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Biden-Harris Administration Loses Track of 320,000 Migrant Children at Risk of Exploitation
Democrats would have all south america come into the united states if they could, as long as the illegals vote democrat. Europe is already feeling the effects of open borders, will America wake up in time? -
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How many of these school dinners do you remember? What was Yr fav ?
To paraphrase Zelda Fitzgerald: "She refused to eat slop chiefly because she wasn't sloppy." -
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Trump Breaks Security Protocol to Comfort Supporter
No no remove this article. It doesnt fit the orange man bad narrative of this forum -
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Taylor Swift on Terrorist Plot That Forced Vienna Concert Cancellations
Vote democrat and see a lot more stuff like this in America -
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Latest developments and discussion of recent events in the Ukraine War
Ex head of the British Army basically saying we have nothing left to give to Ukraine. Last year, Sir Patrick said the UK’s donation of 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine had left the Army “temporarily weaker” as the donation had left a “gap in our armoury”. https://archive.is/Entkv -
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Democrats at DNC Attempt to Reverse the Narrative on its Immigration Record
Too late for that isnt it? Sort of well known that democrats want to turn America into europe -
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Taylor Swift on Terrorist Plot That Forced Vienna Concert Cancellations
Taylor Swift recently opened up about the emotions she experienced following the cancellation of her Vienna concerts earlier this month due to a foiled terrorist plot. In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, the global pop sensation expressed the profound impact the situation had on her, admitting that the incident filled her with fear and a deep sense of guilt, even as she found solace in the support of her fans. Swift had been scheduled to perform at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium from August 8 to 10 as part of her highly anticipated Eras Tour, which has drawn massive crowds worldwide. The shows were expected to attract around 170,000 fans, eager to see the superstar live. However, just a day before the first performance, Austrian authorities announced that they had thwarted a terrorist attack aimed at the concert, forcing the cancellation of all three shows. The news was met with shock and disappointment by fans, but Swift remained silent on the matter for nearly two weeks. It wasn’t until after her final European tour date in London’s Wembley Stadium that she felt safe enough to publicly address the situation. "Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating," Swift shared in her Instagram post, reflecting on the emotional toll the cancellation took on her. "The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows." The decision to cancel the shows was not taken lightly. Barracuda Music, the event organizer, stated that they had "no choice but to cancel" in the interest of "everyone’s safety." The message was echoed by Swift’s team, who reassured fans that their tickets would be refunded. Despite the frustration and sadness of the moment, Swift noted that she was heartened by the outpouring of love and unity from her fans in the aftermath. "In cases like this one, ‘silence’ is actually showing restraint, and waiting to express yourself at a time when it’s right to," Swift explained, addressing her delay in speaking out. She emphasized that her primary concern during the ordeal was the safety of her fans and team. "My priority was finishing our European tour safely, and it is with great relief that I can say we did that." Details of the foiled plot revealed a chilling scheme, uncovered thanks to an alert from the U.S. intelligence community. Austrian officials disclosed that the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian national with North Macedonian roots, had confessed to planning an attack using knives and explosives. Authorities found radical Islamist propaganda from groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda on the suspect’s devices, along with bomb-making materials in his possession. A second suspect, a 17-year-old with Turkish and Croatian roots, was also implicated, having been arrested near the stadium where he had been employed by a company providing services at the concert. Both suspects had connections to terrorist material, and a third teenager was later arrested in connection with the plot. The situation brought to light Swift’s longstanding concerns about security at her concerts, fears that were exacerbated by previous attacks on music events, such as the Manchester Arena bombing and the Las Vegas concert shooting. In a 2019 interview with Elle magazine, Swift admitted that these tragedies had made her "completely terrified" to go on tour, knowing the challenges of ensuring the safety of millions of fans over an extended period. Her worries were so severe that she even began carrying military-grade bandage dressings designed for traumatic wounds. Swift’s father, Scott Swift, shared these concerns, as documented in her 2020 Netflix documentary "Miss Americana." In the film, he expressed his fear for her safety, particularly as she became more outspoken politically. Swift, however, was resolute in her decision to use her platform, despite the risks involved. In her recent Instagram post, Swift extended her gratitude to the authorities who worked tirelessly to protect her and her fans, ensuring that her European tour could conclude without further incident. "My team and I worked hand in hand with stadium staff and British authorities every day in pursuit of that goal, and I want to thank them for everything they did for us," she wrote. The Eras Tour has been a monumental success, with Swift making history as the first solo performer to sell out London’s Wembley Stadium eight times in a single tour. Performing to crowds of 92,000 each night, Swift praised her fans for the joy and energy they brought to the shows, which helped her regain a sense of "carefree calm" despite the underlying tensions. "To the fans who have seen us this summer, you’ll always have the most sparkling place in my memories," Swift concluded. "You were a dream to perform for, dance with, and share those magical moments with." As Swift looks back on the challenges and triumphs of her European tour, her reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities artists face in an era where the threat of violence looms large, even in spaces meant for celebration and joy. Credit: NBC News 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Democrats at DNC Attempt to Reverse the Narrative on its Immigration Record
During a week intended to celebrate the successes of the Democratic Party, Democrats sought to confront and reframe one of their most significant political vulnerabilities: immigration. At the Democratic National Convention (DNC), speakers attempted to reverse the narrative on Republican criticisms of the Biden administration’s immigration record, commending the administration’s efforts and portraying Vice President Kamala Harris as "tough as nails" on the issue. Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump, have consistently focused their attacks on the Biden administration's handling of the border. They have particularly targeted Vice President Harris, labeling her as a "failed border czar" due to her role in managing the immigration crisis. While the Biden administration did witness record numbers of migrant detentions at the border, recent data shows that the number of unlawful crossings has decreased for five consecutive months. Democrats have attributed this decline to the administration’s recent actions to curb illegal immigration, including an executive order signed by President Joe Biden in June that empowers U.S. immigration officials to deport migrants without processing their asylum claims. A recent poll conducted by CBS, the BBC’s U.S. partner, revealed that 48% of likely voters believe that border crossings will increase if Kamala Harris becomes president. In contrast, a significant 72% of respondents said they believe crossings would decrease under a Trump administration. This issue took center stage at the DNC, where several speakers defended Harris's record and criticized Trump for obstructing a bipartisan border security deal that failed to pass in Congress earlier this year. “Let’s be clear, the border is broken,” stated New York Congressman Tom Suozzi, who has been a vocal advocate for stricter border security and more rigorous asylum laws. Suozzi’s remarks echoed a sentiment often expressed by Republicans who have criticized Biden's immigration policies. His comments, along with those of other Democrats, indicated a shift in the party's messaging toward a tougher stance on immigration—an issue historically seen as a political weakness for them. Suozzi further praised Harris, stating that she "joyfully accepts the challenge to work across party lines, to secure our border, to treat people like human beings." The Trump campaign has relentlessly attacked Harris for her role in shaping the administration’s immigration policy, branding her as an ineffective "border czar." As Vice President, one of Harris’s initial diplomatic assignments was to address the economic conditions in Central America that were driving a surge of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, who led the Democratic efforts to negotiate the failed border security measure in Congress, lauded Harris as being "tough as nails" on illegal immigration. He refuted Republican accusations that Harris had "opened the border" to unchecked migration. "Kamala Harris knows we can be a nation of immigrants and immigration laws," Murphy said. "That's why, when she's president, she will bring that border bill back, and she'll pass it." Murphy placed the blame for the country’s immigration issues squarely on Trump, accusing him of sabotaging the border security bill to maintain his political leverage. "Trump killed that bill because he knew if we fixed the border, he'd lose his ability to divide us, his ability to fan the flames of fear about people who come from different places," Murphy asserted. His sentiments were echoed by California Representative Pete Aguilar, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, who emphasized that voters should not have to "choose between a secure border and building an America for all." Aguilar added, "Under President Harris, we can and will do both." The DNC also showcased a video that highlighted the stricter border policies proposed in the failed bill, which would have provided funding for new border agents and technologies aimed at combating fentanyl trafficking. However, on the convention floor, some delegates expressed skepticism about the importance of immigration as an electoral issue, suggesting that many voters are more concerned with day-to-day challenges, despite polling data consistently indicating that immigration remains a top concern for many Americans. "Immigration is certainly an important issue," said Julie Johnson, a Texas delegate, state representative, and candidate for the House of Representatives in Washington. "But other people’s immigration does not affect whether they can go see a doctor, afford a home, or whether they have a good-paying job." Others were more cautious in their assessment. Illinois Democratic Representative Jonathan Jackson, the son of famed civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, told the BBC that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. He expressed hope that Harris would take immediate action on immigration if she were to win the presidency. "We’re going to have to deal with these migrant issues," Jackson stated, noting that economically depressed communities of color often bear the brunt of migrant influxes. "People don’t like to leave their dwellings without clothes or water or cash. But if the conditions are unbearable, they have to leave. I think she has to deal with [it on] day one," he added. In Chicago, a city that has received tens of thousands of migrants over the last two years, residents voiced mixed feelings. While many expressed sympathy for the migrants, there were also concerns about the strain on local resources. Naaman Martin, an elderly Chicago resident who plans to vote for Harris, acknowledged the government’s efforts to support migrants, saying, "They [the government] provided food, they provided housing, provided clothing. But for the homeless, they claim they can’t do nothing. It is what it is. It is not a voting issue for me." Alexandra Willis, a 29-year-old store owner and Harris supporter, shared her perspective, expressing empathy for the migrants while also lamenting the lack of legal pathways for them. "They made it all the way here from another country," she said. "They’re very talented. I’d hire them, but legally I can’t." For the migrants themselves, the ongoing political debate over immigration has been a source of frustration. As the DNC unfolded, several dozen predominantly Venezuelan migrants gathered at a shelter just a few miles away, waiting for volunteers to distribute donated snacks. Although they were only vaguely aware of the convention taking place, they were acutely familiar with the debates surrounding immigration, the border, and the portrayal of "migrant crime" in U.S. politics. Yelitza, a Venezuelan mother of four who fled her country after one of her sons was killed during a protest, expressed her frustration with the way migrants are often demonized by politicians. "The trip was extremely hard. The jungle. Criminals in Mexico. Cartel members wanted to rape my niece. I did the trip with four little kids," she said. "We’re not here because we like it, or because I want to. Everyone needs to understand that. My country is in a disastrous situation. We only came here to give our children a future." Credit: BBC 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Yvette Cooper Vows Unprecedented Crackdown on Illegal Migration
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has made a resolute commitment to intensify the UK's efforts against illegal immigration, pledging to detain more illegal migrants and execute a record number of deportations. This initiative marks a significant shift in the government’s approach, as Cooper aims to expand immigration detention centres to facilitate the removal of over 14,500 illegal migrants within the next six months. This ambitious target surpasses the removal rates seen since Theresa May’s tenure as prime minister in 2018. As part of this intensified effort, nearly 300 additional spaces will be created at two controversial immigration removal centres, where illegal migrants and foreign criminals are held prior to their deportation. The Home Secretary has already redeployed some 300 Home Office caseworkers since the election, specifically to track down, detain, and return illegal migrants. Moreover, up to 100 new specialist intelligence and investigations officers are being recruited to the National Crime Agency (NCA). These officers will collaborate closely with European agencies to target and dismantle people-smuggling gangs. The announcement of these measures on Wednesday is perceived as a strategic response to criticism regarding the government’s decision to discontinue the Rwanda deportation scheme. The scheme's termination had raised concerns that the UK lacked a deterrent against the increasing number of small boat crossings. However, Labour sources claim that their ongoing efforts to curb Channel crossings have already yielded positive results, with fewer migrants reaching British shores in small boats in the six weeks since the election compared to the same period in 2022 and 2021. A senior party source credited this reduction to the successful disruption of people-smuggling gangs' supply lines for boats, more aggressive tactics by French police on the beaches, and enhanced cooperation with European law enforcement agencies. Yvette Cooper stated, “We are taking strong and clear steps to boost our border security and ensure the rules are respected and enforced. Our new Border Security Command is already gearing up, with new staff being urgently recruited and additional staff already stationed across Europe. They will work with European enforcement agencies to find every route into smashing the criminal smuggling gangs organizing dangerous boat crossings which undermine our border security and put lives at risk. And by increasing enforcement capabilities and returns, we will establish a system that is better controlled and managed, in place of the chaos that has blighted the system for far too long.” The Home Office has confirmed that the additional 290 detention spaces will be created at the immigration removal centres in Campsfield, Kidlington, Oxon, and Haslar in Gosport, Hants. This expansion is intended to support the higher pace of removals. Officials are also exploring options for further increases in detention capacity, which currently stands at 2,300 spaces. These centres were reopened by the Conservative government despite local opposition and accusations that the practice of detention was “immoral.” Left-wing Labour MPs, including John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor, and Diane Abbott, the former shadow home secretary, have signed a Commons motion condemning the “inhumane” detention of migrants at these facilities. Nevertheless, the Home Office asserted that Yvette Cooper is resolute in her determination to expand detention space to facilitate a “major increase in returns and enforcement of immigration and asylum rules.” Her goal is to achieve the highest rate of removals over the next six months, exceeding the two previous six-month highs of 13,410 in 2018 and 14,389 last year. The Home Office has reported that nine flights have already returned migrants since Labour assumed power, including the largest-ever chartered removal flight of 200 illegal migrants. Additionally, new returns agreements have been established with several countries, including Vietnam, which has seen the largest increase in Channel migrants, as well as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Serbia, and Georgia. These agreements follow the fast-track removal deal previously struck with Albania. The Home Secretary has yet to appoint the new head of the Home Office’s Border Security Command, which will integrate officers from the NCA, Border Force, and MI5 to combat people-smuggling gangs. The first tranche of 100 new NCA officers, announced on Wednesday, represents the initial phase of a broader recruitment drive aiming to enlist up to 1,000 officers. Hundreds of these officers will be stationed across Europe to collaborate with Europol and other agencies in dismantling people-smuggling operations at their source. This initiative is being funded by approximately £75 million saved from the cancellation of the Rwanda deportation scheme in its first year. According to Labour, the number of migrants crossing the Channel since the election, totaling 5,720, is 14 percent lower than the same period last year, which saw 6,524 crossings. It is also more than 47 percent lower than the same period in 2022, when 8,444 migrants made the crossing. The Home Office has also pledged to intensify its crackdown on companies employing illegal migrants, with fines of up to £60,000 per worker, criminal prosecutions carrying maximum penalties of five-year jail sentences, and business closure orders. However, James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, has voiced criticism of these measures. “While more NCA resources and detention capacity are welcome, this is not nearly ambitious enough. Paired with their moves to cancel our deterrent, give an effective amnesty to thousands of illegal migrants, and failure to hire a head of their phantom border command, it doesn’t scratch the surface. It is time Labour offered a credible solution that will cut immigration and stop the boats,” Cleverly remarked, underscoring the ongoing political debate surrounding the UK’s approach to immigration and border control. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Biden-Harris Administration Loses Track of 320,000 Migrant Children at Risk of Exploitation
A disturbing new report reveals that the Biden-Harris administration has lost track of more than 320,000 migrant children who crossed the U.S. border unaccompanied by parents. The Homeland Security Inspector General’s report, released on Monday, warns that these children, placed with "qualified sponsors" within the U.S., may now be at risk of sex trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation. As of May 2024, 291,000 of these children, who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors, were released without a scheduled immigration court date, making it nearly impossible to monitor their whereabouts. An additional 32,000 children, who were given hearing dates upon release by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), also failed to appear in court, as highlighted in the 14-page report covering the period from October 2018 to September 2023. Federal whistleblower Tara Rodas, who was initially recruited to assist the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the surge of migrant children in 2021, expressed grave concerns about the situation. Rodas recounted her shock upon realizing that she was, in fact, placing these vulnerable children into the hands of traffickers and other dangerous individuals. "At the very beginning of the Biden administration, they stripped all the vetting out of the process," she stated, highlighting cases where sponsors, claiming to be relatives, were actually exploiting the children. In one particularly troubling case, Rodas encountered a 16-year-old girl whose sponsor falsely claimed to be her older brother. The girl appeared drugged, and her sponsor's social media posts suggested she was being exploited. Concerns are further heightened by reports that some non-family sponsors are hosting multiple migrant children, which Rodas describes as a major "red flag." In 2023 alone, 344 unaccompanied children were found living with non-family sponsors who were each responsible for at least three children. Dr. Jason Piccolo, a retired federal agent who previously exposed the government's release of children to potential criminals, described the situation as "deeply concerning." He called for immediate reforms, stating, "There needs to be an immediate standard operating procedure to track the status and whereabouts of every single unaccompanied migrant child across all involved agencies." The report also highlighted cases where children, released by the federal government, ended up working in exploitative conditions in slaughterhouses and factories. Rodas and other critics argue that a systemic failure within the government has allowed this situation to unfold. In one tragic instance, an MS-13 gang member, released into the U.S. as a minor, was accused of brutally raping and murdering Kayla Hamilton, a young autistic woman in Maryland, in July 2022. Hamilton's mother, Tammy Nobles, has blamed the federal government for failing to properly vet the alleged killer, noting that a simple check with El Salvadoran authorities would have revealed his gang affiliations. Nobles testified before Congress, criticizing HHS for its "operational neglect" and alleging that this neglect contributed to her daughter's death. She further condemned the agency for allowing the MS-13 member to live unsupervised with another illegal immigrant in a trailer park. Despite the alarming findings, the government watchdog report noted that only one of eight audited ICE offices made any attempts to locate the missing children. Rodas and others continue to raise the alarm, calling for urgent action to protect these vulnerable minors from further harm. Credit: NYP 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Trump Breaks Security Protocol to Comfort Supporter
In an unexpected moment during a rally in Asheboro, North Carolina, former President Donald Trump stepped out of a bulletproof enclosure set up by the Secret Service to personally attend to a supporter who had fallen ill due to the intense heat. The rally, which marked Trump's first outdoor event since the July 13 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, featured heightened security measures, including a ballistics-glass panel at the podium and additional protective barriers flanking the former president's back and sides. The incident occurred mid-speech when Trump, 78, was interrupted by calls for medical assistance from the crowd. “What’s wrong?” Trump asked, directing his attention toward the disturbance. Upon realizing that a rally-goer required medical attention, Trump immediately requested assistance, saying, “A doctor, please,” and acknowledging the challenging conditions by noting, “It is very hot here.” As medical personnel moved to help a white-haired woman who had collapsed in the stands, Trump did something that surprised many—he left the safety of the bulletproof enclosure to offer the woman a comforting embrace. The moment was brief, but it was enough to prompt a swift response from the Secret Service, who quickly surrounded Trump as he moved toward the crowd, ensuring his protection as he broke protocol to connect with his supporter. Returning to the podium, Trump reflected on the dedication of his followers. “You know, they come two days, three days early, and it’s a lot. It’s a lot of stress,” he remarked, acknowledging the effort and devotion of those who attend his rallies. This rally was particularly significant given the recent assassination attempt, which had reportedly led the Secret Service to advise Trump against holding outdoor events. Despite the concerns, Trump’s affinity for open-air rallies remains strong, as they have become a hallmark of his presidential campaigns, drawing large crowds and allowing for a direct connection with his supporters. The event underscored the tension between ensuring the safety of a former president and maintaining the intimate, personal connection that Trump’s rallies are known for. As he continues to campaign, the balance between security and accessibility will likely remain a focal point for both Trump and his security team. Credit: NYP 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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U.S. Investigation into Americans Linked to Russian State Media
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a comprehensive criminal investigation into Americans who have collaborated with Russia's state television networks, reflecting a concerted effort to thwart the Kremlin's attempts to influence the upcoming presidential election in November. This investigation, which underscores growing concern over foreign interference in U.S. elections, has led to significant actions, including FBI raids on the homes of individuals connected to Russian media. Earlier this month, FBI agents executed search warrants at the residences of two high-profile figures associated with Russian state television: Scott Ritter, a former United Nations weapons inspector and vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, and Dimitri K. Simes, an adviser to former President Donald J. Trump's 2016 campaign. Although no charges have been filed against either man, the searches suggest that the investigation could soon yield criminal charges, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. This investigation follows the Biden administration's official intelligence assessments, which indicate that Russia's state-run news organizations, including the global broadcaster RT, are collaborating with Russian intelligence agencies to influence elections worldwide. The Kremlin's efforts, which include disinformation campaigns targeting the November election between Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, have alarmed U.S. officials. For the third time, Russia's propaganda apparatus has aligned itself with Trump's candidacy, utilizing online news outlets and fake videos to undermine President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris. The investigation is particularly focused on potential violations of economic sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, as well as breaches of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which mandates the disclosure of lobbying activities on behalf of foreign governments. The Department of Justice's actions are politically charged, echoing the contentious debates over Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. Moreover, the investigation's focus on Americans working with state-run news organizations raises potential First Amendment concerns, particularly regarding the protection of free speech. On July 29, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued a warning that Russia was exploiting both "witting and unwitting Americans" to disseminate narratives favorable to President Vladimir Putin's government. The statement highlighted that these individuals "post content on social media, write for various websites with overt and covert ties to the Russian government, and conduct other media efforts." However, the investigation is not targeting ordinary Americans who consume or share Russian state media content online; rather, it is concentrating on those who are intentionally spreading disinformation on behalf of Moscow. Scott Ritter, who has contributed writings to RT and other news organizations, described the hours-long search of his Delmar, New York, home on August 7 as an attempt to intimidate him for his political views on the United States, Russia, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. FBI agents and state police seized mobile phones, computers, and hard drives during the raid but did not arrest Ritter. "It's an absolute frontal assault on the Constitution of the United States," Ritter said in a phone interview, expressing his frustration and disbelief. The scope of the investigation remains unclear, as the Justice Department and other officials in Washington have declined to comment on its progress or future actions. However, the Biden administration's growing alarm over Russia's influence operations has led to an increased willingness to take decisive action. Last month, the Justice Department, in collaboration with Canadian and Dutch governments and Elon Musk's social media platform X, successfully dismantled a covert Russian campaign designed to sow discord in the United States and other countries. The operation resulted in the takedown of 968 inauthentic accounts that were operated using commercially available artificial intelligence tools. The FBI linked these accounts to Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) and RT, underscoring the deep connections between Russian state media and the Kremlin's intelligence apparatus. Russia's state television networks, which broadcast in English and other languages, serve as a global platform for Putin's views, often portraying the United States and its allies as imperialist powers bent on global domination. Ritter, who traveled to Russia and occupied parts of Ukraine in January, noted that the warrant to search his home referenced an investigation related to FARA. This federal law requires Americans engaged in lobbying or political activities on behalf of foreign governments to disclose their work. Dimitri K. Simes, a Soviet-born American citizen, is also under investigation for possible violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which provides the legal basis for imposing economic sanctions. On August 13, FBI agents raided a 132-acre estate near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia that Simes and his wife had purchased in July 2021. Simes, 76, has been a prominent figure in American foreign policy circles since emigrating from the Soviet Union in 1973. He served as an informal adviser on Soviet affairs to President Richard Nixon and later became the head of a think tank now known as the Center for the National Interest. In 2016, Simes hosted a speech by Trump, then a presidential candidate, in which Trump called for improved relations with Russia. Simes also introduced Trump to the Russian ambassador at the time and passed on what he believed to be compromising information about former President Bill Clinton to Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, during the 2016 campaign. Although Simes was interviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller's team during the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, he was not accused of any wrongdoing. Simes stepped down from the Center for the National Interest in 2022 and has been in Russia since October of that year, according to an interview he gave on Sputnik, another Russian state television network. During the interview, Simes speculated that the FBI's search of his property was an attempt to silence anyone advocating for improved U.S.-Russia relations. He revealed that his bank accounts had been frozen, except for one used to deposit his Social Security checks, and expressed concern that the FBI had seized valuable paintings by Soviet and Russian avant-garde artists from his home. "It clearly is an attempt to intimidate, not only somebody from Russia, but just anyone who goes against official policies and particularly against the deep state," Simes said during the interview. Since 2017, the Department of Justice has required RT to register as a foreign agent under FARA, rather than as a news organization, reflecting the U.S. government's view of RT as an instrument of Russian state control. There is no established legal precedent that clearly defines whether journalists working for such organizations fall under the requirements of FARA. Ritter, in his interview, stated that he had been contributing articles to RT since 2020 and was compensated per article, earning between $150 and $300, which he described as the industry norm. He emphasized that the editorial control exerted by RT was no different from that of other news organizations, and he strongly defended his work as a journalist. However, Ritter's outspoken defense of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, has drawn significant scrutiny. He has frequently echoed Russia's narrative that blames the United States and NATO for the conflict, a position that has only deepened suspicions about his motivations and affiliations. "The only reason why I can believe that they’re doing this," Ritter said, "is if there’s some national security interest where they believe somehow I am actively conspiring with Russia against the interests of the United States, that I have become more than just a propagandist, that I become something more like, you know, a weapon of disinformation." As the investigation continues, the legal and political ramifications of targeting individuals associated with foreign state media will likely intensify the debate over election security, free speech, and the appropriate measures to counter foreign influence in American democracy. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader landscape of U.S. foreign policy and domestic political discourse. Credit: NYT 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Brother of Scot Killed by Hamas Accuses SNP of Anti-Semitism
Colin Cowan, the brother of a Jewish man murdered during the brutal October 7 attacks by Hamas, has leveled serious accusations of anti-Semitism against the Scottish National Party (SNP) following a recent decision by the Scottish government to suspend meetings with Israeli diplomats. Cowan, whose brother, Bernard Cowan, was killed by Hamas militants at his home in Kibbutz Sufa in southern Israel, expressed profound disappointment and outrage over the SNP's actions. He asserted that there was "no doubt" in his mind that the suspension was driven by anti-Semitic motives. The Scottish government's announcement on Monday that ministers would halt all diplomatic talks with Israel unless certain demands were met has sparked significant controversy. Colin Cowan accused Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, of exploiting his grieving mother for a "photo opportunity" during a memorial service for the October 7 victims, where Yousaf was photographed embracing Mrs. Cowan. Cowan described this gesture as an "act of Jew-washing," pointing to what he perceives as a "blatant double standard" in the SNP's diplomatic conduct, particularly in comparison to the treatment of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Erdoğan's government has faced international criticism for its harsh crackdown on the Kurdish community and severe restrictions on judicial independence, freedom of speech, and women's rights in Turkey. Thousands of individuals have been prosecuted and sentenced for the crime of insulting the president. Despite these human rights concerns, Yousaf previously invited Erdoğan to Scotland, a move that has intensified Cowan's belief that the SNP's recent actions against Israel are rooted in anti-Semitism. Bernard Cowan was one of over 1,200 people killed in the surprise Hamas attack on October 7, which also saw around 250 hostages seized, according to Israeli officials. More than 100 hostages remain in captivity. In the aftermath of his brother's death, Colin Cowan has been vocal in his criticism of the SNP, particularly following the apology issued by Angus Robertson, Scotland's External Affairs Secretary, after he met with a senior Israeli diplomat earlier this month. Robertson was compelled to apologize after SNP MPs, MSPs, and party members expressed anger over the meeting, arguing that it undermined the party's condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and its support for a separate Palestinian state. Some even called for Robertson's dismissal. In his apology, Robertson acknowledged that his decision to meet with Daniela Grudsky, Israel's deputy ambassador, was mistakenly interpreted by many as a normalization of relations between Scotland and Israel. He clarified that no further meetings with Israeli officials would occur "until such time as real progress has been made towards peace, unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance is provided, and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes." Despite this, SNP ministers will continue to engage with Palestinian officials. First Minister John Swinney defended the decision, stating that Israel's conduct left "no further dialogue" possible. In an article published in The Herald, Colin Cowan criticized Yousaf's invitation to President Erdoğan during the COP28 summit in December, particularly given Erdoğan’s past statements labeling Israel as a "terror state" and Hamas as a "liberation group." Cowan also condemned the Scottish Government's decision to allocate £250,000 of taxpayers' money to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNWRA), an organization he claimed had "directly supported the massacre on October 7 which killed my brother." Cowan's grievances extend beyond these specific incidents, as he questions the SNP's broader stance towards Israel, asking, "What is so objectionable about the world’s only Jewish state that leads so many to criticize it above that of any other country? For me, as with many in Scotland’s Jewish communities, there is no doubt about the answer." He firmly believes that anti-Semitism is at the root of the SNP's actions and lamented that the issue was "the worst it's ever been" in Scotland during his lifetime. Cowan revealed that his nephew, Bernard's son, has even asked him if he would consider moving to Israel due to the growing "anti-Jew hatred" in Scotland. "That may seem absurd, that Scottish Jews would consider leaving Scotland for Israel amid safety fears, but I assure you that it’s a conversation taking place in Jewish communities across our country," he added. The Scottish Council of Jewish Communities (SCoJeC) also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that the Scottish Government "cannot in conscience deny the right of the victims to prevent the promised repetition of the atrocities of Oct 7." SCoJeC stressed that if the Scottish Government aspires to contribute to a resolution of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict and supports a two-state solution, it must engage with both parties. A Scottish Government spokesperson responded to Cowan’s criticisms by expressing the First Minister's deepest condolences for Cowan’s loss. The spokesperson added that Yousaf would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with Cowan and his family. The spokesperson reiterated the Scottish Government's condemnation of Hamas' attacks on October 7 and expressed support for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace. Additionally, they confirmed that Swinney had held talks with SCoJeC and assured that the Scottish Government takes issues of anti-Semitism "extremely seriously." Humza Yousaf himself also responded to the controversy, stating, "My thoughts continue to be with families who are suffering due to the horrific terror attack by Hamas on October 7th, including the Cowan family, and families in Gaza who have been devastated by Israel’s horrendous actions, resulting in tens of thousands of innocent people being killed." Yousaf defended his participation in the October memorial service, where he embraced Cowan's mother, saying, "I am proud of my lifelong campaigning against hatred in all of its forms, and believe that Islamophobia and anti-Semitism are two sides of the same coin." However, Yousaf stood by the Scottish Government's decision to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel, insisting that "there are not normal diplomatic relationships with the government of Israel until they comply with their international obligations and cease killing civilians with impunity." This stance has further fueled the debate over the SNP's approach to Israel and the underlying reasons for the recent diplomatic freeze. As tensions continue to rise, the accusations of anti-Semitism have added a complex and emotionally charged dimension to the already contentious issue of Scotland's foreign policy towards Israel. Credit: The Times 2024-08-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe
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