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Why Did Sisi Remove His Long-Time Aide, Spy Chief Abbas Kamel?

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The sudden removal of Egypt’s intelligence chief, Maj.-Gen. Abbas Kamel, has sparked intense speculation over the motivations behind President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s decision. While the official reason provided was Kamel’s deteriorating health, many analysts and insiders question whether health alone is the true cause, given the central role Kamel has played in Egyptian politics and security.

Kamel, a long-time confidante of Sisi, was rotated out of his position as Director of the General Intelligence Directorate (GID) and assigned to a new role as special envoy and security advisor to the president. This shift has left many observers wondering whether it represents a promotion, a demotion, or a strategic sidelining.

Abbas Kamel’s Influence

Kamel’s importance to Sisi’s regime cannot be understated. As a key architect of Egypt’s intelligence and foreign policy apparatus, he has been a significant figure in both domestic and international affairs. Kamel worked closely with intelligence agencies from multiple nations, including the CIA and Israel’s Mossad, and played a crucial role in brokering the 2021 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. His reach extended beyond traditional intelligence activities, influencing Egypt’s diplomatic relations, particularly with key regional actors like Qatar.

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Kamel’s influence wasn’t limited to the international arena; he also wielded significant control within Egypt, especially over state media and parliamentary affairs. He was seen as an enforcer of Sisi’s domestic policies, ensuring that opposition movements were neutralized, and shaping public narratives to support the government.

However, this pervasive influence may have been Kamel’s undoing. Some reports suggest that Sisi became wary of Kamel’s growing power within the state apparatus, fearing that his trusted lieutenant had amassed too much influence. In this view, his removal from the head of GID may be a tactical move to reduce his autonomy while maintaining him close in an advisory role. This would allow Sisi to keep a close eye on Kamel, while stripping him of the direct control he once held.

Diplomatic Ramifications and Timing

Adding to the intrigue is the timing of Kamel’s removal, which coincided with important developments on both the regional and international fronts. Less than a day after Maj.-Gen. Hassan Mahmoud Rashad was appointed as Kamel’s successor, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made a rare visit to Cairo—the first in nearly a decade. This visit, along with Kamel’s departure, has led to speculation about a possible shift in Egypt’s foreign policy, particularly in its stance toward Iran. Egypt’s relationship with Iran has been fraught with tension, and Kamel had been a key figure in managing that delicate balance. His replacement with Rashad, who has overseen Egypt’s intelligence dealings with Iran, could signal a recalibration of Egypt’s regional strategy.

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Moreover, Kamel’s recent undeclared meeting with Israel’s Shin Bet Director, Ronen Bar, further complicates the narrative. Israel, along with the United States, is said to be dismayed by Kamel’s ouster, raising concerns about how this change could impact ongoing hostage negotiations and broader Egyptian-Israeli relations. Kamel’s experience and relationships with Israeli security services had made him a crucial partner in mediating between Israel and Hamas, particularly over delicate issues like prisoner exchanges and ceasefires. His removal introduces uncertainty into these critical negotiations.

The Role of Hassan Rashad

Kamel’s replacement, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, is a relatively unknown figure in the public sphere. With over three decades of experience in the intelligence services, Rashad is described as a veteran intelligence officer, though little is known about his views or approach to Egypt’s pressing security issues. What is clear is that he has worked closely with Kamel on numerous missions, including Egypt’s covert dealings with Iran.

Rashad’s appointment may be an attempt by Sisi to introduce new leadership into the intelligence services while maintaining continuity in key areas. His deep experience within the intelligence apparatus suggests that Sisi is not seeking a radical departure from Kamel’s policies but rather a rebalancing of power at the top of Egypt’s security establishment.

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Speculation and Strategic Considerations

There are several theories circulating about the real reason behind Kamel’s removal. One view is that Sisi’s decision reflects frustration with the lack of progress in hostage negotiations and other key diplomatic efforts involving Israel and Hamas. Kamel’s role in these talks, which have dragged on without a breakthrough, may have contributed to Sisi’s decision to bring in new leadership to reinvigorate Egypt’s negotiating position.

Another possibility is that Kamel’s involvement in the corruption case of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, who was accused of steering aid toward Egypt in exchange for bribes, may have made him a liability for the Sisi regime. Although Kamel has not been formally charged, his proximity to the scandal could have prompted Sisi to distance him from direct power.

Finally, some analysts suggest that Sisi’s move is simply a classic example of internal power dynamics in authoritarian regimes. Leaders often feel threatened by the rising influence of close allies and move to neutralize potential rivals. By transitioning Kamel to an honorary advisory post, Sisi may be signaling that while Kamel’s service is appreciated, his time as a power broker has come to an end.

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The removal of Abbas Kamel from his post as Egypt’s intelligence chief has raised more questions than answers. Whether it was due to health reasons, internal power struggles, or a strategic realignment of Egypt’s foreign and security policies, the change marks a significant moment in President Sisi’s administration. With Maj.-Gen. Hassan Rashad stepping into the role, Egypt’s intelligence services are likely to continue their key role in regional diplomacy and security, though with a potentially new approach under fresh leadership. How this shift will affect Egypt’s relationships with critical international partners, particularly Israel and the United States, remains to be seen.

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British Spies Exposed: Catastrophic Afghan Data Leak Shakes MoD and Raises National Security Alarm

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SAS operators, MI6 agents, MPs, and thousands of Afghan allies compromised in what insiders call the worst Ministry of Defence breach in decades.

In one of the gravest national security failures since the Cold War, British intelligence agents, special forces operatives, and senior officials have been compromised in a catastrophic data breach linked to the UK’s Afghan evacuation efforts.

The blunder, committed by a Ministry of Defence official in February 2022, leaked the personal details of more than 16,000 Afghans, alongside over 100 names of British personnel, including MI6 spies, SAS commandos, senior military brass, and government ministers.

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The fallout has been so severe that it triggered an extraordinary two-year super injunction, effectively muzzling the media while the government scrambled to contain the consequences. That gag order—partially lifted this week—has left the public reeling at what is now being described as a monumental intelligence failure.

Some Afghans affected by the breach—many of whom worked closely with British forces—were already being hunted by the Taliban. They had trusted the UK with their identities in hopes of asylum; instead, their data was exposed to unknown entities, potentially putting lives directly in harm’s way.

But the real shock came when it emerged that British personnel themselves were exposed—from active-duty MI6 agents to current Members of Parliament. According to Defence Secretary John Healey, even support letters from MPs and ministers were visible in leaked files, drawing gasps from legal observers and MPs alike.

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Former Armed Forces Minister James Heappey—who had long defended the Ministry’s vetting process—admitted the truth was “gut-wrenching”. He acknowledged the system for granting sanctuary to former Afghan commandos (known as “The Triples”) was deeply flawed, and confessed that senior officials had misled both ministers and Parliament.

Behind closed doors, the Intelligence and Security Committee is now demanding immediate access to the classified intelligence behind the gag order, while legal teams debate whether the government is still suppressing critical facts.

What’s perhaps most disturbing is the scale of misjudgment: The same Afghan commandos who were paid directly by British forces, trained under UK command, and fought shoulder-to-shoulder with British troops were denied protection, often on the basis of contradictory or discredited information.

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For a government already haunted by its chaotic withdrawal from Kabul, this breach is a fresh and damning indictment. It represents not just a failure of policy, but a moral betrayal—one that could leave allies to die and compromise the safety of Britain’s own clandestine warriors.

And as the truth unravels in court and Parliament, one question hangs over Whitehall like a shadow: Who exactly is protecting whom?

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Welcome to Grand Haadi Gym: Where Health Meets Hospitality in the Heart of Hargeisa

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In a nation quietly battling obesity and health decline, Grand Haadi Gym emerges as Somaliland’s revolutionary answer to fitness, nutrition, and family wellness.

Obesity is on the rise in Somaliland, but Grand Haadi Gym in Hargeisa offers a life-changing solution: state-of-the-art fitness, healthy dining, expert coaching, and full hotel hospitality—all under one roof.

Somaliland’s Health Crisis Has a New Challenger: Grand Haadi Gym

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Something dangerous is happening in the streets of Hargeisa—something silent, something invisible: Somaliland is becoming a nation of obesity.

Fast food, sugary drinks, and sedentary lifestyles have quietly taken hold in major cities like Hargeisa. With no national fitness strategy and rising cases of heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain, Somalilanders are unknowingly marching into a public health emergency. A BMI of 30 or higher—the benchmark for obesity—is becoming shockingly common.

But there is hope. Grand Haadi Gym is not just a fitness center. It is a transformative health destination designed to fight back against this crisis. Located at Burta Kala Jeexan, Ibrahim Kodbur District, Wajaale Rd. in Hargeisa, this innovative facility offers more than just treadmills and dumbbells—it offers a health revolution.

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Why Grand Haadi Is Unlike Anything in Somaliland:

💪 1KM Walking Track – Safely walk, jog, or run in a peaceful private space.

🍽 Healthy Restaurant – Say goodbye to greasy fast food. Our chefs serve balanced, nutrient-rich meals to refuel your body the right way.

🏨 Hotel Comfort – Diaspora visitors can stay in luxury, enjoy fitness, and eat well—all in one location.

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👨‍⚕️ Professional Health Advisors – From personal trainers to nutritionists and mental health coaches, your health plan is tailored to you.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Friendly – Bring your loved ones. Get fit together. Eat healthy together. Build a future together.

Whether you’re struggling with obesity, high blood pressure, poor stamina, or just want to feel good again—Grand Haadi Gym is your answer.

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For the Somaliland diaspora returning home, this is the only place that feels like the West, while reconnecting you to your roots. A modern gym, a serene walking track, a clean hotel room, and a healthy breakfast—all in the same compound.

This is more than a gym. It’s a movement.
It’s time to take back our health, redefine our lifestyle, and reshape our future. Welcome to Grand Haadi Gym—where wellness begins.

📍 Location: Burta Kala Jeexan, Ibrahim Kodbur District, Wajaale Rd., Hargeisa, Somaliland

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Germany Kicks Out Somali Convicts as Europe Swings Hard-Right

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Berlin deports Somali criminals amid rising far-right pressure, triggering fear and fury in Europe’s largest Somali diaspora.

Germany has deported eight Somali nationals convicted of violent crimes as Berlin toughens migration policy post-election. Is this justice—or the start of a racist purge?

Eight Somali men landed in Mogadishu last week, not by choice—but by force. Deported from Germany under a hardline crackdown, they are the first wave of what could become a sweeping purge of Somali migrants across Europe’s new far-right frontier.

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Their crimes were serious—attempted murder, rape, manslaughter—but the political message behind the deportations is even more brutal: Germany is shifting, and fast. With the far-right AfD surging to second place in the 2025 elections and the Christian Democrats reclaiming power under Friedrich Merz, the age of tolerance is officially over.

Bavarian officials say this is about law and order. But Somali families in Frankfurt, Berlin, and Munich are terrified. The deportation agreement signed last year between Chancellor Scholz and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was supposed to be narrow—just 20 convicts, not a signal to demonize 65,000 Somali migrants.

But Germany’s political tide doesn’t wait. The February elections shattered the liberal consensus. Border controls are back. Deportation flights are rising. And Somalia is caught in the middle—diplomatically accepting criminals back while watching its working diaspora get scapegoated.

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The real heartbreak? Many Somalis in Germany are model residents: students, engineers, nurses. But one man’s crime has now become the community’s stain. As one migrant, Baaba Jeey, put it: “We came for safety. Now we live in fear.”

And don’t expect this to stop at Germany. Across Europe, far-right parties are demanding copycat deportations. France’s National Rally is already calling for Somali repatriations. Sweden is debating migrant DNA checks. Italy wants to reroute asylum seekers to warzones.

Germany’s move may be legal. But is it just? The world will be watching the next flight to Mogadishu—and wondering who’s really on trial.

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Buhari’s Final Exit: From Military Strongman to Democratic Disappointment

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Nigeria’s ex-president dies in exile, leaving behind a broken legacy of repression, corruption, and shattered unity.

Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s twice-serving president, is dead at 82. But what he leaves behind is a legacy of failure—on security, economy, unity, and democracy. Here’s a brutal autopsy of his reign.

Muhammadu Buhari is gone—but Nigeria’s wounds remain wide open. Dying in London, the city he often fled to for “rest” while millions languished in broken hospitals at home, the former general’s final act mirrors the very essence of his rule: absence, privilege, and detachment from reality.

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Once heralded as a corruption-busting reformer and security hawk, Buhari’s presidency sank into chaos. His iron-fisted war on Boko Haram turned into a media charade; while he declared the terrorists “defeated,” suicide bombings and mass kidnappings intensified under his watch. Nigeria’s northeast collapsed into a humanitarian hellscape, with aid workers murdered and civilians forgotten.

His economic “vision” was equally grim. By clinging to obsolete monetary policies and defending a dying naira, Buhari drove Nigeria into recession—twice. Inflation soared, foreign reserves dried up, and foreign investors fled. All the while, the man himself remained in London, racking up secretive medical bills at taxpayer expense.

But what truly undid him was his inability—or unwillingness—to unite Nigeria’s fractured soul. From the 2020 #EndSARS bloodbath to his silence on northern banditry and ethnic massacres, Buhari appeared not as a statesman but as a sectarian relic. His authoritarian instincts returned in full force: jailing dissidents, censoring social media, and militarizing civilian protest zones.

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Even his brief triumph—negotiating the return of some Chibok girls—fizzled out as hundreds more citizens vanished into jihadist captivity. The military he once commanded became a symbol of failure, not strength.

In the end, Buhari’s life is a cautionary tale: that nostalgia for military “discipline” often breeds democratic decay. He ruled Nigeria twice—once with fear, once with hope. He left both times with disappointment.

For a man who promised to fight corruption, insecurity, and disunity—his legacy is defined by all three.

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AU Doubles Peace Funding for Somalia Amid Rising Uncertainty

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The African Union (AU) has approved an additional $10 million in Peace Fund support for Somalia, doubling its 2025 allocation to $20 million as it prepares to hand over responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the newly formed African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The decision was announced during the 47th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council held this week in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The funds, drawn from the AU’s Crisis Reserve Facility, are intended to close critical financial gaps and ensure continuity in operations during the sensitive mission transition period at the end of 2024.

AUSSOM, which officially launched in January 2025, is a non-combat stabilization mission designed to support Somali-led security efforts and capacity building as ATMIS draws down. AU officials say the additional funding will help prevent operational disruptions and support the new joint command structure agreed upon with the Somali government in June.

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Despite the AU’s increased commitment, uncertainty clouds the financial sustainability of AUSSOM. The mission’s annual cost is projected at $166.5 million. While the United Nations has pledged to cover up to 75% of this amount, the United States—once a key donor—has declined to contribute directly, citing concerns over transparency, long-term viability, and donor burden-sharing.

This shift marks a significant departure from the U.S.’s earlier support, which included more than €2 billion in funding to AU missions in Somalia from 2007 to 2020.

The AU and Somalia have consistently warned of the risks posed by erratic funding. Past delays in ATMIS troop payments—particularly affecting Ugandan forces—highlighted the fragility of relying heavily on external donors. In response, the AU restructured its Peace Fund in 2016 to increase self-reliance, with a target of $400 million in member contributions. Progress, however, remains slow.

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As the end of ATMIS approaches, pressure is mounting on the AU and its partners to secure predictable and diversified funding streams. For Somalia, AUSSOM’s success is not just a matter of security—it is a test of the region’s ability to support African-led peacekeeping beyond donor dependence.

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Obama Steps Into the Ring to Deliver a Knockout Blow to Trump

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Former President Barack Obama’s return to frontline political fundraising in New Jersey represents a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, currently reeling from significant setbacks and internal divisions after the bruising 2024 election cycle.

Obama’s participation in the Red Bank event, hosted by outgoing Governor Phil Murphy and featuring Rep. Mikie Sherrill, underscores a strategic recalibration as Democrats eye crucial upcoming elections.

Obama’s reemergence signals a deliberate effort by party leadership to leverage his enduring popularity and influence among voters. As Democrats seek to rebuild momentum and morale ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections, Obama’s presence is intended not only to energize the party’s base but also to attract critical independent and swing voters disillusioned by recent GOP policies, notably Trump’s controversial “Big, Beautiful” spending bill.

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The timing is crucial, as the New Jersey gubernatorial race between Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli is widely regarded as an early referendum on voter sentiment towards both parties post-2024. Democratic strategists likely view a victory here as a vital step towards reversing the narrative of decline and setting a strong precedent for national recovery efforts.

Additionally, Obama’s active involvement highlights a broader struggle within the Democratic Party regarding generational leadership shifts. With recent high-profile deaths among aging Democratic lawmakers underscoring the party’s vulnerability, Obama’s support may implicitly advocate for renewal and transition toward younger, dynamic candidates capable of invigorating the party’s platform.

Critically, the former president’s engagement is not merely symbolic; it is an acknowledgment of Democrats’ urgent need to counteract Trump’s dominance of the political landscape. Obama’s vocal opposition to Trump’s legislative agenda, particularly the contentious spending bill potentially impacting millions of Americans’ healthcare coverage, provides Democrats with a potent narrative to mobilize opposition and regain lost ground.

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In summary, Obama’s fundraising return is a calculated maneuver aiming to galvanize Democratic unity, challenge Republican momentum, and underscore the stakes in upcoming elections. His intervention could prove instrumental in reshaping Democratic fortunes, setting the stage for a robust challenge to Trump’s agenda in the crucial 2026 midterms.

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Kenya Opposition Demands President’s Resignation Over Protest Shoot-to-Kill Remarks

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Tensions in Kenya escalated on Friday as opposition leaders demanded President William Ruto’s resignation following his controversial remarks authorizing police to shoot protesters involved in looting or property destruction.

Speaking at the funeral of Boniface Kariuki—an unarmed civilian shot dead by police during a June 17 protest—opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka called Ruto’s statement “unconstitutional” and urged for his resignation or impeachment.

President Ruto, addressing the nation earlier in the week, warned against what he called “anarchy disguised as peaceful protests” and ordered police to “shoot and break the legs” of offenders during demonstrations. Human rights groups and civil society organizations have condemned the remarks as incitement to extrajudicial killings.

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The protests were sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month and intensified following Kariuki’s killing. Footage showed Kariuki being shot in the head at close range as he walked away from police during a demonstration.

Thousands marched on June 25 to mark the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests, with demonstrators demanding justice and an end to police brutality. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, over 50 people have died in recent protest crackdowns, with more than 100 deaths linked to demonstrations since 2023.

At Kariuki’s burial in Murang’a County, mourners carried Kenyan flags and photos of his final moments. The absence of uniformed police at the venue was notable, though anti-riot units remained on standby nearby.

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Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata declared that “the government must take responsibility” for the killings and pledged justice for the victims.

So far, four police officers face murder charges over recent deaths, including those of Kariuki and blogger Ojwang. A fifth officer, Klinzy Barasa, has been charged with murder and is set to enter a plea on July 28.

As political pressure mounts, Kenya finds itself at a crossroads—between public outrage over state violence and a government under fire for its harsh response to dissent.

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Trump’s War Warning to Putin: “I’ll Bomb the S— Out of Moscow”

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Donald Trump’s shocking revelation: He warned Putin and Xi he’d bomb Moscow and Beijing if they dared invade. The bombshell quote exposes how Trump flexed “crazy” deterrence to keep global powers in check.

Donald Trump isn’t mincing words in his post-victory glow. A new book reveals the former—and now re-elected—President told Vladimir Putin outright: invade Ukraine, and Moscow gets bombed to rubble. “I told him, ‘Vladimir, if you do it, we’re going to bomb the s— out of Moscow,’” Trump reportedly said during a 2024 donor dinner, according to leaked audio.

Trump didn’t stop there. He said he gave China’s Xi Jinping the same ultimatum over Taiwan—total annihilation. “He thought I was crazy,” Trump said. “But 10 percent belief is all you need.” It’s classic Trump: deterrence through fear, chaos as leverage.

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The Biden White House was quick to distance the timeline, noting Putin only invaded Ukraine after Trump left office. But Trump’s team flipped the script, claiming his strongman rhetoric kept global tyrants in check—until Biden showed weakness. Now, with war still raging and Trump back in command, he’s doubling down on sanctions and saber-rattling.

This isn’t diplomacy. It’s shock-and-awe politics, and Trump wants the world to know that under him, American threats are not metaphors—they’re missile codes. Whether bluff or doctrine, one thing is clear: Trump’s foreign policy is back, and it’s locked and loaded.

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