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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Orange Chicken

 

 Ingredients:

Chicken:

  - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  - 1/2 cup cornstarch

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Vegetable oil for frying


Orange Sauce:

  - 1/2 cup orange juice

  - Zest of 1 orange

  - 1/4 cup soy sauce

  - 1/4 cup rice vinegar

  - 1/4 cup sugar

  - 2 tablespoons honey

  - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

  - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

  - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)


Instructions:

1.  Prepare the Chicken:

   - Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

   - Dredge each piece in cornstarch, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess.


2.  Fry the Chicken:

   - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 

   - Fry the chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).

   - Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.


3.   Make the Orange Sauce:

   - In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger.

   - Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

   - Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened.


4.   Combine and Serve:

   - Toss the fried chicken pieces in the orange sauce until they are well coated.

   - Serve hot, garnished with orange slices, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.






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