Foreign Entanglements

Russia ties, secret dealings with dictators, and putting foreign interests over American ones.

1764

Stories

Renee Good's parents remember her love and laughter in interview with AP - WFMJ.com

Renee Good's parents remember her love and laughter in interview with AP - WFMJ.com

Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an immigration officer during a raid in Minneapolis on January 7, sparking protests and national outrage. Her parents described her as a loving, joyful person who valued education and community service, and they hope her death will inspire change. The incident occurred after Good had stopped her car to support neighbors during the immigration operation, and she was fatally shot when officers ordered her to exit the vehicle. Her family emphasized their love and respect for each other despite political differences, expressing a wish for something positive to emerge from her tragic death.

Read →
Is Anthropic in trouble? Pentagon AI war escalates as Trump halts Claude use - Gulf News

Is Anthropic in trouble? Pentagon AI war escalates as Trump halts Claude use - Gulf News

The US government, under President Trump, has ordered all federal agencies to cease using Anthropic’s AI systems, including its flagship model Claude, after the company refused to sign a new agreement permitting unrestricted military use. The conflict stems from disagreements over control, ethical safeguards, and the deployment of AI in defense applications, with Anthropic maintaining red lines against mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight. The dispute highlights broader tensions over the regulation of AI technology in national security and could set significant precedents for government influence over private AI firms.

Read →
Drone Warfare - The Dispatch

Drone Warfare - The Dispatch

The article discusses the conflict between the Pentagon and AI firm Anthropic over the use of AI technology in military applications. Anthropic refuses to allow its AI to be used for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons, leading the Pentagon to threaten to label the company a "supply chain risk" and exclude it from federal contracts, effectively coercing the company. It highlights concerns over government coercion, ethical considerations in military AI use, and the broader implications of AI development in a political context characterized by aggressive tactics and lack of legislative oversight.

Read →
Trump's Board of Peace serves private interests more than public good - The News-Item

Trump's Board of Peace serves private interests more than public good - The News-Item

Aid in Gaza remains insufficient, with conditions described as "dire" by the U.N., amid ongoing violence and restrictions on reconstruction materials due to Israeli controls. Despite this, the U.S. plans to transfer $10 billion to President Trump's newly formed Board of Peace, raising concerns that private interests are being prioritized over public needs, especially since the U.S. has only partially paid its U.N. financial obligations. The board's ambitious plans, including rebuilding Rafah and establishing Gaza's self-governance, are largely unproven and may serve private or political interests rather than addressing immediate humanitarian needs.

Read →
OpenAI strikes Pentagon deal with 'safeguards', as Trump dumps Anthropic | RNZ News

OpenAI strikes Pentagon deal with 'safeguards', as Trump dumps Anthropic | RNZ News

OpenAI has announced a deal with the Pentagon to use its AI models within the US defense agency's classified network, incorporating safeguards such as prohibitions on domestic mass surveillance and human oversight of use-of-force decisions. This follows President Trump’s order to US federal agencies to cease using Anthropic's technology due to concerns over national security and ethical issues, including mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Anthropic has vowed to challenge any Pentagon designation that considers it a supply chain risk, emphasizing its stance against the use of AI for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. The situation has sparked industry solidarity among AI companies opposing the Pentagon's restrictions.

Read →
Wisconsin man gets 16½ years in prison for forging threats against Trump in a deportation scheme

Wisconsin man gets 16½ years in prison for forging threats against Trump in a deportation scheme

A Wisconsin man, Demetric DeShawn Scott, was sentenced to 16½ years in prison for forging threats against President Trump and attempting to manipulate immigration authorities to deport a robbery victim, Ramon Morales Reyes. Scott was convicted of multiple charges including identity theft and witness intimidation, and he admitted to writing letters threatening Trump while in jail. Morales Reyes, an immigrant from Mexico, was involved in a separate assault incident and is currently seeking legal protection to remain in the U.S., with his deportation process ongoing.

Read →
DHS Confirms Review of OPT and STEM OPT - Erickson Immigration Group

DHS Confirms Review of OPT and STEM OPT - Erickson Immigration Group

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed it is re-evaluating the scope and duration of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT, with plans to amend regulations to address concerns related to worker displacement, fraud, and national security. This rulemaking, referenced in the Spring Unified Agenda, could lead to changes in eligibility, duration, and oversight of OPT programs, prompting employers and F‑1 students to prepare for increased compliance requirements and potential regulatory adjustments. Public comments will be solicited once proposed rules are published.

Read →
Trump's Cuba comments spark mixed feelings in Little Havana - Local10.com

Trump's Cuba comments spark mixed feelings in Little Havana - Local10.com

Reactions in Little Havana are mixed following President Donald Trump's suggestion of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, with some exiles expressing frustration and support for U.S. intervention due to worsening conditions in Cuba, while others oppose the idea and believe Cuba should resolve issues independently. Some residents hope for U.S. action to restore the island's former prosperity, whereas others prefer non-intervention.

Read →
Trump Is Potentially Leading the United States Into an Unnecessary War With Iran

Trump Is Potentially Leading the United States Into an Unnecessary War With Iran

The article warns that President Trump's potential military intervention in Iran risks escalating regional conflict without achieving strategic objectives, as airstrikes alone are insufficient to eliminate Iran's nuclear and missile programs and could lead to significant economic and human costs. It emphasizes that leadership decapitation efforts are unlikely to cause regime change and that military action may provoke greater retaliation and instability. The author advocates for diplomatic solutions, including negotiation and sanctions relief, over military escalation, while highlighting the importance of congressional oversight to prevent unnecessary war.

Read →