Politics
Jordan is in the crosshairs of Iranian schemes
In the summer of 2018, the outlines of a solution to the southern Syrian issue, in which all regional and international powers were involved, began to emerge, and the approach in the south ended
In the summer of 2018, the outlines of a solution to the southern Syrian issue, in which all regional and international powers were involved, began to emerge. The approach in the south ended with distancing Iran from the Israeli and Jordanian borders by a distance of 40 kilometers, so that these borders would be under the control of the Syrian regime forces. As a result, what is known as reconciliations took place, many armed factions were dissolved, the Israeli and Jordanian borders were secured, and the Syrian army was deployed on these borders, while some of these factions headed to the Fifth Corps under the management of Russia.
Jordan thought at the time that it had gotten rid of the Iranian militias and their danger, and that Iran would not be on Amman’s borders. But what happened in the past two years proved that the Iranian cancer cannot be eliminated so easily. Tehran turned to infiltrating the Syrian army on the Jordanian borders, especially the Fourth Division led by Maher al-Assad, known for its loyalty to the mullahs’ regime. In this case, Iran became, in a new way, on the Jordanian borders, and the danger became closer to Amman.
Iran managed to extend joint control with the Fourth Division on the border with Jordan. Despite Jordan’s steps towards the Syrian regime, which began with opening the trade borders and continued to raise the level of coordination between the two countries, the Iranian threat remained insurmountable for the Syrian regime, as it was unable to curb Iranian influence in the south, and this threat grew and became a threat to Jordanian national security.
The militias linked to Iran and Hezbollah opened the way for drug smuggling into Jordan, which was a transit point towards the Gulf states. The matter developed into armed clashes on the Jordanian border between Iranian militias and the Jordanian army, which prompted Jordan to demand that Russia - which was one of the guarantors of the agreement to remove the Iranian threat from the borders - intervene urgently to stop the Iranian aggression.
Jordan's good intentions towards the Syrian regime failed to gain trust, despite its pivotal role in the gas pipeline from Egypt to Jordan via Syria and then Lebanon. Jordan was unable to draw the Syrian regime to its side and reduce its dependence on Iranian influence, even though King Abdullah II of Jordan said in the United States: "Bashar al-Assad is here to stay and we must engage in dialogue with him." This was Jordan's vision for bringing Syria back into the Arab fold, but what happened on the ground disappointed Jordan and neighboring countries as well!
The result in the Jordanian relationship with the Syrian regime is that this regime has become more mired in Iranian influence than ever before, and is no longer able to separate itself from the Iranian side, which has penetrated the army and many security institutions, indicating that attempts to rehabilitate the Syrian regime, both Arab and regional, will be very difficult, if not impossible.
Another issue is that Iran seems to be clearly targeting Jordan on the security level by using Hezbollah and the Fourth Division's drug smuggling networks to harass Jordan and threaten its national security. In both cases, southern Syria has become a source of danger to Jordan, whether from the Syrian regime or from Iranian militias, and it is necessary to reconsider how to deal with these two dangers
Politics
An armed man in military uniform was arrested near the Capitol before the State of the Union address
Capitol Police arrested a young man armed with a rifle and military gear who attempted to approach the Capitol building, a week before President Trump's State of the Union address. Details of the incident are available here.
In a security incident that triggered a state of alert in the US capital, Washington, the Capitol Police announced the thwarting of a possible attempt to threaten security near the Congress building, where security personnel were able to arrest an armed young man who was carrying a rifle and military equipment, at a very sensitive time in the American political arena.
In details of the incident revealed by Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan, authorities arrested an 18-year-old man after he suddenly ran toward the Capitol building carrying a loaded rifle. Sullivan explained that the suspect arrived at the scene in a white Mercedes, which he parked near the Capitol complex before getting out and rushing toward the building. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries, as the young man immediately complied with police orders to drop the weapon and surrender.
Initial investigations revealed disturbing details regarding the suspect's equipment; he was wearing a military jacket and gloves at the time of his arrest. A search of his vehicle uncovered additional gear, including a helmet and a gas mask, suggesting a possible premeditated plan or intent to escalate the situation. The ongoing investigation will determine the true motives behind this act.
This incident is particularly significant given its timing, coming just one week before President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Union address to Congress. This address is one of the most important political events in the United States, bringing together members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Supreme Court justices, and other high-ranking officials, which typically places the area around the Capitol under heightened security measures and exceptional protection protocols to ensure the safety of the nation's leaders.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., particularly around key federal buildings. For years, the Capitol Police have intensified their presence and defensive strategies to counter individual and organized threats, ensuring that security breaches that could jeopardize American democracy or the safety of lawmakers are not repeated. The swift response of security personnel in this incident highlights their high level of preparedness to address sudden threats.
Politics
The Crown Prince receives a message from the President of Kazakhstan to enhance bilateral cooperation
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a written message from the President of Kazakhstan concerning bilateral relations, which was received by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received an important written message from His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The message focused on ways to strengthen and develop the close bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and to propel them towards broader horizons in various fields.
His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received the message during his official meeting today at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh with His Excellency Yermek Kosherbayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
The depth of Saudi-Kazakh relations
This message comes amidst the active diplomatic efforts underway in relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, two countries bound by deep-rooted historical ties based on shared values and mutual respect. These relations are gaining increasing importance in light of global geopolitical and economic shifts, as Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and a key strategic partner for the Kingdom in this vital region.
Prospects for economic and investment cooperation
Economically, the two countries possess tremendous potential for cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. Both Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan are major global oil producers and active members of the OPEC+ alliance, which strengthens their joint coordination to ensure the stability of global energy markets. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 opens up vast opportunities for mutual investments in mining, infrastructure, food security, and renewable energy, aligning with Kazakhstan's development goals.
The importance of political coordination
On the political front, the exchange of messages between the two leaderships reflects a mutual commitment to continued consultation and coordination on regional and international issues of common interest. The Kingdom plays a pivotal role in promoting stability in the Middle East, while Kazakhstan serves as a vital bridge between Asia and Europe, making the strengthening of their partnership a cornerstone of security and stability in both regions.
The reception was attended on the Saudi side by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Faisal Al-Qahtani, reflecting the high-level diplomatic interest in the outcomes of this meeting and the future steps that will result from it to strengthen the strategic partnership.
Politics
New Mexico investigation into Epstein's ranch: details of the historic decision
New Mexico opens a formal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. Learn about the legislative committee's efforts to uncover human trafficking networks.
In a decisive legal and legislative move, lawmakers in the US state of New Mexico passed new legislation aimed at launching a comprehensive and extensive investigation into the events that transpired behind the walls of Zorro Ranch, the sprawling estate associated with the late disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This step comes in response to growing demands from human rights groups and the public for transparency regarding the network Epstein operated in secrecy.
Bipartisan fact-finding committee
Under the new legislation, a special bipartisan commission will be formed in the state legislature. This commission will have broad powers to gather evidence, subpoena witnesses, and, most importantly, provide a secure platform for survivors to testify about the egregious abuse they suffered at the ranch. The ranch is located in a remote area about 48 kilometers south of Santa Fe, which for many years kept it largely out of scrutiny.
"Zorro Ranch": The Mysterious Castle
This ranch holds particular significance in the context of federal and local investigations, as it spans thousands of acres and includes a sprawling mansion and a private airstrip. The property has long been suspected of being a major hub for the human trafficking operations with which Epstein was accused. This move is the first of its kind at the state level to directly target activities that took place on the property, aiming to determine whether local individuals or others facilitated or covered up these crimes.
A complex historical and legal context
This investigation comes at a time when the Jeffrey Epstein case continues to generate widespread international controversy, particularly following his death in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019, officially ruled a suicide. This effectively prevented a trial that would have revealed many secrets. However, the recent release of court documents related to Virginia Giuffre's lawsuit against Epstein's associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, has brought the case back into sharp focus, revealing a vast network of connections involving politicians, financiers, and celebrities.
The importance of the investigation and its expected impact
Observers believe the New Mexico investigation holds immense symbolic and legal significance. It not only seeks to hold accountable potential perpetrators who may have escaped federal scrutiny, but also aims to close the legal loopholes that allowed these abuses to continue for years. Furthermore, the investigation sends a powerful message of support to the victims, affirming that justice does not expire and that the death of the main suspect does not mean the case is closed as long as there are survivors demanding their rights.
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