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Russian Envoy Meets U.S. Officials Amid Escalating Sanctions
2 months ago•Source: Politico
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Bolivia's Shift from Leftist Rule Sparks New Hope for Lithium Economy
The US has increased military activity off the coast of Venezuela, targeting suspected drug traffickers, amid ongoing tensions and questions about the legality and broader implications of these operations, while Venezuela's Maduro faces internal and external challenges.
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Unidentified Drones Sighted Over US Bases in Germany and Northeast US
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Syrian Rebel Leader Al-Julani's Rise Amidst Complex Factional Landscape
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Cradle
The article discusses the rebranding efforts of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, leader of the Al-Qaeda offshoot Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), amid his group's strategic importance to US operations in Syria. Despite HTS being on the US terror list, Julani is portrayed as a "diversity friendly" figure by Western media, while his group's past atrocities and current role as a US "asset" in Syria are highlighted. The piece critiques the geopolitical maneuvers involving the US, Israel, and other Western powers in supporting Julani's rise and the broader destabilization of Syria.
Israel Fortifies Winter Presence on Mount Hermon Amid Regional Tensions
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Israel's defense minister has ordered troops to prepare for winter on Mount Hermon, a strategic location in the Golan Heights, following Israel's recent control of the area after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This move has drawn criticism from the UN, which calls for Israel's withdrawal from the buffer zone established by a 1974 disengagement agreement. The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over violations of Syria's sovereignty and the extensive Israeli airstrikes in Syria, while Israel cites security concerns and the collapse of the Syrian government as justification for its actions.
Ukraine Urges North Korean Troops to Surrender with Psychological Tactics
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Business Insider
Ukraine is actively trying to persuade North Korean soldiers, who have been sent to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, to surrender. Through the 'I Want to Live' project, Ukraine is distributing leaflets and videos encouraging these troops to desert, offering them humane treatment and a chance for a new life. The initiative highlights the poor living conditions in North Korea and suggests that surrendering could be an escape from the regime. Despite Russia's financial incentives for North Korean soldiers, there are doubts about whether the soldiers receive any of the promised payments.
US Indicts 14 North Koreans for Remote Work and Identity Theft Scheme
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
A federal court in St Louis has indicted 14 North Koreans for allegedly extorting funds from US companies through a scheme involving thousands of North Korean IT workers using false identities to work remotely. The scheme reportedly generated at least $88 million for North Korea's weapons programs over six years. The workers, referred to as "IT Warriors," were employed by North Korean-controlled companies in China and Russia, and allegedly engaged in wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. The US State Department is offering a $5 million reward for information on the suspects.
Debate Intensifies Over Repatriation of Syrians in Europe
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
Following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, European countries are beginning to consider the possibility of repatriating Syrian refugees. This development raises questions about the safety and stability of Syria for returning refugees and the potential impact on European nations that have hosted large numbers of Syrians during the conflict.
Niger Suspends BBC Amidst Rising Violence and Accusations of False Reporting
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Niger's military government has suspended BBC broadcasts for three months, accusing the network of spreading fake news that could destabilize social peace and demoralize troops. This follows BBC reports on jihadist attacks in the Tillaberi region, which allegedly killed 91 soldiers and nearly 50 civilians. The junta claims these reports are baseless and aim to undermine troop morale. The suspension affects BBC radio programs but not its website or shortwave broadcasts. This move is part of a broader trend of media suspensions by military-led governments in West Africa, including Burkina Faso and Mali, amid ongoing jihadist insurgencies.
Trump Urges Europe to Lead Ukraine Ceasefire Efforts Amid War Talks
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Kyiv Post
US President-elect Donald Trump has stated that Europe, not the US, should send troops to Ukraine to support a ceasefire, emphasizing European responsibility in the conflict. Despite Trump's stance, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk asserted that any decision on troop deployment would be made in Warsaw. Meanwhile, the US plans to allocate over $440 million to support Ukraine's agriculture and economy, as part of a broader G7 initiative backed by frozen Russian assets.
Unveiling Syria's Captagon Empire: From Factories to Regime Funding
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Conversation
Captagon is an illegal amphetamine that has become a major source of revenue for the Assad regime in Syria. The drug is widely produced and trafficked in the region, contributing to the country's economic survival amidst international sanctions. The trade has significant geopolitical implications, affecting neighboring countries and complicating international relations.
US Acknowledges Shift in Middle East Power Dynamics Favoring Israel
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Haaretz
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East is shifting, with Israel gaining a strategic advantage as Iran's influence wanes. The fall of the Assad regime has disrupted Iran's arms supply routes to Hezbollah, weakening Tehran's regional power. Despite this, Israel faces internal challenges, including the high cost of conflict and political controversies. Meanwhile, the U.S. views these changes with optimism, although the broader implications for regional stability remain uncertain.
Niger Suspends BBC Amidst Rising Violence and Misinformation Concerns
Originally Published 1 year ago — by FRANCE 24 English
Niger's military government has suspended BBC radio for three months, accusing it of spreading false information that could destabilize social peace and undermine troop morale. This move follows similar bans on other Western media outlets like Radio France Internationale and France 24, amid reports of a jihadist attack in the Tera region that the junta denies occurred. The suspension reflects a broader trend of Sahel countries turning away from Western media and aligning more with Russia for security needs.