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2025-01-13 2025 European Cup 7i'vzd a1P!U/RM
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7i'vzd a1P!U/RMFor more than a decade, the United States has sought to keep out of Syria's political debacle, seeing no viable partner. Islamist rebels' toppling of strongman Bashar al-Assad has forced a change of tune -- and a debate over just what US interests are. Donald Trump, who returns to the White House in little more than a month, on the eve of Assad's fall called Syria "a mess" and stated in his plain-speaking style that the United States should not be involved. Joe Biden's administration, after putting Syria on the backburner in a turbulent region, has offered a tacit rebuttal by stating that clear US interests are at stake -- including preventing Syria from fragmenting and avoiding a resurgence of the Islamic State extremist group. Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump's and Biden's statements could be combined and "together they make a kind of decent policy." The United States needs to address real concerns about the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda but "as far as getting involved in arranging the politics of Syria, I think that no good can come from it," Cook said. Since the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States has walked a fine line on Syria that critics often derided as a non-policy. The United States questioned the legitimacy of Assad, demanding accountability for brutality in one of the 21st century's deadliest wars, but stopped short of prioritizing his departure due to suspicions about the main rebels. The Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has now led Assad's ouster, traces its roots to Syria's Al-Qaeda branch and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Since Obama's time, the United States instead has allied itself in Syria with a smaller fighting force of the Kurdish minority -- over strenuous objections of neighboring Turkey, which backs HTS -- with a narrow mission to counter the Islamic State group. Some 900 US troops remain in Syria. Assad fell in a lighting surprise offensive as his protector Russia is bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine and after Israel's military heavily degraded Assad's other key supporters -- Iran and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Syria, helped spearhead the terrorist designation of HTS in 2012 but said that the group since then has not attacked US or Western targets and has instead fought Al-Qaeda and Islamic State forces. Ford also pointed with hope to post-victory statements by rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, including welcoming international monitoring of any chemical weapons that are discovered. "Can you imagine Osama bin Laden saying that?" said Ford, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. "I'm not saying 'trust Jolani.' He's obviously authoritarian. He's obviously an Islamist who doesn't believe that Christians have an equal right to power as Muslims. But I sure as hell want to test him on some of these things," Ford said. He said that the United States should encourage HTS, as well as other Syrian actors, to reach out and reassure the country's diverse communities including Christians, Kurds and Alawites -- the sect of the secular-oriented Assad. Beyond that, Washington should take a back-seat and let Syrians sort out their future, he said. "We should learn from the experience in Iraq that trying to impose exiles on a population traumatized by a brutal dictatorship and war is not a recipe for success," Ford said. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday offered US recognition to a future government that is "credible, inclusive and non-sectarian." Trump in his first term, at the urging of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, abruptly said he would pull troops out of Syria. He backtracked after intense criticism at home and appeals from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pointed to the risk of Islamic State filling the vacuum. Trump has not indicated how he would change Syria policy this time. But he has shown no reluctance in the past to negotiate with foreign adversaries on the US blacklist, from Afghanistan's Taliban to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said there was no legal restriction on US contact with designated terrorists, although he indicated there was no direct dialogue with HTS. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Syria could face "devastating economic and humanitarian consequences" unless the United States reconsiders the terrorist designation of HTS, which impedes aid groups. "That said," she said, "if there isn't sort of an established framework for negotiations and good behavior now, before that designation is lifted, that could potentially also be a major mistake down the line for Syria's future." sct/smsNoneIs Medical Properties Trust Stock a Buy?
OTTAWA — Canadian border officials told members of Parliament Thursday that Canada is not a significant source of fentanyl headed into the United States. Aaron McCrorie, vice-president of intelligence and enforcement at the Canada Border Services Agency, made that comment to a parliamentary committee studying the impact of president-elect Donald Trump's plans for border security and migration. CBSA President Erin O'Gorman also said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has characterized the amount coming from Canada as "slippage" — small amounts sent over for personal use, mostly by post. Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico unless the two countries step up on border security to tamp down on flows of illicit fentanyl. During the presidential race, Trump also threatened to deport millions of undocumented people, stirring fears that could trigger an influx of migrants into Canada. Ottawa is compiling new measures to bolster border security through more staff and equipment in the face of Trump's tariff threats. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his border plan with the premiers during a Wednesday evening meeting, and Ottawa plans to add their suggestions into the soon-to-come package of measures. Several media outlets have reported that the tab for that could surpass $1 billion, citing confidential sources. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme said he was surprised to see that figure bandied about in headlines, and that he's not clear on whether Ottawa will actually put that much into beefing up the border. He said he plans to use any additional resources coming his way for the RCMP to rely more on modern technology to enforce the Canada-U.S. border. An RCMP official said the police force currently has over 900 drones and nine helicopters located across the country, with six helicopters that occasionally provide border surveillance. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian PressQuick Links Company overview and brief history A company born from mergers Current products include aircraft, ships, and other weapons systems Impressive financial performance in recent years While the vast majority of the world's largest defense contractors are located in the United States and service the world's highest-spending military and the majority of its allies, there are a few defense contractors across Europe that still play a major role in global defense production. On the continent, Airbus Defense plays a major role in the arms manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to helicopters . Get all the latest aviation news from Simple Flying! The Italian defense contractor Leonardo also plays an important role , even providing some services to the United States Armed Forces. In the United Kingdom, the defense industry was extensively fractured following WWII, with many different manufacturers having thrived during the wartime production period. However, once the conflict was over, there was a major void in the market, with an oversupply of manufacturers and much weaker demand for military aircraft and other weapons systems with the conflict coming to an end. As a result, the British defense industry underwent an extensive period of corporate consolidation, in which several mergers and acquisitions slowly lowered the number of defense contractors in the United Kingdom. Electronic warfare drones will be a huge asset on the modern battlefield. Today, BAE Systems is Britain's largest and most important defense contractor While some contractors attempted to either enter the commercial manufacturing space or market their products abroad, the majority failed to achieve the level of financial stability needed to continue independent operations. As a result, further consolidation continued until the twenty-first century, where only one true dominant player remains in the United Kingdom's defense manufacturing industry. Formed from the merger of multiple different manufacturers over the years, today's BAE Systems is one of the largest arms manufacturers worldwide. Let's take a deeper look at this massive company, the products it sells on the market today and examine its continued financial success. Company overview and brief history According to an analysis from Defense News , BAE Systems is the seventh-largest defense contractor in the world today, and its importance in the European market is only continuing to grow. The following table demonstrates the ten largest defense contractors worldwide, according to their revenues from 2023. Defense contractor: Country of origin: 2023 revenue (billion, USD): Lockheed Martin United States $64.6 Aviation Industry Corporation of China China $44.9 RTX Corporation United States $40.6 Northrop Grumman United States $35.1 General Dynamics United States $33.6 Boeing United States $32.6 BAE Systems United Kingdom $27.5 China State Shipbuilding Corporation China $21.1 China North Industries Group China $16.6 L3Harris Technologies United States $15.5 As we can immediately tell from this graphic, BAE Systems is the largest defense contractor in Europe and is one of the only ones globally that stands toe to toe in scale with the major contractors from the United States and China. The company currently employs over 90,000 people across the globe. A company born from mergers BAE Systems today is a massive multinational aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity-oriented conglomerate that remains headquartered in London. The company's primary markets for product sales unsurprisingly include the United Kingdom and multiple other European nations, but its US subsidiary, BAE Systems Inc., is a major defense contractor for the United States Armed Forces. Other major customers have historically included Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, India, and Japan. The company as it stands today was founded in 1999 when it entered the market following the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems. The company also emerged as the successor to de Havilland, Hawker Siddeley, and Supermarine, all British aircraft manufacturers with storied heritages. The Irish flag carrier had humble beginnings. The company has expanded through acquisitions over the years, including that of US-based United Defense and Armor Holdings, and has also diverted its shares in multiple major joint ventures, including Airbus. The company later became a key partner in multiple major aircraft programs, including the F-35 Lightning II and Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as multiple different submarine and ship classes for the Royal Navy. Current products include aircraft, ships, and other weapons systems BAE Systems today specializes in the production of multiple types of next-generation military weapons systems and other equipment. Its most important product in the aerospace sector is the Eurofighter Typhoon , which it produces through a joint venture with Airbus and Leonardo, where it maintains a 33% stake. The aircraft is a major partner in the F-35 Lightning II program as well, which remains a major piece of air superiority strategy for global air forces. The organization also produces several trainer aircraft, including the popular Hawk , and it is currently developing the Tempest, a sixth-generation trainer aircraft set to enter service by 2035. The company also plays an important role in land-based weapons systems manufacturing , including Challenger 2 tanks and M777 Howitzer artillery. The company also produces widely distributed weapons like the SA80 assault rifle, according to Defense Procurement International . The company plays an important role in naval manufacturing, including the production of Astute-class submarines, Type 26 frigates, and Dreadnought-class submarines. Impressive financial performance in recent years Despite a relatively lukewarm financial performance this year, BAE Systems, a publicly traded company, has achieved fairly impressive returns in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of 2020, nearly five years ago, the company has seen stock prices rise by over 100%, with sales booming amid a period of extended global conflict.Biden values public unions above actual public service
None'AI Jesus' avatar tests man's faith in machines and the divine
EDITORS DESK Last week, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) posted a notice of public auction for two high profile hypercars that were seized early this year. The cars in questions are two Bugatti Chiron hypercars that managed to evade customs and were plying Philippine roads for some time. Quite puzzlingly, these two vehicles were able to be registered, acquire plate numbers, and even gated village stickers. For the uninitiated, the Bugatti Chiron is one of the world’s most expensive performance vehicles. The vehicle is one of only a handful capable of producing over 1000-hp in stock form and on to a top speed of over 420-km/h. These performance figures are quite high, even for cars in this caliber. Naturally, they’re also quite limited and very expensive. Also, this vehicle is already discontinued, further limiting its availability. Each car is valued at least as much as ₱165 million each, when brand new. Of course, if it were imported legally into the country, with our web of vehicle taxes, excise taxes, tariffs and shipping dues, the cars can easily double in price to as much as ₱330 million when brand new. Not surprisingly, the BOC set the floor price for these vehicles at a hair above ₱300 million. Take note however that these vehicles are already used. One is a 2017 model and another is a 2019 model. As such, the appropriate vehicle depreciation should have been taken into account. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be too much, putting their price still above the ₱250 million range. A few days later, the BOC declared the auction a failure as no bids were submitted for the two vehicles. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to the agency as these prices are already quite high as far as supercars go. Not the price but the seller However, it’s not the price itself that’s the problem. There are many millionaires who will willingly drop ₱100-M on the latest set of Porsche, Lamborghini, or Ferrari models. Rather, it is about who is selling them. Any buyer that does have the ₱300-M lying around to buy one likely won’t want to transact with the government for fear that their name, recent purchases, and source of income might come under scrutiny. If they truly want to sell the vehicles for that hefty sum, perhaps hiring a third party auctioneer, such as Salcedo Auctions, would be more successful. Just don’t ask who the buyer is, give the auctioneer their cut, and simply put the funds to better use. After all, this new price already includes the taxes. Everything should then be in order so long as the price is paid. Use them as an example Of course, there’s also the possibility that such cars that have graced multiple broadsheet and news program headlines are already deemed tainted goods by any prospective buyer. Who would want to be seen driving a vehicle once labeled as smuggled? Rather than simply crush the cars for what little media mileage and good governance press that is worth, why not take the cars on a nationwide tour. There’s no better proof of the sheer greed and brazenness of smugglers than these vehicles. As such, why not take these cars on a nationwide tour around the country’s cities. Put them on display in public spaces, along with panels that break down just how many schools, ambulances, or relief goods that properly paid taxes from these cars could have bought. Illustrate why high tariffs are placed on cars like these in the first place — to generate revenue for the country from the wealthy that want to spend on flashy personal vehicles rather than charitable institutions that help their countrymen. Emphasize that these taxes and tariffs are slapped on to also protect the local and regional vehicle assemblers that give jobs to Filipinos and Asians. High taxes paid for cars like these are what allow the government to lower taxes on more affordable and locally built vehicles like the Toyota Vios, Innova, and soon, the Tamaraw. With such a nationwide tour, we can educate our countrymen on the value of properly documenting imported goods, taxes, and tariffs. It’s not about giving the government more money, but protecting our own industries and those businesses that do pay the proper taxes. Perhaps then our countrymen will be better informed on why these duties are imposed in the first place. (Iñigo S. Roces is the Motoring Editor of Manila Bulletin)Dec 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make tariffs and tax cuts the key elements of his economic agenda when he takes office in January. His November election victory was fueled largely by voter concern about the economy. Several prominent budget forecasters have estimated Trump's tax-cut plans would add $3.6 trillion to $6.6 trillion to federal deficits over a decade, depending on which proposals are included. Here are Trump's tariff and tax proposals: After the election, one of Trump's first acts was to threaten Canada and Mexico with blanket tariffs of 25% on imports unless they step up efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl and of migrants without documentation across their borders. Mexico's government responded by saying the tariff could result in the loss of 400,000 U.S. jobs. The president-elect has also floated plans for blanket tariffs of 10% to 20% on virtually all imports from every country, as well as tariffs of 60% or more on goods from China, to boost U.S. manufacturing. Trump has said he would impose a 200% tariff on John Deere 's (DE.N) , opens new tab imports into the U.S. if the company moved production to Mexico as planned, comments that hit the agricultural equipment manufacturer's share price. Trump has frequently said he would hit automakers that move production to Mexico with a 200% tariff. The duties would likely violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade that he signed into law in 2020. He also has said he would reward U.S.-based manufacturers with research and development tax credits. The National Retail Federation, which represents Walmart (WMT.N) , opens new tab and other companies that account for almost half of container shipping volume, is among the industry groups opposed to Trump's proposed tariffs . Economists say tariffs would reignite inflation. Trump has said he will formally notify Mexico and Canada of his intent to renegotiate a North American free trade deal to address concerns about Chinese vehicles. Trump has pledged to reduce the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% for companies that make their products in the U.S. He slashed the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% during his 2017-2021 presidency. Trump wants to extend all individual tax cuts he pushed through Congress in 2017, including for the wealthiest Americans, which tax and budget experts estimate would reduce revenue over a decade by about $3.3 trillion to $4 trillion. Some Republicans, however, are wary of enacting another round of tax relief without offsetting it with major spending cuts , which could include slashing benefit programs. Concerns over adding to the federal debt have made the U.S. bond market jittery , which could slow Trump's tax-cut push. Trump says he will end all taxes on overtime pay as part of a wider tax-cut package. Trump has also said he would seek legislation to end taxation of tips. Current law requires employees to report tips as taxable income. He has vowed to exempt Social Security income from taxes. Trump has pledged to lower taxes on U.S. citizens living abroad, without providing specifics. Americans living or traveling outside the U.S. are required to file income-tax returns, estate-tax returns, and gift-tax returns and "pay estimated tax in the same way as those residing in the United States," according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Trump has vowed to “get SALT back” – a reference to the state and local tax deduction available to federal taxpayers. He has also said he would be “restoring the SALT deduction.” Trump’s 2017 tax cuts imposed a $10,000 cap on the amount of state and local tax that taxpayers can deduct. It is unclear whether Trump intends to remove the $10,000 cap, which predominantly affects high-tax, Democratic-leaning states such as New York. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Southeast, Trump said he would allow the cost of home generators purchased in states hit by natural disasters between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, to be tax-deductible. Beyond tax cuts and tariffs, Trump has promised he would support the oil and gas industry by backing new pipelines and restoring fracking on federal land in a bid to boost the economy. He said he would put Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - where the Biden administration canceled oil and gas drilling leases - "back into play." Trump has pledged to create a National Energy Council to coordinate policies to boost U.S. energy production that will be led by his pick for interior secretary, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. He has also said he would consider ending a $7,500 tax credit for electric-vehicle purchases. During his first term, Trump sought to repeal the EV tax credit, which was later expanded by President Joe Biden in 2022. Trump said he would propose making interest on car loans tax-deductible. He has pledged to put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates of “around 10%.” Trump has said he will “support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one,” without offering specifics. In December, Trump said as president he will give "fully expedited" approvals and permits, including environmental approvals, to any person or business that invests at least $1 billion in the U.S., but he didn't provide further details. Sign up here. Reporting by Helen Coster; Additional reporting by David Lawder and James Oliphant; Editing by Ross Colvin, Daniel Wallis, Jonathan Oatis and Rod Nickel Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Helen Coster is a U.S. Presidential Election Correspondent at Reuters, where she writes a mix of spot news, enterprise and analysis stories, with a focus on the Republican Party and conservative media. Prior to 2024 she covered the media industry for Reuters, and was also a Senior Editor on Reuters’ Commentary team. A graduate of Princeton University, she has reported from six countries, including Pakistan, India, and Greece.
Croatia ́s left-leaning president, an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, is running for reelection in the Adriatic Sea state, but is unlikely to get an outright majority in the first round of voting on Sunday. President Zoran Milanovi ́c, who is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents, faces seven other contenders, including Dragan Primorac, the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union. The two are expected to face off in the second round on Jan. 12 if no contender gets more than 50% of the vote, according to pre-election polls. The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanovi ́c had served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, Milanovic has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi ́c and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia ́s political scene. “Since the election silence is still on, I just want to call on people to get out and vote. To support me,” Milanovi ́c said after he voted on Sunday. He predicted there would be a second round in two weeks. Plenkovi ́c, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia ́s future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanovi ́c “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia ́s international standing. “The difference between him and Milanovi ́c is quite simple: Milanovi ́c is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Milanovi ́c has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both NATO and the EU. Milanovi ́c has also blocked Croatia ́s participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else ́s war.” His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that “Croatia ́s place is in the West, not the East.” His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia ́s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanovi ́c as divisive. “Today is an extremely important day,” Primorac said after casting his ballot. “Croatia is going forward into the future. Croatia needs unity, Croatia needs its global positioning, and above all Croatia needs peaceful life.”Gulf States Sportswatch Daily ListingsFor more than a decade, the United States has sought to keep out of Syria's political debacle, seeing no viable partner. Islamist rebels' toppling of strongman Bashar al-Assad has forced a change of tune -- and a debate over just what US interests are. Donald Trump, who returns to the White House in little more than a month, on the eve of Assad's fall called Syria "a mess" and stated in his plain-speaking style that the United States should not be involved. Joe Biden's administration, after putting Syria on the backburner in a turbulent region, has offered a tacit rebuttal by stating that clear US interests are at stake -- including preventing Syria from fragmenting and avoiding a resurgence of the Islamic State extremist group. Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump's and Biden's statements could be combined and "together they make a kind of decent policy." The United States needs to address real concerns about the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda but "as far as getting involved in arranging the politics of Syria, I think that no good can come from it," Cook said. Since the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States has walked a fine line on Syria that critics often derided as a non-policy. The United States questioned the legitimacy of Assad, demanding accountability for brutality in one of the 21st century's deadliest wars, but stopped short of prioritizing his departure due to suspicions about the main rebels. The Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has now led Assad's ouster, traces its roots to Syria's Al-Qaeda branch and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Since Obama's time, the United States instead has allied itself in Syria with a smaller fighting force of the Kurdish minority -- over strenuous objections of neighboring Turkey, which backs HTS -- with a narrow mission to counter the Islamic State group. Some 900 US troops remain in Syria. Assad fell in a lighting surprise offensive as his protector Russia is bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine and after Israel's military heavily degraded Assad's other key supporters -- Iran and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Syria, helped spearhead the terrorist designation of HTS in 2012 but said that the group since then has not attacked US or Western targets and has instead fought Al-Qaeda and Islamic State forces. Ford also pointed with hope to post-victory statements by rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, including welcoming international monitoring of any chemical weapons that are discovered. More from this section "Can you imagine Osama bin Laden saying that?" said Ford, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. "I'm not saying 'trust Jolani.' He's obviously authoritarian. He's obviously an Islamist who doesn't believe that Christians have an equal right to power as Muslims. But I sure as hell want to test him on some of these things," Ford said. He said that the United States should encourage HTS, as well as other Syrian actors, to reach out and reassure the country's diverse communities including Christians, Kurds and Alawites -- the sect of the secular-oriented Assad. Beyond that, Washington should take a back-seat and let Syrians sort out their future, he said. "We should learn from the experience in Iraq that trying to impose exiles on a population traumatized by a brutal dictatorship and war is not a recipe for success," Ford said. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday offered US recognition to a future government that is "credible, inclusive and non-sectarian." Trump in his first term, at the urging of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, abruptly said he would pull troops out of Syria. He backtracked after intense criticism at home and appeals from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pointed to the risk of Islamic State filling the vacuum. Trump has not indicated how he would change Syria policy this time. But he has shown no reluctance in the past to negotiate with foreign adversaries on the US blacklist, from Afghanistan's Taliban to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said there was no legal restriction on US contact with designated terrorists, although he indicated there was no direct dialogue with HTS. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Syria could face "devastating economic and humanitarian consequences" unless the United States reconsiders the terrorist designation of HTS, which impedes aid groups. "That said," she said, "if there isn't sort of an established framework for negotiations and good behavior now, before that designation is lifted, that could potentially also be a major mistake down the line for Syria's future." sct/smsAverage Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage in the US Rises to Highest Level Since July
7i'vzd a1P!U/RMFor more than a decade, the United States has sought to keep out of Syria's political debacle, seeing no viable partner. Islamist rebels' toppling of strongman Bashar al-Assad has forced a change of tune -- and a debate over just what US interests are. Donald Trump, who returns to the White House in little more than a month, on the eve of Assad's fall called Syria "a mess" and stated in his plain-speaking style that the United States should not be involved. Joe Biden's administration, after putting Syria on the backburner in a turbulent region, has offered a tacit rebuttal by stating that clear US interests are at stake -- including preventing Syria from fragmenting and avoiding a resurgence of the Islamic State extremist group. Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump's and Biden's statements could be combined and "together they make a kind of decent policy." The United States needs to address real concerns about the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda but "as far as getting involved in arranging the politics of Syria, I think that no good can come from it," Cook said. Since the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States has walked a fine line on Syria that critics often derided as a non-policy. The United States questioned the legitimacy of Assad, demanding accountability for brutality in one of the 21st century's deadliest wars, but stopped short of prioritizing his departure due to suspicions about the main rebels. The Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has now led Assad's ouster, traces its roots to Syria's Al-Qaeda branch and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Since Obama's time, the United States instead has allied itself in Syria with a smaller fighting force of the Kurdish minority -- over strenuous objections of neighboring Turkey, which backs HTS -- with a narrow mission to counter the Islamic State group. Some 900 US troops remain in Syria. Assad fell in a lighting surprise offensive as his protector Russia is bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine and after Israel's military heavily degraded Assad's other key supporters -- Iran and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Syria, helped spearhead the terrorist designation of HTS in 2012 but said that the group since then has not attacked US or Western targets and has instead fought Al-Qaeda and Islamic State forces. Ford also pointed with hope to post-victory statements by rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, including welcoming international monitoring of any chemical weapons that are discovered. "Can you imagine Osama bin Laden saying that?" said Ford, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. "I'm not saying 'trust Jolani.' He's obviously authoritarian. He's obviously an Islamist who doesn't believe that Christians have an equal right to power as Muslims. But I sure as hell want to test him on some of these things," Ford said. He said that the United States should encourage HTS, as well as other Syrian actors, to reach out and reassure the country's diverse communities including Christians, Kurds and Alawites -- the sect of the secular-oriented Assad. Beyond that, Washington should take a back-seat and let Syrians sort out their future, he said. "We should learn from the experience in Iraq that trying to impose exiles on a population traumatized by a brutal dictatorship and war is not a recipe for success," Ford said. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday offered US recognition to a future government that is "credible, inclusive and non-sectarian." Trump in his first term, at the urging of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, abruptly said he would pull troops out of Syria. He backtracked after intense criticism at home and appeals from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pointed to the risk of Islamic State filling the vacuum. Trump has not indicated how he would change Syria policy this time. But he has shown no reluctance in the past to negotiate with foreign adversaries on the US blacklist, from Afghanistan's Taliban to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said there was no legal restriction on US contact with designated terrorists, although he indicated there was no direct dialogue with HTS. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Syria could face "devastating economic and humanitarian consequences" unless the United States reconsiders the terrorist designation of HTS, which impedes aid groups. "That said," she said, "if there isn't sort of an established framework for negotiations and good behavior now, before that designation is lifted, that could potentially also be a major mistake down the line for Syria's future." sct/smsNoneIs Medical Properties Trust Stock a Buy?
OTTAWA — Canadian border officials told members of Parliament Thursday that Canada is not a significant source of fentanyl headed into the United States. Aaron McCrorie, vice-president of intelligence and enforcement at the Canada Border Services Agency, made that comment to a parliamentary committee studying the impact of president-elect Donald Trump's plans for border security and migration. CBSA President Erin O'Gorman also said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has characterized the amount coming from Canada as "slippage" — small amounts sent over for personal use, mostly by post. Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico unless the two countries step up on border security to tamp down on flows of illicit fentanyl. During the presidential race, Trump also threatened to deport millions of undocumented people, stirring fears that could trigger an influx of migrants into Canada. Ottawa is compiling new measures to bolster border security through more staff and equipment in the face of Trump's tariff threats. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shared his border plan with the premiers during a Wednesday evening meeting, and Ottawa plans to add their suggestions into the soon-to-come package of measures. Several media outlets have reported that the tab for that could surpass $1 billion, citing confidential sources. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme said he was surprised to see that figure bandied about in headlines, and that he's not clear on whether Ottawa will actually put that much into beefing up the border. He said he plans to use any additional resources coming his way for the RCMP to rely more on modern technology to enforce the Canada-U.S. border. An RCMP official said the police force currently has over 900 drones and nine helicopters located across the country, with six helicopters that occasionally provide border surveillance. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian PressQuick Links Company overview and brief history A company born from mergers Current products include aircraft, ships, and other weapons systems Impressive financial performance in recent years While the vast majority of the world's largest defense contractors are located in the United States and service the world's highest-spending military and the majority of its allies, there are a few defense contractors across Europe that still play a major role in global defense production. On the continent, Airbus Defense plays a major role in the arms manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to helicopters . Get all the latest aviation news from Simple Flying! The Italian defense contractor Leonardo also plays an important role , even providing some services to the United States Armed Forces. In the United Kingdom, the defense industry was extensively fractured following WWII, with many different manufacturers having thrived during the wartime production period. However, once the conflict was over, there was a major void in the market, with an oversupply of manufacturers and much weaker demand for military aircraft and other weapons systems with the conflict coming to an end. As a result, the British defense industry underwent an extensive period of corporate consolidation, in which several mergers and acquisitions slowly lowered the number of defense contractors in the United Kingdom. Electronic warfare drones will be a huge asset on the modern battlefield. Today, BAE Systems is Britain's largest and most important defense contractor While some contractors attempted to either enter the commercial manufacturing space or market their products abroad, the majority failed to achieve the level of financial stability needed to continue independent operations. As a result, further consolidation continued until the twenty-first century, where only one true dominant player remains in the United Kingdom's defense manufacturing industry. Formed from the merger of multiple different manufacturers over the years, today's BAE Systems is one of the largest arms manufacturers worldwide. Let's take a deeper look at this massive company, the products it sells on the market today and examine its continued financial success. Company overview and brief history According to an analysis from Defense News , BAE Systems is the seventh-largest defense contractor in the world today, and its importance in the European market is only continuing to grow. The following table demonstrates the ten largest defense contractors worldwide, according to their revenues from 2023. Defense contractor: Country of origin: 2023 revenue (billion, USD): Lockheed Martin United States $64.6 Aviation Industry Corporation of China China $44.9 RTX Corporation United States $40.6 Northrop Grumman United States $35.1 General Dynamics United States $33.6 Boeing United States $32.6 BAE Systems United Kingdom $27.5 China State Shipbuilding Corporation China $21.1 China North Industries Group China $16.6 L3Harris Technologies United States $15.5 As we can immediately tell from this graphic, BAE Systems is the largest defense contractor in Europe and is one of the only ones globally that stands toe to toe in scale with the major contractors from the United States and China. The company currently employs over 90,000 people across the globe. A company born from mergers BAE Systems today is a massive multinational aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity-oriented conglomerate that remains headquartered in London. The company's primary markets for product sales unsurprisingly include the United Kingdom and multiple other European nations, but its US subsidiary, BAE Systems Inc., is a major defense contractor for the United States Armed Forces. Other major customers have historically included Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, India, and Japan. The company as it stands today was founded in 1999 when it entered the market following the merger of British Aerospace and Marconi Electronic Systems. The company also emerged as the successor to de Havilland, Hawker Siddeley, and Supermarine, all British aircraft manufacturers with storied heritages. The Irish flag carrier had humble beginnings. The company has expanded through acquisitions over the years, including that of US-based United Defense and Armor Holdings, and has also diverted its shares in multiple major joint ventures, including Airbus. The company later became a key partner in multiple major aircraft programs, including the F-35 Lightning II and Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as multiple different submarine and ship classes for the Royal Navy. Current products include aircraft, ships, and other weapons systems BAE Systems today specializes in the production of multiple types of next-generation military weapons systems and other equipment. Its most important product in the aerospace sector is the Eurofighter Typhoon , which it produces through a joint venture with Airbus and Leonardo, where it maintains a 33% stake. The aircraft is a major partner in the F-35 Lightning II program as well, which remains a major piece of air superiority strategy for global air forces. The organization also produces several trainer aircraft, including the popular Hawk , and it is currently developing the Tempest, a sixth-generation trainer aircraft set to enter service by 2035. The company also plays an important role in land-based weapons systems manufacturing , including Challenger 2 tanks and M777 Howitzer artillery. The company also produces widely distributed weapons like the SA80 assault rifle, according to Defense Procurement International . The company plays an important role in naval manufacturing, including the production of Astute-class submarines, Type 26 frigates, and Dreadnought-class submarines. Impressive financial performance in recent years Despite a relatively lukewarm financial performance this year, BAE Systems, a publicly traded company, has achieved fairly impressive returns in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of 2020, nearly five years ago, the company has seen stock prices rise by over 100%, with sales booming amid a period of extended global conflict.Biden values public unions above actual public service
None'AI Jesus' avatar tests man's faith in machines and the divine
EDITORS DESK Last week, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) posted a notice of public auction for two high profile hypercars that were seized early this year. The cars in questions are two Bugatti Chiron hypercars that managed to evade customs and were plying Philippine roads for some time. Quite puzzlingly, these two vehicles were able to be registered, acquire plate numbers, and even gated village stickers. For the uninitiated, the Bugatti Chiron is one of the world’s most expensive performance vehicles. The vehicle is one of only a handful capable of producing over 1000-hp in stock form and on to a top speed of over 420-km/h. These performance figures are quite high, even for cars in this caliber. Naturally, they’re also quite limited and very expensive. Also, this vehicle is already discontinued, further limiting its availability. Each car is valued at least as much as ₱165 million each, when brand new. Of course, if it were imported legally into the country, with our web of vehicle taxes, excise taxes, tariffs and shipping dues, the cars can easily double in price to as much as ₱330 million when brand new. Not surprisingly, the BOC set the floor price for these vehicles at a hair above ₱300 million. Take note however that these vehicles are already used. One is a 2017 model and another is a 2019 model. As such, the appropriate vehicle depreciation should have been taken into account. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t be too much, putting their price still above the ₱250 million range. A few days later, the BOC declared the auction a failure as no bids were submitted for the two vehicles. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to the agency as these prices are already quite high as far as supercars go. Not the price but the seller However, it’s not the price itself that’s the problem. There are many millionaires who will willingly drop ₱100-M on the latest set of Porsche, Lamborghini, or Ferrari models. Rather, it is about who is selling them. Any buyer that does have the ₱300-M lying around to buy one likely won’t want to transact with the government for fear that their name, recent purchases, and source of income might come under scrutiny. If they truly want to sell the vehicles for that hefty sum, perhaps hiring a third party auctioneer, such as Salcedo Auctions, would be more successful. Just don’t ask who the buyer is, give the auctioneer their cut, and simply put the funds to better use. After all, this new price already includes the taxes. Everything should then be in order so long as the price is paid. Use them as an example Of course, there’s also the possibility that such cars that have graced multiple broadsheet and news program headlines are already deemed tainted goods by any prospective buyer. Who would want to be seen driving a vehicle once labeled as smuggled? Rather than simply crush the cars for what little media mileage and good governance press that is worth, why not take the cars on a nationwide tour. There’s no better proof of the sheer greed and brazenness of smugglers than these vehicles. As such, why not take these cars on a nationwide tour around the country’s cities. Put them on display in public spaces, along with panels that break down just how many schools, ambulances, or relief goods that properly paid taxes from these cars could have bought. Illustrate why high tariffs are placed on cars like these in the first place — to generate revenue for the country from the wealthy that want to spend on flashy personal vehicles rather than charitable institutions that help their countrymen. Emphasize that these taxes and tariffs are slapped on to also protect the local and regional vehicle assemblers that give jobs to Filipinos and Asians. High taxes paid for cars like these are what allow the government to lower taxes on more affordable and locally built vehicles like the Toyota Vios, Innova, and soon, the Tamaraw. With such a nationwide tour, we can educate our countrymen on the value of properly documenting imported goods, taxes, and tariffs. It’s not about giving the government more money, but protecting our own industries and those businesses that do pay the proper taxes. Perhaps then our countrymen will be better informed on why these duties are imposed in the first place. (Iñigo S. Roces is the Motoring Editor of Manila Bulletin)Dec 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make tariffs and tax cuts the key elements of his economic agenda when he takes office in January. His November election victory was fueled largely by voter concern about the economy. Several prominent budget forecasters have estimated Trump's tax-cut plans would add $3.6 trillion to $6.6 trillion to federal deficits over a decade, depending on which proposals are included. Here are Trump's tariff and tax proposals: After the election, one of Trump's first acts was to threaten Canada and Mexico with blanket tariffs of 25% on imports unless they step up efforts to stop the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl and of migrants without documentation across their borders. Mexico's government responded by saying the tariff could result in the loss of 400,000 U.S. jobs. The president-elect has also floated plans for blanket tariffs of 10% to 20% on virtually all imports from every country, as well as tariffs of 60% or more on goods from China, to boost U.S. manufacturing. Trump has said he would impose a 200% tariff on John Deere 's (DE.N) , opens new tab imports into the U.S. if the company moved production to Mexico as planned, comments that hit the agricultural equipment manufacturer's share price. Trump has frequently said he would hit automakers that move production to Mexico with a 200% tariff. The duties would likely violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade that he signed into law in 2020. He also has said he would reward U.S.-based manufacturers with research and development tax credits. The National Retail Federation, which represents Walmart (WMT.N) , opens new tab and other companies that account for almost half of container shipping volume, is among the industry groups opposed to Trump's proposed tariffs . Economists say tariffs would reignite inflation. Trump has said he will formally notify Mexico and Canada of his intent to renegotiate a North American free trade deal to address concerns about Chinese vehicles. Trump has pledged to reduce the corporate tax rate from 21% to 15% for companies that make their products in the U.S. He slashed the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% during his 2017-2021 presidency. Trump wants to extend all individual tax cuts he pushed through Congress in 2017, including for the wealthiest Americans, which tax and budget experts estimate would reduce revenue over a decade by about $3.3 trillion to $4 trillion. Some Republicans, however, are wary of enacting another round of tax relief without offsetting it with major spending cuts , which could include slashing benefit programs. Concerns over adding to the federal debt have made the U.S. bond market jittery , which could slow Trump's tax-cut push. Trump says he will end all taxes on overtime pay as part of a wider tax-cut package. Trump has also said he would seek legislation to end taxation of tips. Current law requires employees to report tips as taxable income. He has vowed to exempt Social Security income from taxes. Trump has pledged to lower taxes on U.S. citizens living abroad, without providing specifics. Americans living or traveling outside the U.S. are required to file income-tax returns, estate-tax returns, and gift-tax returns and "pay estimated tax in the same way as those residing in the United States," according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Trump has vowed to “get SALT back” – a reference to the state and local tax deduction available to federal taxpayers. He has also said he would be “restoring the SALT deduction.” Trump’s 2017 tax cuts imposed a $10,000 cap on the amount of state and local tax that taxpayers can deduct. It is unclear whether Trump intends to remove the $10,000 cap, which predominantly affects high-tax, Democratic-leaning states such as New York. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck the Southeast, Trump said he would allow the cost of home generators purchased in states hit by natural disasters between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, to be tax-deductible. Beyond tax cuts and tariffs, Trump has promised he would support the oil and gas industry by backing new pipelines and restoring fracking on federal land in a bid to boost the economy. He said he would put Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - where the Biden administration canceled oil and gas drilling leases - "back into play." Trump has pledged to create a National Energy Council to coordinate policies to boost U.S. energy production that will be led by his pick for interior secretary, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. He has also said he would consider ending a $7,500 tax credit for electric-vehicle purchases. During his first term, Trump sought to repeal the EV tax credit, which was later expanded by President Joe Biden in 2022. Trump said he would propose making interest on car loans tax-deductible. He has pledged to put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates of “around 10%.” Trump has said he will “support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one,” without offering specifics. In December, Trump said as president he will give "fully expedited" approvals and permits, including environmental approvals, to any person or business that invests at least $1 billion in the U.S., but he didn't provide further details. Sign up here. Reporting by Helen Coster; Additional reporting by David Lawder and James Oliphant; Editing by Ross Colvin, Daniel Wallis, Jonathan Oatis and Rod Nickel Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Thomson Reuters Helen Coster is a U.S. Presidential Election Correspondent at Reuters, where she writes a mix of spot news, enterprise and analysis stories, with a focus on the Republican Party and conservative media. Prior to 2024 she covered the media industry for Reuters, and was also a Senior Editor on Reuters’ Commentary team. A graduate of Princeton University, she has reported from six countries, including Pakistan, India, and Greece.
Croatia ́s left-leaning president, an outspoken critic of Western military support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, is running for reelection in the Adriatic Sea state, but is unlikely to get an outright majority in the first round of voting on Sunday. President Zoran Milanovi ́c, who is often compared to Donald Trump for his combative style of communication with political opponents, faces seven other contenders, including Dragan Primorac, the candidate of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union. The two are expected to face off in the second round on Jan. 12 if no contender gets more than 50% of the vote, according to pre-election polls. The most popular politician in Croatia, 58-year-old Milanovi ́c had served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, Milanovic has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovi ́c and continuous sparring between the two has lately marked Croatia ́s political scene. “Since the election silence is still on, I just want to call on people to get out and vote. To support me,” Milanovi ́c said after he voted on Sunday. He predicted there would be a second round in two weeks. Plenkovi ́c, the prime minister, has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia ́s future in the EU and NATO. He has labeled Milanovi ́c “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia ́s international standing. “The difference between him and Milanovi ́c is quite simple: Milanovi ́c is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Milanovi ́c has criticized the NATO and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both NATO and the EU. Milanovi ́c has also blocked Croatia ́s participation in a NATO-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else ́s war.” His main rival in the election, Primorac, has stated that “Croatia ́s place is in the West, not the East.” His presidency bid, however, has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia ́s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. During the election campaign, Primorac has sought to portray himself as a unifier and Milanovi ́c as divisive. “Today is an extremely important day,” Primorac said after casting his ballot. “Croatia is going forward into the future. Croatia needs unity, Croatia needs its global positioning, and above all Croatia needs peaceful life.”Gulf States Sportswatch Daily ListingsFor more than a decade, the United States has sought to keep out of Syria's political debacle, seeing no viable partner. Islamist rebels' toppling of strongman Bashar al-Assad has forced a change of tune -- and a debate over just what US interests are. Donald Trump, who returns to the White House in little more than a month, on the eve of Assad's fall called Syria "a mess" and stated in his plain-speaking style that the United States should not be involved. Joe Biden's administration, after putting Syria on the backburner in a turbulent region, has offered a tacit rebuttal by stating that clear US interests are at stake -- including preventing Syria from fragmenting and avoiding a resurgence of the Islamic State extremist group. Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said Trump's and Biden's statements could be combined and "together they make a kind of decent policy." The United States needs to address real concerns about the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda but "as far as getting involved in arranging the politics of Syria, I think that no good can come from it," Cook said. Since the presidency of Barack Obama, the United States has walked a fine line on Syria that critics often derided as a non-policy. The United States questioned the legitimacy of Assad, demanding accountability for brutality in one of the 21st century's deadliest wars, but stopped short of prioritizing his departure due to suspicions about the main rebels. The Islamist movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has now led Assad's ouster, traces its roots to Syria's Al-Qaeda branch and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States. Since Obama's time, the United States instead has allied itself in Syria with a smaller fighting force of the Kurdish minority -- over strenuous objections of neighboring Turkey, which backs HTS -- with a narrow mission to counter the Islamic State group. Some 900 US troops remain in Syria. Assad fell in a lighting surprise offensive as his protector Russia is bogged down in its invasion of Ukraine and after Israel's military heavily degraded Assad's other key supporters -- Iran and Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Robert Ford, the last US ambassador to Syria, helped spearhead the terrorist designation of HTS in 2012 but said that the group since then has not attacked US or Western targets and has instead fought Al-Qaeda and Islamic State forces. Ford also pointed with hope to post-victory statements by rebel chief Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, including welcoming international monitoring of any chemical weapons that are discovered. More from this section "Can you imagine Osama bin Laden saying that?" said Ford, now a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. "I'm not saying 'trust Jolani.' He's obviously authoritarian. He's obviously an Islamist who doesn't believe that Christians have an equal right to power as Muslims. But I sure as hell want to test him on some of these things," Ford said. He said that the United States should encourage HTS, as well as other Syrian actors, to reach out and reassure the country's diverse communities including Christians, Kurds and Alawites -- the sect of the secular-oriented Assad. Beyond that, Washington should take a back-seat and let Syrians sort out their future, he said. "We should learn from the experience in Iraq that trying to impose exiles on a population traumatized by a brutal dictatorship and war is not a recipe for success," Ford said. Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday offered US recognition to a future government that is "credible, inclusive and non-sectarian." Trump in his first term, at the urging of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, abruptly said he would pull troops out of Syria. He backtracked after intense criticism at home and appeals from French President Emmanuel Macron, who pointed to the risk of Islamic State filling the vacuum. Trump has not indicated how he would change Syria policy this time. But he has shown no reluctance in the past to negotiate with foreign adversaries on the US blacklist, from Afghanistan's Taliban to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said there was no legal restriction on US contact with designated terrorists, although he indicated there was no direct dialogue with HTS. Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Syria could face "devastating economic and humanitarian consequences" unless the United States reconsiders the terrorist designation of HTS, which impedes aid groups. "That said," she said, "if there isn't sort of an established framework for negotiations and good behavior now, before that designation is lifted, that could potentially also be a major mistake down the line for Syria's future." sct/smsAverage Rate on a 30-Year Mortgage in the US Rises to Highest Level Since July
