Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

Europe

Trip Wire - Will Estonia trigger WWIII?

2025-05-27

[Doomberg] "War does not determine who is right—only who is left."— Bertrand Russell

For centuries, Estonia has alternated between brief periods of independence and long stretches of domination by foreign powers. With a land area smaller than West Virginia and a population of just 1.4 million, its vulnerability is amplified by geography. As a buffer state between Western Europe and Russia with strategic access to the Baltic Sea, the country has often been treated as a pawn between stronger warring parties. Estonia gained its independence when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and joined both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004.

The Gulf of Finland, a narrow corridor that separates Estonia and Finland, serves as a primary transit route for Russian cargo, including significant quantities of oil. At its narrowest, the Gulf of Finland spans just 32 miles, and a seven-mile-wide stretch near its center serves as an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ is governed as an international passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Under UNCLOS Article 37, Estonia and Finland cannot restrict ships from passing through or otherwise impede passage, except in very limited circumstances.

The small fraction of the 335 million Americans who happen upon this article might be surprised to learn that they have an Article 5 obligation to defend Estonia militarily should it be attacked—and that the odds of such a scenario have climbed measurably in the past two weeks:

"A tense maritime incident unfolded today off the Estonian coast when Estonian naval forces attempted to detain the M/T JAGUAR, a crude oil tanker allegedly part of Russia’s shadow fleet. Estonian forces deployed a helicopter, patrol aircraft, and patrol boat to intercept the vessel, which apparently refused to comply with orders to halt or alter course.

The situation escalated when a Russian Su-35S fighter jet entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland in what appeared to be an attempt to deter Estonian forces."

Despite Russia’s long-standing warnings that any interference with its trade through the Gulf of Finland would constitute an escalation justifying a military response, much of the Western media spun the story as Russia violating NATO airspace—as though this were not the response Estonia knowingly provoked. A few days after the incident, Russia sent another message:

"Russia detained a Greek-owned oil tanker on Sunday after it left an Estonian port in the Gulf of Finland, the Estonian Foreign Ministry said, adding it had alerted NATO allies to the incident.

The Liberia-flagged ship Green Admire was leaving Sillamae port using a designated navigation channel that crosses Russian territorial waters, the ministry said in a statement.

’This is definitely connected to the fact that we have started to harass Russia's shadow fleet,’ Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told Estonian broadcaster ERR."

Link

Europe

Israel warns Europe that Palestine recognition may be met with West Bank annexation

2025-05-27

[IsraelTimes] Reports say ministers tell UK, France and others that Israel is considering annexing Area C of West Bank and legalizing outposts; Sweden summons Israeli envoy over Gaza aid

Israeli government ministers have reportedly warned key European countries that any unilateral recognition of a Paleostinian state could prompt Israel to take unilateral measures as well, potentially including the annexation of parts of the West Bank, according to Monday reports.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer personally warned French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy that Israel could respond to recognition of a Paleostinian state by annexing Area C of the West Bank and legalizing unauthorized outposts, the Haaretz outlet reported, citing a foreign diplomat familiar with the matter.

A separate report by Israel Hayom said Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar conveyed a similar message to counterparts in the UK, La Belle France, and other nations, warning that steps against Israel would be met with Israeli actions such as extending illusory sovereignty to West Bank settlements and parts of the Jordan Valley.

"Unilateral moves against Israel will be met with unilateral moves by Israel," Sa’ar reportedly said.

The warnings came ahead of a French- and Saudi-led summit set to take place in New York next month, where French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to promote coordinated recognition of Paleostinian statehood.

While the US has said it will not participate, other European countries are still deliberating.

Some, including Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, have reportedly voiced opposition to unilateral recognition. Others, such as Spain — which recognized a Paleostinian state last year — and Malta — which has said it will do so at the summit — are expected to say they support countries announcing unilateral recognition.

After Macron said last month that La Belle France was considering recognition of Paleostinian statehood, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said such a move would be a "huge prize for terror."

La Belle France’s recognition of Paleostinian statehood would mark a major policy shift for Gay Paree and risk antagonizing Israel, which insists such moves by foreign states are premature.

La Belle France would be the most significant European power to recognize a Paleostinian state, a move the United States has also long resisted.

Israel has argued that unilateral recognition of a Paleostinian state now will be viewed as a reward for Hamas
Hamas

..a regional Iranian catspaw,...
’s October 7 onslaught. Israel’s military campaign to rid the Gazoo
...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with a rusty iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppression and disproportionate response...
Strip of Hamas has sparked worldwide sympathy for Paleostinians and galvanized support for recognizing statehood in some capitals.

The threats come amid mounting European opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

On Monday, Sweden announced that it would summon the Israeli ambassador to protest against Israel’s refusal to freely allow aid into Gaza.

"We do not support what the Israeli government is currently doing by denying access to Gaza. Absolutely not," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, according to the TT news agency.

A spokesperson for Mr. Kristersson confirmed this summons to AFP.

"We have been very clear about this, both nationally and with many other European countries. The pressure is now increasing — there is no doubt about it. And for very good reasons," the Swedish leader added.

Israel’s block on aid since early March, which has caused severe shortages of food and medicine, was partially lifted last week in the face of mounting international indignation. Since the blockade was lifted, hundreds of aid trucks have entered the Strip, mostly containing food, but UN officials and local aid workers have said that Israel’s renewed military action in the Strip makes effective distribution near impossible.

Kristersson also said he was in favor of a reassessment of the association agreement between the European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
and Israel. The bloc has ordered a review of it to see if Israel is respecting human rights
...which often include carefully measured allowances of freedom at the convenience of the state...
and democratic principles.

"This requires a consensus, and we are not there yet. But many of us are working in that direction," he said. "The current actions of the Israeli government are pushing more EU countries to impose stricter demands on Israel."

According to French diplomats, 17 of the 27 EU member states have so far said they back a review of the agreement, with Germany being the most notable abstention.

Link

Africa Horn

Villa Somalia under fire over alleged misuse of donated military helicopters

2025-05-27

[Garowe] Authorities in Mogadishu may find it difficult to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged misuse of helicopters donated to the Somali National Army (SNA) for operational and logistical support in the ongoing war against al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
While details remain limited, multiple sources have implicated Villa Somalia—the presidential palace—in what appears to be a developing scandal that may trigger audit investigations and renewed scrutiny from international donors.

According to confidential sources, helicopters intended for the Somali National Army [SNA] have allegedly been rented out as private charters to military officials and personnel from other security sectors. This practice reportedly involves aircraft donated by international partners, raising serious concerns over transparency and accountability.

The rental fees for these flights are said to range between $5,000 and $8,000 per trip, covering personnel transport, medevac, and rescue operations. If confirmed, the scandal could test the integrity of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration, particularly as it depends heavily on international support in the fight against terrorism.

Somalia reportedly received six Bell 412 helicopters between 2023 and 2024 from Italia and other partner nations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities. However,
a person who gets all wrapped up in himself makes a mighty small package...
sources allege that Villa Somalia registered the aircraft under a private company named Gem-Tech, managed by Ahmed Nur—a close associate of President Mohamud.

After registration, the helicopters were repainted and marked as belonging to the Somali Air Force (SAF), yet continue to operate under the call sign "6-Oscar," which is typically reserved for civilian aircraft. This discrepancy has raised further questions about the opacity of their operations and potential misuse.

These allegations surface amid a broader climate of uncertainty surrounding the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The mission’s future is now in doubt after the United States signaled plans to suspend its funding until the European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
and other donors contribute matching amounts. The U.S. has historically played a leading role in financing and supporting AUSSOM, including training elite units such as the Danab Special Forces.

The funding freeze follows long-standing concerns over misuse of resources in Somalia’s security sector. Former U.S. President Donald Trump
...The cad! Twice caught beating wimmin!...
had withdrawn American troops over what he labeled "resource wastage," though they were later redeployed by President Joe The Big Guy Biden
Joe <q>The Big Guy</q> Biden

...46th president of the U.S. You're a lyin' dog-faced pony soldier...
"Somalia and its international partners are facing a serious reckoning," said security analyst Abdisalam Guled.

"The AUSSOM mandate is due to expire within weeks, and there’s little likelihood of an extension given the financial shortfalls. Embassies and international bodies are slowly scaling back their presence in a quiet, gradual withdrawal. The question now is: what’s next for Somalia?"

Concerns over the potential misappropriation of donated equipment and other public resources could further erode donor confidence at a time when al-Shabaab is regaining momentum in central regions.

Villa Somalia has not officially responded to the allegations. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, no stranger to controversy, has previously dismissed accusations involving his family in corruption and questionable business dealings as politically motivated "witch-hunts" orchestrated by the opposition.

Link

Afghanistan

Pakistan Deports Over 20,000 Afghan Families in 5 Months

2025-05-27

From time to time we check on the countries around Afghanistan to see that yes, they continue to send back more of the millions of Afghan refugees that have been accumulating in the near-abroad since the Soviet era. The profits for hosting them dried up after the Biden-Harris Politburo gave Kabul to the Taliban.

[ToloNews] In the past five months, Pakistan has forcibly deported more than 20,000 Afghan families through the Torkham crossing.

Baz Mohammad Abdul Rahman, Director of Refugees and Repatriation in Nangarhar, told TOLOnews that seventy percent of these families have been resettled in Nangarhar province.

He stated: “The number of returnees is 97,883 individuals, with 70 percent of them settled in Nangarhar and the remaining 30 percent relocated to other provinces. In Nangarhar alone, 14,316 families—comprising 68,591 individuals—have been resettled.”

According to recent UN statistics, since 2023, Iran and Pakistan have forcibly returned more than three million Afghan migrants to Afghanistan.

Many of the families deported from Pakistan have faced serious challenges in finding shelter and a place to live upon returning to Afghanistan.

They are calling on the interim government and aid organizations to assist them in securing shelter.

Arman Khan, a recently deported returnee, said: “When we crossed through Torkham, the Pakistani police told us we had to pay two thousand rupees. We paid the money and were allowed to pass.”

Mir Ahmad Khan, another deportee, said: “If we are supported for even one year, we can stand on our own again. A hand of cooperation must be extended to us.”

According to recent UN statistics, since 2023, Iran and Pakistan have forcibly returned more than three million Afghan migrants to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Faces Continuing Waves of Deportees

[ToloNews] Seven years ago, Ghulam Nabi, along with his wife and six children, left for Iran to escape poverty, insecurity, and unemployment.

But today, after years of living in exile, he is once again in Kabul—not by choice, but by force.

Ghulam Nabi, deported from Iran, describes his challenges: “We left here because of poverty and hardship, hoping for a better life there. For the first two or three years, no one bothered us, but in recent months, the pressure increased significantly. We were always running from the police, but eventually, around four o'clock, they caught us all and took us to a camp.”

Alongside him, thousands of other families are returning—people who had lived in Iran or Pakistan for years but now have to rebuild their lives in Afghanistan from scratch.

Arefa, deported from Iran, said: “We returned from the border and are now facing many difficulties. We lived in another country for a while, and now we’ve come back to our homeland. We ask our government to help us.”

Aziz, deported from Pakistan, said: “We were working and earning a living in Pakistan, but now that we’ve returned to Afghanistan, we are facing many problems and need cooperation and support.”

According to a recent report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 107,000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran and Pakistan in just one week—from May 11 to May 17.

The IOM stated in its report that between May 11 and 17, there were 58,200 entries from Iran and 49,245 entries from Pakistan into Afghanistan, recorded by the organization.

Experts warn that the mass deportation of migrants without any preparedness for their reintegration could trigger a new humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Mohammad Khan Talebi Mohammadzai, a migrant rights activist, said: “As long as the return of migrants is not voluntary and supported by international organizations, such actions are considered a violation of human rights. International organizations and humanitarian bodies must negotiate with host governments about harsh migration policies to ease the difficulties faced by migrants.”

Meanwhile, the International Crisis Group has urged the European Union to apply political pressure on Pakistan to halt the forced deportation of Afghan refugees.

The Crisis Group said in a report: “The EU should also scale up its response within Afghanistan, enhancing assistance for returnees and host communities."

Alireza Karimi, another migrant rights activist, echoed this view: “EU pressure can be somewhat effective, especially if it is accompanied by threats of financial aid cuts and reduced diplomatic ties. However, to fully prevent deportations, a multilateral solution is needed.”

Previously, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that 380,000 Afghan migrants have been deported from neighboring countries this year alone and stressed that Afghanistan is not prepared to accommodate this number of returnees.

Link

Europe

While France suffers defeats in Africa, another EU flagship takes up the cause

2025-05-27

Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.
by Leonid Tsukanov

[REGNUM] Uganda has been rocked by a diplomatic row. The focus has been on German Ambassador Matthias Schauer, who Ugandan authorities have accused of supporting anti-government forces and attempting to undermine the stability of the state. The row has gone beyond the usual diplomatic attacks.

Kampala suddenly curtailed military cooperation with Berlin, thereby demonstrating its seriousness in taking the insults inflicted on it.

However, such an escapade could prove quite costly for Uganda in the long run, especially since the spat with the Europeans has once again drawn attention to the country's long-standing internal problems.

PROTEST NETWORK
According to statements by the country's Defense Ministry's public information department, the cooling of relations was due to "subversive activities" by Europeans.

According to intelligence agencies, the embassies of “a number of EU countries” were involved in financing and mobilizing Ugandan dissident groups working to overthrow the “eternal” President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (in power continuously since 1986), and the German ambassador acted as the “conductor” and manager in this process.

The “provocateurs and bombers” detained by counterintelligence in different parts of the country six months ago allegedly also claimed to have connections with the German embassy.

The key figure around whom the protest network was built is identified by authorities as Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known by his stage name Bobby Wine.

The singer and musician, who ran for president in 2021, is considered Museveni's main challenger for the seat. He is convinced that the incumbent "won by deception" and used administrative leverage to crush the national opposition and send Ssentamu to jail.

However, despite this, Bobby Wine is ready for a rematch and has already stated his intention to participate in the 2026 campaign.

The Europeans do indeed have some benefit from supporting the "singing president". Unlike Museveni, who is focused on balancing between Beijing and the US, Wine aims to expand strategic ties with the EU (mainly with France and Germany), as well as to create a favorable regime for European business in Uganda.

Given the rapid expulsion of Europeans from Africa, Kampala's loyal attitude could well turn Uganda into a hub for EU investment in the continent.

Interestingly, representatives of the Ugandan intelligence services are silent about when exactly the German embassy began to maintain business relations with the opposition, given that Schauer has been working in the country since 2020 and had not raised any complaints before that.

This creates a vast space for informational speculation. To the point that Bobby Vine's political image was created with the active participation of European political strategists and with European money.

PERSONAL GRIEVANCES
However, there is an opinion that the current diplomatic row is rather a consequence of an earlier spat between Kampala and the EU, in which Ambassador Schauer unwittingly played the role of catalyst.

At a closed meeting with the country's top officials in March 2025, European diplomats criticized Uganda's current course. In particular, they criticized the ongoing pressure on the opposition and public figures, extrajudicial persecution, blackmail and torture.

The German ambassador, who was present at the meeting, supported his colleagues' line. The object of his criticism was the head of state's son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who holds the post of commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

The latter has repeatedly allowed himself to make controversial publications on social networks, where he bragged, among other things, about torturing Eddie Mutwe, the opposition leader’s bodyguard, whom he had kidnapped.

Schauer also mentioned the inadmissibility of any persecution of Bobby Wine's supporters (meaning persecution without legal grounds), which greatly offended his interlocutors.

And although the heavyweights of Ugandan politics present at the meeting – in particular, the commander-in-chief’s uncle, General Salim Saleh – reacted calmly to the Europeans’ attacks and promised to “bring their colleague to heel,” the meeting had the opposite effect.

The Europeans' statements about the inadmissibility of persecuting opposition members quickly revealed a "double bottom," and the scandal led to Kampala demonstratively ending its military contacts with Berlin.

A DE FACTO CLAIM TO THE ENTIRE EU
At first glance, stopping military cooperation with Germany was relatively easy for Uganda: Berlin occupied a relatively small share in the structure of Kampala's military imports. Even among its neighbors in the European Union, it never rose above fifth place, supplying mainly components for wheeled vehicles.

This is largely due to the fact that the majority of the Ugandan army's arsenal to this day consists of Soviet weapons and equipment, as well as their "clones" from Warsaw Pact countries, which is why the products of the German military-industrial complex were not in great demand.

Even with the start of Kampala's transition to modern weapons in the second half of the 2010s, Berlin's position did not improve much: the promising market was quickly divided between arms giants - the US, UK, China and Russia. And corporations from South Africa established themselves in the wheeled vehicle sector.

European countries continued to act primarily as suppliers of the remnants of Soviet arsenals and donors of spare parts.

On the other hand, by promoting a diplomatic scandal, the Ugandan leadership has effectively made a claim to the entire European Community, whose leaders have already expressed solidarity with Berlin and promised to reconsider their attitude toward the course chosen by Kampala.

Germany also has its own trump cards.

Previously, Berlin has repeatedly acted as a guarantor of the purity of Kampala's arms deals with other countries. For example, it participated in the supply of Israeli-made ATMOS self-propelled guns to Uganda, and also transferred, with the consent of the United States, several batches of Humvee light military off-road vehicles, which were in service with the Bundeswehr.

The discrediting of the German diplomatic corps in the eyes of the world community could well become an unofficial basis for tightening the procedure for mediation in arms deals - something the German establishment is hinting at quite transparently to the Ugandans. Even if only through the mouths of influential retirees for now.

If the conflict deepens, the German meticulousness characteristic of the arms business will be elevated to the absolute, which will slow down the process of rearmament of the Ugandan army and cause unrest among the military elite.

Museveni's cabinet is unlikely to be happy to receive such a "gift" on the eve of the presidential elections scheduled for January 2026. But Kampala, apparently, is not yet ready to back down, thereby acknowledging the artificial nature of the scandal.

Link

International-UN-NGOs

Spanish FM proposes international sanctions on Israel to stop war in Gaza

2025-05-26

”PAY ATTENTION TO MEEEEEEEEE!!!!

[IsraelTimes] The international community should look to sanction Israel to stop the war in Gaza, Spain’s foreign minister says, ahead of a Madrid meeting of European and Arab nations today to urge a halt to its offensive.

Madrid will host 20 countries as well as international organizations on Sunday with the aim of “stopping this war, which no longer has any goal,” Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares tells France Info radio.

Humanitarian aid must enter Gaza “massively, unimpeded, neutrally, so that it is not Israel who decides who can eat and who cannot,” he says.

A previous such gathering in Madrid last year brought together countries including Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as European nations such as Ireland and Norway that have recognized a Palestinian state.

Sunday’s meeting, which also includes representatives from the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, will promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

After the European Union decided this week to review its cooperation deal with Israel, Albares says, “We must consider sanctions, we must do everything, consider everything to stop this war.”

Link

Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia

Europe buys RU oil and LNG, funds the Ukraine conflict

2025-05-25

[Euro News] The European Union vowed to drastically cut imports of gas from Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine but data shows the bloc's purchases of Russian-made liquefied natural gas (LNG) have soared.

According to new findings released by Global Witness, an environmental watchdog organisation, the European Union bought 21.6 million cubic metres (mcm) of Russian LNG between January and July of this year, a small increase compared to the same period in 2022, when imports totalled 21.3 mcm.

But when the 2023 figure is measured against the same period in 2021, prior to the Kremlin's decision to wage war on Ukraine, it results in a 39.5% surge, an embarrassing percentage for a bloc that has forcefully condemned the invasion as an illegal, brutal and ruthless attempt to subjugate Ukraine's independence.

Making matters more uncomfortable, three member states can be found among the five major clients of Russian LNG in the first seven months of his year: China came on top with 8.7 mcm in purchases, followed by Spain (7.5 mcm), Belgium (7.1 mcm), Japan (7 mcm) and France (4.5 mcm).

As coastal countries, Spain, Belgium and France have become busy destinations for LNG carriers, which need to unload their supplies on sophisticated terminals where the cooled-down liquid is turned back into gaseous form and sent to power plants.

Link

Britain

Pakistanis are now top asylum seeking nationality in UK

2025-05-24

[GEO.TV] Pak was the top nationality among asylum applicants in 2024-25 in the United Kingdom, according to figures published by the Home Office.

Paks accounted for 11,048 people or 10.1% of the total asylum applicants in the last year, the Home Office said.

A total of 109,343 people applied for asylum in the year to March 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001. The number is up 17% from 93,150 in the year ending March 2024, according to figures published by the Home Office.

In 2023-24, Pak was the third most common nationality (7.5% of the total) and in that year 7,003 applied for asylum.

The previous record was 108,138 in the 12 months to December 2024. The number of asylum applications in the UK has hit a new high, though the backlog of cases waiting for a decision has fallen to its lowest level since 2021.

Migrants who arrived in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats accounted for 33% of the total number of people claiming asylum in the year to March.

"Afghan" was the second most common nationality among people claiming asylum in the year to March (8,069 people, 7.4% of the total), down from 9,738 (10.5%) in 2023-24 when it was the most common nationality.

Along with Pakistain, the largest increase in asylum claims in 2024-25 came from Syrian nationals, which stood at 6,175 (5.6% of the total), up from 4,232 (4.5%) in 2023-24.

Link

Economy

Trump threatens 25% tariff on iPhones, 50% tariff on EU goods amid trade tensions

2025-05-24

[FoxBusiness] President Donald Trump is demanding that iPhone production takes place in America and accuses European Union of $250B trade deficit

President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose fresh tariffs on both Apple and the European Union, saying that the iPhone manufacturer and the trading bloc have not heeded to his previous demands.

In two quick-fire posts on Truth Social, Trump warned he would slap a 25% tariff on imported iPhones if Apple refuses to make the smartphones in the U.S. The move comes after Trump met with Apple CEO Tim Cook at the White House on Wednesday, Fox confirmed.

Trump also threatened the EU with a straight 50% tariff, writing that the bloc has been very difficult to deal with in trade negotiations.

"I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else," Trump wrote.

"If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Bringing back manufacturing jobs to the U.S. is a cornerstone of Trump’s "America First" agenda, with Trump also calling out Cook last week in Qatar, saying that he had a "little problem" with the tech giant using facilities in India to make iPhones for sale in the U.S.

Apple has been turning to India for more future production of phones destined for the American market to try to reduce its dependence on China for manufacturing and deal with tariffs, according to Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Trump accused the EU of exploiting the U.S. through trade barriers, taxes, penalties and lawsuits.

He said the U.S. has a trade deficit of more than $250 billion and that current trade negotiations are "going nowhere."

Trump is proposing a 50% tariff on all EU goods starting June 1, unless they are made in the U.S.

"The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with," Trump wrote.

"Their powerful trade barriers, vat taxes, ridiculous corporate penalties, non-monetary trade barriers, monetary manipulations, unfair and unjustified lawsuits against American companies, and more, have led to a trade deficit with the U.S. of more than $250,000,000 a year, a number which is totally unacceptable.

"There is no tariff if the product is built or manufactured in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

Link

Britain

‘Indefensible’: UK freezes trade talks with Israel amid global outrage over Gaza war

2025-05-21

”How dare Israel defend itself! We will accept nothing less than that they lay down and die while apologizing for bleeding on their murderers.”

[IsraelTimes] Foreign Ministry says rift with fourth largest trading partner ‘will not divert’ Israel’s war plans; EU also reviewing ties with Jerusalem in response to aid shortage

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced Tuesday that the United Kingdom is suspending free trade agreement negotiations with Israel and taking other punitive measures, including the imposition of sanctions on West Bank settlers, in response to Israel’s wartime policies during its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

It’s not the gorgeous fruits so much as Israel’s advanced technology products that the UK will have to learn to do without, becoming ever more a Third World society to match their abject surrender to their Moslem colonists.

The announcement followed comments by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier on Tuesday, saying he was “horrified” by Israel’s expanded ground campaign in Gaza.

No doubt.

“While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza,” the British government wrote in a statement.

What vile people. And they’ve surrendered to Brussels, too, completely overturning Brexit.

Speaking to parliament, Lammy accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.”

“The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions,” Lammy said in a furious speech. “Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”

The two state plan was over long before Hamas invaded on 10/7. Not that dear Lammy would understand that — his party likes having been invaded.

“Despite the glimmer of hope from January’s ceasefire, the suffering from this conflict has worsened,” Lammy said. “But January showed another path was possible. We urge Netanyahu’s government to choose this path. The world is judging. History will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop.”

Why don’t any of them make any demands on Hamas? They’re the ones who started the war, took hostages, surround themselves with human shields, forbade Gazan civilians from escaping the Strip…

He said Britain would be “reviewing cooperation” with Israel under its so-called 2030 roadmap for UK-Israel relations, and noted: “The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary.”

More for Israel to sell in new markets — there are a bunch of Arab countries that want to benefit from improved relations…

“I say now to the people of Israel: we want, I want, a strong friendship with you based on our shared values, with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism,” Lammy stressed.

Such fine sounding lies. Stick a sock in it, Sir Keir — your hypocrisy is sickening.

“But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government.

Under the circumstances, that’s quite a compliment to Israel. Carry on damaging it, Bibi.

And, as the prime minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.”

Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer also summoned Israel’s Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in response to “the wholly disproportionate” expansion of military activity in Gaza.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem retorted: “The British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in the struggle for its existence and security against enemies seeking its destruction.”

“Even before today’s announcement, the matter had not been advanced at all by the current British government,” said the ministry, adding that the trade agreement “is mutually beneficial” and if, “due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy — that is its decision.”

Israel Foreign Ministry ‘completely rejects’ EU decision to review cooperation deal

[IsraelTimes] Israel rejects a European Union decision to review the bloc’s cooperation deal in a bid to pressure Israel over its intensified offensive in Gaza.

“We completely reject the direction taken in the statement, which reflects a total misunderstanding of the complex reality Israel is facing,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein says in a message on X.

Mic drop.

Link

Syria-Lebanon-Iran

European Union has completely lifted economic sanctions against Syria

2025-05-21

Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.
[Regnum] The European Union has decided to completely lift economic sanctions against Syria. This was announced on May 20 by the head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas.

"Today we have decided to lift our economic sanctions on Syria. We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new and peaceful Syria," she wrote on the social network X.

According to the European diplomat, the ministers intend to help the Syrian people "rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria", and the EU plans to continue to support Damascus.

Before that, in January 2025, the US temporarily eased sanctions against Syria. Washington allowed some financial transactions with the new Syrian authorities, as well as transactions related to energy resources within the republic.

Talk of lifting decades-old sanctions on Damascus began after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in the country. On May 13, US President Donald Trump promised to lift restrictions on Syria and “give it a second chance.”

As reported by the Regnum news agency, in December 2024, armed groups of the Syrian opposition launched a large-scale offensive against government forces. On December 8, the Syrian army left Damascus, and the militants announced the transfer of power into their hands. Assad resigned and left the country, receiving political asylum in Russia. Ahmed al-Sharaa became the head of the interim government.

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Europe

Making progress: Germany detains and deports five Afghans at Polish Border

2025-05-20

[KhaamaPress] Germany detained and deported five Afghan nationals at the Polish border on May 18, 2025, as part of tightened security measures.

German police apprehended 11 individuals—including a child—attempting to cross the border illegally from Poland. The group comprised ~~migrants~~ colonists from Afghanistan, Somalia, and Eritrea
...is run by the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), with about the amounts of democracy and justice you'd expect from a party with that name. National elections have been periodically scheduled and cancelled; none have ever been held in the country. The president, Isaias Afewerki, has been in office since independence in 1993 and will probably die there of old age...
, highlighting the diverse origins of those attempting unauthorized entry into Germany. This operation is part of Germany’s intensified border enforcement measures aimed at curbing irregular migration.

Among the detained, five were Afghan nationals. Four possessed Russian visas, while one lacked any documentation. All five were subsequently deported back to Poland. Additionally, three Somali nationals were apprehended in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region. Two adults were expelled, and a minor was handed over to local youth welfare authorities. Three Eritrean men, aged 22 to 25, were also detained; all three lacked valid identification and were returned to Poland.

These detentions occurred amidst Germany’s broader strategy to bolster border security. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reported a 45% increase in expulsions at the country’s land borders over the past week, following the implementation of stricter border control measures by the new government. This surge reflects the government’s commitment to reducing irregular migration and enhancing national security.

The newly appointed government has also reversed a 2015 policy that allowed undocumented third-country nationals to enter Germany. Interior Minister Dobrindt emphasized that while vulnerable groups would still be permitted to apply for asylum, the focus would shift towards stricter border enforcement. Plans include deploying up to 3,000 additional coppers to the borders, increasing the total border force to 14,000 officers.

This policy shift has sparked debate within Germany. While some view it as a necessary measure to address security concerns, others argue that it may conflict with EU regulations and affect Germany’s international relations. The coalition government is working to balance these considerations as it navigates its new approach to border management.

Germany’s recent actions underscore a significant shift in its approach to migration and border security. The increased detentions and expulsions reflect the government’s commitment to controlling irregular migration and enhancing national security. However,
there's no worse danger than telling a mother her baby is ugly...
these measures also raise important questions about the balance between national interests and international obligations.

As Germany continues to implement these policies, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on both domestic security and international relations. The evolving situation will likely influence future discussions on migration policy within the European Union
<span class=Inverse>European Union</span>

<span class=Inverse>European Union</span>

...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
.

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