The hottest Conflict Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

THE LOGIC OF A ‘RELIGIOUS REVENGE WAR’

Seymour Hersh • 33 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israeli military forces have been ordered to attack Gazans gathering for food, leading to many casualties. This shows a severe response to desperation during a humanitarian crisis.
  2. A senior officer's orders to shoot at civilians highlight extreme measures taken by some Israeli commanders. Many soldiers have accepted these orders without question.
  3. The situation reflects a wider issue of policy shaped by extremists in Israel, raising concerns about the future of peace and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

A History of Violence

Black Lodges • 58 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The ruling classes use manufactured consent to justify violence for profit.
  2. People are demanding action against oppressive systems, despite government opposition.
  3. Governments and media are quickly suppressing dissent and support for causes they oppose.

Sting – brought to you by Boeing and Raytheon

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Ukraine conflict is seen as similar to the Vietnam War - an unwinnable situation that needs celebrity endorsement for public support.
  2. Supporting Ukraine in the conflict inadvertently fuels the war machine, benefiting defense contractors like Boeing and Raytheon.
  3. The idea that Ukraine is a thriving liberal democracy is challenged, with a belief that the conflict serves the geopolitical interests of the West rather than aiming for a resolution.

"One Fine Son of a Bitch"

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Gen. George Patton had a knack for intuitive leadership, known as 'coup d’oeil,' allowing him to swiftly assess situations and make decisions.
  2. Patton, despite his rough exterior, showed humility and openness to learning from his mistakes, which endeared him to his soldiers and fostered loyalty.
  3. Patton valued competence over personal relationships, surrounding himself with individuals who could perform well, even if they disagreed with him.

Russians Accused of Doctoring Leaked Western Documents on Ukraine War

The Newsguy -- Steve Herman • 58 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Classified U.S. and NATO planning documents about the Ukraine war were leaked online and suspected of being altered by Russians.
  2. The leaked documents show altered casualty numbers to manipulate public opinion, especially in Russia.
  3. There are claims that the leaked documents were part of a propaganda operation by either side to mislead and gain advantage.
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2024 Year in Review (Part 2)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Ukraine's Kursk offensive showed that surprises are still possible in modern warfare. This campaign was unexpected and changed the course of their struggle.
  2. In the first half of 2024, Ukraine faced tough challenges due to reduced U.S. aid and heavy losses in battles. However, they adapted and found ways to fight back effectively.
  3. The Russian military strategy of micro-advances faced setbacks, allowing Ukraine to regroup and launch a strong counter-offensive later in the year.

The Moral Bankruptcy of the West

John’s Substack • 84 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Recent reports accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted these issues.
  2. Countries like the United States, Britain, and Germany, which claim to care about human rights, are seen as supporting these actions rather than stopping them.
  3. Many human rights advocates and the media in the West have been unusually silent about the situation in Gaza, raising questions about their moral stance.

The Six Big Questions of 2025

Phillips’s Newsletter • 81 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Ukraine is increasing its long-range weapons to target Russia more effectively. This means they are ready for deeper strikes, which could change the dynamics of the conflict.
  2. The focus will be on military production from both sides in 2025. This could determine who has the upper hand in the ongoing war.
  3. There are key questions that need answers to understand how the war will unfold in 2025. These questions are critical for predicting the future events in the conflict.

Putting Lipstick On A Pig

John’s Substack • 32 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israel's recent military efforts did not achieve their main goals. They were unable to stop Iran's nuclear program or change its government.
  2. Attacking Iran may have made things worse for Israel, as now Iran is more likely to develop nuclear weapons.
  3. Iran managed to strike back effectively, hurting Israel's defenses and showing they were ready for a prolonged fight.

The Gathering Storm

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The fall of the Soviet Union happened 30 years ago and was a big deal in history. It influenced how countries interact today.
  2. Vladimir Putin sees the collapse of the Soviet Union as a major loss for Russia. He believes it affected Russia's power and position in the world.
  3. The USSR's defeat in Afghanistan played a significant role in its downfall. It caused chaos that led to the eventual break-up of the country.

Israel’s Trojan Horse

The Chris Hedges Report • 189 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israel is using the guise of aid and a 'temporary pier' as a Trojan Horse to expel Palestinians, not to alleviate the famine in Gaza.
  2. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening due to Israel actively hindering aid operations and implementing restrictions that prevent essential supplies from reaching the population.
  3. The Biden administration's involvement in constructing the pier to aid Israel's agenda highlights the complicit role of the US in the ongoing genocide against Palestinians.

Israel is responsible for the food crisis in Gaza

Unreported Truths • 26 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israel has significantly weakened Hamas in Gaza, which has led to a power vacuum. This means Hamas can't provide basic services to people there.
  2. Gaza is facing a severe food crisis, with many civilians struggling to get access to food. This situation is leading to riots and more desperate actions.
  3. Israel now faces a tough choice: either truly take responsibility as an occupying power or allow Hamas to return to governing. The ongoing crisis puts Israel's reputation and ethics in jeopardy.

Trump's Futile Efforts to Find a Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine

John’s Substack • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Trump's efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine face strong opposition from European and Ukrainian leaders. It's clear that getting everyone to agree on a deal is very complicated.
  2. Russia is also not willing to compromise on its key demands, making it harder to find a resolution.
  3. Ultimately, it seems the conflict in Ukraine will likely be resolved through military means rather than diplomacy.

Ukraine Derangement Syndrome

John’s Substack • 8 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Ukraine is facing serious problems on the battlefield that are getting worse. It's important to recognize that things are not going well.
  2. Ukrainian and Western leaders seem to ignore this reality. They continue to act as if everything is fine, which seems unrealistic.
  3. There is a feeling that the situation is out of control, and that there are no clear solutions to improve it.

"Our Country Has Returned to Us"

The Weekly Gazette • 7 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Many Syrian refugees are returning home despite ongoing challenges and insecurity. They feel a strong connection to their homeland and hope for a better future there.
  2. The fall of the Assad regime gave many Syrians renewed hope, prompting a significant number to return quickly to their home country.
  3. Life in Syria remains tough, with ongoing issues like lack of basic services and overcrowded schools, but the sense of community and safety is encouraging for returnees.

IS ISRAEL ON THE VERGE OF ANNEXATION?

Seymour Hersh • 22 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israel's religious far-right is pushing for annexation of parts of Gaza, arguing that hostage situations shouldn't delay this move.
  2. Prime Minister Netanyahu is relying on support from these religious groups to maintain political power.
  3. There are strong demands to Hamas for hostages’ release, and if not met, Israel plans to proceed with annexation.

Palestine

David Friedman’s Substack • 233 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Individual rights should be considered in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with property rights for those affected by land seizures
  2. Considerations of intentions and actions guide the rights of immigration and use of force for both Israelis and Palestinians
  3. The conflict is fueled by perceptions of group rights over individual rights, hindering resolution

A Requiem For Ba'athism (Part 3 of 3)

Fisted by Foucault • 60 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Ba'athism, meant to unite Arabs, failed because tribal identities are stronger than national ones in many regions. People often identify more with their local tribes than a broader Arab identity.
  2. Religious differences present another challenge, as the intertwining of state and religion makes it hard for diverse groups to bond over a single national identity. This creates conflict among different confessions.
  3. The struggle for Ba'athist leadership between Syria and Iraq shows how internal divisions, personality clashes, and tribal loyalties made it difficult to create a unified movement in the Arab world.

Ukraine: The Self-Awareness of the Sacrificial Lamb (Part 2 of 2)

Fisted by Foucault • 174 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The conflict in Ukraine is escalating with the fall of the city Avdiivka to Russian forces, showing the severe impacts on domestic politics and international support.
  2. The US Senate's failure to agree on sending more money to Ukraine is seen as a significant setback for their battlefield capabilities and a source of growing despair among officials.
  3. Western media's shift towards accepting that Ukraine may not achieve maximalist goals in the war signifies a changing narrative on the feasibility of certain outcomes and the need for peace negotiations.

Fordow meets the B-2

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 26 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. During a heat wave in Paris, two friends deal with discomfort while waiting for news about repatriation flights from Israel. It's stressful for one of them, who is worried about her family back home.
  2. There was a significant event where an important facility in Iran was reportedly destroyed. This news brought relief to the friends, who were following developments closely.
  3. The situation in Iran is tense, with many people feeling exhausted and afraid. There's a mix of propaganda and fear among the citizens, and the long history of conflict weighs heavily on the current atmosphere.

The Death of Yahya Sinwar

Unpopular Front • 80 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Yahya Sinwar's death has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing cycle of violence in the region. While some celebrate his death, it won't bring lasting victory to Israel.
  2. Sinwar's legacy is marked by violence and suffering, particularly among the Palestinians he claimed to fight for. His methods often led to more harm than good for his people.
  3. The killing of Sinwar and others like him does not justify the widespread loss of innocent lives. It's crucial to remember that all individuals affected by this conflict have their own stories and humanity.

Who Should Run Gaza After the War?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Consider new leadership for Gaza post-Hamas destruction to promote a positive change in politics and society.
  2. Reconstruction aid for Gaza should empower a new elite who adhere to donor-set conditions, like not promoting hatred and funding civilian projects.
  3. Prioritize recruiting capable Palestinians with integrity to lead and spend aid properly for the benefit of the people, not extremist agendas.

Lebanon Ceasefire Gives Israel Victory in Gaza

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 70 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. The ceasefire with Hezbollah allowed Israel to focus on its actions in Gaza. This situation has lessened pressure on Israel and helped its military strategy.
  2. There are plans for Israeli settlers to occupy land in Gaza, which some see as an opportunity for real estate development amid ongoing conflict.
  3. Despite the violence, some Israeli leaders express a positive outlook on settling in Gaza, believing it could solve housing issues while ignoring the humanitarian crisis.

China’s Russia Dilemma

The Upheaval • 315 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. China has not yet sent any arms to Russia, despite alleged considerations.
  2. China is conflicted about supporting Russia due to conflicting economic and diplomatic interests.
  3. Chinese material military support could significantly impact the Ukraine conflict in Russia's favor.

Sorry everyone, I know I still owe you a response on the Gaza piece, but I've been distracted fighting with Holocaust (quasi) deniers and the Jews who defend them

Unreported Truths • 20 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Sometimes, war is necessary even though it puts civilians at risk. It's a tough choice countries have to make.
  2. The importance of understanding history is crucial. Denying or downplaying events like the Holocaust can lead to dangerous ideas.
  3. It's essential for nations to follow the laws of war. Protecting civilians should always be a priority, even during conflict.

Can Trump do a deal with Iran?

Comment is Freed • 68 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah offers a chance for better relations in the Middle East. This could lead to discussions about Gaza and possibly Israel recognizing Saudi Arabia.
  2. There is a possibility of talks between the U.S. and Iran, especially if Trump can position himself as a deal-maker. However, the complex history and current tensions make this challenging.
  3. Trump's approach to the Palestinian situation might not align with desires for full Palestinian rights. Normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel could depend on addressing these concerns.

Israel Attacks Iran: An Open Source Investigation

The Corbett Report • 25 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israel carried out attacks on Iran as part of a military operation, claiming it was necessary for its survival. This led to immediate retaliation from Iran using drones and missiles against Israel.
  2. The situation escalated from long-standing tensions over Iran's nuclear program, with accusations of Iran rapidly advancing toward creating nuclear weapons. In reality, many intelligence reports have suggested that Iran is not close to developing a nuclear bomb.
  3. Responses from international powers could shape the future of this conflict. Many countries, including Russia and China, condemned Israel's actions, which could lead to a broader regional war depending on how countries react going forward.

Lip Service To A Genocide?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 26 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Many Western leaders are seen as complicit in the suffering in Gaza. This complicity could have serious consequences for them.
  2. The term 'lip service' suggests that leaders might be merely paying lip service to address the ongoing tragedy, without taking real actions.
  3. There is a strong belief that these leaders will face backlash or accountability for their actions and inactions regarding the genocide.

October 7

72 Degrees North • 39 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The recent massacre in Israel was fueled by hatred towards Jews, not government actions.
  2. Ultimate fault is pinned on the capitalist world system, leading to poverty, miseducation, and violence.
  3. A global political realignment is happening, and it's crucial for the Left to prioritize support for vulnerable minorities like Jews.

Hamas attacks Israel

Comment is Freed • 204 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Hamas attacks on Israel were well planned and orchestrated, not impulsive responses to recent events.
  2. Israel is facing political backlash and may form an emergency unity government with opposition parties for support.
  3. The conflict with Hamas poses challenges for Israel in terms of security, containment, and potential involvement of other groups like Hezbollah.

End of Year Review: the Middle East

Comment is Freed • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The Middle East situation has been changing rapidly, especially with Iran's influence weakening and challenges faced by groups like Hamas and the Assad regime in Syria.
  2. Israel's strategy in the Gaza conflict has faced many criticisms, particularly for not clearly defining what victory looks like and for the high civilian casualty rates due to its military approaches.
  3. With leadership changes expected, particularly with Trump returning, the future of Israel-Palestine relations and Iran's stability could shift, bringing new challenges and potential for conflict.

ISREAL TO ENTER GAZA

Dana’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israeli ground forces will enter Gaza to attack and finish off Hamas
  2. Netanyahu seeks a national unity emergency government to address the crisis
  3. Israel is preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza despite the dense population and expected challenges

Our power over their pleasure

Discomfort zone • 39 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Be mindful of how good intentions of offering support can unintentionally lead to intrusion and co-dependency.
  2. It's crucial to prioritize defender security in civil society work to ensure the well-being of activists.
  3. Empowerment should focus on promoting equality and liberation for all, rather than creating elites within activist communities.

Israel: Beyond Deterrence

Comment is Freed • 185 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Israel's strategy is based on deterrence, showcasing ability to fight to avoid wars
  2. Deterrence in Israel involves both denial and punishment against adversaries like Hamas and Hezbollah
  3. Deterrence tactics vary between neighbors like Hezbollah and Hamas, with differing levels of effectiveness

THE FALL OF BASHAR ASSAD

Seymour Hersh • 60 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  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.

Britain admitted US/UK-backed Afghan Mujahideen were 'reactionary feudalists' driven primarily by class, not religion

Geopolitical Economy Report • 199 implied HN points • 04 Sep 21
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. British and US backed Afghan Mujahideen were motivated by class issues, not religion, as they resisted socialist reforms in Afghanistan.
  2. The US and UK orchestrated a strategy, starting in the 1970s, to draw the Soviet Union into the 'Afghan trap' by supporting far-right Islamist elements.
  3. Britain acknowledged in 1980 that Afghan Mujahideen fought against land reforms and wealth redistribution policies, revealing the conflict's class nature rather than purely religious.

Clearpill yourself on Gaza

Gray Mirror • 178 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The ethical way to handle a civilian in a war zone is to get them out of the war zone.
  2. Policy derived from genuine concern is more moral than policy influenced by popular narratives.
  3. Turn off your feelings and focus on practical, ethical solutions when addressing complex geopolitical issues.