In a recent Eid al-Fitr sermon, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada declared the rejection of Western laws in favor of a strict sharia-based legal system, effectively ending democracy in Afghanistan. This interpretation of sharia has resulted in severe restrictions on Afghan women and girls, barring them from education, employment, and public life. Akhundzada’s pronouncements, delivered in Kandahar, solidify the Taliban’s isolation internationally, despite some diplomatic ties with select nations. Despite internal dissent regarding the leadership’s approach, the Taliban regime remains firmly entrenched.
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A French court issued a five-year ban from holding public office against Marine Le Pen, effective immediately, due to embezzlement charges. This decision significantly impacts her potential 2027 presidential candidacy, despite the possibility of appeal. The court found Le Pen and several associates guilty of misusing European Parliament funds to benefit her party, although no personal enrichment was proven. This ruling constitutes a major blow to Le Pen and her National Rally party, potentially altering the dynamics of French politics.
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Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent attack on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for being unmarried at 35 is a truly bizarre spectacle. It reveals a startling level of insecurity and projection, especially considering Greene’s own marital history. The irony is thick enough to spread on toast. Greene, herself not currently married, seems to believe that a woman’s worth is somehow intrinsically linked to her marital status.
This isn’t just some fleeting political jab; it’s a glimpse into a worldview that’s deeply rooted in outdated societal expectations. It suggests that Greene feels a profound need to measure herself against another woman, using marriage as the yardstick.… Continue reading
President Trump announced plans to remove a Southern Magnolia tree near the White House entrance, citing its deteriorated condition and safety concerns. The tree, purportedly planted by President Andrew Jackson, will be replaced, and its wood preserved for future use. While the tree’s connection to Jackson is debated, the National Park Service acknowledges its historical significance. Mixed reactions followed the announcement, with some supporting the removal due to safety concerns, while others criticized the decision.
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A French court found Marine Le Pen guilty of misusing EU funds to benefit her National Rally party, a conviction involving the fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants. This ruling carries a €300,000 fine and a potential five-year ban from holding public office, including the presidency. The ineligibility is immediate, though subject to appeal. The case centers on allegations that assistants were primarily working for the RN, not the European Parliament, as declared.
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On March 26, Ukrainian forces successfully targeted a Russian command and observation post near Viktorovka and Uspenovka in Kursk Oblast, eliminating the commander of the 1st Battalion, 9th Motor Rifle Regiment. This strike, part of ongoing operations in the region following a larger incursion in August, reflects Ukraine’s strategy of weakening Russian capabilities by targeting key command centers. While the claims remain unverified, the attack underscores the continued conflict within Russian territory. These actions aim to diminish Russia’s offensive potential.
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President Zelensky stated on March 28th that Ukraine will reject any U.S. mineral agreement jeopardizing its EU accession. This follows the emergence of a draft agreement granting the U.S. significant control over Ukrainian natural resources through a joint investment fund, a move deemed potentially contradictory to Ukraine’s EU aspirations. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to EU integration and requested a legal review of the deal’s various versions before consideration. The deal, initially planned for February 28th, has faced delays due to disagreements and aims to partially reimburse the U.S. for its aid to Ukraine.
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President Zelensky renewed his plea for increased international pressure on Russia, demanding stronger sanctions and enhanced air defense systems for Ukraine. He highlighted the relentless Russian attacks, including a recent drone strike in Kharkiv that killed civilians and targeted a military hospital, as evidence of Russia’s disregard for diplomacy and proposed ceasefires. Despite Ukraine’s acceptance of a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, Russia’s refusal underscores the need for decisive action. Zelensky emphasized the necessity of utilizing all available tools to achieve a lasting ceasefire and lasting security.
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Two primary strategies, “buy-borrow-die” and “buy-hold for decades-sell,” allow the wealthy to avoid paying taxes on investment gains, either entirely or at drastically reduced rates. The “buy-borrow-die” strategy utilizes loans against appreciated assets to avoid income tax until death, while “buy-hold for decades-sell” minimizes the effective tax rate on long-term investments through decades of untaxed compounding. While arguments exist that the wealthy lack the means to pay taxes before selling assets, this is demonstrably false; solutions such as deferring tax payments until sale, with appropriate adjustments for compounding, are readily available. The persistence of these loopholes ultimately stems from political inaction rather than genuine financial constraints.
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A French court will decide Marine Le Pen’s fate and the future of France’s political landscape on Monday, ruling on embezzlement charges. Prosecutors seek a significant fine, imprisonment, and a five-year ban from holding public office, a ruling recently deemed immediately effective by the constitutional council. Le Pen denies the charges and claims the prosecution aims for her political demise, while a recent poll shows significant public support for her 2027 presidential candidacy. A guilty verdict, even with appeal, would severely jeopardize her prospects.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood