Politics
Secrets Underground: Hidden Tunnels in the Heart of the Capitol
In a surprising turn of events, US Representative Tim Moore revealed the existence of a network of secret tunnels hidden beneath the Capitol building in
In an event that surprised everyone, US Representative Tim Moore revealed the existence of a network of secret tunnels hidden under the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., describing them as "hidden passages" that had remained secret for decades, in an announcement that sparked a wave of controversy and questions about the history of these tunnels and their possible uses.
In a video posted by Representative Moore on the X platform, he is seen lifting a slab from the floor inside the Capitol building to reveal a steep staircase leading to an ancient tunnel that appeared to date back to a distant historical period. It was decorated with writings and murals on its walls and stairs, indicating its historical importance.
Moore noted that some of these tunnels may date back to the War of 1812, when British forces invaded Washington and burned the Capitol building, which could mean they were used as escape routes or for secret logistical purposes during that period, commenting: “These tunnels are part of the exciting secrets held by the Capitol building, which began to be built in the eighteenth century.”.
What is the Capitol building?
The United States Capitol, also known as the United States Capitol, is the principal seat of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government. It is located in Washington, D.C., on a hill known as Capitol Hill, at the eastern end of the National Mall. Construction of the building began in 1793 and took about 70 years to complete in its current form. The first president, George Washington, chose its elevated location to be a symbol of American democracy.
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The building is over 221 meters high and about 56 meters wide. It is distinguished by its famous 87-meter-high dome, which was added between 1855 and 1866. The building has two main wings: the right wing for the House of Representatives and the left wing for the Senate. It also contains several historic halls, such as the National Statuary Hall and the Statue of Liberty, which sits atop the dome.
Throughout history, the Capitol has witnessed dramatic events, including the fire of 1814 during the War of 1812, and attacks such as the storming of January 6, 2021. It also underwent major expansions in the nineteenth century, with new wings added to accommodate the growing number of members of Congress. Today, the building is considered a symbol of democracy, attracting millions of tourists annually to explore its history and magnificent architecture.
The tunnels are a historical mystery
Representative Moore did not provide precise details about the size of the network or the exact purpose of these tunnels, but he suggested that they had been used by representatives and possibly troops in earlier periods. This discovery has sparked speculation about whether the tunnels were part of an old defensive system or secret passageways between Capitol buildings and adjacent government facilities.
Politics
Israeli restrictions on Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan: conditions and permits
Israel will limit entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque to only 10,000 worshippers from the West Bank during Ramadan, imposing age restrictions, security permits, and digital documentation, amid Palestinian warnings.
Israeli authorities announced on Wednesday new and stricter restrictions on the access of Palestinian worshippers from the West Bank to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan. Under the new decision, the number of worshippers allowed entry will be capped at 10,000 Palestinians, and only after obtaining prior security permits. This move has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns about escalating tensions in the holy city.
According to a statement issued by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), these measures followed a "security assessment of the situation," which resulted in the approval of daily permits exclusively for Fridays throughout the holy month. The age restrictions stipulate that entry is permitted for men aged 55 and over, women aged 50 and over, and children up to the age of 12, provided they are accompanied by a first-degree relative. All permits are subject to security approval.
In a procedural precedent, the statement indicated that worshippers are required to undergo "digital documentation" at crossings and military checkpoints, in order to guarantee and confirm their return to their places of residence in the West Bank at the end of the prayer day, adding a new procedural burden to the movement of people.
A huge gap between capacity and the allowed number
These restrictions create a massive gap between the capacity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the permitted number of worshippers. Estimates indicate that the Al-Aqsa compound can accommodate between 350,000 and 400,000 worshippers when all its courtyards and prayer areas are full, a scene familiar in previous years when hundreds of thousands of worshippers would flock to the site. Limiting the number to only 10,000 constitutes an unprecedented reduction that prevents the vast majority of Palestinians from practicing their religious rites during one of the holiest months for Muslims.
tense historical and political context
These measures are particularly sensitive given the spiritual significance of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first of the two Qiblas and the third holiest site in Islam. While Israel imposes security measures annually around East Jerusalem, the current restrictions come amidst complex regional circumstances. Palestinians and religious institutions in Jerusalem consistently warn that the intensification of these measures aims to alter the historical and legal status quo in the city and attempt to erase its Arab and Islamic identity.
It is worth noting that the international community does not recognize Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem in 1980 and considers it occupied territory since 1967, in accordance with international law. Palestinians maintain their claim to East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, asserting that freedom of worship and access to holy sites are fundamental rights guaranteed by international law and should not be subject to Israeli security considerations or used as a political bargaining chip.
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.
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