International

Intelligence chiefs: Russia’s election interference ambitions unfazed by ukrainian conflict

U.S. intelligence officials are sounding the alarm, asserting that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has not dampened its desire to interfere in the upcoming 2024 elections and sow discord in the United States. General Paul Nakasone, Director of the National Security Agency, and FBI Director Chris Wray, spoke at a cybersecurity conference in New York, emphasizing that Russia still possesses the capability to meddle in U.S. presidential elections despite the exhaustive two-year conflict in Ukraine.

Nakasone stated, “This is a significant year for them. They are assessing this [U.S. elections], and I anticipate that, given the challenge they have in Ukraine, this is where they obviously want to make an impact.”

Wray agreed, adding, “If anything, one could argue that their focus on Ukraine has heightened their desire to shape how we [the United States] are and how we think about issues because American politics is deeply important to their interests. Unprovoked and outrageous invasion of Ukraine.”

According to them, the “stars align” for Russia concerning its military efforts in Ukraine and operations of interference or influence in the United States. Despite a Department of Justice official stating that Russian intelligence’s focus on Ukraine benefits the U.S., concerns persist regarding its impact on American support for Ukraine, including military logistical assistance.

Both Nakasone and Wray expressed confidence in securing elections through “exponentially more sophisticated” collaboration between national security, cyber agencies, and the private sector. However, they acknowledged the improving capabilities of foreign adversaries.

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“The threats are more challenging, but the defense is better,” said Wray.

Wray and Nakasone identified Russia, China, and Iran as major actors seeking to interfere in U.S. elections. Wray highlighted China’s formidable cyber army, estimating it to be 50 times larger than that of all major countries combined.

While Nakasone acknowledged the numerical disadvantage, he emphasized the qualitative advantage the U.S. holds through partnerships, intelligence, academic collaboration, and a skilled workforce.

With the upcoming departure of NSA and Cyber Command chief Nakasone, the challenge of defending against cyber activities from foreign adversaries remains a priority.

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International

Kristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has deported “more than half a million” migrants due to pressure from former President Donald Trump.

During a cabinet meeting highlighting the “achievements” of Trump’s administration in its first 100 days, Noem asserted that under the Republican leader’s influence, “Mexico has finally come to the table” to negotiate on migration and fentanyl trafficking.

“The president of Mexico told me she has returned just over half a million people before they reached our border,” Noem stated, criticizing media reports that suggest the Biden administration deported more migrants than Trump’s.

“I wish those deportations were counted,” Noem added, “because those people never made it to our border—she sent them back because you made her.” She went on to thank Trump: “They never made it here because they got the message—because you were so aggressive.”

Noem has made controversial claims about Sheinbaum in the past, prompting the Mexican leader to refute them.

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On April 1, Sheinbaum responded to one such statement by declaring, “The president answers to only one authority, and that is the people of Mexico,” after Noem said on Fox News that she gave Sheinbaum “a list of things Trump would like to see” and that Mexico’s actions would determine whether Trump granted tariff relief.

International

Vatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition

he Vatican’s post offices and select collector shops began selling special edition stamps this week to mark the period between the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor.

Known as “Sede Vacante” stamps, they feature an image used on official Vatican documents during the interregnum between popes — two crossed keys without the papal tiara. These stamps went on sale Monday and will remain valid for postal use only until the new pontiff appears at the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Until then, they can be used to send letters, postcards, and parcels. “Once the new pope is elected, the stamps lose their postal validity, but their collectible value rises,” said Francesco Santarossa, who runs a collectors’ shop across from St. Peter’s Square.

The Vatican has issued the stamps in four denominations: €1.25, €1.30, €2.45, and €3.20. Each is inscribed with “Città del Vaticano” and “Sede Vacante MMXXV” — Latin for “Vacant See 2025.”

International

Conclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may

The conclave, which in the coming weeks must choose the successor to Pope Francis, will strictly follow a precise protocol refined over centuries.

The 135 cardinal electors, all under the age of 80, will cast their votes four times a day — except on the first day — until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The result will be announced to the world through the burning of the ballots with a chemical that produces the eagerly awaited white smoke, accompanied by the traditional cry of “Habemus Papam.”

The start date for the conclave could be announced today, as the cardinals are set to hold their fifth meeting since the pope’s passing. Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich suggested it could begin on May 5 or 6, following the traditional nine days of mourning. According to German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the conclave could last only “a few days.”

Although the late Argentine pontiff appointed the majority of the cardinal electors, this does not necessarily ensure the selection of a like-minded successor. Francis’ leadership style differed significantly from that of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, a German theologian who was less fond of large public gatherings. It also marked a contrast with the popular Polish pope, John Paul II.

The Argentine Jesuit’s reformist papacy drew strong criticism from more conservative sectors of the Church, who are hoping for a doctrinally focused shift. His tenure was marked by efforts to combat clerical sexual abuse, elevate the role of women and laypeople, and advocate for the poor and migrants, among other causes.