Monday, June 29, 2026

Israel kills three Palestinians in Gaza as attacks on tents continue

Israeli forces restrict Palestinian worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque and block the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque.

By Ali Mustafa and The Associated Press

Israeli attacks killed at least three Palestinians and wounded several others in the Gaza Strip, as Israel continued its assault on the enclave and expanded raids across the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Sunday that an Israeli drone struck the al-Salatin area, west of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, killing at least two people and wounding at least one more.

West Bank raids and mosque restrictions

In occupied East Jerusalem, 110 Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy Israeli police protection, according to the Islamic Waqf Department.

The Waqf said settlers entered through the Mughrabi Gate, toured the courtyards and performed provocative rituals in the eastern area of the compound.

Israeli police imposed tight restrictions on Palestinian worshippers, harassed them, blocked some from entering and confiscated identity cards at external gates.

In Hebron, Israeli forces prevented the call to prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque for the eighth consecutive day.

Munjid al-Ja’bari, the mosque’s director, said Israeli forces had blocked the call to prayer at all times over the past eight days, Wafa reported. He said the restrictions aimed to tighten Israeli control over the mosque and empty it of worshippers.

Israeli forces also shot a young Palestinian man in the foot with live ammunition during a raid on Qalandiya camp, north of occupied Jerusalem, and arrested two others.

In Bethlehem governorate, Israeli forces arrested two young men after raiding Beit Sahour and searching a family home.

In Nablus, Israeli forces arrested 11 Palestinians after storming and searching homes in several areas. They also raided Sebastia, northwest of Nablus, arrested two Palestinians, including journalist Anas al-Hawari, and destroyed a vehicle.

Palestinian groups warned that Israel is escalating its attacks on medical workers and civil society organisations.

The Palestinian NGO Network called for international pressure to secure the release of detained doctors, including Mazen al-Rantisi, Khaled Ayash and Hussam Abu Safia.

The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs said Palestinian women held in Damon prison face harsh conditions and deprivation of basic rights.

It said prisoner Lina Muhammad Wazwaz, a teacher and mother of four, suffered severe pain from tight handcuffs after her arrest and later sustained a facial injury during a prison raid.

How Israel is expanding Gaza control beyond the 'yellow line'

Sunday, June 28, 2026

U.S. Sacks 20+ Generals & Admirals in 15 Months Under Trump, Raising Concerns Over Civil-Military Ties

Sunday, June 28, 2026

U.S. Sacks 20+ Generals & Admirals in 15 Months Under Trump, Raising Concerns Over Civil-Military Ties

By Prakash Nanda

Are Civi-Military relations in the United States under increasing strain?

This is a question that seems to be haunting the strategic elites in the US, with President Trump and his Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, continuing their sacking spree of top military generals and commanders.

The latest to get a pink slip from Heseth is General Chris Donahue, the commanding general of United States Army Europe and Africa and commander of Allied Land Command since 2024.

This is a decision that has surprised many, as given his exemplary field record, Gen. Donalhue, a four-star decorated officer, was speculated to become

Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and perhaps one day lead the service itself.

Instead, he will now relinquish his US command at a ceremony in Germany on July 2 and most likely retire from service unless he opts for a demoted post elsewhere with three stars.

Reportedly, Donahue’s departure is being presented by the Pentagon as part of Hegseth’s broader push to shrink the number of generals and admirals by 10 percent, cut 20 percent in the number of four-star positions, and a 20% reduction in National Guard general officers. His stated rationale has been “maximizing strategic readiness” and removing “redundant force structure”.

The Defense Secretary’s decision has evoked critical reactions from the retired military officials and the lawmakers in Congress.

They say such a way of relieving senior officials makes the military lose talent, lowers the morale of those serving as they do not know what is in store for them, and complicates civil-military relations by politicizing the armed forces, driven by “ideological grievance, personal rivalry, and an unrelenting demand for political loyalty”.

It is well-known that apart from political loyalty, Trump and Hegseth have shown antipathy towards all those officials who were associated with the previous Biden Administration’s “diversity, equity, and inclusion policies”. For them, these policies weakened the American military, and the officers who supported them should quit.

It may be noted that since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, the Pentagon has seen an unusually rapid turnover of senior uniformed leaders. Hegseth has removed or forced the retirement of more than 20 generals and admirals, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr., Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Air Force Vice Chief Gen. James Slife, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and DIA Director Lt Gen. Jeffrey Kruse.

Significantly, no proper explanations were given for most of these removals. This irked five of Hegseth’s predecessors – representing both Democratic and Republican administrations – so much that they wrote to Congress and expressed their concern over what they saw as “reckless” firings with “national security implications”. They were: Lloyd Austin, James Mattis, William Perry, Chuck Hagel, and Leon Panetta.

However, what is important to note is that under the American Constitution, military officials do not exactly enjoy “job guarantees”. Under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution, the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the military; he can fire them or reassign them to lower-level positions.

Besides, the US Supreme Court in Myers v. United States_ (1926) affirmed that the President can remove executive-branch officers without Senate approval.

For instance, in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln relieved Major General George B. McClellan of his command of the Army of the Potomac. Lincoln was said to be frustrated by McClellan’s extreme caution and perceived political disloyalty.

During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt bypassed many senior officers to appoint George C. Marshall as the U.S. Army Chief of Staff in 1939, fundamentally reshaping military leadership.

In 1951, President Harry S. Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War. Apparently, MacArthur had publicly challenged the President’s strategy to limit the war’s scope, leading Truman to dismiss him for insubordination to preserve the principle of civilian control of the military.

But then there are some checks on the President’s power. Section 8 of Article I of the Constitution stipulates that Congress has the power to “make rules for the government and regulation” of the armed forces.

After the Civil War, Congress passed a law stating that “No commissioned officer may be dismissed from any armed force except (1) by sentence of a general court-martial; (2) in commutation of a general court-martial; or (3) in time of war, by order of the President.”

Incidentally, Hegseth had forced the immediate retirement of US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George alongside two other top generals amid wartime tensions with Iran,

But then, going by recent history, the President of the US can always find a way out by defining what he thinks is the war and is not necessarily bound by Congressional approval.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on April 24, 2026. (Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON / AFP)

As (retired) Major General Charles Dunlap, the former deputy judge advocate of the US Air Force, points out, there is no universally accepted definition under US law of when the country is at war. Some statutes do use the phrase “time of war declared by Congress,” while others do not.

Besides, as three- and four-star ranks are “temporary positions tied to specific jobs”, the President ( Defense Secretary represents him) can remove an officer from the job, by transferring or discharging him or her within 30-60 days unless he or she reverts to a two-star rank and retires.

In other words, effectively speaking, even though a President cannot easily throw a General out of the Army entirely in peacetime, he can fire him from his post, which usually leads to retirement. After all, no self-respecting General will stay in the job demoted.

However, in the ultimate analysis, the matter is beyond whether a President, through his Secretary of Defense, can fire Generals with impunity. Beyond the legal point, the President’s power needs to be viewed in the broader context of civil-military relations in a democracy like the United States.

What is said to be important here is “how” the President exercises his power.

This phenomenon can best be described in terms of what the late American political scientist Samuel P. Huntington, in his 1957 classic, “The Soldier and the State: The Theory and Politics of Civil-Military Relations,” called the theory of “objective civilian control”.

According to this theory, the optimal means of asserting control over the armed forces is to professionalize them. This contrasts with “subjective control”, which involves imposing legal and institutional restrictions on the military’s autonomy.

For Huntington, ‘professionalism’ entails a mutually binding relationship between society and its ‘professionals’ (officers). The latter are entrusted with evaluating the security of the state and providing expert advice to its leaders, who, in turn, must afford a measure of deference to their professional expertise and institutions, without usurping, for instance, the military hierarchy, such as “appointing a lieutenant to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff”.

Huntington argued that allowing military professionals autonomy within their own realm minimized the danger of military intervention in politics by “rendering them politically sterile and neutral” and “at the same time, ensuring that a professional officer corps carries out ‘the wishes of any civilian group which secures legitimate authority within the state’”.

Subsequently, some scholars brought slight modifications to Hunting’s thesis of objective control. In his 1999 book, “Civilian Control Of The Military: The Changing Security Environment, Michael Desch espouses a construct with a thin permeable layer operating between “political ends” and “military means”.

In this model, though there is substantial military autonomy in the military, technical, and operational realms (how to fight wars), in return for complete subordination to civilian control of politics and grand strategy (when, and whether, to fight them), in exceptional circumstances, there can be civilian intervention in what would normally be the military realm and vice versa.

Desch is emphatic that in the ultimate analysis, civilians must prevail in the event of divergence between civilian and military preferences.

On the other hand, “the subjective control” presupposes “military participation in politics”, with the society or the state molding the military in its own image either by transplanting civilian elites into the military or by promoting senior military officers based on their political beliefs. Huntington described how the two ideologies—fascism and Marxism—based on authoritarianism resulted in “subjective control”, which, in turn, could boomerang in military backlash and coups. Every democracy must avoid it, he advised.

Therefore, supporters of Huntington today argue that healthy civil-military relations rest on two pillars: civilian control and military professionalism. Civilian control is not in legal doubt — the President clearly can fire commanders. But what about professionalism and trust?

If officers believe promotions depend on personal loyalty rather than competence, candid military advice to civilian leaders suffers. If political leadership squanders years of an officer’s experience in one go, it is ultimately the US military’s loss.

This seems to be the predominant impression in the American strategic circles today.

Author and veteran journalist Prakash Nanda is Chairman of the Editorial Board of the EurAsian Times and has been commenting on politics, foreign policy, and strategic affairs for nearly three decades. He is a former National Fellow of the Indian Council for Historical Research and a recipient of the Seoul Peace Prize Scholarship.

How to become a durian bankrupt

Sunday, June 28, 2026

How to become a durian bankrupt

How to become a durian bankrupt.

For a 10 acre plot, owners spent a staggering RM120,000 per year on fertilizer, workers, and electricity. That is RM840,000 down the drain during the 7 year waiting period for the trees to mature.

Everyone wanted to catch the golden Musang King wave, ripping up tens of thousands of acres of palm oil estates.

The big 2026 harvest finally arrived.

Instead of a massive payday, farmers are getting slammed by a massive oversupply.

Because everyone had the exact same brilliant idea, the market is absolutely flooded.

But wait, isn't China supposed to buy everything?

China only wants the crown jewels, paying RM30 to RM40 per kg for flawless Grade A and AB fruits.

The massive, crushing oversupply drowning the local market right now comes from younger orchards and newly matured trees. These younger trees produce smaller, oddly shaped Grade C fruits that are instantly rejected for export due to strict customs rules.

Wholesalers in the Segamat to Pagoh area are offering a pathetic RM3 to RM5 per kg. With prices dropping 20% to 30% compared to 2025, a farmer cannot even cover his current monthly maintenance of RM1000 per acre.

It is a mad race to the bottom because a rotting durian pays zero ringgit.

Social media is covered in ads screaming about Musang King or Black Thorn going for RM7 or RM10 per kg, with some local varieties plunging to an insane RM2 per fruit.

Consumers are ecstatic, buying premium fruit for pocket change, while the farmers are quietly drowning.

Desperate owners are now dumping their land at a brutal 50% discount compared to just 2 years ago.

To survive, they only fertilize trees that show flowers and leave the rest to starve.

Life is incredibly hard for these farmers at the mercy of middlemen. The next time you see a ridiculously cheap promo, remember the financial ruin behind it.

MY COMMENTS:

If our local, super hardworking Chinese durian farmers who dominate the market are selling their durian plantations for half the price then what about the Malay farmers? What about those corporate folks who tried to take over other people's durian trees for free? It looks like karma has come around full circle.

Everybody is now a durian farmer. I have six durian trees in my yard. It is only 1/3 of an acre. They should be fruiting soon. I hope.

Here is something else that should be happening. If durian kampong sells for RM6 per kilo (750 meters away in Nilai) then mangosteen sales (at RM8 to RM10 per kilo) will also be affected. Why would I buy mangosteen at RM10 per kilo when durian kampong is selling for RM6 per kilo? So logically the prices of all fruits will also be coming down.

Otherwise there is going to be a lot of unsold mangosteens, unsold bananas (RM7 per kilo), unsold rambutans (RM10 to RM12 per kilo). This is the miracle of the free market. The consumer benefits the most from all the price competition.

Iran attacks Bahrain, Kuwait as US strikes near Hormuz

Iran war day 121: Iran attacks Bahrain, Kuwait as US strikes near Hormuz

US strikes Iran for a second day near Strait of Hormuz as Bahrain sounds sirens and Kuwait activates air defences.

By Elizabeth Melimopoulos

The United States has bombed Iran for a second straight day, striking Sirik, Bandar-e Lengeh and Qeshm Island after a drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Kuwait said its air defences were responding to “hostile missile and drone threats”, raising heightened tensions across the region.

Meanwhile, Israel carried out new attacks on southern Lebanon, killing at least one person, just a day after reaching a framework agreement with the Lebanese government aimed at ending the fighting.

Here is what has happened as the conflict enters its 121st day:

In Iran

Iran sees Strait of Hormuz as key leverage: Tehran-based political analyst Abas Aslani said Iran views the waterway as a deterrent against future US attacks. “Iran sees [the strait] as leverage to stop the repetition of any new round of aggression against the country,” he told Al Jazeera, adding that any attempt to change the situation there “by force” is “unacceptable for Tehran”.
IRGC says it hit US forces in the Gulf: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched ballistic missiles and drones at the US Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain in response to US strikes on five coastal locations in Iran.

Now Playing
02:18

The Gulf

Bahrain sounds sirens, Kuwait activates air defences: Bahrain urged people to head to the nearest safe place after sirens sounded, while Kuwait said it was responding to “hostile missile and drone threats”. A US official told the Reuters news agency there have been no reported US casualties or major damage so far.
Oman joins Gulf states in condemning attack on Bahrain: Oman has condemned the Iranian drone attack on Bahrain, expressing full solidarity with the kingdom and rejecting any actions that threaten regional security. Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE also condemned the attack.

Onn Hafiz says open debates not Johor’s way after offer from Maszlee Malik

Onn Hafiz says open debates not Johor’s way after offer from Maszlee Malik

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and BN’s Perling candidate Pannir Selvam speak to reporters after a community programme at Pangsapuri Bukit Saujana in Johor Bahru on June 28. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 28 Jun 2026 3:38 PM MYT

SIMPANG RENGGAM, June 28 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has reportedly said open debates between candidates may not be suitable for the Johor state election, adding that they could disrupt the harmony of the campaign period.

According to Buletin TV3, he said Johor’s political culture has long placed importance on decorum, restraint and orderly debate, rather than open exchanges that could turn confrontational.

“I see that our way in Johor is not to argue or debate openly. If we look at the state assembly sitting, it is not like that. It is harmonious, orderly and observes decorum,” he was quoted as saying at the Prison Family Day programme in Kampung Paya Mas today.

He added that open debates could sometimes draw supporters who were more emotional than the candidates themselves, making them unsuitable in the context of an election campaign.

This comes after Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for the Puteri Wangsa seat, Datuk Maszlee Malik, had expressed his willingness to debate any party, particularly Onn Hafiz, during the Johor campaign period.

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Boh Laam Phar - Takut

Malaysia shortlists four countries for new LCS anti-ship missile system, says defence minister

Malaysia shortlists four countries for new LCS anti-ship missile system, says defence minister

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (right) visits an exhibition during the launch of the National Defence Strategic Plan and Defence Capacity Blueprint 2026-2030 in Kuala Lumpur on June 25. — Bernama pic

Sunday, 28 Jun 2026 3:12 PM MYT

KLUANG, June 28 — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has shortlisted four countries as possible suppliers of an anti-ship missile system for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project after Norway cancelled the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) procurement.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the selection process will focus on key criteria to ensure the chosen system meets the operational needs of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) beyond basic specifications.

He said the countries being considered are Türkiye, South Korea and two European countries.

“We must evaluate whether the replacement missile can be integrated with the LCS’s French-built Combat Management System (CMS). It must be fully interoperable with the existing system,” he told reporters at the Southern Zone Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Karnival Hari Keluarga Kita at X Park Impiana 2 Square, Bandar Seri Impian, here today.

He was commenting on the latest developments following the Norwegian government’s revocation of the export licence for the NSM to Malaysia.

Mohamed Khaled said the government is reviewing the delivery timeline to avoid delays that could affect the country’s maritime defence capabilities.

“We want to know who can supply the missiles earliest. Some are still developing their systems, but if the delivery timeline takes up to eight years, that is not a viable option for us,” he said.

He added that pricing is also a key factor to ensure the government obtains a high-technology system at a reasonable cost.

He said the selected missile must have capabilities similar to the NSM, such as stealth, sea-skimming to evade enemy air defence, and high-precision targeting.

The Norwegian government had cancelled the NSM export licence to Malaysia on the grounds of protecting its national security interests.

Following the cancellation, Mindef has issued an RM1 billion claim against the relevant defence firm over the aborted NSM procurement.

The LCS project is a key strategic asset for the RMN and strengthens the country’s maritime defence. — Bernama

KTemoc Konsiders ........

Monday, June 29, 2026

Israel kills three Palestinians in Gaza as attacks on tents continue

Israel kills three Palestinians in Gaza as attacks on tents continue

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Iran attacks Bahrain, Kuwait as US strikes near Hormuz

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