Global politics

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Putin responds to US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, says Russia 'for it' but has concerns

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Syrian leader signs constitution that puts the country under an Islamist group's rule for 5 years

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Israel launches fresh Gaza strikes as it vows to fight 'in full force'

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Police arrest Istanbul mayor over alleged corruption and terror links

ISTANBUL -- Turkish police on Wednesday arrested Istanbul's mayor — a popular opposition leader and key rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — as part of investigations into alleged corruption and terror links. It was a dramatic escalation in an ongoing government crackdown on the opposition and dissenting voices in Turkey.

[Psy-Fi]

US and European armies should join our war on gangs, Ecuador president tells BBC

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has told the BBC he wants US, European and Brazilian armies to join his "war" against criminal gangs.

He added he wants US President Donald Trump to designate Ecuadorean gangs as terrorist groups, as he has done for some Mexican and Venezuelan cartels.

He also said Ecuadorean law would be respected when asked about his recent partnership with Erik Prince, an ally of Trump and founder of controversial private military firm Blackwater.

Violence has soared in Ecuador in recent years, with gangs battling to control drug trafficking routes. Most of the world's cocaine is trafficked through Ecuador's ports.

President Noboa has previously indicated he would like foreign military aid to help tackle drug cartels – but this is the first time he has singled out the US, Brazil and Europe.

[DeepMinder]

https://bsky.app/profile/azovlife.bsky.social/post/3lky4mzv3r22d

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Israel says it will maintain 'permanent' presence in Gaza unless hostages are freed

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Turkey detains journalists as protests over Erdogan rival's jailing intensify

ISTANBUL -- Turkish authorities detained several journalists from their homes, a media workers' union reported Monday, in what it said was a crackdown amid escalating protests triggered by the imprisonment of the mayor of Istanbul and top rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On Sunday, a court formally arrested Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and ordered him jailed pending a trial on corruption charges. His detention on Wednesday sparked the largest wave of street demonstrations in Turkey in more than a decade and deepened concerns over democracy and the rule of law in the country.

In an apparent escalation of the government's response to the growing protests, the Disk-Basin-Is union said at least eight reporters and photojournalists were detained in what it said was an "attack on press freedoms and the people's right to learn the truth."

[DeepMinder]

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Ecuador is preparing for US forces, plans show, as Noboa calls for help battling gangs

Manta, Ecuador CNN  —

Ecuador is laying the groundwork for US forces to arrive, according to plans obtained by CNN – as its president calls on US President Donald Trump to help battle powerful gangs in a country once known as the "island of peace."

According to a high-level Ecuadorian official familiar with the planning, construction of a new naval facility in the coastal city of Manta is part of that preparation, with barracks-style housing and administration offices designed to support sustained operations and US military personnel. The official requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

"The expectation is that these will be eventually occupied by US troops," the official told CNN.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has made no secret of his desire for foreign boots on the ground as gangs unleash terror across the country – a request he is expected to reiterate this weekend. Noboa is set to meet Trump in Florida on Saturday to discuss immigration, trade and "security cooperation."

[Psy-Fi]

Protesters return to Istanbul's streets for huge rally

Hundreds of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators have returned to the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, to show support for the city's jailed mayor.

Ekrem Imamoglu, who is seen as the main rival of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was arrested on corruption charges last week, sparking mass protests.

He denies the charges and says his arrest was politically motivated.

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Death sentence for three Americans over DR Congo coup attempt overturned

Three Americans convicted for their role in a failed coup in Democratic Republic of Congo last year have had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, the presidency has said.

They were among 37 people sentenced to death last September by a military court.

The three were accused of leading an attack on both the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi last May.

The overturning of the sentences comes ahead of a visit to DR Congo by the newly appointed US senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos.

I wonder if the CIA keeps them on their payroll while they're imprisoned?

They should at least be giving them some money for cigarettes.