Aaron Mate

Aaron Maté's Substack focuses on critical analysis of US foreign policy, especially regarding Israel, Ukraine, and Syria. It explores US actions in these regions, allegations of misinformation, and the implications on international law and humanitarian conditions. Maté's reporting often critiques mainstream narratives and highlights geopolitical strategies.

US Foreign Policy Israel-Palestine Conflict Ukraine Conflict Syrian Civil War Geopolitical Strategies Media Misinformation Humanitarian Issues International Law

The hottest Substack posts of Aaron Mate

And their main takeaways

Zelensky’s hostility to peace triggers White House meltdown

700 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign affairs Diplomacy Military Aid International Conflict
  1. Zelensky showed anger towards US leaders when they suggested negotiating peace with Russia. He insisted there would be no compromises, showing a strong unwillingness to consider diplomacy.
  2. Zelensky has made misleading statements about his interactions with Putin, claiming agreements were ignored when in fact there were some exchanges. This raises questions about his commitment to peace.
  3. The recent conflict between Zelensky and US leaders indicates a shift in US support. There's a growing concern that Zelensky's approach may not be beneficial and could impact the future of Ukraine's relations with the US.

As US floats revival of Istanbul talks, Zelensky and Starmer scramble

100 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Conflict International relations Political Leadership Geopolitics
  1. The US is considering restarting peace talks that were previously halted in Istanbul. This might open new discussions about resolving tensions.
  2. Zelensky and Starmer are actively trying to persuade Trump to support continued military action. They appear to be concerned about losing momentum in their efforts.
  3. The situation is dynamic as different leaders are scrambling to respond to changes in the political landscape. This could impact international relations significantly.

Admitting that Russia was provoked, Trump admin tells Ukraine war’s forbidden truth

251 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Election International relations Media
  1. Trump criticized Zelensky for not making a deal with Russia before the invasion, suggesting he had the chance to resolve the conflict sooner.
  2. Zelensky accused Trump of spreading false information while Trump pointed out uncomfortable truths about the war.
  3. As Trump looks to end the conflict, he’s moving away from the common narratives used to justify the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

Trump abandons Zelensky, triggering proxy war meltdown

176 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Government Political Commentary National Security
  1. Trump believes that Zelensky could have prevented the war in Ukraine. This suggests that there may have been choices to avoid conflict.
  2. The statement indicates a significant change in U.S. support for Ukraine, which could lead to instability in the region.
  3. This situation may affect how future relationships between the U.S. and Ukraine develop, especially in terms of military aid and diplomatic support.
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As Trump talks peace, Ukraine and NATO learn their place

215 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Diplomacy NATO War
  1. Trump is pushing for direct negotiations with Russia to end the Ukraine war, suggesting that past strategies didn't work. He believes NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely, which marks a shift from previous U.S. positions.
  2. Recent comments from U.S. officials indicate a cooling relationship with NATO regarding Ukraine, showing a different approach than what Biden had.
  3. The recent talks and plans show a significant change in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing more direct communication with Russia while sidelining Ukraine's role.

In Ukraine, USAID aids US hegemony

204 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Aid Government Policy International relations Propaganda Humanitarian Aid
  1. The cuts to USAID by the Trump administration have hurt global relief programs that many depend on for help. This has left some critical health programs in a difficult situation.
  2. USAID is not just about helping people; it can also be used to destabilize countries and push propaganda. This means it might not always be acting in good faith.
  3. In places like Ukraine, USAID has played a big role in U.S. strategies aimed at weakening Russia, highlighting its dual purpose of aiding both humanitarian efforts and political goals.

Tulsi Gabbard confirmed; Trump threatens Gaza ceasefire

148 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Intelligence Elections Diplomacy Conflict
  1. Tulsi Gabbard is now in charge of US intelligence, despite previous criticisms about her views on intelligence. It's a surprising turn of events for someone who often went against mainstream narratives.
  2. Trump is putting pressure on the ceasefire deal in Gaza, which could have significant implications for the region. His stance may affect ongoing peace efforts.
  3. The discussion includes perspectives from various commentators, highlighting different views on these political developments. It's important to hear differing opinions for a better understanding of the situation.

Despite smear campaign, Tulsi Gabbard is not at odds with US intel on Syria

258 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Relations Intelligence Community Foreign Policy Military Affairs
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has been criticized for her views on Syria, with some claiming she is not aligned with US intelligence. However, her statements often match the intelligence community's skepticism about certain chemical weapons allegations against the Assad government.
  2. Gabbard has expressed concerns that overthrowing Assad could lead to chaos in Syria, potentially empowering extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. This viewpoint was echoed by former President Trump when he halted CIA support for rebel groups in Syria.
  3. The accusations against Gabbard often stem from her past meeting with Assad and her criticism of US military actions. She argues that skepticism should be exercised when decisions about war are made based on potentially flawed intelligence.

Trump's farcical Gaza plan masks ongoing Israeli-made disaster

160 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Political Analysis Trump administration
  1. Trump's Gaza plan is seen as unrealistic and not genuine. It seems to hide the real problems happening in Gaza.
  2. The issues in Gaza are often linked to actions taken by Israel, making life hard for its people.
  3. Some believe that Trump's plan supports Netanyahu's goals, which could make the situation in Gaza worse.

Backlash to Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel in top intel jobs falls flat

193 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Political Analysis Political parties Public Opinion
  1. Tulsi Gabbard referenced whistleblowers who challenged a cover-up related to chemical weapons in Syria. This shows her willingness to address controversial issues.
  2. Kash Patel, known for exposing FBI wrongdoing, has faced little serious backlash despite his previous criticisms. This reflects a shift in the political landscape regarding intelligence roles.
  3. The reactions to Gabbard and Patel's positions indicate a change in public perception towards more open discussions of past intelligence controversies. It suggests that people might be more receptive to their viewpoints now.

In Ukraine, top US official admits that “success” meant “suffering”

174 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy War Government International relations
  1. A top US official acknowledged that the term 'success' in Ukraine often means more suffering for the people involved. It's a harsh truth about the reality of war.
  2. The Biden administration and Kyiv are facing tough decisions about whether to engage in diplomatic talks or continue their current strategy.
  3. Mixed messages from Donald Trump add confusion to the US's position on Ukraine, affecting future policies and discussions.

FBI still hiding key Russiagate details, newly released document shows

256 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Investigations Government Elections Security Media
  1. The FBI still won't release important details about its investigation into Trump and Russia after all these years. This ongoing secrecy raises questions about the evidence that started it all.
  2. A document from 2017 suggests the FBI investigated Trump due to concerns he could be acting on behalf of Russia. However, many parts of this document have been redacted, leaving us in the dark about the reasons for the investigation.
  3. Several events led to this investigation, including the firing of FBI Director Comey. Despite this, the investigation's conclusions did not find any evidence of Trump colluding with Russia in election interference.

Trump’s choice in Ukraine: make peace, or ‘crush the Russians’

176 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diplomacy Elections Foreign Policy Political Commentary US-Russia relations
  1. Trump wants to make peace in Ukraine and plans to meet with Putin to discuss it. He believes the conflict needs to be resolved as it’s become a disaster.
  2. This approach is very different from the current U.S. administration, which is hesitant to engage with Russia diplomatically.
  3. While many view Russia's actions as aggressive, Trump thinks there should be a conversation to find a resolution rather than continuing the war.

US helps Syria’s ruling Al Qaeda offshoot while punishing its people

261 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Human Rights Sanctions Counterterrorism
  1. The US labeled Syria's Al Qaeda group as terrorists but still supported them. This support continued even though the US also imposed sanctions that hurt ordinary Syrian people.
  2. Recently, the US has recognized a new Syrian government linked to Al Qaeda while continuing to impose harsh sanctions on civilians. This creates a confusing situation where the US is helping militant leaders instead of the Syrian population.
  3. As the US expands its presence in Syria and keeps sanctions, they acknowledge the damage done to ordinary Syrians. Many are now calling for these sanctions to be lifted to help rebuild the country's economy.

In Syria dirty war, “our side” has won

311 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Intervention Government Middle East
  1. The US led a campaign to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, funding and training various groups, including those with ties to Al Qaeda. This involvement has led to significant changes in Syria's political landscape.
  2. After over a decade of conflict, a group once part of Al Qaeda has now taken over in Syria, raising concerns about their intentions and the future for minority groups in the country.
  3. The aftermath of this regime change has left Syria in devastation, with many people suffering from the consequences of both Assad's rule and the conflicts fueled by outside powers.

Trump says Biden blocked Ukraine peace deal; Russiagate origins still hidden

135 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Investigations Government National Security
  1. Trump claims that Biden prevented a peace deal in Ukraine, suggesting that there are significant political barriers to resolving the conflict. This statement aligns with the views of others who believe the U.S. stance has obstructed peace efforts.
  2. The FBI is still not revealing important information regarding the origins of the Russiagate investigation. This lack of transparency raises questions about what really happened during that time.
  3. These issues highlight ongoing political tensions and the complicated nature of U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and domestic investigations. There's a sense of frustration over how both subjects are being handled.

Devoted to "weaker" Russia, exiting Biden team finds "strength" in Ukraine

192 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Geopolitics Government International relations
  1. Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, believes that the U.S. is in a strong position globally as power dynamics change.
  2. He claims that Russia is struggling and has failed in its efforts in Ukraine, suggesting that they are weaker than before.
  3. However, some of his statements seem to simplify or misrepresent what Russia's actual goals have been since the conflict began.

In Syria, US "learns" that it has deployed 1,000+ more troops

170 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Foreign Policy Syria Deployment
  1. The US has secretly increased its troop presence in Syria by over 1,000 soldiers. This means there are more American troops than the public was previously told.
  2. This increase is happening as Syria is figuring out its future after the Assad regime. It's a complex situation that impacts the region.
  3. The Pentagon is now claiming it has 'learned' about these additional troops, which raises questions about transparency in military operations.

Touting ceasefire in Lebanon, Biden shares “vision” for permanent US-Israeli aggression

251 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military conflict Diplomacy
  1. Biden announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, but it's believed to not really solve the ongoing conflict. Many think that the truce will just lead to more violence later.
  2. Biden's plan for peace in the Middle East seems to focus heavily on supporting Israel, while many are skeptical about the future for a Palestinian state. Many global leaders believe the US stance blocks real solutions.
  3. Despite claims of wanting peace, Biden's actions have often ended up supporting Israeli aggression and neglecting Palestinian rights. Critics argue this harms overall peace efforts in the region.

Will US collect its $10 million bounty on former AQ leader in Syria?

150 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Human Rights International relations
  1. The US has a $10 million bounty on a former Al Qaeda leader in Syria, raising questions about whether they will collect it. This situation highlights the troubles of the ongoing conflict in the region.
  2. Israel has faced criticism for denying Palestinians their right to self-determination and has been accused of causing a high civilian toll in its military actions in Gaza.
  3. There is debate around Iran's involvement in the Middle East, as some view it as a more reasonable actor compared to Israel, particularly regarding peace proposals that include a Palestinian state.

Biden and Netanyahu’s endless war for US-Israeli supremacy

392 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy International relations Political alliances
  1. The US and Israeli governments are working together to maintain their power in the Middle East. They support actions that weaken groups like Hezbollah and Iran to keep control.
  2. Recent conflicts, like the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, are being used by Israel to push forward aggressive policies. The US backs Israel's military actions, seeing it as a way to reshape the region.
  3. There are signs of internal disagreement within the US government about the strategy in the Middle East. Some officials worry that the current approach could lead to more overall conflict.

Seeking long war in Ukraine, Biden approves long-range strikes into Russia

186 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations
  1. Biden has allowed Ukraine to use long-range missiles, even though he was worried about it before. This decision marks a big step in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  2. Biden has privately expressed concerns that Ukrainian President Zelensky is asking for too much military support, fearing it could escalate to a larger war.
  3. With Trump set to take over soon, Biden seems to be making these choices to solidify his stance on the Ukraine situation before leaving office.

Proxy wars in Syria, Lebanon, Ukraine overlap and explode

136 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Proxy wars Middle East Eastern Europe Terrorism
  1. Proxy wars in places like Syria, Lebanon, and Ukraine are connected and worsen each other. This means that fighting in one area can spill over into another and create more chaos.
  2. As a result of these conflicts, groups like Al Qaeda can take advantage and gain control of more areas, leading to new crises. This shows how interconnected these wars can be.
  3. The actions of major powers, like the CIA and Israel, are often behind these conflicts, showing how international interests can shape local battles and instability.

With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Congress Political strategy International relations
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

Zelensky left stranded; Bill Clinton's bigotry

208 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaigns Foreign Policy Political Commentary Government Relations Public Opinion
  1. Zelensky is upset because his request for Tomahawk missiles was leaked by the White House. This has made him feel unsupported in a tough situation.
  2. Bill Clinton is showing his support for Israel, even in the face of widespread criticism about the violence against Palestinians. This highlights his controversial stance on the matter.
  3. These events reflect ongoing tensions in international relations and how leaders respond to them, making it clear that political alliances can have serious consequences.

Proxy warriors float nukes, troops for Ukraine

129 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Military Strategy Geopolitical Tensions Conflict analysis
  1. NATO countries are using strong and risky language as Russia makes gains in Ukraine. This kind of talk can make a bad situation even worse.
  2. The concept of 'proxy warriors' suggests that other countries might send weapons or troops to further the conflict without directly getting involved themselves.
  3. The situation in Ukraine highlights the dangers of escalating military involvement, especially regarding nuclear weapons and troop deployments.

Trump's cabinet is Israel First

153 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Foreign Relations Political Commentary Government
  1. Trump's cabinet focuses heavily on supporting Israel. This shows a strong alignment with Israeli interests rather than American ones.
  2. Critics argue that Trump’s claim of 'America First' is misleading because many of his policies prioritize Israel.
  3. The recent political outcomes suggest that Democrats have not learned from their past mistakes, leading to continued losses.

Biden's parting Ukrainian sacrifice

139 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Actions Political Analysis International relations Crisis response
  1. The US is allowing long-range strikes into Russia, and the UK is supporting this decision. This could escalate tensions in the region.
  2. Ukraine seems to be caught in the middle of these decisions, often paying the highest price. It highlights the cost of being involved in global conflicts.
  3. Biden's administration appears to be making bold choices as it wraps up its term, which raises concerns about the implications for Ukraine's future.

Zelensky’s 'Victory Plan' is a sign of defeat

200 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Diplomacy Security
  1. Zelensky warned that some Western countries wanted a long war in Ukraine, even if it meant Ukraine could suffer severely.
  2. He chose to ignore this warning and sided with Western leaders who pushed for ongoing fighting instead of peace.
  3. Now, Zelensky seems to be facing the consequences of that choice, feeling abandoned by those same allies he listened to.

In Trump camp, neocons abound

149 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Foreign Policy Elections Political Campaigns
  1. Trump says he wants peace in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. However, his supporters and donors seem to have different plans.
  2. Neocons, who usually push for aggressive foreign policies, are influential in Trump's inner circle.
  3. There may be a conflict between Trump's public statements about peace and the more hawkish agenda of his closest allies.

The Biden doctrine in Gaza: bomb, starve, conceal, deceive

392 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Crisis International relations
  1. The US is deploying military aid to Gaza as a public relations stunt, while hiding weapons transfers to Israel.
  2. The aid delivery to Gaza, touted by Biden, is a ruse that serves to prolong Israel's attacks and doesn't address the root issue.
  3. The White House is backing Israel's blockade of Gaza and expediting arms transfers in contradiction to public statements, focusing on political optics rather than real aid.

For Biden, ending Israel’s mass murder in Gaza is a ‘non-starter’

314 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Conflict resolution Humanitarian Aid Global Alliances
  1. Biden's White House supports Israel's military operations in Gaza, even if they harm civilians, and is not planning to punish Israel for any actions in Rafah.
  2. The Biden administration is continuing to provide weapons and support to Israel, rather than using its influence to demand an end to the assault on Gaza.
  3. The US and its allies are suspending funding for UNRWA and blocking vital aid to Gaza, showing an alignment with Israel's actions and a lack of support for Palestinian well-being.

Leaked German plot to attack Russia spoils Nuland's 'surprise'

254 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics International
  1. Victoria Nuland promised surprises for Russia on the battlefield, both nice and nasty, but her plans were spoiled by leaked German plot.
  2. Western proxy warriors received the surprise first before Nuland could execute her strategy.
  3. The embarrassing leaks from Germany led to Nuland's resignation and disrupted the unfolding events in the Ukrainian battlefield.