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Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed her debate preparation against Donald Trump during the 2024 election cycle included how to handle a handful of crude hypothetical attacks on abortion and Viagra use, according to her new book, ‘107 Days.’

Bolstered by a team of advisers and a veteran trial attorney Harris compared to a ‘wartime consigliere,’ the then-vice president traveled to the basement of Howard University, her undergraduate alma mater, to prepare for her debate against Trump. Harris had prepped to debate JD Vance in a vice presidential debate ahead of then-President Joe Biden dropping out of the race in July 2024. 

Amid typical debate prep focused on providing Harris with intimate knowledge of topics so she could effectively present her argument on stage, she also was trained for the ‘the painful matter of imagining what kinds of personal attacks Trump might mount against me.’

”He might ask you if you’ve ever had an abortion,’ one adviser said,’ Harris wrote of her time devising her debate strategies. 

‘If he did, the response would be: That’s none of your business and that’s not what we’re here for,’ she continued. 

Harris continued that another individual in the debate prep room floated ‘a dark joke that if he got that personal, I should ask if he took Viagra.’

‘Another: Had he ever paid for an abortion?’ she continued. 

The pair were asked about abortion during the debate, but it never culminated into personal attacks on hypothetical abortions or Viagra use. 

‘In the end, he didn’t go down that track. He probably knew a question like that would be exceedingly thin ice for him—and would infuriate just about every woman in America,’ Harris wrote. 

Harris added that her team wrote a debate card ‘for every nuance of every subject, and once I memorized what was on that card, I’d draw a big, loopy X across it.’

‘I am not a trained seal; I’m not going to memorize lines and spout them. I have to understand the logic and building blocks of every argument so I can present it clearly and defend it persuasively,’ she wrote.

Harris’ book, ‘107 Days,’ hit shelves Tuesday and reflects on the 107 days she had on the presidential campaign trail after Biden dropped out of the race amid mounting concern over his mental acuity. 

Harris failed to rally enough support to defeat Trump, losing each of the seven battleground states Nov. 4, 2024. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

President Donald Trump is slated to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday in an attempt to broker a ceasefire agreement and an end the war in Gaza.

Previewing the talks on Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: ‘We have a real chance for greatness in the Middle East. All are on board for something special, first time ever. We will get it done.’

Trump did not elaborate on the precise terms of a ceasefire, exit or demilitarization plans for Gaza, or hostage-prisoner swap arrangements. He has previously said that both Israel and Hamas have agreed to indirect talks later this week in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance told ‘Fox News Sunday’ that top U.S. officials are immersed in ‘very complicated’ negotiations with both Israeli and Arab counterparts.

‘I feel more optimistic about where we are right now than where we have been at any point in the last few months, but let’s be realistic, these things can get derailed at the very last minute,’ Vance said.

He added that the Trump administration’s proposal centers on three main points: securing the release of all hostages, eliminating the Hamas threat to Israel, and expanding humanitarian aid to Gaza.

‘So I think we’re close to accomplishing all three of those objectives,’ Vance said.

In an exclusive interview on Fox News Channel’s ‘The Sunday Briefing,’ Netanyahu said his team is working with U.S. officials to secure the release of hostages, a top priority for the Israeli leader.

‘I hope we can make it a go because we want to free our hostages. We want to get rid of Hamas rule and have them disarmed, Gaza demilitarized, and a new future set up for Gazans and Israelis alike and for the whole region,’ he told co-host Jacqui Heinrich.

The meeting, the third one between Trump and Netanyahu since January, comes on the heels of the United Nations General Assembly. 

Dozens of U.N. delegates left the General Assembly hall during the prime minister’s address, leaving rows of empty seats behind.

Later, member states voted to permit Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to deliver his remarks remotely on Thursday. 

In his speech, Abbas accused Israel of ‘genocide’ and called for full U.N. membership for a Palestinian state — drawing about 30 seconds of applause.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

The Supreme Court is set to reexamine a landmark decision about the president’s ability to fire members of independent agencies, and the outcome could expand executive power and have far-reaching implications.

The high court revealed in an order last week it would revisit Humphrey’s Executor v. United States, a 1935 decision that Hans von Spakovsky, a legal fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said is now on ‘life support.’

Contrary to the decision in Humphrey’s, von Spakovsky said agencies like the Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and various labor boards ought not to be insulated from presidential firings.

‘The Constitution says the president is the head of the executive branch,’ von Spakovsky told Fox News Digital. ‘That means, just like the CEO of a big corporation, they get to supervise and run the entire corporation, or in this case, the entire executive branch, and you can’t have Congress taking parts of that away from him and saying, ‘Well, they’re going to keep doing executive branch things, including law enforcement, but you won’t have any control over them.’’

The Supreme Court’s decision came in response to a challenge from a Biden-appointed FTC commissioner whom President Donald Trump fired at will after taking office.

The high court said in a 6-3 emergency decision Trump’s termination of the commissioner, Rebecca Slaughter, could remain in place for now while it uses her case to take on Humphrey’s Executor, which centered on an FTC firing under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The high court found Roosevelt could not fire a commissioner without cause.

Slaughter has called her firing illegal, pointing to Humphrey’s and the FTC Act, which says commissioners cannot be fired from their seven-year terms without cause such as malfeasance or negligence.

Joshua Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law, told Fox News Digital that if Humphrey’s is overturned or narrowed, it will likely also apply to other agencies that have statutory protections against firings designed to preserve their independence.

‘I think this ruling will necessarily reach beyond the FTC,’ Blackman said. ‘The only question is whether they maintain that the Federal Reserve is different.’

The high court indicated in an earlier shadow docket decision about labor board firings this year that it views the Federal Reserve as unique, a ‘quasi-private’ structure rooted in the traditions of the first central banks. A separate case involving Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook’s firing is testing that position.

Von Spakovsky said the Supreme Court has been inching toward addressing Humphrey’s. The 2010 decision to narrow the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by stripping independence from an accounting oversight board and the decision five years ago finding the president could fire the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director at will were hints of this.

In the latter case, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the president’s power ‘to remove — and thus supervise — those who wield executive power on his behalf follows from the text of Article II.’ The CFPB’s ‘novel’ structure defied that presidential power because a single director oversees an agency that ‘wield[s] significant executive power.’

Ruling in Trump’s favor would help the president and his conservative allies realize their stated goal of achieving a unitary executive, a theory that says the president should have sole control over the executive branch.

As part of this vision, Trump abruptly sidestepped numerous statutes to pluck out protected appointees at independent agencies when he took office, moves the Supreme Court is now poised to weigh in on in Slaughter’s case.

Boston University School of Law professor Jed Shugerman said in a statement online that Trump has done ‘more to establish a unitary executive than all the judges and legal scholars in the world could ever do.’

However, Shugerman criticized the president, saying his tests of authority have also ‘done more to discredit and expose the unitary executive theory as lawless authoritarianism than any judge or legal scholar could ever do.’

John Shu, a constitutional law expert who served in both Bush administrations, recently told Fox News Digital he believed the Supreme Court would narrow Humphrey’s Executor because the FTC’s powers have greatly expanded since its inception.

‘The Federal Trade Commission of 1935 is a lot different than the Federal Trade Commission today,’ Shu said.

Shu said today’s FTC can open investigations, issue subpoenas, bring lawsuits, impose financial penalties and more. The FTC now has executive, quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions, he said.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

(TheNewswire)

Prismo Metals Inc.

Announces Expanded Drill Plan

Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire – September 29th, 2025 Prismo Metals Inc. (the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to report that it has received final assay results including overlimits for the first batch of twenty-three samples taken at the Silver King project located in Arizona. The new assays include 619 gt Ag and 511 gt Ag for two samples taken at the Silver King shaft area, as well as 757 gt Ag, 1.5% Cu, 6.7% Pb, and 11.5% Zn for the recently encountered polymetallic vein.  Preliminary assay data was described in a news release dated September 24, 2025.

‘The overlimit assays for silver highlight the high-grade nature of both the mineralization around the Silver King mine and the recently encountered polymetallic vein. The results confirm the significance of the recently discovered polymetallic vein as a new exploration target at the Silver King project,’ said Dr. Craig Gibson, Chief Exploration Officer. ‘Overlimit copper assays ranging from 1.11% to 2.43% copper for three samples from the replacement mineralization area provides encouraging data for this style of mineralization. The replacement mineralization occurs along strike with the stratigraphic horizon at the nearby Magma mine and occurs as a large body on the Black Diamond claim.’

Figure 1 . Geologic and land map of the Silver King project showing newly described polymetallic vein in magenta (Ag-Pb-Zn), copper vein in green (Cu-Ag) and stratigraphically controlled replacement mineralization in red.  The strongly altered intrusion with stockwork quartz-pyrite veining is indicated by the crosshatch.

Table 1. Assay results for samples with overlimits from the Silver King project

Sample

Au g/t

Ag g/t

Cu %

Pb %

Zn %

Sb ppm

Bi ppm

Ba ppm

Hg ppm

New polymetallic vein

544510

0.03

757

1.51

6.69

11.53

7788

0.3

>10000

12.84

Silver King mine

544514

1.07

619

0.59

0.44

0.63

337

3

>10000

1.7

544517

0.04

511

0.09

0.26

0.43

377

0.2

>10000

15.66

Cu replacement zone

544502

0.47

7

1.35

0.02

0.8

71.8

30

544507

2.26

25

2.43

0.23

0.4

33.5

12

0.01

544508

0.73

12

1.11

0.28

0.4

29.1

12

0.03

544552

35

0.14

2.81

2.21

114

0.5

24

2.11

.

Figure 2 .  Map showing Silver King project and nearby mineral deposits. The Silver King deposit is located 3km from the Resolution Copper deposit ( a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP ) and the high-grade Magma mine, a former copper and silver producer.

Drill Program Update

Prior to the discovery of the mineralized veins and porphyry related style mineralization announced recently, Prismo had planned a drill program at the historic Silver King mine for about 1,000 meters. That drill plan was designed to test the upper half of the steeply dipping pipelike Silver King mineralized body as well as potential mineralization adjacent to the dense stockwork that was the focus of historic mining.

Following the recent discoveries, Prismo is planning to add second phase of drilling for an additional 1,000 meters. This additional program will focus on the newly identified targets outside of the historic mining area, such as the polymetallic vein and the copper vein mentioned above. Drilling of a large body of replacement mineralization on the patented Black Diamond claim is also being planned and is road accessible on private ground.

Figure 3 . Cross section through the Silver King mine workings showing proposed drill holes (in black) to test the pipelike mineralized body (in red)


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 4. Planned drill pads for the Silver King project.

‘Much of the focus of the exploration program to date has consisted of a property-wide survey of historic mines and prospects surrounding the direct Silver King workings,’ said Gordon Aldcorn, President of Prismo. This work has expanded our geological thinking and resulted in the recognition of several new types of mineralization at the project, providing additional targets for exploration. Prismo has already submitted a plan of operations for the drill program with Forest Services. Some of the drilling sites considered for the new targets will be subject to further permitting applications.’

Figure 5. Copper assays for samples taken at the Silver King project.

Figure 6. Silver assays for samples taken at the Silver King project.

Table 4. Locations for samples mentioned in the text.

Sample

Location

Type/width (m)

E WGS84

N WGS84

544502

Black Diamond

Grab

492,633

3,687,623

544507

Replacement zone

Dump

492,054

3,687,431

544508

Replacement zone

0.7

491,986

3,687,334

544510

Polymetallic vein

Dump

491,863

3,687,565

544514

Silver King Mine

Dump

491,855

3,687,907

544517

Silver King Mine

Dump

491,855

3,687,907

544552

Replacement zone float

Selected

491,928

3,688,043

Sample data previously released in News Release dated September 24, 2025.

QA/QC

Samples were analyzed by SGS, an internationally recognized analytical lab, with preparation at the Tempe, Arizona facility and analyses at the Burnaby laboratory.  Prismo inserts control samples consisting of standard pulps and coarse blanks in the sample stream for QA/QC purposes and also utilizes the labs internal control samples.

Qualified Person

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-101 regulations and Chief Exploration Officer and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.  The historic data presented in this press release was obtained from public sources, should be considered incomplete and is not qualified under NI 43-101, but is believed to be accurate. The Company has not verified the historical data presented and it cannot be relied upon, and it is being used solely to aid in exploration plans. References to mineralization at the Magma Mine and Resolution Copper deposit are not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Silver King property.

About the Silver King

Discovered in 1875, the Silver King mine was one of Arizona s most important historic producers, yielding nearly 6 million ounces of silver at grades of up to 61 oz/t.  The Silver King mine sits only 3 km from the main shaft of the Resolution Copper project — a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP and one of the world s largest unmined copper deposits with an estimated copper resource of 1.787 billion metric tonnes at an average grade of 1.5% copper (1) . The unique land position is fully surrounded by Resolution Copper s claim block, offering strategic upside. Selected samples from small-scale production in the late 1990s returned grades as high as 644 oz/t silver (18,250 g/t) and 0.53 oz/t gold (15 g/t), indicating that high-grade mineralization remains.

  1. (2) Briggs, D., 2015, Superior, Arizona: An old mining camp with many lives, Ariz. Geol Survey Contributed Report CR-15-D, 13p.

About Prismo Metals Inc.

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Silver King, Ripsey and Hot Breccia projects in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico.

Please follow @PrismoMetals on , , , Instagram , and

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 – 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6

Phone: (416) 361-0737

Contact:

Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer alain.lambert@prismometals.com

Gordon Aldcorn, President gordon.aldcorn@prismometals.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends’ or anticipates’, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may’, could’, should’, would’ or occur’. This information and these statements, referred to herein as ‘forward‐looking statements’, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management’s expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and results of drilling at Silver King.

These forward‐looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain appropriate funding to finance the exploration program at Silver King.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the ability to raise capital to fund the drilling campaign at Silver King and the timing of such drilling campaign.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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Silo Wellness Inc. (CSE: SILO) (‘Silo’ or the ‘Company’), to be renamed Born Defense Inc., is pleased to announce that it has submitted its listing statement (the ‘Listing Statement’) with the Canadian Securities Exchange (the ‘CSE’) on September 26, 2025, for review in connection with its previously announced proposed change of business to an investment issuer focused on the defense and national security sectors.

The Listing Statement provides comprehensive disclosure regarding the Company’s business, assets, financial statements, management team, and strategic direction, and is a key step toward satisfying the CSE’s requirements for the resumption of trading of the Company’s common shares.

As previously disclosed, the Company intends to complete a name change to Born Defense Inc. and transition its primary business focus to defense innovation and national-security investments. Born’s strategy is grounded in Just War principles and the protection of individual liberty, a framework discussed at length in the Compony’s podcast interview with Dr. Eric Patterson, a leading scholar of the Just War tradition (‘Just War Doctrine with Dr. Eric Patterson,’ https://youtu.be/pBkZG9mZDMk). In that conversation, Dr. Patterson emphasized the classical criteria (legitimate authority, right intention, last resort, probability of success, proportionality, and discrimination) and how those ethics constrain power, guide deterrence, and inform responsible industrial stewardship. The submission of the Listing Statement is an important milestone in advancing this vision.

The Listing Statement also outlines recent measures undertaken by the Company to strengthen its financial position, including agreements to settle approximately CAD $4.4 million of debt through the issuance of common shares, significantly reducing liabilities and positioning the Company for its strategic transition. Upon CSE approval, this restructuring is expected to improve the balance sheet and align shareholder interests as the Company advances its change of business.

‘While this must go through the full regulatory process, I’m proud of how hard our team has worked to stabilize and strengthen the public vehicle by earning buy-in from creditors who have either agreed to convert their debt into shares or to middle- and long-term payment plans so initial financing can stretch further. I’m looking forward to feedback from the CSE on our business plan and intentions. Until then, we’ll prepare for the future with a steadfast goal of peace through strength. Now is the time to preserve civilization through strategic investment in the people trusted to responsibly steward these powerful defense technologies for the next generations.’ — Richard Craven, CEO, Born Defense

The Listing Statement will be made available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ once it has been accepted for filing by the CSE. Shareholders will also be provided with notice of any meeting required to approve the proposed change of business and related matters, in accordance with applicable securities laws and stock exchange requirements.

There can be no assurance as to the timing of completion of the CSE’s review process, the Company’s shareholder approval, or the resumption of trading of the Company’s securities.

About Born Defense

Silo Wellness (CSE: SILO) is a public company currently transitioning its operations into Born Defense Inc., a national security investment issuer committed to ethical defense finance guided by the Just War Doctrine. The company’s restructured business model centers on trade finance, strategic equity investments, and collateral-backed lending for pre-IPO and critical infrastructure ventures globally.

Contact Information

Mike Arnold, President
ir at borndefense (dot) com
541-359-3931
www.SiloWellness.com
www.BornDefense.com

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    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events, financial performance, and operational expectations, including the objectives, prospective transaction, market conditions, and strategic plans.

    Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ materially, including market conditions, regulatory changes, geopolitical factors, capital availability, and the timing and outcome of the CSE’s review of the Listing Statement. We undertake no obligation to update these statements except as required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their date.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. Any such offering will be made only in compliance with applicable laws and through authorized offering documents.

    Corporate Logo

    To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/268286

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    The U.S. secured the release of an American citizen being detained in Afghanistan following months of negotiations on Sunday, Fox News has learned.

    The U.S. and Qatar jointly negotiated for the release of Amir Amiry, U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler told Fox News on Sunday.

    ‘When we went to Kabul to pick up George Glezmann six months ago, I asked to see Amir Amiry. He was brought to the airport gate and when he saw us he started to cry. Leaving an American was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and I promised him that we would come back for him,’ Boehler told Fox.

    ‘Amir Amiry became a citizen by putting his life at risk fighting for our country and our troops. Today we repay the favor. God bless America and God bless the President,’ Boehler added.

    ‘Throughout Mr. Amiry’s detention, Qatari diplomats remained in close communication with US officials and carried out regular health checks to ensure his wellbeing,’ a source familiar with Amiri’s detention told Fox News.

    ‘His release was facilitated by Qatari diplomats in close coordination with the team of the US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, through Qatar’s role as the United States’ protecting power in Afghanistan,’ the source added.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated Amiry’s release, thanking Qatar in an X post Sunday afternoon.

    ‘Today we welcome home Amir Amiry, an American who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan. I want to thank Qatar for helping secure his freedom,’ Rubio said. ‘@POTUS has made it clear we will not stop until every American unjustly detained abroad is back home.’

    Amiry’s release comes roughly a week after the Taliban released an elderly British couple after eight months in captivity.

    Barbie Reynolds, 76, and husband Peter Reynolds, 80, arrived in Qatar on Friday following months of negotiations between Qatar, the Taliban and Britain.  

    The couple had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, where they ran an education charity. Despite the ordeal, Barbie Reynolds said they would return to Afghanistan if they could. They are both Afghan citizens.

    ‘God is good, as they say in Afghanistan,’ she added at the Kabul airport.

    Fox News’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Iraq is entering ‘a new phase’ of stability and growth, President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid said in an interview, declaring the country ‘100% safe’ as U.S. troops prepare to draw down after more than two decades on the ground.

    While praising the U.S. for helping to defeat ISIS, Rashid stressed that Iraq now intends to stand on its own — maintaining ties with both the United States and neighboring Iran.

    ‘Americans have helped us in defeating terrorism… and I think Iraq is 100% safe and secure,’ Rashid told Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. ‘It’s a new phase in Iraq, really concentrating on improving the infrastructure.’

    Those who served in Iraq in the early 2000s — through the War on Terror and a civil war — may not recognize it as the same place, according to Rashid.

    ‘We have started development in every field of life, and there are good opportunities for number of American companies, American businessmen, to be our partner in improving the situation in Iraq.’

    Under this ‘new phase,’ Rashid said he wants Iraq to be defined less by conflict and more by commerce.

    ‘Our relationship with the United States is a long relationship. We want to make a stronger relationship… on trade, on investment, on energy and water.’

    The timing is significant. The U.S.-led coalition that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003 and later fought ISIS was scheduled under an agreement last year to begin its final withdrawal this September. That exact timeline is unclear, and the Pentagon has disclosed few details.

    The issue is sure to dominate next month’s parliamentary elections, where a swath of Iraqis want the U.S. to adhere to its agreement and leave.

    ‘This is a hot button political issue,’ said Behnam Taleblu, fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), ‘with a timetable that was technically — or at least allegedly — already supposed to have started by then, is going to be something that we should be keeping our eyes on.’

    American commanders have warned that ISIS cells remain active in rural areas, while Iran-aligned militias have targeted U.S. and Iraqi government facilities with rockets and drones.

    Some argue the counter-ISIS mission is not over, and U.S. troops should remain. Others say the U.S. footprint lacks a clear purpose at this point.

    ‘ISIS is a shell of its former self — the Caliphate collapsed in 2019 and its strikes on Europe have ended since then.  The remaining threat can be handled by others, notably the Iraqi government, which is popular at home and capable of carrying the load, along with the Kurdish Peshmerga and other regional states,’ said Will Walldorf, a senior fellow at Defense Priorities.  

    ‘Iran’s influence has waned with the near-total collapse of its regional proxies.  Any threats the U.S. might face in the future can be handled from over the horizon.’  

    ‘The deterrent effect of U.S. forces there, I think, could be significant,’ countered Taleblu.

    Pressed on concerns, Rashid dismissed talk of Iraq being ‘overrun with Iranian proxies’ as exaggerated and said Baghdad is determined to prevent outside powers from dictating its politics.

    ‘We want to keep our independence, our decision-making in Iraq as the Iraqis, not to be influenced by outsiders,’ he said.

    On reports of militia attacks, Rashid claimed ignorance but insisted such actions would not be tolerated.

    ‘I’m not really aware of any groups [carrying out attacks]. We will not allow it. And these are against the Iraqi security and Iraqi independence,’ he said.

    Still, the perception of Iranian influence remains a flashpoint in Washington.

    ‘Iranian influence has already taken over Iraq,’ Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital.

    Tehran has close ties to Shiite parties that shape government coalitions in Baghdad, and it supports militias within the Popular Mobilization Forces that remain powerful players in the country’s security environment.

    Iraq also relies on Iranian electricity and natural gas imports, while Iranian goods fill local markets, making Iraq one of Tehran’s most important trading partners despite international sanctions.

    That reach, however, is not uncontested. Iraqi nationalist movements — including many Shiites — have resisted Tehran’s sway, and mass protests in recent years have condemned Iran’s role, sometimes targeting its consulates. Baghdad today remains a space of competing influence.

    ‘The Islamic Republic benefits from Iraq looking like Swiss cheese,’ said Taleblu, referring to Iranian pockets of influence across the country and its institutions.

    ‘Iran and Iraq are two neighbors,’ Rashid said, emphasizing that they had friendly relations. ‘We will not allow politicians from either [U.S. or Iraq] to be imposed on Iraqi people.’

    Still others say Iran could take note of the Iraqi success story. In less than 20 years, the nation rose from decades of conflict and dictatorial leadership under Saddam Hussein to relative stability and democratic elections.

    Rashid confirmed that Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government have resolved their dispute over oil exports, paving the way for flows to resume after months of disruption. ‘It’s a big deal,’ said Rashid, who himself is Kurdish by background.

    The Iraqi presidency is reserved for a Kurd under an informal power-sharing agreement, while the prime minister is Shi’a Arab and the speaker of the parliament is Sunni Arab.

    Rashid also pointed to November’s parliamentary elections as proof of democratic stability.

    ‘We are going to have elections in two months’ time in November. That’s really an indication of how stable the country is… We want the process to be fully democratic,’ he said.

    But the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) — a state-sanctioned umbrella of mostly Shiite militias, some with close ties to Tehran — are seen by critics as a parallel power structure undermining Iraq’s sovereignty.

    Rashid, however, argued that integrating all armed groups under the constitution strengthens, rather than weakens, the state.

    And on foreign policy, Rashid tried to position Iraq as a bridge.

    He welcomed growing recognition of a Palestinian state, cautiously praised Donald Trump’s push for peace in Gaza, and reiterated that war — whether in the Middle East or in Ukraine — ‘doesn’t solve any problem. It makes the problem more complicated.’

    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

    Iraq is entering ‘a new phase’ of stability and growth, President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid said in an interview, declaring the country ‘100% safe’ as U.S. troops prepare to draw down after more than two decades on the ground.

    While praising the U.S. for helping to defeat ISIS, Rashid stressed that Iraq now intends to stand on its own — maintaining ties with both the United States and neighboring Iran.

    ‘Americans have helped us in defeating terrorism… and I think Iraq is 100% safe and secure,’ Rashid told Fox News Digital on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. ‘It’s a new phase in Iraq, really concentrating on improving the infrastructure.’

    Those who served in Iraq in the early 2000s — through the War on Terror and a civil war — may not recognize it as the same place, according to Rashid.

    ‘We have started development in every field of life, and there are good opportunities for number of American companies, American businessmen, to be our partner in improving the situation in Iraq.’

    Under this ‘new phase,’ Rashid said he wants Iraq to be defined less by conflict and more by commerce.

    ‘Our relationship with the United States is a long relationship. We want to make a stronger relationship… on trade, on investment, on energy and water.’

    The timing is significant. The U.S.-led coalition that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003 and later fought ISIS was scheduled under an agreement last year to begin its final withdrawal this September. That exact timeline is unclear, and the Pentagon has disclosed few details.

    The issue is sure to dominate next month’s parliamentary elections, where a swath of Iraqis want the U.S. to adhere to its agreement and leave.

    ‘This is a hot button political issue,’ said Behnam Taleblu, fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), ‘with a timetable that was technically — or at least allegedly — already supposed to have started by then, is going to be something that we should be keeping our eyes on.’

    American commanders have warned that ISIS cells remain active in rural areas, while Iran-aligned militias have targeted U.S. and Iraqi government facilities with rockets and drones.

    Some argue the counter-ISIS mission is not over, and U.S. troops should remain. Others say the U.S. footprint lacks a clear purpose at this point.

    ‘The deterrent effect of U.S. forces there, I think, could be significant,’ said Taleblu.

    Pressed on these concerns, Rashid dismissed talk of Iraq being ‘overrun with Iranian proxies’ as exaggerated and said Baghdad is determined to prevent outside powers from dictating its politics.

    ‘We want to keep our independence, our decision-making in Iraq as the Iraqis, not to be influenced by outsiders,’ he said.

    On reports of militia attacks, Rashid claimed ignorance but insisted such actions would not be tolerated.

    ‘I’m not really aware of any groups [carrying out attacks]. We will not allow it. And these are against the Iraqi security and Iraqi independence,’ he said.

    Still, the perception of Iranian influence remains a flashpoint in Washington.

    ‘Iranian influence has already taken over Iraq,’ Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital.

    Tehran has close ties to Shiite parties that shape government coalitions in Baghdad, and it supports militias within the Popular Mobilization Forces that remain powerful players in the country’s security environment.

    Iraq also relies on Iranian electricity and natural gas imports, while Iranian goods fill local markets, making Iraq one of Tehran’s most important trading partners despite international sanctions.

    That reach, however, is not uncontested. Iraqi nationalist movements — including many Shiites — have resisted Tehran’s sway, and mass protests in recent years have condemned Iran’s role, sometimes targeting its consulates. Baghdad today remains a space of competing influence.

    ‘The Islamic Republic benefits from Iraq looking like Swiss cheese,’ said Taleblu, referring to Iranian pockets of influence across the country and its institutions.

    ‘Iran and Iraq are two neighbors,’ Rashid said, emphasizing that they had friendly relations. ‘We will not allow politicians from either [U.S. or Iraq] to be imposed on Iraqi people.’

    Still others say Iran could take note of the Iraqi success story. In less than 20 years, the nation rose from decades of conflict and dictatorial leadership under Saddam Hussein to relative stability and democratic elections.

    Rashid confirmed that Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government have resolved their dispute over oil exports, paving the way for flows to resume after months of disruption. ‘It’s a big deal,’ said Rashid, who himself is Kurdish by background.

    The Iraqi presidency is reserved for a Kurd under an informal power-sharing agreement, while the prime minister is Shi’a Arab and the speaker of the parliament is Sunni Arab.

    Rashid also pointed to November’s parliamentary elections as proof of democratic stability.

    ‘We are going to have elections in two months’ time in November. That’s really an indication of how stable the country is… We want the process to be fully democratic,’ he said.

    But the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) — a state-sanctioned umbrella of mostly Shiite militias, some with close ties to Tehran — are seen by critics as a parallel power structure undermining Iraq’s sovereignty.

    Rashid, however, argued that integrating all armed groups under the constitution strengthens, rather than weakens, the state.

    And on foreign policy, Rashid tried to position Iraq as a bridge.

    He welcomed growing recognition of a Palestinian state, cautiously praised Donald Trump’s push for peace in Gaza, and reiterated that war — whether in the Middle East or in Ukraine — ‘doesn’t solve any problem. It makes the problem more complicated.’

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