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Acosti 3h

Acosti argued that Călin Georgescu's opponents were afraid of him because, in his opinion, they could not conceive that someone could act out of conviction and patriotism, without seeking a position or reward. He stated that Georgescu selflessly loved his country and possessed qualities such as stature, eloquence, and soul. The author accused Georgescu's critics of confusing position and wealth with value and respect, mentioning cars like the BMW X6 and Range Rover. He argued that dignity and character could not be obtained through positions, company cars, or image campaigns, and that power belonged to the Romanian people. Acosti further stated that the opponents' fear stemmed from the comparison with Georgescu, whom he described as a respected man without invoking his position. In his view, his presence made the imperfections of the critics more visible, and they were afraid of what they lacked. #România #Patriotism #Dreptate (translated)

Operation Dark Clark – Russia built a real organisation around a false identity Most influence operations create fake people, fake websites or fake news stories. Operation Dark Clark appears to have gone considerably further: Russian operators built what looked like a functioning research organisation in Latin America, employed real people to produce genuine research and concealed from those employees who was ultimately directing their work. OpenAI disclosed the operation on 8 October after banning a cluster of accounts originating in Russia. The actors used ChatGPT while targeting countries across Latin America, principally to damage Ukraine’s reputation, manipulate domestic political debates and manage a self-described research organisation called the Social Research Center, or SRC. OpenAI assessed Dark Clark as Category Five on the six-level Breakout Scale, the first operation it has disrupted since beginning its influence-operation reporting to reach that level. A front organisation with real employees The SRC presented itself as a research platform studying subjects including Latin America’s relationship with India and the Indian diaspora. OpenAI found more than 60 articles on its website, most of them apparently original rather than plagiarised. Internal reports produced by the Russian operators discussed hiring, dismissals, salary scales, staffing and unfinished research projects, strongly suggesting that the operators controlled the organisation rather than merely collaborating with it. At the centre of the structure was “Mia Clark”, a fictitious identity reportedly used to manage social-media activity and communicate with staff. According to OpenAI, the available evidence indicates that employees working for SRC in Latin America were probably unaware that the organisation was being directed by Russian actors. They interviewed experts, conducted research and wrote papers in what appears to have been good faith. The deception therefore existed primarily at the organisational level: much of the work was real, but the identity and strategic purpose of the institution commissioning it were not. OpenAI This is one reason Dark Clark differs from the familiar model of a troll farm. A reader encountering an SRC paper might be looking at research genuinely written by a Latin American employee based on genuine interviews. The manipulation lies further upstream, in who built the institution, selected its direction and controlled its infrastructure. From forged emails to real events The operation also appears to have attempted something more ambitious than online persuasion: inducing real people to produce events that could later be turned into propaganda. In May 2026, according to the operators’ internal reports, they created an email address impersonating Lima’s regional education authorities and instructed schools to organise activities about Ukraine for a cultural-diversity event. The instructions included references to Stepan Bandera, whose historical legacy remains particularly contentious in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe. The operators claimed that some schools complied, replied to the false address and sent photographs of the events. OpenAI could not independently verify every claim contained in the operators’ reports. It did, however, find Peruvian reporting matching the story, followed by publications in Poland and an English-language outlet in Hungary. Some coverage included comments from a Polish MEP calling for people displaying what he described as anti-Polish attitudes to be declared persona non grata. OpenAI therefore concluded that the fabricated starting point appears to have entered genuine political debate across national borders. The mechanism is unusually effective because the final photographs need not themselves be fabricated. If people can be tricked into staging a real event on the basis of a forged instruction, the operation creates authentic visual evidence of something that was artificially initiated. The same method in Ecuador and Bolivia Dark Clark’s internal reports describe similar efforts elsewhere. In Ecuador, the operators claimed they used a fake education email to encourage schools to stage ceremonies involving President Daniel Noboa and Erik Prince, the former head of Blackwater. Ecuadorian media subsequently covered a matching controversy, and the country’s education minister issued a detailed denial. Other Ecuador-focused material included fabricated audio attributed to Ukraine’s consul and a false television report alleging that Noboa’s government was recruiting Ecuadorians to fight in Ukraine. Local fact-checker Lupa found that the supposed Teleamazonas report had never been broadcast, that images had been taken from Instagram, that the audio was AI-generated and that a company named in a supposed recruitment contract did not exist in Ecuador’s corporate registry. In Bolivia, an internal report described a fake audio recording supposedly made by an employee of state water company EPSAS during anti-government protests. It claimed that water supplies to La Paz would be cut and a state of emergency declared. The allegation produced a fact-check and an official denial. OpenAI says the operators explicitly described their objective as worsening the political crisis surrounding the demonstrations. Possible links to the post-Wagner influence machine Dark Clark did not emerge in a vacuum. The operators repeatedly asked ChatGPT about Politology and La Compania, names associated in previous investigations with the Russian influence apparatus that developed from structures once connected to Yevgeny Prigozhin. Forbidden Stories and its partners obtained 1,431 pages of internal documents describing a network known as “The Company”, which they reported had grown to almost 100 operatives and was conducting influence projects across roughly 30 Global South countries. Their investigation found that the organisation moved under the supervision of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the SVR, after Prigozhin’s death. Its documented budget for ten months of activity in 2024 was approximately €7.3 million. Two older Argentina campaigns claimed in Dark Clark’s internal reports — a false story about Javier Milei buying Cartier collars for his dogs and the staging of anti-Milei graffiti — had already been independently attributed by investigative journalists to Politology/La Compania. That is significant corroboration, but it is not enough to prove that every Dark Clark activity was run by the same organisational structure. AI was the back office, not the mastermind Perhaps the most important finding concerns artificial intelligence itself. In most documented cases, the Russians were not using ChatGPT to generate the propaganda seen by the public. Their principal use was administrative: drafting reports for an unknown superior, summarising operations, translating material and recording the supposed success of campaigns. Those reports also expose a weakness in the operators’ own measurement. OpenAI found instances in which they tried to claim credit for developments they had probably not caused, suggesting that they were not only attempting to manipulate Latin American audiences but also presenting an inflated picture of their effectiveness to whoever was supervising them. Dark Clark nevertheless broke further into the real world than any influence operation OpenAI had previously disrupted. Under the Brookings framework, Category Five means that an operation has escaped its original network and been amplified by high-profile individuals such as politicians. Dark Clark crossed that threshold because fabricated narratives appear to have provoked governmental denials, mainstream reporting and political comment in several countries. Its most important innovation was therefore not a particularly convincing deepfake. It was the construction of a partly genuine institution around a concealed foreign controller. The research could be real. The employees could be real. The interviews could be real. What was false was who they were ultimately working for. Sources OpenAI — Disrupting AI-enabled “false front” operations https://openai.com/index/disrupting-ai-enabled-false-front-operations/ Forbidden Stories — Propaganda Machine: Russia’s foreign influence strategy across three continents https://forbiddenstories.org/propaganda-machine-secret-documents-reveal-russias-foreign-influence-strategy-across-three-continents/ Forbidden Stories — Ghost Journalists, Cash and Kremlin Scripts: Argentina https://forbiddenstories.org/ghost-journalists-cash-and-kremlin-scripts-how-russian-operatives-tried-to-influence-argentinian-media/ openDemocracy — Russian influence operation in Bolivia https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/russia-bolivia-south-america-putin-evo-morales-wagner-prigozhin-covert-operations-propaganda-disinformation-foreign-interference/ Lupa Media — Fake Teleamazonas report about recruiting Ecuadorians for Ukraine https://lupa.com.ec/verificaciones/noboa-mercenarios-ucrania-ecuador/ Brookings Institution — The Breakout Scale https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-breakout-scale-measuring-the-impact-of-influence-operations/ Keywords: #DISINFORMED #Episode17 #OperationDarkClark #DarkClark #Russia #LatinAmerica #RussianInfluence #RussianDisinformation #Disinformation #InformationWarfare #InfluenceOperations #ForeignInterference #FIMI #FalseFront #FrontOrganisation #FakeInstitution #SocialResearchCenter #SRC #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #GenerativeAI #ChatGPT #OpenAI #NarrativeManipulation #SourceLaundering #InstitutionalManipulation #ForgedDocuments #FakeAudio #PoliticalInfluence #CovertInfluence #Peru #Ecuador #Bolivia #Argentina #Ukraine #Politology #LaCompania #TheCompany #SVR #WagnerLegacy #PropagandaMachine #GlobalSouth #BreakoutScale #OSINT #MediaManipulation #WRLD

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Mona Keijzer, who will not become the new party leader of the New Social Contract, is causing confusion within the party by seeking 'sensible, conservative right-wing people', while members reject her and the party is in crisis without leadership. #MonaKeijzer #NieuwSociaalContract #Politiek (translated)

In haar zoektocht naar ‘verstandige rechtse mensen’ sticht Mona Keijzer verwarring bij leeglopend NSC

AFRICA DAILY REPORT — 10 OCTOBER 2026 Key developments of past 24 hours 1. ETHIOPIA–ERITREA — Addis Ababa alleges an “all-out invasion” Ethiopia told UN Security Council members that Eritrean troops had advanced as far as 60 km into northern Ethiopia and asserted a right to self-defence. Eritrea rejected the accusations. The scale of the alleged incursion remains independently unverified. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/ethiopia-says-it-must-defend-itself-against-eritreas-all-out-invasion-2026-10-09/ 2. SOUTH AFRICA — Government withdraws asylum-processing directive after violence The government withdrew a directive implementing a Constitutional Court ruling on access to asylum procedures after violent anti-migrant protests in Durban and Soweto. Authorities reported 24 vehicles burned and looting of foreign-owned businesses. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-withdraws-asylum-directive-after-anti-migrant-violence-2026-10-09/ 3. MOROCCO–SPAIN — King says migration-cooperation model has reached its limits King Mohammed VI said the current migration-cooperation model with Spain was inadequate and called for a broader partnership following a migration crisis involving Ceuta. The remarks point to possible changes in bilateral arrangements. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moroccan-king-says-migration-cooperation-model-with-spain-hit-limit-2026-10-09/ 4. DR CONGO — Reuters reports deadly ambush involving Erik Prince-linked contractors Reuters sources reported at least 20 people killed or wounded in a September 17 ambush in South Kivu involving forces linked to Erik Prince. The alleged role of Rwanda-backed forces was not independently established. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/erik-princes-forces-suffer-battlefield-loss-congo-former-ufc-fighter-among-2026-10-09/ 5. DR CONGO — African Union mediators arrive in Kinshasa AU mediators, including former presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Sahle-Work Zewde and Mokgweetsi Masisi, visited Kinshasa after meetings in Goma and Kigali, seeking progress on the eastern Congo peace process. No new agreement was announced. Source: https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/202610090393.html 6. SOUTH AFRICA — Navi Pillay wins the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize IMPORTANCE: 9/10 — VERY HIGH South African jurist Navi Pillay received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in international law, human rights and accountability for serious international crimes. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/navanethem-navi-pillay-wins-2026-nobel-peace-prize-2026-10-09/ 7. AFRICA–UNITED STATES — DFC plans expanded equity investments IMPORTANCE: 8/10 — HIGH The US International Development Finance Corporation plans to expand direct equity investment in Africa, focusing on critical minerals and infrastructure. It reports over $14 billion in investment commitments across the continent. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/us-agency-do-more-equity-investing-africa-official-says-2026-10-09/ 8. PAN-AFRICAN BANKING — Ecobank moves to join China's yuan payment system IMPORTANCE: 8/10 — HIGH Ecobank plans to join China's CIPS payments network to facilitate yuan settlement for Africa–China commerce, reflecting interest in diversified cross-border payment channels. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/ecobank-join-chinas-cips-payments-platform-yuan-settlement-2026-10-09/ 9. KENYA — Cabinet approves $350 million financing for Kenya Airways IMPORTANCE: 8/10 — HIGH Kenya's cabinet approved $350 million in shareholder financing for Kenya Airways to meet urgent obligations. Further debt restructuring and investor discussions are planned. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenya-approves-350-million-shareholder-financing-kenya-airways-2026-10-09/ 10. CAMEROON — Military court sentences 66 after post-election unrest A Yaoundé military court convicted 66 people detained after unrest following Cameroon's 2025 presidential election. Defence lawyers indicated plans to appeal, with further cases pending. Source: https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/202610090290.html #Africa #AfricaNews #AfricaDailyReport #TopNewsOfAfrica #AfricaToday #SouthAfrica #NaviPillay #NobelPeacePrize2026 #NobelPeacePrize #HumanRights #InternationalLaw #InternationalJustice #PeaceAndSecurity #UnitedNations #AfricaUSA #UnitedStates #USDFC #DevelopmentFinance #EquityInvestment #ForeignDirectInvestment #CriticalMinerals #InfrastructureInvestment #AfricanEconomy #EconomicDevelopment #AfricaInvestment #DRCongo #EasternCongo #SouthKivu #ErikPrince #PrivateMilitaryContractors #SecurityContractors #ArmedConflict #MilitaryAmbush #M23 #Rwanda #AfricanUnion #Ethiopia #Eritrea #Tigray #HornOfAfrica #RegionalSecurity #SouthAfricaProtests #MigrationCrisis #Xenophobia #Morocco #Spain #MigrationPolicy #Ecobank #ChinaAfrica #YuanPayments #CIPS #Kenya #KenyaAirways #Cameroon #PoliticalUnrest #AfricanPolitics #Geopolitics #AfricaSecurity #WRLDorg

The decrease in prices (for fuel, editor's note) for Americans and especially for our formidable farmers, livestock breeders, and transporters represents my absolute priority. It is hard to imagine that there is now a high political official who does not understand the electoral weight of the movement initiated by Trump which declared that "the decrease in prices (for fuel, editor's note) for Americans and especially for our formidable farmers, livestock breeders, and transporters represents my absolute priority," and the first reaction of the markets confirms him, as there was immediately felt a 4.8% drop in futures contracts for the price of diesel in the American market. #Zelenski #Trump #PoliticaEnergetică (translated)

Operațiunea de tragere a covorului de sub preșul europenilor lăsați singuri în brațe cu Zelenski
adevarul.ro
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AD 1d

Cole Palmer has extended his contract with Chelsea until 2034, while Turkey has dismissed national coach Vincenzo Montella after four defeats in the Nations League. #Transfernieuws #Voetbal #Eredivisie (translated)

Palmer verlengt contract bij Chelsea tot 2034, Turkije ontslaat bondscoach Montella na vier nederlagen

José Mourinho said he had noticed something that, in his view, would not happen at Real Madrid. He cited Mikel Arteta’s contract renewal and comments that his team was still at the beginning of its journey, despite Arteta having been there for years, and said expectations at Real Madrid were different. https://t.co/gEHzfi2SDG #Mourinho #Arteta #Fútbol #ES (translated)

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Le Soir 2d

Max Verstappen considered retiring after a disappointing start to the 2026 season, in which he only stood on the podium once, but has extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030 and now feels good in his role. #MaxVerstappen #Formule1 #Retraite (translated)

Max Verstappen a songé à prendre sa retraite : « Je n’avais jamais éprouvé un tel sentiment auparavant »

Approximately 3,000 replacement teachers must be assigned in the coming days and contractual hires made, according to the Minister of National Education, Edouard Geffray, who seeks to quell the anger of high school students who complain, among other things, about the lack of replacement for their teachers. #EducationNationale #Remplaçants #Lycées (translated)

3.000 remplaçants dans les lycées: "Croire que ça va calmer la colère de ces émeutiers, je n'y crois absolument pas", jugé l'éditorialiste politique Tugdual Denis
www.bfmtv.com
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AD 2d

Lionel Messi has taken over the Spanish football club CD Eldense and looks with great ambitions towards the future of the club, where Dutchman Floris Smand is also under contract. #Messi #CDEldense #Voetbal (translated)

Lionel Messi koopt de Spaanse club van Nederlander Floris Smand: ‘We hebben hem nog niet ontmoet’

The RTBF seems to have a mixed cultural reception, with low viewing figures for certain programs like Caramba, but huge investments and diversity in cultural content, encouraging the minister to promote pluralism in the lead-up to a new management contract. #RTBF #CultureBelge #MédiaPublic (translated)

Le casse-tête autour de la culture à la RTBF

Romania is facing a technical recession, with economies supported by agriculture and construction recording a decline in consumer spending and a generalized contraction of GDP by 1.6% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. #economiaRomâniei #recesiune #consum (translated)

Romania can’t escape the technical recession. The economy, supported by agriculture and construction; population consumption decreases
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AD 3d

Daley Sinkgraven has returned to Fortuna Sittard with a new contract until the end of the season, while Vitesse wants to retain their top scorer Naoufal Bannis and Pedro is ending his football career at the age of 39. #Transfernieuws #Eredivisie #Voetbal (translated)

Daley Sinkgraven terug bij Fortuna Sittard, Vitesse wil topscorer langer behouden, prijzenpakker Pedro stopt
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AD 3d

Vitesse plans to extend the contract of top scorer Naoufal Bannis, while Richard Roelofsen leaves De Graafschap after 22 years of service and Pedro officially ends his football career. #Transfernieuws #Eredivisie #Voetbal (translated)

Vitesse wil topscorer langer behouden, clubman na 22 jaar weg bij De Graafschap, prijzenpakker Pedro stopt

Rummenigge said Harry Kane and Michael Olise intended to stay at Bayern for a long time. He said he hoped and was confident Kane would extend his contract soon, with Olise next, and added that he wanted to see Olise remain at the club for many more years. https://t.co/mvLg99i7fo #BayernMunich #Olise #Kane #DE

Guillaume Herblot criticized the Minister of Education, Édouard Geffray, for leaving classes without a teacher for weeks while, according to him, 3,000 substitute teachers were available but not assigned to students. He stated that these teachers, already trained and paid, had only been mobilized after protests and blockades. Herblot also criticized the management of assignments and the use of software that Geffray supposedly requested a year earlier. He mentioned that the minister had referred to 114 high schools classified in red and 400 in orange, as well as reinforcements "in the coming hours and days." The author contrasted this announcement with the elimination of positions and the departure of contract workers that he had denounced, and described the officials as amateurs. #Éducation #PénurieDeProfesseurs #GestionDeCrise (translated)

The author said Milorad Dodik’s influence operation in Washington could no longer be ignored. They claimed a US lobbying firm representing Republika Srpska reportedly had a $35,000-per-month contract and said Katie Wiles, daughter of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, worked for an organisation linked in the post. https://t.co/P9WY1TuDE9 #Dodik #USPolitics #Lobbying #US #BA

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AD 3d

NEC has offered Mitchel Bakker a contract, which binds the 26-year-old defender to the club for the rest of the season, with an option for a one-year extension. #NEC #MitchelBakker #Voetbal (translated)

NEC geeft Mitchel Bakker een contract: verdediger ligt voor rest van het seizoen vast
NOS 3d

The provinces of Flevoland, Gelderland, and Overijssel are ending their contract with the bus operator EBS due to financial problems, with the bus operator suffering significant losses and the provinces providing temporary financial support to ensure public transportation. #OV #Flevoland #EBS (translated)

Provincies beëindigen contract met busvervoerder om financiële problemen