Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threat
Washington (AP): Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration's war in Iran.
Kent said on social media Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”
There was no immediate comment from the White House.
Kent, a former political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists, was confirmed to his post last July on a 52-44 vote.
As head of the National Counterterrorism Centre, he was in charge of an agency tasked with analysing and detecting terrorist threats.
Before entering President Donald Trump's administration, Kent ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Congress in Washington state. He also served in the military, seeing 11 deployments as a Green Beret, followed by work at the CIA.
Democrats strongly opposed Kent's confirmation, pointing to his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories. During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent paid Graham Jorgensen, a member of the far-right military group the Proud Boys, for consulting work. He also worked closely with Joey Gibson, the founder of the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and attracted support from a variety of far-right figures.
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kent also refused to distance himself from a conspiracy theory that federal agents instigated the January 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol, as well as false claims that Trump, a Republican, won the 2020 election over Democrat Joe Biden.
Democrats grilled Kent on his participation in a group chat on Signal that was used by Trump's national security team to discuss sensitive military plans.
Still, Republicans praised Kent's counterterrorism qualifications, pointing to his military and intelligence experience.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the GOP chair of the intelligence committee, said in a floor speech that Kent had "dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe.”
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Kannadigas Help Line aids stranded migrants in UAE amid war crisis
Dubai: ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ has stepped up its efforts in the UAE to assist Kannadigas affected by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, by helping stranded individuals return home and providing food and shelter to those in distress.
The initiative, which was earlier formed to support Kannadigas during the Covid pandemic and floods, has resumed its activities to address the current crisis. Under the leadership of NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco and coordination of Hidayath Addoor, the team has brought together more than 30 Kannada organisations in the UAE to extend support to affected individuals.
The team has been assisting stranded migrants, including those who are ill or without food and shelter, by visiting them and offering necessary help. Their efforts have been appreciated by the NRI community.
Speaking to the media, coordinator Hidayath Addoor said that more than 630 people who were unable to return to India were provided with flight arrangements and safely sent back home. He added that Dr Ronald Colaco had assured full financial support for arranging a chartered flight with 180 seats to evacuate elderly persons, pregnant women and those in need of urgent assistance.
He also said that Colaco extended financial help for medical treatment, including surgery for a stranded individual, and supported food arrangements for those in need. Medicines for 22 patients referred by the Indian Consulate were also provided using funds contributed by Colaco.
Arrangements were made to provide free food and accommodation for more than 235 people at hotels owned by Praveen Shetty and Isaq Haji in Dubai, and at a farmhouse owned by Dheeraj Jain in Ajman. Medical assistance was provided to 71 people through doctors at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, while 32 individuals were given medicines.
At the initial stage of the crisis, food was distributed to around 1,180 people, and 70 food kits were also provided. Transport arrangements were made to help affected individuals reach airports in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi.
Several organisations joined hands with Kannadigas Help Line in this effort, including KNRI Forum UAE, Beary’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) UAE, Karnataka Sangha Dubai, Kannadigara Koota Dubai, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Non-Resident Kannadigas, Hemmeya Dubai Kannada Sangha, Okkaliga Sangha Dubai, Kannada Paathashaala Dubai, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, Dubai Konkanis, BCF, KCF, Manki Community, SKSSF Vikhaya UAE, Noorul Huda UAE Committee, Dubai Beary’s, Badriya Friends, Hidaya Foundation, Shamsul Ulama Thodar, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Karnataka Sangha, Aim India Foundation, Darunnur, Gulf Karnataka Kutumba, Gulf Gelathiyaru, Mangalore Konkanis Dubai, Al Khamar Trust Mooluru, Okkaliga Sangha UAE and Rock Karnataka Sangha UAE.
In recognition of the team’s efforts, Dr Ronald Colaco hosted an Iftar gathering at his residence and appreciated the selfless service of the members along with their families.
He said that the spirit of unity and cooperation shown during the crisis should continue beyond difficult times and serve as a model for the future. He also called for celebrating national and state festivals together in the same spirit.
Colaco expressed hope that the message of unity demonstrated by the team, which worked beyond differences of region, language, class, caste and religion, would reach the homeland and help promote harmony and inclusive development.
On the occasion, Dr Ronald Colaco, Praveen Shetty, Isaq Haji, Dheeraj Jain and Madhav Kiran were honoured with mementos for their support to the initiative.
