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BBC Investigation Exposes US, UK, Saudis Protecting IS in Syria

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BBC Investigation Exposes US, UK, Saudis Protecting IS in Syria

By Saeed Naqvi

The BBC expose, with graphic visuals, is quite emphatic: the US and British led coalition forces enabled hundreds of IS jihadists escape from Raqqa after the headquarters of their self declared Caliphate had been bombarded out of recognition. This will set the cat among the pigeons.

The matter will surely come up in the British Parliament and Congressional hearings in Washington. More such mischief is surfacing.

The Defence Ministry in Moscow is already in overdrive. “The US refused to bomb a military convoy retreating from Abu Kamal (in Raqqa). The coalition’s aircraft also attempted to prevent Russian Aerospace Forces from carrying out air strikes against militants.” There is considerable evidence of “direct cooperation and support for ISIS terrorists by the US led International Coalition”, the Defence Ministry said.

In a separate incident “Americans peremptorily refused to conduct airstrikes on ISIS terrorists.” The reason given was that the militants were agreeing to surrender as prisoners of war and were “therefore subject to the provisions of the Geneva convention.” US aircraft obstructed “Russian aerospace from taking action.”

Stratfor, an establishment think tank, offers almost an apology for terrorism perpetrated by returning jihadists. “Looking at recent cases involving fighters returning from Iraq and Syria, they have tended to conduct attacks against soft targets instead of making more complex attacks against harder, more significant targets. Some examples include a Jewish museum and the soft side of the airport in Brussels; a concert in Manchester in the UK; and a café, concert venue and sports stadium in Paris.” Is it not too sanguine a tone on the theme of returning jihadists who destabilize Western societies?

Youth, fired by jihad, who have left their homes in the West for destinations like Syria, are unlikely to be less than hostile towards their respective societies when they return home. This hostility will erupt into acts of terrorism listed in the stratfor brief.

The cat-and-mouse that goes on between terrorists and counter terrorism units confronting them provides room for others to advance their rogue agendas. It is a witches brew.

This was lethal enough. What has evolved since the 9/11 wars in West Asia is a system of regularizing terrorists in Company and Platoon strengths, backed by trainers, finance and weapons, as a military asset to be relocated wherever required. Sophisticated propaganda is integral to the project.

If readers have not seen Amaq, the propaganda organ of the IS, they must instantly obtain a copy online. It is a glossy publication which would put to shame some of the better magazines in the business. If IS is an underground, guerrilla outfit, living in bunkers and trenches, how does it have time, skill, printing presses to regularly churn out this professional product?

Non GCC Arab diplomats, with access to their respective agencies, have been informing South Block that US terrorists, air lifted from various theatres in Syria and Iraq, may have been relocated to war zones like Afghanistan and Rakhine state in Myanmar. India cannot consider itself exempt from this global menace.

Almost on cue, appears a piece by Sara Flounders of the International Action Centre, Washington, focusing on how the Rohingyas plight worsened in Myanmar. Hostility between the Buddhist clergy, the Myanmar military and the Rohingya Muslim in Rakhine has continued for years. What then was the need for the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, an armed resistance group, to carry on attacks on 30 Myanmar military posts on august 30? It was only then that the Myanmar military responded with a wave of brutal attacks on the Muslims driving them in thousands over the border.

There is an intriguing twist to the tail: ARSA is headquartered in Mecca, under Ataullah abu Ammar Jununi, a Pakistani national resident in Saudi Arabia.

Why have the US and Saudi Arabia, who have supervised a three year long war in Yemen, rendering millions homeless and killing thousands, turned with so much sympathy to the one million Muslim Rohingyas in Rakhine? It is their callousness elsewhere that invites this cynicism at their concern for Rakhine? Are they driven by a desire to control a group in a poor, mineral rich country bordering China?

Former President, Hamid Karzai has, in an interview to Tehran Times expressed similar fears.

According to him IS “is the brainchild of the US and its allies which introduced this terrorist group to the world under the pretext of fighting extremism and terrorism.” He warns regional powers not to allow the IS to grow in Afghanistan. He said the “number of this terrorist group is increasing by the day in Afghanistan.”

The Moscow Initiative on Afghanistan enunciated by Putin last April sought regional co-operation to isolate IS and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Towards this end the Taleban, an Afghan national entity, should be accommodated in Kabul’s power apparatus. As soon as Trump saw Moscow developing a constructive theme in Kabul, he reversed his decision to withdraw from Afghanistan,. He will stay come wind, come weather.

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Barron Trump, now towering at 6’9″, takes center stage at father’s inauguration

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Barron Trump, now towering at 6'9", takes center stage at father's inauguration

During the recent presidential inauguration, Barron Trump, the son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, captured significant attention due to his impressive stature and growing influence. Now 17, Barron stands a striking 6 feet 9 inches tall and has taken on an advisory role within his father’s political campaign.

At the ceremony, President Trump took a moment to highlight Barron’s contributions, especially his insights into the youth electorate, which reportedly helped secure a substantial lead in that demographic. “Barron has a deep understanding of the youth vote, encouraging strategies that ultimately delivered us a 36-point lead among young voters,” stated President Trump during his speech.

Barron, who celebrated his first vote in the last November election, has been recognized not only for his height but also for his intellect and strategic thinking. His suggestion for his father to appear on the Joe Rogan podcast, which amassed over 50 million views, was a notable campaign triumph.

Born on March 20, 2006, Barron is the youngest child of Donald and Melania Trump and the only one among his siblings to have attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland, following his earlier education at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan. He is currently a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

His appearance at the inauguration not only highlighted his stature but also his growing importance in Trump’s circle, marking him as a significant figure in the current political landscape.

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Biden issues pre-emptive pardons in final hours to shield key figures from political prosecution

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In a dramatic and unprecedented move just hours before leaving office, President Joe Biden has issued a series of pre-emptive pardons to prominent figures who could face politically motivated charges under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. The pardons include former COVID-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired general Mark Milley, and members of the U.S. House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.

Biden issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing the need to protect these individuals from potential “politically motivated prosecutions” that could be initiated once Trump assumes office. “These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction, and they do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said, asserting that he could not, in good conscience, remain inactive as these figures faced potential legal battles.

Among the key figures pardoned are Dr. Fauci, who became the face of America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the Trump administration, Fauci’s clear and science-backed messages often put him at odds with the president and his allies, who criticized his approach. His prominence during the pandemic made him a frequent target for right-wing figures, including Elon Musk, who called for his prosecution.

General Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, was also granted a pardon. Milley had drawn Trump’s ire after making critical remarks about the former president and discussing his actions during the January 6 attack. Furthermore, Milley’s secret communications with his Chinese counterpart during the Capitol riot, aimed at reassuring China of the U.S. military’s stability, sparked a storm of controversy, with Trump calling for his execution on social media.

In addition to Fauci and Milley, Biden also pardoned members, staff, and witnesses associated with the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. These individuals, including former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, faced significant personal and political threats as they uncovered the extent of Trump’s involvement in the violent attack by his supporters.

Biden’s decision to issue these pardons was framed as a protective measure for public servants who have been subjected to what he described as “baseless and politically motivated investigations” that, according to him, have caused undue harm to these individuals’ personal and professional lives. The pardons, however, were also accompanied by a statement clarifying that they should not be viewed as an admission of any wrongdoing.

Trump, who was set to be inaugurated on the same day, has repeatedly promised “retribution” against his political opponents. He has vowed to use the full extent of his power to prosecute those he sees as enemies, including members of the January 6 committee and figures who opposed his agenda during his presidency.

This move, just hours before the transfer of power, highlights the tension between Biden and Trump as the political landscape prepares for a new chapter. Biden’s actions signal a firm stance against what he perceives as politically motivated legal tactics and retribution, even as Trump begins his second term in office.

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Trump set for swearing-in as 47th President amid cold snap in Washington

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Former US President Donald Trump

Washington is bracing for the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, scheduled for January 20, 2025, in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. This venue change, prompted by an unusually cold forecast, marks a departure from the traditional platform setup on the Capitol’s West Lawn.

Trump, who has overcome two impeachment trials, a felony conviction, assassination attempts, and an indictment for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, is making a historic return to the presidency after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Alongside him, JD Vance, the Vice President-elect, will be sworn in, setting the stage for a new chapter in American politics.

The inauguration ceremony promises to be a highly orchestrated event, reflecting both tradition and Trump’s unique approach to governance. The President-elect is expected to outline his administration’s priorities in his inaugural address, focusing on stringent immigration control, aggressive executive powers, and policies aimed at redefining America’s role globally.

Trump’s commitment to act swiftly on key issues was evident during his pre-inaugural celebrations, including a campaign-style rally and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. His supporters are anticipating a series of executive actions on his first day in office, particularly concerning immigration and national security.

Despite the change in venue and the chilly weather, the inauguration is set to feature all the ceremonial pomp. However, the planned parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has been modified, with festivities moving to the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

This inauguration is not just a ceremonial transfer of power but a significant pivot point for U.S. policy and international relations. As Trump prepares to deliver his inaugural address, the nation and the world await the impact of his promised reforms and leadership style.

For global audiences and those in the U.S., the event will be covered extensively by major news networks and streamed online, ensuring that no one misses out on this significant political moment.

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