[SDUT] The Marine was stationed at Camp Pendleton for nearly four years, until January of this year, and is accused of conspiring to steal and sell weapons and ammunition nearly his entire time at the Oceanside-area base Just a couple rounds for plinking, right?
A Marine Corps corporal is facing federal charges stemming from the alleged thefts of multiple shoulder-fired rocket launchers and tens of thousands of rounds of military-grade ammunition from Camp Pendleton and then selling the weapons to co-conspirators in his home state of Arizona, according to court documents. Oops
While the corporal is the only person known to be facing charges at the moment, prosecutors filed court documents last week alleging a criminal conspiracy involving licensed gun dealers in Arizona, as well as implying the potential involvement of others at the base.
"Defendant stole and sold large volumes of U.S. military ammunition seemingly with the help of others at Camp Pendleton," an assistant U.S. attorney in Arizona wrote in a court filing Thursday.
The filing suggested that a massive amount of ammunition — potentially up to 2 million rounds — had been diverted away from Camp Pendleton sometime after it had been shipped from the Utah factory where it was made.
Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas was indicted earlier this month by a federal grand jury in Arizona on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement of government property and conspiracy to possess and sell stolen ammunition. Federal prosecutors said Amarillas joined the Marine Corps in 2021 and was an ammunition technician specialist who from February 2022 to January 2026 was assigned to Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry — West.
"Defendant stole weapons and ammunition of war and sold them to others to enrich himself," a prosecutor wrote in a motion filed last Thursday seeking to keep Amarillas behind bars. "Instead of faithfully serving his country, he has been stealing weapons and ammunition from the military base at which he was stationed for several years."
Amarillas pleaded not guilty to the charges last week during a hearing in U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. His retained attorney did not respond Monday to a message seeking comment.
Federal agents arrested Amarillas on March 5 while he was participating in an eight-week training course in Virginia and preparing for deployment to the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar, according to court documents. The charges against him were unsealed last week and first reported by Arizona’s Family, a network of television news stations.
Officials from Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps headquarters could not be reached for comment Monday.
Amarillas is charged with stealing and selling at least one Javelin Weapon System, an anti-tank shoulder-fired guided missile launcher, according to court documents. Prosecutors said one specific rocket launcher that he signed out in August 2024 from the Camp Pendleton infantry school was later purchased by undercover agents from an Arizona company.
"Defendant’s text messages with his co-conspirators prove that he stole and sold other such weapons," a prosecutor wrote in the detention memorandum seeking to keep him in custody.
Amarillas is also charged with stealing and selling tens of thousands of rounds of high-powered rifle ammunition that a prosecutor described as "so lethal that the public cannot legally possess it." He is accused of stealing and selling M855A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds, which are 5.56 mm rounds the public cannot legally buy or possess in any circumstances. He’s also accused of stealing and selling M855 non-enhanced rounds, which the public can legally buy and possess in some circumstances, but not when they’re specifically manufactured for the military.
According to the criminal complaint in the case, undercover federal agents purchased thousands of those rounds on multiple occasions in 2024 and 2025, including at Arizona gun shows. The complaint and indictment alleged that agents were able to trace almost all of the ammunition back to Camp Pendleton, and specifically back to the School of Infantry — West where Amarillas was stationed.
The complaint and indictment alleged that text messages between Amarillas and his co-conspirators in Arizona showed them planning "their conspiracy," and that after agents raided the Arizona home of one of the co-conspirators, Amarillas destroyed his own phone in an effort to cover his tracks. Juuust a little late
The complaint and indictment alleged the conspiracy began as early as February 2022. The prosecution’s detention memorandum suggested Amarillas may have worked with others at Camp Pendleton to divert ammunition away from the base.
A prosecutor wrote that the Army used its records to verify that the lot numbers of some stolen ammunition purchased by undercover agents in Arizona showed that ammunition had been made at an Army depot in Utah and sent to Camp Pendleton.
"The problem is that the U.S. Marine Corps records do not show those lots ever being issued to the School of Infantry West," the prosecutor wrote. "So that leaves about 2 million rounds of M855 unaccounted for."
A judge has ordered Amarillas to remain in custody. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to 10 years each on two additional counts.
#3
Skidmark, I just added a Related search for the last three links we had about Arizona. If you want to go deeper in the article archives, you’ll have to do a proper search.
[Daily Mail, where America gets its news] Donald Trump has told America's allies to fight their own battles as he warned he was prepared to walk away from the blockaded Strait of Hormuz in a major retreat in the Iran war.
The President singled out the UK as he tore into countries struggling to find fuel, telling them to buy American and secure the Strait themselves.
'I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,' Trump posted on Truth Social.
'You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us.'
Stocks rose after Trump reportedly told aides he was willing to end the war even if the Strait remains shut - a significant climbdown from his earlier threats to 'completely obliterate' Iran's oil fields unless the waterway reopened.
The Dow jumped 498 points, or 1 percent, while the S&P 500 gained 1.2 percent, and the Nasdaq surged 1.4 percent.
Oil continued to climb with Brent crude, the global benchmark, hitting $117 per barrel, up 4 percent. The national average gas price topped $4 a gallon for the first time since the war began on February 28.
Trump's comments came as European countries have turned their backs on the Iran war. Even friends like Emmanuel Macron have called the strikes 'outside of international law' and that France 'cannot approve them.'
Trump’s response. In brief, a very old fashioned “TANSTAAFL.”
Italy barred an American bomber flying to the Middle East from landing at one of its bases, Spain restricted its airspace for US warplanes, and Poland refused to send Patriot air defense systems to the region.
Europe's rejection of the conflict stands at odds with America's Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain privately urging Washington to press on with the war.
Officials in all four Gulf states have privately insisted the military operation must continue until the Iranian leadership is toppled or forced into a dramatic U-turn.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to seize the 'historic opportunity' in the Middle East, encouraging the President to deploy ground troops to seize Iran's energy sites.
Trump insisted Iran had been 'essentially, decimated' and 'the hard part is done' after US forces overnight dropped 2,000lb bunker-buster bombs on an ammunition depot in Isfahan as an Iranian drone set ablaze a fully loaded Kuwaiti tanker off Dubai.
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said the Al-Salmi, carrying 2 million barrels of crude, was struck while anchored at Dubai port, causing a fire onboard. All 24 crew members were safe and no oil spill was reported.
Trump is gunning for a deal with Tehran before an April 6 deadline to reopen the Strait, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday.
She added that talks were progressing and that what Tehran says publicly differs from what it tells US officials in private.
Iran's Foreign Ministry dismissed the US peace proposals relayed via intermediaries as 'unrealistic, illogical and excessive.'
Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei insisted: 'We are under military aggression. Therefore, all our efforts and strength are focused on defending ourselves.'
The White House also confirmed Trump was weighing whether to ask Arab nations to foot the bill for the war.
'It's an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you'll hear more from him on,' Leavitt said.
Reshaping expectations, moving the Overton Window, and all the other salesmanship buzzwords. It’ll be interesting to see where things end up.
Posted by: Skidmark ||
03/31/2026 12:17 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1807 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
'Italy is certainly not considering going to war with Iran,' Crosetto emphatically announced earlier in the March.
He continued: 'I don't think there will ever be Italian soldiers or planes capable of bombing Iran; this seems clear and obvious to me,' before adding: 'Not only is it constitutionally impossible, but there isn't even the will.'
#5
Europe only gets around some 16% of its oil from the ME so it could live without the strait. Asia is the huge importer of ME oil and Iran isn't gonna risk pissing of China (80% of oil imports from the ME) by cutting them off.
The usual kak and drivel.
[TIMES Live] Anti-Apartheid Movement slams US-Israel war as violation of UN Charter
The South African chapter of the Anti-Apartheid Movement has called on the government to take an unambiguous position opposing the “illegal war” being waged by the US and Israeli against Iran.
The chapter also called for the dismantling of US military bases in West Asia and Africa and for sanctions to be immediately imposed on the “apartheid state of Israel”.
It also demanded a Brics position opposing the US-Israel war and that a global consensus be developed against US imperial adventures and Zionist expansionism.
In a statement on Monday, the chapter strongly condemned the war launched by the US and Israel on Iran.
“This imperialist and expansionist war has already had devastating consequences in Iran, Lebanon, the West Asia region as a whole and the world more generally,” the chapter’s chairperson Frank Chikane said.
He said the blame for all the devastation resulting from this war belonged to the US and Israel.
“Their unprovoked aggression has already caused the devastating loss of thousands of civilian lives — including school children — the displacement of millions of people and the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure.”
The chapter said the crimes of the US and Israel in Iran and elsewhere were not limited to the illegal war, the assassination of the Iranian head of state or the targeting of civilians, such as the school in Minab on the first day of attacks.
“It includes the fact that, for the second time in eight months, these states launched illegal wars on Iran while in the midst of negotiations with its leaders.
“That the mediators reported that a deal was imminent indicates that the US used negotiations as a delaying tactic to prepare its forces for war.”
The chapter said the US-Israel attack was in direct violation of articles 2 and 51 of the UN Charter, relating to the use of force by a UN member state and the right to self-defence.
It was also in violation of UNGA Resolution 3314, in terms of which this war imposed on Iran would be regarded as a war of aggression and a crime against international peace.
The chapter said the onslaught on Iran was part of Israel’s expansionist project, in its attempt to dominate the entire West Asia region and subjugate its populations to Zionist objectives.
“It is Israel, not Iran, that insists on territorial expansionism with its claims to a ‘Greater Israel’ ; it is Israel, not Iran, that possesses nuclear weapons; it is Israel, not Iran, that refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and refuses to subject its nuclear installations to IAEA inspection; it is Israel, not Iran, that — until February 2026 — had attacked or invaded seven neighbouring countries. It is Israel, not Iran, that is guilty of committing a genocide against Gaza and now the West Bank, an illegally occupied population.”
The recent actions of the US and Israel, it said, were a call to action to all the people of the world.
“Either we oppose their illegal programmes or we condemn the world to a future of barbarism, violence, subjugation of the weak by the powerful and the theft of resources by powerful imperialists and their billionaire cohorts.”
Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād (JASDJ), mostly known as Boko Haram, recently released a video threatening ISWAP. The group in the video appears to be based in the Lake Chad area under the authority of the JAS overall leader Bakura Doro, aka Abu Umaymah.
Jamā'at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da'wah wa'l-Jihād (JASDJ), mostly known as Boko Haram, recently released a video threatening ISWAP. The group in the video appears to be based in the Lake Chad area under the authority of the JAS overall leader Bakura Doro, aka Abu Umaymah.
The speaker begins by calling ISWAP apostates and deviants, and tells them not to rejoice over the death of Abu Bakr al-Shekawi (Shekau). As a reminder, Shekau blew himself up in 2021 when he was cornered by ISWAP in the Sambisa Forest. ISWAP had called upon him with loudspeakers to surrender, but he refused.
He adds that after Shekau there are many other Shekaus who don’t die and don’t change, and who follow his ways and teachings, and will remain until the Day of Judgement.
More at the link
Posted by: badanov ||
03/31/2026 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1765 views]
Top|| File under: Boko Haram (ISIS)
❗️❗️🇺🇸🇮🇷 At this moment, 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft are being redeployed from Bangor Air Base to RAF Lakenheath in the UK, supported by aerial refueling tankers.
▪️ The move suggests preparations for potential expanded operations, with additional close air support… pic.twitter.com/MJR47iTpf1
At this moment, 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft are being redeployed from Bangor Air Base
…in Bangor, Maine…
to RAF Lakenheath in the UK, supported by aerial refueling tankers.
▪️ The move suggests preparations for potential expanded operations, with additional close air support assets being positioned in Europe before a possible transfer to the Middle East.
▪️ The deployment could be aimed at supporting ground forces if operations escalate.
[IsraelTimes] Pro-Russia groups raise more than $8.3 million in crypto donations since full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Iran’s IRGC linked to crypto wallet purchasing drone parts abroad
Groups linked to Russia and Iran ...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for spontaneously taking over other countries' embassies, maintaining whorehouses run by clergymen, involvement in international drug trafficking, and financing sock puppet militias to extend the regime's influence. The word Iran is a cognate form of Aryan. The abbreviation IRGC is the same idea as Stürmabteilung (or SA). The term Supreme Guide is a the modern version form of either Duce or Führer or maybe both. They hate JewsZionists Jews. Their economy is based on the production of oil and vitriol... are increasingly using cryptocurrency to finance the purchase of low-cost military drones and components, according to a new report from blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis.
Commercially available drones have become central to conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, but because low-cost drones are widely available on global e-commerce platforms, it is often challenging for authorities to track who is behind the purchases and what their intent with the products might be.
While most drone purchases are made using traditional financial rails, procurement networks are increasingly intersecting with the blockchain, the public digital ledger on which cryptocurrencies are based, Chainalysis found. That ledger allows Sherlocks to map the path of a transaction from its origin to its destination.
Blockchain researchers at Chainalysis were able to trace the flow of crypto from individual wallets connected to drone developers or paramilitary groups to the purchase of low-cost drones and their components from vendors on e-commerce sites.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, pro-Russia groups have raised more than $8.3 million in crypto donations, and drones have been among the specifically itemized purchases made with those donations, the report said.
"On the blockchain, there’s this incredible opportunity, once you have identified the vendor to see the counterparty activity and make assessments that help clarify that utilization and the intent behind the purchase," said Andrew Fierman, the head of national security intelligence at Chainalysis.
Chainalysis was able to match transactions in crypto for between $2,200 and $3,500 to the exact price points of drones and drone components on e-commerce platforms, Fierman said.
"We saw everything from the request for the drones and the parts and how much they were looking to get, and then the pictures showing that they had procured those goods," he said.
The report also found that Iran-linked groups are using crypto to procure drone parts and sell military equipment. It specifically highlighted a crypto wallet with connections to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps purchasing drone parts from a Hong Kong-based supplier.
To be sure, the total volume of crypto tied to drone procurement remains small compared with overall military spending, but the report argued that the blockchain could help authorities better trace purchases that might have otherwise remained murky.
"The blockchain can provide a lot of insight that isn’t necessarily traditionally available," Fierman said.
#1
"We saw everything from the request for the drones and the parts and how much they were looking to get, and then the pictures showing that they had procured those goods," he said.
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] The price of Brent crude oil futures on the London ICE Exchange exceeded $115 per barrel, according to trading data from March 30.
As of 1:15 AM Moscow time, the price of North Sea fuel had risen by 2.74%, reaching $115.65 per barrel. By 1:25 AM Moscow time, the rise had slowed somewhat, falling to $115.40 (up 2.51%), according to data.
On March 19, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, the price of gas on the London Stock Exchange exceeded $850 per 1,000 cubic meters for the first time since December 2022. On the same day, oil prices rose above $111 per barrel.
On March 25, Shell CEO Wael Sawan warned that if tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist, Europe could face fuel shortages as early as April. Slovenian authorities became the first in the EU to impose restrictions on daily fuel supplies.
On March 26, Russian Presidential Special Representative Kirill Dmitriev stated that the world is entering the most powerful energy crisis in history, for which neither Europe nor Great Britain is prepared, although they may subsequently turn to Russia for energy supplies.
Propane fell to 0.80 USD/Gal on March 30, 2026, down 0.28% from the previous day. Over the past month, Propane's price has risen 12.48%, but it is still 9.21% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity.
[ZERO] The debate over violence in German society and schools has reached a boiling point in the Bundestag, pitting Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his supporters against critics who accuse him of racism, including a Left Party politician who published a photo of herself on Instagram giving him the middle finger.
The controversy intensified following a session where Merz addressed the issue of digital and analog violence, particularly against women.
"We have exploding violence in our society, both in the analog and digital space, and we must do something about it together," said Merz.
However, he said that one must then also talk about where this violence comes from, he said to applause from members of the CDU/CSU and the AfD.
"And then we must also address the fact that a considerable proportion of this violence comes to the Federal Republic of Germany from immigrant groups," he added.
[Jpost] A new militant group named The Earthquake Faction
…yet another Iran proxy…
has claimed responsibility for the arson attack on a defense facility in the Czech Republic linked to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.
On March 20, a fire broke out in the complex of Czech defense firm LPP Holding. Czech investigators confirmed the fire was deliberately set.
Shortly after the arson itself, Earthquake Faction published a communiqué on its website saying it had “struck the epicenter of the Israeli weapons industry in Europe.”
[MEAWW] Rumors and unverified claims have swirled around Charlie Kirk since his death on September 10, 2025. In a shocking update to the Tyler Robinson
…gay, radical left, romantically involved with a very unbalanced transgender furry, he turned his back on the healthy Republican conservatism of his Mormon family, and set out to punish Charlie Kirk. Apparently, he immediately afterward told his Discord crowd what he’d done. Then he told his father, who was connected to the sheriff’s department; Pops persuaded him to turn himself in. While I’m not aware of evidence he is Black Bloc/Antifa, it sure looks like he’s their ideal candidate…
murder case, Robinson’s defense attorneys say the bullet from his rifle did not match the one found in Kirk’s body. But is that claim true? Let’s fact‑check the report.
CLAIM: TYLER ROBINSON'S BULLET DID NOT MATCH THE ONE THAT KILLED CHARLIE KIRK
Reports claiming that the bullet from Tyler Robinson’s rifle did not match the one that killed Charlie Kirk have been spreading widely on X and other social media platforms. X user @EdKrassen (Ed Krassenstein) posted, “MAJOR DEVELOPMENT – Charlie Kirk assassination case: New defense court filing drops a bombshell,” and added that “ATF firearm analyst was unable to match the bullet recovered from Kirk’s body to the Mauser rifle allegedly tied to suspect Tyler Robinson."
The post suggested, "If the fatal bullet doesn’t link to the supposed murder weapon, this raises major questions about the prosecution’s case."
The claim sparked debate online. One user asked, “Is this true?” while another criticized the post, saying, “You’re probably making this up. If it didn’t match, the authorities would have known that long ago. You simply scum.”
Meanwhile, some far-right figures, including Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, have questioned Robinson’s role in the killing, hinting at a larger conspiracy. Former National Counterterrorism Center Director under Trump, Joe Kent, also recently suggested that Robinson may not have acted alone.
FACT CHECK: ATF BULLET ANALYSIS IN TYLER ROBINSON-CHARLIE KIRK CASE IS INCONCLUSIVE
Tyler Robinson’s defense attorneys said in recent court filings that a federal ATF analysis could not definitively link a bullet fragment from Charlie Kirk’s autopsy to the rifle found at the scene. The FBI is conducting further tests.
While the ATF report remains private, attorneys have shared parts of it in public filings, showing the results were inconclusive. 'Inconclusive' simply means there isn’t enough evidence to draw a clear conclusion. Notably, there is no official proof that the bullet did not match the rifle.
Some social media posts claim the bullets didn’t match, but this is based on the defense’s argument, not confirmed forensic evidence.
Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for Robinson, 22, who faces aggravated murder charges for the September 10 shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Authorities said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the rifle’s trigger, the fired cartridge, and two unfired cartridges. The defense noted that some items contained DNA from multiple people, requiring more detailed analysis.
Robinson is scheduled to return to court on April 17 for a hearing on a defense request to ban cameras from the courtroom.
#9
Charlie Kirk wasn't shot with a bullet he was accidentally decapitated with a piece of shrapnel from the miniature explosive in his microphone.
The explosive was supposed to blow out his chest and make the 30-06 by the patsy Tyler Robinson a no-brainer explanation and open-and-shut-case, but it malfunctioned and hit his neck.
This is why security immediately rushed to remove the devices involved, the security camera from behind Charlie was removed, they literally stole his body, Netanyahu immediately claimed it wasn't Israel and it took so long for the FBI to locate hte killer and the entire narrative was so obviously fake.
They knew it went sloppy and had to rush to manufacture evidence to match the narrative.
The explosive was purchased in May 2025 from the Accurate Energetic Systems plant in Tennessee in a deal likely brokered by Deputy Secretary Of Defense Steve Feinberg and tested at Fort Huachuca in the days leading up to Charlie's death.
This is why there were pieces of glass in the van they hauled Charlie away in and why they had to pour several feet of concrete over the murder scene.
There's probably still remnants from the explosive on the row of hats that were in front of Charlie.
They then blew up the Accurate Energetic Systems a month later to cover up all the evidence and killed 16 people in the process.
Little known fact, the month Charlie Kirk died Pete Hegseth bought that 2 million in lobster and crab and the United States military spent $300 billion dollars, the most it's ever spent in one month. They were already planning the ground invasion.
The war with Iran literally started the day he died, he was the wars first casualty.
https://x.com/GoUncensored/status/2038879431394033665?s=20
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited by Malek Dudakov
[REGNUM] The US military operation against Iran is leading to a profound split in American society. For the first time, we can speak of a virtual breakdown of the long-held consensus that has prevailed in the US for many years.
We're talking about bipartisan support for Israel—both at the public level and among the political class in Washington. American-Israeli relations face a prolonged and very serious crisis in the coming years.
On the very eve of the US and Israeli attack on Iran, a curious and revealing Gallup study was released. For the first time in a quarter-century of polling, it found that the proportion of Americans sympathizing with the Palestinians exceeds those who support Israel. Among the Democratic Party electorate, two-thirds hold a negative view of Israel. The same picture is evident among independent voters. Even among Republicans, some unrest is beginning.
Moreover, it's not just a partisan gap that's emerging, but a generational one as well. The older generation traditionally supports the Jewish state, but young Americans view Israel with extreme disapproval. Younger politicians in both parties will no longer view the alliance with such reverence. And a generational shift in Washington politics will happen sooner or later; it's already gradually underway.
A month after the conflict began, American public attitudes toward Israel have worsened even further.
This is also evident in the mood within the US Armed Forces. The number of appeals to human rights activists has increased more than tenfold, with service members asking to be prevented from being sent to the Middle East war zone. Many enlisted men and officers are openly saying they don't want to die in an unclear war for Israel's interests.
Public sentiment has also begun to influence the positions of many influential public figures in American politics.
The words of current Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker have caused quite a stir. He is a member of the influential clan that founded the Hyatt hotel chain and is a pillar of the Democratic Party. The governor's relative, Penny Pritzker, served as Secretary of Commerce during Barack Obama's presidency and as special envoy to Ukraine under Joe Biden. She is considered one of the Obama family's key "wallets."
J.B. Pritzker has lashed out at Israeli lobbyists, accusing them of trying to interfere in US elections.
The issue concerns the activities of an organization called the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). It was founded in the early 1950s to improve Israel's image in the eyes of Americans. Back then, a crisis in relations was also evident: American society was shocked by the actions of Israeli soldiers who killed dozens of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank. The fallout from the scandal had to be quickly contained.
Over the past election cycles, AIPAC has spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting pro-Israel candidates. Moreover, unlike lobbying organizations in other countries around the world, it does not officially represent foreign interests in the United States. The committee openly circumvents the law by insisting that the majority of its donors are Jews with dual citizenship.
It is worth noting, however, that the effectiveness of Israel's lobbyists has been declining over the years.
For example, in 2024, they managed to defeat only two left-leaning congressmen— Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush —while all other Israel critics were easily re-elected. And Bowman and Bush likely lost due to personal scandals.
This year, AIPAC's Israel lobbyists have been getting into a lot of trouble. A comical incident occurred in New Jersey, where they spent millions of dollars campaigning against centrist Democrat Tom Malinowski, a mild-mannered skeptic of Israel support. Ultimately, he was replaced by leftist protégé Analiliya Mejia, a labor activist, immigrant, and supporter of sanctions against Israel.
In the Illinois primaries, almost all the candidates who received funding from pro-Israel lobbyists failed miserably. The mere fact of receiving donations from AIPAC was used as incriminating evidence. Subsequently, Governor Pritzker—who is Jewish, his ancestors originally came from the village of Velyki Pritsky near Kyiv—also spoke out against Israel's activism. He had previously supported AIPAC, but has now severed all ties with it.
The very serious ideological divide between American and Israeli Jews is on full display. The former are largely liberal—80% of Jews in the US consistently vote Democratic. The MAGA agenda and the ideology of Benjamin Netanyahu are utterly alien to them.
The Israeli lobby, however, now focuses primarily on working with Christian Zionists on Donald Trump's team. The result is an unnatural fusion of the religious right in the US and Israel.
It's increasingly irritating secular Jews and Democrats. The latter are even threatening to launch an investigation into the Israel lobby's influence on American politics if they win the upcoming congressional elections.
That's where things are heading now—forecasts give the Democrats a 5-7 point advantage. The Democratic Party could gain 230 seats in Congress or even more, forming a fairly stable and functioning majority.
The left wing of the Democrats takes an even more hardline stance. According to various estimates, it numbers between 20 and 40 legislators.
After the elections, the left will clearly gain even more ground in both houses of Congress. They already believe the momentum is now in their favor. The left is actively promoting a boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel. Its most prominent representatives, like current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (who, incidentally, is a Shiite), are calling for sabotage of the military campaign against Iran.
Sociology shows that two-thirds of Americans have a negative view of the current state of the fighting. And over 60% favor an immediate end to the war, regardless of the situation on the front lines.
Democrats are emboldened, actively using the anti-war narrative. The first large-scale, multi-million-person protests criticizing the White House's actions in the Middle East have begun in American cities. This is merely a preview of the Democratic Party's street activism. The main protests will likely take place this summer, amid celebrations of the 250th anniversary of US independence, and then closer to the November elections.
Suppressing them will be quite difficult given the dysfunctional law enforcement system, which has been without federal funding for several months. Democrats are blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security, demanding a halt to all immigration raids first.
They'll likely employ a similar scheme in the context of Trump's $200 billion request for the war with Iran. The Democratic Party will blackmail the president, demanding complete capitulation on the domestic front in exchange.
Attitudes toward the Jewish state in American society have deteriorated sharply, and the consequences will be far-reaching. For the first time, one of the two major parties in the United States is questioning the "special relationship" with Israel.
There had been disagreements before—for example, Henry Kissinger was reluctant to build an alliance with Israel. And Obama tried to remove Netanyahu from power. But the bipartisan pro-Israel consensus remained. If the Democrats win in 2026 and 2028, the program of cooperation with Israel will face a serious shakeup.
Given the Jewish state's dependence on the United States in financial and military spheres, this will certainly not end well for Israel.
Related: Read the summary of the poll data for yourself, dear Reader. Note that among Republicans preference for Israel at 70:30 is within the post-9/11 historical range — it’s basically Democrats who have changed their preferences as they fall for propaganda on social media.
#1
If dDemocrats vote to conedemn AIPAC Jewish billionaires will wreeak havoc on their party as they withdraw donations. Those donationas were always part of the bipartisan consensus that a strong, nuclear-armed Isreal is in the American interest and that the billions in aid every year were pennies that came back to us in weapons purchases. Money well-spent, as Christian Zionist Ted Cruz(R) said.
Posted by: Fat Bob Smiter of the Giants9662 ||
03/31/2026 4:50 Comments ||
Top||
#2
That’s ok. In a few years the Jewish zillionaires can withdraw donations from Israel- and Jew-hating Democrats without worrying about US donations to Israel because Israel won’t be accepting American money anymore.
Did you ever hear about anyone else anywhere telling Uncle Sugar to keep his taxpayers’ money for America?
[GreekCityTimes] The Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate has announced the cancellation of all public Easter celebrations in Syria for 2026, citing ongoing security concerns and unstable conditions across the country.
In an official directive addressed to clergy in the Patriarchal Archdiocese of Damascus, the Patriarchate confirmed that this year’s observances will be significantly scaled back, with services limited strictly to prayers held inside churches.
“As we stand at the threshold of Holy Week, and in light of the current unfavorable circumstances, we have decided, in coordination and agreement with the other Churches, that this year’s Easter celebrations (2026) will be limited to prayers held inside churches only,” the statement read.
The decision reflects broader concerns among Christian communities in Syria, where ongoing instability and recent incidents have heightened fears for public safety during major religious gatherings.
Church leaders emphasised that the move was taken collectively with other Christian denominations, underscoring a unified approach to safeguarding worshippers during one of the most important periods in the Christian calendar.
Clergy have been instructed to implement the directive immediately, ensuring that Holy Week and Easter services proceed in a restricted format focused on prayer within church premises.
While public celebrations, processions, and traditional gatherings will not take place this year, the Patriarchate called on the faithful to observe the season in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and unity.
The cancellation marks a significant moment for Syria’s historic Christian communities, for whom Easter is both a deeply religious and communal celebration, often observed with large public participation.
[PJMedia] The Israeli Foreign Ministry continues to try to draw international attention to the heartbreaking plight of Syrian Christians, who face persecution and even murder at the hands of the Syrian government and rogue jihadis every day.
Al-Sharaa, formerly al-Golani (because of his belief that Paleostinian murderous Moslems should control Israel’s Golan Heights), the current dictator of and lifelong terrorist in Syria, has not stopped his murderous activities just because he put on a suit and became his country’s ruler. Between government massacres and random attacks from bands of roving Moslem bad boys, Syrian Christians are truly in a horrendous plight this Holy Week. And the only government that seems to care is in the world's only Jewish nation.
When al-Sharaa’s jihadis were helping local murderous Moslems commit wholesale massacre in multiple Syrian towns last year, only the Israeli government struck back on behalf of the Christians and other minorities (especially Druze) being killed. Now the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is promoting a post from one of its officials, urging the world not only to pray for Syrian Christians, but to speak out and rally on their behalf. Westerners gathered in huge numbers to protest for Paleostinian terrorists. Why can't Westerners organize just as enthusiastically for true victims of genocide in Syria?
MFA’s director of South Europa ...the land mass occupying the space between the English Channel and the Urals, also known as Moslem Lebensraum... Department, George Deek, shared a video that you can watch below. He commented, "Syrian Christians have been reduced from over 2 million to barely 300,000. Now they are under attack again."
Deek emphasized, "As we will soon enter the Holy Week, the very communities that have kept the faith alive for 2,000 years are facing violence, fear, and extinction. Pray for Syria’s Christians, but don’t stop there. Speak about it. Share it. The silence of the world is part of the tragedy."
Why are Christian leaders not talking about the Syrian Christians on a regular basis? Where are the fundraisers, the awareness campaigns, the marches, the petitions to governments on behalf of the Syrian faithful?
The Iraqi Christian Foundation shared more video and confirmed, "On the eve of Palm Sunday and Holy Week, in the ancient Christian town of Suqaylabiyah, Syria, groups of armed Islamists are attacking Christian shops, homes, and churches." The foundation also explained al-Shara’s role in this.
"The al-Qaeda/ISIS-aligned Syrian government is encouraging these attacks and has been a catastrophic disaster for Syria’s Christians and other minorities, as predicted," the foundation stated. "Middle East Christians are currently under attack from the Holy Land to Leb ...Formerly inhabited by hardy Phoenecian traders, its official language is now Arabic, with the usual unpleasant side effects.... , Syria, and Iraq. God help everyone."
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 ||
03/31/2026 00:58 ||
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[1769 views]
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#1
services limited strictly to prayers held inside churches
Yep, coming up on Easter.
Gonna be some known target boomers.
[Daily Mail, where America gets its news] Donald Trump has threatened to 'blow up' Iran's water supply and electric grid unless the Islamic regime reopens the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran moves to tear up its nuclear treaty.
The President made the threat in a Truth Social post Monday morning, warning that if Iran refuses to sign a peace deal, the US would conclude the war by 'blowing up and completely obliterating' electric plants and oil wells across the country.
Trump said the US was in 'serious discussions with a new, and more reasonable regime' to end the war, adding that 'great progress had been made' - the post landing before Wall Street's opening bell.
But he immediately followed up with an escalation, writing that if a deal could not be reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, then the US would strike Iran's 'electric generating plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants).'
Iran relies on desalination plants to supply its population of more than 90 million people, who have little access to fresh water without them. Striking or destroying civilian water and energy infrastructure is prohibited by the Geneva Convention.
Iran's parliament is separately weighing a full exit from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, long cited by the regime as proof it harbors no nuclear ambitions, though US intelligence has warned for years that Tehran's enrichment activities could presage a bomb.
'What is the benefit of joining a treaty in which bullying parties at the international level not only do not allow us to benefit from its rights but also attack our nuclear facilities?' an Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said.
Stock futures rose after Trump offered investors hope that a deal was within reach, with Dow futures adding 357 points, or 0.8 percent, while S&P and Nasdaq futures each gained 0.8 percent.
But oil was also trending higher, with international benchmark Brent crude hitting $115 per barrel, ticking up 2 percent, while US crude was up at $101 per barrel, rising by 1.4 percent.
Trump has repeatedly timed his statements to land before markets open, touting progress toward a resolution while threatening to seize Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90 percent of Tehran's oil exports.
Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump's pre-market posts of being an attempt to 'pump' stocks on Sunday.
'Heads-up: Pre-market so-called “news” or “Truth” is often just a setup for profit-taking. Basically, it’s a reverse indicator. Do the opposite: If they pump it, short it. If they dump it, go long,' he posted on X.
Retired US Army General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said Trump should not bomb Iran's civilian infrastructure as such an attack could be considered a 'war crime,' in an interview last week.
'A lot of people will say it's a war crime because mostly these power plants are probably there for the civilian population,' said Clark in a NewsNation interview. 'You cannot destroy civilian assets in an effort to put harm on the population.'
Trump told the Financial Times on Sunday that he could 'take the oil in Iran' by seizing Kharg Island as the war entered its fifth week.
Iran has responded by laying traps and moving additional assets to fortify the island as the US sends thousands of troops to the region for a possible ground invasion.
Posted by: Clem+Elmish4239 ||
03/31/2026 00:00 ||
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[1814 views]
Top|| File under: Govt of Iran
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
...a theocratic Shiite state divided among the Medes, the Persians, and the (Arab) Elamites. Formerly a fairly civilized nation ruled by a Shah, it became a victim of Islamic revolution in 1979. The nation is today noted for 
[ZERO] The debate over violence in German society and schools has reached a boiling point in the Bundestag, pitting Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his supporters against critics who accuse him of racism, including a Left Party politician who published a photo of herself on Instagram giving him the middle finger.
...Formerly inhabited by hardy Phoenecian traders, its official language is now Arabic, with the usual unpleasant side effects....
