BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: After she met with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast ‌Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brunei on April 28 (Tuesday), Kaja Kallas, the foreign policy chief from the European Union, called for partners in the region not to look to Russia for their supply of oil, as this would allow Russia to continue its war against Ukraine.

Netizens commenting on Ms Kallas’ remarks have characterised the call as “removed from reality.”

Asia continues to be the hardest hit by the war in the Middle East, which began on Feb 28 when the United States and Israel started bombing Iran. This led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint over which 20% of the world’s fuel needs transits, resulting in a global energy crisis.

Because Asia, especially Southeast Asia, is heavily dependent on the Middle East for its energy supply, its governments have been scrambling to secure fuel for their domestic needs, paying more for oil as prices have soared. 

The US temporarily halted sanctions on Russian oil that is already at sea. It did this initially for India in the first week of March, but the easing of sanctions has spread. From March 12 to April 11, countries were allowed to buy oil from Russia. 

Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam have since shown interest in buying oil from Russia.

Russia has also reportedly offered liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to Asian countries at a 40% discount.

Ms Kallas urged Southeast Asia to see the “big picture” concerning the war in Ukraine, according to a Reuters report. 

“You have an energy crisis, and you need to have supplies. On the other hand, you have to see the big picture, which is that… if you buy Russian oil, they are able to continue with this war,” the report quotes her as saying.

Earlier this month, new sanctions were approved by the EU that included more oil trade restrictions designed to affect Russia’s funding of its attack on Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Ms Kallas pointed out that the war in the Middle East has been to Russia’s advantage because of the oil shortage, and asked for ASEAN to cooperate with the EU’s sanctions on Russia.

She also noted that buying oil from Russia is helping to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, though the diplomat did not elaborate further.

Ms Kallas’ remarks did not land well with netizens, with one asking, “What suggestions did Kalas make to relieve the South East Asian countries?” 

“Will the EU compensate ASEAN for the shortfall?” wondered another.

Others called the EU “unrealistic” and “entitled,” adding that the bloc should mind its own business.

“Yes, barrels of oil can also be harvested from banana trees,” one wrote sarcastically, adding, “The world is coping with a 15% reduction in global crude oil output due to the ME crisis. And this woman thinks that nations around the world should also forego buying Russian exports that make up about 5% of global supplies?”/TISG

Read also: War in Iran leaves Southeast Asia scrambling for oil from Russia

This article (Netizens call out top EU diplomat for asking Southeast Asia not to ‌buy Russian oil amid Iran war) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News.

TEHRAN, April 30 — President Donald Trump warned Tehran on Wednesday that it should “get smart soon” and capitulate to Washington’s demands for tight controls on its nuclear programme, as a US naval blockade turned the screws on Iran’s economy.

The United States could extend its naval blockade of Iran for months more, oil executives were told in a meeting with Trump, an official said, after press reports that he had rejected Iran’s latest proposed deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran can’t get their act together... They better get smart soon,” Trump posted on his social media platform, above a mocked-up picture of himself toting a rifle in front of explosions wrecking a desert fortress and the slogan: “No more Mr. Nice Guy!”

According to the administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, Trump discussed with the oil executives “steps we could take to continue the current blockade for months if needed and minimise impact on American consumers”.

The news that peace talks were still stalled sent oil prices higher once again. At around 1335 GMT, a barrel of Brent crude for June delivery was up 5.16 per cent at US$117 (RM463), its highest level since the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran came into effect on April 8.

The UN Development Programme, meanwhile, warned that the war, which has sent the price of energy and fertiliser soaring, could plunge more than 30 million people into poverty in 160 countries. “It’s development in reverse,” UNDP chief Alexander De Croo told AFP.

Iran has blockaded the strait – a vital conduit for oil and gas shipments – since the US and Israel launched the war two months ago, sending shockwaves through the global economy. But its own economy is also suffering.

On Wednesday, the Iranian rial fell to historic lows against the dollar, while Tehran residents speaking to AFP journalists in Paris reported a sense of despair.

“Every time in recent years that negotiations have taken place, the economic situation of the people has only gotten worse. Sanctions have either started or intensified,” a 52-year-old architect told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“They go to negotiate and come back with even more sanctions, and the issue is always nuclear. There’s no talk about people, the economy or freedom. People have the right to not even want to hear the word ‘negotiation’,” he said.

While the war has roiled the global economy, it has also proved expensive for the US military, with the Pentagon on Wednesday putting the bill so far at US$25 billion.

‘No trust’

During a White House state dinner on Tuesday, Trump told Britain’s King Charles III and other guests that Iran had been “militarily defeated”, and added: “Charles agrees with me even more than I do – we’re never going to let that opponent have a nuclear weapon.”

But an Iranian army spokesman told state TV on Tuesday that “we do not consider the war to be over”, saying Tehran had “no trust in America”.

“We have many cards that we have not yet used,” Amir Akraminia said in an interview.

Efforts to end the war have stalled in recent days. The latest Iranian proposal, passed along by Pakistan and studied by Trump administration officials in a meeting on Monday, laid out red lines including on nuclear issues and Hormuz, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.

The plan would reportedly see Tehran ease its chokehold on the strait and Washington lift its retaliatory blockade while broader negotiations continue, including over the nuclear programme.

Iran’s speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has emerged as a figurehead since the start of the Middle East war, said on Wednesday the United States’ naval blockade of the country aimed to create division and “make us collapse from within”.

He said Trump “divides the country into two groups: hardliners and moderates, and then immediately talks about a naval blockade to force Iran into submission through economic pressure and internal discord,” and called for unity in response, state TV reported.

‘Attacks cannot continue’

Violence has continued on the war’s Lebanese front, despite a recently extended ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group that drew Lebanon into the war by firing rockets at Israel. Israel responded with strikes and a ground invasion.

For the first time since the ceasefire began, the Lebanese army said on Tuesday that an Israeli strike had targeted its troops, wounding two soldiers in the south. Another strike on Wednesday killed a Lebanese soldier, it said.

“Israel must finally realise that the only path to security is through negotiations, but it must first fully implement the ceasefire in order to move on to negotiations,” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, in a statement from the presidency.

“Israeli attacks cannot continue as they are,” he said. “We are now waiting for the United States to set a date to begin direct negotiations.”

A UN-backed report said on Wednesday that more than 1.2 million people in Lebanon were expected to face acute hunger due to the latest war. — AFP

No one has claimed responsibility for flag, which appeared on 120-metre Spire in September

What goes up must come down – unless it’s a Palestinian flag at the top of Dublin’s tallest monument that no one knows how to remove.

The flag appeared on the 120-metre Spire on O’Connell Street last September and for seven months it has defied every proposed measure to take it down. Who installed it and how remains a mystery.

The year is 1969, legendary rock and roll band The Velvet Underground is playing at a Vietnam War protest in Texas. It sounds like an iconic moment. The only problem? Back then, people didn't care all that much about The Velvet Underground.

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JOHOR BAHRU, April 29 — Indonesian actors appearing in Malaysian productions reflect the growing creative exchange between the two countries.

Indonesian actress Hana Malasan is the latest talent to join this wave, following her rise in the regional industry, where she has built recognition through a range of film and television roles.

Her international visibility was boosted by her performance as Umbra, an assassin in The Shadow Strays, a physically demanding action role that marked a turning point in her career.

The project has since opened new opportunities, including her casting in the upcoming Malaysian film Hunter Eleven: The Awaken, directed by Frank See, where she plays one of the leads, Tara.

Speaking to Malay Mail, Hana said her role in The Shadow Strays did indeed play a key part in bringing her to the attention of the Hunter Eleven director and producers.

“Basically, The Shadow Strays opened up bigger opportunities for me to take on more action roles, not only in Indonesia but also outside (internationally).

“I was really grateful to be part of it because it opened doors for me to go beyond Indonesia,” she said.

Enter Tara

In Hunter Eleven, Hana describes Tara as a character defined not only by physical action but also by emotional depth.

She also contrasted her roles in The Shadow Strays and Hunter Eleven, noting differences in weapon training — using a katana in the former and a sniper rifle in the latter.

“I had the chance to train with a more than 16kg sniper rifle, and I think it was really crazy.

“It was a good experience,” she added.

Hana Malasan with fellow cast members Shi Yanneng, Yayan Ruhian and Sky Iskandar at the ‘Hunter Eleven: The Awaken’ press conference held at Iskandar Studios. — Picture courtesy of GSC Movies

Hunter Eleven will mark her first time filming in Malaysia, and she shared that the experience has been positive so far.

“Everyone was welcoming, and even though there was a language barrier on set, it didn’t make it harder to build chemistry,” she said, citing how she and co-star Shi Yanneng connected naturally through action sequences.

“That’s what’s unique about this production.

“If I had to describe the vibe on the set of Hunter Eleven, I would say fun, unpredictable, and intense.”

The grind continues

Looking back on her journey, Hana also shared her early struggles in the industry with Malay Mail, including repeated audition rejections, but said her passion for acting eventually led to her breakthrough.

Her filmography today includes horror titles such as Susuk and The Train of Death, as well as The Siege at Thorn High, written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Joko Anwar.

She also recently stepped out of her comfort zone to portray a single mother in Kupeluk Kamu Selamanya, which is currently gaining attention in Indonesia.

When asked by Malay Mail about advice for those looking to break into the acting industry, she shared: “To enter this industry is not easy.

“There are many challenges, but if you are really passionate about it, just keep going.”

She also believes it is never too late to become an actor, noting that there is always a wide range of characters — from the elderly to young children — to portray on screen.

Hana is not slowing down.

While her love for the action genre continues, she has expressed interest in taking on a biopic or even a musical film role someday.

For now, the grind continues on Hunter Eleven: The Awaken, which is slated for release in 2027.

She will star alongside Shi Yanneng, Sky Iskandar, Yayan Ruhian, Nia Atasha, Peter Davis, Nina Kho, Ariel Izz, Chai Zi, Sangeetha Krishnasamy, Amanda Ang and Wan Serigala.

WASHINGTON, April 29 — The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday after a key policy meeting, likely the last chaired by central bank chief Jerome Powell, a frequent target of President Donald Trump’s ire.

Policymakers will weigh the risks of surging energy prices and snarled supply chains due to the US-Israel war on Iran, with analysts widely expecting a third pause in a row as the effects of the conflict ripple through the world’s largest economy.

All eyes will be on Powell’s future plans at what could be his final press conference as head of the Fed on Wednesday afternoon.

While the central bank chief’s tenure as chair ends May 15, his term as a member of the board of governors continues until January 2028.

Since returning to power last year, Trump has frequently criticised and insulted Powell for not cutting interest rates – a policy that would turbocharge economic activity but could fuel inflation.

In January, Powell made headlines when he revealed Trump’s Justice Department had opened a criminal probe against him over cost overruns on a building renovation project.

Powell called the move a pressure tactic designed to erode the Fed’s independence, and vowed to stay on until the investigation was concluded “with transparency and finality.”

Republican Thom Tillis on the Senate’s banking committee supported Powell’s position, saying he would hold up confirmation of Trump’s Fed chair nominee, Kevin Warsh, until the probe was dropped or completed.

On Friday, the Justice Department said it was dropping the investigation, and Tillis indicated days later that he would support Warsh’s confirmation.

Trump’s assaults on the Fed have been unprecedented. He has also attempted to unseat another Fed governor, Lisa Cook, over fraud allegations. A Supreme Court case on that attempt is ongoing.

Given that context, analysts were divided on whether Powell would stay on as a member of the board even after his term as chief ends – a situation that would be unusual, but not without precedent.

Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, said he thought Powell would remain, adding that it “would help preserve institutional continuity, anchor the existing communication approach, and provide a stabilising counterweight during the transition.”

Future path

While much attention will be on Powell’s plans, policymakers will be focused on the way forward for the US economy, as it battles years of higher-than-expected inflation and recent weak jobs growth.

The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate of keeping inflation to its long-term two-percent target while ensuring maximum employment.

Higher energy prices due to the Middle East war caused US inflation to spike in March, and while such supply shocks are often treated as temporary, central bankers have expressed concern that effects could be more lasting.

Surging energy prices could also slow down economic activity by raising production costs, affecting the employment side of the mandate.

In a note, Oxford Economics said there was “virtually no chance” that rates would be cut at this week’s meeting.

“We’ll look for any indication that Fed officials’ assessment of the risks to their outlook has changed since the mid-March meeting,” wrote Nancy Vanden Houten, lead US Economist at Oxford Economics.

At their last gathering, Federal Open Market Committee members said the risk of inflation rising and growth slowing had increased since the start of the war.

The Fed had been on a path of rate cuts late last year, buoyed by progress in its fight against inflation and aimed at addressing the labour market weakness.

Now, however, analysts say the way forward is far from clear.

“There is, in my opinion, a non-negligible possibility that the statement could incorporate a two-sided formulation that would acknowledge that rate hikes could be appropriate if inflation remains above-target,” Daco told AFP. — AFP

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- Viewpoint is looking north-west from the settlement of Haouqa on the Ehden-Ariz Rd, just north-north-west of the village of Blouza.
- Comparative Street View image link:
maps.app.goo.gl/1YQnvsQ6ixyLwqaW8.
[this updated locational info is courtesy of further research based on the original suggested location of Bane [nearby] by Patrick Adaimi].
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- Original image was captured by my late father-in-law, Driver Tom Beazley of the 2/4th Anti Malaria Control Unit, 9th Division, 2nd Australian Imperial Force, using a Kodak Brownie 120 roll-film folding camera.
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- Latest version colourized & enhanced using ChatGPT+ AI, Topaz Gigapixel AI, Skylum Luminar Neo AI & Adobe Photoshop CS2 softwares.

WASHINGTON, April 29 — Efforts to end the Middle East war appeared at a standstill on Tuesday, with the United States considering Tehran’s latest offer to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran saying Washington could no longer dictate terms.

Iran has blockaded the waterway – a vital conduit for oil and gas shipments – since the start of the US-Israeli offensive two months ago, sending shockwaves through the global economy.

US officials did not dispute accounts by CNN and The Wall Street Journal that Trump was sceptical of the proposal.

Oil prices soared above US$110 (RM434) a barrel – their highest level since the US-Iran ceasefire – as the market felt new jitters over renewed conflict.

Qatar – a US ally that was hit by Iranian strikes despite its role as a mediator – warned of the possibility of a “frozen conflict” if a definitive resolution is not found.

“We do not want to see a return to hostilities in the region anytime soon. We do not want to see a frozen conflict that ends up being thawed every time there is a political reason,” Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference.

The Iranian proposal, passed along by Pakistan and studied by Trump administration officials in a meeting Monday, laid out red lines including on nuclear issues and Hormuz, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.

The plan would reportedly see Tehran ease its choke hold on the strait and Washington lift its retaliatory blockade on Iranian ports while broader negotiations continue, including over the thorny question of Iran’s nuclear program.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the proposal was “better than what we thought they were going to submit” but questioned if the Iranian officials behind it had authority, following Israeli killings of senior officials.

Rubio, in a Fox News interview, said that US demands to reopen the strait meant “going back to the way it should be” and was before the US-Israeli attack.

“They’re very good negotiators,” Rubio said, adding any eventual deal had to be “one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon.”

Iranian defence ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik said that Washington “must abandon its illegal and irrational demands.”

“The United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policy to independent nations,” he said, according to state TV.

US officials including Vice President JD Vance twice last week prepared to fly to Pakistan for new talks but then stayed home.

Trump peeved by Germany

Trump faces domestic pressure to find an off-ramp as prices rise, with midterm elections due in November and polls showing the war is unpopular among Americans.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who earlier had offered guarded support to Trump, said Monday that “the Americans obviously have no strategy” in Iran and that the war was “at the very least ill-considered”.

Trump denounced Merz on social media on Tuesday, saying he “doesn’t know what he’s talking about”.

An Iranian army spokesman told state TV on Tuesday that “we do not consider the war to be over,” saying Tehran had “no trust in America.”

“We have many cards that we have not yet used... new tools and methods of fighting based on the experiences of the past two wars, which will definitely allow us to respond to the enemy more decisively” should the fighting resume, Amir Akraminia said in an interview.

On a visit to Russia, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the war had shown “Iran’s true power” and stability, but back home in Tehran, the mood was sober.

“Everything in the country is up in the air right now. I have not worked for a long time,” small business owner Farshad told Paris-based AFP journalists.

“The country is in complete economic collapse.”

Lebanese troops said targeted

Violence has continued on the war’s Lebanese front, despite a recently extended ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, which drew Lebanon into the Middle East war by firing rockets at Israel.

Israel responded with strikes and a ground invasion.

For the first time since the ceasefire began, the Lebanese army said Tuesday that an Israeli strike had targeted its troops, wounding two soldiers in the south.

Israel’s military had earlier warned residents of more than a dozen villages and towns to evacuate immediately, saying Hezbollah’s “violation of the ceasefire” was compelling it to act.

The military also announced it had found and destroyed a large Hezbollah tunnel network used by elite fighters in southern Lebanon.

Despite its occupation of a swath of territory along the border, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country “has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.”

Once Hezbollah and its allies “are dismantled, Israel will have no need to maintain its presence in these areas,” he added.

The day before, Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem had vowed that the armed group would “not back down.” — AFP