In a recent crackdown on illegal residents, Saudi Arabia has arrested almost 19,000 individuals over the course of one week. The Ministry of Interior reported that over 10,000 of those arrested have already been deported, demonstrating a strong commitment to enforcing immigration laws. These arrests are part of a broader initiative aimed at combating residency violations and ensuring compliance with the kingdom’s regulations. The operation highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to maintain security and manage its foreign population effectively.
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Recent airstrikes conducted by Saudi Arabia targeted separatist forces in Yemen, specifically in the port city of Mukalla and other areas where the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is stationed. These actions follow the STC’s seizure of an oil-rich region and declaration of a constitution for an independent nation in the south, further escalating tensions. The strikes are the latest intervention by Saudi Arabia, which has also bombed the STC and disrupted weapon shipments, and have resulted in deaths and injuries. Saudi Arabia plans to hold a conference in Riyadh to facilitate dialogue between southern factions, reflecting broader strains within the anti-Houthi coalition and an apparent power struggle with the UAE over regional influence.
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Authorities have announced the arrest of 1,312 individuals attempting illegal entry into the Kingdom, primarily comprised of Ethiopian and Yemeni nationals. Ethiopians made up 55% of the detainees, while Yemenis accounted for 44%. The remaining one percent included individuals from other countries. Furthermore, 46 people were apprehended while attempting to depart Saudi Arabia unlawfully.
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Jared Kushner has swiftly re-emerged, rapidly accumulating economic and political influence in the early months of a second Trump presidency. He has become a central figure in a major media merger and White House foreign policy initiatives, all while securing billions in investments from autocratic governments. These governments, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, are heavily funding an acquisition that would give them and Kushner significant control over prominent American media outlets. Simultaneously, Kushner is involved in high-profile foreign policy endeavors, raising ethical concerns given his financial ties to the same nations. This convergence of interests and the potential weakening of regulatory oversight indicate a concerning consolidation of power.
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Saudi Arabia Will Sell You Alcohol Now, if You’re Rich Enough, a headline that seems almost designed to spark both outrage and a knowing chuckle. The situation, as it unfolds, underscores a deeply ingrained reality: that in many places, especially those governed by strictures, access to certain freedoms, or in this case, a bottle of something stronger than a soft drink, often boils down to one thing – how much money you have. This isn’t exactly a new concept, but the brazenness of its application here is striking.
It seems the liquor store, which was previously a privilege reserved for diplomats (who, of course, are exempt from the prohibition), has expanded its clientele to include non-Muslim foreigners holding the coveted “premium residency” permit.… Continue reading
Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, the widow of Jamal Khashoggi, and Democratic members of Congress have called upon President Trump to release the transcript of his phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following Khashoggi’s murder in 2018. Rep. Vindman, who served on Trump’s National Security Council, has described the 2019 call as “highly disturbing” and urged for its declassification. Khashoggi’s widow and other critics have condemned Trump’s cordial reception of MBS and defense of Saudi Arabia, especially given US intelligence agencies’ findings that MBS ordered the murder. This call for transparency and justice comes amid continued arms sales to the kingdom, ongoing investigations, and potential business ventures that may present conflicts of interest.
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Trump, MBS had “shocking” phone call after Khashoggi murder, Vindman warns, and this statement immediately begs the question: What could possibly be shocking at this point? Considering the well-documented history of both Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the potential for a truly surprising revelation feels limited. After witnessing years of behavior that prioritized personal gain and disregard for human rights, it’s hard to imagine anything said during a private phone call that would surpass the shock value of their public actions.
The very idea of a “shocking” call implies something significantly worse than we already know. It suggests a level of depravity that exceeds even the widely condemned murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist critical of both Trump and MBS.… Continue reading
As AP News reports, Jamal Khashoggi’s widow is demanding the release of the transcript of a 2019 phone call between former President Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman, raising questions about Trump’s potential personal benefits from his relationship with the Saudi crown prince. Democratic lawmakers, led by Rep. Eugene Vindman, are also seeking the transcript, with Vindman describing the call as “shocking.” These concerns are fueled by Trump’s dismissal of U.S. intelligence findings regarding Prince Mohammed’s involvement in Khashoggi’s 2018 murder, along with the former president’s family’s business dealings in Saudi Arabia. The situation mirrors Trump’s first impeachment, and while release is unlikely, the lawmakers emphasize that Trump’s actions reflect a concerning trend.
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Vindman demands release of Trump-MBS call after Khashoggi murder: ‘You will be shocked’ – this is what we’re talking about, and it’s a topic that’s clearly stirring up a lot of feelings. The basic premise is that Alexander Vindman, a key figure in the Trump-Ukraine scandal, is calling for the release of the transcript and potentially the audio recording of the phone call between former President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) following the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He believes that the contents will be shocking, which is a pretty bold statement, considering the political climate and the things we’ve already witnessed.… Continue reading
Representative Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling it a “disgusting display” and criticizing the administration’s potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Omar believes that Trump is prioritizing weapons-contractor profits and his own family’s business interests, especially given the Saudis’ human rights record and use of US arms. She urged fellow lawmakers to block the deal, emphasizing the need for congressional authorization before sending US soldiers to defend Saudi Arabia. Additionally, groups like DAWN have voiced concerns, suggesting Trump is prioritizing personal and corporate gains over human rights.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood