Day: September 18, 2023

Americans Freed From Iran In Controversial Prisoner Swap

Americans Freed From Iran In Controversial Prisoner Swap

US citizens Siamak Namazi (C-back), Emad Sharqi (bottom-L) and Morad Tahbaz (bottom-R) disembark from a Qatari jet upon their arrival at the Doha International Airport in Doha on September 18, 2023. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
US citizens Siamak Namazi (C-back), Emad Sharqi (bottom-L) and Morad Tahbaz (bottom-R) disembark from a Qatari jet upon their arrival at the Doha International Airport in Doha on September 18, 2023. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN’s Stephanie Stahl
12: 12 PM – Monday, September 18, 2023

SEE: https://www.oann.com/newsroom/americans-freed-from-iran-in-controversial-prisoner-swap/;

Republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, & research purposes.

Five Americans who were detained in Iran for several years have now been released as part of a prisoner swap for five Iranians being held in the United States. 

On Monday, the five US citizens were flown out of Tehran and landed in Qatar. According to U.S. and Iranian officials, the five Iran nationals have also been released. Two of them have reportedly arrived in Doha and the other three opted not to return to Iran.

The complex transfer deal included the Biden administration giving Tehran access to $6 billion in oil revenue that had been held in South Korea since 2018.

“Today, five innocent Americans who were imprisoned in Iran are finally coming home,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he is “grateful to our partners at home and abroad for their tireless efforts to help us achieve this outcome, including the Governments of Qatar, Oman, Switzerland, and South Korea.” 

It remains unclear whether the exchange could pave the way for advancements on issues that separate the two nations, including Iran’s nuclear program, its backing of regional Shi’ite militias, the presence of U.S. troops in the Gulf, and the ongoing U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Shortly before the release of the American detainees, Republican lawmakers criticized the agreement, characterizing it as a “ransom” payment that could potentially incentivize Iran to detain more Americans in the future. 

Biden announced on Monday that he was sanctioning former Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence under the Levinson Act “for their involvement in wrongful detentions. And, we will continue to impose costs on Iran for their provocative actions in the region,” Biden said.

He also issued a warning to U.S. citizens about the risks involved in traveling to Iran: “American passport holders should not travel there.”

While the return of these Americans is cause for celebration, it also serves as a reminder that some have not returned and may still remain behind bars in Iran. Bob Levinson, a former DEA and FBI agent, was imprisoned in Iran in 2007 and is believed to have died sometime before March 25, 2020. 

“I call on the Iranian regime to give a full account of what happened to Bob Levinson,” President Biden said, adding that “The Levinson family deserves answers.” 

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How Bad Is Crime in Philadelphia? Bad Enough for a Cheesesteak Joint to Hire Armed Security

By Michael Cantrell 3:39 PM on September 18, 2023
How Bad Is Crime in Philadelphia? Bad Enough for a Cheesesteak Joint to Hire Armed Security
Whenever someone gears up to pay the historic city of Philadelphia a visit, one of the first things they want to know is which establishment makes the best cheesesteak sandwiches. The age-old question was usually decided by whether or not you wanted Cheeze-Whiz or provolone on it. Nowadays, with the skyrocketing crime rate in the city, thanks to disastrous soft-on-crime policies instituted by Democrats, the best cheesesteak joint is the one with armed guards. Tragic, that this is what the City of Brotherly Love has become in Biden’s America.

According to a new report from TheBlaze, Jim’s West Steaks and Hoagies has hired armed guards to provide protection for customers who come to their establishment for the simple pleasure of a good sandwich. It’s absolutely atrocious this is now necessary. But hey, what do you expect when officials in our country’s major cities push for shorter prison sentences, defunding police forces, and all manner of bills that favor criminals? The whole point of having a legal system is the protection of the innocent and discouraging the bad guys from doing bad things that harm society.

If the consequences for doing bad things that harm society consist of slaps on the wrist, we should not be surprised when our deterrent no longer deters.

One of the main reasons the restaurant decided to hire armed guards is because they are a super popular place that usually has lines of people going down the block, which leaves them open to assault and other forms of crime while waiting in line.

The chief financial officer of Jim’s West spoke with local media outlet WPVI-TV, saying, “The violence has spiked. It goes up and down. You want people to feel safe and be safe. So when they come out and eat, they don’t have to worry about no type of harm.”

The owner of Presidential Protection Services, Kevon Darden, has actually gotten out on the streets in front of the famous hoagie establishment and guarded customers. He said that the guards protecting patrons have been certified by the State of Pennsylvania to perform the duties required of security professionals. Many of these individuals have either military or law enforcement backgrounds. In other words, these aren’t random dudes off Monster or Indeed. These are guys who know exactly what they are doing and perform at the highest level of their industry.

Landers commented that the threat of violence on the street is so pervasive right now that many local businesses are being forced to drop a load of extra cash to try and keep both workers and their customer base safe. This is money that many of these smaller companies can’t really afford to part with. So, in light of that, they are forced to offset the cost, which means raising prices for goods and services. And that’s a drain on the bottom line, as it will inevitably reduce business and profit. Reduced profits mean jobs being cut. The company downsizes instead of expanding. The economy of the whole city takes a punch to the gut.

All of this is because leftists, desperate to remain in power, are doing their best to ensure criminals get off lightly for their behavior so they can ultimately restore their right to vote and fluff up their voter rolls. Gross, right?

Related: Far-Left Philly Lawyer Shocked, Shocked to Discover His Son Is Accused Terrorist

The Philly Voice stated in a recent report that, back in 2015, Jim’s West was the target of several armed robbers who ended up only getting $215 in cash out of the register and from customers who were patronizing the establishment at the time.

One of the customers weighed in on the armed guards, saying, “If it deters it (crime), I can’t complain. I’m not a big fan of guns, but I get it.”

Another individual, likely a bonehead liberal, said that seeing an armed guard “walking around with a machine gun, it’s not family-friendly.”

I hate to break it to this person, but given the crime rate in Philly, I’d say the whole city is no longer “family friendly.”

Video: A Deep Dive Into the Destructive History of Islam

By Raymond Ibrahim 5:27 PM on September 17, 2023
SEE: https://pjmedia.com/columns/raymond-ibrahim/2023/09/17/video-a-deep-dive-into-the-destructive-history-of-islam-n1727782;Republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, & research purposes.

Video: A Deep Dive Into the Destructive History of Islam
YouTube / International Christian Concern
We discussed many important topics in this International Christian Concern interview. The official description and video follow:

Today, I have the privilege of sharing with you an interview with Raymond Ibrahim, an author and expert on Islamic history. The history of Islam is fascinating, particularly as it relates to the religion’s relation to other faiths.

Throughout history, we have seen Muslims use their faith to justify attacks on Christian communities. Yet, it is only when we understand the persecutors’ perspective that we can reach them with the hope of Christ.

Raymond Ibrahim

Raymond Ibrahim, an expert in Islamic history and doctrine, is the author of Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam (2022); Sword and Scimitar: Fourteen Centuries of War between Islam and the West (2018); Crucified Again: Exposing Islam’s New War on Christians (2013); and The Al Qaeda Reader (2007). He has appeared on C-SPAN, Al-Jazeera, CNN, NPR, and PBS and has been published by the New York Times Syndicate, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, Weekly Standard, Chronicle of Higher Education, and Jane’s Islamic Affairs Analyst. Formerly an Arabic linguist at the Library of Congress, Ibrahim has guest lectured at many universities, including the U.S. Army War College, briefed governmental agencies such as U.S. Strategic Command, and testified before Congress. He has been a visiting fellow/scholar at a variety of Institutes—from the Hoover Institution to the National Intelligence University—and is currently the Distinguished Senior Shillman Fellow at the Gatestone Institute and the Judith Friedman Rosen Fellow at the Middle East Forum. His full biography is available here.  Follow Raymond on Twitter and Facebook. For media inquiries, please contact communications@pjmedia.com

Protests amid new migrant center at Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY, a former air force facility~Injunction filed to stop Floyd Bennett Field from being used for migrants

Hundreds of protesters gathered near Floyd Bennett Field Tuesday evening after state and federal officials reached a tentative deal to house migrants on the National Parks Services site. 

Injunction filed to stop Floyd Bennett Field from being used for migrants?

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso discusses the migrant crisis and federal support announced last week.

Auto Strike is Threatening the Economy & Inflation~Biden is destroying the auto industry~Vehicle Prices Could Increase~Ex-Chrysler, Home Depot CEO Speaks to Bartiromo

Former Chrysler and Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli explains why he thinks the UAW strikes will 'go on for a while.'

'ACTIONS NOT WORDS': UAW president withholds Biden endorsement

Former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon discusses the ongoing UAW workers' strike, Biden's self-described role as a 'pro-union president', and voters' concerns that Biden isn't healthy enough to serve.

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., discusses the United Auto Workers strike's impact on the economy and his support for a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown.

James O’Keefe Exposes Hawaii Gov’s Ban on Public Photography in Lahaina

James O'Keefe goes undercover in Lahaina, Hawaii, to reveal a shocking directive from Governor Josh Green: a prohibition on photography on public land. Local law enforcement is enforcing this outrageous order, but even members of the Hawaii National Guard have criticized these actions. But O'Keefe Media Group (OMG) isn't just reporting; we're taking action. We are suing Governor Josh Green for this blatant infringement on our 1st Amendment rights. This isn't merely about the freedom to take photos; it's about the freedom of the press and the right to hold our leaders accountable.

New Mexico Governor Reverses Course on Gun Ban Order Amidst Legal Challenges

Ammoland Inc.-Posted on by

SEE: https://www.ammoland.com/2023/09/new-mexico-governor-backs-down-on-gun-ban-order-amidst-legal-challenges;Republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, & research purposes.

In a recent turn of events, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has backed down from her initial “emergency public health order” that had attempted to suspend Second Amendment carry rights throughout the state’s most populated county and city. This decision was heavily influenced by a temporary restraining order issued by a federal District Court Judge, which hindered the enforcement of the Governor’s original ban.

As per the new modifications, the suspension on carry rights has been lifted for Bernalillo County and the city of Albuquerque. However, this ban will still apply to “parks or playgrounds where we know we’ve got high risk of kids and families,” stated Grisham. Although the exact specifics of this amendment remain somewhat ambiguous, the Governor held an hour-long press conference in an attempt to clarify her stance.

The initial order, introduced on September 8th, 2023, imposed a 30-day suspension of open and concealed carry rights in Bernalillo County, home to Albuquerque. This sudden move by the Governor was met with significant resistance, inciting multiple lawsuits and calls for her impeachment.

Even fellow Democrat, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, expressed his reservations, stating his unwillingness to defend the state in the ensuing legal battles and his skepticism regarding the order’s potential impact on public safety.

The adjustment to the order came after an engaging courtroom debate. Lujan Grisham mentioned during a press briefing that there’s a considerable distinction between a suspension and a ban. While emphasizing her concerns about the ongoing issues related to gun violence and public safety, she cited the tragic incidents of three children, including an 11-year-old, who were recently victims of gun violence. This, coupled with convenient and questionable statistics showing a “43% increase in gun death rates” in New Mexico from 2009 to 2018, attributed to the Governor’s decision to classify gun violence as a statewide public health emergency.

Critics of Lujan Grisham’s measures have come from all corners. Albuquerque police Chief Harold Medina stated his reluctance to enforce the order, and Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen voiced his concerns about potential infringements on constitutional rights. As expected, gun-control supporters like Miranda Viscoli, co-president of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, praised the Governor’s efforts as both brave and essential, even if the order’s legality remains a point of contention.

Reflecting on the blowback, the Governor commented, “When you try to build consensus on gun violence measures, you cannot.” If further challenges arise in the upcoming October hearing, Lujan Grisham mentioned the possibility of approaching the legislature for a resolution.

Maybe if the Governor focused on criminals instead of law-abiding gun owners, she could actually get to the consensus she claims to want.

______________________________________________________________

Kennedy, Tillis Demand AG Garland Protect 2A Rights of Citizens of New Mexico

Ammoland Inc.-Posted on by

SEE: https://www.ammoland.com/2023/09/kennedy-tillis-demand-ag-garland-protect-2a-rights-of-citizens-new-mexico;Republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, & research purposes.

Gun Rights Court
iStock

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) in demanding Attorney General Merrick Garland protect the Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans from the unconstitutional actions of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

In a letter to Attorney General Garland, the senators urged the Department of Justice to respond swiftly to Governor Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional Executive Order 2023-130, which violates the individual right to bear arms upheld in cases like District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen.

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) also signed the letter.

“Governor Grisham has issued an order which is being used to blatantly trample on the Second Amendment rights of the citizens of New Mexico, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) must act swiftly to stop this unconstitutional power grab,” wrote the senators.

“While the public health order may invoke state law to authorize this unconstitutional infringement, it should be no match for the authority which the DOJ has to enforce our rights under the U.S. Constitution. That is why we are calling on you to enforce the Constitution and intervene on behalf of the constitutional rights of New Mexicans to stop this unconstitutional act from standing,” the senators continued.

“By preventing certain New Mexicans from exercising their constitutional rights to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home, Governor Grisham is violating the Second Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment, and Article IV of the Constitution. This is a chilling action, and it is imperative that your Department act immediately to show that this kind of unconstitutional abuse will not be tolerated in New Mexico or anywhere else in the United States,” the senators concluded.

The full letter is available here.

LETTER: Kennedy, Tillis Demand AG Garland Protect 2A Rights of Citizens of New Mexico

U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iran, hails dissident protesters

By

SEE: https://www.jihadwatch.org/2023/09/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-iran-hails-dissident-protesters;

Republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, & research purposes.

The UK, Germany, and France took the lead in refusing to lift sanctions against Iran that are set to expire under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (that is, Obama’s nuke deal). Now the Biden administration is following with its own announcement, after Trump and Republicans expressed fury over the hostage deal that saw the US send over $6 billion to Iran. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi mocked Biden, while Ayatollah Khamenei crowed about America’s decline.

Now, the US has announced that it is imposing more sanctions on Iran “ahead of [Mahsa] Amini’s death anniversary that saw massive protests across Iran.” Yet while the UK, Germany, and France have refused to lift sanctions despite the expiration of the 2015 nuke deal, the Biden administration’s sanctions severely fall short. Whether full American sanctions will continue has not been revealed, beyond a mere headline that the “US imposes new sanctions on Iran.” Given trends with this administration, full sanctions are unlikely.

“US imposes new sanctions on Iran, hails protesters a year after Mahsa Amini’s death,” WIONews, September 15, 2023:

US President Joe Biden, on Friday (September 15), said that the United States would remain committed to supporting Iranians, a year after Mahsa Amini’s death triggered massive demonstrations, as Washington revealed fresh sanctions against “egregious” rights abusers.

Biden released a statement saying, “Today—as we remember Mahsa’s tragic death—we reaffirm our commitment to the courageous people of Iran who are carrying on her mission. They are inspiring the world with their resilience and resolve. And together with our allies and partners, we stand with them.”

“Iranians alone will determine the fate of their country, but, the United States remains committed to standing with them, including providing tools to support Iranians’ ability to advocate for their own future,” Biden added.

He then said that the United States was “announcing additional sanctions targeting some of Iran’s most egregious human rights abusers” to mark Mahsa Amini’s death anniversary….

In a separate statement, the US Treasury Department said that it imposed sanctions on more than two dozen people and entities, that it said were linked to Iran’s “violent suppression” of protests in the wake of Amini’s death and its crackdown on dissenting voices and restrictions on the internet….

Saudi Arabia erases Israel from the map, replaces it with ‘Palestine’ despite peace talks

By

SEE: https://www.jihadwatch.org/2023/09/saudi-arabia-erases-israel-from-the-map-replaces-it-with-palestine-despite-peace-talks;

Republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, & research purposes.

On the heels of the Saudis absurdly co-hosting a UN event aimed at revamping the Israeli-Palestinian “peace process” without Israel even being present comes this telling news. In Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, Israel is erased from the map.

I stated this in the previous Jihad Watch report and it still remains apparent:

Saudi Arabia so far has not shown good will toward Israel with respect to the Palestinians, or even a shred of impartiality. The Saudi-UN event appears to be little more than a show to pretend that Israel and the Palestinians are equally to blame for the conflict, and just more anti-Israel advocacy.

“Israel is still ‘Palestine’ on Saudi Arabia’s new map despite peace talks,” Jerusalem Post, September 15, 2023:

Despite recent US-brokered normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the entirety of the Jewish State is still referred to as ‘Palestine’ in an update of the Saudis’ official map of the country and its borders published earlier this week.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information released the map, which they implored to be exclusively used by media in the kingdom.

It described the map as one with “reliable national reference for general purpose applications, and is intended to be used for strategic planning, feature location and identification.”

Despite increased reports of a looming deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, the kingdom has let the Biden administration know that resolving Palestinian issues is critical for any normalization deal with Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

“It is also clear from what we hear from the Saudis that if this process is to move forward, the Palestinian piece is going to be very important too,” he said on Wednesday in an interview with the podcast Pod Save the World.

“In our judgment that needs to involve a two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he explained……