President Trump’s special envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, advocates for a resource-based deal with Ukraine in exchange for US aid, avoiding past mistakes like the Iraq War’s lack of resource acquisition. Zelensky has expressed openness to such a reciprocal agreement, potentially involving Ukraine’s substantial mineral reserves, including titanium, lithium, and rare earth elements crucial for US national security. These resources, primarily located outside Russian-controlled areas, could offset the cost of US aid and reduce reliance on adversaries like China and Russia. Trump intends to discuss this with Zelensky, aiming for a mutually beneficial agreement that also brings an end to the conflict.
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The U.S. State Department approved a $7.4 billion arms package for Israel, encompassing precision-guided munitions and Hellfire missiles. This sale, justified as bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities and deterring regional threats, includes $6.75 billion in bombs and guidance systems, and an additional $660 million in missiles. The sale follows Israel’s October 2023 offensive in Gaza and the subsequent ceasefire. Though requiring Congressional approval, the weapons sale is unlikely to be blocked, given the strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
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The Trump administration’s decision to disband the task force targeting Russian oligarchs is a deeply troubling development, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to holding Russia accountable for its aggressive actions. The timing, coinciding with a period of heightened geopolitical tension, suggests a deliberate effort to weaken efforts aimed at countering Russian influence.
This move directly contradicts the stated goals of confronting Russian aggression and undermining Putin’s power base. Disbanding the task force, rather than bolstering its efforts, sends a clear signal that the administration is either unwilling or unable to effectively address the threat posed by Russian oligarchs.… Continue reading
Trump’s press secretary has stated that he has “not committed” to sending troops to Gaza. This statement, however, feels far from conclusive given the sheer volume of contradictory statements and actions that have characterized his past pronouncements. The uncertainty surrounding his intentions is, frankly, unsettling, especially considering the gravity of such a decision.
The situation feels like a replay of previous pronouncements, where a statement is made, walked back, then maybe revisited later, leaving everyone guessing at his true intentions. The lack of a clear, definitive “no” is deeply concerning. When contemplating actions with potentially devastating consequences, a simple “no” should be sufficient.… Continue reading
Vice President Kamala Harris’s outreach to Never Trump Republicans, while strategically sound, raises concerns. This collaboration, though not necessarily a Faustian bargain, may have gone too far, particularly regarding foreign policy and immigration. However, any potential negative impact on domestic policy is minimal, and voter demobilization is unlikely. The author ultimately concludes that Harris’s alignment with these Republicans, while potentially problematic in some areas, doesn’t significantly detract from her overall platform.
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President Biden will remove Cuba from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, reversing a Trump-era decision. This action, part of a prisoner release deal facilitated by the Catholic Church, is intended to normalize relations and alleviate Cuba’s economic hardship. The deal includes the release of hundreds of prisoners, potentially including those detained following 2021 anti-government protests. While Cuba welcomes the move, the decision’s long-term impact remains uncertain, particularly given potential future administrations’ policies.
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Trump’s talk of retaking the Panama Canal, once dismissed as mere bluster, has surprisingly materialized into a GOP-sponsored bill. This unexpected development raises significant questions about the party’s priorities and the potential consequences of such a bold, and arguably reckless, proposal.
The very idea of a bill aiming to reacquire the Panama Canal, based solely on the pronouncements of a single individual, seems almost surreal. It underscores a concerning trend within the GOP of prioritizing the whims of a particular leader over established foreign policy and international relations. The fact that this is even being considered in Congress reflects a level of political dysfunction that should worry anyone concerned about the stability of the United States’ position on the world stage.… Continue reading
President-elect Trump’s recent comments signal a potentially aggressive second term in foreign policy. He openly discussed using military force to reclaim the Panama Canal and Greenland, while threatening economic pressure to annex Canada. Furthermore, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico and demanding a significant increase in NATO defense spending. These actions demonstrate a willingness to challenge long-standing alliances and disregard international norms.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood