Saturday, August 23, 2025

Polaris of Enlightenment

US issues sanctions against UN investigator who criticized Israel

The situation in Gaza

Published 10 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Francesca Albanese is the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories since 2022.
4 minute read

The Trump administration has decided to sanction Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, as part of the American campaign to silence critics of Israel’s actions in the ongoing war. This is reported by The Guardian.

In a text message to Al Jazeera, Albanese accuses the US of “mafia style intimidation techniques”.

The US State Department announced on Wednesday that the country is issuing sanctions against the independent official who is tasked with investigating human rights violations in the Palestinian territories. The decision comes after American pressure on the UN to remove Albanese from her position previously failed.

Francesca Albanese, who is a human rights lawyer, has been open with her criticism of what she describes as the “genocide” that Israel is carrying out against Palestinians in Gaza. Both Israel and the US, which provides Israel with military support, have firmly denied these allegations.

International legal scrutiny

Israel faces allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and war crimes at the International Criminal Court following the country’s devastating military assault on Gaza. Albanese’s position has also received support from leading genocide scholars and human rights organizations.

In a post on X late Wednesday evening, Albanese wrote that she stands “firmly and convincingly on the side of justice, as I have always done,” without directly mentioning the American sanctions. In a text message to Al Jazeera, she was quoted dismissing the US actions as “mafia style intimidation techniques“.

In recent weeks, Albanese has sent out a series of letters urging other countries to pressure Israel, including through sanctions, to end its deadly bombing of the Gaza Strip. The Italian citizen has also been a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court’s prosecution of Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for war crimes.

Harsh American criticism

Most recently, she issued a report that named several American corporations among the companies helping with what she described as Israel’s occupation and war against Gaza.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the sanctions on social media:

– Albanese’s campaign of political and economic warfare against the United States and Israel will no longer be tolerated. We will always stand by our partners in their right to self-defense.

Albanese has been targeted for criticism by pro-Israeli officials and groups in the US and Middle East. Last week, the US UN mission issued a sharp statement demanding her removal for “years-long pattern of virulent antisemitism and unrelenting anti-Israel bias”.

The statement claimed that Albanese’s allegations that Israel is committing genocide or apartheid are “false and offensive”.

Part of broader campaign

The sanctions represent the culmination of an extensive campaign over nearly six months by the Trump administration to silence criticism of Israel’s handling of the deadly war in Gaza, which is approaching two years. Earlier this year, the Trump administration began arresting and deporting faculty members and students at American universities who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and other political activities.

Human rights experts have sharply criticized the US sanctions against Albanese. Dylan Williams, vice president for government affairs at the think tank Center for International Policy, described them as “rogue state behavior”, while Amnesty International said that UN Special Rapporteurs must be supported and not sanctioned.

Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International and former UN Special Rapporteur, stated:

– Governments around the world and all actors who believe in the rule-based order and international law must do everything in their power to mitigate and block the effect of the sanctions against Francesca Albanese and more generally to protect the work and independence of special rapporteurs.

Background to the conflict

Israel’s retaliation campaign after the events of October 7, 2023, has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says women and children make up most of the dead but does not specify how many were combatants or civilians. The figure is generally considered to be a significant underestimate.

Nearly 21 months into the conflict that has displaced the vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, it is almost impossible for the critically injured to receive the care they need, say doctors and aid workers.

Albanese said in a recent post on X:

We must stop this genocide, whose short-term goal is completing the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, while also profiteering from the killing machine devised to perform it.

No one is safe until everyone is safe.

Francesca Albanese is an Italian jurist and human rights expert who has served as the UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories since 2022. She has a background in international law and has worked on issues concerning human rights, humanitarian law and conflict resolution. Albanese is known for her critical reports and analyses of the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, where she highlights the consequences of the Israeli occupation for the civilian population. Her work aims to promote justice, accountability and respect for international law in the region.

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Nvidia and AMD to pay 15 percent of China revenues to US

Donald Trump's USA

Published 13 August 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, holds up an AMD Zen 5 chip during the presentation of next-generation processors at Computex 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.
2 minute read

American semiconductor manufacturers Nvidia and AMD have agreed to pay 15 percent of their revenues from chip sales in China to the US government. The arrangement is the condition for obtaining export licenses under President Donald Trump’s administration.

According to sources familiar with the situation, including a US government official, both companies approved the financial arrangement to obtain export licenses for the Chinese market, which were granted last week.

The American official stated that Nvidia agreed to share 15 percent of revenues from H20 chip sales in China, while AMD will provide the same percentage from MI308 chip revenues. The Trump administration has not yet decided how the money will be used, reports Financial Times.

Never seen before

According to export control experts, this is the first time ever that an American company has agreed to pay a portion of its revenues to obtain export licenses. However, the arrangement fits into a pattern under the Trump administration where the president urges companies to take actions, such as domestic investments, to avoid tariffs.

The Commerce Department began issuing H20 export licenses on Friday, two days after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with President Trump. The administration has also begun issuing licenses for AMD’s chips to China.

Nvidia did not deny the arrangement and said: “We follow rules the US government sets for our participation in worldwide markets”. AMD commented: “Our initial licence applications have been approved” and added that the company “adhere to all US export control laws and policies”.

Criticism from security experts

The decision to sell the chips to China has drawn criticism from American security experts who argue that the H20 chip will help the Chinese military and undermine US strength in artificial intelligence.

— Beijing must be gloating to see Washington turn export licences into revenue streams, says Liza Tobin, a China expert who served on the National Security Council during Trump’s first administration.

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Matt Pottinger, former deputy national security advisor, and 19 other security experts warned against granting H20 licenses. They called the H20 a “potent accelerator of China’s frontier AI capabilities”.

Nvidia dismissed the criticism as “misdirected” and rejected that China could use the H20 for military purposes.

The debate comes as the US and China hold trade talks that Trump hopes will pave the way for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump deploys National Guard to “liberate” Washington

Donald Trump's USA

Published 12 August 2025
– By Editorial Staff
President Trump announces that 800 National Guard soldiers will initially be deployed to combat crime and restore order in Washington, DC.
4 minute read

At a press conference on Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a massive operation to combat crime in Washington, DC.

As part of the measures, the city’s police will be placed under federal control, and hundreds of National Guard soldiers will patrol the streets to make the city safer. Trump simultaneously warned that New York could be next for similar measures.

— I’m announcing a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor – and worse. This is liberation day in DC and we’re going to take our capital back, Trump said during a press conference at the White House.

The president expressed frustration over what he described as the growing crime in the city.

— Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, Trump said and continued: “And we’re not going to let it happen anymore. We’re not going to take it”.

Trump noted that the operations would begin quickly, in the same way as the measures taken at the southern border to stop illegal immigration. “We’re going to clean it up real quick, like we did on the southern border”, he clarified.

“Will be tough”

According to US legislation, the Home Rule Act of 1973, the president has the right to take control of Washington’s police force for up to 30 days, with the possibility for Congress to extend the measures. The Trump administration has sent documents formalizing the takeover to Congress, and later in the day, DC’s police chief and other federal officials met to discuss next steps.

— This will be an opportunity for us to come together and collaborate on being able to go out and execute warrants, said MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified in an interview that the National Guard will not just be present but will act proactively in their operation.

— They will be strong, they will be tough and they will stand with their law enforcement partners., Hegseth said, adding: “If you take an action or a shot at them, there will be a consequence”.

“Doubled up on Baghdad”

Trump defended his decision and showed a chart during the press conference comparing murder statistics per capita in Washington, DC with the capitals of cocaine-exporting Colombia, Mexico and Iraq.

— We doubled up on Baghdad, he claimed, describing the situation as “completely unacceptable”.

— They’ll immediately begin massive enforcement operations targeting known gangs, drug dealers and criminal networks to get them the hell off the street, Trump said. He also suggested that certain criminals, whom he claimed came to the US illegally, will be deported.

Photo: screenshot/Truth Social/Trump

— They come from Venezuela, they come from all over the world. We’re going to get them the hell out, he explained.

The National Guard will also assist in a larger operation to remove homeless camps from public places, including parks and underpasses.

— We’re getting rid of the slums, Trump promised and mentioned that beautifying the city’s public areas and repairing median strips and potholes are part of the operation.

“False numbers”

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is a Democrat, confirmed that she will comply with the federal operations but expressed concern that Trump’s decision represents a major interference in local self-governance.

I’m going to work every day to make sure it’s not a complete disaster, Bowser said, claiming to be particularly concerned about the presence of plainclothes law enforcement personnel.

— All law enforcement be identifiable by uniform, a badge, a jacket, so that people know that they are law enforcement.

Trump addressed the criticism and responded in his way.

— I know it’s not politically correct. We’re going to get them the hell out. They won’t be here long,

New York next?

Defense Secretary Hegseth also clarified that soldiers from other states will assist in the operation.

— They will be standing right alongside our federal agents, like they were in Los Angeles. They’re going to be proactive.

Trump also mentioned that he is looking at other cities that may need similar federal operations.

— You look at Chicago, how bad it is. You look at Los Angeles, how bad it is. We have other cities that are very bad. New York has a problem, Trump said, suggesting that more cities may receive federal support if the situation doesn’t improve.

The president also took the opportunity to express his long-term visions for the city.

— Washington, DC, should be one of the safest, cleanest and most beautiful cities anywhere in the world, and we’re going to make it that, Trump summarized and promised that he intends to “clean it up real quick”.

Trump to clear Washington of homeless and criminals

Donald Trump's USA

Published 11 August 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Even previously, homeless tent camps have been torn down in the capital - but now Trump promises more far-reaching measures.
2 minute read

Donald Trump is launching a harsh offensive against crime and social problems in Washington, DC.

The President promises to drive away the city’s homeless population and quickly imprison criminals roaming the streets – an offensive he says will make the capital “safer and more beautiful than it ever was before”.

“We want our capital BACK”, the President declares, and according to Trump, the measures will be implemented without delay.

“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital”, he writes on the Truth Social platform, and continues:

“The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong. It’s all going to happen very fast, just like the Border. This will be easier — Be prepared! There will be no ‘MR. NICE GUY'”.

Trump announced that more details will be presented at a press conference on Monday.

Photo: screenshot/Truth Social/Trump

Reaction to brutal assault

The President’s statement comes shortly after Edward Coristine, 19, also known as “Big Balls” and formerly employed at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was attacked during the night leading to Sunday. Coristine, who now works at the Social Security Administration, was assaulted by about ten youths after trying to intervene in what police suspect was a carjacking attempt.

At least two of the suspected perpetrators have been arrested, and a reward of $10,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the others.

Already on Thursday, Trump presented plans to deploy federal law enforcement agencies throughout DC to reduce crime. The capital is governed under the Home Rule Act of 1973, which gives the city’s mayor and council certain powers, but where Congress has the right to review and overturn local laws – something that rarely happens.

“More violent than Baghdad”

Some Republicans have gone further and proposed a federal takeover of the capital.

According to the DC Metropolitan Police Department, violent crimes this year have decreased by 26% compared to last year, murders by 12%, and total crime by 7%. Compared to 2023, violent crime in 2024 has dropped by a full 35%. Despite the decline, DC still had the fourth highest murder rate in the US in 2023.

— It is our capital city. It is more violent than Baghdad. It is more violent than parts of Ethiopia, than parts of many of the most dangerous places in the world, said Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, to reporters last week.

Trump: No trade deal if Canada recognizes Palestine

Donald Trump's USA

Published 31 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Is Donald Trump's loyalty to the state of Israel beginning to affect the US negotiations on the country's trade agreements with other nations? NOTE: The image is an archive photo.
2 minute read

US President Donald Trump threatens to halt a trade deal with Canada if the country recognizes Palestine. The statement comes after Canada’s Prime Minister confirmed plans for recognition at the UN General Assembly this coming September.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that the country plans to recognize Palestine as an independent state when the UN General Assembly convenes in September.

Carney highlighted humanitarian arguments and argued that prospects for a two-state solution have disappeared, which other countries – including France and the United Kingdom – have also expressed during the summer.

However, the recognition is conditional and dependent on reforms within the Palestinian Authority as well as promised general elections in 2026 – elections in which Hamas would not be allowed to participate.

Donald Trump reacted immediately and wrote on his Truth Social platform that Canada’s intended recognition would have serious consequences for relations between the countries.

– That will make it very hard for us to make a trade deal with them, Trump declared shortly after Canada’s announcement.

Shaky relations between US and Canada

Trump has previously threatened to impose 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods from August 1, something that has already caused concern in trade relations between the neighboring countries.

According to American sources, Trump’s move aims to increase pressure on Canada to refrain from recognizing Palestine. The goal is also to defend US trade policy and geopolitical interests at a time of increased tensions surrounding Israel and the war in Gaza.

Mark Carney, (LPC), Canada’s Prime Minister. Photo: World Economic Forum/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The trade relationship between the US and Canada is among the world’s largest and has historically been very close, but over the past year several major conflicts regarding tariffs, energy and climate regulations have strained cooperation.

Analysts believe that an American trade halt or high tariffs could have significant economic consequences for Canada’s export industry.

It remains unclear how far the Trump administration is prepared to go, or whether Canada will stick to its planned recognition ahead of the UN meeting in September.

The situation is expected to be closely watched by both other allied countries and international organizations in the coming weeks.

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