🧵Despite U.S. pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, some type of retaliatory strike by Israel was expected, said Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Middle East analyst from Gaza and non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Patsy Widakuswara

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Our new Voice of America director.

The The White House is refusing to engage with reporters on the Israeli counterstrike on Iran. 'We do not have any comment on the reports at this time.' - Karine Jean-Pierre
We're now asking 60 different ways and still nothing.

Despite President Biden pressure on Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו, some type of retaliatory strike by Israel against Iran was expected.

My latest w/ insight from Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib Brian Katulis Laura Blumenfeld Johns Hopkins SAIS

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Iran FM H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان is still in NY, didn't respond to VOA's Margaret Besheer on last night's strike and if Iran would retaliate.
In what appeared to be a downplay attempt, a member of his delegation said, 'What strike?'

It's official, Mike Abramowitz President of Freedom House House, will be our new director at Voice of America!
Announced by US Agency for Global Media CEO Amanda Bennett.

Blinken does not comment if the US was notified in advance of alleged Israel retaliation in Iran, but says the US was NOT involved in any offensive operation in Iran.

Reports coming in from multiple sources about #Hezbollah launching a barrage of rockets & drones vs #Israel

This comes as concerns have been rising steadily about #Iran retaliating for a suspected #Israel airstrike in #Damascus that killed senior #IRGC commanders

John Hemmings shares expert analysis with Patsy Widakuswara for Voice of America.

Hemmings highlights the importance of the recent US-Japan defense ties bolstering, focusing on the restructuring of the alliance in Japan:
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#Geopolitics #USJapanRelations #PacificForum

Quoted here on the new US-Philippines alternative to China's BRI, known as Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) Luzon Corridor or PGI Luzon Corridor. Thanks Patsy Widakuswara for reaching out!
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Chinese 'gray zone' tactics of intimidation in the South China Sea fall dangerously close to triggering US- #Philippines mutual defense treaty and will be a focus of trilateral summit bw President Biden Bongbong Marcos PM's Office of Japan today.
My preview for Voice of America.

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“We just saw 'trilateral plus Australia' new form of quadrilateral joint naval patrols last week, so you can expect to see more of that in the future.' - Jake Sullivan confirms to me US-Japan-Philippines joint naval patrols plans, move likely to trigger strong reax from Beijing

Israel allowing more aid jnto #Gaza but the question whether it would loosen demands of Hamas to achieve cease-fire may be the proof. My latest for Voice of America
Martin Indyk Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib

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“I asked them to do what they’re doing.” - President Biden on whether he had threatened to pull military aid to #Israel #Gaza
via poolers

While the attack on World Central Kitchen was the 'impetus' behind President Biden demands to Prime Minister of Israel, Biden was also informed by conversations he had earlier this week with Muslim doctors who have been on the ground in #Gaza and w/ Bernie Sanders, John Kirby confirms to me.

The administration has yet to respond to our queries on whether they've tried to discourage American evangelical groups who have pushed anti LGBTQ+ legislations in African countries, particularly Uganda.