The hottest Conflict Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

The Russian Draft Dodgers Who Fled to Paradise

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 366 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🌐 International Conflict Immigration Culture Travel Geopolitics
  1. Many Russians are escaping to places like Bali to avoid military drafts and the war. They enjoy a cheaper lifestyle and beautiful surroundings.
  2. Despite their new paradise, some locals in Bali are frustrated with Russian tourists due to bad behavior, which has them on edge.
  3. Not all Russians are focusing on leisure; some, like influencers, share their experiences and concerns about the changing community.

The Atrocities In Gaza Are The Perfect Embodiment Of 'Western Values'

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2100 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Global Issues Human Rights Imperialism Genocide
  1. The atrocities in Gaza reflect hidden Western values like war, genocide, and colonialism.
  2. Western civilization is often portrayed differently in reality than what is taught in schools or depicted in art and literature.
  3. Western culture is intricately tied to militarism, propaganda, distraction, and the perpetuation of mass atrocities.

Would It Be Over?

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Terrorism Diplomacy Foreign Aid Peace negotiations
  1. The bombing of German cities during WWII had a significant impact on post-war Germany, changing behaviors and diminishing the desire for another war.
  2. A large majority of Palestinians desire the erasure of Israel from the international map, similar to the sentiment among German citizens under Hitler in the 1940s.
  3. Complete and total war on terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah is seen as necessary for the peace of Israel and the world, rather than proposing humanitarian aid or two-state solutions.

Two Tales from Laos: Iron Age Battlefields & Demons In The Night

Grey Goose Chronicles • 943 implied HN points • 14 May 23
💾 History Culture War Religion Archaeology Conflict
  1. The Taiping Rebellion led to conflicts and alliances in Laos involving different groups and wars.
  2. The Plain of Jars in Laos holds mysterious archaeological artifacts from the Iron Age, sparking interest and research.
  3. The Hmong people faced complex challenges from wars, alliances, and a post-war mystery known as SUNDS that impacted their community.
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International Womens Day and Ukraine

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Gender Issues Conflict Human Rights International relations Women's Rights
  1. International Women's Day highlights the contributions and struggles of women, especially in times of crisis. It's a reminder to honor and support women everywhere.
  2. The situation in Ukraine shows how women are playing a vital role in the fight against adversity. Their bravery and resilience are inspiring.
  3. Media coverage, like interviews and broadcasts, helps bring attention to the stories of women in conflict. Sharing these stories is important for awareness and change.

Ukraine: Stalemate or Checkmate

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Military Geopolitics International relations Conflict Security
  1. The war in Ukraine is currently stuck in a stalemate, and new technology from the West is needed to change that. Many believe Ukraine is losing, but they've actually done significant damage to Russia's military.
  2. Ukraine's counteroffensive slowed down due to delays in receiving promised military support from NATO, giving Russia a chance to prepare defenses.
  3. The recent conflict in Israel and Gaza is drawing attention and resources away from Ukraine, which could be part of Putin's strategy to gain an advantage in the war.

Weapons of War

backstory • 436 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Human Rights History Geopolitics
  1. Weapons can change hands in unexpected ways, often fueling conflicts between different tribes. For example, in Darfur, weapons once belonging to defeated forces became tools in local disputes over land.
  2. Modern conflicts can see the rise of brutal paramilitary groups that use advanced weaponry against civilians. Groups like the Rapid Support Force in Sudan highlight how everyday weapons can cause immense suffering.
  3. Despite the violence associated with weapons, there’s still hope for humanity and creativity. In the search for puppets, there's a desire to remember that people can create beauty even amidst chaos.

Israel's Savagery Is So Shocking It's Sometimes Hard To Take In

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Media Violence Trauma
  1. Israel's actions in recent conflicts have been so shocking that it can be difficult to fully comprehend the extent of the brutality.
  2. Reports of Israeli forces targeting innocent civilians and infants in hospitals have sparked outrage and disbelief around the world.
  3. The widespread destruction caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza has raised concerns about the true motives behind the assaults.

Letter to Refaat Alareer

The Chris Hedges Report • 302 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Human Rights Censorship Conflict
  1. Poetry can hold immense power, serving as a way to express emotions like hope, loss, and resistance against oppression. It connects people and keeps their stories alive.
  2. Many individuals, including students, journalists, and academics, are facing serious consequences, such as losing jobs or being silenced, for speaking out against injustice and violence.
  3. Remembering the stories of those who have suffered, like Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, is crucial. Their voices continue to resonate and challenge the narrative imposed by oppressive forces.

Why Is There Antisemitism?

Fake Noûs • 253 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Religion Society Politics Conflict
  1. Antisemitism has deep historical roots, where Jews have often been unfairly blamed for various problems in society. This has led to longstanding prejudices against them.
  2. Cultural and religious differences have led to misunderstandings, contributing to the negative views about Jewish people. Many times, leaders have used Jews as scapegoats to distract from other issues.
  3. Modern antisemitism is fueled by conspiracy theories and ongoing conflicts, particularly the Arab-Israeli conflict. This often intensifies negative perceptions of Jews, even though these biases are widespread beyond just that conflict.

JIMMY CARTER’S MIXED LEGACY

Seymour Hersh • 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.

Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and the Strip Between

Pen>Sword • 658 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Religion Media Equality
  1. The ongoing violence in Gaza has reshaped the consumption and dissemination of mass death, especially on digital platforms like social media.
  2. Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are closely linked forms of bigotry rooted in white supremacy, with distinct but similarly inferior stereotypes about Jews and Muslims.
  3. The political cooption of anti-Semitism and the colonial tenets of Zionism undermine genuine reckonings with these forms of bigotry, perpetuating violence and hindering equality.

Israel: A Trap and No Endgame

Diane Francis • 799 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East International relations Conflict Refugees Diplomacy
  1. Israel is facing a complicated situation with no clear end goal, especially regarding the future of Gaza. The military actions may not solve the underlying issues and could make things worse for everyone involved.
  2. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza could lead to more terrorism and instability in the region if not properly addressed. There needs to be a solid plan for who will govern Gaza after Israel's military actions.
  3. The international community should push for negotiations that address the Palestinian issue. It's important for everyone in the region, including Arab states and Israel, to find a peaceful solution together.

Five Things Liberals Say To Avoid Taking A Real Position On Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1606 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Ideology Conflict Humanitarianism International relations
  1. Liberals often use emotional expressions like 'It's heartbreaking!' to avoid taking a real political stand on Gaza.
  2. The 'It's complicated!' excuse is often used by liberals to downplay the clear oppression happening in Gaza.
  3. Many liberals deflect criticism of their support for Israel's actions in Gaza by bringing up 'BUT TRUMP!' or expressing vague hopes for peace without committing to actionable solutions.

The Prigozhin Puzzle

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict Russia Military Power Dynamics
  1. Yevgeny Prigozhin's death raises many questions. People are wondering if it was an accident or if he was murdered, and what this means for the future of Russia and the Wagner Group.
  2. The U.S. is starting to train Ukrainian pilots, showing a shift in support for Ukraine against Russia. This could help Ukraine strengthen its military position.
  3. Prigozhin's demise could lead to more instability in Russia. Without his presence, the country might see further divisions among its leaders and military, speeding up its economic problems.

Facebook censors journalist Seymour Hersh's report on Nord Stream pipeline attack

Geopolitical Economy Report • 837 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Censorship Media Government Conflict International relations
  1. Facebook censored a report by journalist Seymour Hersh on the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, instead directing users to a website funded by a NATO member state, Norway.
  2. The US government and media failed to offer an alternative explanation to Hersh's report on the attacks, despite attempting to undermine his credibility.
  3. Western governments, not just Facebook, have censored Russian and Iranian media outlets, such as RT and Sputnik, as well as seizing the domain of Iran's Press TV.

I Don't Need Guns I Need Fire Extinguishers

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1387 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📰 News Politics Activism Conflict Global Issues Social Issues
  1. The author creatively uses the analogy of fire extinguishers to call for solutions to global crises, emphasizing the need for healing and peace over violence.
  2. There is a critique of the military-industrial complex and the prioritization of weapons over humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
  3. The text advocates for prioritizing efforts to restore a healthy planet for future generations, highlighting the urgency of addressing current global challenges.

Russia will collapse

Diane Francis • 1139 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Nationalism Sovereignty Conflict International relations
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis and military decline, which could lead to its collapse, similar to the Soviet Union's breakup in 1991.
  2. Various regions in Russia are seeking more independence or outright separation, especially those closer to Europe, making a breakup seem increasingly likely.
  3. If Russia does break apart, it could create numerous new nations, but the West needs to prepare for this possibility and support those regions in establishing their independence.

THE FALL OF BASHAR ASSAD

Seymour Hersh • 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.

Putin's Amigo

Diane Francis • 579 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics International relations Conflict Diplomacy Military Affairs
  1. Nicolas Maduro, the president of Venezuela, is a strong ally of Putin and has worsened his country's economy despite its oil wealth.
  2. Maduro has allowed Russian companies and military groups to operate in Venezuela, contributing to his regime's security and resource extraction.
  3. Recently, Maduro claimed land in Guyana and threatened invasion, which is seen as a distraction from his own economic issues and has raised tensions in the region.

Israel's Angst

Diane Francis • 759 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict International Law Human Rights Diplomacy
  1. Both Israelis and Palestinians face difficult lives under their governments. Many people in both groups are unhappy with their leaders, and they want a change to find a peaceful solution.
  2. The ongoing conflict is causing a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many innocent civilians are suffering due to the violence and harsh conditions imposed by the war.
  3. There is a pressing need for a two-state solution and international cooperation to reduce tensions. Without action to promote peace, the cycles of violence will continue to harm both communities.

Biden bombs Yemen so Israel can bomb Gaza

Speaking Security • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Military Humanitarian Diplomacy International relations
  1. Biden is bombing Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthi movement disrupting global shipping.
  2. An easy solution to the crisis would be for Biden to end Israel's military offensive with a single phone call.
  3. The ongoing bombings in Yemen by the US-backed coalition and Biden's actions are deemed cruel and ineffective.

Nagorno-Karabakh update: September 21 2023

Foreign Exchanges • 727 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Ceasefire Diplomacy Atrocities International relations
  1. A new status quo in the south Caucasus region is emerging following recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh.
  2. A ceasefire has been declared between Azerbaijan and Karabakh, with Karabakh authorities agreeing to disarm their defense forces and remove Armenian military forces.
  3. Concerns about potential ethnic cleansing and the implications for Armenia's diplomatic relationships are key issues arising from the situation.

Russian Revisionism

Diane Francis • 699 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Disinformation Conflict International relations History
  1. Russia has a long history of spreading misinformation to hide the truth about its actions and policies. This dishonesty is a key part of its government strategy.
  2. Two major false narratives are currently promoted by Russia: one is that it is a great empire deserving of pride, and the other is that Ukraine is not a real country invaded by Russia for noble reasons.
  3. Disinformation tactics include tailoring messages to different groups and undermining Ukraine's efforts, showing how Russia manipulates information to divert blame and distract from its own wrongdoings.

The truth about the Jews

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1710 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East International relations Peace Geopolitics
  1. Jewish friends feel disconnected and hurt when others don't reach out or show support during difficult times
  2. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict brings complexities and challenges, making it hard to find a clear path to peace
  3. The struggle for safety and peace continues for Jews, highlighting the historical and ongoing challenges they face

Gaza: Where Is Hezbollah?

Kevin’s Newsletter • 589 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Middle East Resistance Conflict Palestine Israel
  1. The Axis of Resistance, led by Hezbollah and others, is monitoring the situation in Gaza closely.
  2. Hezbollah is maintaining its presence and readiness on the Lebanese border, influencing and supporting the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza.
  3. Hezbollah's ultimate goal is the liberation of Palestine, and decisions are strategically planned to achieve this in the most effective way.

Russia's Global Genocide

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Conflict International relations Human Rights
  1. Putin's war in Ukraine is described as a genocide that threatens food supplies for millions around the world. His actions have severely impacted agriculture in Ukraine, which is known as the 'breadbasket' of Europe.
  2. Landmines and destruction from the war have made farming extremely dangerous and led to a significant drop in crop yields. Experts say it will take years to repair the damage and restore Ukraine's agricultural productivity.
  3. The ongoing conflict is causing a global food crisis, with many people facing hunger and food insecurity. Countries, especially in Africa, are feeling the effects, as they rely heavily on grain exports from Ukraine.

Don't Equate The Violence Of The Oppressor With The Violence Of The Oppressed

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1010 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Genocide Occupation Military Oppression
  1. Don't equate the violence of the oppressor with the violence of the oppressed. The oppressor is the ultimate source of violence from both sides.
  2. The oppressor has moral responsibility for both their violence and the violence of the oppressed. Ending oppression will lead to a cessation of violence.
  3. The focus should be on demanding the oppressor to stop being violent and oppressive, as they are the cause of the violence. The violence of the oppressor is a cause, while the violence of the oppressed is an effect.