Shor thing: Kremlin set to interfere in Moldova’s EU referendum via puppet oligarch’s network

On October 20, Moldova will hold its presidential election. At first glance, there seems to be little suspense — polls show that the incumbent president, Maia Sandu, is the overwhelming favorite. However, her chances of winning in the first round could be threatened by a network of supporters loyal to the exiled Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor. Estimates suggest that this network includes between 120,000 and 400,000 people, making up around 10% of the electorate. At a critical moment, these supporters are expected to receive instructions on how to vote. Shor is also rallying people to vote against Moldova’s European integration in a referendum set to take place on the same day. A defeat in the referendum would be a serious blow to Sandu, giving her opponents ammunition to claim that the country is not truly interested in joining the European Union.

Israel attacks Iran with Western support

Israel has made clear that this attack marks only the beginning

Israel has launched air strikes across Iran—and pushed the Middle East closer towards a devastating wider war.

The United States and Britain hypocritically call for “diplomacy” and “de-escalation”, but back the terror state as it goes on the rampage.

Kurdish Autonomous Administration Restructures “Deir-ez-Zor Military Council” After Clashes

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the armed wing of the Autonomous Administration, has announced the restructuring of the “Deir-ez-Zor Military Council”, al-Watan writes.

The unrecognized Kurdish Autonomous Administration (AA) has walked back controversial remarks made by Ilham Ahmad, the co-chair of its Department of Foreign Relations. Ahmad had previously offered Germany the opportunity to deport Syrians, including those suspected or convicted of crimes, to areas under the administration’s control, instead of cooperating with Damascus. This offer stirred tension with the Syrian government.

Al-Masnaa Crossing Targeted Again Amid Continued Exodus to Syria

While Syrian regime media reported that the attack occurred on the Lebanese side, the “Voice of the Capital” website suggested it hit the Wadi al-Harir area, which lies between Lebanon and Syria.

For the second time, an Israeli airstrike has targeted the main Masnaa/Jdeidat Yabous border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, further damaging this critical route. Local sources informed Al-Modon that an Israeli warplane, flying over the Lebanese Bekaa region, carried out two airstrikes, creating a new crater on the road connecting Lebanon to Syria. This second crater, though smaller than the one caused by an earlier strike three weeks ago, inflicted additional damage on the main artery between the two countries.

Syria Today – Deadly Turkish Strike; U.S. Expresses Deep Concern Over Syrian Refugee Crisis in Lebanon

Today’s news round provides an in-depth look at escalating tensions and conflicts across Syria. From Turkish military strikes targeting key facilities in northeastern Syria to Ankara’s veiled warnings to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) regarding their actions near the de-escalation zones, the situation continues to evolve. We also cover diplomatic developments, including a message from China’s Premier to Syrian leadership, and international reactions to the refugee crisis and violence in the region. Additionally, the U.S. expresses concern over the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, emphasizing the challenges and dangers faced by those displaced.

Iran’s Assassination Program in Europe: Europe Goes Back to Sleep

“In order to maintain a degree of separation from the terror cells it operates in Europe and to ensure plausible deniability, there is no direct contact between Tehran and members of the cells. In the case of the recently detained French cell, instructions on where and when to carry out attacks were relayed via international networks of criminals and drug smugglers.” — Daniel Dolev, Israeli investigative journalist, shomrim.news, September 5, 2024.

BRICS vs. The US In Africa

This emerging front of the New Cold War will likely see the Sino-Russo Entente more closely coordinate against the US-led West there.

Africa is increasingly figuring into major countries’ and organizations’ discussions due to its growing importance in global affairs. The UN expects that more than half of the world’s population growth by the 2050 will occur on that continent, with the number of people in sub-Saharan Africa doubling by then. This will open up new market and labor opportunities alongside the existing resource ones that have already attracted international interest, but it’ll also lead to developmental and humanitarian challenges.

Albanians Scent Profit in Italy’s Costly Offshore Migrant Processing Plan

An Italian opposition MP has lambasted the start of the scheme to process migrants in Albania as a fiasco – but locals living near the new facilities are eyeing up potential economic benefits.

The first ship bringing migrants intercepted at sea by Italy’s navy to Albania to facilities intended to shore up the EU country’s external borders docked on Wednesday at the port of Shengjin.

IDF Exposes Six Al-Jazeera Journalists as Hamas, Islamic Jihad Terrorists

Latest Developments

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared evidence on October 23 exposing six Al-Jazeera “journalists” as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) terrorists. The documents, which the IDF seized in Gaza, include “personnel tables, lists of terrorist training courses, phone directories, and salary documents” and reveal the “military affiliation” of four Al-Jazeera Gaza correspondents with Hamas and two with PIJ. Hamas and PIJ are both U.S.-designated terrorist organizations. The IDF released a second trove of documents on October 24 showing how “Hamas directs Al Jazeera’s media coverage to serve its own interests,” such as instructing the network to whitewash failed attacks.