Prince Harry condemned President Trump’s comments about NATO soldiers serving in Afghanistan, emphasizing the sacrifices made by British troops during the conflict. Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, stated that the sacrifices deserve truthful and respectful acknowledgment, particularly as the UK alone lost 457 service personnel. Trump’s remarks included that troops from non-American NATO countries stayed “a little off the front lines” while speaking about the alliance, drawing criticism from European leaders, who saw it as insulting. The comments worsened diplomatic relations, especially as Trump has previously criticized European countries.
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The Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland security and the Western Hemisphere, shifting away from China as the top security concern. This strategy, a departure from the 2022 document, emphasizes a “hardnosed realism,” with a goal of approaching relations with China through strength rather than direct confrontation. The document also calls for greater burden-sharing from US allies, suggesting a more limited role for the US in global defense, especially in regards to North Korea and European threats. This shift reflects a strategic recalibration, focusing on American interests and allowing allies to take the lead in addressing threats that are less critical to the US.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is significantly reducing its holdings of US Treasury bonds, reaching a five-year low as part of a strategy to support the rupee and diversify foreign exchange reserves. This move mirrors similar actions by other major economies and reflects concerns about US sanctions risks and the weaponization of the dollar, leading to a shift towards assets like gold. India’s actions are also influenced by trade tensions with the US, contributing to a decline in the rupee’s value and the need for RBI intervention. While the dollar remains the dominant global reserve asset, this trend of diversification is expected to continue, with many central banks planning to explore alternatives in the coming years. Analysts suggest that even if trade tensions ease, this shift toward alternative assets is likely to stabilize rather than reverse.
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Due to US backlash and warnings of a treaty breach, Sir Keir Starmer has withdrawn the Chagos Islands bill. The legislation, which aimed to transfer the archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia Military Base, faced criticism from Donald Trump. Concerns arose because the proposed deal potentially violated a 1966 UK-US treaty and threatened the base’s operation. The government has criticized the move and maintains its commitment to the deal, citing its importance for national security.
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German media outlets have scrutinized the attire of US Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, specifically his olive green greatcoat, due to its perceived resemblance to a fascist aesthetic. Commentators, including those at Der Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung, have compared Bovino’s appearance, including his haircut and accessories, to that of Nazi officers. These comparisons have sparked controversy, with some suggesting a deliberate effort to cultivate an authoritarian image. Bovino has denied any such intent, while the Department of Homeland Security has defended the coat as standard issue, though its inclusion in official uniform standards is disputed.
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The Trump administration is facing concerns over the optics of its immigration crackdown, particularly due to the ongoing protests and unrest in Minneapolis. President Trump is reportedly frustrated that the messaging surrounding the administration’s immigration policies is being lost, and is seeking to regain control of the narrative. White House officials are working to shift the focus toward ICE’s achievements and away from the tensions between agents and protesters, while also navigating the potential political consequences of the situation in Minnesota. The administration is focused on “lawful, targeted, and focused” operations, even as negative polling continues.
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A Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal, India, has prompted swift action from authorities after five cases were confirmed, including medical professionals, leading to the quarantine of nearly 100 people. The World Health Organization considers Nipah a priority pathogen due to its high fatality rate and lack of approved vaccines or treatments. Symptoms range from fever and muscle pain to severe encephalitis and respiratory failure. Authorities are focusing on surveillance, contact tracing, and isolation to curb further transmission within the region.
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FBI agent who tried to probe ICE officer in Minnesota shooting resigns: Okay, so this situation feels like it’s pulled right from a thriller novel, doesn’t it? We’re talking about an FBI agent, someone sworn to uphold the law, resigning because of the way things are playing out in an investigation. The core of the matter revolves around a shooting involving an ICE officer in Minnesota and the subsequent actions – or inactions – of the Justice Department.
FBI agent who tried to probe ICE officer in Minnesota shooting resigns: The initial reaction here is one of disappointment. It’s tough not to feel a sense of frustration when people in positions of power, especially those in law enforcement, choose to leave rather than fight.… Continue reading
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry announced that it considers North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine to be South Korean citizens, a stance communicated to Ukrainian officials. The ministry cited the sensitive nature of the situation and the prisoners’ safety when declining to offer specific details. Furthermore, the ministry requested media outlets protect the prisoners’ identities and avoid exposing them to public attention, emphasizing their right to humane treatment under international law. This request followed media reports, including interviews that showed the faces of the POWs, where they expressed desire to seek refuge in South Korea.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump Frustrated Over Minnesota Protests Undermining Immigration Message
The Trump administration is facing concerns over the optics of its immigration crackdown, particularly due to the ongoing protests and unrest in Minneapolis. President Trump is reportedly frustrated that the messaging surrounding the administration’s immigration policies is being lost, and is seeking to regain control of the narrative. White House officials are working to shift the focus toward ICE’s achievements and away from the tensions between agents and protesters, while also navigating the potential political consequences of the situation in Minnesota. The administration is focused on “lawful, targeted, and focused” operations, even as negative polling continues.
Read More