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Senate Democrat permits F-16 sales to Turkey following approval of Sweden into NATO on January 26, 2024 at 11:36 pm

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The top Senate Democrat with oversight of foreign affairs said Friday he is greenlighting a sale of F-16s to Turkey following Ankara’s following through on Sweden’s accession to NATO. 

Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement that he will permit the sale of F-16s to Turkey, but raised concerns about the Turkish government’s human rights record domestically and its ties with bad actors globally. 

“My approval of Turkey’s request to purchase F-16 aircrafts has been contingent on Turkish approval of Sweden’s NATO membership. But make no mistake: this was not a decision I came to lightly,” Cardin said, raising concerns about Ankara’s human rights record, ties with Russia amid its war against Ukraine, and support of Hamas and criticism of Israel in the Middle East. 

“My concerns have been strongly and consistently conveyed to the Biden administration as part of our ongoing engagement, and I am encouraged by the productive direction of their discussions with Turkish officials to address these issues.”

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Turkey had held back for more than a year on permitting Sweden’s accession to NATO, eking out concessions from Stockholm on its handling of what Ankara views as Kurdish terrorist groups, its ban on arms sales to Turkey and calling for the country to help Turkey join the E.U.

In addition, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had pressed the U.S. to override a hold imposed by former Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) blocking the sale of F-16s in order to get Ankara to permit Sweden’s accession. 

Menendez stepped down as committee chairman in September following a federal indictment that he accepted bribes in exchange for using his position to exercise influence with foreign governments. 

Cardin took up the post shortly after but maintained the hold on the F-16 sales until Turkey followed through on Sweden’s accession. 

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While Erdoğan had made clear his quid pro quo for allowing Sweden’s entry into the alliance, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also held back on ratifying Sweden joining NATO.

Cardin accused Orbán of obstruction.

“Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has once again shown himself to be the least reliable member of NATO, in addition to playing the role of spoiler in the European Union’s effort to provide much-needed economic assistance to Ukraine,” Cardin said, criticizing Budapest’s frustrating efforts for the European Union to commit more economic aid to Ukraine. 

The expansion of NATO is viewed as a key bulwark against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s campaign of aggression against Ukraine and threats to Europe. Sweden joining the alliance, following Finland’s accession in June 2023, expands NATO’s northern border with Russia.

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​ The top Senate Democrat with oversight of foreign affairs said Friday he is greenlighting a sale of F-16s to Turkey following Ankara’s following through on Sweden’s accession to NATO.  Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement that he will permit the sale of F-16s to Turkey, but… 

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Terror Attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas Linked

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The start of 2025 has been marred by two horrific terror attacks in the United States, one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas, both occurring on New Year’s Day. These incidents have left communities reeling and have raised concerns about potential connections between the suspects involved.

In New Orleans, a truck driven by 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Jabbar plowed into a crowd celebrating on Bourbon Street, resulting in at least 15 deaths and over 30 injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that Jabbar, a U.S. Army veteran from Texas, deliberately targeted pedestrians while flying an ISIS flag from his vehicle. Following the attack, he exited the truck armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on police officers before being killed in the ensuing confrontation. Authorities discovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs) within his vehicle and in the vicinity of the attack site, further confirming the premeditated nature of this act of terrorism.

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Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded in Las Vegas when a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel. The driver, identified as Matthew Livelsberger, also had a military background and was reported to have detonated the vehicle packed with firework mortars and fuel, resulting in his death and injuring seven others. Investigators are exploring whether Livelsberger and Jabbar had any prior connection, as both men served at the same military base at different times.

While the FBI has confirmed that they are investigating both attacks as acts of terrorism, they have not established a definitive link between the two incidents. However, similarities in their execution—both suspects rented vehicles from the same company—have prompted further scrutiny into their backgrounds and any potential accomplices.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about either suspect to come forward. The tragic events have sparked discussions about security measures in public spaces, particularly as cities prepare for large gatherings in the coming months.

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Politics

Donald Trump Named TIME’s 2024 Person of the Year

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Donald Trump has been selected as TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024, marking his second time receiving this distinction. The former president, who won a historic comeback victory in the 2024 election, was chosen for his significant impact on global affairs and American politics.

TIME editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs explained the decision, citing Trump’s “comeback of historic proportions,” his role in driving “a once-in-a-generation political realignment,” and his reshaping of both the American presidency and the country’s global role. This recognition comes after Trump’s unprecedented achievement of reclaiming the White House after losing reelection four years earlier.

The selection process involved an extensive interview with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November, covering a wide range of topics including the economy, foreign policy, and his plans for a second term. Notably, TIME took the unprecedented step of publishing a comprehensive fact-check alongside the interview transcript, examining 15 distinct assertions made by Trump.

Trump’s relationship with TIME has been tumultuous over the years. While he expressed honor at receiving the title in 2016, he has also criticized the magazine’s selections and even claimed he refused a potential Person of the Year offer in 2017. Despite this, Trump participated in the process this year, granting TIME access for an in-depth interview.

To commemorate the announcement, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This event marked a significant moment in Trump’s career, as it was his first time participating in this Wall Street tradition.

Trump’s selection as Person of the Year reflects his continued influence on American politics and his ability to reshape the political landscape. As the country prepares for his return to the White House, all eyes will be on how Trump’s second term might further impact both domestic and international affairs.

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Film Industry

Jay-Z Denies Allegations Amid Lawsuit

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Jay-Z, the renowned rapper and music mogul, faces serious allegations in a recently amended civil lawsuit. According to ABC News and NBC News, the suit accuses him and Sean “Diddy” Combs of raping a 13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party in 2000.

The lawsuit, initially filed in October 2024, was updated on Sunday to include Jay-Z as a defendant alongside Combs. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe,” claims she was assaulted after being driven to the party following the awards show.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, vehemently denies the allegations. He released a statement on X calling the lawsuit a “blackmail attempt” and questioning why it was filed as a civil case rather than a criminal one. The rapper expressed concern about the impact on his family, stating he and his wife Beyoncé would need to discuss the situation with their children.

Combs, who is currently in federal custody on separate charges, has also denied the accusations through his attorneys. The lawsuit alleges that an unidentified female celebrity was present during the incident but did not intervene.

The case has garnered significant media attention, with both artists’ reputations at stake. As the legal process unfolds, the music industry and public await further developments in this high-profile case.

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