Sunday marks 100 days into the war that the United States and Israel launched against Iran.

But as fighting and ceasefire negotiations continue to grind on, the conflict remains overwhelmingly unpopular among the US public, making it a political liability for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

Even before the war started, public opinion polls showed that most Americans opposed bombing Iran. When the fighting began, the numbers did not improve, with many US voters perceiving the war as unnecessary and detrimental to the country.

“What’s really clear is that few Americans think that this war with Iran serves American interests,” said Shibley Telhami, a professor of peace and development at the University of Maryland, who has conducted polling on the war.

The lack of public backing for the war is consequential, experts say, because it could weaken Trump politically at home.

Democrats are hoping to regain control of Congress in the midterm elections in November, which could derail Trump’s agenda for the rest of his presidency.

A University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll suggested on Thursday that only 16 percent of US voters think the US has won or is winning the war.

The findings show that the US public is not convinced by the president’s repeated claims of victory.

The survey also found that a majority of voters, including 33 percent of Republicans, say the war has had more negative than positive effects on US interests.

In comparison, only 12 percent of respondents, including 25 percent of Republicans, said the war’s impact has been more positive than negative.

[Aljazeera]

West Indies won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat in what is a must-win second ODI in Jamaica for the hosts. Sri Lanka lead the three-match series 1-0.

The toss itself was delayed by 30 minutes following rain earlier in the day, and it was the possibility of rain intervening later on that influenced Shai Hope’s decision to field first. Kusal Mendis was expecting the conditions to be tough to start with, so they will be aiming to ride that initial period out. Rain returned just moments before the first ball too.

In terms of team news, both teams have made a change each. For the West Indies it is enforced, with Matthew Forde picking up an injury and replaced by Amir Jangoo. Sri Lanka meanwhile bring in the red-hot Eshan Malinga, fresh off a breakout IPL stint, in place of Asitha Fernando.

Conditions were overcast as the toss took place, and there is a distinct possibility of rain interruption at some point during the game. As for the pitch, it’s expected to be similar to the one in the first game. Spin will play a role, while batting will likely be tough early on – mostly due to the cloudy overhead conditions – before easing up once the ball gets older.

West Indies XI:  John Campbell, Justin Greaves,  Keacy Carty,  Shai Hope (capt & wk),  Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase,  Amir Jangoo,  Gudakesh Motie,  Alzarri Joseph,  Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.

Sri Lanka XI:  Pathum Nissanka,  Kamindu Mendis,  Kusal Mendis (capt & wk),  Pavan Rathnayake,  Charith Asalanka,  Janith Liyanage,  Wanindu Hasaranga,  Milan Rathnayake,  Maheesh Theekshana,  Dushmantha Chameera,  Eshan Malinga

(Cricinfo)

A special workshop was held today (06) at the Presidential Secretariat to explore the possibility of integrating programmes currently implemented by state institutions that directly contribute to enterprise development with the “Prajashakthi” National Movement.

Discussions focused on identifying development projects undertaken by government institutions for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and incorporating relevant information into a unified data management system.

Attention was also directed towards formulating a strategic framework for the coordinated implementation of these programmes, as well as identifying the nature, scope and eligibility criteria of the initiatives carried out by the respective institutions.

The participating government officials were further briefed on the criteria for selecting beneficiaries for programmes directly related to enterprise development.

In addition, discussions centred on identifying programmes that could be implemented independently or jointly by the relevant state institutions and the “Prajashakthi” National Movement. Particular attention was paid to preventing duplication and overlap in programme selection and implementation.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, Secretary to the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Sampath Manthrinayake, resource persons Kalum Jayaveera and Madhava Muthukudaarachchi, officials of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, government officials, and representatives of the Prajashakthi Secretariat were among those who attended the workshop.

(PMD)