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Trump in Anchorage: A Humiliation. Trump in DC: A Phony Spectacle.

Breaking the News • 1205 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's focus on imagery can leave him vulnerable, as seen when Putin took control during their meeting, showcasing a power imbalance.
  2. The way Trump allowed Putin to dominate the press event is seen as a significant diplomatic misstep.
  3. Trump's claims of safety measures in Washington DC are viewed as mere theater, lacking real substance behind the security actions.

Ambulances for Ukraine

Thinking about... • 238 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Drone-jamming vehicles are being refitted and sent to the Ukrainian National Guard's second corps (Khartiia) so medics and wounded can be transported safely without being targeted by drones.
  2. A public fundraiser aiming for one million dollars has reached about 87% with over five thousand donors, and several of the retrofitted vehicles have already been delivered to Kyiv and the front.
  3. Supporters are asked to donate to help finish the project, with information on claiming a US tax deduction through the fundraiser platform and an option to give directly to the Ukrainian presidential platform United 24.

National Defense

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Using tariffs to protect industries for national defense is a plausible idea, but broad protection harms export sectors and mostly shifts production rather than increasing overall wartime capacity.
  2. Cutting the budget deficit is a more effective way to boost domestic production because it would reduce foreign capital inflows, narrow the trade deficit, and increase both export and import-competing industries so more factories exist if war breaks out.
  3. If tariffs are used for defense they should be very narrow—targeting militarily important goods from China and its allies—but that still risks protecting the wrong products and being distorted by political lobbying.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: International Relations Has a "Mearsheimer" Problem

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 169 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌐 International Foreign Policy
  1. Some realist arguments (like Mearsheimer's) treat great-power aggression as inevitable. That way of thinking can shift blame away from leaders and make theoretical predictions sound like excuses for war crimes.
  2. Russia’s behavior is better explained by long-standing internal factors—autocracy, militarism, and leadership choices—rather than primarily by NATO expansion. Putin’s domestic politics push adventurism that is often counterproductive.
  3. In the modern world military conquest rarely produces durable control and tends to create lasting enemies. Lasting influence comes more from soft power and economic ties than from tanks and occupation.
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This Was All So Very Avoidable

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1993 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Peace in the Middle East was possible if the involved parties had taken the right diplomatic steps. It’s frustrating to see how close they were to an agreement that could have changed everything.
  2. The US's involvement in Israel's conflicts has escalated tensions and violence in the region. A stronger antiwar stance should focus on pulling the US out of these wars rather than just staying away.
  3. Right now, there are serious concerns about potential false flag attacks designed to manipulate public opinion and spark further conflict. It’s important to be aware of these troubling possibilities.

Jake Sullivan

ChinaTalk • 429 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. It's really important to invest time in long-term strategies while handling immediate crises. Jake Sullivan emphasized that setting aside time for the bigger picture helps improve the country's future.
  2. Managing national security means balancing urgent issues with long-term goals, and it takes a team to keep that balance. Having people who remind leaders about these long-term objectives is crucial.
  3. The U.S. needs to be more aggressive and quicker in its industrial policy to compete globally. Jake mentioned that the ability to mobilize resources effectively for national security should be a top priority.

Operation Epic Fury

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A joint US–Israeli military campaign reportedly began with airstrikes on Iran that hit senior regime leaders, and the U.S. president publicly urged Iranians to seize the moment.
  2. Iran launched widespread retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel and several Gulf and regional states, causing civilian casualties and prompting strong condemnations.
  3. Deep divisions between Iran’s IRGC and its regular military, plus Saudi Arabia’s pledge to back attacked countries, make responsibility for strikes unclear and raise the risk the conflict could escalate beyond the original actors.

February 23, 2026

Letters from an American • 29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The president responded to the Supreme Court ruling by publicly doubling down on tariffs, claiming broad unilateral power and attacking the Court’s legitimacy.
  2. Those tariff threats have created real international and economic fallout — trading partners and the European Parliament froze or delayed deals, markets fell, and Congress shows little appetite to back the plan.
  3. A string of administration controversies and legal moves — blocked reports, a barred ambassador, officials' inappropriate behavior, and misconduct allegations — are damaging credibility and increasing political backlash.

Joe Biden is a War Criminal

Pen>Sword • 1976 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's actions near the Gaza border transformed his image from 'Sleepy Joe' to 'Genocide Joe', catalyzed by aiding Israeli aggression.
  2. Biden's administration poured billions into Israel, supporting a violent war as civilian casualties, especially children, continued to rise.
  3. An exploration of how Biden's actions in the Israel-Palestine conflict redefined his presidential legacy, painting him as a war criminal facilitating genocide.

After Denying Massacring Civilians Seeking Aid, Israel Routinely Massacres Civilians Seeking Aid

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1983 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel has repeatedly denied accusations of harming civilians seeking aid, but reports indicate that many have been killed during these events.
  2. There have been multiple incidents where Israeli forces opened fire on crowds trying to access humanitarian assistance in Gaza, leading to significant casualties.
  3. Despite the denials from Israeli officials, evidence from media reports suggests that these actions are ongoing and that Israel has a history of not being truthful about its military operations.

Susan Rice: The Unelected General's Permanent War Against the American People

Who is Robert Malone • 29 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Susan Rice is portrayed as an unelected, permanent power who controls foreign policy, intelligence, domestic agendas, and media influence across administrations.
  2. She is said to have made 'equity' an operating principle of government, forcing agencies to adopt equity assessments, action plans, and procurement rules that reshape policy toward identity-based outcomes.
  3. The piece argues she and her circle use intelligence, media, and corporate ties to punish dissent and threaten companies that work with political opponents, promising an 'accountability' agenda of subpoenas and investigations.

Betrayal, Refusal, and the Yes that Follows

Charles Eisenstein • 12 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A leader who campaigned against endless wars has instead escalated conflict, risking catastrophic violence and eroding American global influence.
  2. Traditional protests alone may not be enough; coordinated economic actions like boycotts, debt strikes, and mass financial withdrawals can quickly pressure institutions and governments, and they require organization, timing, and collective courage.
  3. Any mass refusal should reject vengeance and dehumanization and instead build a new "yes" grounded in dignity, consent, and equal human worth for all.

To Greenland and Back

Comment is Freed • 119 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A negotiated Greenland 'framework' calmed the crisis but left open tough questions about how to keep NATO functioning under the pressures of a disruptive U.S. president.
  2. The push to 'acquire' Greenland looked unnecessary for alliance security and felt driven more by personal motives—treating territory like real estate and anger over a Nobel snub—than by clear strategic need.
  3. The core issue is the U.S. president's behavior and whether it signals a permanent rupture in transatlantic ties or simply a shift toward a different, more unpredictable relationship.

Ukraine 2024

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine's survival depends on support from the U.S. and Europe. More military aid is needed to avoid losing territory to Russia.
  2. The war's future could lead to a 'frozen conflict' if funds are not increased. Without proper backing, Ukraine may struggle to rebuild and defend itself.
  3. Europe is becoming more self-sufficient in military resources. Countries like Germany are stepping up their military production to support Ukraine better.

Complete Disregard for International Law (MOATS w/ George Galloway)

The Chris Hedges Report • 167 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is a complete disregard for international law in recent military interventions and foreign actions.
  2. Those interventions are argued to be motivated by the seizure of vast oil reserves rather than legitimate legal or humanitarian reasons.
  3. Independent commentators and reader-supported outlets are highlighting and criticizing this pattern, urging the public to recognize resource-driven motives.

LETTER FROM LONDON

Seymour Hersh • 27 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Traveled to London for an awards event, didn’t win the prize, and had the return to Washington delayed by Northeast storms.
  2. The State of the Union came across as a performative show and raised concerns that the U.S. is preparing a Middle Eastern military buildup without clear aims.
  3. Commentators warn that a tendency for the leader to believe his own lies and be surrounded by flatterers, rather than honest advisers, increases the risk of reckless foreign-policy decisions.

Evangelical Gaza aid partner endorsed Hitler, referred to Muslims as rapists and Palestine as a 'shit hole'

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 1342 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Matthew Murphy, the president of Sentinel Foundation, has made offensive comments, including praising Hitler and using derogatory language about Muslims and Palestine.
  2. Sentinel Foundation works with military contractors to provide aid in Gaza, but there are significant deaths reported among civilians in the same area.
  3. Murphy promotes controversial views about war and society, suggesting a connection between current events and historical narratives.

We Are Done With This

Charles Eisenstein • 15 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Government messaging and top officials are treating war like a video game or a joke, which dehumanizes victims and glamorizes violence.
  2. That dehumanization is widespread and fuels imperialist wars. We need a broad social movement that goes beyond opposing one leader and works to remove warmongers from power.
  3. True patriotism means recognizing the inherent dignity of every person and redirecting resources toward healing people and the planet instead of maintaining a trillion-dollar military.

The Trump Voter Taking On ICE. Michael Dell on His $6B Gift to America’s Kids. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
📰 News Foreign Policy
  1. A Trump-voting Chicago mom has been helping Venezuelan migrant families with asylum, housing, work, and schooling and is now resisting ICE raids and deportations. Her work shows people can be patriotic yet oppose harsh immigration enforcement.
  2. Michael Dell and his wife are creating $250 savings accounts for 25 million American children, a roughly $6 billion effort meant to give kids a financial head start. The gift complements a federal newborn savings initiative and has economists debating possible unintended consequences.
  3. A 'peace through profit' approach to Ukraine — courting business with Russia to secure a deal — is being pushed by dealmakers but criticized because it’s hard to trust deals with an authoritarian, mafia-like state. Critics warn profit-driven diplomacy may not yield a durable or ethical peace.

Victor Davis Hanson: Why Trump’s Iran Strike Worked

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1720 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's strike on Iran was a bold move that few other presidents would have attempted due to past failures in the Middle East.
  2. Previous presidents faced significant backlash for their actions in the Middle East, which often damaged their political standing.
  3. Trump's unique approach and clear goals might help him avoid the pitfalls that have troubled his predecessors.

The Big Picture

John’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The University of Chicago's Graham School has a strong extension program.
  2. On March 3, 2026 John J. Mearsheimer did a long interview with Jennifer Lind.
  3. They discussed major issues spanning the last 250 years of U.S. foreign policy.

Staring Down The Barrel Of War With Iran Once Again

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1848 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US might be heading for war with Iran again, with officials warning about potential attacks and military evacuations happening in the region.
  2. If Iran retaliates to an Israeli attack, it could cause a large-scale conflict that would be worse than past wars in the Middle East.
  3. The current situation could be avoided if the US stopped supporting Israel, but it's clear that the US has chosen to remain involved.

Niall Ferguson: J.D. Vance Picked a Fight in Germany. Will He Get One in China?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. J.D. Vance is taking a bold approach by challenging foreign powers, notably at the Munich Security Conference. This kind of confrontation could signal a shift in U.S. foreign policy.
  2. America's previous attempts to provoke negotiations with other countries often went unanswered. Historically, many nations haven't reacted strongly, showing a lack of willingness to engage.
  3. The current administration seems to be looking for conflicts to assert its stance on the global stage. This strategy might change how the U.S. is perceived internationally.

Donald Trump Sides with Israel—and Rejects the Restrainers

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1817 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump openly supports Israel and its fight against Iran, showing where he stands on foreign policy. This support is stronger than what many politicians offer.
  2. There's a divide among Trump’s supporters, especially within the Republican Party, regarding how America should engage with the world. Some believe in a more restrained and noninterventionist approach.
  3. The situation reveals ongoing tensions in Trump's administration about the right way to handle foreign relations and military action. This debate is becoming more important as events unfold.

The Right’s 1939 Project

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1451 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Some members of the MAGA movement are rewriting American history and pushing dangerous conspiracy theories. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and open bigotry in society.
  2. President Trump faced criticism from some supporters who believe that military action abroad is risky and unnecessary. They feared that involvement in foreign conflicts could harm American lives and the economy.
  3. Prominent voices in the MAGA movement expressed strong opposition to confronting Iran, arguing it could escalate into a larger conflict. They warned that such a war could have devastating consequences for the United States.

The Issue of Our Age. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Immigration has become the defining issue of our age, reshaping American identity and driving heated political debates that push policy toward harsher enforcement.
  2. Trump’s new peace plan has put heavy pressure on Ukraine, with allies meeting in Geneva and Zelensky facing a tight deadline that could shift the war’s political dynamics.
  3. A string of developments — from a congresswoman’s resignation and an Israeli strike to shifting U.S. migration rhetoric and surprising local political stories — shows growing volatility at home and abroad and strains on institutions.

Regime Change is Good Sometimes

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Regime change can sometimes produce better governments, but it often comes with huge human and financial costs that must be weighed carefully.
  2. What matters most are the details — timing, planning, and execution — because a poorly planned intervention can make things as bad or worse than before.
  3. Treating 'regime change' as a slogan is dangerous; leaders need consistent goals and strategy, or they risk empty threats or catastrophic outcomes.

In nuclear race with Russia, Trump goes back to a Cold War future

Aaron Mate • 75 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The New START treaty expired after the U.S. declined a one‑year extension, removing the last legal limits on U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals.
  2. There are reports of an informal six‑month tacit observance and a resumption of high‑level military talks, but those steps do not replace formal arms control.
  3. Letting New START lapse and threatening a new buildup risks triggering a renewed arms race with Russia and China and raises global security dangers.

The Prophet of Trump’s Second Term

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3399 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Angelo Codevilla introduced important ideas about a 'ruling class' in America, suggesting that this group has too much power and operates against ordinary citizens. His thoughts on this have changed the way people talk about politics today.
  2. Codevilla's influence can be seen in many government changes during Trump's administration, including shifts in foreign policy and reductions in federal positions. His students and followers are now in key roles, actively working on his ideas.
  3. Key political phrases like 'Deep State' and 'administrative state' originated from Codevilla. These terms have shaped how many people understand and discuss the current political landscape.

Can You Do Regime Change Without Changing A Regime?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 06 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The US operation ousted Maduro but left the regime's military, political, and foreign backers largely intact, so power simply shifted to figures like Delcy Rodríguez or Diosdado Cabello.
  2. Because a genuine opposition leader wasn't installed, American influence in Venezuela has weakened and the remaining options—full invasion or more leader abductions—are costly and politically unpalatable.
  3. The drug‑trafficking rationale looks like a pretext while strategic goals (like oil) seem central, highlighting a recurring US overconfidence in its ability to remake foreign regimes and a misunderstanding of doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine.

Weekend Update #161: Not A Bad Week For Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 355 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The relationship between the US and Russia is seriously troubling, as it seems the US government is now more aligned with Putin. This shows a shift in support that could harm Ukraine's situation.
  2. Ukraine demonstrated resilience in its democracy by addressing corruption, with significant changes in leadership that can lead to a stronger, more united government.
  3. European countries are starting to take action against the Trump administration's involvement in Russia, showing they are unwilling to rely on US support and are preparing for greater independence.

Weekend Update #164: Ukraine Is Winning The War At Sea

Phillips’s Newsletter • 246 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Ukraine is winning the war at sea: unmanned naval drones have damaged a Russian Kilo submarine in Novorossiysk and struck distant shadow-fleet tankers, degrading the Black Sea Fleet and threatening Russia’s oil shipments.
  2. Europe split over funding Ukraine: the EU chose guaranteed loans (about €90bn) instead of seizing frozen Russian assets, a compromise that buys time but raises doubts about European willingness to fully confront Russia.
  3. U.S. policy appears to be easing toward Russia: the Trump administration quietly removed sanctions on some foreign firms and U.S. exports to countries linked to Russia rose, suggesting Washington may be undermining broader sanctions pressure.

Bust Sanctions Busters

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 02 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Russia is using loopholes to avoid sanctions, making it harder to punish their economy. The West needs to tighten these sanctions and go after those helping Russia evade them.
  2. The U.S. is starting to take action against foreign banks that help Russia, focusing on countries like China and Turkey. This is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
  3. There is a push to confiscate $300 billion in Russian assets frozen after the invasion. Europe needs to come together to support these efforts to apply more pressure on Putin.

US Support For Israel Comes At A Staggering, Multifaceted Price

Stark Realities with Brian McGlinchey • 1428 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The financial support from the US to Israel isn't just $3.8 billion a year; it costs Americans much more in many hidden ways.
  2. US involvement in conflicts, driven by support for Israel, has led to significant human and monetary costs, affecting both American lives and global perceptions.
  3. Growing numbers of Americans are questioning the benefits of supporting Israel, seeing it as a burden rather than an asset to the US.

Khamenei's dead!

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The post claims Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has died and is being treated as a breaking story with updates promised throughout the day.
  2. Coverage of this news has sidelined another urgent story about Anthropic and the Defense Department, and more developments are expected tomorrow.
  3. The update appears on Substack with paid subscription options but also offers a free post, and readers are encouraged to bookmark the page for follow-up updates.