Source: Sky News
Security & Justice
State Action Signals Change in Tackling Longstanding Illegal Land Grabs in Jbeil District
For years, the serene villages of Jbeil's highlands have been far from peaceful. Ghabat, a Maronite village nestled between the predominantly Shiite towns of Afqa and Lassa, has become a focal point of growing tensions due to territorial disputes.
Friday, December 20, 2024
Mawlawi Ensures Strict Monitoring for Wanted Syrian Regime Figures at Beirut Airport
Caretaker Minister of Interior, Bassam Mawlawi, conducted an inspection tour of Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut to review the security arrangements and measures implemented by the Airport Security Apparatus ahead of the holiday season.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Opinion
Lebanon After the Assads
The United States has important equities in Lebanon, including a desire for a generally friendly government’s economic and political stability; security cooperation; long-standing relations with the large Christian community in Lebanon and Lebanese diaspora in the United States; and ultimately peace between Israel and Lebanon within a broader regional settlement. Achieving these objectives will require navigating a tumultuous period in the country’s history following a war between Hezbollah and Israel that has devastated a large part of the country, exacerbating Lebanon’s already challenging economic conditions. But perhaps the most important dynamic will be how a likely Sunni-dominated state of uncertain composition in Syria will differ in its intentions toward Lebanon from the previous Alawite-led minoritarian Assad regime.
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Europe’s Syrian Dilemma
The news of the sudden and unexpected demise of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria has met a mixed response in Europe. The jubilation that a murderous dictator and close ally of Russia and Iran has fallen is not just good for the Syrian people but serves as a morale booster for Eastern Europeans wondering whether Russia can be defeated
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Unveils New Private Jet Worth $73 Million
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the richest global athletes, has unveiled his upgraded private jet reportedly worth $73 million. With its top-notch design, exceptional speed and range of 7500 nautical miles, the Gulfstream G650 is among the fastest jets in the world.
Monday, December 16, 2024
Guardiola Accepts Man City May Need to Sign More Players to Cope with Schedule
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes he will need a bigger squad to handle soccer’s ever-expanding fixture schedule.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Monday 22 April 2024 12:04:55
'Ukraine Will Not Be the Second Afghanistan,' Says Zelenskyy After US Aid Package Approval
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the crucial US aid package for Ukraine sends "sends a powerful signal" that his country "will not be second Afghanistan".
After months of deadlock, Democrats and Republicans joined together in the US House of Representatives to approve a package - worth $60.8bn (£49bn) - to help Ukraine fend off Russia's invasion.
Speaking on NBC News show Meet The Press, Mr. Zelenskyy said the aid is "a show of leadership from the United States".
"This aid will strengthen Ukraine and send the Kremlin a powerful signal that it will not be the second Afghanistan," he said.
"The US will stay with Ukraine, they will protect Ukrainians and democracy.
"Half a year we have been waiting. Now we have reached this important moment and this positive vote."
The aid package will now go to the US Senate, where it is expected to be passed on Tuesday.
During the months of delays, some Republicans were critical of the aid proposal and argued America should be focussing on its southern border instead of European ones.
Asked about the opposition, Mr Zelenskyy said: "The Americans are not funding the war. They, first and foremost, protect freedom and democracy all over Europe.
"Ukraine is fighting, and sending its sons and daughters to the front line. It reduces the price for the whole of Europe, NATO, and the US.
"The US army does not have to fight to protect NATO countries - Ukrainians are doing that. It's only the ammo that [aid] is providing."
'We will have a chance for victory'
Addressing how the money will be used, Mr. Zelenskyy said he hopes to get "tangible assistance to soldiers on the frontline as soon as possible".
"We will have a chance for victory if Ukraine gets the weapons system that we need so much," he said. "This support will strengthen the armed forces."
Ukraine's priorities are long-range artillery and air defenses, Mr Zelenskyy added.
The US House's decision to approve the aid was praised by UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, who called the funding "a vital step forward".
"If Putin ever doubted the West's resolve to back Ukraine, this shows our collective will is undimmed," he wrote on X.
"With support, Ukraine can and will win."
