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Pope Leo XIV to travel to Lebanon in likely first international trip

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Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV is preparing to travel to Lebanon later this year, in what could be his first journey abroad since being elected head of the Catholic Church in May.

Archbishop Paul Sayah, deputy to Lebanon’s highest-ranking Catholic leader, told the BBC the Vatican was “studying” the trip but that the church was still waiting for official dates.

The visit would mark a significant moment for the first American Pope, who has repeatedly urged peace in the Middle East and interfaith co-existence.

“Lebanon is a multicultural, multi-religious country and is a place of dialogue,” Bishop Sayah said.

“It’s one of the rare environments where Muslims and Christians are living together and respecting each other… so it sends a message to the region.”

There has been speculation over Leo’s first international destination, as early papal trips often define the tone of a pontificate.

The late Pope Francis’s first major journey outside Rome, to the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013, set the stage for his focus on migration and marginalised communities.

In recent decades, overseas travel has become central to the papacy, allowing popes to connect with Catholics worldwide, spread their message and engage in diplomacy.

During his 12 years as pontiff, Francis visited 68 countries on 47 foreign trips, often choosing destinations on the world’s margins, which he described as the Church’s “peripheries”.

Lebanon, home to more than two million Catholics and known for its religious diversity, has long carried symbolic weight for the Church. A papal stop there would also place Leo near the war in Gaza and the wider Israel-Palestine conflict.

Credit: bbc.com

Ex-President of Brazil planned to flee to Argentina, police say

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Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro

Police in Brazil have accused former President Jair Bolsonaro, 70, and his 41-year-old son Eduardo of obstruction of justice.

They allege that the two tried to interfere in the trial currently under way against the elder Bolsonaro, in which he stands accused of leading an attempted coup after his defeat in the 2022 presidential election.

Police say they have found a document on Jair Bolsonaro’s mobile phone which suggests he planned to evade criminal proceedings by seeking asylum in Argentina.

They also accuse Eduardo Bolsonaro of lobbying the Trump administration on behalf of his father – which they say led to the US imposing punitive tariffs on Brazilian goods.

The 170-page police report comes less than two weeks before the start of the final phase of the coup trial and piles further pressure on the former leader.

Jair Bolsonaro denies conspiring to overturn his 2022 election loss to his left-wing rival, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

But he has questioned the fairness of the proceedings against him, alleging he is the target of a “political witch hunt”.

He told news agency Reuters last month that he had “no doubt” the five Supreme Court justices tasked with delivering the verdict had already made up their mind about convict him.

But at the time, he denied ever having made plans to try to evade the trial.

Jair Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest and is already barred from posting on social media and from contacting his son Eduardo for breaching court restrictions placed on him.

Credit: bbc.com

Russia launches biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine for weeks

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Russia launches biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine

Russia has launched 574 drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine in one of the heaviest bombardments in weeks, Ukrainian officials say.

One person was killed in a drone and missile strike on the western city of Lviv, while 15 others were reported wounded in an attack on the south-western Transcarpathia region.

The attacks came as US President Donald Trump spearheads diplomatic moves to halt the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strikes highlighted why efforts to bring it to an end were “so critical”.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine was ready to meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin “in neutral Europe” – mooting Switzerland or Austria – adding that he was not against Istanbul either.

Zelensky has stated his willingness to meet Putin in “any format”, although he has poured cold water on the idea of talks taking place in Budapest, which he said “is not easy today”.

The prospect of direct talks emerged after Trump met Putin in Alaska, and then hosted Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday.

The US president initially suggested trilateral talks involving him, Putin and Zelensky, but has since suggested he might not take part: “Now I think it would be better if they met without me… If necessary, I’ll go.”

Ukraine’s air force counted 614 drones and other missiles fired by Russia overnight into Thursday and said it had stopped 577 of them. It is the biggest air attack since July.

While Russian strikes tend to focus on eastern regions close to the front lines, the latest attacks hit western areas as well.

Credit: bbc.com

Why Potatoes Deserve A Place On Your Plate

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Potatoes contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. They may provide health benefits, depending on how they are prepared.

Potatoes are underground tubers that grow on the roots of the potato plant, Solanum tuberosum.

This plant is from the nightshade family and related to tomatoes and tobacco. Native to South America, potatoes were brought to Europe in the 16th century and are now grown in countless varieties worldwide.

They’re generally eaten boiled, baked, or fried and frequently served as a side dish or snack. Common potato-based foods and food products include french fries, potato chips, and potato flour.

 The Not-So-Lowly Spud

Yes, it’s true. Potatoes have lots of carbs. But they also have loads of nutrients, like potassium and magnesium. And they’re much lower in calories than other staples (we’re looking at you, rice and pasta). That is as long as you leave off the butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits. (Sigh.)

Hot Potato, Cold Potato

The starch in potatoes can be hard to digest — it’s called resistant starch. So your body changes some of it into short-chain fatty acids that help keep your gut healthy and may help prevent obesity, colon cancer, and diabetes. Cooking does away with some, but it comes back when the potatoes cool. Potato salad, anyone?

Potatoes Have Protein

Along with resistant starches, this might help lower bad cholesterol. Scientists are still looking into it, but in the meantime, you might try some boiled red potatoes with a touch of olive oil as part of your healthy diet. In moderate amounts, the oil can be good for your cholesterol, too.

You’ll Eat Less

Potatoes top something called the satiety index, which ranks how well different foods satisfy your hunger. Based on calories, nothing beats the potato. If you feel full, you’re likely to eat less, which makes you less likely to get heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes. And what’s more satisfying than mashed potatoes? (Keep the skins, and leave out the butter and cream.)

Packed With Potassium

A boost in this mineral can help lower your blood pressure, and it works better if you get it from food instead of supplements. Potatoes have more of it gram-for-gram than bananas — or any other fruit or vegetable, for that matter. For a new twist, try accordion potatoes: Make thin slices in them, but don’t cut through. Then drizzle with olive oil and garlic, and bake.

The Blueberry – Potato Connection

They may seem as different as two foods can be, but both are high in chemicals called phytonutrients that help protect your cells. Like blueberries, potatoes with red, blue, or purple skins have a lot of one kind — anthocyanins — that scientists think can be especially good for you. Get plenty with some roasted purple potato soup.

Loads of Magnesium

Potatoes are a good source of this essential nutrient your body uses to make protein, store energy, and keep your cells stable and healthy. It also helps process sugar in your blood. Some studies suggest it may help prevent migraine headaches, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. More research is needed, but while you wait, bake a potato — and top it with veggie chili instead of sour cream and butter to keep it healthy.

More Good Stuff

Potatoes also have calcium (important for strong teeth and bones), vitamin C (boosts your immune system), vitamin B6 (helps your body process protein), and folate (helps a baby develop in the womb).

Sweet Is Good, Too

A single serving of a sweet potato (1 cup) has more than 200% of your daily requirement of vitamin A, which is important for your vision. It also has more fiber, fewer calories, and fewer total carbs than a white potato. How about some oven-baked sweet potato fries?

Credit: webmd

Health Minister Condemns Violent Assault on Staff at Greater Accra Regional Hospital

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The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has strongly condemned a violent incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital that left staff traumatized and one nurse severely injured. His visit followed the circulation of a viral video showing parts of the attack, which occurred on Sunday evening, August 17, 2025.

According to hospital authorities, the incident began when a social media activist, Ralph St. Williams, popularly known as “Fellow Ghanaians,” became agitated after being asked to activate his medical card before receiving treatment for finger injuries. At the time, medical staff were attending to another accident victim with a severe head wound.

Ralph, however, insisted that it was “inhuman” for staff to delay care until cards were activated, especially when a patient was “gasping for air” and he himself had “been bleeding for about an hour.” He reportedly threatened that if anything happened to the victims, the medical staff would “know no peace.” The confrontation quickly escalated into violence.

Moments later, Ralph allegedly returned with about 50 men who stormed the hospital’s emergency ward, assaulting staff and disrupting medical services. Nurses were advised to change out of their scrubs to avoid being targeted. One nurse, Rejoice, claimed she was brutally attacked and is now suffering injuries to her head, chest, and arm. However, circulating CCTV footage has not confirmed physical assault on her.

Hospital management reported that the chaos lasted nearly two hours before calm was restored. The situation left staff and patients shaken, with many expressing fears about their safety while on duty.

In response, Minister Akandoh condemned the assault in strong terms, describing it as “unacceptable, irrespective of the provocation.” He emphasized that “no circumstance warrants a physical attack on health workers” and assured that investigations are underway. The Minister further indicated that new measures will be put in place to enhance security in health facilities to protect both staff and patients.

The incident has sparked public debate about patient rights, hospital procedures, and the safety of frontline health workers. Authorities have pledged that the matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion and that perpetrators will be held accountable under the law.

By Winsongma Abudu

UNIMAC-IJ

National Repentance

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Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries

“Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God, observe kindness and justice, and wait [expectantly] for your God continually.” — Hosea 12:6

Introduction

Repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin and a sincere return to God. It is not merely an emotional feeling of regret but a complete change of heart, mind, and direction — choosing to walk in obedience to His will. Repentance opens the door for God’s mercy to flow, for His favour to be restored, and for His glory to return to a people or nation.

This week, we will share an article adapted from The Watchman Newspaper that carries a sobering yet timely call for the Church, leaders, and every citizen of Ghana to examine ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, and seek God’s face.

We believe it will be a blessing to you as it stirs our hearts toward righteousness and national restoration.

CALL FOR NATIONAL REPENTANCE

Once upon a time, a woman noticed that the glory of God had left Israel, after she heard the report of the defeat of the army by the Philistines and their capture of the Ark of God, and the death of her father-in-law Eli. Phinehas’ wife suddenly went into labour, and she named her son, Ichabod [The glory is departed from Israel], even as she was breathing her last in childbirth (1 Sam 4).

Strange, indeed, that the presence of the Ark on the battlefield could not save the army from destruction, as Israel had hoped. The Ark of the Covenant still carried its power, as the Philistines realised later, but the God of the Ark would not fight for Israel. Why? Because Israel had angered God with her sins of idolatry and immorality. God was equally angry at the Priest Eli for not disciplining his children, Hophni and Phinehas, for their atrocious and unbridled sins on His altar.

This was coming on the heels of God’s warning through His prophet and also little Samuel thus: “I have sworn to the house of Eli that the sinful behavior of Eli’s house (family) shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever” (1 Sam. 3:14, AMP). The Prophet Ezekiel also was shown the vision of the glory of God departing from the temple in Jerusalem in response to Judah’s sins of idolatry and immorality: “Then the [Shekinah] glory and brilliance of the God of Israel (the cloud) went up from the cherubim on which it had rested, to [stand above] the threshold of the [Lord’s] temple” (Ezek. 9:3a, AMP).

Next, the man with the inkhorn in Ezekiel’s vision was asked to go through Jerusalem and “put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh [in distress] and grieve over all the repulsive acts which are being committed in it.” But to the others He said, “Follow him throughout the city and strike; do not let your eyes have pity and do not spare. Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women; but do not touch or go near anyone on whom is the mark. Begin at My sanctuary” (Ezek. 9:4–6, AMP).

Thereafter, Babylon could have access to the temple to pillage and destroy it. God had warned the land earlier on:

“When anguish comes, they [of Judah] shall seek peace, but there will be none… Disaster will come upon disaster and rumor will be heaped on rumor… I will deal with them in accordance with their conduct, and by their judgments I will judge them. And they will know [without any doubt] that I am the Lord” (Ezek. 9:25–27, AMP).

How Do These Concern Ghana?

Perhaps, all other nations can live as they wish, but not Ghana. God has a covenant with us and is carefully monitoring it. Whether we call ourselves sacred or secular does not change that paradigm. We have enjoyed so much of His mercy and goodness under this covenant, though we have ignorantly spurned its tenets. It is time for Him to act to show us that He is God and He is holy.

We should be careful to consider why God is so angry with us:

The church continues to live in apathy, lukewarmness, and prayerlessness. The idols of men, money, means, and methods stink before the Lord. Our arrogance and disobedience to His commands can no longer be covered.

Our political leadership is stained with the blood of the innocent, in their pursuit of power. The arrogance, greed, avarice, and insensitivity to the plight of the poor and needy cannot be overlooked anymore.

The people are seriously reviving idolatry; truth is now eschewed; stealing is acceptable; wickedness is the new sword sending many to their untimely graves through occultism.

Thus says the Lord: Hosea 5:8–15, AMP
Blow the horn in Gibeah [Ghana]… Until they acknowledge their offense and bear their guilt and seek My face; In their distress they will earnestly seek Me.

Caution for the Nation Ghana
Hosea 13:12–13, AMP
The wickedness of Ephraim is bound up… For it is not the time to delay [his chance at a new birth]…

The Only Way Out!

Hosea 12:6, 11, AMP
Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God, observe and highly regard kindness and justice, and wait [expectantly] for your God continually.

Then follows the daily prayer points and scriptures as given in the original Watchman Newspaper article… (Amos 9:8; Jeremiah 5:1; Hosea 7:8; Amos 9:9–10; Amos 8:11–12) — calling for urgent intercession for Ghana and the nations.

 

Conclusion

Ghana stands at a spiritual crossroads. The signs are clear, the warnings are loud, and the mercy of God still calls out. The message is simple yet urgent: Repent and return to the Lord. We cannot delay, for the hour is late.

If the Church will humble itself, if our leaders will seek justice, and if our people will turn from idolatry and wickedness, the glory that has departed can return. But if we harden our hearts, we will see the consequences foretold in Scripture.

Let us be among those who grieve over the sins of the land, who intercede for mercy, and who walk in righteousness. May God grant us the grace to repent, the courage to change, and the faith to believe that His glory can yet fill this land again.

 

Remain Blessed!

Please note that the preaching program on Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays at 5:30 am has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sundays at 5:30 am and YFM 107.9 – Sundays at 6:30 am for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm for Hymns and Their Stories.

Feature: Prophets Or Charlatans 

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Africanus Owusu Ansah (Hot Issues)

Ab-ra-ca-da-bra; ai-r; ari-gi-di-gi-di aika air; wa-ika; aisha ira; wai kanoo; oba ba-ba-mu; la ini; ab maraka mu maka; Je m’appelle … (why the French in an incantation in Greek, Latin, Yoruba…).

The Great Lion’s babble,

Rabble, abracadabra, gibberish or tongues

Call us iconoclasts; we may be maverick, eccentric, deviant, non-conformist!  Too many prophesies: and one of the most ridiculous, risible, moronic, preposterous – simply stupid – prophesies came to light last weekend. This time, a fresh face who calls himself Prophet Razak who says he is a prophet of Jesus Kingdom Prayer Ministry was on the air at the funeral of the eight victims of the helicopter crash: “I don’t see that they are dead … they will come back to life … the cause of their death is the disobedience of one man in NDC … Nana Agyemang Rawlings has been wronged and the spirit of JJ Rawlings is crying … Until they (NDC) go back to Nana Agyemang Rawlings, more calamities … You know the party was formed with the blood of J.J. who pierced his thumb with a needle, and used the blood that oozed therefrom to thumbprint the (NDC) Constitution …”

Are there only Christians in Ghana? Why don’t we hear the Moslems, traditional indigenous religions, Buddists, Judaists, Hindus, Shintoists, Eckankar, Rastafaians, making prophecies?

Although a little less poignant we get our blood pressure up hearing a prophet in Prophet Owusu-Bempah’s temple: “If Agradaa goes to Owusu-Bempah to beg, she would be released …” So, Owusu-Bempah holds the key to the prison where Agradaa is incarcerated?  Or does Owusu-Bempah control the court which jailed Agradaa following thorough criminal procedure?

Interestingly, a lady prophesies that he saw Owusu-Bempah dead in a coffin, and she charges that Owusu-Bempah has dug his own grave.  Owusu-Bempah immediately retorts: “I am not afraid to die … if I am going to die, it is not someone who will prophesy about me … The lady is a devil, a witch … I don’t remember when I got sick this year … who has bribed this lady?

“Like Macbeth contemplating regicide (Duncan), the lady is reminding Owusu-Bempah of the “poisoned chalice”: “This even-handed justice commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice to our own lips”.

In our traditional past, whenever we had a dream of “death”, our elders would tell us that was a good omen.  But what is happening in Ghana now? Gloom – doom; desperation-despair-despondence; The last helicopter crash has brought a lot of things up.

For us, our faith in God is firm. Catholic Catechism asks in No. 19: Q: Can we understand all the truths of Faith?  Ans: No, we cannot understand all the truths of Faith, because some of them are Mysteries Q20: What are Mysteries? Ans: Mysteries are truths beyond reason, which we cannot completely understand, but we believe them to be.

Fine, so we want those who have a good knowledge of the Bible to concentrate on teaching us the Bible: Genesis 20: 2; “Abraham (Abram) said of Sarah: she is my sister. So Abimelech King of Gerar had Sarah brought to him” (what would have happened to Abraham if he had told the truth that Sarah was his wife?). Exodus 2: 12 “After looking this way and that and seeing no man around (Moses) slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.”

Samuel 11: 2 -5 And David sent messengers to get the woman who was bathing; … the man said: ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah, the Hittite … and he slept with her … the woman conceived and sent word to David, saying’ I am pregnant’ …”.

Former IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare said in 2023; “As a son of God … I am not against prophecies … We are talking about the communication of such prophecies that will end up creating fear and panic in our society … when God speaks to you carry the message in a manner that will not affect the sanity of the country’ if you receive prophetic message that I’m about to die, which of course, I’m not afraid because death is inevitable.  Once I’ve been born I’ll die one day … We don’t know the language God speaks and who interprets for him … God should give you guidance as to how it should be communicated in order not to negatively affect lives …

In 2024, Dr. Dampare placed a ban on prophecies.  “And with this strong warning, not a single prophet was heard predicting a win for any political party, because Dampare was ready to apply the law … who born dog?  And Nigel Gaisie claims to have gone to the late John Kumah’s house three times without getting anybody to pass information of John’s imminent death … Oh-ho!

Now, an office dubbed Inter Faith and Ecumenical Relations has been established in the Presidency and this office informs all Prophets, Men and Women of God under your oversight that any prophecy or spiritual insight of a national nature, especially those with implications for high-profile political leaders, governance, national security or public stability should be formally relayed to the office of the Presidential Envoy for urgent review and appropriate escalation”.

Why would not there be a rush to go to the “Envoy” for this mission?  Our expectation is “great”. Men and women will storm this office with “prophecies” and many fake prophets will emerge.  It is this that haunts Prophet Attah-Gyebi.

Afriyie Ankrah, the “Envoy”, office has been inundated with over two hundred submissions.  And he says 70% – 80% lack substance.  Is it the prophecy itself or the way it was communicated? If you find us doubtful about these unnecessarily fake prophecies, it is because when we were about 14 and suffered from peptic ulcer, a 21-year-old gentleman who had “seen” God prophesied to us: “Some devils are using a broom to brush your stomach, so, don’t eat this, don’t eat that; the man (prophet) died in his thirties; we got medical treatment, and we are now septuagenarian.

Rev. Otabil says 95% African prophets are fake and quacks. Without research, without examination, but resort to the Scriptures; Jeremiah, Isaiah … time, there were more fake prophets than genuine ones.

Or take Rwanda where the government had implemented regulations and inspections that had led to the closure of 4,233 churches since 2024 with 427 of these in caves for failing standards of health and safety: there was a crackdown of unsafe and noisy churches; theological training for preachers before opening a church … all churches must have soundproofing devices – don’t disturb the neighbours …

In Ghana, Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution states “(1) (c) All persons shall have the right to freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice …” Who says “freedom” is absolute, without any corresponding obligation? Whom are we trying to please?

In 1953, Dr. Raphael Ernest Grail Armattoe wrote the poem: “Deep down in the Blackman’s Mind” (published in 1954 after his death).  What do you expect to read?  Only the wealthy politician and the rich businessman is targeted? When shall we tell the prophets: “Go ‘way you: we’ll not listen to such trash?”

We are all prophets: this is my prophecy: ‘I had a dream last night:  “It was a race I saw a big elephant, wobbling-suffering from a broken femur in the quadriceps region, there was an umbrella flying in the air – a whirl wind – and fair-coloured butterfly floating and clapping its wings … Then I woke up:

 

Feature: Putin Is Trump’s Medicine

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Feature

European leaders often portray Russian President Vladimir Putin as a tyrant, a land grabber, and a modern-day Russian bear. And following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine War three years ago, the deadliest in Europe since World War II, Putin has gone from being a bad guy in Western European eyes to being something worse: a war criminal.

eager to embody everything that the West despises about Putin. Yet, the biggest enigma across many Western capitals is why US President Donald Trump, the leader of the free world, is Trump is enamoured with Putin. His admiration for the Russian President was once again evident during their August 15 meeting in Alaska.

Waiting for Putin

As Trump waited for Putin on the red carpet, you could almost sense the butterflies up and down his stomach, like a lover waiting for a date. He squinted, pouted nervously, and as Putin alighted and approached him, the dam of his affection for the Russian president burst into irresistible applause. Quite remarkable.

Since his second inauguration in January 2025, Trump has hosted many world leaders in the White House, from British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Canada’s Mark Carney to South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa.

Except in Trump-tionary, the new playbook where uncertainty and bullying have replaced rules and courtesy, the engagements in the White House would qualify more as encounters in the predator’s lair than diplomatic meetings.

Encounters in the lair

In February, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was pinned to the wall and hammered for dressing improperly at the White House, and daring to offer a different view of the war in his country from that of President Trump.

Canada was slammed with more trade tariffs after Carney’s visit, and the same, even worse, treatment was meted out to India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Where outside the Trump world does a major trading partner get slammed with an additional 25 percent trade tariff, as was the case with India, for buying Russian oil, whereas Putin, the man in the middle of the war, got a reprieve on the eve of the Alaska summit for showing up on his on terms?

During his visit, Ramaphosa was treated to an unsolicited movie of the so-called graves of white South African farmers allegedly stripped of their land – fabrications by the White House.

But when Putin came, it was different. Not only did Trump wait for him on the tarmac, applauding as the Russian president walked the red carpet to meet him, but they both travelled in the Beast, a rare privilege that bypassed a carefully planned last-minute attempt to prevent a one-on-one summit.

For Putin, Trump still managed to achieve a one-on-one through the back door.

The world waits anxiously to see how the combined effort of seven European leaders will save Trump from himself. Moscow is also watching closely.

The thing about Putin

What is it about Putin that fascinates Trump so much? Several articles examining their complex relationship suggest that Trump’s soft spot for Putin dates back nearly 40 years. Referencing a widely quoted statement that “Putin went through a lot of hell with me,” a Le Monde article said Trump’s words “echoed the persistent allegations of collusion between the billionaire and the Kremlin that have intensified since Trump entered politics a decade ago.”

In a bid to expand the Trump business empire, in the late 1980s, the young billionaire reportedly explored the possibility of building the Trump Tower in Moscow, with unverified reports that he was even recruited as a KGB agent with the code name “Krasnov.”

In a broadside against US politicians in 1987 that highlighted his interest in Russia, Trump reportedly paid for an advert in The New York Times, saying “The world is laughing at American politicians as we protect ships we don’t own, carrying oil we don’t need, destined for allies who don’t help.”

Therefore, it is unsurprising that he has treated NATO contemptuously and insisted that the US would not pay for Europe’s security.

Lovefest

Almost 20 years ago, when Russia was still grappling with the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union, Trump told CNN that Putin was doing “a great job of fixing the country”, and then in 2013, the billionaire playboy moved heaven and earth yet failed to court the Russian president to attend the Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow.

Five years later, Trump had his first meeting with Putin in Helsinki, a meeting at which the US president publicly questioned US intelligence agencies, and agreed with Putin that, contrary to what was reported in America, there was no Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

“I have great confidence in my intelligence,” Trump said after the Helsinki summit, “But I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong…I think the United States has been foolish. We’ve all been foolish.”

It’s the kind of thing a philandering spouse says, paying no heed to the remotest redeeming grace of the partner they are betraying. But it doesn’t bother Trump. He is happy to trash America and shaft allies to be in Putin’s good books.

Understanding Trump

Experts have made several efforts to understand this special, complex relationship. Why does Europe and much of the world walk on eggshells to appease Trump (Starmer recruited King Charles by taking along a special invitation to the US, while Ramaphosa dragged two golfers to the White House) when Putin calls once and Trump answers twice?

Explanations range from Trump’s personality trait, especially his love of flattery and desire for validation, to his transactional worldview, aversion to conflict with strongmen (think of China’s Xi Jinping), and his scepticism of multilateralism.

Comparing the Trump-Putin bromance with the relationship between President Richard Nixon and the Chinese President Mao Zedong, or between Ronald Reagan and Russian Mikhail Gorbachev, doesn’t quite explain it.

‘Trust but verify’

While Nixon and Reagan, for example, had personal chemistry with their counterparts from China and Russia, apart from sharing some common goals and being in control of their domestic affairs, Trump’s fascination with Putin appears to be fueled mainly by the strongman’s vanity. Whereas Trump seems to take Putin at face value, Reagan famously described his relationship with Gorbachev as “trust but verify.”

The August 15 Trump-Putin summit ended exactly as many analysts predicted it would end: Trump dumping the responsibility for ending the war on Zelenskyy’s doorstep. Sensing the looming danger, European leaders are mustering the tact of Talleyrand and the guile of Churchill to keep Trump on a leash, and it all boils down to this: what do “security guarantees” mean for Ukraine – and Russia?

Notwithstanding his erratic nature, Trump is right about one thing: any security guarantees that demand Russia give up all territory taken so far or leave a window for Ukraine to return to NATO will be futile. Beyond the Trump-Putin lovefest, Zelenskyy’s brinkmanship, and Europe’s indifference to genuine Russian concerns about being encircled, something must give for peace to take hold.

Azu Ishiekwene

Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It

Semenyo-inspired Bournemouth set to tame Wolves

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Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth

Two teams carved open at will during the opening Premier League gameweek renew hostilities on Saturday afternoon, as Bournemouth host Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening home fixture of the 2025-26 season.

Andoni Iraola‘s troops fought a brave fight against champions Liverpool only to succumb to a 4-2 defeat, while the Old Gold also conceded a quartet of strikes to title hopefuls Manchester City but had nothing in the way of a response.

Antoine Semenyo, the electrifying Ghanaian led the Bournemouth comeback charge against a defensively suspect Liverpool with a brilliant second-half brace, but his efforts to claw the Cherries back from two goals down were ultimately futile.

A return to the Vitality Stadium is not exactly a return to home comforts for the hosts; they won just two of their last eight Premier League matches on familiar territory in the 2024-25 season, losing an additional five and playing out one draw with Manchester United.

The Vitality Stadium is historically a happy hunting ground for Wolves, but the Old Gold’s sensational South Coast streak appears destined to come to an end this weekend.

Facing a Semenyo-inspired Bournemouth with two new attacking talents in tow, Pereira’s defence may not hold out for long, and we have faith in Iraola’s men to get up and running at the second attempt.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Arsenal host newly-promoted Leeds United

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Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal

With or without Eberechi Eze pulling the creative strings, Arsenal host newly-promoted Leeds United on Saturday evening, in their opening home game of the new Premier League campaign.

Both Mikel Arteta and Daniel Farke masterminded 1-0 victories last time out, as the Gunners claimed a smash-and-grab victory at Manchester United before the Whites benefitted from a contentious handball call to edge out Everton.

Picking up from where they left off in 2024-25, Arsenal are on a three-game winning run in the Premier League, although all of those victories have only been by a solitary goal; furthermore, their last top-flight home win by two goals or more came over six months ago in the 5-1 thumping of Manchester City.

Nevertheless, even a slender success will see Arsenal etch their name into a new page of the record books; the Gunners are unbeaten in 42 straight Premier League home games against newly-promoted sides, one short of the all-time best set by Chelsea from 2001 to 2015.

The shock of all shocks in North London this weekend would see Leeds win their opening two top-flight matches of a season for the first time since 2002, but visits to the capital are often unfruitful; they have lost their last seven Premier League matches played in London.

The Gunners should click into gear back on their own turf, where they ought to break Leeds’ resistance early and subsequently capitalise on defensive gaps opening up when Farke’s men go in search of a response.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

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