Anduril Founder Palmer Luckey argues the U.S. should revive “defector visas”, actively recruiting top engineers and managers from rival states, especially China.

Luckey says the goal is to “steal their very best manufacturing engineers,” and weaken China in the process.

“We’re trying to steal the very best people from our greatest foe.”

Pentagon: China Aims for Six Aircraft Carriers by 2035

The PLAN has already the world’s largest navy by hull count, with more than 370 ships in service and projections of roughly 435 by 2030.

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Pentagon: China Expects to Be Able to Win a War on Taiwan by 2027

Rather than preparing only for a limited conflict with Taiwan, the PLA is described as measuring its capabilities against Washington itself.

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Pentagon report says China is building toward 1,000 nuclear warheads as it prepares for “national total war”.

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Sanctions relief, prisoner swaps and a weight-loss drug.

The U.S. quietly offered sanctions relief to Belarus in exchange for freeing political prisoners—while also exploring access to a weight-loss drug for President Lukashenko.

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Sudan: RSF militias reportedly carried out an attack on the Abu Qumra area in North Darfur.

Somalia: The UN Security Council extends the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for one year, through end-2026, to back Somali forces against al-Shabab.

Turkish FM Meets Hamas Delegation to Push Gaza Ceasefire Phase Two

Hamas said it met ceasefire terms and blamed Israel for blocking progress.

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Sudan: UAE-backed RSF militias are reported to have taken control of the Abu Qamra and Ambaro areas.

Turkish President Erdogan:

I extend my condolences to the brotherly Libyan people, the Libyan Armed Forces, and the Government of Libya, and I convey my deepest sympathies on behalf of my country and my nation.

Turkish President Erdogan:

Even though a ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October 11, hardships continue in the residential areas that Israel has reduced to rubble.

With the weather turning colder and the onset of rainfall, the burden on the people of Gaza has grown even heavier.

We all follow with deep sorrow the scenes of tents submerged due to heavy rain in Gaza, and babies and children suffering from hypothermia as a result of extreme cold.

Turkish President Erdogan:

Under the agreement, 600 aid trucks were to enter Gaza daily, but Israel has failed to uphold this commitment, repeatedly obstructing humanitarian aid with unfounded excuses.

Turkish President Erdogan:

As Türkiye, we will not bow down, we will not remain silent, and we will not forget; we will never leave Gaza alone.

Turkish President Erdogan:

Throughout our history, we have been a refuge for the oppressed, opening our doors without regard to religion, language, or origin.

From Jews fleeing the Inquisition and Nazi persecution to those in need across the Caucasus, the Balkans, Africa, and Asia, we have always come to the aid of the distressed.

This was true in the past, it is true today, and it will never change.

Turkish President Erdogan:

Whether in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Aegean, or anywhere else, we neither take what is not rightfully ours nor allow our own rights to be taken.

Agreements can be made, signatures can be signed, and messages can be sent in various ways, but none of this will change our policy.

Those responsible for the blood of more than 70,000 Palestinians have no moral standing in our eyes; their provocations amount to nothing more than empty noise.

Turkish President Erdogan:

Let everyone know that, just as in the past, we stand for peace and calm today as well.

But this does not mean that we accept injustice or remain silent in the face of oppression. Never.

Niger: IS-Sahel claimed responsibility in recent days for an attack on Nigerien forces near Goubey in the Dosso region, saying it killed at least 10 soldiers.

Netanyahu's Office:

The Hamas terror organization continues to violate the ceasefire and President Trump’s 20 point plan.

Their ongoing and continuing public refusal to disarm is an ongoing flagrant violation and again today their violent intentions and violations were confirmed by their detonation of an IED that wounded an IDF officer.

Hamas must be held to the agreement that they signed on which includes removal from governance, demilitarization and de-radicalization.

Israel will respond accordingly.

Netanyahu Prepares for Early Knesset Vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed aides to prepare for a possible early election as soon as June 2026, according to Ynet.

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Israeli Defense Minister Katz:

We will not withdraw from Mount Hermon.

Netanyahu on the F-35:

We will prevent anyone who should not have these advanced aircraft from obtaining them.