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Gaza Tells Us Who We Are

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2123 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Social justice Public Opinion Media Ethics
  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.

America's Self-Defeating Chip War on China

Nonzero Newsletter • 271 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Tech Policy Trade Relations National Security
  1. The US is limiting chip imports from China, which could create tension leading to potential conflict in Taiwan.
  2. There hasn't been much discussion about the risks of this chip war among US foreign policy experts.
  3. A Chinese AI model called DeepSeek r1 is gaining attention and showing that the US's strategy against Chinese tech might have serious flaws.

Despite smear campaign, Tulsi Gabbard is not at odds with US intel on Syria

Aaron Mate • 258 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Government Relations Intelligence Community Foreign Policy Military Affairs
  1. Tulsi Gabbard has been criticized for her views on Syria, with some claiming she is not aligned with US intelligence. However, her statements often match the intelligence community's skepticism about certain chemical weapons allegations against the Assad government.
  2. Gabbard has expressed concerns that overthrowing Assad could lead to chaos in Syria, potentially empowering extremist groups like Al-Qaeda. This viewpoint was echoed by former President Trump when he halted CIA support for rebel groups in Syria.
  3. The accusations against Gabbard often stem from her past meeting with Assad and her criticism of US military actions. She argues that skepticism should be exercised when decisions about war are made based on potentially flawed intelligence.

Israel Keeps Finding New Ways To Play Victim While Committing Genocide

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1876 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Elections Political Commentary Human Rights
  1. Israel is struggling to maintain its victim narrative while facing serious accusations of genocide. It keeps inventing new stories to play the victim role.
  2. The media often uses the term 'pogrom' incorrectly, applying it to minor incidents involving Israelis instead of acknowledging real violence against Palestinians.
  3. Trump is considering both anti-war and pro-war figures for his cabinet, and there's concern about the influence of hawkish advisors in shaping future foreign policy.

Trump's farcical Gaza plan masks ongoing Israeli-made disaster

Aaron Mate • 160 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Middle East Conflict Political Analysis Trump administration
  1. Trump's Gaza plan is seen as unrealistic and not genuine. It seems to hide the real problems happening in Gaza.
  2. The issues in Gaza are often linked to actions taken by Israel, making life hard for its people.
  3. Some believe that Trump's plan supports Netanyahu's goals, which could make the situation in Gaza worse.
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Gaza, Inc.

Gray Mirror • 158 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Foreign Policy International relations Conflict resolution Political strategy
  1. Gaza is currently unlivable, but its land could be valuable if properly managed. The idea is that without residents, the land could be developed into a profitable venture.
  2. The concept of Gaza, Inc. suggests creating a corporation that could turn this area into a charter city, attracting wealth and potentially turning each former resident into a shareholder.
  3. There are complex considerations about rights and governance in this new setup, including how to manage the exit of current residents and the implications of past conflicts.

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

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2211 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media Critique Foreign Policy Humanitarian Issues Political Commentary
  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.

Trump's Cabinet Picks Aren't Looking Good For Peace In Ukraine

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1383 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Government National Security Political Commentary
  1. Trump's cabinet appointments suggest a focus on aggressive policies toward Russia, rather than a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. This raises concerns about increased tensions.
  2. Key advisors like Mike Waltz and Sebastian Gorka support escalating military actions, which aligns with strategies of the outgoing Biden administration. This continuity might not lead to the peace many expect.
  3. There are fears that the incoming Trump administration could worsen the situation in Ukraine instead of improving it, potentially delaying any chance for peace.

The Face At The Front Desk Changes, The Corporation Remains The Same

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1643 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy Political parties Government Policies Political Commentary
  1. Political parties in the U.S. may seem different, but they often serve the same goals. It's like using both your left and right hand in boxing to win the fight.
  2. Support for politicians often overlooks their consistent harmful actions, regardless of party affiliation. Many voters mistakenly believe one side will drastically change things for the better.
  3. The actions of powerful leaders are often driven by profit and power, rather than thoughtful decision-making. This leads to irrational policies that hurt people and the environment.

Should America Buy Greenland?

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3559 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Territorial Issues Political Ideologies
  1. The idea of America buying Greenland has gained some serious consideration, even if it's still unlikely. Recent political moves and discussions have made it a topic worth thinking about.
  2. Greenland is a sparsely populated area with some financial dependence on Denmark, and many locals are considering independence but worry about their living standards. The situation is complex and shows their practical mindset.
  3. Overall, the conversation highlights America’s inclination towards expansion and influence, suggesting that cultural and economic changes can dominate current political landscapes.

The Mainstream Western Worldview Pretends The Global South Does Not Exist

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1913 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌍 World Politics Global South Foreign Policy Cultural influence International relations
  1. The mainstream Western view often ignores the Global South. It's like pretending billions of people don't exist and only focusing on issues that matter to the US and Europe.
  2. In politics and culture, we tend to think only about ourselves. We rarely consider how our comforts come from the struggles of people in other parts of the world.
  3. For a healthier and fairer world, we need to recognize and include everyone in our conversations and decisions. Ignoring others keeps us in a bad relationship with them.

Trump déjà vu: It's always about him

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8019 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Impeachment Foreign Policy Environmental Policy Legislation Party Politics
  1. During Trump's presidency, actions were often evaluated based on advancing his personal interests.
  2. President Biden is taking a measured approach against Iran-backed militias to avoid widening a war in the Middle East.
  3. House Republicans seem focused on political maneuvers, such as risking a government shutdown, rather than addressing significant issues like immigration reform.

Genocide: The New Normal

The Chris Hedges Report • 399 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Aid Human Rights Conflict resolution International relations
  1. The ongoing violence in Gaza is seen as a methodical effort to eliminate the Palestinian population and solidify Israeli control over the region.
  2. The U.S. government has significantly increased military aid to Israel, reflecting a disregard for international laws and the consequences of war.
  3. Acts of violence and resistance are part of a cycle that can lead to more intense conflicts, suggesting that violence breeds more violence.

Don't Deify Jimmy Carter

The Chris Hedges Report • 493 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political History Foreign Policy Human Rights Domestic Policy
  1. Jimmy Carter did some good work after being president, like speaking out for human rights, but during his presidency, he made many poor decisions.
  2. He supported actions that led to problems in places like Iran, Nicaragua, and Afghanistan, impacting many lives negatively.
  3. While he cared about human rights, many of his actions as president showed a lack of understanding of international issues, leading to a complicated legacy.

To Be Pro-Israel Is To Be Pro-War

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1546 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Corruption Media Critique Political Ideologies Military Intervention
  1. Being pro-Israel often means supporting ongoing military conflicts. This connection makes it hard to advocate for peace while backing the state of Israel.
  2. Many politicians, regardless of party, continue harmful policies that lead to violence and suffering. They often ignore public outcry while pursuing their agendas.
  3. People have very different views on what free speech means. It can range from accountability and truth to defending harmful comments without consequence.

The Tulsi Gabbard Smears Are Unfounded, Unfair, and Unhelpful

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1071 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Political Commentary Public Opinion Political parties
  1. Criticism of Tulsi Gabbard often focuses on her views about foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and Ukraine. It's important to discuss her ideas rather than question her motives.
  2. Some political figures label Gabbard as a Russian asset without strong evidence, which can seem unfair and extreme. This kind of labeling can distract from actual discussions about her policies.
  3. Gabbard's past statements about diplomacy with tyrants have raised eyebrows. Many feel that during times of aggression, like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, strong responses are necessary rather than calls for neutrality.

Is It A Wake Up?

Points And Figures • 1012 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Government Democrats Republicans Media
  1. Many believe that the recent political changes in the US show a major disconnect between mainstream media and the public's opinions. People are looking for a voice, and this new landscape allows them to speak up.
  2. There is a sentiment that the government has become too intrusive and wasteful. Citizens feel frustrated about how their tax dollars are spent, particularly regarding foreign aid and pandemic response.
  3. Leaders like Trump and Musk challenge traditional bureaucratic management styles, and some hope this will lead to reduced government control and more effective management in the future.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 02.03.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Foreign Policy Military Public Opinion
  1. Many regions in West Africa are seeing resistance against historical French colonization, leading to military takeovers and calls for military withdrawal.
  2. The CFA franc, used by several West African countries, is losing support because many believe it limits their economic independence under French influence.
  3. There is a growing criticism of mainstream media's portrayal of military spending as necessary to counter perceived threats, with a demand for more balanced views.

Trump47: The Second Coming of The Donald

Fisted by Foucault • 213 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Immigration Policy Foreign Policy Economic Policy Trump administration
  1. A major focus will be on reducing the Deep State influence, as it can undermine Trump's achievements. The aim is to place loyal supporters in key positions right from the start.
  2. Immigration reform is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially regarding deportations of illegal immigrants. Balancing the views of his supporters on legal migration will be a big challenge.
  3. Foreign policy will shift to a more transactional approach, ensuring allies contribute more. This might lead to the US taking a tougher stance on NATO and calling for more support against rivals like China.

Europe's Final Fate

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy International relations Defense Economy
  1. The upcoming U.S. presidential election will impact Europe's future, especially regarding NATO and the Ukraine war. The choice between an internationalist or an isolationist president affects how the U.S. supports Europe.
  2. If the U.S. reduces its role in NATO, Europe might need to increase its military spending and support Ukraine on its own. This could lead to economic instability in Europe as they face ongoing conflicts.
  3. European leaders feel frustrated about U.S. politics but recognize they must adapt regardless of who wins in America. Cooperation will be essential, regardless of the situation.

Ukraine Should Not Have Attacked Russia, Just Like I Should Not Have Murdered O.J. Simpson

I Might Be Wrong • 17 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Public Opinion Political Commentary Conflict analysis
  1. Making mistakes is something everyone does, and it's important to admit when you're wrong and to learn from it.
  2. The relationship between Ukraine and Russia is complicated, and some argue that Ukraine's actions have been aggressive and unjustified.
  3. People should consider the consequences of supporting any country seen as an aggressor, as it could impact international stability in other regions.

What We Talk About, When We Talk About Talks.

Trying to Understand the World • 7 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Conflict resolution Geopolitics Diplomacy Foreign Policy
  1. The belief that the U.S. disengaging from Ukraine will change the situation is unrealistic. Ukraine has struggled against a stronger military, and expecting them to succeed without support is not based on reality.
  2. Western leaders have been in denial about the consequences of their support for Ukraine. They were trying to avoid facing the truth of the situation, but eventually, they had to confront it.
  3. Negotiations between the U.S. and Russia may happen, but there’s big uncertainty about what can actually be agreed upon. Major issues need resolution, and both sides seem far apart on their expectations.

Weekend Update #117: OK, the War was not Ended on Tuesday--So what Now?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 198 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy War Analysis Political Commentary International relations Political strategy
  1. Trump has made some comments suggesting he sees Russia as weaker than before, but he's still not supporting meaningful help for Ukraine. He focuses on getting a deal to stop fighting rather than ensuring Ukraine's security.
  2. There are mixed opinions about Ukraine's military situation. Some believe they have enough supplies to continue fighting, while others fear a collapse in the near future due to lack of support.
  3. Currently, Russian advances on the battlefield are very minimal. There is little change, indicating that the situation might not be as bad for Ukraine as some fear.

Trump’s D.I.Y. Deep State

Nonzero Newsletter • 304 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political strategy Trump administration International relations
  1. Donald Trump often talks against wars but hires people who support military actions when he's in office. His choices for foreign policy roles seem to contradict his campaign promises.
  2. Some believe Trump uses aggressive advisors to help him appear tougher, but this plan often backfires, making it hard for him to pursue peace initiatives.
  3. By surrounding himself with hardline individuals, Trump gives them influence over his decisions, which may lead him further away from the diplomatic approaches he claims to prefer.

Wang Jisi on U.S. society, foreign policy, & China-U.S. relations

Pekingnology • 75 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Immigration China relations Political trends
  1. The U.S. is seeing a shift in demographics, with minority groups growing faster than the white population. This change could affect the country's political landscape in the future.
  2. Trump's approach to immigration is complex and may not significantly stop illegal immigration. The U.S. is unlikely to become closed off completely due to its reliance on immigrants for economic growth.
  3. China and the U.S. still have areas for cooperation, especially in trade and technology, despite their rivalry. Both countries benefit from maintaining some level of engagement.

In Ukraine, top US official admits that “success” meant “suffering”

Aaron Mate • 174 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy War Government International relations
  1. A top US official acknowledged that the term 'success' in Ukraine often means more suffering for the people involved. It's a harsh truth about the reality of war.
  2. The Biden administration and Kyiv are facing tough decisions about whether to engage in diplomatic talks or continue their current strategy.
  3. Mixed messages from Donald Trump add confusion to the US's position on Ukraine, affecting future policies and discussions.

‘Bomb Iran’ Goes Bipartisan

Nonzero Newsletter • 293 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Bipartisanship Military Democracy Think Tanks
  1. There's a noticeable shift in political attitudes towards military action against Iran, with some Democrats now supporting the idea of a military strike, unlike in the past when they were against it.
  2. Using artificial intelligence in social media, like Meta did with AI-managed profiles, can backfire as users may find them creepy or untrustworthy.
  3. Foreign policy think tanks in the US are being heavily funded by military contractors and foreign governments, which raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

A reflection on the terrorist attack on Israel through the lens of America.

Today's Edition Newsletter • 8824 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Political division Republican party Intelligence Community
  1. The attack on Israel happened during a time of deep political division in the country.
  2. Republicans have been obstructing the confirmation of diplomatic appointments in the Middle East.
  3. Senator Tommy Tuberville has blocked the appointment of 300 senior officers in the US military.

Putin's Hungarian

Diane Francis • 839 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics European Union Political Leadership Foreign Policy
  1. Viktor Orbán is now leading the EU for six months, but he's got a close relationship with Russia, making him an outsider in European politics.
  2. Orbán suggested a ceasefire in Ukraine, but his request doesn't align with EU policies and seems irrational given the past invasions.
  3. He's faced criticism for undermining EU values and institutions, raising concerns about the potential impacts on Europe during his presidency.

Why Americans Should Die for Ukraine

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3876 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political narratives Liberalism Populism Foreign Policy Social Issues
  1. People often look for simple stories in politics that have clear heroes and villains. This need for an enemy helps people feel motivated and gives their beliefs more meaning.
  2. Many popular political narratives are misleading or even completely wrong. Instead of focusing on the truth, these narratives promote false ideas that can create division and conflict.
  3. To feel fulfilled, people need meaningful narratives that often include a common enemy. Focusing on foreign threats can unify people at home and help them find purpose beyond internal conflicts.

Be Careful What You Wish For: Gaza Edition

Gideon's Substack • 38 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Foreign Policy Middle East Elections Public Opinion
  1. Trump may be setting a trap for Israel by proposing a plan for Gaza that seems appealing but is unrealistic. It suggests removing a population without addressing how to actually do it.
  2. Many Israelis seem to support Trump's plan, thinking it will lead to a solution for Gaza. But this belief might backfire if they realize the plan can't actually happen.
  3. This situation could create a political mess for Israel in the future. If Trump's promises go unfulfilled, the Israeli people may seek someone to blame, leading to more instability.

The US Seems to Be Deliberately Weakening its Global Position

Phillips’s Newsletter • 120 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Economics Global Strategy Geopolitics
  1. The US is becoming weaker on the global stage, which affects its influence and power. This might lead to challenges in maintaining its leadership in international matters.
  2. Alliances between countries are more powerful than relying on individual nations alone. Strong partnerships can help ensure security and success in conflicts.
  3. China's economic strength is growing, and when considering purchasing power, it may be leading over the US. This shows that economic measures can change the perception of power between countries.

Trump Rescuing Tik-Tok; Can the USA be Bothered to Save Itself?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 164 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Executive Power Foreign Policy National Security Political Commentary Media influence
  1. Trump criticized Biden's support for Ukraine during his inauguration, calling it a national betrayal. This signals a shift in US foreign policy, raising concerns for Ukraine's future support.
  2. Trump's move to halt the TikTok ban is seen as a significant abuse of presidential power and questions the rule of law in the US. It suggests he can change laws at will, which is troubling for democracy.
  3. The response from American companies about TikTok may indicate their willingness to support authoritarianism over legal standards. If they prioritize profit over the law, it could weaken the spirit of democracy in the country.

Detained Americans Face Another Christmas in the Gulag

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 389 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Human Rights Criminal Justice
  1. Many Americans are wrongfully detained in foreign countries. Some of these individuals are being used as leverage by foreign governments.
  2. The U.S. government doesn't keep a clear list of detained Americans, making it hard to know how many are in this situation. Cases can vary, with some facing serious charges while others have experienced unfair treatment.
  3. High-profile cases, like Marc Fogel's, highlight the struggles families face while advocating for the release of their loved ones. Even with political support, many remain in difficult circumstances with no clear path to freedom.

Master Diplomats Biden and Blinken: A Case Study in Professional Class Screwups

Michael Tracey • 171 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Elections Government International relations
  1. Biden and Blinken faced criticism for their approach to diplomacy, with many saying they failed to connect with other nations effectively. Their methods often seemed to worsen U.S. relationships, especially with countries like China.
  2. Biden's emphasis on rallying support for Ukraine was seen as a low bar for success. He admitted that his policies heightened nuclear risks, which raises concerns about their effectiveness in avoiding major conflicts.
  3. Despite some positive views on the Afghanistan withdrawal, Biden's handling of the situation led to a significant drop in his approval ratings. Many believe he struggled to communicate the positives of this decision.

More Adorno; Trump's Paleocon Foreign Policy; Christopher Hitchens on Ross Perot

Unpopular Front • 47 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Fascism Propaganda Foreign Policy American history
  1. Adorno's ideas from his essay still resonate today. He suggests that leaders often present themselves as both powerful figures and relatable people.
  2. Fascist propaganda targets emotions rather than reason. It thrives by exploiting people's frustrations and existing beliefs without trying to change them.
  3. The concept of the 'great little man' is vital in fascist imagery, representing a leader who appears both ordinary and extraordinary, fulfilling followers' desires for authority.