In a recent Truth Social post, former US President Donald Trump warned the Taliban that “bad things” would happen if they failed to return Bagram Airbase. This strongly worded statement, referencing the United States as the builder of the base, signals a potential escalation of tensions. The post suggests a potential future focus on the military site located in Afghanistan. This highlights a continuing interest in the region despite the US withdrawal.
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Former President Donald Trump has been privately pressuring national security officials to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized after the US withdrawal in 2021. Trump believes the base is vital for monitoring China, accessing rare earth elements, combating ISIS, and potentially reopening a diplomatic facility. While a 2020 agreement mandated a full US troop withdrawal, Trump has suggested the US has leverage over the Taliban due to their need for assistance. Bagram, a key military hub for nearly two decades, was left by US troops in 2021, with its departure criticized in a State Department review for contributing to the chaotic overall withdrawal.
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Following a two-day NATO summit, Senator Mike Lee introduced the “Not A Trusted Organization (NATO) Act,” aiming to withdraw the U.S. from the alliance, citing its irrelevance and burden on American taxpayers. The act would direct President Trump to formally notify the North Atlantic Council of the U.S.’s withdrawal. This bill faces challenges due to previous bipartisan efforts to prevent unilateral withdrawal, and Trump has also expressed support for the alliance and its defense spending. The proposed legislation and the evolving stance of key figures signal a potential shift in U.S. policy regarding European security commitments.
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The World Health Assembly overwhelmingly adopted the world’s first pandemic accord, aiming to improve international cooperation and response to future outbreaks. The agreement emphasizes strengthening health systems, sharing resources equitably, and establishing a mechanism for sharing pathogen information. Notable, however, was the absence of the United States, which withdrew from the WHO under the Trump administration, citing mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite criticism from a U.S. representative who called for a WHO overhaul, the agreement was lauded by global leaders as a significant step towards pandemic preparedness.
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Former President Trump called for the retrieval of billions of dollars worth of U.S. military equipment left in Afghanistan following the withdrawal, claiming it is now being sold by the Taliban. He specifically cited the abandonment of Bagram Air Base and the transfer of equipment to the Afghan National Army as contributing factors. Trump’s suggestion would necessitate a re-invasion of Afghanistan, a highly complex and potentially costly undertaking. Defense experts note that much of this equipment was either demilitarized or transferred to Afghan forces prior to the withdrawal.
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Israel, citing the UN Human Rights Council’s (UNHRC) biased treatment and failure to condemn Hamas’ October 7th massacre, has withdrawn its observer status. This decision follows the US withdrawal and reflects Israel’s view that the UNHRC disproportionately criticizes Israel while ignoring widespread human rights abuses by other member states. The UNHRC’s alleged obsession with condemning Israel, including over 100 condemnatory resolutions, prompted this action. Israel’s ambassador to UN institutions in Geneva will cease participation in UNHRC discussions but will remain in his post at other UN bodies.
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Following his initial order for the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to perceived mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises, President Trump later suggested a potential return. This reversal came during a rally in Las Vegas, where he indicated a rejoining might be considered, contingent on necessary reforms. His statement highlighted concerns over the U.S.’s disproportionately high financial contributions compared to other nations, specifically mentioning China. This marks Trump’s second attempt to sever ties with the WHO.
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President Trump’s executive order formally withdraws the United States from the Paris Agreement, a 2015 accord committing nearly 200 nations to curbing global warming. This decision, defying overwhelming scientific consensus, ignores the escalating climate crisis evidenced by record-breaking temperatures in 2024. The agreement aimed to limit global temperature increases to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a goal now further jeopardized by this withdrawal. Critics argue the move demonstrates a disregard for both domestic and global consequences of climate change.
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A wargame simulated a 2nd Trump presidency, and the shocking conclusion was that NATO would collapse. Now, this may sound like a far-fetched scenario to some, but the reality is that Trump himself has openly stated his intention to pull the US out of NATO. This move would undoubtedly deal a significant blow to the alliance, as the US is not only the largest but also the most well-funded member of NATO. It’s crucial to understand the implications of such a decision, as NATO plays a pivotal role in ensuring global security and stability.
The collapse of NATO would undoubtedly embolden the enemies of the alliance, particularly those who seek to undermine Western democracies.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker