Muhammad Bakhsh Soomro is a journalist based in Islamabad, Pakistan.
He has been doing journalism since 1995, during his professional career he had been working in different reputable media organisations such as BOL TV Network, Daily Kawish and KTN News Network, Pahenji News Paper and Time News. 
...

The Largest Development Budget in History; 'Even 50% of the Amount Will Be Difficult to Spend'

15 Jun 2024  |  وی او اے  |  Urdu  |  Political Strategy

The federal government of Pakistan has announced the largest development budget in the country's history, allocating 1500 billion rupees for the fiscal year 2024-25 amidst significant economic challenges. Critics argue that the budget is politically motivated and question the feasibility of spending even 50% of the allocated funds. The budget prioritizes ongoing projects, with 81% of resources dedicated to them, and focuses on sectors like water resources, provincial projects, and infrastructure. However, past trends and expert opinions suggest that a substantial portion of the budget may remain unspent due to financial constraints and political considerations.

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Political Strategy Development Budget Economic Challenges

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Joyeeta Basu is a NCTJ qualified British journalist with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with the Express Newspapers (UK), the Mirror Group (UK), BBC UK, Cross Border Group (launched by The Economist) in London, Times of India in Mumbai and Deccan Chronicle in Hyderabad.

Chemistry won Delhi for BJP, not arithmetic

10 Feb 2025  |  TheDailyGuardian  |  English  |  BJP Strategy

The BJP's victory in the Delhi Assembly elections is attributed to strategic planning and effective communication under Amit Shah's guidance, overcoming the anti-incumbency sentiment against AAP. The article argues that electoral success is more about chemistry than arithmetic, as seen in other Indian states. The BJP's promise of a double-engine government and alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision played a crucial role in their win. The BJP now faces the challenge of delivering on promises, including tackling Delhi's pollution and infrastructure issues, with the assurance of support from the central government.

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Political Alliances BJP Strategy Delhi Elections

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Jose Bautista is a journalist based in Brisbane City, Australia. He has worked as journalist and foreign correspondent for Spanish news agency EFE, Agence France Presse (AFP), Chinese news agency Xinhua, Spanish news agency Europa Press (EP) and Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA) in Colombia, Venezuela ...

Morocco and the Three Curtains of Democracy in Spain

13 Sept 2024  |  rebelion.org  |  Spanish  |  Political Strategy

The article examines the shift in Spain's stance on Western Sahara, driven by Moroccan pressure and intelligence strategies. It details how Morocco exploited Spain's democratic vulnerabilities, using migration crises and media manipulation to influence Spanish policy. The article criticizes the Spanish government's capitulation, the role of intelligence agencies, and the broader geopolitical implications, including strained relations with Algeria and the impact of the Pegasus spyware scandal.

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Political Strategy Diplomatic Relations Migration Crisis

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I am a journalist based in Maputo, Mozambique. I co-founded and co-edit Zitamar News, the leading English-language news source on the country. Prior to founding Zitamar I served as Bloomberg's correspondent in Mozambique. I still freelance for a number of publications, focusing mainly on politics ...

Declare victory first, count later

14 Oct 2024  |  Zitamar News  |  English  |  Political Strategy

In Mozambique, both the opposition and ruling parties are prematurely declaring victory in the recent elections, a strategy historically used by Renamo's late leader Afonso Dhlakama. Venâncio Mondlane, a prominent opposition candidate, has claimed victory, while Frelimo's Daniel Chapo has not officially done so, though supporters have made such claims. Allegations of electoral malpractice, including vote-rigging and manipulation, have surfaced, particularly against Frelimo. The National Elections Commission is expected to announce preliminary results soon, but the political landscape remains tense, with potential challenges to the results anticipated. The situation reflects broader concerns about electoral integrity and political strategy in Mozambique.

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Political Strategy Mozambique Elections Electoral Integrity

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Vicente Calderón is a bilingual journalist based in Tijuana, Mexico.


With more than 30 years practicing journalism on both sides of the border, Vicente Calderón understands like few others the dynamics of the news in the region where Mexico and the United States meet.

Calderón is an "All ...

Biden's budget promotes war in Ukraine, Middle East, China, and on the US-Mexico border

16 Mar 2024  |  www.hechoencalifornia1010.com  |  Spanish  |  Political Strategy

The White House's budget draft targets two distinct audiences: the working class with false promises of social spending, and the financial oligarchy with significant funding. The budget proposes record military and domestic police spending, with trillions in interest payments benefiting Wall Street and billionaires. Media coverage focuses on social benefits promises, which are likely to be discarded after the election. The core of the budget is a record $850 billion for the Pentagon for FY 2025, with additional funding for wars in Ukraine and elsewhere. The budget also emphasizes investment in key technologies and industrial sectors, with a focus on preparing for potential wars with Russia and China. It includes a significant increase in nuclear weapons funding and plans for nuclear war resilience. The budget also supports the integration of the UK and Australia into US military operations and expands US military spending in Latin America. Additionally, there is a vast increase in border security spending, including new technology for surveillance. The budget also outlines the growing cost of interest payments on federal debt, which will benefit wealthy investors.

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Political Strategy Military Spending Economic Policy

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Journalism/ Broadcast media/ Performance art

Booming Suburbs of North Carolina Are Changing the Election Map

20 Oct 2024  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Political Strategy

North Carolina's rapidly growing suburbs, particularly in Johnston County, are reshaping the state's political landscape ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The influx of new residents, many unaffiliated with a political party, is creating a more competitive environment in a state traditionally leaning Republican. Both parties are adjusting their strategies, with Democrats focusing on mobilizing Black voters and newcomers, while Republicans emphasize the state's business-friendly policies. The outcome in North Carolina, a key swing state, could hinge on these demographic shifts and voter turnout efforts.

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Political Strategy US Elections Demographic Changes

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Since 2012, Rabia Çetin has been working as an editor and reporter with several media outlets in Turkey, such as T24, BasNews and K24. She is currently a freelance journalist contributing to various media in Turkey and abroad. Rabia has won several awards for her journalistic work.

DEM Party’s impact on local elections: Candidates, trustees and vote shares

19 Mar 2024  |  turkeyrecap.substack.com  |  English  |  Political Strategy

As Turkey approaches local elections, the Kurdish vote, considered a swing vote, is in focus, especially in Istanbul. The pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has decided to field its own candidates, which could influence election outcomes. In 2019, DEM's predecessor supported the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) candidates, but this year, they are not redirecting voters. This change in strategy, along with internal disagreements and the decision not to field more prominent figures like Başak Demirtaş in Istanbul, may lead to a decrease in DEM's vote share. Allegations of negotiations between DEM and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) over trustees appointed to replace elected mayors have been denied by DEM officials. The outcome of the elections could be affected by the level of DEM voter turnout, with a low turnout potentially benefiting CHP's İmamoğlu and a high turnout favoring AKP's Kurum.

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Political Strategy Elections Kurdish Vote

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David Chazan is a journalist.

Macron faces revolt as 200 candidates withdraw in effort to stop Le Pen

02 Jul 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Political Strategy

Over 210 candidates have withdrawn from France's run-off election to prevent Marine Le Pen's National Rally from gaining an absolute majority. Centrist and left-wing parties are coordinating tactical withdrawals to block the hard-right party from securing 289 seats in the National Assembly. Despite these efforts, some senior centrist figures are refusing to join the coalition, signaling a potential collapse in President Macron's authority.

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Political Strategy French Elections

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Ben Clatworthy is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Sadiq Khan freezes London’s Tube and bus fares at a cost of £123m

19 Jan 2024  |  www.thetimes.co.uk  |  English  |  Political Strategy

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has frozen Tube and bus fares until March 2025 by allocating £123 million from the Greater London Authority's budget. This move diverges from the National Rail's 4.9% fare increase and follows a £30 million agreement with Transport for London to prevent RMT union strikes. Additionally, Khan has extended free school meal funding for another year. The City Hall Conservatives criticize the fare freeze as an electoral strategy ahead of the mayoral election on May 2.

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Political Strategy Public Transportation

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Diego Cupolo is a multimedia journalist, photographer, and author of "Seven Syrians: War Accounts From Syrian Refugees" (2013 - 8th House Publishing).

His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Foreign Policy and The New Statesman, among other publications. His photography and video clients ...

Lone wolves: Why İYİ Party is running against former allies

20 Feb 2024  |  turkeyrecap.substack.com  |  English  |  Political Strategy

In the upcoming March 31 local elections in Turkey, most leading parties, including the İYİ Party and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, are fielding their own candidates, which could divide the opposition vote and favor President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). This has led to accusations of double-dealing, especially towards the İYİ Party and DEM Party, as their candidates may siphon votes from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

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Political Strategy Elections

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I am a freelance TV reporter, video journalist and photographer with 13 years of experience. I have worked all over the world; in 2014 I reported from 15 different countries, from Gaza to Ukraine to Brazil for the World Cup.

I am just as happy behind the camera as I am in front of it, and work ...

Eye-watering taxes are a problem for the Tories – and an even bigger one for Labour

23 Jan 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Political Strategy

The article discusses the rising tax burden in the UK, highlighting the challenges faced by both the Conservative and Labour parties. It criticizes the Conservative Party's handling of tax policies, including the freezing of income tax bands and the impact on working people. The article also explores Labour's ideological challenges with taxation, noting that despite arguing that taxes on working people are too high, the party has not committed to unfreezing income tax thresholds or increasing taxes on the rich. The overall sentiment is critical of the current tax policies and their political implications.

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Political Strategy Taxation Public Services

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Piotr Drabik - journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in media - in newspaper (“Dziennik Polski”), news television (TVN24), and radio (Radio ZET). Now he's working in RadioZET.pl, where I’m a part of the news team, and I'm a managing editor of a weekend online magazine. Moreover, from ...

Here is PiS's plan for questioning Kaczyński. We know how the chairman will respond

15 Mar 2024  |  Fakt  |  Polish  |  Political Strategy

PiS politicians have a strategy for the upcoming parliamentary inquiry where Jarosław Kaczyński will be questioned, emphasizing that no illegal surveillance occurred and that any use of surveillance tools like Pegasus was court-approved. They plan to counter by accusing the PO-PSL governments of spying on politicians and journalists. Kaczyński intends to avoid answering most questions, maintaining that the purchase of Pegasus was ordinary and legal. PiS members label the inquiry as a politically motivated hunt orchestrated by Donald Tusk. Meanwhile, Tomasz Trela of the Left wants to explore Kaczyński's meeting with Viktor Orban, suspecting it influenced the decision to purchase spyware.

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Political Strategy Parliamentary Inquiry

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Carlos Jaramillo is a journalist based in Medellín, Colombia.

A Trojan Virus Tries to Sneak into the National Assembly

18 Feb 2024  |  gk.city  |  Spanish  |  Political Strategy

The article discusses the ongoing debate in Ecuador's National Assembly over 88 proposed reforms to the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code (COIP). It argues that these reforms, particularly those related to increasing penalties and reducing legal guarantees, are examples of penal populism. The article claims that the reforms are a strategy by correísmo and its allies to influence the judicial system and potentially revoke the conviction of former President Rafael Correa. It highlights the inclusion of new grounds for judicial review, which could undermine the principle of res judicata and state sovereignty. The article concludes that these reforms reflect the desperation of correísmo to absolve its leader outside the established judicial system.

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Political Strategy Legal Reforms Judicial System

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Elhame Lecoeur is a journalist based in Paris, France.

French Legislative Elections: Calls to Exclude the National Rally from an Absolute Majority

05 Jul 2024  |  Voice of America  |  French  |  Political Strategy

In France, there is a significant movement to prevent the far-right Rassemblement National from achieving an absolute majority in the legislative elections. This involves strategic withdrawals to block the party, resulting in a scenario where the National Rally might have a relative majority but not an absolute one. Despite this, concerns persist about the party's influence, prompting community associations to increase their grassroots actions.

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Political Strategy French Legislative Elections Rassemblement National

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Multimedia journalist (print/audio/video) -  BBC, Al Jazeera, The Irish Times, Global Post, Forbes, European Voice (now politico.eu) and many others. Westminster-based - over the past decade, I have covered subjects as diverse as Brexit, Scottish independence, Canadian native rights, narco-...

Can French centrist parties keep far right out in second round of voting?

04 Jul 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Political Strategy

France is approaching the second round of legislative elections, with centrist and left-wing parties forming a 'Republican Front' to prevent the far-right National Rally (RN) from gaining power. The RN, led by Jordan Bardella, secured 33% of the vote in the first round, but tactical withdrawals by over 200 candidates from other parties aim to prevent a split in the anti-RN vote. Despite these efforts, the RN is expected to remain a dominant force in parliament, although an absolute majority seems unlikely. The political landscape remains uncertain, with potential for a hung parliament and ongoing challenges for President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition.

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Political Strategy French Elections Far Right Politics

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Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

Trump Picks His Running Mate, and Political Heir

16 Jul 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Political Strategy

Donald Trump has chosen JD Vance as his running mate for the upcoming election, emphasizing a strategic choice aimed at winning key Midwestern states. Vance, known for his far-right positions and economic populism, aligns closely with Trump's ideology. Despite Vance's past criticisms of Trump, he has since become a staunch supporter, embodying the principles of Trumpism. This decision signals Trump's commitment to maintaining the current direction of the Republican Party, focusing on a white working-class, pro-MAGA base. Democrats are expected to leverage Vance's previous anti-Trump statements and his extreme positions on issues like abortion to challenge the ticket.

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Political Strategy US Elections Trump Administration

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I am a freelance journalist for Thomson Reuters, New Arab Media, and Remedy Health New York and a member of the US State Department Foreign Press Association. 

I cover technology, public health, economics, climate change, food security, migration and climate change topics.

I have specialist ...

Canada’s anti-immigrant rhetoric keeps step with the UK and the US

05 Mar 2024  |  nowthenmagazine.com  |  English  |  Political Strategy

Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, in an attempt to retain power, has adopted anti-immigrant rhetoric similar to the Conservative Party in the UK. Despite Canada's reputation as a welcoming nation, the reality for people of color and immigrants is often different, with high visa denial rates for Black African applicants. Trudeau's government has been criticized for failing to fund affordable housing and for scapegoating foreign students for the housing crisis, despite international education contributing significantly to the economy. The article suggests that the anti-foreign-student stance has aligned the Liberals with the Conservatives ideologically.

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Political Strategy Immigration Policy

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I am a Romanian journalist based in Chisinau, Moldova, since 2015. My area of expertise is politics and investigations. However, I wrote features, analysis, interviews and news in English for several foreign media outlets from Europe and Caucasus. I covered also economics and social topics.

Referendum on Moldova’s EU Accession: Opportunity or Political Tactic?

07 Mar 2024  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Political Strategy

The proposed referendum on Moldova's EU accession, scheduled to coincide with the presidential elections in November, has sparked significant debate. President Maia Sandu, who announced her candidacy for a second term, is seen by some experts as using the referendum to bolster her re-election chances. Sandu is already popular among Moldovans, and the combined events could further enhance her standing in the presidential poll.

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Political Strategy EU Accession Presidential Elections

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Mariela Pisani is a journalist.

Michigan primaries, USA, could reveal political dangers for Biden and Trump

27 Feb 2024  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Political Strategy

As Joe Biden and Donald Trump move towards their respective presidential nominations, the Michigan primaries could highlight significant political risks for both candidates. The outcome may provide insights into the challenges they face in securing their positions.

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Political Strategy US Elections

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Dimi Reider is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

There is no progressive future for Britain without the farming community on board

23 Nov 2024  |  national.thelead.uk  |  English  |  Political Strategy

British farming faces significant challenges due to economic pressures, policy changes post-Brexit, and cultural devaluation. The Labour Party's proposed inheritance tax reform on farmland is controversial, potentially impacting small farms. The article argues for a progressive approach to farming, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and dialogue with farming communities. It warns against the rise of far-right influence in rural areas and suggests that Labour should engage more constructively with farmers to prevent a shift towards right-wing populism.

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Political Strategy British Farming Environmental Policy

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Erick Sadiki is a journalist based in Lubumbashi, Congo The Democratic Republic.I worked in major television networks for several years before becoming independent. I remain passionate about image and sound.

Vital Kamerhe and the New Political Platform: The Cards Are on the Table

24 Jan 2024  |  ACS GROUPE  |  French  |  Political Strategy

Vital Kamerhe, a prominent Congolese politician, has launched a new political platform, rallying influential figures like Julien Paluku, Tony Kanku Shiku, and Jean-Lucien Bussa. This strategic move aims to strengthen his position in the political landscape, particularly in the face of the rising influence of UDPS/Tshisekedi. The new platform, comprising 231 elected officials, seeks to consolidate power and secure a significant role in future political discussions, especially concerning the position of Prime Minister. The development is closely watched by political observers as it could shift the balance of power in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Political Strategy Congolese Politics

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Mustapha Tossa is a journalist based in Paris, France.

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Mustapha Tossa est un journaliste franco-marocain né à Marrakech au Maroc le 28 mai 1963.

Il est diplômé de l’Institut supérieur de journalisme à Rabat1 promotion ...

Macron/Le Pen, the dangerous liaisons!

20 Sept 2024  |  aujourdhui.ma  |  French  |  Political Strategy

The article explores the complex and potentially strategic relationship between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, highlighting how Macron's political maneuvers have inadvertently strengthened the far-right in France. It discusses the influence of the Rassemblement National in French politics, particularly in the context of recent elections, and speculates on a possible secret deal between Macron and Le Pen to navigate a post-election period without a clear majority. The piece critiques Macron's approach, suggesting it has led to a precarious political balance where the far-right holds significant sway.

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Political Strategy French Politics Macron-Le Pen Relations

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Brian Whitmore is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Putin's Plot Against America

22 Nov 2024  |  www.powervertical.org  |  English  |  Political Strategy

The article discusses the increasing mainstream belief among Russian elites that the United States is on the path to collapse, similar to the Soviet Union. This perspective, once fringe, is now supported by Kremlin policies. The discussion is framed around a podcast featuring Brian Whitmore, Mikhail Zygar, and John Sipher, exploring the seriousness of Putin's alleged plot against America, especially in the context of recent US elections. The narrative suggests a negative view of Putin's strategies and their implications for US-Russia relations.

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Political Strategy US-Russia Relations

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I cover political parties, labour, education policy, science and research, minorities, and human rights for The News International.

Writing On The Ballot? ‘Modi Raj’ Is Over

14 May 2024  |  The Friday Times  |  English  |  BJP Political Strategy

The article discusses the ongoing 2024 general elections in India, highlighting the declining prospects of the BJP, which is struggling to maintain its voter base amid low turnout and anti-incumbency sentiments. The BJP's focus on communal polarization has not yielded the desired results, and the party's slogan of crossing 400 seats has lost momentum. The Congress party appears to be gaining strength, while regional parties like YSR Congress and TMC are also performing well. The article suggests that the BJP's strategy, including PM Modi's rhetoric, is failing to resonate with voters, leading to a potential shift in the political landscape.

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BJP Political Strategy Indian General Elections 2024 Modi Government

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