“We know that this second term has been given to us by the Australian people because they want stability in uncertain times,” he added.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., condemned it as a “strategy of forced migration.”Also on the Middle East, Rubio said the administration has pushed ahead with attempts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and promote stability in Syria.
He stressed the importance of U.S. engagement with Syria, saying that otherwise, he fears the interim government there could be weeks or months away from a “potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions.”Rubio’s comments addressednew transitional government, which is led by a former militant chief who led the overthrow of the country’s longtime oppressive leader, Bashar Assad, late last year. The U.S. sanctions were imposed under Assad.
In two particularly contentious exchanges, Kaine and Van Hollen demanded answers on the decision to suspend overall refugee admissions but tobased on what they called “specious” claims that they have been subjected to massive discrimination by the South African government. Rubio gave no ground.
In one tense exchange, Kaine pressed Rubio to say whether there should be a different refugee policy based on skin color.
“I’m not the one arguing that,” Rubio said. “Apparently, you are, because you don’t like the fact they’re white.”A vivid presence despite her dry-as-dust tone, Threapleton makes a splendid Andersonian debut here as half the father-daughter duo, along with Benicio Del Toro, that drives
Their emerging relationship is what stands out amid the familiar Andersonian details: the picture-book aesthetic. The meticulous production design (down to those fascinating closing credits). The chapter cards. The “who’s who” of Hollywood cameos. And most of all the intricate — nay, elaborate; nay, labyrinthine — plot.This image released by Focus Features shows Michael Cera, left, and Mia Threapleton in a scene from “The Phoenician Scheme.” (TPS Productions/Focus Features via AP)
This image released by Focus Features shows Michael Cera, left, and Mia Threapleton in a scene from “The Phoenician Scheme.” (TPS Productions/Focus Features via AP)Indeed, Anderson seems to be leaning into some of these characteristics here, giving the impression of becoming even more, well, Wes Anderson than before. He will likely delight his most ardent fans but perhaps lose a few others with the plot, which becomes a bit exhausting to follow as we reach the midpoint of this tale.