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New Body to Monitor North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Faces Doubts About Legitimacy

The establishment of a Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) to enforce sanctions on North Korea has sparked concerns over its legitimacy, as it operates outside the auspices of the United Nations. Announced by the United States, South Korea, and Japan, the MSMT was introduced as an alternative to the U.N. panel of experts, which monitored North Korean sanctions violations until its dissolution in April due to a Russian veto at the Security Council.
The MSMT’s mandate is to rigorously investigate and publish findings on North Korea’s sanctions violations and attempts to evade enforcement, aiming to maintain pressure on Pyongyang as it deepens its military ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The newly formed body, backed by 11 nations, also includes Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Despite these efforts, some experts and former U.N. officials argue that the absence of a U.N. mandate may hinder the team’s global credibility and reach.
Former U.N. sanctions expert Aaron Arnold expressed doubts about the MSMT’s legitimacy, pointing out that without a Security Council mandate, it risks being viewed as illegitimate by many countries, particularly those most vulnerable to North Korea’s sanctions evasion efforts. Both China and Russia, permanent members of the Security Council and frequent blockers of stricter enforcement measures, have chosen not to participate in the MSMT. Their non-involvement raises further questions about the effectiveness of the new body, especially as these two nations are widely seen as crucial players in sanctions enforcement against Pyongyang.
Since its inception in 2009, the U.N. panel had published biannual reports documenting North Korea’s violations of international sanctions, which were originally aimed at curbing the country’s nuclear and missile programs. However, with the dissolution of the U.N. panel, enforcement of these sanctions has become more fragmented, and the MSMT seeks to fill the gap left by the defunct body.
Despite operating outside of the U.N. framework, former U.N. expert Alastair Morgan remains optimistic about the MSMT’s potential effectiveness. He believes the new team can still generate informative reports on sanctions violations, although without the Security Council’s backing, its recommendations may not carry the same weight. Morgan notes that since 2018, the Council had not acted on any designations recommended by the U.N. panel, so the practical difference in enforcement may be limited.
The formation of the MSMT comes at a time of escalating military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Both Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo have expressed “grave concern” over these developments, which include alleged arms transfers in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently claimed that North Korea was preparing to send 10,000 soldiers to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, further underscoring the urgent need for effective sanctions enforcement.
While some experts see the MSMT as a valuable tool for pressuring North Korea, others regard it as a “second-best solution.” George Lopez, another former U.N. panel member, notes that without the backing of the Security Council, the new team faces an uphill battle in achieving global legitimacy. Nonetheless, Lopez argues that the MSMT could still gain credibility through transparent and high-quality reporting, a capability well within reach of its 11 member nations.
Another potential avenue of influence for the MSMT lies in its ability to impact global financial systems. Katsuhisa Furukawa, who served on the U.N. panel from 2011 to 2016, highlights that even if certain countries refuse to cooperate with the MSMT, financial institutions in those nations may still comply with the body’s findings to avoid being targeted by sanctions from the U.S., EU, and other participating nations.
China, however, remains a formidable obstacle. In a statement to the Voice of America, a Chinese embassy spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s stance that sanctions alone will not resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula and may instead exacerbate the situation. China has repeatedly been accused of enabling North Korea to evade sanctions, despite publicly insisting that it adheres to U.N. mandates.
Ultimately, while the MSMT represents a significant effort to maintain pressure on Pyongyang, it faces challenges in achieving global acceptance and enforcing sanctions without the legitimacy of a U.N. mandate. As Joshua Stanton, a Washington-based lawyer who helped draft the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enforcement Act of 2016, reminded, U.N. resolutions authorizing sanctions enforcement remain in place, and neither Russia nor China can unilaterally repeal them. Whether the MSMT can build the necessary credibility and effectiveness outside of the U.N. framework remains to be seen, but it will need strong international cooperation to succeed in its mission.
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Trump’s Envoy Prepares Ukraine War Exit Plan Amid Putin Talks

Trump’s Russia-Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, is preparing options to end the war. Trump confirms phone calls with Putin, pushing for a quick resolution.
Donald Trump’s direct involvement in brokering a Russia-Ukraine peace deal is a game-changing moment—one that could redefine America’s global power role while undercutting Biden’s foreign policy failures. His envoy, Keith Kellogg, is now engaging NATO allies to craft a roadmap to end the war, with Trump himself confirming private phone calls with Putin.
Unlike the Biden administration’s open-ended military aid strategy, Trump’s realpolitik approach aims to leverage economic deals—notably a $500 million energy and rare-earth mineral pact with Kyiv—in exchange for security guarantees. This signals a seismic shift from an endless proxy war to a negotiated settlement backed by economic incentives.
Yet, Trump’s secretive engagement with Putin raises questions. His refusal to disclose the number of calls suggests a delicate balancing act—appearing tough on Russia while privately securing concessions. Meanwhile, Kyiv faces a hard choice: accept a Trump-brokered deal or risk abandonment as the U.S. pivots to domestic priorities.
With Vice President J.D. Vance set to meet Zelensky in Munich, all eyes are on whether Trump’s art of the deal diplomacy will bring peace—or trigger a new geopolitical storm.
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Somali Elders Apologize to Ruto After Isiolo Heckling Incident

Somali elders publicly apologize to President Ruto after Isiolo heckling, blaming “outsiders” for the disruption. Pledge unity and support.
The heckling of President William Ruto during his Northeastern tour was an embarrassing political moment—but within days, Somali elders stepped forward to apologize. The Somali Council of Elders, led by Abdulkadir Shariff, distanced their community from the disruptive chants, blaming intoxicated youths allegedly brought in from outside Isiolo.
The political storm erupted when Ruto accused drug dealers of instigating unrest, signaling his government’s hardline stance on the region’s criminal networks. His harsh rhetoric suggests that the administration is willing to crack down, not just on economic grievances, but also on illicit trade fueling local instability.
The swift apology from the elders reveals the deep political calculations at play. The Somali leadership does not want to risk alienation from Ruto’s government, especially after recent concessions on citizenship and livestock trade. This also underscores regional fears—losing presidential favor could mean reduced government investment, weakened influence, and diminished political leverage ahead of 2027.
While the elders’ damage control may soothe tensions, the underlying discontent in Northeastern Kenya remains unresolved. Ruto’s challenge is not just winning political loyalty, but also addressing real economic frustrations that fuel such public outbursts.
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Israel Withdraws from Gaza Corridor as Ceasefire Holds—For Now

Israel pulls back from the Netzarim corridor, allowing Palestinians to return north. With ceasefire talks stalled, Netanyahu faces pressure to resume the war.
Israel’s withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor marks a strategic shift in the ongoing conflict, but nothing is certain as both sides maneuver for advantage. Hamas, seizing on the moment, claims victory, while Israeli officials remain silent, signaling that the war is far from over.
The 42-day ceasefire—set to expire in early March—hinges on further hostage exchanges and a full Israeli withdrawal. But Netanyahu, under fire from his far-right allies, must decide whether to push forward with negotiations or resume military operations to crush Hamas. Meanwhile, Trump’s radical Gaza proposal—calling for U.S. control over the territory—has sent shockwaves through the region, drawing global condemnation.
With the death toll soaring, the world watches as Israel and Hamas gamble with time. Will Netanyahu extend the truce to bring more hostages home? Or will pressure from hardliners drag Israel back into the fight? The next few weeks could determine the fate of Gaza—and the entire Middle East.
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Al-Shabab Fighters Flee Hiran Battle, Regroup in Mahaday—Somali Forces Mobilize

Al-Shabab fighters fleeing a deadly battle in Hiran have regrouped near Mahaday district. Somali forces launch urgent operations to prevent further militant buildup.
Al-Shabaab is on the run—but far from defeated. After suffering heavy losses in Hiran, including the deaths of 30 fighters and the capture of three militants, the terror group is regrouping in Mahaday, a strategic district in Middle Shabelle. Local sources report a concerning build-up near the Shabelle River, as militants who fled the battlefield seek to regain strength.
The Somali government, backed by the Hirshabelle administration and Macawisley local forces, has launched rapid military operations to contain the movement. Officials say white foreign fighters were among those killed in the Hiran battle, highlighting the presence of international jihadists in Al-Shabab’s ranks.
With Somali and allied forces tightening the noose, Al-Shabaab faces one of its biggest setbacks in recent years. But the fight is far from over. The terror group is known for tactical retreats—regrouping, rearming, and launching new waves of violence. The battle for Middle Shabelle is now a race against time—either Somali forces crush this regrouping effort, or Al-Shabaab emerges from the shadows to strike again.
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Iran’s Nuclear Crisis: IRGC Pushes Khamenei to Lift Nuclear Weapons Fatwa

Senior IRGC commanders urge Khamenei to lift nuclear weapons ban, warning Iran faces an existential threat. Could Tehran be on the brink of a nuclear breakthrough?
Iran’s nuclear dilemma has reached a boiling point. Reports indicate that senior commanders within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are pressuring Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to rescind his fatwa banning nuclear weapons. The argument? Survival.
With the U.S. reinstating its maximum pressure campaign under President Trump, Iran’s leadership is feeling the walls close in. An Iranian official warned: “We have never been this vulnerable, and it may be our last chance to obtain [a nuclear weapon] before it’s too late.” This statement alone suggests Tehran is closer than ever to a nuclear breakout.
For years, Iran has insisted it does not seek nuclear weapons, citing religious and diplomatic constraints. But the internal fractures within the regime tell a different story. The IRGC—the real power behind the throne—views nuclear arms as the only deterrent against Western intervention. If Khamenei relents to their demands, the Middle East could be thrust into an unprecedented crisis, forcing Israel and the U.S. into a preemptive confrontation.
The question now is whether Khamenei will hold his ground or authorize Iran’s final push toward nuclear armament. If the latter happens, the clock on a regional war will start ticking.
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Judge Blocks Musk and Trump Officials from Treasury Payment Systems

Federal judge issues emergency order restricting Elon Musk and Trump allies from Treasury systems over data security concerns.
A federal judge just slammed the brakes on Elon Musk’s takeover of U.S. financial infrastructure. In a stunning late-night ruling, Judge Paul Engelmayer blocked Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the most sensitive Treasury payment systems, citing serious security risks and potential data leaks. This is the latest in a legal firestorm erupting against Trump’s reckless purge of federal oversight.
The ruling is a direct rebuke of Trump’s aggressive government overhaul, which has seen Musk and his allies embedded deep within critical U.S. agencies—unchecked, unvetted, and dangerously close to America’s financial arteries. The Treasury system holds sensitive personal and banking data of millions of Americans, not to mention classified U.S. financial operations. The idea of Musk’s cronies waltzing in and taking control had 19 state attorneys general rushing to court in panic.
Trump’s rapid-fire dismantling of federal agencies is already teetering on the edge of constitutional collapse. From the abrupt USAID shutdown to shocking policy shifts in foreign aid, citizenship laws, and government resignations, his administration is breaking every norm in Washington. The judge’s order doesn’t just halt Musk’s access—it forces the immediate destruction of any data already accessed by DOGE operatives.
This isn’t just about bureaucratic infighting. This is about the security of America’s financial system itself. If Trump and Musk had their way, who would actually be in control? What happens when unchecked billionaires gain access to the backbone of U.S. economic power?
For now, the courts are holding the line. But with Trump’s legal battles mounting and his deep state purge escalating, the real question is: how much longer can Washington withstand the storm?
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House GOP’s Lisa McClain Backs Trump’s “Out-of-the-Box” Leadership

House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain defends Trump’s unconventional leadership, legislative tactics, and late-night Twitter strategy.
Trump’s hard-nosed dealmaking is reshaping the Republican Party, and Lisa McClain is all in. As House GOP Conference Chair, she’s one of the key architects of the party’s messaging machine, and she’s got a clear directive: defend Trump at all costs.
With House Republicans divided between hardline conservatives demanding $2.5 trillion in cuts and moderates trying to hold the line, Trump has stepped in as the ultimate power broker. His five-hour White House war room session wasn’t just about policy—it was a show of dominance. Trump knows what he wants, and McClain is his voice inside the chamber, ensuring his vision isn’t watered down by weak-willed legislators.
For McClain, Trump’s unconventional methods are a feature, not a bug. Whether it’s midnight social media bombshells or radical budget proposals, she insists it’s all part of his “out-of-the-box” genius. The GOP’s strategic future, however, remains a battlefield. Some factions want to go all-in, believing they’ll lose the House in 2026 and must seize the moment. Others argue restraint is key to expanding their majority.
McClain isn’t betting on failure. She’s rallying behind Trump’s vision of a leaner, meaner government—whether or not it costs Republicans in the next election. With Trump back at the helm, compromise is off the table. The only path forward? Total GOP dominance—or total war with the establishment.
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Trump’s DOJ Disbands Corruption, Election Interference Units in War on Cartels

Trump’s DOJ shifts focus from prosecuting kleptocrats and foreign election interference to a total crackdown on cartels, sparking global alarm.
Trump’s Justice Department just pulled the plug on America’s fight against corruption and election meddling, redirecting its entire arsenal toward a ruthless war on drug cartels. The move, spearheaded by newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi, eliminates key units targeting kleptocrats, foreign bribery, and Russian oligarchs while dismantling the Foreign Influence Task Force—an effort once central to countering Russian and Chinese election meddling.
Gone is the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative, which once hunted down stolen billions from dictators and oligarchs. Task Force KleptoCapture, responsible for enforcing Russian sanctions, is now history. Even the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act unit, which secured massive fines against bribery-ridden corporations, will now focus solely on cases tied to transnational criminal networks. The message is clear: corruption outside cartel-linked cases is no longer a priority.
Bondi’s move aligns with Trump’s long-standing war against what he calls a “weaponized” DOJ. Election integrity groups are in panic mode, warning that dismantling foreign interference investigations leaves U.S. elections exposed to Russian and Chinese meddling. Transparency advocates fear a return to unchecked money laundering and corporate corruption. The global impact? A retreat from America’s anti-kleptocracy leadership, leaving a vacuum for authoritarian regimes and transnational criminals to exploit.
Trump’s DOJ has picked its battlefield. The war on cartels is now priority number one—but at what cost?
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