Podcast
Restricted Handling Daily Intel Brief
Hosted by Restricted Handling · ENGLISH
Former CIA officers talk Russia, China, Iran, North Korea; international security, geopolitics, military, intel operations, sanctions and economic power plays
Including daily news drops beyond the headlines (human analysis leveraging AI).
It's RH. restrictedhandling.substack.com
300episodes
Episodes
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RH 5.22.26 | China: Cuba, Taiwan, AI Chips, Trade Tensions, Diplomatic Moves
Yesterday00:06:05Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In this episode of The Restricted Handling Daily Intel Brief, Ryan and Glenn break down the biggest moves from China and its global engagements over the past 24 hours. From Beijing and Moscow backing Cuba amid ongoing U.S. sanctions to President Trump signaling a direct conversation with Taiwan's leader about a potential arms package, the global chessboard is moving fast. We dig into what these developments mean for U.S. diplomacy, international security, and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. We also cover the economic and technology angle. U.S. CEOs in China are navigating blocked deals, including Tesla's solar equipment purchase and Nvidia's high-powered AI H200 chip still held back by Chinese regulators. Visa is still restricted in its ability to settle transactions in RMB. We explain why these trade and tech issues are more than business—they're strategic leverage points that Beijing is using to maintain control over global high-tech industries. AI and technology aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet. We break down how Chinese companies are adapting to limits on advanced chips, using cloud-based workarounds while domestic AI firms gain experience. This push for self-reliance is shaping the future of global AI competition and influencing U.S.-China relations in real time. On the diplomatic front, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is chairing a UN Security Council meeting and visiting Canada, while continuing to engage with Moldova to deepen ties despite differing views on the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Russia remains closely aligned with Beijing economically and strategically, particularly on energy and high-tech cooperation. We explore how these moves signal long-term strategic alignment and the subtle ways China is calibrating its global influence. We also highlight intelligence and domestic security developments, including joint U.S.-China law enforcement cooperation on transnational drug trafficking, showing that even amid tension, practical collaboration can still happen. And while the PLA continues military activities near Taiwan, we discuss them in context—strategic signaling, deterrence, and maintaining a delicate balance without direct escalation. This episode gives listeners a comprehensive view of power, leverage, and influence in play across multiple regions. From trade and technology to diplomacy, security, and military signaling, you get the full picture in an engaging, clear, and accessible briefing. Ryan and Glenn explain why these developments matter to the U.S. and global policy, what to watch next, and how strategic decisions are shaping the international security landscape. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.22.26 | Iran and the Middle East: Uranium, Hormuz Tensions, Israel Politics & Energy Risks
Yesterday00:06:21Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Dive into today's episode of The Restricted Handling Daily Intel Brief where we unpack the latest from Iran and the Middle East. From Tehran doubling down on its enriched uranium stockpile to the high-stakes maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz, we break down what's happening, why it matters, and how it could ripple through global energy markets. We cover Iran's strategic posture, its economic and maritime leverage, and what that means for the United States, its allies, and the world. We also take a closer look at Israel, where domestic politics are heating up as Prime Minister Netanyahu faces coalition challenges and high-stakes elections. How do these internal shifts affect military operations and regional stability? We'll give you insight into how Israel balances domestic pressures with maintaining security operations against Hezbollah and Hamas, keeping an eye on both deterrence and precision strategy. Energy markets are feeling the strain as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains tightly controlled by Iran, and even minor shifts in vessel traffic or maritime management can send oil and gas prices fluctuating. We break down what these constraints mean for global supply chains, LNG production, and the day-to-day implications for companies and consumers. From Qatar's energy output to broader market reactions, we give the full picture in clear, listener-friendly language. Beyond the Gulf, we cover Iran's use of financial tools, including cryptocurrency channels, to maintain leverage. We also highlight recent US operations in Africa targeting Islamic State militants, demonstrating the global reach of security operations beyond the headlines of the Middle East. And we talk about Iran's information operations and propaganda strategies that shape perceptions both inside the country and internationally, showing how narrative control has become a critical part of modern strategy. This episode blends geopolitics, diplomacy, economic analysis, and strategic intelligence in a concise, actionable way so you can understand the stakes and implications without getting lost in minutiae. Whether you're following energy markets, international security, or regional politics, this briefing brings clarity to complex developments in real time. Today's episode offers updates on the uranium standoff, Hormuz traffic control, Israel's political shifts, and the ripple effects on global energy and security dynamics. Stay informed, stay ahead, and get the big picture on Iran and the Middle East with insights you won't find in typical headlines. This is your window into strategy, power, and influence in a region where small moves can have global consequences. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.22.26 | Russia, China Leverage, Ukraine Strikes, NATO Alert
Yesterday00:08:28Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get ready for a high-energy dive into today's most critical global developments. In this episode, we unpack how Russia is leaning heavily on China to sustain its economy and keep the war in Ukraine afloat. From the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline negotiations to broader strategic coordination between Putin and Xi, we break down what these moves mean for global power dynamics and how Europe and the US are responding. We also cover ongoing nuclear exercises across Russia and Belarus, showing how Moscow is sending signals of military readiness while dealing with operational constraints in Ukraine. NATO and the Baltic states are keeping a watchful eye as drone incidents and airspace monitoring demonstrate that vigilance and coordination remain crucial in avoiding miscalculations. Ukraine continues to apply economic pressure on Russia, targeting energy infrastructure and key logistical hubs. We dive into the implications of precision drone strikes, fires at oil facilities, and the resulting strain on Moscow's financial and operational capabilities. These actions highlight the evolving nature of modern warfare where technology and ingenuity shape outcomes far beyond traditional troop movements. On the diplomatic side, we explore how European leaders are actively shaping their engagement with Russia and Ukraine. Germany is proposing 'associate' EU membership for Ukraine to strengthen Kyiv's hand in negotiations, while broader EU support and macro-financial assistance continues to bolster Ukraine's long-term strategic position. The episode also touches on Turkey's expanding influence in Central Asia, showing how regional alliances and economic partnerships could shift the post-Soviet power balance. We give listeners an inside look at domestic pressures in Moscow, including political reshuffles, social tensions, and environmental concerns stemming from ongoing strikes. Russia's digital sovereignty efforts are highlighted along with ongoing cyber campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion and disrupting Ukraine's support networks. Finally, we discuss global influence moves, including Moscow's support for Cuba and competition over strategic corridors in Eurasia, showing how economic, political, and military maneuvers intersect on the world stage. This episode is packed with insights into diplomacy, economics, military strategy, intelligence operations, and regional power plays. We keep it fast-paced, informative, and digestible so you can stay ahead of the news without getting bogged down in overly technical details. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.21.26 | Iran and the Middle East | Hormuz Control, Barakah Strike, US-Iran Standoff, Gulf Tensions, Flotilla Controversy
2d ago00:06:07Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Today on the Restricted Handling Daily Intel Brief we dive into a rapidly evolving Middle East where Iran is taking bold steps to formalize control over the Strait of Hormuz. Listeners will get the latest on Tehran's new traffic management system, how it's affecting international shipping, and the ways global energy markets are reacting. From Chinese and South Korean tankers moving under Iranian coordination to the US enforcing a counter-blockade, the Gulf is a high-stakes game of strategy, influence, and leverage. We also break down a fresh flare in the region as the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant faced a drone strike. One drone made it past defenses and hit an external electrical generator, signaling that Iran-linked forces still have the ability to target critical infrastructure in the Gulf. Emergency systems kicked in immediately, and the IAEA confirmed there was no radiation release, but the strategic message is clear. Even limited attacks can have big ripple effects on regional security and diplomatic calculations. On the diplomatic front, US-Iran talks are moving slowly. President Trump remains ready to act if Tehran does not provide the "right answers" on sanctions relief, troop withdrawals, reparations, and nuclear limits. Pakistan continues to shuttle messages between Washington and Tehran, but positions remain hardline and neither side is budging. The dynamics of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's maritime control, and US countermeasures are creating a tense backdrop that affects both global energy prices and political leverage. Meanwhile, Israel continues to face a complicated mix of domestic politics and military operations. The fallout from far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting detained Gaza flotilla activists is reverberating across international capitals. Global condemnation underscores the delicate balance Israel must maintain between domestic political considerations, regional operations, and international diplomacy. We also touch on Iran's economic maneuvers and financial workarounds, from cryptocurrency flows to maritime assertiveness, showing how Tehran leverages both economic tools and naval power to maintain influence. US counterterrorism operations outside the Gulf, like operations against Islamic State in Nigeria, highlight that the US global focus remains broad even as the Gulf dominates headlines. Information operations and media influence continue to play a critical role, with Iran attempting to manipulate narratives to maintain leverage over Gulf partners. The intersection of diplomacy, economics, military posture, and narrative control shows just how complex this theater has become. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.21.26 | China: Xi Hosts Putin, Taiwan Tensions, China's Strategic Moves
2d ago00:06:25Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ China is running the show this week with back-to-back summits that put Xi Jinping at the center of global strategic moves. We break down Vladimir Putin's visit and what it means for Russia as it increasingly leans on China for economic and technological support while still trying to project independent power. The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline remains in play with no pricing or timeline agreement yet, keeping Beijing firmly in control of a key energy lever. Meanwhile Taiwan is back in the spotlight as President Trump signals he may speak directly with President Lai Ching-te about a pending $14 billion arms package. Taipei continues to modernize its military to maintain credible deterrence, while China ramps up military operations in the Taiwan Strait and intensifies its messaging against any moves toward independence. We analyze the strategic signaling from both sides, and what it means for regional stability. China's economic and trade strategies are also in focus. From aircraft purchases to selective easing of rare earth exports, Beijing is balancing US access with strategic leverage. We explain how these moves fit into a broader plan to protect domestic technology and industry while retaining influence over critical global supply chains. On the tech front, we cover the ongoing saga with Nvidia's H200 chip. Despite US approval, China is holding back purchases and pushing domestic alternatives. This is part of Beijing's long-term strategy to achieve technological self-reliance in AI and semiconductors while keeping leverage over foreign suppliers. We also dive into China's intelligence and domestic-security posture. Recent cyber operations and security campaigns illustrate Beijing's focus on controlling internal risks while signaling deterrence to foreign actors. From router phishing compromises to ongoing "Fox Hunt" operations, China is managing internal control and global influence simultaneously. Energy flows through the Gulf and Russian oil supplies continue to intersect with US-Iran negotiations, highlighting how global energy markets feed directly into China's strategic positioning. We also touch on Russia's ongoing nuclear drills and military cooperation with China, showing how tactical exercises support broader strategic alignment. This episode delivers a complete look at the multi-domain chess game Beijing is playing with Russia, Taiwan, the US, and global markets. We cover diplomacy, economics, technology, intelligence, and military signaling in a way that shows why every move matters and how it reshapes the balance of power in Asia and beyond. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.21.26 | Russia: Ukraine Strikes, Nukes, China Talks, Drone Defenses, UK Sanctions
2d ago00:08:14Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Today on the Restricted Handling Daily Intel Brief we break down the latest moves shaking up Russia, Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical chessboard. Putin's visit to Beijing highlighted just how dependent Moscow has become on China, with the long-discussed Power of Siberia-2 pipeline still unresolved. China is playing its hand carefully, making it clear that Russia's energy ambitions won't advance without concessions. Beyond energy, both leaders delivered messaging aimed at shaping a multipolar world and calling out US nuclear and missile defense policies. Meanwhile, Russia is signaling strength with massive nuclear exercises in Belarus and across its territory. Tactical rehearsals and strategic displays show Moscow's intent to keep NATO on edge, even as battlefield realities in Ukraine expose operational constraints. NATO allies are on high alert, managing UAV incursions and Russian disinformation campaigns, particularly in the Baltic region, where careful intercepts and air policing are keeping escalation contained. Ukraine isn't just responding; it's putting pressure on multiple fronts. Drone and missile strikes continue to target Russia's energy infrastructure, hitting refineries and pumping stations, disrupting output, and forcing Moscow to implement temporary export bans. The strikes are part of a larger strategy that combines precision attacks with innovation, including AI-driven air defense systems and mass-produced interceptor drones, showing that Ukraine is increasingly outpacing Russian defenses in key areas. Domestic pressures in Russia are also surfacing. Leadership reshuffles, environmental fallout from Ukrainian strikes, and internal divisions among Cossack groups reveal cracks in Moscow's political and social cohesion. Across Eurasia, Turkey is strengthening trade and strategic partnerships in Central Asia, gradually shifting the regional balance and challenging Russia's influence. From Europe to the Black Sea and beyond, this episode ties together diplomacy, economic pressure, alliance dynamics, and technological innovation shaping the war in Ukraine and Russia's global positioning. We also touch on the ongoing implications for energy security, sanctions enforcement, and regional realignments in ways that could have long-term effects on Moscow's strategy. If you want a smart, fast, and clear briefing that connects the dots between diplomacy, economics, intelligence, and operational realities, this episode has you covered. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/
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RH 5.20.26 | Economic & Sanctions Deep Dive: Russia & China
3d ago00:05:52Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Step beyond the headlines and official spin to uncover the deeper realities inside Russia and China's economies. We take a close look at how Moscow and Beijing project power abroad while grappling with fragile foundations at home, from Russia's unsustainable wartime spending to China's faltering growth and anxious workforce. We cut through state narratives to reveal the costs of these economies, costs borne not by leaders, but by ordinary citizens facing higher prices and shrinking opportunities. With insights from data, policy shifts, and on-the-ground reports, we trace how these two authoritarian powers strain to maintain control, and how their choices reverberate across global markets, diplomacy, and the lives of millions. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.20.26 | Iran and the Middle East | Hormuz Leverage, Barakah Drone Strike, Gaza Flotilla, Israel Elections
3d ago00:05:58Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Dive into today's episode where Ryan and Glenn unpack the latest developments in Iran and the Middle East. From the Strait of Hormuz to Gaza, this episode covers the high-stakes standoff that's shaking global energy markets, testing US diplomacy, and challenging regional alliances. Hear how Iran is using strategic leverage to maintain control over one of the world's most critical waterways, and why the US remains ready to act if negotiations stall. We break down the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant drone strike, the latest twists in the Gaza flotilla crisis, and how these events ripple through the Gulf economies. You'll get insight into Israel's domestic political pressure ahead of elections, and the ongoing impact of Iran-backed operations in Lebanon and across the region. Ryan and Glenn translate complex intelligence and military developments into clear, understandable analysis, showing how tactical incidents fit into the bigger geopolitical picture. Learn how US sanctions, naval blockades, and economic measures are pressuring Iran while the Islamic Republic finds workarounds and asserts control. Get a peek at Iran's use of media and narrative to influence perceptions across the Gulf and complicate alliance cohesion. We also touch on US counterterrorism operations in Africa that continue even as the Middle East dominates headlines, showing the global breadth of US strategic engagement. This episode keeps you informed about energy markets, security implications, and the subtle shifts in alliances and influence that could affect everything from oil prices to the stability of international trade. Ryan and Glenn walk you through the stakes, the strategy, and the players shaping the outcome of the conflict, all in a way that's engaging, insightful, and easy to follow. If you want a clear, no-nonsense briefing on what's happening right now in the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, the Gulf states, and the latest in Gaza, this episode is your go-to update. Packed with context, analysis, and actionable insight, it's a fast track to understanding the complex web of diplomacy, power, and strategy unfolding daily in the region. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.20.26 | China-Russia Summit, Taiwan Tensions, PLA Drills, Pipeline Talks
3d ago00:06:57Tap to summarize👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In today's episode we're unpacking a whirlwind of moves across Asia and beyond. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin held a high-profile summit in Beijing right after President Trump's visit, signaling China and Russia are doubling down on a multipolar world order. We break down what the leaders actually agreed on, what's still unresolved, and what this means for global power dynamics. From energy deals to diplomatic signaling, these talks are about far more than just handshakes. Energy is front and center. Russia is pushing the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline to secure long-term gas deliveries to China. We explain why the pipeline talks remain tentative, how both sides are weighing strategic leverage, and why this matters amid Iran war tensions and disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil flows, pipeline deals, and China's diversified energy sourcing are shaping its strategic position in the region and its ability to withstand geopolitical shocks. Taiwan is heating up again. President Trump framed a $14 billion arms package as a negotiating chip with China, putting Taipei in a delicate position. We cover how President Lai Ching-te is reinforcing defense without escalating conflict and why the PLA's daily operations and the Liaoning carrier drills in the Western Pacific are sending very pointed messages about power projection and deterrence. This episode gives you the context behind every move and countermove. We also highlight intelligence and domestic-security developments. European authorities arrested suspects gathering tech intelligence for China, and Beijing continues its "Fox Hunt" operations, recovering billions in economic crimes. Meanwhile, state security authorities exposed cyber campaigns using compromised domestic routers. We explain how these actions fit into broader strategic control, technology protection, and the surveillance state narrative. Russia's military signaling is also in focus. Moscow continues exercises with strategic and nuclear assets while relying more on China for economic and technological support. We break down what these drills mean for global stability and how they intersect with China's operational influence in Ukraine, where covertly trained Russian forces are reportedly active with drone and electronic warfare skills. Finally, we touch on markets and the bigger picture. US-China trade, rare earth exports, and Beijing's careful balancing act in diplomacy, energy, and economics show that each move has multiple layers of meaning for allies and adversaries alike. This episode gives you the big-picture view and the tactical nuance so you can follow the story beyond the headlines. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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RH 5.20.26 | Putin in Beijing, Baltic Tensions, Ukraine Strikes, Russian Energy Pressure
3d ago00:07:53Tap to summarize👉 Subscrib to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ In today's episode we're unpacking a packed global landscape where Moscow leans on Beijing while Ukraine keeps pressing its advantage. Putin's visit to China this week isn't just photo ops and handshakes. It's about energy, economic leverage, and deepening a partnership that's shaping the balance of power. We break down what's really happening with the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, the subtle negotiations that China is holding back on, and what this means for Russia as it navigates sanctions and a stretched war effort in Ukraine. The Baltic states are also in the spotlight again. We cover the latest on drones straying into Estonian and Latvian airspace, how NATO has responded, and why Russia's messaging campaign in the Baltics is less about tactical strikes and more about testing alliance cohesion and spreading disinformation. We also highlight the small but important updates that show how electronic warfare and disinformation continue to shape the security environment for Europe's eastern flank. On the energy and economic front, the UK and US are tweaking sanctions in ways that open Moscow some breathing room, allowing diesel and jet fuel refined from Russian crude in third-party countries to move again. We break down why this matters, how it affects Russian revenues, and the political balancing act Western governments are facing with fuel prices and domestic pressures. We also cover subtle updates on Russia's internal dynamics. From personnel reshuffles in the State Duma to ongoing manpower challenges, loan forgiveness programs, and the surprisingly active social and ideological pressures inside Russia, the Kremlin is being stretched from multiple angles. Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure, environmental fallout, and evolving Cossack loyalties illustrate how Moscow faces pressures that go well beyond the battlefield. Central Asia and the Turkic world continue to shift in ways that make Moscow nervous. We explain how Turkey's outreach and regional partnerships are redrawing influence maps, while Europe continues to navigate funding, EU accession, and diplomatic coordination to support Kyiv. Ukraine's ongoing drone strikes and strategic pressure keep Moscow on its toes, while NATO and the US remain vigilant along the eastern flank. Today's episode gives you the full picture of the intersecting pressures on Russia from China, Europe, Ukraine, and its own internal challenges. We show you how all these threads—diplomatic, economic, military, and ideological—are coming together to shape Russia's next moves. It's a multi-layered story of geopolitics in motion, with high stakes for Europe, Asia, and the global energy market. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.
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