Day: April 23, 2024

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said in remarks published on Tuesday he believed Iraq saw the need to eliminate the Kurdish PKK militia and had the will to do so, adding Ankara wanted Baghdad’s support in that battle. Erdogan was speaking after talks in Baghdad and Irbil on Monday, the first visit by a Turkish leader to Iraq since 2011, following years of tensions as Ankara carried out cross-border attacks on PKK militants based in northern Iraq.

Ties between the neighbors were entering a new phase, Erdogan said, after they agreed to cooperate against militants, boost economic ties via a new corridor and consider Iraq’s needs for access to scarce water. Speaking to reporters on his flight back from Iraq, Erdogan said Turkiye’s battle with terrorism would continue in line with international law, and added he hoped to see concrete results of Baghdad labeling the PKK a “banned organization” last month. The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkiye, the US and the European Union, took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the insurgency. The conflict was long fought mainly in rural areas of southeastern Turkiye but is now more focused on the mountains of northern Iraq’s mountainous, semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. “One would hope that our neighbors put the necessary stance forward against the threats directed at us from their lands, and we continue this battle jointly,” Erdogan said, according to a text of the in-flight comments published by his office. “Eliminating this threat is also to the benefit of Iraq.

I believe they see this reality and they will now put forth a will for this issue to be removed,” he said, adding he also discussed steps against the PKK during talks in Irbil.

Asked about Iraq’s needs for access to water, Erdogan said Turkiye was not a country with abundant water resources and also had to manage its own needs.

He added plans taking into account “changing climate conditions” were needed for the sustainable use of water. “Therefore, we need to take cautious steps. With evaluations to be held in that direction, it may be possible to find common ground,” he said. On Monday, the two countries agreed to a strategies.

There are several barriers to the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, however. One immediate stumbling block is that the dream of Palestinian statehood rests on the fortunes of the incumbent administrations in Israel and the US.The normally close allies appeared more divided than ever since Washington’s abstention in a UN Security Council vote on March 25 resulted in the passing of a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire.

Relations soured further after seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen were killed on April 1 in a series of Israeli airstrikes while distributing food in the Gaza Strip, leading to additional censure by Washington.US President Bill Clinton (L) watches as Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat (C) confers with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak (R) on July 11, 2000. (AFP/File) Even before these events, the US government had voiced open support for a Palestinian state.

In his State of the Union address on March 8, US President Joe Biden made clear that “the only real solution is a two-state solution.”However, Biden faces a tight election slated for Nov. 5. If he loses to his Republican challenger, Donald Trump — who was an ardent supporter of Israel’s hard-right policies during his last presidency — a two-state outcome seems unlikely.Indeed, chatter among Trump loyalists suggests the former president may be leaning toward support for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza once and for all, with the starkest indication coming from his son-in-law and former Middle East adviser Jared Kushner.

Asked at the Harvard Kennedy School in March whether he expected Benjamin Netanyahu to block Gazans from returning in the event they were removed en masse, Kushner said: “Maybe,” before adding: “I am not sure there is much left of Gaza.”

On April 18, 12 countries at the UN Security Council voted to back a resolution recommending full Palestinian membership. Only the US voted against, using its veto to block the resolution.

“Prepare for the Spectacular Arrival of the Pink Moon: What to Know About This Spring’s Second Full Moon”As anticipation builds for one of the year’s most captivating celestial displays, it’s important to clarify the misconceptions surrounding the Pink Moon. Contrary to its name, the moon won’t sport a rosy hue, but its brilliance promises to captivate sky gazers nonetheless. The April full moon is set to grace the heavens today, Tuesday, and will continue to enchant viewers until Thursday. Not only is this lunar event the fourth full moon of the year, but it also holds special significance for those observing the Jewish holiday Passover, earning it the alternate title of Passover Moon.

“The April 23 Full Moon in Scorpio: Embracing Intimacy, Self-Empowerment, and Renewal”As the first full moon of April graces the sky, it takes its place within the Scorpio constellation, a water sign renowned for its associations with intimacy, self-empowerment, vulnerability, rebirth, and sexuality. The celestial event on April 23 carries profound significance, signaling a time of renewal and rejuvenation. Under the influence of Scorpio’s transformative energy, individuals are encouraged to embrace their deepest emotions, tap into their inner strength, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. This full moon serves as a potent reminder of the power of vulnerability and the potential for growth that comes with embracing one’s true self.

“A Celestial Spectacle: Mars, Saturn, and Mercury Join the Lunar Show”This year’s celestial event promises to be more than just a captivating display of the Moon. Alongside the lunar marvel, sky gazers will also have the opportunity to behold the majestic presence of Mars, Saturn, and Mercury. As these celestial bodies align in the night sky, they offer a breathtaking panorama of the cosmos, inviting viewers to marvel at the wonders of our solar system. From the fiery glow of Mars to the majestic rings of Saturn and the fleeting dance of Mercury, this celestial convergence promises an unforgettable experience for all who turn their gaze heavenward.

According to NASA, it will reach peak illumination at 7:49 pm EDT on April 23 but will be visible all through Thursday morning. Other names of the event refer to it as the Sprouting Grass Moon, Egg Moon, Fish Moon, the Pesach or Passover Moon, the Hanuman Jayanti Festival Moon, and Bak Poya – depending on one’s culture

Additionally, the Christian ecclesiastical calendar also refers to the first full moon after the spring equinox as the Paschal Moon, which helps determine the date of Easter. This means Easter follows on the Sunday after the Paschal Moon/Easter Moon. While for 2024, Easter already occurred on March 24, sometimes the April full moon also secures that title.