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Tensions Rise: Iran’s Alleged Preparation for Strike on Israel Amid, US Moves Aircraft Carrier into Red Sea

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Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Feb. 17, 2022. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

Tensions Rise: Iran’s Alleged Preparation for Strike on Israel Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis

In the volatile landscape of the Middle East, the specter of conflict looms large as reports surface of Iran’s purported readiness for a significant strike against Israel. With over 100 cruise missiles reportedly primed and an arsenal of drones at the ready,, Daily Mail reports.

Iran’s actions signal a potentially imminent threat, stirring apprehension and prompting swift responses from global stakeholders.

The United States, cognizant of the escalating situation, swiftly announced plans to reinforce its presence in the region. Among the measures taken is the deployment of the USS Dwight Eisenhower into the Red Sea—a strategic move aimed at dissuading Tehran from any hostile actions. President Biden, in a resolute tone, reiterated the steadfast commitment to Israel’s defense while issuing a stern warning to Iran against any aggression.

The recent escalation traces back to Iran’s vehement condemnation of an alleged Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus—an incident that has heightened tensions between the two adversaries. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s uncompromising pledge of retaliation underscores the gravity of the situation, fueling concerns of a potential military confrontation.

Against this backdrop, former President Trump weighed in, criticizing President Biden’s handling of the crisis and asserting a different approach under his administration. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have underscored their nation’s readiness to respond decisively to any provocation from Iran, setting the stage for a high-stakes standoff.

As diplomatic channels remain strained and military postures heighten, both the White House and Pentagon maintain a vigilant stance, closely monitoring the evolving situation. The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem enacted precautionary measures, imposing travel restrictions as a precautionary measure indicative of the perceived threat level.

With Iran and Israel boasting formidable military capabilities, the prospect of an all-out conflict evokes grave concerns over the potential humanitarian toll and regional stability. Analysts draw parallels to historical crises, emphasizing the urgent imperative for diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue to avert a catastrophic confrontation in the Middle East. As the world watches with bated breath, the fate of the region hangs precariously in the balance, underscoring the critical importance of defusing the crisis through peaceful means.

Qatar & Kuwait Refuse to Allow the US to Use Their Bases if Iran Attacks Israel 

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Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Credit: Drop of Light/Shutterstock.

Qatar & Kuwait Refuse to Allow the US to Use Their Bases if Iran Attacks Israel 

Edited by: Fern Sidman

On Friday, Al Jazeera reported that Qatar and Kuwait have informed the United States that they cannot use the bases on their territories against Iran in the event of an attack on Israel. This move significantly reduces US capabilities in the region.

According to a report that appeared on Friday in the Wall Street Journal, the United States has taken swift action to protect Israel and American forces in the region amidst escalating tensions, rushing warships into position to deter potential threats from Iran. The deployment aims to preempt any direct attack on Israel, with concerns mounting over the possibility of imminent aggression.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a warning from a reliable source regarding the timing and location of a potential Iranian attack, as was reported by the WSJ.

Army General Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, engaged in discussions about the looming threat with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a visit on Thursday to Israel. Gallant reaffirmed Israel’s readiness to defend itself, both on the ground and in the air, in collaboration with its allies. As per the information provided in the WSJ report, Israel’s Defense Ministry quoted Gallant stating, “We are prepared to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we will know how to respond.”

As part of the U.S. response, two destroyers have been repositioned, with one already present in the region and another redirected to bolster defense capabilities. Indicated in the WSJ report was that these vessels are equipped with advanced Aegis missile-defense systems, enhancing their capacity to intercept and neutralize potential threats.

The deployment of warships calls attention to the gravity of the situation and the commitment of the United States to safeguarding its allies and interests in the Middle East. The region has been a hotspot of geopolitical tensions, with longstanding rivalries and proxy conflicts heightening the risk of military escalation.

While efforts are underway to prevent a wider conflict, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for rapid developments, according to the report in the WSJ. The deployment of warships represents a proactive measure aimed at deterring Iranian aggression and preserving stability in the region.

As for Qatar’s refusal to allow the US to utilize their bases in the event of an Iranian attack on Israel, the Gulf nation continues to play a double game with the United States. On the one hand, Qatar has served as a safe harbor for Hamas leaders who live in luxury hotels in Doha, and on the other hand Qatar claims that they are allied with US interests.

According to a December 2023 report by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy, Qatar has enabled the terrorist organization Hamas politically and financially for decades. However, the tiny Gulf Arab state has successfully positioned itself as the lead negotiator in the Hamas-Israel war despite its lack of neutrality and ongoing support for terrorism. In fact, Doha hosts key members of Hamas’s senior leadership and has given an estimated $1.8 billion to Gaza’s Hamas-run government. As a designated major non-NATO ally of the United States, Qatar’s ongoing support for Hamas raises overdue questions as to whether Washington should finally press the Gulf country to close Hamas offices, expel Hamas officials, and turn off the financial spigot.

The FDD report also detailed Qatar’s role in serving as a major financier of Hamas terrorism.  The report stated that the former Emir of Qatar was the first world leader to visit Gaza after Hamas seized the territory by force in 2007. Sheikh Hamad, father of the current emir, visited the coastal enclave and pledged $400 million in support. Doha pledged $360 million of annual support to the enclave in January 2021, in part to subsidize government salaries. About a third of Qatari support is in the form of fuel that Hamas authorities sell for cash. Hamas also collects kickbacks from salaries and other aid flowing into Gaza.

Qatar’s foreign ministry released a statement on October 7th holding “Israel alone responsible” for Hamas’s bloody rampage, as was detailed in the FDD report. The ministry ignored Hamas’s war crimes and accused Israel of violating international law. After failing to condemn the 10/7 attack, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatari emir, said on October 24 that “it is untenable for Israel to be given an unconditional green light and free license to kill.”

Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas’s political bureau, resides in Qatar, as do Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s communications office, and Khaled Mashal, Hamas’s former political chief and current head of the group’s diaspora office. The FDD report said that on October 13, 2023, Mashal called for a global “Day of Jihad,” encouraging the Muslim world to “head to the squares and streets” in support of the Palestinian cause. In Doha, Hamas leaders live in five-star hotels; Haniyeh and Mashal are reportedly worth over $4 billion each.

Moreover, the FDD report explained that Hamas opened a political office in Doha in 2012. Haniyeh currently serves as chief of the bureau. Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to the United States, claims that Hamas set up its Doha office following “a request from Washington to establish indirect lines of communication with Hamas.” An Obama White House official said there was no request from Washington, but the administration did not oppose the move either. A spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on November 5 that Doha has “no reason to close” the office if it can facilitate diplomacy. On Capitol Hill, Doha has tried to block U.S. legislation recognizing the Gulf country as a Hamas financier.

The abundantly tendentious and agenda driven news outlet Al Jazeera is owned by the Qatari government and effectively functions as a media mouthpiece of the state. The network regularly lionizes the violent activities of Hamas, with particularly vitriolic coverage of the conflict during clashes with Israel, according to the FDD report. For years, Yusuf Qaradawi, the Muslim Brotherhood cleric who endorsed the tactic of suicide bombings, hosted a program on the channel. After the October 7 attack, the network broadcast Hamas military chief Mohammad Deif’s call to arms. Al Jazeera also aired incendiary statements from Ismail Haniyeh and his deputy, Saleh al-Arouri. Haniyeh appeared on Al Jazeera praising Hamas’s “great triumph” and calling on “the sons of this entire nation, in their various locations, to join this battle in any way they can.”

Further information provided in the FDD report indicated that following Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005, Hamas prevailed in the Palestinian elections in 2006. After a one-year stand-off with the ruling Fatah faction, Hamas fought a bloody civil war, executing some of its Fatah rivals by shoving them off buildings. Qatar sided with Hamas and endorsed its takeover of Gaza in 2007. It has provided political and financial assistance to the Islamist group in the years since while undermining the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which runs the West Bank.

The FDD report also pointed out that in November 2023, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdelrahman al-Thani said, “We have built relations with Hamas in order to maintain peace and stability in the region.” Yet contrary to the belief that Qatar could moderate Hamas and help stabilize the region, Doha’s support for Hamas has facilitated relentless violence. Under Qatari patronage, Hamas has fought five separate wars against Israel (2008, 2012, 2014, 2021, and 2023).

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt severed ties with Qatar and imposed a blockade on the Gulf nation. According to the information contained in the FDD report, Saudi Arabia said it cut ties to “protect national security from the dangers of terrorism and extremism,” while the UAE noted Qatar’s “ongoing policies that rattle the security and sovereignty of the region.” Both countries accused Doha of backing the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group that gave rise to Hamas. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi also demanded that Qatar sever all ties to terrorist organizations, stop funding those organizations, curtail its close ties to Tehran, terminate the Turkish military presence in Qatar, and shut down Al Jazeera and other incendiary news outlets funded by Doha.

Contradictory as it may sound, despite its support for terrorism, Qatar has been named by the United States as a major non-NATO ally, with the country serving as a strategic hub for U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf region, as per the FDD report. Located 18 miles southwest of Doha, Al-Udeid Air Force Base hosts an estimated 10,000 U.S. troops as well as CENTCOM Forward Headquarters, from which the U.S. launches air operations against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. In addition, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and other foreign forces are stationed at the base built by Qatar following the 1991 Operation Desert Storm.

On Wednesday, the Jewish Voice reported that Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Rick Scott (R-FL) have initiated legislation that targets Qatar’s designation as a major non-NATO ally of the United States. According to a report on the JewishInsider.com web site, the legislative push emerges from concerns over Qatar’s financial connections to terrorist groups, specifically Hamas, and its inaction in using its influence to secure the release of the remaining 133 Israeli hostages being held in captivity in Gaza by the Iranian backed terror group.

The senators’ legislation seeks to leverage Qatar’s status as a major non-NATO ally, a designation that brings various military and economic benefits, as a bargaining chip to force the Gulf nation to sever its ties with Hamas and take a more active stance against global terrorism. As was reported on the JewishInsider.com web site, the proposed law mandates a 90-day period within which the State Department must assess the U.S.-Qatar relationship, determining whether it aligns with U.S. national interests and whether Qatar has used its influence over Hamas effectively.

The legislation outlines specific criteria that Qatar must meet to retain its status. These include demonstrating an active effort to use its leverage over Hamas, ceasing support (both direct and indirect) to terrorist organizations, and either expelling or extraditing members of Hamas, as per the information provided in the JewishInsider.com report. Failure to meet these criteria would result in the immediate termination of Qatar’s status as a major non-NATO ally, a condition that would remain until the Gulf nation complies with all the stipulated requirements.

A point of contention highlighted in the bill is Qatar’s undermining of negotiations for a hostage deal. JewishInsider.com also reported that the senators have accused Qatar of making public calls for a cease-fire that does not condition on the release of the hostages and of claiming a lack of leverage over Hamas, actions that the U.S. lawmakers see as contradictory and harmful to efforts in securing the release of U.S. nationals held hostage.

This legislation represents a significant escalation in the scrutiny of Qatar’s foreign relations, particularly concerning its financial and material support for Hamas.

The discussion of revoking Qatar’s status as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA) by U.S. lawmakers underscores the dynamic and conditional nature of international relations, particularly in the context of geopolitical and security interests. The MNNA status is a significant designation by the United States, providing various military and financial advantages, such as cooperative defense research, shared military training, and priority delivery of defense material, according to the information contained in the JewishInsider.com report.  However, this status is not just an honor but also a statement of trust and mutual interest, implying that the recipient country aligns with the U.S. on crucial international policies, including counterterrorism.

The controversy around Qatar’s MNNA status primarily revolves around its interactions with Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States. The U.S. perceives Qatar’s actions, or lack thereof, against Hamas as not just a passive stance but as support for the group, which is inconsistent with the responsibilities and expectations attached to being an MNNA.

Representative Budd’s proposal to reconsider Qatar’s MNNA status is a manifestation of broader concerns among some U.S. lawmakers about Qatar’s international conduct, especially regarding its relationship with Hamas.

In a speech on the Senate floor, Rep. Budd stated, “Seeking the release of the hostages demands strength and moral clarity. We demand it of our own leaders, and we should require it from our major allies. He continued: “The State of Qatar hosts Hamas’ leaders in their capital of Doha. Now initially, Qatari officials claimed they are exercising leverage on Hamas. Then they publicly stated thereafter that they have no leverage. And now, they’re promoting a ceasefire regardless of the release of the hostages. The truth is that Qatar does have significant leverage over Hamas. They have the ability to expel these terrorists if they don’t release the hostages or at least engage in reasonable negotiations.”

He added that, “The truth is that Hamas is not interested in releasing the hostages, and Qatar seems equally uninterested in forcing them to do so. It is time that we hold nations like Qatar accountable for their dithering and their stalling. I do not introduce this bill lightly. It is not where I started with this relationship, but it is a reflection of where we are today as a result of the repeated warnings that Members of Congress have given to Qatar about the liability of continuing to host Hamas.”

Budd emphasized that, “The time for talking is over, and the time for action is now. If we don’t see action, then Qatar must face consequences. At the end of the day, this bill represents another step towards securing the freedom of our fellow Americans.”

His statement reflects a serious consideration of the bilateral relationship dynamics, emphasizing that such a privileged status requires continuous evaluation and must be merited through actions that align with U.S. interests and security imperatives.

Princeton U in the Hot Seat:  Title VI Investigations Expand Across Universities Amid Soaring Anti-Semitism

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This Dec. 3, 2015 file photograph shows the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. Princeton University on Saturday, June 27, 2020, has announced plans to remove the name of former President Woodrow Wilson from its public policy school because of his segregationist views, reversing a decision the Ivy League school made four years ago to retain the name. (AP Photo/Mel Evans,file)

 

By: Fern Sidman

In the wake of the ongoing war that the Iranian backed Hamas terror group launched on Israel on October 7 college campuses across the nation have morphed into hotbeds of virulent anti-Semitism. While many prestigious institutions have grappled with accusations of mishandling the manifestations of Jew hatred, Princeton University has largely remained out of the spotlight—until now.

This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the opening of a Title VI investigation into allegations of anti-Semitism at Princeton University. According to the information provided in a report that appeared on Friday on the Jewish Telegraphic Agency web site, the investigation stems from a complaint filed by a Jewish conservative activist, who highlighted incidents of concern on the campus. Among the reported incidents were chants by pro-Hamas protesters, including slogans such as “Intifada” and “Brick by brick, wall by wall, apartheid has got to fall.” These chants occurred in the aftermath of events on October 7th, marking a significant turning point for the university.

A spokesperson for Princeton University responded to inquiries from the student newspaper, expressing confidence in the institution’s compliance with Title VI requirements. However, the JTA report indicated that the opening of the investigation signals a departure from the university’s previous avoidance of the public scrutiny faced by other Ivy League peers.

Princeton now finds itself among six other Ivy League institutions under investigation for similar allegations since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. Indicated in the JTA report was that this group includes such prestigious universities as Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, where presidents have resigned amidst criticism of their handling of tensions surrounding the conflict. Notably, both former presidents testified at a congressional hearing in December, drawing further attention to the issue.

Among the Ivy League schools, Dartmouth College stands as an exception, having thus far evaded a Title VI investigation. Education Department officials and others have commended Dartmouth for its proactive approach to addressing campus climate issues related to Israel, as was pointed out in the JTA report. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona praised the school for its culture of engagement and problem-solving when conflicts arise.

Also reported by the JTA was that last week, Lehigh University in Pennsylvania became the subject of a Title VI anti-Semitism investigation following a complaint filed by the pro-Israel advocacy group StandWithUs Center for Legal Justice.

Moreover, the report on the JTA web site said that Youngstown State University in Ohio has also come under the spotlight, with a new anti-Semitism investigation initiated by Zachary Marschall, the editor of the conservative website “Campus Reform.” Marschall has emerged as one of the most prolific filers of Title VI complaints, wielding influence in the realm of campus accountability.

The investigation stems from a YouTube interview conducted by Marschall’s staff with the student head of the school’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter. The JTA reported that during the interview, the Campus Reform official pressed the student to condemn Hamas, to which she responded, “Why should I condemn anything?”

Interestingly, Marschall’s complaint against Princeton, which triggered the recent investigation, has sparked debate within the university community. A spokesperson for Princeton acknowledged Marschall’s role in the complaint, highlighting his status as an outsider to the university, according to the JTA report. The complaint appears to center around chants observed during protests, expressing concerns about the widespread use of such egregious forms of anti-Semitic speech.

Notably, Princeton’s Jewish leaders have raised objections to the investigation, criticizing the lack of consultation by Marschall and disputing his characterization of the university as a raging cauldron of anti-Semitism, according to the information contained in the JTA report.

Rabbi Gil Steinlauf, director of the university’s Center for Jewish Life, provided insights into the campus climate, asserting that Princeton has not succumbed to a pervasive atmosphere of hostility towards Jewish students, unlike some of its peer institutions, as was explained in the JTA report. Steinlauf told the wire service that a majority of Jewish students do not perceive Princeton as an anti-Semitic environment, offering a nuanced perspective amid ongoing scrutiny.

In October, Princeton became the focal point of a rare apology issued by a pro-Israel group, Alums for Campus Fairness (ACF), following an accusation of anti-Semitism. Noted in the JTA report was that the director of ACF extended a quiet apology to a Princeton dean after erroneously accusing her of enabling anti-Semitism. It was revealed that the dean had unequivocally condemned Hamas in the aftermath of October 7th attacks, challenging the initial allegations leveled against her.

The report in the JTA also indicated that according to reports from the Daily Princetonian, the dean of the School of Public and International Affairs made efforts to persuade ACF director Avi Gordon to issue a public apology and retraction, denouncing his tactics as “irresponsible.” Despite exhortations from the dean, Gordon opted against issuing a public apology.

Recent developments in the realm of Title VI investigations have sparked discussions regarding the unprecedented nature of one particular case, raising questions about the criteria and motivations behind such inquiries.

The University of Michigan, which has been under scrutiny following a Title VI complaint related to anti-Semitism opened against it in February, now finds itself at the center of a second complaint. However, the origins of this latest complaint remain undisclosed at present. Despite repeated attempts by the JTA to obtain clarification, a university spokesperson has yet to provide a comment on the matter. The emergence of multiple discrimination investigations against a single institution concurrently is a rare phenomenon, the JTA report noted.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a fourth complaint of undisclosed origin was initiated this week at the School District of Philadelphia. The district has opted not to comment to the JTA on the matter, further shrouding the circumstances surrounding the investigation in mystery.

The escalation of Title VI complaints extends beyond higher education institutions, with several large urban public school districts coming under scrutiny. According to the JTA report, notable examples include districts in New York, Chicago, Oakland, and Montgomery County, Maryland, all of which have faced investigations related to anti-Semitism since October 7th.

 

 

Israeli Hostage Abducted by Gazan Civilians on Oct 7th was Sold to into Hamas Captivity 

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Israeli Hostage Abducted by Gazan Civilians on Oct 7th was Sold to into Hamas Captivity 

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a harrowing recount of her ordeal, Nili Margalit, a 42-year-old Israeli nurse, recently spoke out about her abduction and subsequent captivity in Gaza. Margalit, who was captured during the Hamas led attack on southern Israel on October 7, has revealed that it was not Hamas but rather armed Palestinian civilians who initially took her from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, as was reported on Wednesday in the New York Post.  These civilians, wielding Kalashnikovs, forcibly entered her residence amidst the chaos of the attack, which included rocket alarms sounding off just before dawn.

According to Margalit’s detailed interview with the French magazine “Le Point“ these civilians negotiated her sale to Hamas, the Iranian backed terror group that controls Gaza. According to the information provided in the Post report, the transfer was conducted efficiently once the payment was made, with Margalit being immediately transported through the labyrinth of Hamas’ underground tunnels, a sophisticated and expansive network that has been a subject of much scrutiny and conflict over the years.

Margalit’s capture was part of a larger assault that resulted in 250 Israelis being taken to Gaza. The report in the Post indicated that she described a distressing scene at her home: attackers overturned her house, destroyed belongings, and even started a fire before pulling her from her hiding spot in an unlocked saferoom. She was then covered with a white sheet, placed on a golf cart, and quickly moved to the Gaza border. As was detailed in the Post report, from there, the handover to Hamas operatives took place, and she was subsequently taken to Khan Yunis—a city in southern Gaza. During her transfer, Margalit noted hearing cheers from crowds, indicating a level of public engagement or support for her captors’ actions.

Inside the tunnel network, Margalit first encountered a “reception room” where about 30 other hostages were also being held. According to the information contained in the Post report, this group included individuals from her own kibbutz, ranging from the elderly to children, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the hostage-taking. The emotional toll of seeing familiar faces, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, in such dire circumstances was profound, the Post report added.

Margalit was later moved to a smaller, more confined space—a dormitory designed to house 10 hostages. In this cramped environment, where basic necessities were scarce to the extent of having only rice and bread for sustenance, the psychological challenge was immense, as was described in the Post report. The passage of time seemed to halt, marked only by the routine of minimal meals and the emotional highs and lows of the group.

Margalit found some solace in maintaining a routine, including practicing yoga and engaging with her fellow captives. As she described in the interview that she gave to the French publication, these activities became crucial for mental health, providing a semblance of normalcy and a way to physically cope with stress and anxiety, the Post report said.

The social dynamics in such a constrained setting varied widely, with moments of shouting, crying, and even laughter—emotions that Margalit described in the interview as natural reactions to the extreme stress of captivity, the Post report pointed out. Despite the hardships, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the captives, which Margalit noted as key to maintaining psychological resilience.

Initially, Margalit harbored hopes that her captivity would be brief, possibly lasting only a couple of days. However, as days turned into weeks, the realization that Israel might not be able to secure the release of such a large number of hostages quickly sank in, the report stated. This understanding led to a significant emotional downturn among some hostages, as the grim reality of their situation became more apparent.

After enduring eight weeks of captivity, Margalit was freed as part of a negotiated release, facilitated through an agreement between Israel and Hamas, as was stated in the Post report. This harrowing experience has propelled her to embark on a European tour aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the release of the 133 Israelis who are still being held in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Margalit’s account is not just a personal story but a stark reminder of the harsh conditions and psychological battles faced by hostages. Her reflections offer insight into the human capacity to adapt and support one another in extreme situations, as well as the complex political and humanitarian challenges involved in resolving such crises.

 

Terrifying: New footage shows Noa Argamani crying as she is being abducted

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(A7) In new footage from Oct 7th obtained by The Daily Mail, Noa Argamani is seen crying and screaming while being abducted by a group of terrorists.

One man is seen holding her head down and covering her with a bag.

The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters published the following statement in reaction to the video:

The shocking footage obtained by The Daily Mail of Noa Argamani from October 7th makes it clear – every single day that our loved ones remain in Hamas captivity puts their lives at grave risk.

It’s been 189 days since Noa and 132 other children, women, and men were kidnapped by terrorists to Gaza.

The terror gripping Noa in this video has lasted 189 days already. We must all cry out her pain and secure the release of her and the other hostages now.

We are running out of time for Noa’s terminally ill mother Liora, who is battling stage four brain cancer, to see her only daughter again before she passes away. Just last month, Liora recorded a heartrending video plea to President Biden, begging to be able to hug Noa one last time.

Noa’s mother wants to see her, just as all the mothers, children, wives, and families of the hostages desperately want to see their loved ones freed immediately.

We reiterate our calls for the Israeli government and international community to do everything possible to secure the release of Noa, the 18 other women, and all 133 hostages before more innocent lives are tragically lost.

 

U.S Crude Oil Price Surges As Iranian Threat Looms

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(TJV NEWS) Crude oil prices surged past $87 per barrel fueled by reports of Israel bracing for a potential attack from Iran. This development, if it occurs, would mark the most significant escalation in tensions in the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas conflict in October last year, CNBC reported

The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil for May delivery rose by $2.32, reaching $87.34 per barrel. Similarly, June Brent futures increased by $2.13 to hit $91.86 per barrel. As a result, Exxon Mobil’s stock soared to a record intraday high of $123.74, driven by the bullish momentum in the energy sector.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Israel is anticipating a direct assault from Iran either on its southern or northern regions, possibly as early as Friday or Saturday. Although no final decision has been made by Iran’s leadership, discussions about plans for such a strike are reportedly underway.

Citing intelligence assessments, Bloomberg News reported that Iran or its allies might launch an attack using drones and missiles against Israel within the next 48 hours.

As a precautionary measure, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem has restricted government employees and their families from traveling outside designated areas such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has pledged retaliation against Israel for a recent missile strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military personnel.

Although oil prices initially surged following the consulate attack, they have since experienced slight fluctuations due to concerns over inflation data and U.S. crude inventories.

Israel has issued warnings to Iran, indicating its readiness to retaliate if attacked. Foreign Minister Israel Katz reiterated this stance, stating that Israel would respond with force if Iran initiated an attack from its territory.

Bob McNally, President of Rapidan Energy and a former senior energy official in the Bush administration, has suggested that Brent crude oil futures could skyrocket to $100 per barrel in the event of a direct Iranian attack on Israel. Moreover, if the situation escalates to disrupt the critical oil trade route through the Strait of Hormuz, prices could surge even higher, reaching $120 or $130 per barrel.

US reiterates ‘ironclad’ support for Israel as IDF preps for Iranian attack

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized to address a bladder issue. Credit: AP

(JNS)  U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated on Thursday Washington’s commitment to upholding Israel’s security, as the Israel Defense Forces continued preparations for an expected Iranian attack on the home front.

Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant “to reiterate ironclad U.S. support for Israel’s defense in the face of growing threats from Iran and its regional proxies,” according to a Pentagon readout of their call.

 

“Echoing President Biden’s unequivocal message to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Secretary Austin assured Minister Gallant that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, which Tehran has publicly threatened,” added the statement.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said his administration was committed to backing Israel amid reports of an imminent Iranian attack.

“As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,” said Biden.

“Let me say it again, ironclad. We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security,” he added.

Washington and its allies believe a major attack on Israel by Iran has become a matter of when, not if, following the killing of an Iranian general in Syria on April 1, which Tehran blamed on the Jewish state.

Israel has not officially taken responsibility for the attack in Damascus which killed Brig. Gen. Mohammad Zahedi, but four officials told The New York Times last week that Jerusalem ordered the strike.

On Thursday, Austin and Gallant “discussed readiness for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel, which could lead to regional escalation … [and] require an appropriate Israeli response,” according to an Israeli readout.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees the Middle East, arrived in Israel on Thursday to coordinate with the Israel Defense Forces regarding a possible attack.

Jerusalem is preparing for a strike in the next 24 to 48 hours, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing U.S. intelligence.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced on Thursday that “out of an abundance of caution,” government employees and their family members can only travel for personal reasons in the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheva areas “until further notice.”

On Thursday evening, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Israel was “highly prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation. We are ready on offense and defense using various capabilities, and also with our strategic partners,” he added.

The Israel Defense Forces has been placed on high alert, resulting in combat soldiers’ weekend leaves being canceled and the military calling up additional reserve soldiers to the IDF Aerial Defense Array.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the Jewish state would respond in kind to any attack.

Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof Air Base, he said: “We are in challenging times. We are in the midst of the war in Gaza, which is continuing at full force, even as we are continuing our relentless efforts to return our hostages.”

However, he continued, “we are also prepared for scenarios involving challenges in other sectors. We have determined a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”

 

Biden Admin Asks China To Discourage Iran From Attacking Israel — Which Could Be Just Days Away: REPORT

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls Jewish settlements, “illegal by international law”, hours after terrorist attack near Maale Adumim kills one and wounds 7. Photo Credit: AP

(DCNF) The Biden administration asked China on Thursday to urge Iran against launching retaliatory strikes against Israel — an attack that U.S. officials say could be imminent, according to multiple reports.

Israel launched airstrikes against high-level Iranian military operatives at a diplomatic consulate in Syria on Apr. 1, prompting Iran to vow retaliatory attacks, which the U.S. sees as potentially coming within days, a U.S. official told The Wall Street Journal. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and asked Beijing to deter Iran from launching an attack against Israel, but Wang instead expressed that China “strongly condemns” Israel’s strikes and urged the U.S. to play a “constructive role” in the Middle East, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

“Secretary Blinken has been engaged in diplomacy over the past 24 hours through a series of calls to foreign counterparts, including… Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi… to make clear that escalation is not in anyone’s interest, and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate,” the State Department said on Thursday.

Israel is gearing up for a direct attack from Iran, which U.S. intelligence indicates could occur directly on Israeli soil, according to the WSJ. The U.S. Embassy in Israel restricted travel for all staff until told otherwise amid the threat of an Iranian attack, the first time the U.S. has imposed such a restriction since Hamas, which itself is backed by Iran, attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and killed roughly 1,200 people.

On the Israeli airstrike, Wang “stressed [to Blinken] the inviolability of the security of diplomatic missions and that Iran and Syria’s sovereignty must be respected,” China’s foreign ministry said. He also repeated Beijing’s call for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

“The pressing need now is to bring an end to the conflict as soon as possible,” China’s foreign ministry said of Wang and Blinken’s phone call. “China will continue to view the issue based on its merits, play a constructive role in resolving the Middle East issue and help de-escalate the situation. The U.S. in particular needs to play a constructive role.”

The Biden administration has had similar discussions with Beijing officials since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. The U.S. asked China in January to pressure Iran into curbing the Houthis‘ — another Iranian terror proxy — attacks against U.S. and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which appeared to fall on deaf ears, according to the South China Morning Post.

The Biden administration asked Beijing to join a U.S.-led coalition naval force in the Red Sea to deter the Houthi attacks, but Beijing has yet to accept the invitation, even though it maintains naval forces in the neighboring Djibouti region, according to SCMP.

China has a relationship with several Western adversaries, including Iran, and the U.S. views Beijing as a global power that could “influence regional rivalries, in the Middle East, Jean-Loup Samaan, a senior research fellow of the Middle East Institute, told SCMP. Beijing has refrained from explicitly condemning Hamas’ attack against Israel on Oct. 7, instead maintaining neutrality and calling for both sides to cease conflict.

China and Iran have not had a diplomatic exchange since Israel struck IRGC targets in Syria on Apr. 1, according to SCMP.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected].

Secret Tapes Reveal The Fed Throws Americans Under The Bus To Serve Biden

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By Mary Rooke (Daily Caller)

The U.S. Federal Reserve could have fixed inflation a while ago but refused to do the hard work because the results could hurt President Joe Biden’s re-election efforts, putting former President Donald Trump back in the White House, according to hidden camera footage.

Despite Biden’s insistence that the U.S. economy is stronger than ever and inflation is controlled, Americans can feel the pinch at every turn. Principal economist at the Federal Reserve, Aurel Hizmo, told an undercover reporter that the Fed stopped raising the rates to tackle inflation because it could cause a recession. Something like that would likely end Biden’s 2024 campaign.

Moreover, he said that chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell “hates” Trump and thinks of himself as someone “who held the line against … Trump,” adding that under his first term, Powell refused to help stimulate the economy by lowering interest rates simply because Trump wanted him to.

“So Trump nominated him, and Congress approved it, and then as soon as [Powell] became chair, Trump wanted him to lower interest rates. Because when you lower interest rates, it stimulates the economy, And Trump was president, he wanted to stimulate the economy. But [Powell] wouldn’t do it. He started raising interest rates and doing the opposite of what Trump wanted. And Trump tried to find all the loopholes to fire him,” Hizmo said.

Hizmo said that while Powell’s relationship with Trump was contentious, he does get along well with Biden and his administration. He even boasted about all the progressive changes Powell brought into the Fed as chair, including equity and racial issues, wealth inequality, and climate change.

“[Powell] creates an environment to foster research in [climate change], to foster discussion in the area where, like, it’s a friendly environment where we can hire climate scientists,” Hizmo told the undercover journalist.

He also admitted that even though the Biden administration claims to have tackled inflation, it hasn’t gotten worse “because we’ve been increasing rates for a little while.” Inflation rose for the third month in March, causing Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic to retract his early prediction that the Fed would lower rates three times this year.

 

“Biden wouldn’t want the interest rates to go lower. At the same time, he doesn’t want inflation. Inflation is bad. Everybody is complaining about it,” he said. The Fed could be doing more to slow inflation but doesn’t want to do anything that would “create a recession,” according to Hizmo, who said Powell is very concerned about his legacy and wants Americans to view him as a “savior.”

Hizmo admitted that he doesn’t work with any Conservatives and that people in the Fed would think Conservatives or people who support Trump are “dumb.”

“So the feeling is this: we don’t want Trump to be in the government. But if he comes, we’re still gonna try to do the best we can for the country. Now, if he messes up, if he does something stupid, then we have to fix it,” he said. Hizmo talked about how, in Trump’s first term, he removed a lot of regulations to get the economy going, so the Fed (led by Powell) went behind Trump to counter the deregulation. (ROOKE: Trump Plans To Spend 2nd Term Dismantling The Left’s Favorite Policy)

It’s no shock that American institutions are captured by progressive activists who hate the U.S. and find regular Americans to be dumb. They are the ones who cringe when the term “America First” is said, and the idea they would do what is right for the country at the risk their guy would lose is something so foreign to them that it might as well be written in Latin.

Biden desperately needs the economy to get better before November to make this election a referendum on Trump and not his policies that are hurting Americans. Since the left controls everything from education to the economy, you can almost guarantee the Fed will lower interest rates before the end of the year to help boost morale and ease pressure off of Biden. It has nothing to do with what’s good for Americans and everything to do with remaining in power.

Donald Trump Demands ‘No More’ NPR Taxpayer Funding After Editor Unveils Network Bias

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NPR image (AP)

Wendell Husebo (Breitbart)

“NO MORE” tax dollars should fund NPR after a senior editor unveiled several examples of blatant network bias, former President Donald Trump said.

NPR employs 87 registered Democrats in editorial positions but zero Republicans in the same positions in its Washington, DC, headquarters, NPR Senior Editor Uri Berliner reported Tuesday in a scathing essay.

Berliner, who leans left, said he opposed many of the left-wing and perhaps false narratives NPR spun about the coronavirus “lab leak theory,” Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Hunter Biden’s laptop, former President Donald Trump, and the 2016 Russia hoax.

“NO MORE FUNDING FOR NPR, A TOTAL SCAM! EDITOR SAID THEY HAVE NO REPUBLICANS, AND IS ONLY USED TO ‘DAMAGE TRUMP,’” Trump wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. “THEY ARE A LIBERAL DISINFORMATION MACHINE. NOT ONE DOLLAR!!!”

Taxpayer funds subsidized NPR’s budget by nearly 11 percent.

NPR’s business model appears in decline. The taxpayer-funded organization laid off ten percent of its workforce, going from approximately 1,200 to about 1,050 employees after the left-wing media company failed to generate enough revenue, the organization announced in 2023.

 

In 2011, Berliner said, the network’s “audience tilted a bit to the left” but “still bore a resemblance to America at large.” He described NPR listening as 26 percent conservative, 23 percent “middle of the road,” and 37 percent far-left. That changed by 2023 when only 11 percent of listeners described themselves as conservative, 21 percent as “middle of the road,” and 67 percent left-leaning.

Berliner reported:

So on May 3, 2021, I presented the findings at an all-hands editorial staff meeting. When I suggested we had a diversity problem with a score of 87 Democrats and zero Republicans, the response wasn’t hostile. It was worse. It was met with profound indifference. I got a few messages from surprised, curious colleagues. But the messages were of the “oh wow, that’s weird” variety, as if the lopsided tally was a random anomaly rather than a critical failure of our diversity North Star.

In a follow-up email exchange, a top NPR news executive told me that she had been “skewered” for bringing up diversity of thought when she arrived at NPR. So, she said, “I want to be careful how we discuss this publicly.”

For years, I have been persistent. When I believe our coverage has gone off the rails, I have written regular emails to top news leaders, sometimes even having one-on-one sessions with them. On March 10, 2022, I wrote to a top news executive about the numerous times we described the controversial education bill in Florida as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill when it didn’t even use the word gay. I pushed to set the record straight, and wrote another time to ask why we keep using that word that many Hispanics hate—Latinx. On March 31, 2022, I was invited to a managers’ meeting to present my observations.

NPR’s chief news executive, Edith Chapin, denied her employee’s claims, citing nuance and inclusion.

Wendell Husebo is a political reporter with Breitbart News and a former GOP War Room Analyst. He is the author of Politics of Slave Morality. Follow Wendell on “X” @WendellHusebø or on Truth Social @WendellHusebo.

 

U.S. Fears Iran Attack on Israel; Tells Diplomatic Staff Not to Travel

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Joel Pollak / Breitbart News

Joel B. Pollak(Breitbart)

The United States believes that an Iranian attack on Israel may be imminent and has instructed its diplomatic employees in Israel not to travel far from their homes in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva in the south.

The warning came after days of threats by Iran to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike April 1 in Damascus, Syria, that killed two generals and five officers responsible for attacks on Israel via terrorist proxy armies in recent months.

Israel warned that if Iran launches an attack on Israel directly from Iranian territory, it will retaliate against Iran directly — not against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, or militias in Iraq.

The Israeli military canceled leave for combat soldiers and called up reservists from air defense units several days ago. President Joe Biden also reiterated Wednesday that U.S. support for Israel was “ironclad,” in an attempt to deter Iran.

Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post and Reuters reported on Friday morning that the U.S. has warned ocal staff:

The United States said on Thursday it had restricted its employees in Israel and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be’er Sheva areas amid Iran’s threats to retaliate against its regional adversary.

Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus, ratcheting up tension in a region already strained by the Gaza war.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” the US embassy said in a security alert on its website on Thursday. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.”

Anchors on Israel’s Army Radio were somewhat puzzled by the U.S announcement, and asked whether it was informed by accurate intelligence. They noted that the U.S. had inadvertently confirmed where its local staff lives.

Other world powers, such as the United Kingdom, have urged Iran not to attack Israel, and to avoid a larger war.

Joel B. Pollak is Senior Editor-at-Large at Breitbart News and the host of Breitbart News Sunday on Sirius XM Patriot on Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT). He is the author of the recent e-book, “The Zionist Conspiracy (and how to join it),” now available on Audible. He is also the author of the e-book, Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. He is a winner of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter at @joelpollak.

Blue City Plans To Defund Its Police Force To Pay For Illegal Immigrants

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(Screenshot / YouTube / City and County of Denver)

‘Jake Smith (Daily Caller)

The Democratic-run city of Denver, Colorado, plans to defund its police department to pay for illegal immigrants.

Denver, which is commonly referred to as a “sanctuary city,” announced on Wednesday that it will spend $89.9 million on services for incoming illegal migrants, pulling some of the funding from roughly $45 million in public programs and services. Denver’s police department will be hit with an $8.4 million reduction — about 1.9% of its total operating budget, the city confirmed to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Denver became the top destination per capita for incoming migrants in 2023, having had more than 40,000 arrive that year alone — putting the total migrant population at roughly 710,000, according to NBC News. Denver already spent over $42 million in 2023 in housing and medical services for migrants and plans to spend over $100 million on similar costs in 2024.

The fire department will also suffer a $2.5 million reduction, or about 0.8% of its total operating costs, the city told the DCNF. Half of those reductions will also come from vacant positions.

 

The city won’t stop recruiting classes for new police officers or firefighters, but at least one class will have to be conducted at the Denver International Airport, which is paying for the cost of hosting it, according to 9 News. 911 operators will also have to be paid differently in order to save the city money.

“Mayor Johnston and the city has invested to add 167 new police recruits to our force in 2024. This puts us on the path to meet the full authorized strength of the police department and improve our ability to respond to 911 calls and follow up on investigations across the city,” Johnston’s office told the DCNF.

One of the most severe cuts will come from Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston’s office, which will lose about $335,155 in funding for the plan, or about 9.6% of its total operating budget, according to 9 News. Among other cuts being made are a budget reduction of 2.2% to the Sheriff’s Department, 1.9% to the Department of Public Health and Environment, 2.4% to the Executive Director of Safety and 3.8% to the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, according to Fox 31 Denver.

‘Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens don’t represent American Christians when it comes to Israel’

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By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

Victor Davis Hanson, a historian and professor emeritus of California State University, Fresno, pushed back on criticism of Israel on the American Right, adding that recent comments by right-wing pundits like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens do not represent the conservative movement or the American Religious Right.

Hanson, who has frequently appeared as a guest on Carlson’s now-cancelled Fox News show, “Tucker Carlson Tonight”, and his current, independently-produced “Tucker Carlson Uncensored,” spoke with Megyn Kelly on Wednesday regarding the rise in anti-Israel rhetoric on the American Right.

“Most of the evangelical community I know is still very pro-Israel,” Hanson said.

“I think what we’re talking about is the libertarian, right intellectual movement. I know that Tucker Carlson is voicing things, Candace Owens has, the CATO Institute has been very vocal.”

“But I don’t think it represents most Christians, much less most Americans. But I don’t know quite what their argument is because I’ve seen so many of them.”

“It doesn’t take a lot of brains to say ‘there’s 500 million people in the Middle East and there’s 12 million that live in a democratic government.’ And that is the only democratic constitutional system there.”

On Tuesday, Carlson sparked controversy with his interview of Munther Isaac, a Lutheran pastor from Bethlehem who lauded the October 7th invasion of Israel, accused Israel of genocide, and defined the Christian cross as “an important Palestinian symbol.”

During the interview, in which Isaac repeatedly lambasted American support for Israel while blaming Israeli policies for Hamas’ invasion last October, Carlson slammed Republican lawmakers and evangelical Christians over their pro-Israel views.

“It is very obvious to me that many Evangelical leaders in the United States care much more about the highly secular government of Israel than they care about Christian communities in the Middle East,” Carlson said.

“If you wake up in the morning and decide that your Christian faith requires you to support a foreign government blowing up churches and killing Christians I think you’ve lost the thread,” Carlson added.

Speaking with Megyn Kelly a day after Carlson’s interview with Isaac was published, Hanson made a veiled reference to claims during the Carlson interview that Israel was responsible for the decline in Bethlehem’s Christian population.

“I think a lot of it’s based on ignorance. I really do…If anybody goes to say Bethlehem, or they go into Lebanon, what’s happening all over the Middle East is Christians are being ethnically cleansed.”

WATCH: BEN SHAPIRO ADDRESSES SPLIT WITH CANDACE OWENS
“They’ve been ethnically cleansed from Gaza, most of them. But if they’re speaking in Syria, or they’re speaking in the Palestinian Authority, they’re terrified, and everything they say is monitored. So mostly the Christians are very anti-Israel, the spokespeople. But if you look at the events on the ground, they’ve fled.”

Queens Scores Big: NYCFC Soccer Stadium & Affordable Housing Project Approved

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Queens Scores Big: NYCFC Soccer Stadium & Affordable Housing Project Approved

By: Jane Zakharova

 

A significant redevelopment project in Queens is poised to transform the landscape, combining sports and housing in the vibrant borough. The New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is at the heart of this exciting endeavor.

The Project Overview

Soccer Stadium: The centerpiece of the project is a 7-story soccer stadium purpose-built for NYCFC. This state-of-the-art venue will accommodate up to 25,000 fans and serve as the team’s permanent home. It’s a historic milestone for the Big Apple, marking the city’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium.

Affordable Housing: Alongside the stadium, the Willets Point redevelopment plan includes the construction of 2,500 housing units. Among these, 1,400 units will be subsidized or below market rate. This represents the largest addition of housing in 40 years for the borough.

Celebrating the Breakthrough

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Mayor Eric Adams, and local Councilman Francisco Moya are coming together to celebrate this momentous achievement. Richards, a staunch supporter of the project, exclaimed, “We’ve scored a goal!” He emphasized that Queens, known for its diversity, is now poised to embrace the world’s sport.

NYCFC’s Journey

NYCFC has been playing its home games at nearby Citi Field and Yankee Stadium in the South Bronx. With the new soccer-specific stadium, the team will finally have a dedicated home ground. The anticipation is high, and fans eagerly await the opening in 2027.

Economic Impact

The project isn’t just about sports and housing; it’s an economic catalyst. The stadium and housing development are expected to create 1,550 permanent jobs and generate 14,200 construction jobs. NYCFC’s Vice Chairman, Marty Edelman, expressed the club’s commitment to investing in New York City and building a vibrant community.

A Vision for Queens

As the Willets Point redevelopment takes shape, Queens stands at the forefront of progress. The borough’s transformation reflects a commitment to equity, dynamism, and community-building. With the NYCFC stadium as its centerpiece, Queens is ready to collect its trophy!

China’s Surveillance Iceberg: Beyond TikTok, a Vast Network of Data Collection

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In recent weeks, TikTok served up a crude example of power, sucking in a generation of kids, and then, at a click, deploying them to threaten members of Congress into backing down. But the People’s Republic of China has more subtle corporate tools of political intimidation. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

China’s Surveillance Iceberg: Beyond TikTok, a Vast Network of Data Collection

By: Jane Zakharova

The recent scrutiny of TikTok by Congress is merely the beginning of a much larger issue related to China’s surveillance activities. While TikTok has faced allegations of data privacy concerns, it represents only a fraction of the broader problem.

TikTok’s Controversy: TikTok, the popular social media platform, has been under the spotlight due to its Chinese ownership and potential data-sharing practices. Concerns have arisen about user data being accessed by the Chinese government.

Beyond TikTok: However, focusing solely on TikTok misses the bigger picture. China’s surveillance capabilities extend far beyond a single app. The country has a vast network of technology companies, both state-owned and private, that collect and analyze data on a massive scale.

Data Collection Ecosystem: China’s surveillance ecosystem includes not only social media platforms but also telecommunications networks, smart cities, and facial recognition systems. These interconnected systems allow for comprehensive monitoring of citizens’ activities.

Strategic Goals: China’s surveillance efforts align with its strategic goals, including maintaining social stability, tracking dissidents, and enhancing national security. The government leverages technology to achieve these objectives.

Global Implications: The impact of China’s surveillance practices extends beyond its borders. Companies with ties to China may inadvertently share user data with the Chinese government, raising concerns about privacy and security worldwide.

Balancing Act: Policymakers face a delicate balancing act. While addressing specific apps like TikTok is essential, a broader approach is necessary to address China’s overall surveillance capabilities effectively.

Congress’s attention to TikTok is a step in the right direction, but it’s crucial to recognize that China’s surveillance iceberg runs much deeper. As technology continues to evolve, policymakers must grapple with the complexities of privacy, security, and global implications.

UK Study Scrutinizes the Use of Puberty Blockers in Gender Dysphoric Youth

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A young child holds a pair of trans pride flags at a noon gathering on the steps of the Mississippi Capitol in Jackson, as they protest House Bill 1125, which bans gender-affirming care for trans children, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

UK Study Scrutinizes the Use of Puberty Blockers in Gender Dysphoric Youth

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In recent years, the landscape of gender treatment for adolescents has undergone significant scrutiny, with the credibility of widely prescribed puberty-suppressing drugs coming under intense scrutiny, according to a report that appeared on Wednesday in The Wall Street Journal.  The release of a landmark review commissioned by the U.K.’s National Health Service has focused onthe glaring gaps in medical evidence supporting such treatments, prompting a reevaluation of practices across Europe and beyond.

Authored by esteemed pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, the report sheds light on the alarming deficiency of robust evidence backing the administration of puberty-suppressing drugs to transgender minors. According to the information provided in the WSJ report, the exponential surge in demand for gender dysphoria treatment in the past decade prompted the NHS to commission this comprehensive review, which has now unveiled the stark reality: the medical rationale for early puberty suppression remains shrouded in ambiguity, with scant evidence regarding its impact on gender dysphoria, mental health, or psychosocial well-being.

Central to the findings is the call for a more holistic approach to treating adolescents grappling with gender dysphoria. Rather than hastily resorting to pharmacological interventions, the review advocates for a comprehensive assessment encompassing screening for autism and a broader evaluation of mental health, as was reported by the WSJ.

The implications of the review extend far beyond the shores of the United Kingdom, reverberating throughout Europe and prompting a collective reevaluation of existing practices. As per the information contained in the WSJ report, several European nations, including the U.K., Sweden, Finland, Norway, and France, have heeded the cautionary call, acknowledging the dearth of compelling evidence concerning the widespread use of puberty-suppressing drugs for minors with gender dysphoria. Emphasizing the principle of primum non nocere, these countries have urged restraint, emphasizing the need for rigorous evaluation of the risk-benefit profile before embarking on such interventions, the WSJ report added.

Notably, the U.K.’s NHS, renowned as the largest state-run health system globally, has taken decisive action in response to the review’s findings. Ceasing the routine prescription of puberty blockers except for patients enrolled in clinical trials, the NHS has signaled a pivotal shift towards evidence-based practice and heightened scrutiny of interventions targeting transgender minors, the WSJ report indicated.

In the United States, the landscape of gender-affirming care for minors is marked by a stark dichotomy: while major medical associations advocate for such care, a growing number of states have enacted legislation or policies restricting access to puberty blockers and other forms of gender-affirming treatment for youth, as was explained in the WSJ report.

At the heart of this discourse is the Cass report, a seminal review commissioned by the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) in response to the exponential increase in adolescents seeking gender-affirming treatment. Authored by Dr. Hilary Cass, the report meticulously examines the evidence base underpinning such interventions, highlighting significant gaps in knowledge, particularly concerning the long-term benefits for minors, the WSJ report observed. This scrutiny has reverberated across the Atlantic, prompting reflections on the state of gender medicine for youth in the United States.

Speaking to the WSJ, Jay Richards, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, pointed out that the dearth of robust evidence on the long-term efficacy of gender-affirming care for minors warrants caution, particularly in a landscape characterized by rapid expansion and evolving practices. The United States, Richards told the WSJ, finds itself in a regulatory “Wild West” concerning gender medicine for children, where navigating the ethical and clinical complexities poses significant challenges.

The stance of major U.S. medical associations, including the American Medical Association, in support of gender-affirming care for minors stands in contrast to the wave of legislative efforts in numerous states to curtail access to such treatments, as was mentioned in the WSJ report. These measures, which prohibit or severely restrict access to puberty blockers, surgeries, and other forms of gender-affirming care, reflect deeply polarized perspectives on the appropriate scope and limits of medical intervention in matters of gender identity.

Amidst this backdrop, the WSJ reported that organizations such as Mermaids, a British charity advocating for transgender youth, welcome the insights offered by the Cass report while expressing concerns about potential misinterpretations and the imposition of additional barriers to care.

The trajectory of gender-affirming care for minors in the United States is further shaped by shifting demographics and evolving patterns of patient presentation. The transformation of the NHS Gender Identity Development Service from a relatively niche service to one inundated with requests for gender-affirming treatment underscores the dynamic nature of this field, according to the report in the WSJ. Notably, the shift towards a predominance of pubescent teenagers born as girls identifying as boys focuses on the need for tailored and responsive healthcare approaches that address the unique needs and experiences of diverse patient populations.

The closure of the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) operated by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust has ignited a profound reevaluation of transgender healthcare practices in the United Kingdom. The information in the WSJ report said that amidst concerns raised by clinicians regarding the expeditious referral of patients for gender transitioning and the lack of robust escalation mechanisms for addressing apprehensions, the closure of GIDS underscores the imperative of ensuring thoughtful and rigorous protocols in transgender healthcare provision.

One pivotal voice in this discourse is Keira Bell, a former patient of GIDS, whose experience sheds light on the complexities and challenges inherent in transgender healthcare. According to the WSJ report, at the age of 16, Bell was prescribed puberty blockers after just three brief consultations, subsequently undergoing a mastectomy as part of her gender transition journey. However, Bell’s hindsight reveals a profound sense of regret, as she expressed a desire for greater scrutiny and challenge from medical professionals regarding her decision.

Bell’s testimony underscores the critical importance of comprehensive and nuanced assessments in transgender healthcare, where patients are provided with the space and support to explore their gender identity with clarity and informed consent.

In response to these concerns, the NHS announced a comprehensive review of the use of gender-affirming hormones such as testosterone and estrogen, emphasizing the need for extreme caution when considering referrals for hormone intervention in individuals under 18, as was detailed in the WSJ report.

Despite the closure of GIDS, adolescents can still access such treatments from private providers, highlighting the need for equitable and accessible healthcare options for transgender individuals.

In a proactive step towards enhancing transgender healthcare provision, the establishment of two new regional NHS hubs in England represents a concerted effort to offer specialized advice and support to transgender children and adolescents. The report in the WSJ said that these hubs will not only provide essential guidance but also undertake comprehensive data collection on treatments, facilitating evidence-informed decision-making and ensuring that future healthcare policies are grounded in empirical research and patient experiences.

The landscape of gender medicine has been profoundly shaped by the pioneering work of Dutch clinics and the subsequent adoption of what became known as the “Dutch protocol”, as was explained in the WSJ report. However, the Cass report has cast doubt on the foundational study that propelled the widespread use of puberty blockers in transgender adolescents.

The 2011 Dutch study, heralded as a breakthrough in transgender healthcare, purported to demonstrate the efficacy of puberty blockers in alleviating the mental anguish experienced by adolescents grappling with gender dysphoria. The WSJ reported that by delaying the onset of puberty, these blockers purportedly provided individuals with more time to consider their gender identity while mitigating emotional distress. However, the Cass report scrutinized the methodology and findings of this seminal study, revealing significant methodological shortcomings that undermine its credibility.

Of particular concern is the high proportion of participants who failed to complete post-treatment questionnaires, ranging from 59% to 73%. This attrition rate raises questions about the validity and generalizability of the study’s conclusions, as the experiences of a substantial portion of participants remain unaccounted for, the report added.  Moreover, the concurrent provision of psychological therapy to all participants complicates the attribution of improvements in mental well-being solely to puberty blockers, obscuring the delineation between the effects of medication and therapy.

The UK’s own foray into studying the effects of puberty blockers yielded contrasting results, further muddying the waters of transgender healthcare. As per the WSJ report, despite the burgeoning enthusiasm for gender treatment, particularly in light of the purported success of the Dutch protocol, the UK’s trial revealed a stark divergence from its Dutch counterpart. Rather than experiencing improvements in mental health post-treatment, the majority of participants showed no discernible benefits. Furthermore, the WSJ report noted that the overwhelming majority of participants ultimately opted to pursue gender-affirming hormones, raising concerns about the unintended consequences of puberty blockers.

This juxtaposition of findings places a spotlight on the complexity and nuance inherent in transgender healthcare, where the efficacy of interventions is contingent upon multifaceted factors including individual differences, clinical context, and methodological rigor, the WSJ report affirmed. The discrepancy between the Dutch and UK trials also calls attention to the need for cautious interpretation and a critical appraisal of research findings in this rapidly evolving field.

Amidst these debates, questions linger regarding the true impact of puberty blockers on the trajectory of gender transition in minors. While proponents argue that such interventions provide invaluable time for self-exploration and decision-making, skeptics caution against the potential unintended consequences, including the hastening of irreversible medical interventions.

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