The potential collapse of Ukraine would be a far greater humiliation for the United States than its withdrawal from Afghanistan, argues former UK Foreign Secretary William Hague. He cautions that President-elect Trump’s perceived desire for a quick, Russia-favoring resolution to the conflict could embolden Russia and lead to further aggression in the future. Hague emphasizes the importance of maintaining Western strength and resolve against Russia, drawing parallels to the West’s failure to adequately punish Russia after its annexation of Crimea in 2014. He urges a continuation of firm support for Ukraine to prevent a disastrous outcome.
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President-elect Trump’s nomination of former Representative Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence is deeply concerning. Gabbard, with no intelligence experience, has shown alarming pro-Assad and pro-Putin sentiments, even blaming NATO and the U.S. for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Her views align with Russian propaganda and have even raised concerns from conservative commentators. This appointment poses a serious threat to national security, as Gabbard’s positions on foreign policy could compromise sensitive intelligence and undermine American interests. The Senate should exercise its constitutional duty to scrutinize this nomination and reject Gabbard’s appointment.
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The news that Donald Trump is expected to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State has sparked a mixed reaction, with many expressing surprise and some even relief. The choice of Rubio, a Republican Senator from Florida, is seen by some as a step away from the more extreme, isolationist positions of some of Trump’s previous appointees.
While Rubio has been a vocal critic of Trump in the past, calling him a “dangerous erratic con man,” he has also shown an interest in foreign policy issues, particularly in relation to Russia and Ukraine. During the war in Ukraine, Rubio was very active on Twitter, sharing information and updates about the conflict, demonstrating a level of engagement that could be seen as a positive attribute for a Secretary of State.… Continue reading
President-elect Trump has reportedly spoken with world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, directly without the typical involvement of the State Department or government interpreters. This decision stems from Trump’s distrust of federal officials following leaked transcripts from his previous calls with foreign leaders. While Trump’s team is expected to eventually sign an agreement with the General Services Administration, which would establish a more formal protocol for these calls, the president-elect has opted for direct communication with world leaders in the interim. Trump has emphasized the importance of developing stronger relationships with these leaders, and his conversations with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have focused on de-escalating the conflict in Ukraine, despite ongoing military activity in the region.
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It’s a delicate situation we’re looking at here, with Israel fuming as Biden signals a harder line against a potential ground assault in Rafah. The tension between the US and Israel is palpable, with discussions of arms sales and support at the forefront of the issue.
There seems to be a divide in opinions on whether Israel should be so reliant on US weapons and support. Some argue that Israel has its own Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) and should be able to manufacture what they need themselves. Others point out that Israel’s local manufacturing capabilities may not be equipped to produce certain high-tech precision weapons that are crucial in minimizing civilian casualties.… Continue reading
Trump Deflates — It wasn’t just Putin who lost in the House vote on Ukraine aid.
The recent House vote on Ukraine aid has had significant implications, not only for the foreign policy landscape but also for the internal dynamics of the GOP. It is evident that the shifting tides within the Republican Party are reflective of a broader dissatisfaction with Trump’s influence and his alignment with Russia against Ukraine. For over 16 months, Trump had his way with blocking aid to Ukraine, a move that highlighted his loyalty to Putin over supporting a vital ally in the region.
The rebellion within Trump’s party, especially in the Senate and the House, showcases a significant departure from the former President’s grip on the party.… Continue reading
As an American citizen, it is both disheartening and concerning to see the impact that President Trump has had on the relationship between the United States and its allies. The idea that countries must consider moving a Ukraine arms group into NATO to shield it from Trump’s unpredictable decisions is a clear indication of the lack of trust and reliability that the current administration has instilled in the international community.
The fact that foreign leaders and the press feel compelled to speak out against Trump and his policies in the media is a stark reminder of the potential repercussions of having a leader who lacks consistency and a clear foreign policy strategy.… Continue reading
The recent news of the US blocking a $3-billion drone sale to India until a “meaningful investigation” of the Pannun assassination conspiracy is certainly a significant development. As an observer, I can’t help but be intrigued by the implications of this move and the underlying motivations behind it.
One key point to consider is that India’s military heavily relies on Russian equipment, and with US sanctions limiting Russia’s ability to export arms, there is a unique opportunity for the US to establish itself as the primary supplier for India’s defense needs. The decision to block the drone sale could be seen as an attempt to exploit this moment and secure a long-term market for American weapons, effectively shutting Russia out for good.… Continue reading
The recent move by the United States to reimpose sanctions on Venezuela after an opposition candidate was barred from the presidential election has sparked a lot of debate and scrutiny. As I reflect on this situation, I can’t help but feel a sense of confusion and frustration. It seems like there are double standards at play when it comes to international politics and the way countries are treated based on their actions.
One key point that stands out to me is the inconsistency in the US response to situations like these. On one hand, we see Pakistan throwing a popular presidential candidate in jail for revealing evidence of a coup, yet the US does nothing.… Continue reading
As I sit here and read about the recent drone strike by an Iran-backed group that resulted in the deaths of three US troops in Jordan, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of frustration and anger. It seems like every week we are faced with a similar statement, another act of aggression that demands a response.
President Biden’s words, though vague, reassure me that the United States will not stand idly by. He promises to hold all those responsible to account, and while I appreciate his commitment, part of me wonders if Iran is intentionally trying to provoke a response from Biden, to make him a wartime president.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood