The United States is sending its advanced anti-missile system, the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery, to Israel along with a military crew to operate it. This deployment comes in response to Iran's recent attacks against Israel and serves as a clear demonstration of US support for Israel's defense. The move also marks a broader adjustment in the US military's approach to protecting Americans in Israel from attacks by Iran and its allies. As this decision is made, Israel is grappling with ongoing threats and attacks from Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling for the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon to ensure their safety. The tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with Israel reaffirming its commitment to defending its future against the "axis of evil."
THAAD Missile System: Bolstering Israel's Defense Amidst Escalating Tensions
The United States' decision to deploy its advanced Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel marks a significant shift in the region's security landscape. This move comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with both sides facing ongoing threats and attacks.
Background:
The THAAD system is a highly sophisticated anti-missile system designed to defend against short to medium-range ballistic missiles. It has been deployed in multiple locations around the world, including South Korea, Guam, and Romania. The system uses a hit-to-kill approach, launching interceptors to destroy incoming missiles before they reach their target.
Deployment to Israel:
The US has agreed to send a THAAD battery to Israel, along with a crew to operate it. This deployment is seen as a response to Iran's recent attacks on Israel and serves as a tangible demonstration of US support for Israel's defense. The move also reflects the US military's evolving approach to protecting Americans and its allies in the Middle East from threats posed by Iran and its proxies.
Tensions with Iran:
Israel and Iran have a long history of conflict. In recent years, tensions have escalated due to Iran's nuclear program, its support for terrorist groups, and its involvement in the Syrian civil war. Iran has been accused of launching attacks against Israel, including rocket fire and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria.
Netanyahu's Call for UN Withdrawal:
Amidst the ongoing threats from Iran and its proxy, Hezbollah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeeping forces from southern Lebanon. Netanyahu argues that the UN forces, known as UNIFIL, are ineffective in preventing Hezbollah from launching attacks against Israel.
Top 5 FAQs:
Q: Why is the US deploying THAAD to Israel? A: To bolster Israel's defense against short to medium-range ballistic missiles from Iran and its allies.
Q: What is the significance of this deployment? A: It marks a significant escalation in US-Israeli security cooperation and reflects the heightened tensions in the region.
Q: What threats is Israel facing from Iran? A: Iran has been accused of launching rocket fire, drone strikes, and providing support to terrorist groups that target Israel.
Q: Why is Netanyahu calling for the withdrawal of UNIFIL from Lebanon? A: Netanyahu believes that UNIFIL is ineffective in preventing Hezbollah from launching attacks against Israel.
Q: How will the deployment of THAAD impact regional security? A: It could deter Iran from further attacks against Israel by raising the costs and risks of such actions. However, it could also exacerbate tensions and lead to unintended consequences.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been announced to receive the highest honour in Mauritius, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the Indian community who migrated to Mauritius. The award signifies the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations and India's commitment to regional peace and development.
The most powerful leaders in the world travel in the utmost style and security, and US presidents are no exception. Marine One, the presidential helicopter, is a testament to the advanced technology used to keep the commander-in-chief safe and efficient on the go. With features like antimissile countermeasures, secure communication lines, and self-sealing fuel tanks, the helicopters are a cornerstone of presidential transportation. Get an exclusive look inside the Marine One models that have served modern presidents and learn how they keep the leader of the free world safe while on the move.
No Smoking Day, observed on March 12, began in the UK in 1984 as a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and help people quit smoking. Over the years, it has become a global event supported by governments and healthcare groups. This day offers practical tools and resources to make quitting easier and has a positive approach towards reducing smoking rates. With millions of deaths and economic costs linked to tobacco every year, No Smoking Day plays a crucial role in saving lives and improving communities.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, met with Dharambeer Gokhool, President of Mauritius, during his two-day state visit to the southeast Asian nation. In a special gesture, PM Modi gifted holy Sangam water, traditional Mahkhana, a Banarasi Silk Saree and an idol of Lord Ganesha to the president and his wife. The two leaders engaged in talks on deepening the special and close bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, highlighting their shared history and strong people-to-people linkages. PM Modi also made a special visit to the Ayurveda Garden, established in collaboration with the Government of India, noting Mauritius as an important partner in advancing traditional medicine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius is aimed at further deepening the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a warm welcome by his Mauritian counterpart and the Indian diaspora, highlighting the close bond shared between the two countries. This visit, which marks PM Modi's first trip to Mauritius since 2015, holds special significance as it reiterates India's commitment to cooperation in the Indian Ocean region and its strong bond with the Indian-origin community in Mauritius.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day State Visit to Mauritius promises to strengthen the ties between India and the island nation. In addition to attending national day celebrations and meeting the country's top leadership, PM Modi will inaugurate over 20 India-funded projects focused on strengthening democracy and grassroots development in Mauritius. This includes the inauguration of the newly-constructed Civil Services College building and e-inauguration of 20 community projects across various sectors. The visit showcases India's continued support in strengthening governance and institutional capacity in Mauritius.
An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York (AI119) was forced to return mid-air after a note threatening a blast was discovered in the washroom. The flight safely landed in Mumbai where security agencies conducted mandatory checks on the aircraft. Passengers were provided with accommodations while officials conducted a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, actress Deepika Padukone discussed her personal and professional goals at the Forbes 30/50 Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, and also shared her biggest concern for her daughter, Dua.
Hundreds of people in Taiwan marched to honor the 66th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day, protesting against China's cultural and ethnic genocide in Tibet. This year's march, attended by members of Taiwan's National Human Rights Commission for the first time, emphasized that Tibet has never been a part of China and called for attention to the ongoing human rights violations. Representative of the Tibetan government in exile to Taiwan, Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa, highlighted that the Seventeen-Point Agreement signed by Tibet in 1951 was a deceptive tactic used by the Chinese Communist Party, leading to the deaths of over 1.2 million Tibetans.
Amid the commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day, Prime Minister-in-exile Penpa Tsering has warned of China's deliberate and dangerous attempts to erase the unique Tibetan identity through extensive sinicisation policies. He also highlighted the suppression of religious freedom, forced enrolment of Tibetan children in colonial-style schools, and environment damage caused by Chinese projects. With talks between the Dalai Lama and Chinese authorities breaking down in 2010, the situation for Tibetans remains critical.
The annual Taiwanese event, attended for the first time by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), saw hundreds of protesters march in Taipei to honor the 66th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day and remember the millions who died at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan's Vice Chairperson of the NHRC, Wang Yu-ling Wang, emphasized the universal value of human rights and Taiwan's potential fate at the hands of China. Tibetan government representative Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa spoke out against China's occupation and control of Tibet, while also highlighting the event's significance in uniting against China's oppression and preserving cultural heritage.