The tectonic shift from rivalry to rapprochement could be a potential pathway to de-escalate and stabilize the war-torn region, argues the writer. Sands quickly shift in West Asia. After forty-four years of a toxic relationship, the Iranians and Arabs are now dating each other. The regional heavyweights have decided to mend fences and begin a new chapter in their previously turbulent ties. On March 10, 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed after signing an agreement in Beijing. Midwifed by China, the deal is groundbreaking because it ended a seven-year deadlock. Iran and Saudi Arabia have long vied for regional dominance. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Iran-Saudi rivalry has had catastrophic consequences for the West Asian region. The deadliest conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Bahrain have degenerated into intractable proxy wars—tearing these societies apart. Imperialist interventions have added fuel to the fire. Iran-Saudi escalations peaked in January 2016 when Saudi Arabia executed prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr on “terrorism” charges (Nimr al-Nimr was a vocal critic of the Saudi government). Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, prompting Saudi Arabia to downgrade its diplomatic ties with Iran. The Iran-Saudi agreement—with China as the matchmaker—expresses a ‘shared desire to resolve disagreements through dialogue and diplomacy,’ emphasizing respect for state sovereignty and “non-interference” in each other’s affairs. The deal—a diplomatic coup by China—can have a domino effect, promoting peace and cooperation among Persian Gulf nations and beyond. Let me address the main point I raised in the title: the epistemic violence of the Shia-Sunni discourse. Western leaders, academia, the media, and think tanks often frame this conflict through a sectarian lens, casting the Iran-Saudi rivalry as an ethnic and sectarian dispute between Sunni Arabs and Shia Iranians or as a “clash of civilizations.” This understanding oversimplifies the complexity of the decades-long conflict. “Modern nationalism,” geopolitics, and geostrategic factors equally shape the rivalry (not religion per se) between the two political heavyweights. The Iran and Saudi Arabia discord “has nothing to do with the Sunni-Shia divide in Islamic theology.” The animosity between the two energy titans stems not from Islamic theology but from their shared quest for regional dominance (power projections), security, and survival. Discourses unleash epistemic violence. By perpetuating these sectarian narratives, the West has further poisoned Iran-Saudi relations, leading to escalations. The dominant narrative amplified by Western media portrays an Islamic Iran that seeks to ‘export’ the Revolution. Such narratives ignore the pragmatism in Iran’s foreign policy. Those who view Islamic ideology as the primary determinant of Iran’s foreign policy fail to recognize the ideological flexibility embedded in both Islamic culture and the Shi’i tradition. The March 2023 agreement highlights the dominance of pragmatism over ideology, much like the 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with the U.S. (the “Great Satan,” a sobriquet Iran uses for America). It demonstrates Iran’s capacity to prioritize pragmatism over ideology. The argument that the Shia-Sunni binary or a clash of ideologies makes rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia impossible is a distorted narrative. There is a historical precedent for Iran-U.S. détente. Since the 1990s, Iranian presidents have made similar diplomatic overtures to Saudi Arabia. In 1997, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz visited Tehran, leading to a bilateral cooperation and security agreement until 2005. The rapprochement peaked with Mohammad Khatami’s “Dialogue among Civilizations.” In May 1999, Khatami visited Riyadh, and King Fahd optimistically stated, “The doors have been opened to both countries.” Similarly, Hassan Rouhani’s foreign policy, guided by the discourse of “constructive engagement with the world,” sought to reinvigorate Iran’s relationships with the Persian Gulf neigbours. Rouhani’s Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, emphasized, “Our neighbors are our priority.” However, Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign, which had the active support of Crown Prince Salman, hindered serious diplomacy with the Saudis. Late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s “Neighborhood Policy” encouraged dialogue with the Saudis, and Iran’s current President, Masoud Pezeshkian, recently visited Qatar and met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. Pezeshkian referred to the Islamic countries of the region as “brothers” and called for strengthened cooperation between the two nations. Crown Prince Salman is expected to visit Tehran at Iran’s invitation. Not only ideology but pragmatism also shapes Iranian foreign policy thinking. “Cultural maturation” has led Iran’s foreign policy to shift increasingly away from religious ideology toward pragmatic calculations of national interest. The March 2023 agreement has undermined the axis of confrontation—the so-called 2020 Abraham Accords—designed to contain and isolate Iran. The nascent axis of brotherly nations of Iran and Saudi Arabia has become a countervailing force against the impending regional war triggered by Israel’s genocidal assaults on Gaza and Lebanon. The Iran-Saudi tension has had a ripple effect in the region. It has helped stabilize Yemen. Since October 2022, a truce supported by both Iran and Saudi Arabia has been in place in Yemen. It has rehabilitated Syria within the Arab world; Iran’s relations with the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait have all been restored. The thaw in Saudi-Iran relations has averted a major war between Iran and Israel, as the Persian Gulf nations have pledged not to allow Israel to use their “soil or airspace” to attack Iran. This deal has the potential to transform the region. However, the odds remain high. The litmus test will be how both sides manage expectations, compartmentalize issues, and demonstrate ideological flexibility. Iran and Saudi Arabia need, in Huberman’s terms, an “empathetic understanding” ( )—a rational discourse to mitigate the conflict. Decoupling will be necessary: Riyadh cannot expect Iran to sever its links with the ‘Axis of Resistance,’ which Iran views as its forward-defense strategy against Israel and the U.S. Similarly, Iran must accept that the GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, cannot (and will not) end their security partnership with the U.S. Both must also commit to non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs, as stipulated by the deal. This approach serves their larger national interests and is vital for the overall stability and security of the region.Travis Hunter named AP player of the yearjili super ace hack 。

NoneWILMINGTON, Mass., Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Symbotic Inc. (Nasdaq: SYM ), a leader in A.I.-enabled robotics technology for the supply chain, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of OhmniLabs, a Silicon Valley-based innovator in the field of robotics solutions for health care. “Combining Symbotic’s expertise in large-scale automation with OhmniLabs’ ground-breaking mobile robots, vision and A.I. solutions will enable the development of unparalleled automation innovations across different settings,” said Rick Cohen, Executive Chairman and CEO of Symbotic. “We were drawn to OhmniLabs for its impressive talent and industry experience that will enable our expansion beyond the four walls of the warehouse.” Founded in 2015 by robotics experts, OhmniLabs has pioneered a fully in-house development and manufacturing model, enabling rapid innovation and speed-to-market for cutting-edge robotics solutions. The company is best known for its autonomous disinfection and telepresence robots, which create safer and healthier environments globally. With the strategic acquisition of OhmniLabs’ industry expertise and talented robotics team, Symbotic will be better positioned to both expand its leading automation capabilities for supply chain customers while delivering enhanced innovation to customers in the health care industry. “OhmniLabs’ mission has been to develop meaningful robotics to provide real-world solutions, and we have made significant progress with the support of our loyal team members and customers. Being a part of Symbotic, a true leader in robotics innovation, will propel this vision forward to deliver cutting-edge solutions that redefine what’s possible in health care, logistics and beyond,” said Jared Go, Co-founder and CTO, OhmniLabs. ABOUT SYMBOTIC Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, A.I.-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-generation technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce, Symbotic transforms the flow of goods and the economics of the supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, statements about Symbotic’s acquisition of substantially all of the assets of OhmniLabs and Symbotic’s expectations or predictions of future financial or business performance or conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. Certain of these risks are identified and discussed in Symbotic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 4, 2024. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith, and Symbotic believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on that date. Symbotic is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update, alter or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports that Symbotic has filed or will file from time to time with the SEC. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT Charlie Anderson Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development ir@symbotic.com MEDIA INQUIRIES mediainquiry@symbotic.comNone

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When Michael Cox was 17 and paddling out for a surf, another surfer collided with him and struck him in the head. After three weeks on life support and six months in hospital he was left with permanent brain damage that harmed his speech. “It was a major deal – I’ve got a hole in my head,” Cox says. “It’s been hard.” Now 50, Cox says he understands everything but struggles to make himself understood. After a lifetime of part-time, casual positions, interspersed with long spells of unemployment, he started working at Thora mill near Bellingen a month ago. He has already proven himself a good worker, his bosses say. “It’s the first time in my life that I’ve got a full-time job; it’s been hard to find a full-time gig,” Cox says. “It’s going well, I’m happy and everyone else is happy, they don’t judge me.” If the mill closes, Cox expects to be unemployed again. Michael Cox has found steady work at Thora mill. Credit: Janie Barrett Thora mill provides stable employment for 32 people, many of whom fear they would struggle to find other work. Like many in the region, their fate hinges for better or worse on the NSW government’s imminent decision about the Great Koala National Park. Advertisement Creating the park by adding state forests to 140,000 hectares of existing national parks was an election promise, but a lot is riding on the size. An extra 176,000 hectares is under assessment for possible inclusion. The industry wants a much smaller footprint. Many people on the Mid North Coast are looking forward to the park and want as much forest protected as possible. The environmental case is strong – recent thermal drone surveys suggest the assessment area is home to about 12,000 koalas, as well as other endangered species such as greater gliders. Scientists say better connectivity between the forests will ensure it is better able to withstand climate change. ‘I’ll happily take a job farming koalas but I can’t see that happening.’ Andrew West, Thora mill employee There are many people, too, who are eagerly anticipating the park as a driver of tourism – an industry that employs roughly twice as many people as forestry and timber processing in the Coffs-Grafton area alone. Yet every decision has winners and losers. The creation of the park has long been opposed by the Coalition in favour of other koala conservation work, and National MPs say “there already is a koala park – it’s called state forests”. On the line are hundreds if not thousands of jobs. Forestry and related industries, including wood and paper processing, accounted for 958 jobs in the Coffs-Grafton region in the last census. That is about 2 per cent of jobs in the region. An Ernst & Young report from February 2023 says there are 5700 direct jobs in the hardwood industry in North-East NSW – a broad region, extending from the Hawkesbury River in the south to the Queensland border and inland to Armidale. Advertisement The Great Koala National Park assessment area is much smaller, spanning from north of Kempsey to around Grafton, but the industry argues that jobs across the whole region will be at risk from constrained wood supply. NSW Forestry Corporation regional manager Dean Caton says change has been a constant theme for the industry, and his “staff have been pretty resilient through that” and will continue to enact the policies of the government. Australian Workers’ Union NSW branch secretary Tony Callinan says forestry workers are “extremely worried about their future”, both for their own jobs and their communities. The Australian Forest Products Association estimates there are about 50 small-to-medium mills in the north-east region similar to Thora mill. Without a supply of wood, they must either close down or import timber. Thora mill manager Brook Waugh, whose grandfather started the business, says he has “no confidence whatsoever to invest anything in our sawmill” given the political climate. Brook Waugh, manager of Thora mill, who sources timber from forests that may be locked up by the establishment of the Great Koala National Park. Credit: Janie Barrett Advertisement “Basically, we’ll be starved out, meaning you just won’t get enough [timber] and it’ll become unviable and you’ll just shut the doors,” Waugh says. “That’s my fear. The greenies have been given so much over the years, and no matter how much they get, it’s never enough.” Waugh says the proposed size of the park is “ridiculous” and the koalas are “thriving”. His sister Shannon Scott, who manages the book work in the office, says the family feels “huge pressure” to keep the mill going. “We feel like we have an obligation to all the workers,” Scott says. “You don’t want to see anyone lose their job and go hungry because a lot of them are unskilled workers, and I don’t know how easily they would find jobs in the region, and I don’t know how suitable those jobs would be for them.” Shannon Scott’s grandfather started Thora mill and she says the family feels a responsibility to keep going for the sake of the workers. Credit: Janie Barrett Andrew West, 58, who has worked for Thora mill for 24 years, is sceptical about any claims that the Great Koala National Park would create jobs. “I’ll happily take a job farming koalas, but I can’t see that happening,” says West. “I quite like the job I have. It will really disappoint me the day when this is going to close. I’d hoped it would see me through to retirement.” Advertisement Australian Forest Products Association NSW chief executive James Jooste says the industry wants an immediate decision to end the uncertainty. “The longer the government takes to make that decision, the greater the human cost will be,” Jooste says. The forestry industry has put forward a case for $1.35 billion in compensation if the park is 176,000 hectares, but only $271 million if it is 37,000 hectares. The Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, chaired by former Treasury secretary Ken Henry, claims these figures are inflated by at least $300 million by exaggerating the cost of wood buyouts and land management services under NPWS. “Native forest logging businesses are either trying to scare the NSW government with inflated costs to force them to break an election promise or line their pockets with unjustified buyouts at taxpayers’ expense,” Henry says. Environmentalists are hanging out for a quick decision, too, since logging has continued within the assessment area since the election. The longer the park is delayed, they say, the greater the destruction. Advertisement Dean Caton, northern region manager of NSW Forestry Corporation, in Orara East State Forest, that is part of the assessment area for the Great Koala National Park. Credit: Janie Barrett Forestry Corp for its part says logging in native forests involves selective harvesting, and both its employees and contractors adhere to strict environmental regulations. Any breaches, Caton says, result from the complexity of the rules and are regretted. For Gumbaynggirr elders Uncle Micklo Jarrett and Aunty Alison Buchanan, protection of their Country cannot come soon enough. “The whole world should be Great Koala National Park,” Jarrett says. “While we’re talking, talking, talking, the Forestry is still in there smashing down the trees.” Buchanan tears up as she says: “I want people to know that this is our everything.” Not all Gumbaynggir people share the same views, with jobs in both forestry and forest protection. On the Coffs Coast, nearly one in four NPWS employees are Aboriginal, while there are Indigenous tourism businesses such as the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience, but there are also many Indigenous people employed in timber harvesting and processing. Gumbaynggirr elders Aunty Alison Buchanan and Uncle Micklo Jarrett at a protest against logging at Little Newry forest. Credit: Janie Barrett As part of the planning for the new park, NPWS has been consulting the community about the desired uses, such as mountain biking and four-wheel-driving. The agency has simultaneously been investing in its existing parks on the Mid North Coast. Glenn Storrie, NPWS manager Coffs Coast area, says this ranges from a refresh of the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and accessible boardwalk to the development of a multi-day Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk. “During COVID, people really discovered the importance of natural areas, and we’re very mindful of the role we play,” says Storrie. “Conservation is at the core but in addition to that we’re providing opportunities for people to get away and de-stress.” Environment Minister Penny Sharpe has consistently described the forthcoming Great Koala National Park as a boon for tourism in the region. In the last census, the Coffs-Grafton region had 1860 jobs in tourism-related industries – not including food services – making up nearly 4 per cent of employment. Michael Thurston, general manager of Destination North Coast, says tourism businesses are excited about the creation of the park. He expects strong promotion by state and national bodies, and says it will raise the international profile of the region, which can be overlooked in favour of Byron Bay further north. “Nature-based tourism is the No.1 driver of visitation to the north coast, and this product leans really heavily into that,” Thurston says. “It’s going to be a first-class asset, protecting an iconic species in a truly spectacular part of the world.” Chris Fenech, from HWH Stables, takes visitors on rainforest horse rides in Upper Orara along the Urumbilum River. Credit: Janie Barrett Chris Fenech, owner of HWH Stables in the Orara Valley, runs horse-riding tours in the rainforest and nearby beaches, and says his business will be a direct beneficiary of a new attraction for NSW and Australia. “For a little business like mine, anything that puts a highlight on the Mid North Coast or further down into this little area can only be a good thing,” Fenech says. “It’s not only going to attract tourism visitors, but along the way put a focus on the conservation and protection of flora and fauna, particularly our lovely koalas, which are in rapid decline.” Get to the heart of what’s happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter.

Nonesays winning the Stanley Cup — as he did in guiding the — hasn’t changed him. There’s a feeling of accomplishment, he’s not sitting on his laurels. His will to win is the same. The desire to be better — especially as a coach — remains. “We’re all in this business to win, that’s the ultimate goal,” said Berube. “We’re in the business because we like doing it. Whether you’re a coach, player, whatever you are, it’s a lifestyle and it’s a job. And winning is obviously very important.” Berube is one of the very few coaches — just nine are active — who know what it’s like to win the Stanley Cup. “You’re in a club that nobody talks about, but it’s really exclusive,” said , who won the Cup in 2020 and 2021. “There’s a calmness that comes with that.” was the latest addition to the club. He found peace of mind finally putting it together in Florida after going Cup-less in his first 25 seasons behind benches in Hartford, Carolina, Toronto and Winnipeg. “What an incredible time,” says Maurice. “You get to keep that. You don’t walk around all day thinking about that stuff. But every once in a while you get this surprise or reminder and you get this 30-second warm bath that you slip into about how nice that was last year and how amazing that was.” Paul Maurice is finally a champion. 💪 Berube was pursued by the Leafs to replace Sheldon Keefe because of his Stanley Cup experience. He was an interim replacement coach when he took the Blues helm in late 2018, taking them from a bottom-feeder to the very top. “It was the honesty and accountability that he has. He holds everyone to a standard,” Nashville forward Ryan O’Reilly, then the captain of the Blues, said of Berube. “He’s not afraid to let you know when you’re not going (well). I think that’s just so important. “Every team is different. I know for that team, he’s what we needed. We needed that guidance and someone to tell us to play hard. And it all worked out well.” Kevin McGran writes about why the Leafs’ recent play is cause for concern before getting into this week’s power rankings. Kevin McGran writes about why the Leafs’ recent play is cause for concern before getting into this week’s power rankings. Berube wants this Leafs team to play more like that Blues team. Be physical. Attack the net to the point of playing dump-and-chase hockey. That’s off-brand for the likes of Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews and William Nylander. But they’re adapting. “He’s not taking the sticks out of his top players hands and saying, ‘don’t make plays,’” Blues captain Brayden Schenn said of Berube. “That’s not what he wants. He wants his team to have an identity. And that’s a north, direct mentality of getting pucks in deep, pucks to the net and let the skill take over after that. He knows he has skilled players. At the same time, he definitely wants an identity into his team.” Berube is part of that club of coaches with that winning gravitas. Maybe that’s why he has doubled down on his approach to what he believes works. If it worked then, it will probably work now. That’s not always the case, because in truth it’s rare for any coach to win the Stanley Cup with two different teams. Scotty Bowman is the last to do it, and he did it with three teams: Montreal (four times starting in 1976), Pittsburgh (1992) and Detroit (three times ending in 2002.) Before him, you have to go back a long way: Dick Irvin won with the Maple Leafs in 1932, then with the Canadiens in 1944, ‘46 and ‘53. Tommy Gorman did in back-to-back seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks in 1934 and the Montreal Maroons in 1935. A second Cup hasn’t followed John Tortorella since he won in 2004 with Tampa, or Peter Laviolette, who won in Carolina in 2006, or Dan Bylsma, who won in Pittsburgh in 2009. It’s not like they’ve lost their competitive edge just because they’ve already won it all one season, because they’re right back at it the next. “Every year you get a puzzle. You’ve got to try to solve it,” says Maurice. “You lose a couple of games in a row, and nothing has changed. You’re just in a bad mood all the time. You can’t wait for the next game to start. You’ve got to fix it.” The remaining active Cup-winning coaches are with the same team: Bruce Cassidy (2023 with Vegas) Jared Bednar (2022, Colorado) and Mike Sullivan (2016 and 2015 with Pittsburgh). Success leads to accolades and more challenges. Sullivan will coach Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-off in February, while Cooper will guide Team Canada. But hockey has a way of keeping them humble. “I hope it didn’t change me,” says Cooper. “I hope I’m the same guy who I was in game one of coaching this league and the same guy at game 900. But inside there’s such a sense of relief when you win the Stanley Cup. And I know that’s not a glamorous word, but it truly is. The Leafs are winning with elite goaltending and the NHL’s best two-way forward in Mitch Marner. And Auston Matthews hasn’t even gotten going yet. The Leafs are winning with elite goaltending and the NHL’s best two-way forward in Mitch Marner. And Auston Matthews hasn’t even gotten going yet. “Do I look at the world differently? No, but I’m less stressed, I’ll tell you that.” Berube doesn’t appear stressed either. He exudes confidence behind the Leafs bench. He’s getting more confident behind the microphone and in the spotlight that comes with coaching in Toronto. “I don’t think about it that much,” Berube said of his Stanley Cup victory. “When you do win, that’s a great feeling because winning is very difficult. You always remember that. “Does it change me? I don’t think it changes me that much. Does it make you a better coach? I don’t know. You’re always trying to get better as a coach. I think you’re always learning and talking to people about new things and different ways to approach players and how to handle certain situations.”Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are not having a $600 million wedding in Aspen, US, this weekend. Late last week, some reports claimed that billionaire Bezos will marry his fiance Lauren Sanchez next Saturday in an extravagant $600 million wedding in Aspen, Colorado. An upset Bezos has strongly denied the extravagant plans. Amazon's former CEO was so angry with the report that he took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to clarify. And what makes this clarification serious is the fact that Bezos is not a regular on Twitter. "Furthermore, this whole thing is completely false — none of this is happening. The old adage “don’t believe everything you read” is even more true today than it ever has been. Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out there folks and don’t be gullible. Will be interesting to see if all the outlets that “covered” and re-reported on this issue a correction when it comes and goes and doesn’t happen," Bezos wrote. Elon Musk's 'comforting' reply Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who is widely known to share a frosty relationship with Bezos, replied to Bezos' angry post. "That said, I hope you do hold an epic wedding. It’s nice to know that epic events are happening somewhere in the world, even if one is not present. A world where there are amazing events somewhere is better than a world where they are happening nowhere," wrote Musk in a post seemingly aimed at comforting Bezos. No wedding dates confirmed The Daily Mail was the first to report the $600 million wedding plan quoting a “well-placed source.” The report was then picked up by the New York Post. Billionaire Bill Ackman then quote-tweeted a now-deleted post from New York Post writing, “This is not credible. Unless you are buying each of your guests a house, you can’t spend this much money.” Ackman's tweet was what Jeff Bezos quoted in his reply. Incidentally, Bezos, 60, and his fiance, 54, have so far remained mum on their wedding plans and have not yet publicly confirmed their wedding date.

We condemn thelatest statement by the US Embassy in Azerbaijan, which interferesonce again in our country’s internal affairs under the pretext ofdefending human rights, the Western Azerbaijan Community said in astatement, reports. "In terms of substance, the statement is baseless, manipulative,and far from the truth. The current US administration’s activities under the guise ofpromoting human rights are entirely harmful and incompatible withthe concept of human rights. The U.S. administration has ignored the mass human rightsviolations committed by Armenia against ethnic Azerbaijanis andhas, in practice, allowed ethnic and religious discriminationagainst them. This discrimination is the greatest blow to the veryidea of human rights. We call on the current US administration, at least in its finaldays, to refrain from using human rights as a tool for politicalpurposes and to support the genuine human rights issue of thereturn of Western Azerbaijanis to their homeland," the Communityadded.From British Rule In India To Actors Turning Politicians - 20 Potuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy Predictions That Came True(BPT) - Has it been a while since you purchased a new TV? You might be surprised by how far TV technology has come since you bought your last set! Today's smart televisions offer dramatic improvements in picture quality and home screens that are far easier to navigate. Plus, they come with a host of cool features like voice control that you may not even know about. It's time to discover what you've been missing — and if you're asking yourself where to start, the Fire TV Buyer Insights Report can help. This independent study surveyed over 2,000 recent purchasers of smart TVs to learn everything from where they did their product research to why they decided to buy. With the holidays almost upon us, the insights in this report can help guide you as you kick off your seasonal shopping. Whether you're buying a gift, hosting a holiday gathering or looking for the perfect game-day screen, read on to find the best TV for your needs. How do you find the right TV? Here's how recent purchasers did it. When it comes to buying a new TV, there are several factors you'll want to consider, starting with who's going to be using it. The study found that spouses (36%), kids (13%), and even grandparents (1%) were involved in the purchase process, so be sure to keep your home's audience in mind. Beyond that, you'll also want to think about: Room size Smart TVs range in size from a 32-inch screen all the way up to a whopping 100 inches or more. To determine the right screen size for your room, follow this guideline: Small rooms: 32"–43" screen Medium rooms: 43"–55" screen Large rooms: 55+" screen As for viewing distance, divide the screen's diameter by 8 to get the ideal viewing distance in feet. For example, a 32-inch screen should be watched from about 4 feet away, while you'll want to be about 8 feet away from a 65-inch screen. Usage How you plan to use your new TV should play a large part in your decision-making process. If you're always looking for the latest show or movie to watch, your smart TV should offer optimal access to the latest streaming services. Gamers will experience better play on a TV with a high refresh rate, while sports enthusiasts will want to watch the big game on a set with smooth motion handling. Connected TV experience One of the most important considerations is how you'll use TV. In the study, 83% of TV purchasers said that easy access to content was one of the things they liked best about their new TV. But beyond being an all-in-one source for entertainment, your smart TV should also play well with other smart home devices. For instance, Fire TV allows you to pair compatible devices seamlessly like video doorbells, smart home devices, and more. And with select models, Fire TV's Ambient Experience can turn the biggest screen in your home into a beautiful, always-on smart display rotating through beautiful art, personal photos, and glanceable information like calendars and reminders. Knowledge is power Before you land on the perfect TV, you'll need to do a little research first. The study found that only 12% of shoppers bought their TV on an impulse, while 65% engaged in some form of product research. Most (82%) respondents conducted some or all of their research online for instant access to smart TV reviews and feature comparisons. In fact, over half of respondents who searched online mentioned digital retailers like Amazon as a great source for honest ratings and buyer reviews. Timing is everything According to the study, the time from research to purchase takes about two weeks, so plan ahead — especially if you're thinking about giving a TV as a holiday gift. There are also some great deals available during this time of year, so keep an eye out for sales and promotional offers. The big picture A new TV is a big purchase, so don't make it an impulsive one. Take the time to do your research and remember that everyone takes a different path to finding the perfect TV. Whether your search begins online, offline, or with a mix of both, it will end with a next-level viewing experience that's just right for the way you watch.

Independent TDs seeking three junior ministerial roles and super junior appointment

CoreNest Capital Ignites Next-Gen Tech with New Investments in OpenAI, xAI, Weave Robotics, ...

Ukraine must be placed in the “strongest possible position for negotiations” to end the war with Russia, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”The chief judge of the federal appeals court based in Denver has dismissed a misconduct complaint against an unidentified judge who admitted to committing an ethics violation by speaking to a "politically affiliated club." The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, based in Denver, hears appeals in federal cases arising from Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, Kansas, New Mexico and Wyoming. The circuit also has a process for screening and adjudicating misconduct complaints against federal judges within its jurisdiction. In an order dated June 4 , but which the circuit only posted publicly last week, Chief Judge Jerome A. Holmes of Oklahoma described his processing of a complaint alleging discrimination. Holmes did not name the judge in question, only identifying him as a male district court judge. The case number indicated the complaint was filed in 2021, and Holmes determined the judge had since taken corrective action for his misconduct. According to Holmes' brief summary, a self-represented litigant in a civil case alleged his judge was biased because he gave "educational presentations to a politically affiliated club, which the club posted to its public YouTube channel." The judge's activity allegedly resulted in discrimination against the litigant based on his age, race and self-represented status. Holmes noted the rules of judicial conduct prohibit judges from making speeches to, or attending events sponsored by, political organizations. Holmes conducted a "limited inquiry," in which he discovered the unidentified club "is officially affiliated with a political party." Jerome A. Holmes of Oklahoma, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. "A review of the club’s YouTube channel confirmed that the judge made presentations to the club on civics-related matters," Holmes continued, "but that the subject judge’s comments during the presentations, when considered in context, were not political in nature." In responding to the complaint, the unnamed judge wrote that politics was not the "predominate" focus of the club. Instead, he viewed the invitations to speak to the club as an opportunity to share "judicial and legal" topics with its members. "However, he accepted that his actions in making presentations (even on civics-related, non-political topics) to, and indeed merely attending the meetings of, a politically affiliated club violated the Code of Conduct," Holmes wrote. "And the subject judge ensured that his presentations were removed from the club’s YouTube channel, and he informed the club’s leadership that he could not present at any future meetings." Citing his authority to terminate the misconduct proceedings if "appropriate corrective action has been taken," Holmes concluded the judge's acknowledgement of his violation and his subsequent actions were sufficient. Holmes found nothing to indicate the judge had discriminated against the litigant who filed the complaint. The 10th Circuit's executive told Colorado Politics no further information was publicly available about the case. A search of court filings did not reveal any documents bearing on the identity of the complainant or the district judge. The 10th Circuit processes multiple misconduct complaints each year and largely finds no misconduct has occurred. On rare occasions, the circuit will issue an order publicly naming a judge for committing misconduct — as it did in 2022 after finding a New Mexico magistrate judge likely was responsible for an abusive and hostile workplace environment.

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