Category: Middle East

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by CE at Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a “Super Connector” and “Super Value-adder” High-level Business Luncheon in Kuwait today (May 14):

Your Excellency Khalifa Abdullah Dhahi Al-Ajeel Al-Askar (Minister of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait), Excellency Ambassador Zhang Jianwei (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Kuwait), Excellency Mr Rabah Al-Rabah (Director General of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

As-salamu alaykum. Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to be with you today in Kuwait, home to one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and a country as committed to talent development as it is to economic diversification.

This is our second day in your resplendent capital, Kuwait City, where past, present and future – in design, culture, lifestyle and so much more – come together like no other city in the world.

Yesterday, I was honoured to have met with His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait; His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait; His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister of Kuwait, and other senior government officials. I thanked them sincerely for the time, interest and hospitality they have shown us, from the moment we arrived in Kuwait. Kuwait has generously arranged for our government delegates to stay at Bayan Palace, a majestic landmark in Kuwait City. I reaffirmed to them the commitment, and sincerity, of Hong Kong and Mainland China in strengthening relations with Kuwait.

Yes, I am delighted to be here. So too, are the business and professional leaders with me, a delegation counting some 30 Hong Kong business and institutional heads, together with high-profile representatives of over 20 Chinese Mainland companies from seven provinces and municipalities across the country.

The delegation brings with them wide-ranging expertise, and invaluable experience, from both Hong Kong and Mainland China, in green development, and innovation and technology, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, new energy and materials, health and smart city evolution. They also offer Hong Kong’s wealth of experience in finance, infrastructure, transport and logistics, as well as global business operations and deal-making.

We are here to better understand the opportunities of Kuwaiti business and investment. To explore how Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait, working together, can create long-term mutual opportunities.

We’re also here to explore closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, GCC), which, as all of you know, includes Kuwait. Kuwait currently holds the presidency of the GCC, wielding significant influence in the region’s development.

Our ties run deep and far. China, our country, and Kuwait established diplomatic ties in 1971 – making Kuwait the first GCC country to do so. Last year, trade between China and Kuwait reached well over US$16 billion.

Kuwait, I’m pleased to note, was the first country in the Middle East to sign a Belt and Road co-operation document with China. From of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s headquarters building and housing projects, to telecommunications and smart city developments, Chinese enterprises have participated in numerous infrastructure and business projects here.

Hong Kong treasures its trade ties with Kuwait, too. Last year, our bilateral merchandise trade totalled US$200 million, up more than 21 per cent over the year before.

Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC last year reached nearly US$20 billion, up 53 per cent over the past four years. And that robust growth is underpinned by our mutual will to advance trade ties.

Thanks to our internationally recognised professional services sector, Hong Kong is a pivotal player in the Belt and Road Initiative. In 2023, we included a Middle East Forum, for the first time, at our annual Belt and Road Summit. And we continue to feature Middle East speakers and guests at the Summit.

Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit will take place in September this year. As earlier the Chairman of the Trade Development Council (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) said, it’s our 10th anniversary Summit, and I invite you all to join us, to take part in a world of Belt and Road opportunities – in business, investment and more.

And the Asian Financial Forum, Hong Kong’s flagship event bringing together prominent leaders in finance and business sectors, hosted its first GCC Chapter this January.

Yes, the ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East continue to grow and diversify.

They include the launching of the Middle East’s first two exchange-traded funds tracking Hong Kong stocks. Hong Kong is partnering with a Middle East sovereign wealth fund, too. Together, we are committed to jointly establishing a US$1 billion fund, investing in companies connected to Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Greater Bay Area, let me add, is a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine southern cities in China. The fast-integrating regional economic powerhouse presents a collective GDP (Gross Domestic Product) that closely rivals the world’s 10th largest economy.

Hong Kong has much to offer Kuwait. Asia’s financial hub and one of the world’s three biggest financial centres, Hong Kong is also the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business centre. Coupled with our Islamic finance experience, Hong Kong is a trusted partner in your project financing – today and long down the road.

Free trade is among our great competitive advantages, fuelling our success for the past two centuries. Hong Kong is a free port, and we will continue to be a free port. Like our country, we are a vocal advocate of a multilateral, rules-based global economy, in spite of mounting protectionism and geopolitical tensions.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to our “one country, two systems” governing principle at work.

Under the principle, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has its own legal, legislative and judicial systems. Our legal system is a common law system, similar to that in many major financial hubs around the globe. We maintain our own currency, with no capital or foreign exchange controls. Information, capital, goods and people flow freely in Hong Kong.

The principle of “one country, two systems” also gives Hong Kong unparalleled access to our country’s markets and wide-ranging opportunities. It allows us, as well, to pursue our longstanding ties with the world at large, the Middle East very much included.

As today’s luncheon title, Partnering for Success: Hong Kong as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” emphasises, we do more than connecting companies and people. We also add value to their businesses, their services and their future.

With companies and investors from Mainland China, and all over the world, looking for a financial haven in this time of global economic uncertainty, Hong Kong is flourishing, and keen to work with you, our partners.

An international financial newspaper, spotlighting the Hong Kong Exchange and its record quarterly profits, recently noted that Hong Kong has, and I quote, “benefited from a spate of initial public offerings and rising interest from Mainland Chinese and global investors in Hong Kong-listed shares, especially of technological-related companies, driven by optimism over China’s progress in artificial intelligence”.

That speaks of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” advantages working for you – linking a world of investors to the secure and rapidly growing Chinese market.

It helps, and greatly, that Hong Kong’s economy is inextricably tied to our common law system and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, a legal regime that resembles many of the world’s leading financial hubs. They give international companies and investors – Kuwait certainly included – all the confidence and the certainty they need to do business, in Hong Kong and throughout China. Kuwait certainly included.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to note that during our visit, Hong Kong and Kuwait have reached consensus on 24 concrete deliverables, through MOUs and related agreements. A ceremony will take place in just a moment.

The agreements cover a broad range of collaboration, from trade and the economy, to investment promotion, financial services, aviation and the maritime industries, post-secondary education, the legal profession, sports and more.

And our customs authorities will commence negotiations on the mutual recognition of respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes. This will create smoother, more convenient international links for our respective companies, making it much easier to do business together.

Our Airport Authority Hong Kong will soon sign a new MOU with Kuwait Airways, aimed at enhancing air connectivity between the two regions, fostering operational excellence, supporting sustainability, and advancing talent development in the aviation sector.

They will lay a solid foundation for long-term collaboration between our two economies and our two peoples.

That just touches on our growing co-operation. Indeed, we are now looking into opening a second Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the GCC region, to manage our many ongoing Middle East projects and prospects in the offering.

One key area is boosting merchandise trade between our economies. Hong Kong, I’m pleased to say, has signed Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements (IPPA) with five of the six GCC states. We have also entered into Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements with three of the states, with Kuwait being the first. We have also substantially concluded negotiations on an IPPA with Qatar, our previous stop on this trip, and commenced negotiations with another state.

Indeed, our burgeoning trade and investment co-operation, I believe, could well add momentum to the possibility of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC. I look forward to our continuing discussions with the Council.

Beyond business and investment connectivity, there is boundless promise, too, in co-operating in sectors such as arts and culture.

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of visiting the dazzling Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, one of the world’s largest museum complexes. Seeing, firsthand, Kuwait’s compelling commitment to arts, culture and science. I must add that Kuwait is this year’s Arab Culture Capital, presenting nearly 100 activities as part of the country’s cultural celebration.

Like Kuwait, Hong Kong believes in the primacy of arts and culture. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District is rising as one of the world’s largest cultural developments. And we are committed to becoming the world’s East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That very much includes Kuwait and the Middle East in general.

My thanks to our Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the Middle East and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising today’s welcome gathering. And to the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry for kindly supporting us on this memorable occasion.

Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy today’s luncheon. Including, let me add, a musical performance by TroVessional, a Hong Kong group dedicated to Cantonese and Chinese ethnic music, brought to engaging life with classic Chinese instruments.

Enjoy it and thank you!

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senate Republicans Block Schatz Resolution Condemning Qatar’s $400 Million Gift To Trump

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday called for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to adopt a resolution authored by Schatz and U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) that would condemn a luxury airplane gift, valued at $400 million, President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar. Senate Republicans blocked it.

“It really should go without saying, but no president should be accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign country,” said Senator Schatz. “It is gross. It is reckless. It is corrupt. And the outrage and condemnation especially on the Republican side should be universal.”

In addition to Schatz and Coons, the resolution is cosponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.).

Video of Schatz’s unanimous consent request and the Senate Republican response available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Remarks to the media following the Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on the Future of Peacekeeping

Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

Minister Wadepuhl, Minister Pistorius,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I thank the Government of Germany for hosting impeccably this important meeting in Berlin.

Germany is a pillar of the multilateral system…

A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…

And an essential partner in our peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian assistance efforts — with almost 200 German peacekeepers now serving in our ranks.

I am especially pleased to be here so soon after the new Government took office, and I look forward to building on our partnership in the time ahead.

The commitment of the German government — and the German people themselves — is strongly reflected in this Ministerial meeting on the future of peacekeeping.

As I said in my remarks, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

And nothing symbolizes our organization’s commitment to peace more clearly than our Blue Helmets.

UN Peacekeeping operations are a cornerstone of the United Nations.

Each and every day, peacekeepers are hard at work in trouble spots around the world.

Protecting civilians caught in the line of fire.

Maintaining ceasefires.

Keeping lifesaving humanitarian aid flowing.

And building the foundations of peace in countries shattered by conflict.

Many have paid the ultimate price over the years — 4,400 in all.

Their memories, and their service in the cause of peace, will never be forgotten.

Which is why the commitments being made here today and tomorrow are so important.

I am heartened by the exceptional turn-out of Ministers from across the globe, representing the full range of peacekeeping partners.

Now more than ever we need the political support of UN Member States.

The goal is not just to keep a lid on conflicts — but to build political support for lasting solutions that can build peace.

Over these two days, we welcome Member States’ statements of support for peacekeeping — as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support.

This meeting is also about something more fundamental:

The future of peacekeeping itself.

Let me be clear.

Peacekeeping operations today are facing massive challenges, increasing the dangers that our brave peacekeepers already face.

A record number of conflicts.

Deepening division and mistrust.

Terrorism and transnational crime.

And the direct targeting of peacekeepers through drones, improvised explosive devices and even social media.

We need to ask some tough questions about the mandates guiding these operations, and what the outcomes and solutions should look like.

Every context is different.

From our operations in Lebanon, the Central African Republic and South Sudan…

To our partnerships with the African Union, made stronger with the Security Council’s resolution to support peace enforcement missions under the AU’s responsibility, supported by the UN, including through assessed contributions…

We are working to adapt, to tailor and to support our missions to the needs and requirements of each context.

Unfortunately, peacekeeping operations have been facing serious liquidity problems.

It is absolutely essential that all Member States respect their financial obligations, paying their contributions in full and on time.

At the same time, we’re moving forward on an ambitious Review of Peace Operations — including peacekeeping — but also the peace enforcing missions that are becoming more and more neccessary has called for by Member States in September’s Pact for the Future.

We’re examining how to make peace operations more efficient, cost-effective, flexible and resilient — including in contexts where there is no peace to keep.

Today’s Ministerial is an important part of this work as we share ideas, and explore ways to strengthen this important function for the future.

Peacekeepers — and the populations they protect — deserve nothing less.

In their names, I want to express my thanks and appreciation to Germany and all the countries in attendance, for helping us ensure that peacekeeping is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.

Question [through an interpreter]: What do you think about current diplomatic efforts regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, would the United Nations be willing to send Blue Helmets?

Secretary-General: We have been calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. But we do not see the ceasefire only in itself. We think a ceasefire must be something to pave the way for a solution. And for us, the solution is just peace, and just peace for us means peace that respects the UN Charter international law and resolutions of the General Assembly of United Nations, including the territory integrity of Ukraine. This is our position, and I believe that it is extremely important in a moment like this that international law prevails. The day we have decays about defending international law, we are paving the way for chaos all over the world. On the other hand, the UN is ready to provide whatever support the parties if the parties agree, would ask the UN to do. But obviously this does not depend. It depends on the parties. It is obvious that if a ceasefire and a peace as described by me, could be approved by the Security Council, it would be a major step forward, but I am aware that it will not be an easy job.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin Brings New Commitments to Strengthen Peacekeeping Operations
Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

The United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 Berlin concluded today. More than 130 Member States and international partners – over a thousand participants in total – came together to reaffirm their support for UN peacekeeping and to announce concrete pledges aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and adaptability of peace operations in the face of evolving global challenges.

Hosted by the Government of Germany, the two-day high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Member State support and help shape the future of UN Peacekeeping. The Ministerial focused on the Future of Peacekeeping, reflecting the need for innovative approaches to address complex conflicts, leverage emerging technologies, and address threats such as mis- and disinformation.

“In trouble spots around the world, Blue Helmets can mean the difference between life and death. Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations. And the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his opening remarks.

“We welcome Member States’ political statements of support for peacekeeping as well as their pledges of military and police capabilities, new partnerships and technological support. This meeting is also about something more fundamental: the future of peacekeeping itself,” he added.

“In an interconnected world, no nation can achieve peace and security for its citizens on its own. In the past two days, more than 130 UN member states have come together in Berlin, determined

to make progress towards this goal together. We all agree that setting up strong and effective peacekeeping missions is our joint responsibility. We want to tailor future missions to the exact needs of the host countries and increase their acceptance and effectiveness. This is the way forward in a world in which peacekeeping is more important now than ever before, but where the challenges are greater than at any time in the past. The participants have lived up to this challenge by making many very significant contributions. Germany’s support for the UN and its peacekeeping missions remains unwavering. We are committed to standing up for international peace and security,” said Johann Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Meanwhile, announcing his country’s pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros to UN Peacekeeping, Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, said: “I am grateful to all partners, who have come to Berlin to make significant pledges to ensure efficient global Peacekeeping Missions. Germany continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN Peacekeeping and has pledged contributions worth 82 million Euros. In addition, we will continue our support to missions and partners with training and equipment. Our goal was to focus on new and innovative pledges, ranging from renewable energy technologies to medical transport drones to the protection from improvised explosive devices. We remain committed to supporting the three UN Peacekeeping Missions that the German Armed Forces currently deploy to in South Sudan, Lebanon and Western Sahara.”

Key outcomes:

A total of 74 Member States made pledges including:
- Pledges of military and police units
  53 Member States pledged uniformed capabilities, including 88 military and police units, as well as various critical capabilities, airlift, individual experts, staff officers and individual police officers.
- Specialized training
  59 Member States pledged specialized trainings on critical issues such as peacekeeping-intelligence, protection of civilians, gender and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
- Women, Peace and Security
  38 Member States made pledges to further implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including gender-responsive peacekeeping and women in peacekeeping.
- Safety and Security
16 Member States pledged capabilities and projects to enhance the safety and security of peacekeepers.

Eleven Member States made pledges related to the conduct and accountability of peacekeepers and UN Peacekeeping’s fight against sexual exploitation and abuse. This response includes targeted contributions to the Trust Fund for victims.

Background

Today, more than 61,000 military and police peacekeepers from 119 countries and more than seven thousand civilian personnel serve across 11 Peacekeeping Missions.

The Berlin Ministerial is part of a series of high-level meetings aimed at galvanizing political support and generating tangible commitments to improve UN Peacekeeping. It follows previous Ministerial meetings held in Accra (2023), Seoul (2021), New York (2019) Vancouver (2017) and London (2016). The 2025 Ministerial also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10-year anniversary of the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping.

More information on the meeting, including statements and the list of pledges, please visit the UN Peacekeeping website and @UNPeacekeeping digital channels.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
- Federal Republic of Germany: Anna Laura Vitzinger, German Foreign Office: presse@diplo.de; and Sonja Momberg, German Ministry of Defence: sonjamomberg@bmvg.bund.de
******

MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Empowering teen students to achieve more with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Empowering teen students to achieve more with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot

Learn about Microsoft 365 Copilot availability for students aged 13 and older. Enhance learning with AI, enterprise protection, and IT controls.

We’re excited to announce Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot availability for students aged 13 and older is coming this summer with enterprise data protection and IT controls. AI provides new and unique learning opportunities when integrated thoughtfully as a complement to established practices with input from educators. A study from Microsoft Research found that most students demonstrated remarkable curiosity when using AI, asking sophisticated questions that extended beyond their task at hand and led to deeper understanding. Further, the latest report from LinkedIn calls for action to equip the future workforce with AI and uniquely human skills as demand is rapidly increasing.

We’re optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead to help students advance their learning and build skills to prepare for success in their future. We’ll share impact and insights from our private preview for students aged 13 and older, product details, and resources to help you get started.

Try Copilot Chat today

Increasing student agency with Copilot Chat

Throughout our preview, we heard feedback from K-12 institutions that reinforced the importance of providing training and support for educators and students, setting appropriate guidelines, and granting permission to experiment and learn together. They also demonstrated what’s possible when these needs are met. Read on for testimonials from Fulton County Schools and Brisbane Catholic Education, with more insights from our preview and resources later in the blog.

Fulton County Schools first set a foundation with an AI task force, evaluation of over 200 use cases, and alignment on critical goals such as preparing students for their future and giving every student the opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them. After initial training, educators introduced Copilot Chat as a thought partner, provided coaching on topics like prompting, and quickly saw student confidence and curiosity increase. Students used it to ideate, receive immediate feedback without judgment, design multimedia projects, identify and fix code errors, adjust content based on their preferences or pace, and manage their time. Educators are also now able to challenge them more than ever, and students are using Copilot Chat as a force multiplier to bring their ideas and passions to life in ways they couldn’t previously imagine or access.

Hear Johns Creek High School educators and students share their experience with Copilot Chat in their own words in the following video and read the full story.

Read the Johns Creek High School story

For Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE), the journey began with a plan to use AI to support their mission to teach, challenge, and transform in a time where there are increasing needs for reduction of administrative workload and evolution of learning models for digital-native students. Educators in an early trial reported saving an average of 9.3 hours per week which contributed to BCE’s interest and confidence to expand access more broadly. Copilot Chat increased student agency, enabled more project-based work, and accelerated a shift they’ve been trying to make for years to help students truly become learners, not just receivers of knowledge. Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal, noted, “The real promise of Copilot Chat isn’t efficiency—it’s cognition. It’s helping us push students beyond knowledge recall into evaluation, synthesis, and justification.”

BCE’s success was built on strong leadership buy-in, aligning AI with broader strategic goals, ongoing measurement, and transparent engagement with opportunities for co-design. It sparked new ways of thinking, a culture of sharing, and thoughtful reflection on the future of education. Learn more about how BCE boosts agency and efficiency with Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

My role has shifted from lesson planner to facilitator and mentor. One of the most powerful moments was watching a student ask Copilot Chat to reformat their assignment for dyslexia accessibility. That’s agency. That’s personalization. And it happened without pulling the teacher away from the rest of the class.

Michael Parker, Student Academic Performance and Growth Leader, Trinity College

Get started with Copilot Chat, learn more about Microsoft 365 Copilot

Copilot Chat offers free, secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o and the ability to maintain IT control with enterprise data protection and management and is included with Microsoft 365. It also includes features like file upload, image generation, Copilot Pages, and agents. Learn more by reviewing our Copilot Chat documentation. Copilot Chat will be generally available for students aged 13 and older this summer and administrators will need to take additional steps to grant access based on their institution’s plans and preferences. We recommend administrators review the details on managing Copilot Chat access for students and begin taking the next steps to prepare today.

Manage Copilot Chat access for students

When you add a Microsoft 365 Copilot license, Copilot Chat becomes more powerful by drawing on the Microsoft Graph for access and understanding of your institutional data, working directly in productivity apps like Outlook, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Excel, and using advanced measurement and management tools. Microsoft 365 Copilot will be eligible to purchase as an add-on for students aged 13 and older with a Microsoft 365 subscription later in May 2025. Higher education institutions like Indiana University and Miami Dade College are already seeing the impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance career readiness and increase student engagement.

Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot offer enterprise data protection, the same enterprise terms available in our Microsoft 365 offerings. This means we secure your data, your data is private, your existing Microsoft 365 access controls and policies apply, you’re guarded against AI security and copyright risks, and your data isn’t used to train foundation models. Keeping your institutional data protected is important, and Copilot Chat has built-in safeguards to help ensure it stays that way. Additionally, IT administrators and security professionals can further secure, manage, and analyze the use of Copilot Chat, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and agents across their institution with the Copilot Control System.

We look forward to hearing how Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot bring new opportunities to life for your students and institutions. A National 4-H Council survey with young people found that many kids (72%) are seeking support from adults in learning how to use these tools correctly and with confidence. The importance of helping students, educators, and staff adapt to an evolving future will increase and we’ll continue to provide access to the latest technology and relevant resources.

Explore Microsoft Copilot for personal use

Many students are not only starting to use AI tools in the classroom, but also at home and for purposes outside of schoolwork. Microsoft Copilot for individuals is designed to inform, entertain, and inspire and can be accessed for free with a Microsoft personal account. Learn more about default settings and policies to protect those aged 13 and older using Microsoft Copilot. Microsoft 365 Personal or Family is also available for use of productivity apps and credits for new AI features. Eligible students can receive a 50% discount on Microsoft 365 Personal and starting today—students in the United States can sign up for a free three-month trial.

Additional insights from our preview

We want to thank the inspiring educators, students, and institutional leaders who have shared their insights with us and agreed to share them more broadly with you. Participants emphasized the importance of professional development, guidelines, prompting practice, and creating space for transparency and sharing of successes and failures. Educators noticed Copilot Chat helped keep students engaged, immediately receive and act on feedback, improve their research and analysis process, explore counterarguments, and build AI skills that they’ve already begun using to their advantage in the hiring process and even teaching to their employers in part-time jobs. Students also appreciated time savings, providing relief from the stress of deadlines, through the ability to easily brainstorm, troubleshoot issues, ask unlimited questions, and learn at their own pace.

Shane Tooley, Assistant Principal Curriculum at St. Peter Claver College says, “If you’re on the fence about AI, it comes down to this: Your students will surprise you. Given the chance, they’ll use AI ethically and meaningfully. The key is to guide them—not restrict them. Show them what good use looks like.”

Students in Onslow County enjoyed interacting with Copilot Chat to learn more about historical figures, create questions geared towards their specific needs, and receive assistance while away from school. One educator reflected, “Using AI was an eye-opening experience, all I had ever heard or thought about were the negatives, but actually using it allowed me to see many of the wonderful benefits it can bring to our students’ educational experience.”

Jorge Ledezma, Director of Educational Technology, Santa Margarita Catholic High School advises, “It’s crucial to provide AI literacy courses and resources so that students can learn how to use AI responsibly. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of privacy and security when using AI tools is vital. This not only helps students understand the ethical implications but also ensures they are well-prepared to navigate the digital world safely.”

In Saga Prefecture, ⁠instructors helped students use Copilot Chat to learn how to prompt AI tools, program 3D games in Python, resolve issues on their own, and take initiative to further explore their interests. They used Copilot Chat side by side with Microsoft MakeCode for easy access to troubleshooting support and the ability to ask deeper questions about the task at hand. Educators and leaders emphasized the importance of data protection when providing AI tools to their students.

Dr. Faisal Al Busaidi, Director General of Information Technology, Ministry of Education Oman urges, “Successful adoption of Copilot Chat hinges on the preparedness of educators. I strongly encourage institutions to invest in structured training programs that empower teachers to guide students in using AI tools effectively and thoughtfully.”

Educators at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby noted that Copilot Chat fostered further independence and critical thinking for their students as they reflected on how to use AI effectively and responsibly in and outside of school. They also expressed the importance of providing training for students and staff, and that like any new technology in education—the experience will only be as good as the guidelines and learning sequence that accompany it.

Lisvette Flores Quiñones, Department of Education, Puerto Rico shared “Copilot Chat’s use in education and document management has been incredibly beneficial in all teaching and learning processes, I look forward to continuing learning and exploring the potential of AI. I encourage my students to start with Copilot Chat, adjust information to their learning style, and to be specific in their prompts to achieve great results.”

Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat

Use free, secure AI chat powered by GPT-4o with agents and IT controls.

Resources to begin your AI journey

Educators in our preview program consistently highlighted the need for training in AI rollout and we have several resources and tools to help you and your students get started:
- AI Classroom Toolkit – Try this creative resource to introduce AI to teen students that blends engaging narrative stories with instructional information for an immersive and informative learning experience.
- Copilot Chat Adoption Kit – Review the collection of resources for IT, educators, and guardians to get started with Copilot Chat.
- Family Safety Toolkit – Learn more about online safety guidance for all ages, tools and tips, and resources we have developed over time through engagement with young people and digital safety partnerships.
- Minecraft Education AI Foundations – Discover a set of accessible, interactive materials for building AI literacy such as curriculum, short videos, Minecraft lessons, and more.
- Additional free AI tools – Explore the AI-enhanced Learning Accelerators to help students build foundational skills, GitHub Copilot to empower the next generation of developers, and Khan Academy Writing Coach.
- FarmBeats for Students program expansion – Access a free, comprehensive course providing training on precision agriculture, data science, and AI designed for classrooms of all kinds.
Discover even more resources for educators, leaders, and administrators:
MIL OSI Global Banks –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Booker, Schatz, Coons, Murphy Lead 27 Senators in Introducing Resolution to Condemn $400 Million Airplane Gift to Trump from Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) in leading a group of 27 Senators to introduce a resolution condemning a luxury airplane gift, valued at $400 million, President Donald Trump announced he will receive from the government of Qatar. According to reports, Trump intends to designate the plane as Air Force One while in office and then transfer it to a foundation for personal use following the end of his term.
“While Republicans plot to gut vital services like Social Security and Medicaid and unleash economic uncertainty onto hardworking Americans, Donald Trump is planning to accept a luxury jet, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government,” said Senator Booker. “This not only creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security concerns, and undermines public trust in our government, but is a slap in the face to the people across the country who are struggling to make ends meet. All Senators should be able to agree that no one should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts. I hope my Republican colleagues will support this resolution.”
“Air Force One is more than just a plane — it’s a symbol of the presidency and of the United States itself,” said Senator Schatz. “Any president who accepts this kind of gift, valued at $400 million, from a foreign government creates a clear conflict of interest, raises serious national security questions, invites foreign influence, and undermines public trust in our government. We are asking the Senate to vote to reiterate a basic principle: no president should use public service for personal gain through foreign gifts.”
“We wouldn’t trust another country to decorate the Oval Office, to set up our Situation Room, or to wire the White House briefing room, so why would we let another country build Air Force One for us, which is an airborne version of all three? This isn’t just a massive act of corruption, it’s a national security risk of the highest order,” said Senator Coons, Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “If President Trump is so willing to put his own administration in danger for the sake of a $400 million gift, imagine how much danger he’s willing to put the American people in.”
“The president doesn’t get to trade U.S. foreign policy and national security for a private jet,” said Senator Murphy. “This resolution sends the message Trump won’t: the Oval Office is not for sale.”
“President Trump’s penchant for corruption and grift has risen to a new level with the news his presidency is for sale – if you happen to have $400 million dollars,” said Leader Schumer. “This Qatari plane deal would be the largest Presidential bribe in modern history and it’s not just naked corruption, it’s a grave national security threat. Senate Republicans may bury their heads in the sand while Trump tries to enrich himself and his billionaire buddies, but Senate Democrats are going to stand up for the American people and say enough is enough – we condemn this attempt at corruption and gross violation of the Constitution.”
“No, Donald Trump cannot accept a $400 million flying palace from the royal family of Qatar. Not only is this farcically corrupt, it is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Senator Sanders. “Congress must not allow this over-the-top kleptocracy to proceed.”
“President Trump wants to accept a $400 million private jet from a foreign government, have American taxpayers pay to retrofit it as Air Force One, and then keep it for himself to jet around the world as soon as he leaves office. It’s hard to imagine more brazen corruption or a clearer violation of our Constitution’s Emoluments Clause, and there’s no question this outlandish proposal puts our country’s national security at risk,” said Senator Murray. “Every member of Congress should support this simple resolution condemning violations of the Emoluments Clause and making clear Trump cannot accept a $400 million private jet from Qatar without explicit consent from Congress.”
“If someone came to one of my town halls in Oregon and tried to argue that getting a $400 million jet from the government of Qatar wasn’t corruption, they would be laughed out of town,” said Senator Wyden. “Instead of securing new allies against adversaries like China or opening new markets for American products, Trump is using America’s clout to get a private jet. It’s corruption plain and simple that fritters away American influence and leaves us weaker.”
“While Republicans in Congress are working to gut Medicaid and Social Security, President Trump is brazenly accepting a luxury jumbo jet from Qatar — for his use during and after he leaves office,” said Senator Padilla. “Once again, Trump is showing us that he puts his own interests above those of the American people, benefiting himself and leaving working families behind. This foreign gift reeks of corruption, is blatantly against the law, threatens our national security, and will cost taxpayers tens of millions in retrofit costs and security upgrades.”
“Donald Trump is accepting a multimillion dollar plane from a foreign government as a personal gift, while clearly ignoring the Constitution,” said Senator Rosen. “Trump gets richer off of his position while hardworking families suffer from his reckless actions. This is corruption plain and simple, and I’m supporting this resolution to make our strong opposition clear.”
“This is corruption plain and simple. The President of the United States accepting a $400 million plane from a foreign government is unheard of, and would require direct consent from Congress,” said Senator Warner. “This is just the latest act by President Trump that shows his administration has no regard for the rule of law and is ripe to be exploited by foreign actors.”
“Trump’s brazen willingness to accept a luxury jet from Qatar raises the dangerous prospect that the president can be bought and paid for by foreign powers — putting their interests over Americans’ and our national security. Every Senator should join us in rejecting it and blocking the sale of the presidency to the highest bidder,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Our founding fathers knew that we must protect ourselves from corruption and foreign influence, which is exactly why we have a constitutional provision prohibiting presidents from accepting lavish gifts from foreign governments—a super luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, reportedly valued at $400 million, is no exception,” said Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shaheen. “Congress and the American public have a right to know the details of any arrangement that calls into question whether the President is acting on behalf of American interests and American interests alone. Further, the security implications of taking a foreign-owned and managed plane and outfitting it with the most sensitive U.S. technology continues to demonstrate a lack of judgement in this administration when it comes to guarding U.S. intelligence.”
“There’s no such thing as a $400 million “no-strings-attached” gift,” said Senator Duckworth. “This is the mother of all bribes. It puts our national security in jeopardy and erodes public trust—all for the President’s own personal gain. Donald Trump wants to sell our foreign policy and sell out our people.”
“Donald Trump accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign country is corruption in plain sight,” said Senator Hirono. “Trump’s latest grift undermines our national security, flies in the face of the Constitution, and will cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions, if not billions, in retrofits.”
“The mere notion that the President would cravenly accept a $400 million attempt to win favor from a foreign power is beyond the pale and reeks of corruption. The White House and presidency are sacred trusts from the American people, not venues for Trump to enrich himself and his family with shady deals and influence buying,” said Senator Durbin. “Our resolution reaffirms what our Constitution makes clear – no President should receive gifts from a foreign power.”
“While President Trump claims to target fraud and abuse, his actions continue to prove that his priorities are his own interests and those of his wealthy friends,” said Senator Bennet. “His plan to accept a $400 million luxury jet from the Qatari government for use as Air Force One is an act of blatant corruption and a violation of our Constitution that poses severe counterintelligence risks, needlessly undermining U.S. national security.”
“This is corruption in plain sight. Under no circumstance should a sitting president be accepting luxury gifts from a foreign government, especially while negotiating an arms sale,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “This is yet another example of President Trump focusing on enriching himself rather than improving the lives of everyday Americans. I’m joining with my colleagues on this resolution to protect national security, to stand up for our constituents, and to uphold the rule of law.”
“If an ordinary government official accepted a gift even a fraction as valuable as this, there would be a full investigation, and potential firings due to concerns of foreign influence,” said Senator Slotkin. “Now the President is taking a $400 million foreign gift. Beyond the perception of corruption, the idea that a foreign country would have access to Air Force One, as the buyer, during production, leaves it incredibly vulnerable to bugs, tracking devices, and whatever else they or other countries may attempt to manipulate.”
“This is corruption, plain and simple. The U.S. is not for sale, and we cannot allow the presidency to be bought by foreign interests,” said Senator Klobuchar.
“Just when you think the Trump Administration can’t sink to a new low of ethical misconduct, he accepts a luxury jet from a foreign nation. Corruption on full display,” said Senator Merkley.
“We’re beyond foreign interference at this point. We’re watching a President invite a foreign government to buy him off,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “American values are actively being flushed down the toiled by this corrupt President.”
In addition to Booker, Schatz, and Coons, the resolution is cosponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NN).
To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Leads Letter Backing President Trump’s Call for Full Dismantlement of Iran’s Nuclear Program

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) led a letter to President Donald Trump regarding the administration’s ongoing negotiations with Iran. The letter calls on the Trump administration to secure a deal that results in the full dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program, including permanently ending the regime’s capacity to enrich uranium. The letter was signed by 52 Senate Republicans. The letter states:
“We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
“We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated,” the letter continues. “As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.”
The letter was also signed by Senators Ted Cruz (TX), Tom Cotton (AR), Leader John Thune (SD), Jim Risch (ID), Mike Crapo (ID), Jim Justice (WV), Steve Daines (MT), John Curtis (UT), John Cornyn (TX), Kevin Cramer (ND), Chuck Grassley (IA), Dave McCormick (PA), James Lankford (OK), Tim Scott (SC), Susan Collins (ME), Markwayne Mullin (OK), Tim Sheehy (MT), Rick Scott (FL), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Jim Banks (IN), John Hoeven (ND), John Boozman (AR), Jon Husted (OH), John Barrasso (WY), Roger Wicker (MS), Thom Tillis (NC), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), Mike Lee (UT), Katie Britt (AL), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Ashley Moody (FL), Ted Budd (NC), Mitch McConnell (KY), Dan Sullivan (AK), Joni Ernst (IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), Mike Rounds (SD), Deb Fischer (NE), Bill Cassidy (LA), Todd Young (IN), John Kennedy (LA), Tommy Tuberville (AL), Bernie Moreno (OH), Jerry Moran (KS), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Bill Hagerty (TN), Eric Schmitt (MO), Roger Marshall (KS), Josh Hawley (MO), Ron Johnson (WI), and Lindsey Graham (SC).
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Mr. Trump:
We write to express our strong support for your efforts to secure a deal with Iran that dismantles its nuclear program, and to reinforce the explicit warnings that you and officials in your administration have issued that the regime must permanently give up any capacity for enrichment.
During your first term you withdrew the United States from the deeply broken Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and imposed maximum pressure on the regime. As you said then, a fatal flaw of the deal was that it “allowed Iran to continue enriching uranium and, over time, reach the brink of a nuclear breakout.” The JCPOA allowed Iran to sell oil, provided waivers allowing third countries to help Iran build out its nuclear program, and included the termination of United Nations sanctions on the regime. Despite critics claiming your withdrawal from the deal would allow Iran to advance its nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime remained deterred from making substantial nuclear progress throughout your term because of your maximum pressure campaign.
Tragically, the Biden administration systematically undid that pressure, functionally re-implementing the nuclear deal. They immediately rescinded your decision to reimpose U.N. sanctions, allowed Iran to sell oil at JCPOA-levels, and even re-issued waivers allowing Iran to build out its nuclear program. As you predicted, those policies indeed allowed Iran to reach the brink of nuclear breakout, which is where they are today. The Biden administration made those concessions without any reciprocal concessions from Iran, and Iran even ceased providing international inspectors access to significant parts of its nuclear program in the early days of the Biden administration.
The scope and breadth of Iran’s nuclear buildout have made it impossible to verify any new deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium. In its most recent report, published on February 26, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that because of Iran’s activities over the last four years, “the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the production and current inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and UOC, which it will not be possible to restore.”
You and your administration have therefore correctly drawn a redline against any deal that allows Iran to retain any enrichment capability. Your National Security Presidential Memorandum on Iran stated that “Iran’s nuclear program, including its enrichment- and reprocessing-related capabilities and nuclear-capable missiles, poses an existential danger to the United States and the entire civilized world,” and you recently said that only “full dismantlement” of those capabilities would be acceptable. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff has made it clear in that context of negotiation that for any final arrangement to work, “Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program.”
We cannot afford another agreement that enables Iran to play for time, as the JCPOA did. The Iranian regime should know that the administration has Congressional backing to ensure their ability to enrich uranium is permanently eliminated.
As always we stand ready to provide you and your administration whatever resources you need to advance American national security interests.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Republican Governors in Support of Jewish American Heritage Month and Recognizing Israel’s Independence Day

Source: US Republican Governors Association

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

WASHINGTON, D.C. –All Republican governors joined together in a statement in support of Jewish Heritage month and to stand in solidarity with Israel on the 77^th anniversary of Israel’s independence.

All Republican governors wrote:

“As public servants and governors, we are proud to recognize May as Jewish American Heritage Month. We encourage all Americans to honor and celebrate the profound historical, cultural, and economic contributions of Jewish Americans who continue to enrich our communities and strengthen our nation. In our classrooms and at the kitchen table, we encourage our citizens to learn more about the strong heritage of our nation’s Jewish American community that has long been a part of our nation’s fabric, beginning with the Revolutionary War.

“The United States was proudly the first nation to recognize the State of Israel, cementing what has been an unbreakable bond for nearly 80 years. We reaffirm our continued, unwavering support for the nation of Israel and her people.

“We stand in solidarity with our nation’s Jewish community, and we condemn the rampant antisemitism, vile religious bigotry, and brutal terrorism that still festers in our country and across the globe.”

Signatories to the statement include:Governor Kay Ivey (AL), Governor Mike Dunleavy (AK), Governor Sarah Sanders (AR), Governor Ron DeSantis (FL), Governor Brian Kemp (GA), Governor Brad Little (ID), Governor Mike Braun (IN), Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), Governor Jeff Landry (LA), Governor Tate Reeves (MS), Governor Mike Kehoe (MO), Governor Greg Gianforte (MT), Governor Jim Pillen (NE), Governor Joe Lombardo (NV), Governor Kelly Ayotte (NH), Governor Kelly Armstrong (ND), Governor Mike DeWine (OH), Governor Kevin Stitt (OK), Governor Jenniffer González-Colón (PR), Governor Henry McMaster (SC), Governor Larry Rhoden (SD), Governor Bill Lee (TN), Governor Greg Abbott (TX), Governor Spencer Cox (UT), Governor Phil Scott (VT), Governor Glenn Youngkin (VA), Governor Patrick Morrisey (WV), and Governor Mark Gordon (WY).

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI: SOL NEWS: Kaanch presale live at Solana’s Presale Price — with XRP-Like Utility Already Live

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Everyone wants to catch the next Solana — the kind of early-stage entry that turns a few hundred dollars into life-changing gains.

Back in 2020, Solana was quietly selling its tokens for around $0.20. There were no headlines, no hype. Just a powerful new chain that most people ignored — until it didn’t just rise, it exploded.

Fast forward to today, and Kaanch Network is showing similar early-stage signs. Priced at $0.16 in Stage 5 of its presale, Kaanch offers what Solana didn’t have at launch: a working product already in use.

Secure your Kaanch tokens now

Why the Comparison Matters

Solana was built on speed and scalability. Kaanch is built on utility and functionality — with a focus on governance, staking, and decentralized infrastructure.

Like Solana, Kaanch is a Layer-1 chain with impressive performance: up to 1.4 million transactions per second and near-zero gas fees. But where Solana spent months rolling out developer tools, Kaanch has already delivered them.

Its platform is live, and early Web3 teams are using it now to launch DAOs, configure staking systems, and manage on-chain proposals — all without code.

The $KAANCH token powers every feature, from DAO deployment to treasury role management. That means adoption fuels demand automatically.

A Rare Chance at a Sub-$0.20 Token With Real Usage

This isn’t a whitepaper pitch. It’s a live, scalable blockchain protocol — and it’s still being offered at $0.16.

But not for long. Stage 6 of the presale is already confirmed at $0.32, and listings are expected after that. As more teams integrate Kaanch and token visibility grows, it’s only a matter of time before the price catches up to the product.

Presale access is open here

Final Word

Catching the next Solana isn’t about luck — it’s about spotting patterns.
A high-performing chain. A low entry price. A working product. A token that does more than sit idle.

Kaanch checks every box. And right now, before listings hit, you still have time to act.

Join the presale before Stage 6 begins

Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the future of blockchain technology!
For more details and to join the presale, visit:
Website | Presale | Twitter/X | Telegram

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice

Contact:
Ved Singh
info@kaanch.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Kaanch Network. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/430c5ebd-ad80-4a39-b7c6-356b06bde375

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The MIL Network –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “REPUBLICANS CAN’T DEFEND THESE MEDICAID CUTS, THAT’S WHY THEY’RE TRYING TO HIDE THEM”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer where he emphasized that Democrats will continue pushing back against the reckless Republican scheme to rip healthcare and nutritional assistance away from the American people.

WOLF BLITZER: Turning back now to the very contentious budget battle here in Washington, Republicans remain sharply divided over funding key pieces of President Trump’s agenda, as Democrats hammer them for proposing major cuts to Medicaid. For more on that, I want to bring in the House Minority Leader, the Democratic Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. Congressman, thanks so much for joining us. From your vantage point, do you think Republicans have the votes to get these important pieces of legislation through committee and onto the House Floor?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, that remains to be seen. House Democrats are going to continue to stand up on behalf of the American people and make clear that what Republicans are trying to do will actively harm everyday Americans. This reckless Republican budget would inflict the largest healthcare cut to Medicaid in American history, and at the same time, inflict the largest cut to supplemental nutritional assistance to the American people in history, literally taking food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. It’s shameful and Republicans need to stand up for their constituents and stop being a reckless rubber stamp for Donald Trump’s agenda.

WOLF BLITZER: And on that point Leader Jeffries, how does it—what does it say to you that many of these proposed Medicaid cuts in the current proposal are scheduled to take effect after the 2026 midterm elections?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, once you set these cuts in motion, there will be a dramatic impact on the healthcare ecosystem. And so, despite the Republican gamesmanship, the reality is, if you begin to set in motion collapsing the healthcare system in the United States of America, and more than 80 million Americans rely on Medicaid for their health insurance, what’s going to happen is that hospitals are going to close, nursing homes are going to shut down and, in fact, people will die. And so, this is a matter of life and death, no matter what type of legislative gamesmanship Republicans are playing, they can’t defend these Medicaid cuts. And that is why they are trying everything they can to try to hide them from the American people.

WOLF BLITZER: Republicans, Leader Jeffries, say they can save a significant amount of money by cutting Medicaid funding to those states that help undocumented immigrants purchase health insurance. What’s your position on that proposal? And if Democrats try to fight that proposal, do you worry it could open up your members to Republican attacks that they support tax dollars, U.S. tax dollars going to people who are in the United States illegally?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this is actually another lie in terms of what Republicans are trying to do. The Congressional Budget Office has been clear that if these Medicaid cuts were to become law, approximately 14 million Americans will lose their healthcare. And the Republicans aren’t even trying to make the argument that the overwhelming majority of those 14 million Americans aren’t actually citizens. Of course they are. These are everyday Americans who work hard. They’re our children and our families and our women and everyday Americans with disabilities. And, of course, those seniors who rely on Medicaid for their nursing home care or for their home care.

WOLF BLITZER: Another key disagreement, as you know, is among Republicans—a disagreement among Republicans—is what to do about state and local tax deductions that primarily benefit blue states out there. You’ve called on letting the caps on those deductions expire altogether, but that would cost the government a significant amount of revenue. So where else would you find that money?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, one of the things that we should be doing is providing tax relief to working families, working-class Americans, middle-class Americans, those who have been struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. Donald Trump and House Republicans spent all of last year promising that they were going to lower the high cost of living. In fact, they promised, Wolf, that costs would go down on day one. We know that’s not happened. Costs, in fact, aren’t going down. They’re going up. Inflation is going up. And Donald Trump, with his reckless tariffs, is actually crashing the economy and driving us toward a painful recession. And instead of trying to actually provide tax relief to help out those everyday Americans to build an affordable economy, part of this GOP tax scam is to cut Medicaid, hurt veterans, cut nutritional assistance to families and children and others, all to give massive tax breaks to their billionaire donors like Elon Musk. The more we expose this tax scam, the worse it gets for Republicans, which is why they are on the run, it’s why they’re not holding town hall meetings and it’s why they’re trying to manipulate the facts and the reality of this toxic piece of legislation.

WOLF BLITZER: As you know, President Trump is in Qatar right now amid major bipartisan criticism over his plan to accept a luxury jet from that country. Are you and your Republican colleagues in Congress taking any steps to try to stop the President of the United States from accepting this gift from Qatar?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Pursuant to the United States Constitution, it’s our view that in order for the president to accept this flying palace in the sky, a $400 million gift, which is a joke and an embarrassment, and it’s malignant, that it’s even under consideration, but in order for the president to lawfully accept this flying palace in the sky, he has to come before Congress pursuant to the Constitution, and ask permission to accept what is technically referred to as an emolument. It’s a fancy word for gift from a foreign power that the framers of the Constitution were very clear should never be accepted or, if it is accepted, only with the permission of Congress.

WOLF BLITZER: In regards to the CBO, the Congressional Budget Office, each party asked the CBO to assess different combinations of the bill text. I just wanted to point that out, Congressman. You want to react to that?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, listen, I mean, I think the reality is the Congressional Budget Office is a nonpartisan organization that was stood up in a bipartisan way by Democrats and Republicans for decades in order to provide us with an actual, fact-based assessment of the legislation that we are considering. And the Congressional Budget Office has made clear that these cuts will be devastating to the health, safety and well-being of the American people. And the Republicans can try to run from that fact as much as they want. We will never let them hide it from the American people.

WOLF BLITZER: Before I let you go, Leader Jeffries, I want to quickly get your thoughts on this new book that’s about to come out from CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’s Alex Thompson detailing President Biden’s decline during his time in the White House? According to one rather stunning passage from the book, President Biden didn’t even recognize George Clooney at a fundraiser that the movie star was actually hosting for him. Why should voters trust Democrats when it’s clear so many in your party went to great lengths to keep Biden’s condition hidden from the public?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, I can’t tell you what happened between George Clooney and President Biden. I wasn’t at that event. What I can say is that we’re not looking back. We’re going to continue to look forward, because at this moment, we’ve got real problems that need to be addressed on behalf of the American people, including the Republican effort to snatch away healthcare, snatch away food assistance and hurt veterans.

WOLF BLITZER: You interacted with President Biden during those days, those final days he was President of the United States. Did you see, did you sense there was a major deterioration?

LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, in the conversations that I was able to have on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus in those final days, we simply expressed our perspective as to what would be best for the party at that given moment in time. President Biden subsequently made the decision that he was going to pass the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris. Of course, that was the decision that we supported strongly.

PAMELA BROWN: Just very quickly, I want to ask you, Congressman Jeffries. You know, you say we’re not looking back, we’re looking forward. But what happened in the past has to do with what’s going to happen in the future and whether voters can trust Democrats. As you look back, you were in a leadership position when President Biden decided to run again. Should you have done more at that point to intervene?

LEADER JEFFRIES: That’s a great question in terms of whether voters can trust Democrats or not. Every single high-profile special election that has taken place since President Trump was inaugurated—a special election victory in Iowa in January, a special election victory in New York in February, a special election victory in Pennsylvania in March, a special election victory in Wisconsin in the Supreme Court race in April and yesterday, decisively defeating a Republican incumbent in Omaha and a surprise to many observers. Clearly, voters are trusting Democrats this year when they go to the ballot, repeatedly rejecting MAGA extremism.

WOLF BLITZER: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Leader in the House, thanks so much for joining us.

PAMELA BROWN: Thank you very much.

LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

Full interview can be watched here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why are Turkey and the PKK turning to peace – and can it last?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pinar Dinc, Associate Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Science and Researcher, Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University

Negotiations to end more than 40 years of conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK) have taken on a concrete dimension. On May 12, two months after the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, wrote a letter in which he called on the group to lay down its arms, it has announced it will disband.

The PKK, which has been fighting for greater Kurdish rights and autonomy, has outlined several conditions it views as essential for it to dissolve. It insists that Öcalan lead and direct the peace process, that the right to democratic politics in Turkey is recognised, and that the group is given solid legal guarantees.

On the one hand, there seems to be great longing for peace between Turkey and the PKK. This has been evidenced by the positive reactions to the PKK’s statement both nationally and internationally.

Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, said the PKK’s disengagement with terror had opened “the doors of a new era in every area, namely strengthening politics and democratic capacity”.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

However, there is also scepticism. Turkey views the peace process very differently from the Kurds, referring to it as part of the government’s “terror-free Turkey” initiative. The Kurdish movement has instead adopted the title of Öcalan’s February letter, “Call for Peace and Democratic Society”.

Many also see Erdoğan’s willingness to resolve the Kurdish issue as a political maneuver by the ruling Justice and Development party (AKP). Positioning itself as the party that ended decades of “terror” at the hands of the PKK would allow the AKP to consolidate its hold on power.

But, notwithstanding this, there are clear reasons for both the Turkish state and the PKK to come to the negotiating table now. One of the leading reasons is the changing geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

In late 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s regime was toppled in Syria and the country was subsequently taken over by Islamist militants. Iran’s influence has also been weakened following the collapse of parts of its regional proxy network, notably Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and, most recently, the Houthis in Yemen.

Israel, meanwhile, is continuing its war in Gaza. And it has intensified its military operations in Syria, particularly near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, alongside open expressions of support for Syria’s Druze religous communities.

At the same time, Donald Trump has returned to the White House and reopened the door to dialogue with Iran over its nuclear programme. The region’s politics are being reshaped, and leaders across the Middle East are repositioning themselves accordingly.

For the PKK and its broader political base, a peace process with Turkey offers a pathway to equal citizenship, democratic participation and long-term legitimacy for Kurds in the Middle East after nearly a century of struggle.

This was signalled by the Kurdish National Conference in April 2025. The conference, which was attended by different Kurdish parties and organisations, highlighted the importance of strategic coordination among Kurds in the region.

For Turkey, peace with the PKK now would further reduce a weakened Iran’s ability to project power westward. Some groups suspected of being affiliated with the PKK, such as the Sinjar Resistance Units in northern Iraq, have been indirectly supported by Iran.

Turkey’s handling of the PKK conflict and the broader Kurdish issue has also often complicated its engagement with the west. For example, human rights groups have accused Turkey of allowing the Syrian National Army (a coalition of armed groups in northern Syria) to act with impunity against Kurdish civilians in areas outside its control.

This has created friction in Turkey’s diplomatic outreach to the US and Europe. By addressing the longstanding Kurdish issue, Ankara could lay the groundwork for more stable relations with the west. These relations are particularly important now as Turkey is looking to take an increasingly key role in European security.

It is serving as a mediator in negotiations to end the Ukraine war. And Erdoğan has even offered to host direct talks between the Ukrainian president, Volodymr Zelensky, and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Istanbul.

Bumpy road ahead

The PKK’s dissolution will not guarantee peace in Turkey. The Kurdish people expect equal citizenship and the end the government’s practice of removing elected mayors and replacing them with state-appointed trustees.

They also demand the release of political prisoners and reforms to Turkey’s anti-terrorism laws, which critics say are frequently used to suppress dissent. These issues will be discussed in parliament over the coming days, with talks on a new constitution expected to take place in the autumn.

The negotiations will not be simple. The Kurds have been persistently labelled as rebels, traitors and terrorists since the beginning of the Turkish republic in 1923. It will not be easy to change entrenched opinions overnight.

Özgür Özel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s party (CHP), has emphasised the importance of resolving the Kurdish issue peacefully and democratically. But it is not clear whether his views reflect those of his supporter base and Turkish society more broadly.

Turkey must be further democratised to give the peace process a greater chance of success. The nation’s vibrant civil society currently operates under intense pressure from the state. Giving it more of a voice will help bring Turkey’s deeply divided society together.

It is always difficult – if not impossible – to make predictions about the future when it comes to Middle Eastern politics. However, a new balance is being established in the Middle East, and in this new balance very different players have to sit at the same table.

Pinar Dinc is the principal investigator of the ECO-Syria project, which receives funding from the Strategic Research Area: The Middle East in the Contemporary World (MECW) at the Centre for Advanced Middle Eastern Studies, Lund University, Sweden.

– ref. Why are Turkey and the PKK turning to peace – and can it last? – https://theconversation.com/why-are-turkey-and-the-pkk-turning-to-peace-and-can-it-last-256527

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reed, Senators Request Independent DoD Inquiry Into Trump’s Plan to Accept ‘Palace in the Sky’ Plane from Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

WASHINGTON, DC — Following news reports that President Donald Trump plans to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet as a gift from the Qatari government in violation of the Constitution, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined with several colleagues in urging the acting Inspector General of the Department of Defense to open an inquiry into the Department of Defense’s (DOD) involvement in facilitating the transfer of this unprecedented foreign gift for President Trump’s ultimate personal use.

“DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Congress has granted consent in only a narrow set of circumstances under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and none of these circumstances are applicable here,” the nine U.S. Senators wrote.

“Securing the plane against counterintelligence and surveillance risks, moreover, would be costly. Initial reporting suggests that the plane would need to be substantially retrofitted by a military contractor to ensure it meets necessary security and counterintelligence standards, which could take years to complete. DOD, and by extension U.S. taxpayers, would thereby bear the ultimate cost, which could be significant. This timeline, moreover, reinforces that such a gift is not, in fact, intended for official use. By the time the plane would be ready for President Trump’s use as part of the Air Force One fleet, we would likely be approaching the final stretch of President Trump’s final term in office, at which point the Department would likely be directed to transfer it to President Trump’s presidential library for his ultimate personal use,” the Senators continued.

Reed signed the letter along with U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Full text of the letter follows:

Dear Mr. Stebbins,

We write to request that you conduct an inquiry into the Department of Defense’s (DOD) role in facilitating and serving as a pass-through for President Trump to receive a luxury plane worth an estimated $400 million from Qatar.

Following initial public reports, President Trump confirmed on May 12, 2025, that he intends to accept this unprecedented gift from the Qatari royal family, which would constitute one of the largest foreign gifts ever accepted by a President or the U.S. government. According to public reporting, the Qatari government initially considered donating the plane directly to President Trump through his presidential library, but the Administration sought legal advice to restructure the transfer to circumvent constitutional and statutory prohibitions, including federal bribery and ethics laws.

Public reports raise the troubling prospect that the Administration involved DOD to (1) launder this impermissible gift, so that the Department could provide cover to give the transfer of the plane the appearance of an official gift; (2) place the onus on DOD to retrofit the plane at considerable cost to U.S. taxpayers; and (3) ultimately transfer it to President Trump’s library prior to the end of his term for his continued use in a personal capacity.

DOD risks becoming embroiled in a brazen attempt to evade constitutional limitations on the acceptance of personal gifts from foreign governments without congressional approval. The Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Congress has granted consent in only a narrow set of circumstances under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and none of these circumstances are applicable here.

In addition to these serious constitutional and legal concerns, this foreign emolument – and DOD’s possible involvement in facilitating it – could present severe foreign influence and counterintelligence risks. It could entangle DOD in President Trump’s personal financial interests and conflicts of interest, warp DOD’s military recommendations and advice moving forward, and undermine public confidence in the Department.

Securing the plane against counterintelligence and surveillance risks, moreover, would be costly. Initial reporting suggests that the plane would need to be substantially retrofitted by a military contractor to ensure it meets necessary security and counterintelligence standards, which could take years to complete. DOD, and by extension U.S. taxpayers, would thereby bear the ultimate cost, which could be significant. This timeline, moreover, reinforces that such a gift is not, in fact, intended for official use. By the time the plane would be ready for President Trump’s use as part of the Air Force One fleet, we would likely be approaching the final stretch of President Trump’s final term in office, at which point the Department would likely be directed to transfer it to President Trump’s presidential library for his ultimate personal use.

Accordingly, we request that you initiate an inquiry into the facts and circumstances surrounding DOD’s involvement to date in seeking to facilitate this foreign gift transfer and pursue a comprehensive audit and investigation to assess fraud, waste, and abuse if and when such a transfer occurs.

In doing so, we ask that you consider and provide an assessment of the following, including in classified form if needed:

•           the cost estimate and assessed timeline for retrofitting such an aircraft and installing communications and other equipment necessary to meet security and counterintelligence requirements for the Air Force One fleet;

•           the timeline, if any, that the White House has directed for this aircraft to be ready for the President’s use, whether necessary modifications can be made within such a timeframe to meet Air Force One standards, and what risks such a timeline could entail;

•           whether the existing contract for other Air Force One aircraft will continue or be terminated, including the cost of termination; and

•           the counterintelligence and security risks of incorporating this aircraft, provided by a foreign government, into the Air Force One fleet.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and to this request.

Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
India’s Operation Sindoor draws global support as new front against cross-border terrorism

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians, India has mounted a decisive and strategic response aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorism. The attack, which drew widespread condemnation and grief across the country, prompted immediate and firm action by the Government of India, with the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving a range of diplomatic and military measures targeting Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism.

Among the key diplomatic actions taken, India placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan verifiably ceases its support for cross-border terror activities. The Integrated Check Post at Attari was closed, and Pakistani nationals were barred from entering India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme. Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were declared persona non grata, while the strength of both High Commissions was halved from 55 to 30 personnel.

As part of a precise military strategy, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a calibrated campaign designed to neutralize key terror camps across the border. Based on multi-agency intelligence, nine significant terror infrastructure sites, including those in Bahawalpur and Muridke, were identified and targeted through coordinated air and ground strikes. The operation was executed with high operational ethics, focusing exclusively on terrorist camps while taking all precautions to prevent civilian casualties.

Indian strikes successfully eliminated more than 100 terrorists and destroyed 11 air bases within Pakistan. Among those neutralized were high-value individuals linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad.

The strikes marked a shift in India’s strategy by targeting deep into Pakistani territory, including critical radar installations in Lahore and Gurjanwala. Additionally, coordinated missile attacks were carried out on terror hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including Muzaffarabad and Kotli. Military bases housing Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-17 fighter jets at Sargodha and Bholari were hit, leading to the destruction of nearly 20 percent of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure.

India’s retaliatory operations were launched in response to not only the Pahalgam attack but also subsequent Pakistani provocations, including drone and missile attacks on Indian civilian and religious areas on the nights of May 7, 8, and 9. Indian forces successfully intercepted and neutralized these threats, reinforcing the country’s operational readiness and commitment to defending its sovereignty.

In a televised address on May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the resolve behind Operation Sindoor, calling it not just a military campaign but a reflection of the collective sentiment of the Indian people. He reiterated that terrorism would be met with decisive force, rejecting any possibility of dialogue or trade with Pakistan until terrorism is addressed. He stated unequivocally that water and blood cannot flow together and emphasized that the only issue India is willing to discuss is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

As Pakistani forces continued mortar shelling across the Line of Control (LoC), India responded forcefully, targeting terrorist bunkers and Pakistani army positions. Unable to withstand the Indian response, Pakistan sought a ceasefire, with its Director General of Military Operations contacting his Indian counterpart. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, but Pakistan violated it soon after, sending drones into Indian territory, which were swiftly countered by Indian forces.

Despite the ceasefire at the borders, Operation Sindoor remains ongoing. The Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert to counter any future threats, with field commanders granted operational freedom to respond to provocations.

India’s robust and restrained response has garnered wide support from the international community. World powers have condemned the Pahalgam attack and endorsed India’s right to self-defense. The United Kingdom, Russia, Israel, the United States, France, Japan, and key Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar expressed solidarity with India. European Union member states, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Panama, and even Palestine joined the chorus of condemnation.

Each expressed their support for India’s fight against terrorism, with many recognizing Operation Sindoor as a legitimate and proportionate response. Iran’s President personally conveyed condolences to Prime Minister Modi, and global leaders have emphasized the need for stronger international cooperation to combat terrorism.

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Sinaloa cartel leaders charged with narco-terrorism, material support of terrorism and drug trafficking in ICE, FBI investigation

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

SAN DIEGO – An indictment unsealed May 13 is the first in the nation to charge alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel with narco-terrorism and material support of terrorism in connection with trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin into the United States. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the FBI are investigating this case.

“These charges highlight the unwavering efforts of transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel to flood our communities with deadly drugs,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson. “HSI and our law enforcement partners will not allow cartel-driven drug trafficking to threaten the safety and stability of our neighborhoods. We are all lasered focused on a unified effort to dismantling these networks and their factions in bringing those responsible to justice.”

Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, are charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering as key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization, a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network. Five other BLO leaders are charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. The indictment is a direct result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14157 which designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Secretary of State’s subsequent designation of the same on February 20, 2025.

“The Sinaloa Cartel is a complex, dangerous terrorist organization and dismantling them demands a novel, powerful legal response,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Their days of brutalizing the American people without consequence are over — we will seek life in prison for these terrorists.”

“Operation Take Back America initiatives reflect the reality that narco-terrorists operate as a cancer within a state,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “They metastasize violence, corruption and fear. If left unchecked, their growth would lead to the death of law and order. This indictment is what justice looks like when the full measure of the Department of Justice along with its law enforcement partners is brought to bear against the Sinaloa Cartel.”

“BLO, under the leadership of Inzunza Noriega, is allegedly responsible for some of the largest-ever drug seizures of fentanyl and cocaine destined for the United States,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “Their drugs not only destroy lives and communities, but also threaten our national security. The law enforcement efforts against the Noriegas reaffirms our commitment to dismantling and disrupting this very dangerous narco-terrorist group and combating narco-trafficking.”

According to court documents, since its inception the Beltran Leyva faction has been considered one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations to operate in Mexico, engaging in shootouts, murders, kidnappings, torture and violent collection of drug debts to sustain its operations. The Beltran Leyva faction controls numerous territories and plazas throughout Mexico – including Tijuana – and operates with violent impunity, trafficking in deadly drugs, threatening communities, and targeting key officials, all while making millions of dollars from their criminal activities.

Pedro Inzunza Noriega works closely with his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, to produce and aggressively traffic fentanyl to the United States, the government has alleged. Court documents indicate that together the father and son lead one of the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl production networks in the world. Over the past several years, they have trafficked tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl into the United States. On December 3, 2024, Mexican law enforcement raided multiple locations in Sinaloa that are controlled and managed by the father and son and seized 1,500 kilograms (more than 1.65 tons) of fentanyl – the largest seizure of fentanyl in the world.

These indictments follow a notable tradition in the Southern District of California for targeting leadership and operations of powerful Mexican cartels – from the dismantling of the Arellano Felix Cartel to major strikes against today’s most dangerous, powerful and violent cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel and now the Beltran Leyva Organization. It is the first indictment from the newly formed Narco-Terrorism Unit which was established upon the swearing in of U.S. Attorney Gordon on April 11, 2025.

The indictment of Pedro Inzunza Noriega reflects the Southern District of California’s pursuit of the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal drug trafficking indictments are pending against all alleged leaders of its Beltran Leyva faction, including:

Fausto Isidro Meza Flores aka “Chapo Isidro,” case number: 19-CR-1272 in the Southern District of California and 12-116BAH in the District of Columbia
Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe aka “El Musico,” case number 19-CR-3736 in the Southern District of California; 09-CR-00672 in the Northern District of Illinois; 15-CR-00195 in the District of Columbia, and
Pedro Inzunza Noriega aka “Sagitario,” case number 25cr1505.

The Southern District of California also has indictments pending against other leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, including:

Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar aka “El Chapito,” case number 14-cr-00658 in the Southern District of California and 09-CR-383 in the Northern District of Illinois
Ismael Zambada Sicairos aka “Mayito Flaco,” case number: 14-cr-00658 in the Southern District of California; and
Jose Gil Caro Quintero aka “El Chino,” case number 22-cr-00036 in the District of Columbia

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Mellor and Matthew Sutton.

Defendants for Case Number 25cr1505

Name	Age	Location
Pedro Inzunza Noriega \| aka “Sagitario,” aka “120,” aka “El De La Silla”	62	Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
Pedro Inzunza Coronel \| aka “Pichon,” Aka “Pajaro”, aka “Bird”	33	Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico
David Alejandro Heredia Velazquez \| aka “Tano,” aka “Mr. Jordan”	50	Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Oscar Rene Gonzalez Menendez \| aka “Rubio”	45	Guatemala City, Guatemala
Elias Alberto Quiros Benavides	53	San Jose, Costa Rica
Daniel Eduardo Bojorquez \| aka “Chopper”	47	Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
Javier Alonso Vazquez Sanchez \| aka “Tito”, aka “Drilo”	31	Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

Summary of Charges

Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 960a and 841 – Narco-Terrorism
Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 20 years in prison; $20 million fine
Title 18, U.S.C. Sec. 2339B – Providing Material Support to Terrorism
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 848(a) -Continuing Criminal Enterprise
Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 20 years; $10 million fine
Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 959, 960, and 963 – International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances
Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years in prison; $10 million fine
Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 960 and 963 – Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances
Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and a fine of the greater of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved

The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s press encounter following meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Source: United Nations secretary general

Chancellor Merz, thank you for your warm welcome.

And I look forward to working closely with you and your new Government to build a Germany-UN partnership even stronger in the future, than in the present, knowing that in the present it is already extremely strong.

Germany is a pillar of multilateralism …

A strong and generous supporter of the United Nations…

A voice of peace and a champion of human rights…

A committed leader in the fight against climate change…

And an essential partner for peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian aid — demonstrated not least by your hosting of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting that was an exceptional success.

Germany is a leader in the humanitarian response in Lebanon and Syria, and strongly engaged on Sudan, including most recently as co-host of the recent conference in London.

German diplomacy is particularly active in addressing the two biggest challenges that affect peace in Europe and the Middle East: the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.

I reiterate my appeal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine to pave the way for a just peace. A peace based on the UN Charter and international law, namely respecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a Two-State solution.

Beyond peace efforts, I see a number of other key areas where German leadership can make — and is making — a positive difference in the world.

In the global battle against climate change as we work towards maximum ambition and climate justice at COP30 in Brazil…

And at the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Sevilla, where we will push namely for debt relief and reforming the global financial architecture to support developing countries in the follow up of the Pact for the Future.

And most of all, Germany’s leadership and voice are essential in a world of growing geopolitical divides and mistrust.

This is an important year for multilateralism — the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

And we count on Germany to continue standing up for the solidarity and solutions our world needs now.

Danke schön

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Middle East visit successful: CE

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee hailed his visit to Kuwait and Qatar as a success having made achievements in six areas.

At a media session in Kuwait City, Kuwait, today, Mr Lee concluded his four-day visit to the two Middle East countries with a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises.

“We strengthened relations between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, establishing a collaborative consensus.

“The visit resulted in a total of 59 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, 35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait, spanning across diverse areas and laying a robust groundwork for multifaceted co-operation.”

The Chief Executive also noted that the visit helped leverage Hong Kong’s strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, and demonstrating the synergistic power of the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

He added that the trip also further built relations with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) countries to explore greater business opportunities, deepened mutual understanding and strengthening commercial and trading networks, and further enhanced cultural exchanges with the GCC countries.

In addition to Qatar’s new 30-day visa-free arrangement for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders, Mr Lee today announced that the United Arab Emirates will grant Hong Kong 30-day visa-free access starting May 15, while Oman will, on the same date, extend its visa-free period from 10 to 14 days.

Mr Lee also highlighted that in meetings with leaders and officials in Kuwait and Qatar, he appreciated their forward-looking vision and their understanding of Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages under “one country, two systems” as a bridge between the Mainland and the world.

“Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in China and the Hong Kong SAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East. In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement on Boeing / Qatar Airways Deal

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
05.14.25
Cantwell Statement on Boeing / Qatar Airways Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released this statement regarding today’s announcement of a large sale of Boeing aircraft to Qatar Airways:
“It’s a big win for Boeing’s energy-efficient 787 and 777 planes and a big win for Puget Sound and U.S. supply chain jobs. It’s also good to see U.S. manufacturers winning in the lucrative widebody airplane market. It’s also a reminder why it’s time to sell to meet big demand instead of pursuing trade disruptions.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Willingness to Accept Lavish $400M Jet From Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
05.14.25
Cantwell, Colleagues Condemn Trump’s Willingness to Accept Lavish $400M Jet From Qatar
Amid administration’s claims of rooting out fraud and mismanagement, Trump indicates intent to accept 747 jet as a gift
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 26 of her colleagues in formally condemning President Donald Trump’s willingness to accept a $400 million 747 jet from Qatar – to be used as a new Air Force One plane in the meantime, and then gifted to the Trump Presidential Library after he leaves office.
“The Senate condemns violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress,” the resolution states.
The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and was cosponsored by Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Gary Peters (D-MI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).
The full text of the resolution is HERE and below.
Condemning violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress
Whereas the aircraft commonly referred to as Air Force One is a symbol of the United States;
Whereas Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Office of the President of the United States;
Whereas Air Force One is equipped with some of the most sensitive technologies designed to transmit some of the most highly classified national security information of the nation;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government constitutes a substantial gift;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government poses counter-intelligence and other national security concerns;
Whereas the acceptance of a substantial gift from a foreign government could unduly influence the foreign policies of the United States;
Whereas the acceptance of presidential aircraft from a foreign government would establish a concerning precedent for the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments without the consent of Congress;
Whereas the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution states that no present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind, may be accepted by the President of the United States from a King, Prince, or foreign State without the consent of Congress;
Whereas the President of the United States has a constitutional and statutory obligation to uphold the public trust;
Whereas the violation of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution undermines public trust and the integrity of public office in the United States.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that the Senate condemns violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution, including the acceptance of substantial gifts from foreign governments that would replace symbols of the United States without the consent of Congress.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 14 May 2025 Medical product alert Medical Product Alert N°3/2025: Falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml
Source: World Health Organisation

Alert Summary

This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to three batches of falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml. The falsified products have been detected in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye. These falsified products were reported to WHO in March 2025.

WHO previously issued Medical Product Alert N°5/2024 regarding another falsified batch of IMFINZI that was detected in Armenia, Lebanon, and Türkiye.

IMFINZI is a sterile concentrate for infusion. It contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient durvalumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. As monotherapy, it is indicated for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in adults.

How to identify these falsified products

These products are falsified as they deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, and source. The genuine manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has identified multiple visual discrepancies in the falsified products. AstraZeneca has confirmed that the products mentioned in this alert are indeed falsified. Check for the following and see the Annex below for more details:
- Lot BAZR – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in India. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing.
- Lot BBEG – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in Egypt. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing. The product price (in Egyptian Pounds) is also missing.
- Lot AVZT – This lot number is not recognized by the genuine manufacturer. Any IMFINZI product with this lot number is considered falsified.
Risks

These falsified products should be considered unsafe, and their use may be life-threatening in some circumstances. The use of these falsified IMFINZI injections may lead to ineffective or delayed treatment. It is important to detect and remove any falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injections from circulation to prevent harm to patients.

Advice to health-care professionals, regulatory authorities and the public

Health-care professionals should report any incident of adverse effects, lack of expected effects or suspected falsification to the National Regulatory Authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

WHO advises increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised. National regulatory authorities/health authorities/law enforcement are advised to immediately notify WHO if the falsified product is detected in their country. If you are in possession of any of these products, WHO recommends that you do not use them. If you, or someone you know, has, or may have used these products, or suffered an adverse event or unexpected side-effect after use, seek immediate medical advice from a health-care professional or contact a poisons control centre.

All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. If you have any information about the manufacture or supply of these falsified products, please contact WHO via rapidalert@who.int.

Annex: Products subject to WHO Medical Product Alert N°3 /2025

MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Demands Senate Vote on Trump’s Compliance with Anti-Corruption Foreign Emoluments Clause

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
May 14, 2025
Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) said today he is demanding Senate Republican leadership hold a vote to stop Donald Trump from accepting payments and gifts from foreign governments after Senate Republicans blocked a resolution led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
The resolution followed Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million luxury jet from the royal family of Qatar and foreign agents potentially funneling millions directly to the Trump family through a cryptocurrency scheme.
Wyden joined seven senate colleagues in a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), reminding him the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution states, “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”
“President Trump has brazenly flouted the protections implemented by the Founders to avoid improper influence—his constitutional duty to seek the approval of Congress before accepting benefits from foreign governments—not only with respect to Qatar, but numerous other foreign governments,” the senators wrote.
“There is clear evidence that President Trump is directly profiting from funds received from foreign governments without the consent of Congress, in direct violation of his constitutional obligation and his oath of office,” the senators continued. “We cannot allow the President to blithely ignore his constitutional duties nor trample on Congress’s oversight role in stemming corruption and foreign influence—if the President refuses to seek our approval for the acceptance of foreign benefits, then we must hold him accountable in court.”
In addition to Wyden and Blumenthal, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Peter Welch (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
The full text of the letter is here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
MAKING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION GREAT AGAIN: Today in Qatar, President Donald J. Trump signed an agreement with Qatar to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion. President Trump also announced economic deals totaling more than $243.5 billion between the United States and Qatar, including an historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways.
The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age.
Since President Trump took office, his commitment to American manufacturing and innovation has attracted trillions of dollars in investments and global commercial deals. Allies like Qatar are partnering in the United States’ success.
The following represent just a few of the many groundbreaking deals secured in Qatar:
Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a landmark order from Qatar Airways, a $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. This is Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order. This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, totaling over 1 million jobs in the United States during the course of production and delivery of this deal.
McDermott has a strong partnership with Qatar Energy in advancing critical energy infrastructure, with seven active projects worth $8.5 billion. As the sole provider of offshore components for Qatar’s major LNG expansion, McDermott’s work directly supports thousands of U.S. energy sector jobs.
Parsons has successfully won 30 projects worth up to $97 billion. These high-value engagements have fueled significant company growth, supporting thousands of jobs across the United States and reinforcing American leadership in cutting-edge engineering and innovation.
Quantinuum finalized a Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, a prominent Qatari company, to invest up to $1 billion in state-of-the-art quantum technologies and workforce development in the United States, supporting U.S. jobs and leadership in this critical emerging technology.

Today’s signings mark President Trump’s intent to accelerate Qatar’s defense investment in the U.S.-Qatar security partnership—enhancing regional deterrence and benefitting the U.S. industrial base.
The defense deals secured today lock in Qatar’s procurement of state-of-the-art military equipment from two leading U.S. defense companies.
Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal establishes Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon’s Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) designed to counter unmanned aircraft. The deal directly supports high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in the United States and reinforces America’s leadership in innovative defense technologies.
General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal will strengthen the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship and provide the Qatari Armed Forces with the most advanced multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft in the world, powered by U.S. products made in America.
The United States and Qatar also signed a statement of intent to further strengthen our security partnership, outlining over $38 billion in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defense capabilities related to air defense and maritime security.

These new agreements and instruments aim to drive the growth of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral commercial relationship, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and open new trade and investment opportunities for both countries over the coming decade and beyond.
CATALYZING PROSPERITY THROUGH GREATER TRADE AND INVESTMENT: The United States and Qatar have a long history of trade and a strong commercial relationship, including significant long-term aviation, critical infrastructure, information technology, and consulting deals.
Qatar’s strategic goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 create opportunities for U.S. businesses in multiple sectors.
The United States had a $2 billion trade surplus with Qatar in 2024 and has had a positive trade balance with Qatar since 2003.
In 2024, U.S.-Qatar trade totaled $5.64 billion, with $3.8 billion in U.S. exports and $1.8 billion in Qatari imports.
Qatar’s greenfield investment in the United States totaled $3.3 billion in 2023, focused on hotels and tourism, information technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas.

This visit advances opportunities for U.S. companies to expand long-standing partnerships and for Qatari entities to embrace U.S. technologies, adopt best practices, and finalize new agreements for significant sales and investments.
Qatar has made significant investments in the United States across hotels and tourism, financial services, technology, healthcare, and energy, with plans to invest even more over the next five years. These investments strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting good-paying jobs for millions of American workers, expanding U.S. exports, and funding research and development.
Qatar has the third largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world, and has invested in American energy infrastructure, directly contributing to U.S. energy security and industrial resilience.
Starting in 2019, QatarEnergy initiated $18 billion in investments in the U.S. energy sector with ExxonMobil’s Golden Pass LNG Terminal ($10 billion) and Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Golden Triangle Polymers Plant ($8 billion), both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Qatar is our 12th largest Foreign Military Sales partner with active cases valued at more than $26 billion.
Qatar’s expansive investment in and trade with the United States contribute to U.S. and Qatari economic growth and prosperity, and Qatar’s choice of U.S. industry’s best-fit solutions supports the U.S. strategic goal of growing our industrial presence throughout the Gulf and the region as a whole.
THE ART OF THE DEAL: President Trump is securing billions in investments to revitalize American manufacturing, delivering on his promise to bring back “Made in America” and usher in a new Golden Age of prosperity.
Today’s announcement builds on yesterday’s $600 billion investment commitment secured in Saudi Arabia.
It also follows the announcement of an historic trade agreement with the United Kingdom and a joint agreement with China to reduce reciprocal tariffs.
By securing these investments, President Trump is spurring a manufacturing renaissance, driving economic growth, and creating high-paying jobs across the nation.
Prior to this historic deal, President Trump had already attracted trillions in U.S.-based investments, laying the foundation for an era of unprecedented American prosperity.
President Trump is building on his record of success with Qatar, exemplified by his leadership in the 2019 GE Aerospace GEnx engine sale to power Qatar Airways’ then-newly acquired Boeing 787-9 aircraft—a monumental purchase in the history of both companies.
As the dealmaker in chief, President Trump’s latest achievement in Qatar is another win for America.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar
Source: The White House
MAKING AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION GREAT AGAIN: Today in Qatar, President Donald J. Trump signed an agreement with Qatar to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion. President Trump also announced economic deals totaling more than $243.5 billion between the United States and Qatar, including an historic sale of Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engines to Qatar Airways.
- The landmark deals celebrated today will drive innovation and prosperity for generations, bolster American manufacturing and technological leadership, and put America on the path to a new Golden Age.
- Since President Trump took office, his commitment to American manufacturing and innovation has attracted trillions of dollars in investments and global commercial deals. Allies like Qatar are partnering in the United States’ success.
- The following represent just a few of the many groundbreaking deals secured in Qatar:
  
  Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a landmark order from Qatar Airways, a $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. This is Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order. This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually, totaling over 1 million jobs in the United States during the course of production and delivery of this deal.
  
  McDermott has a strong partnership with Qatar Energy in advancing critical energy infrastructure, with seven active projects worth $8.5 billion. As the sole provider of offshore components for Qatar’s major LNG expansion, McDermott’s work directly supports thousands of U.S. energy sector jobs.
  
  Parsons has successfully won 30 projects worth up to $97 billion. These high-value engagements have fueled significant company growth, supporting thousands of jobs across the United States and reinforcing American leadership in cutting-edge engineering and innovation.
  
  Quantinuum finalized a Joint Venture Agreement with Al Rabban Capital, a prominent Qatari company, to invest up to $1 billion in state-of-the-art quantum technologies and workforce development in the United States, supporting U.S. jobs and leadership in this critical emerging technology.
- Today’s signings mark President Trump’s intent to accelerate Qatar’s defense investment in the U.S.-Qatar security partnership—enhancing regional deterrence and benefitting the U.S. industrial base.
  
  The defense deals secured today lock in Qatar’s procurement of state-of-the-art military equipment from two leading U.S. defense companies.
  
  Raytheon, an RTX business, secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal establishes Qatar as the first international customer for Raytheon’s Fixed Site – Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) designed to counter unmanned aircraft. The deal directly supports high-skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in the United States and reinforces America’s leadership in innovative defense technologies.
  
  General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system, signed by the U.S. and Qatari governments. This deal will strengthen the U.S.-Qatar bilateral relationship and provide the Qatari Armed Forces with the most advanced multi-mission remotely piloted aircraft in the world, powered by U.S. products made in America.
  
  The United States and Qatar also signed a statement of intent to further strengthen our security partnership, outlining over $38 billion in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defense capabilities related to air defense and maritime security.
- These new agreements and instruments aim to drive the growth of the U.S.-Qatar bilateral commercial relationship, create thousands of well-paying jobs, and open new trade and investment opportunities for both countries over the coming decade and beyond.
CATALYZING PROSPERITY THROUGH GREATER TRADE AND INVESTMENT: The United States and Qatar have a long history of trade and a strong commercial relationship, including significant long-term aviation, critical infrastructure, information technology, and consulting deals.
- Qatar’s strategic goals outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030 create opportunities for U.S. businesses in multiple sectors.
- The United States had a $2 billion trade surplus with Qatar in 2024 and has had a positive trade balance with Qatar since 2003.
  
  In 2024, U.S.-Qatar trade totaled $5.64 billion, with $3.8 billion in U.S. exports and $1.8 billion in Qatari imports.
  
  Qatar’s greenfield investment in the United States totaled $3.3 billion in 2023, focused on hotels and tourism, information technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and oil and gas.
- This visit advances opportunities for U.S. companies to expand long-standing partnerships and for Qatari entities to embrace U.S. technologies, adopt best practices, and finalize new agreements for significant sales and investments.
  
  Qatar has made significant investments in the United States across hotels and tourism, financial services, technology, healthcare, and energy, with plans to invest even more over the next five years. These investments strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting good-paying jobs for millions of American workers, expanding U.S. exports, and funding research and development.
  
  Qatar has the third largest proven reserves of natural gas in the world, and has invested in American energy infrastructure, directly contributing to U.S. energy security and industrial resilience.
  
  Starting in 2019, QatarEnergy initiated $18 billion in investments in the U.S. energy sector with ExxonMobil’s Golden Pass LNG Terminal ($10 billion) and Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Golden Triangle Polymers Plant ($8 billion), both located on the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Qatar is our 12th largest Foreign Military Sales partner with active cases valued at more than $26 billion.
- Qatar’s expansive investment in and trade with the United States contribute to U.S. and Qatari economic growth and prosperity, and Qatar’s choice of U.S. industry’s best-fit solutions supports the U.S. strategic goal of growing our industrial presence throughout the Gulf and the region as a whole.
THE ART OF THE DEAL: President Trump is securing billions in investments to revitalize American manufacturing, delivering on his promise to bring back “Made in America” and usher in a new Golden Age of prosperity.
- Today’s announcement builds on yesterday’s $600 billion investment commitment secured in Saudi Arabia.
- It also follows the announcement of an historic trade agreement with the United Kingdom and a joint agreement with China to reduce reciprocal tariffs.
- By securing these investments, President Trump is spurring a manufacturing renaissance, driving economic growth, and creating high-paying jobs across the nation.
- Prior to this historic deal, President Trump had already attracted trillions in U.S.-based investments, laying the foundation for an era of unprecedented American prosperity.
- President Trump is building on his record of success with Qatar, exemplified by his leadership in the 2019 GE Aerospace GEnx engine sale to power Qatar Airways’ then-newly acquired Boeing 787-9 aircraft—a monumental purchase in the history of both companies.
- As the dealmaker in chief, President Trump’s latest achievement in Qatar is another win for America.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 24 pacts exchanged in Kuwait

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee continued his visit to Kuwait today by meeting representatives of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, exchanging views with local political and business leaders, and witnessing the reaching of multiple pacts between government departments, enterprises and organisations of Hong Kong, the Mainland and Kuwait.

In the morning, Mr Lee met Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority Director General Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to learn about Kuwait’s strategies and achievements in attracting business and investment.

Noting that Kuwait was Hong Kong’s sixth-largest trading partner in the Middle East last year, Mr Lee said there is significant room for development in trade and business between the two places. He also stressed that Hong Kong will continue to serve as a bridge to assist enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, welcoming Kuwaiti enterprises to leverage the city’s financing support and professional services to explore international markets.

Afterwards, the Chief Executive attended a business luncheon where he delivered a speech to near 300 local business leaders to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and development opportunities. Moreover, government departments, enterprises and organisations from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Kuwait exchanged and announced 24 memoranda of understanding and co-operation agreements, covering areas such as economy and trade, investment, financial services, technology, legal co-operation, cargo clearance and flow, aviation, and post-secondary education.

Mr Lee highlighted that merchandise trade between Hong Kong and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf reached nearly US$20 billion last year, an increase of over 53% in the past four years, while Hong Kong’s merchandise trade with Kuwait last year amounted to US$200 million, up more than 20% from the previous year.

Hong Kong, an international financial centre as well as the world’s largest offshore renminbi business hub, will give full play to its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to deepen international exchanges and co-operation, Mr Lee pointed out, adding that he believes the ties between Hong Kong and Kuwait will continue to flourish.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited Zain Group a major mobile telecommunications company, to learn about its business in innovative technologies and digital communications, and exchanged views with company representatives on topics such as drones, artificial intelligence and smart city development. He remarked that Hong Kong is actively developing into an international innovation and technology centre, and he welcomes the company to invest and pursue co-operation opportunities in Hong Kong.

The Chief Executive also hosted a dinner for members of the business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to thank them for their participation in the programme of the past four days, and for working together to explore co-operation opportunities for Hong Kong and the Mainland in the Middle East.

He will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK remains committed to restoring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

The UK remains committed to restoring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

First, the UK remains committed to restoring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea.

We welcome recent efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and we hope these efforts can help provide the pathway to sustainable peace in Yemen in line with the Special Envoy’s efforts.

As we have seen with continued threats against neighbouring countries and worrying posturing on the frontlines in Yemen, the risk of escalation remains.

Through a coordinated international approach, the UK will continue to work towards effectively containing Houthi capabilities.

Maritime security is essential in upholding stability in the region.

The UK continues to support the Yemen Coast Guard in protecting their maritime borders, and we look forward to launching the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership alongside the Government of Yemen and international partners in June.

Second, as highlighted by Ms El Mamoun, women face a disproportionate impact from the conflict in Yemen.

In 2023, Yemen ranked second-to-last in the Georgetown Institute’s Women, Peace and Security Index, and we have not seen progress since then.

According to the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, most of the 4.8 million internally displaced people are women, and 6.2 million women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence.

Last year, UK funding supported nearly 1.5 million women and children with essential lifesaving services and enabled 15,000 to receive protection and gender-based violence response services.

The UK continues to champion the important role that women can play in both ending the conflict in Yemen and upholding sustainable peace.

In November 2024, the UK hosted a group of Yemeni women leaders and experts on the women, peace and security agenda to provide a vital platform for these important voices.

The UK also remains committed to supporting the UN Special Envoy’s work to meaningfully engage women activists and women-led organisations to deliver inclusive and sustainable peace in Yemen.

Third, President, as USG Fletcher has said, the humanitarian situation is severe.

The UK continues to condemn the ongoing detentions of aid workers by the Houthis, and we reiterate our clear call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

The Houthis’ unjustified detention of aid workers continues to shrink the humanitarian operating environment in a context where nearly 20 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

And finally, we are grateful for the efforts of Dr Ahmad bin Mubarak, the former Prime Minister of Yemen, and we welcome the new Prime Minister, Salem Bin Breik.

We look forward to working together with the new Prime Minister and continuing our support to the Government of Yemen’s ambitious reform programme.

Updates to this page

Published 14 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 15, 2025
Qatar Airways signs deal for 160 Boeing jets during Trump visit

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

State carrier Qatar Airways signed a deal on Wednesday to purchase jets from U.S. manufacturer Boeing during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country.

Trump said the deal was worth $200 billion and included 160 jets. Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.

The deal was signed during Trump’s second stop on a tour of Gulf states after he struck a string of deals with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Trump said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who signed the deal with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer next to Trump and the Qatari emir, told him “it’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing, that’s good”.

Trump added: “It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there.”

It’s not clear which Boeing aircraft models would be part of the deal and whether the orders from Qatar are firm, which require a deposit and several contractual obligations, or are options.

Boeing no longer issues catalogue prices but based on the most recent published value for its most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of the long-range aircraft would be worth some $70 billion. Aviation analysts say that airlines typically get large discounts for bulk deals.

Boeing was not immediately available for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a request for clarification or comment.

(Reuters)

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Russian delegation to discuss both political and technical issues in Istanbul – Russian presidential aide

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, May 14 /Xinhua/ — The Russian delegation at the talks scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul, Turkey, will discuss both political and technical issues, and its composition will be determined based on this, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said in an interview with Pavel Zarubin, a journalist with the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.

“The delegation will discuss both political and, I would say, a myriad of technical issues. So the composition will be determined based on this,” said Y. Ushakov in an interview, a video of which was published on Wednesday on P. Zarubin’s Telegram channel.

The Russian presidential aide said that Russia is ready to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine, which were interrupted in 2022. “You know the president’s statement of May 11 that we are ready to begin direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15. Or rather, not even begin, but resume the negotiations that were interrupted by the Ukrainian side at the instigation of Western colleagues and partners,” Y. Ushakov emphasized.

Speaking to journalists in the Kremlin on the night of May 11, V. Putin proposed that the Ukrainian side resume direct negotiations, interrupted in 2022, without preconditions. It was proposed to begin the dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul. Later on May 11, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to V. Putin on the social network X to hold a personal meeting in Turkey on May 15 to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. He added that Ukraine also expects a full and long-term ceasefire starting on May 12. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by CE at media session in Kuwait City (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, concluded the visit of the business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to Middle East together with the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Dr Peter Lam; the Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Ms Agnes Chan; and the Chairman of the Dongchao Information Technology (Shanghai) Company Limited, Mr Wang Chaoyou, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, today (May 14, Kuwait City time). Following are the remarks by Mr Lee:

Chief Executive: Today marks the final day of our visit to Kuwait. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Kuwaiti Government for its high-level hospitality and meticulous arrangements. I am particularly grateful to the Kuwaiti Government for arranging the government team to stay at Bayan Palace. We are particularly grateful to the Acting Prime Minister for hosting the whole delegation for lunch at the Palace, leaving an unforgettable memory amongst all members of the delegation.

Yesterday, I met with His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, followed by the meeting with His Highness the Crown Prince. And then I also met the Acting Prime Minister, who hosted a roundtable discussion attended by senior Kuwaiti officials. We share a common commitment to deepening bilateral co-operation in trade, investment and cultural exchanges.

During our visit to Kuwait, we signed and reached 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and co-operation agreements, spanning across trade, investment, financial services, technology, legal co-operation, customs facilitation, aviation, tertiary education, etc.

Today is the last day of our Middle East visit. I would like to do a sum-up of my four-day visit to Kuwait and Qatar. The delegation comprised Hong Kong and Mainland business leaders. We achieved three key objectives:

1. To strengthen government-to-government relations;
2. To find new areas of collaboration;
3. To make friends, and extend our network.

The visit is successful, particularly in six areas.

First, we strengthened relations between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the governments of Qatar and Kuwait, establishing collaborative consensus.

Second, the visit resulted in a total of 59 MOUs and agreements, 35 in Qatar and 24 in Kuwait, spanning across diverse areas and laying a robust groundwork for multifaceted co-operation.

Third, we deepened mutual understanding and strengthened commercial and trading networks. Delegation members have expanded their network and connections, promoting the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong and the Mainland to partners in Qatar and Kuwait.

Fourth, we showcased Hong Kong’s unique role under “one country, two systems” as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, bridging global opportunities. I invited, for the first time, over 20 Mainland enterprise representatives to join the delegation, reflecting the synergy between Hong Kong and the Mainland. We together aim to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for the Middle East and beyond.

Fifth, we bolstered ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. We created broader opportunities. Plus the two countries I have visited during my last Middle East visit, we have now visited four of the six GCC member states, representing two-thirds of the bloc and 90 per cent of its population The HKSAR Government is now actively exploring a free trade agreement with the GCC to further access this vital market.

Sixth, we advanced people-to-people exchanges. Two days ago, I announced Qatar’s new 30-day visa-free arrangement for HKSAR passport holders. I am pleased now to further announce that the UAE (United Arab Emirates) will grant Hong Kong 30-day visa-free access starting May 15, while Oman will on the same date extend its visa-free period from 10 days to 14 days.

In meetings with leaders and officials, I appreciated their forward-looking vision and understanding of Hong Kong’s unparalleled advantages under “one country, two systems” as a bridge between the Mainland and the world. Middle East countries are seeking diversification of risks and looking for opportunities in China and the HKSAR in order to join the tide of the global economic shift towards the East. In this, Hong Kong has boundless opportunities.

Reporter: I just have a couple of questions for you, please. Can you talk to us about the relationship between Kuwait and Hong Kong in particular, and Kuwait and China in general? The second question is about the Memoranda of Understanding that you have signed yesterday and today. How can you describe them? And how do they benefit the relations between Kuwait and Hong Kong?

Chief Executive: We have a very strong foundation of understanding and co-operation with Kuwait. Kuwait is the first country to sign two agreements together with Hong Kong. One is the agreement on investment protection and promotion, and another agreement is about the avoidance of double taxation. That speaks for the strong link, which has been established long ago between Hong Kong and Kuwait. We have been inspired by the Kuwait Vision 2035, which covers many areas in full alignment with what Hong Kong is doing and focusing on. The Kuwait Vision 2035 covers areas to transform Kuwait into financial centre, trading centre, infrastructure-building, human capital development, healthcare, sustainability, and also building Kuwait into a country of influence in this region and globally.

Hong Kong has a vision very similar to Kuwait in this regard. Hong Kong is a financial centre, and is a shipping and trading centre, and we are developing Hong Kong into an I&T (innovation and technology) hub. We are quite proud of our education, because despite Hong Kong being just a city of 1 100 square kilometres, we have five universities that are within the top 100 globally, and we are quite strong in R&D (research and development), particularly a lot of our universities’ research has been graded outstanding. What we are working hard is raising Hong Kong’s profile in all this regard. Sustainability is also one of our focuses, both in what we do environmentally and also financially. We are doing a lot of green finance, and we emphasise strongly (ESG) compliance. That is where we are going, and we think there are a lot of things, because our visions just align so much together – a lot to do – and that is between Hong Kong and Kuwait. I am very thankful and grateful to His Highness, Amir of Kuwait, to meet me, and I am grateful to the Prime Minister also, to host a lunch in the palace for the whole team. Throughout all the meetings and discussions, we have very common understanding that we should co-operate more in different areas.

Coming to the relation between China and Kuwait, China is Kuwait’s, I think, largest trade partner, and the diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait started long, long time ago, and the partnership is close and ever-rising. When I honourably saw His Highness, Amir of Kuwait, I felt his friendship, genuineness, and sincerity of building good relations between Kuwait and China. I am honoured to be able to be part of that success story. My whole team feels proud to be in that part of success story.

Coming to the MOUs we have signed with Kuwait, both the governments and different parties, 24 agreements and MOUs, they cover a wide range of areas. Despite the very good foundation we already have, we are now formally telling people of the two places where are the main directions of co-operation both governments agree on. That helps in aligning direction, energy, focuses and also our time, because time is precious. So all of them now, these are the areas we can co-operate on and work hard on as well. That will bring returns in much shorter time, in much bigger scale. Already, I have heard some delegations forming to come to Hong Kong, so as to further continue the link. I am very positive with the overall results, and I will be seeing a lot of activities, not just between government-and-government exchange, but also business-to-business, individuals-to-individuals. And that is why I am also very thrilled to announce a lot of convenience that we have created for visa, for going through the boundary, both goods and people.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Michigan Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Attack Military Base on Behalf of ISIS

Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

Headline: Michigan Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Attack Military Base on Behalf of ISIS

A Melvindale man – and former member of the Michigan Army National Guard – was arrested today after he attempted to carry out a plan to conduct a mass-shooting at a U.S. military base in Warren, Michigan, on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UPDATED – BLAIR COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Kick-Off Statewide EMS Workforce Recruitment Initiative

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

May 14, 2025 – Altoona, PA

ADVISORY – UPDATED – BLAIR COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Kick-Off Statewide EMS Workforce Recruitment Initiative

Department of Health (DOH) Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack will join first responders in Altoona to kick-off a new statewide initiative to recruit residents interested in becoming EMS professionals.

As part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 18-24, Pennsylvania Regional EMS councils and agencies will be hosting career events across the state where Pennsylvanians can meet EMS professionals and learn about local career opportunities and trainings.

The first two events will be held in Blair and Mercer counties on Sunday, May 18.

Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget adds $6 million more a year for the next three years to the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, which would be disbursed through the 13 regional EMS councils to local stations. In 2023, he secured $20.7 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement for service and mileage rates for ambulance services, promoting access to health care and ensuring that EMS agencies are properly reimbursed for their critical care.

Recruiting and retaining EMS first responders is vital to Pennsylvania’s health care system as they provide 24-hour emergency medical services, seven days a week. In 2024 alone, over 1,200 emergency agencies responded to more than 2 million calls for service.

WHO:
Pennsylvania Executive Deputy Secretary of Health, Kristen Rodack
Chief of AMED, Gary Watters
Southern Allegheny Emergency Medical Services Regional Council Director, Jordan Anthony
EMS student

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 14 at 1:30 PM

WHERE:
AMED Authority EMS Station
1st Floor, Training Room
106 Reimer Street
Altoona, PA 16602

MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 15, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Light is the science of the future – the Africans using it to solve local challenges
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Andrew Forbes, Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

Light is all around us, essential for one of our primary senses (sight) as well as life on Earth itself. It underpins many technologies that affect our daily lives, including energy harvesting with solar cells, light-emitting-diode (LED) displays and telecommunications through fibre optic networks.

The smartphone is a great example of the power of light. Inside the box, its electronic functionality works because of quantum mechanics. The front screen is an entirely photonic device: liquid crystals controlling light. The back too: white light-emitting diodes for a flash, and lenses to capture images.

We use the word photonics, and sometimes optics, to capture the harnessing of light for new applications and technologies. Their importance in modern life is celebrated every year on 16 May with the International Day of Light.

Scientists on the African continent, despite the resource constraints they work under, have made notable contributions to photonics research. Some of these have been captured in a recent special issue of the journal Applied Optics. Along with colleagues in this field from Morocco and Senegal, we introduced this collection of papers, which aims to celebrate excellence and show the impact of studies that address continental issues.

A spotlight on photonics in Africa

Africa’s history in formal optics stems back thousands of years, with references to lens design already recorded in ancient Egyptian writings.

In more recent times, Africa has contributed to two Nobel prizes based on optics. Ahmed Zewail (Egyptian born) watched the ultrafast processes in chemistry with lasers (1999, Nobel Prize for Chemistry) and Serge Harouche (Moroccan born) studied the behaviour of individual particles of light, photons (2012, Nobel Prize for Physics).

Unfortunately, the African optics story is one of pockets of excellence. The highlights are as good as anywhere else, but there are too few of them to put the continent on the global optics map. According to a 2020 calculation done for me by the Optical Society of America, based on their journals, Africa contributes less than 1% to worldwide journal publications with optics or photonics as a theme.

Yet there are great opportunities for meeting continental challenges using optics. Examples of areas where Africans can innovate are:
- bridging the digital divide with modern communications infrastructure
- optical imaging and spectroscopy for improvements in agriculture and monitoring climate changes
- harnessing the sun with optical materials for clean energy
- bio-photonics to solve health issues
- quantum technologies for novel forms of communicating, sensing, imaging and computing.
The papers in the special journal issue touch on a diversity of continent-relevant topics.

One is on using optics to communicate across free-space (air) even in bad weather conditions. This light-based solution was tested using weather data from two African cities, Alexandria in Egypt and Setif in Algeria.

Another paper is about tiny quantum sources of quantum entanglement for sensing. The authors used diamond, a gem found in South Africa and more commonly associated with jewellery. Diamond has many flaws, one of which can produce single photons as an output when excited. The single photon output was split into two paths, as if the particle went both left and right at the same time. This is the quirky notion of entanglement, in this case, created with diamonds. If an object is placed in any one path, the entanglement can detect it. Strangely, sometimes the photons take the left-path but the object is in the right-path, yet still it can be detected.

Read more: Quantum entanglement: what it is, and why physicists want to harness it

One contributor proposes a cost-effective method to detect and classify harmful bacteria in water.

New approaches in spectroscopy (studying colour) for detecting cell health; biosensors to monitor salt and glucose levels in blood; and optical tools for food security all play their part in optical applications on the continent.

Another area of African optics research that has important applications is the use of optical fibres for sensing the quality of soil and its structural integrity. Optical fibres are usually associated with communication, but a modern trend is to use the existing optical fibre already laid to sense for small changes in the environment, for instance, as early warning systems for earthquakes. The research shows that conventional fibre can also be used to tell if soil is degrading, either from lack of moisture or some physical shift in structure (weakness or movement). It is an immediately useful tool for agriculture, building on many decades of research.

The diverse range of topics in the collection shows how creative researchers on the continent are in using limited resources for maximum impact. The high orientation towards applications is probably also a sign that African governments want their scientists to work on solutions to real problems rather than purely academic questions. A case in point is South Africa, which has a funded national strategy (SA QuTI) to turn quantum science into quantum technology and train the workforce for a new economy.

Towards a brighter future

For young science students wishing to enter the field, the opportunities are endless. While photonics has no discipline boundaries, most students enter through the fields of physics, engineering, chemistry or the life sciences. Its power lies in the combination of skills, blending theoretical, computational and experimental, that are brought to bear on problems. At a typical photonics conference there are likely to be many more industry participants than academics. That’s a testament to its universal impact in new technologies, and the employment opportunities for students.

The last century was based on electronics and controlling electrons. This century will be dominated by photonics, controlling photons.

Professor Zouheir Sekkat of University Mohamed V, Rabat, and director of the Pole of Optics and Photonics within MAScIR of University Mohamed VI Polytechnic Benguerir, Morocco, contributed to this article.

– Light is the science of the future – the Africans using it to solve local challenges
– https://theconversation.com/light-is-the-science-of-the-future-the-africans-using-it-to-solve-local-challenges-256031
MIL OSI Africa –
May 15, 2025

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