Netanyahu nominates Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize during White House visit
Washington, D.C.: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling the honor “well-deserved” during a high-profile meeting at the White House on Monday.
Netanyahu handed over the official nomination letter to Trump during their bilateral meeting in the Blue Room. Speaking to reporters, the Israeli leader said that both countries were working together to find nations that would help offer Palestinians a better future.
Trump, who has frequently touted himself as a global peacemaker and expressed his desire to win the prestigious award, said the nomination came as a surprise. “Coming from you, this is very meaningful,” Trump told Netanyahu.
The meeting marks the third encounter between the two leaders this year. However, the visit comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, now in its 21st month, and pressure to include hostage release in any potential ceasefire agreement.
The backdrop of the war in Gaza and the humanitarian toll it has taken, including over 600 killings near aid sites, according to UN records, continues to cast a shadow over diplomatic events.
Trump is expected to host a private dinner with Netanyahu later this week, even as families of Israeli hostages urge both sides to prioritize their release as part of any peace deal.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
