minted as expected following Bessent’s anticipated order, Trump would become only the second U.S. president after Calvin Coolidge to appear on coinage during his lifetime. The U.S. Mint has declined to comment on the proceedings.

  • Japan PM placates Trump on Iran, but faces Pearl Harbor surprise

    Japan PM placates Trump on Iran, but faces Pearl Harbor surprise

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi navigated delicate diplomatic waters during her White House meeting with President Donald Trump on Thursday, successfully averting confrontation over Middle Eastern security concerns while weathering an unexpected historical reference to Pearl Harbor.

    The Oval Office meeting began positively as Trump, who had recently criticized allied nations for insufficient support in securing the Strait of Hormuz, praised Japan’s evolving contributions to Middle East stability. “Based on statements given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate,” Trump announced alongside the Japanese leader, conspicuously adding “unlike NATO” in continuation of his criticism toward European allies.

    Just prior to the bilateral meeting, Japan joined five nations including Britain and France in declaring readiness “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”—a crucial waterway transporting approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies. Trump noted the particular significance for Japan, which imports nearly 90 percent of its oil through the strait.

    The diplomatic atmosphere shifted dramatically when Trump responded to a Japanese reporter’s question about allied consultation prior to U.S. strikes against Iran. “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” the president remarked, referencing Japan’s December 7, 1941 attack that propelled American entry into World War II. Prime Minister Takaichi visibly reacted with widened eyes and slight recoil at the unexpected historical analogy.

    Despite this moment of tension, the meeting concluded with significant economic announcements, including a $40 billion project to construct nuclear reactors in Tennessee and Alabama, plus a $33 billion investment in natural gas power generation facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas. These developments follow Tokyo’s commitment last year to invest $550 billion in the United States through 2029 in exchange for reduced tariff threats.

    The relationship remains critically important for Japan, which hosts approximately 60,000 U.S. troops and relies on American security guarantees amid growing regional assertiveness from China. However, domestic challenges loom for Takaichi as rising oil and gas prices resulting from Middle Eastern conflicts threaten to increase living costs for Japanese families and businesses.

  • North Korean leader Kim and his daughter rides a tank together during army training

    North Korean leader Kim and his daughter rides a tank together during army training

    North Korean state media has released unprecedented imagery showing leader Kim Jong Un and his teenage daughter participating in joint tank exercises, marking their latest high-profile military appearance together. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Friday that Kim personally supervised combat drills involving armored units and infantry troops on Thursday, demanding enhanced war readiness capabilities.

    Photographs disseminated by state media depict both Kim and his daughter, believed to be approximately 13-year-old Kim Ju Ae, clad in matching black leather jackets while riding inside an olive-green military tank alongside uniformed soldiers. The images capture the young girl peering through the tank’s hatch opening while her father smiles from his position atop the armored vehicle.

    This military demonstration occurs against the backdrop of ongoing joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which Pyongyang consistently characterizes as invasion rehearsals. The annual drills concluded their computer-simulated phase on Thursday but continue with field training operations.

    The teenage daughter’s frequent appearances at significant military events since late 2022 have generated intense international speculation regarding her political future. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service previously suggested Kim might be preparing to designate her as his successor, though some analysts remain skeptical given North Korea’s traditionally male-dominated power structure and Kim’s relatively young age of approximately 40.

    Last week, the father-daughter duo conducted pistol firing exercises during an inspection of a light weapons facility and observed live-fire tests of multiple rocket launch systems. Their relationship has been prominently showcased in state media, which regularly describes her as Kim’s “most beloved” child and has published numerous images demonstrating their close bond, including footage of her kissing his cheek during New Year celebrations.

  • Qatar calls for ‘immediate’ end to war on Iran after attack on gas facility

    Qatar calls for ‘immediate’ end to war on Iran after attack on gas facility

    In a significant diplomatic development, Qatar has become the first major Gulf energy producer to issue an unconditional demand for the immediate cessation of hostilities between US-Israeli forces and Iran. The call came during a joint press conference in Doha on Thursday where Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani stood alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

    “This war needs to stop immediately. The aggression needs to stop immediately,” stated Sheikh Mohammed, marking a notable departure from the more conditional stance taken by other Arab and Muslim nations. Just one day earlier, a collective statement from eleven nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE had specifically called for an end to Iranian attacks without demanding a comprehensive ceasefire.

    The Qatari position carries substantial weight given the country’s critical role in global energy markets. The conflict has already inflicted severe damage on Qatar’s energy infrastructure, with QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi revealing that recent Iranian missile strikes severely damaged the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. The attack reportedly knocked out 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity, resulting in an estimated $20 billion in annual lost revenue with repairs expected to take three to five years.

    The Prime Minister’s remarks included a pointed reference to regional dynamics, noting that “everyone knows who the main beneficiary of this war is,” a statement widely interpreted as criticism of Israel. This aligns with assessments that Israel’s earlier strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field precipitated the current escalation.

    The economic implications extend far beyond Qatar’s borders. As supplier of approximately 20% of global LNG, Qatar’s reduced capacity is already triggering price surges in Asian and European markets. Energy analysts confirm there are no immediate alternatives to Qatari gas supplies.

    Meanwhile, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi published an analysis in The Economist arguing that continued conflict serves neither American nor Iranian interests, suggesting Israel seeks to prolong hostilities to undermine the Islamic Republic.

    The conflict has also demonstrated Iran’s expanded military reach, with attacks reaching deep into Saudi Arabia targeting the vicinity of Yanbu, the kingdom’s crucial Red Sea crude export facility, highlighting Iran’s capacity to project power beyond the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz which it effectively controls.

  • Pentagon wants over $200 billion to fund Trump’s Iran war

    Pentagon wants over $200 billion to fund Trump’s Iran war

    The Pentagon has formally requested congressional approval for over $200 billion in supplemental funding to support military operations in Iran, according to a Washington Post report. This substantial financial request comes as the Trump administration contemplates deploying additional thousands of troops to the Middle East, signaling potential expansion of the conflict into a prolonged engagement with possible ground invasion capabilities.

    The funding figure, which represents quadruple the amount previously discussed in recent days, has encountered immediate resistance from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) declared the proposal “an absolute nonstarter,” emphasizing that cutting off funding represents the most effective method to conclude the conflict and restrain what he characterized as a “lawless administration.”

    Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) provided historical context, noting that “at the height of combat the Iraq War cost around $140 billion per year,” suggesting the current request indicates preparation for an extended military campaign.

    The funding package faces significant legislative hurdles, requiring 60 votes for Senate passage and necessitating some Democratic support. Neither Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) had responded to the funding request reports at the time of publication.

    This development follows reports that U.S. investigators have determined American forces were responsible for bombing an Iranian elementary school during the initial phase of the conflict, resulting in approximately 175 casualties, predominantly children.

    Simultaneously, Reuters reported the administration is considering substantial troop deployments to reinforce Middle East operations, including potential missions to secure oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz and possible operations on Iran’s Kharg Island—a move described by officials as “very risky” given Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.

    Dylan Williams of the Center for International Policy observed that “we are seeing the Iran war become a quagmire in real time,” criticizing the rapidly escalating funding requests as demonstrating “a total lack of understanding or control over what he has gotten us into.”

    Foreign policy journalist Laura Rozen suggested the administration “blundered into what he thought would be a few day ‘excursion’” without adequate preparation or strategic clarity, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the $200 billion as merely “the tip of the iceberg” in terms of ultimate costs.

  • China urges immediate end to military action in Middle East

    China urges immediate end to military action in Middle East

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has issued a stark warning about the escalating Middle East conflict, emphasizing its detrimental impact on global shared interests during a high-level phone discussion with British counterpart Yvette Cooper. The diplomatic exchange occurred against the backdrop of expanding regional hostilities that threaten international stability.

    Minister Wang articulated China’s firm position that prolonged military engagement benefits no nation, asserting that an immediate cessation of hostilities reflects the collective will of the international community. He highlighted the conflict’s far-reaching consequences beyond regional security, noting its disruptive effects on critical global systems including energy markets, financial networks, trade routes, and maritime shipping operations.

    The Chinese diplomat emphasized the necessity of resolving differences through equitable dialogue mechanisms, urging all involved parties to prioritize regional peace and stability. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, both China and Britain bear special responsibility for maintaining international peace, Wang noted, calling for enhanced bilateral coordination to uphold UN Charter principles and fundamental norms of international relations.

    British Foreign Secretary Cooper presented the UK’s perspective on the Middle East situation, acknowledging the increasingly turbulent global landscape. She expressed Britain’s desire to maintain close communication channels with China to facilitate conflict resolution, promote diplomatic negotiations, and work toward sustainable long-term solutions.

    Both officials also discussed bilateral relations, agreeing to actively implement leadership consensus, strengthen exchanges, and advance their comprehensive strategic partnership. This cooperation, they concurred, could provide crucial stability and predictability during a period of global transformation and uncertainty.

  • NSW to propose per capita GST model after worst-ever tax share

    NSW to propose per capita GST model after worst-ever tax share

    The New South Wales government has launched a formal campaign to dismantle Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) distribution framework, labeling it fundamentally broken and unfair. This move follows the state’s receipt of its worst-ever share from the national tax pool, intensifying a long-standing fiscal feud among Australia’s states and territories.

    Treasurer Daniel Mookhey revealed that NSW would submit a proposal to the Productivity Commission advocating for a complete overhaul. The core of the NSW argument centers on the controversial 2018 Morrison government reforms, which established a GST ‘floor.’ This mechanism ensured that mineral-rich Western Australia would receive no less than 75 cents per person for every dollar of GST collected from states like NSW and Victoria. This arrangement was recently extended by the Albanese government, a decision that safeguards approximately $6 billion in revenue for WA.

    NSW contends that this system has cost its economy a staggering $8.6 billion over the past four years alone—funds it states could have allocated to employing over 14,000 teachers or 13,500 nurses. Under the most recent Commonwealth Grants Commission recommendation, Victoria received $1.4 billion more in GST revenue than NSW for the upcoming period.

    The proposed NSW solution is a shift to an equal per capita distribution of GST grants. This would see funds allocated purely based on population share, with the federal government using its own budget to provide ‘top-up’ payments to smaller jurisdictions like the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, ensuring they are no worse off. Mookhey argued this would relieve NSW from ‘carrying the federation all by itself.’

    As a potential compromise, NSW has also proposed a return to a modified pre-2018 system by 2030-31 if a consensus cannot be reached on the per capita model. This modified system would feature a lower floor of 50 cents per dollar and require the Commission to provide four-year relativity forecasts for greater transparency. While every state and territory except Western Australia has reportedly criticized the current model, WA Premier Roger Cook’s government remains a staunch defender of the 2018 arrangements that have significantly benefited its budget.

  • Denmark planned to blow up Greenland runways if US invaded, reports say

    Denmark planned to blow up Greenland runways if US invaded, reports say

    In a startling revelation, Denmark’s public broadcaster DR has exposed covert military preparations made in response to former US President Donald Trump’s persistent ambitions to acquire Greenland. According to extensive reporting based on twelve high-level sources within the Danish government, military, and European allies, Danish forces were dispatched to the Arctic island in January with explicit instructions to defend against a potential American invasion.

    The operation, publicly branded as ‘Operation Arctic Endurance’—a joint military exercise—masked a grave strategic contingency plan. Elite Danish soldiers, alongside contingents from France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, were flown to key locations including the capital Nuuk and the critical airfield at Kangerlussuaq. Their classified orders included preparations to demolish airport runways to prevent US military aircraft from landing, a desperate measure to raise the ‘cost’ of any hostile takeover. Military planners also pre-positioned blood supplies, anticipating potential casualties from armed conflict between the NATO allies.

    The geopolitical crisis escalated dramatically following a lightning US military operation in Venezuela on January 3rd, which resulted in the seizure of President Nicolás Maduro. This demonstration of unilateral force sent shockwaves through European capitals. The very next day, Trump publicly reiterated his strategic desire for Greenland, telling reporters, ‘We need Greenland from a national security situation. It’s so strategic,’ while making unsubstantiated claims about Russian and Chinese naval activity around the island.

    Fearing that the Trump administration believed it ‘could walk on water’ after Venezuela, Danish officials urgently sought and received political backing from France, Germany, and other Nordic nations. This European solidarity was manifested through the deployment of joint forces and military assets, including a French naval vessel dispatched toward the North Atlantic. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly pledged to reinforce the initial contingent, though the underlying defensive motive remained concealed.

    The tense standdown concluded on January 21st at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump unexpectedly declared he would not use force to acquire Greenland, stating, ‘All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.’ The Danish Defence Ministry has declined to comment on the reports, citing operational security, while a senior anonymous military official confirmed that knowledge of the operation’s true purpose was restricted to a very limited circle.