World News

Why the risk of wider war in Middle East is ‘very, very high’ on October 18, 2023 at 10:00 am

Published

3 years ago

October 18, 2023

Iran, which funds Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has issued several warnings to Israel in the past few days that if the attacks on Gaza continue, an escalation of the conflict will become inevitable.

And the U.S. is signaling its concern about the conflict growing, sending two carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean, publicly warning Iran not to get involved and putting some 2,000 troops on ready-to-deploy orders.

President Biden is also set to visit Israel this week in a show of strength and support for the nation — but the visit may do little to defuse tensions.

“The risks for a wider war and for the region going back into full-scale war are very, very high,” said Linda Robinson, a senior fellow for foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations. “This is very bad.”

The violence began with a barbaric attack by Hamas militants on a music festival and border villages in Israel. Israel responded over the past week with a bombing campaign on the densely populated Gaza Strip.

The violence was further inflamed Tuesday by an explosion at a hospital in Gaza that killed hundreds of people who were seeking refuge there from Israeli strikes.

While Gaza and Israel are trading blame for the explosion, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly canceled a planned meeting with Biden during his Middle East visit.

Robinson said it was “extremely concerning” that Abbas canceled the meeting because it was a sign the situation was worsening and the few diplomatic off-ramps available were quickly deteriorating.

“That was where the beginning of a diplomatic off-ramp would have been crafted,” Robinson said of a four-way summit that would have included Biden and Abbas.

She called on Washington to relay a stronger message of diplomacy to prevent the region from flaring up.

“The U.S. signaling has been very heavily pro-Israel, and they’ve only been moderating it with the need to protect civilian Palestinians in recent days, “ she said. “What [strategy] is happening isn’t working.”

Israel is seeking to destroy Hamas in retaliation for a surprise attack that killed some 1,400 of its people, but it’s facing a serious threat from other groups across the Levant region while it pursues that mission.

Besides Hezbollah, rocket attacks have also come from Syria, where Iranian-backed militia groups have been operating for years.

With Israel already under heavy fire, analysts fear the nation may soon have to contend with a multifront war that could engulf the entire Levant.

Jonathan Spyer, the director of research at the Middle East Forum, said the rate of fire with Hezbollah has been so heavy that it would have “mushroomed into war” already if Israel was not contending with Hamas.

“All this is very, very unusual,” said Spyer. “Hezbollah, and the Iranians behind them making the real decisions, are playing with fire.”

Israel’s looming ground offensive is expected to be a decisive factor in the trajectory of the war. If Israeli troops enter Gaza, Iran has warned that allied forces may have to intervene.

The Gaza war could end up being extremely bloody and long, and a prolonged Israeli campaign in the dense urban coastal enclave will likely heighten any risk of a wider regional war, according to analysts.

Biden suggested a similar assessment this week, warning Israel that a reoccupation of the Gaza Strip would be a “big mistake.”

Iran, which has met with senior leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas in recent days, has intensified its rhetoric about the conflict as Israeli air forces conduct a massive bombing campaign on Gaza.

Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has said Tehran may intervene in the conflict to prevent the “genocide” of the Palestinian people and warned Iranian allies are prepared for a conflict.

“According to our assessment, the resistance is fully prepared to respond to the [Israeli] warmongering,” Amirabdollahian said in a phone call this week with his Tunisian counterpart, according to state-run media outlet the Islamic Republic News Agency.

As Iran’s largest proxy group, Hezbollah is a serious threat. The last war Israel fought with the Lebanese militant group, in 2006, ended with Israel withdrawing from Lebanon without any strategic victory. And since then, Hezbollah has only grown in power.

But Hezbollah is suffering from an economic crisis and may not have the immediate means to carry out a large-scale war.

Iran may also not want to risk drawing Hezbollah into the war because Tehran regards the militia group as its most powerful proxy group.

David Daoud, a nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs, said Iran views Hezbollah as its “brightest star in the constellation of proxy forces” it oversees.

But, he added, Iran has also spent the past two decades building up Gaza as the southern front against Israel and could feel forced to intervene, especially if Israel looks vulnerable in the fight with Hamas.

“Iran also needs this axis because at some point in the future, they have promised a major war against Israel. You don’t want to lose a critical front,” Daoud said. “The question then becomes, is it worth it for Iran to risk Hezbollah in a war against Israel?”

Another uncertainty in Iran’s actions is the presence of U.S. forces in the region. It’s unclear if the bolstered American presence is powerful enough to deter any conflict from growing.

“This could actually backfire,” Daoud said. “Hezbollah may be forced to respond, just to save face, because face is very important to them.”

American forces are not expected to intervene unless the situation gets serious enough to necessitate their involvement, such as Iran firing ballistic missiles at Israel, according to analysts interviewed in this article.

Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said any U.S. intervention would have to be approved by Congress, and that it remains a hypothetical at this stage.

Singh said the “main goal” of the U.S. posture in the region is to “send a message of deterrence” to potential adversaries.

“Actors in the region who think that they might want to take advantage of this conflict: Do not do that,” Singh said at a Tuesday briefing. “This is not the time to do that.”

Spyer, from the Middle East Forum, said the U.S. and Israel have a general agreement that the Israeli people must defend themselves against regional adversaries — often using U.S.-supplied weapons — without direct American intervention.

“At least up until now, the Israeli view has always been, ‘No, we can handle them,’” Spyer said. “Israel has always been very adamant that it handle its own affairs.”

The risk of a wider regional conflict in the Middle East is growing by the day as Israel prepares for a massive ground offensive in Gaza, continues to bomb Palestinians and trades fire with the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Iran, which funds Hezbollah and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, has issued several warnings to…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

7 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.