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WILL TRUMP SIDE WITH THE HARDLINERS ON RUSSIA?

Seymour Hersh • 30 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Presidency Political parties Public Opinion Foreign Policy
  1. The writer suggests that President Biden is showing signs of memory issues and confusion, which could impact his ability to serve. Many people close to him have observed his difficulties, making it a significant concern.
  2. Biden's poor performance in a debate against Trump highlighted his struggles and led to speculations about him not running for a second term. This decision seemed to come too late for a proper selection of a successor.
  3. There are questions about Trump's future decisions, especially regarding his stance on Russia, and whether he will align with more extreme views within his party. This could shape foreign policy in the coming years.

Saturday Commentary and Review #179

Fisted by Foucault • 161 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Foreign Policy Elections Economic Policies Public Opinion
  1. Trump's second term will face challenges due to the need for compromise in US politics and the divided support within the GOP. Expectation management is crucial because many factors could limit his ambitious plans.
  2. The discussion around liberalism is shifting, with some arguing that Trump represents a return to classic liberalism, while others believe his policies disrupt traditional liberal values. This highlights the changing definitions of liberal democracy.
  3. Europe is feeling the pressure from US economic policies, as countries like Germany struggle with the effects of competition and trade dynamics. The relationship between US demands and European economies is becoming increasingly strained.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 18.02.2025

steigan.no • 6 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations Political News Geopolitics
  1. Negotiating with the EU can be risky for countries like Norway, as it may not align with their national interests. It's essential to prioritize what's best for Norway rather than just following EU agendas.
  2. The relationship between the EU and the US is changing, and Europe may need to find its own voice and stance in global politics, especially regarding partnerships with other countries like China.
  3. There's a concern that European leaders may not be respected as strong partners in negotiations, particularly in conflicts like the one in Ukraine. Focusing too much on past agreements could weaken future influence.

Weeked Update #109: Ukrainian Land for NATO?

Phillips’s Newsletter • 132 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Elections International relations Legislation
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested that Ukraine might consider giving up some territory in exchange for NATO membership. This could stop the current fighting but raises big legal questions about land ownership.
  2. There's some hope for Ukraine supporters with Trump's recent choice of Keith Kellogg as his Ukraine envoy. Kellogg is known for wanting to continue aid to Ukraine, but his overall influence may be limited.
  3. Ukraine has started limited attacks on Russian military targets. This may help them hold onto strategic areas, but it's still too early to tell how it will affect the conflict's direction.
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With Russia ‘on the march’ in Ukraine, the US pulls away

Aaron Mate • 207 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Affairs Congress Political strategy International relations
  1. The US government initially believed that its support for Ukraine would effectively counter Russia's advances. However, their recent admission shows that this support did not yield the expected results.
  2. After a significant funding boost, officials now realize that Russia is still making territorial gains in Ukraine, contrary to their earlier predictions.
  3. The situation has prompted discussions about the need for negotiations with Russia, a shift from previous views that such talks would be premature.

Why Is The American Right Pandering to Putin?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1544 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Foreign Policy Documentary
  1. Some members of the American right are supportive of Tucker Carlson's friendly chat with Vladimir Putin, yet critics see it as pandering to an enemy of democracy.
  2. Despite concerns about Biden's age and Trump's foreign policy remarks, some argue that Biden's experience and Trump's stance on NATO could be reasons for their support.
  3. A documentary based on the book 'The Coddling of the American Mind' by Lukianoff and Haidt is being turned into a feature film, backed by Substack, probing into rising mental health issues and illiberalism among young Americans.

Blinken Drags Us Back To The Forestal Suicide Scandal & The US First Strike Gamble.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 36 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Nuclear policy Political History Government Officials
  1. Air Force General Curtis LeMay pushed for the U.S. to use nuclear weapons first against the Soviet Union, creating a lot of tension during the Cold War. He convinced others that the Soviets were planning to attack, even though they were mostly focused on defense.
  2. The current U.S. foreign policy seems to be repeating past mistakes by spreading fear of a Russian nuclear first strike, ignoring that Russia is moving toward missile technology that could make traditional nuclear weapons less relevant.
  3. Secretary of State Blinken appears to be continuing this dangerous strategy, which many believe is just a way to maintain Cold War-era tactics instead of seeking real solutions to today’s conflicts.

Why I won't vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the 2024 election

Michael Tracey • 201 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Campaigns Political parties Foreign Policy
  1. The author believes that both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are not suitable candidates for president in 2024. They feel detached from the idea of voting for major party candidates they don't support.
  2. There is frustration with how media and commentators have not critically engaged with Trump's record while he campaigns again. The author thinks most critiques focus on dramatic or superficial issues rather than serious policy analysis.
  3. The author values foreign policy highly when deciding how to vote, feeling that the U.S.'s global influence means leadership choices need to be carefully considered for their international impact.

Zelensky left stranded; Bill Clinton's bigotry

Aaron Mate • 208 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Campaigns Foreign Policy Political Commentary Government Relations Public Opinion
  1. Zelensky is upset because his request for Tomahawk missiles was leaked by the White House. This has made him feel unsupported in a tough situation.
  2. Bill Clinton is showing his support for Israel, even in the face of widespread criticism about the violence against Palestinians. This highlights his controversial stance on the matter.
  3. These events reflect ongoing tensions in international relations and how leaders respond to them, making it clear that political alliances can have serious consequences.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 21.02.2025

steigan.no • 4 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Government Elections Political Commentary International relations
  1. The relationship between Ukraine and the USA is souring, as both leaders exchange sharp insults. It seems the initial friendship is now over, which could have broader implications for support.
  2. New discussions between the USA and Russia suggest a possible withdrawal of American troops from NATO countries that joined after 1990. This could change the security landscape in Europe significantly.
  3. Research shows that vitamin D can help protect against COVID-19 vaccine-related heart issues, highlighting the importance of proper health management and nutrition in preventing illness.

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 19.02.2025

steigan.no • 5 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Diplomacy Conflict resolution Political Analysis International relations
  1. There's a big shift in US-Russia relations where both sides are talking about normalizing diplomatic ties and ending the war in Ukraine. This could change many global dynamics.
  2. European countries seem confused and troubled by the US-Russia talks. They feel left out and worry about how this will affect their own positions.
  3. A recent study shows that organic farming is better for the environment and soil health than conventional methods. It highlights the benefits of organic practices in reducing emissions and improving biodiversity.

CROSSPOST from 2007: HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: George W. Bush et le Code Ezéchiel

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Religion History Political theory Biblical Interpretation
  1. George W. Bush mentioned biblical figures Gog and Magog while discussing the Middle East with Jacques Chirac. This shows how some leaders might connect their political actions with religious beliefs.
  2. The interpretations of biblical texts like Ezekiel can vary widely. Some scholars see historical events in these texts, while others look for modern connections.
  3. The United States' support for Israel can be influenced by religious views, unlike the more geopolitical perspective often taken in Europe.

"Who Cares About International Aid?"

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 7 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International Aid Foreign Policy Economic Development Global Governance Soft Power
  1. Helping others through international aid is not just good for the people receiving help, but it also makes the helpers feel good and strengthens their own country's values.
  2. International aid helps build relationships and influence. If the U.S. pulls back, other nations like China might step in and take that influence.
  3. Investing in international development is smart economics. It helps create markets for U.S. goods, ensuring better economic stability for everyone involved.

World Policing or World Perfecting?

In My Tribe • 637 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy Global Governance International relations Regional conflicts
  1. Policing the world can be necessary sometimes, like ensuring safe navigation and commerce. However, trying to forcefully change other countries' systems usually leads to problems.
  2. Past U.S. actions in the Middle East often focused too much on perfection, like trying to build democracies instead of just maintaining order. This overreaching has had high costs without much benefit.
  3. America should find a balance between policing and staying less involved globally. While policing might not be ideal, it's often better than allowing worse alternatives like unchecked aggression from other nations.

The World According to Trump (w/ Col. Lawrence Wilkerson) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 150 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy Military Intelligence National Security
  1. Trump might go back to being president and that could change how the U.S. deals with global issues. His actions could affect the situation in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran.
  2. Wilkerson believes Trump doesn't really want to start wars but has a strong loyalty to Israel. This makes it tricky because any support for Israel could lead to conflicts, especially with Iran.
  3. Both Trump and Biden might lead the U.S. to support harsh policies in the Middle East, which could worsen the lives of people there, particularly in places like Gaza.

We Should Be in the French Moment

Phillips’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Foreign Policy Geopolitics Leadership
  1. France has a historical vision for strong leadership in Europe, which includes being independent from other powers like the USA.
  2. In the past, French leaders wanted to build the country's economic and military strength, especially its nuclear capabilities.
  3. Currently, there seems to be a hesitation in France to fully step into the role of leadership, even in a moment that could be significant for the country.

America Is a Normal Country

KERFUFFLE • 55 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy American history Political Philosophy National Identity Global relations
  1. America is no longer viewed as a unique or exceptional country compared to others. Instead, it shares many common challenges with other nations.
  2. The U.S. has a history of military interventions that often led to problems rather than solutions, making some wonder if inaction might have been better.
  3. Despite past dominance after World War II, America is now seen as an empire in decline, and it's important to recognize and adapt to this reality.

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 Election Immigration Economy Progressives 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.

Biden's parting Ukrainian sacrifice

Aaron Mate • 139 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Actions Political Analysis International relations Crisis response
  1. The US is allowing long-range strikes into Russia, and the UK is supporting this decision. This could escalate tensions in the region.
  2. Ukraine seems to be caught in the middle of these decisions, often paying the highest price. It highlights the cost of being involved in global conflicts.
  3. Biden's administration appears to be making bold choices as it wraps up its term, which raises concerns about the implications for Ukraine's future.

Weekend Update #107: Some Leaders Wants to Tell Ukraine What Peace Means for Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 147 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Negotiations Leadership Conflict
  1. Some leaders are trying to negotiate peace for Ukraine without actually involving Ukrainians. This approach can weaken Ukraine's position and undermine their needs.
  2. There are three types of people in Trump's potential cabinet regarding Ukraine: those who support it, those who have flipped to anti-Ukraine views, and those who have always opposed it. This could affect future U.S. support for Ukraine.
  3. Russia's economy is struggling and might face more problems in 2025. If Ukraine stays supported by its allies, it could win the war, but it will need that help to get through.

The Wrong Sort of Power

Comment is Freed • 73 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Autocracies Foreign Policy Geopolitics
  1. The 1979 Iranian Revolution set off events that may lead to more revolutions in the region. People are wondering if the current Iranian government could be next to face a challenge.
  2. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria seemed surprising but was also expected by some. The future of Syria is uncertain, and things will definitely change from now on.
  3. Iran and Russia are major losers after their support for Assad. They invested a lot of time and resources but are now facing setbacks in their influence over the Middle East.

Weekend Update #106: The World Has Changed, the Battlefield Not so Much

Phillips’s Newsletter • 163 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Elections Ukraine Foreign Policy War
  1. Trump's return to power raises concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine. It's unclear how his leadership will impact the ongoing war.
  2. The U.S. can't control the war's outcome alone; Europe must step up and take a more active role in supporting Ukraine.
  3. Despite Russian losses mounting, they are still trying to gain ground in Ukraine. The situation remains dire for civilians facing aggressive attacks.

Syria Proves To The World, The US Is The Terrorist We Should Be Hunting!

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 48 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Terrorism Government Accountability International relations
  1. The U.S. has been involved in foreign conflicts and actions that some believe are driven by self-interest rather than genuine efforts to combat terrorism.
  2. There are claims that terrorist groups like ISIS have ties to U.S. operations, suggesting a complicated relationship rather than straightforward opposition.
  3. Critics argue that the U.S. government's actions have caused suffering worldwide and question its moral authority to judge other nations.

The weird alliance between Matt Gaetz and the Congressional Progressive Caucus (it's a good thing)

Bad News • 1218 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Foreign Policy Bipartisanship National Security Military Intervention
  1. Matt Gaetz and the Congressional Progressive Caucus formed an unlikely alliance on war policies.
  2. There was a significant bipartisan effect on voting for war resolutions.
  3. The presence of U.S. troops in Syria impacts the future of the Kurdish autonomous region.

Successes of the American Empire I: A Free South Korea

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1877 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy North Korea Military Diplomacy
  1. US foreign policy successes are often less visible than failures, making it important to acknowledge both aspects
  2. American military presence in South Korea has helped maintain peace by deterring North Korean aggression
  3. Engaging in discussions with hostile regimes, like North Korea, can provide valuable insights into their intentions

Trump Whispering and Ukraine

Phillips’s Newsletter • 86 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Media influence
  1. People are too hopeful about Trump’s new ideas on Ukraine. It's based more on wishes than what he actually says.
  2. We should pay attention to Trump’s actual statements about Ukraine to understand his real thoughts. His words now are not much different from what he said before the election.
  3. Some recent comments from Trump on Ukraine might be more serious than people think. It's important to really look at what he means.

The US Keeps Bombing People While Saying It Doesn't Want To Fight

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1285 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Government
  1. The US officials claim they are not at war with groups but keep bombing them in the Middle East.
  2. The Biden administration and US officials engage in contradictory behavior by denouncing conflicts while supporting aggressive military actions.
  3. The US demonstrates double standards by surrounding China with military presence while interpreting China's actions as aggressive, highlighting hypocrisy in global power dynamics.

Re-Designating the Houthis Is a Major Error

Eunomia • 668 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Foreign Policy Conflict Humanitarian Crisis Middle East Diplomacy
  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.

A Senior Republican Speaks : 2

Phillips’s Newsletter • 122 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Foreign Policy GOP Trump Era
  1. Trump united various groups of dissatisfied citizens, which helped him win the election. The Democrats missed the mark by focusing on less relevant issues instead of the economy and safety.
  2. The future of the GOP looks very much like Trump; the party is shifting towards more extreme policies. It may take a long time for this coalition to change as it's becoming more entrenched.
  3. Trump's approach to foreign policy, especially regarding aid to Ukraine and relationships with NATO and China, is likely to become less conventional. He might focus more on making deals rather than traditional alliances.

Weekend Update #104: Georgia Shows Why Ukraine Must Win

Phillips’s Newsletter • 177 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Foreign Policy Political parties Military Affairs
  1. Democracy is fragile, as shown by the situation in Georgia where a government can manipulate elections and suppress dissent to maintain power. This highlights the importance of being vigilant to protect democratic systems.
  2. The fight for Ukraine's freedom is crucial for the future of democracy in Europe. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to a worsening decline of democratic values across the continent.
  3. There are concerning connections between certain political movements in the U.S. and leaders who support authoritarian regimes. This could influence U.S. foreign policy and the support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

Is Donald Trump a "neocon"?

Michael Tracey • 109 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Election Dynamics Foreign Policy Political Movements Political Analysis
  1. The term 'neocon' is losing its meaning and is often used as an insult rather than to describe actual beliefs or actions. Calling someone a 'neocon' suggests they are against Trump, even if they support similar policies.
  2. Trump's cabinet appointments often contradict the idea that he's opposing 'neocons.' His selections, like Marco Rubio, share the same interventionist policies that were popular among earlier Republican leaders.
  3. Despite claims that Trump wants to distance himself from 'neocon' influences, many of his actions and choices suggest he is aligning more with hardline foreign policy people than with the populist approach he promoted.

In Trump camp, neocons abound

Aaron Mate • 149 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Foreign Policy Elections Political Campaigns
  1. Trump says he wants peace in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. However, his supporters and donors seem to have different plans.
  2. Neocons, who usually push for aggressive foreign policies, are influential in Trump's inner circle.
  3. There may be a conflict between Trump's public statements about peace and the more hawkish agenda of his closest allies.

Voters fed up with foreign entanglements were justifiably repulsed by the Democrats, even if Trump and the Republicans are a sham

Michael Tracey • 138 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Voting Trends Foreign Policy Political parties Government Policy Election Analysis
  1. Many voters are unhappy with how much money the government spends on foreign conflicts instead of helping people at home. This anger might push them to vote against the current party in power.
  2. Despite Trump's mistakes during his time in office, he still appeals to voters who want a change from current policies. His promises to prioritize American interests resonate with those feeling ignored.
  3. Voters feel that both major parties are not addressing their needs, especially regarding foreign policy. This frustration could lead them to support Trump again, even if they know it might not bring real solutions.

When Presidents Show Backbone, Israel Caves

Spoils of War • 589 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Presidents Congress United Nations Aid
  1. U.S. presidents have historically influenced Israel's actions by showing backbone and making clear demands.
  2. Actions taken by U.S. presidents like Eisenhower and Carter have led Israel to comply with international resolutions.
  3. Threats of trade sanctions and aid cutoffs have been effective in pushing Israel to withdraw from occupied territories.

Just Say Ceasefire, Bernie

Discourse Blog • 1002 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy
  1. A 'humanitarian pause' is not the same as a ceasefire - it's just a temporary stop in operations.
  2. Bernie Sanders is being criticized for supporting a 'humanitarian pause' instead of advocating for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
  3. Many people, including politicians and activists, are calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.