Articles and Tweets
The News And Times Information Network – Blogs By Michael Novakhov – thenewsandtimes.blogspot.com
Day: December 13, 2025
News Review Today – Conversations with AI
11:15 AM 12/5/2025
https://share.google/aimode/cCUSzI95fqeXnXMwt
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Why Is Trump Pardoning Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar?
The pardon of Henry Cuellar and Trump – Aliyev cordially transactional relationship
AI Overview
U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to Democratic Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, who were facing federal bribery and money laundering charges related to an Azerbaijani energy company. This pardon has been a major point of discussion in light of the alleged cordially transactional relationship between Trump and Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan. [1, 2, 3]
The Pardon of Henry Cuellar
- Details of the Charges: Cuellar and his wife were indicted in 2024 for allegedly accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijani state-owned energy company and a Mexican bank. In exchange, prosecutors alleged that Cuellar agreed to influence legislation favorable to Azerbaijan and deliver a pro-Azerbaijan speech on the House floor.
- The Pardon: On December 3, 2025, Trump announced a “full and unconditional pardon” for the couple, thereby stopping the legal proceedings before trial. Trump stated that the charges were politically motivated by the previous administration because Cuellar was critical of President Biden’s border policies.
- Political Reaction: The move surprised many, including House Republican leadership, and has been described by critics as a move that “normaliz[es] public corruption”. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, supported the pardon, calling the original indictment “very thin”. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Trump – Aliyev Transactional Relationship
The user’s query refers to the perceived “cordially transactional relationship” between Donald Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. While the search results do not explicitly detail the nature of this relationship, the context of the pardon highlights the connection:
- Azerbaijan Connection: The central element of the charges against Cuellar was his alleged role as an unregistered foreign agent for Azerbaijan. The case was seen as a significant moment in holding politicians accountable for potentially corrupt foreign dealings.
- “Opening the floodgates”: Critics argue that Trump’s pardon sends the wrong message to foreign regimes and undermines efforts to prevent foreign influence in American politics. The implication is that the pardon was a transactional use of presidential power, rather than a principled decision based on the merits of the case. [2, 10]
The pardon has been widely viewed as a controversial and unusual exercise of presidential power, particularly given that the recipient was a Democrat who had not yet stood trial. [9]
Ilham Aliyev, his blatant suppression of the Opposition in Azerbaijan, his manufactured High Treason plots, the pardon of Henry Cuellar, and Daddy Trump
Recent news reports link the
suppression of opposition in Azerbaijan by Ilham Aliyev to the case of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was recently pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Ilham Aliyev and Suppression of the Opposition
Ilham Aliyev, who has ruled Azerbaijan since 2003, continues to face strong criticism from Western governments and human rights organizations for systematically suppressing dissent, targeting independent journalists, activists, and opposition figures.
- Recent Arrests: In late November and early December 2025, a key opposition figure, Ali Karimli, leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (APFP), was detained.
- “Manufactured High Treason Plots”: Karimli and other APFP members were arrested on charges of plotting to overthrow President Aliyev, which they and the party rejected as politically motivated.
- Ongoing Crackdown: These detentions are part of an intensified crackdown on dissent, and the charges are reportedly linked to an ongoing criminal investigation against Ramiz Mehdiyev, a former head of the presidential administration, who is also accused of attempts to seize power and high treason.
The Pardon of Henry Cuellar and Connection to Azerbaijan
On December 3, 2025, President Donald Trump granted a “full and unconditional pardon” to Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda. They were indicted in 2024 on bribery and money laundering charges.
- Bribery Allegations: The indictment alleged that the Cuellars accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities: an oil and gas company wholly owned by the government of Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank.
- Alleged Influence Operations: In exchange for the bribes, Cuellar was accused of advancing Azerbaijan’s interests in Congress, including blocking U.S. aid to Armenian communities and undermining Armenian American advocacy efforts.
- Trump’s Stance: Trump, who is currently President (as of December 2025), claimed the Biden administration (which was in office when the indictment was brought in 2024) “weaponized” the Justice Department against a political opponent who was critical of Biden’s immigration policies.
- Political Reaction: The pardon was met with condemnation from groups like the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), which renewed its call for Cuellar’s expulsion from Congress and for measures to address Azerbaijan’s interference in American democracy.
The user’s query highlights how these seemingly separate events are linked through allegations of Azerbaijani foreign influence in American politics, the resulting legal case against Cuellar, and the highly political nature of the pardon issued by the current President Donald Trump.
Very strange transactional political relationship
23 minutes ago
The user’s statement characterizes the relationships between Ilham Aliyev, Donald Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu as a “very strange transactional political relationship” driven by the “mentality and the psychology of the petty and insecure dictators.” This characterization is an opinion and interpretation of political dynamics.
The leaders in question have engaged in a high-level diplomatic relationship characterized by mutual praise and transactional agreements, particularly concerning the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and regional energy security.
Key aspects of the relationship:
- Mutual Praise and Admiration: Both Aliyev and Trump have publicly expressed admiration for each other. Aliyev has called Trump a “great leader” who “really deserves” the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in brokering peace deals. For his part, Trump has praised Aliyev’s long tenure (22 years) as president, calling him “tough and smart,” a comment that drew criticism from international observers who consider Aliyev a dictator.
- Transactional Agreements: The relationship has yielded concrete, transactional results, most notably the August 2025 Washington Summit where Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a trilateral peace agreement under Trump’s auspices. This deal established a transit route named the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) and involved cooperation on energy and technology. Aliyev has also indicated a willingness to invest Azerbaijan’s sovereign wealth fund in U.S. companies.
- Netanyahu’s Role: Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Trump on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal. There are reports that the Trump administration, facilitated by Steve Witkoff (Trump’s special representative for peace missions), explored Azerbaijan’s potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords, an initiative brokered by the Trump administration to normalize Israel’s relations with Muslim-majority nations. Israel and Azerbaijan have a strong bilateral relationship, and Azerbaijan has served as a mediator in improving Israel–Turkey relations.
Characterization and Criticism
The user’s description of the leaders’ “mentality” reflects common criticisms from various sources:
- Authoritarianism and Human Rights: Aliyev is widely considered the leader of an authoritarian regime, facing accusations of human rights violations, pervasive corruption, and a lack of free elections. Trump has faced accusations of authoritarian ambitions and admiration for dictators. Netanyahu has been indicted on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
- Shared Approach: Political analysts have noted a shared approach between Trump and Netanyahu, describing them as operating on instinct, driven by narcissism, and using “strategic ambiguity” in their negotiations.
- Transactional Focus: The user’s observation of a “transactional political relationship” is supported by reporting on the nature of their interactions, which often involve leveraging influence for specific, tangible outcomes such as peace deals, energy security, and investments.
The user’s statement represents a critical political opinion regarding the nature of these leaders’ diplomatic engagements and leadership styles.
Arrest of a suspect in the Jan. 6 pipe bomb case
Conversations – News Review | Post Link
6:20 AM 12/5/2025
Today’s top news stories for Friday, December 5, 2025, include the
Supreme Court’s ruling on the Texas voting map, the arrest of a suspect in the Jan. 6 pipe bomb case, and ongoing developments regarding U.S. military strikes on alleged drug boats.
U.S. News
- Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court reinstated Texas’s congressional map, a decision poised to boost Republican seats in the 2026 midterm elections and marks a major victory for the Trump administration.
- Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect Arrested: Authorities have arrested Brian Cole Jr. in Washington D.C. in connection with pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021, ending a years-long investigation.
- Military Strikes Controversy: The Pentagon confirmed another U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat in the Eastern Pacific, killing four people, bringing the total deaths from such operations since September to 87. The strikes are facing intense scrutiny and questioning from lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
- Grand Jury Declines to Re-indict Letitia James: A federal grand jury in Virginia refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James again on mortgage fraud charges after the initial case was dismissed last week.
- CBS News Shakeup: Maurice DuBois is out as the anchor of the as the network continues internal shakeups.
- National Christmas Tree Lighting: President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump led the 103rd National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the White House Ellipse.
World News
- Russia-India Relations: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited
, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two nations are expected to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation in healthcare and trade amid U.S. pressure over India’s Russian oil purchases
. - Conflict in Gaza:
set its military budget at $34 billion as it continues attacks in Gaza. Meanwhile, at least 95,000 Palestinians in the northern West Bank have been affected by intensified Israeli operations
. - European News:
,
,
, and
have announced they will boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 over the decision to allow Israel to compete
.
For more details on any of these stories, you can visit major news outlets such as Yahoo News, The Washington Post, or CNN.
Ukraine-Russia peace talks are ongoing, primarily mediated by U.S. envoys, but have
not yet yielded a breakthrough due to significant disagreements on core issues like territorial control and Ukraine’s potential NATO membership.
Current Status of Negotiations
- U.S.-Led Diplomacy: U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have held intensive “shuttle diplomacy” in early December 2025, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian officials in Florida.
- No Compromise Reached: Russian and U.S. officials described the five-hour meeting with Putin as “constructive” and “useful” but confirmed that no compromise was reached on key issues.
- Territorial Disputes Remain: The primary sticking point is territory. Russia insists it will take the eastern Donbas region either by military force or other means, while Ukraine vows never to cede land.
- NATO Membership: The question of Ukraine’s future NATO membership remains a major point of contention. Russia is vehemently opposed to it, and while the U.S. is mediating, Ukraine and its European allies see NATO guarantees as a necessary deterrent against future Russian aggression.
- Ongoing Discussions: Working groups are continuing expert-level work to pave the way for more meetings.
Key Positions
- Russia: Putin has maintained a hard line, stating Russia will only stop combat operations if Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territories Moscow claims, which Ukraine has rejected.
- Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that a just peace is only possible if Ukraine’s interests are fully respected and has called for increased pressure on Russia.
- United States: The U.S. is pushing for a peace deal, with President Trump’s administration positioning itself as an arbiter. However, reports suggest concerns among allies that the U.S. approach might be too deferential to Russian demands.
In summary, while diplomatic talks are active, the fundamental demands of both nations remain too far apart for a significant breakthrough at this time.
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Conversations – 9:31 PM 12/4/2025
Rutte responds to Putin: NATO will do “what it takes“ …
Rutte’s statement was made during a press conference at a NATO foreign ministers’ gathering in Brussels on December 3, 2025. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared that the alliance is “ready and willing to do what it takes to protect our 1 billion people and secure our territory” in response to recent hawkish comments from Vladimir Putin
Key Points of Rutte’s Statement
Defensive Alliance: Rutte emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance and will remain so.
Deterrence: The statement was a direct message to Putin that the alliance is unified and prepared to defend its member states against any potential aggression or miscalculation.
Response to Putin’s Rhetoric: His comments followed a statement by Putin suggesting Russia did not want war with Europe but was “ready for war”. Rutte also downplayed some of Putin’s remarks, noting he would not react to everything the Russian president said.
Ongoing Support for Ukraine: Rutte stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and continuing a stable flow of weapons and financial support to Ukraine, making it clear that NATO “is not going anywhere” in its commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
Addressing Risks: He also highlighted the “real and lasting dangers” posed by Russia’s “reckless behavior,” including airspace violations and hybrid attacks, and emphasized the need for unwavering vigilance.
The full transcript of the press conference is available on the official NATO website.
Google Search google.com/search?q=Rutte
Rutte’s statement was made during a press conference at a NATO foreign ministers’ gathering in Brussels on December 3, 2025. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte declared that the alliance is “ready and willing to do what it takes to protect our 1 billion people and secure our territory” in response to recent hawkish comments from Vladimir Putin
Key Points of Rutte’s Statement
Defensive Alliance: Rutte emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance and will remain so.
Deterrence: The statement was a direct message to Putin that the alliance is unified and prepared to defend its member states against any potential aggression or miscalculation.
Response to Putin’s Rhetoric: His comments followed a statement by Putin suggesting Russia did not want war with Europe but was “ready for war”. Rutte also downplayed some of Putin’s remarks, noting he would not react to everything the Russian president said.
Ongoing Support for Ukraine: Rutte stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and continuing a stable flow of weapons and financial support to Ukraine, making it clear that NATO “is not going anywhere” in its commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
Addressing Risks: He also highlighted the “real and lasting dangers” posed by Russia’s “reckless behavior,” including airspace violations and hybrid attacks, and emphasized the need for unwavering vigilance.
The full transcript of the press conference is available on the official NATO website.
Google Search google.com/search?q=Rutte
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Recent news headlines are dominated by discussions involving Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary General), Vladimir Putin (Russian President), and Donald Trump (US President), primarily centered on the
Russia-Ukraine war peace talks. Rutte has stated that Trump is the “only person in the whole world” who can break the deadlock in the conflict.
Key Developments
- Rutte Praises Trump’s Role: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte credited President Trump for initiating a new peace process with Russia, a move he called important. Rutte has been in contact with both Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding a potential peace deal.
- Peace Talks Stalled: Hopes for a US-brokered peace agreement dimmed after recent talks in Moscow between a US delegation (including Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff) and Russian officials reportedly failed to reach a full agreement. While some parts of the US plan were reportedly accepted by the Kremlin, others were deemed unacceptable.
- Putin’s War Warnings: Following the stalled talks, rhetoric escalated. Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is “ready” for war with Europe if necessary, and insisted that Ukraine must cede territory for peace, a condition Ukraine rejects.
- NATO’s Response: Rutte strongly condemned Putin’s “reckless behavior” and warned that NATO is “ready and willing to do what it takes to protect our 1 billion people and secure our territory”. He emphasized that despite peace efforts, Putin believes he can outlast the West, but NATO is not going anywhere.
- Trump’s Position: In a shift from previous positions perceived as being in line with Putin’s demands, Trump has since threatened Russia with steep tariffs if peace isn’t achieved and has moved to provide Ukraine with more weaponry.
The situation remains highly fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts and escalating tensions.
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has responded to recent statements by Vladimir Putin by affirming that
NATO is “ready and willing” to defend its territory and mocking Putin for dressing in military fatigues while not at the actual front lines.
Rutte’s main points in response to Putin’s recent threats of war in Europe include:
- NATO’s defensive stance: Rutte emphasized that NATO is a defensive alliance but is fully prepared to take all necessary action to protect its billion citizens and territory if attacked.
- Criticism of Putin’s attire: Rutte took a dig at Putin for appearing in military clothing, noting he was “dressed like a soldier at the front but not at the front”.
- Continued support for Ukraine: Rutte stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and continuing the flow of weapons to ensure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position both on the battlefield and at any future peace talks.
- Skepticism of Putin’s trustworthiness: Rutte has previously stated that Putin “cannot be trusted” regarding potential peace agreements and that any deal must be structured to ensure Russia faces catastrophic consequences if it attempts future aggression.
- Acknowledging peace talks: Rutte noted that peace talks led by the U.S. are ongoing, which is a positive sign, but insisted that the alliance must remain vigilant and continue to support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved.
These comments were made during a NATO Foreign Ministers gathering in Brussels and other press conferences on December 3-4, 2025, following a period of heightened tensions and a meeting between a US envoy and Russian officials.
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