188 x2

But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”188 x2 。

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, likely ending the Buckeyes ’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game. Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekThe main opposition Democratic Party of Korea chief Lee Jae-myung, center, joins party lawmakers and supporters to stage a rally in central Seoul calling for the government to accept a special counsel bill against first lady Kim Keon Hee, Nov. 30. Yonhap The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and its supporters held a massive rally in central Seoul on Saturday, lashing out at the Yoon Suk Yeol government for what they called the mishandling of state affairs and demanding a special counsel probe into first lady Kim Keon Hee. DPK leader Lee Jae-myung and around 100,000 party members and supporters — a count claimed by the party — gathered near Gwanghwamun Square and staged a rally, according to police and party officials. The protest was the fifth of its kind. The participants called on Yoon to accept a bill for a special counsel probe into Kim for her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, the alleged interference in election nominations through a broker and the acceptance of a luxury bag, among other things. Yoon on Tuesday vetoed the bill, the third time he has rejected the DPK-led bill. "Judging Yoon Suk Yeol and punishing Kim Keon Hee ... are all a battle for democracy," Rep. Kim Min-seok told supporters. (Yonhap)Why doesn't Army-Navy game have any impact on CFP rankings, 12-team CFP bracket?

None“Spider-Man 4” Venom Rumors Keep SwirlingWith Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on all Canadian goods hanging over it, the Ford government is spending tens of millions of dollars on a new advertising campaign in the United States to promote Ontario’s role as a key trading partner. A new commercial targeting Americans is set to launch Monday across the U.S., with plans to reach more than 100 million viewers through staples like Monday Night Football, Fox News and CNN. “In the States, the 100 million viewers who are going to see this commercial and even more on Monday Night Football, you are really going to understand that it’s Ontario, it’s Canada (who) is a really valued trading partner,” Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli said in an interview on Focus Ontario . “It’s really important just to remind them subtly: we’re a trusted partner to your north, we’ve always been there for you and we’ll be there for you tomorrow.” Previewing the commercial earlier in the week, Premier Ford said the new advertising campaign is meant to send a “stronger together” message to all American jurisdictions highlighting Canada’s involvement in the mission in Afghanistan between 2011 and 2014, supporting American troops in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. “Every conflict we’ve had, we stand shoulder to shoulder, putting Canadian soldiers’ lives at risk,” Ford said, “because that’s what you do when a family member is in a fight around the world; you stand beside them, you support them.” The commercial — which was exclusively first played on Focus Ontario — will roll out in Washington D.C. in December. Then, between January and March, it will target key states, including along the northern border, where jobs are especially reliant on the Ontario-U.S. relationship. “I think it is important that you be in the eyes of the president-elected, whether it’s Fox, or quite frankly CNN to make sure we cover both sides of the aisle,” Fedeli said. Asked if Premier Ford would appear on Fox News, the trade minister said, “We’re not going to exclude anything.” The future of U.S.-Canadian trade under a Trump presidency has dominated political dialogue in Ontario in recent weeks, particularly since the president-elect announced he would slap 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods when he takes office. At a hastily organized news conference earlier in the week, Ford said the news of tariffs had come as a “shock” when Trump announced his plan in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. “This is a shock that came to us last night and we’re going to address that shock,” Ford said outside his Queen’s Park office. Ford suggested the Trump administration was betraying its closest ally – one with a two-way trading relationship of roughly $500 billion. “I found his comments unfair, I found them insulting,” Ford said. “It’s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart.” The premier said comparing Canada and Mexico was unfair, leaning into Republican rhetoric from the U.S. “There’s illegal guns, there’s illegal drugs, there’s illegals coming across our border (from Mexico),” Ford said. “We have to tighten up our borders on both sides.” Ford also acknowledged that Canada, Mexico and the U.S. are “intertwined” when it comes to the automotive supply chain and said it would be “hard to stop that supply chain.” Mexico is currently listed as Canada’s third-largest trading partner, with a $55-billion two-way trading relationship forged after 80 years of diplomatic ties. In 2023, nearly 60,000 Mexican workers came to Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker program – 26,000 were seasonal agriculture workers at Ontario farms. The advertisement campaign will cost tens of millions of dollars and could be extended beyond its planned expiration in March, depending on how the situation develops. It will run on national networks, written and online media and has a slot on the FOX Sports streaming app during the Super Bowl in February. Alongside the advertising campaign, Fedeli has made several visits to the United States, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dined with president-elected Trump in Florida on Friday night. Canada’s premiers also plan to make trips to the States to make their case. “The premiers, I think, are looking to go down early in the new year as well. This is all part of a very well-phased-out campaign — there’s a lot at stake,” Fedeli said. Focus Ontario premieres at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, on Global TV.10% Yield: Is BCE Stock a Good Buy?

Arkansas DE Landon Jackson carted off field and taken to hospital with neck injuryPublished 6:07 pm Saturday, December 14, 2024 By The Associated Press HUNTINGTON, W.V. (AP) — Marshall has withdrawn from the Independence Bowl after a coaching change resulted in much of its roster jumping into the transfer portal. The Thundering Herd were slated to play Army on Dec. 28 in Shreveport, Louisiana. But the Independence Bowl and Louisiana Tech announced on Saturday that the Bulldogs will take on the 19th-ranked Black Knights instead. Marshall said it pulled out “after falling below the roster minimum that was deemed medically safe.” The Herd (10-3) beat Louisiana-Lafayette 31-3 last weekend to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time. The program has won seven games in a row in the same season for the first time since 2020. “We apologize for the nature and timing of this announcement and for the turmoil it has brought to bowl season preparations for Army, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, the American Athletic Conference and ESPN,” Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said in a statement. Coach Charles Huff left Marshall for Southern Miss last Sunday, and Tony Gibson, the defensive coordinator at North Carolina State, was announced as his replacement less than an hour later. By Thursday, at least 25 Marshall players had entered the transfer portal. Gibson held a meeting shortly after arriving on campus in Huntington to introduce himself to the team. He followed that up with phone calls, text messages and more meetings Friday and Saturday. “Any time coaches leave to take other jobs, it is emotional,” Gibson said at a news conference Thursday. “And kids that are 18-to-22 years old are going to make emotional decisions instead of just breathing for a day or two.” It’s the first bowl for Louisiana Tech (5-7) since 2020. The Bulldogs have won two of their last three games, but they haven’t played since a 33-0 victory over Kennesaw State on Nov. 30. “We are excited to accept the opportunity to play in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl against a fantastic and storied program as Army,” Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey said in a release. “I believe our football program is moving toward positive structure and the opportunity to play in this bowl adds to that momentum. We are looking forward to being in Shreveport for this matchup.”

By LISA MASCARO and FARNOUSH AMIRI WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faced fresh scrutiny Monday on Capitol Hill about her proximity to Russian-ally Syria amid the sudden collapse of that country’s hardline Assad rule. Gabbard ignored shouted questions about her 2017 visit to war-torn Syria as she ducked into one of several private meetings with senators who are being asked to confirm Trump’s unusual nominees . Related Articles National Politics | Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it? National Politics | Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next National Politics | In promising to shake up Washington, Trump is in a class of his own National Politics | Election Day has long passed. In some states, legislatures are working to undermine the results National Politics | Trump taps his attorney Alina Habba to serve as counselor to the president But the Democrat-turned-Republican Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel delivered a statement in which she reiterated her support for Trump’s America First approach to national security and a more limited U.S. military footprint overseas. “I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said exiting a Senate meeting. The incoming president’s Cabinet and top administrative choices are dividing his Republican allies and drawing concern , if not full opposition, from Democrats and others. Not just Gabbard, but other Trump nominees including Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, were back at the Capitol ahead of what is expected to be volatile confirmation hearings next year. The incoming president is working to put his team in place for an ambitious agenda of mass immigrant deportations, firing federal workers and rollbacks of U.S. support for Ukraine and NATO allies. “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., as he welcomed Gabbard into his office. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary pick Hegseth appeared to be picking up support from once-skeptical senators, the former Army National Guard major denying sexual misconduct allegations and pledging not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed. The president-elect’s choice to lead the FBI, Kash Patel , who has written extensively about locking up Trump’s foes and proposed dismantling the Federal Bureau of Investigation, launched his first visits with senators Monday. “I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., on social media. Despite widespread concern about the nominees’ qualifications and demeanors for the jobs that are among the highest positions in the U.S. government, Trump’s team is portraying the criticism against them as nothing more than political smears and innuendo. Showing that concern, nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials have urged Senate leaders to schedule closed-door hearings to allow for a full review of the government’s files on Gabbard. Trump’s allies have described the criticisms of Hegseth in particular as similar to those lodged against Brett Kavanaugh, the former president’s Supreme Court nominee who denied a sexual assault allegation and went on to be confirmed during Trump’s first term in office. Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., about Hegseth: “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it.” One widely watched Republican, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, herself a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and sexual assault survivor who had been criticized by Trump allies for her cool reception to Hegseth, appeared more open to him after their follow-up meeting Monday. “I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst said in a statement. Ernst said that following “encouraging conversations,” he had committed to selecting a senior official who will “prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks. As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.” Ernst also had praise for Patel — “He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies” — and for Gabbard. Once a rising Democratic star, Gabbard, who represented Hawaii in Congress, arrived a decade ago in Washington, her surfboard in tow, a new generation of potential leaders. She ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020. But Gabbard abruptly left the party and briefly became an independent before joining with Trump’s 2024 campaign as one of his enthusiasts, in large part over his disdain for U.S. involvement overseas and opposition to helping Ukraine battle Russia. Her visit to Syria to meet with then-President Bashar Assad around the time of Trump’s first inauguration during the country’s bloody civil war stunned her former colleagues and the Washington national security establishment. The U.S. had severed diplomatic relations with Syria. Her visit was seen by some as legitimizing a brutal leader who was accused of war crimes. Gabbard has defended the trip, saying it’s important to open dialogue, but critics hear in her commentary echoes of Russia-fueled talking points. Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after Islamist rebels overtook Syria in a surprise attack, ending his family’s five decades of rule. She said her own views have been shaped by “my multiple deployments and seeing firsthand the cost of war and the threat of Islamist terrorism.” Gabbard said, “It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars.” Last week, the nearly 100 former officials, who served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, said in the letter to Senate leaders they were “alarmed” by the choice of Gabbard to oversee all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. They said her past actions “call into question her ability to deliver unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and to the entire national security apparatus.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to coordinate the nation’s intelligence agencies and act as the president’s main intelligence adviser. Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report.Deal on Elgin Marbles ‘still some distance’ away, says George Osborne

'Brazenness': Report claims super-rich have shrugged off fears that used to contain them

The corner of 53rd Avenue and 18th Street in Bettendorf received extra light Sunday night as Chabad Lubavitch of the Quad Cities lit a menorah for Hannukah. Sunday marked the fifth night of the festival which lasts eight days and nights. The event commemorates a period in Jewish history when Assyrian-Greeks took control of Jerusalem and tried to ban Jewish customs and religious practices. But a small group of Jewish people fought and drove them from Jerusalem, reclaiming the temple. Despite having a one-day supply of oil to light the menorah in the temple, it stayed lit for eight days. The holiday is celebrated by traditions such as singing songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating oil-based foods such as latke, a potato pancake, as well as lighting menorahs. Hannukah, also spelled Chanukkah, spreads the message that good triumphs evil and light will conquer darkness, according to a news release from Chabad. People are also reading... "At this fraught time for the Jewish community, with war in Israel and American Jews facing a major rise in antisemitism, this year we are doing more to celebrate Hanukkah with joy and Jewish pride,” said Rabbi Shneur Cadaner. “The menorah and Hanukkah represent freedom of the human spirit, freedom from tyranny and oppression, and of the victory of good over evil.” At Sunday's ceremony, battery operated votive candles were spread out among the crowd as the rabbi and his wife, Chana Cadaner, spoke about the significance of lighting candles to commemorate bringing light into the world. "We add light to the world and we make it a better place," she said, asking participants to turn on their lights one by one. "We are a community that spreads light no matter how dark it may seem around us." This year’s celebrations carried extra significance as it marks 50 years since the first public menorah was lit at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia in 1974. The public menorah was lit after the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, launched a worldwide campaign in 1973 to build awareness and promote observance of Hanukkah, according to a news release. As a small crowd gathered at the busy intersection in Bettendorf, Mayor Bob Gallagher lit the ceremonial first candle on the menorah and wished a peaceful and happy holiday to all. The Quad-Cities' menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs throughout the world, including menorahs in front of the White House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Great Wall of China and Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Hanukkah Menorah Lightning 2023 Joe McCoy lights the giant menorah at 18th St. and 53rd Ave., the future home of the Chabad Center, on Sunday in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah. Guests smile after the first candle is lit Sunday on the giant menorah at 18th St. and 53rd Ave. in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 10, in Bettendorf. Rabbi Shneur Cadaner holds the torch to light the giant menorah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. Robert Lewis, a retired chef, gives a blessing in Hebrew before lighting a candle on the menorah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. Mayor of Bettendorf, Bob Gallagher, speaks to guests before the menorah lighting ceremony on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Jewish community gathered to light a giant menorah on the fourth day of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 10, in Bettendorf. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Former US president Jimmy Carter dies aged 100Hampshire's very own Strictly Come Dancing pro Kai Widdrington will go on the run for charity in the new year after being announced as part of the cast of Celebrity Hunted. Kai, born and raised in Chandler's Ford, will swap sequins for camping equipment next month as he tries to evade an elite team of hunters tracking down his every move. The Channel 4 show sees the team attempt to track celebrities down as they go on the run in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. The contestants will attempt to evade capture for a fortnight while the hunters use a vast wealth of resources to catch them. Among the hunters’ team are police and military personnel who have access to CCTV footage, helicopters, drones, dogs, media campaigns and the latest cyber forensic technology. Kai, who will dance with drag artist Tayce on Strictly's Christmas Special , will be partnered with his former fellow star Giovanni Pernice. The Italian dancer did not feature in the current series of the BBC celebrity dancing show after his former celebrity partner Amanda Abbington made allegations about his behaviour, claiming she was subject to a “toxic environment ” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. A BBC investigation into the actress’s allegations upheld “some, but not all” of the complaints made against the professional dancer, who previously rejected “any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour”. READ MORE: Strictly star from Southampton 'thrilled' to perform at his theatre of dreams They will compete against Loose Women’s Denise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley as well as Blue singer Duncan James and model Christine McGuinness. Former EastEnders star Danielle Harold and Coronation Street actress Kimberly Hart-Simpson will also take part alongside news anchors Simon McCoy and Lucrezia Millarini; and podcasters David Whitely and Zeze Millz. The executive producer of the production company, Tom Hutchings, said the upcoming series will be the “most exhilarating” yet. “Expect trips to Albert Square and Blue concerts, celebrities begging for money and clothes, failed camping attempts and blagged moments of luxury, and a team of 30 hunters stopping at nothing to catch them,” he said. “No celebrities were harmed in the making of this programme, only a few bruised egos.” Celebrity Hunted will air on Channel 4 from January 5 at 9pm.

Defense startups Anduril Palantir to save data from battlefield to train AI modelsFirst Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR) Short Interest Up 27.6% in December

What’s next for abortion laws in New Hampshire

Analysis: If Jets don't want Rodgers, others will

Culpeper-area community briefs for Dec. 14, 2024ExxonMobil's Bold Plan Positions It to Produce Another $30 Billion in Annual Cash Flow by 2030

Shares of Azincourt Energy Corp. ( CVE:AAZ – Get Free Report ) shot up 50% on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. 253,181 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 2% from the average session volume of 259,671 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.01. Azincourt Energy Stock Up 50.0 % The stock has a market capitalization of C$4.48 million, a P/E ratio of -1.50 and a beta of 2.78. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.01 and a 200-day moving average price of C$0.02. Azincourt Energy Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Azincourt Energy Corp., an exploration and development company, focuses on the alternative fuels/alternative energy sector in Canada and Peru. It explores for uranium and lithium deposits, as well as other clean energy elements. The company owns interest in the East Preston project covering an area of approximately 25,000 hectares located in Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Big Hill Lithium project covering approximately an area of 7,500 hectares located in southwestern Newfoundland, Canada. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Azincourt Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Azincourt Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Forthright and fearless, the Nobel Prize winner took pot-shots at former prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US president George W Bush among others. His death came after repeated bouts of illness in which images of the increasingly frail former president failed to erase memories of his fierce spirit. Democrat James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr swept to power in 1977 with his Trust Me campaign helping to beat Republican president Gerald Ford. Serving as 39th US president from 1977 to 1981, he sought to make government “competent and compassionate” but was ousted by the unstoppable Hollywood appeal of a certain Ronald Reagan. A skilled sportsman, Mr Carter left his home of Plains, Georgia, to join the US Navy, returning later to run his family’s peanut business. A stint in the Georgia senate lit the touchpaper on his political career and he rose to the top of the Democratic movement. But he will also be remembered for a bizarre encounter with a deeply disgruntled opponent. The president was enjoying a relaxing fishing trip near his home town in 1979 when his craft was attacked by a furious swamp rabbit which reportedly swam up to the boat hissing wildly. The press had a field day, with one paper bearing the headline President Attacked By Rabbit. Away from encounters with belligerent bunnies, Mr Carter’s willingness to address politically uncomfortable topics did not diminish with age. He recently said that he would be willing to travel to North Korea for peace talks on behalf of US President Donald Trump. He also famously mounted a ferocious and personal attack on Tony Blair over the Iraq war, weeks before the prime minister left office in June 2007. Mr Carter, who had already denounced George W Bush’s presidency as “the worst in history”, used an interview on BBC radio to condemn Mr Blair for his tight relations with Mr Bush, particularly concerning the Iraq War. Asked how he would characterise Mr Blair’s relationship with Mr Bush, Mr Carter replied: “Abominable. Loyal, blind, apparently subservient. “I think that the almost undeviating support by Great Britain for the ill-advised policies of President Bush in Iraq have been a major tragedy for the world.” Mr Carter was also voluble over the Rhodesia crisis, which was about to end during his presidency. His support for Robert Mugabe at the time generated widespread criticism. He was said to have ignored the warnings of many prominent Zimbabweans, black and white, about what sort of leader Mugabe would be. This was seen by Mr Carter’s critics as “deserving a prominent place among the outrages of the Carter years”. Mr Carter has since said he and his administration had spent more effort and worry on Rhodesia than on the Middle East. He admitted he had supported two revolutionaries in Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, and with hindsight said later that Mugabe had been “a good leader gone bad”, having at first been “a very enlightened president”. One US commentator wrote: “History will not look kindly on those in the West who insisted on bringing the avowed Marxist Mugabe into the government. “In particular, the Jimmy Carter foreign policy... bears some responsibility for the fate of a small African country with scant connection to American national interests.” In recent years Mr Carter developed a reputation as an international peace negotiator. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, his work with human rights and democracy initiatives, and his promotion of economic and social programmes. Mr Carter was dispatched to North Korea in August 2008 to secure the release of US citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years of hard labour after being found guilty of illegally entering North Korea. He successfully secured the release of Mr Gomes. In 2010 he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. Proving politics runs in the family, in 2013 his grandson Jason, a state senator, announced his bid to become governor in Georgia, where his famous grandfather governed before becoming president. He eventually lost to incumbent Republican Nathan Deal. Fears that Mr Carter’s health was deteriorating were sparked in 2015 when he cut short an election observation visit in Guyana because he was “not feeling well”. It would have been Mr Carter’s 39th trip to personally observe an international election. Three months later, on August 12, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver. Mr Obama was among the well-wishers hoping for Mr Carter’s full recovery after it was confirmed the cancer had spread widely. Melanoma had been found in his brain and liver, and Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment. In 2017, Mr Carter was taken to hospital as a precaution, after he became dehydrated at a home-building project in Canada. He was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions in 2019 having had a series of falls, suffering a brain bleed and a broken pelvis, as well as a stint to be treated for a urinary tract infection. Mr Carter spent much of the coronavirus pandemic largely at his home in Georgia, and did not attend Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration in 2021, but extended his “best wishes”. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023. She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Mr Carter said in a statement following her death. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”