Following a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the deployment of US troops confirmed by Donald Trump, Panamanian opposition parties have accused the US of a “camouflaged invasion,” citing the establishment of a US military presence at former US bases. While the Panamanian government claims the agreement is temporary and doesn’t violate national sovereignty, opposition leaders contend this constitutes a de facto military base, sparking widespread protests and legal action. These actions, coupled with opaque negotiations and conflicting statements from both governments, have fueled public anger and distrust in President Mulino’s handling of the crisis. The situation has reignited painful memories of past US military intervention and threatens Panama’s sovereignty.
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The White House has ordered the U.S. military to develop plans for increasing troop presence in Panama to counter China’s influence and secure the Panama Canal, per President Trump’s directive. These plans range from enhanced military partnership with Panama to a less likely military seizure of the canal, contingent upon Panamanian cooperation. The administration aims to diminish China’s access to the waterway, a move that Panama and China both deny is necessary. This follows Trump’s assertion of reclaiming the canal, although the specifics remain unclear.
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President Trump announced a plan for the United States to assume control of the Gaza Strip, potentially deploying American troops, and suggested Palestinians relocate. He envisions redeveloping the area, creating a “new Riviera,” and eliminating existing infrastructure. This proposal, met with regional opposition and skepticism from some US lawmakers, would involve the permanent displacement of over a million Palestinians. Trump’s plan raises numerous legal and logistical questions regarding its implementation and funding.
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Zelenskiy’s plea to Donald Trump for US troops in Ukraine to secure peace highlights a critical juncture in the conflict. The Ukrainian president believes that only a peacekeeping force including American soldiers can effectively deter further Russian aggression. He argues that European allies lack the necessary military strength to provide a credible deterrent to Putin.
This assertion underscores a fundamental concern: the perceived inadequacy of solely European forces in countering Russia’s military capabilities. Zelenskiy’s perspective suggests a belief that the presence of US troops would be a powerful signal of resolve, deterring further escalations and strengthening the negotiating position. Without this substantial presence, he implies a high risk of fractures within the NATO alliance and a less effective, or even counterproductive, outcome.… Continue reading
Donald Trump’s private threat to deploy the U.S. military into Mexico to halt fentanyl trafficking within months escalates his earlier public tariff threats against Mexico, Canada, and China to curb both migration and drug flows. This aggressive stance, mirroring his past proposals for military intervention in Mexico’s drug war, is enabled by his current control over the Republican Party and key government branches. The lack of internal checks and balances increases the likelihood of such actions. Mexico’s President has already expressed disapproval, setting the stage for potential international conflict.
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President-elect Trump’s reported plans to combat Mexican drug cartels, developed since early 2023, are gaining traction among even mainstream Republicans. Proposals range from covert special forces operations targeting cartel leadership to more overt actions like drone strikes and airstrikes. Key Trump nominees, including Hegseth and Rubio, publicly support military intervention. The plans, discussed with multiple Republican advisors, represent a spectrum of military force, from targeted assassinations to cyber warfare.
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Donald Trump’s incoming administration is actively debating the extent of military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels, a policy gaining traction within the Republican party. Proposed actions range from covert special forces operations to airstrikes and cyber warfare, with the ultimate goal of disrupting cartel activities. Key figures within Trump’s circle, including his selections for Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor, publicly support this approach. The plan hinges on a potential ultimatum to the Mexican government; failure to curb fentanyl trafficking could trigger US military action.
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The revelation that 8,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region is nothing short of astonishing. The world seems engrossed in other matters, yet here, in the shadows of two increasingly volatile nations, we have North Korea waging a proxy war in Europe. It boggles my mind how this isn’t a front-page headline everywhere, demanding urgent action and discussion. Are we collectively numb to the implications of this arrangement, or does it signal a deeper disarray within our response to global military dynamics?
The notion that these troops are potentially being deployed alongside their Russian counterparts only heightens my anxiety.… Continue reading
North Korean troops in Russia being classified as ‘legitimate targets’ in Ukraine is a stark reflection of the rapidly evolving dynamics of modern warfare. The notion that these soldiers might be considered fair game in an active conflict underscores a shift in the geopolitical landscape, illustrating that alliances can no longer be taken for granted. The implications of this escalation expand far beyond the battlefield; they ripple into the realms of international relations, human rights, and global security.
The casual mention of North Korean soldiers as targets raises uncomfortable questions about what they are fighting for. Are they fully aware of the larger political machinations at play, or are they merely pawns in a game orchestrated by their leadership?… Continue reading
Russia forming a battalion of North Korean soldiers due to severe manpower shortages is a concerning development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The fact that Russia is bypassing the “no foreign troops” rule is alarming and raises questions about the ethics and legality of such actions. It seems that Russia is desperate to bolster its forces and is willing to resort to extreme measures, such as bringing in soldiers from North Korea, known for their oppressive regime and lack of freedom.
South Korea should be vigilant and prepared to gather intelligence from any captured North Korean soldiers, as their involvement in the conflict could have broader implications.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood