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@ISIDEWITH submitted…5 days5D
USAID invested $310 million of taxpayer money in 2016 to fund a Palestinian cement factory project run by Sanad company.Sanad Construction Resources Company is publicly traded on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX).The company reportedly benefited from cement purchases made as foreign aid by USAID, UNRWA, and the UN.The article suggests this cement supply was used in the construction of Hamas tunnels and military infrastructure.Sanad's executive head, Loai Quwas, indicated the project had been in planning since 2013.The cement factory project was characterized as a private venture with alleged insufficient oversight.The article claims USAID would later purchase cement from the same company it helped fund.This circular flow of money is described as potentially resembling a money-laundering scheme.The article questions the lack of accountability in how U.S. tax dollars were allocated to this project.The situation raises concerns about inadvertent support of terrorist infrastructure through aid programs.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…7 days7D
Trump proposed unprecedented U.S. control of Gaza Strip during a White House press conference with Netanyahu, suggesting "long-term ownership" that could last 10-15 years.The plan calls for nearly two million Palestinian residents to permanently relocate to neighboring countries, marking a dramatic shift from decades of U.S. policy.Congressional leaders from both parties expressed skepticism, with even Trump ally Lindsey Graham calling the proposal "problematic."Middle East experts, including former Palestinian Authority advisor Khaled Elgindy, criticized the plan as "bizarre and incoherent."White House officials argue mass relocation is the only viable option and seek to convince Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Palestinians.The administration estimates Gaza reconstruction would take 10-15 years, far longer than the 3-5 years outlined in cease-fire agreements.The proposal lacks clear details on how to handle Palestinian resistance to relocation or potential U.S. military deployment.Saudi Arabia immediately rejected the plan, stating it wouldn't normalize ties with Israel without a clear path to Palestinian statehood.Trump expressed uncertainty about the current cease-fire's durability while presenting his proposal.The plan faces significant implementation challenges and could complicate other regional objectives, including Israel-Saudi normalization efforts.
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Trump administration plans to place 100+ EPA environmental justice staff on administrative leaveAffects EPA's civil rights and environmental justice office, which had 200 employees under BidenAdministrative leave limited to 10 days per year, future status unclearStems from Jan 20 executive order targeting diversity and inclusion programsAgency compiling list of environmental justice project workersMove impacts programs funded by Biden's infrastructure package and Inflation Reduction ActEJScreen environmental mapping tool taken offlineSimilar actions at other agencies - USAID closed facilities, put 10,000 staff on leaveEPA can terminate newer employees with less than one year serviceCritics say cuts affect poor communities, including rural Republican areas
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…6 days6D
Zelensky attacked Tucker Carlson on Piers Morgan's show, accusing him of "working for Putin"Direct quote: Zelensky told Carlson to "stop licking his [Putin's] ass"Zelensky claimed Carlson repeats Putin's talking points verbatimResponse was to Carlson's criticism of Zelensky's treatment of political opponentsCarlson also criticized treatment of Ukrainian Orthodox ChurchZelensky suggested Carlson needs deeper understanding of Ukraine situationAccused Carlson of misinforming/disinforming peopleQuestioned if Carlson had experienced personal lossSeparate topic: Zelensky claimed Trump invited him to inaugurationSaid invitation was general, declined as personal meeting unlikely
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…1wk1W
Jon Stewart criticized Democrats for repeatedly using Chuck Schumer as their spokesperson against Trump, calling his performances ineffective and monotonous.Stewart mocked Schumer's response to Trump's trade war threats, particularly his simplistic explanation about Mexican imports like Corona beer and avocados.The former Daily Show host expressed frustration at Schumer's basic observation that "guacamole is made of avocados" as a response to complex trade policy issues.Stewart sarcastically highlighted the Democrats' poor strategic choice in selecting Schumer to counter Trump, whom he described as "one of the most savvy presidential media manipulators in history."The comedian ridiculed Schumer's appearance and presentation style, particularly mocking his use of reading glasses positioned low on his nose.Stewart's criticism centered on the Democratic leadership's judgment in repeatedly choosing an "uninteresting" and "monotone" spokesperson.The commentary addressed Trump's threats of tariffs against Canada and Mexico, though focused more on the Democratic response than the policy itself.Stewart used hyperbole to emphasize his point, stating that Schumer's speaking makes him "want to bomb Canada."The piece highlighted the perceived disconnect between Democratic messaging strategy and effective opposition to Trump's policies.Stewart's criticism suggested a broader frustration with Democratic leadership's media strategy and public presentation.
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@ISIDEWITH submitted…22mins22m
Jason Call, Jill Stein's 2024 Green Party campaign manager, made controversial statements claiming that a Trump presidency is preferable to a potential Kamala Harris administrationCall acknowledged Trump as "godawful" but argued that resistance against him is possible through various forms of civic action including mutual aid and civil disobedienceHe specifically criticized Harris's alignment with Biden's position on the Gaza conflict, suggesting that re-electing someone who supports these policies would create an irredeemable "moral stain"Call linked his criticism to a broader political vision, calling for an end to both fascism and capitalismThe article notes the Democratic Party's longstanding suspicion that Stein's Green Party campaigns are designed to draw votes away from Democratic candidatesThe article highlights accusations of inconsistency in Stein's criticism of different governments, particularly regarding Israel and RussiaThe timing of Call's statements was notable, being posted early Tuesday morningCall emphasized the ability to "fight Trump" through organizing and resistanceHe suggested that Harris's presidency would be more difficult to oppose due to its institutional natureThe article frames these comments within the context of ongoing tensions between the Green Party and mainstream Democratic politics
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