Seymour Hersh

Seymour Hersh's Substack covers global political and military affairs with a focus on secret operations, geopolitical dynamics, and the United States' role in international conflicts. It offers deep dives into covert actions, critiques of foreign policy decisions, and revelations about intelligence operations.

Geopolitical Conflicts US Foreign Policy Military and Intelligence Operations Political Dynamics and Leaders Covert Operations and Secrecy Media and Journalism Historical Political Events

The hottest Substack posts of Seymour Hersh

And their main takeaways

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Leadership Policy Military Government
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.

'ZERO EMPATHY, ZERO SHAME'

43 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Political Ideologies Leadership Policy
  1. The federal budget can be cut more wisely, starting with reducing military spending like the F-35 program, instead of cutting essential services.
  2. Trump believes he has unlimited power as president, which raises concerns about his intentions for another term.
  3. Elon Musk's young team in the Treasury Department may be using their skills in ways that benefit him financially, raising questions about ethics in government contracts.

NORD STREAM AND THE FAILURES OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

43 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Political parties Public Policy Media
  1. The Biden administration has faced serious criticism during its leadership. Many believe that Biden's lack of visibility in his physical and mental capabilities hindered the party's ability to present a strong candidate.
  2. Donald Trump's return to power seems tied to Biden's failures. Some people think the Democratic Party was slow to respond to the need for a new candidate as Biden struggled.
  3. Elon Musk's influence has grown in the political sphere. There are concerns about how much control he has over key government positions and what that means for democracy.

TRUMP’S POWER GRAB

39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Political parties Leadership
  1. President Trump has taken control of the USAID, shutting it down abruptly which puts many employees out of work. This shows how quickly he can change important government services.
  2. Trump is seen as someone who is trying to reduce government programs that help people, following a pattern that past Republican presidents have set. This means he might focus more on benefiting his wealthy supporters.
  3. His recent actions are not new but rather part of a long history of Republican leaders wanting to cut bureaucracy and services, often at the expense of citizens. It's a trend that many are concerned about.
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WHAT WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE PRESIDENTS WE ELECT

83 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Presidency Political History Political Analysis
  1. Presidents can be surprising; it's hard to know if they will promote peace or conflict. Actions can differ from what they say during elections.
  2. Former presidents can influence current events, and new leaders may work together for peace despite their past differences.
  3. Historical examples show that popular figures may not always act in ways that align with their public personas. It's important to critically assess their actions.

TRUMP'S FIRST COVID MISTAKE

43 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Pandemic response Intelligence Health Policy Government Accountability
  1. There was early intelligence about the COVID virus from Wuhan that indicated urgent action was needed. However, the response from leadership was slow and ineffective.
  2. The U.S. intelligence community had credible sources warning about a laboratory accident in Wuhan, but this information was not acted upon promptly.
  3. Many critical studies and warnings from health experts were reportedly erased from records to protect the president, suggesting a significant mismanagement of the crisis.

WILL TRUMP SIDE WITH THE HARDLINERS ON RUSSIA?

30 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Presidency Political parties Public Opinion Foreign Policy
  1. The writer suggests that President Biden is showing signs of memory issues and confusion, which could impact his ability to serve. Many people close to him have observed his difficulties, making it a significant concern.
  2. Biden's poor performance in a debate against Trump highlighted his struggles and led to speculations about him not running for a second term. This decision seemed to come too late for a proper selection of a successor.
  3. There are questions about Trump's future decisions, especially regarding his stance on Russia, and whether he will align with more extreme views within his party. This could shape foreign policy in the coming years.

KILLING FOR KILLING’S SAKE IN GAZA

47 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Military Policy Human Rights
  1. Gaza has become a dangerous place with extreme violence, largely due to the actions of the Israeli military. Many civilians are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict.
  2. The leadership within the Israeli Defense Forces is shifting, with many officers coming from settlements and carrying strong religious beliefs. They often view all Palestinians as threats.
  3. There are alarming reports of military orders to kill Palestinians indiscriminately. This situation reflects a severe breakdown in morality and has turned into what some see as a chaotic and fanatical effort.

THE SCENE OF THE CRIME

54 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💾 History War history Vietnam War Journalism Political History
  1. The My Lai massacre during the Vietnam War involved the brutal killing of civilians, including women and children, by American soldiers who believed they were following orders. This horrific event revealed the dark side of war and highlighted how soldiers could become desensitized to violence.
  2. Many veterans left Vietnam with deep psychological scars and guilt, questioning their actions and the morality of the war. Some, like Paul Meadlo, openly expressed remorse for their involvement in the killings.
  3. The aftermath of My Lai not only fueled anti-war sentiment in the U.S. but also led to a greater awareness of the need for accountability in military actions. It served as a reminder of the atrocities committed during war and the importance of protecting civilians.

JIMMY CARTER’S MIXED LEGACY

37 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Presidents History Political Legacy American Society Conflict
  1. Jimmy Carter was seen as a peace-seeker after his presidency, but during his time in office, he often acted like a hawk. He had a complex approach to foreign policy, trying to balance peace with military actions.
  2. Carter's legacy includes efforts to support human rights, which he championed more as an ex-president. His post-presidency work focused on humanitarian efforts around the world.
  3. His time in office faced many challenges, like the Iran hostage crisis, which affected how people viewed him. Carter's presidency was marked by both significant achievements and controversies.

THE FALL OF BASHAR ASSAD

60 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Diplomacy Terrorism Intelligence
  1. Bashar Assad's Syria had a complicated relationship with the US. Despite being labeled as a sponsor of terrorism, Syria was actually providing valuable intelligence against Al Qaeda.
  2. The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a controversial decision that didn't directly target the real source of terrorism, as Saddam Hussein was not associated with Islamist groups. This raised questions about the rationale behind the war.
  3. A little-known incident occurred during the Iraq War when American forces attacked Syrians on the border. Despite the deaths, Syria chose not to retaliate publicly, highlighting a tense but intricate geopolitical situation.

BIDEN’S LAST HURRAH AGAINST RUSSIA AND PUTIN

79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Military Affairs International relations Political strategy
  1. Biden is feeling frustrated as he deals with a tough situation in Ukraine while other Democratic leaders are stepping back from him. There are concerns about whether he can manage the ongoing conflict and his future as a president.
  2. He made controversial decisions to provide advanced weaponry to Ukraine, leading to escalations from Russia and raising fears of a larger global conflict. People are worried about the humanitarian impact of using landmines in the war.
  3. There's talk that Trump has been communicating informally with Putin about ways to potentially end the war. Some experts believe Putin is waiting for the right moment to negotiate, while Biden continues to face criticism for his foreign policy approach.

THE NEW CEASEFIRE EQUATION

29 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics Peace negotiations
  1. Saudi Arabia is getting involved in talks between Israel and Hamas, which could change how Gaza is rebuilt in the future. This is a new factor that hasn't been part of earlier negotiations.
  2. In exchange for support in rebuilding Gaza, Saudi Arabia might get defense deals with the U.S. to protect against Iran's nuclear threats. This includes the possibility of the U.S. providing a defense shield for Saudi Arabia.
  3. The talks involve the potential for a two-state solution, which Israel's leadership has generally rejected. However, there's cautious optimism about creating new political leadership for the Palestinians in Gaza.

BIBI UNBOWED

36 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Political Leadership Military Strategy Conflict analysis
  1. Netanyahu remains popular among the extreme religious right in Israel despite facing corruption charges. His political support appears strong even after significant military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
  2. Israel has seen increased military and financial backing from the U.S., which helps bolster Netanyahu's government amid a struggling economy.
  3. Netanyahu's family life seems complicated, with his sons living comfortably abroad while many peers serve in the military during ongoing conflicts.

THE ACCUSATIONS THAT COULD BRING BIBI DOWN

50 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Judiciary Corruption Media
  1. Benjamin Netanyahu is facing serious legal troubles due to allegations of corruption and misconduct. This could potentially end his time as Israel's prime minister.
  2. A respected judge has jailed several high-ranking officials as part of a growing investigation into Netanyahu's actions. The case involves sensitive military documents related to hostages.
  3. The Israeli press is engaged and angry about the situation, recognizing it might reveal how Netanyahu's decisions affected the fate of hostages and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

FORCE EVACUATION AND SMASH THE CAMPS

44 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Civil Rights Government Conflict International relations
  1. Israel is pushing many people from the north of Gaza to the south while bombing continues. This has led to a big crisis for those who can't leave.
  2. There are plans for more control over Gaza and the West Bank, with a strong push from Israel's religious right. They want to change the situation to eliminate the idea of a two-state solution.
  3. Violence against Arab communities in the West Bank is increasing, making daily life very difficult for many families there.

‘I WOULD HAVE DROPPED THREE NUCLEAR BOMBS’

43 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Military Strategy Political Commentary International relations
  1. The history of genocide influences current Israeli actions, leading to justification for extreme measures. Many Israeli leaders do not question this past influence.
  2. Some Israelis are unhappy with their government's actions, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, and believe he should face consequences for his corruption.
  3. The ongoing conflict impacts families directly, with many having served in the military and living under constant tension.

AFTER BIDEN

45 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political parties Public Opinion Leadership
  1. Many voters preferred Trump over a flawed Democratic candidate. They want a change in direction, especially regarding foreign policy.
  2. The past Democratic leadership choices are criticized for lacking strong vice presidential candidates. This may have weakened their political position.
  3. There’s a belief that Trump may persist in some of Biden's policies, particularly regarding support for Israel, despite wanting to change the approach towards Ukraine.

How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline

688 HN points • 08 Feb 23
  1. The United States executed a covert sea operation to take out the Nord Stream pipeline.
  2. The operation was kept secret until recently revealed by Seymour Hersh.
  3. The U.S. Navy's Diving and Salvage Center played a key role in the covert operation.

THE SEALS AND THE DHOW

94 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Military Intelligence Middle East Conflict Secrecy
  1. A Navy SEAL mission in the Gulf of Aden went wrong, resulting in two deaths and one critical injury due to a risky boarding attempt on a dhow suspected of carrying weaponry.
  2. The decision to proceed with the mission in rough seas, despite safety concerns, led to tragedy and prompted questions about the reasoning behind it.
  3. The outcome of the mission revealed outdated cargo not matching the initial intelligence, sparking criticism and calls for accountability within the SEAL community.

BIDEN'S BIBI PROBLEM

54 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Leaders Negotiations International relations Military Strategy
  1. President Joe Biden may face challenges winning re-election unless he retracts initial support for Israel and stands up to Netanyahu to push for a ceasefire and substantive peace talks.
  2. Lessons from Eugene McCarthy's anti-war stance can be applied to current political situations, emphasizing the importance of clear purpose and moral leadership in times of conflict.
  3. Potential peace terms for resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict include surrender of Hamas leaders, disarmament, release of hostages, humanitarian relief, and self-government for Gaza.

A REPORTER'S LAWYER

71 implied HN points • 25 Dec 23
📰 News Obituary Memory Journalism
  1. The post is a remembrance for a lawyer named Michael Nussbaum.
  2. The writer reflects on the importance of family and friends, especially during the holiday season.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial.

‘NETANYAHU IS FINISHED’

92 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Military Diplomacy Conflict Security Nationalism
  1. The belief that Netanyahu could control Hamas has led to a compromise in Israeli security.
  2. Decades ago, there was a policy of American presidents looking the other way as Israel built an atomic bomb.
  3. The post discusses recent events in Israel from the perspective of someone with inside knowledge of national security.

THE GENERAL WHO WOULD NOT BE SILENCED

48 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Intelligence Cold War Foreign Relations
  1. James C. Pfautz had a successful military career, flying combat missions in Vietnam and holding high-ranking positions in Air Force intelligence.
  2. Pfautz was known to push his staff hard, aiming for excellence in the intelligence work they produced.
  3. An intriguing story revolves around the 1983 shootdown of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 by a Soviet pilot, highlighting the critical question of whether the pilot knew he was targeting a commercial airliner.

THE MYSTERIES OF OCTOBER 7

81 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Terrorism
  1. Hamas released hostages and Israel bombed Gaza causing ongoing questions.
  2. A US Army colonel assigned to Jerusalem consulate couldn't travel to Gaza for his reporting mission.
  3. There are mysteries surrounding why Hamas attacked on October 7 and why were only a few Israeli soldiers on duty that morning.

NORD STREAM AND GERMANY’S SHRINKING ECONOMY

58 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Joe Biden
  1. The German economy has been affected by the lack of cheap Russian gas due to the Nord Stream pipeline disruption by Joe Biden.
  2. German politics is leaning towards the right, potentially influencing Western Europe.
  3. The rise of the German right may be linked to the consequences of actions on Nord Stream pipelines.

IT'S BIBI'S WAR

44 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel Middle East Conflict National Security
  1. The post discusses the concept of 'Bibi's War' in a broader context beyond just one individual's agenda.
  2. The importance of Israeli Air Force generals in providing insights and understanding the truth behind various issues in Israel.
  3. The post highlights the value of seeking information from reliable sources, even if it means going off the record for background information.

SUMMER OF THE HAWKS

87 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Saudi Arabia Russia France Africa
  1. Wishful thinking persists in Biden's foreign policy team amidst Ukraine conflict
  2. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan led an inconsequential peace summit in Saudi Arabia
  3. Acting Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland dealt with a coup in Niger with potential East-West implications