World’s Most Dangerous Place to Be Christian Prepares for Easter

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Nigeria’s police chief on Thursday ordered around-the-clock enhanced security at public venues across the country throughout the Easter weekend, fearing religious violence in a country where Christians are under almost constant attack.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun said through a spokesman that extra resources would be devoted to maintaining security at “worship centers, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centers, banks, and other financial institutions, as well as other critical infrastructures and public spaces.”

“The IGP also assures all travelers who will be visiting their hometowns and other places within the country for the festivities of adequate security irrespective of the medium of such travels whether by road, air, waterways, or rail, as deployments have been increased and visibility patrols intensified in all areas including aerial patrol and surveillance,” Egbetokun’s office said.

“As we commemorate the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us come together in unity and vigilance to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all,” the statement said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) said on Thursday it would deploy 35,000 personnel to protect both Easter crowds and “critical national assets and infrastructure,” including operatives from its anti-vandalism, special intelligence, special female, and special forces squads. (Read more from “World’s Most Dangerous Place to Be Christian Prepares for Easter” HERE)

Ukraine Loses Patience: Give Us the Damn Weapons

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The West should hurry up and hand over the “damn” missiles Ukraine demands, their foreign secretary says, remarking: “We need air-defence systems on the frontlines”.

An essential role of the Ukrainian state since even before Russia’s re-invasion in 2022 has been cajoling and even begging the West for more military equipment, but these calls have occasionally tripped into a more demanding mien. That time has rolled around again with one of the nation’s top politicians making strident demands to help stop the bombs falling.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, perhaps the final remaining senior member of Volodymyr Zelensky’s government to regularly wear a suit and tie rather than the near-ubiquitous olive green in public, said in quotes distributed by Ukrainian state media: “Give us the damn Patriots.”

The remarks came in an interview with Politico, and Kuleba explained his demand, speaking of new Russian weapons that were harder to intercept. The answer, he said, was to deploy more advanced air-defence weapons on Ukraine’s frontiers to shoot down the aircraft dropping the bombs, rather than the weapons themselves.

He said: “…If we had enough air defence systems, namely Patriots, we would be able to protect not only the lives of our people, but also our economy from destruction… You cannot jam [the new bombs]. It just falls on your head and destroys everything… We need air-defence systems on the frontlines”. (Read more from “Ukraine Loses Patience: Give Us the Damn Weapons” HERE)

China Claims U.S. Executives Salute XI’s ‘Outstanding Leadership’ in Beijing

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U.S. business executives met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday. China‘s state media outlet Xinhua reported that they included, “[Evan] Greenberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, [Stephen] Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone Group, [Cristiano] Amon, President and CEO of Qualcomm, [and Graham] Allison, Founding Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.” U.S.-China Business Council chief Craig Allen and FedEx’s Raj Subramaniam also attended the meeting.

This meeting was designed to bolster China’s economic credibility and encourage foreign investors to believe that they’ll be treated fairly. These are no small concerns amid Xi’s increasingly aggressive effort to monitor and control foreign businesses. While China complains that Western criticism of these laws is unfair and even slanderous, escalating Chinese raids on foreign businesses speaks to the truth. Alongside their growing recognition of China’s structural economic challenges, Western businesses are reducing their investments. This is a big problem for Xi and his debt-riven economy.

Yet if one is to believe Chinese state media, U.S. executives have absolute confidence in Xi’s vision for the future.

According to Xinhua, after all, the U.S.-China Business Council’s “[Craig] Allen and other” members of the U.S. delegation observed that “China has achieved extraordinary economic growth and transformation, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.” The Americans apparently added that “Under the outstanding leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is committed to developing new productive forces and achieving more sustainable and high-quality development. … The economic relations between the United States and China are closely interdependent. … They are optimistic about China’s economic development prospects and will unswervingly continue to work in China and develop a long-term and close cooperative relationship with China….” (Read more from “China Claims U.S. Executives Salute XI’s ‘Outstanding Leadership’ in Beijing” HERE)

Alleged Terrorists Responsible for Russian Concert Hall Attack Dragged Into Court, Officially Charged (VIDEO)

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Four alleged terrorists responsible for the Moscow concert hall attack were officially charged Sunday, as some of them could be seen being dragged through court, video shows.

Video footage posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) shows one of the four suspected terrorists, identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, 32, arriving at the Basmanny District Court of Moscow Sunday. Authorities could be seen surrounding Mirzoyev as the 32-year-old walked in face down with his hands handcuffed behind him.

In additional clips of Mirzoyev sitting in court, he could be seen with a heavily bruised face as Russian authorities reportedly tortured all terrorists during their interrogation, the Associated Press reported.

Mirzoyev along with Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, 30, Shamsidin Fariduni, 25, and Mukhammadsobir Faizov, 19 were charged by Russian authorities for the attack against the country’s Crocus City Hall Friday, leaving at least 133 people dead and more than 140 injured, according to AP News. Mirzoyev, Rachabalizoda, and Fariduni all pleaded guilty to the crime, carrying a maximum life imprisonment sentence, the outlet reported.

Along with footage of Mirzoyev, images and video of Rachabalizoda show that he had a heavily bandaged ear which was reportedly cut off during his interrogation with Russian authorities, according to Noel Reports.

(Read more from “Alleged Terrorists Responsible for Russian Concert Hall Attack Dragged Into Court, Officially Charged” HERE)

Biden Administration Advocates for Ceasefire Resolution on Israel at UN, Russia and China Veto

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The Biden administration’s efforts to secure a resolution urging a temporary ceasefire in Gaza were thwarted as Russia and China exercised their veto power.

The proposed resolution, aimed at pressuring Israel into accepting an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza, faced staunch opposition from Russia and China during the council’s deliberations. Despite efforts to garner international support for the measure, the resolution failed to pass, marking a significant setback in diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict in the region.

According to reports from The Times of Israel, the resolution, which was put forward by the United States, sought to broker a ceasefire agreement as part of a broader initiative to facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hamas:

The United Nations Security Council on Friday failed to pass a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal after Russia and China vetoed the measure proposed by the United States.

In response to the veto, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to taking decisive action against Hamas, with or without international support. Despite the setback at the Security Council, the Biden administration remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and has pledged to continue diplomatic efforts.

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr

French Senators Call For Ban On Child Transgender Medical Services

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A group of senators in France is calling for a ban on transgender medical services for children.

Led by Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio of the French political party, The Republicans, the group released a report Tuesday sounding the alarm about children receiving puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender surgeries which can mean double mastectomies and genital surgery.

The lengthy 340-page report calls medically transitioning minors “one of the greatest ethical scandals in the history of medicine” and accuses transgender activists of pushing medical gender transition on children through aggressive social media campaigns.

France’s High Authority of Health is expected to make a recommendation on transgender medical services for minors soon, the European Conservative reported.

However, the French senators see the issue as urgent and said they plan to propose a bill before the summer to ban puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender surgeries for minors being treated for “gender dysphoria.”

(Read more from “French Senators Call For Ban On Child Transgender Medical Services” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr

China Allies With Hamas? Country Signals Interest in Relations with Terrorists

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China has sent a delegation to Qatar to meet with the leader of the jihadist terrorist organization Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh. This encounter marks the first high-level meeting between the Chinese government and Hamas since October 2023. The Foreign Ministry of China revealed on Tuesday that the delegation conveyed Beijing’s interest in fostering relations with the genocidal group.

The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following a significant escalation in violence initiated by Hamas in October 2023. The orchestrated attack, dubbed the “al-Aqsa flood” by Hamas, resulted in an estimated 1,200 deaths, the abduction of approximately 250 people, and widespread atrocities including torture, gang rape, and the desecration of the deceased.

Hamas, a Sunni terrorist organization, has long called for the destruction of Israel and the eradication of Jewish presence in the region. It enjoys backing from key Chinese ally Iran, and despite its terrorist designation, has received tacit support from Beijing in international forums such as the United Nations and BRICS coalition meetings.

Confirming the meeting with Haniyeh, the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, offering limited details on the discussions held. Ambassador Wang Kezhuo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with Haniyeh during his visit to Qatar and exchanged views on issues including the Gaza conflict, as stated in the ministry’s official communication.

However, the ministry declined to provide further elaboration during its regular press briefing, instead emphasizing China’s support for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution. The meeting took place amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with China reiterating its stance on the need for Palestinian self-governance and aspirations for statehood.

Reports suggest that during the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Cao Xiaolin reiterated China’s historical ties with the Palestinian people and expressed interest in strengthening relations with Hamas. Haniyeh reportedly pressed China to intervene in halting Israeli bombardments in Gaza and facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

Hamas, in its statement following the meeting, acknowledged China’s engagement and the presence of Chinese diplomats. The organization, whose political leadership resides in Qatar, views the country as a mediator between Hamas and the international community.

Russia Outpacing U.S., Europe on Artillery-Shell Production Three to One: Report

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Russia is producing three times as many artillery shells than the combined totals of the United States and its European allies.

A senior European intelligence official told CNN that Russia has been producing 250,000 shells per month — 3 million per year — while the combined defense-industrial capacities of both the U.S. and NATO limit production to about 1.2 million over the same span. The U.S. military set a goal of 100,000 rounds per month by the end of 2025, CNN reports, but that the goal is now unattainable given the $60 billion in Ukraine funding currently in congressional limbo.

The report comes as Russia gains the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, having recently captured the city of Avdiivka in the Donbas region. A NATO official told CNN that artillery is the most important aspect of the ongoing war, saying it is in that area where Russia has both “a significant production advantage” and “a significant advantage on the battlefield.”

The report also mentions that, aside from its own domestic production, Russia has imported large quantities of munitions. Iran sent Russia at least 300,000 artillery shells and North Korea delivered at least 6,700 containers carrying millions, according to the NATO official.

While U.S. and NATO leaders have said they do not expect Russia to make significant gains during a forthcoming offensive, Putin has recently begun targeting Ukrainian weapons factories with long-range missiles and drones. (Read more from “Russia Outpacing U.S., Europe on Artillery-Shell Production Three to One: Report” HERE)

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Report: Biden Trying to ‘Collapse’ Netanyahu Government, Mid-War

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U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly attempting to force the “collapse” of the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the middle of a war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza and a potential war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Biden has been increasingly hostile to Netanyahu in his public remarks, recently saying that Netanyahu is “hurting” Israel more than he is helping it through his conduct of the war. (Netanyahu fired back, saying that Biden was “wrong.”)

Now, New York Magazine reports that the Biden Administration is actively looking for ways to force Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, which has been remarkably unified, to fall apart, which would bring about early elections. It reported (original emphasis):

One Israeli expert frequently consulted by American officials says, “I have been asked by a serious administration figure what it is that will force the Netanyahu coalition to collapse. They were interested in the mechanics, what can we demand which will collapse his coalition.”

(Read more from “Report: Biden Trying to ‘Collapse’ Netanyahu Government, Mid-War” HERE)

WWIII WATCH: Putin Warns of Nuclear Consequences if Western Troops Enter Ukraine; Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine

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In a startling escalation of tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning that any deployment of Western troops in Ukraine could lead to global nuclear conflict. The ominous statement comes amidst rising concerns over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for broader international involvement.

Putin declared Russia’s willingness to use its “entire arsenal” if the conflict in Ukraine does not go in its favor. The Russian leader accused Western allies of contemplating the deployment of troops to Ukraine and warned of severe consequences if such a move were to occur.

French President Emmanuel Macron recently stated that sending Western soldiers to Ukraine “could not be ruled out.” He emphasized the need to do everything possible to prevent Russia from prevailing in the conflict.

Putin, during his address, accused Western allies of selecting targets for striking Russian territory and discussed the possibility of sending a NATO contingent to Ukraine. He warned that the consequences for potential invaders would be “far more tragic” than in previous instances when foreign troops were sent to Russian territory.

In a somewhat taunting tone, Putin questioned whether Western leaders truly understood the gravity of the situation, suggesting that they were treating the conflict as a simulation. He asserted that these leaders, who he claimed hadn’t faced tough challenges, seemed to have forgotten the harsh realities of war.

The international community now faces a precarious situation, with diplomatic efforts likely to intensify to prevent further escalation and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

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Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine

By Breitbart. German Chancellor Scholz stands accused of handing Russia a propaganda coup in order to smooth over his own political difficulties as he claims the presence of British and French soldiers aiding Ukrainian forces.

Scholz has been accused of abusing intelligence and being a bad ally by angry NATO politicians after his remarks about the level of involvement he claims there is of the British and French in the deployment of the Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles they have given to Ukraine, and which have been deployed with devastating effect. . .

It is a little-discussed fact that many NATO states have soldiers in Ukraine, but these troops are generally present only to protect the embassies of those nations in Kyiv, and to safeguard diplomatic staff. In some cases they have additional roles: the United States has been open about the fact it has a limited presence of soldiers who track what happens to the enormous amounts of high-tech weapons systems the West gives to Ukraine, for the sake of accountability. Indeed, that presence was re-confirmed only this week by John Kirby.

In the case of the United Kingdom, an apparently off-guard remark by a senior military officer in 2022 revealed there may be more going on behind the scenes, the Lieutenant General saying there had been “discreet operations in a hugely sensitive environment and with a high level of political and military risk”. The British government later strongly denied having any active troops in Ukraine, however, warning against “taking at face value allegations that have the potential to spread disinformation”. (Read more from “Germany Appears to Have Inadvertently Revealed the UK and France have Soldiers in Ukraine” HERE)