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Heavy plans: ‘Fat’ Aussie dad jets to Thailand to shed the load
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Latest developments and discussion of recent events in the Ukraine War
https://bsky.app/profile/maks23.bsky.social/post/3lfanpthd722v The flames at the Kristal Plant in Engels are getting bigger, the fire is growing and new tanks are exploding. -
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Teen Gang Raid London Apple Store Amid Shopper Chaos
The poster to which you replied obviously has zero idea of how much crime beat cops prevented. Perhaps too young to remember those better days and thinks knows it all. -
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UK Analysis Foreign Nationals Three Times More Likely to Be Arrested for Sexual Offence
A recent analysis by the Centre for Migration Control has revealed that foreign nationals are arrested for sexual offences at more than three times the rate of British citizens. Based on data from 41 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, the study found that over 9,000 arrests of foreign nationals for sexual offences occurred in the first ten months of 2024. This accounted for 26.1 percent of an estimated 35,000 total sexual offence arrests during that period. According to the findings, foreign nationals were arrested for sexual offences at a rate of nearly 165 arrests per 100,000 of their population, compared to 48 per 100,000 for British citizens. For all crimes combined, foreign nationals were arrested at twice the rate of British nationals, with 131,000 arrests recorded between January and October 2024. While migrants make up nine percent of the UK population, they accounted for 16.1 percent of total arrests, highlighting a significant disparity. The study also presented a "crime league table" ranking nationalities based on arrest rates. Albanians topped the list, followed by Afghans, Iraqis, Algerians, and Somalians. In total, 48 nationalities were found to have higher arrest rates per 1,000 population than British suspects. This analysis has reignited debates over the transparency of migrant crime data. Critics have accused authorities of an “institutional cover-up” regarding the publication of migrant crime rates, particularly in the context of sex grooming scandals where the ethnicity of suspects was allegedly suppressed. Senior Conservative MPs and others have called for greater transparency, arguing that publishing such data, as seen in countries like Denmark and some U.S. states, could inform immigration and justice policies. Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, emphasized the importance of these figures, stating, “To establish an immigration and criminal justice system that serves the interests of the British public, policymakers need this information. There is not a single good reason why the Ministry of Justice shouldn’t publish this in full, completely transparently, on a regular basis.” Efforts to legislate for such transparency have faced obstacles. A proposed amendment to Rishi Sunak’s Sentencing Bill, which would have mandated an annual government report detailing the nationality, visa, and asylum status of offenders convicted in England and Wales, was shelved due to the general election. However, MPs are expected to reintroduce similar amendments to forthcoming immigration and sentencing legislation under Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. The analysis also revealed regional variations. In the City of London, foreign nationals accounted for 66.9 percent of arrests for sexual offences, the highest proportion recorded. Other areas with significant figures included Derbyshire (44.8 percent), the West Midlands (38.8 percent), and the Metropolitan Police jurisdiction (39.2 percent). The data further highlighted the disparity in rape arrests, with 2,775 arrests of foreign nationals for the offence recorded across 29 police forces. This disparity has led to increasing calls for a comprehensive and transparent approach to understanding and addressing the impact of migrant crime on UK society. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-01-09 -
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Trump Urges NATO Allies to Dramatically Boost Defense Spending to 5%
Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a significant increase in defense spending for NATO allies, calling for member nations to allocate 5 percent of their GDP to defense. This figure more than doubles the alliance's current 2 percent target and is expected to spark debate among Europe's financially constrained governments. "Europe is in for a tiny fraction of the money that we're in," Trump remarked during a recent appearance at Mar-a-Lago. "We have a thing called the ocean in between us, right? Why are we in for billions and billions of dollars more money than Europe?" Currently, no NATO member meets the proposed 5 percent benchmark. In 2023, the United States allocated 3.4 percent of its GDP to defense, while Poland came closest among allies at 4.7 percent. Other nations, including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, are still grappling with how to meet even the existing 2 percent target. Germany is working toward meeting the goal this year, while France's defense budget plans face political uncertainties, and the U.K. has yet to establish a firm timeline for achieving its own 2.5 percent target. Smaller nations are also facing challenges. The Czech Republic recently announced it would reach the 2 percent threshold for the first time, and Norway has just surpassed it at 2.1 percent. Larger European nations, such as Italy and Spain, remain well below the mark. Ralf Stegner, a foreign policy expert with Germany's ruling Social Democrats, called Trump's 5 percent proposal "complete madness," emphasizing that such a dramatic increase would require parliamentary approval. While the U.S. does not spend the largest percentage of its GDP among NATO members, the size of its economy means it shoulders a disproportionate share of the alliance's financial burden. In 2023, Washington covered 68 percent of NATO's total spending—amounting to $916 billion—while European members collectively contributed just 28 percent, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Amid these disparities, there is growing agreement among NATO members that the current 2 percent spending target is insufficient to meet the alliance's military capability requirements and to address the security threats posed by Russia. A revised target is expected to be discussed at a NATO leaders' summit in The Hague this June. Mark Rutte, NATO's new Secretary-General, recently called for "a shift to a wartime mindset" in national defense planning but stated it was too early to finalize a new spending target. Similarly, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre urged caution, stating, "I'm not coming in and committing in a statement to a figure ... that's a serious thing you have to plan and commit to in your budget planning." Trump's call for a 5 percent target sets the stage for intense negotiations among NATO members as they navigate the balance between shared security responsibilities and their individual economic constraints. Based on a report by Politico 2024-01-09 -
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Biden's Last Stand: The Twilight Moves of a Defiant President
In the waning days of his presidency, Joe Biden is defying critics and making bold moves that reflect his unyielding instincts, even stirring controversy with a touch of trolling. As the 82-year-old leader nears the end of his term, he's unshackled from the usual political optics, focusing on what he deems necessary to cement his legacy. Biden's presidency will inevitably be measured against the backdrop of Donald Trump's political resurgence. Yet, Biden seems determined not to fade into irrelevance, holding fast against the rising tide of Trump’s MAGA movement. Criticism of Biden’s actions intensified after his December decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. The move angered many conservatives and even some Democrats who felt it undermined moral consistency. This pardon sparked a flurry of reactions, setting the stage for what would become a series of contentious decisions. In a dramatic gesture before Christmas, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 federal death row inmates. While criminal justice advocates praised this decision, it provoked outrage from Republicans and families of victims, who saw it as a stark divergence from justice. Biden's recognition of former Representative Liz Cheney with the Presidential Citizens Medal also raised eyebrows. Cheney, who led the House panel investigating the January 6 Capitol assault, was a contentious choice given Trump's previous calls for her prosecution. Biden’s decisions reached a peak of divisiveness when he honored Hillary Clinton and philanthropist George Soros with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For many in the MAGA camp, this seemed like a deliberate provocation, crafted to trigger the strongest possible reaction. Beyond these symbolic acts, Biden’s administration has been busy finalizing a slew of rules and regulations intended to prolong the influence of his core policy themes. New consumer protection rules, like banning medical debt from credit reports, showcase Biden’s effort to make every remaining day of his presidency count toward his economic vision. A significant move came with Biden's executive order blocking 625 million acres of offshore areas from future oil and gas drilling. This decision, designed to hinder Trump’s ambitions to increase fossil fuel production, was met with disbelief and criticism from Trump, who accused Biden of making the presidential transition as difficult as possible. However, Trump's incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, noted that the transition has been "very helpful" despite stark policy differences. January 6 saw a smooth, uneventful certification of Trump’s victory in Congress, starkly contrasting with the political violence that had marked the same day four years prior. Biden’s spokesman, Andrew Bates, defended the president’s record, highlighting accomplishments in economic recovery, crime reduction, and immigration control. "President Biden is proud to leave his successor the best-performing economy on earth, the lowest violent crime rates in over 50 years, and the lowest border crossings in over four years," Bates told Axios. Internationally, Biden remained engaged, rushing aid to Ukraine and approving significant arms sales to Israel. These moves were seen as efforts to solidify his legacy and protect it from Trump’s influence. Biden's actions, like approving Ukraine’s request to strike deep inside Russia with American-made missiles, were interpreted by Trump’s allies as sabotage. In a fiery moment with reporters, Biden declared, "I might be the oldest president, but I know more world leaders than any one of you have ever met in your whole goddamn life." This statement encapsulates his confidence and defiance in his final days. One of Biden’s most instinctive decisions was to block Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, siding with the United Steelworkers union despite potential job losses. This move aligned Biden with Trump, both opposing the foreign takeover to keep the company American-owned. As the "Dark Brandon" era winds down, speculation mounts that Biden might issue preemptive pardons for Democrats and officials, including Anthony Fauci, who could be targeted by Trump. This potential act would epitomize Biden’s final defiance, leaving a legacy both contentious and resolutely his own. Based on a report by AXIOS 2024-01-09 -
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EU Faces Growing Pressure to Confront Musk Over Alleged Electoral Meddling
Elon Musk's decision to host Alice Weidel, leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in a livestream on X has ignited a firestorm of criticism across Europe. EU leaders and lawmakers are urging Brussels to take decisive legal action against the tech magnate, citing concerns about potential electoral interference ahead of Germany’s February 23 election. The European Commission has indicated that Musk could face significant legal consequences under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU's stringent social media regulation. The Commission is examining whether the livestream gave Weidel and her populist, anti-immigration party an unfair advantage over rivals. The AfD, polling second in Germany, has long been accused of downplaying Nazi crimes, making Musk’s engagement with Weidel a particularly contentious move. French President Emmanuel Macron openly criticized Musk, accusing him of fostering a reactionary movement and interfering in European politics. “Ten years ago, who could have imagined it if we had been told that the owner of one of the largest social networks in the world would support a new international reactionary movement and intervene directly in elections, including in Germany,” Macron stated during a speech at the Elysée Palace. The DSA, which empowers the EU to impose penalties of up to 6% of a company’s global turnover or even temporary platform bans, places special emphasis on preventing undue influence in electoral processes. The key question revolves around whether X’s algorithms unfairly amplified Weidel’s content, providing her with a significant public advantage. Former EU digital enforcer Thierry Breton stressed the gravity of the situation, noting that Weidel gained “a significant and valuable advantage” through her exposure on X. German Greens MEP Alexandra Geese echoed these concerns, arguing that while Musk’s conversation with Weidel falls under freedom of expression, algorithmic manipulation that floods timelines with far-right propaganda crosses a legal and ethical line. EU Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier clarified that the investigation will focus on how much exposure Weidel’s content received and whether this posed risks to the electoral process. He noted that Brussels has been monitoring X's compliance with the DSA for over a year. Musk’s relationship with the EU has been fraught with tension, including a high-profile incident in which Musk responded to Breton with a crude meme. Felix Kartte, a senior fellow at Germany’s Mercator Foundation, suggested that the EU’s response will hinge on both technical evidence and political considerations. “The question is essentially whether EU leaders are prepared to choose confrontation with the Trump administration before it has formally taken office,” Kartte remarked. As Brussels weighs its options, the controversy underscores the growing challenges of regulating global tech platforms in an era of heightened political polarization and misinformation. Whether the EU acts decisively against Musk could set a precedent for future battles over digital governance and electoral integrity. Based on a report by Politico 2024-01-09 -
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Iran’s Withdrawal from Syria Marks a Turning Point in the Region
Iran has withdrawn nearly all of its forces from Syria following the rebels' decisive victory against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This dramatic development significantly reduces Tehran’s influence in the region, according to officials. Iranian forces, which had been a longstanding presence in Syria due to their alliance with Assad, have largely fled or been ordered to withdraw after the rebels claimed victory last month, Western and Arab officials told the *Wall Street Journal*. Images circulating near the Lebanese border reveal abandoned military vehicles, weapons, and equipment, indicating a hasty retreat by Iranian troops. The swift 11-day offensive by the rebels left little room for resistance. When asked whether Iran had indeed vacated Syria, Barbara Leaf, the U.S. State Department’s top Middle East official, responded, “Pretty much, yes.” Syria was a cornerstone of Iran’s regional strategy, serving as a vital ally to bolster Tehran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance.” This network, which included various terror proxies, frequently targeted U.S. and Israeli interests. Additionally, Iran utilized Syrian territory to support Hezbollah bases, many of which have now been dismantled by Israeli strikes or overrun by rebel forces. With Assad forced into exile following the rebels’ rapid advance, Iran has lost a critical partner in the Middle East. Tehran’s diminished presence in Syria underscores the scale of its setback. Meanwhile, Syria’s new Sunni leadership, which has long opposed both Iran and Assad’s regime, is working to consolidate power. The rebels’ leading faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, appears to be distancing itself from its radical origins to gain international legitimacy. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the rebel leader who has publicly disavowed his group’s former al-Qaeda affiliations, declared that their swift victory “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.” This sentiment reflects the deep animosity between the rebels and Tehran, which analysts believe will prevent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from regaining a foothold in Syria. Iran’s ambitions to maintain a land corridor to Hezbollah have also been severely disrupted, as the group’s leadership and infrastructure have faced repeated blows from Israeli forces. In response to these developments, Iran’s IRGC-affiliated media outlet, *Sepah News*, condemned Syria’s new government as “takfiri terrorists,” a term commonly used to label ISIS affiliates. Reports have also emerged of potential unrest brewing in Damascus. However, the extent of Iran’s capacity to influence events in Syria appears increasingly limited. Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-09 -
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House Foreign Affairs Chair Advances Bill Targeting ICC After Arrest Warrant for Israeli PM
Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.), the new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is pushing forward legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year. Known as the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, the bill could reach the House floor for a vote as early as Thursday. A GOP congressional aide revealed that the bill enjoys widespread Republican support and some bipartisan backing, with approximately 40 Democrats endorsing a similar measure last year. However, that version did not progress under the previous Congress, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) did not act on it. “This time, with a new Congress, we’re bringing it up early to send a strong message that the America Last foreign policy of the Biden era is over,” the aide stated. “This is just an opening act.” The proposed legislation, set to take effect 60 days after enactment, seeks to impose sanctions on individuals involved in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting U.S. citizens or officials from allied nations, including Israel. Additionally, it targets members of the Western security alliance NATO and key non-NATO allies such as Japan, Taiwan, Australia, South Korea, and Egypt. The bill also aims to withdraw all U.S. funding for the ICC and ban future financial contributions. Rep. Mast emphasized the bill’s intent in a statement, declaring it “sends a clear message to the International Criminal Court.” He added, “We may not recognize you, but you sure as hell will recognize what happens when you target America or its allies.” Mast further criticized the ICC’s actions, arguing they undermine Israel’s efforts to defend itself and prolong conflict. “The ICC’s attempt to obstruct Israel’s right to defend itself has only prolonged the war and prevented the release of American hostages by boosting Hamas’ morale,” he said. Co-introduced by Mast and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), the legislation has 17 Republican co-sponsors. Roy described the ICC as “an illegitimate body” with no authority to interfere in the sovereignty of the U.S. or its allies. He also condemned the court’s legal actions against Netanyahu, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by Hamas. “Now it is engaged in a shameful lawfare campaign against Prime Minister Netanyahu for doing his duty to protect his fellow citizens from Hamas,” Roy stated. The legislation, Roy noted, also safeguards American troops from potential ICC “political attacks.” He expressed confidence that President-elect Trump would strongly support Israel, contrasting this stance with what he characterized as the Biden administration’s insufficient commitment. “This bill will ensure that no future administration after him will be able to give the ICC a free pass to attack our allies like this,” Roy said. As the bill awaits further action, it underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S., its allies, and the ICC over jurisdiction and sovereignty issues. Based on a report by The Hill 2024-01-09
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