TRIPOLI: Nearly 40 migrants were killed in an air strike Tuesday (Jul 2) night on their detention centre in a Tripoli suburb blamed on Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who has been trying for three months to seize the capital.At least 70 were also wounded in the raid on Tajoura, an emergency services spokesman told AFP."This is a preliminary assessment and the toll could rise," said spokesman Osama Ali.He said 120 migrants were detained in the hangar which was directly hit by the strike.Bodies were strewn on the floor of the hangar, mixed with the belongings and blood-soaked clothes of migrants, an AFP photographer said.Rescuers were searching for survivors under the rubble, while dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene.In a statement, the internationally recognised national unity government (GNA) based in Tripoli denounced the attack as a "heinous crime" and blamed it on the "war criminal Khalifar Haftar".Haftar, who controls much of eastern and southern Libya, in early April … [Read more...] about Nearly 40 killed in air strike on Libya migrant centre
Instability in the middle east
What you need to know about the US-Iran crisis
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump has imposed new sanctions against Iran, targeting its Supreme Leader, military officials and top diplomat Javad Zarif. The move came as tensions between the US and Iran mounted after an American drone was shot down last Thursday, prompting Mr Trump to order air strikes before backing down. The confrontation has raised fears of an armed conflict between the two countries that may quickly spiral into a wider war in the region. Here's what you need to know about the crisis. WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE CRISIS? The current crisis began in 2018, when Mr Trump pulled the US out of the Iranian nuclear deal and reimposed harsh sanctions on the country. The sanctions have all but halted Iranian oil exports, a lifeline for its economy. Mr Trump has also accused Iran of taking actions that destabilise the Middle East and sponsoring terrorism. In response, Iran has threatened to exceed uranium enrichment levels allowed under the nuclear deal, a step towards … [Read more...] about What you need to know about the US-Iran crisis
Duterte urges Asean: Be voice of reason, moderation
Duterte urges Asean: Be voice of reason, moderation MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte returned Sunday night from the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Thailand, where he called on the regional bloc to act as the “voice of reason and moderation” at a time of “profound geopolitical shifts.” The trade war between the United States and China and the South China Sea row loomed large during the summit, which was held from June 22 to 23 and attended by leaders of the 10-member bloc. “Amid profound geopolitical shifts, the President called on ASEAN to be the voice of reason and moderation in the region, protecting time-honored principles of international law,” a Malacañang statement issued Sunday said. Duterte expressed concern on the effects of the US-China trade war on global economic growth and integration as he called on the two countries to resolve their differences. He … [Read more...] about Duterte urges Asean: Be voice of reason, moderation
Confidence index dips to 15-month low in May
Business sentiment hit its lowest rate in 15 months in May, dampened by sluggish farm product prices, relatively low purchasing power, a slowing economy and political jitters.The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) confidence index, a gauge of nationwide business sentiment, fell for a third straight month in May to 47.4 points, down from 47.8 in April, 48.4 in March and 48.5 in February. Thanavath Phonvichai, vice-president for research at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), said business confidence dropped in all regions for most of the same issues: the country's economic slowdown; sluggish farm prices that crimped regional purchasing power; the deepening US-China trade row's effect on export prospects; and the new government's instability. The business sector in all regions was concerned about poverty, inequality, high cost of living and a possible flood in the ongoing rainy season. "We are hopeful that the new government will come up with the new economic stimulus … [Read more...] about Confidence index dips to 15-month low in May