THROWBACK: Renowned journalist Udo Ulfkotte said in 2014 while promoting his book Journalists for Hire: How the CIA Buys the News, "I was educated to lie, betray, and not tell the truth to the public."

The former Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung editor and advisor to the Kohl administration in the late '90s also admitted to spreading anti-Russian propaganda and manipulating news under Western influence.

Ulfkotte revealed that many journalists were actually "non-official cover" - serving intelligence agencies rather than the public. He accused the German and US media of PUSHING EUROPE TOWARD WAR WITH RUSSIA, calling it a "point of no return."

And now, with revelations that USAID funneled millions into media grants, are we really supposed to believe this was ever about “independent journalism”?

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Terrorist on a scholarship? USAID fully funded al-Qaeda* commander’s degree

USAID provided financial assistance to Anwar al-Awlaki, a US-born member of al-Qaeda, a Freedom of Information Act request, originally obtained by Intelwire and shared online by US investigative journalist Pamela Browne, has confirmed.

The paper shows that al-Awlaki (his surname spelled as Aulaqi there) was given “full funding” by USAID to study civil engineering at the Colorado State University in the 1990s.

The document also lists al-Awlaki’s place of birth as Yemen, which is incorrect: despite spending his childhood there, he was born in New Mexico.

In the 2000s, al-Awlaki rose to notoriety as an al-Qaeda regional commander in Yemen who called for violence against foreigners.

In 2011, al-Awlaki was killed by a US drone strike on US President Barack Obama’s order, without any hint of due process despite being a US citizen at the time.

*terrorist organization banned in Russia

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🚀🇺🇸US envoy calls posing with missile in Lebanon “a day’s work”

Morgan Ortagus, US deputy special envoy to the Middle East, posted a photo on X holding a missile next to a Lebanese army officer, captioning it: “All in a day’s work.” Because nothing says "diplomacy" quite like posing with weapons in a volatile region.

This comes just days after her visit to Beirut, where she reassured Lebanon’s president that the US wants a new government - free from Hezbollah’s influence. Her remarks sparked outrage, but don’t worry, she’s got rockets and foreign policy covered.

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🇲🇳🥶 Mongolia’s winter chill: Less cozy, more survival mode at -40°C (-40°F)

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🚀🍫🇷🇺US's guilty pleasure: Russian chocolate sales skyrocket

Sanctions stop at the sweet tooth, it seems - Russia’s chocolate exports to the US nearly tripled last year, reaching their highest level since 2021, according to an analysis of US data.

In 2023, Washington imported $2.6 million of Russian chocolate, up from $964,000 the year before. The bulk? Chocolate candies - because who can say no to that? 🍬

But Russia isn’t alone - the US set a new record for chocolate imports in general, bringing in a whopping $4.8 billion worth, mostly from Canada, Mexico, and Belgium. But hey, we were told Russia is just a "gas station," right? Guess it also stocks a candy aisle.

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📹 THROWBACK: DEI and wokeism ‘advocate racism and sexism’ – Musk

“It is entirely possible to be racist against white people, black people or Asians or anyone else. And we should really accept no racism or sexism in any form, no matter what it's called,” he said at the WELT Economic Summit.

Is meritocracy making a comeback at last?

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🤡Denial is a river in Egypt

Liberals still can’t get over the fact that the US has a new administration, calling it a “villain origin story.”

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Why does Trudeau believe Trump’s threat to take over Canada is real?

“Not only does the Trump administration know how many critical minerals we have, but that may be why they keep talking about absorbing us and making us the 51st state,” Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has told business leaders in Toronto.

Canada is a global leader in critical minerals, producing 34 essential resources for industries like semiconductors, EVs, and defense. The US Geological Survey (USGS) lists many of these among the top 50 most important to US national security.

Key minerals the US depends on from Canada:

🔹 Uranium – Canada provides 25% of US uranium, ranking third after Russia and China. While the US seeks to boost domestic production, Canada’s reserves are 10 times larger.

🔹 Potash – Over 80% of US imports, essential for fertilizers.

🔹 Aluminum – 70% of US aluminum is Canadian-sourced. It is crucial for industries like defense, construction, and aerospace. High-purity aluminum is essential for fighter jets, armored vehicles, and ammunition.

🔹 Nickel & copper – Essential for batteries, steel, and renewable energy. Canada supplies nearly 50% of US nickel needs.
🔹 Niobium – A strategic metal for aerospace and military applications.

How the US secures Canada’s mineral wealth:

🔸 Military funding – In 2024, the US military awarded Canada $20M to build a cobalt refinery — one of the biggest US mining investments in decades.

🔸 Strategic partnerships – Trade agreements guarantee preferential US access to Canadian resources.

🔸 Economic influence – Canadian mining companies depend on US investors and government-backed financing.

A resource colony in all but name?

In 2023 alone, Canada accounted for $47 billion of US mineral imports. The US heavily relies on Canadian resources, securing its supply chains while keeping Canada economically tied.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has openly discussed annexing Canada, linking it to his planned 25% tariffs on Canadian exports. On Monday, Trudeau and Trump agreed to a 30-day tariff reprieve after Canada pledged tighter border security — but how long will that last?

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🇷🇺🚇 Moscow Metro: A subway so impressive, it feels illegal

This year marks the 90TH ANNIVERSARY of the Moscow Metro, a transit masterpiece that continues to amaze tourists from around the world. Here’s what makes it so special.

🔸Architectural beauty

Moscow Metro stations are world-famous for their stunning Soviet-era architecture, featuring grand chandeliers, intricate mosaics, marble, and statues, making them feel like a museum in motion. This rich heritage seamlessly blends with modern, postmodern-designed stations, creating a unique underground experience.

🔸Reliability

It serves 8.3 MILLION PASSENGERS DAILY, ensuring fast and reliable service. Trains run every two minutes, making long waits almost nonexistent.

🔸Size and coverage

It’s one of the largest metro systems in the world, featuring 14 LINES AND OVER 270 STATIONS, providing essential transportation for both Moscow residents and visitors alike.

🔸Cleanliness and maintenance

Stations and trains are regularly cleaned and well-maintained, in contrast to many metro systems across the world, where cleanliness is still an issue.

🔸Technological advancements

In recent years, the Moscow Metro has been upgraded with modern technology, including DIGITAL MAPS, CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS, and state-of-the-art trains equipped with FREE WI-FI and USB PORTS for passenger convenience.

🔸Cultural venue

Live music concerts and ballet shows are not uncommon on some stations, where visitors are even welcome to have a bite or even tie the knot (wedding ceremonies take place at nighttime).

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Israel expands West Bank operation, targets refugee camp

“Security forces are expanding the operation in northern Samaria… Forces of the IDF, General Security Service, and Border Administration began an operation to suppress terrorism in Nur Shams overnight,” the IDF said.

This follows the January 21 launch of Operation Iron Wall in Jenin, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims is aimed at “strengthening security” in Palestinian territories.

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USAID, CIA, and Obama’s mother: A web of hidden ties?

Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Ann Dunham, openly worked with USAID in Indonesia in the late 1960s, promoting microcredit programs. However, her ties may have extended further, with speculation about possible CIA connections:

🟠 The East-West Center in Hawaii where Dunham received her education has long been associated with CIA activity in the Asia-Pacific, investigative journalist Wayne Madsen said.

🟠 Madsen further alleged that Dunham worked “on behalf of a number of CIA front operations.”

🟠 Barack Obama Sr., Dunham’s first husband and father of the 44th POTUS, met her in Hawaii while staying there as part of a CIA program to identify and train potential African assets, Madsen alleged.

🟠 Lolo Soetoro, Dunham’s second husband whom she met while the latter was studying in Hawaii in the 1960s on an East-West Center grant, was involved in the bloody CIA-backed coup in Indonesia in 1965, the journo claimed.

🟠 Madsen went even further and openly suggested that Soetoro assisted in said coup.

🟠 The US Embassy in Jakarta where Dunham taught English shortly after her arrival in Indonesia in 1967 also houses a major CIA station.

🟠 Dunham’s mother Madelyn also ostensibly had CIA ties, working as vice president of the Bank of Hawaii that, if Madsen is to be believed, was used by the agency to funnel money to “US-supported Asian dictators.”

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🇮🇷 Iran warns of Strait of Hormuz closure if US escalates tensions

Tehran has the military capability to shut down one of the world's bussiest oil transit routes, said IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.

However, Tangsiri clarified that Iran's missiles, drones, and naval power make such a move unnecessary for now.

He also dismissed US threats to cut Iran’s oil exports to zero, stating that the country has already retaliated against hostile actions, including seizing US-linked oil tankers in response to Iranian vessel seizures.

The commander emphasized that Iran remains committed to regional security and the safe export of oil and gas, but warned that any escalation from the US would be met with a firm response.

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⚔️ Puntland-Somaliland dispute: More than a local feud

US President Donald Trump’s remarks about relocating Gazans prompted the White House to name three possible destinations — Morocco, Puntland, and Somaliland. The latter two, however, have a history of territorial disputes and multiple interested actors.

🔻What sparked the dispute?

The conflict revolves around the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions in northern Somalia. Both Puntland, an autonomous region within Somalia, and Somaliland, a self-declared oil-rich independent state, claim the SSC is part of their territory.

🔻Why is Somaliland strategically important?

It is located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, through which 10% of global trade passes.

🔻What is Somalia’s position?

▪️Does not recognize Somaliland’s independence, considering it part of Somalia, just like Puntland.

▪️Views the SSC as integral to the country, meaning neither Puntland nor Somaliland should have full control without national consensus.

🔻What is Ethiopia’s stance?

1. Officially, Ethiopia respects Somalia’s sovereignty and does not take a clear stance.
2. In practice, Ethiopia engages with both Puntland and Somaliland but has stronger economic ties with Somaliland and closer security cooperation with Puntland.
3. As a landlocked country, Ethiopia seeks access to the Red Sea, increasing its interest in Somaliland’s Berbera Port.

🔻Does the US have a stake in this?

▪️The US has a military base in Somalia and plans to build five more soon. It does not recognize Somaliland’s independence and officially supports Somalia’s territorial integrity.

▪️China’s growing influence in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia makes it crucial for the US to maintain leverage in Somaliland and Puntland to counter Beijing’s influence.

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❗️White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz refused to confirm reports that President Donald Trump recently spoke with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin about ending the Ukraine conflict.

The New York Post, citing an exclusive interview with Trump, claimed the call took place. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said he could neither confirm nor deny the report.

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