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Year - End Special: Deal Of The Year
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Reform UK to Pursue Private Prosecution in Manchester Airport Incident
Reform UK has announced its intention to initiate a private prosecution against the men involved in a violent altercation with police at Manchester Airport earlier this year. The incident has raised significant concerns about the handling of the situation, prompting Reform MPs to write to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, accusing authorities of throwing the involved officers "under the bus" while the young men remain unpunished. The altercation gained widespread attention in July when a video circulated showing Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers engaging with Fahir Amaaz, 19, and his brother Muhammad, 25, at the airport’s terminal 2. The video, which quickly went viral, captured an officer appearing to kick and stamp on Fahir’s head, sparking outrage and protests in both Rochdale and Manchester city center. Days after the incident, a second video surfaced, obtained by the *Manchester Evening News*. This footage revealed the moments leading up to the altercation on July 23, showing two female police officers being knocked to the ground before Mr. Amaaz was subdued with a taser. In response, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation, and a GMP constable was placed under criminal investigation for assault. A second officer also came under investigation for his role in the altercation. Second Video Showing Lead up to incident: Reform UK has made it clear that if the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not move forward with prosecuting the men involved, they will take legal action themselves. The party has already made plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support the costs of a private prosecution. Reform’s MPs argue that the police officers involved showed "great restraint" during the incident, noting that while tasers were deployed, the officers refrained from using more severe force, such as firearms. The case has been further complicated by allegations from the Amaaz family. They claim that the altercation began after their mother, Shameem Akhtar, was racially abused on a Qatar Airways flight. According to the family, the brothers confronted the man responsible after meeting their mother at the airport. The family’s solicitor confirmed that an "altercation" occurred at a Starbucks in the terminal, though they have declined to provide additional details. Following the incident, the family claims police officers escalated the situation by grabbing Mr. Amaaz’s wrist and neck, later striking his head against a ticket machine. During an August press conference, the Amaaz family accused the officer who allegedly stamped on Fahir’s head of turning off his body camera before threatening his life. Mr. Amaaz further claimed that the officer called him a "dirty f------ c---" and knelt on his neck during the confrontation. As the legal battles unfold, Reform UK remains adamant that justice must be served. Whether through the CPS or a private prosecution, they are determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions, ensuring that the incident is thoroughly investigated. The question of whether the full truth of what happened that day will come to light remains to be seen, but the public's attention remains firmly fixed on the case. Based on a report from Daily Telegraph 2024-10-08 -
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Muslim Faith Leaders Endorse Kamala Harris Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
In an open letter shared first with NBC News, a group of 25 imams has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, providing her with much-needed support from a community that has grown frustrated with the administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas war. As Harris ramps up efforts to win back disaffected Muslim voters, the endorsement represents a critical boost, especially in battleground states like Michigan, where the Muslim and Arab vote could play a decisive role. Muslim and Arab voters have expressed significant anger toward the Biden administration for its continued support of Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, the imams who signed the letter argue that, despite these frustrations, supporting Harris is still the best choice. They emphasize that Muslim voters must make logical voting decisions, writing that backing Harris “far outweighs the harms of the other options.” The imams also described Harris as “a committed ceasefire candidate” and highlighted her as the best option for ending the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. The letter warns against supporting former President Donald Trump, whom they consider a threat to the Muslim community. “Knowingly enabling someone like Donald Trump to return to office, whether by voting directly for him or for a third-party candidate, is both a moral and a strategic failure,” they wrote. They cautioned that in swing states, a vote for a third-party candidate could lead to Trump winning the state and potentially the election. The imams also noted Trump’s “well-documented history of harming our communities and country” and urged Muslim voters not to let high emotions dictate their decisions in a way that would harm the community. They emphasized the need to act responsibly, stating, “We have a responsibility, an Amana, not to place our community in harm’s way.” The endorsement is significant given that Harris has struggled to gain prominent allies within the Muslim community. Many Muslim organizations and leaders have either withheld their endorsements or supported anti-war third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Cornel West. Other groups have even launched movements like Abandon Harris, aimed at punishing Democrats for their staunch backing of Israel. Some critics have accused Harris of abandoning the Muslim and Arab American community, pointing to instances such as the denial of a Palestinian speaker at the Democratic National Convention and the 700,000 voters who cast “uncommitted” ballots in protest of President Joe Biden’s policies during the Democratic primaries. Mohamed Elsanousi, a Muslim community leader who helped organize the pro-Harris letter, emphasized that most of the 25 signatories are permanent imams with sizable congregations, including some in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina. He expressed hope that the letter would encourage conflicted Muslim voters to feel more comfortable voting for Harris, despite opposition from some prominent Muslim voices. “I am really hopeful that with this letter a lot of people will change their minds,” Elsanousi said. “The momentum [for Harris] in the community is growing.” This endorsement follows Harris’s recent outreach efforts, including a meeting with Muslim community leaders in Michigan and a virtual event addressed by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, aimed at boosting Muslim voter turnout. Her national security adviser also met with Arab and Muslim community leaders in Washington. Nasrina Bargzie, the director of Muslim and Arab American outreach for the Harris campaign, reiterated Harris’s commitment to winning over every voter and uniting the country. She added that Harris had consistently supported the country’s diverse Muslim community, working to ensure that they live free from “the hateful policies of the Trump administration.” Based on a report from NBC News 2024-10-08 -
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Poll Highlights Antisemitism Among American Muslims Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
A year after Hamas militants from Gaza invaded Israel, committing atrocities that included the rape of women and the murder of more than 1,100 people, including infants, a significant portion of American Muslims deny these events and hold troubling antisemitic views, according to a new poll. Despite video evidence of the slaughter spreading globally, a substantial number of American Muslims reject the facts of what took place on October 7. When asked to choose between two statements, more American Muslims selected “Hamas did not commit murder and rape in Israel on October 7” than those who acknowledged the crimes. The poll, conducted by J.L. Partners and shared with *The Daily Signal*, revealed that 39% denied the Hamas murders and rapes, while only 31% admitted to them. Another 30% expressed uncertainty, answering with “don’t know.” In addition to these concerning denials, many American Muslims (43%) stated that “Israel does not have a right to exist as a Jewish homeland.” In comparison, only 11% of the general public held this view. One-third of American Muslims (33%) affirmed that “Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish homeland,” while two-thirds of the overall American population (66%) agreed with that sentiment. The poll also shed light on perceptions of Jewish influence. A majority of Muslims (58%) said Jews have “too much power” over the media, while 57% said the same about Jewish influence over federal policy. Older Muslims, particularly those over 65 years old (67%), and college-educated Muslims (64%) were more likely to express these views about Jewish power over the media. The survey also revealed contrasting perceptions of rising animosity in the United States. More Americans (57%) felt that antisemitism had increased in the aftermath of the October 7 attack, while 44% believed anti-Muslim sentiment had risen. Interestingly, a third of respondents said anti-Muslim animus had decreased during the same period, while only 20% thought antisemitism had decreased. When it came to political and religious issues, American Muslims were more likely to support the idea of making it illegal to display a picture or cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad (50%) compared to the general public (14%). Similarly, they were more inclined to back the formation of a Muslim political party (46% vs. 9%) and the implementation of Sharia law (39% vs. 10%). They also favored declaring Islam as America’s national religion (33%), a stance shared by only 9% of the general public. Nonetheless, a notable portion of Muslims opposed these policies: 31% were against implementing Sharia law, and 32% opposed declaring Islam the national religion, although opposition from the general public was stronger (56% and 68%, respectively). It is important to note that the term “Sharia” simply means “law” in Arabic, and interpretations of it vary significantly. While radical Islamist groups, like the Taliban, enforce Sharia in strict and oppressive ways, the understanding of Sharia law among American Muslims is diverse and reflects a wide range of beliefs. While American Muslims proved more likely to oppose Israel’s right to exist, to deny Hamas committed murder and rape, and to ascribe positive motives to Oct. 7, they did not support campus protesters targeting Jewish students who support Israel. The survey asked which of two statements comes closest to respondents’ views: “Jewish students on college campuses who openly support Israel are not valid targets of campus protests” or they “are valid targets.” Nearly half of Muslims (46%) agreed with nearly half of the general public (48%) that these Jewish students do not represent valid targets. Based on a report from Daily Signal 2024-10-08 -
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Israeli Interrogator Warns of Continued Violence as Long as Hamas Leader Sinwar Lives
Michael Koubi, a former Shin Bet agent, recalls his chilling experience with Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas chief and mastermind behind the deadly October 7 attacks. Koubi, who interrogated Sinwar for 180 hours after his arrest in 1988, described the Hamas leader as a deeply radicalized individual whose sole mission is the destruction of Israel and the death of its people. Sinwar hiding in the Gaza tunnels: One of the most chilling moments Koubi recalls is when Sinwar bragged about indoctrinating young Palestinians into violence and antisemitism. Sinwar told of a visit to a Gaza kindergarten where he separated the toddlers into two groups—Palestinians and Israelis—and made a game out of who could kill the most Jews. Koubi, horrified by the depth of Sinwar’s fanaticism, felt certain that the man posed an enduring threat to Israel and the region. Although Sinwar was sentenced to life in prison, he was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal in which Israel freed over 1,000 prisoners in exchange for the captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Koubi vehemently opposed Sinwar’s release, warning his superiors at the time that it would lead to further bloodshed. His fears were realized when Sinwar was implicated in orchestrating the October 7 attacks. Despite Israeli offers of exile and safety in exchange for the release of hostages, Koubi remains convinced that Sinwar must be eliminated to prevent further violence. “I know him better than anyone, and he is a danger to the world,” Koubi warned. “The only solution is to kill him.” As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Koubi’s words stand as a grim reminder of the enduring threat posed by radicalized leaders like Sinwar, whose commitment to violence leaves little room for hope of a peaceful resolution. Based on a report from NYP 2024-10-08 -
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Russian Honeytrap Plot During Brexit ‘No Surprise,’ Says Irish PM
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has stated that Russian activities in Ireland are not unexpected following reports that an Irish politician may have been recruited as a Russian agent during Brexit negotiations. The allegations come after a report from *The Sunday Times* claimed that Russian intelligence orchestrated a “honeytrap” for the unnamed politician. The goal was allegedly to disrupt relations between Britain, Ireland, and the European Union during a critical period. The politician, identified only by the code name "Cobalt," is reportedly still serving in the Irish parliament, despite being identified by Irish military and security services. The report has caused concern, but Mr. Harris declined to comment directly on security matters. When questioned about the situation in Dublin, he emphasized that such actions from Russia were not shocking. “It shouldn’t come as any surprise to any of us that Russia seeks … to distort public opinion and is active in relation to that across the world, and that Ireland is not immune from that,” Harris remarked. Harris also highlighted an increase in Russian activity since the country's invasion of Ukraine, signaling that global events have intensified concerns. “We’ve also seen a very significant increase in that level of activity since the brutal invasion by Russia of Ukraine,” he added, pointing to the broader scope of Russian interference. When pressed further about the identity of the alleged agent, Harris reiterated his refusal to comment on security-related matters. “We never comment on this kind of thing. I’m not sure if any country does comment in relation to security matters,” he responded. However, he sought to assure the public by stating that Irish intelligence and law enforcement agencies, in coordination with international counterparts, were taking the issue very seriously. “I can tell you that as taoiseach I am satisfied that our gardai and our intelligence services, working internationally with counterparts, take this issue very, very seriously,” Harris concluded. The claims surrounding the recruitment of an Irish politician have heightened scrutiny of Russian operations, especially in light of increasing geopolitical tensions following the war in Ukraine. Based on a report from Daily Telegraph 2024-10-08 -
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Tories to Challenge Chagos Islands Deal in Parliament Over Strategic Concerns
The Conservative Party is set to demand urgent answers regarding Labour’s decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following an announcement by Sir Keir Starmer. The islands, British-owned since 1814 and home to a crucial US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, have become a focal point of political contention. Andrew Mitchell, the shadow foreign secretary, has indicated that the Tories will push for a Commons showdown on Monday to scrutinize the agreement. Mitchell confirmed that the party will table an urgent question if a government minister does not issue a statement explaining the rationale behind the decision. Speaking on *Sky’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips*, Mitchell expressed concerns about the deal, saying: "Starting the negotiations is not the same as concluding them." He further implied that while discussions had been initiated under James Cleverly, the former foreign secretary in 2022, this outcome would not have been endorsed by previous Conservative leadership. "From what I’ve seen, this is definitely not a deal either David Cameron or indeed James Cleverly would have done, and we need to see the terms that they’re offering," Mitchell remarked, underscoring the need for a detailed explanation of the agreement. He raised particular concerns about the strategic and financial implications, particularly regarding potential Chinese influence in the region. “We need to know about what protection there is against Chinese encroachment into the archipelago, we need to know what money is being provided by the British taxpayer. We need to probe the terms of the lease,” Mitchell said. As a highly strategic location, Diego Garcia plays a pivotal role in both US and UK military operations. The Tories are alarmed that any shift in sovereignty could alter the dynamics of the existing military agreements, potentially exposing the region to external influence. "From what we’ve seen so far, this looks like a bad deal for Britain," Mitchell warned, emphasizing that the House of Commons is the appropriate platform to dissect the decision. Mitchell's remarks suggest that the Conservatives are preparing to mount a significant challenge to Labour's handling of the Chagos Islands negotiations, framing the issue as a matter of national security and financial transparency. The opposition party is expected to push for clarity on whether British interests, both militarily and economically, have been adequately safeguarded in this arrangement. With this impending Commons debate, the political pressure on Labour is mounting, as the Conservatives prepare to scrutinize the finer details of a decision they believe may weaken Britain's strategic standing in the region. Based on a report from Daily Telegraph 2024-10-08 -
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Future Supreme Court Cases That Could Reshape Key U.S. Policies
As the U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term on October 7, three significant cases are set to be heard, each of which could have a profound impact on American life. From gun control to gender identity and online pornography, these rulings will shape the national discourse in the months ahead. One case, *Garland v. VanDerStok*, will address the controversial issue of "ghost guns." These are firearms that are purchased in pieces and assembled by the buyer. The legal question before the court is whether these parts should be considered guns, requiring the same registration, licensing, and serial numbers as fully assembled firearms. Ghost guns have surged in popularity, especially because they can be bought online and often remain untraceable. The Biden administration, through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), introduced a regulation in 2022 that expands the definition of a firearm to include these self-assembly kits. The rule demands that partially assembled guns be registered like traditional firearms. Opponents argue that this rule oversteps regulatory boundaries, and the Supreme Court will hear the oral arguments on October 8. Another pivotal case, *U.S. v. Skrmetti*, centers on gender transition treatments for minors. Tennessee’s law, enacted in March 2023, bans the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries for minors. The legislation has been challenged by three transgender children, who argue that it violates the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. While a federal district court initially struck down the law, an appellate court later reinstated it, prompting the case to head to the Supreme Court. The ruling could have wide-reaching effects, as more than 20 states have passed similar laws. Legal expert Germain suggests that it is unlikely the court will overturn Tennessee’s law, stating, “Allowing the use of drugs for certain conditions and not others does not strike me as violating equal protection. But it’s the ultimate political hot potato these days.” The third case that could have significant implications is *Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton*, which challenges a Texas law requiring age verification for accessing pornographic websites. Enacted in June 2023, the law mandates that users be over 18 to view adult content, and it requires such websites to display health warnings about the psychological risks associated with explicit material. Similar age-verification laws have been introduced in several states, including Arkansas, Utah, and Louisiana. The central issue in this case is whether the Texas law infringes on free speech rights by making it harder for adults to access constitutionally protected material. According to Eric C. Chaffee, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, “Protecting children has long been held by the Supreme Court to be a compelling government interest.” He adds, “The case will turn on whether the Court believes that age-verification provides the least restrictive means of protecting minors from pornography in cyberspace.” These cases will test the boundaries of federal and state authority and challenge interpretations of constitutional rights. With the outcomes expected to ripple across the country, the Supreme Court’s rulings could redefine critical aspects of American life. Based on a report from Newsweek 2024-10-08 -
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Viktor Bout Returns to Arms Dealing: Broker of Death in New Houthi Deal
Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer once dubbed the "Merchant of Death," is reportedly back in the arms trade less than two years after his release from U.S. imprisonment. Bout, who had been serving a lengthy sentence for arms trafficking, was released in a high-profile prisoner exchange for American basketball player Brittney Griner in 2022. His latest venture involves brokering a deal to supply small arms to the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. Bout, now 57, gained notoriety for his role in the global arms trade, with his life even serving as inspiration for the 2005 Hollywood film *Lord of War*, in which Nicolas Cage portrayed a character based on Bout. For years, Bout supplied Soviet-made weaponry across Africa, South America, and the Middle East, earning himself a reputation as one of the world’s most notorious arms traffickers. His career came to a halt in 2008 when he was arrested in a U.S. sting operation. After his release, Bout joined a pro-Kremlin far-right political party and secured a seat in a local assembly in 2023. His involvement in official politics seemed to signal a shift away from his arms-dealing past. However, recent reports indicate otherwise. When Houthi representatives traveled to Moscow in August 2023, ostensibly to negotiate the purchase of pesticides and vehicles, they found themselves dealing with the familiar figure of Viktor Bout. According to a European security official and others familiar with the negotiations, Bout was involved in brokering a deal for $10 million worth of automatic weapons. Though these arms have yet to be delivered, the potential deal has raised alarms. U.S. officials are concerned that Russia might escalate its involvement in the Yemen conflict by providing more advanced weaponry to the Houthis, especially as tensions between Washington and Moscow continue over the war in Ukraine. So far, there is no indication that Bout or Russia is involved in the sale of more sophisticated arms, such as anti-ship or anti-air missiles, which could significantly impact U.S. military operations in the region. The Biden administration remains on alert for any such developments, as the provision of even small arms to the Houthis would be seen as a serious provocation. Steve Zissou, a New York attorney who represented Bout during his trial in the U.S., has remained tight-lipped on whether his client is indeed involved in the recent dealings with the Houthis. "Viktor Bout has not been in the transportation business for over twenty years," Zissou said, while also suggesting that if Bout were acting under the orders of the Russian government, it would be no different from the U.S. arming Ukraine. The Houthis, designated a terrorist organization by Washington, have long sought Russian-made weaponry. Their recent trip to Moscow, while officially under the guise of trade discussions, included a visit to a Lada car factory, but the true purpose appears to have been arms-related. Whether Bout’s involvement is sanctioned directly by the Kremlin or merely tolerated remains unclear. The Russian government has not commented on the matter, and a Houthi spokesman has also declined to respond. If completed, this deal would represent a new chapter in Bout’s long and controversial career, marking his return to the international arms market, a world he once dominated. The sale, if successful, could further complicate the already fragile situation in the Middle East and deepen Russia’s involvement in regional conflicts. Based on a report from WSJ 2024-10-08 -
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Macron Warns EU Could Face Collapse Without Urgent Reforms
French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning to his fellow European leaders, cautioning that the European Union "could die" if it fails to become more competitive in the face of mounting challenges from the US and China. Speaking at the Berlin Global Dialogue event, Macron pointed to the EU's over-regulation and under-investment as critical factors behind the bloc's economic struggles compared to its global rivals. Macron highlighted how both Washington and Beijing have significantly outpaced the EU in terms of economic output and investment. He called on the bloc to address these deficiencies by pushing for stronger financial reforms, including the completion of its banking union package. The French president also emphasized the importance of ensuring fair global trade rules to help European businesses remain competitive. "The EU could die, we are on a verge of a very important moment," Macron said, according to Bloomberg. "Our former model is over – we are over-regulating and under-investing. In the two to three years to come, if we follow our classical agenda, we will be out of the market." Macron’s remarks echo concerns outlined in a recent report by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. The report called for a comprehensive "industrial strategy for Europe," urging the EU to invest €800 billion (£673 billion) annually to prevent the bloc from falling behind the US and China. The French president’s call for increased investment and reform is part of a broader vision he has advocated for a more robust and competitive EU, particularly in areas such as defense and security. Back in April, Macron stressed the need for a more integrated European defense system, warning that the EU could not continue to rely solely on the US for its military security. “We are not equipped to face the risks,” Macron said, underscoring his desire for the EU to assert itself more strongly on the global stage. He has repeatedly pushed for EU governments to increase spending on joint defense projects, as trust in the US providing Europe’s security umbrella has waned. The Draghi report also highlighted this point, urging member states to step up defense cooperation to prepare for potential security challenges in a world where the EU may not always be able to rely on its traditional allies. Fears about a second Donald Trump presidency are also fueling these concerns. Some European governments are worried that if Trump were to win the upcoming US election, it could weaken NATO. The Republican candidate has made remarks suggesting he would allow Russia to act freely against any NATO member that fails to meet its defense spending targets. In 2019, Macron famously referred to NATO as "brain dead," arguing that Europe could no longer count on the US to provide security against threats such as Russia’s growing aggression. Macron’s latest warning is a continuation of his efforts to push for deeper EU reforms, not just in the economic sphere but in defense and global strategy as well. His vision calls for an EU that is more self-sufficient, competitive, and better equipped to handle the challenges posed by a shifting global landscape. Based on a report from Daily Telegraph 2024-10-08 -
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What do you use for contraception?
I've never really have casual sex with random women, certainly not in Thailand so nothing. I've always left up to partner or try and pull out. Problem I'm now 40 and have 4 kids with 3 different Thai women. One each with ex girlfriends and now two with current partner. Recently got a vasectomy for the sake of my wallet. -
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To DTV or not to DTV - that is the question.
I am in the same boat. I was using the METV but I found the extensions and border bounces and worry about travel dates to be a big hassle. The DTV eliminates all that even if I don't end up staying more than 60 days. -
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Mayorkas says no more disaster funds but IG report says agency has billions
They got billions!🤔 Homeland Security Inspector General says agency has billions in untapped funds. “The report also says "$8.3 billion in unliquidated obligations" was "for disasters declared in 2012 or earlier" that analysts say could be returned to help people battling for survival in disasters” . https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/mayorkas-says-fema-has-no-more-disaster-funds-ig-report-says-agency-sitting-billions -
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Boris Johnson Suggests Putin Would Have Avoided Invading Ukraine if Trump Were President
Nice how we have Boris to speak for Trump as Trump never bothers to explain just how he would have prevented the war. We know how Trump intends to end it in "24 hours". By accepting all Putin territorial claims and aggressions no matter how ludicrous or illegal. I thought Covid-19 may have delayed Putins plans but Condee Rice said it may have emboldened him. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/politics/former-secretary-of-state-condoleezza-rice-covid-19-pandemic-influence-russian-president-vladimir-putin-invade-ukraine/95-3dbfff51-78cf-4654-b605-adb420eb3c88 -
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Thai visa shake-up: Southeast Asia consulates switch to e-visa only
They can match it up with the stamps in your passport, so if you were to get a DTV from Cambodia your passport would need to have stamps showing you were there at the time it was issued. -
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Could an October Surprise Shift the Deadlocked Trump-Harris Race?
It is a completely bizarre thing known as truth and reality, ever heard of it?
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