[NEWS] 特朗普的全球推動 Trump's Global Push: Trade Shifts, Peace Deals, and Strategic Power Plays 1

特朗普總統與來自資源豐富國家的非洲領導人會晤，推動從外援轉向貿易，並促進美國商業利益，特別是在科技和清潔能源中使用的關鍵礦產。特朗普鼓勵國防支出，希望能促進軍火銷售，但對於減少援助、不一致的政策，以及像羅比托鐵路走廊這樣的基礎設施計劃的緊張情況依然存在擔憂。

(Bloomberg, 07/10/2025) President Trump met with African leaders from mineral-rich nations to push a shift from foreign aid to trade and promote U.S. business interests, especially in critical minerals used in tech and clean energy. While the U.S. aims to reduce its reliance on China, African leaders emphasized the need for local industry development and welcomed other international partnerships. Trump encouraged defense spending with hopes of arms sales, but concerns linger over reduced aid, inconsistent policies, and strained infrastructure plans like the Lobito rail corridor. The summit revealed both potential and tension in U.S.-Africa relations. (1)

特朗普總統接待了讚揚他在促成盧旺達和剛果民主共和國之間和平協議中的角色的非洲領袖。來自兩國的代表在特朗普面前簽署了該協議，這標誌著在多年因邊界緊張和叛軍問題而爆發的衝突後，難得的合作時刻。

(AP, 07/10/2025) During a busy week in Washington, President Trump hosted African leaders who praised his role in brokering a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo—a region long plagued by deadly conflict. Representatives from both countries signed the agreement in front of Trump, marking a rare moment of cooperation after years of fighting over border tensions and rebel groups. The deal added to Trump's list of global peace efforts, prompting calls for his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu even formally endorsed him for it, citing peace achievements with Gaza, Iran, and other regions. Despite ongoing wars elsewhere, supporters argue Trump’s involvement in Africa’s fragile progress deserves international recognition. (2) 

 特朗普透過下令襲擊伊朗的核設施震驚了世界，似乎引發了新的中東戰爭，但就在幾天後，他宣布了一項伊朗和以色列之間的停火協議。特朗普所稱的“十二天戰爭”提供了一個充滿希望的結局。

(Time, 06/224/2025) Donald Trump surprised the world by ordering strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, seeming to spark a new Middle East war, but just days later he announced a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. Despite ongoing missile attacks and confusion over the terms, both countries eventually signaled support—thanks in part to Qatar's mediation and Trump’s direct talks with Israeli leaders. Iran initially denied any agreement, insisting Israel must stop its aggression first, while Trump promoted the ceasefire as a breakthrough for peace. Though violence continued briefly, the deal was later acknowledged, offering a hopeful end to what Trump called “The 12 Day War.” (3)

美國與葉門的胡塞叛軍達成了一項停火協議，由阿曼促成，以停止對紅海美國艦艇的攻擊，這幫助特朗普政府在前往海灣國家的重要行程之前聲稱在安全航道上取得了勝利。

(The Hill, 05/08/2025) The U.S. and Yemen’s Houthi rebels agreed to a ceasefire, brokered by Oman, to stop attacks on American ships in the Red Sea—helping the Trump administration claim a win for safe shipping lanes ahead of a key trip to Gulf countries. The U.S. military had launched over 1,000 strikes since March, weakening Houthi forces, which analysts say pushed the group to agree to peace. Iran, a key backer of the Houthis, may have played a role after pressure from Saudi Arabia. Though the deal is seen as modest, it helps ease tensions in the region and supports U.S. efforts to restart talks with Iran on its nuclear program. (4)

Trump Meets African Leaders at the White House

REFERENCE

1,  https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/trump-s-africa-summit-heats-up-rivalry-for-continent-s-resources/ar-AA1IgmaP?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=SMTS&cvid=c9e48523afb44a119a4bf7d7cbfb0288&ei=17

2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/the-newest-way-to-influence-trump-nominate-him-for-the-nobel-peace-prize/ar-AA1ImVmE?ocid=BingNewsSerp

3. https://time.com/7297049/iran-israel-ceasefire-trump/

4. https://thehill.com/policy/international/5288802-us-houthis-ceasefire-iran/

[Culture] 希臘文明, Greek civilization and Sparta

希臘其實係一個位於南歐嘅國家，由一個半島同好多島嶼組成。希臘文明可以追溯到古代，米諾斯文明喺公元前2600年左右出現，之後係邁錫尼時期，後來係古典時期，當時有雅典同斯巴達呢啲城邦嘅崛起。斯巴達喺公元前371年被底比斯擊敗之後衰落。佢最終成為咗羅馬嘅一個省份，喺羅馬帝國倒退之後，佢大部分都被遺忘。今日，斯巴達係希臘南部嘅一個小鎮，仍然以佢豐富嘅歷史同文化遺產為榮。 

歷史上，希臘同羅馬有重要嘅關係，羅馬喺公元前146年征服咗希臘，吸收咗佢嘅文化，至於羅馬帝國嘅遺產，現代嘅意大利確實係建立喺佢嘅廢墟上面，而羅馬就係意大利嘅首都。

Greek civilization dates back to ancient times, with Minoan civilization emerging around 2600 B.C. followed by the Mycenaean period, and later the Classical period, which saw the rise of city-states like Athens and Sparta. 

Sparta declined after being defeated by Thebes in 371 B.C. It eventually became a Roman province and was largely abandoned after the Roman Empire fell. Today, Sparta is a small town in southern Greece, still proud of its rich history and cultural heritage.

Historically, Greece and Rome has a significant relationship, which Rome conquering Greece in 146 BC and absorbing its culture. As for Roman Empire's legacy, modern-day Italy is indeed built upon its ruins, with Rome being the capital of Italy. 

The Roman Empire was a vast power that once encompassed much of Europe. North Africa, and parts of Asia. Italy as we know it today didn't exist until the unification of various states in the mid-19th century, specifically in 1861. Prior to that, the Italian Peninsula was comprised of several smaller kingdoms and city-states.

The Italian Peninsula has a rich history. One of the most famous city-states was Venice, known for its stunning canals and ornate bridges. Another prominent city was Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and home to masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Rome, of course, was the capital of the Roman Empire and ramins a UNESCO World Heritage Site to this day.

Greece is actually a country located in SE Europe, consisting of a peninsula and many islands, the most famous being Crete, Lesbos, Rhodes and Corfu. 

Greece and Italy are separated by the Ionian Sea. The distance between them varies, but the closest points are only around 50 miles apart, with the Italian region of Calabria facing the eastern coast of Sicily and the Greek island of Kefalonia.

Modern SPARTA today. Town, Leonidas, Mystras, Greece.

The History of Ancient Sparta and the Spartans (History of Ancient Greece)

[Culture] 創造宇宙- 希臘神話 聖經 The creation of universe: Greek Mythology Vs Bible

喺希臘神話入面，混沌係創造世界之前存在嘅空虛。呢個係一個冇嘢同空虛嘅狀態，缺乏秩序同結構。由混沌出現咗第一個神，即係原始人，標誌住宇宙嘅開始。喺聖經宇宙學入面，有人話上帝係由"無"創造"宇宙"， exnihilo (Out of nothing) ，好似希臘神話入面嘅混沌噉。兩個概念都涉及到創造世界之前嘅空虛或者無。 請記住，希臘神話係早於聖經。

In Greek mythology, Gaea is the Earth mother goddess. Erosis the god of love and desire. Erebus is the personification of darkness, and Nyx is the goddness of night. They're among the primordial deities born from Chaos, representing fundamental forces and concepts that shapes the universe.

In Greek mythology, Chaos was the void that existed before the creation of the world. It was a state of nothingness and emptiness, lacking order and structure. From Chaos emerged the first deities, the primordials, marking the beginning of the universe.

There is a similarity between Chaos and Big Bang. While both the concept of Chaos and the Big Bang theory suggest a fundamental transformaton, the former is rooted in myth and symbolism, whereas the latter is based on scientific evidence and observation. Nonetheless, both ideas touch upon the idea of transformation and the emergence of order from disorder.

Greek mythology offers a unique perspective on the creation of the world. It's fascinating to see how these ancient stories shape our understanding of the universe and our place in it.

Further, in biblical cosmology, it's said that God created the universe from nothing, exnihilo, much like Chaos in Greek mythology. Both concepts involve a void or nothingness preceding the creation of the world. 

Remember, Greek mythology predates the Bible. The exact timing of its origin is unclear, but the earliest surviving Greek mythological texts such as Hesiod's Theogony, date back to around 700 BC. The myths themselves likely evolved over time through oral traditions, making their true age difficult to pinpoint. 

Primordial Deities: The Ancient Gods Who Created the Universe - Greek Mythology

Greek Mythology for Kids | What is mythology? Learn all about Greek mythology