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Israel Had a Disorienting 2025. What Comes Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict Diplomacy Humanitarian Security Governance
  1. Israel felt a deep sense of disorientation in 2025, like vertigo, as familiar symbols of grief and protest suddenly disappeared.
  2. Some hostages have returned and are reintegrating into everyday life, even posting on Instagram, showing personal recoveries amid the trauma.
  3. Global attention moved away, leaving Israelis to pick up the pieces and figure out what comes next on their own.

South Sudanese refugee throws himself and 18 year-old Iranian girl in front of a Hamburg underground train in the latest act of diversity to enrich the Federal Republic of Germany

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 297 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Migration Refugees Immigration Policy Asylum Policy European Politics
  1. A 25-year-old man who had been resettled from a Kenyan refugee camp allegedly pulled an 18-year-old Iranian woman onto a Hamburg subway track and both were killed.
  2. He was reportedly known to police for prior aggression, had been arrested and released shortly before the incident, and was identified as a UN resettlement refugee brought to Germany in 2024.
  3. Reactions were split: some media focused on platform safety or his legal residence, while right-wing voices blamed asylum policy, and there is a view that resettlement programs and official reluctance to link crime with migrants are responsible.

EU set to embrace migrant offshoring hubs at today's summit

Gulf Stream Blues • 39 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Migration policy Political Reforms International relations
  1. The EU is considering offshore migrant hubs to deport asylum seekers faster. This is a change from their previous stance that deemed such actions illegal.
  2. Leaders like Italy's Prime Minister Meloni support this approach, aimed at sending migrants to countries like Albania, which are not part of the EU.
  3. There are mixed opinions among EU countries about this plan, with some fearing it may violate international law and not effectively address the root migration issues.

Bound to Lose

John’s Substack • 16 implied HN points • 14 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East Foreign Policy US Policy Lobbying Geopolitics Military Strategy
  1. A military campaign by the US and Israel against Iran is portrayed as likely to fail and unwinnable.
  2. The Israel lobby is described as a powerful force that shapes and steers US foreign policy decisions.
  3. Those two points are connected: the lobby’s influence helps drive policies that increase the chances of entering a costly, hard-to-win conflict with Iran.

Special Anniversary Report: The Future of the SMO [Part 1]

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 5195 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War Conflict Military Strategy
  1. The author has written over 1 million words in a year, equivalent to more than 10 novels, showing a high output of well-researched content.
  2. The report delves into Ukraine's potential to turn the conflict around and the strategies of the US and allies to catch up in the evolving modern battlefield.
  3. The author's previous articles on Russia's offensive strategies provide valuable insights into the current state of the conflict and future developments.
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Explosive Investigation Uncovers a Global Shadow Government’s Secret Control Over “Elected” Governments & Public Health Bodies, Forging a Global Vaccine Regime

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 4618 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Pandemic Preparedness
  1. Wealthy organizations influence public policies through infrastructure like a global vaccine regime.
  2. There is a shadow government controlling elected governments and public health bodies.
  3. The vaccine regime is structured around wealthy investors and foundations using public money.

Note to Readers & a Twitter War News List

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 80 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Geopolitics Security Foreign Policy War reporting
  1. Expect more frequent, shorter updates as the Iran war evolves, with quicker notes during active phases.
  2. The conflict could become dangerously large in scope — Israel might be at risk if Iran’s missile advantage overwhelms defenses and the fighting escalates.
  3. A public, actively curated Twitter/X list of Middle East sources is available for real-time tracking; it mixes opinionated and analytical feeds and often posts official announcements and cell-phone footage, so use judgment when following.

Putin's Hungarian

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics European Union Political Leadership Foreign Policy
  1. Viktor OrbĂĄn is now leading the EU for six months, but he's got a close relationship with Russia, making him an outsider in European politics.
  2. OrbĂĄn suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his request doesn't align with EU policies and seems irrational given the past invasions.
  3. He's faced criticism for undermining EU values and institutions, raising concerns about the potential impacts on Europe during his presidency.

Backlash: Seek Truth from Facts

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Immigration Populism Elections Policy Public Opinion Governance
  1. The idea that higher immigration inevitably triggers a political backlash that sharply reduces future immigration is speculative and often overstated; real-world outcomes can surprise predictions.
  2. People are overconfident about both the direction and size of political effects: populist victories can happen without high immigration, and when they happen they don’t always lead to big cuts in immigration.
  3. If you truly support open immigration, treat it as a core moral and practical priority and demand strong empirical evidence of massive political blowback before changing course, because many nominal supporters are easily swayed by minor events.

Deadlocks and Credibility

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy International relations Geopolitics Diplomacy Security Conflict
  1. The usual worry that countries will take a deal and then betray it is backward; leaders often refuse even to pretend to negotiate on core principles, and that refusal is what keeps many deadlocks in place.
  2. Publicly changing a fundamental stance would be a credible signal of real internal change and would likely trigger major domestic upheaval, so such shifts are rare and unlikely to be mere tricks.
  3. Grandstanding and ideals (Idealpolitik) shape international behavior more than cynical bargaining, so simple payoffs or bribes usually won’t break entrenched conflicts.

DẼn thân ph᝼ng s᝹

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 5172 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Humanitarian Aid Healthcare Activism Global Cooperation
  1. During the COVID pandemic, people contributed funds for relief efforts in Vietnam, supporting various volunteer groups addressing different needs like food distribution, shopping for isolated families, and providing medical supplies.
  2. One standout individual, Dr. Lê Minh Ngọc, led a team in setting up a treatment center for severe COVID cases in Bình Dương, showcasing dedication and resourcefulness in the face of challenges.
  3. The story highlights the impact of selfless service by individuals like Dr. Ngọc and Dr. Mai, who left their jobs to help during a time of crisis, emphasizing the importance of such noble actions in society.

Centrism's Anger Problem

The Ruffian • 215 implied HN points • 07 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Political culture Public Opinion Political Scandals Populism Governance
  1. Centrism is an attitude that prizes calm, proportion, competence and evidence-based, practical problem-solving over emotional reactions.
  2. Because centrists avoid strong emotion, they struggle to express or channel public anger and can seem politically impotent when scandals or populist fury take hold.
  3. Focusing on episodic scandals or old revelations can distract from bigger, concrete problems like the economy, housing and public services, and some issues legitimately demand anger.

This Week in Canada: The Enemy of My Enemy Is My New Friend

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 352 implied HN points • 20 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Foreign Policy Geopolitics Canada China US Relations
  1. The prime minister’s visit to China is the first full official trip by a Canadian leader since 2017, marking a notable restart of high-level ties.
  2. Canada is leaning toward China because its relationship with the United States feels less predictable, and Ottawa wants more options and flexibility.
  3. The ceremonial reception and the deal Carney brought home show Canada is being pragmatic and willing to diversify partnerships after years of tension, including the collapse in relations following the detention of two Canadians.

An Uncomfortable, But Justified, War

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 58 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics U.S. Policy Middle East Iran Nuclear Weapons Military Action Regime Change Security
  1. A coordinated strike was justified as a way to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to degrade the leadership and military capabilities that posed long-term regional threats.
  2. War is tragic and should be rare, but a limited, targeted use of force to stop an existential threat is different from open-ended regime change; credible deterrence sometimes requires decisive action.
  3. Critics who insist diplomacy alone will suffice overlook how nuclear programs advance without coercive measures, and foreign policy choices are made at the national level rather than by local officials.

Weekend Update #170: Russian Advances Are Slower Than The Battle Of The Somme

Phillips’s Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 01 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Military Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Policy Sanctions Security
  1. Russia is suffering extremely high casualties while gaining very little territory, so its offensive is grinding forward at a slow and costly pace.
  2. Russia’s economy and technological base are weak and losing steam, making it hard for Moscow to sustain a successful long-term war effort.
  3. The U.S. president’s public closeness to Putin and optimistic portrayal of talks is giving Russia political cover, undermining tougher action and feeding Ukrainian mistrust.

Christ of the Ozarks

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5172 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Global Conflict Humanitarian Crisis Propaganda International relations
  1. Christ of the Ozarks is the tallest Jesus statue in the USA, standing at 67 feet tall in Arkansas.
  2. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where Christ of the Ozarks is located, has a unique blend of evangelical and LGBTQ communities coexisting for decades.
  3. The partnership between the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs and Israeli backers has brought controversial elements like Israeli bomb shelters to the religious complex, sparking discussions on politics, hate speech, and ideologies.

CCP Purges as Camp

ChinaTalk • 726 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Political Analysis International relations Authoritarianism Bureaucracy Corruption
  1. Xi Jinping has removed more officials from power than Mao, making purges a normal part of his leadership. This has created lots of gossip and speculation about who will rise or fall next in the political ranks.
  2. Bo Xilai's rise and fall resemble a dramatic story with elements of revenge and intrigue. His ambitious nature and controversial actions caused friction with other party members and led to his ultimate downfall.
  3. The drama and excess of Chinese politics can make events feel very theatrical. Many past feuds and conflicts echo historical struggles, making the current political scene a blend of old rivalries and modern politics.

Niall Ferguson: The Beginning of the End of the Ukraine-Russia War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Diplomacy Security Conflict Foreign Policy Peace process International Law
  1. The U.S. proposed a 28-point peace plan with a Thanksgiving deadline that is informal and being revised as talks continue.
  2. Negotiations have involved leaked documents, meetings in Geneva and Abu Dhabi, and many outside parties, while both sides keep fighting to gain leverage.
  3. Both Ukraine and Russia now need a respite from war, so this initiative may have a better chance of working than skeptics think.

Trudeau regime puts Canadian detective on trial for investigating link between infant deaths and mRNA vaccines

The Dossier • 8372 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Investigation Vaccines Media Legal Trial
  1. A Canadian detective is on trial for investigating a potential link between infant deaths and mRNA vaccines.
  2. The detective faced misconduct charges for inquiring about COVID-19 vaccination status of deceased infants' parents.
  3. The detective's trial was complicated by a leaked investigation, wiretap controversy, and allegations of a cover-up.

Spoils of War?

Doomberg • 382 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Energy Foreign Policy Economics Latin America
  1. A Pro Tier presentation called "Spoils of War? The Oil & Gas Potential of Venezuela" focuses on Venezuela's oil and gas resources and stresses their strategic importance, noting the timing is relevant because of recent events there.
  2. Venezuela's role in Trump's agenda has been highlighted as important, with attention to that connection going back to before his inauguration.
  3. The detailed analysis is behind a paywall and available only to Pro subscribers, requiring an upgrade or sign-in to access the full presentation.

Chris Hedges Live Documentary Q&A TODAY: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy

The Chris Hedges Report • 81 implied HN points • 21 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East Activism Social movements Human Rights Documentary Protests European Politics
  1. There's a live Q&A today at 3:00pm ET about the new film 'Resistance 101: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy'.
  2. Questions will be taken from the Substack comments and the live YouTube/X stream, so keep them direct and brief because long paragraphs won't be read.
  3. The post is public on Substack and invites subscriptions and sharing to support the work.

We Need To Talk About Judeo-Christian Terrorism

JoeWrote • 48 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Religious politics Human Rights Military operations Middle East
  1. The United States and Israel have carried out attacks that deliberately harm civilians, including repeat "double-tap" strikes, and these actions can be seen as state terrorism that causes horrific suffering.
  2. Extremist strains within parts of Christian and Jewish communities openly justify or celebrate mass violence, and that religious support helps legitimize and drive these attacks.
  3. Government justifications for war are often inconsistent or misleading, so people need to confront and challenge the political and religious supporters who defend these crimes.

Trump’s Best Friend in Europe May Lose His Election

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 217 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Elections Authoritarianism Populism Foreign Policy Europe Corruption
  1. Viktor Orbán has built a right‑wing supermajority and ruled for years, but his hold on power looks vulnerable and opponents could beat him in the April election.
  2. PĂŠter Magyar and his Tisza party have been doing grassroots relief like delivering firewood and shovels in poor villages, showing they can fill gaps left by the government and gain political momentum.
  3. OrbĂĄn is a key European ally of Donald Trump, so his potential defeat would have implications beyond Hungary and could reshape international political alignments.

Weekend Update #169: A Corruption Riddle Solved

Phillips’s Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Security Military Strategy Corruption
  1. The Board of Peace is built so its chairman has near-total control over large sums with little oversight, creating a clear risk that seized or donated funds could be funneled to the chair for personal or political use.
  2. Zelensky used his Davos speech to warn that the United States under Trump cannot be relied on, urging Europe to stop waiting for America, build its own strength, and recognize Ukraine’s central role in European security.
  3. Ukraine’s 2026 military plan aims to inflict very heavy Russian casualties—targeting up to 50,000 per month—while reducing Ukrainian losses through tighter management, precision operations, and intelligence-driven tactics.

Why I’m setting up a new free speech campaign (and how you can help!)

Samstack • 922 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Free speech Civil Liberties Human Rights Political Advocacy UK politics
  1. A new non-partisan UK free-speech campaign is launching and asking people to support it by sharing the launch video, joining the mailing list, or donating.
  2. Current UK speech laws and policing are seen as overbroad, with people from across the political spectrum being arrested for offensive posts or protests, so practical reforms (like defaulting to voluntary interviews and pursuing a Free Speech Act) are proposed to add legal friction and prevent abuse.
  3. There is reason to believe prosecutions for offensive speech can be counterproductive—creating martyrs, increasing harm, and failing to reduce hate—so social consequences and counterspeech are often preferable to criminal penalties.

China Plays Putin

Diane Francis • 1019 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics China Russia Ukraine NATO International relations
  1. The G7 has imposed sanctions on Russia, leading to economic troubles for them. Russians are struggling to buy dollars because of this.
  2. Ukraine is strengthening its security by signing deals with the U.S. and NATO countries, aiming to become a NATO member soon.
  3. China is benefiting from Russia's situation by buying cheap Russian oil and selling them consumer goods, making Russia more dependent on China.

I was just given a lifetime ban from Instagram for thanking Yemen for trying to stop the genocide of Palestinians.

The North Star with Shaun King • 4676 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Diplomacy Conflict Social media Censorship
  1. Shaun King was banned from Instagram for thanking Yemen for trying to stop the genocide of Palestinians.
  2. Meta's decision sets a dangerous precedent by deleting Shaun King's account and preventing any appeal.
  3. Shaun King stands by his support for Yemen and Palestine despite the unjust ban from Instagram.

Big Trouble Ahead in Iran

John’s Substack • 49 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Middle East Geopolitics Security Foreign Policy Military Nuclear policy
  1. The United States was pulled into the Iran war largely because of Israeli influence, and Iran did not pose a direct threat to the US.
  2. For the US and Israel to truly 'win' they'd need to remove Iran's leaders and install a government that answers to them, which is very unlikely.
  3. Iran only needs to survive politically to succeed; even heavy military damage won't matter if the regime endures or is replaced by a government that won't kowtow to the US and Israel.

The West will stand in the dock alongside Israel at the genocide court

Jonathan Cook • 4815 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide
  1. The West may face legal consequences for its support of Israel in the face of genocide allegations.
  2. Countries like the US and UK have supplied weapons to Israel, potentially making them complicit in the crisis.
  3. Israel's actions in Gaza are leading to humanitarian disaster, and the international community is being urged to act to prevent further harm.

Will China’s Latest Purge Come for Xi Jinping?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 264 implied HN points • 27 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics China Military Leadership Corruption Espionage Nuclear Security
  1. A top military leader was abruptly removed and accused of corruption and leaking nuclear secrets, marking a dramatic fall from grace.
  2. The move appears to be part of a wider anti-corruption campaign that can also be used to sideline rivals and tighten Xi Jinping’s grip on power.
  3. These purges raise questions about internal stability and possible factional battles at the top, with serious implications for military cohesion and international relations.

The Iranian Blood on Trump's (and Biden's) Hands

Nonzero Newsletter • 395 implied HN points • 17 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics US Policy Sanctions Middle East Human Rights Geopolitics Media Protests
  1. Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the harsh sanctions that followed, combined with Biden’s limited reversals, helped strengthen Iranian hardliners, deepen economic suffering, and contributed to deadly repression of protesters.
  2. Economic sanctions tend to backfire: they hurt ordinary people, fuel corruption and black markets, empower military elites like the Revolutionary Guards, and are both morally troubling and strategically counterproductive as a tool to induce regime change.
  3. Recent domestic events show political and media fallout—Trump’s vocal defense of the Renee Good shooting has lowered his approval ratings, and leadership changes at major outlets (e.g., Bari Weiss and potential Ellison influence) could shift how news organizations cover conflicts like Iran.

IS TRUMP A LIABILITY IN HIS OWN WAR?

Seymour Hersh • 45 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Military Strategy Intelligence Middle East Diplomacy Security
  1. His public remarks have revealed sensitive intelligence and likely put covert contacts inside Iran at risk, prompting searches and reprisals.
  2. Talking about bringing the Kurds into the fight could ignite ethnic conflict, since armed Kurdish groups seek autonomy and are already massed near borders.
  3. US intelligence officials worry that the president’s loose talk and poor judgment are undermining coordinated military and covert operations against Iran.

Lawrence Wong’s Words, Heard in Stereo

Pekingnology • 135 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Foreign Policy Geopolitics Security Great powers Southeast Asia Historical memory
  1. Small states need to be masters of their own destiny, relying on resilience, social cohesion, and a clear commitment to self‑defence rather than size alone.
  2. Historical memories and great‑power narratives strongly shape regional reactions, so remarks about Japan or China can be amplified and interpreted through emotional, national lenses.
  3. Practiced diplomatic balance matters: staying principled and flexible lets a small country avoid dependency or unnecessary antagonism while navigating rising China–Japan tensions.

What Will the Future Look Like in the ‘New World Order?’ (w/ John Mearsheimer) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 174 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Foreign Policy Security Alliances Diplomacy Great powers International Law
  1. A U.S. leader who favors unilateral use of military and economic power and dismisses international institutions and allies can dismantle the post‑war rules‑based order and leave the country isolated.
  2. The world has shifted from unipolarity to multipolarity with China as a formidable great power, making East Asia the primary strategic flashpoint and increasing the risk of dangerous crises despite deep economic ties.
  3. Eroding the rule of law at home and gutting soft‑power tools while doubling down on fossil‑fuel economics will weaken U.S. influence, harm long‑term competitiveness, and raise the chances of domestic authoritarianism or reckless foreign adventures.