Following a surprisingly swift rebel advance, the Biden administration assesses a high likelihood of Bashar al-Assad’s regime falling within days. This assessment, while not yet formal, stems from the regime’s forces largely abandoning the fight, leaving a weak defense of Damascus. Concerns exist regarding the safety of Assad’s chemical weapons stockpile and the potential impact on US troops in the region, particularly given the involvement of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group designated as a terrorist organization. The US is currently monitoring the situation and taking additional force protection measures. The speed of the rebel advance has caught the administration off guard, prompting concerns similar to those following the fall of Kabul and the initial invasion of Ukraine.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed a Rolling Stone report detailing a potential “soft invasion” of Mexico by the incoming Trump administration, characterizing it as unrealistic. The report alleges plans for U.S. special forces operations targeting Mexican cartels, including assassinations and airstrikes, with support from several Trump appointees. Sheinbaum asserted Mexico’s sovereignty, while figures like Pete Hegseth and Marco Rubio voiced support for military intervention, albeit with caveats regarding cooperation with the Mexican government. However, experts warn such actions could inadvertently strengthen cartels and destabilize the region.
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As I read through the news about Venezuela seizing 400 US rifles and arresting foreigners, Americans among them, over an alleged plot to destabilize the country, I can’t help but feel a mix of skepticism and concern. On one hand, it seems almost comical to think that the CIA would need to resort to such amateur tactics to destabilize a country like Venezuela, which many already perceive to be in a state of unrest. On the other hand, knowing the history of US involvement in Latin American politics, it’s not entirely implausible.
The idea that a relatively small number of rifles could be the tool used to destabilize an entire nation like Venezuela is a bit difficult to swallow.… Continue reading
The situation in Venezuela is troubling, to say the least. The recent elections, marred by allegations of fraud and corruption, have sparked outrage both within the country and on the international stage. With accusations flying left and right, one thing remains clear: the fate of the Venezuelan people hangs in the balance, caught between a government clinging to power and opposition forces calling for change.
The US has found itself in the crosshairs of the Venezuelan government, which accuses it of being at the forefront of a coup attempt. But let’s take a step back and examine the facts. When a leader blatantly steals elections, as Maduro is accused of doing, it is only natural for the international community to question the legitimacy of the results.… Continue reading
The tragic news of the mayor being shot dead while at a restaurant with his 14-year-old son in Mexico is truly heartbreaking. As a parent, the thought of the trauma that poor child will have to live with for the rest of his life is gut-wrenching. No child should have to witness such terrible violence, especially at the hands of ruthless criminals.
It is distressing to think about the state of affairs in Mexico, where cartels seemingly hold more power and influence than the government itself. The fact that the cartels are integrated into Mexican society to such an extent that they have become de facto rulers is alarming.… Continue reading
As I sit down to reflect on the recent news that the US has decided not to send troops to Haiti amidst the country’s explosion of gang violence, I can’t help but feel conflicted. On one hand, it seems like a wise decision to avoid getting entangled in a situation that has historically proven to be complex and difficult to resolve. The US has had its fair share of interventions in Haiti over the years, and the results have often been less than ideal. It’s understandable that there is reluctance to once again involve American troops in a situation that may not have a clear solution.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker