The hottest Conflict Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Moscow's Syria

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Ukrainian forces, with help from Syrian rebels, recently attacked Russian mercenaries in Syria. This move aimed to stop Russia from building its military presence there.
  2. Syria has turned into a messy situation for Moscow, acting as a training ground for various militants. Russian involvement in Syria has escalated conflicts in other regions too.
  3. There is a shared enemy among Syrians, Ukrainians, and the West regarding Russian aggression. This common goal has sparked cooperation between these groups against Russia.

Running towards danger

Wrong Side of History • 693 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
📰 News Conflict
  1. Ordinary people often run toward danger and stop or limit terrorist attacks, risking their own lives to save others.
  2. Those who act come from all walks of life—immigrants, tourists, servicemen, and even reformed offenders—and their quick decisions can prevent mass casualties.
  3. Such bravery can carry terrible personal cost, including serious injury or death, but it also brings public gratitude, awards, and community support.

L’affaire Dokoupil: Is Ta-Nehisi Coates deeply ignorant, a bigoted antisemite, or both?

Carolina Curmudgeon • 59 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Ta-Nehisi Coates faced criticism for his views on Israel in a recent book, which some believe are biased and factually incorrect.
  2. Tony Dokoupil, the CBS host who questioned Coates, was admonished by CBS News, sparking a debate about media standards and questioning important figures.
  3. The discussion around Coates' statements raises concerns about the portrayal of Israel, with some arguing that he presents a one-sided narrative that ignores broader context.

Israel Had a Disorienting 2025. What Comes Next?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 746 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  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.

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

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 5195 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  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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Note to Readers & a Twitter War News List

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 80 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  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.

Deadlocks and Credibility

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics 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.

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 Conflict
  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.

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 Conflict
  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.

Israel's two wars

Slow Boring • 6427 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The conflict in Israel involves two wars - one in Gaza and one in the West Bank.
  2. The Gaza war is seen as just despite its humanitarian toll, while the West Bank conflict is viewed as unjust.
  3. Efforts for a peaceful resolution involve complex political negotiations and the need for international diplomatic intervention.

Control the Food and You Control The World

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 3282 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Political leaders have used artificial food shortages to control populations throughout history.
  2. Famines like The Holodomor in Ukraine and Sri Lanka's recent crisis highlight intentional starvation tactics by governments.
  3. Support your local farmer, decentralize, and resist illegitimate government actions to combat globalist population control efforts.

Israel Assassinates More Journalists To Hide Its Planned War Crimes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2784 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Israel has been accused of assassinating journalists to hide its actions in Gaza. This suggests that the country is trying to prevent the world from seeing the truth about its military operations.
  2. The situation has led to many arrests in response to protests against Israel's actions. People, even elderly individuals, are being detained for showing support for those suffering in Gaza.
  3. Some opinions about supporting Israel are considered to be influenced by religious beliefs. This belief system can make it hard to have honest conversations about the situation.

When Iranian Missiles Interrupt Shabbat Dinner

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3501 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Living in a place with missile threats means having bomb shelters is very normal, even required for new buildings. It’s a way to feel safer in a dangerous environment.
  2. During tensions, everyday activities like hosting a dinner become acts of courage and normalcy. People still want to enjoy life despite the fear around them.
  3. When air raid sirens go off, some people can quickly get to their own safe spaces while others must rush to public shelters, highlighting a divide in safety.

The New York Times Finally Stops Avoiding The G-Word

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2854 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. A genocide scholar has admitted that Israel's actions in Gaza can be seen as genocide. This is important because it shows a shift in understanding among experts.
  2. The New York Times has changed its approach and is now starting to acknowledge the word 'genocide' in relation to Gaza. They previously avoided using this term despite evidence suggesting it.
  3. There is a growing public awareness and pushback against the narrative supporting Israel's actions, indicating a change in sentiment regarding the situation in Gaza.

Not Ready for the Big Leagues

imetatronink • 3007 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Protection of US Air Force bases is crucial in conflicts with certain countries.
  2. US stockpile of PAC-3 interceptors could be depleted quickly in a high-intensity conflict.
  3. The US military may not be adequately prepared for 21st-century high-intensity conflicts.

A Ramadan Starved By Genocide

Pen>Sword • 2116 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. During Ramadan, while many Muslims globally choose to fast, the people in Gaza have no choice but to starve due to genocide.
  2. Gaza faces severe food insecurity, with a majority experiencing famine, worsened by deliberate actions like destroying bakeries and controlling water supply.
  3. The Israeli regime's strategic actions to restrict aid, destroy food supplies, and target important infrastructure have intensified the starvation and suffering in Gaza, particularly during Ramadan.

PEACE IN OUR TIME

Entering The Lung • 5169 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The author expresses sadness over violence in Israel and Gaza and refuses to choose sides.
  2. The author loves people from all backgrounds and condemns those who fuel conflict.
  3. The author desires peace and unity among all people.

Top Links 949 The rubble of Gaza. African Brazil. Drunken Lectures and Pasolini on the flattening of Italy by consumerism.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Gaza has faced significant destruction, with much of the funding for this devastation coming from U.S. taxes.
  2. There is a focus on the cultural and social impact of consumerism in Italy, highlighting the negative effects it has on society.
  3. The connections between Africa and Brazil show unique historical influences and cultural ties that are worth exploring.

Top Links 964 Germany's little known-recession. China's connectors. Sudan's scale and slavery today.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🌐 International Conflict
  1. Germany's early-2000s recession was a significant but underrated turning point that reshaped parts of Europe’s economic landscape.
  2. China's growing network of infrastructure and trade 'connectors' is reshaping global supply chains and increasing its geopolitical influence.
  3. Sudan is facing large-scale violence and abuses amounting to modern forms of slavery, creating a severe humanitarian and human-rights crisis.

Zionism Is What It Does

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1979 implied HN points • 21 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Zionism is not just about Jewish self-determination; it has led to actions like genocide, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing in reality. It’s important to see what it truly represents today.
  2. Many people used to support Israel but are now distancing themselves due to its actions, which have contradicted the values they believe in.
  3. Some supporters of Israel have faith-based reasons for their stance, making rational debate difficult because their beliefs don’t rely on facts or evidence.

Gaza Isn't Starving, It Is Being Starved

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2449 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. People in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition because they are being deliberately starved, not because they lack food. The situation is a result of actions by those in power.
  2. The ongoing violence against civilians in Gaza is supported by Western governments, especially the United States, making it possible for these tragedies to continue.
  3. To help Gaza, we don't need complex solutions; we just need to allow aid and food to reach them. The existing systems to do so are there but are being blocked intentionally.

Aaron Bushnell and the Madness of Being Human in a Sick Society

Humanities in Revolt • 1337 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. In a sick society, conforming to culturally dominant opinions can be seen as normal, but it doesn't mean those opinions are virtuous or ethical.
  2. Being mentally well in a sick society might mean feeling lonely or isolated for having personal integrity and not conforming to societal norms.
  3. Recognizing and responding to moral catastrophes around us is a sign of mental well-being and fully developing our humanity.

Lost Cause Is in the Air

imetatronink • 4756 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The narrative surrounding the NATO/Russia war in Ukraine has shifted towards a recognition that the cause may be lost.
  2. The western media is now acknowledging the harsh realities of the conflict, with accounts of Ukrainian struggles becoming prominent.
  3. There was a significant miscalculation in believing NATO's capabilities could overpower Russia in the conflict.

Special Report: Emergency Situation as Prigozhin Goes Nuclear Option

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7713 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Important events are unfolding related to Prigozhin initiating a coup attempt.
  2. The situation has been developing for a while, potentially due to Prigozhin refusing to sign a contract with the Russian MOD.
  3. There are theories ranging from Prigozhin collaborating with enemies to orchestrating an internal coup within the Russian military.

Matti Friedman: Is Gaza Starving? Searching for the Truth in an Information War.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2035 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. There's a confusion about the truth during wars, making it hard for people to know what's really happening. This can lead to misunderstandings and anger.
  2. Some reports about Gaza experiencing famine seem exaggerated or false, and there have been claims that conditions were better than portrayed. It's important to question these narratives.
  3. Many stories in the media about Israel have been proven incorrect over time, showing how misinformation spreads easily. It highlights the need for careful fact-checking.

Staggering Towards the Abyss

imetatronink • 4402 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The US may struggle to establish air superiority against Russia due to Russian air defenses.
  2. American air power may not be able to sustain prolonged warfare against peer adversaries like Russia, China, or Iran.
  3. There is increasing military coordination between Russia, China, and Iran, hinting at joint defense against possible attacks.

"Why Doesn't Hamas Release The Hostages?", And Other Reader Questions

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1657 implied HN points • 22 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. The conflict in Gaza is more about land and power than simply freeing hostages. Some argue that Israel's actions are driven by a long-standing desire for territorial control.
  2. Many people see hostages as important but ignore that thousands of Palestinians are held without charges. This makes it hard to justify the ongoing violence and demands for unconditional releases.
  3. Awakening to deeper truths involves recognizing both personal and societal issues. Understanding yourself helps you see the bigger picture of what's wrong in the world, urging you to take action.

Forced to flee but nowhere to go

New Means • 2024 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conflict
  1. Palestinians in Gaza are facing a crisis of being forced to flee with nowhere to go, as they are cornered against the Rafah crossing without escape routes available.
  2. Efforts are being made to evacuate over a million people from Rafah, but the challenge lies in finding a safe destination for the displaced individuals.
  3. International actions and involvement are crucial to prevent potential ethnic cleansing or genocide in Gaza, with supporting organizations and advocating for a ceasefire as immediate actions to take.

Putin Invites Top Russian Correspondents For Candid War Q&A + SitRep Updates

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7533 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Putin held a press conference with top Russian correspondents for a candid Q&A about the war.
  2. During the chat, Putin made interesting admissions about deficiencies in the Russian army and production of modern systems.
  3. Putin hinted at Russia's future plans in Ukraine, mentioning that they will depend on the situation and outcome of Ukraine's counter-offensive.

Ukraine War, 11 February 2024

Sarcastosaurus • 1985 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The West's failure to supply enough artillery ammunition to Ukraine has led to Russian advances with adapted assault tactics, exploiting their advantage in resources.
  2. General Syrsky assumed command of ZSU in Kyiv, taking steps like rushing reserves to Avidiivka and making strategic appointments.
  3. The situation in Avidiivka is critical, with intense air strikes by the Russian Air-Space Force supporting a ground attack, putting Ukrainian positions at risk.

SITREP 6/21/23: Russia Re-Orients to Kupyansk in Surprise Advance

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 7273 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. Russian forces have been successful in pushing back Ukrainian troops in certain regions.
  2. Different units of the Russian Army proper show varying levels of strength and success compared to auxiliary units.
  3. There are concerns over potential nuclear escalation with the supply of F-16s to Ukraine and the possible use of nuclear weapons by various parties.

Rebranding Genocide

The Chris Hedges Report • 367 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Conflict
  1. The violence in Gaza is ongoing and has been relabeled with terms like “ceasefire” or “stabilization,” but the killings, destruction, and intent to remove Palestinians continue in a slow, systematic way.
  2. Global institutions and powerful states have failed to stop or hold accountable these abuses, with ceasefire terms repeatedly violated and proposals that effectively cement external control and displacement of Palestinians.
  3. The result is a catastrophic humanitarian and environmental crisis—mass displacement, starvation, rubble, and long-term harm—and the normalization of such brutality warns that similar patterns could spread under imperial and climate pressures.