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Who Is Authorizing Biden's Nuclear Brinkmanship While The President's Brain Is Missing?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2337 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration's actions are increasing tensions with Russia at a dangerous time. This is concerning because it risks a conflict involving nuclear powers.
  2. Many Ukrainians now support peace talks to end the war with Russia. This shows that the desire for continued fighting may not reflect the views of those most affected by the conflict.
  3. People often overlook the ongoing struggles in places like Gaza until they can assign blame to a particular leader. The reality is that suffering is happening now, regardless of who is in charge.

Donald Trump Is Not Your Friend

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2435 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's actions as president showed he supported wars and the deep state. Many people think he might change, but past behavior indicates he likely won't.
  2. Supporters often believe they are backing an anti-war leader, but in reality, they are choosing a president who continues harmful agendas. Voting for mainstream candidates won't change the system.
  3. The president is not a friend to the people; they serve powerful interests, and cheering for them doesn't fight against the real issues in society.

Which Way Will Trump Break on Iran? Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel has launched significant military operations to target Iran's nuclear program, successfully eliminating key leaders and scientists. However, they still need U.S. support to fully dismantle Iran's most secure sites.
  2. Trump's approach to Iran is unclear, with mixed signals about how much the U.S. should involve itself. This has caused internal disagreements among his supporters about the right strategy to take.
  3. Political violence is becoming a serious issue, as highlighted by the tragic deaths of political figures in Minnesota. It's essential to address this problem without falling into partisan blame.

Washington War Games: How the U.S. Prepared for an Iran Strike

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 848 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration prepared for military action against Iran starting in February. They wanted to be more involved in the conflict.
  2. In a private dinner, U.S. officials and Iranian dissidents discussed how to attack Iran. They talked about strategies that were very similar to Israel's recent military actions.
  3. Key military moves like targeting Iran's leadership and nuclear program have happened, but certain planned actions were still not carried out at the time of the discussion.

Transcript - America This Week, June 20, 2025: "Israel, Iran, and Trump, by Popular Demand"

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 824 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel recently launched attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, which has escalated tensions and military actions between the two countries. This development is significant for world politics.
  2. Donald Trump expresses strong support for Israel's actions and suggests that the U.S. may consider taking further military steps against Iran. His tweets indicate a serious stance on Iran's nuclear capabilities.
  3. Media discussions are often more focused on domestic issues like political divisions rather than the international conflicts that could have serious consequences, such as the Israel-Iran situation.
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How USAID Funded Ukraine’s Propaganda Machine. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1567 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. USAID has been involved in funding media in Ukraine, some of which reportedly suppress important stories, raising concerns about press freedom.
  2. There are ongoing legal battles in Hollywood, particularly between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which highlight the complexities of the #MeToo movement.
  3. Recent incidents in Australia involving nurses making harmful comments highlight growing concerns about antisemitism in the country.

The Empire Burns The Middle East While US Homelessness Surges

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1937 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The situation in the Middle East is tense, with reports of violence and destruction affecting local hospitals and communities.
  2. US homelessness is on the rise, with a significant increase highlighting social and economic issues at home.
  3. There's a concern that the US government focuses on foreign issues while neglecting serious problems like poverty and homelessness in its own country.

The First Step

Phillips’s Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Europe has stopped thinking strategically for itself after decades of relying on the United States, leaving its ability to plan and defend its interests weakened.
  2. This dependence, often called strategic infantilization, felt comfortable because the US provided security, but it is now risky as real threats are emerging.
  3. Governments and institutions across Europe are finally being forced to relearn strategic thinking and ask hard questions about using their own resources to protect their interests.

Washington War Games. A Fiery Debate About U.S. Involvement. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 825 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There is a serious debate about whether the U.S. should get more involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Decisions made by leaders like Trump can greatly impact this situation.
  2. Tensions are rising because Trump and other leaders are discussing military options while also considering negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program.
  3. The relationship between Trump supporters and tech leaders is changing. As issues shift, their alliance may weaken, leading to different focuses and priorities.

America's Place in the World: What Do We See?

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 75 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The U.S. is losing global dominance as China builds industrial self‑sufficiency and leads in critical technologies, threatening dollar hegemony and key military supply chains.
  2. Long-term neoliberal policies and elite capture have hollowed out U.S. industry and power, and those elites are unlikely to willingly cede control as decline accelerates.
  3. The next decades will be driven by three linked crises—geopolitical rivalry, domestic social fracture, and an escalating climate emergency—with the climate shock set to reshape global stability and responses.

Trump's National Security Strategy and the European Union, or: A sly plan to make life much, much harder for the Eurotards in Brussels

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 138 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The new US National Security Strategy is intentionally provocative and treats the European Union more as a strategic rival than a close institutional partner, signaling a clear policy shift.
  2. The strategy favors bilateral engagement over Brussels-led cooperation, aiming to build direct partnerships with key countries like Germany to expand American influence in Europe.
  3. It signals willingness to use aggressive or coercive tactics and to exploit European divisions to weaken EU institutions and challenge the idea of a unified "normative West," which has alarmed European leaders.

The Iran War: Power and Blowback

Charles Eisenstein • 11 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. War inflicts real human suffering and should be judged by who it harms, not just by strategic or economic costs.
  2. A foreign policy that acts on "do what benefits us if we can get away with it" is the same logic as other abuses of power and corrodes diplomacy, law, and moral standing.
  3. True peace must come from compassion and the sense that we are interconnected, not merely self-interest, and building that peace could transform society even as old normalities fall apart.

The Trump Russian Oil Sanctions Con Is Collapsing

Phillips’s Newsletter • 138 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump’s oil sanctions on Russia were largely a bluff and are now unraveling, showing they aren’t as powerful or effective as they were made out to be.
  2. Mainstream media and commentators amplified the deceptive story about those sanctions and have largely stayed silent instead of admitting they helped spread it.
  3. The situation highlights how establishment institutions often protect those in power and suggests Europeans should be cautious about following official American guidance without scrutiny.

The Change From Biden To Trump Has Been Devastating For Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 175 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Trump administration's approach to Ukraine is much more favorable to Russia and harmful to Ukraine compared to the Biden administration's support for Ukraine's sovereignty.
  2. Under Trump, there are proposals that could limit Ukraine's military and recognize parts of Ukraine as Russian territory, which would significantly weaken Ukraine's position in Europe.
  3. The Biden administration aims to hold Russia accountable for its actions and supports Ukraine's path towards NATO membership without imposing limits on its military capabilities.

TGIF: This Means War

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5402 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. There are concerns about communication between top government officials during critical moments, such as the defense secretary's hospitalization.
  2. RFK Jr. is surprisingly gaining favor among Americans amidst the dislike towards Biden and Trump, potentially shaking up the 2024 election scene.
  3. Nikki Haley is making a significant impact in New Hampshire polls, while the border crisis at the Texas-US border is escalating and stirring public frustration.

In Australia, political parties that oppose Zionism also oppose anti-semitism

Philosophy bear • 78 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. In Australian politics, parties whose supporters are more pro‑Israel tend to show higher indicators of antisemitic attitudes, while parties that favor Palestine (notably the Greens and Labor) show lower indicators.
  2. This pattern shows up across multiple survey measures — questions about Jews and money, Holocaust‑related statements, and support for banning Nazi symbols all reveal similar party differences.
  3. The link between pro‑Zionism and antisemitism has historical precedent and scholarly recognition, so the relationship between support for Israel and antisemitic sentiments can be complex and counterintuitive.

Bondi Massacre is a Gift to Netanyahu (MOATS w/ George Galloway)

The Chris Hedges Report • 115 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Bondi Massacre is framed as blowback from more than two years of violence and suffering in Gaza.
  2. The piece emphasizes that trying to understand the motives behind the attack is not the same as condoning or supporting it.
  3. It argues the attack ultimately serves as a political windfall for Netanyahu, calling it a gift to his position.

THE SHOW NOTES: Biden's Growing Problems, Seattle Kills Demand, & Trump's Election Immunity

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 759 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Seattle implemented a $5 fee on delivery service apps, and sales dropped significantly.
  2. An appeals court denied Trump immunity in a DC election case.
  3. Biden is facing challenges with young voters and progressives, especially related to Israel, the economy, and climate.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Revolution. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1460 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump's foreign policy has changed the way America interacts with the world. Now, the U.S. is taking a different approach, acting more like a country that wants to change international rules.
  2. Many Ukrainians feel let down by Trump after believing he could help them find peace. They've removed American flags from their gear because they no longer see the U.S. as a symbol of freedom.
  3. Apple is making a big investment in the U.S., which is linked to Trump's tariff policies. This shows how companies are adapting their strategies based on the current political climate.

They're Still Slaughtering Civilians In Gaza

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1634 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Many Palestinians are still being killed in Gaza, even after a ceasefire was announced. The ongoing violence raises concerns about the true nature of this supposed ceasefire.
  2. Palestinian lives are often viewed as less valuable compared to Israeli lives. This unequal perspective contributes to the ongoing violence and suffering in the region.
  3. There are troubling instances of dehumanization where Palestinians are seen as expendable. This mindset can lead to tragic outcomes, such as the killing of innocent civilians, including children.

Biden's Legacy Is Genocide, War, And Nuclear Brinkmanship

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2249 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Biden's main legacy is marked by war and violence, overshadowing any positive contributions he made during his career.
  2. He has actively supported military actions and failed to pursue peace options in conflicts like Ukraine, increasing the risk of nuclear war.
  3. His administration is seen as enabling severe human rights abuses, especially in the Middle East, which many believe tarnishes his overall reputation.

The Long Road to a Western Sahara Resolution

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 6 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The United States shifted from backing a referendum to promoting Morocco’s 2007 autonomy proposal, and decades of steady US diplomacy were key to getting the UN to endorse that approach.
  2. Morocco’s patient, skillful diplomacy—revising its plan, courting partners, and winning international support—gradually changed the balance of opinion and helped secure UN backing for autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.
  3. Significant obstacles remain because the Polisario and Algeria reject the UN-endorsed path and could block negotiations, so patient, consistent diplomacy and inclusive talks that give Sahrawis a real voice are still essential to avoid another stalemate.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Will We or Won’t We?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 755 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has raised important questions about U.S. involvement, particularly regarding Trump's potential actions. There's a lot of uncertainty about how it will play out.
  2. There's a noticeable split within the right-wing community, with influential figures like Tucker Carlson warning against war. This shows a disagreement that could affect Trump's support from his base.
  3. Unexpected alliances are forming in Washington, such as between AOC and Marjorie Taylor Greene. They both oppose American involvement in Iran, highlighting how certain issues can bridge partisan divides.

The Administration Will Not Put a Timeline on Finding a Rationale for This War

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The administration is refusing to set a timeline for finding a rationale and looks willing to be in this conflict for the long haul.
  2. Officials keep insisting the mission has clear objectives, but that defensive tone makes the objectives seem vague and unconvincing.
  3. They claim it’s not a regime change war, yet celebrating the killing of the Ayatollah reads like political decapitation and undercuts that claim even though the regime remains in power.

"Terrorist Organization" Means Whatever The US Wants It To Mean

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The term 'terrorist organization' is often used politically, depending on whether a group benefits or harms U.S. interests.
  2. Groups that fight against the U.S. or its allies usually get labeled as terrorists, while friends of the U.S. can commit violence without that label.
  3. This inconsistency shows that the label is more about controlling narratives than about actual behavior.

Guest, Host, Ghost

Thinking about... • 614 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Hospitality goes beyond just inviting someone over; it creates a sense of belonging and connection, especially in tough times like war. In Ukraine, even amidst conflict, the spirit of generosity remains strong.
  2. The impact of war extends beyond the battlefield and affects communities globally. When one country fights for its sovereignty, like Ukraine, it helps defend the principles of freedom and peace for everyone.
  3. We should acknowledge the courage of those who fight for their country and understand that their struggles impact us all. Honoring their bravery is crucial for maintaining our own moral integrity.

It's Funny How Trump Doesn't Bother Articulating Goals Anymore

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Trump doesn’t lay out clear goals, so people don’t know what he’s trying to achieve with tariffs or actions in Iran. That lack of clarity leaves policymakers and the public guessing.
  2. His supporters and friendly media mostly wait for him to act and then rationalize his moves instead of debating or holding him to a plan. So normal democratic discussion about goals and tradeoffs doesn’t happen.
  3. The result is ad‑hoc, idiosyncratic policymaking driven by personal whims or grudges, which can produce risky outcomes like big military buildups or ineffective tariffs. That makes government unpredictable and harder to manage.

Yeah, Yeah, UNRWA Is Hamas. Everyone Israel Hates Is Hamas.

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2211 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Israeli government has banned UNRWA, which helps provide aid to people in Gaza. This shows how much the political situation affects humanitarian efforts.
  2. The narrative that groups like UNRWA are connected to Hamas is misleading. Many people and organizations are wrongly labeled as part of the conflict.
  3. There's frustration with how the Western media handles discussions about the Gaza conflict. Many feel that the coverage ignores the complexity of the situation.

Today In Imperial Recklessness And Insanity

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2021 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for war crimes, but similar actions against Western officials have not occurred. This shows a lack of accountability for powerful nations.
  2. There is ongoing criticism of U.S. lawmakers for their inadequate responses to violence in Israel and their support of arms sales, even when these arms are used offensively.
  3. Recent statements from U.S. officials suggest a willingness to protect allies in conflict, raising concerns about a broader disregard for international law and human rights.

Congress Must Force the President to Post One TikTok Video Every Three Months Explaining the War

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Congress has ceded much of its constitutional war-declaring power to the president and needs a practical, enforceable law that reasserts oversight without crippling modern military operations.
  2. A concrete accountability idea is to require the president to post a short TikTok every three months explaining which country we’re fighting, whether Americans will die, and how the war is going, with basic content limits.
  3. The proposal uses satire to underline that modern politics and short-form media should be used to force clearer, regular explanations of war plans and goals so Congress can responsibly support or oppose conflicts.

The State and the Soldier

Comment is Freed • 102 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The American system depends on clear civilian control of the military, and letting the military judge or override civilian leaders would risk praetorianism and damage democracy, so any fix must come from civilian institutions like Congress.
  2. It is wrong to put the legal burden on commanders to refuse or judge orders; civilian leaders and legal offices must provide clear, lawful authorization so service members are not forced to choose between obedience and court-martial.
  3. Recent politicization and weak civilian leadership are straining civil‑military relations through firings and public interventions, but Congress, the courts, state governments, and civil society remain the primary checks and make a military takeover unlikely.

Gaza Tells Us Who We Are

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2123 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The crimes happening in Gaza show a deep moral failure in society. Many people ignore or accept these atrocities because it’s easier than confronting uncomfortable truths.
  2. The ongoing suffering in Gaza highlights how disconnected we are from the reality of those affected. It's troubling that we can witness such horror and do nothing to stop it.
  3. Ultimately, we will have to live with the knowledge of what has happened. The true horrors of our actions and our society will stay with us long after the violence ends.

Trump And Israel Can't Wait To Start Bombing Iran

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Israel and Trump's administration seem eager to attack Iran now that Syria's air defenses are out of the way. This could lead to airstrikes aimed at stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite lack of evidence for such activities.
  2. There's a belief that many political movements can be fake and serve to maintain the current power structures instead of creating real change. This suggests that people's frustrations are often redirected back into the system rather than helping them fight against it.
  3. The extreme wealth of billionaires is often seen as irrational. Instead of acting for the common good, their wealth accumulation is driven by personal issues and inner pain, harming society in the process.

The Incoming Trump Administration Is Already Filling Up With War Sluts

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2044 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Donald Trump's new national security advisor is Mike Waltz, who has a history of supporting aggressive military action. This indicates a continuation of a hawkish approach in foreign policy.
  2. Elise Stefanik, known for her pro-Israel stance and restriction of free speech, is set to be the U.S. ambassador to the UN. This reflects a likely alignment with previous commitment to military and political agendas.
  3. Marco Rubio is expected to be the next secretary of state, further indicating that Trump's administration may not prioritize reducing military conflicts despite supporters' hopes for a more peaceful approach.

Re-Designating the Houthis Is a Major Error

Eunomia • 668 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy
  1. The Biden administration's decision to re-designate the Houthis as terrorist group is causing harm to the people of Yemen.
  2. The re-designation undermines efforts to prevent famine in Yemen and could strengthen the Houthis' power.
  3. Re-listing the Houthis as terrorists risks reigniting conflict and will have severe consequences for innocent Yemenis.

February 5, 2026

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. Democrats are pushing concrete limits on DHS and federal agents — things like judicial warrants for home entries, visible IDs and body cameras, bans on racial profiling, and stronger oversight — while many Republicans are resisting those changes.
  2. There are worrying signs the administration is using intelligence powers and secrecy to probe or influence elections and to protect its allies, shown by seizures of voting materials, a withheld whistleblower complaint, and heavy, selective redactions.
  3. Institutions are starting to push back — courts have allowed high-profile depositions and lawmakers are threatening to compel testimony — even as the last U.S.-Russia arms treaty has expired, removing caps on nuclear weapons and raising global risk.