• Dhaka Fri, 08 NOVEMBER 2024,
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Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump Both Ready to Talk
World Leaders Congratulate Donald Trump amid Global Crises
World leaders congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday for his victory in the US presidential election. Many leaders, including India's Narendra Modi and Hungary's Viktor Orban hailed Trump's unprecedented return to political power, while others offered more cautious congratulations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed hope that they could work constructively with the future Trump administration. Some leaders from various conflict regions from the Middle East to Europe also emphasized the role Washington will play in global security going forward. Differing reactions from Russia and Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was quick to congratulate Trump on "his impressive election victory." "I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-US strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on social media. "I appreciate President Trump's commitment to the 'peace through strength;' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together." However, Zelenskyy added: "We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States." In Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told journalists he was unaware of any plans by President Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump since the US is an "unfriendly country." "We will draw conclusions based on concrete steps and concrete words," Peskov said. This comes despite accusations that Russia attempted to influence the US election in favor of Trump, and Trump's open admiration for Putin. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who is now a senior defense official in the Kremlin, offered a more detailed reaction. "Trump has one useful quality for us: as a businessman to the core, he mortally dislikes spending money on various hangers-on and stupid hanger-on allies, on bad charity projects and on voracious international organizations," he wrote on Telegram. Middle Eastern leaders hope for stability Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the first leaders to congratulate the incoming US president with a message arriving before Trump had met the electoral vote threshold to be declared the election's winner. "Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful re-commitment to the great alliance between Israel and America," Netanyahu wrote on social media. The Israeli prime minister said he offered his message "in true friendship." The US is Israel's closest ally and largest military backer. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani also congratulated Trump and said he looked forward to "working together again... in promoting security and stability both in the region and globally." The Gulf monarchy has been a key mediator in talks between the US, Israel and militant group Hamas regarding the war in Gaza. Qatar also hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East. Elsewhere in the region, Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed hope that Washington could help achieve peace in the region. "I wish him all the success... and I look forward to reaching peace together, upholding regional stability and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States and their friendly peoples," he said on social media. Europe's leaders aim to work constructively with Trump Many European leaders congratulated Trump but emphasized the need to work constructively together. "Germany and the US have for a long time successfully worked together to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on social media. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he "looked forward" to working with Trump. "As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Trump but also proposed that the 27 members of the European Union coordinate a European strategy in the wake of the US election result. "Ready to work together just as we knew how to do during four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity," the French president said on social media. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also "warmly congratulated" Trump on his election victory. "The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens," von der Leyen said. "Let's work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them." Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed hope for a productive partnership after Trump accused other members of the defense alliance of not paying their fair share. "His leadership will again be key to keeping our alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO." One of the warmest responses in Europe came from Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who congratulated Trump on "the biggest comeback in US history." "A much needed victory for the world!" Orban said on social media. Modi congratulates 'friend,' Erdogan declares 'new era' India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his "heartiest congratulations" to Trump, whom he described as a friend. "As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership," Modi said. "Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity." The two right-wing leaders enjoy warm relations, with Modi hosting Trump at a major political rally in his home state of Gujarat in 2020. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Trump on his win "after a big fight in the presidential elections." He specifically pointed to the role Washington could play in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. "In this new era that will start with the choice of the American people, I hope for Turkish-American ties to strengthen, for regional and global crises and wars, primarily the Palestine issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, to end; I believe more effort will be exerted for a fairer world," Erdogan said. African leaders hope for closer cooperation Leaders from Africa also weighed in on the US election outcome. The office of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said that because of Trump's prior experience as president from 2017 to 2021, his election on Wednesday would "usher in an era of earnest, beneficial and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States." "Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace and address global challenges that affect our citizens," Tinubu said. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also congratulated Trump. "I look forward to working together to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries during your term," he said.
Kamala Congratulates Trump
Trump’s Victory Speech: ‘God Saved My Life for a Reason’
Trump Breaks 132-Year Record, Supporters Erupt in Jubilation
Trump Tells Americans: This Moment Will ‘Help this Country Heal’
Republicans Swipe Senate for First Time in 4 Years
Republicans regained control of the U.S. Senate late Tuesday, flipping Democratic-held seats and securing GOP incumbents. The pivotal moment came in Nebraska, where incumbent GOP Sen. Deb Fischer narrowly defeated independent Dan Osborn. Republicans also flipped a seat in West Virginia, with Jim Justice replacing retiring Sen. Joe Manchin. Democratic attempts to oust Republicans Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida failed. Cruz’s victory in Texas, a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat in nearly 30 years, was fueled by his support for reproductive rights amid strict abortion laws. In Ohio, Republican Bernie Moreno defeated Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, marking the first loss for an incumbent senator in the cycle. As Democrats fought to retain their majority, attention shifted to critical states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. With the Senate split 50-50, control could hinge on just one seat, with the vice president holding the tie-breaking vote. Historic victories also marked the night. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland became the first Black women elected to the Senate, while Andy Kim of New Jersey became the first Korean American senator. Meanwhile, Sarah McBride of Delaware made history as the first openly transgender person elected to Congress. Amid these battles, the economy, immigration, and the future of democracy emerged as key issues for voters. With former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on the presidential ballot, Congress’s role in certifying election results remains critical. As vote counting continues in several key races, both parties are closely watching outcomes in Montana, Arizona, Nevada, and other battleground states. Records show that if Democrats take the House and Republicans take the Senate, it would be the first time that the chambers of Congress have both flipped to opposing political parties. (Source: AP)
Trump Wins North Carolina; Harris' Path to Victory Narrows
Republican Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris in the battleground state of North Carolina in Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, Edison Research projected, moving him one step closer to completing an improbable political comeback. The outcome remained uncertain in six other states expected to determine the winner. But Trump was showing strength across broad swaths of the country. He had won 227 Electoral College votes to Harris' 165 as of 11:30 p.m. ET (0430 GMT on Wednesday). A candidate needs a total of at least 270 votes in the state-by-state Electoral College to claim the presidency. Decision Desk HQ projected Trump would also win Georgia, narrowing her path to victory through the Rust Belt trio of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, though she was behind in all three states. Trump picked up more support from Hispanics, traditionally Democratic voters, and among lower-income households that have keenly felt the sting of price rises since the last presidential election in 2020, according to exit polls from Edison. Trump won 45% of Hispanic voters nationwide, trailing Harris with 53% but up 13 percentage points from 2020. Voters whose top issue was the economy voted overwhelmingly for Trump, especially if they felt they were worse off financially than they were four years ago. About 31% of voters said the economy was their top issue, and they voted for Trump by a 79%-to-20% margin, according to exit polls. Some 45% of voters across the country said their family's financial situation was worse off today than four years ago, and they favored Trump 80% to 17% for Harris.
U.S. Presidential Election: Global Stock Market Surge
The forecast of the results of the U.S. presidential election has led to a surge in stock markets worldwide. On Wednesday morning, benchmark share indices in Japan and Australia were trending upward. Meanwhile, as investors closely monitored the U.S. election results, the value of the U.S. dollar also rose against major currencies. The outcome of this election is expected to have a significant impact on the global economy, especially in Asia. It remains uncertain whether the results will be known during the trading hours in Asia, as the vote count in the swing states could take some time. In the U.S. presidential election, voting has already concluded in over 40 of the country’s 50 states. Forecasts of the results are gradually beginning to emerge. However, the wait for results from some states could be extended further. So far, in the early results, Donald Trump is leading. His Republican Party has approximately secured 210 electoral votes. Meanwhile, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris has won 113 electoral votes. A total of 270 electoral votes is required to win the election. Trump is currently ahead based on the results from his stronghold states. The results from the battleground states are still unknown. Donald Trump is set to win in states such as Texas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Arkansas, and South Carolina. Kamala Harris is winning in states like Delaware and Rhode Island. According to BBC, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada are witnessing fierce competition between the two candidates, with very narrow vote margins in these states.
US Presidential Election: Trump Set for a Big Win
The United States stands on the brink of a new chapter in its history, as American citizens cast their votes to elect their 47th president. Voting has already concluded in several states, and the counting has begun. Polls in a few other states will close within a few hours.  According to the data available so far, Republican candidate Donald Trump is leading by a significant margin over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Contrary to the predictions of a close race suggested by opinion polls, reality shows a different picture. The initial vote counts indicate that Democrats have lost substantial support, primarily due to policies of the Biden administration. As of 8 AM Bangladesh time on Wednesday, Kamala trails significantly in the crucial Electoral College votes needed to secure the presidency. Trump, on the other hand, is well on his way to the White House, having secured more than half the required path. With 270 electoral votes needed to win, Trump has already garnered 210, while Harris has received only 113, according to CNN. Voting took place continuously from morning to evening on Tuesday, November 5, local time, across all 50 states. Due to time zone differences, voting times vary across states, with Indiana and Kentucky finishing first, both showing strong support for Trump. Voting began at 7 AM in Los Angeles, California, at the YMCA center on Oxford and Third Street, where a majority of voters are of Bangladeshi and South Asian descent. Voters lined up well in advance, and the lines grew longer as the day progressed. Many voters noted they had never seen such a turnout before, and despite the wait, they expressed no discomfort. American media outlets are announcing results state by state as the final stages of voting conclude and results gradually emerge. Although election officials previously hinted that this year’s results might be delayed, it appears that, while formal results may take time, the winner could be clear much sooner.
Countries Watching the U.S. Election Closely
The voting for the U.S. presidential election is underway, and the whole world is watching this highly anticipated event. However, a few countries are paying especially close attention to the outcome, as Washington's relationship with them may depend on who comes to power. According to U.S. media outlet CNBC, the results of this election could affect the state of war and peace in certain parts of the world, along with significant economic matters. This election is particularly crucial for countries like Ukraine and Russia in Europe, and China in Asia. China is following the U.S. presidential election with the utmost concern, as it is America’s biggest economic rival. Republican candidate Donald Trump has already declared that, if elected, he will increase tariffs, particularly targeting China. Analysts believe this move could intensify the "trade war." China’s trade has been showing signs of slowing down recently, so they may prefer a scenario where Trump does not return to power. However, it’s still unclear what exactly would happen if Kamala Harris were to win. Russia and Ukraine are also closely watching the U.S. election. Both of these war-torn nations are monitoring to see if Trump wins. Analysts suggest that a Trump victory might reduce U.S. support for Ukraine, impacting the ongoing conflict. Trump himself has claimed he could end the war in "24 hours" if he wished, hinting he may cut off aid and push Ukraine to negotiate with Russia, potentially ceding some territories to Moscow. If Kamala Harris wins, it is expected that U.S. support for Ukraine will continue as before. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern countries like Israel and Iran are also eyeing the U.S. election results. If Trump wins, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East could shift significantly. While both candidates have voiced support for Israel and warned Iran, Trump is particularly favored by Israelis, having declared himself a "protector" of Israel. During his first term, Trump was very popular among Israelis, and he currently holds an edge over Harris on Israel-related issues, according to polls. Analysts believe a Trump win could spell trouble for Iran, as he may grant Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu permission to strike Iran's nuclear program—a decision that current President Joe Biden vetoed. If Harris wins, she is likely to follow Biden’s approach.