THE NEW YORK TIMES: The White House is turning to rhetorical leaps as President Trump tries to put the biggest political crisis of his presidency behind him.
When the cease-fire in the war with Iran went into effect a month ago, President Trump was pretty direct that if the Iranians failed to end their nuclear program, or to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the bombers would be back in the air. “If there’s no deal, fighting resumes,” he said, making it very clear this was just a pause.
But it turns out, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that the war actually ended at some point after the cease-fire took hold, or so he told reporters at a news conference at the White House on Tuesday. “The Operation Epic Fury is concluded,” he said. “We achieved the objective of that operation.” The effort to reopen the strait, Mr. Rubio said, is entirely a defensive and humanitarian operation that would result in direct military exchanges with the Iranians only if U.S. ships came under fire.
Later on Tuesday, Mr. Trump announced that he was pausing even that effort — which was only one day old, and had succeeded in getting just a few ships freed — “for a short period of time,” citing what he said was “great progress” toward an agreement with Iran. But he kept the American blockade in place, part of a strategy of maximum economic pressure.
Still, Mr. Trump’s suspension of the effort to guide ships out of the strait seemed to contradict the administration’s stated position that it was intolerable for Iran to block an international waterway, and that only the United States had the ability to force it open again. » | David E. Sanger | David E. Sanger has covered five American presidents in more than four decades at The New York Times. He has written about efforts to destroy or contain Iran’s nuclear program for more than twenty years. | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Wednesday, May 06, 2026
Romania’s Pro-Europe Government Collapses Unleashing Fresh Turmoil
THE GUARDIAN: Ilie Bolojan’s coalition loses confidence vote after less than a year amid austerity drive and far-right surge
Romania’s pro-European government has collapsed after losing a confidence vote, unleashing renewed political turmoil less than a year after the ruling coalition was sworn in and with the far right surging in the polls.
“This censure motion is false, cynical and artificial,” the liberal prime minister, Ilie Bolojan, told parliamentarians before the vote on Tuesday. “Any country in a multitude of crises would try to consolidate governments, not to change them.”
The motion, tabled by the Social Democrats (PSD), the largest party in parliament, and the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), won 281 votes in the 464-seat parliament. Bolojan’s PNL party and its USR allies did not vote.
The AUR’s leader, George Simion, called for early elections, saying the “voice of the people” had been heard and his party assumed responsibility for “the future of the country”. Romania’s destiny “must be decided by the votes of Romanians”, he said. » | Jon Henley Europe correspondent and Andrei Popoviciu in Bucharest | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Romania’s pro-European government has collapsed after losing a confidence vote, unleashing renewed political turmoil less than a year after the ruling coalition was sworn in and with the far right surging in the polls.
“This censure motion is false, cynical and artificial,” the liberal prime minister, Ilie Bolojan, told parliamentarians before the vote on Tuesday. “Any country in a multitude of crises would try to consolidate governments, not to change them.”
The motion, tabled by the Social Democrats (PSD), the largest party in parliament, and the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), won 281 votes in the 464-seat parliament. Bolojan’s PNL party and its USR allies did not vote.
The AUR’s leader, George Simion, called for early elections, saying the “voice of the people” had been heard and his party assumed responsibility for “the future of the country”. Romania’s destiny “must be decided by the votes of Romanians”, he said. » | Jon Henley Europe correspondent and Andrei Popoviciu in Bucharest | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Pete Hegseth, ministre de la Guerre américain : le visage de la guerre en Iran de plus en plus isolé et contesté
LE FIGARO : RÉCIT - Le ministre de la Guerre continue de mener une sourde lutte contre la hiérarchie militaire, et se heurte régulièrement aux médias qui questionnent sa vision triomphale du conflit.
Le secrétaire à la Guerre est sur la défensive. Alors que la guerre d’Iran a muté en une épreuve de force économique et que la victoire totale annoncée tarde à se matérialiser, Pete Hegseth apparaît de plus en plus isolé, et sa gestion souvent conflictuelle du Pentagone contestée. Les limogeages d’officiers généraux ou de hauts responsables ont continué en pleine guerre sans autres explications que le déplaisir de Hegseth. Peu d’informations émanent du plus important ministère américain au milieu d’un conflit qui a déjà entamé les stocks de munitions critiques, et contribue à l’augmentation considérable de ses dépenses. Devenu l’un des visages publics d’une guerre impopulaire, Hegseth continue de bénéficier du seul soutien qui compte, celui de Donald Trump. Mais sa position n’est pas des plus solides au sein d’un cabinet où la faveur présidentielle peut se perdre rapidement.
Les mises à l’écart d’importants responsables militaires et civils, qui avaient commencé dès la prise de fonctions de Pete Hegseth, ont continué, alimentant le malaise au sein du Pentagone. La mise à l’écart du général Randy George, chef d’état-major de l’armée de terre, démis de ses fonctions le 2 avril dernier a été critiquée, y compris parmi les républicains au Congrès. Cet officier unanimement respecté, aux états de service impeccables, s’est vu congédier sans explications. Selon les sources citées par les médias américains, le général George se serait opposé à une décision de Pete Hegseth de rayer du tableau d’avancement plusieurs officiers, notamment des Noirs et des femmes. Le secrétaire à la Défense, qui a rebaptisé son poste secrétaire à la Guerre, mène depuis sa nomination une politique visant à mettre fin aux mesures de discrimination positive, qu’il qualifie de « woke » et qui, selon lui, réduisent l’efficacité des forces armées américaines. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | mardi 5 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Le secrétaire à la Guerre est sur la défensive. Alors que la guerre d’Iran a muté en une épreuve de force économique et que la victoire totale annoncée tarde à se matérialiser, Pete Hegseth apparaît de plus en plus isolé, et sa gestion souvent conflictuelle du Pentagone contestée. Les limogeages d’officiers généraux ou de hauts responsables ont continué en pleine guerre sans autres explications que le déplaisir de Hegseth. Peu d’informations émanent du plus important ministère américain au milieu d’un conflit qui a déjà entamé les stocks de munitions critiques, et contribue à l’augmentation considérable de ses dépenses. Devenu l’un des visages publics d’une guerre impopulaire, Hegseth continue de bénéficier du seul soutien qui compte, celui de Donald Trump. Mais sa position n’est pas des plus solides au sein d’un cabinet où la faveur présidentielle peut se perdre rapidement.
Les mises à l’écart d’importants responsables militaires et civils, qui avaient commencé dès la prise de fonctions de Pete Hegseth, ont continué, alimentant le malaise au sein du Pentagone. La mise à l’écart du général Randy George, chef d’état-major de l’armée de terre, démis de ses fonctions le 2 avril dernier a été critiquée, y compris parmi les républicains au Congrès. Cet officier unanimement respecté, aux états de service impeccables, s’est vu congédier sans explications. Selon les sources citées par les médias américains, le général George se serait opposé à une décision de Pete Hegseth de rayer du tableau d’avancement plusieurs officiers, notamment des Noirs et des femmes. Le secrétaire à la Défense, qui a rebaptisé son poste secrétaire à la Guerre, mène depuis sa nomination une politique visant à mettre fin aux mesures de discrimination positive, qu’il qualifie de « woke » et qui, selon lui, réduisent l’efficacité des forces armées américaines. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | mardi 5 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Tuesday, May 05, 2026
Steve Schmidt: MAGA Will Be Wiped Out
Unspoken Diet Tricks Every 1950s Woman Knew (That Kept Them All Skinny)
Apr 28, 2026 | In 1961, Jean Wilson wore a 23-inch waist dress to her wedding in Dayton, Ohio. She wore the same dress to her daughter's wedding in 1989. Nobody in her household counted a single calorie the entire time.
These are the 10 diet habits that were ordinary in 1950s American kitchens - every one of them worked, every one was either abandoned or replaced with something you could buy and not one required a subscription, a food journal or anything called a "program".
These are the 10 diet habits that were ordinary in 1950s American kitchens - every one of them worked, every one was either abandoned or replaced with something you could buy and not one required a subscription, a food journal or anything called a "program".
Iran : la prix Nobel de la paix Narges Mohammadi « entre la vie et la mort », selon ses soutiens
LE FIGARO : La lauréate du prestigieux prix en 2023, détenue en Iran depuis décembre, a été hospitalisée en urgence le week-end dernier. « Elle risque à tout moment de nous quitter », alerte son avocate Ardakani.
L’Iranienne Narges Mohammadi, lauréate du prix Nobel de la paix détenue en Iran depuis décembre, se trouve « entre la vie et la mort » après son hospitalisation en urgence le week-end dernier, selon son avocate. « Nous n’avons jamais eu aussi peur pour la vie de Narges, elle risque à tout moment de nous quitter », a déclaré mardi Me Chirinne Ardakani lors d’un point presse de son comité de soutien à Paris. « On ne se bat pas que pour sa liberté, on se bat pour que son cœur continue de battre », a-t-elle ajouté.
La militante de 54 ans a été transférée début mai de la prison de Zanjan (nord) à un hôpital de la région « à la suite d’une dramatique détérioration de son état de santé, marquée notamment par deux épisodes de perte totale de conscience et une crise cardiaque », selon un communiqué de sa fondation publié vendredi. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 5 mai 2026
READ ALSO: This related article.
L’Iranienne Narges Mohammadi, lauréate du prix Nobel de la paix détenue en Iran depuis décembre, se trouve « entre la vie et la mort » après son hospitalisation en urgence le week-end dernier, selon son avocate. « Nous n’avons jamais eu aussi peur pour la vie de Narges, elle risque à tout moment de nous quitter », a déclaré mardi Me Chirinne Ardakani lors d’un point presse de son comité de soutien à Paris. « On ne se bat pas que pour sa liberté, on se bat pour que son cœur continue de battre », a-t-elle ajouté.
La militante de 54 ans a été transférée début mai de la prison de Zanjan (nord) à un hôpital de la région « à la suite d’une dramatique détérioration de son état de santé, marquée notamment par deux épisodes de perte totale de conscience et une crise cardiaque », selon un communiqué de sa fondation publié vendredi. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 5 mai 2026
READ ALSO: This related article.
The Execution of Karl Ernst – “The Gay Prostitute of the SA” (Sturmabteilung)
May 2, 2026 | “Bem-vindo ao Curiosidades Incríveis, onde a história das Guerras Mundiais é trazida à tona através de documentários informativos.📚 Nosso conteúdo é cuidadosamente selecionado para educar e informar, sem fazer apologia a qualquer ideologia ou ação. Alertamos que alguns dos nossos vídeos podem conter imagens sensíveis e capas ilustrativas para contextualizar os eventos históricos.
Nosso objetivo é trazer os principais documentários dublados, fatos desconhecidos e notícias mega interessantes em vídeos incríveis e repleto de imagens fantásticas!”
Nosso objetivo é trazer os principais documentários dublados, fatos desconhecidos e notícias mega interessantes em vídeos incríveis e repleto de imagens fantásticas!”
It’s Time UK Media Reminded Farage How We Got into This Mess in the First Place - BREXIT
May 5, 2026 | Let’s call this bull**** out TOGETHER
The 200,000 illegal migrants figure Farage is using is over several years and let’s remind ourselves how we got into this mess in the first place - BREXIT
And now in threatening to punish those parts of the country where people don’t vote his way, the Reform party leader is betraying the basic principles of democracy – it’s shameless and grotesque bullying which shows nothing but contempt for voters.
Unfortunately, plenty of Brits have been taken in with this shyster’s panaceas. I shall never forgive him for Brexit and for hoodwinking the nation into voting for a pig in poke. Brexit was always destined to impoverish the nation. It was inevitable. That many in the electorate were ignorant of, and blind to, its deleterious effects on the economy is forgivable; but that our highly-paid politicians, who are employed to serve the nation, is not. Fie on them all! — © Mark Alexander
The 200,000 illegal migrants figure Farage is using is over several years and let’s remind ourselves how we got into this mess in the first place - BREXIT
And now in threatening to punish those parts of the country where people don’t vote his way, the Reform party leader is betraying the basic principles of democracy – it’s shameless and grotesque bullying which shows nothing but contempt for voters.
Unfortunately, plenty of Brits have been taken in with this shyster’s panaceas. I shall never forgive him for Brexit and for hoodwinking the nation into voting for a pig in poke. Brexit was always destined to impoverish the nation. It was inevitable. That many in the electorate were ignorant of, and blind to, its deleterious effects on the economy is forgivable; but that our highly-paid politicians, who are employed to serve the nation, is not. Fie on them all! — © Mark Alexander
Trump Accuses Pope of ‘Endangering a Lot of Catholics’ with Iran Stance
THE GUARDIAN: US president directs fresh criticism at pontiff days before secretary of state Marco Rubio’s visit to Vatican
Donald Trump has issued a fresh verbal attack against Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of “endangering a lot of Catholics” because “he thinks it’s fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon”.
The remarks come two days before Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, meets Leo at the Vatican in an effort to ease the tensions sparked by Trump’s previous broadside against the Chicago-born pontiff over his condemnation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Speaking to Hugh Hewitt, a prominent conservative radio talkshow host on the US-based Salem News network, Trump said the pope “would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don’t think that’s very good”.
“I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people,” the US president added. “But I guess if it’s up to the pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Somebody should inform Trump that it is just not done to attack the pope. To do so is in very bad taste. Furthermore, it is also wrong to try and drag the pope into politics. Popes are men of the cloth, theologians, who deserve respect and who are far above dirty politics. Trump should learn that this pope should be held in very high esteem, for Pope Leo is a man of great dignity. Trump should cease and desist.
But when it comes to endangering the lives of Catholics, Trump is without equal. Trump himself is endangering Catholics’ lives in Cuba every single day with his harsh sanctions on the country and having Cuba on his list of nations to punish after he has finished punishing Iran. Such hypocrisy! — © Mark Alexander
Donald Trump has issued a fresh verbal attack against Pope Leo XIV, accusing the pontiff of “endangering a lot of Catholics” because “he thinks it’s fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon”.
The remarks come two days before Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, meets Leo at the Vatican in an effort to ease the tensions sparked by Trump’s previous broadside against the Chicago-born pontiff over his condemnation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Speaking to Hugh Hewitt, a prominent conservative radio talkshow host on the US-based Salem News network, Trump said the pope “would rather talk about the fact that it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don’t think that’s very good”.
“I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people,” the US president added. “But I guess if it’s up to the pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Somebody should inform Trump that it is just not done to attack the pope. To do so is in very bad taste. Furthermore, it is also wrong to try and drag the pope into politics. Popes are men of the cloth, theologians, who deserve respect and who are far above dirty politics. Trump should learn that this pope should be held in very high esteem, for Pope Leo is a man of great dignity. Trump should cease and desist.
But when it comes to endangering the lives of Catholics, Trump is without equal. Trump himself is endangering Catholics’ lives in Cuba every single day with his harsh sanctions on the country and having Cuba on his list of nations to punish after he has finished punishing Iran. Such hypocrisy! — © Mark Alexander
Guerre en Ukraine : Volodymyr Zelensky dénonce le « cynisme absolu » de la Russie, qui réclame une trêve tout en continuant ses attaques
LE FIGARO : Des frappes de missiles et de drones dans la nuit ont fait au moins 5 morts dans deux régions d’Ukraine, selon les autorités locales.
Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky a dénoncé mardi le « cynisme absolu » de la Russie qui demande un cessez-le-feu à l'occasion de la commémoration le 9 mai de la victoire soviétique sur l'Allemagne nazie tout en menant des frappes quotidiennes contre le pays.
Des frappes de missiles et de drones dans la nuit ont fait au moins 6 morts et une dizaine de blessés dans deux régions d'Ukraine, selon les autorités locales. « C'est d'un cynisme absolu que de demander un cessez-le-feu afin d'organiser des célébrations de propagande, tout en menant chaque jour de telles frappes » a-t-il dénoncé sur les réseaux sociaux. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 5 mai 2026
LESEN SIE AUCH:
Echte Waffenruhe oder PR-Manöver? Moskau und Kiew pokern vor Putins Parade: Kurz vor der Siegesparade bieten Russland und die Ukraine verschiedene Feuerpausen an. Hinter den Vorschlägen steckt mehr Taktik als Entspannung. Es droht gar ein reales Eskalationsrisiko. »
When Your Father Is Dangerous
May 5, 2026 | What happens when the head of the household has textbook Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
What about when it's the head of state?
NPD isn't just a clinical term. It's a pattern. Rage. Manipulation. Gaslighting. Zero accountability.
Millions of us grew up with it. Are living under it right now.
This is a guide. For anyone who knows — in their gut — something is deeply wrong. With their family. With their country. Because the tactics are identical.
Donald Trump is waging a campaign of destruction. His flying monkeys call it the Iran war. His own niece calls him dangerous. So do his former generals.
How could Americans have been so reckless, so careless and, quite frankly, so stupid, to have re-elected that incompetent man into the White House? It was bad enough that he was elected into office the first time. But to re-elect him into office for a second term is unforgiveable. The result: Americans are paying a high price for their poor judgment. Unfortunately, however, the rest of the world must pay that high price, too. — © Mark Alexander
What about when it's the head of state?
NPD isn't just a clinical term. It's a pattern. Rage. Manipulation. Gaslighting. Zero accountability.
Millions of us grew up with it. Are living under it right now.
This is a guide. For anyone who knows — in their gut — something is deeply wrong. With their family. With their country. Because the tactics are identical.
Donald Trump is waging a campaign of destruction. His flying monkeys call it the Iran war. His own niece calls him dangerous. So do his former generals.
How could Americans have been so reckless, so careless and, quite frankly, so stupid, to have re-elected that incompetent man into the White House? It was bad enough that he was elected into office the first time. But to re-elect him into office for a second term is unforgiveable. The result: Americans are paying a high price for their poor judgment. Unfortunately, however, the rest of the world must pay that high price, too. — © Mark Alexander
Merz bekundet Solidarität nach Iran-Angriffen – Emirate fordern mehr als Worte von Europa
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Der Botschafter der VAE in Berlin mahnt angesichts des neu entflammenden Konflikts mit dem Iran „echte Unterstützung“ an. Auch Friedrich Merz hatte eine Solidaritätsbekundung abgegeben.
Dieser Screenshot wurde aus diesem Artikel genommen. | Ahmed Alattar, Botschafter Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate in Berlin, hat mehr als Worte in der Unterstützung gegen iranische Angriffe gefordert. | © dts Nachrichtenagentur/imago
Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate (VAE) dringen angesichts wiederholter iranischer Angriffe auf eine substanziellere Unterstützung ihrer europäischen Partner. Der Botschafter der VAE in Deutschland, Ahmed Alattar, sagte dem Brüsseler Nachrichtenportal Euractiv, sein Land erwarte „echte Unterstützung“ statt bloßer Worte.
Mehr als 179 Staaten und internationale Organisationen hätten die iranischen Angriffe verurteilt oder Solidarität bekundet, doch die Positionen reichten „von echter und sehr geschätzter Unterstützung bis hin zu Erklärungen ohne entsprechende Maßnahmen“.
Die jüngsten Angriffe zeigten laut Alattar, dass Teheran über „offensive Langstreckenwaffen“ verfüge, die Staaten weit über die Region hinaus bedrohen könnten. Ein künftiges Abkommen mit dem Iran müsse daher umfassend angelegt sein und neben dem Atomprogramm auch ballistische Raketen, Drohnen sowie die Revolutionsgarden und ihre „terroristischen Stellvertreter“ einschließen. Trotz der Angriffe bleibe die Wirtschaft der VAE stabil, rund 75 Prozent der Wirtschaftsleistung stammten aus dem Nicht-Öl-Sektor. » | Sophie Barkey | Dienstag, 5. Mai 2026
READ ALSO:
What to Know About the Growing Saudi Arabia-U.A.E. Rift: Officials say competition between the countries is healthy. But tensions are mounting over energy quotas, regional conflicts and their different visions for the Middle East. »
Die Vereinigten Arabischen Emirate (VAE) dringen angesichts wiederholter iranischer Angriffe auf eine substanziellere Unterstützung ihrer europäischen Partner. Der Botschafter der VAE in Deutschland, Ahmed Alattar, sagte dem Brüsseler Nachrichtenportal Euractiv, sein Land erwarte „echte Unterstützung“ statt bloßer Worte.
Mehr als 179 Staaten und internationale Organisationen hätten die iranischen Angriffe verurteilt oder Solidarität bekundet, doch die Positionen reichten „von echter und sehr geschätzter Unterstützung bis hin zu Erklärungen ohne entsprechende Maßnahmen“.
Die jüngsten Angriffe zeigten laut Alattar, dass Teheran über „offensive Langstreckenwaffen“ verfüge, die Staaten weit über die Region hinaus bedrohen könnten. Ein künftiges Abkommen mit dem Iran müsse daher umfassend angelegt sein und neben dem Atomprogramm auch ballistische Raketen, Drohnen sowie die Revolutionsgarden und ihre „terroristischen Stellvertreter“ einschließen. Trotz der Angriffe bleibe die Wirtschaft der VAE stabil, rund 75 Prozent der Wirtschaftsleistung stammten aus dem Nicht-Öl-Sektor. » | Sophie Barkey | Dienstag, 5. Mai 2026
READ ALSO:
What to Know About the Growing Saudi Arabia-U.A.E. Rift: Officials say competition between the countries is healthy. But tensions are mounting over energy quotas, regional conflicts and their different visions for the Middle East. »
Droits de douane : Emmanuel Macron déplore des « menaces de déstabilisation » de Donald Trump
LE FIGARO : Le président français a par ailleurs estimé que l’Europe devrait « activer » ses instruments anticoercition si les États-Unis taxaient les voitures importées.
Emmanuel Macron a déclaré ce mardi 5 mai qu’en cas d’application d’une surtaxe américaine de 25% sur les voitures importées depuis l’Union européenne, l’UE devrait « activer » ses instruments anticoercition, en déplorant des « menaces de déstabilisation ». « Je pense que dans la période géopolitique que nous vivons, des alliés comme les États-Unis d’Amérique et l’Union européenne ont bien mieux à faire que d’agiter des menaces de déstabilisation », a-t-il dit lors d’une conférence de presse à Erevan. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 5 mai 2026
Emmanuel Macron a déclaré ce mardi 5 mai qu’en cas d’application d’une surtaxe américaine de 25% sur les voitures importées depuis l’Union européenne, l’UE devrait « activer » ses instruments anticoercition, en déplorant des « menaces de déstabilisation ». « Je pense que dans la période géopolitique que nous vivons, des alliés comme les États-Unis d’Amérique et l’Union européenne ont bien mieux à faire que d’agiter des menaces de déstabilisation », a-t-il dit lors d’une conférence de presse à Erevan. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | mardi 5 mai 2026
El Pastificio de Nicola: La tarta de manzana suiza más simple y sorprendente — Apfelwähe/Apfelkuchen
May 4, 2026 | Apfelwähe is a traditional Swiss apple tart, simple and honest, born from a rural style of cooking where only a few basic ingredients were used: dough, seasonal fruit and a light custard to bind everything together.
In this video, you’ll see how to make it step by step, using accessible ingredients and achieving a light, balanced result full of flavor. A recipe that shows how simplicity, when done right, is more than enough.
For the full recipe, please click here. Then click on ‘more’.
In this video, you’ll see how to make it step by step, using accessible ingredients and achieving a light, balanced result full of flavor. A recipe that shows how simplicity, when done right, is more than enough.
For the full recipe, please click here. Then click on ‘more’.
Steve Rosenberg: Russian Parade Warning, Economic Worries: I Read Today's Russian Papers
Iranian Official Warns of Escalation in Strait of Hormuz Standoff
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator, accused the United States of violating the shaky cease-fire, after Iranian forces fired at vessels that the U.S. Navy was guiding through the strait.
A top Iranian official warned on Tuesday of an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and accused the United States of violating the fragile cease-fire, a day after the U.S. Navy began an initiative to escort commercial ships through the strait, a vital oil shipping waterway.
As the truce appeared to falter, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator in the stumbling peace negotiations, said in a social media post that “a new equation” was emerging in the waterway. He said that American actions had endangered shipping through the strait, which Iran has effectively blockaded since the war began in late February.
“We know well that the continuation of the current situation is unbearable for the United States, while we have not even started yet,” Mr. Ghalibaf said.
The U.S. Navy began escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Reports of attacks from Iran in and around the Persian Gulf quickly tested the American actions and the Pakistani-brokered cease-fire that paused the war last month.
The United Arab Emirates said Iran had fired missiles and drones at its territory on Monday, the first time since the cease-fire had come into effect. The U.A.E.’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the country “reserves its full and legitimate right to respond” to the attacks.
American forces shot down cruise missiles and drones and destroyed six Iranian speedboats that had threatened the vessels, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military said two commercial ships operating under the U.S. flag had passed through the waterway.
Iran did not officially confirm or deny whether it had resumed attacks. IRIB, Iran’s state-run broadcaster, said that a senior Iranian military official denied the American claim that several Iranian boats had been sunk.
In an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that aired Monday, President Trump declined to say whether the cease-fire was over. “Well, I can’t tell you that,” Mr. Trump said. » | John Yoon | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
A top Iranian official warned on Tuesday of an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and accused the United States of violating the fragile cease-fire, a day after the U.S. Navy began an initiative to escort commercial ships through the strait, a vital oil shipping waterway.
As the truce appeared to falter, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator in the stumbling peace negotiations, said in a social media post that “a new equation” was emerging in the waterway. He said that American actions had endangered shipping through the strait, which Iran has effectively blockaded since the war began in late February.
“We know well that the continuation of the current situation is unbearable for the United States, while we have not even started yet,” Mr. Ghalibaf said.
The U.S. Navy began escorting commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. Reports of attacks from Iran in and around the Persian Gulf quickly tested the American actions and the Pakistani-brokered cease-fire that paused the war last month.
The United Arab Emirates said Iran had fired missiles and drones at its territory on Monday, the first time since the cease-fire had come into effect. The U.A.E.’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the country “reserves its full and legitimate right to respond” to the attacks.
American forces shot down cruise missiles and drones and destroyed six Iranian speedboats that had threatened the vessels, according to U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military said two commercial ships operating under the U.S. flag had passed through the waterway.
Iran did not officially confirm or deny whether it had resumed attacks. IRIB, Iran’s state-run broadcaster, said that a senior Iranian military official denied the American claim that several Iranian boats had been sunk.
In an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that aired Monday, President Trump declined to say whether the cease-fire was over. “Well, I can’t tell you that,” Mr. Trump said. » | John Yoon | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Democrats, Britain’s Prime Minister Is a Warning
THE NEW YORK TIMES — OPINION: In Democratic primaries across America, a familiar debate is playing out. Is it the time for a moderate or a maverick? Should the party be looking for someone to heal and stabilize a troubled country or someone to energize supporters, antagonize opponents — Republicans, big business, maybe even the Democratic establishment itself — and promise sweeping change?
Until recently, Britain seemed to offer moderate Democrats a clinching case. In 2024, after leading the Labour Party to a crushing victory over a reviled right-wing government, Keir Starmer was hailed as a centrist hero. He marginalized progressives in his own party, enticed Conservative politicians to switch sides and secured Labour’s largest majority since 1997. For the Democratic think tank Third Way, the takeaway from Mr. Starmer’s triumph was clear: “Centrism wins elections.”
That seems a long time ago now. Britain’s government is in the doldrums and Mr. Starmer has become one of its most unpopular leaders ever — with negative approval ratings on a par with the short-lived prime minister Liz Truss, a paragon of political failure. Reform U.K., a Trumpian anti-immigration party spearheaded by Nigel Farage, has led the polls since last April. And in recent months, Labour has also been overtaken on its left by a surging Green Party.
This week, it’s going to get worse. In local elections across the country, which are being treated as a referendum on Mr. Starmer’s leadership, Labour is headed for a historic wipeout. The leader once heralded as centrism’s shining future now survives on borrowed time. In many ways, his fall is a very British story. But the Democrats, casting about for an election strategy, should pay attention — for Mr. Starmer’s collapse was written into the nature of his victory. » | GUEST ESSAY by Samuel Earle | Mr. Earle is the author of “Tory Nation: The Dark Legacy of the World’s Most Successful Political Party.” He wrote from New York. | Tuesday, May 5, 2026
If joylessness is your thing, if freedoms mean little to you, if you are unconcerned about democratic freedoms, if you like your leaders colourless, if your children’s rights as they grow into adulthood mean little to you, if your are indifferent to their infantilization as adults, if you are insouciant about being imprisoned for writing the wrong thing on social media, if you like your leaders to have a tinge of authoritarianism about them, if you like them stern, then Starmer could well be your man, and he could well be a role model for Democrats in America to emulate . Good luck with that! — © Mark Alexander
Nazi Database Takes Germans on Personal Journey into Their Families’ Dark Pasts
THE GUARDIAN: Die Zeit’s online database of individuals’ Nazi membership is prompting a reckoning as people uncover ties to regime
Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | A 1930s Nazi rally in Nuremberg, Germany Photograph: Shutterstock
Olaf Köndgen is 64 years old, a German citizen and a senior European human rights expert who has lived and worked in France for several years. Last month, Köndgen learned that he is also the son of a Nazi.
Despite a strong interest in history and its lessons, Köndgen is typical of many 21st-century Germans in having had only the roughest outlines of his own family’s complicity with Hitler’s regime.
That began to change in early April, when the newspaper Die Zeit launched an online search engine for the vast archives of the National Socialist German Workers’ party (NSDAP), making information about individuals’ Nazi membership easily accessible for the first time.
Die Zeit has described an extraordinary response from the public, reflecting intense interest in unearthing long-buried family secrets more than eight decades after the end of the second world war.
The tool has been accessed “millions of times” and shared “by the thousands”, with more than 1,000 reader comments appearing on the site, according to Christian Staas, the newspaper’s history editor. » | Deborah Cole in Berlin | Monday, May 4, 2026
Olaf Köndgen is 64 years old, a German citizen and a senior European human rights expert who has lived and worked in France for several years. Last month, Köndgen learned that he is also the son of a Nazi.
Despite a strong interest in history and its lessons, Köndgen is typical of many 21st-century Germans in having had only the roughest outlines of his own family’s complicity with Hitler’s regime.
That began to change in early April, when the newspaper Die Zeit launched an online search engine for the vast archives of the National Socialist German Workers’ party (NSDAP), making information about individuals’ Nazi membership easily accessible for the first time.
Die Zeit has described an extraordinary response from the public, reflecting intense interest in unearthing long-buried family secrets more than eight decades after the end of the second world war.
The tool has been accessed “millions of times” and shared “by the thousands”, with more than 1,000 reader comments appearing on the site, according to Christian Staas, the newspaper’s history editor. » | Deborah Cole in Berlin | Monday, May 4, 2026
Götz Aly: Wie konnte das geschehen? Deutschland 1933 bis 1945 (03.12.25)
Mar 5, 2026 | Nationalsozialismus und Holocaust: Wie konnte das geschehen? In einer schweren Krise wurde die NSDAP 1932 zur stärksten Partei gewählt. Sie versprach den Deutschen Aufstieg und Wohlstand, zugleich gab man den Menschen keine Atempause, keine Zeit zum Nachdenken. Warum beteiligten sich Hunderttausende an beispiellosen Massenmorden? Götz Aly schildert in einer fesselnden Erzählung die Herrschafts¬methoden, mit denen die NS-Machthaber Millionen Deutsche in gefügige Vollstrecker oder in vom Krieg abgestumpfte Mitmacher verwandelten. – Nicht wenige der Methoden sind beängstigend aktuell.
Prof. Dr. Götz Aly ist Historiker und Journalist, er zählt zu den bekanntesten Autoren zur Geschichte des Nationalsozialismus und des Holocaust. Seine Bücher wurden unter anderem mit dem Heinrich-Mann-Preis und dem Geschwister-Scholl-Preis ausgezeichnet.
Prof. Dr. Götz Aly ist Historiker und Journalist, er zählt zu den bekanntesten Autoren zur Geschichte des Nationalsozialismus und des Holocaust. Seine Bücher wurden unter anderem mit dem Heinrich-Mann-Preis und dem Geschwister-Scholl-Preis ausgezeichnet.
Monday, May 04, 2026
Carney Pulls Canada Closer to Europe as Both Struggle With Trump
THE NEW YORK TIMES: At a summit of European leaders, the Canadian prime minister was a special guest offering deals and friendship to jittery allies.
Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada arriving for a meeting of the European Political Community on Monday in Yerevan, Armenia. | Anthony Pizzoferrato/Associated Press
Canada and the European Union are turning commiseration and anxiety over their turbulent relationships with the United States under President Trump into a deepening bond.
On Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada joined a summit of European leaders in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, putting his country at the heart of some of Europe’s biggest priorities. He was the first non-European head of government to be invited to the gathering, known as the European Political Community summit.
Mr. Carney’s relentless pursuit of new, expanded alliances to lessen Canada’s dependence on the United States coming as Mr. Trump threatens to unravel decades of economic integration, has effectively led Canada to be welcomed as something of an honorary European Union member.
“Integration is being used as a weapon by some, and the rules are not constraining the hegemons,” Mr. Carney said on Monday at the Yerevan summit — hinting at, but not mentioning, the United States — in comments that echoed his landmark speech in Davos, Switzerland, in January. » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Matina Stevis-Gridneff reported from Yerevan, Armenia, while traveling with Prime Minister Mark Carney. | Monday, May 4, 2026
Canada and the European Union are turning commiseration and anxiety over their turbulent relationships with the United States under President Trump into a deepening bond.
On Monday, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada joined a summit of European leaders in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, putting his country at the heart of some of Europe’s biggest priorities. He was the first non-European head of government to be invited to the gathering, known as the European Political Community summit.
Mr. Carney’s relentless pursuit of new, expanded alliances to lessen Canada’s dependence on the United States coming as Mr. Trump threatens to unravel decades of economic integration, has effectively led Canada to be welcomed as something of an honorary European Union member.
“Integration is being used as a weapon by some, and the rules are not constraining the hegemons,” Mr. Carney said on Monday at the Yerevan summit — hinting at, but not mentioning, the United States — in comments that echoed his landmark speech in Davos, Switzerland, in January. » | Matina Stevis-Gridneff | Matina Stevis-Gridneff reported from Yerevan, Armenia, while traveling with Prime Minister Mark Carney. | Monday, May 4, 2026
The U.K. Banned Tobacco Products for Anyone Born after 2008. Here’s What Could Go Wrong.
MS NOW — OPINION: From black markets to an erosion of civil liberties, history shows how prohibition tends to go sideways.
In 1604, King James I of England wrote one of history’s most fervent anti-smoking tracts in response to the rising popularity of tobacco imported from the New World. Smoking, he concluded, was a “custome lothsome to the eye, hatefull to the Nose, harmefull to the braine, dangerous to the Lungs, and in the blacke stinking fume thereof, neerest resembling the horrible Stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomelesse.” [sic]
King James would have loved the new law set to be approved by King Charles III establishing a new generation in the United Kingdom that will be forbidden from purchasing tobacco for their entire lives. Specifically, the law makes it an offense to sell cigarettes, cigars, pipe or chewing tobacco, as well as various other forms of tobacco leaf, to anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009. This, its proponents say, will eventually lead to a smoke-free society, as the legal age for buying cigarettes rises inexorably until the last living smoker in the U.K. joins the choir invisible.
It’s not hard to imagine how this neat solution may falter. While no one is against banning the sale of cigarettes to teenagers, the situation will become increasingly absurd as today’s 17-year-olds age into maturity, creating a permanent division between adults allowed to buy tobacco and those who are prohibited. Supposedly, the day will come when a 50-year-old can buy a cigar from the tobacconist, but their 49-year-old friend must be turned away. Can one really expect this prohibition to be durably respected?
The U.K.’s new law takes an ultimately infantilizing view of tobacco use.
“Children in the U.K. will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,”U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said. But these children will eventually become adults denied the right to make decisions for themselves. It’s grossly illiberal. » | Jacob Grier * | Sunday, April 26, 2026
* Jacob Grier is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of several books, including The New Prohibition and The Rediscovery of Tobacco, and a founder of the link-sharing platform Seabird.
LISEZ ÉGALEMENT CET article.
READ ALSO:
United Kingdom’s Generational Tobacco Ban Officially Becomes Law: A drastic law prohibits anyone born after New Year’s Day, 2009 to buy tobacco »
Reform UK would scrap generational smoking ban, Farage says: Nigel Farage has pledged that a future Reform UK government would repeal the proposed “generational smoking ban”, arguing the policy would place an unworkable burden on retailers and fuel illicit trade. »
In 1604, King James I of England wrote one of history’s most fervent anti-smoking tracts in response to the rising popularity of tobacco imported from the New World. Smoking, he concluded, was a “custome lothsome to the eye, hatefull to the Nose, harmefull to the braine, dangerous to the Lungs, and in the blacke stinking fume thereof, neerest resembling the horrible Stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomelesse.” [sic]
King James would have loved the new law set to be approved by King Charles III establishing a new generation in the United Kingdom that will be forbidden from purchasing tobacco for their entire lives. Specifically, the law makes it an offense to sell cigarettes, cigars, pipe or chewing tobacco, as well as various other forms of tobacco leaf, to anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009. This, its proponents say, will eventually lead to a smoke-free society, as the legal age for buying cigarettes rises inexorably until the last living smoker in the U.K. joins the choir invisible.
It’s not hard to imagine how this neat solution may falter. While no one is against banning the sale of cigarettes to teenagers, the situation will become increasingly absurd as today’s 17-year-olds age into maturity, creating a permanent division between adults allowed to buy tobacco and those who are prohibited. Supposedly, the day will come when a 50-year-old can buy a cigar from the tobacconist, but their 49-year-old friend must be turned away. Can one really expect this prohibition to be durably respected?
The U.K.’s new law takes an ultimately infantilizing view of tobacco use.
“Children in the U.K. will be part of the first smoke-free generation, protected from a lifetime of addiction and harm,”U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said. But these children will eventually become adults denied the right to make decisions for themselves. It’s grossly illiberal. » | Jacob Grier * | Sunday, April 26, 2026
* Jacob Grier is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of several books, including The New Prohibition and The Rediscovery of Tobacco, and a founder of the link-sharing platform Seabird.
LISEZ ÉGALEMENT CET article.
READ ALSO:
United Kingdom’s Generational Tobacco Ban Officially Becomes Law: A drastic law prohibits anyone born after New Year’s Day, 2009 to buy tobacco »
Reform UK would scrap generational smoking ban, Farage says: Nigel Farage has pledged that a future Reform UK government would repeal the proposed “generational smoking ban”, arguing the policy would place an unworkable burden on retailers and fuel illicit trade. »
« Ils n’ont pas encore payé un prix assez lourd » : alors que Donald Trump tente de rouvrir de force le détroit d’Ormuz, le Golfe connaît un regain de tension
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - Alors que l’US Navy a coulé six vedettes iraniennes dans une opération destinée à « guider » les navires de commerce bloqués dans le golfe Persique, Téhéran a riposté en attaquant des cibles aux Émirats arabes unis.
Trump tente de rouvrir le détroit d’Ormuz à la navigation, sans lever son propre blocus des ports iraniens. Une nouvelle opération baptisée « Projet Liberté », visant à permettre le passage des navires commerciaux en défiance au blocage imposé par l’Iran a fait remonter les tensions dans le Golfe.
Lundi, l’US Navy a annoncé avoir aidé deux navires battant pavillon américain à franchir le détroit malgré les tentatives de l’Iran pour les en empêcher. L’amiral Brad Cooper, commandant du CentCom, en charge des opérations, a indiqué que les États-Unis avaient repoussé avec succès des attaques de l’Iran menées à la fois par des drones et des missiles. Il a ajouté que six vedettes rapides iraniennes qui tentaient d’attaquer des navires commerciaux avaient été coulées par des hélicoptères américains.
« Les forces américaines disposent d’un avantage certain », a déclaré Cooper. Il a ajouté que les navires iraniens avaient été « vivement invités à rester à l’écart », et que les États-Unis restaient pleinement déterminés à maintenir leur blocus contre les navires iraniens. Interrogé sur la question de savoir si ces affrontements signifiaient la fin du cessez-le-feu de près d’un mois entre les États-Unis et l’Iran, Cooper a répondu que les forces américaines présentes dans la région restaient une force défensive. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | lundi 4 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Trump tente de rouvrir le détroit d’Ormuz à la navigation, sans lever son propre blocus des ports iraniens. Une nouvelle opération baptisée « Projet Liberté », visant à permettre le passage des navires commerciaux en défiance au blocage imposé par l’Iran a fait remonter les tensions dans le Golfe.
Lundi, l’US Navy a annoncé avoir aidé deux navires battant pavillon américain à franchir le détroit malgré les tentatives de l’Iran pour les en empêcher. L’amiral Brad Cooper, commandant du CentCom, en charge des opérations, a indiqué que les États-Unis avaient repoussé avec succès des attaques de l’Iran menées à la fois par des drones et des missiles. Il a ajouté que six vedettes rapides iraniennes qui tentaient d’attaquer des navires commerciaux avaient été coulées par des hélicoptères américains.
« Les forces américaines disposent d’un avantage certain », a déclaré Cooper. Il a ajouté que les navires iraniens avaient été « vivement invités à rester à l’écart », et que les États-Unis restaient pleinement déterminés à maintenir leur blocus contre les navires iraniens. Interrogé sur la question de savoir si ces affrontements signifiaient la fin du cessez-le-feu de près d’un mois entre les États-Unis et l’Iran, Cooper a répondu que les forces américaines présentes dans la région restaient une force défensive. » | Par Adrien Jaulmes, correspondant à Washington | lundi 4 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Steve Schmidt: Pete Hegseth Is the Most Ignominious Military Leader of All Time
The Cardinal, the Conman, and the Congresswoman
Some Iranians Fear the Regime Is Now More Entrenched - and Ready for Revenge
BBC: They are still there. There is no evading the simple fact. Everywhere the people walk. Wherever they drive. Whenever they switch on the television. The faces of assassinated leaders, and those of new rulers, dominate the public space.
Protests have come and gone. A war. Then a ceasefire. But the regime of the Islamic Republic has endured.
In fact, according to Iranians the BBC has spoken to inside the country, far from being weakened the regime is more deeply embedded. And it is in a vengeful mood. » | Fergal Keane | Special correspondent | Monday, May 4, 2026
Protests have come and gone. A war. Then a ceasefire. But the regime of the Islamic Republic has endured.
In fact, according to Iranians the BBC has spoken to inside the country, far from being weakened the regime is more deeply embedded. And it is in a vengeful mood. » | Fergal Keane | Special correspondent | Monday, May 4, 2026
Rudy Giuliani Is in ‘Critical Condition’ in Florida Hospital
THE NEW YORK TIMES: A spokesman for the former mayor of New York City said Mr. Giuliani was critical but stable.
Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, is in a Florida hospital in critical condition, his spokesman said Sunday.
The spokesman, Ted Goodman, would not specify which hospital and said that the former mayor “remains in critical but stable condition.”
“Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak,” he said, before asking “that you join us in prayer” for the former mayor.
It is unclear when Mr. Giuliani, 81, was taken to the hospital.
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, called Mr. Giuliani a “True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR.” » | Jonah E. Bromwich | Sunday, May 3, 2026
Rudolph W. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, is in a Florida hospital in critical condition, his spokesman said Sunday.
The spokesman, Ted Goodman, would not specify which hospital and said that the former mayor “remains in critical but stable condition.”
“Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he’s fighting with that same level of strength as we speak,” he said, before asking “that you join us in prayer” for the former mayor.
It is unclear when Mr. Giuliani, 81, was taken to the hospital.
President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, called Mr. Giuliani a “True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR.” » | Jonah E. Bromwich | Sunday, May 3, 2026
Iran : trois hommes pendus en lien avec des manifestations de janvier
LE FIGARO : Les arrestations et exécutions, notamment liées aux manifestations qui ont secoué le pays l’hiver dernier, se multiplient en Iran depuis le début du conflit régional déclenché par une attaque américano-israélienne le 28 février.
Trois hommes ont été pendus dans le nord-est de l'Iran après avoir été reconnus coupables d'avoir contribué aux décès de membres des forces de sécurité lors des manifestations qui ont secoué le pays en décembre et janvier, a annoncé lundi la justice iranienne. Les arrestations et exécutions, notamment liées aux manifestations qui ont secoué le pays l'hiver dernier, se multiplient en Iran depuis le début du conflit régional déclenché par une attaque américano-israélienne le 28 février. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 4 mai 2026
Trois hommes ont été pendus dans le nord-est de l'Iran après avoir été reconnus coupables d'avoir contribué aux décès de membres des forces de sécurité lors des manifestations qui ont secoué le pays en décembre et janvier, a annoncé lundi la justice iranienne. Les arrestations et exécutions, notamment liées aux manifestations qui ont secoué le pays l'hiver dernier, se multiplient en Iran depuis le début du conflit régional déclenché par une attaque américano-israélienne le 28 février. » | Par Le Figaro avec AFP | lundi 4 mai 2026
Sunday, May 03, 2026
Brexit Failed. Farage Did It. Now You're Voting FOR Him?
‘This Is Just Disarray’: Alarm Inside Pentagon after Hegseth Staff Purges
THE GUARDIAN: Insiders portray defense secretary as increasingly isolated after officers with impeccable reputations forced out
Since Donald Trump’s first term, they have been viewed comfortingly as the “adults in the room,” a last line of defense against the impulsive whims of a president with access to the nuclear codes.
Now – after an unprecedented wave of firings that has been compared by some to Stalin’s purges – the Pentagon top brass no longer seem like such a reliable bulwark.
Since Trump returned to office in January last year, Pete Hegseth, the rumbustious defense secretary who has made it his mission to remake a military ethos he denounced as “woke”, has fired or forcibly retired 24 generals and senior commanders, with no performance-related reason given.
About 60% have been Black or female, an approach seemingly driven by the administration’s proclaimed onslaught against “DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hires”. » | Robert Tait in Washington | Sunday, May 3, 2026
Since Donald Trump’s first term, they have been viewed comfortingly as the “adults in the room,” a last line of defense against the impulsive whims of a president with access to the nuclear codes.
Now – after an unprecedented wave of firings that has been compared by some to Stalin’s purges – the Pentagon top brass no longer seem like such a reliable bulwark.
Since Trump returned to office in January last year, Pete Hegseth, the rumbustious defense secretary who has made it his mission to remake a military ethos he denounced as “woke”, has fired or forcibly retired 24 generals and senior commanders, with no performance-related reason given.
About 60% have been Black or female, an approach seemingly driven by the administration’s proclaimed onslaught against “DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) hires”. » | Robert Tait in Washington | Sunday, May 3, 2026
Republicans ‘Concerned’ after Trump Threatens to Withdraw More US Troops from Germany
THE GUARDIAN: US announced withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers last week after German chancellor said US was being ‘humiliated’ by Iran
Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw more US troops from Germany after stunning European leaders and some senior members of his own party by last week announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany.
The move left 30,000 US troops still in the country, according to CNN. But Trump threatened on Saturday that more cuts were coming. “We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Trump’s initial move to reduce US personnel in Germany came after German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran.
The Pentagon then announced on Friday it was withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany. The decision came after a “thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground”, a spokesman said. » | Sam Levine | Sunday, May 3, 2026
Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw more US troops from Germany after stunning European leaders and some senior members of his own party by last week announcing the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers from Germany.
The move left 30,000 US troops still in the country, according to CNN. But Trump threatened on Saturday that more cuts were coming. “We are going to cut way down, and we’re cutting a lot further than 5,000,” he told reporters on Saturday.
Trump’s initial move to reduce US personnel in Germany came after German chancellor Friedrich Merz said the US was being “humiliated” by Iran.
The Pentagon then announced on Friday it was withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany. The decision came after a “thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground”, a spokesman said. » | Sam Levine | Sunday, May 3, 2026
'Fundamental Liberty' Threatened If Pro-Palestine March Banned | Fraser Nelson
May 2, 2026 | “I can understand why Keir Starmer is, like everybody else, personally repelled that this march is going ahead. But do you want to stop it?”
The prime minister’s suggestion of banning a planned Pro-Palestine march in the wake of the Golders Green antisemitic attack would threaten the “principle that anybody can march in protest for any reason,” says The Times columnist Fraser Nelson.
Keir Starmer is rather fond of banning things! This is unBritish. Keir Starmer needs to be removed from Downing Street at the earliest convenience. The right to protest is fundamental to the British way of life as is the right to smoke. — © Mark Alexander
The prime minister’s suggestion of banning a planned Pro-Palestine march in the wake of the Golders Green antisemitic attack would threaten the “principle that anybody can march in protest for any reason,” says The Times columnist Fraser Nelson.
Keir Starmer is rather fond of banning things! This is unBritish. Keir Starmer needs to be removed from Downing Street at the earliest convenience. The right to protest is fundamental to the British way of life as is the right to smoke. — © Mark Alexander
Kim Jong-un erklärt Nordkoreas Jugend zur „Vorhut“ – auch im Krieg gegen die Ukraine
BERLINER ZEITUNG: Nordkoreas Machthaber Kim Jong-un verschärft den ideologischen Kurs gegen junge Menschen. Zugleich verknüpft die Führung die Jugendorganisation offen mit Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine.
Der Screenshot wurde von diesem Artikel genommen. | Kim Jong-un bei einer Militärzeremonie: Die Führung stellt junge Menschen zunehmend in den Dienst von Ideologie und Kriegspolitik. | © KCNA/dpa
Nordkoreas Machthaber Kim Jong-un hat die Jugend des Landes als „Vorhut“ staatlicher Ziele bezeichnet und ihre Rolle im Krieg Russlands gegen die Ukraine hervorgehoben. Das berichtete die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur KCNA am Sonntag.
Kim traf demnach in Pjöngjang Delegierte des elften Kongresses der Sozialistisch-Patriotischen Jugendliga. Das Treffen findet nur alle fünf Jahre statt und dient der politischen Mobilisierung junger Nordkoreaner im Alter zwischen etwa 14 und 30 Jahren. Begleitet wurde der Kongress von Massenkundgebungen, Fackelzügen und einer Gala in der Hauptstadt. » | Alexander Schmalz | Sonntag, 03. Mai 2026
Nordkoreas Machthaber Kim Jong-un hat die Jugend des Landes als „Vorhut“ staatlicher Ziele bezeichnet und ihre Rolle im Krieg Russlands gegen die Ukraine hervorgehoben. Das berichtete die staatliche Nachrichtenagentur KCNA am Sonntag.
Kim traf demnach in Pjöngjang Delegierte des elften Kongresses der Sozialistisch-Patriotischen Jugendliga. Das Treffen findet nur alle fünf Jahre statt und dient der politischen Mobilisierung junger Nordkoreaner im Alter zwischen etwa 14 und 30 Jahren. Begleitet wurde der Kongress von Massenkundgebungen, Fackelzügen und einer Gala in der Hauptstadt. » | Alexander Schmalz | Sonntag, 03. Mai 2026
She's Had It. And After This Episode, So Will You. | Jen Welch
May 2, 2026 | Jennifer Welch, host of the massively popular I've Had It podcast, joins Jim Acosta for an unfiltered breakdown of the week that broke everyone's brain — King Charles lecturing Congress about democracy while Trump called Putin, billionaires lining up to kiss the ring at a Fox News state dinner, and the Supreme Court quietly delivering wins for corporate America while everyone watches the chaos.
Plus: actor-turned-crypto fraud investigator Ben McKenzie, who testified before the U.S. Senate on the FTX collapse, weighs in on Trump's embrace of the very crypto industry he's been sounding the alarm on for years.
Plus: actor-turned-crypto fraud investigator Ben McKenzie, who testified before the U.S. Senate on the FTX collapse, weighs in on Trump's embrace of the very crypto industry he's been sounding the alarm on for years.
Alexandre Devecchio : « Génération sans tabac en Angleterre, l’État nounou nuit gravement à la liberté »
LE FIGARO : LA BATAILLE DES IDÉES - Le Royaume-Uni a adopté une loi interdisant la vente de cigarettes aux personnes nées après 2008. Derrière l’objectif louable en matière de santé, un recul du principe de responsabilité individuelle.
Capture d'écran extraite de cet article. | Le premier ministre britannique Winston Churchill, cigare à la bouche. | English Photographer, (20th century) / Bridgeman Images
« Cigars, whisky and no sport », telle était la devise du grand Winston Churchill, décédé à l’âge de… 90 ans ! Il doit se retourner dans sa tombe aujourd’hui en voyant les parlementaires britanniques œuvrer pour faire du Royaume-Uni un royaume sans tabac. Et pourquoi pas une Grande-Bretagne sans Beatles ni chips au vinaigre ? Le Parlement britannique a adopté la semaine dernière une loi interdisant à vie la vente de cigarettes à toutes les personnes nées après 2008. Les personnes nées après le 1er janvier 2009, actuellement âgées de 17 ans ou moins, n’auront jamais le droit d’acheter au Royaume-Uni des produits à base de tabac, comme les cigarettes, même une fois adultes. Le Royaume-Uni est le premier pays en Europe à prendre une telle mesure, et le deuxième au monde après les Maldives, pays où l’islam radical ne cesse de gagner du terrain et où la charia est appliquée pour les ressortissants.
L’objectif d’« éliminer presque complètement le tabagisme chez les jeunes dès 2040 » peut apparaître louable en Angleterre, où la cigarette reste la première cause de décès évitables. Mais, outre que la prohibition n’a jamais été une solution et ne contribue qu’à faire exploser le marché noir, cela rappelle les mauvais souvenirs de la pandémie lorsque les chefs d’État nous expliquaient comment nous laver les mains. Impossible de ne pas penser au Meilleur des mondes d’Aldous Huxley. Dans ce roman dystopique paru en 1932, l’écrivain britannique imaginait un État mondial où la technologie et la science avaient remplacé la liberté et Dieu, où les maladies et la vieillesse avaient été éradiquées. » | Par Alexandre Devecchio, pour Le Figaro Magazine | dimanche 3 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Cet article important est excellent et très intéressant. Il va droit au but.
Starmer est austère et morose. Il faut espérer que la loi inapplicable de Starmer finira par échouer. De plus, il faut espérer qu'un futur gouvernement aura la sagesse d'abroger cette loi absurde, antidémocratique et illibérale.
Libérons le peuple, ne l'enchaînons pas ! — © Mark Alexander
« Cigars, whisky and no sport », telle était la devise du grand Winston Churchill, décédé à l’âge de… 90 ans ! Il doit se retourner dans sa tombe aujourd’hui en voyant les parlementaires britanniques œuvrer pour faire du Royaume-Uni un royaume sans tabac. Et pourquoi pas une Grande-Bretagne sans Beatles ni chips au vinaigre ? Le Parlement britannique a adopté la semaine dernière une loi interdisant à vie la vente de cigarettes à toutes les personnes nées après 2008. Les personnes nées après le 1er janvier 2009, actuellement âgées de 17 ans ou moins, n’auront jamais le droit d’acheter au Royaume-Uni des produits à base de tabac, comme les cigarettes, même une fois adultes. Le Royaume-Uni est le premier pays en Europe à prendre une telle mesure, et le deuxième au monde après les Maldives, pays où l’islam radical ne cesse de gagner du terrain et où la charia est appliquée pour les ressortissants.
L’objectif d’« éliminer presque complètement le tabagisme chez les jeunes dès 2040 » peut apparaître louable en Angleterre, où la cigarette reste la première cause de décès évitables. Mais, outre que la prohibition n’a jamais été une solution et ne contribue qu’à faire exploser le marché noir, cela rappelle les mauvais souvenirs de la pandémie lorsque les chefs d’État nous expliquaient comment nous laver les mains. Impossible de ne pas penser au Meilleur des mondes d’Aldous Huxley. Dans ce roman dystopique paru en 1932, l’écrivain britannique imaginait un État mondial où la technologie et la science avaient remplacé la liberté et Dieu, où les maladies et la vieillesse avaient été éradiquées. » | Par Alexandre Devecchio, pour Le Figaro Magazine | dimanche 3 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Cet article important est excellent et très intéressant. Il va droit au but.
Starmer est austère et morose. Il faut espérer que la loi inapplicable de Starmer finira par échouer. De plus, il faut espérer qu'un futur gouvernement aura la sagesse d'abroger cette loi absurde, antidémocratique et illibérale.
Libérons le peuple, ne l'enchaînons pas ! — © Mark Alexander
Saturday, May 02, 2026
The Interview: What Does Tucker Carlson Really Believe? I Went to Maine to Find Out.
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Tucker Carlson has been at the center of our political conversation and conservative media for a decade now. Few media figures are more closely identified with the Trump era. His hugely popular Fox News show started just after the 2016 election, and despite being fired by that network in 2023, Carlson has remained a Trumpworld fixture, launching his own network, boosting Donald Trump on his podcast and at campaign rallies, sitting in Trump’s box during the Republican National Convention and attending his inauguration.
Then, in February, President Trump made the call to attack Iran alongside Israel, a decision that Carlson is completely opposed to. He now says he regrets supporting Trump and has become a vocal and influential critic of the administration on his show. He also blames Israel for making Trump a “slave” by, as he characterizes it, pushing the president into war. Because of this focus on Israel, and his high-profile interview of the white nationalist influencer Nick Fuentes, critics have accused him of antisemitism.
To understand this break with the president and more, I traveled to Maine to sit down with Carlson, and then we spoke again remotely a few days later. We had a wide-ranging conversation about his views on the war, his Fuentes episode, his friendship with Vice President JD Vance and, more surreally, whether he thinks Trump is the Antichrist — something he’s been musing about on his show. » | Lulu Garcia-Navarro | Saturday, May 2, 2026
Then, in February, President Trump made the call to attack Iran alongside Israel, a decision that Carlson is completely opposed to. He now says he regrets supporting Trump and has become a vocal and influential critic of the administration on his show. He also blames Israel for making Trump a “slave” by, as he characterizes it, pushing the president into war. Because of this focus on Israel, and his high-profile interview of the white nationalist influencer Nick Fuentes, critics have accused him of antisemitism.
To understand this break with the president and more, I traveled to Maine to sit down with Carlson, and then we spoke again remotely a few days later. We had a wide-ranging conversation about his views on the war, his Fuentes episode, his friendship with Vice President JD Vance and, more surreally, whether he thinks Trump is the Antichrist — something he’s been musing about on his show. » | Lulu Garcia-Navarro | Saturday, May 2, 2026
« Un jeu de poker menteur » : que cherche Donald Trump avec sa menace de taxe à 25% sur les voitures européennes ?
LE FIGARO : ENTRETIEN CROISÉ - Le président américain a menacé les voitures européennes importées aux États Unis de droits de douane de 25%, qui s’appliqueraient dès la semaine prochaine.
Antoine Bouët est économiste. Depuis le 1er octobre 2022, il est directeur du Centre d’études prospectives et d’informations internationales (CEPII) et est également professeur d’économie à l’université de Bordeaux. Olivier Dorgans est avocat associé au sein du cabinet Stephenson Harwood.
L’année 2025 a été marquée par la guerre commerciale opposant les États Unis au reste du monde. Après avoir menacé l’Europe de droits de douane record en avril, les accords de Turnberry – ainsi nommés en référence au golf écossais où Donald Trump a reçu les dirigeants européens – conclus en juillet 2025 devaient constituer un nouveau point d’équilibre commercial entre les deux blocs. Un équilibre fragile que Donald Trump vient de remettre en cause, en promettant de taxer à 25% (au lieu des 15% prévus) les voitures et camions européens importés aux États Unis. Et ce, dès la semaine prochaine. » | Par Enguerrand Armanet | samedi 2 mai 2026
Réservé aux abonnés
Antoine Bouët est économiste. Depuis le 1er octobre 2022, il est directeur du Centre d’études prospectives et d’informations internationales (CEPII) et est également professeur d’économie à l’université de Bordeaux. Olivier Dorgans est avocat associé au sein du cabinet Stephenson Harwood.
L’année 2025 a été marquée par la guerre commerciale opposant les États Unis au reste du monde. Après avoir menacé l’Europe de droits de douane record en avril, les accords de Turnberry – ainsi nommés en référence au golf écossais où Donald Trump a reçu les dirigeants européens – conclus en juillet 2025 devaient constituer un nouveau point d’équilibre commercial entre les deux blocs. Un équilibre fragile que Donald Trump vient de remettre en cause, en promettant de taxer à 25% (au lieu des 15% prévus) les voitures et camions européens importés aux États Unis. Et ce, dès la semaine prochaine. » | Par Enguerrand Armanet | samedi 2 mai 2026
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Why Milei’s Approval Ratings Are Tanking
Apr 29, 2026 | Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms.
Milei's popularity is coming under strain in Argentina as his economic recovery has stalled and corruption allegations have hurt his reputation. So in this video, we'll explore what's going wrong and whether he can pull his approval back from the brink.
Milei's popularity is coming under strain in Argentina as his economic recovery has stalled and corruption allegations have hurt his reputation. So in this video, we'll explore what's going wrong and whether he can pull his approval back from the brink.
El Pastificio de Nicola: "Argentine Shepherd’s Pie" | Traditional Pastel de Papa Recipe
Click here for the full recipe. Then click on ‘more’.
Nb: FYI, even though this recipe is referred to in Argentina as "shepherd's pie", in the UK, we would call this cottage pie. In the UK, we distinguish between shepherd's pie which is made with lamb, and cottage pie which is made with minced (US: ground) beef. — Mark
« Ce voile qui couvre mon visage est une mort lente » : six femmes racontent au Figaro Magazine leur vie sous la théocratie misogyne des talibans
LE FIGARO : TÉMOIGNAGES - Après de longues années passées en Afghanistan, à partager le quotidien de femmes et d’hommes parfois devenus des proches, la photographe et journaliste Sandra Calligaro livre ces lettres qui sonnent toutes comme un acte de résistance.
Capture d'écran extraite de cet article. | Bahar*, 14 ans, enfile son tchâdri avant de sortir de chez elle, à Kaboul, en Afghanistan, le 22 janvier 2025. (*le prénom a été modifié) | Sandra Calligaro
Dans la galaxie des étrangers qui parlent d’Afghanistan, Sandra Calligaro est une voix particulièrement précieuse. Grâce aux longues années qu’elle a passées sur place, partageant le quotidien de femmes et d’hommes parfois devenus des proches, documentant patiemment des vies ballottées par les guerres, les attentats, les changements de régime, les catastrophes naturelles, émaillées pour autant de rires, de beautés et de rêves. Mais aussi et surtout par l’humanité et la pudeur avec lesquelles elle restitue ces chemins de vie, cherchant la justesse plutôt que le scoop, s’effaçant volontiers, toujours discrète, observatrice, au service de son art et des gens qui lui ont ouvert leur porte et leur cœur. Car plus qu’une journaliste qui a tourné les images de grands films sur l’Afghanistan et illustré tant d’articles de presse, Sandra Calligaro est une artiste dont le travail témoigne d’une passion sincère, au long cours.
Ces lettres d’Afghanes qu’elle a récoltées sont autant de documents nécessaires qui lèvent le voile sur la vie des femmes sous la théocratie misogyne des talibans. Dans ce pays trop oublié en Occident, le seul au monde où les jeunes filles sont privées d’éducation et pour lequel l’ONU a forgé le concept d’« apartheid de genre », chaque lettre sonne comme une résistance. Fidèle à son approche depuis deux décennies, Sandra Calligaro a laissé défiler ces mots sans les tronquer, sans les expliquer, sans se les approprier. À nouveau, la photographe se tient aux côtés des Afghanes, les laissant – c’est aujourd’hui un luxe – s’exprimer pleinement.
Tess Afzali » | Par Tess Afzali (texte) et Sandra Calligaro (photos), pour Le Figaro Magazine | samedi 2 mai 2026
Dans la galaxie des étrangers qui parlent d’Afghanistan, Sandra Calligaro est une voix particulièrement précieuse. Grâce aux longues années qu’elle a passées sur place, partageant le quotidien de femmes et d’hommes parfois devenus des proches, documentant patiemment des vies ballottées par les guerres, les attentats, les changements de régime, les catastrophes naturelles, émaillées pour autant de rires, de beautés et de rêves. Mais aussi et surtout par l’humanité et la pudeur avec lesquelles elle restitue ces chemins de vie, cherchant la justesse plutôt que le scoop, s’effaçant volontiers, toujours discrète, observatrice, au service de son art et des gens qui lui ont ouvert leur porte et leur cœur. Car plus qu’une journaliste qui a tourné les images de grands films sur l’Afghanistan et illustré tant d’articles de presse, Sandra Calligaro est une artiste dont le travail témoigne d’une passion sincère, au long cours.
Ces lettres d’Afghanes qu’elle a récoltées sont autant de documents nécessaires qui lèvent le voile sur la vie des femmes sous la théocratie misogyne des talibans. Dans ce pays trop oublié en Occident, le seul au monde où les jeunes filles sont privées d’éducation et pour lequel l’ONU a forgé le concept d’« apartheid de genre », chaque lettre sonne comme une résistance. Fidèle à son approche depuis deux décennies, Sandra Calligaro a laissé défiler ces mots sans les tronquer, sans les expliquer, sans se les approprier. À nouveau, la photographe se tient aux côtés des Afghanes, les laissant – c’est aujourd’hui un luxe – s’exprimer pleinement.
Tess Afzali » | Par Tess Afzali (texte) et Sandra Calligaro (photos), pour Le Figaro Magazine | samedi 2 mai 2026
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