Elon Musk, a close confidant of President-elect Donald Trump, met with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in a secret New York meeting. The discussion focused on easing tensions between the two countries, but the Biden administration was not notified of the meeting. This reported meeting comes as experts anticipate increased tensions with Iran under a potential Trump administration, potentially leading to a return of the “maximum pressure” campaign that crippled Iran’s economy. Musk’s involvement in this meeting, along with his recent appointment to lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in Trump’s proposed administration, raises questions about his influence on US foreign policy and potential conflicts of interest.
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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has sparked heated debate, with accusations flying between various actors. Donald Trump’s nominee for US national intelligence chief was accused by Ukraine of being beholden to the Kremlin. Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now a Trump supporter, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the US and NATO provoked Russia into the war by failing to address its security concerns regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. Gabbard asserted that this conflict could have been avoided if the US and NATO had acknowledged Russia’s legitimate fears, emphasizing the proximity of potential US/NATO forces to Russia’s borders. While NATO has affirmed Ukraine’s future membership, it has not provided a concrete timeline for its accession.
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Mike Huckabee, President-elect Trump’s nominee for US ambassador to Israel, has previously stated that there is “no such thing as a Palestinian,” calling it a “political tool” to claim land from Israel. He further argued that a Palestinian state, if it were to exist, should be located in neighboring countries like Egypt, Syria, or Jordan, rather than within Israel’s borders. These remarks, made during his 2008 presidential campaign and reiterated in 2015, suggest a strong bias against Palestinian statehood and raise concerns about his ability to represent US interests in the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that the Biden administration is fully committed to providing Ukraine with “every dollar” at its disposal before the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20th. This declaration comes as a response to Trump’s repeated criticisms of the US’s efforts to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Blinken’s statement highlights the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need to provide Ukraine with the necessary resources to fight effectively or negotiate a peace from a position of strength. He stressed the importance of “money, the munitions, and the mobilized forces” for Ukraine’s success in 2025.… Continue reading
Despite some limited progress by Israel in increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Biden administration has not yet determined if Israel is in violation of U.S. law. While acknowledging some positive steps, the administration maintains that the humanitarian situation in Gaza requires significant improvement. This decision follows a month-long ultimatum from the U.S., urging Israel to increase aid flow or face potential consequences. The U.S. remains Israel’s largest arms supplier and its key ally, but has expressed concerns about the dire conditions in Gaza and the lack of access for humanitarian organizations. The U.S. continues to press Israel to increase aid flow and ensure better humanitarian access, particularly in northern Gaza, which has been cut off from food for over a month.
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Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkansas and a prominent evangelical figure, has been chosen by President Trump to be the US ambassador to Israel. This appointment has sparked a wave of reactions, ranging from amusement to alarm, reflecting the deep divisions in American politics and the complex relationship between the US and Israel.
Huckabee’s selection has been met with skepticism and even outright criticism from many, who see him as unqualified and potentially harmful to US interests. His past pronouncements on Israel, including his support for the idea of forcibly relocating Palestinians, have drawn particular concern. His association with figures like Pastor John Hagee, who believes in a literal interpretation of biblical prophecy and advocates for a military strike on Iran, has further fueled concerns about his potential influence on US foreign policy.… Continue reading
The Washington Post reported that President-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 7th, during which they discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Kremlin has vehemently denied this report, calling it “pure fiction” and “completely untrue.” The alleged conversation occurred shortly after Trump’s election victory and amidst speculation about his foreign policy approach. The Washington Post claimed the call included discussions about de-escalation in Ukraine and the significance of U.S. military presence in Europe, while Trump reportedly expressed interest in resolving the conflict.
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Despite recent assurances to Ukrainian President Zelensky, there are growing indications that incoming President Trump’s Ukraine policy may prioritize peace over territorial restoration, potentially leading to a “take it or leave it” situation for Kyiv. While Trump’s spokesperson denied a senior Republican strategist’s claim that the president would focus on peace, Trump’s decision to exclude pro-Ukraine Secretary of State Pompeo from his administration and his prior skepticism towards Ukraine funding raise concerns. Furthermore, Elon Musk’s presence on the call with Zelensky and his past expressions of doubt regarding Ukraine’s chances against Russia, coupled with John Bolton’s prediction of a deal with Putin involving Ukrainian concessions, further reinforce this potential shift in US policy.
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The United States has requested that Qatar expel Hamas from Doha, citing the Palestinian militant group’s rejection of a proposed hostage deal. The US administration, frustrated by the lack of progress in negotiations, has declared Hamas’s presence in Qatar unacceptable and has urged Qatar to close the group’s political office there.
The US has been working alongside Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, the latest proposed hostage deal has been rejected by Hamas, prompting the US to take this decisive action. This demand, delivered to Hamas leaders by Qatar about ten days ago, signifies a shift in US strategy.… Continue reading
Following the death of an American-Israeli hostage and Hamas’s continued refusal to negotiate a ceasefire, the United States pressured Qatar to expel Hamas leaders from Doha. After months of failed negotiations, the US informed Qatar that they must no longer provide refuge to Hamas, a group responsible for killing Americans and holding them hostage. Qatar agreed to the US request and notified Hamas of their expulsion, though the exact timing and destination of the Hamas leaders remain unclear. The US is opposed to Turkey as a potential destination for Hamas leadership, and the US has also stated that it will not tolerate any country offering refuge to Hamas.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood