USAID to be merged into State Department, 3 U.S. officials say

Source

USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, will be merged into the State Department with significant cuts in the workforce, but it will remain a humanitarian aid entity, three U.S. officials told CBS News. 

USAID to be merged into State Department, 3 U.S. officials say

When Rubio says national interests, he means the interests of big corporations.

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Brian Berletic:

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‘It’s a win’: Philippines, China uphold South China Sea deal on resupply missions

Analysts say the agreement ‘commits both states to a status quo’ and urge the Philippines to hold firm on its South China Sea stance

‘It’s a win’: Philippines, China uphold South China Sea deal on resupply missions

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China and the Philippines Hold the Tenth Meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea

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Vladimir Putin’s New Year Address to the Nation

Nicolas Cinquini

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, friends,

In just a few minutes, the year 2025 will begin, marking the completion of the first quarter of the 21st century. 

For Russia, this period has been marked by numerous events, including developments of historical significance and great magnitude. We set ambitious goals for ourselves and achieved them, coped with many challenges because we stood united.

New Year Address to the Nation

Philippine Army acquiring US missile system

Mao Ning

Philippine Army acquiring US missile system

“It is planned to be acquired because we see its feasibility and its functionality in our concept of archipelagic defense implementation,” Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido told a news conference.

“I’m happy to report to our fellow countrymen that your army is developing this capability for the interest of protecting our sovereignty,” he said, adding the total number to be acquired would depend on “economics.”

As a rule, it takes at least two or more years for the Philippine military to acquire a new weapons system from the planning stage, Galido said, adding it was not yet budgeted for 2025.

Brawner already announced that they wanted one, three months ago. Shortly afterward, the U.S. said that they were keeping the Typhon in the Philippines, at the Laoag International Airport. Will this be a second unit? The only new information that I’ve learned, is that it’ll take at least two years for them to officially acquire the Typhon. Why announce it, again? Except to provoke China?

Related:

What’s Really Going On In the South China Sea Between the Philippines and China

US Targets Georgia as a Tool to Extend Russia

Political unrest continues to erupt in the nation of Georgia along Russia’s southern Caucasus border, led by openly anti-Russian protesters backed by US-European government money and support.

US Targets Georgia as a Tool to Extend Russia (archived)

Previously:

Screenshots of Western front organizations in Georgia: Thanks to the EU blackmail/bullying Georgia suspends talks on accession

2003 Rose Revolution: The US government funds election observers and exit polls for regime change

For Want of an Oiler: The Fragile State of America’s Afloat Logistics Fleet

What’s Going On With Shipping?

Salvatore R. Mercogliano, Ph.D. – 

The Navy oiler – a tanker designed to refuel other ships while at sea – shuddered from the hit. Almost immediately, water began to flood into the engine room and at least one of the ship’s rudders was out of service. The damage and flow of water proved challenging for the crew. As the only US Navy fuel ship in the area capable of supporting a carrier strike group came to a stop, the vulnerability of the thin lifeline of American afloat logistics became apparent. How would an entire carrier strike group remain operational without fuel for its planes and escorts? With one stroke, the hitting power of a substantial portion of the U.S. Navy was reduced.

For Want of an Oiler: The Fragile State of America’s Afloat Logistics Fleet

Ukraine: MFA welcomes Kellogg’s nomination for special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has welcomed the nomination of Keith Kellogg for the position of Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia and expressed its readiness to cooperate.

MFA welcomes Kellogg’s nomination for special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

Related:

America First, Russia, & Ukraine by Lt. General (Ret.) Keith Kellogg & Fred Fleitz

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