Following the recent U.S. strikes on Iran, focus has turned to the long-standing relationship between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, marked by daily communication since the attacks. Trump’s team, including key campaign advisors, even assisted Netanyahu’s campaign in 2020 by helping transform campaign events into Trump-style rallies, demonstrating their close political collaboration. The two leaders share a history of mutual support, with Trump recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his first term, further solidifying their alliance. This close relationship significantly influenced Trump’s decision-making regarding Iran.
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According to The New York Times, Iran collaborated with Qatari officials to orchestrate an attack on the Al-Udeid U.S. Air Force base. Three Iranian sources revealed that the primary objective was a symbolic strike against the U.S., while minimizing casualties. The attack was designed to provide a face-saving exit strategy for all parties involved, mirroring Iran’s response to the assassination of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani.
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In preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is facing accusations of mass killings of stray dogs to “clean up” its streets, as evidenced by CNN. Reports indicate that municipal authorities are employing methods such as shootings and poisonings, as well as rounding up and removing the strays. While the government cites public safety concerns and plans to implement Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release programs, animal welfare groups and international observers are raising serious concerns about the inhumane treatment of animals. FIFA has responded, stating that they are working with local counterparts to ensure animal rights commitments are upheld, but many are not confident the issue will be addressed.
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Sae Joon Park, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the invasion of Panama, self-deported to South Korea after nearly five decades in the U.S. His removal stemmed from drug-related charges and failure to appear in court, stemming from untreated PTSD from his time in combat. Despite being awarded a Purple Heart and honorably discharged, Park struggled with addiction and the legal system, ultimately receiving a removal order. Facing imminent detention and deportation, Park chose voluntary departure, leaving behind his family and the country he had served.
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As the mayoral candidates campaigned in the final hours before the primary, a new Emerson College poll revealed Zohran Mamdani surpassing frontrunner Andrew Cuomo after ranked-choice voting. While Cuomo held a slight lead in the initial vote, the poll projected Mamdani winning by a 51.8%-48.2% margin after eight rounds. The poll also highlighted divisions among voters, with Mamdani gaining support among those under 50, while Cuomo led among older New Yorkers and women supported Cuomo by a slim majority. The poll’s findings were met with differing reactions, with Mamdani’s camp celebrating and Cuomo’s dismissing the results.
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A 300-year-old painting in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery was damaged when a visitor fell while posing for a photo. The artwork, a portrait of Tuscan prince Ferdinando de’ Medici, sustained a tear in the canvas. Museum officials have identified the individual and reported them to authorities, while the painting is undergoing repairs. The Uffizi is considering implementing restrictions on visitor behavior, addressing the increasing issue of visitors prioritizing social media content over the preservation of cultural heritage.
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Former President Donald Trump responded to Dmitry Medvedev’s comments regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities by questioning their validity and boasting about U.S. nuclear strength. Medvedev claimed multiple countries are prepared to supply Iran with nuclear warheads following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which Trump dismissed. Despite criticizing the casual treatment of nuclear weapons, Trump engaged in similar rhetoric, highlighting the power of U.S. nuclear submarines. Medvedev later clarified that Russia does not intend to supply Iran with nuclear weapons, while maintaining that other countries may do so.
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Following a significant breach of the ceasefire by the Iranian regime, the Israel Defense Force announced it would retaliate with force, with the Defense Minister ordering intense strikes. Despite the agreed-upon truce, a series of attacks occurred between the two nations, with Tehran launching missiles and Israel conducting airstrikes. This followed earlier military actions by Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear program, which led to the U.S. entering the war. The conflict ultimately concluded in a ceasefire which was quickly violated.
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Hours after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, President Trump expressed frustration at both nations for perceived violations. Despite the ceasefire’s immediate implementation, Israel reported a missile launch from Iran, prompting threats of retaliation, which Trump swiftly attempted to quell. Trump’s social media posts demanded Israel cease attacks, emphasizing the ceasefire’s importance and threatening consequences for non-compliance. His announcement of the ceasefire was met with criticism for its tone of success, as experts began to question its effectiveness, resulting in him directing his anger toward news networks and suggesting his own strikes over the weekend were the reason for the ceasefire.
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In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns that Vladimir Putin might attack a NATO country within five years to test the alliance. Zelenskyy viewed plans for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 as slow, warning that Putin could have a new army ready by 2030. He also highlighted the potential for reduced aid to Ukraine due to Middle East tensions and noted that Russia is still able to access components for missiles from countries including the UK. While acknowledging that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions aren’t possible currently, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for negotiations, although he avoided addressing potential land concessions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker