Former US president George Bush - seen here in 2008 - served one term as president but lost in 1992 to Democrat Bill Clinton. (File photo: AFP/John MacDougall) The 41st American president was a foreign policy realist who navigated the turbulent but largely peaceful fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 and assembled an unprecedented coalition to defeat Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein two years later. But the decorated war pilot and former CIA chief suffered the ignominy of being a one-term president, denied a second term over a weak economy when he lost the 1992 election to upstart Democrat Bill Clinton. His favouring of stability and international consensus stands in sharp contrast to the provocative bluster of fellow Republican and current White House occupant Donald Trump, a man whom Bush did not vote for in 2016. Bush presided over economic malaise at home, and infuriated his fellow Republicans during a budget battle with rival Democrats by famously breaking his vow: "Read my Lips: No … [Read more...] about George HW Bush: One term president helmed political dynasty
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Former US president George Bush, head of political dynasty, dead at 94
He was the upper-crust war hero-turned-oilman and diplomat who steered America through the end of the Cold War as president and led a political dynasty that saw his son win the White House. George W. Bush called his father a "man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for," in a statement announcing his death. "The entire Bush family is deeply grateful for 41's life and love, for the compassion of those who have cared and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and fellow citizens." Bush's passing comes just months after the death in April of his wife and revered first lady Barbara Bush -- his "most beloved woman in the world" -- to whom he was married for 73 years. The 41st American president was a foreign policy realist who navigated the turbulent but largely peaceful fall of the Soviet Union in 1989 and assembled an unprecedented coalition to defeat Iraqi strongman Saddam Hussein two years later. But the decorated war pilot and … [Read more...] about Former US president George Bush, head of political dynasty, dead at 94
Trump administration takes aim at International Criminal Court, PLO
Trump administration takes aim at International Criminal Court, PLO The Saigon Times Daily U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a Republican Party fundraiser in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S., September 7, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The Trump administration on Monday threatened tough action against the International Criminal Court should it try to prosecute Americans for alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and said the PLO’s office in Washington would be closed for seeking to punish Israel through the court. “The United States will use any means necessary to protect our citizens and those of our allies from unjust prosecution by this illegitimate court,” national security adviser John Bolton told the Federalist Society, a conservative group, in his first major address since joining President Donald Trump’s White House in April. The U.S. response could include sanctions against ICC judges should such prosecutions … [Read more...] about Trump administration takes aim at International Criminal Court, PLO
Trump’s Iran deal exit raises regime change spectre
In quitting the Iran nuclear deal President Donald Trump cast aside years of painstaking diplomacy and took the US stand-off with Iran into dangerous new territory. President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton has never made any secret of his desire to see Iran's Islamic revolutionary regime ousted. (Photo: AFP/Nicholas Kamm) America's European allies were dismayed by the decision, which fell even as London, Paris and Berlin were trying to negotiate a tougher accord to placate Trump. And in Washington, even the sternest critics of the 2015 accord caught their breath as they digested the news - and wondered what new escalation might come next. Senior administration figures insisted that Washington is still determined to work with its humiliated allies to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. But it is hard to square Trump's professed quest for a "new and lasting deal" with his scornful dismissal of the "decaying and rotten" original … [Read more...] about Trump’s Iran deal exit raises regime change spectre
International media praise late Prime Minister Phan Van Khai
In its article on his death, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) assessed Phan Van Khai as “an architect of Vietnam's economic rise”. Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai (L) met with US President George Bush in 2005. Photo: vietnamnet.vn Meanwhile, the The Australian newspaper stressed that the former PM was a great contributor to Vietnam’s economic growth and the country’s first prime minister to visit the United States after the end of the war. “Khai oversaw Vietnam's fastest and most stable economic growth during his nine years in office from 1997 to 2006. He signed a bilateral trade agreement with the US in 2000 and oversaw Vietnam's entry into the World Trade Organization in 2006,” the article wrote. Earlier, when Khai was hospitalized, several Australian newspapers posted articles recalling his two visits to Australia. In 1999, the Sydney University - Australia’s first university - conferred a degree of Doctor … [Read more...] about International media praise late Prime Minister Phan Van Khai
Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai led Vietnam’s reform, integration
George W. Bush and former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai marked a new chapter in bilateral relations after 10 years of normalizing relations (nhadautu.vn) During his term as Prime Minister from 1997 to 2006, Mr. Khai made impressive reforms to boost macro-economic growth and stability. History has acknowledged his legacy in socio-economics, politics, and diplomacy. Architect of reform, macro-economic growth and stability When he took office in 1997, Southeast Asia’s economy had fallen into a financial crisis. South Korea and other Asian countries suffered heavy losses. The government led by Prime Minister Phan Van Khai instigated temporary but drastic solutions to keep the crisis from spreading, and obtained a growth rate of 4.8%. He made it a priority to develop enterprises, entrepreneurs, and Vietnam’s business environment. During his nearly 2 terms of office, he hosted many dialogues with enterprises to help them resolve problems for business development. He … [Read more...] about Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai led Vietnam’s reform, integration
US President appoints John Bolton as National Security Advisor
Mr. John Bolton is appointed as the National Security Adviser (Photo: AP)"I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, @AmbJohnBolton will be my new National Security Advisor. I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job & will always remain my friend. There will be an official contact handover on 4/9." President Donald Trump tweeted. Mr. John Bolton, 70, is an American diplomat, attorney, and served as the US Ambassador to the UN from August 2005 until December 2006 as a recess appointee by President George W. Bush. Bolton is currently a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), senior advisor for Freedom Capital Investment Management, a Fox News Channel commentator, and of counsel to the Washington, D.C. law firm Kirkland & Ellis. He was a foreign policy adviser to 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Mr. Bolton is also involved … [Read more...] about US President appoints John Bolton as National Security Advisor
Former Vietnamese premier Phan Van Khai dies aged 85
Former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, head of the Vietnamese government in a nine-year period ending 2006, passed away at his home on early Friday, aged 85. The former Politburo member and premier died in Ho Chi Minh City’s outer district of Cu Chi at 1:30 am, the Vietnam News Agency reported, citing the board of health care services for senior officials. Phan Van Khai, born on December 25, 1933 in Cu Chi, was one of the high-ranking Party and state leaders in the first phase of the country's renewal and nation-building cause. PM Khai was therefore active and determined to build the institution under the spirit of renewal to utilize the capacity of all economic sectors, especially the private one, together with opening door to the world and integrating internationally, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Former Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai (right) and Nguyen Tan Dung, who would be his successor, are seen in this June 2006 file photo. Photo: Tuoi Tre One of … [Read more...] about Former Vietnamese premier Phan Van Khai dies aged 85
Vietnam officials visit US aircraft carrier
The visit was made under an invitation of the US Embassy in Vietnam. US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. (Photo: US Navy) The Vietnamese officials were introduced to the ship’s operation, and given a chance to learn about crew members’ life and work on the ship. They also engaged in exchanges with the crew members to enhance mutual understanding in the spirit of the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership and as an effort to maintain peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Since 2009, Vietnam has sent officials to visit the US’s aircraft carriers when they went through the international waters near the country’s coast. Recently, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh also visited the USS George H.W.Bush aircraft carrier (CVN-77) during an official visit to Norfolk city in the US state of Virginia from February 21-22. Source: VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam officials visit US aircraft carrier
Former U.S. treasury secretary in town
Former U.S. treasury secretary in townBy Tu Hoang - The Saigon Times DailyHANOI – Former U.S. treasury secretary William Snow will give a talk on whether Vietnam is a reliable destination for leading international groups on Wednesday in HCMC, according to Link World Unlimited International Event Co.Organizer Link World Co. said that Snow, chairman of Cerberus Capital Management L.P., was expected to offer a solution on how Vietnam could attract the world’s leading groups, especially giant capital funds.Snow will also have a meeting and talks with the Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and HCMC’s government during his four-day stay, from Tuesday until Friday, according to the organizer.Snow was given the job as Secretary of Treasury by the then U.S. President George W. Bush in 2003. He will also lecture in Hanoi on Friday. … [Read more...] about Former U.S. treasury secretary in town