Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has withdrawn from the presidential race, paving the way for a potential Biden-Trump rematch. In her announcement from South Carolina, Haley declined to endorse Donald Trump, though acknowledging his likely nomination as the Republican candidate. Her campaign, lasting over a year, focused on several key issues, including support for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, concerns about national debt, and advocating for congressional term limits. Haley's decision follows a series of electoral setbacks, including a sole victory in Vermont on Super Tuesday and underwhelming performances in other primaries. Initially a strong contender in a crowded Republican field, Haley gained traction through impressive debate performances and support from influential donors and political figures. However, her campaign lost momentum due to several gaffes, including controversial remarks about the American Civil War and racism in the U.S. Despite maintaining a moderate stance on issues like gun control and abortion rights, critics suggested Haley didn't sufficiently distance herself from Trump. Her campaign endured until it became evident that her chances of securing the Republican nomination were slim, leading to her eventual suspension of the campaign. This exit sets the stage for a likely Trump nomination and a repeat of the Trump-Biden electoral battle in 2020. (The Independent) See also
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for enhanced military capabilities against the US and South Korea, responding to ongoing joint military exercises between the two nations. During a visit to a training base, Kim emphasised the need for “actual war drills'' to improve combat readiness, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This stance follows the North Korean Defense Ministry's declaration of conducting “responsible military activities'' in reaction to what they perceive as invasion preparations through the South Korean-US drills. The annual South Korean-US exercises, which are computer-simulated and involve field training, are seen as defensive by the participating countries. North Korea, which has historically responded to these drills with missile tests, continues to showcase nuclear-capable weaponry. South Korea’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, Jeon Ha Gyu, affirmed that South Korea will robustly counter any North Korean provocations, criticising the North’s portrayal of the drills as invasion rehearsals. This escalation occurs amidst a series of North Korean missile tests designed to target South Korea and the US mainland. Observers expect further tensions and provocative actions from North Korea, especially in the context of upcoming major elections in the US and South Korea.
Iran's morality police have escalated their enforcement of Islamic dress codes, leading to severe punishments for women, including car confiscations, floggings, and fines, reports Amnesty International. This crackdown follows protests ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini, who was detained for not wearing a hijab. Amnesty's findings reveal that tens of thousands of women have had their cars seized for defying veiling laws, with some also facing flogging, prison, or mandatory 'morality' classes. One woman, Roya Heshmati, described being flogged in front of a judge, likening it to "medieval torture." Many women recounted being pursued by police and stranded far from home after their vehicles were impounded. Release of the vehicles required payment of fees and commitments to comply with veiling laws. Surveillance and public reporting have intensified, with even men mistaken for women due to long hair facing questioning. The recent protests, under the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom," challenged Iran's regime, leading to proposed legislation increasing penalties for dress code violations. Amnesty International's Deputy Middle East Director, Dina Eltahawy, noted the increased policing aims to suppress resistance, causing distress and disrupting lives. The report highlights the harsh realities of compulsory veiling and the Iranian government's efforts to reinforce it amidst growing public dissent.
Street preacher wins settlement from police
01 Mar 2024
Avon and Somerset police have confessed they acted ‘disproportionately’ when stopping pastor Dia Moodley from criticising other religions while street preaching. The notice was issued in 2021, to prevent him from ‘passing comments on any other religion or comparing them to Christianity’. After the police settled damages on the ground of religious discrimination, Moodley said, ‘It isn't for them to decide which religions or worldviews can be free from criticism. When I preach, I am committed to speaking about the good news of Christianity in love, grace, and truth – but that doesn't mean that I will never say something that others may disagree with. The nature of a free and democratic society is that we can speak publicly about our beliefs. Thankfully, I have received some measure of justice after having been wrongfully silenced by authorities. But this creeping culture of censorship is detrimental to all of us in society, whatever we believe, and we must challenge it wherever we see it.’
Cathedral’s 900 years of ministry recognised
01 Mar 2024
A motion has been introduced in the Scottish parliament to formally recognise St Giles' Cathedral, a landmark in Edinburgh with a history spanning 900 years. MSP Miles Briggs commended the cathedral for its enduring significance and its efforts to engage people of all backgrounds and faiths. Rev Dr George Whyte, representing St Giles', expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism and worship. The motion also highlights the cathedral's role as a centre celebrating Scotland's heritage and culture, attracting 1.5 million visitors annually. It is also a national church, hosting significant events such as state ceremonies. The cathedral's outreach projects aim to foster inclusivity and community cohesion. The motion will be circulated for additional signatures, reflecting widespread support within the parliament.
Justin Welby: ‘God is greater than our fears’
01 Mar 2024
The Archbishop of Canterbury, in his presidential address at General Synod, illuminated the enduring message of faith and resilience amidst global turmoil. He highlighted the pivotal role of faith in navigating through adversity, drawing from the Psalms' portrayal of adversity. Reflecting on global turmoil, from the war in Ukraine to the forgotten conflicts in Myanmar and Sudan, he called for compassionate action. He emphasised the importance of prayerful lament and protest, encouraging believers to find solace in God. Urging his listeners not to fear, and reminding them of God’s faithfulness, he said: ‘God is greater than our fears, our enemies, and our failures. When that is our comfort and peace, then in this world, at this time, off its hinges, we can in all our troubles be truly the church we should be - truly God's Church in God's world.’
Jess Philips: ‘I am weary’
01 Mar 2024
For nine years in succession, Labour MP Jess Phillips has read a list of women killed by men in the past twelve months, criticising the lack of attention given to women's safety in Parliament. She expressed weariness with the lack of systemic change, and said the issue seems to matter much less than small boats. The emotional reading of 98 names lasted over five minutes. Phillips credited organisations like Femicide Census for documenting these tragedies and highlighted failures such as the nonexistence of women's safety units within police forces. Her remarks came days after a UN rapporteur urged the Government to do more, stating that the UK’s strategies for tackling violence against women were inadequate. Grim statistics underline the urgency of the issue: a woman is killed by a man in the UK every three days, and one in four women experiences domestic violence. Meanwhile, a damning report issued today has shown how the killer of Sarah Everard should never have been allowed to become a police officer: see
Met examining MP’s comments for hate speech
01 Mar 2024
The Metropolitan Police is ‘assessing’ a report of hate speech made against MP Lee Anderson after comments which he made on 23 February. The force said it had received the report after the MP claimed ‘Islamists’ had ‘got control’ of London mayor Sadiq Khan, and he had ‘given away our capital’ to extremists. The Ashfield MP refused to apologise, and was suspended from the Tory party the next day. The prime minister's official spokesman said the language used was ‘wrong’, but added that Rishi Sunak did not believe Mr Anderson was racist. Mr Khan has urged the prime minister to call the remarks racist and Islamophobic. Mr Anderson, the former Tory deputy chairman who is now sitting in the House of Commons as an independent, has continued to refuse to apologise and said Mr Sunak made a ‘mistake’ in suspending him. Some of his Conservative colleagues, including Jacob Rees-Mogg, have expressed agreement with his viewpoint.