Speaking of nuclear deal of Iran and the West

Once upon a time Russia wanted to expand its share on European gas market. The Nord Stream 2 project was declared. Nobody was hiding that the second purpose of building this pipe was to avoid Ukrainian transit, because they often tried to steal the gas even before the conflict in 2014, and they asked for transit too much.

Due to Ukrainian crisis the US implemented sanctions against the Nord Stream 2, and the project was delayed enough to fall under the new European antitrust regulations, which made it impossible for Gazprom to export gas alone. The Russian govt put up with it and continued construction of the pipe.

Then Danish govt demanded new ecological expertise of the project, and the Americans declared a new round of sanctions against the Nord Stream 2. In 2019 Russia had to sign new gas contract with Ukraine for 5 years. But Russia once again put up with it. Everybody thought "it's humiliation, but we'll finish our precious project (it was 95% ready at the moment) and get rid of Ukrainian transit forever".

In 2021 the Ukrainian govt massed its troops near DPR/LPR. Russia did the same, got another round of sanctions, the Nord Stream 2 launch was delayed again. It was built, the test launch was made, but judicial complications prevented its work. Before 24th of February 2022 it still was under license procedure.

Every round Russia was defeated and humiliated. Every moment Europeans showed that they are independent only until the orders from Washington. We lost time and money, while the West was arming Ukraine. It was a tough lesson.

So, what's about the nuclear deal? Don't waste your time and make nukes

#international #iran

Jerusalem: In fear of provoking the Palestinian resistance, Israeli police enforced a ban on the Israeli flag at Al-Aqsa compound.

Update: Russian President Putin apologized to Israeli Prime Minister Bennett about Foreign Minister Lavrov's Hitler comments, Israeli PM office says

In the trannoscript of the Russian president, there was no mention of apology or remarks about Lavrov's comments.

Putin mentioned that 40% of the so-called-‌Holocaust victims were citizens of the USSR, and Bennett acknowledged the Soviet army's sacrifices vs the Nazis.

kremlin.ru/events/president…

Palestine: Initial reports of a stabbing incident in the central city of Elad, Tel Aviv.

5 settlers reportedly injured.

⋯ Israeli security forces initiated a manhunt for the attacker/s with an axe or knife.

The number of injured rose to 9, including 1 reported death and 4 in critical condition.

⋯ Update: 3 settlers were killed in the city of Elad.

⋯ Search still ongoing for the attacker/s

The death toll rose to 4 after the police found a new body.

⋯ A new casualty was located near the initial area of interest.

⋯ The outcome of the Elad settlement operation so far:

- 3 dead settlers (edit: not 4 as it was reported)
- 2 very critical
- 3 critical

Hebrew Channel 12: The army opened an investigation to check wether the operation is in response to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

⋯ Israeli media: All casualties have been struck in the head by an axe.

⋯ IDF has been deployed to assist in the manhunt.

⋯ Initial investigations: The attack in the Elad settlement targeted a celebration of the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.

The two perpetrators fled using a vehicle.

⋯ Elad, where tonight's operation took place at, was built over the ruins of the village of Al-Muzayriaa (المُزيرعة).

In the 1922 census by the British Mandate's authorities, Muzayriaa had a population of 578, all Muslims; in 1931, 780, all Muslims, in a total of 186 houses. Eventually, the village had more than 1,200 inhabitants by 1948.

Palestinians commemorate today the Nakba (catastrophe). Today, there are about 6 million Palestinian war refugees registered with the UNRWA. They are “persons whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948, and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict”. It includes the wave of 1967. About 1.4 million live in 58 UNRWA-recognised camps in different countries.

⋯ Head of the Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh:

"The enemy's threats to assassinate leaders will not deter us from defending our land, our sanctity, our right to return, and the liberation of our prisoners."

In a statement, Benny Gantz threatened to come after those inciting.

⋯ CCTV footage of the attack.

The number of Lebanese who voted abroad as of 12 noon:

Tehran: 330
Qatar: 1254
Kuwait: 408
Jordan: 48
Bahrain: 140
Damascus: 263
Riyadh: 679
Jeddah: 733
Sultanate of Oman: 205
Baghdad: 33
Cairo: 25
Alexandria: 5

Ex-Syrian Army general Adnan Silo who defected from the government to lead the western-backed Free Syrian army, was interviewed by Israeli media lately where he spoke greatly of Israel and vowed to remove the resistance from southern Syria in favor of Israel.

Live feed of the election process currently ongoing in Gulf states at the Ministry of Interior, has been interrupted twice due to an electricity outage once and internet outage later on.