Mandela's grandson says Palestinians' plight is worse than apartheid

Mandela's grandson says Palestinians' plight is worse than apartheid

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Nelson Mandela's grandson has said Palestinians' lives under Israeli occupation are worse than anything Black South Africans experienced under apartheid, and urged the global community to come to their aid. Mandla Mandela, 51, spoke to Reuters on Wednesday evening at Johannesburg Airport, where he was boarding a flight to Tunisia to join a flotilla aiming to deliver food and humanitarian supplies to Gaza despite an Israeli naval blockade. "Many of us that have visited the occupied territories in Palestine have only come back with one conclusion: that the Palestinians are experiencing a far worse form of apartheid than we ever experienced," Mandela said. "We believe that the global community has to continue supporting the Palestinians, just as they stood side-by-side with us." Israel rejects comparisons between the lives of Palestinians who have lived under occupation or economic blockade for more than half a century and the apartheid era in South Africa, when the Black majority was ruled by a repressive white minority government. It has also defended its tight restriction of the supply of humanitarian and other goods to Gaza, saying it aims to stop weapons from reaching the militant group Hamas. Starvation is widespread in the enclave, according to the World Food Programme, and an authoritative hunger monitor says a quarter of the population are suffering from famine. Mandela is joining a group of 10 South African activists in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes dozens of boats and hundreds of people from 44 countries including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. South Africa's African National Congress said their mission "echoes our own struggle for liberation". Mandela emphasised that, when apartheid ended in 1994, it was after intense pressure and sanctions from other nations. "They isolated apartheid South Africa and finally collapsed it. We believe that the time has come for that to be done for the Palestinians," he said. (Reporting by Siyabonga Sishi; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Kevin Liffey)

byAlpha World

in

September 04, 2025

Mandela's grandson says Palestinians' plight is worse than apartheid

Mandela's grandson says Palestinians' plight is worse than apartheid JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Nelson Mandela's grandson has said ...

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Xi and Putin discuss organ transplants and immortality in hot mic moment

Xi and Putin discuss organ transplants and immortality in hot mic moment

HONG KONG — What do autocratic leaders talk about when they get together? Maybe how to live forever. The exchange between Chinese PresidentXi Jinpingand Russian PresidentVladimir Putinwas caught on a hot mic Wednesday as the duo and North Korean leaderKim Jong Un, in their first-ever joint public appearance, led a delegation of 27 world leaders attending amassive military paradein Beijing. State-run broadcaster CCTV was livestreaming the event, which marked the 80th anniversary of theend of World War II, and providing the feed to other media organizations. As they ascended the rostrum atTiananmen Squareto watch the parade, Putin and Xi, who are both 72, appeared to be discussing the world's strides in life expectancy. While it used to be rare for people to reach age 70, "now they say that at 70 you are only a child," a translator for Xi can be heard telling Putin in Russian. With advances in biotechnology, people will be able to "transplant human organs continuously, grow younger with age, and perhaps even achieve immortality," Putin's translator responds in Mandarin. Xi, who at that point was off-camera, can then be heard saying, "Some have predicted that by the end of this century, humans could potentially live up to 150 years." It was unclear whether the conversation was also being translated for Kim, believed to be 41, who was smiling and looking toward the older leaders. Though they may have just been making conversation, the exchange holds extra weight because both Putin and Xi have indicated an interest in staying in office as long as possible. Xi, who has been president since 2013, wasawarded a rare third termin 2023 after removing the two-term limit from the constitution five years earlier, breaking with China's longstanding tradition of changing leaders every decade. In another departure from historical practice, he has not given any sign of who his successor might be. Putin, who has been president or prime minister of Russia since 2000, won a controversial referendum in 2020 that amended the constitution to allow him to potentially stay in power until 2036. At that point, he would be 83 and Russia's longest-serving ruler since Peter the Great. Putin is known for his longstanding interest in longevity, and last year Russian lawmakers established an anti-aging research center called "New Health Preservation Technologies" after Putin said the nation should focus on preserving the health of its citizens. Though Xi does not appear to have the same fixation, Chinese leaders tend to enjoy long lives, with Deng Xiaoping living until 92 and his successor,Jiang Zemin, making it to 96. Organ transplants are a sensitive subject in China, where rights groups say organs may still beharvested from executed prisonerseven after the government pledged to end the controversial practice in 2014. China has long struggled with a shortage of donated organs because of cultural taboos, and in 2023 the government issued new rules tightening regulation and promoting public awareness. There was little discussion of the two leaders' impromptu exchange on Chinese social media, which is heavily censored. Putin confirmed the conversation with Xi when asked about it by reporters later Wednesday, saying, "Oh, I believe the chairman talked about it when we were going to the parade." "Modern means, both health improvement, and medical means, and even all kinds of surgical ones related to organ replacement, allow humanity to hope that active life will continue not as it does today," he said. He also made an apparent reference toUnited Nations estimatesthat by 2050 there will be more than twice as many people over 60 as children under 5. "This will have social, political and economic consequences," he said. "We should certainly think about this too when we talk about life expectancy."

byAlpha World

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September 04, 2025

Xi and Putin discuss organ transplants and immortality in hot mic moment

Xi and Putin discuss organ transplants and immortality in hot mic moment HONG KONG — What do autocratic leaders talk about when they get tog...

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Titans temper expectations as Cam Ward era begins at Broncos

Titans temper expectations as Cam Ward era begins at Broncos

In their opener last season, the Denver Broncos went on the road and played in a hostile environment, losing to the Seattle Seahawks, but coach Sean Payton said he found out everything he needed to know about rookie quarterback Bo Nix that day. Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan can only hope for a similar sense of calm after 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward makes his debut at Denver on Sunday. "We don't need him to do anything super-human," Callahan said before practice Wednesday. "We just need him to play good football and need the guys around him to play well for him." Ward played seven drives across Tennessee's three preseason games, completing 10 of 19 passes for 145 yards. He ended the exhibition season by leading a 13-play touchdown drive in the first half of the team's win over the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 22. Even had Will Levis, who started most of last year as Tennessee went 3-14 to earn the chance to take Ward with the first overall pick, stayed healthy, it's likely he would have been QB2. But Levis' shoulder injury, which he sustained last year, has landed him on injured reserve for the season. It will be Ward -- backed up by Brandon Allen and former Broncos starter Trevor Siemian -- carrying the hopes of Titans fans for a more respectable showing in 2025. While all the usual caveats about rookie quarterbacks apply, Tennessee can take a quick peek at the other sideline if it wants to feel optimistic that Ward can lead an instant turnaround. Nix was drafted 12th overall last year out of Oregon and quickly matured into what Denver believes is its long-term solution under center. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions while adding 430 yards and four scores on the ground to lead the team into the AFC playoffs. If Nix can avoid the sophomore jinx, the Broncos might be able to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Denver returns every starter in its offensive line, a rarity in today's NFL, and its defensive line. "They've played together for multiple years," Nix said, "so communication's going to be really high. It's going to be comfortable. Guys are going to know and understand movements. We'll be able to adjust on the fly with some things. We all know what it means." The case can be made that the Broncos' defense will offer Ward as tough a matchup as any rookie quarterback has dealt with in a while. Denver led the league with a franchise-best 63 sacks last year and the Tennessee offensive line of late hasn't been confused with the franchise's great O-lines of 25 years ago. Don't be surprised if the Titans try to establish running back Tony Pollard, one of their few bright spots last year with 1,079 rushing yards and 41 receptions. If Pollard has a good game, it might take some pressure off Ward. "I think Tennessee took me for a reason," he said. "I'm capable of throwing the ball and leading the offense to score a lot of points." The Titans own a 25-18-1 lead in the all-time series, including a 17-10 win three years ago in their most recent matchup. --Field Level Media

byAlpha World

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September 04, 2025

Titans temper expectations as Cam Ward era begins at Broncos

Titans temper expectations as Cam Ward era begins at Broncos In their opener last season, the Denver Broncos went on the road and played in ...

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No. 12 ASU braces for hostile greeting at Mississippi State

No. 12 ASU braces for hostile greeting at Mississippi State

No. 12 Arizona State will look to duplicate its success against Mississippi State when the teams meet for the second straight season Saturday, this time in Starkville, Miss. The Sun Devils dominated the line of scrimmage in their 30-23 home victory in 2024, rushing for 346 yards and holding the ball for 40:13 while recording their first victory over a Southeastern Conference team. Both teams enter 1-0 after winning intrastate openers -- Arizona State beat Northern Arizona 38-19 in Tempe, and Mississippi State stopped Southern Miss 34-17 in Hattiesburg. The AP poll voters apparently saw something they did not like in defending Big 12 champion Arizona State, dropping the Sun Devils one spot from their preseason ranking. Arizona State coach Ken Dillingham was not pleased, either, after the Sun Devils were penalized 12 times and went 1-for-10 on third down against a team that made the FCS playoffs a year ago. "I believe that he (Northern Arizona's Brian Wright) outcoached me," Dillingham said. "That's something that I have to look at and I have to figure out how that doesn't happen again." Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt accounted for four touchdowns, two passing and two rushing, against Northern Arizona, throwing for 257 yards and rushing for 73. He threw one interception. Top target Jordyn Tyson had 12 receptions for 141 yards and two scores. Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen went 26 of 33 for 272 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Golden Eagles, playing his first game since sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury last September. Shapen led three third-quarter scoring drives as the Bulldogs turned a 13-10 halftime lead into a comfortable 34-10 cushion. He was 18 of 28 for 268 yards and two touchdowns against Arizona State last season. "I was just excited to get out there and play with these guys. That's something that I'll never take for granted again," Shapen said. The Bulldogs went 2-10 a year ago, winning only once after Shapen was lost for the season in the first SEC game against Florida. They lost all eight of their conference games. "We've talked non-stop about August 30, winning the opener and being 1-0. I'm proud of that," second-year Bulldogs coach Jeff Lebby said. Arizona State piped the sound of cowbells into practice Tuesday in an attempt to prepare players for the atmosphere they will experience on Saturday. "When you think of Mississippi State in Starkville, it's an unbelievable college town, unbelievable atmosphere," Dillingham said. "Obviously, you can't simulate their fan base and their excitement, so we're just trying to simulate the passion of that city and that place." Dillingham seemed to upset some Bulldogs fans when he talked about the Sun Devils' travel plans. "Interesting is now that we play in a lot smaller towns, we (stay) further away from stadiums on road games," he said. "We stay about an hour and 15 minutes away from the stadium this week, because that's the nearest hotel that's not a casino." Visiting teams often stay in Columbus, Miss.; Tupelo, Miss.; or even Tuscaloosa, Ala.; when playing in Starkville, a town of about 25,000. The closest casino is an hour away in Philadelphia, Miss. --Field Level Media

byAlpha World

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September 04, 2025

No. 12 ASU braces for hostile greeting at Mississippi State

No. 12 ASU braces for hostile greeting at Mississippi State No. 12 Arizona State will look to duplicate its success against Mississippi Stat...

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Trump says he is committed to pursuing Russia-Ukraine peace deal

Trump says he is committed to pursuing Russia-Ukraine peace deal

President Trump told CBS News on Wednesday that he remains committed to pursuing a peace agreement betweenRussia and Ukraine, despite mounting uncertainty over the prospect of face-to-face talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mr. Trump characterized his position as both realistic and optimistic, and said he is closely monitoring how both leaders are handling this crossroads in the negotiations. "I've been watching it, I've been seeing it, and I've been talking about it with President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Mr. Trump said in a phone interview. "Something is going to happen, but they are not ready yet. But something is going to happen. We are going to get it done." The president's comments come as Russia continues to strike Ukraine. Late last month, Russia carried out a massive drone and missile attack against Ukraine's capital, killing at least 15 people, including four children, according to a city official. Mr. Trump said he is unhappy with the carnage but will keep pushing for a peace agreement. "I think we're going to get it all straightened out," he said. "Frankly, the Russia one, I thought, would have been on the easier side of the ones I've stopped, but it seems to be something that's a little bit more difficult than some of the others," he said. Earlier Wednesday, Mr. Trump told reporters that he was watching asPutinjoined the leaders of China and North Korea for a grand military parade in Beijing. "I understand the reason they were doing it, and they were hoping I was watching, and I was watching," Mr. Trump said. "My relationship with all of them is very good. We're going to find out how good it is over the next week or two." Mr. Trump also told CBS News on Wednesday that his approach to many diplomatic negotiations, be it with Russia and Ukraine or with other warring nations, is to bring together key leaders into a room and have them broker an agreement in real time, often with his guidance on the transaction — and to not write off any possibility before that happens. That approach, he said, demands patience, even when a quick resolution is sought, but he believes it has paid off in other peace agreements this year. When asked whether he sometimes must "wait things out," Mr. Trump replied, "Well, you have to do that." "We've had some very good days, fortunately, and once I get them in a room together, or get them at least speaking together, they seem to work out. We've saved millions of lives." Last month, ahead of his closely watchedmeetingwith Putin in Alaska, Mr. Trump told reporters, "All I want to do is set the table for the next meeting, which should happen shortly." Beyond the Russia-Ukraine war, Mr. Trump has claimed in recent weeks that he should be credited forendingsix or seven wars during this term and that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. White House officials have pointed to a list of seven conflicts the president is referencing: Israel and Iran, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo,Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand and Cambodia,India and Pakistan, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Serbia and Kosovo. Some foreign policy analysts have criticized Mr. Trump's claim, saying that many of those conflicts remain unresolved or were not full-scale wars. Or they contended that Mr. Trump was not a central force in the discussions. Several Trump allies have told CBS News that Mr. Trump maintains that the work done by him and his administration has been crucial in furthering those negotiations. "A lot of times, they're fighting each other for so long," Mr. Trump told CBS News. "They're fighting each other so long, they don't even think in terms of peace. It just becomes a way of life. And when I get them together, I get the people in the room, I'm able to convince them. 'Let's go. Let's make peace. It's enough, already. You've lost enough lives.'" Mr. Trump told CBS News that he is not seeking the Nobel Peace Prize. The recipient of the 2025 prize is expected to be announced next month. "I have nothing to say about it," Mr. Trump said. "All I can do is put out wars." He added, "I don't seek attention. I just want to save lives." Trump blasts calls for Epstein files, makes claims about Chicago crime Khanna, Massie and Greene hold news conference on Jeffrey Epstein files Dream: Building AI Cyber Defense for Nations

byAlpha World

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September 03, 2025

Trump says he is committed to pursuing Russia-Ukraine peace deal

Trump says he is committed to pursuing Russia-Ukraine peace deal President Trump told CBS News on Wednesday that he remains committed to pur...

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