By the end of 2025, Russia’s irrecoverable losses in the war are projected to reach 1.2 million, a figure unseen since World War II, despite starting the war with approximately 1 million active-duty troops. This represents the effective destruction and rebuilding of the Russian army, now expanded to 1.5 million active personnel. The casualty rate includes those killed and severely wounded, with the proportion of killed soldiers rising annually. Despite these staggering losses and minimal territorial gains, the Kremlin shows no sign of relenting, continuing its strategy of relentless infantry assaults. This echoes the brutal tactics of the Soviet Union during World War II, prioritizing relentless attacks over the value of human life.
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Yale historian Greg Grandin posits that President Trump’s foreign policy is destabilizing the international order established after World War II. Grandin highlights the administration’s embrace of the Monroe Doctrine, suggesting a return to a world divided into spheres of influence, particularly in Latin America. Evidence includes military actions and political interference in the region, including military build-up in the Caribbean. Grandin warns that this shift toward a more aggressive, sphere-of-influence approach increases the risk of global conflict and “brinkmanship” similar to what was seen leading up to World War II.
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China holds low-key Nanjing Massacre memorial despite Japan tensions, which is a significant event that deserves continued remembrance, regardless of the complexities of current diplomatic relations. It’s a reminder of a horrific event, akin to the Holocaust or the atomic bombings, and its importance extends to all of humanity. The low-key nature of this year’s commemoration doesn’t diminish its impact. The atrocities committed during the Nanjing Massacre, alongside the horrific experiments conducted by Japan’s Unit 731 using live Chinese people for bio/chemical weapons testing, represent some of the most egregious war crimes of World War II. These acts demand to be discussed and remembered, just as we remember the Holocaust.… Continue reading
In the winter of 1944, African American soldiers like 1st Sgt. Jefferson Wiggins were tasked with burying fallen US service members in the Netherlands, a grueling and discriminatory duty during World War II. Recently, the American Battle Monuments Commission removed a display at the Margraten cemetery that honored these contributions and highlighted the discrimination they faced, sparking controversy. The agency stated the panel’s removal was due to an internal review, while the display’s removal has prompted calls for its reinstallation by local Dutch officials and the late 1st Lt. Wiggins’ widow. The panel removal has drawn scrutiny regarding the ABMC’s mission and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Black soldiers who fought during the war.
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President directs Pentagon to start testing nuclear weapons, a pronouncement that jolts the senses. The immediate question that pops to mind is, why? We’ve poured exorbitant amounts of money into maintaining our nuclear arsenal, and the consensus seems to be that they function as intended. Do we really need to irradiate some remote island or an underground cavern to prove a point we’ve already made? The cost-benefit analysis here seems… off.
It’s hard not to remember the past, the way certain ideas tend to resurface. Take 2019, when the same individual floated the, shall we say, unconventional idea of altering hurricanes with nuclear bombs.… Continue reading
Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who was 101, passed away Friday morning in Oita. Murayama, born in 1924, served as prime minister in the mid-1990s, leading a coalition government and issuing a historic apology for Japan’s World War II actions. He was known for his “people-centered politics” and leadership during significant crises, including the Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Tokyo sarin gas attack. Murayama also worked to address the issue of Minamata disease.
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Lt. Col. George Hardy, a celebrated member of the original Tuskegee Airmen and the last World War II combat pilot from the group, recently passed away at the age of 100. Hardy, the youngest Tuskegee fighter pilot at 19, flew 21 missions over Germany during WWII and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His service was a pivotal part of the Tuskegee Experiment, which aimed to prove that Black Americans could excel in aviation during a time of segregation. The Tuskegee Airmen, including Hardy, earned distinction and played a crucial role in integrating the U.S. military, leaving behind a legacy of courage and skill.
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After 80 years, a painting looted by the Nazis, “Portrait of a Lady” by Giuseppe Ghislandi, was recovered in Argentina, following its identification in a real estate listing. The painting, once part of a prominent Jewish art collector’s collection, was stolen during World War II. The discovery was prompted by Dutch journalists investigating a former Nazi official who fled to Argentina, leading to the painting’s seizure from the Kadgien family, with the couple facing charges of concealment and obstruction of justice. Authorities have since taken possession of the painting.
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The “Portrait of a Lady,” a painting by Giuseppe Ghislandi stolen by Nazis, was recovered in Argentina after being missing for eight decades. The painting, valued at approximately $50,000, was found in the home of the daughter of a former SS officer. After a worldwide search, the woman’s lawyer returned the artwork, which had been part of a collection looted from an Amsterdam art dealer. The investigation began when a Dutch journalist recognized the painting in a real estate listing, ultimately leading to the work’s recovery.
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To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, China held a large military parade in Beijing, showcasing its growing military strength and global ambitions. The event, attended by leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, featured an array of advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles and drones, demonstrating China’s advancements. Xi Jinping emphasized China’s determination to stand strong against foreign powers and to promote peaceful development. The parade was viewed with both interest and concern by other nations, particularly the U.S., with some officials criticizing the show of force and the gathering of certain leaders.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood