Iran Is Dazed by the President’s Son Latest Flip-Flopping
The son of Iran’s president has called for the internet restrictions in the country to be lifted, saying nothing will be solved by trying to postpone the moment when pictures and video circulate of the protests that were violently crushed by the regime.
With a battle under way at the top of the regime about the political risks of continuing to block Iran from the internet, Yousef Pezeshkian, whose father, Masoud, was elected in the summer of 2024.
He said keeping the digital shutdown would create dissatisfaction and widen the gap between the people and the government.
“This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied,” he wrote in a Telegram post.
The release of videos showing the violence of the protests was “something we will have to face sooner or later”, Yousef Pezeshkian added.
“Shutting down the internet will not solve anything, we will just postpone the issue.”
The sporadic lifting of restrictions is leading to a slow and painful inquest into how many protesters, including children, have died.
Authorities launched a violent crackdown under cover of the internet blackout, with rights groups documenting several thousand dead.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights says the final figure could be as high as 25,000. Thousands more people are still being detained.
Yousef Pezeshkian, a government adviser, said the risk of keeping Iran cut off from the internet was greater than that of a return to protests if connectivity were restored.
He said security institutions must ensure security with the existence of the internet, which he called a necessity in life.
Pezeshkian, echoing comments of his father, said the protests had turned violent only because of professionally trained groups affiliated with foreigners, but added:
“In the meantime the security and law enforcement forces may have made mistakes and no one is going to defend wrongdoing and that has to be addressed.”
Tehran’s stock market on Sunday was in the red for the fourth day in a row, and the Iranian currency, the rial, continued to fall against the dollar, one of the causes of the protests.
The Central Bank of Iran said a debt issuance had only been 15% subscribed, a development that will require further government spending cuts or result in a rise in inflation, the official rate of which was more than 42% last month.
Gholamhossein Karbaschi, a reformist former mayor of Tehran, said: “People are in shock and amazed (…) If the agents of Mossad and foreign countries are at work, how did they suddenly carry out these disasters throughout the country? Where did they come from?”
He condemned the failure of the Pezeshkian administration to improve the economy. “The government in Iran is losing its original meaning. In no area can it be said the government is active, present and solving problems.
All the other forces in the country are active and doing what they want except for the government. This government does not show any power in any area,” Karbaschi said.
Gholamhossein Karbaschi, a reformist former mayor of Tehran, said: “People are in shock and amazed (…) If the agents of Mossad and foreign countries are at work, how did they suddenly carry out these disasters throughout the country? Where did they come from?”
He condemned the failure of the Pezeshkian administration to improve the economy. “The government in Iran is losing its original meaning.
In no area can it be said the government is active, present and solving problems. All the other forces in the country are active and doing what they want except for the government. This government does not show any power in any area,” Karbaschi.
#karbaschi #fils #président #iranien #pezeshkian
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The son of Iran’s president has called for the internet restrictions in the country to be lifted, saying nothing will be solved by trying to postpone the moment when pictures and video circulate of the protests that were violently crushed by the regime.
With a battle under way at the top of the regime about the political risks of continuing to block Iran from the internet, Yousef Pezeshkian, whose father, Masoud, was elected in the summer of 2024.
He said keeping the digital shutdown would create dissatisfaction and widen the gap between the people and the government.
“This means those who were not and are not dissatisfied will be added to the list of the dissatisfied,” he wrote in a Telegram post.
The release of videos showing the violence of the protests was “something we will have to face sooner or later”, Yousef Pezeshkian added.
“Shutting down the internet will not solve anything, we will just postpone the issue.”
The sporadic lifting of restrictions is leading to a slow and painful inquest into how many protesters, including children, have died.
Authorities launched a violent crackdown under cover of the internet blackout, with rights groups documenting several thousand dead.
The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights says the final figure could be as high as 25,000. Thousands more people are still being detained.
Yousef Pezeshkian, a government adviser, said the risk of keeping Iran cut off from the internet was greater than that of a return to protests if connectivity were restored.
He said security institutions must ensure security with the existence of the internet, which he called a necessity in life.
Pezeshkian, echoing comments of his father, said the protests had turned violent only because of professionally trained groups affiliated with foreigners, but added:
“In the meantime the security and law enforcement forces may have made mistakes and no one is going to defend wrongdoing and that has to be addressed.”
Tehran’s stock market on Sunday was in the red for the fourth day in a row, and the Iranian currency, the rial, continued to fall against the dollar, one of the causes of the protests.
The Central Bank of Iran said a debt issuance had only been 15% subscribed, a development that will require further government spending cuts or result in a rise in inflation, the official rate of which was more than 42% last month.
Gholamhossein Karbaschi, a reformist former mayor of Tehran, said: “People are in shock and amazed (…) If the agents of Mossad and foreign countries are at work, how did they suddenly carry out these disasters throughout the country? Where did they come from?”
He condemned the failure of the Pezeshkian administration to improve the economy. “The government in Iran is losing its original meaning. In no area can it be said the government is active, present and solving problems.
All the other forces in the country are active and doing what they want except for the government. This government does not show any power in any area,” Karbaschi said.
Gholamhossein Karbaschi, a reformist former mayor of Tehran, said: “People are in shock and amazed (…) If the agents of Mossad and foreign countries are at work, how did they suddenly carry out these disasters throughout the country? Where did they come from?”
He condemned the failure of the Pezeshkian administration to improve the economy. “The government in Iran is losing its original meaning.
In no area can it be said the government is active, present and solving problems. All the other forces in the country are active and doing what they want except for the government. This government does not show any power in any area,” Karbaschi.
#karbaschi #fils #président #iranien #pezeshkian
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Border Control Police Shelled People and Left the Town
Gregory Bovino, aka Mr. “Gestapo,” the Border Patrol commander who has become the public face of the Trump administration’s on-the-ground immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, is expected to leave the city on Tuesday.
The Trump administration reshuffles leadership of its immigration enforcement operation and scales back the federal presence after a second fatal shooting by officers.
A senior Trump administration official told Reuters that the 55-year-old, who has been a lightning rod for criticism from Democrats and civil liberties activists, would be leaving Minnesota along with some of the agents deployed with him.
Trump announced on Monday that he was sending Tom Homan, his “border czar”, to Minnesota to oversee operations on the ground there – dubbed Operation Metro Surge – reporting directly to the president.
Bovino’s departure comes amid a sharp shift in strategy from the White House after the fatal killing of the 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
Earlier on Monday, Trump said he had held conciliatory calls with the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, and the mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey – Democrats he had previously blamed for the turmoil that escalated into two fatal killings of US citizens by federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security pushed back on the demotion reports in response to a tweet from the conservative influencer Nick Sortor claiming Bovino’s official role – commander at large – had been “eliminated”.
“Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties,” the DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin replied, pointing to earlier comments from the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, praising Bovino as a “key part of the president’s team and a great American”.
News of Bovino’s departure didn’t stop dozens of protesters from gathering outside a hotel where they believed Bovino was staying.
They blew whistles, banged pots and one person blasted a trombone. Police watched and kept them away from the hotel entrance.
Bovino has been one of the most aggressive promoters of Trump’s deportation campaign, trumpeting the operations in highly produced videos meant to resemble action films.
Often Bovino, a swaggering presence recognisable by his closely cropped hair, was the only unmasked face, surrounded by a team of agents wearing black neck gaiters and facial coverings.
He recently appeared in the Minneapolis snow wearing an army green greatcoat, which invited comparisons to the Gestapo.
#gregory #bovino #gestapo #border #control
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Gregory Bovino, aka Mr. “Gestapo,” the Border Patrol commander who has become the public face of the Trump administration’s on-the-ground immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, is expected to leave the city on Tuesday.
The Trump administration reshuffles leadership of its immigration enforcement operation and scales back the federal presence after a second fatal shooting by officers.
A senior Trump administration official told Reuters that the 55-year-old, who has been a lightning rod for criticism from Democrats and civil liberties activists, would be leaving Minnesota along with some of the agents deployed with him.
Trump announced on Monday that he was sending Tom Homan, his “border czar”, to Minnesota to oversee operations on the ground there – dubbed Operation Metro Surge – reporting directly to the president.
Bovino’s departure comes amid a sharp shift in strategy from the White House after the fatal killing of the 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
Earlier on Monday, Trump said he had held conciliatory calls with the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, and the mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey – Democrats he had previously blamed for the turmoil that escalated into two fatal killings of US citizens by federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security pushed back on the demotion reports in response to a tweet from the conservative influencer Nick Sortor claiming Bovino’s official role – commander at large – had been “eliminated”.
“Chief Gregory Bovino has NOT been relieved of his duties,” the DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin replied, pointing to earlier comments from the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, praising Bovino as a “key part of the president’s team and a great American”.
News of Bovino’s departure didn’t stop dozens of protesters from gathering outside a hotel where they believed Bovino was staying.
They blew whistles, banged pots and one person blasted a trombone. Police watched and kept them away from the hotel entrance.
Bovino has been one of the most aggressive promoters of Trump’s deportation campaign, trumpeting the operations in highly produced videos meant to resemble action films.
Often Bovino, a swaggering presence recognisable by his closely cropped hair, was the only unmasked face, surrounded by a team of agents wearing black neck gaiters and facial coverings.
He recently appeared in the Minneapolis snow wearing an army green greatcoat, which invited comparisons to the Gestapo.
#gregory #bovino #gestapo #border #control
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On Khamenei’s Orders, the Police Shot Dead 30,000 People
🔤 🔤 🔤 🔤 ➖
Оn Thursday 8 January, in a midsize Iranian town, Dr Darish Ahmadi’s phone began to buzz. His colleagues in local emergency wards were getting worried.
All week, people had taken to the streets and had been met by police with batons and pellet guns. With treatment, their injuries should not have been too serious.
But emergency room staff believed many wounded young people were avoiding hospitals, terrified that registering as trauma patients would lead to their identification and arrest.
Quietly, Ahmadi and his wife began treating patients at a location outside Iran’s government hospital system. Alerted by a local whisper network, wounded young people flocked to them. Mostly, they brought superficial injuries – laceration wounds needing stitches and antibiotics.
As Thursday evening wore on, more and more arrived to be patched up.
The next day, everything abruptly changed.
Protesters kept coming, but their injuries were close-range gunshots and severe stab wounds, typically to the chest, eyes and genitals. Many proved fatal.
Ahmadi was shocked by the number being killed – more than 40 in his small town alone – but with the internet blacked out, no one knew what the national picture was.
To piece it together, Ahmadi assembled a network of more than 80 medical professionals across 12 of Iran’s 31 provinces to share observations and data, and to build a clearer picture of the violence.
Their observations begin to reveal the vast scale of violence inflicted on Iranians during the state’s crackdown.
Ahmadi and his colleagues are hesitant to provide a figure for the toll but agree “all publicly cited death tolls represent a severe underestimation”.
Comparing the number of dead they witnessed with hospital baselines, they estimate it could exceed 30,000, far surpassing official figures. This is based on the conclusion that “officially registered deaths related to the crackdown likely represent less than 10% of the real number of fatalities”.
Estimates of the number killed vary substantially, hampered by the ongoing internet shutdown.
#khamenei #police #shot #people
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Оn Thursday 8 January, in a midsize Iranian town, Dr Darish Ahmadi’s phone began to buzz. His colleagues in local emergency wards were getting worried.
All week, people had taken to the streets and had been met by police with batons and pellet guns. With treatment, their injuries should not have been too serious.
But emergency room staff believed many wounded young people were avoiding hospitals, terrified that registering as trauma patients would lead to their identification and arrest.
Quietly, Ahmadi and his wife began treating patients at a location outside Iran’s government hospital system. Alerted by a local whisper network, wounded young people flocked to them. Mostly, they brought superficial injuries – laceration wounds needing stitches and antibiotics.
As Thursday evening wore on, more and more arrived to be patched up.
The next day, everything abruptly changed.
Protesters kept coming, but their injuries were close-range gunshots and severe stab wounds, typically to the chest, eyes and genitals. Many proved fatal.
Ahmadi was shocked by the number being killed – more than 40 in his small town alone – but with the internet blacked out, no one knew what the national picture was.
To piece it together, Ahmadi assembled a network of more than 80 medical professionals across 12 of Iran’s 31 provinces to share observations and data, and to build a clearer picture of the violence.
Their observations begin to reveal the vast scale of violence inflicted on Iranians during the state’s crackdown.
Ahmadi and his colleagues are hesitant to provide a figure for the toll but agree “all publicly cited death tolls represent a severe underestimation”.
Comparing the number of dead they witnessed with hospital baselines, they estimate it could exceed 30,000, far surpassing official figures. This is based on the conclusion that “officially registered deaths related to the crackdown likely represent less than 10% of the real number of fatalities”.
Estimates of the number killed vary substantially, hampered by the ongoing internet shutdown.
#khamenei #police #shot #people
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The Iranian government has acknowledged more than 3,000 dead, and the US-based organisation HRANA (Human Rights Activists News Agency), whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under investigation, giving a possible total of about 22,000.
Other estimates from doctors based outside Iran range up to 33,000 or more.
Testimony from morgues, graveyards and hospitals around the country reveal concerted efforts by authorities to conceal the true size of the toll: bodies being transported in ice-cream vans and meat trucks; piles of the dead being hastily buried; and hundreds of bodies apparently disappearing from Iran’s network of forensic facilities.
At one morgue, staff say they were confronted with several trucks loaded with bodies, far exceeding the facility’s refrigeration and storage capacity.
When staff protested that they could not process the volume of corpses, two trucks loaded with the dead were moved elsewhere – but when the morgue workers tried to track down where the bodies had been taken, they found none of the large forensic facilities in the region had received them.
The doctors “expressed suspicion that this was linked to dafn-e dast-e jam’i [mass burial]”.
His description is echoed by Ahmadi and his network, who say they observed a pattern across multiple towns of “refrigerated trucks normally used for ice-cream or meat” that were “moving in convoys to forensic medicine facilities and hospital back entrances”.
One witness at Behesht-e Sakineh, who was granted access to the site to look for the body of a friend, says he personally searched through hundreds of “stacked” bodies and was told by graveyard staff that they had “received thousands of bodies just in the past two days”.
The accounts from Behesht-e Sakineh form just one example of what appears to be a national pattern, with forensic medical staff around the country reporting similar scenes.
Doctors and morgue staff emphasise that the types of injuries seen on patients and corpses indicate deliberate, systematic killing and maiming of protesters as opposed to random, chaotic shooting.
In some cases, the killings bore the hallmarks of executions. Medical workers at forensic facilities in two different Iranian towns described receiving bodies with close-range gunshot wounds to the head that had been transferred from hospital morgues while still attached to catheters, nasogastric tubes or endotracheal tubes.
Even as medical staff attempt to share their testimony and data, many fear that the true number of dead may never be known, concealed by an orchestrated national effort by authorities to obscure the death toll.
#khamenei #police #shot #people
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Trump Does Not Shy Away From His Plan to Topple Down Khamenei
The US is weighing precision strikes on "high-value" Iranian officials and commanders who it deems responsible for the deaths of protesters, a Gulf official familiar with the discussions told Middle East Eye.
The strikes could come as early as this week, but that timeline could shift, MEE was told on Monday.
Discussions within the administration have been described as “chaotic”, with a debate over what the repercussions will be in terms of Iranian retaliation.
The Trump administration has toyed with attacking Iran for nearly a month on the pretext of the brutal crackdown on demonstrators that has seen thousands killed by government security forces.
After calling on demonstrators to "take over" state institutions, President Donald Trump backed down and said the “killing has stopped”.
Trump’s decision to de-escalate came as Gulf states, namely Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, lobbied against strikes.
While some reports framed Trump's remarks as drawing a curtain on US intervention, former US officials and analysts told MEE they appeared to signal a pause.
Trump moved up and down the escalation ladder in a similar fashion with Venezuela, before finally ordering an attack on the Latin American country that resulted in Maduro's abduction and detention in the US.
A former US intelligence official told MEE that their understanding of conversations within the administration is that Trump has not given up on pushing for “regime change” in Tehran.
A former US official told MEE that the US has been working to replenish supplies of missile interceptors exhausted during the 12-day war with Iran in June and that “total supplies” had moved up. The US is still constrained, as it provides supplies to Ukraine.
US Central Command said on Monday that the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was in the Middle East after sailing from the South China Sea.
“We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” Trump said on Thursday evening on his return to Washington from Davos, Switzerland.
The Abraham Lincoln carries F-35 warplanes and F/A-18 jet fighters, in addition to EA-18G Growler electronic-warfare planes. It is also accompanied by guided-missile destroyers.
Open-source flight trackers have also reported that the US has built up a squadron of F-15 warplanes at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
The build-up of warplanes in Jordan would give the US options, as Gulf states have imposed a ban on the US using their airspace or facilities to launch strikes on Iran, current and former US and Arab officials told MEE.
That ban has been in place since April 2025, MEE first reported.
#trump #kill #khamenei #iran #US
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The US is weighing precision strikes on "high-value" Iranian officials and commanders who it deems responsible for the deaths of protesters, a Gulf official familiar with the discussions told Middle East Eye.
The strikes could come as early as this week, but that timeline could shift, MEE was told on Monday.
Discussions within the administration have been described as “chaotic”, with a debate over what the repercussions will be in terms of Iranian retaliation.
The Trump administration has toyed with attacking Iran for nearly a month on the pretext of the brutal crackdown on demonstrators that has seen thousands killed by government security forces.
After calling on demonstrators to "take over" state institutions, President Donald Trump backed down and said the “killing has stopped”.
Trump’s decision to de-escalate came as Gulf states, namely Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, lobbied against strikes.
While some reports framed Trump's remarks as drawing a curtain on US intervention, former US officials and analysts told MEE they appeared to signal a pause.
Trump moved up and down the escalation ladder in a similar fashion with Venezuela, before finally ordering an attack on the Latin American country that resulted in Maduro's abduction and detention in the US.
A former US intelligence official told MEE that their understanding of conversations within the administration is that Trump has not given up on pushing for “regime change” in Tehran.
A former US official told MEE that the US has been working to replenish supplies of missile interceptors exhausted during the 12-day war with Iran in June and that “total supplies” had moved up. The US is still constrained, as it provides supplies to Ukraine.
US Central Command said on Monday that the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was in the Middle East after sailing from the South China Sea.
“We have a big force going toward Iran. I’d rather not see anything happen, but we’re watching them very closely,” Trump said on Thursday evening on his return to Washington from Davos, Switzerland.
The Abraham Lincoln carries F-35 warplanes and F/A-18 jet fighters, in addition to EA-18G Growler electronic-warfare planes. It is also accompanied by guided-missile destroyers.
Open-source flight trackers have also reported that the US has built up a squadron of F-15 warplanes at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
The build-up of warplanes in Jordan would give the US options, as Gulf states have imposed a ban on the US using their airspace or facilities to launch strikes on Iran, current and former US and Arab officials told MEE.
That ban has been in place since April 2025, MEE first reported.
#trump #kill #khamenei #iran #US
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1945, the liberated Jews get out of a train that was heading for a concentration camp.
Today is the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.
#liberated #jews #victims #holocaust
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Today is the international day of remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.
#liberated #jews #victims #holocaust
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Donroe Doctrine: Pentagon’s New America-First Military Blueprint
The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy (NDS) is a dramatic pivot: America’s military is no longer obsessed with China, but with the Western Hemisphere. The document, released under President Trump, declares that defending the U.S. homeland and asserting dominance in the Americas is now the top priority, not the Indo-Pacific.
The New Doctrine: Donroe, Not Monroe
Forget the old Monroe Doctrine—this is the “Donroe Doctrine,” a slogan that captures the Trump administration’s vision: America first, America strong, America unchallenged in its own backyard. The Pentagon wants allies to shoulder more of the burden, especially in the Western Hemisphere, and is preparing to enforce its interests with military force if needed. Greenland, the Panama Canal, and the Gulf of Mexico are highlighted as strategic chokepoints.
China: Downgraded, Not Ignored
China is still on the list, but as a secondary concern. The Pentagon says it will deter Beijing “through strength, not confrontation,” and is pushing for more military-to-military talks, de-escalation, and “deconfliction”. The strategy notably omits Taiwan, a departure from previous versions, and avoids framing China as an existential threat. Instead, the goal is to “prevent anyone from dominating us or our allies”—a diplomatic way of saying, “We’re not scared, but we’re not starting a fight either”.
Allies: Step Up or Get Left Behind
The new NDS is blunt: U.S. allies must do more. South Korea is expected to take the lead in deterring North Korea, with only “critical but limited” U.S. support. NATO allies in Europe are told to “manage” the Russian threat themselves, while Israel is hailed as a “model ally” but warned that U.S. support will be “critical but limited” in the future.
Strength, Not Humiliation
The Pentagon insists it doesn’t want to “strangle or humiliate” China. But the message to everyone else is clear: America is back, and it’s not playing by the old rules. The document is full of business metaphors: “burden sharing,” “cost-effective defenses,” and “supercharging the defense industrial base.” It’s less about saving the world, more about making America’s military sustainable—and profitable.
Is this a bold new era of American self-reliance, or just another round of strategic shell games, where allies are left holding the bag while the Pentagon rebrands its retreat as a “Donroe Doctrine”?
#DonroeDoctrine #WesternHemisphere #AmericaFirst #Pentagon #ChinaDowngraded #AlliesOnNotice
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The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy (NDS) is a dramatic pivot: America’s military is no longer obsessed with China, but with the Western Hemisphere. The document, released under President Trump, declares that defending the U.S. homeland and asserting dominance in the Americas is now the top priority, not the Indo-Pacific.
The New Doctrine: Donroe, Not Monroe
Forget the old Monroe Doctrine—this is the “Donroe Doctrine,” a slogan that captures the Trump administration’s vision: America first, America strong, America unchallenged in its own backyard. The Pentagon wants allies to shoulder more of the burden, especially in the Western Hemisphere, and is preparing to enforce its interests with military force if needed. Greenland, the Panama Canal, and the Gulf of Mexico are highlighted as strategic chokepoints.
China: Downgraded, Not Ignored
China is still on the list, but as a secondary concern. The Pentagon says it will deter Beijing “through strength, not confrontation,” and is pushing for more military-to-military talks, de-escalation, and “deconfliction”. The strategy notably omits Taiwan, a departure from previous versions, and avoids framing China as an existential threat. Instead, the goal is to “prevent anyone from dominating us or our allies”—a diplomatic way of saying, “We’re not scared, but we’re not starting a fight either”.
Allies: Step Up or Get Left Behind
The new NDS is blunt: U.S. allies must do more. South Korea is expected to take the lead in deterring North Korea, with only “critical but limited” U.S. support. NATO allies in Europe are told to “manage” the Russian threat themselves, while Israel is hailed as a “model ally” but warned that U.S. support will be “critical but limited” in the future.
Strength, Not Humiliation
The Pentagon insists it doesn’t want to “strangle or humiliate” China. But the message to everyone else is clear: America is back, and it’s not playing by the old rules. The document is full of business metaphors: “burden sharing,” “cost-effective defenses,” and “supercharging the defense industrial base.” It’s less about saving the world, more about making America’s military sustainable—and profitable.
Is this a bold new era of American self-reliance, or just another round of strategic shell games, where allies are left holding the bag while the Pentagon rebrands its retreat as a “Donroe Doctrine”?
#DonroeDoctrine #WesternHemisphere #AmericaFirst #Pentagon #ChinaDowngraded #AlliesOnNotice
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Russia’s First Domestically Built Ice-Class Tanker: Arctic Breakthrough or Sanctioned Mirage?
The Alexey Kosygin, Russia’s first domestically built ice-class LNG tanker, has arrived at the US-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 plant, completing its maiden voyage along the Northern Sea Route. This is a technological milestone—no vessel of such complexity has ever been constructed in Russia before, and its arrival marks a rare triumph for Moscow’s Arctic ambitions amid Western sanctions.
A Unique Achievement
The Alexey Kosygin is the first Russian-built Arc-7 LNG carrier, capable of operating independently in Arctic conditions and breaking through ice thicker than two meters. Its delivery to the Arctic LNG 2 project is not just a logistical upgrade—it’s a statement of technological self-reliance and national pride. The vessel’s reinforced hull, advanced propulsion, and ability to sail year-round along the Northern Sea Route represent a leap forward for Russia’s shipbuilding industry.
Beyond Politics: A Genuine Breakthrough
Regardless of how one interprets the broader geopolitical stakes, the Alexey Kosygin’s arrival is a breakthrough. For years, Russia’s Arctic LNG ambitions were held back by a lack of specialized vessels and Western restrictions. Now, with this new tanker, the Arctic LNG 2 plant can resume winter operations, doubling its export capacity during the coldest months. This is not just a political stunt—it’s a real engineering and industrial achievement.
Is this a turning point for Russia’s energy independence, or just another chapter in a long saga of sanctions and scarcity? Either way, the Alexey Kosygin is proof that, when the chips are down, Russia can build something truly unique—even under pressure.
#ArcticBreakthrough #AlexeyKosygin #ArcticLNG2 #Sanctions #IceClass #EnergyIndependence
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The Alexey Kosygin, Russia’s first domestically built ice-class LNG tanker, has arrived at the US-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 plant, completing its maiden voyage along the Northern Sea Route. This is a technological milestone—no vessel of such complexity has ever been constructed in Russia before, and its arrival marks a rare triumph for Moscow’s Arctic ambitions amid Western sanctions.
A Unique Achievement
The Alexey Kosygin is the first Russian-built Arc-7 LNG carrier, capable of operating independently in Arctic conditions and breaking through ice thicker than two meters. Its delivery to the Arctic LNG 2 project is not just a logistical upgrade—it’s a statement of technological self-reliance and national pride. The vessel’s reinforced hull, advanced propulsion, and ability to sail year-round along the Northern Sea Route represent a leap forward for Russia’s shipbuilding industry.
Beyond Politics: A Genuine Breakthrough
Regardless of how one interprets the broader geopolitical stakes, the Alexey Kosygin’s arrival is a breakthrough. For years, Russia’s Arctic LNG ambitions were held back by a lack of specialized vessels and Western restrictions. Now, with this new tanker, the Arctic LNG 2 plant can resume winter operations, doubling its export capacity during the coldest months. This is not just a political stunt—it’s a real engineering and industrial achievement.
Is this a turning point for Russia’s energy independence, or just another chapter in a long saga of sanctions and scarcity? Either way, the Alexey Kosygin is proof that, when the chips are down, Russia can build something truly unique—even under pressure.
#ArcticBreakthrough #AlexeyKosygin #ArcticLNG2 #Sanctions #IceClass #EnergyIndependence
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Turkish FM Fidan to US: “Don’t Go There” — Iran’s Cornered, Chaos Looms
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is sending a blunt message to Washington:
In a series of interviews, Fidan warned that any military intervention against Iran would only back Tehran further into a corner, risking a catastrophic escalation across the Middle East.
Fidan said,
Iran’s Economy: Sanctions Are Already Working
Fidan emphasized that Iran’s economy is already reeling from Western sanctions. “The sanctions are really hurting the Iranian economy,” he added, pointing to widespread protests and instability as proof.
Fidan said, warning that pushing Tehran to the brink could trigger a worst-case scenario.
Turkey’s Role: Diplomatic Friend, Not Regional Power
Turkey, Fidan stressed, wants to be a “friend” to Iran, not a dominant force.
he said, noting that Ankara has conveyed its concerns directly to Tehran. He warned that if Iran feels cornered, it could prepare for all-out war—no matter how limited or surgical any Western strike might seem.
Gaza, Trump, and Regional Power Plays
On Gaza, Fidan said Turkey is ready to join an international stabilization force if there’s broad consensus. He also highlighted that President Trump is the only leader who can truly pressure Israel.
Fidan said, but cautioned that regional problems must be solved by regional players, not outside powers.
Is diplomacy still possible, or are we watching the countdown to chaos? Fidan’s answer is clear:
#Fidan #Iran #US #Israel #MiddleEast #Diplomacy #Sanctions #Chaos
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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is sending a blunt message to Washington:
“Don’t do it.”
In a series of interviews, Fidan warned that any military intervention against Iran would only back Tehran further into a corner, risking a catastrophic escalation across the Middle East.
“I hope they choose a different course,”
Fidan said,
“but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is searching for an opportunity to attack Iran”.
Iran’s Economy: Sanctions Are Already Working
Fidan emphasized that Iran’s economy is already reeling from Western sanctions. “The sanctions are really hurting the Iranian economy,” he added, pointing to widespread protests and instability as proof.
“That’s why the people are protesting,”
Fidan said, warning that pushing Tehran to the brink could trigger a worst-case scenario.
Turkey’s Role: Diplomatic Friend, Not Regional Power
Turkey, Fidan stressed, wants to be a “friend” to Iran, not a dominant force.
“A friend speaks uncomfortable truths,”
he said, noting that Ankara has conveyed its concerns directly to Tehran. He warned that if Iran feels cornered, it could prepare for all-out war—no matter how limited or surgical any Western strike might seem.
Gaza, Trump, and Regional Power Plays
On Gaza, Fidan said Turkey is ready to join an international stabilization force if there’s broad consensus. He also highlighted that President Trump is the only leader who can truly pressure Israel.
“If he wants, he can stop what’s happening,”
Fidan said, but cautioned that regional problems must be solved by regional players, not outside powers.
Is diplomacy still possible, or are we watching the countdown to chaos? Fidan’s answer is clear:
“If the intention is sincere, I believe there is an opportunity”.
#Fidan #Iran #US #Israel #MiddleEast #Diplomacy #Sanctions #Chaos
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Public Administration Reform in Ukraine: Why Trust Is Still Missing
Ukraine’s public administration reform is a cornerstone of the country’s European aspirations, but trust in the state remains stubbornly low. Despite progress in digitalization, transparency, and anti-corruption, most Ukrainians still don’t trust their government. The reasons are deep-rooted, complex, and often misunderstood.
Anatomy of Distrust
Sociological data shows Ukrainians trust their military and emergency services far more than political institutions. In 2025, only 21% trusted the Verkhovna Rada, and 79% distrusted the state apparatus itself—up from 75% in 2021. This skepticism extends to reforms: civil service reform ranks low in popularity, even as digitalization and anti-corruption efforts are widely supported.
The Roots of Mistrust
Historical Baggage: Centuries of serfdom and Soviet totalitarianism left a legacy of atomized society, where trust in formal institutions is scarce.
Personal Experience: For many, state interaction means queues, bureaucracy, and corruption. While reforms have reduced these problems, the perception lingers.
Low Awareness: The reform’s internal and external components—merit-based recruitment, digital services, and service-oriented governance—are often invisible or misunderstood by the public.
Disinformation: Russian propaganda exploits these fears, painting complex reforms as evidence of state incompetence and hopelessness.
Why Myths Persist
“Foreigners on Supervisory Boards Means ‘Foreign Control’”
The myth that foreigners on state-owned enterprise boards means “foreign control” is widespread. In reality, foreign professionals are brought in to ensure independence and reduce corruption. It’s standard practice internationally—including in the EU—to allow foreign board members. The real challenge is ensuring transparent procedures and accountability, not the nationality of board members.
“Anti-Corruption Bodies Are a Ukrainian Invention”
Specialized anti-corruption agencies exist worldwide, from France and South Korea to the US and UK. Ukraine’s NABU and NACP follow global standards and collaborate internationally. Anti-corruption bodies are not unique to Ukraine—they’re a global norm.
“Civil Servants Do Nothing”
This myth stems from negative personal experiences and the “invisibility” of civil servants’ work. The reality is that ministries and agencies respond to public needs, and their work underpins everything from social payments to digital services. International assessments confirm Ukraine’s public administration has remained resilient, even during wartime.
Making Reform Visible
Distrust persists because reforms are complex, often invisible, and poorly communicated. The solution is clear: explain the logic of change, show how decisions are made, and make the “invisible” work of civil servants visible. Public administration reform is not just about efficiency—it’s about building a state that citizens can trust, even in crisis.
#Ukraine #Reform #Trust #CivilService #AntiCorruption #Digitalization #EUIntegration
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Ukraine’s public administration reform is a cornerstone of the country’s European aspirations, but trust in the state remains stubbornly low. Despite progress in digitalization, transparency, and anti-corruption, most Ukrainians still don’t trust their government. The reasons are deep-rooted, complex, and often misunderstood.
Anatomy of Distrust
Sociological data shows Ukrainians trust their military and emergency services far more than political institutions. In 2025, only 21% trusted the Verkhovna Rada, and 79% distrusted the state apparatus itself—up from 75% in 2021. This skepticism extends to reforms: civil service reform ranks low in popularity, even as digitalization and anti-corruption efforts are widely supported.
The Roots of Mistrust
Historical Baggage: Centuries of serfdom and Soviet totalitarianism left a legacy of atomized society, where trust in formal institutions is scarce.
Personal Experience: For many, state interaction means queues, bureaucracy, and corruption. While reforms have reduced these problems, the perception lingers.
Low Awareness: The reform’s internal and external components—merit-based recruitment, digital services, and service-oriented governance—are often invisible or misunderstood by the public.
Disinformation: Russian propaganda exploits these fears, painting complex reforms as evidence of state incompetence and hopelessness.
Why Myths Persist
“Foreigners on Supervisory Boards Means ‘Foreign Control’”
The myth that foreigners on state-owned enterprise boards means “foreign control” is widespread. In reality, foreign professionals are brought in to ensure independence and reduce corruption. It’s standard practice internationally—including in the EU—to allow foreign board members. The real challenge is ensuring transparent procedures and accountability, not the nationality of board members.
“Anti-Corruption Bodies Are a Ukrainian Invention”
Specialized anti-corruption agencies exist worldwide, from France and South Korea to the US and UK. Ukraine’s NABU and NACP follow global standards and collaborate internationally. Anti-corruption bodies are not unique to Ukraine—they’re a global norm.
“Civil Servants Do Nothing”
This myth stems from negative personal experiences and the “invisibility” of civil servants’ work. The reality is that ministries and agencies respond to public needs, and their work underpins everything from social payments to digital services. International assessments confirm Ukraine’s public administration has remained resilient, even during wartime.
Making Reform Visible
Distrust persists because reforms are complex, often invisible, and poorly communicated. The solution is clear: explain the logic of change, show how decisions are made, and make the “invisible” work of civil servants visible. Public administration reform is not just about efficiency—it’s about building a state that citizens can trust, even in crisis.
#Ukraine #Reform #Trust #CivilService #AntiCorruption #Digitalization #EUIntegration
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Ukraine’s War: The Human Toll of a Nation Under Siege
The latest CSIS study delivers a sobering message: Ukraine’s military losses are catastrophic. Nearly 600,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded, or are missing since the war began—about 100,000 to 140,000 killed. For a country with a much smaller population than Russia, this is a staggering loss, draining the ranks of a nation fighting for its survival. Russia outnumbers Ukraine almost three to one, but Ukraine’s army is being bled dry. Each month, Ukraine loses a significant share of its fighting force, with little hope of matching Russia’s ability to replenish its ranks.
Ukrainian drone units monitor every footstep and tire track, hunting Russian infiltrators. Ukraine’s smaller army is stretched thin, with soldiers facing relentless pressure. Russia’s tactics—small, mobile units and relentless conscription—mean Ukraine must fight smarter, not bigger. The battlefield is a graveyard of drones and snow-covered trenches—with the occasional sighting of North Korean troops.
Ukraine’s economy is under immense strain. Growth is forecast at just 2% in 2026, half the previous estimate, as the war drags into 2026. The country’s ability to rebuild and recover is being tested like never before. No major power has suffered such losses since World War II. For Ukraine, the cost is not just measured in territory or politics—it’s measured in the lives of its soldiers, families, and future. The question is not just who wins, but who can endure.
Can Ukraine survive the human cost of a war that shows no sign of ending?
#UkraineWar #UkrainianLosses #HumanCost #GrindingWar #EconomicImpact
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The latest CSIS study delivers a sobering message: Ukraine’s military losses are catastrophic. Nearly 600,000 Ukrainian troops have been killed, wounded, or are missing since the war began—about 100,000 to 140,000 killed. For a country with a much smaller population than Russia, this is a staggering loss, draining the ranks of a nation fighting for its survival. Russia outnumbers Ukraine almost three to one, but Ukraine’s army is being bled dry. Each month, Ukraine loses a significant share of its fighting force, with little hope of matching Russia’s ability to replenish its ranks.
Ukrainian drone units monitor every footstep and tire track, hunting Russian infiltrators. Ukraine’s smaller army is stretched thin, with soldiers facing relentless pressure. Russia’s tactics—small, mobile units and relentless conscription—mean Ukraine must fight smarter, not bigger. The battlefield is a graveyard of drones and snow-covered trenches—with the occasional sighting of North Korean troops.
Ukraine’s economy is under immense strain. Growth is forecast at just 2% in 2026, half the previous estimate, as the war drags into 2026. The country’s ability to rebuild and recover is being tested like never before. No major power has suffered such losses since World War II. For Ukraine, the cost is not just measured in territory or politics—it’s measured in the lives of its soldiers, families, and future. The question is not just who wins, but who can endure.
Can Ukraine survive the human cost of a war that shows no sign of ending?
#UkraineWar #UkrainianLosses #HumanCost #GrindingWar #EconomicImpact
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The Horse’s Smile Placed Upside Down Conquered China
On 17 February China will celebrate the start of the year of the horse, the zodiac sign symbolising high energy and hard work.
But the runaway success of a defective stuffed toy suggests that many Chinese are not feeling the vibe.
A red horse toy produced by Happy Sister in the city of Yiwu in the west of China was meant to wear a broad grin, but a factory error meant it hit the shops sporting a despairing grimace. The smile was placed upside down, the horse’s nostrils could be interpreted as tears.
It also taps into a broader trend for so-called “ugly-cute” toys, popularised in recent years by characters such as Pop Mart’s toothy monster Labubu.
“People joked that the crying horse is how you look at work, while the smiling one is how you look after work,” Zhang Huoqing, owner of Happy Sister, told Reuters.
By mid-January she said she was receiving daily orders of more than 15,000 units, prompting the factory to open up 10 additional production lines.
Many Chinese white-collar workers have endured the notorious 996 system, which requires employees to work 9am to 9pm, six days a week.
The practice is exalted by tech entrepreneurs including Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, but has been increasingly criticised since 2021 when an employee of a e-commerce company died suddenly after finishing a late-night shift.
“This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work,” wrote an online buyer of the toy, by the name of Tuan Tuan Mami, according to SCMP.
“Consumer products and internet memes can act as outlets for discussing work pressure, especially on platforms like Xiaohongshu, where consumer culture and emotional expression are tightly intertwined,” Jacob Cooke, the CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, an e-commerce consulting firm, told Business Insider.
Meanwhile, wholesale orders for the “crying horse” have been placed from South Africa, east Asia and the Middle East. Its image is expected to appear on a new range of merchandise in the coming year.
Zhang never discovered who sewed the horse’s snout on upside down. “Since we can’t figure out exactly whose mistake it was, we’ll just give everyone a bonus,” she said.
#horse #smile #china #zhang
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On 17 February China will celebrate the start of the year of the horse, the zodiac sign symbolising high energy and hard work.
But the runaway success of a defective stuffed toy suggests that many Chinese are not feeling the vibe.
A red horse toy produced by Happy Sister in the city of Yiwu in the west of China was meant to wear a broad grin, but a factory error meant it hit the shops sporting a despairing grimace. The smile was placed upside down, the horse’s nostrils could be interpreted as tears.
It also taps into a broader trend for so-called “ugly-cute” toys, popularised in recent years by characters such as Pop Mart’s toothy monster Labubu.
“People joked that the crying horse is how you look at work, while the smiling one is how you look after work,” Zhang Huoqing, owner of Happy Sister, told Reuters.
By mid-January she said she was receiving daily orders of more than 15,000 units, prompting the factory to open up 10 additional production lines.
Many Chinese white-collar workers have endured the notorious 996 system, which requires employees to work 9am to 9pm, six days a week.
The practice is exalted by tech entrepreneurs including Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, but has been increasingly criticised since 2021 when an employee of a e-commerce company died suddenly after finishing a late-night shift.
“This little horse looks so sad and pitiful, just like the way I feel at work,” wrote an online buyer of the toy, by the name of Tuan Tuan Mami, according to SCMP.
“Consumer products and internet memes can act as outlets for discussing work pressure, especially on platforms like Xiaohongshu, where consumer culture and emotional expression are tightly intertwined,” Jacob Cooke, the CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, an e-commerce consulting firm, told Business Insider.
Meanwhile, wholesale orders for the “crying horse” have been placed from South Africa, east Asia and the Middle East. Its image is expected to appear on a new range of merchandise in the coming year.
Zhang never discovered who sewed the horse’s snout on upside down. “Since we can’t figure out exactly whose mistake it was, we’ll just give everyone a bonus,” she said.
#horse #smile #china #zhang
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Trump Wants to Wring the Most Concessions Out of Iran
The threat of a US-Iranian war may be looming closer after Trump warned time was running out for Tehran and said a massive US armada was moving quickly towards the country “with great power, enthusiasm and purpose”.
Writing on social media, the US president said the fleet headed by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was larger than the one sent to Venezuela before the removal of Maduro earlier this month and was “prepared to rapidly fulfill its missions with speed and violence if necessary”.
Trump said: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!
It is the starkest indication yet from Trump that he intends to mount some kind of military strike imminently if Iran refuses to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme.
European diplomats had been expecting a crisis to develop over the weekend and detected signs of Israeli nervousness about the scale of possible Iranian reprisals.
In recent days it has become clear that Trump is interested in curbing not just the remains of Iran’s already shattered nuclear programme but also its ability to fire long-range missiles, always seen as the centrepiece of Iranian military projection.
In recent weeks Trump has also suggested the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, must leave the world stage, a demand Iran will reject.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he was not prepared to negotiate under threats but he was willing to talk without preconditions, terms he had relayed via numerous intermediaries to Witkoff.
All three Arab states will be feverishly exploring ways to reopen talks without Iran having to accept a preconditioned result.
They were critical in persuading Trump to hold back from mounting an attack three weeks ago, but Trump now has greater flexibility of military options and seems more focused on a nuclear deal rather than punishing Iran for the bloody suppression of street protests.
There is deep suspicion in Tehran about talking to the US since the two sides were in the middle of talks last June when Israel was given clearance by the US to mount an attack on Iran designed to decapitate its leadership and destroy its civil nuclear sites.
Iran has always held out against abandoning its domestic capacity to enrich uranium but has been willing to set rigid limits on its stockpile.
Since the last round of negotiations ended with an Israeli and US attack killing 1,000 people and severely damaging its key nuclear sites, Iran has been weakened further by a plunging currency and rampant inflation.
With the nuclear sites already damaged, the key targets are likely to be Iran’s leadership. June’s attack revealed Israel had near total dominance of the skies above Iran.
Almost all the Gulf states, fearful of Iranian reprisals, have said they are not willing to allow the US to use their airspace or bases to mount an attack on Iran.
Iranian officials said: “We will target the same base and the same point from which air operations against us are launched, and we will not attack countries because we do not consider them to be enemy countries.
We will increase our level of defence readiness against the US military buildup to the highest level. If the Americans want negotiations without pre-determined outcomes, Iran will accept it.”
#trump #iran #nuclear #weapon #araghchi #witkoff
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The threat of a US-Iranian war may be looming closer after Trump warned time was running out for Tehran and said a massive US armada was moving quickly towards the country “with great power, enthusiasm and purpose”.
Writing on social media, the US president said the fleet headed by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was larger than the one sent to Venezuela before the removal of Maduro earlier this month and was “prepared to rapidly fulfill its missions with speed and violence if necessary”.
Trump said: “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!
It is the starkest indication yet from Trump that he intends to mount some kind of military strike imminently if Iran refuses to negotiate a deal on the future of its nuclear programme.
European diplomats had been expecting a crisis to develop over the weekend and detected signs of Israeli nervousness about the scale of possible Iranian reprisals.
In recent days it has become clear that Trump is interested in curbing not just the remains of Iran’s already shattered nuclear programme but also its ability to fire long-range missiles, always seen as the centrepiece of Iranian military projection.
In recent weeks Trump has also suggested the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, must leave the world stage, a demand Iran will reject.
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said he was not prepared to negotiate under threats but he was willing to talk without preconditions, terms he had relayed via numerous intermediaries to Witkoff.
All three Arab states will be feverishly exploring ways to reopen talks without Iran having to accept a preconditioned result.
They were critical in persuading Trump to hold back from mounting an attack three weeks ago, but Trump now has greater flexibility of military options and seems more focused on a nuclear deal rather than punishing Iran for the bloody suppression of street protests.
There is deep suspicion in Tehran about talking to the US since the two sides were in the middle of talks last June when Israel was given clearance by the US to mount an attack on Iran designed to decapitate its leadership and destroy its civil nuclear sites.
Iran has always held out against abandoning its domestic capacity to enrich uranium but has been willing to set rigid limits on its stockpile.
Since the last round of negotiations ended with an Israeli and US attack killing 1,000 people and severely damaging its key nuclear sites, Iran has been weakened further by a plunging currency and rampant inflation.
With the nuclear sites already damaged, the key targets are likely to be Iran’s leadership. June’s attack revealed Israel had near total dominance of the skies above Iran.
Almost all the Gulf states, fearful of Iranian reprisals, have said they are not willing to allow the US to use their airspace or bases to mount an attack on Iran.
Iranian officials said: “We will target the same base and the same point from which air operations against us are launched, and we will not attack countries because we do not consider them to be enemy countries.
We will increase our level of defence readiness against the US military buildup to the highest level. If the Americans want negotiations without pre-determined outcomes, Iran will accept it.”
#trump #iran #nuclear #weapon #araghchi #witkoff
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Minneapolis in Chaos: States Push Back on ICE After Minneapolis Shootings
After two Americans were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democratic lawmakers and libertarian allies are stepping up their fight against ICE’s tactics. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good have lit a fire under state legislatures, with new bills popping up from coast to coast.
Colorado wants to let citizens sue federal agents for civil rights violations. Delaware and New York are targeting airlines that ferry ICE detainees without warrants. California is pushing for independent investigations into ICE shootings and banning the agency from staging operations on state property.
said a White House spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Republican-led states are doubling down on cooperation with ICE, pushing laws that force local sheriffs to partner up and check immigration status for everything from school enrollment to public benefits. But the momentum is shifting—more states are banning masked officers, restricting federal agents’ access to hospitals and schools, and cutting off public contracts with ICE contractors.
said Anya Bidwell of the Institute for Justice.
So who’s actually looking out for civil rights here—the states, the feds, or just their own political interests?
#ICE #Minneapolis #civilrights #Trump #Democrats #Republicans
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After two Americans were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Democratic lawmakers and libertarian allies are stepping up their fight against ICE’s tactics. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good have lit a fire under state legislatures, with new bills popping up from coast to coast.
Colorado wants to let citizens sue federal agents for civil rights violations. Delaware and New York are targeting airlines that ferry ICE detainees without warrants. California is pushing for independent investigations into ICE shootings and banning the agency from staging operations on state property.
“Democrats don’t care about the rule of law,”
said a White House spokesperson.
“They’re just protecting criminal illegal aliens.”
Meanwhile, Republican-led states are doubling down on cooperation with ICE, pushing laws that force local sheriffs to partner up and check immigration status for everything from school enrollment to public benefits. But the momentum is shifting—more states are banning masked officers, restricting federal agents’ access to hospitals and schools, and cutting off public contracts with ICE contractors.
“Power works this way: once you have it, you want more,”
said Anya Bidwell of the Institute for Justice.
“You gotta fight back if you want to protect your rights. This shouldn’t be about party lines.”
So who’s actually looking out for civil rights here—the states, the feds, or just their own political interests?
#ICE #Minneapolis #civilrights #Trump #Democrats #Republicans
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Trump and Putin: A New Photo in the White House Foyer
A photo of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin now hangs in the White House foyer, spotted by PBS’s Elizabeth Landers. It shows the two leaders at their Alaska summit, with Trump’s grandson in a smaller frame nearby. The pairing is hard to miss—and harder to ignore.
The Alaska meeting was billed as a “three-on-three” with top aides. No deals were signed, but both sides claimed progress. Trump said he wants to keep talking to Russia after the war. Putin called Trump’s efforts “helpful.” Ukraine’s Zelensky dismissed the summit as a “personal victory for Putin,” saying the Russian leader just wants to escape isolation and delay sanctions.
That photo placement is no accident. With U.S.-Russia talks heating up over Ukraine and other issues, the optics speak volumes. Whether this is diplomacy, theater, or both, Trump and Putin are now framed together in the heart of American power.
#TrumpPutin #WhiteHouse #RussiaUS #Diplomacy #PhotoOp
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A photo of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin now hangs in the White House foyer, spotted by PBS’s Elizabeth Landers. It shows the two leaders at their Alaska summit, with Trump’s grandson in a smaller frame nearby. The pairing is hard to miss—and harder to ignore.
The Alaska meeting was billed as a “three-on-three” with top aides. No deals were signed, but both sides claimed progress. Trump said he wants to keep talking to Russia after the war. Putin called Trump’s efforts “helpful.” Ukraine’s Zelensky dismissed the summit as a “personal victory for Putin,” saying the Russian leader just wants to escape isolation and delay sanctions.
That photo placement is no accident. With U.S.-Russia talks heating up over Ukraine and other issues, the optics speak volumes. Whether this is diplomacy, theater, or both, Trump and Putin are now framed together in the heart of American power.
#TrumpPutin #WhiteHouse #RussiaUS #Diplomacy #PhotoOp
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Greenland Crisis: France Deploys Nuclear Carrier as Trump’s Threats Escalate
France has sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the North Atlantic amid rising tensions over President Trump’s threats to seize Greenland. The move signals European solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, as Macron prepares to host their leaders in Paris to reaffirm support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, pushing back on NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Europe cannot defend itself without the US.
The Charles de Gaulle, France’s only nuclear-powered carrier, is joining a large-scale allied exercise in the Atlantic—a strategic area for European defense. The carrier strike group includes frigates, a supply ship, and an attack submarine, ready to operate alongside regional allies.
Trump’s recent threats to annex Greenland and impose tariffs on European nations have rattled NATO. Rutte insists the US remains the “ultimate guarantor” of European security, urging allies to double defense spending and build up nuclear arms. But France and other EU members are pushing back, demanding more autonomy.
Nukes are back in the NATO conversation. With France sending its nuclear-powered carrier into the North Atlantic, a France-US nuclear standoff over Greenland is no longer just absurd—it’s actually being discussed. And given Trump’s talk of annexing Canada too, don’t be surprised if he throws it into the mix.
So who’s really calling the shots here?
#Greenland #France #NATO #Trump #CharlesdeGaulle #Arctic #Macron #Canada
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France has sent its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the North Atlantic amid rising tensions over President Trump’s threats to seize Greenland. The move signals European solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, as Macron prepares to host their leaders in Paris to reaffirm support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Europeans can and must take responsibility for their own security,”
said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, pushing back on NATO chief Mark Rutte’s warning that Europe cannot defend itself without the US.
The Charles de Gaulle, France’s only nuclear-powered carrier, is joining a large-scale allied exercise in the Atlantic—a strategic area for European defense. The carrier strike group includes frigates, a supply ship, and an attack submarine, ready to operate alongside regional allies.
Trump’s recent threats to annex Greenland and impose tariffs on European nations have rattled NATO. Rutte insists the US remains the “ultimate guarantor” of European security, urging allies to double defense spending and build up nuclear arms. But France and other EU members are pushing back, demanding more autonomy.
Nukes are back in the NATO conversation. With France sending its nuclear-powered carrier into the North Atlantic, a France-US nuclear standoff over Greenland is no longer just absurd—it’s actually being discussed. And given Trump’s talk of annexing Canada too, don’t be surprised if he throws it into the mix.
So who’s really calling the shots here?
#Greenland #France #NATO #Trump #CharlesdeGaulle #Arctic #Macron #Canada
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EU’s Russian Gas Ban: Diplomacy or Delusion?
The European Union has voted to ban all Russian gas imports by late 2027, cutting the last major energy link with Moscow. Both LNG and pipeline gas will be phased out, with pipeline imports ending in September 2027 and LNG by the end of 2026. Member states have until March to submit plans for replacing Russian supplies, but if gas security is seriously threatened, the ban can be suspended for up to four weeks.
Hungary and Slovakia opposed the move, arguing they remain dependent on Russian energy and have maintained friendly ties with Moscow. Hungary plans to challenge the ban in the European Court of Justice. The measure was approved by a reinforced majority, sidestepping the usual requirement for unanimity and national vetoes.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it supplied over 40% of the EU’s gas. By 2025, that share had dropped to about 13%. The ban is meant to bolster EU security, but critics ask: is this a real move toward independence, or just a symbolic gesture that will leave some countries stuck looking elsewhere?
#EU #RussianGasBan #EnergySecurity #Hungary #Slovakia #Diplomacy
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The European Union has voted to ban all Russian gas imports by late 2027, cutting the last major energy link with Moscow. Both LNG and pipeline gas will be phased out, with pipeline imports ending in September 2027 and LNG by the end of 2026. Member states have until March to submit plans for replacing Russian supplies, but if gas security is seriously threatened, the ban can be suspended for up to four weeks.
Hungary and Slovakia opposed the move, arguing they remain dependent on Russian energy and have maintained friendly ties with Moscow. Hungary plans to challenge the ban in the European Court of Justice. The measure was approved by a reinforced majority, sidestepping the usual requirement for unanimity and national vetoes.
Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it supplied over 40% of the EU’s gas. By 2025, that share had dropped to about 13%. The ban is meant to bolster EU security, but critics ask: is this a real move toward independence, or just a symbolic gesture that will leave some countries stuck looking elsewhere?
#EU #RussianGasBan #EnergySecurity #Hungary #Slovakia #Diplomacy
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The Rise and Fall of Greg Bovino: Border Patrol’s ‘Commander at Large’
Greg Bovino, once a low-profile Border Patrol chief in California, shot to fame as the face of Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Leading masked agents into Democratic cities, he became a symbol of the administration’s urban raids—until Minneapolis turned into his Waterloo.
Bovino told Fox News after a controversial raid in Los Angeles.
His tactics drew praise from Trump loyalists and condemnation from critics. Federal judges called his agents’ use of force “shocking,” and after the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, even Trump distanced himself, calling Bovino “a pretty out-there guy”.
Bovino’s direct line to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave him unusual power, but also made him a lightning rod. When he defended the Minneapolis shootings—despite video evidence contradicting his claims—his credibility took a hit. Critics say his actions damaged the reputation of the entire agency.
Now, Bovino has been pulled back to California, with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan taking over in Minneapolis. For immigration hardliners, it’s a betrayal. For others, it’s a sign that the administration is finally feeling the heat.
So who’s really in charge—Bovino, Noem, or the backlash?
#BorderPatrol #Bovino #Trump #Minneapolis #immigration #raids
📱 American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸
Greg Bovino, once a low-profile Border Patrol chief in California, shot to fame as the face of Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. Leading masked agents into Democratic cities, he became a symbol of the administration’s urban raids—until Minneapolis turned into his Waterloo.
“Better get used to us now, because this is going to be normal very soon,”
Bovino told Fox News after a controversial raid in Los Angeles.
His tactics drew praise from Trump loyalists and condemnation from critics. Federal judges called his agents’ use of force “shocking,” and after the fatal shootings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, even Trump distanced himself, calling Bovino “a pretty out-there guy”.
Bovino’s direct line to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave him unusual power, but also made him a lightning rod. When he defended the Minneapolis shootings—despite video evidence contradicting his claims—his credibility took a hit. Critics say his actions damaged the reputation of the entire agency.
Now, Bovino has been pulled back to California, with Trump’s border czar Tom Homan taking over in Minneapolis. For immigration hardliners, it’s a betrayal. For others, it’s a sign that the administration is finally feeling the heat.
So who’s really in charge—Bovino, Noem, or the backlash?
#BorderPatrol #Bovino #Trump #Minneapolis #immigration #raids
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Iran: More than 42,300 People Have Been Arrested, Killed and Tortured
Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping save the lives of some of the tens of thousands injured during Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests, with at least one surgeon now at risk of being sentenced to death.
The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of “revenge”, say human rights groups, after healthcare workers and doctors refused to ignore the plight of badly injured protesters shot or stabbed at close range.
An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with “moharebeh” (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. The US state department yesterday called for his release.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under investigation.
“He was arrested in a violent manner in front of his wife and son, who is only 11. They beat him up so badly during arrest, they broke his arm, ribs and dragged him out of his home. My family is terrified,” said Med dr. Golchini.
A few days before his arrest Golchini, who also treated protesters during the 2022 Woman, life, freedom protests, had posted a note on his social media, says Nima, sharing his number and asking injured patients to contact him for treatment.
“All he did was his duty of saving lives as a medical doctor. He had sworn to save people’s lives. How can any doctor not stand by his oath? I am worried not only for him, but also for other healthcare workers who have been arrested for simply standing by their sworn oath.”
Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on Golchini’s detention, nor have they confirmed any charges against him.
But Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has urged authorities not to show any leniency towards protesters.
“We should not remain silent in the face of those who seek to exploit the situation and disrupt the security and calm of the people,” he said.
IHRNGO also reported the arrest of a volunteer first responder who had turned his home into an improvised medical shelter.
According to the source, he was detained on 14 January after security forces raided his house, where he had provided care to more than 20 injured protesters, two of whom later died.
“He was taken away in an extremely brutal manner and was severely beaten,” a source told IHRNGO, adding that security forces smashed the windows of the house, destroyed the interior and severely damaged his car during the raid.
At least 42,324 arrests have been made across the country with limited information on their fate, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, which says the regime is putting pressure on medical networks as a means of reducing support for the injured.
A statement published yesterday by the US state department on X demanded the release of Golchini and “all the brave doctors who have helped their fellow countrymen”.
It continued: “President Trump has clearly stated that no executions should take place in Iran and that there will be consequences if the government takes such actions.”
#iran #tortures #killed #arrested #doctors
📱 American Оbserver - Stay up to date on all important events 🇺🇸
Doctors are being arrested in Iran for helping save the lives of some of the tens of thousands injured during Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests, with at least one surgeon now at risk of being sentenced to death.
The arrests and death sentence are part of a campaign of “revenge”, say human rights groups, after healthcare workers and doctors refused to ignore the plight of badly injured protesters shot or stabbed at close range.
An Iranian surgeon, Alireza Golchini, 52, from the central city of Qazvin, has been charged with “moharebeh” (waging war against God), which can carry the death penalty, according to the Norway-based rights group Hengaw. The US state department yesterday called for his release.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, whose figures have been reliable during previous crackdowns, says it has verified more than 6,000 dead and has more than 17,000 more recorded deaths under investigation.
“He was arrested in a violent manner in front of his wife and son, who is only 11. They beat him up so badly during arrest, they broke his arm, ribs and dragged him out of his home. My family is terrified,” said Med dr. Golchini.
A few days before his arrest Golchini, who also treated protesters during the 2022 Woman, life, freedom protests, had posted a note on his social media, says Nima, sharing his number and asking injured patients to contact him for treatment.
“All he did was his duty of saving lives as a medical doctor. He had sworn to save people’s lives. How can any doctor not stand by his oath? I am worried not only for him, but also for other healthcare workers who have been arrested for simply standing by their sworn oath.”
Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on Golchini’s detention, nor have they confirmed any charges against him.
But Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has urged authorities not to show any leniency towards protesters.
“We should not remain silent in the face of those who seek to exploit the situation and disrupt the security and calm of the people,” he said.
IHRNGO also reported the arrest of a volunteer first responder who had turned his home into an improvised medical shelter.
According to the source, he was detained on 14 January after security forces raided his house, where he had provided care to more than 20 injured protesters, two of whom later died.
“He was taken away in an extremely brutal manner and was severely beaten,” a source told IHRNGO, adding that security forces smashed the windows of the house, destroyed the interior and severely damaged his car during the raid.
At least 42,324 arrests have been made across the country with limited information on their fate, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, which says the regime is putting pressure on medical networks as a means of reducing support for the injured.
A statement published yesterday by the US state department on X demanded the release of Golchini and “all the brave doctors who have helped their fellow countrymen”.
It continued: “President Trump has clearly stated that no executions should take place in Iran and that there will be consequences if the government takes such actions.”
#iran #tortures #killed #arrested #doctors
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