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    <title>Alhawadeth News</title>
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    <description>Latest news from Alhawadeth</description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Republicions Outline 2026 Strategy: Focus on Economy, Border Security, and a $5,000 Pledge]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12608/Republicions-Outline-2026-Strategy%3A-Focus-on-Economy%2C-Border-Security%2C-and-a-%245%2C000-Pledge?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12608/Republicions-Outline-2026-Strategy%3A-Focus-on-Economy%2C-Border-Security%2C-and-a-%245%2C000-Pledge?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:10:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Republicans recently gathered in Dallas, Texas, to establish a definitive roadmap for the 2026 midterm elections, centering their platform on economic relief, strict immigration enforcement, and the political influence of Donald Trump. The convention served as a strategic launchpad to mobilize the party's base and frame the upcoming legislative battle as a choice between their vision and what they describe as a shift toward the radical left by their opponents. At the heart of the convention was a bold and debated economic proposal introduced by Donald Trump. He pledged a $5,000 payment to every American adult if the Republican party maintains control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This "dividend" was explicitly linked to the outcome of the election, sparking immediate discussion regarding its feasibility and ethical implications. While critics questioned if such a promise constitutes an attempt to influence voters with cash, legal experts noted a distinction between direct bribery and broad legislative promises made during a campaign. The financial scale of the plan is significant, with estimates suggesting a cost of over $1.2 trillion, which supporters suggest could be covered by tariff revenues and increased economic growth. Beyond the cash pledge, the party highlighted its broader economic record, focusing on tax cuts, energy independence, and manufacturing investment. Despite these achievements, the convention took place against a backdrop of ongoing concerns over inflation and the cost of daily essentials like groceries. The Republican strategy involves framing these economic pressures as a direct result of their opponents' policies, positioning themselves as the party of affordability and fiscal discipline. Immigration and border security remained cornerstone issues. Speakers emphasized the need for tighter enforcement and linked illegal immigration to public safety concerns. A significant part of the messaging centered on the Laken Riley Act, signed by Donald Trump in 2025, which aims to increase mandatory detentions. This topic remains a major point of contention, as the party seeks to make border control a central theme of the 2026 cycle. The convention also showcased a shift in health policy through the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This initiative seeks to broaden the party's appeal by focusing on chronic disease prevention, pharmaceutical costs, and skepticism toward corporate influence in public health. Simultaneously, foreign policy discussions were dominated by the conflict with Iran. Donald Trump defended military actions as necessary for national security, though the debate highlighted some internal differences within the party regarding the extent of foreign military involvement. Although Donald Trump’s name will not be on the 2026 ballot, his presence and image dominated the event. JD Vance also took a prominent role, signaling his importance to the future of the movement. The party's strategy relies on Donald Trump’s ability to energize the base, while individual candidates must still find ways to appeal to independent voters. As the campaign progresses, the focus will remain on whether these ambitious promises and sharp political contrasts will resonate with an electorate concerned about the economy and the country's direction. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Jon Ossoff: United States Senator from Georgia]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12607/Jon-Ossoff%3A-United-States-Senator-from-Georgia?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12607/Jon-Ossoff%3A-United-States-Senator-from-Georgia?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:03:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Profile Attribute Details Full Name Thomas Jonathan Ossoff Office United States Senator from Georgia since January 2021 Party Democratic Party State Georgia Political Position Democrat with an institutional and legislative record that includes bipartisan work, alongside clear positions on voting rights, government oversight, and conflicts of interest Current Committees Appropriations Committee; Select Committee on Intelligence; Rules and Administration Committee. Ranking Democrat on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee Current Status Sitting senator and candidate for reelection in 2026; facing Republican Mike Collins Who Is Jon Ossoff? Jon Ossoff is a Democratic politician and former investigative journalist who was born and raised in Georgia. Before entering the Senate, he led a small company producing investigative journalism and documentary films on war crimes, corruption, human trafficking, and organized crime. Early in his political career he worked for Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson and received political mentorship from the late Rep. John Lewis, one of the leading figures of the American civil rights movement. Ossoff first gained national attention in the 2017 special election for a U.S. House seat in suburban Atlanta. He later ran for the U.S. Senate in 2020, won the January 2021 runoff, and entered the Senate at age 33, becoming the first Jewish senator elected from Georgia. Since entering the Senate, Ossoff has built much of his political identity around a combination of legislation, oversight of federal institutions, and securing funding and projects for Georgia. His office says that during his first two years he enacted more standalone bills than any other freshman senator during that period; that claim is presented here as part of his office's account of his record, not as an independent evaluation. Source: Official Senate website - biography and record Political Trajectory Ossoff began his political work in Georgia Democratic circles connected to civil rights and public service, then moved into investigative journalism before becoming an electoral candidate. His 2017 House campaign made him a new national Democratic figure despite his defeat, while his 2021 Senate victory moved him from rising candidate to federal officeholder with a record measurable through votes, legislation, and oversight. During his Senate term, he has focused on Georgia-specific issues alongside national policy. His stated areas of work include infrastructure, veterans' health care, child protection, fentanyl, civil rights, federal prisons, military-family housing, national security, and voting rights. In 2025, Ossoff joined the Senate Appropriations Committee while continuing to serve on the Intelligence and Rules and Administration committees. He became the ranking Democrat on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, a position directly connected to Georgia's major military installations. Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - Appropriations and committee assignments Political Position Ossoff's position within the Democratic Party is best understood through his Senate record rather than by placing him in a single ideological category. He has participated in bipartisan legislation and investigations involving public safety, civil rights, veterans, and federal prisons, while also advancing distinctly Democratic priorities such as voting-rights protections, restrictions on congressional stock and cryptocurrency trading, and protection of Social Security services. His record therefore combines institutional and oversight-oriented work with clear partisan positions on democracy, executive power, and social policy. In recent years he has become more direct in his criticism of President Donald Trump, but that confrontation is one component of his current political position rather than the sole basis for defining him. Key Issues Economy, Infrastructure, and Georgia Ossoff has focused on directing federal resources toward roads, ports, airports, broadband, water systems, military facilities, and manufacturing projects in Georgia. The appropriations requests published by his office cover a broad range of local projects, from public safety and social services to university research and infrastructure. Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - federal appropriations Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - FY2027 appropriations requests Government Oversight and Anti-Corruption Institutional oversight is one of the most consistent elements of Ossoff's Senate record. He has led or participated in investigations involving conditions in federal prisons and sexual abuse of incarcerated women, treatment of women in detention, military-family housing, and child care. He has also made congressional conflicts of interest a legislative issue. In June 2026, he sought to prohibit senators from buying or selling stocks and cryptocurrency beginning in 2027; the proposal did not pass by unanimous consent after a Republican senator objected. Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - oversight record Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - congressional stock and cryptocurrency trading Voting Rights and Civil Rights In June 2026, Ossoff reintroduced the Right to Vote Act, which seeks to establish a federal statutory guarantee of the right of eligible citizens to vote in federal elections and to permit legal challenges to policies that impose unjustified burdens on access to the ballot. He has also participated in bipartisan legislation related to investigations of civil-rights-era murders and lynchings. Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - Right to Vote Act Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - two-year report and civil-rights work National Security and the Military Through the Intelligence and Appropriations committees, Ossoff works on national security, oversight of the intelligence community, and funding for military facilities. In 2026, he pressed for projects at Fort Benning, Robins Air Force Base, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, and questioned the Director of National Intelligence about the intelligence basis for characterizing the Iranian threat. Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - Fort Benning and military construction Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - Kings Bay and Columbia-class submarines Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - questioning the DNI on Iran Immigration In January 2025, Ossoff was among 12 Democratic senators who voted with Republicans for the Laken Riley Act, which expands mandatory detention for certain undocumented immigrants accused of specified crimes. The vote places him, on this issue, closer to a more restrictive legislative approach than some members of his party. Source: U.S. Senate - Laken Riley Act vote Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East Ossoff's record on Israel and Gaza combines support for Israel's security with criticism of aspects of the war in Gaza. He supported efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages and welcomed their release and the ceasefire in October 2025, while also referring to large-scale civilian deaths and destruction in Gaza and calling for a peace that provides security and freedom for the peoples of the region. He also rejected President Trump's February 2025 proposal for the United States to "own" Gaza, describing it as unreasonable. On arms sales, he has taken differentiated positions rather than supporting or opposing every sale as a category, making his record on this issue best understood through individual votes and decisions. Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - Israeli hostages and ceasefire Source: Office of Sen. Ossoff - Trump Gaza proposal Political Footprint Ossoff's political footprint to date consists of three interconnected tracks: Legislative: Laws and initiatives involving child protection, drugs and fentanyl, veterans, and civil rights. Oversight: Investigations of federal institutions and private contractors involving prisons, military housing, and child care. Local: Using his Senate and appropriations roles to direct federal funding and projects toward Georgia. One example of the connection between his institutional role and his state is his position as ranking Democrat on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, where he presses the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments on Georgia bases, infrastructure, and the quality of life of service members and their families. This record means that an assessment of Ossoff is tied to what he has accomplished or attempted to pass in the Senate, rather than primarily to campaign rhetoric or his position in partisan conflict. Controversies and Disputes Israel and Gaza Within the Democratic Coalition Ossoff's differentiated positions on Gaza and arms sales have drawn criticism from different directions. Supporters of a broader policy of backing Israel have objected to some of his criticisms and proposed restrictions, while critics of the war argue that his positions do not go far enough in restricting U.S. military assistance. For APM, this dispute is not reduced to a single label; the reference points are his specific statements and votes. Shift in Rhetoric Toward Trump During 2026, Ossoff became more forceful in attacking Trump than in his earlier campaigns, which had placed greater emphasis on moderation and institutional work. That shift has become part of his national profile and reelection campaign, but it does not erase the legislative and oversight record that preceded the campaign. It is therefore treated here as a recent political development rather than the defining feature of the profile. APM Analysis Jon Ossoff's Senate record shows a pattern of using the office as a combination of legislation, oversight, and securing resources for the state. His investigative-journalism background is reflected in his attention to institutional investigations, while his membership on the Intelligence and Appropriations committees gives him a role in national-security and federal-spending issues that extends beyond day-to-day electoral politics. Politically, he combines the ability to work across party lines on some issues with clearly Democratic positions on voting rights, conflicts of interest, social services, and oversight of executive power. His current confrontation with Trump and Republicans is best understood as a newer stage within an established record, rather than the starting point for understanding Ossoff. Current Electoral Status - 2026 Ossoff is seeking his first reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026. He is the Democratic incumbent facing Republican Rep. Mike Collins, who campaigned in the primary as an explicit ally of President Trump and the MAGA movement. The election places Ossoff's Senate record alongside Collins's Republican program on the economy, immigration, executive power, and foreign policy. Federal Election Commission (FEC) data show that Jon Ossoff for Senate reported approximately $77.28 million in receipts between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, including approximately $67.76 million from individual contributions, and ended June with approximately $42.59 million in cash on hand. These figures cover the candidate's authorized committee and do not necessarily include independent expenditures by outside groups. Source: Federal Election Commission (FEC.gov) - Jon Ossoff candidate profile Source: Federal Election Commission (FEC.gov) - Jon Ossoff for Senate Source: Reuters - Georgia in the 2026 Senate races Sources This profile draws on the official Senate record, the senator's website to document his activities, statements, and projects, Federal Election Commission data for campaign finance, and independent reporting for current political context. Information issued by Ossoff's office is used to establish what the office states about his work and positions, while distinguishing those claims from independent evaluation. Publication Metadata Primary Category: Congress Related Category: Elections & Parties Additional Categories: Money & Influence; Rights & Democracy; U.S. Foreign Policy Meta Title: Jon Ossoff | U.S. Senator from Georgia Meta Description: APM profile of Senator Jon Ossoff: his political trajectory, legislative and oversight record, Senate committees, economy and infrastructure, voting rights, Israel and Gaza, and current Georgia election status.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mike Collins: Republican Nominee for U.S. Senate from Georgia — 2026]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12606/Mike-Collins%3A-Republican-Nominee-for-U.S.-Senate-from-Georgia-%E2%80%94-2026?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12606/Mike-Collins%3A-Republican-Nominee-for-U.S.-Senate-from-Georgia-%E2%80%94-2026?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:55:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Profile Attribute Details Full Name Michael A. Collins Jr. Current Role U.S. representative for Georgia's 10th Congressional District and Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in the 2026 election Party Republican Party State Georgia Political Orientation Conservative Republican explicitly aligned with the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and President Donald Trump Background Trucking-industry businessman; member of the U.S. House since January 2023 Current Race Challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff Who Is Mike Collins? Mike Collins is a businessman and Republican politician from Jackson, Georgia. Born in 1967, he graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in business administration. He and his wife founded a trucking company in the early 1990s that grew to employ more than 100 people, and he also held positions in the credit and local chamber-of-commerce sectors. Collins comes from a political family: his father, Mac Collins, represented Georgia in the U.S. House from 1993 to 2005. Mike Collins first sought a congressional seat in 2014 but did not win the nomination. He was elected in 2022 to represent Georgia's 10th District and began serving in January 2023. In 2026, he moved into the U.S. Senate race against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Source: U.S. House of Representatives - official biography Source: Office of Rep. Mike Collins - professional background Political Trajectory Collins built his political image around his experience in trucking and small business and a Republican message emphasizing lower taxes and regulation, border security and immigration, energy, and cultural issues. Since his successful 2022 congressional campaign, he has been explicitly associated with the MAGA movement and Donald Trump. In the House, he has served on committees dealing with transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, and science, space, and technology. His most prominent legislative achievement has been on immigration: Collins sponsored the Laken Riley Act after the 2024 killing of nursing student Laken Riley in Georgia. Congress passed a version of the legislation, and President Trump signed it into law in January 2025, making it the first law Trump signed after returning to the presidency. In the 2026 Republican Senate primary, Collins faced Derek Dooley, who was backed by Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Before the runoff, Trump endorsed Collins, who had described himself as a "MAGA warrior". The contest therefore also reflected competition within Georgia Republican politics between Kemp's network and the wing more closely aligned with Trump. Source: Office of Collins - signing of the Laken Riley Act Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Trump endorsement in the Republican runoff Political Position Collins represents a more direct example of a Republican politician aligned with MAGA than Mike Rogers in Michigan. Rogers built his career in the Republican establishment before Trump's rise and later aligned with him; Collins entered Congress in the Trump era, promoted himself as a "MAGA warrior," and built his Senate campaign around support for the president and his agenda. When endorsing Collins, Trump described him as a fighter and ally who had been with him from early on. His political identity, however, is not reducible to personal loyalty to Trump. His background in trucking and small business gives a substantive basis to his positions on regulation, energy, infrastructure, and trade, while the Laken Riley Act made immigration and border policy a central part of his legislative record. Source: The Washington Post/AP - Collins as a MAGA-aligned Senate candidate Key Issues Economy and Cost of Living Collins supports Trump-aligned tax cuts, deregulation, and expanded energy production, arguing that these policies will reduce prices and support growth and manufacturing. He also calls for reducing restrictions on construction and projects, speeding permitting, and expanding vocational and technical training. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Collins and Ossoff on major issues Immigration and the Border Immigration is one of the clearest policy areas connecting Collins with Trump's agenda. The Laken Riley Act that he sponsored requires detention of certain undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of specified crimes and expands states' ability to challenge some federal immigration decisions. The law received Republican support and votes from some Democrats, while critics objected to the expansion of mandatory detention and the possibility of detention based on accusations before conviction. Source: Office of Collins - Laken Riley Act Energy, Regulation, and Infrastructure Collins's economic positions are closely connected to his transportation background. He advocates increased U.S. energy production, reduced federal regulation, and faster road, bridge, and construction projects. His House assignments have included the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, including work related to highways and transit, as well as the Natural Resources and Science, Space, and Technology committees. Source: Clerk of the U.S. House - committee assignments Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Collins's positions on the economy and regulation Abortion, Health Care, and Foreign Policy Collins reflects conservative Republican positions on abortion and differs with Ossoff on health care, taxation, immigration, and foreign policy. In the 2026 campaign, the war with Iran and policy toward Israel and the Middle East have joined the economy and cost of living among the issues separating the candidates. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - issue guide to the Georgia Senate race Money and Influence Federal Election Commission (FEC) data show that Collins's authorized committees reported about $7.41 million in total receipts between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Breakdown of reported campaign funds: About $4.39 million from individual contributions. Approximately $496,000 from other political committees (PACs). $65,000 in candidate contributions. About $2.44 million in transfers between his authorized committees. The committees reported approximately $5.93 million in spending over the same period and about $2.08 million in cash on hand at the end of June. These figures describe money flowing through the candidate's authorized committees and do not include all independent spending that outside political groups may make in the Georgia race. Source: Federal Election Commission (FEC.gov) - Mike Collins campaign data Political Footprint Although Collins entered Congress only in 2023, the Laken Riley Act gave him a clear national legislative footprint. A bill directly associated with his district and the state of Georgia became a national focal point in immigration policy and then the first law signed by Trump in his second presidential term. His service on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also connects directly with his professional background in trucking. Another part of his political footprint is an aggressive and intensive social-media style that overlaps with MAGA's digital political culture and gives him a profile beyond his legislative work, while also producing repeated controversies. Controversies and Disputes Social Media and Political Rhetoric Collins has repeatedly drawn criticism for social-media posts. In May 2024, he reposted video of a group of white students at the University of Mississippi confronting a Black pro-Palestinian protester; one student appeared to make monkey-like noises and gestures toward her. Collins posted a comment supportive of the counterprotesters. He later said he condemned racism and discrimination and that the offensive behavior was not the focus of the video he had shared. Source: The Washington Post - University of Mississippi video and Collins's response Allegations Involving Antisemitic or Racist Posts Collins has also faced criticism over posts or reposted content described as racist or antisemitic. In one case, he shared a post mocking the Jewish identity of a Washington Post journalist; Collins said he was criticizing the journalist's views rather than her background. In 2026, The Washington Post reported on a former Collins staffer who had posted imagery associated with Nazism and the Ku Klux Klan. The report did not attribute those posts to Collins himself, but it renewed scrutiny of the communications environment around his team. Source: The Washington Post - scrutiny of Collins posts and a former staffer Trump Versus Kemp Inside the Republican Party Collins's primary was more than a contest between individual candidates. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp backed Derek Dooley, while Trump intervened on Collins's behalf before the runoff. The race therefore became a test of two Republican networks in the state: Kemp's conservative political organization and the Trump/MAGA-aligned wing. Collins's victory strengthened his position as a clear representative of the latter in the Senate race. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Trump and Kemp in the Republican runoff APM Analysis Mike Collins offers a clearer example of a Republican politician who rose within the MAGA era rather than an older Republican politician who later adapted to it. His profile combines explicit political loyalty to Trump, a border-and-immigration message, an economic agenda based on lower taxes and regulation and expanded energy production, and intensive use of social media. At the same time, his trucking-business background and the Laken Riley Act give him a substantive record that extends beyond political identity and rhetoric. His contest with Jon Ossoff also highlights another dimension of the 2026 elections: competition between different political currents in a closely contested state, preceded by an internal Republican struggle between Trump's influence and Brian Kemp's network. Collins's profile therefore allows APM to examine MAGA as an electoral, organizational, and legislative movement rather than only as a rhetorical style or personal loyalty to Trump. Sources This profile draws on official, primary, and independent sources, including: U.S. House records Federal Election Commission (FEC) Office of Representative Mike Collins for his stated positions and record Atlanta Journal-Constitution Reuters Associated Press The Washington Post (Official and candidate sources are used to document what Collins says about himself and his agenda, while independent sources are used to verify context, controversies, and political competition). Publication Metadata Primary Category: Elections & Parties Related Categories: Congress; Presidency & White House; Money & Influence; Rights & Democracy; Media & Political Influencers Meta Title: Mike Collins | Georgia U.S. Senate Candidate 2026 Meta Description: APM profile of Mike Collins, the 2026 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Georgia: his MAGA alignment, relationship with Trump, the Laken Riley Act, campaign finance, economy, immigration, and major controversies.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Mike Rogers: Republican Nominee for U.S. Senate from Michigan — 2026]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12605/Mike-Rogers%3A-Republican-Nominee-for-U.S.-Senate-from-Michigan-%E2%80%94-2026?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12605/Mike-Rogers%3A-Republican-Nominee-for-U.S.-Senate-from-Michigan-%E2%80%94-2026?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:42:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Profile Attribute Details Full Name Michael J. Rogers Current Role Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Michigan in the 2026 election Party Republican Party State Michigan Political Orientation Conservative Republican; aligned with President Donald Trump in the 2026 campaign, with emphasis on national security, manufacturing, energy, and immigration Public Experience Former U.S. Army officer; former FBI special agent; former Michigan state senator; U.S. representative, 2001-2015; former chair of the House Intelligence Committee Current Race Open U.S. Senate seat; facing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed Who Is Mike Rogers? Mike Rogers is a Michigan Republican whose public career has been shaped heavily by national security and intelligence. He served in the U.S. Army and later worked as an FBI special agent before entering Michigan politics and then moving to the U.S. House of Representatives. Rogers represented Michigan's 8th Congressional District from 2001 to 2015 and chaired the House Intelligence Committee during the later years of his congressional service. He left Congress after deciding not to seek another term, then returned to electoral politics in Michigan's 2024 U.S. Senate race, losing narrowly to Democrat Elissa Slotkin. He remained active in the race for the state's other Senate seat after Senator Gary Peters announced that he would not seek reelection, and became the Republican nominee in 2026. Source: Official campaign - biography and public service Source: Reuters - Michigan and the 2026 Senate battleground Political Trajectory Rogers began his elected career in the Michigan Senate before entering Congress in 2001. In Washington, he became especially associated with intelligence and counterterrorism policy, eventually rising to chair the House Intelligence Committee. As committee chair, Rogers defended surveillance and intelligence authorities expanded in the post-September 11 era, including programs involving communications records under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). He also led investigations and hearings related to the 2012 Benghazi attack and became a prominent Republican voice in national-security debates. After leaving Congress, Rogers worked in the private sector, media, and consulting before returning to electoral politics. He narrowly lost Michigan's 2024 Senate election and then entered the 2026 contest. His current campaign is more explicitly aligned with President Donald Trump than the institutional Republican image associated with parts of Rogers's earlier career; his campaign presents him as a partner in advancing Trump's agenda. Source: House Intelligence Committee - oversight during Rogers's chairmanship Source: Official campaign - alignment with Trump's agenda Political Position Rogers belongs to the conservative Republican camp, but his place within the party combines a long institutional record in Congress with clear alignment with a party reshaped by Donald Trump. His current campaign presents him as a partner with Trump on the economy, border security, energy, and national security, while emphasizing his intelligence and FBI background. That makes Rogers different from politicians whose careers were created inside the MAGA movement itself. He served in Congress long before Trump entered national politics and built his reputation largely through the security and legislative establishment. In 2026, however, his campaign is explicitly allied with Trump and operates within the political and financial structure of today's Republican Party. Key Issues Economy, Manufacturing, and Energy Rogers centers his economic message on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States and lowering the cost of fuel, food, and prescription drugs. In Michigan, he emphasizes the auto industry, trade, and energy as core local concerns. Campaign coverage has also shown him at times avoiding detailed positions on some national Trump policies, including tariff-related measures, while keeping his message focused on Michigan. Source: Official campaign - economic message Source: Semafor - Rogers's strategy of emphasizing local issues National Security and Intelligence National security is the defining policy area of Rogers's record. As House Intelligence Committee chair, he defended surveillance authorities that he argued were necessary to track foreign threats and terrorism, maintaining that communications-record programs operated under law, courts, and congressional oversight. That record gives him direct national-security experience while also tying him to longstanding debates over government surveillance and privacy. Source: House Intelligence Committee - Rogers statement on surveillance and FISA Source: The Washington Post - dispute over congressional access to NSA program information Israel and Gaza Rogers is a strong supporter of Israel, creating a clear foreign-policy contrast with Abdul El-Sayed. Yet the 2026 campaign revealed an unusual complication in the relationship between that position and political money. Axios reported that Rogers allies asked AIPAC not to advertise on his behalf and that, after a conversation between Rogers and the organization's president, AIPAC shelved an advertisement it had produced against El-Sayed. The reporting said Rogers's campaign was concerned that visible support from the group could become an electoral liability in Michigan amid anger over the Gaza war. AIPAC later said Rogers's campaign welcomed support from the organization and its members. Source: Axios - tensions between the Rogers campaign and AIPAC Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency - Rogers and AIPAC after the primary Social Security, Health Care, and Education Rogers's campaign says he will protect Social Security and Medicare for seniors, reduce prescription-drug costs, and prioritize education. The campaign presents these issues within a broader message connecting household costs to federal economic and energy policy. Source: Official campaign - Rogers priorities Money and Influence Federal Election Commission (FEC) data show that Rogers's authorized committees reported about $10.9 million in total receipts from January 1, 2025 through July 15, 2026. Breakdown of reported campaign funds: Approximately $6.83 million from individual contributions. About $787,000 from other political committees (PACs). Roughly $62,000 from party committees. Approximately $3.17 million in transfers from other authorized committees. The data recorded no personal contributions or loans from Rogers during the period. The Republican side of the Michigan race also benefits from substantial outside spending that does not pass through Rogers's campaign. Reuters reported that a political committee aligned with Trump reserved about $15.7 million in Michigan advertising targeting Abdul El-Sayed. Money raised directly by Rogers's campaign should therefore be distinguished from independent spending by outside groups. Source: Federal Election Commission (FEC.gov) - Mike Rogers campaign data Source: Reuters - Trump-aligned outside spending in Michigan Political Footprint Unlike his opponent, Rogers has a lengthy federal record that can be evaluated through his congressional service. His most prominent footprint is in intelligence and national security, where he chaired the House Intelligence Committee during a period marked by intense debates over counterterrorism, surveillance, and the Edward Snowden disclosures. Rogers was a strong defender of National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance programs, arguing that they were lawful, subject to oversight, and useful in disrupting threats. His committee also conducted an extended investigation into the Benghazi attacks. This record combines substantial institutional experience in national security with positions criticized by privacy advocates and members of Congress who argued that surveillance powers and the information available to lawmakers were insufficiently constrained or transparent. Source: U.S. Intelligence Community - Rogers committee hearing on NSA programs Source: House Intelligence Committee - Benghazi investigation Controversies and Disputes Surveillance and Privacy Rogers became one of the most prominent defenders of National Security Agency surveillance programs after Edward Snowden's 2013 disclosures. He argued that the programs operated within FISA and under judicial and congressional oversight. Critics in Congress and civil-liberties organizations challenged the scope of data collection and the degree to which lawmakers were informed. The Washington Post reported at the time that the House Intelligence Committee had not broadly made a document concerning the program available to House members, while the committee said lawmakers had been invited to classified briefings. Source: The Washington Post - congressional oversight of the NSA program Campaign Rhetoric Toward Abdul El-Sayed Republicans have made El-Sayed a national target in the 2026 campaign, and Rogers has used his security background in attacks on his opponent. At the Republican convention in September, Rogers accused El-Sayed of terrorist ties without providing evidence, according to the Associated Press. Such claims move beyond ordinary policy disputes over taxation or health care into questions of identity and national security and have become part of the broader controversy over the use of El-Sayed's Muslim identity in the campaign. Source: Associated Press - Republican attacks on Abdul El-Sayed The Osama bin Laden Account In August 2026, Rogers drew scrutiny after a fundraising message suggested that he had seen Osama bin Laden's body "with my own eyes." Subsequent reporting clarified that Rogers was not present during the Abbottabad raid; as House Intelligence Committee chair, he had viewed a photograph of bin Laden's body after the operation. Rogers had publicly stated in 2011 that he had seen a photograph confirming bin Laden's death. Source: The Guardian - scrutiny of Rogers's bin Laden account APM Analysis Mike Rogers represents a different political path from politicians who rose with the MAGA movement. He is a product of the pre-Trump Republican establishment, with a long record in Congress, law enforcement, and intelligence, but he is contesting the 2026 election inside a party in which Trump's leadership is central. His profile therefore combines older institutional experience with alignment with the contemporary Trump-led Republican Party. Against Abdul El-Sayed, the contrast in experience and political message is pronounced: Rogers: Builds his public identity around national security, military and intelligence service, manufacturing, and economic issues. El-Sayed: Places public health, economic justice, and political money near the center of his campaign. At the same time, Rogers's profile shows how outside money, Israel and Gaza, and Trump-era economic and security politics intersect within the same Michigan Senate contest. Sources This profile draws on official, primary, and independent sources, including the Federal Election Commission, House Intelligence Committee records, the campaign's official website for the candidate's stated positions, Reuters, the Associated Press, The Washington Post, Axios, and other independent sources for specific documented events. Campaign sources are used to record what Rogers says about himself and his platform, not as independent assessments of his record or opponents. Publication Metadata Primary Category: Elections & Parties Related Categories: Congress; Presidency & White House; Money & Influence; U.S. Foreign Policy; Rights & Democracy Meta Title: Mike Rogers | Michigan U.S. Senate Candidate 2026 Meta Description: APM profile of Mike Rogers, the 2026 Republican nominee for U.S. Senate from Michigan: his congressional and intelligence career, relationship with Trump, campaign finance, economy, Israel and Gaza, and major controversies surrounding his campaign.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Abdul El-Sayed: Democratic Nominee for U.S. Senate from Michigan — 2026]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12604/Abdul-El-Sayed%3A-Democratic-Nominee-for-U.S.-Senate-from-Michigan-%E2%80%94-2026?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12604/Abdul-El-Sayed%3A-Democratic-Nominee-for-U.S.-Senate-from-Michigan-%E2%80%94-2026?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:33:10 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Profile Attribute Details Full Name Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed Current Role Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Michigan in the 2026 election Party Democratic Party State Michigan Political Orientation Progressive; emphasizes economic populism, campaign-finance reform, and universal health care Public Experience Physician and epidemiologist; former director of the Detroit Health Department; activist, author, and political and health commentator Current Race Open U.S. Senate seat; facing Republican Mike Rogers Who Is Abdul El-Sayed? Abdul El-Sayed is a physician, epidemiologist, and progressive Democratic politician from Michigan. Born and raised in southeastern Michigan, he studied at the University of Michigan, earned his medical degree from Columbia University, and completed a doctorate at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He moved from academia into public administration and led the Detroit Health Department during a period in which the city was rebuilding its public-health system after bankruptcy. He entered statewide electoral politics in 2018, running for governor of Michigan on a progressive platform that included universal health care, clean water, education, renewable energy, and reducing corporate influence in government. He finished second in the Democratic primary with roughly 30% of the vote. In 2026, he returned to electoral politics and won the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a general-election contest against Republican Mike Rogers in a race with implications for control of the Senate. Source: Associated Press - El-Sayed's path from the 2018 loss to the 2026 Senate nomination Political Trajectory Public health was El-Sayed's principal entry point into politics. During his tenure in Detroit, he became associated with rebuilding the health department and expanding public-health programs. He later increasingly connected health crises with government decisions, economics, and politics. After losing the 2018 gubernatorial primary, he founded Southpaw Michigan to support progressive candidates and initiatives in the state. During the 2020 election cycle, he served as a national surrogate for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic primary and later for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the general election. He also participated, as a Sanders appointee, in the Biden-Sanders Unity Task Force on health care. He maintained a political presence through writing, podcasting, and public discussion of health and politics before announcing his U.S. Senate candidacy in April 2025. In August 2026, he narrowly defeated Representative Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary despite support for Stevens from prominent party leaders and substantial outside spending on her behalf. Source: Sanders Institute - biography and political trajectory Source: Associated Press - primary result and progressive shift Political Position El-Sayed is positioned within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He has been politically associated with Bernie Sanders and received endorsements from Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other progressive figures. By contrast, figures from the Democratic establishment backed his primary opponent, Haley Stevens, including Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and retiring Michigan Senator Gary Peters. His campaign combines campaign-finance reform, economic justice, and universal health care with intensive grassroots organizing and use of new media. The primary showed enthusiasm among younger voters and university communities, while the general election requires him to unite Democrats and compete for independents and voters beyond the progressive base. Source: Associated Press - party divisions and candidate endorsements Source: Associated Press - turnout and enthusiasm in the Democratic primary Key Issues Money and Campaign Finance El-Sayed places reducing the role of big money in politics near the center of his platform and calls for banning corporate money in politics and reforming the electoral system. Federal Election Commission (FEC) data showed that his authorized campaign had raised about $14.5 million through July 15, 2026, including roughly $14.4 million from individual contributions, with no party-committee contributions or candidate self-financing recorded during the reporting period. Source: Federal Election Commission (FEC.gov) - Abdul El-Sayed campaign data Health Care and the Economy El-Sayed supports Medicare for All and calls for lower prescription-drug prices and confronting concentrated power in the health-care sector. His economic platform connects the cost of living with jobs, trade, housing, education, and higher taxes on billionaire wealth. Source: Official campaign website - priorities Palestine, Gaza, and Israel El-Sayed has been sharply critical of Israel's war in Gaza and of U.S. support for Israel, and he has described the Israeli military campaign in Gaza as a "genocide." He has also criticized AIPAC's influence in Democratic politics. These positions became one of the clearest differences between him and Haley Stevens during the primary and remained part of the controversy surrounding his general-election candidacy. AIPAC and affiliated groups spent nearly $30 million supporting Stevens, according to the Associated Press, while total outside spending benefiting her candidacy approached $50 million. El-Sayed incorporated that spending into his broader argument against the influence of big money in politics. Source: Associated Press - Gaza, Israel, and outside spending in the Michigan primary Political and Institutional Reform His platform includes abolishing the Senate filibuster, reforming the Supreme Court, combating partisan gerrymandering, and expanding voting access, alongside positions on civil rights, immigration, the environment, and water policy. Source: Official campaign website - political reform agenda Political Footprint El-Sayed does not have a federal legislative record because he has never served in Congress. His public record to date is concentrated in public health, administration, political organizing, and public advocacy. In Detroit, he led the health department during its rebuilding after parts of the city's public-health system had been privatized during the municipal bankruptcy crisis. His professional biography and campaign credit him with work to expand access to Narcan, address childhood health and lead exposure, and advance other public-health initiatives. After leaving public administration, he founded Southpaw Michigan, participated in the Democratic health-care unity task force in 2020, wrote books, and hosted programs connecting public health and politics. His clearest electoral footprint so far is his victory in the 2026 Democratic Senate primary after a campaign that faced a major outside-spending advantage on behalf of his opponent. The result renewed debate inside the Democratic Party over the strength of the progressive wing, the role of money in elections, and policy toward Israel. Source: Sanders Institute - public service and political work Source: Associated Press - Michigan primary result and political significance Controversies and Disputes Islamophobia and Religious Identity El-Sayed is a Muslim American and, if elected, would become the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate. After his primary victory, conservative rhetoric increasingly focused on his Muslim identity. Reuters and The Washington Post documented statements by politicians and conservative figures that associated him with extremism or used his religion as part of political attacks. El-Sayed, meanwhile, has emphasized economic issues in his public campaign and presented his religious identity as part of his American experience rather than as a substitute for his political program. Source: Reuters - Muslims as a campaign issue in the 2026 midterms Source: The Washington Post - anti-Muslim rhetoric after El-Sayed's primary victory Antisemitism Allegations and the Boundaries of Criticism of Israel El-Sayed's positions on Israel and Gaza have prompted accusations and criticism from political opponents and from some Democrats and Jewish voices in Michigan. Criticism of the Israeli government, opposition to the war in Gaza, or support for Palestinian rights does not by itself establish antisemitism; specific allegations therefore require examination of what the candidate himself said or did, the context, and his response. The dispute became especially direct after an attack on a synagogue in Michigan in March 2026. El-Sayed was criticized for comments in which he placed the incident within a broader cycle of violence. In August, he said he regretted if his words appeared to justify something he did not intend to justify and apologized to those hurt by his comments. The episode remained part of the debate over his relationship with Jewish communities and the boundaries of his rhetoric on Israel and Palestine. Source: The Washington Post - El-Sayed's apology over comments following the synagogue attack Republican Attacks in the General Election El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former U.S. representative and former chair of the House Intelligence Committee. The Republican campaign portrays El-Sayed as representing the far left, with attacks encompassing his economic positions, national security, Palestine, and Muslim identity. He has also become a target of major Republican outside spending; Reuters reported that a committee aligned with President Donald Trump reserved about $15.7 million in Michigan advertising against him. El-Sayed, in response, has sought to center the race on the economy, cost of living, trade, the auto industry, and health care-issues his campaign sees as important to expanding support in the general election. Source: Reuters - Republican outside spending in the Michigan Senate race Source: Associated Press - Republican strategy and El-Sayed campaign response APM Analysis Abdul El-Sayed represents a progressive current seeking to move from an oppositional position within the Democratic Party into competition for governing power in a swing state. His political profile combines economic populism, universal health care, opposition to the influence of big money, grassroots organizing, and use of new media with a more critical position toward U.S. policy on Israel. At the same time, his campaign illustrates the challenges facing this model: unifying a party after a contentious primary, expanding support beyond the progressive base, confronting substantial outside spending, and responding to political attacks involving religion, identity, and Palestine alongside economic and security issues. His contest with Mike Rogers therefore provides a test of whether this political current can translate a primary victory into a broader general-election coalition. Sources This profile draws on official, primary, and independent sources, including the Federal Election Commission, the campaign's official website for its stated positions, the Associated Press, Reuters, and The Washington Post. Campaign sources are used to document what the candidate says about himself and his platform, not as independent assessments of his performance or opponents. Publication Metadata Primary Category: Elections & Parties Related Categories: Congress; Money & Influence; U.S. Foreign Policy; Media & Political Influencers Meta Title: Abdul El-Sayed | Michigan U.S. Senate Candidate 2026 Meta Description: APM profile of Abdul El-Sayed, the 2026 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Michigan: political trajectory, progressive position, campaign finance, health care, Palestine and Gaza, and major controversies surrounding his campaign.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Theater of American Politics: “Cash in Hand” and a War Without End!]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12602/The-Theater-of-American-Politics%3A-%E2%80%9CCash-in-Hand%E2%80%9D-and-a-War-Without-End!?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12602/The-Theater-of-American-Politics%3A-%E2%80%9CCash-in-Hand%E2%80%9D-and-a-War-Without-End!?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:26:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[The Theater of American Politics: "Cash in Hand" and a War Without End!By Adnan Khalil Translation Note: This article was originally written in Arabic by Adnan Khalil. The English translation was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) and reviewed for publication. There is something both comic and tragic about American politics today. It increasingly resembles a classic farce, and the Republican Party's recent convention in Dallas might well have been the show itself - the most astonishing performance of the season. The curtain rises, the actors know their parts by heart, but the audience at home does not find itself onstage. Instead, it sits in the front row paying the bill... the bill at home, and the bill for a war abroad that has yet to end. Scene One: The Magician Waves the Magic "Trump Dividend"President Donald Trump walks onto the stage with his familiar smile, waving an enormous check bearing the words in bold: "$5,000 cash for every citizen." But the magic comes with one small condition: rub the lamp by voting for my party's candidates in the midterm elections and keep us in control of both the House and Senate. Only then will the genie appear and hand out the cash. The comic irony lies not in the promise but in the arithmetic. The party that has long filled the air with warnings about the "specter of socialism" and the distribution of "free money" now proposes a cash-payment program costing more than a trillion dollars. Behind the curtain, economists do the math and ask a serious question: How will these "dividends" be financed by tariff revenues that are not enough to cover existing priorities? And while the new promise draws applause, many still remember a similar pledge of $2,000 made only months ago, which then vanished like a magician's dove - only to return now with a bigger number and a much clearer electoral occasion. Scene Two: The Shopping Cart Does Not Read Political SpeechesWhile the hall in Texas shakes with applause and glittering slogans, the real American citizen stands in a supermarket checkout line with a half-empty shopping cart and a bill longer than a winter night. The speakers insist that the problem of "affordability" is merely a media conspiracy, an illusion manufactured by their opponents. But fuel prices jump to the rhythm of the open war with Iran, while grocery prices continue rising at rates that no enthusiastic speech can conceal. The voter standing before the shelves is left asking, with painfully comic bewilderment: When did the electricity bill become a figment of the Democratic imagination? And when will the promised check - if it ever arrives - actually be enough to compensate for everything that has already gone up? Scene Three: The "Twelve-Day War" Enters Its Seventh MonthHere the story deserves a longer pause, because the illusion of the check is not the only one this season. Beside it stands a bigger and more dangerous illusion: the illusion of the "quick war." In June 2025, after strikes officially described as having destroyed Iran's nuclear program "completely," Trump spoke of a war that would be settled within a matter of days. The media even gave it a name: the "Twelve-Day War." At the time, the message to the American voter was clear and simple: a quick strike, a decisive outcome, and then a return to matters at home. Yet here we are, after more than 190 days of renewed escalation, still following reports announcing "Day Such-and-Such of the Iran War," as if the calendar itself has become part of the battlefield. The nuclear program that was supposedly "obliterated" has returned as a justification for new strikes. Oil tankers are being targeted in Gulf waters. American forces have come under attack in Jordan and elsewhere. And the Strait of Hormuz repeatedly becomes a flashpoint of global tension, pushing up the price of a barrel of oil. The war is no longer measured in "days." It has become a number that grows week after week. Then, in September 2026, the president himself delivers a sentence worthy of preservation in the archive of political irony: the war will "end immediately after the midterm elections." The check is conditional on a Republican victory, and now the war, too, appears conditional on the ballot box! It is as though both peace and war have become campaign promises - paid for in advance in the hope of collecting later. Scene Four: A Leadership Trio Struggling to Find the ExitThe bitterer irony is that the man who once promised to end America's "forever wars" and turn the country's attention back home now finds himself at the center of a team that hardly makes finding an exit easier. Trump himself has described the decision to end the war as being "joint... to some extent" with Netanyahu, while insisting that the final word remains his. His defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has taken a hard-line position, supporting the deployment of additional U.S. forces while publicly refusing to disclose military plans - to the point that Republican senators themselves have openly questioned his management of the conflict as the war has dragged on. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, has been more skeptical about the prospects of reaching an agreement with Tehran. Yet he has also found himself at odds with Hegseth over the scale of any U.S. ground deployment, in a dispute described as having reached the point of a "clash" between the two men. And so the president finds himself like a magician who has lost control of his wand: he promised a war of days and inherited a war with no clear horizon; he promised to end Washington's foreign interventions and inherited a team of advisers who struggle even to agree on where the exit door is, let alone how to open it. Through it all, one thing remains constant: the bill for this war, like the supermarket bill, is paid by the ordinary American at every gas station - not by the applauding crowd inside the convention hall. Scene Five: When the Political Rival Becomes a Shooting TargetHere the comedy abruptly turns into heavy drama, as the language of politics retreats and is replaced by the more dangerous language of the street. At the Dallas convention itself, while Sen. Ted Cruz was speaking about his Democratic opponents, explicit calls could be heard from the audience demanding that three prominent rising Democratic figures be "shot": Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan; Zohran Mamdani, mayor of New York City; and James Talarico, the Texas legislator. This was not simply a passing slip of the tongue, but a collective shout captured by the cameras of the American press. Instead of a serious debate over health care, taxes, or even the origins of this continuing war, discussion of a candidate such as Abdul El-Sayed turns into an excavation of his family background and repeated attempts to attach accusations unsupported by evidence simply because of his name and background. That is the moment when the political opponent ceases to be a neighbor with whom one disagrees at the ballot box and becomes an enemy thrown into the wrestling ring. Curtain Call: Keep the Check, End the War, Restore DignityPolitics is not a football game that requires us to cheer blindly for our team when it is wrong or loses its way. Democracy is not a lottery ticket, nor is it a deal to buy votes for cash in an open marketplace. And war should not be timed according to the electoral calendar instead of concern for peace and for the lives of civilians on both sides. So here is the honest caricature at the end of the show: Keep the symbolic check. End a war that voters were told would last "days" but has become months. And instead give people a government that provides care, dignity, peace, and genuine opportunities for a decent life. Then citizens will not need anyone to buy their votes for $5,000, nor anyone to hold them hostage to a war whose real ending no one knows when will finally be decided. One final note, away from the language of satire: I stand with Abdul El-Sayed when he defends workers against the unlimited power of capital; when he says health care should not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy; when he rejects a system in which a billionaire can buy more political influence than an ordinary citizen; when he defends women, immigrants, and minorities; and when he sees the Palestinian as a human being entitled to the same life, freedom, and dignity that we demand for Americans and for every human being.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Xi Jinping Proposes New Technology and Trade Initiatives for Expanded BRICS Group]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12601/Xi-Jinping-Proposes-New-Technology-and-Trade-Initiatives-for-Expanded-BRICS-Group?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12601/Xi-Jinping-Proposes-New-Technology-and-Trade-Initiatives-for-Expanded-BRICS-Group?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:47:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — At a recent summit in New Delhi, Xi Jinping introduced several new plans aimed at boosting cooperation among the expanded group of emerging economies known as "Greater BRICS." These initiatives focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, global trade, and industrial stability to strengthen the role of the Global South in the international arena. The gathering highlighted a push for a more integrated market and a fairer global economic structure.During the summit's concluding sessions, Xi Jinping emphasized that the success of the "Greater BRICS Initiative" relies on building a foundation of practical cooperation. He called for member nations to work closely together to maintain stable supply chains and develop a unified market. One of the most significant proposals include the creation of a BRICS AI Open Source Zone. This project is intended to facilitate collaboration on large-scale language models, artificial intelligence training, and the development of an open AI ecosystem, with China taking a leading role in its establishment.Beyond technology, the proposals extended to economic policy. Xi Jinping suggested a partnership focused on Special Economic Zones and announced plans to host a Service Trade Forum next year. These efforts are designed to deepen trade and investment ties among the member states, which have recently grown in number. The group, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has now expanded to include Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion reflects an effort to create a platform that represents a wider range of emerging economies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.Other leaders at the summit shared their visions for the group's future. Narendra Modi pointed out that the solutions and technologies developed within the group should be accessible to all nations in the Global South, ensuring that the benefits of cooperation are widespread. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin described the collective as a major force in building a multipolar world order that is more balanced and fair. He encouraged members to combine their individual economic strengths to enhance their collective global influence. The summit also touched on the importance of political and security cooperation, with India and China set to lead the group in 2026 and 2027, respectively.The meeting took place against a backdrop of regional tensions in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, the summit achieved a diplomatic milestone by reaching a consensus on a joint declaration. This statement, supported by representatives from Iran and the United Arab Emirates, expressed concern over rising tensions and called for restraint to maintain regional peace. In a notable side meeting, Masoud Pezeshkian met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to discuss stability and de-escalation. This high-level interaction underscored the group's potential as a venue for diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution alongside its economic goals. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia Halts Operations on Major Oil Pipeline After Drone Strike]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12600/Saudi-Arabia-Halts-Operations-on-Major-Oil-Pipeline-After-Drone-Strike?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12600/Saudi-Arabia-Halts-Operations-on-Major-Oil-Pipeline-After-Drone-Strike?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:44:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Saudi Arabia has suspended activities on a critical oil pipeline following a drone attack that originated from Iraq. The move, described as a precautionary measure, comes at a time of heightened regional instability and has already begun to impact global energy markets, pushing oil prices to significant highs. The 1,200-kilometer East-West pipeline is a vital artery for the global energy trade, allowing Saudi Arabia to transport crude oil from its eastern fields to the Red Sea, effectively bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest that this pipeline handles between 4% and 5% of the world’s daily oil supply. The temporary closure was prompted by a drone strike that caused visible damage and localized fires, as confirmed by satellite imagery and government statements. While injuries and damage were reported, authorities are still conducting a full assessment of the impact on the facility's infrastructure.In response to the incident, officials in Iraq confirmed that the drones were launched from the Maysan province, an area sharing a border with Iran. Following this confirmation, the military commander in charge of operations in that region was removed from his position. Baghdad has launched a formal investigation into how the attack was orchestrated from its soil. Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the Iraqi government’s efforts to prevent its territory from being used as a staging ground for attacks against neighboring states, though it maintained its right to take necessary steps to defend its security and citizens.The timing of the attack coincides with a significant escalation in Yemen. Groups in Yemen recently asserted control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal. While these groups stated that international shipping remains safe for most, the uncertainty has created a bottleneck in global logistics. These developments on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula have driven crude oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time in months. Experts warn that if the disruption continues, prices could climb toward previous peaks of $120, further fueling global inflation and increasing transportation costs.The humanitarian situation in the region is also worsening. Recent reports indicate that tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Yemen over the past week alone as fighting intensifies near coastal cities like Mokha. International organizations have raised alarms over a rapidly growing displacement crisis, with families fleeing their homes with few resources. The combination of energy supply threats and a burgeoning humanitarian emergency has put the international community on high alert, as the ripple effects of the conflict reach far beyond the Middle East.Diplomatic bodies, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, have condemned the pipeline attack, labeling it a dangerous escalation and a threat to regional integrity. For now, Saudi Arabia has opted for a measured response, focusing on security cooperation with Iraq rather than immediate military retaliation. However, the closure of such a fundamental piece of energy infrastructure underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to regional political friction. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Expresses Support for a United Ireland During Dublin Visit]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12599/Donald-Trump-Expresses-Support-for-a-United-Ireland-During-Dublin-Visit?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12599/Donald-Trump-Expresses-Support-for-a-United-Ireland-During-Dublin-Visit?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:37:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump recently traveled to Ireland for a two-day visit, where he voiced strong support for the unification of the country. During meetings with local leaders and visits to the countryside, Trump described a united Ireland as a positive prospect for the future while acknowledging the complexities involved with the United Kingdom. His visit was met with both high-level diplomatic discussions and significant public demonstrations in major cities.During a meeting with Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House in Dublin, Trump shared his perspective on the long-standing debate over Irish unity. He characterized the idea of a united Ireland as a "fantastic thing" and suggested that such a move would eventually take place. While he noted that the United Kingdom would naturally have a role in the discussions, he expressed optimism about the outcome, questioning how such a development could be seen as anything but positive. He also spoke highly of the leadership in the region, suggesting they were well-positioned to move the process forward.The visit included a stop at the official residence of Catherine Connolly, where the two discussed international relations. Connolly, known for her advocacy regarding peace and human rights, highlighted the historical context of Ireland's own struggles with conflict and famine. She used the meeting to emphasize the importance of resolving global conflicts through peaceful means and specifically addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, stating that the normalization of such violence is unacceptable to the Irish people. This meeting underscored the different priorities held by the two figures regarding international policy.The comments regarding a united Ireland sparked a wide range of reactions from political figures across the region. Mary Lou McDonald noted the significance of the remarks and called for immediate planning regarding the future of the island. On the other hand, figures like Gavin Robinson and Jon Burrows emphasized that the constitutional future of Northern Ireland remains firmly in the hands of its citizens, rather than being determined by outside commentary. Meanwhile, representatives from the UK government reiterated their commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, noting that any decision on a border poll would require a clear and established consensus among the public.In addition to political meetings, Trump spent time in County Clare for a golf tournament. However, his presence in the country was also marked by large-scale protests. In Dublin, more than 10,000 people marched to voice their opposition to various policies, particularly focusing on international conflicts and the US role in the Middle East. Protesters, including both local residents and American citizens living abroad, expressed their concerns through signs and chants, highlighting a deep divide in public opinion regarding the visit. Similar, smaller protests occurred near the golf resort in Doonbeg, where residents and visitors gathered to make their voices heard. Despite the protests, Trump maintained that the relationship between the United States and Ireland remains stronger than ever, citing ongoing trade and cultural ties. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Challenges Reports Regarding Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Damage]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12598/Donald-Trump-Challenges-Reports-Regarding-Lincoln-Memorial-Reflecting-Pool-Damage?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:31:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump has expressed strong disagreement with recent media reports concerning the physical condition and maintenance of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The dispute centers on whether the damage to the iconic landmark was caused by external vandalism or significant errors during a recent renovation project. Trump highlighted statements from federal officials who suggested that media attention was misplaced during the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The controversy began when a major news publication released a detailed report citing contractor documents. These documents suggested that the bubbling, peeling, and general deterioration of the pool’s liner were the result of technical failures during its reconstruction. According to these records, workers reportedly failed to apply the necessary primer in several areas and utilized chemical layers that were not compatible with one another. These technical oversight led to the visible damage that has drawn public scrutiny. Donald Trump took to social media to amplify a message from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which criticized the timing and focus of the news coverage. The department argued that while the nation was observing a significant anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, certain media outlets chose to focus their resources on analyzing the pool's construction rather than reporting on what the department described as intentional vandalism at the site. This pushback suggests a divide between official accounts of property damage and the technical findings reported by the press. Historically, the management of the Reflecting Pool has been a point of contention. In the past, the administration pointed toward vandalism as the primary cause for the damage. This led to legal actions against individuals, including a case involving a former athlete. However, that specific case was eventually dropped by the Justice Department. The decision to dismiss the charges came after an acknowledgment that the flaws in the renovation work were indeed a contributing factor to the pool's poor condition. Despite this, the current narrative remains split between those who blame poor workmanship and those who point to public misconduct. The Reflecting Pool, located at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, is one of the most visited sites in Washington, D.C. Any issues regarding its upkeep often become a matter of national interest. The recent exchange highlights the ongoing tension between media investigations into government-managed infrastructure projects and the official statements provided by department representatives. While the contractor's reports provide a technical explanation involving improper primer application and incompatible materials, the political focus remains on the interpretation of these events and the perceived priorities of the news media during sensitive national anniversaries. As the debate continues, the focus remains on how public landmarks are maintained and protected. The discrepancy between the contractor's findings and the claims of vandalism highlights the complexities of managing historical sites. For the general public, the primary concern remains the restoration of the pool to its intended state, ensuring that this symbol of national heritage is preserved for future generations without the distractions of administrative or media disputes. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New York City Braces for Potential Flash Floods as Severe Storms Sweep East Coast]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12597/New-York-City-Braces-for-Potential-Flash-Floods-as-Severe-Storms-Sweep-East-Coast?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12597/New-York-City-Braces-for-Potential-Flash-Floods-as-Severe-Storms-Sweep-East-Coast?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:16:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Officials in New York City have issued urgent warnings regarding potential flash flooding as a powerful line of thunderstorms moves along the East Coast, prompting the opening of emergency shelters for vulnerable residents. A massive weather system is currently impacting the Eastern Seaboard, placing approximately 39 million people under various flood alerts. The National Weather Service has tracked a developing line of thunderstorms stretching from Washington, D.C., all the way to New Haven, Connecticut. This atmospheric disturbance has led to a series of flood watches and warnings across multiple states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, as the region prepares for significant rainfall throughout the weekend.In New York City, Emergency Management officials are particularly concerned about the safety of residents living in basement apartments and below-grade dwellings. To address this risk, the city has proactively opened 51 emergency weather shelters across the five boroughs. These locations are intended to provide a safe haven for those whose homes are most susceptible to rapidly rising waters. Officials have urged residents in high-risk areas, specifically within eastern Brooklyn and Queens, to consider moving to higher ground or utilizing these shelters before the heaviest rain arrives.The technical cause of this severe weather is a clashing of air masses. Federal forecasters explained that a trough of cold air high in the atmosphere is moving eastward, where it is colliding with a layer of much warmer, moisture-rich air. This interaction creates significant atmospheric instability, which is the primary driver behind the intense rainfall and the potential for severe thunderstorms. When these two air masses meet, they force moisture upward, resulting in the heavy downpours currently being witnessed across the Northeast corridor.Meteorologists are closely monitoring the precise path of the storm, noting that even a small shift in the weather pattern could drastically change the impact on local neighborhoods. Current projections suggest that parts of Long Island, specifically Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as southern Connecticut, could see between 5 and 7 inches of total rainfall. If the storm's center shifts slightly, these high totals could move directly over New York City’s eastern boroughs, significantly increasing the danger of life-threatening flash floods in urban areas where drainage systems may become overwhelmed.The timing of the alerts varies by location. While some watches in the southern part of the region, such as Washington, D.C., have already begun to expire, other areas remain under high alert. In Philadelphia and its surrounding counties, residents have been told to stay vigilant through the morning hours. For New York City, the most critical window for heavy rain and potential flooding is expected to last through Sunday afternoon. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official emergency notification systems and to avoid travel in areas known for collecting water during heavy storms.Emergency services emphasize that flash flooding can occur with very little warning, turning streets into rivers and trapping individuals in low-lying areas. Beyond the immediate threat to life, officials are also concerned about property damage and the potential for power outages caused by the accompanying thunderstorms. The combination of saturated ground and high winds often leads to downed trees and utility lines. As the system continues its eastward progression, local authorities remain on high alert to respond to any emergencies that may arise from this significant weather event. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Canada Pledges C$350 Million in Air Defense Support for Ukraine]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12596/Canada-Pledges-C%24350-Million-in-Air-Defense-Support-for-Ukraine?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12596/Canada-Pledges-C%24350-Million-in-Air-Defense-Support-for-Ukraine?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:50:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Canada has announced a significant new military aid package valued at C$350 million to bolster air defense capabilities in Ukraine. This funding is specifically directed toward the procurement of air defense interceptors, which are essential for protecting civilian infrastructure and urban centers from aerial threats. The agreement was finalized during a high-level meeting in Calgary, Alberta, where Mark Carney and Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the ongoing security challenges and the urgent need for advanced defensive systems.The air defense interceptors are seen as a critical priority for the region, particularly as existing stockpiles of defensive missiles, including those used in sophisticated systems, have faced depletion. By providing these interceptors, the initiative aims to enhance the ability to neutralize incoming ballistic threats and safeguard the lives of millions. This latest contribution is part of a broader collaborative effort involving international partners to ensure that defensive hardware is delivered efficiently and effectively to where it is most needed.In addition to the immediate military hardware, the discussions highlighted a long-term strategic commitment to drone technology. Mark Carney revealed plans to significantly ramp up domestic drone production within Canada, with a goal of producing millions of units over the next two years. A substantial portion of this production—approximately one-third—is slated to be directed toward supporting defense efforts in Ukraine. This move reflects a growing recognition of the role that autonomous technology plays in modern security frameworks and the necessity for a steady supply of high-tech equipment.Beyond military aid, the meeting also addressed the critical issue of energy security as the winter months approach. Canada has committed to providing nearly C$435 million in new loan guarantees through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). These guarantees are intended to stabilize and support the energy grid, ensuring that essential services remain functional despite the pressures on the nation's infrastructure. This financial support is vital for maintaining heat and electricity for the population during the coldest part of the year.The relationship between the two nations is further strengthened by a deep cultural connection, as Canada is home to one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas in the world, with over 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent living across its provinces. Since early 2022, Canada has committed a total of over C$25.5 billion in various forms of assistance, including significant military, financial, and humanitarian aid. Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed deep gratitude for the continued support, noting that the timely arrival of air defense technology and funding for advanced systems is of the utmost importance for maintaining safety and stability. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Houthi Forces Reach Strategic Island as Saudi Oil Pipeline Shuts Down]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12595/Houthi-Forces-Reach-Strategic-Island-as-Saudi-Oil-Pipeline-Shuts-Down?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12595/Houthi-Forces-Reach-Strategic-Island-as-Saudi-Oil-Pipeline-Shuts-Down?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:46:24 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Forces associated with the Houthi movement have reached the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while a critical Saudi Arabian oil pipeline has been forced to shut down following a drone attack. These events represent a significant escalation in regional tensions, threatening global energy supplies and maritime security.The situation in the Middle East has taken a sharp turn as Houthi forces successfully moved into Perim Island, a location that commands the vital Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane. According to regional reports, this movement follows the capture of the coastal town of Dhubab. The advancement into these strategic areas suggests an effort to secure greater control over the Red Sea, a corridor that has become increasingly important for global trade, particularly as other routes face disruptions. Security analysts note that control over this strait could provide significant leverage over international shipping and energy costs.Parallel to the developments on the coast, the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia has been temporarily deactivated. This decision came after the infrastructure was targeted by drones reportedly launched from Iraq. The pipeline is a cornerstone of the region's energy architecture, designed to transport millions of barrels of oil daily across the peninsula. By bypassing traditional chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, this route had served as a primary alternative for global markets. The shutdown occurs at a time when oil prices have already been fluctuating, recently hovering near the $100 per barrel mark.Political leaders have been actively discussing these security challenges. Mohammed bin Salman has held discussions with Donald Trump regarding the situation and the potential for increased cooperation in intelligence and targeting. While there has been a request for military assistance, reports indicate that the focus remains on logistical and information support. Simultaneously, the Yemeni government has expressed its intention to launch a counter-offensive to regain control of the areas recently seized along the Red Sea coast, including the strategic town of Mocha and the Hanish islands.The broader context of these events includes a long-standing regional conflict that has impacted energy security for months. Following earlier disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea route became the primary artery for energy exports. The current threats to both the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the land-based pipelines create a dual pressure on the global supply chain. In a recent public address, Masoud Pezeshkian responded to international criticisms by highlighting the ongoing humanitarian concerns within the region, while Yahya Saree maintained that maritime navigation remains safe for most international vessels, with specific exceptions for those directly involved in the conflict.As the international community watches these developments, the focus remains on whether diplomatic efforts can stabilize the situation or if the conflict will continue to expand. The closure of key energy infrastructure and the movement of forces into strategic maritime gateways represent a complex challenge for global markets and regional stability alike. The next few weeks will be critical as government forces attempt to reorganize and international actors weigh their responses to the shifting landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Algeria Announces Severance of Diplomatic Ties with United Arab Emirates]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12594/Algeria-Announces-Severance-of-Diplomatic-Ties-with-United-Arab-Emirates?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12594/Algeria-Announces-Severance-of-Diplomatic-Ties-with-United-Arab-Emirates?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:40:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Algeria has officially announced its decision to end all diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates. The move comes after a period of increasing friction between the two nations over regional policies and international stances. The Algerian foreign ministry cited what it described as persistent hostile actions and regrettable behaviors from the Gulf state as the primary reason for this drastic step.The diplomatic break marks a significant shift in North African and Middle Eastern relations. According to official statements, Algeria made numerous attempts to address its concerns with the United Arab Emirates through private channels before reaching this conclusion. The ministry indicated that it had previously warned of the potential consequences if certain behaviors continued, noting that its efforts to preserve bilateral ties had finally been exhausted. The decision was formalized by summoning the UAE ambassador, who was informed that he must leave the country within 48 hours.While the initial announcement did not specify every single incident leading to the break, observers point to long-standing disagreements on several key regional issues. One of the most prominent points of contention involves the normalization of ties with Israel. While the United Arab Emirates established formal diplomatic relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, Algeria has remained a firm opponent of such agreements. This ideological divide has created a growing gap in how both nations approach the broader Mediterranean and Middle Eastern political landscapes.In response to the developments, diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash shared perspectives on social media, emphasizing that international relations should be managed through logic, clear communication, and a mutual understanding of interests. Although his comments did not mention Algeria by name, they were widely interpreted as a response to the situation. He suggested that successful diplomacy relies on transparency rather than ambiguous signals or public outcry, stating that noise is not a substitute for a clear strategic vision.Another major factor contributing to the tension is the ongoing dispute over Western Sahara. The United Arab Emirates has shown strong support for Morocco's claims over the territory. This stands in direct opposition to Algeria’s long-term support for the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the Sahrawi people. The strengthening of ties between the UAE and Morocco—Algeria’s neighbor and regional rival—has further complicated the relationship between Algiers and Abu Dhabi. This latest move by Algeria highlights the deepening polarization in the region as countries take increasingly divergent paths on security and sovereignty issues.The severance of ties is expected to have broader implications for regional organizations where both countries are members. As Algeria moves to isolate its diplomatic presence from the UAE, the focus now turns to how other Arab nations will react to this fracture and whether mediation efforts will be initiated to prevent further escalation in a sensitive geopolitical environment. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Newly Declassified CIA Records Show Warnings of Aerial Attacks Years Before 9/11]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12593/Newly-Declassified-CIA-Records-Show-Warnings-of-Aerial-Attacks-Years-Before-9%2F11?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12593/Newly-Declassified-CIA-Records-Show-Warnings-of-Aerial-Attacks-Years-Before-9%2F11?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:36:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Newly released intelligence documents reveal that as early as 1998, the CIA was tracking the possibility of a major attack on U.S. soil involving aircraft. These declassified records, spanning from the late 1990s through the day after the September 11 attacks, provide a deeper look into the intelligence landscape prior to the tragedy.The CIA has recently made public a collection of 71 daily presidential briefs that were previously kept under strict secrecy. These documents, most of which have never been seen by the general public, indicate that intelligence officials were discussing the potential for an explosive-laden airplane to be used against a major American city three years before the 2001 attacks. This release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the events that targeted the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania.Among the most striking revelations is a briefing dated September 10, 1998. In this report, analysts noted that Washington was a primary target for certain groups and suggested that an aircraft could be utilized as a weapon. While the later commission investigating the attacks noted that the intelligence community was aware of such interests, these documents clarify the specific warnings that were circulating within the highest levels of government. The briefs were prepared for Bill Clinton and George W. Bush during their respective times in office, highlighting a consistent level of concern regarding the activities of Osama Bin Laden and the al-Qaeda network.The timeline of these documents also covers the period surrounding the 1998 attacks on U.S. embassies in East Africa. Following the bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, which resulted in significant loss of life, the U.S. military launched retaliatory strikes. Despite these actions, intelligence reports from late August 1998 warned that the network remained operational and was actively contemplating strikes within the United States. The briefs show that while officials had a general sense of the threat, the precise scale and timing of the future 2001 plot remained difficult to pinpoint.One of the most significant documents in the collection is dated September 12, 2001. Delivered to the White House just hours after the attacks, the report stated that evidence suggested the plot was known among certain circles in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. It also mentioned that Bin Laden had moved to Kabul to navigate internal disagreements with the Taliban leadership, led by Mullah Omar, who reportedly had reservations about the operation. Shortly after these events, a coalition led by the U.S. entered Afghanistan to dismantle the network responsible.John Ratcliffe stated that these records represent the ongoing efforts of intelligence officers to secure justice and prevent future harm to the country. Though many parts of the 71 documents remain redacted for security reasons, their release offers the public a clearer understanding of the persistent warnings that preceded one of the most significant moments in modern history. The President's Daily Briefs are typically among the most classified documents in the United States, often remaining hidden for decades to protect sensitive intelligence-gathering methods. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[NYC Public Schools Procurement System Receives Major Update to Save Over $100 Million]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12592/NYC-Public-Schools-Procurement-System-Receives-Major-Update-to-Save-Over-%24100-Million?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12592/NYC-Public-Schools-Procurement-System-Receives-Major-Update-to-Save-Over-%24100-Million?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:25:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — New York City is launching a comprehensive modernization of its public school purchasing and procurement systems. This initiative, led by Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Kamar H. Samuels, aims to streamline operations and save taxpayers more than $100 million over the next two fiscal years by eliminating waste and updating decades-old technology.The nation’s largest school district is finally moving away from outdated administrative processes that have hindered efficiency for years. Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels announced the overhaul, noting that the current procurement infrastructure has not seen a significant update since 2006. By bringing these systems into the 21st century, the city expects to provide educators with the resources they need more quickly while ensuring every dollar is used effectively for student success.The reforms are designed to tackle long-standing issues such as bureaucratic red tape, unnecessary delays, and a lack of transparency. According to the plan, the city will identify at least $100 million in savings by canceling redundant contracts, rebidding various services to get better prices, and implementing stricter management of active agreements. Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels emphasized that the goal is to make the school system more accountable to both students and the public. By reducing the administrative burden on school leaders, the district can refocus its energy on the classroom rather than navigating complex paperwork.A central part of this transformation involves the newly established Division of Finance, Administration, and Human Resources. Under the leadership of Deputy Chancellor Lindsey Oates, this division will consolidate oversight for all purchasing and procurement. This move is intended to create a single point of accountability and improve the overall flow of operations. Furthermore, the city plans to replace contract management software that has remained unchanged for over twenty years, replacing it with modern digital tools that offer better tracking and faster processing times.The reform package also includes several key initiatives to support staff and vendors. Every employee authorized to make purchases will receive specialized training to ensure compliance with updated rules. For vendors, the city will establish clear and predictable timelines, making it easier for businesses to work with the school system. This transparency is expected to encourage more competition, which often leads to better quality and lower costs. Local leaders, including Tony Simone, Lincoln Restler, Eric Dinowitz, and Gale Brewer, have expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting that a more efficient system will ultimately benefit the city's children and taxpayers alike.Ultimately, these changes represent a shift toward a more agile and modern government. By fixing the "unseen gears" of the education system, the city ensures that the massive budget allocated to schools is reaching the people who need it most. As these reforms are implemented over the coming months, the focus will remain on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the delivery of high-quality educational materials to every classroom across the five boroughs. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Marking 25 Years Since 9/11: Mayor Mamdani Honors Victims and First Responders,]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12590/Marking-25-Years-Since-9%2F11%3A-Mayor-Mamdani-Honors-Victims-and-First-Responders%2C?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12590/Marking-25-Years-Since-9%2F11%3A-Mayor-Mamdani-Honors-Victims-and-First-Responders%2C?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:56:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Marking 25 Years Since 9/11: Mayor Mamdani Honors Victims and First Responders, Ends Decades-Long Legal Battle by Releasing 170,000 Pages of City Records NEW YORK - Al-Hawadeth News: Marking a solemn milestone a quarter of a century after the September 11 terrorist attacks, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani led a comprehensive, week-long series of memorial services, interfaith gatherings, and major administrative breakthroughs to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of 9/11. Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the attacks that reshaped the world, the observances honored the 2,753 individuals murdered that morning, along with the thousands of responders and residents who have since succumbed to 9/11-related toxins. Beyond ceremonial remembrance, the week marked a watershed moment for government transparency, headlined by the resolution of a multi-year legal battle and the public declassification of over 170,000 pages of long-withheld environmental and health records. Solemn Ground Zero Tributes and Official Commemorations On Friday, September 11, Mayor Mamdani joined bereaved families, survivors, and civic dignitaries at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan. Standing alongside thousands of New Yorkers, the Mayor participated in the traditional moments of silence and the solemn reading of the victims' names. Earlier in the morning, Mayor Mamdani laid a memorial wreath at the Firemen's Monument alongside FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore, paying tribute to the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. In an anniversary video message released by City Hall, Mayor Mamdani reflected on the ongoing meaning of the day: "September 11th was a horrific act of terror, a day of immeasurable loss: 2,753 parents and children, husbands and wives, friends and colleagues-2,753 universes gone in an instant," Mayor Mamdani stated. "And in the years since, thousands more have died from illnesses caused by the toxic air they breathed and the months they spent working on the pile. Twenty-five years later, we have a sacred obligation to those who were stolen from us: to care for one another as they cared for strangers, to live lives worthy of the sacrifices they made, and to build a city worthy of their courage. A city where we run toward one another. That is how we remember." A Week of Interfaith Solidarity and Civic Action The ceremonies concluded a diverse itinerary of memorial initiatives held throughout the week across the boroughs: Interfaith Reflection: Mayor Mamdani attended Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks' 25th Anniversary Memorial Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by the 9/11 Interfaith Peace Walk and Talk, uniting community and faith leaders to reaffirm cross-cultural peace and shared urban solidarity. National Day of Service: The Mayor addressed an interfaith service at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine at the World Trade Center site, joined volunteers in packing meals for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, and spent time visiting FDNY firehouses across the city to meet veterans of the recovery effort. NYPD Memorial Unveiling: At One Police Plaza, Mayor Mamdani joined NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch to unveil a new memorial honoring members of the police department lost in the line of duty and to post-9/11 illnesses. "Memory Markers": Activating Public Spaces Through Living History To engage future generations in the legacy of 2001, the administration deployed "Memory Markers," an expansive digital historical project across LinkNYC kiosks throughout the five boroughs. The initiative turns New York's sidewalks into a geolocated walking memorial. Across dozens of neighborhood kiosks-from Midtown distribution warehouses to harbor ferries that orchestrated the waterborne evacuation of Lower Manhattan-the public can view archival photos and read personal accounts of ordinary citizens and emergency crews who answered the call. The public can explore the full archive and map online at on.nyc.gov/25years. Landmark Settlement: Declassifying 170,000 Pages of Environmental Records The week opened with a decisive step toward institutional accountability. On Tuesday, Mayor Mamdani announced the formal settlement of two longstanding lawsuits filed by advocacy group 9/11 Health Watch, concluding a legal battle that spanned several previous municipal administrations. Flanked at City Hall by 9/11 advocate Jon Stewart, Congressman Jerry Nadler, former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Corporation Counsel Steven Banks, and Councilmember Gale Brewer, the Mayor unveiled the city's first dedicated public records portal for 9/11 environmental and health impacts. Key elements of the action include: Unsealing Archival Records: Making more than 170,000 pages of municipal emergency records accessible to the public, including the historically contested "Harding Memo" and the archival "68 boxes" detailing Ground Zero air quality and city operations. Permanent Portal Funding: Committing $34 million in the FY27 city budget to establish and maintain the searchable digital portal. Dedicated Personnel for Claimants: Appointing dedicated liaison staff within the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) to assist survivors, municipal employees, and teachers in retrieving work logs needed to register for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF). With these actions, city officials emphasized that New York's duty at the 25-year mark extends beyond looking backward: it requires actively protecting and advocating for the living survivors and families who continue to carry the heavy burdens of that day.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Day New York Became a Window to Cairo!]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12589/The-Day-New-York-Became-a-Window-to-Cairo!?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:32:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[**The Day New York Became a Window into Cairo!!** *"Exile is not leaving your homeland; it is discovering that your homeland has never left you."* On September 5, 2026, something strange happened in Manhattan. For several hours, New York felt a little less like New York. The city that never stops running, the one that swallows languages, faces, and memories, suddenly opened a small window onto Cairo. It wasn't a window made of glass this time, but of koshary, mahshi, orzo soup, and kebab. It was the sound of Egyptian music drifting between the skyscrapers of Manhattan, the scent of sugarcane juice, and a Tannoura dancer spinning as if trying to pierce through time and transport us back to another place. This took place during the fifth edition of **Egyptian Day 2026**, a day where Egyptians, Arabs, and Americans gathered around food, art, and culture-and perhaps something even more difficult to define: nostalgia. I was there as a journalist, or as many know me: *Faris Manhattan* (The Knight of Manhattan). As I moved between the crowds, filming and conducting interviews, something profound was happening quietly before my eyes. Egypt was appearing in the smallest details. Then, I saw the children. Near the entrance of the celebration, Pharaonic statues stood in majestic silence, as if they had arrived in New York after a journey lasting thousands of years. Children stood beside them to take photos. They laughed. They looked at the statues with wonder. Some stared into the face of a statue for a long time, as if trying to confirm something. Perhaps the question in their eyes was simple: *How did my ancestors get here?* Or perhaps there was no question at all. Just a small child finding themselves suddenly standing next to a piece of the history they had only seen in books and pictures, now real and present in the heart of Manhattan. Here, I realized something. We adults talk a lot about the homeland, about borders, migration, passports, and exile. But a child summarizes all of that in a single image. They stand next to a Pharaonic statue, smile, and take a photo. It is as if they are saying without knowing: *"This is my story, too."* The most beautiful part was that the scene was not exclusively Egyptian. Americans and foreigners stopped before the artifacts to take photos. For a few moments, the statues were no longer just relics from an ancient civilization; they became part of New York itself. And so, without a formal announcement, Cairo was standing in the middle of Manhattan, and Manhattan was looking back. The event saw the participation of the Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in New York, alongside Ms. Hoda Saad from the Egyptian diplomatic mission. Behind the scenes was a large team of organizers and volunteers, including Dr. Yasser Noureddine-President of the Happiness Foundation and the visionary behind the event-along with board members Mrs. Nesreen Farouk (wife of former Consul General Ahmed Farouk), Mrs. Manal Amer, Eng. Ayman Hafez, and Mrs. Rehab Hawash from the Union of Egyptians Abroad. We thank everyone mentioned and those we may have missed for their clear efforts in bringing this day to life. Several community activists were also present, including Mostafa El-Sheikh and Hala Salem, among others who contributed to the success of the day. Media coverage was provided by Mohamed Abdel Aziz "Zizo," Islam Zayan, and Sherine Abdel Gawad. In an exclusive interview with *Al-Hawadeth* newspaper, Dr. Yasser Noureddine explained that September 5th was chosen as it coincided with Egyptians returning from summer vacations and provided ideal weather for an outdoor celebration. But there is something else we should not forget amidst the talk of culture and identity: "Rizq" (livelihood). The street is not just a place we pass through. Sometimes, the street is where a small dream begins-a small restaurant, a food cart, a family project, a vendor trying to pay their rent, or a mother and father trying to build a better life for their children. Therefore, events like these do not just celebrate culture; they provide small business owners and restaurant vendors a chance to thrive. A food vendor does not just sell a dish; sometimes, they sell their memory. They carry their mother's recipe, the flavor of their neighborhood, and the scent of a kitchen they left behind, placing it all onto a small plate for a customer in New York. The customer might know nothing about the village, the alley, or the house where that recipe originated. But they eat. And in a brief moment, the food crosses an ocean that planes often fail to bridge. That is why, perhaps, the most beautiful image of that day was not that of an official, an artist, or even a performance on stage. It was the image of a child standing next to a Pharaonic statue. A child who smiles, and a statue that hasn't smiled for thousands of years. Between the two, there was something larger than the photograph: there was a homeland. The homeland we think is far away when we leave it, only to discover years later that it has been traveling with us all along. On September 5, Manhattan was not far from Cairo. For a few hours, Cairo looked out from a window in New York. And as I stood there, I thought that perhaps exile is not living far from your country. Real exile is passing by all these things and feeling nothing. But if a child laughs in front of a statue from your land, and you stop for a moment to smile... then perhaps Egypt hasn't emigrated out of you yet. *** *Field coverage, observations, and interviews - Faris Manhattan Channel.* *Statements and information from the organizers of Egyptian Day 2026.* *Participation and presence of the Egyptian Diplomatic Mission and Consulate in New York.* **Ahmed Mourad** *Journalist based in New York* *amourad978@aol.com*]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[United Nations Issues Urgent Warning Over Critical Supply Shortages in Gaza]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12588/United-Nations-Issues-Urgent-Warning-Over-Critical-Supply-Shortages-in-Gaza?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12588/United-Nations-Issues-Urgent-Warning-Over-Critical-Supply-Shortages-in-Gaza?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:38:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — The United Nations has sounded a serious alarm regarding the rapidly depleting stockpiles of essential goods in Gaza, pointing to a combination of strict delivery restrictions and significant funding shortfalls that are preventing humanitarian agencies from meeting the basic needs of the population.The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a new level of concern as the United Nations (UN) warns that current supplies are nowhere near sufficient to support the millions of people living under a suffocating siege. On Thursday, Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the global organization, provided a briefing that highlighted the immense hurdles facing relief teams on the ground. According to the UN, the ability to replenish critical stocks of food, medicine, and other life-saving materials is being systematically undermined by tight restrictions on the entry of goods and a lack of financial support from the international community.Dujarric emphasized that the ongoing limitations on bringing in and distributing supplies, when coupled with these funding gaps, are creating a nearly impossible environment for humanitarian response. The restrictions do more than just delay aid; they actively limit the capacity of international actors and their local partners to maintain even the most basic levels of support required by civilians. Without a steady and predictable flow of goods, the risk of a total humanitarian collapse becomes more likely every day. The spokesperson noted that the current stockpiles are insufficient for the mounting needs, leaving many families without access to the most fundamental resources for survival.Beyond the logistical challenges of aid delivery, the physical safety of civilians remains a paramount concern. Reports indicate that airstrikes and other military actions continue to impact densely populated areas throughout the Gaza Strip. These actions not only put lives at direct risk but also result in extensive damage to residential homes and essential infrastructure, such as water systems and medical facilities. This destruction further exacerbates the crisis, as people who lose their homes become even more dependent on an aid system that is already struggling to function under the weight of the siege.The living conditions for residents have seen a marked deterioration. Many people are now finding it nearly impossible to secure daily food portions or necessary medications. This decline in quality of life is happening at a time when humanitarian needs are at an all-time high. International relief organizations have joined the UN in cautioning that any further delays in the delivery of aid or the provision of funding could lead to a catastrophic downturn. The plight of civilians is becoming increasingly dire, and without immediate intervention to lift restrictions and secure funding, the humanitarian outlook remains bleak. The international community is being urged to recognize the scale of this crisis and to take the necessary steps to ensure that life-saving assistance can reach those who need it most without further obstruction. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Strategic Yemen Port of Mokha Seized Amid Escalating Regional Conflict]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12587/Strategic-Yemen-Port-of-Mokha-Seized-Amid-Escalating-Regional-Conflict?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12587/Strategic-Yemen-Port-of-Mokha-Seized-Amid-Escalating-Regional-Conflict?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:28:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Yemen is facing a significant shift in its ongoing conflict following the seizure of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha. Forces have moved into the city and surrounding areas, including Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, marking a major change in the control of vital international shipping lanes. This escalation has already impacted global markets, with oil prices reaching $100 a barrel as tensions rise between regional actors and maritime security comes under renewed scrutiny.The takeover of Mokha occurred following intense clashes in the region, forcing pro-government forces to withdraw. This port city is not just a local prize; it sits near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow passage that serves as the southern gateway for trade moving between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. Witnesses reported that after the withdrawal of security forces, the city saw a rapid influx of new personnel who began patrolling the streets and taking control of government buildings. Similar movements were reported on Perim Island, further consolidating control over the strait's entrance.The humanitarian situation in the area has deteriorated rapidly. Reports indicate that the sudden nature of the military movement left many civilians with little time to prepare. Hundreds of residents have fled their homes, heading toward the city of Aden for safety. Families described scenes of panic and confusion as they abandoned their belongings to escape the fighting. The lack of prior warning has left many displaced people without basic necessities like bedding or food, creating an urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the southern regions of the country.The group currently in control of Mokha has stated that international shipping remains safe, with one notable exception. They have maintained a strict embargo on vessels associated with Saudi Arabia, citing ongoing regional grievances. This stance has direct implications for global energy markets. Since the closure of other key waterways in the Gulf, the Red Sea has become an even more critical route for oil exports. The uncertainty surrounding the safety of these waters contributed to oil prices hitting their highest levels in months, sparking concerns about long-term economic stability.In response to the developments on the coast, there has been a surge in aerial activity. Reports indicate dozens of strikes across western provinces, including Taiz and Hudaydah. Meanwhile, retaliatory missile and drone strikes have been directed at cities and energy facilities in neighboring territories. Both sides of the conflict claim their actions are in response to recent provocations, including strikes on infrastructure and civilian areas. This cycle of violence has effectively ended the relative calm of an informal ceasefire that had been in place for several years.Rashad al-Alimi has called upon the international community and neighboring states to provide support in protecting the nation's coastline and restoring order. At the same time, Tarek Salah, who led local resistance efforts, confirmed that his forces had moved to new positions following the intense offensive. The shift in control over Zuqar Island and other maritime points suggests a broader strategy to secure the western coastline. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the violence or if the region is entering a new, more volatile phase of confrontation. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Benjamin Netanyahu to File Defamation Lawsuit Against Newspaper Over Claims of UAE Warning Prior to October 7]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12586/Benjamin-Netanyahu-to-File-Defamation-Lawsuit-Against-Newspaper-Over-Claims-of-UAE-Warning-Prior-to-October-7?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12586/Benjamin-Netanyahu-to-File-Defamation-Lawsuit-Against-Newspaper-Over-Claims-of-UAE-Warning-Prior-to-October-7?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:21:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated legal proceedings against a prominent Israeli newspaper following a report claiming he received a direct warning from the United Arab Emirates about a planned Hamas operation shortly before October 7, 2023. Netanyahu's office has dismissed the allegations as a fabricated political move, while the publication stands by its investigative findings. The legal dispute centers on extracts from a newly published book featured in the newspaper Haaretz. The report suggests that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, held a confidential telephone conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu in late September 2023. During this alleged call, the Emirati leader reportedly cautioned that Yahya Sinwar was preparing a significant operation described as an "earthquake" that could destabilize the region. According to the report, the warning was delivered via a secure line brought to Netanyahu's office by a representative from the UAE embassy to ensure total privacy.In response to these claims, the office of Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern denial, stating that no such warning was ever provided by the United Arab Emirates. The statement characterized the report as part of a "sinister plot" intended to damage his reputation. Netanyahu has instructed his legal team to pursue defamation charges against the newspaper, asserting that the story is a lie timed to coincide with the upcoming political season. The Likud Party further accused the publication of engaging in foreign interference in the democratic process.Despite the legal threats, Haaretz has refused to retract the story. The newspaper’s legal representatives stated that the report was the result of an extensive journalistic investigation based on multiple senior foreign sources and documents. They argued that the lawsuit is an attempt to silence critical journalism and emphasized the public's right to know the details surrounding the events of October 7. The information was originally researched for a book titled "Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment," which examines the intelligence and political environment leading up to the conflict.The report claims that Benjamin Netanyahu reacted with unexpected calm when receiving the alleged warning, suggesting at the time that any Hamas activity would likely be confined to the West Bank rather than Gaza. It is also alleged that the Emirati leader later shared his concerns regarding the conversation with high-ranking international intelligence officials. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has not specifically confirmed or denied the details of this particular phone call, but issued a statement noting that they maintain open lines of communication and share relevant intelligence with their partners as necessary to promote regional stability.This legal battle unfolds as a significant political election approaches on October 27. Many observers view the upcoming vote as a referendum on the leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu following the events of October 7, where approximately 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage. The subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in a massive loss of life and a severe humanitarian crisis. Opposition figures in Israel, including Yair Golan and Naftali Bennett, have called for a full investigation into the claims, arguing that accountability is essential for the nation's future security. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New York City Launches Free 2-K Program to Support Families and Early Education]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12585/New-York-City-Launches-Free-2-K-Program-to-Support-Families-and-Early-Education?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12585/New-York-City-Launches-Free-2-K-Program-to-Support-Families-and-Early-Education?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:11:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — New York City has officially introduced a new initiative providing free, full-day care for two-year-olds, aimed at reducing financial burdens for families and improving early childhood education. This program, supported by significant state funding, marks a major step toward universal childcare in the city.The initiative, which began its first phase recently, currently serves more than 2,000 children across various neighborhoods. Kathy Hochul and Zohran Kwame Mamdani, along with Kamar Samuels, gathered to mark the start of this program, which is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. The primary goal of the 2-K program is to make living in the city more affordable for working parents by providing high-quality care that would otherwise cost tens of thousands of dollars annually.According to figures provided during the launch, the program can save a single family more than $23,000 per year. Kathy Hochul emphasized that the investment is a crucial part of a broader effort to ensure that all children in the state have a path to a bright future. The initial funding for this phase stands at $73 million, but this is only the beginning. The financial commitment is projected to grow to $425 million by the year 2027, which will allow the city to add thousands of additional seats for toddlers.Zohran Kwame Mamdani highlighted the practical impact of this policy on daily life. For many families, access to free childcare means the difference between staying in the city or being forced to move due to rising costs. It also provides parents, particularly mothers, the freedom to return to the workforce, knowing their children are in a safe and educational environment. The plan includes adding 12,000 more 2-K seats by next year, moving steadily toward a fully universal system that serves every family regardless of income level.The ceremonial launch took place at the Mamá Tingó Childcare & Learning Center in Washington Heights, where officials met with families and educators. Kamar Samuels expressed gratitude toward the teachers and providers who prepared the classrooms for this milestone. The program is designed to ensure that the youngest learners feel supported and excited to begin their educational journey in a professional setting. This local effort is part of a larger $1.2 billion increase in support for early childhood education across the city, which also includes the expansion of 3-K services.On a broader scale, these efforts align with a statewide push to lower the cost of living and improve educational access. Earlier this month, an expansion of free Pre-K seats was launched in over 400 school districts across the state, backed by a $560 million investment. The ultimate goal for the region is to achieve statewide universal Pre-K by the fall of 2028. By focusing on the earliest years of development, officials hope to create a more equitable system that benefits the economy and the next generation of New Yorkers alike. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[United States Marks 25 Years Since September 11 With National Tributes and Remembrance]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12584/United-States-Marks-25-Years-Since-September-11-With-National-Tributes-and-Remembrance?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12584/United-States-Marks-25-Years-Since-September-11-With-National-Tributes-and-Remembrance?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:07:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — The United States is observing a significant milestone as it honors the lives lost twenty-five years ago during the events of September 11, 2001. Memorial services and remembrance ceremonies are being held across the nation, specifically in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, to pay tribute to nearly 3,000 individuals who perished. In New York City, the heart of the commemorations is the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Families of the victims have gathered at the Memorial Plaza for the annual tradition of reading aloud the names of those who died in the 2001 attacks as well as those lost in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. This deeply personal ceremony remains a cornerstone of the city's healing process, ensuring that each individual is remembered by name. The ceremony, marking a quarter-century since the tragedy, began in the early morning hours. Throughout the event, seven distinct moments of silence are observed. These pauses reflect the exact moments when the twin towers were struck and when they fell, the time of the impact at the Pentagon in Arlington, and the moment Flight 93 crashed in Pennsylvania. Additionally, a moment is dedicated to those who have suffered or passed away due to illnesses and injuries related to the events in the decades that followed. Several prominent figures are expected to participate in the New York ceremony. Among those anticipated are Zohran Mamdani, Joe Biden, and Jill Biden. Other notable attendees include Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Hillary Clinton. JD Vance is also expected to join the gathering at the Memorial Plaza to offer respects. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is scheduled to observe the anniversary at the Pentagon memorial site in Virginia. This location marks the spot where Flight 77 crashed. The Pentagon memorial will remain closed to the general public during the official morning ceremony, reserved exclusively for survivors and the families of the victims to provide a private space for reflection. The 25th anniversary has also been marked by visual tributes. In New York Harbor, a drone display recently featured 2,977 lights—each representing a life lost—which transitioned into the silhouette of the twin towers against the night sky. On the Upper West Side of Manhattan, members of the FDNY are holding a special tribute at the firefighters memorial to honor the 343 department members who died in the line of duty that day. Beyond the city, ceremonies are taking place at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The morning event includes a reading of the names of the passengers and crew, accompanied by the ringing of bells. Later in the day, keynote speakers and musical tributes will lead into a public wreath-laying ceremony. A secondary event on Saturday will involve the placing of 40 lanterns at the Wall of Names, a solemn tribute to the bravery shown by those on board. This year’s observances come following the recent release of over 170,000 documents by the Mamdani administration. These records provide deeper insight into the city's response to the attacks, specifically addressing long-standing concerns regarding air quality and health impacts on residents and first responders. As the nation reflects on twenty-five years of history, these ceremonies continue to provide a space for grief, unity, and the enduring promise to never forget. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[For the Security and Stability of Jordan (Part I)]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12583/For-the-Security-and-Stability-of-Jordan-(Part-I)?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12583/For-the-Security-and-Stability-of-Jordan-(Part-I)?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:11:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[By: Hamadeh Faranah Let us begin from a clear, principled, legal, and foundational premise that directly collides with the expansionist Israeli colonial project: Jordan is Jordan, and Palestine is Palestine. Jordan is the homeland of Jordanians-and Jordanians alone; and Palestine is, and shall always remain, the homeland of the Palestinians. The aspirations and expansionist colonial project of the Zionist movement are strategically oriented toward achieving their objectives through calculated, progressive phases. They initially accepted UN Resolution 181, adopted on November 29, 1947, which was based on the two-state solution and allocated 54% of Palestine's land to them. However, in 1948, following the termination of the British Mandate on May 15, 1948, and the withdrawal of British forces, they seized 78% of Palestine. Since the 1917 Balfour Declaration, the British Mandate had facilitated the arrival of foreign Jewish immigrants of various nationalities throughout the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, who-backed by the British authorities-established military dominance and unilaterally declared their state in May 1948. In 1956, they sought further expansion and conquest in alliance with Britain and France during the Tripartite Aggression against Egypt. That endeavor collapsed under the joint pressure of the United States and the Soviet Union, which compelled them to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip. In 1967, they occupied the remainder of Palestine, alongside the Syrian Golan Heights and Egypt's Sinai. They were later forced to withdraw from Sinai as a consequence of the October 1973 War and the Camp David Accords signed on September 17, 1978. In 1987, the late King Hussein reached the "London Agreement" on April 11, 1987, with Shimon Peres, Prime Minister of the Israeli national unity government with Likud. However, Yitzhak Shamir unilaterally scrapped the agreement just weeks later upon assuming the premiership. This clearly exposed the Israeli Right's categorical rejection of any withdrawal or territorial concession over any part of historical Palestine to Jordan. It likewise demonstrated their refusal of an international peace conference, fearing it would exert international pressure on the Israeli colony under UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. Thus, the Israeli Right dismantled any prospect of a settlement that could serve the interests of the Palestinian people or Jordan, whose West Bank had been occupied while constituting an integral part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan prior to the 1967 war. When Palestinians and Israelis concluded the Oslo Accords on September 13, 1993, and gradual Israeli redeployments from Palestinian cities commenced, the Israeli Right responded by assassinating the architects of Oslo: Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat. Today, under the governance of an extreme right-wing coalition allied with ultra-orthodox religious parties, the Israeli colony inflicts killing, displacement, and systematic demolition designed to render the Gaza Strip uninhabitable. Simultaneously, it drives the inhabitants of the West Bank into destitution and forced internal displacement. Refugee camps in Tulkarm, Jenin, and Nur Shams have been razed and bulldozed; the Palestinian countryside has been forcibly emptied of its pastoral grazing grounds, while Bedouins and farmers are driven into towns and urban centers-a prelude to the depopulation and demolition of entire villages. This systematically carries out Bezalel Smotrich's "Decisive Plan" to eradicate the Palestinian presence through three diktats: death, deportation, or subjugation without political rights or equality. At its core, the "Decisive Plan" is virtually indistinguishable from Benjamin Netanyahu's doctrine: realizing "Greater Israel" by imposing complete control over the entire map of Palestine and expelling its indigenous population, particularly after the colony's strategic failure to drive all Palestinians out of their homeland in one stroke. Jordan remains the primary target for these plans of mass expulsion and forced transfer-echoing the events of 1948-and for the enduring Israeli obsession with the "alternative homeland" (watan badil), which seeks to liquidate the Palestinian cause entirely outside of Palestine. Faced with these catastrophic and deteriorating political shifts on the Palestinian, Arab, and international stages: what, then, is our course of action? (Note: This translation was generated using artificial intelligence]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[At Least 20 Dead After Massive Fire Breaks Out on Cargo Ship in Eastern China]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12582/At-Least-20-Dead-After-Massive-Fire-Breaks-Out-on-Cargo-Ship-in-Eastern-China?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12582/At-Least-20-Dead-After-Massive-Fire-Breaks-Out-on-Cargo-Ship-in-Eastern-China?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:43:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — At least 20 people have lost their lives following a devastating fire on a foreign-flagged cargo vessel docked in eastern China. The incident occurred while the ship was undergoing routine maintenance at a busy shipyard in the coastal city of Qingdao. Local authorities and emergency teams worked for hours to contain the blaze and search for survivors among the dozens of crew members and workers on board.The tragedy unfolded on a Tuesday morning at approximately 11:15 local time when smoke began billowing from the vessel, identified as the Ocean Melody. The ship, a 190-meter-long carrier flying the flag of Liberia, had recently arrived at the port for maintenance work. According to reports from the scene, there were a total of 42 individuals on board when the fire started. Out of those, 17 people were successfully evacuated from the burning structure, while five others were rushed to a nearby hospital where they are currently reported to be in stable condition. Sadly, the remaining 20 individuals did not survive the incident.The fire sent shockwaves through the maritime community, prompting an immediate and high-level response from government officials. Xi Jinping issued a call for an "all-out" effort to conduct search and rescue operations, emphasizing the sanctity of human life. Similarly, Li Qiang urged rescue teams to act swiftly to save anyone who might still be trapped and stressed the critical importance of preventing any secondary disasters that could arise from the damaged vessel or the firefighting efforts. The intensity of the blaze was such that it took emergency responders more than three hours to fully extinguish the flames and secure the area.Witnesses near the Qingdao shipyard described a scene of chaos as thick, dark smoke rose high into the sky, visible from several miles away. Tracking data indicates that the Ocean Melody had arrived in the region at the end of August, specifically on August 31, to undergo the scheduled repairs that were underway when the fire broke out. Shipyards are often high-risk environments due to the presence of flammable materials, welding equipment, and complex machinery, making safety protocols paramount during maintenance periods.This fatal event comes at a sensitive time for industrial safety in the region. Just nearly a month prior, another incident involving a shipyard explosion occurred in the southeastern province of Fujian. That previous accident resulted in the death of a rescue worker and left 12 others with various injuries. These back-to-back incidents have raised concerns regarding safety standards and the oversight of heavy industrial maritime work. Authorities are expected to launch a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the Ocean Melody fire to determine if negligence or equipment failure played a role in the loss of life.As of now, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and ensuring the five hospitalized survivors receive the necessary medical care. The port of Qingdao is one of the world's busiest maritime hubs, and the impact of this incident on local operations is being closely monitored. Further updates are expected as investigators gain full access to the charred remains of the ship's interior to piece together the moments leading up to the disaster. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Predicts Iran Conflict Will Conclude Following November Elections]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12581/Donald-Trump-Predicts-Iran-Conflict-Will-Conclude-Following-November-Elections?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12581/Donald-Trump-Predicts-Iran-Conflict-Will-Conclude-Following-November-Elections?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:36:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump has stated that the ongoing military tensions involving Iran are likely to persist until after the upcoming November midterm elections. He suggested that the conclusion of the conflict would lead to a significant drop in global energy prices and predicted a swift resolution once the political season concludes.Speaking recently, Donald Trump expressed his view that the current hostilities with Iran are tied to the timing of the U.S. political calendar. He indicated that the situation would likely see an immediate shift following the November elections, as he believes the opposing leadership cannot sustain the current state of affairs indefinitely. These remarks were made during a trip to Texas, where the Republican party was holding a major convention. During his address, he emphasized that while the economic impact, particularly the rise in fuel costs, has been challenging, it is a necessary part of a broader strategy to address regional security concerns and nuclear proliferation. The conflict, which saw a significant escalation earlier this year, has had a profound impact on the Middle East and global markets. Hostilities began following military actions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which quickly spiraled into a wider regional confrontation. This has included the exchange of missiles and drone strikes affecting various states and military facilities throughout the region. Donald Trump noted that while some citizens have expressed frustration over rising gasoline prices, he maintains that these pressures are temporary and tied to the resolution of the conflict. He predicted that oil prices would see a sharp decline once the military situation is stabilized. Economically, the impact has been felt globally. The price of Brent crude oil has surged past the $100 mark several times recently. This volatility is largely attributed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy exports, and production halts in Gulf states due to the ongoing strikes. The U.S. has maintained a naval presence in the area, leading to several confrontations at sea involving tankers and warships. Donald Trump claimed that the opposition is hoping for a change in leadership to gain a more favorable position, though he provided no specific evidence for this assertion. For its part, Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes and has denied seeking weapons of mass destruction. The political stakes are high as the November 3rd elections approach. Donald Trump is currently navigating pressure from within his own party to find a swift end to the hostilities. The conflict has impacted approval ratings and sparked debate over domestic economic stability. Historically, the party in power often faces challenges during midterm cycles, and the current administration is working to energize its base amid these regional tensions. On the ground, military activity continues to be reported. Recent reports indicate that the U.S. military targeted several oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, while the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have engaged naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, missile strikes were reported at a military facility in Jordan, leading to damage to several aircraft. Meanwhile, the Houthi movement in Yemen has launched attacks on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, citing a breakdown in ceasefire agreements. Despite the intensity of these events, Donald Trump remains focused on a post-election timeline for a potential return to stability and lower energy costs. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Proposes $5,000 Payout to American Adults if Republicans Win Midterms]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12580/Donald-Trump-Proposes-%245%2C000-Payout-to-American-Adults-if-Republicans-Win-Midterms?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12580/Donald-Trump-Proposes-%245%2C000-Payout-to-American-Adults-if-Republicans-Win-Midterms?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:31:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump has announced a significant economic proposal, promising a $5,000 payment to every adult in the United States if the Republican Party wins control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. This ambitious plan, which would cost approximately $1.3 trillion, was unveiled during a party convention in Dallas, Texas.The proposal comes at a time of heightened political and economic tension. Donald Trump suggested that this "dividend" would provide much-needed financial relief to citizens, though he did not provide a detailed roadmap for how the government would fund or manage such a massive distribution of wealth. However, he emphasized that the funds must be spent within the United States, explicitly discouraging recipients from using the money in foreign markets like China, Germany, or Canada. The goal, according to the proposal, is to stimulate the domestic economy and support American businesses.Addressing the funding concerns, JD Vance suggested that the revenue could be generated through an aggressive tariff program on imported goods. This strategy aims to leverage taxes on foreign companies and nations that trade with the U.S. to fund domestic priorities. Critics, however, have questioned the feasibility of this approach, with some political opponents labeling the idea as an unrealistic promise aimed solely at swaying voters before the November 3rd elections. There are also significant logistical questions regarding how the government would monitor where and how the money is spent.The announcement also touched upon the broader global context, specifically the impact of international conflicts on the American economy. Donald Trump noted that rising prices and energy costs are tied to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. The situation has led to the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil and gas supplies. This blockage has caused significant fluctuations in worldwide oil prices, adding to the financial strain on American households. Donald Trump indicated that energy prices might remain high until after the election cycle, framing the current economic difficulties as a necessary sacrifice for national security goals.Legal experts are currently analyzing whether such a promise is permissible under federal law. While U.S. law strictly prohibits offering direct payments to individuals in exchange for votes, some legal scholars argue that Donald Trump's proposal could be viewed as a campaign pledge for a broad tax policy or economic stimulus, which is generally protected under the First Amendment. They compare it to previous instances where political figures promised relief payments or tax cuts to gain support. Ultimately, the success of this plan depends on the Republican Party securing a majority in both chambers of Congress, as they hold the authority to authorize federal spending. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New York City Enhances Student Safety with New 15 MPH Zones and Protected School Streets]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12579/New-York-City-Enhances-Student-Safety-with-New-15-MPH-Zones-and-Protected-School-Streets?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12579/New-York-City-Enhances-Student-Safety-with-New-15-MPH-Zones-and-Protected-School-Streets?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:25:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — New York City is implementing a massive safety expansion near schools, featuring the rollout of 15 MPH speed limits and the city’s first-ever gated 'Open Street' to protect children and families during the school year. As students return to classrooms across the five boroughs, city officials have unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform the streets surrounding educational institutions. Led by Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Mike Flynn, the initiative focuses on reducing traffic speeds and creating dedicated spaces for students to walk and play. The centerpiece of this effort is the expansion of 'Sammy’s Law,' which allows the city to lower speed limits in high-priority areas. So far, more than 200 school locations have seen their speed limits reduced to 15 MPH, with a target of 800 schools by the end of 2026. This represents the largest expansion of school safety zones in the city’s history.A significant highlight of the new safety measures is the introduction of a permanent gate on Clarkson Street in Tribeca. This gated 'Open Street' is the first of its kind in New York, drawing inspiration from successful international models like those found in Paris. The gate will effectively limit vehicle access during specific hours, providing a secure environment for students at City-As-School High School and M.S. 721. The redesign of Clarkson Street also includes expanded pedestrian walkways, new public seating, and improved visibility at crossings, ensuring that drivers are forced to slow down and remain alert.The Open Streets for Schools program is also making a strong return this year, with 77 locations designated across the city. These streets are temporarily closed to cars during pick-up, drop-off, and recess, giving children more room for outdoor learning and physical activity. Beyond these temporary closures, the Department of Transportation is working on permanent infrastructure upgrades at more than 300 school sites. These projects include the installation of over three miles of new bike lanes and protected paths in areas like the Bronx, specifically benefiting neighborhoods near the Andrew Jackson Houses and multiple local schools.Community leaders and advocates have praised the moves as essential steps toward ending traffic-related injuries among young people. Neighborhoods in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan are seeing immediate changes, such as new asphalt art in front of P.S. 1 and safety enhancements along Coney Island Avenue. By prioritizing the safety of the youngest residents, the city aims to foster a more walkable and livable environment for everyone. These measures are not just about traffic rules; they are about changing the culture of New York's streets to put people before vehicles. The commitment to reach 800 slow zones demonstrates a long-term vision for a city where every parent can feel confident sending their child to school.In addition to speed reductions, the city is also focusing on visibility and intersection design. Improved lighting and shorter crossing distances are being integrated into the redesigns to ensure that even during the winter months, when daylight is limited, students remain visible to motorists. The collaboration between schools, local residents, and city planners has been vital in identifying the most dangerous intersections. This data-driven approach ensures that resources are directed where they are needed most, creating a network of safety that spans from the Rockaways to the northernmost parts of the Bronx. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Political Shifts and Growing Debates Mark the 25th Anniversary of September 11]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12578/Political-Shifts-and-Growing-Debates-Mark-the-25th-Anniversary-of-September-11?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12578/Political-Shifts-and-Growing-Debates-Mark-the-25th-Anniversary-of-September-11?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:19:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — For decades, the anniversary of September 11 has served as a rare moment of national unity, where political figures from all backgrounds gather at Ground Zero to honor the lives lost. However, as the 25th anniversary approaches, the traditional truce appears to be fraying, replaced by a complex landscape of political disagreements and changing perspectives. This year’s commemoration highlights a significant shift in how the tragedy is remembered and discussed in a deeply divided political climate.The upcoming ceremony in Lower Manhattan is witnessing unusual friction. Donald Trump has decided to skip the event at the World Trade Center site, opting instead to attend a memorial at the Pentagon. Reports suggest this decision followed a lack of opportunity to deliver formal remarks at the New York City site. In his place, JD Vance is expected to attend, though his recent comments regarding other political figures like Joe Biden have already sparked debate among those who hope to keep the day free of partisan conflict.Simultaneously, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is at the center of a separate political storm. As the city’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani has faced calls from some political opponents to stay away from the Ground Zero ceremony. These critics point to his past associations and statements regarding U.S. foreign policy. However, these rebukes have been met with strong counter-arguments, with many observers noting that the backlash against the mayor often carries tones of religious bias and discrimination. Despite the calls for him to abstain, polling shows that a vast majority of New York City residents believe their mayor should be present at the memorial.The discourse surrounding Zohran Mamdani also reflects his personal history with the tragedy. Being a student in Manhattan during the attacks, he has frequently shared how the event shaped his life and the lives of the city's Muslim community, particularly regarding the increase in bigotry following the tragedy. While he has been critical of past surveillance policies, since taking office, he has focused his public messaging on the heroism of first responders and the profound grief of the families. He has spent the week leading up to the anniversary visiting firehouses and police precincts, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the FDNY and NYPD.This year’s friction occurs as a new generation of Americans comes of age. For many young voters born after 2001, September 11 is not a lived memory but a historical event learned in classrooms. This demographic shift is changing the national conversation, as younger people often view the attacks through the lens of long-term U.S. foreign interventions. To bridge this gap, local leaders like Julie Menin have advocated for educational programs, including funding to bring thousands of students to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to ensure the lessons of unity and loss are preserved for the future.Ultimately, the 25th anniversary serves as a test of whether the spirit of solidarity that emerged from the ashes of the twin towers can survive modern political divisions. While figures like George Pataki and Rudy Giuliani have voiced concerns about the current leadership's presence, others like Governor Kathy Hochul have called for a return to the spirit of togetherness. As the names of the victims are read once again, the hope remains that the sacred nature of the day will eventually outweigh the temporary noise of political disagreement. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The Palestinian Authority: Targeted for Israeli Liquidation, Not Settlement]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12577/The-Palestinian-Authority%3A-Targeted-for-Israeli-Liquidation%2C-Not-Settlement?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12577/The-Palestinian-Authority%3A-Targeted-for-Israeli-Liquidation%2C-Not-Settlement?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:43:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[By: Hamada Faranah The hostile statements and incitement against the Palestinian Authority (PA) by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz-along with their explicit ambitions to liquidate its presence-are not merely opportunistic rhetoric ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections on October 27, 2026. The real electoral battle is unfolding exclusively between factions of the political extreme right and the ultra-nationalist religious right. The three primary blocs-led by Benjamin Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenkot, and Yair Lapid-share the same expansionist, colonial ideology. The only procedural outlier is Yair Golan, head of the "Democrats" party (the merger of Labor and Meretz), who is projected to win roughly ten seats. Combined, the Arab lists (the Joint List and the United Arab List) are projected to secure at most fifteen seats. This leaves an overwhelming majority of roughly 95 seats contested solely among right-wing and hardline religious factions. Regardless of valid administrative criticisms, the Palestinian Authority remains the legitimate diplomatic framework of the Palestinian statehood project, recognized by 159 out of the 193 UN member states. Even if its practical administrative reach were stripped down entirely to "Al-Muqata'a" compound in Ramallah-an area barely covering one square kilometer-it mirrors Vatican City, which spans less than a square kilometer in the heart of Rome. Yet, while the Vatican maintains 96 embassies worldwide, Palestine maintains 114 diplomatic missions across the globe, persisting right within the occupied West Bank. The critical distinction is that the Vatican is not an ideological antithesis to Italy, but rather a source of historic pride. In contrast, the Palestinian administrative presence in Ramallah, regardless of its operational constraints, represents the direct antithesis to the Israeli settler-colonial project. Behind it stands a deep demographic baseline exceeding seven million Palestinians on their historic homeland: two million in the 1948 territories, over two million in Gaza, and three million in the West Bank. This demographic reality makes the realization of an exclusive "Jewish state" over the entire historic map of Palestine an impossibility. Regimes reliant on systemic oppression inherently foster the seeds of their own demise, following the historical trajectory of apartheid South Africa and traditional European colonial enterprises across Africa and Asia. Netanyahu, Smotrich, Ben-Gvir, and Katz relentlessly seek pretexts to dissolve the Palestinian Authority precisely because it remains the political embodiment of a Palestinian state-a sovereign alternative that the colonial apparatus cannot assimilate. This article was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for AlHawadeth.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Kyiv Media Center Struck by Drone as Five People Lose Their Lives]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12576/Kyiv-Media-Center-Struck-by-Drone-as-Five-People-Lose-Their-Lives?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12576/Kyiv-Media-Center-Struck-by-Drone-as-Five-People-Lose-Their-Lives?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:19:50 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Recent drone strikes in Kyiv have resulted in the deaths of at least five people and caused significant damage to a prominent media headquarters. The attacks occurred during a period of intense aerial activity, interrupting live news broadcasts and forcing residents into underground shelters. A drone strike has targeted the headquarters of a major television channel in Kyiv, causing a partial collapse of the building while journalists were in the middle of a live broadcast. Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the daytime strike represents a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict. Visual evidence from the scene showed significant structural damage to the facility, highlighting the dangers faced by media professionals operating in the region. In addition to the media center attack, a series of strikes across the capital overnight and throughout the day claimed at least five lives. Beyond Kyiv, a separate incident involving a passenger train in southern Ukraine resulted in the death of a female railway worker. These events followed a brief three-day window where both sides had reportedly agreed to pause strikes on their respective capital cities to facilitate diplomatic visits from high-level envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Reporting on the incident at the television station, it was noted that the footage captured the exact moment of the impact. Local observers and media staff stated that the nature of the strike suggested a deliberate targeting of the newsroom rather than an accidental hit. The attack forced an immediate halt to the station's programming as emergency services rushed to the scene to assist the injured and secure the partially destroyed structure. During the overnight raids, residents of Kyiv were once again forced to seek safety in the city's extensive metro network. Images from the underground stations showed families sleeping on camping mats and sitting in folding chairs, a scene that has become a recurring reality for those living in the capital. Local emergency services confirmed that residential buildings in the Solomianskyi district were hit, and vehicles in the Podilskyi district were set ablaze during the explosions. Statistics indicate that the frequency of air raid alerts in the capital has reached some of the highest levels seen since early 2022. On the diplomatic front, the situation remains complex. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently concluded visits to both Moscow and Kyiv. While some reports suggested that substantive progress was made during these discussions, no major breakthroughs were publicly announced. Following these meetings, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump held a lengthy telephone conversation described by officials as frank and constructive. The discussion lasted approximately one hour, though specific details regarding the outcome remain limited. Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed expectations that the conflict will persist into the winter months. Following his discussions with the visiting envoys, he indicated that further meetings between officials from Ukraine, Europe, and the United States are planned for the near future. He has also advocated for a trilateral meeting involving representatives from Russia and the United States to address the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin has maintained his previous positions regarding territorial demands, showing no immediate signs of altering his strategic objectives. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[UK Official Advocates for Peace and Calls Out West Bank Settlement Growth]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12575/UK-Official-Advocates-for-Peace-and-Calls-Out-West-Bank-Settlement-Growth?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12575/UK-Official-Advocates-for-Peace-and-Calls-Out-West-Bank-Settlement-Growth?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:10:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a significant shift in diplomatic tone, Ed Miliband has defended the decision to challenge settlement activities in the West Bank, arguing that immediate action is necessary to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution. The move, which includes a ban on goods imported from these areas, has sparked a complex international dialogue regarding regional stability and international law. Ed Miliband stated that the opportunity for a peaceful resolution involving a Palestinian state alongside Israel is being eroded by changing conditions on the ground. By addressing the expansion of settlements now, Miliband believes the international community can prevent a situation where a two-state solution becomes physically impossible. This perspective emphasizes that the rule of law and the dignity of all people must remain a priority in diplomatic relations. The policy shift involves a ban on the import of products originating from settlements in the West Bank. Miliband used strong language to describe the actions of certain groups in the region, referring to incidents of intimidation and harassment against local residents. He suggested that ignoring these developments would be a disservice to the cause of long-term peace. In response to these measures, officials in the region announced several counter-measures, including the upcoming closure of a key consulate in Jerusalem within the next month.While some have expressed concern that these sanctions could impact communal relations, Miliband clarified that his stance is directed at government policies rather than any specific group of people. He rejected claims that such diplomatic actions contribute to social tension, instead describing the fight against prejudice as a collective responsibility. He emphasized his personal connection to his heritage while asserting that standing up for international law is a duty that transcends individual backgrounds. In the legislative sphere, Andy Burnham supported the measures, describing them as a form of leadership. Burnham noted that while a two-state solution has been discussed for decades, practical steps are required to turn those discussions into reality. He argued that the UK must stand for fairness and address perceived injustices directly. This sentiment was echoed by other political figures, including Zack Polanski, who expressed pride in those advocating for peace despite facing travel restrictions in response to their positions.The debate has also touched on economic and humanitarian issues. Reports surfaced regarding the potential impact on the pharmaceutical trade, with some officials suggesting a high reliance on specific regional imports. However, data indicates that the actual percentage of medical supplies is lower than some public claims, and Miliband assured that medical products would remain protected under the new rules. On the humanitarian front, there are concerns about the status of several charities and aid organizations. Recommendations have been made by some officials to restrict the movement of groups like Oxfam and Save the Children. Meanwhile, individuals like Leo Dee have voiced personal opposition to the sanctions, citing the personal toll of regional conflict and questioning the focus of the current diplomatic pressure. Despite these internal and external debates, Miliband remains firm that the future of the region depends on a viable peace process that excludes groups involved in violence and focuses on long-term stability for all inhabitants. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Oil Prices Surge as Brent Crude Hits $100 Following Tensions in Middle East Shipping Lanes]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12574/Oil-Prices-Surge-as-Brent-Crude-Hits-%24100-Following-Tensions-in-Middle-East-Shipping-Lanes?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12574/Oil-Prices-Surge-as-Brent-Crude-Hits-%24100-Following-Tensions-in-Middle-East-Shipping-Lanes?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:55:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Global energy markets are experiencing a significant shift as Brent crude oil prices reached the $100 per barrel mark for the first time in nearly two months. This surge is primarily driven by escalating military tensions in the Middle East, including strikes involving oil tankers and critical energy infrastructure, which have raised urgent concerns regarding the stability of global oil supplies and the safety of international shipping routes.On Wednesday, Brent crude futures rose by over 2.5%, settling at approximately $100.30 per barrel. This represents a peak not seen since late July. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude saw an upward movement, reaching over $94 per barrel. The benchmark for Brent has already climbed 10% during the month of September 2026 and has seen a staggering 60% increase since the beginning of the year. Market analysts note that these prices are reflecting a growing anxiety over prolonged disruptions in one of the world's most vital energy corridors.The recent price spike follows a series of military developments. In a notable escalation, strikes were reported on multiple oil tankers, further complicating the geopolitical landscape. These incidents have occurred alongside operations targeting energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, which led to a temporary halt in production at some sites. Authorities reported that these events have caused significant damage and resulted in several injuries, marking a dangerous phase in the ongoing regional instability. The friction has also extended to shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, where oil flows have already been hampered over the past several months.The Strait of Hormuz is a particularly sensitive point for the global economy, as it historically handled nearly 20% of the world's daily oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Currently, estimates suggest that the volume of crude and refined products crossing the strait has dropped significantly, moving from 20 million barrels a day prior to the conflict to roughly seven million barrels. While some oil continues to transit the area, the threats of further escalation and the presence of maritime hazards have slowed traffic and increased insurance costs for shipping companies.Financial institutions and market experts are adjusting their long-term outlooks in response to these developments. Several major banks have raised their price forecasts for 2026 and 2027, operating under the assumption that shipping disruptions in the Middle East may persist longer than previously anticipated. These rising costs are also fueling inflation concerns, particularly in regions that are heavily dependent on imported energy. As the situation remains fluid, the international community continues to monitor the impact on global trade and the potential for further volatility in the energy sector. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[US Imposes New Import Bans on Canadian Goods Amid Escalating Trade Tensions]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12573/US-Imposes-New-Import-Bans-on-Canadian-Goods-Amid-Escalating-Trade-Tensions?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12573/US-Imposes-New-Import-Bans-on-Canadian-Goods-Amid-Escalating-Trade-Tensions?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:46:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — The trade relationship between the United States and Canada has taken another sharp downturn as Washington announced a series of new import bans targeting Canadian products. This move, which includes restrictions on alcoholic spirits, dairy products, and motorcycles, comes in direct response to retaliatory measures recently implemented by Ottawa. The escalation marks a significant chapter in the ongoing economic friction between the two long-standing North American partners.Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders on Tuesday, stating that Canada was engaged in discriminatory practices against American businesses. The new bans are scheduled to take effect on September 29. While officials from both nations have expressed a desire to reach a trade agreement, formal negotiations have remained stalled since talks collapsed in late August. The atmosphere remains tense as both sides navigate the complexities of their deeply integrated economies.Dominic LeBlanc characterized the latest measures as unjustified and emphasized a commitment to protecting local workers, families, and businesses. He noted that the primary focus remains on strengthening internal capabilities and diversifying international partnerships. Despite the friction, Dominic LeBlanc confirmed he had been in contact with his counterparts in Washington, expressing a willingness to work in good faith to resolve the current tensions. Meanwhile, Mark Carney acknowledged in a video address that shifting away from the United States as a primary trading partner would inevitably involve economic costs.The specific list of banned Canadian products is extensive. It includes various dairy items such as whey, as well as cane molasses and non-alcoholic beer. The spirits industry is heavily hit, with bans placed on a long list of wine, rum, and vodka products, along with beer made from malt. Additionally, the import of motorcycles and mopeds has been prohibited. Beyond total bans, many other goods will face significantly higher import taxes. These include various types of cheese, raw hides, paper products, furniture, mattresses, and certain metals like aluminum and iron. Specialized items such as motorboats, golf carts, and fishing equipment are also on the list of goods facing increased tariffs.Economic analysts have noted that while the current ban covers a relatively small percentage of Canada’s total exports to its southern neighbor, the intent appears to be more about exerting economic pressure than generating revenue. Historically, more than two-thirds of Canada’s exports are destined for the United States. In 2025 alone, exports of Canadian spirits were valued at $687 million, while dairy and motorcycles accounted for $269 million and $90 million, respectively. The sudden restriction on these sectors is expected to put significant pressure on Canadian industries that have long relied on open access to the American market.The trade war has also seen symbolic provocations. In August, Donald Trump ordered that Lake Ontario be renamed "Lake America," a move that sparked significant backlash and public debate. As the September 29 deadline for the new bans approaches, business owners on both sides of the border are bracing for the fallout. Many fear that the continued cycle of tariffs and bans will lead to higher prices for consumers and a decrease in customer demand, ultimately harming the economies of both nations which have been historically linked through decades of cooperation. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Newly Released Records Show City Officials Knew of Toxic Air After 9/11]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12572/Newly-Released-Records-Show-City-Officials-Knew-of-Toxic-Air-After-9%2F11?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12572/Newly-Released-Records-Show-City-Officials-Knew-of-Toxic-Air-After-9%2F11?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:35:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Zohran Mamdani has made public a massive collection of more than 170,000 documents revealing that leadership in New York City was aware of the dangerous air quality following the September 11, 2001, attacks, despite giving the public different information at the time. The records indicate that while citizens were told the air was safe to breathe, internal communications highlighted significant risks from toxins and potential legal liabilities for the city.The release of these documents marks a significant moment in the long-standing quest for transparency regarding the health aftermath of the World Trade Center collapse. Zohran Mamdani announced the disclosure on Tuesday, emphasizing that the records show what city leaders knew about the toxic environment at Ground Zero, when they became aware of it, and the steps taken to minimize the city’s legal exposure. This transparency initiative aims to provide clarity to thousands of survivors and responders who have suffered from chronic illnesses in the decades following the disaster.The internal records highlight the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and various metals in the dust that blanketed Lower Manhattan. Asbestos, a material widely used in construction until the late 20th century, is well-known for causing lung cancer and other respiratory diseases when inhaled. When the Twin Towers fell, they released a massive cloud containing these dangerous particles, yet the official narrative from leadership at the time suggested that the environment did not pose a long-term health threat to the general public.One of the most significant items in the document cache is an October 2001 memo, often referred to as the “Harding memo.” This internal correspondence warned high-level city officials about the potential for lawsuits related to poor air quality and hazardous working conditions at the recovery site. Activists, including Jon Stewart, have pointed out that this memo suggests the city was focused on managing financial and legal responsibility as early as three weeks after the attacks. While some of these documents have appeared in previous legal battles, this is the first time they have been made fully accessible to the general public.The records also include warnings from Jerrold Nadler, who represented the area surrounding Ground Zero. In early 2002, Jerrold Nadler expressed serious concerns about the handling of asbestos and the presence of toxic chemicals in residential and commercial buildings. According to the documents, these warnings were often met with dismissals from other officials, including then-EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman and Rudy Giuliani, who maintained that the air was safe for residents and workers to return to the area.The human cost of the toxic exposure has been staggering. While nearly 3,000 people lost their lives on the day of the attacks, the death toll from related illnesses has continued to climb. Over 140,000 individuals are currently enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, which monitors and treats those exposed to the disaster site. Of those enrolled, approximately 49,000 have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer linked to the environment at Ground Zero. Many of those affected were people who returned to work in nearby municipal buildings months after the event, believing the area had been properly cleaned.Looking forward, the city has pledged a $34 million investment to create a public portal where these and future documents can be accessed easily. Zohran Mamdani stated that the city is committed to ending the era of legal red tape and providing the answers that the public has demanded for 25 years. More documents are expected to be released over the coming year as part of this ongoing transparency effort. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Five Dead After Cargo Plane Overshoots Miami Runway and Hits Ground Vehicles]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12571/Five-Dead-After-Cargo-Plane-Overshoots-Miami-Runway-and-Hits-Ground-Vehicles?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12571/Five-Dead-After-Cargo-Plane-Overshoots-Miami-Runway-and-Hits-Ground-Vehicles?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:57:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A devastating accident occurred at Miami International Airport when a cargo plane failed to stop at the end of the runway, resulting in the deaths of five people who were in vehicles on the ground. The incident, which took place during the busy Labor Day weekend, has prompted a federal investigation into the causes of the crash, including weather conditions and airport safety systems.The aircraft involved, a Boeing 767-300 operated by 21 Air for Amazon, overshot the runway on Sunday while attempting to land. According to reports from investigators, the plane struck a cleaning service van carrying seven people before crashing through a perimeter fence. The momentum of the aircraft then led it to collide with a Toyota SUV containing three occupants. All five fatalities and five injuries reported were among those in the two ground vehicles. The two crew members on board the aircraft survived, though their specific conditions have not been detailed.Jennifer Homendy, representing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), described the scene as one of "utter devastation." During a press briefing at the airport, she confirmed that the flight had originated from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was on its third trip of the day. The plane finally came to a stop approximately 1,300 feet beyond the runway's edge, leaving a trail of debris that included pieces of the aircraft, mangled vehicles, and destroyed airport fencing. The priority for first responders has been the recovery of victims, which Homendy emphasized must take precedence over the technical aspects of the investigation.Federal investigators have already recovered the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which are essential for understanding the final moments of the flight. These "black boxes" have been sent to Washington for detailed analysis. The probe will look into several factors, including the flight history, the experience level of the crew, and the mechanical performance of the plane’s engines and systems. Weather will also be a major focus, as reports indicated active thunderstorms and significant wind gusts in the area at the time of the attempted landing.Another critical element of the investigation is the absence of an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) on the runway used. This safety technology is designed to rapidly decelerate aircraft that overshoot the runway. Homendy noted that determining whether such a system should have been in place will be a "key" part of their findings. In the meantime, the crash caused significant travel disruptions at Miami International Airport, with two runways closed and numerous flights delayed or canceled during one of the year's most active travel periods.Amazon and 21 Air have both released statements expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and confirming their full cooperation with the NTSB. The final report and safety recommendations may take several months to complete, as officials aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and restoring full operations to the airport. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[United Kingdom Prepares to Restrict Trade with West Bank Settlements Amid Global Warnings]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12570/United-Kingdom-Prepares-to-Restrict-Trade-with-West-Bank-Settlements-Amid-Global-Warnings?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12570/United-Kingdom-Prepares-to-Restrict-Trade-with-West-Bank-Settlements-Amid-Global-Warnings?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:52:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — The United Kingdom is moving forward with plans to impose significant trade restrictions on products originating from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This decision has sparked sharp criticism from various officials who warn of potential diplomatic and economic consequences, including possible retaliatory measures from international partners and a shift in regional dynamics. The proposed sanctions are expected to target agricultural goods and other products manufactured in territories considered illegal under international law. Items such as Medjool dates, mangoes, avocados, grapes, and various fresh herbs are among the primary exports from these areas. While the UK already requires specific labeling for such goods to distinguish them from products made within internationally recognized borders, the new measures represent a more rigorous approach to trade policy in the region.Isaac Herzog has described the move as a serious error, suggesting it interferes with the internal democratic processes of a sovereign nation. Meanwhile, Mike Huckabee, a prominent representative, suggested that British companies might face restrictions in several American states as a direct result of these sanctions. The tension escalated further when Itamar Ben-Gvir called for the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem, alleging that the office operates in a manner that favors specific local authorities over others.The backdrop for these restrictions is the ongoing expansion of settlement activity. Recent reports indicate plans for the development of 1,200 new housing units in a strategic area known as E1. This specific location is highly sensitive because its development could effectively split the West Bank, making the prospect of a future contiguous Palestinian state much more difficult to achieve. Ed Miliband has previously stated that such expansions are contrary to international law and undermine long-term peace efforts.Internally, the UK's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some members of the local community have expressed concern that these measures could lead to unintended consequences, potentially increasing social tensions or marginalizing specific groups. On the other hand, a significant number of individuals have signed open letters supporting the ban, arguing that it is a necessary step to uphold international legal standards. Pat McFadden clarified that the move is not a general boycott of business but a specific response to the continued growth of settlements.The situation is further complicated by a reported rise in violence within the West Bank. Data suggests that incidents involving settlers and local residents have increased, with numerous injuries reported daily. Education officials in the region, such as Bassam al Assaf, have highlighted the fear prevalent among students and parents due to the proximity of these settlements to local schools and communities. These human elements add a layer of urgency to the diplomatic discussions taking place in London and abroad.Globally, the UK is not alone in this trajectory. Countries like Canada and France are reportedly considering similar trade bans, while the Netherlands, Ireland, and Belgium have already taken steps to restrict or label settlement products. These collective actions highlight a growing international trend toward stricter enforcement of trade regulations involving occupied territories, even as some nations like Germany and the Czech Republic remain hesitant to adopt a unified continental policy. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Canada Implements Retaliatory Tariffs as Trade Tension with United States Escalates]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12569/Canada-Implements-Retaliatory-Tariffs-as-Trade-Tension-with-United-States-Escalates?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12569/Canada-Implements-Retaliatory-Tariffs-as-Trade-Tension-with-United-States-Escalates?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:45:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Canada has officially entered a new phase of economic confrontation with the United States by activating a series of retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of American products. This move comes as trade negotiations between the two neighbors remain stalled, signaling the potential for a long-term trade war that could reshape North American commerce. The new taxes target nearly $20 billion worth of U.S. exports, affecting sectors from manufacturing to consumer goods.The retaliatory measures, which took effect this week, apply to various American-made items including steel, furniture, and apparel. Some of these tariffs are as high as 50%, a direct response to similar taxes imposed by the U.S. on Canadian exports like automobiles, lumber, and aluminum. While the initial list of targeted goods was extensive, Canadian officials made a last-minute adjustment to remove fresh fish and lobster. This decision followed significant pressure from the seafood industry, highlighting the complex and deeply integrated nature of the cross-border supply chain where American-caught seafood is often processed in Canada before returning to U.S. markets.Diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute have seen little progress since talks collapsed in late August. Mark Carney stated that Canada remains open to a "durable" agreement that serves the interests of both nations, emphasizing that the country is ready to negotiate whenever the U.S. side is prepared to return to the table. On the other side, Jamieson Greer suggested that the responsibility for moving forward lies with Canada, claiming that previous offers were rejected and warning that further retaliation could lead to even stricter U.S. bans on Canadian imports.The rhetoric has intensified further with Donald Trump suggesting significant measures against Canadian companies. Specifically, there have been threats to halt business with major aerospace firms like Bombardier unless production is moved to the United States. Such a move would be a major blow to the Canadian economy, as the aerospace sector is a massive contributor to the national GDP. Additionally, social media posts have surfaced criticizing the exchange rate between the two currencies and presenting visual representations of North America dominated by U.S. influence, further straining the diplomatic atmosphere.The economic relationship between the two countries is the largest of its kind in the world, valued at nearly $900 billion annually. However, this partnership is now under severe strain. Economists warn that these "dollar-for-dollar" tariffs will inevitably lead to higher prices for everyday consumers in both nations. Items like clothing, food, and household furniture are expected to become more expensive as businesses pass on the added costs of the trade war. While many in Canada reportedly support standing firm against trade pressure, business groups like the Chamber of Commerce have expressed concerns about the risks of an endless cycle of escalation.Recent economic data shows a mixed picture for the region. While the Canadian economy showed growth in the second quarter and added jobs earlier in the year, the recent collapse in trade talks coincided with a significant loss of jobs in August. In response to these uncertainties, there is a growing push within the Canadian government to diversify trade partnerships and reduce the heavy reliance on the U.S. market. Recent figures already indicate a slight decrease in the percentage of exports heading south, as the country looks for more stable economic avenues amidst the ongoing volatility. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Newly Released Records Suggest Public Was Misled on 9/11 Air Safety]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12568/Newly-Released-Records-Suggest-Public-Was-Misled-on-9%2F11-Air-Safety?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12568/Newly-Released-Records-Suggest-Public-Was-Misled-on-9%2F11-Air-Safety?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:41:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Thousands of pages of previously hidden documents indicate that residents and workers in Lower Manhattan were given false assurances about air quality following the September 11 attacks. The records show that dangerous toxins remained in the area long after officials declared it safe to return.The administration of Zohran Mamdani is making more than 170,000 pages of records public, shedding light on the environmental conditions around the World Trade Center site in late 2001 and 2002. These documents, which include air quality reports and internal city communications, were reportedly stored in dozens of boxes and remained out of public view for over two decades. The release comes as the city approaches the 25th anniversary of the attacks, offering a new look at the decisions made by leadership during a time of crisis.For months after the towers fell, people living and working in New York City were repeatedly told that the air was safe to breathe. However, the newly uncovered data suggests otherwise. Records from July 2002—ten months after the tragedy—show that inspectors were still finding asbestos in buildings up to half a mile away from the site. Some samples taken from ledges, roofs, and electrical cables showed levels of contamination that exceeded safety limits, yet these findings were not widely shared with the public at the time.The release of these papers follows a legal battle led by 9/11 Health Watch, a group advocating for transparency. Representatives of the group state that the documents prove city officials were aware of toxic risks even while they promoted a message that the environment was "acceptable." This transparency is seen as a crucial step for the thousands of survivors and first responders who have developed serious health issues in the years since. It is now widely acknowledged that more people have died from illnesses related to the toxins at the site—such as respiratory diseases and various cancers—than were killed on the day of the attacks itself.Among the records are specific accounts of contamination at buildings like 15 John Street and the Deutsche Bank building at 130 Liberty Street. In some cases, tests conducted through early 2002 found heavy metals, fungi, and bacteria alongside high levels of asbestos. Despite this, leaders such as Rudolph W. Giuliani and Michael R. Bloomberg maintained publicly that testing showed no long-term health risks. Internal memos also reveal that some officials were concerned about the city's potential legal liability regarding air quality monitoring.The project to digitize and release these records cost approximately $34 million. Zohran Mamdani stated that the city owes accountability and transparency to those whose lives were forever changed. For residents like Marisa Ramírez de Arellano, who lived near the site and suffered lung damage, the release of these documents confirms long-held suspicions. Many believe that the rush to reopen Lower Manhattan and restore economic activity took precedence over the long-term health of the community. As the city continues to review additional papers from various municipal offices, more information regarding the environmental aftermath is expected to emerge in the coming year. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[New York City Establishes Nation’s First Office Dedicated to Worker Power and Labor Rights]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12567/New-York-City-Establishes-Nation%E2%80%99s-First-Office-Dedicated-to-Worker-Power-and-Labor-Rights?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12567/New-York-City-Establishes-Nation%E2%80%99s-First-Office-Dedicated-to-Worker-Power-and-Labor-Rights?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:29:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — New York City has launched a pioneering initiative to support the local workforce through the creation of the Office of Worker Power. This new department aims to provide resources, information, and organizational support to employees across various industries, ensuring they have a stronger voice in their workplaces and better protection against exploitation.In a significant move for labor rights, Zohran Kwame Mamdani signed an executive order to establish the Mayor’s Office of Worker Power (MOWP). This office marks the first instance in the United States where a city government has dedicated a specific department to help workers organize and stay informed about their legal rights. The primary goal is to bridge the gap between labor and government, providing a direct line for workers who feel they lack adequate wages or benefits. By using the convening power of the city, the office intends to foster partnerships that empower those in the most vulnerable job sectors.Tony Perlstein has been appointed as the inaugural executive director of the MOWP. Perlstein, who has a deep background in labor organizing including time as a longshoreman and a director with the United Auto Workers, will lead the office’s efforts to conduct outreach and research. The initiative comes at a time of growing economic disparity. Recent data shows that executives at major low-paying corporations often earn hundreds of times more than their average employees. With stagnant median incomes in the city, the need for collective bargaining and worker solidarity has become a central focus for the local administration.Zohran Kwame Mamdani emphasized that while many New Yorkers keep the city running every day, they often lack a say in their working conditions. The new office is designed to give these individuals a seat at the table, identifying potential issues before they escalate into full-blown crises. By connecting employees with unions and community organizations, the city hopes to build a more equitable economy where every worker is treated with dignity. This proactive approach aims to move beyond simply responding to complaints, instead focusing on building long-term relationships with labor centers and rank-and-file workers.The MOWP will operate under the guidance of Julie Su and will focus on several key areas. These include holding public hearings on labor issues, providing referrals to support organizations, and collaborating with other city agencies to study challenges like worker misclassification and the impact of new technologies. The office also plans to reach workers through everyday locations such as libraries, schools, and community centers, making information about labor rights easily accessible to everyone, including immigrant and gig workers.This development follows other recent efforts to protect the local workforce. These include measures to ensure delivery workers receive their full tips and the establishment of dedicated rest areas for app-based couriers. Furthermore, the administration has taken steps to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat and has worked with local prosecutors to combat wage theft. Tony Perlstein’s extensive experience in both the Bronx and Brooklyn is expected to be a vital asset in navigating the complex landscape of New York’s labor market as the city seeks to set a national example for worker empowerment. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Algeria and Europe: Geography and Energy Unlock New Horizons for Partnership]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12566/Algeria-and-Europe%3A-Geography-and-Energy-Unlock-New-Horizons-for-Partnership?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12566/Algeria-and-Europe%3A-Geography-and-Energy-Unlock-New-Horizons-for-Partnership?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 20:28:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[By: Sabaha Baghoura Recent shifts across the European energy landscape require a reassessment of Algeria's position in its partnership with the continent. Geographic proximity, substantial energy reserves, and the readiness to integrate into clean energy transitions are steering relations toward a grounded strategic convergence-one where resource availability aligns with geopolitical leverage and regional depth. This shift is prominently reflected in ties with Germany. In July 2026, both nations adopted a new strategic bilateral partnership agenda encompassing energy, trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, transport, and critical minerals, alongside enhanced political, security, and defense dialogues. Both sides also underscored growing cooperation in green hydrogen and clean energy through the "SouthH2 Corridor" project, designed to connect North Africa to European markets. Economically, Algeria stands out with structural assets that position it as a key player in Europe's industrial and energy transition. Following global market upheavals and Europe's drive to reduce dependence on Russian gas, European energy security has become tied to securing supply volumes, diversifying sources, mitigating geopolitical risks, and ensuring supply routes remain close to end markets. Algeria offers a strategic balance: geographical proximity, extensive natural gas reserves, and established pipeline infrastructure directly tied to the northern Mediterranean coast. The European Commission notes that Algeria is now the third-largest gas supplier to the European Union, while Europe remains the primary destination for Algerian hydrocarbons. This dynamic forms an interdependent relationship: Europe requires security of supply, while Algeria requires demand stability for its primary export. However, Europe's systematic transition toward a decarbonized energy framework presents Algeria with an opportunity beyond that of a conventional hydrocarbon supplier. Green hydrogen, solar energy, and renewables allow Algiers to become an active stakeholder in European industrial modernization rather than merely satisfying short-term consumption. The SouthH2 Corridor-backed by the European Union as vital cross-border infrastructure-serves as a primary pillar of this cooperation, specifically highlighted in the Algerian-German agenda. Shifting the baseline from natural gas to clean energy fundamentally transforms the bilateral paradigm from transactional procurement to joint transformation. Algeria's immense solar irradiance, vast landmass, and expanding energy infrastructure offer clear competitive advantages, provided these endowments are matched by scalable industrial execution, capital investment, and regulatory support. Beyond energy, the economic agenda is increasingly diversifying into manufacturing, digital technology, transport, telecommunications, and strategic raw materials. Berlin consistently identifies itself as one of Algeria's key European partners, as both countries push to expand trade volumes, revitalize the Joint Economic Commission, and activate a bilateral business council. This intersects with Algeria's goal to move away from raw material export dependence toward industrial localization, aligning neatly with Europe's search for nearshore supply chains and strategic material suppliers across the Mediterranean. Concurrently, the relationship carries a crucial security dimension. Algiers views the African interior as essential to its national defense and immediate sphere of interest. Conversely, Europe views escalating volatility across the Sahel as a direct vulnerability regarding migration flows, counterterrorism, and the safety of critical trade and energy arteries. Algeria's geographical border and historical diplomatic influence make it an indispensable counterpart in any long-term European policy toward the region. This priority was underscored by the German Federal Foreign Office ahead of Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul's visit to Algiers in August, highlighting shared German, European, Algerian, and Tunisian interests in sustainable Sahel stabilization. The new bilateral agenda explicitly integrates regional security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, migration management, and defense collaboration. Algeria's ultimate leverage lies not merely in subterranean reserves, but equally in its strategic geography at the nexus of Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Sahel-especially as traditional French influence wanes and regional actors seek non-hegemonic partnerships. This does not imply that Algeria seeks to replace legacy colonial models. Official Algerian diplomacy emphasizes non-intervention, sovereign equality, and multilateral political resolutions. This neutral posture enhances its viability in European capitals seeking pragmatic regional dialogue. The emerging alignment represents neither unilateral concession nor triumph, but a structural rediscovery of mutual interests: Europe requires proximity, energy volume, and regional stabilization; Algeria requires stable consumer markets, technical capital, industrial transfers, and transition financing. Nevertheless, concrete hurdles remain. Natural endowments do not automatically confer lasting economic influence. Green hydrogen projects demand high capital intensity, integrated transport networks, and globally competitive production costs. Sustained foreign direct investment will hinge on regulatory predictability and the efficient translation of bilateral memorandums into bankable projects. The German dimension exemplifies this complementary dynamic: an industrial and technological heavyweight seeking diversified imports and resources, counterbalanced by an Algerian state possessing geographic proximity, primary materials, and continental market access. While hydrocarbons established Algeria's footprint in European supply security, future momentum will depend on leveraging that standing across industrial co-development, clean energy, and physical connectivity. Ultimately, European policymakers are shifting toward evaluating Algeria for what can be mutually constructed rather than merely extracted. By transforming energy reserves into industrial assets and geographic proximity into strategic corridors, the partnership moves toward building broader economic, logistical, and security architecture bridging both shores of the Mediterranean. تنويه الترجمة / Translatio]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[It Was Once the Venezuela of Bolívar and Chávez...]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12565/It-Was-Once-the-Venezuela-of-Bol%C3%ADvar-and-Ch%C3%A1vez...?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12565/It-Was-Once-the-Venezuela-of-Bol%C3%ADvar-and-Ch%C3%A1vez...?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 19:00:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[By Ali Wati Days after Donald Trump announced what he termed "the biggest oil deal in world history," a secondary Venezuelan energy narrative emerged with far less fanfare. Following the August 28 oil agreement-a deal amounting to the surrender of the Venezuelan people's sovereign resources-two unannounced provisions surfaced: first, Washington secured a direct commercial stake in the disputed Essequibo border region; second, the White House demanded Venezuela's withdrawal from OPEC. With American officials visibly flanking the Venezuelan delegation, the impending victims extend beyond Venezuela to ignite a 66-year-old border dispute. A third dimension ties directly to these files. Three months earlier, in May, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodr guez, personally appeared before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to reject its jurisdiction over the Essequibo territory-which encompasses two-thirds of neighboring Guyana. She declared that "Venezuela cannot comply" with an adverse ruling, framing the dispute as an overt act of commercial dominance, monopoly, and outright theft. While the dispute dates back to the 19th century, it became an existential priority in 2015 when ExxonMobil discovered crude in the offshore Stabroek block. Exxon had shifted exploration there after Hugo Ch vez nationalized its Venezuelan assets in 2007. The Stabroek block currently yields 900,000 barrels per day, projected to reach 1.7 million by 2030. Guyana filed suit at the ICJ in 2018, pledging full adherence to any verdict. Meanwhile, Venezuela-a founding OPEC member-had long enjoyed quota exemptions as U.S. sanctions cratered output to roughly 1.1 million barrels per day. Now, those exemptions are ending within an organization already weakened by departures like Angola's, while Washington reclaims commercial leverage over Venezuelan reserves for the first time in nearly two decades. Exxon's foray into Guyana capitalized on Venezuelan resistance during Nicol s Maduro's tenure. Yet before the ICJ, Rodr guez insisted that the 1966 Geneva Agreement remains Venezuela's "sole valid framework," urging bilateral talks over judicial arbitration-mere months before sitting opposite Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to sign away roughly a fifth of her nation's oil reserves. Having yielded a century of hydrocarbon rights and a founder's seat at OPEC, Rodr guez cannot politically afford to soften her stance on the Essequibo. Conversely, unburdened by OPEC quotas and backed by Washington, Caracas could market crude independently of Riyadh's consensus. If Venezuela leaves alongside past defectors, joined by non-OPEC producers like Guyana, a new Western-led axis-the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Guyana, and Venezuela-emerges to counter Riyadh and Moscow. This dynamic sharply raises the stakes around the Essequibo. Facing domestic backlash over the energy pact, Rodr guez holds strong incentives to mount naval posturing or mobilize nationalistic campaigns similar to the Essequibo referendum. This will test Washington's commitment to silent reconstruction aid via regional mediation versus the risk of military escalation over Guyana. The 65-billion-barrel agreement extends far beyond Venezuela's borders; it hands Washington direct leverage over global supply, challenging Russian and Saudi market leadership while exerting intense geopolitical pressure. Economic warfare serves as a slow-yield nuclear weapon. Tested across Iraq, Sudan, Libya, and Syria, Venezuela stands as its latest application, with Cuba watching closely and Iran remaining the pivotal hurdle. North Korea remains an outlier, shielded by nuclear deterrence and backing from Beijing and Moscow. The resolution of the standoff around Iran will dictate the trajectory of great-power confrontation. Alternatively, the upcoming U.S.-China summit in Washington may formalize an explicit division of influence: the Western Hemisphere acknowledged as Washington's sphere of interest, Beijing commanding influence from Iran to Taiwan, Moscow consolidating Central Asia and Ukraine, and Africa remaining a contested arena among the three. This English text was translated from the original Arabic using Artificial Intelligence (AI)]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Renewed Air Strikes in Southern Lebanon Claim Several Lives and Threaten Peace]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12564/Renewed-Air-Strikes-in-Southern-Lebanon-Claim-Several-Lives-and-Threaten-Peace?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12564/Renewed-Air-Strikes-in-Southern-Lebanon-Claim-Several-Lives-and-Threaten-Peace?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:53:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — At least nine people were killed following a series of air strikes on a village in southern Lebanon, including women, children, and a paramedic. The attacks have caused fresh displacement and raised concerns about the stability of the existing ceasefire agreement.Recent military actions in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon have resulted in a significant loss of life. In the village of Kfar Roummane, a three-story residential building was completely destroyed during an overnight operation. According to local health reports, eight individuals lost their lives in this specific strike, including two women and a child. The intensity of the blast caused widespread damage to the surrounding area near the Shuyuiya roundabout, leaving many others injured and trapped under the debris.The violence extended to emergency responders as well. A separate strike targeted a vehicle used by paramedics, resulting in the death of a medical worker and injuries to several others. The individuals involved were members of local emergency services, including the Islamic Health Association and the Islamic Risala Scout Association. These organizations play a vital role in providing humanitarian aid and medical evacuations in the region. Local health officials emphasized that the targeting of medical staff and residential areas represents a serious concern regarding the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers during times of conflict.Residents of the affected areas described a night of terror. One mother, Sara Moallaem, recounted how she had to rush her five children into a safe room as explosions rocked their home. She expressed the exhaustion felt by many families who have been forced to relocate multiple times in search of safety. For many in Kfar Roummane, which sits very close to the security zones, the fear of being targeted as civilians has led to a new wave of displacement toward safer coastal cities like Sidon.From a diplomatic perspective, the situation is increasingly fragile. Joseph Aoun warned that this dangerous escalation is putting the US-brokered ceasefire in jeopardy. The agreement, established in June, was intended to halt hostilities and facilitate the gradual withdrawal of forces. Joseph Aoun called upon the international community to exert more pressure to end the attacks and maintain the peace process. Meanwhile, counter-claims suggest that the group Hezbollah has been attempting to rebuild its military infrastructure in the south, leading to retaliatory measures.The broader context of the conflict remains grim. Since the start of major hostilities in early March, thousands of people have been killed in Lebanon, including hundreds of women and children. The toll on the other side of the border also continues to rise, with dozens of soldiers and several civilians reported dead. The trilateral framework involving Lebanon and other international mediators remains the primary hope for a resolution, yet the continuous exchange of fire threatens to dismantle the progress made toward a long-term deployment of the national army across the southern border regions. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Eight Nations Jointly Condemn Proposals to Displace Palestinians from Gaza]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12563/Eight-Nations-Jointly-Condemn-Proposals-to-Displace-Palestinians-from-Gaza?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:46:40 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — In a significant unified diplomatic move, the foreign ministers of eight influential nations have issued a joint statement strongly condemning recent proposals regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The group, comprising representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, described such plans as a direct threat to regional stability and a violation of international humanitarian standards.The diplomatic outcry follows the presentation of a controversial strategy by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israel Katz. This proposal outlined a seven-year framework aimed at relocating the Palestinian population from Gaza, which the officials characterized as a program for "voluntary emigration." However, the coalition of eight countries has rejected this framing, labeling the measures as incitement and a flagrant breach of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to remain on their ancestral lands.The ministers emphasized that the Gaza Strip is an inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian territories. They insisted on the necessity of maintaining the territorial integrity and unity of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. According to the joint statement, any attempt to forcibly remove residents—whether internally within the territories or across international borders—is strictly rejected, regardless of the justifications or the form such actions might take. They warned that if these proposals were to become official policy, the consequences for international law would be severe.Furthermore, the statement highlighted that such displacement plans run counter to established international peace efforts. The ministers noted that these proposals contradict frameworks like the one supported by Donald Trump, which aims to resolve the conflict in Gaza while explicitly rejecting the forced movement of populations. The eight nations cautioned that implementing such measures would not only undermine the prospects for peace but also lead to a dangerous escalation of tension throughout the Middle East.The group reaffirmed that the only viable path toward a just and lasting peace is the implementation of a two-state solution. This would involve the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the borders defined in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They called upon the international community and the UN Security Council to take a firm stand against any attempts to alter the demographic or geographic composition of the region. The ministers concluded by reiterating their unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and their refusal to allow the fundamental issues of the conflict to be erased through unilateral actions. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Five People Including Four Teens Hospitalized After Severe Queens Highway Crash]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12562/Five-People-Including-Four-Teens-Hospitalized-After-Severe-Queens-Highway-Crash?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:36:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A major vehicle collision on the Cross Island Parkway in Queens resulted in five people being rushed to the hospital on Saturday night. The incident, which involved two vehicles and multiple teenagers, led to the complete closure of several lanes during the busy Labor Day holiday weekend. One of the victims remains in critical condition following the crash near 154th Street.Emergency responders from the New York City Fire Department were dispatched to the scene around 10:15 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious accident. Investigations revealed that a Toyota Camry, operated by a 19-year-old and carrying three other teenage passengers, struck the rear of a Honda Accord. The Accord was being driven by a 42-year-old man with a 36-year-old woman in the passenger seat. The force of the impact caused the Camry to flip over, leading to a chaotic scene on the expressway.The consequences of the collision were severe. During the rollover, two of the teenage passengers were thrown from the Camry. Medical teams transported five individuals to nearby hospitals for urgent care. Among those injured, a 19-year-old passenger is currently fighting for their life in critical condition. The 19-year-old driver, along with two other passengers aged 16 and 18, are reported to be in stable condition. The 42-year-old driver of the Honda Accord is also stable, while his passenger did not sustain any injuries.The accident caused significant disruptions for holiday travelers. New York City Emergency Management initially reported the closure of southbound lanes near the Whitestone Bridge around 9:45 p.m. Shortly thereafter, the northbound lanes were also shut down to allow emergency crews to work and investigators to clear the wreckage. The highway remained closed for several hours as the investigation continued and the debris was removed from the roadway.Commuters faced heavy delays throughout the night until the Cross Island Parkway finally reopened at approximately 1:42 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities have urged drivers to remain cautious during high-traffic periods, especially during holiday weekends when the volume of vehicles on New York City expressways increases significantly. The cause of the crash remains under investigation as officials look into the circumstances that led the vehicle to clip the other and overturn. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Harry S. Truman: The President Who Recognized Israel as Palestine Entered the Nakba]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12561/Harry-S.-Truman%3A-The-President-Who-Recognized-Israel-as-Palestine-Entered-the-Nakba?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:26:26 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Profile Attribute Details Name Harry S. Truman Born-Died 1884-1972 Office 33rd President of the United States Presidency 1945-1953 Party Democratic Party Political Significance U.S. President Harry S. Truman made the decisive American decision to recognize Israel on May 14, 1948, minutes after the new state was proclaimed. Source Document: Official U.S. recognition of Israel, May 14, 1948 - National Archives & Records Administration American involvement with the Zionist project did not begin with Truman. His presidency inherited decades of American political, religious, and financial engagement with Palestine. Under Truman, however, U.S. policy entered a new stage: support for the partition of Palestine and then recognition of the state established amid war and Palestinian displacement. Palestine in Truman's Policy In May 1946 Truman endorsed a recommendation to admit 100,000 Jewish displaced persons from Europe into Palestine, and in October he publicly supported the creation of a Jewish state. Source Document: U.S. Department of State: Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) - Support for admitting 100,000 displaced persons and for a Jewish state in 1946 Palestine was under the British Mandate, and Palestinians did not possess sovereignty over their country's borders. The United States, a continental power emerging from the war into global predominance, did not admit those same 100,000 on the terms it urged for Palestine. The issue was therefore political, not sentimental: those who possessed power decided that part of Europe's problem would be resolved in Palestine. In 1947 the Truman administration supported UN Resolution 181 partitioning Palestine. According to the UN's historical summary, Jewish-owned land amounted to about 6.2 percent of Palestine in 1947, while the partition plan allocated about 56 percent of the country to the proposed Jewish state. Source Document: United Nations: The Question of Palestine - Historical Summary of Land Ownership and Partition Plan The Power That Reached the White House By the time Jewish statehood reached the presidential agenda, American Zionism had built a broad political, financial, and organizational network inside the United States. Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, reached Truman through Eddie Jacobson, Truman's friend and former business partner. Inside the White House, presidential adviser Clark Clifford became one of the strongest advocates of partition and recognition, alongside other channels within the administration. The 1948 election was also part of the environment. The Truman Library notes that Jewish votes were important to the president and that Clifford urged a firm pro-partition position in order to win those votes. Source Document: Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum: Electoral politics, pressure on the president, and the dispute over recognition Money built organization; organization created access; access entered the center of decision-making. Empire and Its Interests The American state was not a single bloc. Secretary of State George Marshall and parts of the State and defense establishments viewed Palestine through wider U.S. interests: oil, the Suez Canal, the strategic position of the Middle East, relations with Arab states, and competition with the Soviet Union. Source Document: U.S. Policy Planning Staff: Palestine, oil, Suez, U.S. security, and the Soviet Union (PPS/19) The dispute was not between "interest" and "no interest," but over which policy would best serve the rising American power. One camp warned that partition endangered U.S. interests in the Arab world; Clifford argued that support for a Jewish state could coexist with protection of American oil and strategic interests. Source Document: Memorandum by Clark M. Clifford to President Truman: Defense of partition within a conception of U.S. interests Violence and Displacement Before the Administration American decision-making did not occur apart from events on the ground. On July 22, 1946, the Zionist armed organization Irgun bombed a wing of Jerusalem's King David Hotel, which housed the British administrative headquarters, killing more than ninety people, including civilians. Source Document: National Army Museum (UK): Irgun and the King David Hotel Bombing On April 9, 1948, forces from Irgun and Lehi/Stern attacked the Palestinian village of Deir Yassin. A document submitted by the British delegation to the UN Palestine Commission reported the killing of men, women, and children in circumstances it described as exceptionally savage. Source Document: UN Palestine Commission: Communications from the United Kingdom Delegation concerning the attack on Deir Yassin (A/AC.21/UK/116) At the same time, the Haganah, the principal military force of the organized Jewish community in Palestine and the core from which the Israeli army was formed, was expanding military control over towns, villages, and roads. Truman therefore did not recognize Israel before the effects of force were visible on the ground. He made the decision while Palestinian displacement was already underway. May 14, 1948 Two days before the declaration of statehood, the internal dispute reached a peak between Secretary of State George Marshall and presidential adviser Clark Clifford over recognition. On May 14, Truman decided, and the United States recognized the provisional government of Israel on a de facto basis. Source Document: Truman Presidential Library: Chronology and Historical Files of the Recognition Decision Recognition was rapid. The Arab Palestinian state envisioned by the partition resolution was never established, while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians became refugees. In 1949, the UN Economic Survey Mission estimated 726,000 refugees as persons who had fled Israeli-held territory and were unable to return; with approximately 25,000 "border-line cases," the mission's total reached about 751,000. Source Document: United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine: Final Report of the UN Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East (Clapp Report, 1949) Political Imprint Truman did not create Zionism, and U.S. policy toward Palestine did not begin with him. He was the president of a state that was emerging from the Second World War as a global power with economic, military, and strategic interests in the Middle East. The Zionist project that reached his desk possessed institutions, financing, organization, and networks of influence inside the United States, while the Palestinian people remained under British colonial rule and lacked comparable power inside the American decision-making system. Truman chose to support partition and then chose to recognize Israel while Palestinian displacement was already underway. The Zionist project obtained statehood and American recognition. The Palestinians lost their state, and a large part of their people lost home and land and entered the refugee camp. That is Harry S. Truman's political imprint on the Palestine question. Alhawadeth Politics Monitor - APM We document the facts... monitor and analyze positions... and leave the judgment to you.]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[The United States’ Role in the 1948 Palestinian Nakba: Zionist Influence and U.S. Power Networks Connected to Palestine, to 1948]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12560/The-United-States%E2%80%99-Role-in-the-1948-Palestinian-Nakba%3A-Zionist-Influence-and-U.S.-Power-Networks-Connected-to-Palestine%2C-to-1948?lang=en</link>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://alhawadeth.net/news/12560/The-United-States%E2%80%99-Role-in-the-1948-Palestinian-Nakba%3A-Zionist-Influence-and-U.S.-Power-Networks-Connected-to-Palestine%2C-to-1948?lang=en</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:13:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[Research File Code APM-PN001 Classification Power Network Analysis Historical Period Covered 1891 - 1948 Core Institutions Examined U.S. Presidency, U.S. Congress, State & Defense Departments, AZEC, Corporate & Financial Networks This file traces how Palestine entered American politics early, and how support for the Zionist project moved from religious and elite currents into the presidency, Congress, capital, institutions and political organization, and eventually into U.S. support for partition and recognition of Israel. The story does not begin with U.S. President Harry S. Truman in 1948; its American roots reach back more than half a century. Washington, however, was never a single bloc. These networks collided with other American calculations involving oil, Arab relations, security and military strategy in the Middle East. APM therefore follows the pathways of power as they appear in the record: where interests converged, where they conflicted, and what resulted in Palestine. 1891 - Before Basel: Blackstone Brings Palestine to the Door of the American Presidency On March 5, 1891, American Protestant evangelist William Eugene Blackstone presented U.S. President Benjamin Harrison with a petition later known as the Blackstone Memorial. In the context of the persecution of Jews in Russia, it called on the United States to work with European powers to convene a conference considering the restoration of Jews to Palestine. Documentation: Text of the memorial The document's political weight lay not in Blackstone alone but in the character of its signatories. Commonly cited academic accounts count 413 prominent signers, although later catalogs differ in their totals. Among the notable names were: Industrialist John D. Rockefeller Financier John Pierpont Morgan Industrialist Cyrus McCormick Speaker of the House Thomas Brackett Reed Chief Justice Melville Fuller Congressman William McKinley (later President of the United States) Cardinal James Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore The list also included mayors, judges, members of Congress, clergy, university leaders, editors and publishers. Documentation: Study of the signatories This episode matters to the history of U.S. policy because, six years before the Basel Congress, it reveals an American network of religion, money, politics and media pushing Palestine onto the presidential agenda. It was not yet official U.S. policy, and President Harrison's administration did not implement the memorial's demand. Documentation: Wheaton College archive 1897-1916 - From Basel to Brandeis: Zionism Becomes an Organized American Political Movement The First Zionist Congress at Basel in 1897, led by Austro-Hungarian journalist and writer Theodor Herzl, gave Zionism an organized international political framework. In the United States, the movement began building its own institutions and constituency. In 1914, American lawyer and Zionist leader Louis D. Brandeis became chairman of the Provisional Executive Committee for General Zionist Affairs. In 1916, he became the first Jewish justice appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Brandeis gave American Zionism an exceptional connection to the political elite and helped present it in American terms linking Zionism with patriotism and democracy. Documentation: Brandeis Archives In 1916, Blackstone again advanced his memorial, this time to U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, in a political environment in which American Zionism had acquired stronger organization and leadership. The earlier Protestant restorationist current was now intersecting with organized political Zionism rather than remaining a separate track. Documentation: Blackstone archive 1917 - Wilson and the Balfour Declaration: The U.S. Presidency Enters a British Diplomatic Moment On November 2, 1917, British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour issued the declaration supporting the establishment in Palestine of a "national home for the Jewish people," addressing it to British peer Walter Rothschild for transmission to the Zionist Federation. Documentation: Text of the Balfour Declaration The Balfour Declaration was not, however, a British matter isolated from Washington. The U.S. diplomatic record documents that the draft declaration was submitted to President Woodrow Wilson and that he approved it before it was issued. The American presidency had thus entered one of the most consequential international moments that gave the Zionist project political backing from a great power. Documentation: U.S. Department of State records 1922-1924 - From Support to Institutions of the American State In 1922, support moved into the U.S. Congress. Both chambers adopted the Lodge-Fish resolution favoring the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and U.S. President Warren G. Harding approved the joint resolution on September 21, 1922. Support was no longer confined to influential individuals and groups; it now had an official expression within the American legislative state. Documentation: Congressional Record In 1924, the United States and Britain concluded a convention concerning Palestine that recognized the Mandate framework into which the Balfour commitment had been incorporated. The American trajectory had therefore moved from elite advocacy in 1891, to presidential approval in 1917, to congressional support and an international agreement in the 1920s. Documentation: U.S. diplomatic record Trajectory: 1891: elite network 1914: American Zionist leadership 1917: Wilson's approval 1922: Congress 1924: convention with Britain The Mandate: International Policy Becomes Capacity on the Ground The British Mandate recognized a Jewish agency to cooperate with the administration in establishing the Jewish national home, and required the administration to facilitate Jewish immigration and encourage close Jewish settlement on the land, while also stating that the rights and position of other sections of the population were not to be prejudiced. The project was now operating inside a colonial framework that controlled immigration, land policy and administration, while Palestinians did not possess sovereignty over the decisions shaping the future of their country. Documentation: Mandate for Palestine - Articles 4 and 6 The 1920s and 1930s - American Money Becomes Institutions and Capacity After the First World War, American participation expanded from politics into money and institutions. The money did not follow a single channel: it included relief and philanthropy, fundraising, financing for settlement and land purchase, and private investment in agriculture, housing, water, industry and credit. One important economic node was the Palestine Economic Corporation, an American investment institution active in credit, mortgages, agriculture, housing, water and land development. Its founding and management were linked to American financiers and institutional leaders, including: Lawyer and Zionist leader Bernard Flexner Banker and philanthropist Felix M. Warburg Businessman and politician Herbert H. Lehman It illustrates the movement of American capital from sympathy or donation into institution-building and economic capacity inside Palestine. Documentation: Company records - New York Public Library A distinction is essential here: not every Jewish financier or philanthropist was a political Zionist, and not every financial contribution constituted support for a Jewish state. What matters is the function performed by money and institutions in building capacity, and the documented relationship between those resources and land, immigration, settlement and politics. Flow of Influence: Capital Credit and investment Land, housing, agriculture and water Institutions Capacity Land and the 6 Percent - The Power of Finance and the Limits of Purchase The Government of Palestine's Village Statistics for 1945 recorded: 1,491,699 dunams in Jewish ownership 12,574,774 dunams in Arab ownership Relative to the total area of Mandatory Palestine, Jewish ownership was roughly 6 percent. Documentation: 1945 statistics - United Nations The figure tells two stories at once: First, behind this ownership stood decades of financing, immigration, settlement and institution-building, with European and then increasing American participation under the British Mandate. Second, despite that concentration of money and power, the overwhelming majority of Palestine remained outside Jewish ownership. The 6 percent therefore reveals both the strength of the project and the limits of what it achieved through purchase. In some land transactions, Palestinian peasants or tenants cultivated and lived on land without holding the registered title, particularly in transactions involving large or absentee landowners. The 1930 Hope Simpson Report documented the weak protection available to some tenants and cultivators against the effects of land transfer. Documentation: Hope Simpson Report But land purchases do not explain what happened to the land in 1948. A transfer of ownership by purchase is one mechanism; control of land in wartime after inhabitants are displaced and prevented from returning is another. The 1940s - From Building in Palestine to Building Influence Inside America By the 1940s, American Zionism had become a more organized political apparatus. One of its leading institutions was the American Zionist Emergency Council (AZEC), which coordinated research, publicity, publications, speakers, local contacts, work with clergy, and pressure directed at Congress and the administration. Council records show a proposed 1943-1944 budget of $604,500, distributed across: Administration Publicity and publications Research Community contacts The American Palestine Committee A speakers bureau Christian clergy work Special events This was not simply fundraising for Palestine; it was an infrastructure for organized political action inside the United States. Documentation: AZEC budget - American Jewish Archives Operational Model: Money Organization Research and media Mobilization Congress White House 1947-1948 - The Network Reaches the Center of Decision In 1947, the administration of U.S. President Harry S. Truman supported the United Nations plan to partition Palestine into an Arab state and a Jewish state. This was a qualitative shift: U.S. policy moved from support for a Jewish national home to backing a political plan that allocated more than half of Palestine to the proposed Jewish state. Documentation: U.S. Department of State - Creation of Israel Around President Truman, several channels operated at once: Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization Eddie Jacobson, Truman's friend and former business partner, who opened a personal channel between Truman and Weizmann David K. Niles, a White House adviser Lawyer and adviser Max Lowenthal Clark Clifford, the president's political adviser and one of the strongest advocates inside the White House for recognition of the new state On May 14, 1948, President Truman recognized the provisional government of Israel as the de facto authority of the new state, minutes after its declaration. Documentation: U.S. recognition document But Washington Was Divided Support for Israel was not the only American definition of national interest. U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall and officials in the State and Defense Departments warned about the consequences for Arab relations, oil, regional stability, military burdens and possible Soviet expansion. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Forrestal represented part of the security establishment that viewed Palestine through strategic and oil-related interests. By contrast, presidential adviser Clark Clifford and a pro-recognition circle inside the White House argued for a different course. The documentary record shows that the struggle was not simply "a lobby" against "the American interest," but a contest among American power centers over how that interest itself should be defined. Documentation: U.S. Department of State - internal dispute Where Were the Palestinians and the Arabs? Palestinian leaders and Arab governments attempted to influence Washington through diplomacy, delegations, offices and academic and political figures. Among the prominent figures in the American arena was Lebanese-American historian Philip K. Hitti, a Princeton University professor and one of the leading Arab voices in the United States, alongside representatives of the Arab Higher Committee and the Arab League. But access to decision-making was unequal. American Zionism built organizations, donors, religious and media networks, influential personalities and channels operating inside American political society itself; Palestinians and Arabs relied more heavily on diplomacy, governments and strategic interests. The Palestinian, whose land and political future were being decided, had the weakest access to the American center of decision. 1948 - From Ownership to Control Metric Stage Percentage of Mandatory Palestine Nature of Measurement Land Ownership (1945) 6% Registered private land purchase/ownership UN Partition Plan (1947) 56% Proposed international political allocation (UNGA Res 181) Post-1948 War Control 77% Territorial control established by military force Shift: 6% ownership 56% under partition 77% control after the war (References: UN General Assembly Resolution 181; UN study on land after 1948) As for the refugees, the United Nations Economic Survey Mission estimated in 1949 that about 726,000 people had fled from territory that became Israel and were unable to return, raising the figure to roughly 751,000 when categories it called "border-line cases" were added. The human scale can therefore be summarized as roughly three-quarters of a million Palestinians, while recognizing that higher Palestinian estimates also exist. Documentation: UN Clapp Report In 1948, the mechanism of control changed: from capital, purchase, immigration, settlement and institution-building to war, military force, displacement, uprooting, control over cities, villages and extensive lands, and the prevention of refugee return. The existence of legal purchases before the war neither explains nor legitimizes that transformation. What Does the American Trajectory Reveal? Between 1891 and 1948, the United States was not a spectator that appeared only when Israel was declared. The American story began with religious and elite networks pressing Palestine onto the political agenda; then came the presidency and Congress, flows of money and investment, institutions, organized mobilization and lobbying, until these networks reached the heart of decision-making under President Truman. The path was neither straight nor unified. Clergy, financiers, politicians, Zionists and strategic officials acted from different motives, and the interests of the White House, State Department and Defense establishment sometimes collided. But the accumulation of these pathways created an American capacity that materially influenced Palestine's future long before Israel was established. Cumulative Trajectory: Belief Elite networks Presidency and Congress Capital and institutions Organization and lobbying U.S. decision Land and human impact Core Sources and Documents Blackstone Memorial - Original Petition Text (March 1891) Wheaton College Archives - William E. Blackstone Papers Brandeis University Archives - Louis D. Brandeis Papers on American Zionism Balfour Declaration (November 2, 1917) - British Foreign Office Records Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) - Wilson, Balfour and U.S. Policy Records Congressional Record - Lodge-Fish Joint Resolution (September 21, 1922) League of Nations - Mandate for Palestine (Articles 4 and 6) New York Public Library - Palestine Economic Corporation Records United Nations - Village Statistics 1945: A Classification of Land and Area Ownership in Palestine British Government - Sir John Hope Simpson Report on Immigration, Land Settlement and Development (1930) American Jewish Archives - American Zionist Emergency Council (AZEC) Records & 1943-1944 Budget U.S. Department of State - Historical Office: Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948 (Creation of Israel & Internal Policy Disputes) National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) - Official U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel (May 14, 1948) United Nations General Assembly - Resolution 181 (II): Future Government of Palestine (Partition Plan) United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine - Final Report of the United Nations Economic Survey Mission for the Middle East (Clapp Report, 1949)]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Donald Trump Signs Order to Revoke Protection for Grey and Mexican Wolves]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12559/Donald-Trump-Signs-Order-to-Revoke-Protection-for-Grey-and-Mexican-Wolves?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:54:20 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Donald Trump has signed a new executive order that directs officials to reconsider the endangered species status of grey wolves and Mexican wolves, a move that has sparked intense debate between the agricultural sector and environmental conservationists. This directive could eventually lead to the removal of federal protections, allowing ranchers more freedom to manage wolf populations that they say threaten their livestock and livelihoods. The executive order specifically targets the grey wolf and its subspecies, the Mexican wolf. It instructs the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, to conduct a 90-day review to determine if these wolf populations have sufficiently recovered to be removed from the endangered species list. This move is framed as a support measure for the American ranching industry, which Donald Trump describes as a vital component of the nation's food supply and cultural heritage. Supporters of the move argue that the current livestock numbers in the United States are at a 75-year low, while the demand for beef has seen a significant increase over the last decade. However, the decision has met with sharp criticism from wildlife advocates. Conservation groups argue that while wolf populations have grown, they are far from being fully recovered. For instance, data from the Fish and Wildlife Service shows that Mexican wolves in the wild increased from only four individuals in 1998 to 319 by 2025. While this is an improvement, advocates say the species remains fragile. Similarly, there are approximately 18,000 grey wolves across the United States, but many of them live in fragmented habitats that continue to face pressure from human expansion and environmental changes. Environmentalists also point out that attacks on livestock by wolves are statistically rare and have a minimal impact on the overall income of ranchers. They highlight existing programs that provide up to 100% compensation for livestock losses caused by wolves, as well as state-funded initiatives designed to deter such attacks without lethal force. Critics of the order suggest that the move is more about political posturing than actual ecological or economic necessity, claiming it ignores the biological realities of species recovery. Some organizations have already indicated they are prepared to file lawsuits to block any attempts to delist the animals from federal protection. The timing of this executive order coincides with broader economic challenges in the beef industry. The administration is currently grappling with record-high beef prices caused by long-term droughts and parasitic outbreaks among cattle. Ranchers have also expressed frustration over policies that have allowed for more beef imports, which they say tightens their profit margins. By addressing the wolf issue, the administration appears to be responding to long-standing grievances from the rural community, who have often viewed federal wildlife protections as an overreach that burdens private landowners. Historically, the relationship between humans and wolves in the United States has been one of conflict. During the late 19th century, the government launched campaigns to systematically eliminate wolves, leading them to the brink of extinction. It was only through decades of federal protection and careful reintroduction programs that the animals began to return to their native ranges. This latest executive order marks a significant shift in that trajectory, raising questions about the future of wildlife management and the balance between industrial needs and environmental preservation. As Doug Burgum begins his review, the nation waits to see if these iconic predators will lose the legal shield that has protected them for generations. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[Major Volcano Eruption in Indonesia Leaves 150,000 Travelers Stranded]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12558/Major-Volcano-Eruption-in-Indonesia-Leaves-150%2C000-Travelers-Stranded?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:37:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — A powerful volcanic eruption at Anak Krakatau has caused massive travel disruptions across Indonesia, leaving more than 150,000 passengers stranded as several airports were forced to shut down. The volcanic activity has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and raised health concerns for local residents due to falling ash.The situation began to escalate when volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau was detected in the airspace, leading to the immediate suspension of operations at six major airports. Among the first to close was Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, a critical hub for both domestic and international travel. Transport official Dudy Purwagandhi reported that approximately 467 flights have been impacted so far. Airlines have been advised to explore alternative routes and divert flights to unaffected regions to manage the growing backlog of passengers.The eruption, which started late Friday, has been characterized by continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and loud booms that could be heard in the surrounding areas. By Sunday morning, two additional significant eruptions occurred, further complicating the situation. The cloud of ash has spread significantly, reaching heights of 20,000 feet over Java and up to 50,000 feet on the Sumatra side, according to meteorological reports. Despite the intensity of the eruption, officials have confirmed that there is currently no threat of a tsunami in the Sunda Strait.The impact of the eruption extends beyond the aviation industry. In West Java and parts of Sumatra, local life has been heavily disrupted. Residents have reported thick layers of ash covering homes and streets, with some describing the sensation of fine sand irritating their eyes. Consequently, several schools have suspended classes to protect students, and local fishermen have stayed ashore to avoid the hazardous conditions. Health officials are urging people in the affected zones to stay indoors and wear protective masks to prevent respiratory issues and skin irritation.Anak Krakatau, which translates to "Child of Krakatoa," has a history of volatility. It emerged in the early 20th century within the caldera formed by the legendary 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa. The volcano remains one of the most active in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a 40,000-kilometer zone known for high seismic activity and home to the majority of the world's active volcanoes. This latest event serves as a reminder of the 2018 collapse of the volcano, which triggered a devastating tsunami. While the current activity has not led to such a catastrophe, authorities remain on high alert to ensure public safety.As airlines work to manage the influx of affected travelers, Dudy Purwagandhi has called for expedited ticket refunds and clear communication to prevent overcrowding at airport terminals. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status regularly as the situation remains fluid and dependent on the movement of the volcanic ash cloud. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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      <title><![CDATA[US Negotiators Travel to Kyiv Following High-Level Talks with Vladimir Putin in Moscow]]></title>
      <link>https://alhawadeth.net/news/12557/US-Negotiators-Travel-to-Kyiv-Following-High-Level-Talks-with-Vladimir-Putin-in-Moscow?lang=en</link>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:28:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[NEW YORK ALHAWADETH — Following a three-hour intensive meeting in Moscow with Vladimir Putin, US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Kyiv to continue discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. This visit marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts, as the delegation seeks to bridge the gap between the two sides and establish a framework for peace. The arrival of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the Ukrainian capital on Sunday follows what has been described as a productive session in the Russian capital. According to reports, the meeting in Moscow focused on substantive plans for the next steps in the peace process. While the specific details of these plans have not yet been fully disclosed, there is an expectation that a formal announcement regarding the progress of these negotiations will be made in the coming weeks. This trip represents the first time these specific representatives, who are closely linked to Donald Trump, have visited Kyiv for direct talks.One of the immediate and tangible outcomes of this diplomatic push is a mutual agreement between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky to halt aerial strikes on each other’s capital cities for a period of three days. This temporary ceasefire in Kyiv and Moscow is seen as a gesture of good faith to allow the negotiations to proceed in a more stable environment. As the US envoys arrived for their meetings, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a readiness for dialogue, stating that his team is focused on bringing a swift and realistic conclusion to the war while ensuring long-term security guarantees.In Moscow, the discussions were held behind closed doors at the official residence of the Russian leadership. Russian official Yuri Ushakov characterized the three-hour dialogue as extremely frank and constructive. He noted that the conversation extended beyond the immediate crisis in Ukraine to include potential economic cooperation and large-scale projects between Russia and the United States that could be mutually beneficial in the future. However, Ushakov also pointed out that any lasting resolution must address the underlying causes of the conflict and take into account the current territorial realities on the ground.The diplomatic mission comes at a time of continued intensity in the conflict. While ground movements have remained relatively slow with significant costs for both sides, the aerial component of the war has escalated recently. Ukraine has faced challenges in defending against ballistic strikes, while its own strategic efforts have targeted industrial and energy infrastructure. The presence of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in the region signifies an intensified effort to move from the battlefield to the negotiating table, as both sides wait to see the results of these high-stakes discussions. — BY ALHAWADETH]]></description>
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