#make-america-great-again-maga — Public Fediverse posts

28 Foreign Nationals in California Charged for Registering to Vote Illegally in Elections

Almost thirty foreign nationals living in California were charged by the United States Department of Justice for registering to vote illegally in elections, according to a news report by Newsmax.

Under federal law, it is illegal for non-citizens – including the lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to vote for the US President, the US Senate or the US House of Representatives. All states require US citizenship (by birth or naturalization) to both register and vote in federal and state elections.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the news report of Newsmax. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Justice announced Monday that it filed criminal charges against 28 foreign nationals living in California for allegedly registering to vote illegally or casting ballots in U.S. elections.

The arrests escalate a fight over voter rolls between California and the Trump administration, which sued the state last week after identifying more than 20,000 registered voters it believes are noncitizens.

At least 11 of the 28 defendants were arrested Monday morning, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California said at a news conference.

He said authorities expected to take the remaining 17 into custody “in the near future.”

The DOJ said in a news release that all 28 defendants, charged as part of Operation Protect the Vote, were lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, who have legal immigration status but are not U.S. citizens and are prohibited from voting in federal elections.

The charges include making false statements in naturalization applications and fraudulent voter registration, felony offenses carrying maximum prison sentences of five years.

Six defendants charged with voting illegally in the Eastern District of California face misdemeanor charges punishable by up to one year in prison.

The defendants arrested Monday were expected to make their initial appearances that afternoon in U.S. district courts, but no pleas were expected to be entered, the DOJ said.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter said the arrests demonstrated the need for California to address suspected noncitizens on its voter rolls.

He accused state officials of refusing to cooperate with federal efforts to verify voters’ citizenship and prevent illegal ballots from being counted.

“This Department of Justice will not look the other way while noncitizens vote in federal elections,” McCotter said at the news conference.

“Each of the 28 defendants charged today appears on the list of more than 20,000 likely noncitizen registrants we provided to California election officials last week,” McCotter said in the release.

“California refused to look at that list,” he said.

“Today’s charges show exactly what that refusal puts at risk.

“California must verify the citizenship of those more than 20,000 registrants before mail-in ballots are counted,” McCotter said.

Descriptions of the defendants released by the DOJ indicate that at least 22 allegedly cast ballots in U.S. elections. McCotter said at least eight voted illegally more than once, including some in the 2026 primary.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the officials of California are neglecting their duties on preventing voter fraud? Do you think California should be compelled to set aside the ballots from the more than 20,000 suspected non-citizens until their citizenship status get verified? Should the voter registration records of California be examined thoroughly to find and get rid of all the fraudulent people listed?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Administration Trashes Biden-era Title IX Rules, Sex Officially Defined by Biology

Remember all the craziness that used to infect the United States during the term of the failed US President Joe Biden and his woke administration? Common sense in America continues to get restored as the Trump Administration will proceed with formally removing the Biden-era Title IX regulations and this includes restoring rules that were in place during the first term of President Donald J. Trump, according to a Breitbart news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Breitbart news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Education said Monday it will formally remove the Biden administration’s Title IX regulations and restore rules issued during President Donald Trump’s first term.

The change takes effect Tuesday. Under the final rule issued Monday, the Education Department’s anti-discrimination policy will recognize sex as male or female at birth. It formally removes Biden-era regulations that extended protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity to students and employees at federally funded schools.

The 2024 rules also forced schools to use transgender students’ pronouns and changed how schools handle harassment complaints. A federal court struck down the rules in January 2025.

The Education Department then told schools it would enforce the 2020 rules. Monday’s action puts that change into the published federal regulations; schools have already been operating under the earlier rules.

The department said the last lawsuits over the Biden rules were dismissed in August, clearing the way for it to formally remove them. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the move would make the written regulations match the court rulings and the rules her department has been enforcing since Trump returned to office:

Today’s rulemaking clears the Biden Administration’s illegal rewrite of Title IX from the Code of Federal Regulations and restores the commonsense language promulgated in the first Trump Administration, which we have been enforcing since the first days of the Administration. Thanks to today’s action, the published Title IX regulations faithfully reflects court orders and Congressional intent—reducing confusion for parents, students, and educational institutions. We will continue to relentlessly champion equal opportunity for all Americans and hold accountable any school or college that violates the rights, privacy, or athletic opportunities of our women and girls.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you feeling glad that the Biden-era Title IX rules are no more? Does this development make you feel safer and more confident about your children or relatives in schools? Do you feel that this development ensures protection for women and girls in sports activities or events? What do you think the mob of SJWs, feminists, transgendered and LGBTQ will do in response to this breakthrough?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Prime Minister Takaichi Spotlights Strong Ties with Trump During Meeting

As planned, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae met with US President Donald Trump in New York to emphasize the strong bilateral relations before the arrival of China’s president, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Together they discussed several key issues such as the security environment in Asia, Japan’s industry, and more.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday to demonstrate the strength of bilateral relations, just a day before Chinese leader Xi Jinping arrives in Washington for his first state visit in 11 years.

During a meeting in New York, Takaichi and Trump discussed “various issues concerning China, including economic security” and agreed to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance, the Japanese government said.

Takaichi told Trump that the security environment in Asia and elsewhere is becoming increasingly severe, and that she wanted to show the world “how robust our alliance is through holding another round of meetings.”

Takaichi’s roughly 35-minute meeting with Trump, held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, was intended to coordinate on China and align policies in areas of mutual interest, according to Japanese officials.

“Thanks to Donald’s leadership and also my own leadership, our bilateral economic security cooperation in areas such as AI, semiconductors and critical minerals has been steadily advancing,” Takaichi also said in front of the press ahead of their closed-door discussions.

Trump also praised his counterpart, saying, “She’s done a great job” and that he has been keeping a close eye on her high approval ratings.

“The industry in Japan is doing very well. The country is doing very well. It’s a very big improvement, and it’s an honor to be with her,” Trump said.

“She’s a friend of mine. We got to know each other very well over the last period of time,” he said of Japan’s first female premier, who took office nearly a year ago. “She’s going to be a great prime minister.”

The meeting was their first since March, when she visited the U.S. capital. They spoke for about five minutes on the margins of a Group of Seven summit in June in France.

Japan and China have been in a diplomatic freeze since Takaichi suggested in November that an attack on Taiwan could constitute an existential threat to her country and warrant a response from its armed forces.

Infuriated by her statement, China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory, has since unleashed a series of political and economic reprisals against Japan, including export restrictions on rare earths needed to manufacture various high-tech products.

China has shown no sign of easing tensions with Japan, with Beijing prioritizing a managed detente with Washington. The Trump administration is concerned about the knock-on impact of the restrictions on U.S. supply chains.

With trade and artificial intelligence likely to top the agenda at the Trump-Xi summit at the White House on Thursday, the officials had said Takaichi would likely use the meeting with Trump to discuss China’s export controls and Tokyo’s willingness to boost cooperation on emerging technologies with Washington.

During their talks, Takaichi and Trump also reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and had a candid discussion of U.S. sanctions against International Criminal Court officials, according to the government.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the strong ties between the United States and Japan will eventually have a positive impact on international affairs, the security in Asia and other developments? Do you think the US-Japan alliance will push China back from locking in crucial supply chains and infrastructure projects of sovereign nations?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Immigrant from the Philippines Pleads Guilty to Illegally Voting in 2024 US Presidential Election

There definitely is such a thing as illegally voting in elections in the United States. Since Donald Trump returned as US President in 2025, the government has been unrelenting on pushing back against illegal immigration while restoring the integrity of American elections. That said, an immigrant from the Philippines pleaded guilty to voting illegally in the US Presidential election of 2024 and it happened just months after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under failed US President Joe Biden approved her for the green card, according to a news report by Breitbart.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Breitbart news report. Some parts in boldface…

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that 37-year-old Evelyn Miller of the Philippines, who resided in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to illegal voting.

On Monday, Breitbart News learned that Miller, who was approved for a green card by Biden’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in July 2024, registered to vote on October 9, 2024, and illegally voted in the presidential election on November 5, 2024.

“This alien from the Philippines pleaded guilty to illegally voting in the 2024 election in Pennsylvania,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of HSI, as well as our partners at the Department of Justice, this alien will soon face justice for her efforts to subvert our elections. American elections are for Americans only.”

In the investigation, Miller confessed to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents that she registered to vote online ahead of the election and voted in person on Election Day.

For additional details from the DOJ regarding Evelyn Miller, click https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/lehigh-county-woman-pleads-guilty-illegal-voting

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Does this case of illegal voting convince you that there should be more restrictions to prevent green card holders from voting in any election? What do you think is the ideal punishment for green card holders who actually voted? Are you convinced that Democrats would do anything to allow illegal voting in order to gain power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan’s Kikkoman Opens 3rd American Plant to Meet Growing North American Demand

Kikkoman Corp. – the Japan-based food manufacturer and world’s largest producer of soy sauce – formally launched its third American plant in the state of Wisconsin to meet the growing demand in North America, according to a Jiji Press news article. This is the latest development of Japanese companies (or subsidiaries) investing in the United States.  

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese soy sauce maker Kikkoman Corp. on Friday held an opening ceremony for its third U.S. plant in Jefferson, Wisconsin.

During the ceremony at the new plant, Yuzaburo Mogi, honorary CEO of Kikkoman, said that the company will increase soy sauce production to meet the growing demand in North America.

The third plant has already begun operating and will start shipping products in October. It is scheduled to produce some 4,000 kiloliters of soy sauce by March next year.

Kikkoman is also considering producing teriyaki sauce and “ponzu” citrus-flavored sauce at the plant in the future.

Other attendees at the ceremony included Kikkoman President and CEO Shozaburo Nakano and Senior Executive Corporate Officer Osamu Mogi, as well as local representatives.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you are based in the United States, how many Kikkoman products do you have in your kitchen right now? Is Kikkoman your first choice whenever you look for soy sauce?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Sanctions Palestinian Authority and PLO Members

It is official! The United States has officially sanctioned the Palestinian Authority (PA) and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) for failing to live up to their commitments as described in two historical commitment acts from 1989 and 2002, the US State Department announced.

As such, the so-called PA president Mahmoud Abbas has been denied an entry visa to the US ahead of the General Assembly of the wicked United Nations (UN). Be aware that the Palestinian Authority is guilty of paying terrorists and actually commits apartheid.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement of the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The State Department has reported to Congress that the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) have, once again, failed to live up to their commitments as described in the PLO Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 (PLOCCA) and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act of 2002 (MEPCA). This includes initiating and supporting actions at international organizations that undermine and contradict prior commitments in support of Security Council Resolution 242 and 338, taking actions to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict including through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking to bypass negotiations through seeking unilateral recognition, and continuing to pay stipends to terrorists and to glorify acts of terrorism and terrorists in public pronouncements and school textbooks.

As a consequence of their failure to reform, contrary to their commitments to the United States, and their ongoing activities that undermine the prospects for peace, the United States will extend sanctions that deny visas to PLO members and PA officials in accordance with section 604(a)(1) of the MEPCA. The Department has maintained the standing waiver for personnel notified to the PLO Observer Mission to the United Nations as was the case in the Department’s prior determinations. It is in our national interest to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for glorifying terrorism.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this latest move by the United States will impact the PA, the PLO and their international partners significantly? Do you think the other nations that took sides with the Palestinians and normalized themselves with Islamic terrorists will think twice about how they do diplomacy? Are you convinced that the Palestinians have a religious and ethnic commitment to terrorism?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Hitachi to Build $528-million Transformer Manufacturing Plant in America

Hitachi Energy Ltd. – a global leader in energy technology and electrification – announced yesterday that it will invest almost $530 million to construct a transformer manufacturing plant in the state of Mississippi in the United States, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The investment is to help meet the rising power demand as the use artificial intelligence (AI) keeps on rising.

Hitachi Energy Ltd. is the energy arm of the Hitachi Group with over a century of innovation, and a long list completed projects that helped people for their access to dependable energy.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Hitachi Energy Ltd. said Wednesday that it will invest 528 million dollars to build a transformer manufacturing plant in Mississippi to meet surging U.S. power demand amid wider use of artificial intelligence.

The Swiss unit of Hitachi Ltd. expects the plant to more than double its production capacity compared with an existing transformer plant in Mississippi. Construction of the new plant will begin later this year, with production scheduled to start in 2029.

The new plant will be “the cornerstone” of Hitachi Energy’s 1.5-billion-dollar U.S. investment plan, the company said.

In September last year, Hitachi Energy said it would invest 1 billion dollars in the United States. It later expanded the plan as Japan pledged to make 550 billion dollars in investment and loans to the United States as part of a bilateral trade agreement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you consider this new investment by Hitachi a crucial one in relation to the rising demand for power in the United States? Are you hoping that the bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Japan will create economic and energy breakthroughs for Americans in the near future?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Sanctions Major Russian Bank for Aiding Iran’s Sanctions Evasion

VTB Bank, one of the major financial institutions of Russia, has officially been sanctioned by the United States for assisting the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran evade sanctions, according to the US State Department’s official announcement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the whole announcement of the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States sanctioned VTB Bank, one of Russia’s largest financial institutions, for helping Iran evade sanctions and sustain its support for terrorism. VTB Bank opened offices in Iran, built banking ties with sanctioned Iranian financial institutions, and worked to move billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

The United States remains steadfast in cutting off the financial lifelines that allow the Iranian regime to fund terrorism, destabilize the region, and threaten U.S. economic security.

Today’s action sends a clear message to governments and financial institutions considering similar arrangements: any effort to help Iran evade sanctions will carry serious consequences, including exposure to U.S. financial restrictions.

The United States will continue to use every diplomatic and economic tool at its disposal to isolate the Iranian regime. We urge the international community to join this effort to sever the financial lifelines of a regime that threatens peace and security.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this latest move by the United States will convince more members of the international community to join in the effort to cut the financial lifelines of the Islamic terrorist state Iran? Do you think VTB Bank has a lot of financial ties with your local business community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Empties Mexico Border Shelters

Ever since US President Donald Trump returned to office, the immigration crackdown and tightening implemented by the current administration not only brought illegal crossings down and deported a lot of illegal immigrants/aliens but also made the migrant shelters along Mexico’s northern border getting emptied, according to a news report by Newsmax.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

Migrant shelters along Mexico’s northern border are emptying as fewer migrants head to the United States following President Donald Trump’s tighter immigration enforcement and expanded deportation efforts.

For Salome Villena, an Ecuadorean migrant who once planned to cross into the U.S. with her husband and two children, aged 4 and 6, the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policy helped change those plans. Instead, the family has decided to remain in Ciudad Juarez, where they are among the few people still staying at a local shelter.

“Our intention was to cross into the United States, but because of what Trump did, we couldn’t,” Villena said, referring to changes in U.S. immigration and asylum policies.

The family also considered paying a smuggler to take them across the border, but abandoned the idea after they said the man began stealing their money.

After returning to office, Trump ended one of the main pathways migrants had used to seek entry to the U.S., ending the CBP One app that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry. The change left thousands of migrants in border cities such as Ciudad Juarez and prompted Mexican authorities to prepare for a surge in deportees by opening emergency shelters.

Many of those facilities, however, remained largely empty as migrant arrivals fell and deportations were often carried out by air to southern Mexico or other countries.

The drop in migrant flows has been felt across Ciudad Juarez’s shelter network. Juan Fierro, who heads the city’s Good Samaritan shelter, said Trump’s policies had sharply reduced the number of new arrivals.

“It’s becoming increasingly complicated and difficult for people to reach Mexico’s northern border and cross into the United States,” he said.

The shift has altered the makeup of the city’s migrant population, said Dirvan Garcia of the state population council, Coespo.

“We are living something completely different,” Garcia said. “There are a large number of people who initially intended to cross the border but are now putting down roots in the city.“

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you pleased with the ongoing immigration crackdown in America under the Trump administration? Are there still a lot of illegal immigrants/aliens still living in your local community? Do you think the number of foreigners who planned to illegally enter the United States but ended up staying in Mexico will settle in Mexican towns/cities permanently?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

ICC President Akane Calls Her Organization the “Last Bastion of the Rule of Law”

Tomoko Akane, the incumbent president of the International Criminal Court, called her organization in The Hague the “last bastion of the rule of law” as she labeled America’s sanctions against her illegal and unacceptable, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This past August, the United States sanctioned Akane and ICC trial lawyer Abdoul Seye of Senegal which is a part of their campaign to dismantle the organization’s threat to American sovereignty. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae called the sanctions against Akane (a Japanese citizen) “very unfortunate”. It remains to be seen how the ICC sanctions will impact the current state of US-Japan relations and cooperation.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire Jiji Press news article. Some parts in boldface…

International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane, under U.S. sanctions, on Sunday called The Hague-based organization the last bastion of the rule of law in the world.

Support from people around the world is necessary for the continuation of the ICC, she said in an event held by a nongovernmental organization in Tokyo.

Akane, who attended the event online, expressed her sincere gratitude for assistance from Japan, such as a signature campaign.

The U.S. sanctions are illegal and unacceptable, she said, calling them a move to suppress justice through external force.

Akane said she has been able to receive her salaries through a local bank while facing problems remitting money. Companies have rejected transactions with her due to the sanctions, she added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you find Akane’s words about the American sanctions on her rather twisted given the fact that the ICC itself threatened American sovereignty and even interfered Philippine sovereignty and justice system? Are you convinced that Akane is simply pretending to be a victim? Do you want to see the ICC come to an end soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Full Lifting of Import Ban on US Fresh Potatoes Could Happen in Japan

The Ministry of Agriculture in Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of the import ban on fresh potatoes from the United States as a crucial briefing will happen this month, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

This is the latest development about US fresh potatoes following the authorities’ response to an official request from Washington. It has officially been documented that the production of fresh potatoes in Japan reached 2,236,458.75 metric tons in 2024 which pales in comparison with the 4.1 million metric tons achieved in 1986.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan is advancing procedures that could lead to the full lifting of its ban on imports of fresh potatoes from the United States, even as concerns persist about quarantine issues and the impact on Japanese farmers’ livelihoods.

Last Friday, the agriculture ministry announced that it would hold a briefing this month on pests and diseases identified as possibly posing a threat to domestic agriculture if they arrive in the country on potatoes. It plans to then begin considering specific quarantine measures before making a final decision on whether to allow imports.

While lifting the import ban could take several years, many are wary about allowing potatoes from the United States, one of the world’s biggest producers.

“We will approach the discussions with resolve,” agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki told a press conference Friday.

Japan in principle bans imports of fresh potatoes to prevent pest infestations. However, an exemption to the ban was granted in 2006 for U.S. potatoes used to make potato chips.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think chances are good that Japan will lift the ban on the importation of fresh potatoes from the United States? Do you think having more American fresh potatoes in the Japan market will seriously disrupt the livelihoods of Japanese farmers? Do you think Japan’s farmers have what it takes to significantly boost potato production by hundreds of thousands in metric tons per year in the short term?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan and America Agree to Intensify Cooperation in Space Transport Business

In due time, space will be the new frontier of engaging in business and the transportation of people, cargo and the different forms of hardware. That said, the United States and Japan are moving towards that new frontier as they signed the memorandum of cooperation on space transportation business, according to news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan and the United States have agreed to further enhance cooperation in the space transportation business by standardizing part of the review procedures when Japanese firms launch rockets from U.S. sites and vice versa, Japan’s Cabinet Office said Tuesday.

Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration signed a memorandum of cooperation on Monday, also aimed at streamlining regulations and intensifying information sharing.

“We would like to build a system adaptable to space business, which is widely expanding in a variety of forms,” said Takatsugu Ryuzaki, director general of the secretariat in charge of the country’s space development and utilization, after the signing.

With several spaceport projects underway in Japan, including in Kochi and Oita prefectures, the two sides will discuss guidelines for space business operators setting out specific requirements for spaceports.

In addition to rocket launches, the two security allies are considering connecting Japanese and U.S. cities via suborbital flights at an altitude of around 100 kilometers.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new agreement by Japan and America will lead to breakthroughs of space transportation business within your lifetime? Do you think other nations will follow the standards of America and Japan on space business? Does your country have any existing spaceports?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Venezuela’s Acting President Thanks Trump and Rubio for Oil Deal

The United States and Venezuela signed a major deal regarding oil and Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez is thankful to President Donald J. Trump and State Secretary Marco Rubio for it, according to a news report by Newsmax.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt of Newsmax’s report. Some parts in boldface…

Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the oil agreement between the two countries.

The deal drew rave reviews from conservatives and criticism from Democrats.

“That is why we chose the path of diplomacy with the United States of America, to transform our differences into cooperation. And that cooperation into investment, production, well-being, and concrete results for Venezuelans,” Rodriguez said in a televised address Saturday.

“I thank President Donald Trump, Secretary Rubio, and his government for the efforts made by both their administration and ours, as well as the entire Venezuelan team that dedicated their time to reaching this agreement,” she said.

Rodriguez said the pact would run 25 years and target production of more than 1.5 million barrels a day.

She said Venezuela would receive about $19 a barrel, which could generate more than $209 billion for the state.

“It’s no use having our oil reserves underground just so they appear in a statistic or an accounting record and we can say we’re the country with the world’s largest reserves when we can’t convert them into development for Venezuela,” she said.

“Our reserves must be transformed into well-being, prosperity, and happiness for this country and enable us to restore our productive capacity so that we can establish ourselves as an energy and manufacturing powerhouse.“

Rodriguez added that the change would strengthen energy security in the Western Hemisphere and promote greater stability and balance in global energy markets.

Trump announced the agreement Friday, calling it “THE BIGGEST OIL DEAL IN WORLD HISTORY!”

It covers 65 billion barrels of proven reserves across 17 fields, with the U.S. receiving 55% of output, including an ownership stake.

The White House has described 100-year development rights, a term Rodriguez did not repeat.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US-Venezuela oil deal will be beneficial for both nations? Do you think the deal will help America economically in the long run? What is your view of Venezuela since the dictator Nicolas Maduro was removed by America?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Visa of Biden-awarded Iraqi National Revoked

The United States officially revoked the US visa of Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi, the Iraqi national who was awarded by the failed Biden Administration in 2022, according to US State Department citing her placement on the Terror Watchlist of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In a New York Post report, Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi’s alleged links to the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran and Iran-backed militias in Iraq drew headlines. She was also the target of two Republicans in the US House of Representatives accused of being the “key enabler of terrorist funding in Iraq.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire statement of the US State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Department of State has revoked the visa of an Iraqi national who was presented an award by the Biden Administration for her purported role in fighting corruption and her advocacy for “gender equity.”

Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi was given the International Woman of Courage Award in 2022 by former Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) and former First Lady Jill Biden.

The award recognized “women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity.”

This Iraqi national’s visa has now been revoked by the State Department following her placement on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terror Watchlist. She is no longer present in the United States.

Under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suspected terrorists will never be allowed to remain in the United States.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you aware that Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi was Iraq’s Finance Minister from 2022 to 2026? Do you suspect Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi may have been involved in financing connected with Islamic terrorists? Should all her communications and interactions with the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran be investigated?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Sanctions ICC President and Trial Lawyer

Following the start of the campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) threat to national sovereignty, the United States Department of State announced it has sanctioned two ICC officials namely their president Tomoko Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire statement of the US State Department by Secretary Marco Rubio. Some parts in boldface…

The Trump Administration has been clear: the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate.  We will not tolerate its assault on state sovereignty. 

In furtherance of the diplomatic campaign we launched last month to address the ICC’s abuses of power, I am designating two ICC officials – President of the ICC, Tomoko Akane of Japan, and ICC Senior Trial Lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal – pursuant to Executive Order 14203, “Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.”  These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction. 

The ICC has repeatedly attempted to assert authority over nationals of the United States and other countries that have not consented to its jurisdiction or ratified the Rome Statute.  This sets a dangerous precedent for all nations.  

Our whole of government campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to national sovereignty will be sweeping and we expect more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court. The ICC’s ability to target American nationals and those of other non-States Parties must end. The Trump Administration stands ready to take additional measures, if necessary, to systematically dismantle the ICC until it is incapable of threatening American sovereignty.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the US sanctions against the two ICC officials? Do you think other nations that are in conflict with the ICC’s encroachment and abuse of power will support rally behind the United States and support sanctioning of officials? If you live in a nation which has a working justice system, are convinced that the ICC is unnecessary?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Signs Executive Orders Ending Birth Tourism And Protecting The Value Of American Citizenship

Following the unfortunate decision made the by Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) regarding birthright citizenship, US President Donald J. Trump signed two new Executive Orders to formally end birth tourism while also protecting the meaning and value of American citizenship.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the News24 (formerly Sky News Australia) video covering the Oval Office. Watch it and pay close attention to the details.

https://youtu.be/YC3PrTABmic?si=qLGS_xhbDUE99gcD&t=239

In America, birth tourism is already a huge problem that has yet to be full resolved. If it is left unchecked, it will negatively impact and even deform democracy in the US. That said, President Trump signed the Executive Order ending birth tourism. To understand it fully, posted below is the entire content of the said Executive Order sourced from the White House website. Some parts in boldface…

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose.  United States citizenship is among the greatest inheritances the Nation can bestow.  It embodies a sacred bond between the American people and the Nation in which they live, and carries profound rights, privileges, and responsibilities reflective of the enduring allegiance of citizens to the United States and our Constitution.  Citizenship is not a commodity to be acquired through calculated exploitation and evasion of the immigration laws, such as by entering the United States on a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth within the Nation’s borders.

Birth tourism operators use deceptive advertisements and inducements to entice foreign nationals to travel to the United States for the purpose of giving birth on American soil.  They promise citizenship; access to public benefits; and short-term stays in specialized facilities, hotels, or rentals, but often fail to deliver on these promises.  These operators coach their clients to misrepresent the purpose and duration of their travel to consular and border officials to obtain visas authorizing entry into the United States.  Failure to appropriately combat these schemes has resulted in thriving industries around the world that profit by enabling the evasion of American immigration laws to obtain citizenship and other immigration benefits for foreign visitors, and the exploitation of the women who travel here for purposes of giving birth.

The immigration laws of the United States establish discrete categories of temporary nonimmigrant visas to allow foreign visitors into the United States for study, exchange, temporary employment, tourism, and other transitory activities that are now exploited by birth tourism operators.  Participants in birth tourism schemes abuse these categories to establish a permanent foothold in the United States by securing the advantage of citizenship for their children and then potentially for themselves.

Birth tourism, defined in section 3 of this order, undermines the integrity of the Nation’s immigration system by enabling foreign nationals to exploit their temporary admission to obtain permanent immigration-related benefits.  Birth tourism also diverts limited consular inspection and enforcement resources away from legitimate visa applicants, erodes public confidence in the faithful enforcement of the immigration laws, and impairs the executive branch’s ability to protect the national security.

The United States has a compelling interest in ensuring that each visa category is used only for the purpose for which it was established.  Foreign nationals seeking temporary admission into the United States must adhere to the purposes for which the Congress has authorized their temporary admission, and cannot be permitted to circumvent the immigration laws in an attempt to vest themselves and their children with lasting benefits that are irreconcilable with their nonimmigrant status.

It is therefore the policy of the United States to promote the integrity of its immigration system, to ensure that nonimmigrant visa classifications are used only for their lawful and intended purposes, and to prevent the exploitation of those classifications by persons engaging in birth tourism.

Sec. 2.  Authorities.  Pursuant to section 301 of title 3, United States Code, the authority granted to the President under section 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1185(a), is hereby delegated to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to the extent necessary to implement this order, including the authority to issue or adopt rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance to carry out this order.

Sec. 3.  Definition.  For purposes of this order, “birth tourism” is defined as:

(a)  the entry of any foreign national into the United States via a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth on American soil; or

(b)  any effort by any foreign national to facilitate the entry of any foreign national into the United States via a nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of giving birth on American soil.

Sec. 4.  Scope and Implementation.  (a)  The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take such actions and update any rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance as necessary to effectuate the policy set forth in this order.  Such actions may include, within the Secretaries’ respective discretion and authority, appropriate action to prevent the entry into the United States of, or the granting of any visa or other travel authorization to, any alien entering or attempting to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism; revoking the visa or travel authorization and permanently barring entry of any alien who enters or attempts to enter the United States for the purpose of engaging in birth tourism; denial of entry to, or removal of, any alien who previously engaged or plans to engage in birth tourism; or other appropriate action against entities, organizations, or individuals, within or outside of the United States, responsible for facilitating or enabling birth tourism in any manner.

(b)  All other relevant executive departments and agencies shall provide such records and information as are necessary for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to implement the terms of this order and the rules, policies, operational guidance, or other guidance issued pursuant to it, subject to applicable law.

Sec. 5.  Exemptions.  Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by this order, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may exempt a foreign national from actions taken pursuant to this order on humanitarian grounds or when the foreign national’s entry is in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d)  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of any of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

(e)  The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Homeland Security.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the two new Executive Orders signed by Trump will effectively end birth tourism while protecting the value of American citizenship? What kind of responses do you think the Democrats will come up with to oppose the Executive Orders. Do you think Islamist states like Iran, Pakistan, Qatar and Bangladesh are deliberately sending their citizens to America with birth tourism in mind? Did you spot any Chinese nationals engaging in birth tourism in America lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Joint Yen-Buying By Japan And America Confirmed

For the first time in fifteen years, Japan and the United States conducted a joint buying of Yen following the Japanese currency’s continued weakness to the U.S. Dollar which Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama confirmed yesterday, according to a Kyodo News report. The Yen fell to almost 164 to the U.S. Dollar on July 23.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan and the United States conducted coordinated yen buying Friday, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said, their first joint market intervention in 15 years, with the two nations ready to act again if necessary.

The intervention during New York trading on Friday came after the yen hit 163.99 to the U.S. dollar on July 23, its weakest level in around 40 years, amid mounting fears about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s expansionary but vaguely funded fiscal policy.

“This joint action was taken pursuant to the U.S.-Japan Finance Ministers’ Joint Statement issued in September 2025 and countered the excessive volatility and disorderly movements of the Japanese yen in recent months,” Katayama said in a statement on Monday.

“The Japanese Ministry of Finance remains attentive and in close communication with our counterparts at the U.S. Treasury. We will not hesitate to conduct a further joint intervention,” she added.

After warnings by Katayama and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent of additional action to prevent the Japanese currency from depreciating, the yen briefly surged to the lower 155 level from the upper 157 range on Monday morning.

While joint currency interventions by the countries are usually reserved for emergencies, Japan has been struggling with the yen’s depreciation, which has increased import costs, threatening to accelerate inflation and jack up yields on long-term Japanese government bonds.

Washington is also believed to be wary of rising long-term Japanese interest rates pushing up U.S. rates before the congressional midterm elections in the fall, analysts said.

The previous Japan-U.S. intervention was carried out to stem the yen’s rise after the massive earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan in March 2011.

Katayama told reporters in Tokyo that Friday’s coordination between Japan and the United States was aimed at linking Tokyo’s “economic security to its unwavering alliance” with Washington.

She stressed the countries’ “close coordination” since the release of their joint statement last September, which confirmed interventions should be reserved for combating excessive volatility as well as “disorderly depreciation or appreciation.”

Japanese and U.S. authorities have pledged to take decisive action “against disorderly moves at any time,” Katayama said.

Atsushi Mimura, Japan’s top currency diplomat, called the latest coordinated intervention a “completed form” of the Japan-U.S. currency alliance, emphasizing the two countries would continue to respond “without missing a beat.”

Saying Japan “wanted a little bit of help,” President Donald Trump indicated Sunday in the United States that Washington had conducted a yen-buying intervention at the request of Takaichi’s government. He told reporters the action would benefit his nation economically.

He added, “We’re always there for Japan. Japan’s been very good to us, with the exception, of course, of Pearl Harbor,” referring to Japan’s 1941 surprise aerial attack on a naval base in Hawaii that resulted in the U.S. entry into World War II.

In New York on Friday, the yen surged to the lower 157 level against the dollar, with Japanese government sources confirming a yen-buying intervention by currency authorities.

The move came after the yen briefly soared to the 157 range Thursday, gaining nearly 5 yen in about 50 minutes before dropping back to the 160 level, as a result of a currency intervention by Japan later confirmed by market and government sources.

On Sunday, Bessent wrote on social media that the intervention “countered disorderly yen movements,” adding the United States would “not hesitate” to conduct further joint currency intervention with Japan, echoing Katayama.

He also said, “We strongly support Japan’s decisive market and monetary steps to correct the substantial undervaluation of the yen.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the joint buying of Yen by the US and Japan will lead to further stabilization economically in the short term? Do you think this joint move will somehow boost both nation’s economies?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Sanctioning Iran’s Mahan Air Network and IRGC-Linked Front Company

In a serious effort to weaken the fighting capability and severing the resources (financially and militarily) of the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, the United States sanctioned entities and individuals in four nations that enabled the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the official announcement of the Department of State.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement of the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States today sanctioned six entities and individuals in China, India, Russia, and Iran that enable the Iranian regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

These include entities that support Mahan Air, the IRGC’s airline of choice for moving weapons, military personnel, and equipment. Today’s action also targets DadeNegar Startup Studio, an IRGC-affiliated front company supporting Iranian military targeting by soliciting locations of American and Israeli equipment in the Middle East.

The United States calls on the international community, particularly companies and individuals doing business with Mahan Air or any other sanctioned Iranian carrier, to recognize the serious risks raised by continuing such engagement.

The United States will continue to expose and disrupt entities providing the IRGC with the tools and information it uses to threaten American personnel, our partners, and regional stability.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this new move by the US will cripple the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran financial and militarily? Do you think members of the international community will follow America’s initiative? Do you think other nations like Pakistan, Malaysia and Bangladesh have entities or individuals who are supporting the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Determining Lifting Import Prohibition On Fresh US Potatoes

Fresh potatoes from the United States could potentially enter Japan’s markets this year as the authorities are assessing the quarantine risks and the concerns raised by Japanese potato farmers, according to a news report by NHK World. The Japanese authorities received a request from Washington regarding American potatoes which led to the ongoing assessment.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt of the NHK World report. Some parts in boldface…

Japan is taking steps that could lead to it fully opening its market to fresh US potatoes, following a request from Washington.

Japan bans imports of raw potatoes due to concerns over pests and disease, except for some sourced from the United States to be used exclusively for potato chips.

The agriculture ministry is currently assessing the quarantine risks posed by American potatoes, the third step in an 11-stage process before all restrictions can be lifted.

Officials plan to complete the risk assessment as early as this summer, and move on to identifying the pests and diseases that need to be dealt with.

Demand for fresh potatoes is rising in Japan, as domestic production has been on the decline.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan’s agriculture ministry will even allow full market opening to fresh potatoes from the United States? What do you think is the reason why Japan’s domestic production of fresh potatoes has declined?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Treasury Department Prevents Almost $100 Million From Going To Dead People

Federal payments worth almost one hundred million Dollars were prevented by the United States Treasury Department from going to dead individuals, according to a news report by Breitbart News. This is part of the ongoing campaign of the Trump administration to cut waste, fraud and the abuse in federal spending.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt of the Breitbart report. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Treasury Department stopped nearly $100 million in federal payments that have been going out to deceased individuals after establishing a government-wide payment verification process last year.

The department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service found that the money was set to be sent to “ghosts” after reviewing 885 million payments totaling nearly $2.7 trillion, according to a report by the New York Post.

Since March 2025, the Trump administration’s screening of the funds has reportedly uncovered more than 4,900 payments worth about $99 million that were associated with dead payees.

Payments intended for deceased individuals — often a red flag suggesting fraud — were returned to the originating federal agencies for review before any of the money was paid out, the Treasury Department said.

The department added that it has used the federal government’s Do Not Pay program — which verifies a recipient’s identity, eligibility, and banking information before sending out federal payments — alongside other, newer verification tools.

Last year, after President Donald Trump ordered his administration to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending, the Treasury Department “significantly expanded” its use of these verification systems, the agency noted.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that almost $100 million were prevented from being paid to dead recipients? How deep do you think the fraud really is within the federal payment system?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

WTA Institutes Genetic Testing To Ensure Fair Competition In Women’s Category

Another big victory for women in sports and common sense happened as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) officially updated its policy requiring applicants for competition to take a genetic test that screens for the SRY gene, according to a report by Breitbart News. The newly enacted rule effectively bans men who identify as women from joining women’s competition.

For insight, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) implemented its own policy on the protection of the female category in Olympic sports.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt of the Breitbart report. Some parts in boldface…

The Women’s Tennis Association has enacted a new rule banning men who identify as women from competition by requiring genetic testing to qualify to play in the women’s sport.

The WTA’s updated policy requires applicants for competition to take a genetic test that screens for the SRY gene, which is found on the male Y chromosome, according to the New York Post.

Potential players who test negative for SRY are immediately qualified to play in the women’s category. A positive result will trigger closer scrutiny before any possibility of becoming eligible, the tennis organization ruled.

Players who refuse testing will be required to sign a document acknowledging that their refusal could result in disciplinary action after any investigation into their application.

“The WTA’s women’s eligibility policy is designed to promote equal athletic opportunities in women’s professional tennis and maintain fair competition for all players participating in WTA tournaments,” the policy states.

“The WTA recognizes that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful way,” the organization added after releasing the news.

The sport governing body said the change came after discussion with current members and a review of actions by other international women’s sport organizations.

The new rule seems to be a replacement for previous rules that allowed transgender athletes to compete if their testosterone was below 2.5 nmol/L for at least two years before competing.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova hailed the WTA’s move, calling it a “step in the right direction.”

In another post on X, Navratilova wrote that she is “very happy that we at the WTA are clear that we are a women’s association and only women, as in females, can compete at the highest level of women’s tennis.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you agree with the WTA’s new policy on ensuring fair competition in women’s category? Were there any women’s tennis competitions in your locality that allowed transgendered women to participate with the real women? Do you wish to see all sports competitions be free from identity politics and the toxic agenda of the woke, the social justice warriors (SJWs) and the LGBTQIA+ mob?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Distances Itself From US Campaign Against ICC

Recently the United States launched a campaign against the disruptive International Criminal Court (ICC) and it made clear that nations partnered with America are called upon to reject the ICC. In response to this, the Philippines chose to distance itself from America’s campaign stating that the policy of the US is not within the scope of its government, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

For insight, the Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute during the time of then President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippines made it clear that it has a functioning judiciary and that the there is no need for the ICC to meddle. Strangely, Filipino authorities enforced the ICC arrest warrant which resulted in the arrest of former President Duterte and his transfer to The Hague for trial.  

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt of the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

THE Philippines on Tuesday distanced itself from a campaign by the administration of US President Donald J. Trump urging countries to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying Washington’s latest position on the Hague-based tribunal is a matter of American policy and that Manila would continue to follow its own laws.

“The policy of the US is not within the scope of our government,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters in a Viber group chat in Filipino.

Ms. Castro was asked to comment on a statement by US Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio, who said on Monday that “nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s false authority while relying on US assistance are likely to come under scrutiny.”

“This is a policy of the United States, and we respect their position,” Ms. Castro separately told GMA News. “At this point, we have no comment, as we are simply acting in accordance with our own laws.”

The Marcos administration has repeatedly said the Philippines has no plans to rejoin the ICC, while maintaining that its position on the tribunal is based on Philippine policy rather than that of any foreign government.

The Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, in 2019 under former President Rodrigo R. Duterte after the tribunal opened a preliminary examination into his anti-illegal drug campaign.

Although Manila is no longer a state party, the ICC maintains that it retains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Former presidential legal counsel Salvador S. Panelo welcomed the Trump administration’s campaign against the ICC, saying the tribunal should stop what he described as interference in the affairs of sovereign states.

“The Trump administration’s launching of a government-wide campaign against the International Criminal Court, vowing to pressure countries to withdraw from the tribunal and accusing it of threatening US sovereignty, as well as other countries’ sovereignties like the Philippines, Russia and Israel is long in coming,” he said in a statement.

“The illegal and unforgivable incarceration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, intruding into our country’s sovereignty with the cooperation of the Marcos administration, is a classic example of ICC’s unlawful intrusion to countries that are not members,” he added.

Mr. Duterte, 81, was arrested in March 2025 after Philippine authorities enforced an ICC arrest warrant and transferred him to The Hague, where he remains in the tribunal’s custody while facing allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign.

He has denied wrongdoing, while his supporters continue to challenge the court’s jurisdiction following the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Philippines is in a very awkward position between the United States and the ICC? Do you think the Philippines will lose American assistance in the near future as a result of its decision to distance itself from the US campaign against the ICC? Do you support campaigns opposing the ICC?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Administration Trashes Biden-Era LGBTQ Foster Care Rule

Remember a few years ago when the administration of failed US President Joe Biden came up with a foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to accept them through gender identity? That outrageous rule was never implemented but the Trump administration formally eliminated it which is good for the United States, according to a news report by Newsmax.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt of the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

The Trump administration on Tuesday formally eliminated a Biden-era foster care rule that sought to require children who identify as LGBTQ be placed with families willing to affirm their stated gender identity or sexual orientation.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) removed the April 2024 regulation from the Code of Federal Regulations, saying the move will provide clarity and help recruit more foster families nationwide.

The rule never took effect after it was struck down by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, but the administration said removing it entirely closes the door on the policy.

Assistant HHS Secretary Alex Adams told The Daily Wire the decision reflects the administration’s belief that more families should feel welcome to foster children.

“The message that we think it sends is that all families are welcome,” Adams said. “We have too few foster families nationally. We must roll out the red carpet, and we must ensure that there’s homes waiting on kids, not kids waiting on homes.”

The Biden administration’s rule directed federally funded child welfare agencies to ensure that children who “self-identify with an alternative sexual orientation or self-identify as something other than their sex in foster care” were placed with families that would affirm those identities.

The Trump administration said rescinding the regulation supports first lady Melania Trump’s “Fostering the Future” initiative and a related executive order calling for a government-wide effort to strengthen the nation’s foster care system.

Adams said the administration has also launched its “Home for Every Child” campaign to increase the number of foster homes available for children entering the system.

“Nationally, we have a shortage,” Adams said. “We only have 57 homes for every 100 kids coming in, so we can and must do better to ensure that there’s enough homes for kids because when there’s not enough homes, kids end up in short-term rentals, hotels, government office spaces, etc.”

Adams said families with strong religious beliefs and moral convictions make up a large share of those willing to foster children, making it critical that the federal government not discourage them from participating.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted that US President Donald Trump and his administration scrapped the Biden-era rule and made sure it would not be revived soon? Do you think the woke, the SJWs and LGBTQ mob will react violently to this development?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US State Department Launches Campaign to Dismantle International Criminal Court’s Threat to American Sovereignty

Do you believe that the internationalist and justice-disrupting International Criminal Court (ICC) should meddle in your nation’s justice system? The Department of State officially launched a huge campaign to the dismantle the ICC to protect the sovereignty of the United States.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to U.S. sovereignty. The campaign will feature a whole-of-government response to systematically disable the ICC’s ability to operate, target American servicemen or officials, or otherwise threaten American sovereignty.

The ICC poses an intolerable threat to U.S. sovereignty – it claims the authority to prosecute and even imprison American servicemen and officials operating on behalf of America’s national interest. Americans never signed up for this, and all American presidents since the ICC’s ratification have maintained that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over Americans. The ICC previously opened an investigation into U.S. servicemen and intelligence officers and has since refused to close these cases.

The ICC now seeks to become the unaccountable global arbiter – positioning itself above and beyond the nation state as a supranational enforcement arm of a globalist bureaucracy empowered to persecute American servicemen and officials at will. No diplomatic option will be off-limits in the campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to Americans.

The campaign will feature a wide range of actions intended to ensure that the International Criminal Court is incapable of threatening U.S. sovereignty or targeting Americans.

Actions under consideration include:

• Diplomatic calls from the Secretary of State, Deputy Secretary, ambassadors, and other members of senior leadership to foreign nations highlighting the abuses of the ICC and the risks posed to Americans and other nations urging them to withdraw from the ICC

• Nations that partner with American law enforcement and the U.S. military or that enjoy the benefits of the U.S. security umbrella are called upon to reject the ICC’s purported authority to prosecute American officials and servicemen

• Increased scrutiny of nations that refuse to reject the ICC’s false authority while relying on U.S. assistance

• Diplomatic calls urging other nations that, like America, that are not party to the Rome Statute to leverage their diplomatic networks to take similar actions alongside us

• Visa revocations and travel bans for ICC personnel

• Increased sanctions against the ICC and affiliated organizations

For added insight, watch the YouTube video below. Pay close attention to what US State Secretary Marco Rubio said.

https://youtu.be/hgtCQOIV-Ys?si=oe3xrBxu_0TT48Ic

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Trump administration will make huge impact against the ICC through diplomacy and legal systems? What should the US do to nations that were found to have been following the ICC while receiving American assistance? Do you consider the ICC a living international body of injustice and violator of the sovereignty of nations that bowed to its authority?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Goes After Financiers And Shadow Business Networks Of Terrorist State Iran

As the military conflict between the United States and the Islamic terrorist state of Iran intensifies, the State Department announced that action has been taken to cut off the financial lifelines of the evil regime.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire announcement by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The United States is taking decisive action to cut off the financial lifelines sustaining Iran’s ruling elite. Today’s action targets Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national who has built a sprawling global network of real estate and commercial holdings — spanning Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Cyprus, the UAE, and beyond — on behalf of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and other regime insiders.

The United States also sanctioned three Iran-based currency exchange houses — Mohammad Darbani and Partners, Lavasani and Partners, and Mohsen Khandan and Partners — along with their managing partners and associated front companies. By targeting these networks, the United States is directly disrupting the regime’s ability to access foreign currency and conduct international financial activity.

These actions reflect the Trump Administration’s commitment to holding accountable all those who enable the regime’s corruption and regional aggression. The United States will continue to pursue sanctions against individuals, companies, and financial institutions — including foreign entities — that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce, and will not relent until the Iranian regime ends its destabilizing behavior and its exploitation of the Iranian people.

Today’s action is being taken pursuant to E.O. 13902, which targets persons operating in Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors, E.O. 13876, which focuses on the Supreme Leader of Iran and his affiliates, and the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended by E.O. 13886. These designations build on a series of OFAC actions targeting Iranian shadow banking and currency exchange house networks

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US will be able to cut off Iran’s links to all financial sources around the world? Could it be possible that the sinister financiers behind LGBTQ and transgender mobs and human traffickers (involved with mass migration targeting Europe) could secretly be funding the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

USA Reaffirms Support For The Philippines Following China’s Ballistic Missile Launch

Following the disturbing ballistic missile launch of Communist China into the Pacific Ocean, the United States reaffirmed its support for the Philippines, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. Symbolically, the new US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton issued an official statement.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines after China test-launched an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile from a submarine into the southern Pacific Ocean.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 7, US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said the launch underscored concerns over Beijing’s nuclear weapons buildup and its implications for regional peace and stability.

“The ironclad US-Philippine Alliance has been a tremendous and transparent source of regional peace and stability for over seven decades,” Lipton said.

“Beijing’s provocative missile launch yesterday is further evidence of its rapid and secretive nuclear weapons development program, which runs counter to regional stability and is inconsistent with the pursuit of meaningful arms control discussions,” he added.

Lipton said the United States shares the Philippines’ concerns over the missile launch and remains committed to its “oldest security ally in the region.”

The statement followed a July 6 statement by US State Department spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, who said the United States had monitored China’s test launch of an unarmed intercontinental-range ballistic missile from a submarine.

According to Pigott, the missile landed in the southern Pacific Ocean.

“At a time when the United States is working harder than ever to prevent nuclear proliferation, China is doing the opposite,” Pigott said.

He said China’s “rapid and opaque nuclear weapons buildup” remains a major concern for countries in the region and the international community.

The United States also urged China to participate in meaningful arms control talks and establish a regular notification arrangement for all intercontinental-range ballistic missile and space launches.

Such an arrangement, Pigott said, would be consistent with commitments made by the other members of the P5, or the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

“The United States remains steadfast in our defense commitments to our allies and partners,” Pigott said.

The latest US statements come amid continuing concerns over China’s expanding military capabilities and increasingly assertive activities in the Indo-Pacific, including in the West Philippine Sea.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that China could someday attack the Philippines with ballistic missiles? Do you think this destabilizing move by China could spark the US to send more naval vessels into the Asian region? How do you think US President Donald Trump will react if ever China launches even more ballistic missiles?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Honors American Heroes And Founding Fathers During 250th Independence Day Celebration

The United States of America (USA) celebrated its 250th anniversary and during his 4th of July speech at the National Mall, US President Donald Trump honored the American heroes as well as the Founding Fathers of the nation, according to a news report by Newsmax.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of Newsmax. Some parts in boldface…

President Donald Trump celebrated America’s 250th anniversary in a rousing speech on the Fourth of July at the National Mall on Saturday night.

Trump delivered his remarks after 11 p.m. ET, after being delayed by over an hour due to lightning and heavy rains. But Trump said he would not be deterred in celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

“If we have to speak in front of one person at four in the morning I’m going to be here,” Trump said in a speech streamed live on Newsmax. “There’s no way we can be deterred.”

“Tonight we come together for one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time,” Trump added. “For two and a half centuries, our American Republic has stood as the crowning achievement of human history.

“This country is the home of freedom. This is the land of liberty. And this is a flag that’s the banner of the most extraordinary, most exceptional, most incredible nation ever to exist on the face of the Earth.”

The president said the American people have shown more courage, done more good, righted more injustice and achieved more greatness than anyone else.

“For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light and the glory among all of the nations of the world, all over the world, they try and be like us,” Trump said.

“Nobody can be like us, and with God’s help, we will always be this,” Trump added. “Or even better. We’re going to be better.”

Trump used his speech to honor numerous veterans who fought in American wars, bringing them on stage to salute the flag while telling their tales of heroism.

Among those honored were 104-year-old Ken Schrubing, who was just 19 years old when he survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and 101-year-old Don Graves, who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

“These are the fighters and the banners of the Greatest Generation,” Trump said. “They are the greatest generation. They saved the world and they made America very, very proud. We’re very proud of you, heroes all.“

Marine Corporal Pat Finn and Private First Class Rudy Meekins, who fought in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War, were also honored, along with astronaut Jack Schmitt, the last American to walk on the moon, and the Artemis II flight crew.

Eleven Gold Star families were also presented with flags during Trump’s speech.

Speaking in front of the first American flags produced, Trump praised the Founding Fathers and the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

“Those 56 patriots put everything at risk, stepped onto the stage of destiny, and seized a victory for the ages,” Trump said.

Trump said the Founding Fathers have allowed America to thrive for 250 years.

“Our cause was just. Our people are brave, our culture is exceptional, and our destiny is written by God,” Trump said.

“And as we can see here tonight, after 250 years, the spirit of 1776 still lives within us all,” Trump added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted with the way America’s 250th anniversary was celebrated this year? Are you thankful to America’s Founding Fathers, war veterans and other brave heroes who kept the US a shining light on the world? Do you think the unpatriotic Americans will eventually realize they are wrong with their current beliefs and make a drastic change to love the United States again?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

American Investors To Explore Mega Infrastructure, Energy Deals And Other Opportunities In The Philippines

Several business executives and investors from the United States are set to visit the Philippines next week to explore investment opportunities in the nation’s infrastructure sector, energy sector, and more, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The American investors will engage with their Filipino counterparts during the planned 5-day trade mission.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

More than 25 American business executives and investors will visit the country next week for a business mission as the United States (US) seeks to deepen its economic ties with the Philippines, which recently secured upper-middle-income status.

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the US business delegation would mount a five-day trade mission across major economic areas in the Philippines from July 6 to 10.

The delegation includes business leaders and investors from the Northeast and Midwest regions of the US. The mission is organized by the DTI’s Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in New York and the Philippine Consulates General in New York and Chicago.

The DTI said the business mission aims to strengthen economic ties between the two longtime trade partners while also encouraging US companies to invest more in the country’s growing economy.

Based on the latest country income classifications of the World Bank, the Philippines has moved up from lower-middle-income to upper-middle-income status. This was based on the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita estimate for 2025, which reached a record $4,850.

The DTI noted that the upcoming visit also comes at a time when the Philippines is actively positioning itself as a key partner for US companies looking to expand in Asia.

During the business mission, the US delegation will meet with Philippine government leaders and local business owners to explore business, tourism, and investment opportunities.

The US business leaders will also attend business meetings, informational briefings, and tours of key economic areas in Manila, Clark, Subic, and Corregidor.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you see a promising future between the United States and the Philippines when it comes to economics and investment under the leadership of US President Donald Trump? Are you convinced the corruption within the Philippines is no longer a turn-off for American investors?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Department Of Agriculture Says Philippines Is Missing Out On Surging Global Demand For Ube

There is a surging global demand for ube (purple yam) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the Philippines is missing out on it as its ube production declined a lot in 2025, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin.

Ube has long been produced here in the Philippines and it has been consumed in its standalone form and also has been used as a key ingredient in making other delicacies. The strong international demand for ube of recent times is new. The purple yam is also used in certain flavors of ice cream.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines is well-positioned to meet the surging international demand for ube (purple yam), but persistent gaps in domestic production are limiting its ability to capitalize on this export potential, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In a market brief dated June 26, the USDA noted that the country’s ube production has significant room for expansion given its growing global appeal, driven by consumers who increasingly favor novel flavors and plant-based products.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the USDA reported that the country produced only 12,483 metric tons (MT) of ube in 2025, a 6.7 percent decline from the 13,382 MT recorded the previous year.

The limited output was attributed to several constraints, including scarce planting materials, fragmented smallholder production, and insufficient processing capacity.

According to the USDA, these chronic gaps keep the ube sector underdeveloped relative to its massive market potential.

“Strengthening the ube value chain—from input supply and farm production to processing and market linkages—presents significant opportunities for increasing farmer incomes, expanding rural employment, and growing agricultural exports,” the report read.

To unlock the sector’s full potential, the USDA suggested that the government explore coordinated investment programs to address these production bottlenecks in a unified manner. One such initiative is the USDA’s Food for Progress (FFPr) program, which has identified the Philippine ube value chain as a priority sector.

In a formal notice, the USDA announced plans to award $34.12 million in funding to an eligible organization to implement a field-based project aimed at boosting ube output in both Luzon and the Visayas.

This private-sector partner will be tasked with developing a strategy aligned with existing government and donor programs to tackle key challenges, particularly where access to high-quality inputs remains limited.

Other planned interventions include training farmers on good agricultural practices and financial readiness, strengthening farmer groups and cooperatives, upgrading postharvest systems and processing quality, and promoting the adoption of sustainable technologies.

Erlier, the Department of Agriculture (DA) proposed establishing a steering committee and a technical working group to streamline government coordination and harness the ube sector’s growth trajectory.

The body would define the official scope of ube, standardize raw and processed products, and harmonize quality requirements across agencies and exporters.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you consider the UDSA’s assessment on Philippine ube as a serious wake-up call? What delicacies involving purple yam have you eaten lately? What do you think are the main factors as to why ube production in the Philippines declined a lot in 2025?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Illegal Alien In America Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison Over $89 Million Fraudulent Payroll Scheme

There is no denying the fact that fraud and other forms of crime went up in the United States whenever illegal aliens get involved. Recently an illegal alien was sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in an $89 fraudulent payroll scheme that saw illegal alien construction workers and their employers evade taxes, according to a news report by Breitbart. The convicted illegal alien criminal is from Honduras.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the report of Breitbart. Some parts in boldface…

An illegal alien has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his involvement in an $89 million fraudulent payroll scheme that saw illegal alien construction workers and their employers evade taxes.

“Today, we held an illegal alien from Honduras accountable for a brazen scheme that stole more than $38 million from American taxpayers to facilitate the employment of illegal aliens,” Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald said.

“This case exposes how unchecked illegal immigration fuels widespread payroll tax fraud and underground economies that harm American workers and taxpayers,” McDonald said. “This sentence sends a strong message: Those who exploit our open borders, cheat the U.S. Treasury, and violate federal laws will face justice.”

Department of Justice (DOJ) officials detailed how the illegal alien helped operate the payroll scheme through several maneuvers to ensure that illegal construction workers were kept off the books:

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2015 to 2022, Mario Flores, of Honduras, an illegal alien, conspired with others to create a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business. These shell companies cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry, charging them a percentage of the dollar amount of the checks they cashed as a fee for this service. Through this scheme, construction contractors and subcontractors paid their workers in cash without withholding and paying required payroll taxes, allowing them to operate without regard to the workers’ legal authority to work in the United States. Flores also caused the filing of false tax documents with the IRS to conceal the scheme.

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In addition, Flores and his conspirators defrauded workers’ compensation insurance companies by leasing their certificates of insurance to contractors and by providing false and fraudulent information to the insurers about, among other things, the number of workers covered by the insurance and the amount workers were paid.

“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting the integrity of our financial system and enforcing our nation’s laws,” HSI’s John Condon said. “Those who orchestrate large-scale payroll tax fraud and facilitate the illegal employment of unauthorized workers will be held accountable.”

Flores pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think America still has a lot more illegal aliens working in construction and committing fraud to this day? Do you think illegal aliens are obsessed committing fraud and harming American workers and taxpayers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trilateral Framework Agreement Aimed At Dismantling Hezbollah Signed by US, Israel And Lebanon

Following the initial talks in Washington, the United States, Israel and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement that outlines a structured process for disarming the Islamic terrorist group Hezbollah, the terrorist infrastructure and enabling the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw from Lebanon one the terrorist threat is removed, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from The Jerusalem Post report. Some parts in boldface…

The United States, Israel, and Lebanon signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at combating Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah on Friday, after days of US-mediated talks in Washington.

According to a US State Department statement, the agreement outlines a structured process for disarming Hezbollah, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, and enabling the IDF to withdraw from Lebanon once the threat posed by Hezbollah is removed.

The agreement also established a US-facilitated trilateral Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L) to ensure the implementation of the framework.

The US, according to the statement, will also take steps to improve the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and support Lebanese military efforts against Hezbollah.

In addition, the US pledged to contribute $100 million for humanitarian assistance to be coordinated with the United Nations.

A first step towards peace, prosperity, and mutual coexistence – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended Israeli and Lebanese leadership and delegations for their participation in the talks and for signing the agreement.

While Rubio noted that there is still much work ahead, he highlighted the importance of the framework and stated that the US is “honored to have played a part in bringing this together.”

“Today is the first step. This first step sometimes is the hardest one, but it’s an important one and the one we’ve taken together,” Rubio stated, adding that he hopes the agreement will bring about “a future of peace, a future of prosperity, a future of mutual coexistence.”

During the signing of the agreements, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter praised the trilateral cooperation as a “historical” move towards peace between Israel and Lebanon.

“In my opening remarks four days ago, I expressed concern that this train was running off the tracks, that Iran and its proxies wanted a trainwreck,” Leiter recounted.

He continued to describe that through the work of all involved with the negotiations, “we have put the train back on the tracks, and it’s running in the right direction,” towards “real peace, where both countries will live in security; where Israel’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty will be respected, honored, and protected.”

Framework agreement a ‘major achievement for Israel,’ Netanyahu says – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the announcement in a video message on Friday, describing the framework as “a major achievement for the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu affirmed that as of the signing of the agreement, Israel will “remain [in] the security zone in southern Lebanon” and coordinate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area as the Lebanese army works to disarm Hezbollah and establish control over territory.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that the newly signed trilateral framework agreement will result in breakthroughs that can lead to real peace and coexistence between Israel and Lebanon? Do you feel confident that the Islamic terrorist group Hezbollah will get cornered (militarily and diplomatically) and stand down eventually?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Secretary Of State Rubio Warns Iran To Drop Its Fantasy Of Imposing Fees On Ships Passing Through Strait Of Hormuz

As Iran continues to be unpredictable following the deal it signed with the United States, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned the Islamic terrorist state against the fantasy of imposing fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Newsmax report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday warned Iran against “the fantasy” of imposing fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking after meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders in Bahrain, Rubio said the Trump administration will not tolerate any attempt by Tehran to charge commercial vessels for using one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

“Fees and tolls are the same thing to me,” Rubio told reporters. “If you’re paying someone to go there, I don’t care if you call it a fee or a toll or a donation. It’s a toll.”

Rubio argued such a system would be impossible to enforce without threatening international shipping.

“Let’s say a ship says, ‘Well, I’m not going to pay the fee,’” he said. “It’s not like a toll on a road. You don’t get a ticket in the mail. They get shot at. You shoot at one ship, you sink one ship, no other ship is going to move. So that sort of system is not only unwise, it can’t happen. It’s not even workable. So you might as well abandon the fantasy now.“

The secretary said there was “zero support” among Gulf nations for any tolling system and emphasized President Donald Trump has made clear that charging for passage through the strategic waterway “cannot be a part” of any agreement with Iran.

“There isn’t a nation on Earth that supports having to pay money to go through the straits,” Rubio said, adding, “If you are charging money to use the straits, we won’t support it. We won’t tolerate it. We won’t allow it.“

Rubio’s remarks came after reports that some Iranian officials have floated charging ships for security, insurance, and other services following last week’s U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which temporarily restored free navigation through the strait while broader negotiations continue.

Under the agreement brokered by the Trump administration, Iran agreed to permit toll-free passage for at least 60 days as both sides pursue a broader peace arrangement.

Rubio stressed the administration is focused less on Tehran’s rhetoric than on its actions.

“We’re interested in whether or not ships are moving,” he said. “If ships are moving as they should be moving, then that’s what we’re going to judge. If this rhetoric is backed up by actual ships being threatened and ships are not moving, that’s a violation of the agreement and we’re going to have a problem with it.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think it is just a matter of time before the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran threatens to hit ships and force them to pay a fee for passage through the Strait of Hormuz? Who do you think is actually leading the current regime of Iran right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

High-Profile Fraudster Kimble Back In The US After Getting Caught In The Philippines

Herbert Leon Kimble – one of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) most wanted fraudsters – was brought back to the United States following his arrest in the Philippines, according to a news report by GMA News. Kimble is notorious for illegal acts such as healthcare fraud, bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud to name a few. Kimble was caught at a casino in the Philippines.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

After his arrest in the Philippines, the US Department of Justice announced Saturday (Manila time) the capture of one of the most wanted fraudsters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Fugitive Herbert Leon Kimble arrived in the United States after being arrested by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit at a casino in Pasig City.

According to the US DOJ, immigration agents spent several months tracking Kimble’s whereabouts before finally apprehending him.

FBI records show that on April 4, 2019, Kimble pleaded guilty in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina, Columbia Division, to conspiracy charges related to defrauding the United States, making false claims to a federal agency, mail fraud, wire fraud, healthcare fraud, and offering kickbacks and bribes in connection with the scheme. However, Kimble failed to appear for his scheduled sentencing hearing on August 27, 2024. Federal authorities then issued an arrest warrant that same day after charging him with failure to appear.

US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the arrest of Kimble, who is accused of orchestrating more than $1.2 billion in Medicare fraud—one of the largest healthcare fraud cases ever prosecuted in America.

A reward of up to $150,000 had been offered for information leading to Kimble’s arrest.

“Fleeing the United States does not mean you can flee justice. Instead of facing accountability for his $1.2 billion Medicare fraud crimes in the United States, Kimble fled to the Philippines hoping to escape justice. That plan failed. Under President Trump’s leadership, the FBI has now apprehended two fraudsters from its recently unveiled Most Wanted Fraudsters list in just two weeks, with more to come,” Blanche said in a statement.

Call centers in the Philippines – The FBI said Kimble was involved in the “improper marketing and distribution” of durable medical equipment (DME), particularly orthopedic braces.

It said Kimble ran a “sophisticated call-center-based operation” from around 2014 to March 2019, which acted as the “marketing engine for a nationwide fraud scheme” wherein individuals contacted call centers in the Philippines, DME suppliers who served as billers, and orthopedic brace suppliers or drop shippers.

“His operations focused primarily on initiating contact with Medicare beneficiaries and persuading them to request orthopedic braces for pain relief, which were frequently unnecessary and prescribed through telemedicine consultations that often lacked legitimate medical consultations,” the FBI said.

The prescriptions were sold to DME companies, the designated suppliers would ship the braces, then the DME companies would bill Medicare for reimbursement, the FBI added.

“His fraudulent healthcare enterprise resulted in more (than) $1.2 billion in Medicare charges and affected thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, many of whom were elderly victims,” the bureau said.

Most Wanted Fraudsters list – Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel thanked Philippine authorities and US law enforcement partners for their efforts in capturing Kimble.

“Thank you to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and our Justice Department partners for their assistance in returning Kimble to the US to face justice. President Trump set a mandate to end the abuse of hardworking taxpayer money, and each and every day this team will be committed to delivering,” Patel said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted by the successful arrest of Herbert Leon Kimble whose criminal acts were so extensive and involved a massive amount of money? Do you personally know anyone who was affected by Kimble’s criminal acts?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Israeli Officials Fear Terrorist State Iran Will Not Live Up To Deal With America

The deal between the United States and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran has officially been signed with the goal of winding down the military conflict and starting a negotiating window of sixty days. US President Donald Trump himself sign it while attending the G7 Summit in France.

For Israeli officials however, they feared that Iran will not live up to the deal and will most likely use the 60-day window to strengthen its position, exploit potential loopholes and even prolong the process, according to a news article by The Jerusalem Post. There is no guarantee that Iran will be prevented from launching ballistic missiles at Israel.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from The Jerusalem Post news article. Some parts in boldface…

Israeli defense officials fear Tehran will use the 60-day window to buy time and strengthen its position, with Iran expected to receive significant relief in economic sanctions and in fuel and oil trade, according to an N12 news site report.

Israeli intelligence assessments, as conveyed to the political echelon in recent days, indicate that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, most likely does not want to reach a final agreement.

In other words, the negotiations being held by the Revolutionary Guards, as well as the approval of the framework agreement, stem from a desire to secure control of the Strait of Hormuz and to receive an economic boost from the United States.

Thus, Iran will aim to prolong the process and avoid rushing to reach a final agreement, the officials fear.

“We should not expect anything else from a vengeful regime. It would be very surprising if Iran does not invest all its efforts and tricks to shorten its reach to nuclear weapons, under the auspices of the talks,” a senior defense official said to News 12, expressing their concern about what Tehran will do during this 60-day window.

Lack of transparency from Washington concerns government – Furthermore, Israel’s defense establishment is becoming increasingly concerned about a lack of transparency from the Trump administration regarding the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday, sources told N12 News on Wednesday.

Officials are also concerned about how the interim period will unfold, with Iran expected to face significant economic sanctions and fuel and oil relief.

Israeli intelligence assessments suggest that Iran may seek to delay negotiations on the nuclear issue while using the time to shorten its breakout timeline toward a nuclear weapon. Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran will begin negotiations on the nuclear issue “on the very day we sign the MoU,” according to the report.

The US’s withholding of details in the agreement, reportedly out of concern that Israeli leaks could derail Friday’s signing, points to the extent of the current divergence between Washington and Jerusalem on Iran, N12 reported.

In fairness to the United States, President Trump officially stated that if the terrorist regime of Iran wants to change the peace agreement or fails to comply, American will “go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head.”

Trump also contrasted the new deal with the Obama-era JCPOA, arguing the previous administration tried to “bribe their way out of it.”

For additional insight, watch the related videos below.

https://youtu.be/tmt601hfVJo?si=RkX3EZOJpjZwCQDQ

https://youtu.be/qAKrw2NV5U8?si=e34ovxiEcc6gYlAN

https://youtu.be/iiBesXQP674?si=ap4aW6vn_46rOmEy

https://youtu.be/J9T4u3HxL5k?si=XRkQM7yaiX5rqiC_

https://youtu.be/px864GH6WNs?si=Yv3omr4tcPySwoUj

https://youtu.be/OQctszbWWm8?si=iobcGFG6jTEeVr6o

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced US-Iran deal will effectively prevent Iran from arming itself with nuclear weapons and also get rid of their existing supplies of ballistic missiles? Do you think the terrorist regime of Iran will still launch ballistic missiles at Israel in the near future? Will the deal impact Hezbollah which remains obsessed attacking Israel? Are you concerned that the current rift between Israel and America will widen further and lead to diplomatic complications?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japanese Prime Minister Hails US-Iran Deal

During her European visit, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae hailed the deal between the United States and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran to end the fighting while paving the way for international oil tankers to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Japan also remained consistent in its opposition to Iran’s nuclear weapons ambition.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday hailed a U.S.-Iranian deal aimed at ending their monthslong war as a “big step” to de-escalating the conflict that has brought uncertainty to the global economy and roiled her resource-poor country.

Takaichi, who stopped by Italy before attending the Group of Seven summit in France, also told reporters Japan will take part in a joint statement issued by four European nations that welcomed the development and touched on minesweeping operations toward achieving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have been asked to participate…and we will,” the prime minister said about the statement by the leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Italy, after U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran has been reached that will lead to the reopening of the key energy artery, which has been effectively closed amid the conflict.

Takaichi noted it is important that the contents of the memorandum of understanding, which Trump said will be signed Friday, are “steadily implemented” as well as the “free and safe navigation” of vessels through the strait.

Japan, which has traditionally maintained amicable ties with Iran, has been making “proactive diplomatic efforts” based on the position that “what matters most is de-escalation of the situation,” she also said.

The joint statement by the European nations vowed support for the implementation of the U.S.-Iran deal “rapidly and comprehensively,” while noting that “the urgent re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz with unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation is essential.”

“We are committed to playing our part to achieve this — in accordance with our respective constitutional requirements — including through a strictly defensive and independent mission to reassure commercial shipping and conduct mine clearance operations,” it said.

With discussions between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear development to start after the signing of the deal, the statement also said the European countries are “prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran” toward scrapping its program.

Takaichi reiterated Japan’s position of opposing Iran’s development of nuclear weapons, citing her country’s experience of being the only country to have suffered atomic bombing in the final stage of World War II.

In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference that the memorandum, if implemented properly, would “help reduce risks to both the Japanese and global economies by ensuring free and safe navigation” through the strait.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that US-Iran deal will ensure complete nuclear disarmament of the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran? Do you think the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will pave the way for significant oil price reductions? Once revealed publicly, do you think the final details of the US-Iran deal will satisfy Japan and the European nations?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan’s Steelmaker To Invest Up To $2.5 Billion In America

The steel industry of the United States will receive a much-needed boost as Japanese steel giant Nippon Steel Corp. will invest up to $2.5 billion in the Pennsylvania-based Mon Valley Works over the next three years, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Jiji Press news article. Some parts in boldface…

Nippon Steel Corp. plans to invest up to 2.5 billion dollars in United States Steel Corp.’s Mon Valley Works in Pennsylvania over the next three years, the U.S. steelmaker said Monday.

“The total investment may range from approximately 2 billion to 2.5 billion dollars, more than double the original commitment” of the Japanese steelmaker, which acquired U.S. Steel last year, the Pittsburgh-based company said.

The investment includes construction of a new hot strip mill, set to replace an 87-year-old facility to produce high-value steel products such as those used in automobiles, U.S. Steel said.

The U.S. steelmaker said that the investment would generate 1.7 billion dollars in economic impact and create up to 6,381 jobs in Pennsylvania over three years.

The investment will deliver “lasting benefits to Pennsylvania workers, businesses, and communities,” U.S. Steel said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this major investment pledge by the Japanese steel giant will be economically beneficial to the steel workers, small businesses and local communities in the state of Pennsylvania? Do you think more Japanese investment in America will lift up the nation’s economy as long as the ties between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae remain strong?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Tags BYD, Alibaba, Baidu And Others For Involvement With Chinese Military

Business giants Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and many other Chinese companies have officially been identified by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) as entities that were involved with the military of Communist China, according to a Kyodo News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Defense Department said Monday it has added Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Baidu Inc., BYD Co. and other leading Chinese companies to a long list of entities it believes to be working with China’s military.

The expansion of the list comes after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to stabilize bilateral relations during talks in Beijing in mid-May, despite intense geopolitical rivalry and disputes over numerous issues.

In designating the companies, the U.S. department asserted that BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle maker, and internet titans Alibaba and Baidu contribute to the country’s defense industrial base as they are affiliated with its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

The Pentagon believes China’s “military-civil fusion” strategy has helped modernize the People’s Liberation Army. It is required by law to annually update and publish the list of so-called Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States.

While appearing on the list does not lead immediately to legal steps by U.S. agencies, such as export controls or sanctions, the reputations of those named can be impacted. The department is also restricted from entering into contracts with designated entities.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this development will influence other governments and corporations to avoid signing contracts with Chinese companies that have been working with China’s military? Do you think your local or regional government has signed deals with any of the Chinese companies that have been tagged by the US Department of Defense? Are you concerned that Chinese businesses have stolen technologies and other pieces of critical information from your nation’s government or the private sector?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

American AI Companies Targeting IT-BPM Sector Of The Philippines

With a thriving information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector, the Philippines is attracting the attention of American artificial intelligence (AI) firms due to revenues generated and the existing large employment base, according to a Manila Bulletin news report citing the United States Commercial Service (USCS).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines’ information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector has emerged as the most viable investment destination for American artificial intelligence (AI) firms, according to the United States Commercial Service (USCS).

USCS Manila commercial specialist Easter Villanueva said the IT-BPM sector is a promising market for US-based AI companies given the revenues it generates and its large employment base.

“Given the size of this sector, AI could play an important role in modernization, productivity, and movement toward higher value services,” she said in a webinar organized by the USCS last week.

The IT-BPM sector generated more than $40 billion in revenues last year, up five percent from $38 billion in 2024, based on data from the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

IBPAP said the industry employed 1.9 million workers last year, four percent higher than the previous year’s 1.82 million employees.

This year, the IT-BPM industry is expected to generate $42 billion in revenues and create 1.97 million jobs.

As AI threatens to disrupt the industry, Villanueva said the sector is increasingly becoming more open to integrating AI into its operations, especially when it comes to voice-based services.

“I would think that they would be very much willing to explore [AI], since it is also important for workforce development,” said Villanueva.

“They want to also protect the jobs here in this market, [so] they would want to upskill their agents to be able to integrate their daily operations with AI,” she added.

Aside from the IT-BPM sector, other promising industries for American AI companies include digital transformation, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and the public sector.

Villanueva said there are also opportunities in cybersecurity, data governance, and responsible AI, especially as companies become more conscious of data privacy and security.

Based on USCS estimates, AI adoption in the country remains limited, with only about 14.9 percent of companies currently using AI tools.

“This is not yet a mature AI market, and many buyers are still learning what AI can do, what it cannot do, how much it will cost, and how results can be measured. For US companies, this means that the opportunity is not only to sell, but also to educate, build trust, and demonstrate practical value,” said Villanueva.

For AI companies looking to enter the market, she said it is critical to make their use case clear by helping address a specific problem with measurable outcomes while offering cost-effective solutions.

She also recommended that firms work with local partners for market access and implementation support, embed data privacy and AI governance measures early, and adopt a consultative approach with buyers.

“Buyers can be price-sensitive, and companies may face competition from lower-cost providers…So the opportunity is real, but it will require patience, education, and a clear business case,” Villanueva said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think several AI firms in the United States will proceed to tap the IT-BPM sector of the Philippines soon? What kind of business developments do you think will happen once American AI firms start investing in the Philippines’ IT-BPM sector? Do you think political scandals or government-related blunders of the Philippines might discourage American AI companies from investing?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Joins America’s Genesis Mission

Japan and the United States have formally confirmed their partnership on the Genesis Mission project and together they will invest heavily on it and cooperate closely over the next several years, according to a news report by NHK World. That said, Japan is officially the first international partner on the ambitious project.

Officially launched by US President Donald Trump in late-2025, Genesis Mission unites the US Department of Energy (DOE) National Labs, industry, academia, and more to harness AI for breakthroughs in energy dominance, discovery science, and national security.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the NHK World report. Some parts in boldface…

Japan will join a US national project called “Genesis Mission,” which is aimed at accelerating scientific research and technological innovation by using artificial intelligence and supercomputers.

Japan will be the project’s first international partner.

The US and Japanese governments will each invest 500 million dollars in the project over five years.

US President Donald Trump’s administration launched the project last November.

Delegates from the US Department of Energy, Japanese ministries of education, science and technology as well as Economy, Trade and Industry signed the statement of intent at the DOE in Washington on Thursday.

DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dario Gil said it is a “defining moment” for the next era of science.

Under the partnership, US national laboratories and leading Japanese research institutions, including Riken and the National Institute for Materials Science, will boost research collaborations to advance breakthroughs in areas such as quantum information science, fusion energy and biotechnology.

The move is also aimed at strengthening the two partners’ global competitiveness in science and technology with China in mind.

The US and Japanese governments also plan to discuss how to ensure the protection of crucial databases and intellectual property.

The vice-minister for policy coordination of the Japanese education, science and technology ministry, Kakita Yasuyoshi, said Japan has abundant quality data resources obtained through research and development.

To learn more about Genesis Mission, click here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US-Japan partnership will boost the chances of breakthroughs within the Genesis Mission?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines President And US Secretary Of State Discuss Important Matters Over The Phone

During the morning yesterday, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos received a telephone call from United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and they discussed security and economic priorities, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. Rubio reaffirmed America’s commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Luzon Economic Corridor (for references, click here and here).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

President Marcos and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed bilateral security and economic priorities, including developments in the South China Sea and regional energy concerns, during a phone call on Monday morning, June 1.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos described his phone call with Rubio as “productive.”

“I had a productive phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning, during which we discussed critical regional and economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters,” he said.

“Our exchange underscored our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-US alliance and addressing shared regional interests,” he added.

Details of the conversation were first released by the US State Department through a readout attributed to spokesperson Thomas Pigott.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to discuss a range of bilateral economic and security priorities, including efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea,” the statement read.

According to the US State Department, Rubio also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the Luzon Economic Corridor — a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, the US, and Japan aimed at accelerating infrastructure and investment projects in Luzon.

“The Secretary reaffirmed US commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address the energy challenges in the region,” the statement added.

Rubio also underscored the strength of the long-standing alliance between Manila and Washington.

“The Secretary emphasized the strength of the United States-Philippines Alliance and the continued close cooperation as the two countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as Allies in 2026, the US readout stated.

The Philippines and the United States are treaty allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and have expanded defense cooperation in recent years amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the current state of ties between America and the Philippines will eventually get stronger soon? Do you think the anticipated economic benefits of Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor will be realized before the end of President Marcos’ term? Do you think the Philippines will have to drop whatever agreements it recently made with America’s enemies such as Communist China, the Palestinian terrorists and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Economy Of Japan Grows 2.1% In 1st Quarter Of 2026

Thanks to the recovery in exports and private consumption, the economy of Japan grew by 2.1% in the first quarter this year, according to a Kyodo News report. Still, there will be challenges ahead for the Japanese economy as the nation is still dependent on the Middle East for its crude oil needs and there is the possibility that the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran could start a new series of conflicts in the said region.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s economy grew an annualized real 2.1 percent in the January-March period, marking the second straight quarterly expansion, led by a recovery in exports and private consumption, government data showed Tuesday, with the full impact of the Middle East conflict yet to be felt.

In the first quarter of 2026, gross domestic product adjusted for inflation increased 0.5 percent from the October-December period, the Cabinet Office said in its preliminary report, beating market expectations. GDP is the total value of goods and services produced in a country.

Economists polled by the Japan Center for Economic Research had forecast an annualized real expansion of 1.56 percent while expecting growth to slow to 0.45 percent in the April-June quarter, amid concern that the Middle East crisis and surging crude oil prices will weigh on corporate profits and consumer spending.

In the January-March period, private consumption, which accounts for more than half of the economy, grew 0.3 percent, rising for the fifth straight quarter, helped by strong demand for clothing and a boost in spending at restaurants, an official said.

Spending was also underpinned by state subsidies for gas and electricity bills and solid wage growth, as rising earnings saw companies move to attract and retain talent, economists said.

But with data showing a rapid deterioration in consumer sentiment due to the Middle East conflict, its impact on private consumption warrants close attention, another government official said.

In the January-March period, exports rose 1.7 percent from the October-December quarter on a recovery in auto shipments bound for the U.S. market and strong demand for machinery and electrical devices for industrial purposes. Imports edged up 0.5 percent.

Economists said shipments to the world’s largest economy have been recovering due to receding uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy following a bilateral deal struck last year.

Business investment rose 0.3 percent from the previous quarter, with increased expenditure for research and development on the back of robust corporate profits and for general-purpose machinery and electric lighting fixtures, the first official said.

She said the impact on the data of the Middle East conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran that began in late February, was unclear.

Prolonged tensions in the Middle East could affect imports of crude oil and petroleum products such as naphtha and hit exports bound for the region, economists said.

GDP was dampened 0.1 percentage point by a reduction in private inventories, apparently due to the government’s decision to release oil from stockpiles, starting with those held by the private sector.

Japan’s heavy reliance on oil imports from the Middle East makes the country vulnerable to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping artery, with surging oil prices feared to drive up inflation.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday the government will consider compiling a supplementary budget for fiscal 2026 to ease the impact of elevated crude oil prices.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the economy of Japan can still maintain its growth rate in the 2nd quarter? Do you think Japan will soon import oil from other parts of the world to reduce its dependence on the Middle East? Do you think Japan’s ties with Trump-led America will open new windows that will help Japanese exporters a lot?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

USCIS Makes Major Change Compelling Aliens To Return Home For Proper Processing Of The Adjustment Of Statuses

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formally announced a major change that will compel aliens seeking the adjustment of status to return to their respective countries and go through the consular processing via the Department of State. The change marks the USCIS’ return to the law’s original intent to ensure that aliens navigate America’s immigration system properly.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the USCIS’ official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a new policy memo reiterating the fact that, consistent with long-standing immigration law and immigration court decisions, aliens seeking adjustment of status must do so through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the country.

Officers are directed to consider all relevant factors and information on a case-by-case basis when determining whether an alien warrants this extraordinary form of relief.

“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances. This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency,” said USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler.

“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process. Following the law allows the majority of these cases to be handled by the State Department at U.S. consular offices abroad and frees up limited USCIS resources to focus on processing other cases that fall under its purview, including visas for victims of violent crime and human trafficking, naturalization applications, and other priorities. The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If you are an American citizen, do you agree with the USCIS’ change of policy and processes with regards to aliens who are already present in the United States while seeking to adjust their respective statuses? Do you think this latest change will somehow bring down the number of illegal immigrants/aliens present in America? Do you think it makes sense for aliens in America to go back home to their respective countries to apply for change of status at the U.S. consular?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America Eyes Philippines Role In New Clark City Economic Security Zone

With New Clark City in the Philippine province of Tarlac chosen as the site for an industrial hub focused on artificial intelligence (AI) under Pax Silica, a planned economic security zone within the said city is being positioned as the United States of America aims to combine predictability and security with the manufacturing speed and scale of Asia, according to a news report by GMA News.

It should be noted that the economy of the Philippines has been slowing down and this new development could be the key to reinvigorating economic growth and attracting more investments from the United States.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

A planned “economic security zone” in New Clark City is being positioned as part of broader efforts by the United States to build more reliable supply chains for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

During a visit to the Philippines, US Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said the proposed zone aims to combine “predictability and certainty” with Asia’s manufacturing speed and scale, as global firms reassess supply chain risks.

“This is the site of a planned Economic Security Zone to fuse together the predictability and certainty of American law to the speed and scale of Asia,” Helberg said in prepared remarks delivered in New Clark City.

The initiative comes as US firms seek to reduce dependence on highly concentrated supply chains, particularly for critical components used in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

Helberg said that while semiconductor chips often dominate discussions, the broader AI supply chain relies on a wide range of inputs—from rare earth elements and metals to motors, packaging, and testing systems.

“For each of those parts, our position today is unacceptably overconcentrated,” he said, warning that disruptions, from export restrictions to sudden regulatory changes—have already caused production delays and uncertainty for companies.

He added that when a large share of critical inputs comes from a single source, “you do not have a supply chain,” but rather a vulnerable system exposed to external shocks.

The planned economic security zone is part of efforts under what he described as the US government’s push to treat economic security as a strategic priority, particularly as demand surges alongside the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies.

Helberg also highlighted the Philippines’ role as a long-standing US partner in the region, calling the project a “partnership of a kind that has not been tried before.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this latest initiative will help the Philippines attract investors from the United States? Do you think this will help the Philippines reduce its dependence on Chinese investment when it comes to long-term, major economic developments within the country?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Embassy Delegation Meets With SBMA For Luzon Economic Corridor

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced the United States Ambassador to the Philippines Heather Variava and her delegation composed of many representatives of the U.S. economic team recently visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and met with Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño for high-level discussions about the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the SBMA’s official announcement. Some parts in boldface…

The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee visited this premier Freeport on May 13, 2026, seeking to create more investment opportunities.

US Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with several representatives of the US economic team, arrived here as part of the mission to work on US-Philippines growth through a series of coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The ambassador met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, to discuss economic growth efforts for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership designed to supercharge infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity between four primary hubs in the Philippines: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Chairman Aliño said that the trilateral initiative with the US, Japan, and the Philippines has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added.

The SBMA top official said that with upcoming projects in railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, “Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub grows even stronger.”

Initially launched in April 2024 as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the initiative has rapidly scaled into a powerful 10-nation coalition.

The said visit is part of her travel to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investments alongside the Philippine government and business leaders, as the ambassador advocates for streamlining complex regulations to increase investor confidence.

In the official press release issued by U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the Luzon Economic Corridor’s partners share a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledge to promote fair and transparent economic development. The partners will contribute through technical assistance, financing, and facilitation of private sector investments, while actively participating in working groups focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

“The expansion of the Luzon Economic Corridor partnership shows what we can accomplish when likeminded nations unite around strategic infrastructure and shared prosperity. This initiative is creating real opportunities for U.S. business, our Philippine partners, and investors across the Indo-Pacific while countering exploitative infrastructure practices with a better alternative,” said U.S. Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Ambassador Heather Variava.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you consider the US Embassy delegation’s Subic Bay visit a strong move to convince foreign investors to be part of the Luzon Economic Corridor? Do you expect to see more economic cooperation and meetings between America and the Philippines over the next twelve months?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

American Oil Arrives In Japan

For the first time since the United States and Israel started their joint military operations against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, a tanker carrying American oil arrived in Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

It should be noted that Japan imports over 90% of oil from the Middle East and the government also released some of its oil reserves. As such, importing oil from other destinations is crucial for the Japanese. US President Donald Trump already told the international community to buy oil from America.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

A tanker carrying U.S. oil arrived in Japan on Sunday, marking the first such shipment from the United States since the Iran war began in late February.

According to Cosmo Energy Holdings Co. that procured the crude oil from the United States, the tanker, which arrived in Tokyo Bay, transported 145,000 kiloliters, equivalent to half a day of domestic consumption.

The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy shipments. Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which pass through the strait.

The tanker departed Texas on March 22 and transited the Panama Canal, which can accommodate smaller vessels.

The Japanese government and oil wholesalers have been trying to secure oil from alternative routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this development is the first of what could be many oil shipments from America coming to Japan?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Israel Eliminates Intelligence Chief Of Terrorist State Iran

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully eliminated the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps’ intelligence chief Majid Khademi which was confirmed not only by Israel’s Defense Minister but also by the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran itself, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report from The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…

Defense Minister Israel Katz and the IDF announced on Monday that the Israel Air Force assassinated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s Intelligence Organization chief, Majid Khademi.

The IRGC also corroborated the announcement, stating that Khademi was “martyred.”

Until Monday’s announcement, Khademi had been considered one of the three most senior surviving officials in the IRGC.

Many top IRGC and Iranian Intelligence Ministry officials were assassinated by the IDF on February 28, and some in the weeks since then, but Khademi had managed to evade Israeli attacks.

Separately, the IDF said on Monday morning that it had conducted a round of strikes on Iranian regime targets in Tehran.

Khademi’s death reduces Iran’s global terror capability, IDF states – The IDF has said that Khademi’s death and other attacks on Iran’s global terror Unit 840, part of the IRGC’s Quds Force, would reduce the regime’s ability to project terror globally, as well as reduce its ability to suppress Iranian protesters, should they return to the streets in the future.

Khademi served as IRGC intelligence chief since June 2025, when his predecessor was killed in Israeli strikes as part of Operation Rising Lion.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the elimination of Khademi will bring down Iran’s global terror capability as well as its ability to suppress the Iranian protesters? Do you think Israel should find and eliminate the so-called supreme leader of Iran once and for all?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

USDA Trade Mission In The Philippines Set From April 13 To 16

In a serious effort to ramp up agricultural exports to the Philippines, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission in the country from April 13 to 26, 2026 and the delegation will be composed of several American agribusinesses farmers and trade groups, according to a news article by Farms.com.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article from Farms.com. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission to Manila, Philippines, from April 13 to 16, 2026. The goal is to expand export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.

This mission follows a major trade agreement reached in July last year, which created new pathways for U.S. agricultural products in the Philippines market. The delegation will be led by Deputy Under Secretary Michelle Bekkering and will include 58 agribusinesses, trade groups, and representatives from state agriculture departments.

Participating states include Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Companies such as American Egg Board, American Peanut Council, California Milk Advisory Board, Potatoes USA, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and U.S. Meat Export Federation are part of the mission. Other businesses like Foodlinx, BNutty Peanut Butter, Global Export Marketing Co., Wonderful Citrus, and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council will also attend.

The Philippines is an important market for U.S. agriculture. It ranks as the tenth-largest buyer of U.S. farm and food products, with average annual imports of $3.4 billion over the past five years. Its growing population of 118 million and rising middle class make it a strong market for future growth.

During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will organize meetings, market briefings, and site visits. These activities will connect U.S. exporters directly with Filipino buyers and strengthen business relationships.

“USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said Deputy Undersecretary Bekkering. “Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect U.S. exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive.”  

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think American agriculture is set to grow with exporting goods worldwide under the leadership of US President Donald Trump over the next three years? Do you think Filipinos will continue to consume even more American agricultural goods?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

More US Visa Applicants In The Philippines Required To Set Social Media Accounts Public

If you are about to apply for a United States visa, you should be ready to set your social media accounts public as a new requirement announced by the US Embassy in Manila came into effect which covers even more applicants, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news. Some parts in boldface…

Applicants from more US visa category groups are now required to set their social media accounts public, based on the latest advisory of the US Embassy in Manila.

Effective March 30, visa applicants who need to change their social media privacy setting belong to the following categories:

*    Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants (K-1, K-2, and K-3 visas)

*    Certain Personal Employees or Domestic Workers (A-3, C-3, and G-5 visas)

*    Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitors (H-3 and their H-4 dependents)

*    Cultural and Religious Visitors (Q, R-1, and R-2 visas)

*    Informant, Witness, and Victims of Crimes (S, T, and U visas)

These categories are in addition to Students and Exchanges (F, M, and J) and Specialty Occupations (H-1B and their H-4 dependents) categories.

According to the embassy, it is using such information “to determine applicants’ eligibility to receive a visa.”

Since 2019, it said, the US has required visa applicants to provide social media usernames on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms.

“Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames, handles, or identifiers for every platform they have used in the last 5 years on the visa application form,” it said.

“Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit,” it added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you submit your social media accounts and set them all public the last time you applied for a US visa?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Trump Smashes Democrats’ “Transgender for Everybody” Insanity

Since he returned to the White House, US President Donald Trump made it clear that common sense and clarity will return to American life starting from the top. In his latest move, Trump formally ended the “Transgender for Everybody” insanity of the Democrats and this means dismantling the subversive woke policies that harmed children, women and families. The latest executive move is also about restoring decency in America as we know it.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the White House announcement. Some parts in boldface…

Two years ago today, the Biden Administration desecrated Easter Sunday with a “transgender” message that elevated radical leftist ideology over faith, family, and biological truth. This Easter season, the Trump Administration is celebrating a decisive victory: the swift and unrelenting dismantling of subversive, woke policies that endangered children, eroded women’s rights, assaulted common sense, and dragged America toward moral and cultural decline.

Under President Trump, the era of government-sanctioned delusion is over:

President Trump declared it the official policy of the U.S. Government that there are only two immutable sexes: male and female.

President Trump banned federal funding, sponsorship, or promotion of the chemical and surgical mutilation of minors — protecting children from irreversible harm and directing agencies to defund institutions engaged in these practices.

As a result, more than three dozen health systems across the country — including Kaiser Permanente, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Minnesota, Denver Health, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Stanford Medicine, NYU Langone, and many others — announced they are stopping or suspending child mutilation programs.

The Trump Administration ended the un-American indoctrination of schoolchildren by terminating federal support for “gender ideology” and “equity” curricula — enforcing parental rights and putting states on notice to remove such content or lose funding.

President Trump ended the unfair, demeaning practice of forcing women to compete against biological men in sports — which resulted in both the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee, as well as multiple state high school athletics associations, to realign with biological reality.

The Department of War reinstated standards requiring service members to serve according to their biological sex, banned transgender individuals from military service where it conflicts with readiness and cohesion, and prohibited taxpayer funds for sex change procedures — restoring the military’s focus on excellence, not ideology.

The Department of Health and Human Services conducted a comprehensive review of so-called “gender-affirming care” and confirmed the lack of medical or scientific evidence supporting its irreversible effects on minors.

The Trump Administration — including across the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs — ceased all funding for sex change surgeries and related procedures.

President Trump eliminated radical gender ideology from U.S. service academies and training programs.

President Trump directed enforcement to protect single-sex spaces designed for women and girls — including bathrooms, locker rooms, and shelters — based on biological sex.

The Trump Administration axed billions of dollars in grants that had been used by states to perpetuate radical gender ideology and related propaganda.

The Trump Administration ended the practice of allowing gender self-identification on federal documents — including passports — restoring biological sex as the sole basis for official records.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think President Trump and his administration executed enough reforms to restore decency and common sense in America? Are there many members of your family who allowed themselves to be consumed and even controlled by the LGBTQ mobs? Was there a significant increase of members of your local community who came out identifying themselves as transgender or non-binary individuals? Are the transgendered people in your local community openly supporting Palestinian terrorists and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Hezbollah Terrorist Who Worked As A Pro-Terror Journalist Eliminated By Israel

While Israel has been working alongside Trump’s America in the military operations against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, it also has been fighting the Hezbollah terrorists north of Israel. One of the Hezbollah terrorists that Israel eliminated recently in Lebanon had also worked as an journalist who abused his media resources to expose presence of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) by the Israel-Lebanon border, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post. Apart from the terrorist-journalist, Israel also eliminated two senior commanders of Hezbollah.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…

The IDF killed a Hezbollah terrorist who also worked for Lebanese news outlet Al Manar in an airstrike on Saturday morning.

Ali Hassan Shaib, a terrorist in the intelligence unit of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, also worked for Al Manar, where he used his position as a journalist to expose IDF positions in southern Lebanon and along the border.

The IDF asserted that he maintained contact with terrorists within the Radwan Force and across the broader Hezbollah terrorist organization.

Notably, Al Manar is a Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese news outlet and is used by the terror organization to disseminate propaganda.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the incident, claiming that the strike “violates the most basic principles of international law, international humanitarian law, and the laws of war.”

“This is a blatant crime that violates all norms and conventions under which journalists are protected. We call on all international bodies to take action to stop what is happening on our soil,” Aoun added.

IDF kills senior Hezbollah commanders in overnight strikes – Additionally, the IDF carried out overnight strikes in Lebanon that killed two senior Hezbollah commanders and damaged dozens of terror sites across the country.

In a targeted strike in Beirut on Friday, the IDF said it eliminated Ayyoub Hussein Yaacoub, a senior figure in Hezbollah’s communications unit who previously held a key role in the organization’s rocket unit and was involved in directing launches toward Israel.

Yasser Mohammad Mubarak, another senior operative in the group’s communications unit, who also held a position in the rocket unit, was also killed, according to the IDF.

Separately, Israeli forces struck dozens of Hezbollah sites across southern Lebanon throughout the weekend, the military said, targeting weapons depots, launchers, and military infrastructure as part of ongoing efforts to degrade the group’s operational capabilities. The attacks were conducted from both air and sea in support of ground troops operating in the area.

On Saturday afternoon, the IDF issued an evacuation warning to several villages in southern Lebanon and urged residents to relocate north of the Zahrani River. The directive, announced by the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, seems to apply to multiple areas, including Rashidieh, al-Bas, and Wadi Jilo.

I am not surprised at all that another Islamic terrorist did additional duty as a so-called journalist. Remember the Palestinian terrorists in Gaza who posed as journalists with those “Press” or “Media” signs on their front? Those guys and the Hezbollah terrorist-journalist are nothing more than Islamic terrorist propagandists pretending to be journalists. In short, they were blatant liars who spread misinformation, fear and genocidal content through traditional media channels and social media. They were trained to lie to the world and manipulate many to hate Israel while supporting Islamic terrorists. The sad fact is that corrupt mainstream news media outlets like CNN, Agence France-Presse (AFP), Reuters, the Associated Press (AP), The Washington Post, The New York Times and many others amplified the lies of the Islamic terrorist propagandists.

For other updates about what has been going lately in the Middle East, watch the YouTube news videos below.

https://youtu.be/YSrk3Zw_Hfo?si=Fd9-iPGav46mw8QU

https://youtu.be/8oB0-lRq0Ns?si=mvEteX1bKn17PeE1

https://youtu.be/hc–wqP_Z1g?si=S4sSGZr6kRKYA9yh

https://www.youtube.com/live/XZhL2hucIVo?si=_YieBF5ZjQj55dSk

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the successful strikes by Israel’s Air Force made the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran less capable of developing nuclear material for its weapons? How long do you think the war against Iran will last? What do you think America and Israel should do to find the launchers of Iran’s heavy missiles?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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