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Subject: [Salon] Lebanon
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On June 4, the Israelis bombed and killed Mona Khalil
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------------------------------
Lebanon

[image: Peace sign]

*by Jonathan Kuttab*

On June 4, the Israelis bombed and killed Mona Khalil, a 67 year old woman
living in Southern Lebanon. Ms. Khalil was an internationally-known
environmentalist with a special passion for endangered sea turtles. Her
brightly painted orange house in the seaside village of Al-Mansouri, where
she kept and cared for sea turtles, was well-marked and known. No
explanation for the bombing was made by the Israeli army, other than to
state that everyone was ordered to evacuate that area and that she lived
within the 20% of the sovereign state of Lebanon that Israel had marked for
total destruction. She refused to abandon her precious turtles and was
therefore declared to be a legitimate target. Israeli minister Bezalel
Smotrich has openly declared that Israel will destroy everything in the
territory and that none will be allowed to return to it. The Israeli policy
is declared openly: nothing will remain.  Houses, businesses, libraries,
shopping centers,  schools, agricultural fields, and everything else will
be destroyed. The people will be forced out, unable to return.

Over one million people in Southern Lebanon face the same fate as Ms.
Khalil: =E2=80=9CLeave your homes, your land, your schools, your memories,
livelihood, hobbies, and community. Flee, or we will kill you. We don=E2=80=
=99t
care where you go. This part of your country is now under our control, and
we do not want you here.=E2=80=9D

The story of Lebanon is the story of Gaza and of Palestine itself. The
Zionist movement, whatever else it is, has determined that its goals and
needs trump everything else. While it frequently exhibits elements of
hatred, vengeance, sadism and rage, these attributes are really incidental.
Its defining feature is a total disregard and lack of concern for any other
human beings who happen to be in the way of its program and policies. What
happened in Lebanon was the natural progression of what happened (and did
not happen) in Gaza. In the words of Smotrich, =E2=80=9Cwe were able to des=
troy and
make Gaza unlivable, and the world was silent. We can now do the same in
Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere.=E2=80=9D These were not just the rantings of =
an
extremist ideologue, but they represent the logical conclusion of Zionism
and constitute the guiding political principle supported by a majority of
people in Israel. This includes many who personally despise Netanyahu and
are embarrassed by the blunt and open fascism of Smotrich and Ben Gvir.

It is important to note that this feature of Zionism has been there all
along. Zionism was a response to anti-Jewish hatred and discrimination in
Europe, which posited that such evil tendencies against Jews exist
everywhere and that the only response to it is the empowerment of Jews
through the creation of a Jewish state. This state would need to have and
use overwhelming power that forces their enemies to submit. The state and
its power becomes not a normal function of those seeking to have a state
like all other states, but a necessary (and only) response to the problem
of anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred. According to that logic, the failure of
the state to achieve complete and decisive victory would inevitably result
in another holocaust. Resistance by Palestinians in any form is thus seen
as an existential threat and an extension of the historic bigotry aimed at
Jews in the Christian West. Palestinian and Arab resistance cannot be seen
as a legitimate desire for freedom and self determination, but must be
viewed as evil and noxious terrorism. That is what Israelis are taught from
a very early age. With such a mentality, eternal enmity and eternal
militarism becomes necessary. All other values, including not only
international law but also core Jewish ethical and moral values must
necessarily be sacrificed, as the choice to =E2=80=9Clive by the sword=E2=
=80=9D becomes
ingrained as the sole means of survival. Compromise becomes treason.
Accommodations are treated as appeasement. Those who hold out hopes for a
genuine peace and reconciliation with Palestinians are treated as naive
fools, at best, and as dangerous internal enemies, at worst. Tribal
solidarity and a Machiavellian usage of the levers of power become
necessary and even virtuous. Deception may be warranted, but the goals
must remain the same.

What is happening in Lebanon, just as in Gaza and Iran, necessarily brings
into question the fundamental values and ideology of Zionism itself.
Netanyahu, Smotrich and Ben Gvir therefore are not aberrations but the
logical conclusion of the Zionism dominant in Israel today. Some of my
Jewish friends point out that there are other forms of Zionism, like that
of Ahad Ha Am, which are more humane and compatible with Palestinian
rights, morality and justice. My answer is that those forms of Zionism have
failed to gain acceptance, and are only referred to in Zionist apologetics.
The only form of Zionism we have experienced is the prevailing one, which
sometimes camouflages its true nature pretending to favor liberal
democracy, but  is clearly articulated by Netanyahu, Smotrich and Ben Gvir.
It is also supported in reality by the rest of Jewish Israelis, who only
prefer to pretend otherwise.

The silver lining is that with the stripping off of the mask, with the
horrors of genocide and apartheid, many Jews worldwide (and a small
minority in Israel as well) now feel they have to deal with this reality.
For many of them, Zionism and the state of Israel are no longer something
they can support. For them, and for their supporters abroad, the legitimate
concerns for the safety and well being of Jews in Israel must find their
answer in advocating for Palestinian rights, for equality, and for a
rejection of Jewish supremacy in favor of justice,  security, and dignity
for Jews and Palestinians alike. This is something that sheer reliance on
military power and ethnic superiority can never provide. Only this way can
they preserve their own moral and spiritual values, and ultimately find
peace and security as well. The alternative is only more suffering, in
Lebanon, Palestine, and beyond. As well as a deepening of resentment,
hatred, and even anti-Jewish sentiment worldwide.

 North America =C2=B7 PO Box 3192, Greenwood Village, CO 80155, United Stat=
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          On June 4, the Israelis bombed and killed Mona Khalil
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ding:0">
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2em;padding-right:2em;padding-top:5px;padding-bottom:5px">
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:1px;outline:none;border:0 solid;color:#0073be;border-width:5px 0 0 0">
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                                      <td style=3D"margin:0;padding:0.05px =
2em;min-width:560px;width:560px" width=3D"560">
                                        <h1 style=3D"text-align:center">Leb=
anon</h1>
                                      </td>
                                    </tr>
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                                        <div style=3D"display:block">
                                         =20
                                         =20
                                          <img alt=3D"Peace sign" style=3D"=
vertical-align:middle" width=3D"100%" src=3D"https://assets.nationbuilder.c=
om/fosna/mailings/12151/attachments/original/Screenshot_2026-06-26_at_7.04.=
32%E2%80%AFPM.png?1782515082">
                                         =20
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                                <table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cells=
pacing=3D"0" style=3D"margin:0;padding:0;border-spacing:0;overflow:hidden;m=
in-width:100%;width:100%;table-layout:fixed" width=3D"100%">
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                                      <td style=3D"margin:0;padding:0.05px =
2em;min-width:560px;width:560px" width=3D"560">
                                        <p style=3D"text-align:center"><em>=
<span style=3D"font-weight:400">by
                                              Jonathan Kuttab</span></em></=
p>
                                        <p><span style=3D"font-weight:400">=
On
                                            June 4, the Israelis bombed
                                            and
                                            killed Mona Khalil, a 67
                                            year old woman living in
                                            Southern Lebanon.
                                            Ms. Khalil was an
                                            internationally-known
                                            environmentalist with a
                                            special passion for
                                            endangered sea turtles. Her
                                            brightly painted
                                            orange house in the seaside
                                            village of </span><span style=
=3D"font-weight:400">Al-Mansouri,
                                          </span><span style=3D"font-weight=
:400">where
                                            she kept and cared for sea
                                            turtles,
                                            was well-marked and known.
                                            No explanation for the
                                            bombing was made by
                                            the Israeli army, other than
                                            to state that everyone was
                                            ordered to
                                            evacuate that area and that
                                            she lived within the 20% of
                                            the sovereign
                                            state of Lebanon that Israel
                                            had marked for total
                                            destruction. She
                                            refused to abandon her
                                            precious turtles and was
                                            therefore declared to
                                            be a legitimate target.
                                            Israeli minister Bezalel
                                            Smotrich has openly
                                            declared that Israel will
                                            destroy everything in the
                                            territory and that
                                            none will be allowed to
                                            return to it. The Israeli
                                            policy is declared
                                            openly: nothing will
                                            remain.=C2=A0 Houses, businesse=
s,
                                            libraries, shopping
                                            centers,=C2=A0 schools,
                                            agricultural fields, and
                                            everything else will be
                                            destroyed. The people will
                                            be forced out, unable to
                                            return.=C2=A0</span></p>
                                        <p><span style=3D"font-weight:400">=
Over
                                            one million people in
                                            Southern
                                            Lebanon face the same fate
                                            as Ms. Khalil: =E2=80=9CLeave y=
our
                                            homes, your
                                            land, your schools, your
                                            memories, livelihood,
                                            hobbies, and community.
                                            Flee, or we will kill you.
                                            We don=E2=80=99t care where you=
 go.
                                            This part of
                                            your country is now under
                                            our control, and we do not
                                            want you
                                            here.=E2=80=9D</span></p>
                                        <p><span style=3D"font-weight:400">=
The
                                            story of Lebanon is the
                                            story
                                            of Gaza and of Palestine
                                            itself. The Zionist
                                            movement, whatever else
                                            it is, has determined that
                                            its goals and needs trump
                                            everything else.
                                            While it frequently exhibits
                                            elements of hatred,
                                            vengeance, sadism and
                                            rage, these attributes are
                                            really incidental. Its
                                            defining feature is
                                            a total disregard and lack
                                            of concern for any other
                                            human beings who
                                            happen to be in the way of
                                            its program and policies.
                                            What happened in
                                            Lebanon was the natural
                                            progression of what happened
                                            (and did not
                                            happen) in Gaza. In the
                                            words of Smotrich, =E2=80=9Cwe =
were
                                            able to destroy
                                            and make Gaza unlivable, and
                                            the world was silent. We can
                                            now do the
                                            same in Lebanon, Syria and
                                            elsewhere.=E2=80=9D These were =
not
                                            just the
                                            rantings of an extremist
                                            ideologue, but they
                                            represent the logical
                                            conclusion of Zionism and
                                            constitute the guiding
                                            political principle
                                            supported by a majority of
                                            people in Israel. This
                                            includes many who
                                            personally despise Netanyahu
                                            and are embarrassed by the
                                            blunt and open
                                            fascism of Smotrich and Ben
                                            Gvir.=C2=A0</span></p>
                                        <p><span style=3D"font-weight:400">=
It
                                            is important to note that
                                            this
                                            feature of Zionism has been
                                            there all along. Zionism was
                                            a response to
                                            anti-Jewish hatred and
                                            discrimination in Europe,
                                            which posited that
                                            such evil tendencies against
                                            Jews exist everywhere and
                                            that the only
                                            response to it is the
                                            empowerment of Jews through
                                            the creation of a
                                            Jewish state. This state
                                            would need to have and use
                                            overwhelming power
                                            that forces their enemies to
                                            submit. The state and its
                                            power becomes
                                            not a normal function of
                                            those seeking to have a
                                            state like all other
                                            states, but a necessary (and
                                            only) response to the
                                            problem of
                                            anti-Jewish bigotry and
                                            hatred. According to that
                                            logic, the failure
                                            of the state to achieve
                                            complete and decisive
                                            victory would inevitably
                                            result in another holocaust.
                                            Resistance by Palestinians
                                            in any form is
                                            thus seen as an existential
                                            threat and an extension of
                                            the historic
                                            bigotry aimed at Jews in the
                                            Christian West. Palestinian
                                            and Arab
                                            resistance cannot be seen as
                                            a legitimate desire for
                                            freedom and self
                                            determination, but must be
                                            viewed as evil and noxious
                                            terrorism. That
                                            is what Israelis are taught
                                            from a very early age. With
                                            such a
                                            mentality, eternal enmity
                                            and eternal militarism
                                            becomes necessary.
                                            All other values, including
                                            not only international law
                                            but also core
                                            Jewish ethical and moral
                                            values must necessarily be
                                            sacrificed, as the
                                            choice to =E2=80=9Clive by the
                                            sword=E2=80=9D becomes ingraine=
d as
                                            the sole means of
                                            survival. Compromise becomes
                                            treason. Accommodations are
                                            treated as
                                            appeasement. Those who hold
                                            out hopes for a genuine
                                            peace and
                                            reconciliation with
                                            Palestinians are treated as
                                            naive fools, at best,
                                            and as dangerous internal
                                            enemies, at worst. Tribal
                                            solidarity and a
                                            Machiavellian usage of the
                                            levers of power become
                                            necessary and even
                                            virtuous. Deception may be
                                            warranted, but the goals=C2=A0
                                            must remain the
                                            same.=C2=A0</span></p>
                                        <p><span style=3D"font-weight:400">=
What
                                            is happening in Lebanon,
                                            just
                                            as in Gaza and Iran,
                                            necessarily brings into
                                            question the fundamental
                                            values and ideology of
                                            Zionism itself. Netanyahu,
                                            Smotrich and Ben
                                            Gvir therefore are not
                                            aberrations but the logical
                                            conclusion of the
                                            Zionism dominant in Israel
                                            today. Some of my Jewish
                                            friends point out
                                            that there are other forms
                                            of Zionism, like that of
                                            Ahad Ha Am, which
                                            are more humane and
                                            compatible with Palestinian
                                            rights, morality and
                                            justice. My answer is that
                                            those forms of Zionism have
                                            failed to gain
                                            acceptance, and are only
                                            referred to in Zionist
                                            apologetics. The only
                                            form of Zionism we have
                                            experienced is the
                                            prevailing one, which
                                            sometimes camouflages its
                                            true nature pretending to
                                            favor liberal
                                            democracy, but=C2=A0 is clearly
                                            articulated by Netanyahu,
                                            Smotrich and Ben
                                            Gvir. It is also supported
                                            in reality by the rest of
                                            Jewish Israelis,
                                            who only prefer to pretend
                                            otherwise.=C2=A0</span></p>
                                        <p><span style=3D"font-weight:400">=
The
                                            silver lining is that with
                                            the
                                            stripping off of the mask,
                                            with the horrors of genocide
                                            and apartheid,
                                            many Jews worldwide (and a
                                            small minority in Israel as
                                            well) now feel
                                            they have to deal with this
                                            reality. For many of them,
                                            Zionism and the
                                            state of Israel are no
                                            longer something they can
                                            support. For them,
                                            and for their supporters
                                            abroad, the legitimate
                                            concerns for the
                                            safety and well being of
                                            Jews in Israel must find
                                            their answer in
                                            advocating for Palestinian
                                            rights, for equality, and
                                            for a rejection
                                            of Jewish supremacy in favor
                                            of justice,=C2=A0 security, and
                                            dignity for
                                            Jews and Palestinians alike.
                                            This is something that sheer
                                            reliance on
                                            military power and ethnic
                                            superiority can never
                                            provide. Only this way
                                            can they preserve their own
                                            moral and spiritual values,
                                            and ultimately
                                            find peace and security as
                                            well. The alternative is
                                            only more
                                            suffering, in Lebanon,
                                            Palestine, and beyond. As
                                            well as a deepening
                                            of resentment, hatred, and
                                            even anti-Jewish sentiment
                                            worldwide.
                                          </span></p>
                                      </td>
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Forwarded this email? Subscribe here
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for
more
=E2=80=9CLet us now =E2=80=98embrace defeat.=E2=80=99=E2=80=9D
<https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D112164&post_id=3D20376=
0259&utm_source=3Dpost-email-title&utm_campaign=3Demail-post-title&isFreema=
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wic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.W6Itm35eT0vYitQNYgMHMLFSTYcsVCzr6x-0Ts0mgVo>=
Do
this and we can begin =E2=80=98the transformation we have to make.=E2=80=99

Patrick Lawrence <https://substack.com/@thescrum>
Jun 27
<https://substack.com/@thescrum>

<https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D112164&post_id=3D20376=
0259&utm_source=3Dsubstack&isFreemail=3Dtrue&submitLike=3Dtrue&token=3DeyJ1=
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0259&utm_source=3Dsubstack&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_content=3Dshare&utm_campa=
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dC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.W6Itm35eT0vYitQNYgMHMLFSTYcsVCzr6x-0Ts0mgVo>
<https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnN1YnN0YWNrLmNvbS=
9wdWIvdGhlZmxvdXRpc3QvcC9sZXQtdXMtbm93LWVtYnJhY2UtZGVmZWF0P3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9c=
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ource=3Dsubstack&utm_medium=3Demail>

READ IN APP
<https://open.substack.com/pub/thefloutist/p/let-us-now-embrace-defeat?utm_=
source=3Demail&redirect=3Dapp-store&utm_campaign=3Demail-read-in-app>


<https://substack.com/redirect/4a6252c9-1c44-4232-ab81-8a9720e6271c?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
*A
long wall of acceptance. Maya Lin=E2=80=99s Vietnam Memorial, Washington.* =
(David
J. Jackson, cc by SA 4.0/ Wikimedia Commons.)

*26 JUNE=E2=80=94I have been preoccupied with what I will call the quality =
of
defeat for some years. By this I mean those benefits a people can derive
from accepting loss when it comes to them: They can self-reflect, they can
learn, fate has given them an opportunity to begin again. On the other side
of this same moon, the darker side, a people or a nation that refuses to
acknowledge defeat when they have been vanquished or otherwise turned back
are self-condemned to a world of illusion and delusion. In this they lose
all connection to the world around them.*

*This question now lies before us once again. The United States, led by an
incompetent president and the prime minister of a viciously barbaric
nation, a nation I judge to suffer a collective psychosis at this point,
started a war with the Islamic Republic=E2=80=94if this was not the continu=
ation of
a long-waged war by many means=E2=80=94and lost it in a matter of a couple =
of
months. Defeat, once again, makes opportunities, providing America is
prepared to grasp them.*

*I have recently written of this elsewhere, in a piece headlined =E2=80=9CI=
n Praise
of Defeat.=E2=80=9D That piece is here
<https://substack.com/redirect/b0487d5c-88d8-4f1e-b8fb-2ddd3e613a43?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>.
It seems to me, as I argued in it, we must do our best to understand the
chance America now has to stop, to reflect, to do better by doing
differently.*

*A thoughtful reader named Stephen Kaye kindly took the time to write in
the comment thread appended to my essay on defeat. A couple of points Kaye
made landed squarely as soon as I read them. Here is his comment. The
ellipsis is mine and indicates a brief cut:*

*The issue is not whether we can call it a victory or defeat but that a war
that the U.S. could not win is over, that Israel has now stripped itself
naked=E2=80=A6 and Congress has a new freedom to legislate in the national
interest. We also have a new country with whom we can have cordial
relations and that we do not have to call an enemy because our client and
ally tells us to. We are in a new world. Let us hope we can make the best
of it.*

*Stephen Kaye has it quite wrong when he asserts that it does not matter
what we call what has just befallen the United States. Proper nomenclature
being the beginning of true understanding, it matters a great deal. In this
case naming America=E2=80=99s defeat just as it is amounts to the front doo=
r of all
that is available to us by way of its benefits.*

*Beyond this question of naming, Kaye=E2=80=99s comment could not be more
wonderfully to the point. =E2=80=9CWe are in a new world.=E2=80=9D But prec=
isely, so long
as we make up our minds to leave behind the old and all its illusions. =E2=
=80=9CLet
us hope we can make the best of it.=E2=80=9D Yes, Stephen, this is just the=
 chance
that lies before us.*

*Kaye=E2=80=99s comment, and all the thinking some of us are doing in the m=
atter of
what has just happened in West Asia, prompted me to go back to a lecture I
delivered some years ago to the Committee for the Republic
<https://substack.com/redirect/8dbdf20e-934c-4788-aaed-f8d193c73fcc?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
in
Washington. It was December 2022. As this presentation seems *a propos* of
our moment, *The Floutist* reproduces it here.*

*My thinking on the qualities of defeat began as I wrote *Time No Longer:
Americans After the American Century* (Yale, 2013). Two thinkers, both
friends, were important to me as I further developed my case. One is the
late Wolfgang Schivelbusch, whose book, *The Culture of Defeat *(Metropolit=
an,
2003)* *I take up in the lecture (and in the commentary to which we link
above). The other is John Dower, one of the great Asianists of his time.
John=E2=80=99s book on how the Japanese learned to live again after the 194=
5
surrender, *Embracing Defeat* (Norton, 1999), won a Pulitzer and is the
purist example I can think of as to what is available to a people who
accept even a fate whose bitterness requires no explanation.*

*The title of the lecture I delivered four years ago in Washington was
=E2=80=9CBetween Myth and History.=E2=80=9D Reflecting our moment, I have b=
orrowed from
John Dower for the headline atop this re-presentation. For those
interested, I conducted a lengthy interview with John, in which the
questions raised below figured prominently, in the autumn of 2018. Its two
parts, published in *The Nation*, are here
<https://substack.com/redirect/a1bf5d6f-793c-42eb-9d7c-5e3c37e0e9ca?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
and here
<https://substack.com/redirect/83e4546b-6103-4f68-913c-f36b17cbad43?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>.*

*Apart from the lecture=E2=80=99s text, we also offer readers a video,
available here
<https://substack.com/redirect/a41cafb9-f8d4-41bd-8198-ab553c05846b?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>,
of the evening I spent in the Committee for the Republic=E2=80=99s company.=
*

*=E2=80=94P. L.*

15 DECEMBER 2022=E2=80=94It is a fine thing to live and work in a village o=
f 1,600
souls in rural Connecticut, and the telephone rings one morning. The man at
the other end has taken the trouble to read your columns, and then taken
the trouble to purchase your most recent book, and then taken the trouble
to telephone you and invite you to speak to the Committee for the Republic.

I am grateful to John Henry, your co-founding chairman, for the invitation
that brings me before you, and it is a pleasure to be with you this
evening, as I have admired the Committee=E2=80=99s work for some time, if a=
t some
distance.

Since I address you as a hack of a certain age, I=E2=80=99ll begin as I was=
 trained
to begin long ago=E2=80=94with the pyramid method: You put the most importa=
nt thing
you have to say at the top, and all else follows in descending order so
your editors can cut, as they inevitably do, from the bottom up, and if
nothing is left but one sentence, you=E2=80=99ve got your point across.

Here=E2=80=99s my lead this evening:

How sweet it will be for our Republic when the day arrives on which we
admit we have failed. What splendid vistas will lie before us when we at
last accept that our idea of who we are and what we are meant to do in the
world has been defeated.

In short, we are a nation desperately in need of failure and defeat. We
need these things precisely so that we can realize ourselves and our great,
underserved potential in new ways and as fully as we can=E2=80=94this for o=
ur own
sake but also for the world=E2=80=99s.

When I write this kind of thing in a column or a commentary, I feel
compelled to remind readers not to miss the optimism beneath the apparent
pessimism. The impression I have of the Committee for the Republic is that
no such guidance is necessary, so I won=E2=80=99t belabor the point. I assu=
me we
share an understanding that to get anywhere in a given endeavor you must
begin with a clear-eyed acceptance of where you are, your starting point.

Where are we? is the obvious question.

What is the endeavor? is the follow-on line of inquiry.

=E2=96=A0

Americans, always with dissenters who also count as part of the American
story, have lived a long, long time with the idea that we are an
exceptional people, a Providentially chosen people, with special things to
do on earth. This is the essence of the mythology at the root of our
national consciousness. Taking my date from Winthrop=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9Ceye=
s of the world=E2=80=9D
sermon, we=E2=80=99re eight years away from marking four centuries of such
mythologically generated assumptions.

Later came the =E2=80=9CManifest Destiny=E2=80=9D editorial in 1845. Then W=
ilson and his
universalism. Then Henry Luce=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9CAmerican Century.=E2=80=9D=
 Then our obnoxious
post=E2=80=93Cold War triumphalism and Fukuyama=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9CEnd of h=
istory=E2=80=9D thesis: Can
something be obnoxious and supercilious at the same time?

Always a renewal of the ideology, more or less intact. For my money, every
president since Wilson has been a Wilsonian, or a neo=E2=80=93Wilsonian, or=
 a
closet Wilsonian, or what have you. The think tanks in these parts are full
of Wilsonians. It seems to be in the district=E2=80=99s water.

Then came September 11, 2001, and all changed, changed utterly to quote the
Yeats poem, and for now I=E2=80=99ll leave out the line about a terrible be=
auty
a-borning. We will have to wait for that.

I take September 11th as the uncannily abrupt date when the orthodox
American narrative finally failed. It was on that morning that what we had
long told ourselves about ourselves, and ourselves among others=E2=80=94the=
 story
of our exceptionalism=E2=80=94proved illusory.

We can all remember the television newscasts endlessly looping footage of
the collapsing twin towers in Lower Manhattan. It seemed to me the wreckage
we obsessively watched was an objective co-relative, to borrow the literary
term: The blows of greatest magnitude were to our hearts and minds. We had
lived for centuries on the assumption that history, as Toynbee wonderfully
put it, was something that happened to other people. We considered
ourselves immune from it =E2=80=94from the depredations and uncertainties o=
f time
itself.

All of a sudden it landed on us that we weren=E2=80=99t.

The issue instantly before us was whether we could accept this. In an
equally powerful jolt to our collective psyches, and a closely related
matter, the American Century as Luce proclaimed it in his *LIFE* editorial
of February 1941, also ended that day.

So I have long argued.

There are many ways to understand this, but, drawing from Luce=E2=80=99s te=
xt, no
longer could Americans =E2=80=9Cexert upon the world the full impact of our
influence, for such purposes as we see fit and by such means as we see fit.=
=E2=80=9D

=E2=96=A0

As I saw it, the events of 2001 confronted us with a choice.

We could have accepted that our national narrative had failed at that
moment and that we had entered a new time and faced new circumstances. This
would require of us imagination, our native wisdom, and a necessary measure
of courage. We Americans are not short of these things, after all. They
would have guided us well as we walked on unfamiliar soil and found our way
across a new, unmapped landscape. Since when are Americans afraid of
unexplored territory?

Or we could resist our new century, a post=E2=80=93American century we can =
call it,
and enter a state of denial that would lead us into all manner of
destructive conduct.

=E2=96=A0

I gave us 25 years to make this choice, counting from 2001. As it has
turned out, those who purport to lead America needed far less to choose
wrongly.

We have made a lot of messes since 2001=E2=80=94we make one in Europe and U=
kraine
as we speak, and we can hardly wait to make another with China=E2=80=94but =
we have
never since that day been able to do what we want, where we want, as we
want=E2=80=94not with any kind of result to our benefit=E2=80=94or anyone e=
lse=E2=80=99s for that
matter.

There is no trace of creativity left in our foreign policies. As a departed
friend used to put it, we=E2=80=99ve assumed the role of spoiler, and how i=
nfra-dig
is this?

Our unwise course since September 11 leaves us more or less paralyzed in an
awful place. We are suspended between myth and history, as I see it=E2=80=
=94the one
failing us at last, the other inducing fear as it beckons us forward.

=E2=96=A0

William Appleman Williams titled his last book, published five years after
Saigon rose, as I prefer to put it, and I hope you don=E2=80=99t mind, *Emp=
ire as a
Way of Life*. This is where we are=E2=80=94hooked on a faded, collapsing he=
gemony
that cannot be salvaged and in any case is not worth salvaging.

Very saliently, the choice those who purport to lead us have made has
deprived us of something we greatly need during this passage in our history=
.

Here I=E2=80=99ll draw from a wonderful book by Wolfgang Schivelbusch, the =
German
writer and a good student of America, called *The Culture of Defeat*.
Wolfgang makes an eloquent case for the value of defeat and the perils of
victory.

A defeated nation must retreat into itself and think again. It must face
the reality that it had it wrong. All that it had assumed was enduring and
superior in itself had failed. So are the defeated forced to reconsider
their very world view, their identities, and all they had assumed to be so.

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renewal. To acknowledge failure is to open oneself to new ways to do
things, to new understandings and identities. In time the vanquished can
return to the fray and present themselves to others in a new and
imaginative way that answers to the painful discovery of past errors.

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have proven out, and all they need to do is keep on as they have. Victors
have no great need to think about anything.

When John Henry invited me to come see you, he remarked on the telephone,
=E2=80=9CWhat a pleasure it is to speak to someone else who still thinks.=
=E2=80=9D

I took that kindly, of course, but let us consider the subtext. We have
made ourselves into a nation that no longer thinks very much.

One of Wolfgang=E2=80=99s studies in *The Culture of Defeat* is the America=
n South.
He writes in that chapter, =E2=80=9CVictory, like revolution, can devour it=
s
children, particularly those who expect more from it than what it actually
delivers.=E2=80=9D

This is where we are, enraptured by the post=E2=80=931945 decades of primac=
y,
caught up=E2=80=94especially but not only when we look across the Pacific=
=E2=80=94in a
pitiful, unbecoming nostalgia for the once-was-but-no-longer-is.

Nostalgia, I have always thought, is a form of depression that seizes
people who cannot bear the present.

=E2=96=A0

Maybe it is evident by now that I think our present predicaments two
decades into a new century are at bottom psychological questions=E2=80=94or=
 have a
pronounced psychological dimension. To advance from our present condition,
I would argue, requires first a new consciousness.

Let me turn to this briefly.

=E2=96=A0

In *The Promise of American Life*=E2=80=941909, I think=E2=80=94Herbert Cro=
ly asked, this
more than a century ago, whether America can transform itself from a nation
with a destiny into a nation with a purpose. This is one way to describe
our project today.

Destiny is the stuff of the exceptionalists. It leads us into=E2=80=94or pr=
ovides
alibis for=E2=80=94all our semi-scared =E2=80=9Cmissions.=E2=80=9D

Purpose gives a people agency=E2=80=94earthly things to do. It makes us, no=
t
Providence, responsible for our decisions.

To me this is the transformation we have to make. The question before us is
what we propose to do once we have got this done. What kind of nation do we
want to be, with what kind of policies? What will be our purpose?

I define the objective as a post-exceptionalist America. Much else, and
maybe all else, will flow from this, it seems to me.

This means that before we get to doing anything, there is a very great deal
we have to stop doing. This means we must cease doing all those things
America has long done in the name of exceptionalism and its insidious
sibling, universalism.

All that must cease, we must withdraw from it, and in its place begin to
contribute to an orderly, multipolar world in which international law
reigns and different histories, traditions, cultures, priorities, and
perspectives are not merely accommodated but taken as a given and
respected, valued, even celebrated.

I will be forever damned if most Americans, properly informed, would not
choose an orderly world over military, material, and ideological dominance.
All of us, were we to have leadership with the guts to embark on a new
path, would soon discover that our claim to exceptionalism and all the
responsibilities it imposes upon us have been an immense burden.

And how fine it is to imagine the relief when this burden is
lifted=E2=80=94or=E2=80=94better put=E2=80=94when we lift it from ourselves=
.

Imagine a world where a multitude of voices and sensibilities are aroused
to address tasks, challenges, crises that are common to us all.

What new ways would things open up to us=E2=80=94providing we first have th=
e
courage to open our minds and escape our obsession with our own voice as
the only one the world needs to hear.

=E2=96=A0

I address a gathering with some constitutionalists among you. This suggests
to me that you are already well aware of the path forward. It lies in our
return to the ideals we long ago abandoned and to the rule of law as set
out in the Constitution.

This will more than do as we seek fundamentally to alter our course. An
alternative foreign policy based on respect for international law, instead
of this =E2=80=9Crules-based order=E2=80=9D people bang on about, the disma=
ntling of the
military-industrial complex and all of its associated apparatus in the
national security state, a rebalanced economy, an end to the official
lawlessness that is rampant all around us, a rethink altogether of our
place in the world and how we should conduct ourselves among others: All
such advances require only that we live by the principles we claim to
espouse but have too long ignored.

=E2=96=A0

I am well aware, as I am sure you are, of the enormity of the
transformation I=E2=80=99m trying to describe. So be it, I say. The magnitu=
de of
the task does not constitute an excuse for not undertaking it. It is just
the opposite, in my view. The magnitude of the task is a precise measure of
how urgently we need to address it.

=E2=96=A0

The French have a wonderful word for otherworldly idealism. They call it
*ang=C3=A9lisme*, and when I take up these topics I am sometimes charged wi=
th
it=E2=80=94or, truer to the point, I accuse myself of indulging in it. I re=
ply=E2=80=94to
others or myself=E2=80=94with a mention of Bergson and how he understood th=
e coming
of great change, so I will end with this passage from his final book. *The
Two Sources of Morality and Religion* was a brief elaboration on one of his
big ones, *Creative Evolution*, wherein he made his case for what he called
our *=C3=A9lan vital*, a sort of spirit or innate energy that drives us for=
ward.

Here is what Bergson said about how fundamental change arrives among us:

It is a leap forward, which can take place only if a society has decided to
try the experiment; and the experiment will not be tried unless a society
has allowed itself to be won over, or at least stirred=E2=80=A6 It is no us=
e
maintaining that this leap forward does not imply a creative effort behind
it=E2=80=A6 That would be to forget that most great reforms appeared at fir=
st
impracticable, as in fact they were.

=E2=96=A0

The Floutist *publishes this piece without a paywall. A note to readers
explaining our thinking on paywalls=E2=80=94when to use one, when not=E2=80=
=94is
forthcoming. In the meantime, we ask those who are not paid subscribers to
consider becoming one: We can use the support of all those who see worth in
the work. A subscription is $5/month or $50/year. Every dollar is
appreciated and helps keep us going.*

*For those readers who are already subscribed, our usual and sincerest
thanks.*
------------------------------

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 style=3D"line-height:26px"><h1 dir=3D"auto" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);f=
ont-family:Lora,sans-serif;margin:0px;line-height:36px;font-size:32px"><a h=
ref=3D"https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D112164&amp;post_=
id=3D203760259&amp;utm_source=3Dpost-email-title&amp;utm_campaign=3Demail-p=
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5);text-decoration:none">=E2=80=9CLet us now =E2=80=98embrace defeat.=E2=80=
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order-image: initial; vertical-align: middle; max-width: 18px;"></a></td></=
tr></tbody></table></td><td width=3D"8" style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td st=
yle=3D"vertical-align:middle"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" bor=
der=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"cente=
r"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnN1Y=
nN0YWNrLmNvbS9wdWIvdGhlZmxvdXRpc3QvcC9sZXQtdXMtbm93LWVtYnJhY2UtZGVmZWF0P3V0=
bV9zb3VyY2U9c3Vic3RhY2smdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249ZW1haWwtcmV=
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WTBJaXdpYzNWaUlqb2ljRzl6ZEMxeVpXRmpkR2x2YmlKOS5XNkl0bTM1ZVQwdllpdFFOWWdNSE1=
MRlNUWWNzVkN6cjZ4LTBUczBtZ1ZvIiwicCI6MjAzNzYwMjU5LCJzIjoxMTIxNjQsImYiOnRydW=
UsInUiOjIzNjQ0OTEsImlhdCI6MTc4MjUyMjI4NSwiZXhwIjoyMDk4MDk4Mjg1LCJpc3MiOiJwd=
WItMCIsInN1YiI6ImxpbmstcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.DmQ6PfENexDQdFq2lkvPYlbBu-VI7G2QN6eGI=
XeHxqc?&amp;utm_source=3Dsubstack&amp;utm_medium=3Demail" target=3D"_blank"=
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t;;display:inline-block;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);border-radius:9999=
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xt-decoration:none;min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width:38px"><img sr=
c=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ubXF!,w_36,c_scale,f_png,q_aut=
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" height=3D"18" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" style=3D"max-width: 550px; =
vertical-align: middle; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-co=
lor: currentcolor; border-image: initial;"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></=
td></tr></tbody></table></td><td align=3D"right"><table role=3D"presentatio=
n" width=3D"auto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><=
tr><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"><table role=3D"presentation" width=
=3D"auto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td a=
lign=3D"center"><a href=3D"https://open.substack.com/pub/thefloutist/p/let-=
us-now-embrace-defeat?utm_source=3Demail&amp;redirect=3Dapp-store&amp;utm_c=
ampaign=3Demail-read-in-app" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(119,119,1=
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uot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;=
Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-block;borde=
r:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);border-radius:9999px;text-transform:uppercase;f=
ont-size:12px;line-height:12px;padding:9px 14px;text-decoration:none"><div =
style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px;display:inline-block;vertical-alig=
n:middle;max-width:0px;min-height:18px"></div><span style=3D"vertical-align=
:middle;margin-right:4px">READ IN APP</span><img src=3D"https://substackcdn=
.com/image/fetch/$s_!ET-_!,w_36,c_scale,f_png,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:st=
eep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2FLucideArrowUpRight%3Fv%3D4%26height=
%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808080%26strokeWidth%3D2" width=3D"18" =
height=3D"18" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" style=3D"min-width: 18px; min=
-height: 18px; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: curr=
entcolor; border-image: initial; vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 0px;=
 margin-left: 0px; max-width: 18px;"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></t=
r></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr height=3D"16"><td=
 height=3D"16" style=3D"font-size:0px;line-height:0">=C2=A0</td></tr></tbod=
y></table></div></div><div dir=3D"auto" style=3D"padding:32px 0px 0px;line-=
height:26px"><div dir=3D"auto" style=3D"text-align:initial;line-height:26px=
;width:550px;word-break:break-word;margin-bottom:16px"><p style=3D"margin:0=
px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"></p><div style=3D"line-he=
ight:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><t=
d align=3D"left" width=3D"1456" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"http=
s://substack.com/redirect/4a6252c9-1c44-4232-ab81-8a9720e6271c?j=3DeyJ1Ijoi=
MWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" target=3D"_blank" s=
tyle=3D"padding:0px;width:auto;height:auto;border-width:medium;border-style=
:none;border-color:currentcolor;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin:0=
px"><img alt=3D"" width=3D"550" height=3D"412.5" src=3D"https://substackcdn=
.com/image/fetch/$s_!ID9O!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive=
:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages=
%2F06e897c0-6874-4798-98f3-af5b181b5aa3_1920x1440.jpeg" class=3D"gmail-CToW=
Ud" style=3D"vertical-align: middle; display: block; height: auto; margin: =
0px auto; max-width: 100%; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border=
-color: currentcolor; border-image: initial; width: auto;"></a></td><td sty=
le=3D"text-align:center"></td></tr></tbody></table><em><strong>A long wall =
of acceptance.=C2=A0</strong>Maya Lin=E2=80=99s Vietnam Memorial, Washingto=
n.</em>=C2=A0(David J. Jackson, cc by SA 4.0/ Wikimedia Commons.)</div><p s=
tyle=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>26 JU=
NE=E2=80=94I have been preoccupied with what I will call the quality of def=
eat for some years. By this I mean those benefits a people can derive from =
accepting loss when it comes to them: They can self-reflect, they can learn=
, fate has given them an opportunity to begin again. On the other side of t=
his same moon, the darker side, a people or a nation that refuses to acknow=
ledge defeat when they have been vanquished or otherwise turned back are se=
lf-condemned to a world of illusion and delusion. In this they lose all con=
nection to the world around them.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;c=
olor:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>This question now lies before us o=
nce again. The United States, led by an incompetent president and the prime=
 minister of a viciously barbaric nation, a nation I judge to suffer a coll=
ective psychosis at this point, started a war with the Islamic Republic=E2=
=80=94if this was not the continuation of a long-waged war by many means=E2=
=80=94and lost it in a matter of a couple of months. Defeat, once again, ma=
kes opportunities, providing America is prepared to grasp them.</em></p><p =
style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>I ha=
ve recently written of this elsewhere, in a piece headlined =E2=80=9CIn Pra=
ise of Defeat.=E2=80=9D That piece is=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/=
redirect/b0487d5c-88d8-4f1e-b8fb-2ddd3e613a43?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZIS=
JaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb=
(54,55,55)">here</a>. It seems to me, as I argued in it, we must do our bes=
t to understand the chance America now has to stop, to reflect, to do bette=
r by doing differently.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(5=
4,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>A thoughtful reader named Stephen Kaye kindl=
y took the time to write in the comment thread appended to my essay on defe=
at. A couple of points Kaye made landed squarely as soon as I read them. He=
re is his comment. The ellipsis is mine and indicates a brief cut:</em></p>=
<blockquote style=3D"border-left:4px solid rgb(255,0,0);margin:20px 0px;pad=
ding:0px"><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-hei=
ght:26px"><em>The issue is not whether we can call it a victory or defeat b=
ut that a war that the U.S. could not win is over, that Israel has now stri=
pped itself naked=E2=80=A6 and Congress has a new freedom to legislate in t=
he national interest. We also have a new country with whom we can have cord=
ial relations and that we do not have to call an enemy because our client a=
nd ally tells us to. We are in a new world. Let us hope we can make the bes=
t of it.</em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px"><em>Stephen Kaye has it quite wrong when he assert=
s that it does not matter what we call what has just befallen the United St=
ates. Proper nomenclature being the beginning of true understanding, it mat=
ters a great deal. In this case naming America=E2=80=99s defeat just as it =
is amounts to the front door of all that is available<strong>=C2=A0</strong=
>to us by way of its benefits.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;colo=
r:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>Beyond this question of naming, Kaye=
=E2=80=99s comment could not be more wonderfully to the point. =E2=80=9CWe =
are in a new world.=E2=80=9D But precisely, so long as we make up our minds=
 to leave behind the old and all its illusions. =E2=80=9CLet us hope we can=
 make the best of it.=E2=80=9D Yes, Stephen, this is just the chance that l=
ies before us.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);=
line-height:26px"><em>Kaye=E2=80=99s comment, and all the thinking<strong>=
=C2=A0</strong>some of us are doing in the matter of what has just happened=
 in West Asia, prompted me to go back to a lecture I delivered some years a=
go to the=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/8dbdf20e-934c-4788-=
aaed-f8d193c73fcc?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiX=
YqlZtxvOc" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">Committee for th=
e Republic</a>=C2=A0in Washington. It was December 2022. As this presentati=
on seems=C2=A0</em>a propos<em>=C2=A0of our moment,=C2=A0</em>The Floutist<=
em>=C2=A0reproduces it here.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:=
rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>My thinking on the qualities of defeat =
began as I wrote=C2=A0</em>Time No Longer: Americans After the American Cen=
tury<em>=C2=A0(Yale, 2013). Two thinkers, both friends, were important to m=
e as I further developed my case. One is the late Wolfgang Schivelbusch, wh=
ose book,=C2=A0</em>The Culture of Defeat=C2=A0<em>(Metropolitan, 2003)</em=
>=C2=A0<em>I take up in the lecture (and in the commentary to which we link=
 above). The other is John Dower, one of the great Asianists of his time. J=
ohn=E2=80=99s book on how the Japanese learned to live again after the 1945=
 surrender,=C2=A0</em>Embracing Defeat<em>=C2=A0(Norton, 1999), won a Pulit=
zer and is the purist example I can think of as to what is available to a p=
eople who accept even a fate whose bitterness requires no explanation.</em>=
</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><=
em>The title of the lecture I delivered four years ago in Washington was =
=E2=80=9CBetween Myth and History.=E2=80=9D Reflecting our moment, I have b=
orrowed from John Dower for the headline atop this re-presentation. For tho=
se interested, I conducted a lengthy interview with John, in which the ques=
tions raised below figured prominently, in the autumn of 2018. Its two part=
s, published in=C2=A0</em>The Nation<em>, are=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://subst=
ack.com/redirect/a1bf5d6f-793c-42eb-9d7c-5e3c37e0e9ca?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2Iif=
Q.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"c=
olor:rgb(54,55,55)">here</a>=C2=A0and=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/=
redirect/83e4546b-6103-4f68-913c-f36b17cbad43?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZIS=
JaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb=
(54,55,55)">here</a>.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px"><em>Apart from the lecture=E2=80=99s text, we also=
 offer readers a video, available=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redi=
rect/a41cafb9-f8d4-41bd-8198-ab553c05846b?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTb=
u7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,=
55,55)">here</a>, of the evening I spent in the Committee for the Republic=
=E2=80=99s company.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55=
,55);line-height:26px"><em>=E2=80=94P. L.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0p=
x 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">15 DECEMBER 2022=E2=80=94It is=
 a fine thing to live and work in a village of 1,600 souls in rural Connect=
icut, and the telephone rings one morning. The man at the other end has tak=
en the trouble to read your columns, and then taken the trouble to purchase=
 your most recent book, and then taken the trouble to telephone you and inv=
ite you to speak to the Committee for the Republic.</p><p style=3D"margin:0=
px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I am grateful to John Hen=
ry, your co-founding chairman, for the invitation that brings me before you=
, and it is a pleasure to be with you this evening, as I have admired the C=
ommittee=E2=80=99s work for some time, if at some distance.</p><p style=3D"=
margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Since I address y=
ou as a hack of a certain age, I=E2=80=99ll begin as I was trained to begin=
 long ago=E2=80=94with the pyramid method: You put the most important thing=
 you have to say at the top, and all else follows in descending order so yo=
ur editors can cut, as they inevitably do, from the bottom up, and if nothi=
ng is left but one sentence, you=E2=80=99ve got your point across.</p><p st=
yle=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Here=E2=80=
=99s my lead this evening:</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px">How sweet it will be for our Republic when the day=
 arrives on which we admit we have failed. What splendid vistas will lie be=
fore us when we at last accept that our idea of who we are and what we are =
meant to do in the world has been defeated.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 2=
0px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">In short, we are a nation despera=
tely in need of failure and defeat. We need these things precisely so that =
we can realize ourselves and our great, underserved potential in new ways a=
nd as fully as we can=E2=80=94this for our own sake but also for the world=
=E2=80=99s.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-hei=
ght:26px">When I write this kind of thing in a column or a commentary, I fe=
el compelled to remind readers not to miss the optimism beneath the apparen=
t pessimism. The impression I have of the Committee for the Republic is tha=
t no such guidance is necessary, so I won=E2=80=99t belabor the point. I as=
sume we share an understanding that to get anywhere in a given endeavor you=
 must begin with a clear-eyed acceptance of where you are, your starting po=
int.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26p=
x">Where are we? is the obvious question.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20p=
x;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">What is the endeavor? is the follow=
-on line of inquiry.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55)=
;line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(5=
4,55,55);line-height:26px">Americans, always with dissenters who also count=
 as part of the American story, have lived a long, long time with the idea =
that we are an exceptional people, a Providentially chosen people, with spe=
cial things to do on earth. This is the essence of the mythology at the roo=
t of our national consciousness. Taking my date from Winthrop=E2=80=99s =E2=
=80=9Ceyes of the world=E2=80=9D sermon, we=E2=80=99re eight years away fro=
m marking four centuries of such mythologically generated assumptions.</p><=
p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Later =
came the =E2=80=9CManifest Destiny=E2=80=9D editorial in 1845. Then Wilson =
and his universalism. Then Henry Luce=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9CAmerican Century.=
=E2=80=9D Then our obnoxious post=E2=80=93Cold War triumphalism and Fukuyam=
a=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9CEnd of history=E2=80=9D thesis: Can something be obnox=
ious and supercilious at the same time?</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;=
color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Always a renewal of the ideology, mor=
e or less intact. For my money, every president since Wilson has been a Wil=
sonian, or a neo=E2=80=93Wilsonian, or a closet Wilsonian, or what have you=
. The think tanks in these parts are full of Wilsonians. It seems to be in =
the district=E2=80=99s water.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(=
54,55,55);line-height:26px">Then came September 11, 2001, and all changed, =
changed utterly to quote the Yeats poem, and for now I=E2=80=99ll leave out=
 the line about a terrible beauty a-borning. We will have to wait for that.=
</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I=
 take September 11<sup style=3D"font-size:0.75em;line-height:0">th</sup>=C2=
=A0as the uncannily abrupt date when the orthodox American narrative finall=
y failed. It was on that morning that what we had long told ourselves about=
 ourselves, and ourselves among others=E2=80=94the story of our exceptional=
ism=E2=80=94proved illusory.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(5=
4,55,55);line-height:26px">We can all remember the television newscasts end=
lessly looping footage of the collapsing twin towers in Lower Manhattan. It=
 seemed to me the wreckage we obsessively watched was an objective co-relat=
ive, to borrow the literary term: The blows of greatest magnitude were to o=
ur hearts and minds. We had lived for centuries on the assumption that hist=
ory, as Toynbee wonderfully put it, was something that happened to other pe=
ople. We considered ourselves immune from it =E2=80=94from the depredations=
 and uncertainties of time itself.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color=
:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">All of a sudden it landed on us that we we=
ren=E2=80=99t.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-=
height:26px">The issue instantly before us was whether we could accept this=
. In an equally powerful jolt to our collective psyches, and a closely rela=
ted matter, the American Century as Luce proclaimed it in his=C2=A0<em>LIFE=
</em>=C2=A0editorial of February 1941, also ended that day.</p><p style=3D"=
margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">So I have long ar=
gued.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26=
px">There are many ways to understand this, but, drawing from Luce=E2=80=99=
s text, no longer could Americans =E2=80=9Cexert upon the world the full im=
pact of our influence, for such purposes as we see fit and by such means as=
 we see fit.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55=
);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(=
54,55,55);line-height:26px">As I saw it, the events of 2001 confronted us w=
ith a choice.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-h=
eight:26px">We could have accepted that our national narrative had failed a=
t that moment and that we had entered a new time and faced new circumstance=
s. This would require of us imagination, our native wisdom, and a necessary=
 measure of courage. We Americans are not short of these things, after all.=
 They would have guided us well as we walked on unfamiliar soil and found o=
ur way across a new, unmapped landscape. Since when are Americans afraid of=
 unexplored territory?</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,5=
5);line-height:26px">Or we could resist our new century, a post=E2=80=93Ame=
rican century we can call it, and enter a state of denial that would lead u=
s into all manner of destructive conduct.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20p=
x;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px=
 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I gave us 25 years to make =
this choice, counting from 2001. As it has turned out, those who purport to=
 lead America needed far less to choose wrongly.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px =
0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">We have made a lot of messes=
 since 2001=E2=80=94we make one in Europe and Ukraine as we speak, and we c=
an hardly wait to make another with China=E2=80=94but we have never since t=
hat day been able to do what we want, where we want, as we want=E2=80=94not=
 with any kind of result to our benefit=E2=80=94or anyone else=E2=80=99s fo=
r that matter.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-=
height:26px">There is no trace of creativity left in our foreign policies. =
As a departed friend used to put it, we=E2=80=99ve assumed the role of spoi=
ler, and how infra-dig is this?</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rg=
b(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Our unwise course since September 11 leaves u=
s more or less paralyzed in an awful place. We are suspended between myth a=
nd history, as I see it=E2=80=94the one failing us at last, the other induc=
ing fear as it beckons us forward.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color=
:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20=
px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">William Appleman Williams titled h=
is last book, published five years after Saigon rose, as I prefer to put it=
, and I hope you don=E2=80=99t mind,=C2=A0<em>Empire as a Way of Life</em>.=
 This is where we are=E2=80=94hooked on a faded, collapsing hegemony that c=
annot be salvaged and in any case is not worth salvaging.</p><p style=3D"ma=
rgin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Very saliently, the=
 choice those who purport to lead us have made has deprived us of something=
 we greatly need during this passage in our history.</p><p style=3D"margin:=
0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Here I=E2=80=99ll draw f=
rom a wonderful book by Wolfgang Schivelbusch, the German writer and a good=
 student of America, called=C2=A0<em>The Culture of Defeat</em>. Wolfgang m=
akes an eloquent case for the value of defeat and the perils of victory.</p=
><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">A de=
feated nation must retreat into itself and think again. It must face the re=
ality that it had it wrong. All that it had assumed was enduring and superi=
or in itself had failed. So are the defeated forced to reconsider their ver=
y world view, their identities, and all they had assumed to be so.</p><p st=
yle=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;text-align:=
center;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/app-link/post?pub=
lication_id=3D112164&amp;post_id=3D203760259&amp;utm_source=3Dsubstack&amp;=
utm_medium=3Demail&amp;utm_content=3Dshare&amp;utm_campaign=3Demail-share&a=
mp;action=3Dshare&amp;triggerShare=3Dtrue&amp;isFreemail=3Dtrue&amp;r=3D1eo=
gb&amp;token=3DeyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoyMzY0NDkxLCJwb3N0X2lkIjoyMDM3NjAyNTksImlhdCI6=
MTc4MjUyMjI4NSwiZXhwIjoxNzg1MTE0Mjg1LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMTEyMTY0Iiwic3ViIjoicG9=
zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.W6Itm35eT0vYitQNYgMHMLFSTYcsVCzr6x-0Ts0mgVo" target=3D"_b=
lank" style=3D"font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot=
;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&q=
uot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-=
block;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:medium;border-style:none;border-co=
lor:currentcolor;border-radius:8px;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;font-wei=
ght:600;margin:0px;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:nowrap;background-col=
or:rgb(255,0,0);padding:12px 20px;height:auto;color:rgb(255,255,255);text-d=
ecoration:none">Share</a></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,5=
5,55);line-height:26px">In this process, Wolfgang argues, lies the promise =
of rejuvenation, of renewal. To acknowledge failure is to open oneself to n=
ew ways to do things, to new understandings and identities. In time the van=
quished can return to the fray and present themselves to others in a new an=
d imaginative way that answers to the painful discovery of past errors.</p>=
<p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Victo=
rs, by contrast, work on the assumption that they have it right, they have =
proven out, and all they need to do is keep on as they have. Victors have n=
o great need to think about anything.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;co=
lor:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">When John Henry invited me to come see =
you, he remarked on the telephone, =E2=80=9CWhat a pleasure it is to speak =
to someone else who still thinks.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20=
px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I took that kindly, of course, but=
 let us consider the subtext. We have made ourselves into a nation that no =
longer thinks very much.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55=
,55);line-height:26px">One of Wolfgang=E2=80=99s studies in=C2=A0<em>The Cu=
lture of Defeat</em>=C2=A0is the American South. He writes in that chapter,=
 =E2=80=9CVictory, like revolution, can devour its children, particularly t=
hose who expect more from it than what it actually delivers.=E2=80=9D</p><p=
 style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">This is=
 where we are, enraptured by the post=E2=80=931945 decades of primacy, caug=
ht up=E2=80=94especially but not only when we look across the Pacific=E2=80=
=94in a pitiful, unbecoming nostalgia for the once-was-but-no-longer-is.</p=
><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Nost=
algia, I have always thought, is a form of depression that seizes people wh=
o cannot bear the present.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color=
:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Maybe it is evident by now that I think ou=
r present predicaments two decades into a new century are at bottom psychol=
ogical questions=E2=80=94or have a pronounced psychological dimension. To a=
dvance from our present condition, I would argue, requires first a new cons=
ciousness.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-heig=
ht:26px">Let me turn to this briefly.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;co=
lor:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px=
 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">In=C2=A0<em>The Promise of Amer=
ican Life</em>=E2=80=941909, I think=E2=80=94Herbert Croly asked, this more=
 than a century ago, whether America can transform itself from a nation wit=
h a destiny into a nation with a purpose. This is one way to describe our p=
roject today.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-h=
eight:26px">Destiny is the stuff of the exceptionalists. It leads us into=
=E2=80=94or provides alibis for=E2=80=94all our semi-scared =E2=80=9Cmissio=
ns.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-he=
ight:26px">Purpose gives a people agency=E2=80=94earthly things to do. It m=
akes us, not Providence, responsible for our decisions.</p><p style=3D"marg=
in:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">To me this is the tra=
nsformation we have to make. The question before us is what we propose to d=
o once we have got this done. What kind of nation do we want to be, with wh=
at kind of policies? What will be our purpose?</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0p=
x 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I define the objective as a po=
st-exceptionalist America. Much else, and maybe all else, will flow from th=
is, it seems to me.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);=
line-height:26px">This means that before we get to doing anything, there is=
 a very great deal we have to stop doing. This means we must cease doing al=
l those things America has long done in the name of exceptionalism and its =
insidious sibling, universalism.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:r=
gb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">All that must cease, we must withdraw from i=
t, and in its place begin to contribute to an orderly, multipolar world in =
which international law reigns and different histories, traditions, culture=
s, priorities, and perspectives are not merely accommodated but taken as a =
given and respected, valued, even celebrated.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px=
 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I will be forever damned if mos=
t Americans, properly informed, would not choose an orderly world over mili=
tary, material, and ideological dominance. All of us, were we to have leade=
rship with the guts to embark on a new path, would soon discover that our c=
laim to exceptionalism and all the responsibilities it imposes upon us have=
 been an immense burden.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55=
,55);line-height:26px">And how fine it is to imagine the relief when this b=
urden is lifted=E2=80=94or=E2=80=94better put=E2=80=94when we lift it from =
ourselves.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-heig=
ht:26px">Imagine a world where a multitude of voices and sensibilities are =
aroused to address tasks, challenges, crises that are common to us all.</p>=
<p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">What =
new ways would things open up to us=E2=80=94providing we first have the cou=
rage to open our minds and escape our obsession with our own voice as the o=
nly one the world needs to hear.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:r=
gb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px=
;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">I address a gathering with some cons=
titutionalists among you. This suggests to me that you are already well awa=
re of the path forward. It lies in our return to the ideals we long ago aba=
ndoned and to the rule of law as set out in the Constitution.</p><p style=
=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">This will mor=
e than do as we seek fundamentally to alter our course. An alternative fore=
ign policy based on respect for international law, instead of this =E2=80=
=9Crules-based order=E2=80=9D people bang on about, the dismantling of the =
military-industrial complex and all of its associated apparatus in the nati=
onal security state, a rebalanced economy, an end to the official lawlessne=
ss that is rampant all around us, a rethink altogether of our place in the =
world and how we should conduct ourselves among others: All such advances r=
equire only that we live by the principles we claim to espouse but have too=
 long ignored.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-=
height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,5=
5);line-height:26px">I am well aware, as I am sure you are, of the enormity=
 of the transformation I=E2=80=99m trying to describe. So be it, I say. The=
 magnitude of the task does not constitute an excuse for not undertaking it=
. It is just the opposite, in my view. The magnitude of the task is a preci=
se measure of how urgently we need to address it.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px=
 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p style=3D"ma=
rgin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">The French have a w=
onderful word for otherworldly idealism. They call it=C2=A0<em>ang=C3=A9lis=
me</em>, and when I take up these topics I am sometimes charged with it=E2=
=80=94or, truer to the point, I accuse myself of indulging in it. I reply=
=E2=80=94to others or myself=E2=80=94with a mention of Bergson and how he u=
nderstood the coming of great change, so I will end with this passage from =
his final book.=C2=A0<em>The Two Sources of Morality and Religion</em>=C2=
=A0was a brief elaboration on one of his big ones,=C2=A0<em>Creative Evolut=
ion</em>, wherein he made his case for what he called our=C2=A0<em>=C3=A9la=
n vital</em>, a sort of spirit or innate energy that drives us forward.</p>=
<p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Here =
is what Bergson said about how fundamental change arrives among us:</p><blo=
ckquote style=3D"border-left:4px solid rgb(255,0,0);margin:20px 0px;padding=
:0px"><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:=
26px">It is a leap forward, which can take place only if a society has deci=
ded to try the experiment; and the experiment will not be tried unless a so=
ciety has allowed itself to be won over, or at least stirred=E2=80=A6 It is=
 no use maintaining that this leap forward does not imply a creative effort=
 behind it=E2=80=A6 That would be to forget that most great reforms appeare=
d at first impracticable, as in fact they were.</p></blockquote><p style=3D=
"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">=E2=96=A0</p><p =
style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">The Flou=
tist=C2=A0<em>publishes this piece without a paywall. A note to readers exp=
laining our thinking on paywalls=E2=80=94when to use one, when not=E2=80=94=
is forthcoming. In the meantime, we ask those who are not paid subscribers =
to consider becoming one: We can use the support of all those who see worth=
 in the work. A subscription is $5/month or $50/year. Every dollar is appre=
ciated and helps keep us going.</em></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;col=
or:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"><em>For those readers who are already su=
bscribed, our usual and sincerest thanks.</em></p><div style=3D"line-height=
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;text-align:center;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/app-l=
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The Financial Times, June 26, 2026

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<div dir="ltr"><div>The Financial Times, June 26, 2026</div>
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*https://thecradle.co/articles/qatari-pm-meets-with-top-officials-in-oman-t=
o-advance-gulf-iran-talks-on-hormuz-management
<https://thecradle.co/articles/qatari-pm-meets-with-top-officials-in-oman-t=
o-advance-gulf-iran-talks-on-hormuz-management>*

*Qatari PM meets with top officials in Oman to advance Gulf=E2=80=93Iran ta=
lks on
Hormuz management*Oman has established a temporary navigation corridor to
clear the shipping backlog in the Strait of Hormuz

*News Desk  6/24/26*

*Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani visited Muscat on
24 June for talks with Omani officials to pave the way for negotiations
among Iran, Iraq, and Gulf Arab states on the future management of the
Strait of Hormuz.*

*A diplomat briefed on the talks told Reuters that the discussions are
intended to operationalize a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU)
signed on 15 June =E2=80=93 a provision of the agreement that mandates that=
 Iran
hold separate, localized talks with Oman, Iraq, and the Gulf Arab states.*

*Gulf states are expected to push for the removal of transit fees, while
Iran may propose environmental, navigation, and security-related charges,
according to the same briefing. *

*The initiative also builds toward broader regional talks, with possible
discussions in Riyadh involving Iran, Gulf Arab states, and other regional
actors.*

*This comes as Oman announced the establishment of a temporary maritime
shipping corridor for ships seeking transit through the vital Strait of
Hormuz, launched in coordination with the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), in close coordination
<https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1191750/oman/transport/oman-imo-open-t=
emporary-transit-corridor-in-strait-of-hormuz-for-safe-navigation>
with
Iran.*

*=E2=80=9CVessels wishing to pass through would need to coordinate with the=
 IMO and
Omani authorities,=E2=80=9D Omani state media reported, adding that the tem=
porary
corridor is intended to maintain global trade flows without the imposition
of transit fees.*

*Oman maintains that this measure reflects its own historical guardianship
of the Strait of Hormuz, alongside its strict commitment to international
laws ensuring free navigation. *

*This emergency route launches as global agencies begin a phased plan
<https://thecradle.co/articles-id/38345> to facilitate the movement of the
hundreds of ships and thousands of seafarers stranded by the recent naval
double blockade imposed during the US=E2=80=93Israeli war on Iran.*

*The Oman corridor serves as an immediate fix to safely pass stranded ships
through the strait while the longer-term governance arrangements are being
deliberated between Tehran and Muscat.*

*Iran and Oman agreed on 23 June to establish a joint committee to oversee
shipping management in the Strait of Hormuz following talks in Muscat
between Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and an Iranian delegation led by
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign
Minister Abbas Araghchi.*

*In a joint statement, the two sides reaffirmed that, as the states
bordering the strait, they remain committed to ensuring safe passage in
accordance with international law while maintaining their sovereign rights
over their territorial waters. *

*The committee will coordinate maritime services and shipping costs while
consulting other regional coastal partners.*

*The statement also stressed that all arrangements relating to the Strait
of Hormuz must fully respect the sovereignty of Iran and Oman. Both sides
renewed their commitment to keeping the waterway open and secure for
international navigation under their supervision.*

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"lt=
r" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://thecradle.co/articles/qatari-pm-mee=
ts-with-top-officials-in-oman-to-advance-gulf-iran-talks-on-hormuz-manageme=
nt" target=3D"_blank">https://thecradle.co/articles/qatari-pm-meets-with-to=
p-officials-in-oman-to-advance-gulf-iran-talks-on-hormuz-management</a></fo=
nt></b></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><font face=3D"georgi=
a, serif"><br></font></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margi=
n-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>Qatari PM meets with top officials in Om=
an to advance Gulf=E2=80=93Iran talks on Hormuz management</i></font></h1><=
h2 style=3D"line-height:1.27275em;max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" face=3D"=
georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Oman has established a temporary navigati=
on corridor to clear the shipping backlog in the Strait of Hormuz</font></h=
2><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.45em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><p=
 style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"><a style=3D"margin:0px;=
max-width:100%;display:inline"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">News Desk=
=C2=A0 6/24/26</font></b></a></p></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-=
bottom:1.15em;line-height:1.5em;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65)"><img src=3D"https:/=
/thecradle-main.oss-eu-central-1.aliyuncs.com/public/articles/8ff263d6-6fd6=
-11f1-a1f6-00163e02c055.webp" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:auto 0px auto auto;d=
isplay:block;clear:both" width=3D"412" height=3D"232"></div><p style=3D"max=
-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font fa=
ce=3D"georgia, serif">Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Tha=
ni visited Muscat on 24 June for talks with Omani officials to pave the way=
 for negotiations among Iran, Iraq, and Gulf Arab states on the future mana=
gement of the Strait of Hormuz.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:=
100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"g=
eorgia, serif">A diplomat briefed on the talks told<span>=C2=A0</span><i st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%">Reuters</i><span>=C2=A0</span>that the discussions a=
re intended to operationalize a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) si=
gned on 15 June =E2=80=93 a provision of the agreement that mandates that I=
ran hold separate, localized talks with Oman, Iraq, and the Gulf Arab state=
s.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><sp=
an style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Gulf states ar=
e expected to push for the removal of transit fees, while Iran may propose =
environmental, navigation, and security-related charges, according to the s=
ame briefing.=C2=A0</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:r=
gb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, seri=
f">The initiative also builds toward broader regional talks, with possible =
discussions in Riyadh involving Iran, Gulf Arab states, and other regional =
actors.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)=
"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">This come=
s as Oman announced the establishment of a temporary maritime shipping corr=
idor for ships seeking transit through the vital Strait of Hormuz, launched=
 in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in=C2=
=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1191750/oman/trans=
port/oman-imo-open-temporary-transit-corridor-in-strait-of-hormuz-for-safe-=
navigation" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:1=
00%" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">close coordination</s=
pan></a><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>with Iran.</span>=
</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.=
4em"></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max=
-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CVessels wishing to p=
ass through would need to coordinate with the IMO and Omani authorities,=E2=
=80=9D Omani state media reported, adding that the temporary corridor is in=
tended to maintain global trade flows without the imposition of transit fee=
s.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><sp=
an style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Oman maintains=
 that this measure reflects its own historical guardianship of the Strait o=
f Hormuz, alongside its strict commitment to international laws ensuring fr=
ee navigation.=C2=A0</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:=
rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:10=
0%">This emergency route launches as global agencies begin a=C2=A0</span><a=
 href=3D"https://thecradle.co/articles-id/38345" style=3D"text-decoration:n=
one;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"=
max-width:100%">phased plan</span></a><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=
=C2=A0</span>to facilitate the movement of the hundreds of ships and thousa=
nds of seafarers stranded by the recent naval double blockade imposed durin=
g the US=E2=80=93Israeli war on Iran.</span></font></b></p><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif">The Oman corridor serves as an immediate fix to safely=
 pass stranded ships through the strait while the longer-term governance ar=
rangements are being deliberated between Tehran and Muscat.</font></b></spa=
n></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.4em"></p>=
<p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:10=
0%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Iran and Oman agreed on 23 June to est=
ablish a joint committee to oversee shipping management in the Strait of Ho=
rmuz following talks in Muscat between Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and a=
n Iranian delegation led by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghal=
ibaf and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.</font></b></span></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=
<b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">In a joint statement, the two sides reaffi=
rmed that, as the states bordering the strait, they remain committed to ens=
uring safe passage in accordance with international law while maintaining t=
heir sovereign rights over their territorial waters.=C2=A0</font></b></span=
></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.4em"></p><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100=
%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The committee will coordinate maritime =
services and shipping costs while consulting other regional coastal partner=
s.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><sp=
an style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The statement =
also stressed that all arrangements relating to the Strait of Hormuz must f=
ully respect the sovereignty of Iran and Oman. Both sides renewed their com=
mitment to keeping the waterway open and secure for international navigatio=
n under their supervision.</font></b></span></p></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>
</div>

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Subject: [Salon] Pakistan PM drops a truth bomb on US over Iranian missiles
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https://www.solidarity.co.nz/international-stories/pakistan-truth-bomb

Pakistan PM drops a truth bomb on US over Iranian missiles
Eugene Doyle,  27 Jun

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, one of the signatories to
the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the US, has called out
what he says are double standards and duplicity by those trying to wreck
the peace deal.  His short, memorable statement was largely ignored in the
Western media but its content should be *digested* by all.

He addressed his comments directly to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
who arrived in Pakistan on June 23. The Iranian delegation had just arrived
on a plane named Minab 168 =E2=80=93 in memory of the 168 children and staf=
f
killed in an attack on an Iranian girls=E2=80=99 school by US and Israeli f=
orces at
the outset of the US-Israel attack on Iran.

Sharif made his comments a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and
Gulf foreign ministers issued *a joint statement *
<https://www.iranintl.com/en/202606255018>that "lasting regional peace and
security requires addressing the full spectrum of Iran=E2=80=99s threats, i=
ncluding
its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region."

One of the reasons Sharif=E2=80=99s comments are important is that the US-I=
sraeli
side operates a well-thumbed playbook of agreeing on frameworks for
negotiations and then immediately breaking them (killing negotiators or
attacking Lebanon, for example) or trying to re-write the framework
midstream to their advantage.  Shehbaz Sharif called them out:

=E2=80=9CThis MOU does not mention ballistic missiles. It was never on the =
table.
It was never on the agenda. The Iran side never wanted to even discuss it.
That is not an impression, that is a fact of matter, so there should be no
second thought about it. It must not be misconstrued, because there are
spoilers all over the world to scuttle this peace deal. They don't want the
Iranian nation, the great Iranian nation to come out of the ashes of war
and touch the zenith of glory. So I want to make it abundantly clear that
there cannot be double standards =E2=80=93 two standards that some countrie=
s can
have ballistic missiles, and Iran shouldn't have. You cannot digest this
kind of duplicity. I wanted to make it very clear, Excellency, that the
MOU, which has been signed by me as mediator, does not mention ballistic
missiles at all.=E2=80=9D

*You can watch this speech here.*
<https://www.facebook.com/reel/1997478244465655>

For his part President Pezeshkian made clear *Iran=E2=80=99s right to its m=
issiles
is a non-negotiable* <https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3D1913987399305193>=
.

=E2=80=9CI would like to say that if it was not for Iran=E2=80=99s missile =
capabilities, to
defend ourselves, our country would have been plundered and destroyed by
the Zionist regime and the US =E2=80=93 like Gaza. And they would not have =
any
mercy on either the young or the old.

=E2=80=9CThey claim they respect human rights. This is a big lie. If we had=
n't been
able to defend ourselves they certainly wouldn=E2=80=99t have shown mercy.
Therefore we shall never, never compromise or negotiate with anyone about
our missile capabilities.=E2=80=9D

In particular, I share both these memorable statements because such
comments are seldom aired by our increasingly =E2=80=9Ccurated=E2=80=9D Wes=
tern media.

Eugene Doyle

--000000000000e5b914065538bf85
Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<div dir=3D"ltr"><a href=3D"https://www.solidarity.co.nz/international-stor=
ies/pakistan-truth-bomb">https://www.solidarity.co.nz/international-stories=
/pakistan-truth-bomb</a><br><div><br></div><div><div class=3D"gmail-blog-it=
em-top-wrapper" style=3D"margin-bottom:24px;display:flex;color:rgb(0,0,0);f=
ont-family:halyard-display;font-size:17px;letter-spacing:0.85px;background-=
color:rgb(250,250,250)"><div class=3D"gmail-blog-item-title" style=3D"margi=
n-bottom:2rem"><h1 class=3D"entry-title entry-title--large gmail-p-name gma=
il-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"font-size:54.4px;margin:0px;font-weight:3=
00;line-height:68px;letter-spacing:1.088px;opacity:1">Pakistan PM drops a t=
ruth bomb on US over Iranian missiles</h1></div><div class=3D"gmail-blog-it=
em-meta-wrapper" style=3D"display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-blog-item-autho=
r-date-wrapper gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"display:flex;opacity:1"=
><span style=3D"line-height:20.4px">Eugene Doyle,=C2=A0 27 Jun</span></div>=
</div></div><div class=3D"gmail-blog-item-content-wrapper" id=3D"gmail-yui_=
3_17_2_1_1782551919954_74" style=3D"color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:halyard-di=
splay;font-size:17px;letter-spacing:0.85px;background-color:rgb(250,250,250=
)"><div class=3D"gmail-blog-item-content gmail-e-content" id=3D"gmail-yui_3=
_17_2_1_1782551919954_73" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 3vw"><div class=3D"gmail-=
sqs-layout gmail-sqs-grid-12 gmail-columns-12" id=3D"gmail-item-6a3f3ad2235=
38c3cc84f51f5"><div class=3D"gmail-row gmail-sqs-row" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_=
2_1_1782551919954_72" style=3D"width:auto"><div class=3D"gmail-col gmail-sq=
s-col-12 gmail-span-12" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_1782551919954_71" style=3D=
"float:left;width:1009.45px;padding-right:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-bloc=
k gmail-website-component-block gmail-sqs-block-website-component gmail-sqs=
-block-html gmail-html-block" id=3D"gmail-block-53c58644721ddd57e579" style=
=3D"height:auto;clear:none;border-color:rgb(0,0,0);padding:0px 17px 17px;mi=
x-blend-mode:normal;border-radius:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-block-conten=
t"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-text-block-container"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-ht=
ml-content" style=3D"outline:none"><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" =
style=3D"margin:0px 0px 1rem;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacit=
y:1"><span style=3D"font-weight:700">The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehba=
z Sharif, one of the signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding between=
 Iran and the US, has called out what he says are double standards and dupl=
icity by those trying to wreck the peace deal.=C2=A0 His short, memorable s=
tatement was largely ignored in the Western media but its content should be=
 <em style=3D"overflow-wrap: break-word;">digested</em> by all.=C2=A0</span=
></p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1rem 0px;line-=
height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">He addressed his comments dir=
ectly to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who arrived in Pakistan on Jun=
e 23. The Iranian delegation had just arrived on a plane named Minab 168 =
=E2=80=93 in memory of the 168 children and staff=C2=A0 killed in an attack=
 on an Iranian girls=E2=80=99 school by US and Israeli forces at the outset=
 of the US-Israel attack on Iran.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-=
fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1rem 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;op=
acity:1">Sharif made his comments a day after US Secretary of State Marco R=
ubio and Gulf foreign ministers issued <a href=3D"https://www.iranintl.com/=
en/202606255018" style=3D"background-image:unset;background-position:unset;=
background-size:unset;background-repeat:unset;background-origin:initial;bac=
kground-clip:initial;background-color:initial;color:rgb(0,0,0);text-decorat=
ion:underline 1px;white-space:initial"><u style=3D"overflow-wrap: break-wor=
d;">a joint statement=C2=A0</u></a>that &quot;lasting regional peace and se=
curity requires addressing the full spectrum of Iran=E2=80=99s threats, inc=
luding its ballistic missiles, drones, and support of proxies in the region=
.&quot;=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1r=
em 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">One of the reason=
s Sharif=E2=80=99s comments are important is that the US-Israeli side opera=
tes a well-thumbed playbook of agreeing on frameworks for negotiations and =
then immediately breaking them (killing negotiators or attacking Lebanon, f=
or example) or trying to re-write the framework midstream to their advantag=
e.=C2=A0 Shehbaz Sharif called them out:=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade=
 gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1rem 0px 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:=
pre-wrap;opacity:1"></p></div></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-blo=
ck gmail-image-block gmail-sqs-block-image gmail-sqs-text-ready" id=3D"gmai=
l-block-yui_3_17_2_1_1782528724113_4589" style=3D"height:auto;padding:17px;=
clear:both"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-block-content" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1=
_1782551919954_70"><div class=3D"gmail-image-block-outer-wrapper gmail-layo=
ut-caption-below gmail-design-layout-inline gmail-combination-animation-sit=
e-default gmail-individual-animation-site-default gmail-individual-text-ani=
mation-site-default gmail-animation-loaded" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_178255=
1919954_69" style=3D"transform: translateZ(0px);"><div class=3D"gmail-image=
-block-wrapper gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_1782551=
919954_67" style=3D"min-height:1px;overflow:hidden;opacity:1"><div class=3D=
"gmail-sqs-image-shape-container-element gmail-has-aspect-ratio" id=3D"gmai=
l-yui_3_17_2_1_1782551919954_66" style=3D"padding-bottom:356.55px;overflow:=
hidden"><img alt=3D"" src=3D"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/=
65d1663c773f8165d6f54468/2691a991-dd6a-4a67-9469-47d0a46c2aaf/Screenshot+20=
26-06-27+at+3.00.20%E2%80%AFPM.jpg" width=3D"1056" height=3D"386" class=3D"=
gmail-loaded" style=3D"border: 0px; width: 975.45px; display: block; object=
-fit: cover; height: 356.55px; object-position: 50% 50%;"></div></div></div=
></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-block gmail-website-component-block gm=
ail-sqs-block-website-component gmail-sqs-block-html gmail-html-block" id=
=3D"gmail-block-yui_3_17_2_1_1782528724113_4908" style=3D"height:auto;clear=
:none;border-color:rgb(0,0,0);padding:17px;mix-blend-mode:normal;border-rad=
ius:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-block-content"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-tex=
t-block-container"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-html-content" style=3D"outline:n=
one"><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:0px 0px 1rem;l=
ine-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">=E2=80=9CThis MOU does no=
t mention ballistic missiles. It was never on the table. It was never on th=
e agenda. The Iran side never wanted to even discuss it. That is not an imp=
ression, that is a fact of matter, so there should be no second thought abo=
ut it. It must not be misconstrued, because there are spoilers all over the=
 world to scuttle this peace deal. They don&#39;t want the Iranian nation, =
the great Iranian nation to come out of the ashes of war and touch the zeni=
th of glory. So I want to make it abundantly clear that there cannot be dou=
ble standards =E2=80=93 two standards that some countries can have ballisti=
c missiles, and Iran shouldn&#39;t have. You cannot digest this kind of dup=
licity. I wanted to make it very clear, Excellency, that the MOU, which has=
 been signed by me as mediator, does not mention ballistic missiles at all.=
=E2=80=9D</p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1rem 0=
px 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><a href=3D"https:=
//www.facebook.com/reel/1997478244465655" style=3D"background-image:unset;b=
ackground-position:unset;background-size:unset;background-repeat:unset;back=
ground-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;colo=
r:rgb(0,0,0);text-decoration:underline 1px;white-space:initial"><u style=3D=
"overflow-wrap: break-word;">You can watch this speech here.</u></a></p></d=
iv></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-block gmail-image-block gmail-=
sqs-block-image gmail-sqs-text-ready" id=3D"gmail-block-yui_3_17_2_1_178253=
5173464_2971" style=3D"height:auto;padding:17px;clear:both"><div class=3D"g=
mail-sqs-block-content" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_1782551919954_89"><div cla=
ss=3D"gmail-image-block-outer-wrapper gmail-layout-caption-below gmail-desi=
gn-layout-inline gmail-combination-animation-site-default gmail-individual-=
animation-site-default gmail-individual-text-animation-site-default gmail-a=
nimation-loaded" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_1782551919954_88" style=3D"transf=
orm: translateZ(0px);"><div class=3D"gmail-image-block-wrapper gmail-preFad=
e gmail-fadeIn" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_1782551919954_86" style=3D"min-hei=
ght:1px;overflow:hidden;opacity:1"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-image-shape-cont=
ainer-element gmail-has-aspect-ratio" id=3D"gmail-yui_3_17_2_1_178255191995=
4_85" style=3D"padding-bottom:426.987px;overflow:hidden"><img alt=3D"" src=
=3D"https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65d1663c773f8165d6f54468/=
ad96b60d-9e62-4c23-a748-639e0ba0f815/Screenshot+2026-06-27+at+4.51.27%E2%80=
%AFPM.jpg" width=3D"1060" height=3D"464" class=3D"gmail-loaded" style=3D"bo=
rder: 0px; width: 975.45px; display: block; object-fit: cover; height: 426.=
987px; object-position: 50% 50%;"></div></div></div></div></div><div class=
=3D"gmail-sqs-block gmail-website-component-block gmail-sqs-block-website-c=
omponent gmail-sqs-block-html gmail-html-block" id=3D"gmail-block-yui_3_17_=
2_1_1782535173464_3288" style=3D"height:auto;clear:none;border-color:rgb(0,=
0,0);padding:17px;mix-blend-mode:normal;border-radius:0px"><div class=3D"gm=
ail-sqs-block-content"><div class=3D"gmail-sqs-text-block-container"><div c=
lass=3D"gmail-sqs-html-content" style=3D"outline:none"><p id=3D"gmail-yui_3=
_17_2_1_1782535173464_3275" class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"m=
argin:0px 0px 1rem;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">For h=
is part President Pezeshkian made clear <a href=3D"https://www.facebook.com=
/watch/?v=3D1913987399305193" style=3D"background-image:unset;background-po=
sition:unset;background-size:unset;background-repeat:unset;background-origi=
n:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;color:rgb(0,0,0)=
;text-decoration:underline 1px;white-space:initial"><u style=3D"overflow-wr=
ap: break-word;">Iran=E2=80=99s right to its missiles is a non-negotiable</=
u></a>.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1r=
em 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">=E2=80=9CI would =
like to say that if it was not for Iran=E2=80=99s missile capabilities, to =
defend ourselves, our country would have been plundered and destroyed by th=
e Zionist regime and the US =E2=80=93 like Gaza. And they would not have an=
y mercy on either the young or the old.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade =
gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1rem 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-w=
rap;opacity:1">=E2=80=9CThey claim they respect human rights. This is a big=
 lie. If we hadn&#39;t been able to defend ourselves they certainly wouldn=
=E2=80=99t have shown mercy. Therefore we shall never, never compromise or =
negotiate with anyone about our missile capabilities.=E2=80=9D</p><p class=
=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D"margin:1rem 0px;line-height:23.8px=
;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">In particular, I share both these memorabl=
e statements because such comments are seldom aired by our increasingly =E2=
=80=9Ccurated=E2=80=9D Western media.=C2=A0=C2=A0<br style=3D"overflow-wrap=
: break-word;"><br class=3D"gmail-ProseMirror-trailingBreak" style=3D"overf=
low-wrap: break-word;"></p><p class=3D"gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style=3D=
"margin:1rem 0px 0px;line-height:23.8px;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><sp=
an style=3D"font-weight:700">Eugene Doyle</span></p></div></div></div></div=
></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] Fwd: "Israel, Lebanon Sign U.S.-brokered Framework
 Agreement; Netanyahu: IDF to Remain in Southern Lebanon" (HAARETZ)
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FM: John Whitbeck

Transmitted below is HAARETZ's report on the "framework agreement" signed
yesterday by the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington.

Since everyone knows that Hezbollah will not -- and should not -- disarm so
long as Israel continues to occupy Lebanese territory, this "framework"
appears to constitute an effective agreement by the Lebanese government
that Israel can maintain its occupation of southern Lebanon forever.

It is obvious why the Israeli government would welcome such an agreement.
It will permit Benjamin Netanyahu, in an election season, to claim some
"victory" as a result of the criminal war of aggression which he launched
with Donald Trump on February 28 and, since the Iranian government is
currently insisting that it will not sign any peace agreement with the
United States before a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, could
successfully prevent peace from breaking out.

Why any Lebanese government would agree to this is not obvious.

Unsurprisingly, Hezbollah has denounced this agreement, with a senior
member of parliament stating: "This adminstration will not be able to
enforce the agreement signed in Washington unless it resorts, with US
support, to a civil war," which Israel would clearly welcome (
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/washington-agreement--will-not-pass---mp-fadlallah-to-al-may
).

*NOTE*: Bizarrely, both Western governments and Western media appear to
find it unquestionably reasonable that Israel should be able to maintain
its illegal occupations of Palestinian and Lebanese territory until all
local forces resisting the occupation of their countries have been disarmed
and stripped of any means of resisting. On the other hand, it should be
obvious -- but apparently is not -- that the best -- and perhaps only --
way to end resistance to an illegal occupation is to end the occupation.
Hamas has repeatedly made clear that it would have no reason to remain
armed if and when the Israeli occupation of the State of Palestine ends.


*https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-06-26/ty-article/.premium/israel-lebanon-talks-in-washington-extended-to-fourth-day-amid-deadlock/0000019f-02d7-d289-a3bf-87d72eea0000
<https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-06-26/ty-article/.premium/israel-lebanon-talks-in-washington-extended-to-fourth-day-amid-deadlock/0000019f-02d7-d289-a3bf-87d72eea0000>
*

6/26/26

*Israel, Lebanon Sign U.S.-brokered Framework Agreement; Netanyahu:
IDF to **Remain
in Southern*
*Lebanon *
[image: Signing of agreement, Friday.]



Signing of agreement, Friday. Credit: Screencap from State Department stream

Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on Friday, after four days
of fervent negotiations mediated by the United States, with U.S. Secretary
of State Marco Rubio saying that "there is still a lot of work ahead of us."


Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that, according to the agreement,
the Israeli army will continue to remain in the vast majority of the
"buffer zone" it holds in southern Lebanon, and it would retain
"operational freedom" in the area until Hezbollah is disarmed.

He added that Israel and Lebanon had agreed on two areas where a pilot
program would be carried out to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and
transfer control of the territory to the Lebanese Army. According to an
Israeli diplomatic official, the United States is expected to oversee the
Lebanese Army's activities in the agreed pilot areas.

According to Netanyahu, the IDF recommended the two areas: one located
south of the Litani River, which is outside Israeli-held territory, and the
other, north of the Litani, which also includes "a small part of the
expanded security zone."

The prime minister described the signing of the framework agreement as a
"major blow" to Iran. "Iran is trying to force us, by means of force, to
withdraw from southern Lebanon. In effect, Israel, Lebanon and the United
States are telling them: this is none of your business. You have no role in
Lebanon," he said.
[image: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a screencap from a video on
Friday.]

Secretary of State Rubio said the agreement maintains that the United
States, Israel and Lebanon create a trilateral group that would coordinate
militarily between all sides to implement the framework. He said that the
United States will "remain fully engaged and commit significant resources,
including an immediate $100 million in humanitarian assistance in
coordination with the UN."

The secretary also pledged $30 million worth of American support to the
Lebanese army, designated for improving the Lebanese Army's military
capabilities, to allow it to "more effectively establish sovereignty
throughout Lebanese territory."

Rubio remarked that the signing "marks another major milestone in President
[Donald] Trump's effort to bring lasting peace and stability to the region."

He said the framework agreed to by both parties "establishes a clear and
structured process to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah and
dismantle its terrorist infrastructure, and enable Israel to return to its
borders once that threat to its citizens is removed."
[image: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department in
Washington, D.C., U.S., Friday.]

                                                                U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington, D.C.,
U.S., Friday. Credit: Ken Cedeno/Reuters

Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad described the
agreeement as "a first step on the road to restoring Lebanese sovereignty
and territorial integrity, securing a permanent and final cessation of
hostilities, enabling our people to go back to their land and allowing all
Lebanese to live in peace, security, and prosperity."

She said the meeting in which the agreement was reached was "long and
difficult."

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who represented Israel in the talks,
referred to his previous remarks saying that the talks were a "train
running off the tracks."
[image: Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Lebanon's
Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh, following a signing of a framework
agreement, Friday.]
                                        Secretary of State Marco Rubio
shakes hands with Lebanon's Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh, following
a signing of a framework agreement, Friday. Credit: Kevin Wolf/AP

"Iran and its proxies wanted a train wreck," he said. "Together with
Secretary Rubio and his entire staff, indefatigable team, we've put the
train back on the tracks, and it's running in the right direction. Final
destination, peace between our two countries."

The talks, attended by embassy and military representatives, were scheduled
to take place over three days and focus on cease-fire terms between Israel
and Hezbollah and the redeployment of the Lebanese Army in southern
Lebanon, concurrent to an Israeli military withdrawal from territories it
currently holds in southern Lebanon.

However, the talks were extended by an additional day on Thursday. A
regional source told Haaretz that the delay in talks between Israel and
Lebanon stems from disagreements over the proposed pilot zones from which
Israel is expected to withdraw. According to the source, the sides were
presented with a map, but neither side has validated it.

According to reports in Lebanon, Beirut objects Israel's demand that the
pilot zones begin outside the Lebanese territory it occupies, with Beirut
first taking over Hezbollah strongholds.
[image: Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an
Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel,
on Friday.]
                                                     Smoke rises to the sky
in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in
southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, on Friday. Credit: Leo
Correa/AP

Meanwhile, the IDF said on Friday that four IDF soldiers were wounded in a
clash with a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon Thursday night, one of
them moderately.

Arab media reported Israeli airstrikes killed two people and wounded at
least one in southern Lebanon on Friday morning.

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div><div=
><div><div><div><div><font size=3D"4">FM: John Whitbeck<br>
                <br>
                Transmitted below is HAARETZ&#39;s report on the &quot;fram=
ework
                agreement&quot; signed yesterday by the Israeli and Lebanes=
e
                ambassadors in Washington.<br>
                <br>
                Since everyone knows that Hezbollah will not -- and
                should not -- disarm so long as Israel continues to
                occupy Lebanese territory, this &quot;framework&quot; appea=
rs to
                constitute an effective agreement by the Lebanese
                government that Israel can maintain its occupation of
                southern Lebanon forever.<br>
                <br>
                It is obvious why the Israeli government would welcome
                such an agreement. It will permit Benjamin Netanyahu, in
                an election season, to claim some &quot;victory&quot; as a =
result
                of the criminal war of aggression which he launched with
                Donald Trump on February 28 and, since the Iranian
                government is currently insisting that it will not sign
                any peace agreement with the United States before a full
                Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, could successfully
                prevent peace from breaking out.<br>
                <br>
                Why any Lebanese government would agree to this is not
                obvious.<br>
                <br>
                Unsurprisingly, Hezbollah has denounced this agreement,
                with a senior member of parliament stating: &quot;This
                adminstration will not be able to enforce the agreement
                signed in Washington unless it resorts, with US support,
                to a civil war,&quot; which Israel would clearly welcome (<=
a href=3D"https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/washington-agreement=
--will-not-pass---mp-fadlallah-to-al-may" target=3D"_blank">https://english=
.almayadeen.net/news/politics/washington-agreement--will-not-pass---mp-fadl=
allah-to-al-may</a>).<br>
                <br>
                <u>NOTE</u>: Bizarrely, both Western governments and
                Western media appear to find it unquestionably
                reasonable that Israel should be able to maintain its
                illegal occupations of Palestinian and Lebanese
                territory until all local forces resisting the
                occupation of their countries have been disarmed and
                stripped of any means of resisting. On the other hand,
                it should be obvious -- but apparently is not -- that
                the best -- and perhaps only -- way to end resistance to
                an illegal occupation is to end the occupation. Hamas
                has repeatedly made clear that it would have no reason
                to remain armed if and when the Israeli occupation of
                the State of Palestine ends.<br>
              </font><br>
              <div dir=3D"ltr">
                <div class=3D"gmail_quote">
                  <div dir=3D"ltr">
                    <div dir=3D"ltr">
                      <div dir=3D"ltr">
                        <div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"ht=
tps://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-06-26/ty-article/.pr=
emium/israel-lebanon-talks-in-washington-extended-to-fourth-day-amid-deadlo=
ck/0000019f-02d7-d289-a3bf-87d72eea0000" target=3D"_blank">https://www.haar=
etz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-06-26/ty-article/.premium/israel-l=
ebanon-talks-in-washington-extended-to-fourth-day-amid-deadlock/0000019f-02=
d7-d289-a3bf-87d72eea0000</a><br>
                            </font></b></div>
                        <div><b><font size=3D"4"><br>
                            </font> </b></div>
                        <div><font size=3D"4">6/26/26</font></div>
                        <div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br>
                            </font></b></div>
                        <div>
                          <h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;=
margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georg=
ia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>Israel,
                                Lebanon Sign U.S.-brokered Framework
                                Agreement; Netanyahu: IDF to </i></font><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>Remain
                                in Southern</i> <i>Lebanon <br>
                              </i></font></h1>
                          <div style=3D"max-width:100%">
                            <div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"Sig=
ning of agreement, Friday. Credit: Screencap from State Department stream" =
alt=3D"Signing of agreement, Friday." width=3D"412" height=3D"239" src=3D"h=
ttps://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-0510-d514-a9bf-bd7b29e20001/6c/47/d533=
c19145ad8edef49148b3e615/79f286ab-e07c-474a-a756-5e4b83e96b76-1.jfif?&amp;w=
idth=3D420&amp;height=3D244&amp;cmsprod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em au=
to;display:block"></div>
                          </div>
                          <font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-=
width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 Signing of agreement, Friday.</span><s=
pan>=C2=A0</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bot=
tom:0.25em">Credit:
                              Screencap from State Department stream</span>=
</font>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Israel and
                              Lebanon signed a framework agreement on
                              Friday, after four days of fervent
                              negotiations mediated by the United
                              States, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco
                              Rubio saying that &quot;there is still a lot =
of
                              work ahead of us.&quot;<span>=C2=A0</span></f=
ont></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Prime
                              Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that,
                              according to the agreement, the Israeli
                              army will continue to remain in the vast
                              majority of the &quot;buffer zone&quot; it ho=
lds in
                              southern Lebanon, and it would retain
                              &quot;operational freedom&quot; in the area u=
ntil
                              Hezbollah is disarmed.</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">He added
                              that Israel and Lebanon had agreed on two
                              areas where a pilot program would be
                              carried out to dismantle Hezbollah
                              infrastructure and transfer control of the
                              territory to the Lebanese Army. According
                              to an Israeli diplomatic official, the
                              United States is expected to oversee the
                              Lebanese Army&#39;s activities in the agreed
                              pilot areas.<span>=C2=A0</span></font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">According
                              to Netanyahu, the IDF recommended the two
                              areas: one located south of the Litani
                              River, which is outside Israeli-held
                              territory, and the other, north of the
                              Litani, which also includes &quot;a small par=
t
                              of the expanded security zone.&quot;<span>=C2=
=A0</span></font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">The prime
                              minister described the signing of the
                              framework agreement as a &quot;major blow&quo=
t; to
                              Iran. &quot;Iran is trying to force us, by
                              means of force, to withdraw from southern
                              Lebanon. In effect, Israel, Lebanon and
                              the United States are telling them: this
                              is none of your business. You have no role
                              in Lebanon,&quot; he said.</font></p>
                          <div style=3D"max-width:100%">
                            <div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img alt=3D"Prime=
 Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a screencap from a video on Friday." width=
=3D"412" height=3D"300" src=3D"https://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-052a-d=
514-a9bf-bd7bb5520001/eb/a2/4deec03049d3bf2879104a99d387/capture.PNG?&amp;w=
idth=3D420&amp;height=3D306&amp;cmsprod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em au=
to;display:block"></div>
                          </div>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Secretary
                              of State Rubio said the agreement
                              maintains that the United States, Israel
                              and Lebanon create a trilateral group that
                              would coordinate militarily between all
                              sides to implement the framework. He said
                              that the United States will &quot;remain full=
y
                              engaged and commit significant resources,
                              including an immediate $100 million in
                              humanitarian assistance in coordination
                              with the UN.&quot;</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">The
                              secretary also pledged $30 million worth
                              of American support to the Lebanese army,
                              designated for improving the Lebanese
                              Army&#39;s military capabilities, to allow it
                              to &quot;more effectively establish sovereign=
ty
                              throughout Lebanese territory.&quot;</font></=
p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Rubio
                              remarked that the signing &quot;marks another
                              major milestone in President [Donald]
                              Trump&#39;s effort to bring lasting peace and
                              stability to the region.&quot;</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">He said the
                              framework agreed to by both parties
                              &quot;establishes a clear and structured
                              process to restore Lebanon&#39;s sovereignty,
                              disarm Hezbollah and dismantle its
                              terrorist infrastructure, and enable
                              Israel to return to its borders once that
                              threat to its citizens is removed.&quot;</fon=
t></p>
                          <div style=3D"max-width:100%">
                            <div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"U.S=
. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington, D.C=
., U.S., Friday. Credit:   Ken Cedeno/Reuters" alt=3D"U.S. Secretary of Sta=
te Marco Rubio at the State Department in Washington, D.C., U.S., Friday." =
width=3D"412" height=3D"276" src=3D"https://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-0=
580-d4c5-a9ff-9dc287200000/40/18/f2a4711d46bda9206f1b5e11d9d3/554660.jpg?&a=
mp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D281&amp;cmsprod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5e=
m auto;display:block"></div>
                          </div>
                          <font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-=
width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 U.S. Secretary of State Marco R=
ubio at
                              the State Department in Washington, D.C.,
                              U.S., Friday.</span><span>=C2=A0</span><span =
style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">Credit:
                              Ken Cedeno/Reuters</span></font>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Lebanese
                              Ambassador to the United States Nada
                              Hamadeh Moawad described the agreeement as
                              &quot;a first step on the road to restoring
                              Lebanese sovereignty and territorial
                              integrity, securing a permanent and final
                              cessation of hostilities, enabling our
                              people to go back to their land and
                              allowing all Lebanese to live in peace,
                              security, and prosperity.&quot;</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">She said
                              the meeting in which the agreement was
                              reached was &quot;long and difficult.&quot;</=
font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Israeli
                              Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who represented
                              Israel in the talks, referred to his
                              previous remarks saying that the talks
                              were a &quot;train running off the tracks.&qu=
ot;<span>=C2=A0</span></font></p>
                          <div style=3D"max-width:100%">
                            <div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"Sec=
retary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Lebanon&#39;s Ambassador to t=
he U.S. Nada Hamadeh, following a signing of a framework agreement, Friday.=
 Credit: Kevin Wolf/AP" alt=3D"Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands =
with Lebanon&#39;s Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh, following a signing=
 of a framework agreement, Friday." width=3D"412" height=3D"275" src=3D"htt=
ps://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-053a-d514-a9bf-bd7b38680000/bc/0f/f57d1d=
324901b53f8680bb8e35ab/555376.jpg?&amp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D280&amp;cms=
prod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></div>
                          </div>
                          <font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-=
width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 Secretary of
                              State Marco Rubio shakes hands with
                              Lebanon&#39;s Ambassador to the U.S. Nada
                              Hamadeh, following a signing of a
                              framework agreement, Friday.</span><span>=C2=
=A0</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.2=
5em">Credit:
                              Kevin Wolf/AP</span></font>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">&quot;Iran and
                              its proxies wanted a train wreck,&quot; he
                              said. &quot;Together with Secretary Rubio and
                              his entire staff, indefatigable team,
                              we&#39;ve put the train back on the tracks,
                              and it&#39;s running in the right direction.
                              Final destination, peace between our two
                              countries.&quot;</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">The talks,
                              attended by embassy and military
                              representatives, were scheduled to take
                              place over three days and focus on
                              cease-fire terms between Israel and
                              Hezbollah and the redeployment of the
                              Lebanese Army in southern Lebanon,
                              concurrent to an Israeli military
                              withdrawal from territories it currently
                              holds in southern Lebanon.<span>=C2=A0</span>=
</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">However,
                              the talks were extended by an additional
                              day on Thursday. A regional source told
                              Haaretz that the delay in talks between
                              Israel and Lebanon stems from
                              disagreements over the proposed pilot
                              zones from which Israel is expected to
                              withdraw. According to the source, the
                              sides were presented with a map, but
                              neither side has validated it.</font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">According
                              to reports in Lebanon, Beirut objects
                              Israel&#39;s demand that the pilot zones begi=
n
                              outside the Lebanese territory it
                              occupies, with Beirut first taking over
                              Hezbollah strongholds.</font></p>
                          <div style=3D"max-width:100%">
                            <div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"Smo=
ke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli mi=
litary strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, on Friday. =
Credit: Leo Correa/AP" alt=3D"Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufo=
rt Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen =
from northern Israel, on Friday." width=3D"412" height=3D"275" src=3D"https=
://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-02fb-d4c5-a9ff-9ffbb3910000/22/9d/a7b0f0da=
40a5bbefbf8dd30dab97/439992.jpg?&amp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D280&amp;cmspr=
od" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></div>
                          </div>
                          <font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-=
width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=
=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =
=C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0
                              =C2=A0Smoke rises to the sky in an area near
                              Beaufort Castle following an Israeli
                              military strike in southern Lebanon as
                              seen from northern Israel, on Friday.</span><=
span>=C2=A0</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bo=
ttom:0.25em">Credit:
                              Leo Correa/AP</span></font>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Meanwhile,
                              the IDF said on Friday that four IDF
                              soldiers were wounded in a clash with a
                              Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon
                              Thursday night, one of them moderately.<span>=
=C2=A0</span></font></p>
                          <p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4">Arab media
                              reported Israeli airstrikes killed two
                              people and wounded at least one in
                              southern Lebanon on Friday morning.</font></p=
>
                        </div>
                      </div>
                    </div>
                  </div>
                </div>
              </div>
            </div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>


<p></p>

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[image: Flag and Seal 2025]

U.S. DEPARTMENT *of*  STATE
------------------------------






Trilateral Framework Between the United States of America, the State of
Israel, and the Republic of Lebanon
<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.state.gov%2Freleases%2=
Foffice-of-the-spokesperson%2F2026%2F06%2Ftrilateral-framework-between-the-=
united-states-of-america-the-state-of-israel-and-the-republic-of-lebanon%2F=
/1/0101019f068f9e8c-f7ecb120-a667-4c8c-adc8-b26400163c98-000000/6q6boim6Wol=
v6FvpFEuEcxEKD2BW53Ec7UXEsIwMsao=3D452>
06/26/2026 08:25 PM EDT

Office of the Spokesperson
Trilateral Framework Between the United States of America, the State of
Israel, and the Republic of Lebanon

Media Note

June 26, 2026

The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon, with the full
support of the United States under President Donald J. Trump, affirm their
shared goal of achieving lasting peace and security. As reflected in this
Trilateral Framework (=E2=80=9CFramework=E2=80=9D), and through future agre=
ements, the two
countries declare their ambition to end conflict between them, ensure the
sovereignty and security of both countries, and establish peaceful
neighborly relations between the two countries.

   1. Israel and Lebanon affirm the right of each state to exist in peace,
   and their mutual desire to live in security as neighboring sovereign
   states. Israel and Lebanon hereby declare their intent to conclusively e=
nd
   the conflict, address its underlying causes, and to therewith formally
   conclude any state of war between them. This Framework, reached after
   multiple rounds of direct negotiations between the parties, builds upon
   previous successful agreements and understandings, and expresses a
   determination to make irreversible progress towards the comprehensive
   resolution of all issues between the two countries. Both countries affir=
m
   their intention to resolve these issues as sovereign states through dire=
ct
   bilateral negotiations, with the mediation and support of the United Sta=
tes.
   2. The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon commit to a
   reciprocal, sequenced process, with clear conditions, whereby the LAF wi=
ll
   restore effective sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory, pendi=
ng
   the verified disarmament of non-state armed groups and dismantlement of
   associated infrastructure, enabling the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to
   progressively redeploy out of the Lebanese territory. The components of
   this process will be detailed in a Security Annex, developed with the fu=
ll
   support of the United States, that will complement this Framework. The
   Framework will set out the requisite measures, security arrangements, an=
d
   verification mechanisms to advance this process. Successful implementati=
on
   of this Framework will pave the way for a stable and peaceful relationsh=
ip
   between the two countries and will enable the IDF to redeploy out of the
   Lebanese territory.
   3. Pursuant to the Security Annex, and as part of the broader effort
   toward the Lebanese state=E2=80=99s monopoly of arms and sovereign terri=
torial
   control, the LAF will gradually assume full and effective security
   responsibility in pilot zones, which will serve as the mechanism for pha=
sed
   and verified redeployments of the IDF and the deployments of the LAF. Tw=
o
   initial zones have been agreed to by the IDF and the LAF, and future pil=
ot
   zones will also be agreed upon by mutual consent. Upon the confirmation =
of
   successful disarmament of non-state armed groups and dismantlement of th=
eir
   infrastructure in these zones, the LAF will assume full and effective
   security responsibility in these zones, internationally supported
   reconstruction efforts will begin, and Lebanese civilians will be able t=
o
   safely return to these areas under the exclusive control of Lebanese sta=
te
   authorities. The United States intends to work closely with both countri=
es
   to verify and support this process.
   4. The Government of Lebanon reaffirms its resolute and irreversible
   commitment to restoring and exercising full sovereignty over all its
   territory. The Government of Lebanon will rebuild the State=E2=80=99s mo=
nopoly on
   the use of force, achieve the complete and verified disarmament of all
   non-state armed groups, and ensure that such groups will have no militar=
y
   or security role and no armed capabilities anywhere in Lebanon. The
   Government of Lebanon herewith requests the support of international and
   particularly Arab partners, under the leadership of the United States, t=
o
   achieve this outcome.
   5. The Government of Israel stresses that its military actions in
   Lebanon are solely a consequence of the attacks, threat posed by, and
   hostile intent of non-state armed groups, particularly Hizballah. The
   Government of Israel underscores that the termination of this threat,
   through the disarmament and dismantlement of such groups in all of Leban=
on
   and additional security arrangements to be agreed upon between the two
   countries, will eliminate any future need for IDF military action or
   presence in Lebanon. Pursuant to the above, the Government of Israel
   declares that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.
   6. The Government of Lebanon, in accordance with the Charter of the
   United Nations and in exercise of its sovereign authority, reaffirms tha=
t
   its security forces hold exclusive responsibility for Lebanon=E2=80=99s =
security
   and defense and that the Government of Lebanon holds the exclusive
   sovereign authority to make war and peace. The Government of Lebanon
   rejects the claims of any state or non-state actor to use force on its
   behalf without its explicit authorization, and reiterates that any claim=
 by
   any state or non-state actor to exercise a military or security role is
   illegal per the decisions of the Lebanese Government and contrary to
   Lebanese national interests.
   7. The Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel affirm that
   nothing in this Framework prevents them from exercising their inherent
   right to defend themselves, as recognized in the Charter of the United
   Nations and consistent with applicable international law, reaffirming th=
at
   no third party may exercise that right on their behalf. Both governments
   commit to establishing a military coordination group, with U.S. support =
and
   participation, to ensure overall implementation of this Framework.
   8. The two countries affirm that they share the objective of a secure,
   rebuilt Lebanon, under full Lebanese state sovereignty, in which no
   non-state armed group poses a threat to Israel, Lebanon, or citizens of
   either country. Furthermore, the two countries recognize that the
   restoration of security in South Lebanon through the deployment of the L=
AF,
   the safe return of its civilian population, and the security of Israel=
=E2=80=99s
   northern communities, are essential to long-term stability and peace.
   9. The Government of Lebanon commits to a rigorous, performance-based
   program to enable the capacity of the LAF to assert full military and
   security control within Lebanon in accordance with security arrangements=
,
   agreed upon within the framework of negotiations, and to implement the
   disarmament of all non-state armed groups and exercise effective authori=
ty
   across Lebanon. The Government of Lebanon welcomes the readiness of the
   United States to support such efforts, recognizing that any new U.S.
   assistance will be strictly conditioned on verifiable milestones, full
   transparency, demonstrated results, and ongoing oversight. This effort w=
ill
   enable the safe and orderly re-establishment of Lebanese sovereignty, al=
so
   contributing to the broader stability and security of the entire Middle
   East.
   10. Separately, and simultaneously, the United States will rally
   international partners to actively support the Government of Lebanon in
   rebuilding the country, repairing infrastructure, restoring the economy,
   and creating opportunities for prosperity. This is expected to include
   mobilizing substantial reconstruction and humanitarian assistance for
   Lebanon, economic recovery programs, and investment initiatives so that
   Lebanon can recover from years of conflict and provide a better future f=
or
   all its citizens.
   11. Lebanon and the United States commit to preventing funds from
   flowing to any entity, organization, or individual affiliated with
   non-state armed groups and to take available legal measures to proscribe
   the activity of any such entity, organization or individual. The Governm=
ent
   of Lebanon explicitly commits to prevent reconstruction funds from flowi=
ng
   to non-state armed groups and connected entities.
   12. Upon the signing of this Framework, the two countries will work to
   establish working groups to draft the full comprehensive peace and secur=
ity
   agreement. Moreover, to achieve the goals of the Framework, the two
   governments will immediately establish complementary tracks of ongoing
   direct engagement, facilitated by the United States. The two governments
   commit to proceeding in good faith until a full and lasting peace is
   achieved, bringing security, stability, and prosperity to the people of
   Israel and Lebanon.
   13. In line with their shared goals to establish stable and peaceful
   relations, Israel and Lebanon commit to take good faith measures that
   demonstrate positive intent, including the cessation of all hostile or
   adverse actions in international political or legal fora, and pledge to
   work towards the search for and return of remains and the release of
   detainees.
   14. The two governments acknowledge the role of the United States in
   supporting their efforts to end decades of conflict and establish lastin=
g
   stability and comprehensive peace between the two countries and express
   their deep appreciation for the vision and leadership of President Donal=
d
   J. Trump.

*Signed at Washington D.C. on the 26th of June, 2026, in three originals,
in the English language.*

------------------------------
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                                                                     U.S.
Department of State =C2=B7 2201 C Street NW =C2=B7 Washington, DC 20520
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  <p style=3D"text-align:center"><font face=3D"arial,helvetica,sans-serif">=
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nt-weight:400">U.S. DEPARTMENT </span><em><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;fon=
t-family:&#39;EB Garamond&#39;,serif;color:#000000;font-weight:400">of</spa=
n></em><span style=3D"font-size:10pt;font-family:&#39;EB Garamond&#39;,seri=
f;color:#000000;font-weight:400">=C2=A0 STATE</span></font></p>
<hr>
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<p><font face=3D"arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size=3D"3"></font></p><div sty=
le=3D"margin-bottom:2em"><font face=3D"arial,helvetica,sans-serif" size=3D"=
3">
<div style=3D"font-weight:bold;font-size:120%;margin:0 0 0.3em;padding:0"><=
a href=3D"https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.state.gov%2Fr=
eleases%2Foffice-of-the-spokesperson%2F2026%2F06%2Ftrilateral-framework-bet=
ween-the-united-states-of-america-the-state-of-israel-and-the-republic-of-l=
ebanon%2F/1/0101019f068f9e8c-f7ecb120-a667-4c8c-adc8-b26400163c98-000000/6q=
6boim6Wolv6FvpFEuEcxEKD2BW53Ec7UXEsIwMsao=3D452" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener=
" target=3D"_blank">Trilateral Framework Between the United States of Ameri=
ca, the State of Israel, and the Republic of Lebanon</a></div>
<div style=3D"font-size:90%;font-style:italic;color:#666666;margin:0 0 0.3e=
m;padding:0">06/26/2026 08:25 PM EDT</div>
<br>
<div style=3D"margin:0 0 0.3em;padding:0">
<p>Office of the Spokesperson</p>

=20

	<div>

	=09
		<div>

		=09

		</div>

		<div dir=3D"ltr">

			<div>

			=09
				<h1>

				=09
						Trilateral Framework Between the United States of America, the State =
of Israel, and the Republic of Lebanon
				=09
				</h1>

				<div>

				=09

				=09
				=09
						<p>Media Note</p>

				=09
				=09
				=09
			<p></p>

		=09
			<p></p>

		=09
			<p>June 26, 2026</p>

		=09
				</div>

				<div>

				=09
				=09
	=09

=09
				=09
				</div>

			</div>

		</div>

	</div>

=20





<div><div>
<p align=3D"left">The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon, w=
ith the full support of the United States under President Donald J. Trump, =
affirm their shared goal of achieving lasting peace and security. As reflec=
ted in this Trilateral Framework (=E2=80=9CFramework=E2=80=9D), and through=
 future agreements, the two countries declare their ambition to end conflic=
t between them, ensure the sovereignty and security of both countries, and =
establish peaceful neighborly relations between the two countries.</p>
<ol>
<li>Israel and Lebanon affirm the right of each state to exist in peace, an=
d their mutual desire to live in security as neighboring sovereign states. =
Israel and Lebanon hereby declare their intent to conclusively end the conf=
lict, address its underlying causes, and to therewith formally conclude any=
 state of war between them. This Framework, reached after multiple rounds o=
f direct negotiations between the parties, builds upon previous successful =
agreements and understandings, and expresses a determination to make irreve=
rsible progress towards the comprehensive resolution of all issues between =
the two countries. Both countries affirm their intention to resolve these i=
ssues as sovereign states through direct bilateral negotiations, with the m=
ediation and support of the United States.</li>
<li>The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon commit to a reci=
procal, sequenced process, with clear conditions, whereby the LAF will rest=
ore effective sovereign authority over all Lebanese territory, pending the =
verified disarmament of non-state armed groups and dismantlement of associa=
ted infrastructure, enabling the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to progressive=
ly redeploy out of the Lebanese territory. The components of this process w=
ill be detailed in a Security Annex, developed with the full support of the=
 United States, that will complement this Framework. The Framework will set=
 out the requisite measures, security arrangements, and verification mechan=
isms to advance this process. Successful implementation of this Framework w=
ill pave the way for a stable and peaceful relationship between the two cou=
ntries and will enable the IDF to redeploy out of the Lebanese territory.</=
li>
<li>Pursuant to the Security Annex, and as part of the broader effort towar=
d the Lebanese state=E2=80=99s monopoly of arms and sovereign territorial c=
ontrol, the LAF will gradually assume full and effective security responsib=
ility in pilot zones, which will serve as the mechanism for phased and veri=
fied redeployments of the IDF and the deployments of the LAF. Two initial z=
ones have been agreed to by the IDF and the LAF, and future pilot zones wil=
l also be agreed upon by mutual consent. Upon the confirmation of successfu=
l disarmament of non-state armed groups and dismantlement of their infrastr=
ucture in these zones, the LAF will assume full and effective security resp=
onsibility in these zones, internationally supported reconstruction efforts=
 will begin, and Lebanese civilians will be able to safely return to these =
areas under the exclusive control of Lebanese state authorities. The United=
 States intends to work closely with both countries to verify and support t=
his process.</li>
<li>The Government of Lebanon reaffirms its resolute and irreversible commi=
tment to restoring and exercising full sovereignty over all its territory. =
The Government of Lebanon will rebuild the State=E2=80=99s monopoly on the =
use of force, achieve the complete and verified disarmament of all non-stat=
e armed groups, and ensure that such groups will have no military or securi=
ty role and no armed capabilities anywhere in Lebanon. The Government of Le=
banon herewith requests the support of international and particularly Arab =
partners, under the leadership of the United States, to achieve this outcom=
e.</li>
<li>The Government of Israel stresses that its military actions in Lebanon =
are solely a consequence of the attacks, threat posed by, and hostile inten=
t of non-state armed groups, particularly Hizballah. The Government of Isra=
el underscores that the termination of this threat, through the disarmament=
 and dismantlement of such groups in all of Lebanon and additional security=
 arrangements to be agreed upon between the two countries, will eliminate a=
ny future need for IDF military action or presence in Lebanon. Pursuant to =
the above, the Government of Israel declares that it has no territorial amb=
itions in Lebanon.</li>
<li>The Government of Lebanon, in accordance with the Charter of the United=
 Nations and in exercise of its sovereign authority, reaffirms that its sec=
urity forces hold exclusive responsibility for Lebanon=E2=80=99s security a=
nd defense and that the Government of Lebanon holds the exclusive sovereign=
 authority to make war and peace. The Government of Lebanon rejects the cla=
ims of any state or non-state actor to use force on its behalf without its =
explicit authorization, and reiterates that any claim by any state or non-s=
tate actor to exercise a military or security role is illegal per the decis=
ions of the Lebanese Government and contrary to Lebanese national interests=
.</li>
<li>The Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel affirm that noth=
ing in this Framework prevents them from exercising their inherent right to=
 defend themselves, as recognized in the Charter of the United Nations and =
consistent with applicable international law, reaffirming that no third par=
ty may exercise that right on their behalf. Both governments commit to esta=
blishing a military coordination group, with U.S. support and participation=
, to ensure overall implementation of this Framework.</li>
<li>The two countries affirm that they share the objective of a secure, reb=
uilt Lebanon, under full Lebanese state sovereignty, in which no non-state =
armed group poses a threat to Israel, Lebanon, or citizens of either countr=
y. Furthermore, the two countries recognize that the restoration of securit=
y in South Lebanon through the deployment of the LAF, the safe return of it=
s civilian population, and the security of Israel=E2=80=99s northern commun=
ities, are essential to long-term stability and peace.</li>
<li>The Government of Lebanon commits to a rigorous, performance-based prog=
ram to enable the capacity of the LAF to assert full military and security =
control within Lebanon in accordance with security arrangements, agreed upo=
n within the framework of negotiations, and to implement the disarmament of=
 all non-state armed groups and exercise effective authority across Lebanon=
. The Government of Lebanon welcomes the readiness of the United States to =
support such efforts, recognizing that any new U.S. assistance will be stri=
ctly conditioned on verifiable milestones, full transparency, demonstrated =
results, and ongoing oversight. This effort will enable the safe and orderl=
y re-establishment of Lebanese sovereignty, also contributing to the broade=
r stability and security of the entire Middle East.</li>
<li>Separately, and simultaneously, the United States will rally internatio=
nal partners to actively support the Government of Lebanon in rebuilding th=
e country, repairing infrastructure, restoring the economy, and creating op=
portunities for prosperity. This is expected to include mobilizing substant=
ial reconstruction and humanitarian assistance for Lebanon, economic recove=
ry programs, and investment initiatives so that Lebanon can recover from ye=
ars of conflict and provide a better future for all its citizens.</li>
<li>Lebanon and the United States commit to preventing funds from flowing t=
o any entity, organization, or individual affiliated with non-state armed g=
roups and to take available legal measures to proscribe the activity of any=
 such entity, organization or individual. The Government of Lebanon explici=
tly commits to prevent reconstruction funds from flowing to non-state armed=
 groups and connected entities.</li>
<li>Upon the signing of this Framework, the two countries will work to esta=
blish working groups to draft the full comprehensive peace and security agr=
eement. Moreover, to achieve the goals of the Framework, the two government=
s will immediately establish complementary tracks of ongoing direct engagem=
ent, facilitated by the United States. The two governments commit to procee=
ding in good faith until a full and lasting peace is achieved, bringing sec=
urity, stability, and prosperity to the people of Israel and Lebanon.</li>
<li>In line with their shared goals to establish stable and peaceful relati=
ons, Israel and Lebanon commit to take good faith measures that demonstrate=
 positive intent, including the cessation of all hostile or adverse actions=
 in international political or legal fora, and pledge to work towards the s=
earch for and return of remains and the release of detainees.</li>
<li>The two governments acknowledge the role of the United States in suppor=
ting their efforts to end decades of conflict and establish lasting stabili=
ty and comprehensive peace between the two countries and express their deep=
 appreciation for the vision and leadership of President Donald J. Trump.</=
li>
</ol>
<p align=3D"left"><em>Signed at Washington D.C. on the 26th of June, 2026, =
in three originals, in the English language.</em></p>
<p></p>
</div></div>


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Subject: [Salon] Fwd: "Syria Won't Wage Israel's War Against Hezbollah."
 (Sputnik, 6/26/26)
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--00000000000082683e065538e5f0
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*https://sputnikglobe.com/20260626/syria-wont-wage-israels-war-against-hezb=
ollah-political-analyst-1124365648.html
<https://sputnikglobe.com/20260626/syria-wont-wage-israels-war-against-hezb=
ollah-political-analyst-1124365648.html>*

6/26/26

*Syria Won't Wage Israel's War Against Hezbollah - Political Analyst*
[image: The United States and Israel carried out a coordinated series of
strikes on February 28 targeting multiple sites in Iran, including
locations in Tehran. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against
Israeli territory and US military bases across the Middle East. - Sputnik
International, 1920, 26.06.2026]
*Syria's military lacks the means to wage war against Hezbollah, as Syrian
arsenals have been largely obliterated by Israel following the fall of
Bashar Assad=E2=80=99s government*
*Syria=E2=80=99s economy and domestic stability are both in a very precario=
us state
at this moment, so the last thing Damascus needs now is starting a new war*
*Even the Israeli military failed to defeat Hezbollah which still has
thousands of fresh troops in reserve, ready to tackle any new threats to
Lebanon*

*Syria=E2=80=99s current military deployment in on the border seems to be m=
ore of a
message to the US and Israel =E2=80=93 =E2=80=9Cwe're trying our best to st=
op the smuggling
of weapons=E2=80=9D =E2=80=93 rather than preparations for war with Lebanon=
.*
*[image: Israeli soldiers are seen near the Gaza Strip border in southern
Israel, Monday, March 4, 2024 - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.06.2026]*

*Earlier, media voiced concerns that Syria could be coerced by the US to
send its military into Lebanon to fight Hezbollah.*

--00000000000082683e065538e5f0
Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://sputnikglobe.com/20260626/syr=
ia-wont-wage-israels-war-against-hezbollah-political-analyst-1124365648.htm=
l" target=3D"_blank">https://sputnikglobe.com/20260626/syria-wont-wage-isra=
els-war-against-hezbollah-political-analyst-1124365648.html</a></font></b><=
/div><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:tra=
nsparent"><br></b></div><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><span style=
=3D"background-color:transparent">6/26/26</span></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div=
 dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><di=
v><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-=
width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i=
>Syria Won&#39;t Wage Israel&#39;s War Against Hezbollah - Political Analys=
t</i></font></h1><div style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:1.15em;line-hei=
ght:1.5em;color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65)"><img alt=3D"The United States and Israel =
carried out a coordinated series of strikes on February 28 targeting multip=
le sites in Iran, including locations in Tehran. In response, Iran launched=
 retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and US military bases across=
 the Middle East. - Sputnik International, 1920, 26.06.2026" src=3D"https:/=
/cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07ea/03/08/1123786700_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0=
_80_0_0_261a637c65a21438f7dfbe4989498a92.jpg" style=3D"margin:auto 0px auto=
 auto;display:block;clear:both" width=3D"412" height=3D"232"></div><div sty=
le=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><di=
v style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Syria&#39;s mil=
itary lacks the means to wage war against Hezbollah, as Syrian arsenals hav=
e been largely obliterated by Israel following the fall of Bashar Assad=E2=
=80=99s government</font></b></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif">Syria=E2=80=99s economy and domestic stability are b=
oth in a very precarious state at this moment, so the last thing Damascus n=
eeds now is starting a new war</font></b></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%=
"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Even the Israeli military failed to defe=
at Hezbollah which still has thousands of fresh troops in reserve, ready to=
 tackle any new threats to Lebanon</font></b></div></div></div><div style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><fon=
t face=3D"georgia, serif">Syria=E2=80=99s current military deployment in on=
 the border seems to be more of a message to the US and Israel =E2=80=93 =
=E2=80=9Cwe&#39;re trying our best to stop the smuggling of weapons=E2=80=
=9D =E2=80=93 rather than preparations for war with Lebanon.</font></b></p>=
</div><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><div style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%"><a title=3D"Israeli Forces Intend to Keep Control Over &#39;Secu=
rity Zones&#39; in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza - Katz" style=3D"color:rgb(65,110,2=
10);max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><img alt=3D"Israeli so=
ldiers are seen near the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel, Monday, Marc=
h 4, 2024 - Sputnik International, 1920, 15.06.2026" title=3D"Israeli soldi=
ers are seen near the Gaza Strip border in southern Israel, Monday, March 4=
, 2024" src=3D"https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0d/1120130972_=
0:448:3072:1677_1920x0_80_0_0_c6b2482ca577452dce2d3764c16c381e.jpg" width=
=3D"412" height=3D"165" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"=
></font></b></a></div></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27=
)"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Earlier, me=
dia voiced concerns that Syria could be coerced by the US to send its milit=
ary into Lebanon to fight Hezbollah.</font></b></p></div></div><div><b><fon=
t face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><div style=3D"font-family:ge=
orgia,serif;font-size:small"><br></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

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* https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milbank-democrats-are-drafting-pl=
ans-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029
<https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milbank-democrats-are-drafting-pla=
ns-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029>*[image:
Perspectives20260603_danamilbank_illo.png]

Feature
Dana Milbank: Democrats Are Drafting Plans to Govern Like Trump in 2029

He may have inadvertently sown the seeds of a new progressive age.

President Trump now says *=E2=80=9Cthere are no limits=E2=80=9D*
<https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-power-no-limits> to his
power, and, over the last week or so, his administration has behaved
accordingly:

His acting head of national intelligence, installed without Senate
confirmation and despite having no national-security experience, has begun =
a
mass firing
<https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/odni-begins-firings-=
under-bill-pulte-director-national-intelligence-rcna351290>
of
career intelligence professionals.

His Cabinet agencies, in support of his dubious claim that renovation
problems with the Reflecting Pool were the result of vandalism, have
begun rounding
up people
<https://www.notus.org/trump-white-house/arrests-citations-reflecting-pool-=
vandalism-president-trump>
and
threatening them with 10-year prison sentences.

He has shut down a large swath of the National Mall for his attempt to
hijack the nation=E2=80=99s 250th birthday celebration with =E2=80=9Cthe bi=
ggest rally
we=E2=80=99ve ever had=E2=80=9D
<https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250-rally-75e2bb4f4d2b3f7ab8cdddb=
86879bec7>
of
his MAGA supporters.

He has renewed a *push for legislation*
<https://www.reuters.com/world/us/senate-visit-trump-push-voter-id-bill-tha=
t-republicans-say-cant-pass-2026-06-24/>
making
it harder to vote, while a key ally encourages armed Trump supporters to fl=
ood
voting precincts
<https://www.mediamatters.org/steve-bannon/steve-bannon-calls-ice-and-other=
s-be-every-precinct-midterms-if-youre-armed-or-not>
in
November.

In other words, it has been a week like all others. Trump has used the
federal government as his personal plaything, to punish opponents, reward
friends, enrich himself and wield power in a way no president has done
before, unencumbered by independent agencies or by Congress. His
self-declared emergency powers and his capricious interpretations of the
law allow him to do what he wants, when he wants, to whom he wants =E2=80=
=94 often
with the blessing of the conservative majority on the Supreme Court and the
applause of Republicans in Congress.

But would Trump=E2=80=99s enablers cheer him on as loudly as they now do if=
 they
understood that two can play at this game?

Recently, I spent some time calling around to veterans of previous
Democratic administrations and liberal policy wonks to pose a hypothetical:
What would it look like if the next Democratic president wielded power the
way Trump does?

The answer, it turns out, is not at all hypothetical. The advocacy arms of
the Roosevelt Institute, the Center for American Progress and other
influential groups on the left are already assembling lists of ways a
Democratic president could use the breathtaking executive power Trump has
seized.

It=E2=80=99s an embryonic Project 2029, though they don=E2=80=99t use that =
name, and they
do not have the level of coordination that the Republicans=E2=80=99 Project=
 2025
did =E2=80=94 yet. (A group that does call itself Project 2029, run by a pa=
ir of
former Democratic staffers, has produced a relatively tame *first set of
recommendations*
<https://www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-first-look-at-the-democrats-version=
-policy-project-2025-2029>
.)

Happily, I heard little about plans for Trump-style vengeance. No less a
pugilist than Norm Eisen, the founder of Democracy Defenders Action and a
relentless warrior against the Trump administration in court, told me that
Trump=E2=80=99s opponents =E2=80=9Cmust not descend into a kind of permanen=
t cycle of the
Hatfields and McCoys,=E2=80=9D with =E2=80=9Cendless cycles of tit-for-tat.=
=E2=80=9D

Rather, the nascent Democratic effort contemplates something far more
consequential =E2=80=94 and it should be even scarier to Trump=E2=80=99s en=
ablers: ways to
use the all-powerful, unitary executive that Trump has invented (and the
Roberts Court has blessed) to launch a new Progressive Era, in which a
Democratic president imposes by executive fiat government run health care
and many other ideas liberals have long dreamed about but lacked the votes
to enact. Virtually all of it can be done without Congress, using powers
Trump has unlocked.

***

All faiths have some version of the Golden Rule. In mine, the Talmudic
scholar Hillel in the first century B.C.E. argued: =E2=80=9CWhat is hateful=
 to you,
do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah.=E2=80=9D The rest, he =
said, is
just =E2=80=9Ccommentary.=E2=80=9D

A version of the Golden Rule informed our system of government, too. Though
we had formal checks and balances, we also had presidents who didn=E2=80=99=
t break
norms =E2=80=94 because they didn=E2=80=99t want their opponents to do the =
same. Trump has
shattered that restraint.

=E2=80=9CTrump has discovered, or created, powers that no president has eve=
r had
that have been sanctioned by a right-wing Supreme Court,=E2=80=9D says Neer=
a
Tanden, a veteran of the Obama and Biden administrations who runs the
Center for American Progress. =E2=80=9CIn many ways, Trump has widened the =
aperture
of the powers the federal government has.=E2=80=9D

Here=E2=80=99s a sampling of some policies that liberal policy wonks and of=
ficials
from previous Democratic administrations believe the next president, armed
with these widened powers, could implement =E2=80=94 without the pesky
inconvenience of consulting Congress:

   - Creating a =E2=80=9Cpublic-option=E2=80=9D government-run health insur=
er offering
   comprehensive medical coverage and a similar public-option plan for
   prescription drugs.
   - Funneling federal funds to state-run public-option health insurance.
   - Seizing patents from drug makers that developed their products with
   government funding and giving the patents to others that will produce th=
e
   medicines at low cost.
   - Establishing government-run grocery stores.
   - Restarting government fertilizer production, forcing agribusinesses to
   cut seed prices or lose their patents, and breaking up the oligopoly in
   meatpacking.
   - Initiating direct government lending, and perhaps government-run
   banks, to reduce banking costs.
   - Cutting off all government funds for, and refusing to grant export
   licenses to, businesses that don=E2=80=99t significantly raise their wag=
es, don=E2=80=99t
   remove barriers to union organizing and don=E2=80=99t have blemish-free =
records on
   labor violations.
   - Taking =E2=80=9Cgolden shares=E2=80=9D in, or other forms of governmen=
t control over,
   frontier AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic, banks, pharmaceutical
   companies and others.
   - Denying electrical power to AI data centers.
   - Establishing government-run factories that would produce solar and
   other clean-energy technologies, essential medicines and more.
   - Dismantling and reorganizing the Department of Homeland Security.
   - Unwinding previously approved acquisitions, including Paramount
   Skydance=E2=80=99s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, or forcing these =
behemoths
   to divest pieces of their businesses.
   - Forcing nonprofit hospitals to spend billions more on charity care.
   - Cracking down on abuses by private equity in health care and by
   corporate investors in rental housing.

Many of the above ideas came from Roosevelt Forward, the advocacy arm of
the Roosevelt Institute, an economic think tank. The group=E2=80=99s presid=
ent,
former Biden administration official Elizabeth Wilkins, told me the powers
to implement most of these industrial policies are already on the books (in
legislation such as the Bayh-Dole Act, the Defense Production Act and the
Affordable Care Act), but =E2=80=9Cwe just haven=E2=80=99t had the chutzpah=
=E2=80=9D to exercise
them =E2=80=94 until now. =E2=80=9CTrump fundamentally changed how governme=
nt works to
enrich himself,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CA future president should have =
no hesitation in
doing the same for working people.=E2=80=9D

The Center for American Progress will be preparing an agency-by-agency set
of policies for the next Democratic administration. It did the same in
2008, but now it=E2=80=99s a =E2=80=9Csupercharged scenario=E2=80=9D becaus=
e the next Democratic
president will be able to =E2=80=9Creshape the government,=E2=80=9D Tanden =
argues. While
Trump often bends corporate America to his will to benefit himself and his
friends, the next president =E2=80=9Ccould use some of those powers to =E2=
=80=A6 create a
kind of new social contract.=E2=80=9D

The Supreme Court has yet to make definitive pronouncements on many of
Trump=E2=80=99s most sweeping assertions of power: his routine use of emerg=
ency
powers, his impounding of funds, his ignoring of congressional spending
requirements. Should any of those abuses somehow get the high court=E2=80=
=99s
blessing, it would be hard for a Democratic president to resist pressure
to, say, declare a gun violence emergency, a housing emergency, a climate
emergency and an affordability emergency, or refuse to spend funds
appropriated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Already, it will be difficult to =E2=80=9Cput the toothpaste back in the tu=
be,=E2=80=9D
argues Vanita Gupta, the director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at
New York University Law School and a prospective attorney general in a
Democratic administration. =E2=80=9CIndependent agencies, for better or wor=
se,
likely will no longer be independent, and there the president will have
significant authority.=E2=80=9D She imagines that =E2=80=9Cconsumer protect=
ion could go on
steroids, antitrust regulations could be put on steroids.=E2=80=9D

Then there=E2=80=99s the DOGE precedent. The same shortcuts it used to fire
personnel could be used to hire workers quickly and reshape the entire
federal government. Gupta proposes to =E2=80=9Cuse this crisis as an opport=
unity to
transform how you get things done.=E2=80=9D

***

I have no doubt there will be calls from some on the left for a campaign of
retribution that mirrors what Trump has done: criminal prosecutions of
Republican lawmakers and Fox News executives and personalities; FBI and
regulatory probes of Republican donors, Trump-aligned corporations and
conservative activists; revoking security clearances and protective details
of former Republican officials; blocking GOP-aligned firms from government
business; threatening the nonprofit status of conservative groups; using
the Federal Communications Commission to challenge licenses for
conservative outlets and pressure broadcasters to remove conservative
voices; firing anybody hired by the Trump administration.

But that would just perpetuate corruption and validate Trump=E2=80=99s
authoritarian behaviors. =E2=80=9CWe can=E2=80=99t live in a country where =
the president is
dictating who DOJ must prosecute, nor can we have an administration that
works to make the president rich,=E2=80=9D Gupta says. =E2=80=9CYou can hav=
e transformation
without corruption.=E2=80=9D

Of course, running the country by executive fiat is a lousy way to govern,
regardless of who does it. Government policy, directed by presidential whim
rather than legislation, would yo-yo back and forth each time the White
House changed hands. Few would find government work appealing if they knew
they were always an election away from being out of a job. Things would
grow ever more unstable because, as Trump has demonstrated, it=E2=80=99s fa=
r easier
to destroy than to build.

But what if these progressive ideas caught fire? What if the American
public decided that all these government interventions in the market were
cutting the cost of health care, groceries, energy and banking while
pushing up wages? A future Republican president might have trouble
reversing them.

Some congressional Republicans have recently pushed back against Trump=E2=
=80=99s
$1.8 billion =E2=80=9Canti-weaponization=E2=80=9D slush fund, the White Hou=
se ballroom and
Iran war powers. But these are modest rebellions. Clearly, congressional
Republicans, as they surrender their Article 1 powers to the president and
cheer his power grabs, aren=E2=80=99t thinking about unintended consequence=
s.

Maybe they are hoping the Supreme Court will turn on a dime and reject as
unconstitutional the powers Trump has used when a Democratic president does
the same.

Or maybe Trump=E2=80=99s congressional enablers expect that a Democratic pr=
esident
will unilaterally return to the self-restraint that guided our leaders
before Trump. If so, they profoundly misread human nature. Too late, they
may discover they have sown the seeds of a progressive revival.

*Dana Milbank is a NOTUS Perspectives columnist.  *

Illustration by NOTUS; AtlasbyAtlas Studio/Shutterstock

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail-article__header" style=3D"background-r=
epeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;display:grid;color:rgb(18,19,24);font=
-family:Inter,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:18px"><div class=3D"gmai=
l-article__photo-box" style=3D"background:none 0% 0%/auto repeat scroll pad=
ding-box border-box rgb(235,244,241);box-sizing:border-box"><div class=3D"g=
mail-article__photo-frame gmail-article__photo-frame_orientation_landscape"=
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ight:406px"><div class=3D"gmail-article__photo-canvas" style=3D"background-=
repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden"><span class=3D"gmai=
l-Picture" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><br>=
</span></div><div class=3D"gmail-article__photo-canvas" style=3D"background=
-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden"><span class=3D"gma=
il-Picture" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><br=
></span></div><div class=3D"gmail-article__photo-canvas" style=3D"backgroun=
d-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden"><span class=3D"gm=
ail-Picture" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><i=
 style=3D"font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;background-color:rgb(255,255=
,255);background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box">=C2=A0<a href=3D"h=
ttps://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milbank-democrats-are-drafting-plans=
-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029">https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milb=
ank-democrats-are-drafting-plans-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029</a></i><img c=
lass=3D"gmail-Image" alt=3D"Perspectives20260603_danamilbank_illo.png" widt=
h=3D"312" height=3D"208" src=3D"https://static.notus.org/dims4/default/a684=
3ca/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3456x2304+0+0/resize/312x208!/quality/90/?ur=
l=3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fk2-prod-aji.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd4%=
2F56%2F96fbc8dc4973bbdf9c94861c6890%2Fperspectives20260603-danamilbank-illo=
-4x.png" style=3D"background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; ver=
tical-align: middle; border-style: none; display: block; height: 406px; max=
-width: 100%; object-fit: cover; width: 600px; color: rgb(56, 143, 122); fo=
nt-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-langua=
ge-override: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-fe=
ature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-stretch: norm=
al; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; font-family: Inter, Arial, sans-ser=
if; text-align: center;"></span></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-artic=
le__header-text" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box=
;margin:auto 0px;padding:48px"><p class=3D"gmail-article__content-type" sty=
le=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;margin=
:0px;text-align:center"><span class=3D"gmail-article__content-type-text" st=
yle=3D"background:none 0% 0%/auto repeat scroll padding-box border-box rgb(=
56,143,122);box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-flex;padding:2px 8px;color=
:rgb(255,255,255);font:600 12px/18px Inter,Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:=
0.01em;text-transform:uppercase">Feature</span></p><h1 class=3D"gmail-artic=
le__headline" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;fo=
nt-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto=
;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:42px;line-heigh=
t:46px;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;margin:24px 0px 0px;letter-spac=
ing:-0.02em;text-align:center"><span style=3D"background:linear-gradient(rg=
ba(0,0,0,0) 0px,rgba(0,0,0,0) 1.75px,rgb(205,227,222) 1.75px,rgb(205,227,22=
2) 46px) 0% 0%/auto repeat scroll padding-box border-box rgba(0,0,0,0);box-=
sizing:border-box">Dana Milbank:</span>=C2=A0Democrats Are Drafting Plans t=
o Govern Like Trump in 2029</h1><div class=3D"gmail-article__deck" style=3D=
"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;margin:24px 0px 0px;font=
-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;f=
ont-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:22px;line-height:=
28px;font-family:Inter,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:center"><p style=3D"back=
ground-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:=
0px">He may have inadvertently sown the seeds of a new progressive age.<br =
style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"></p></div></div=
></div><div class=3D"gmail-page-content-trim" style=3D"background-repeat:no=
-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;max-width:728px;margin:0px auto;color:rgb(18,=
19,24);font-family:Inter,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:18px"><div cl=
ass=3D"gmail-article__body gmail-raw-content gmail-raw-content_type_article=
 gmail-raw-content_theme_perspectives-article" style=3D"background-repeat:n=
o-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:36px"><div class=3D"gmail-RichTex=
tArticleBody gmail-RichTextBody" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-s=
izing:border-box"><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border=
-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:0px 0px 30=
px">President Trump now says=C2=A0<span class=3D"gmail-LinkEnhancement" sty=
le=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><a class=3D"gmail-=
Link" href=3D"https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-power-no-limi=
ts" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat=
;box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246)">=
<u style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box">=E2=80=9Cthe=
re are no limits=E2=80=9D</u></a></span>=C2=A0to his power, and, over the l=
ast week or so, his administration has behaved accordingly:</p><p style=3D"=
background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial=
,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">His acting head of national in=
telligence, installed without Senate confirmation and despite having no nat=
ional-security experience, has begun=C2=A0<span class=3D"gmail-LinkEnhancem=
ent" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><a class=
=3D"gmail-Link" href=3D"https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administrati=
on/odni-begins-firings-under-bill-pulte-director-national-intelligence-rcna=
351290" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"background-repeat:no-re=
peat;box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,24=
6)">a mass firing</a></span>=C2=A0of career intelligence professionals.</p>=
<p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:G=
eorgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">His Cabinet agenci=
es, in support of his dubious claim that renovation problems with the Refle=
cting Pool were the result of vandalism, have begun=C2=A0<span class=3D"gma=
il-LinkEnhancement" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-=
box"><a class=3D"gmail-Link" href=3D"https://www.notus.org/trump-white-hous=
e/arrests-citations-reflecting-pool-vandalism-president-trump" target=3D"_b=
lank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:bord=
er-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246)">rounding up peop=
le</a></span>=C2=A0and threatening them with 10-year prison sentences.</p><=
p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Ge=
orgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">He has shut down a =
large swath of the National Mall for his attempt to hijack the nation=E2=80=
=99s 250th birthday celebration with=C2=A0<span class=3D"gmail-LinkEnhancem=
ent" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><a class=
=3D"gmail-Link" href=3D"https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250-rally-=
75e2bb4f4d2b3f7ab8cdddb86879bec7" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=
=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;background-color:tran=
sparent;color:rgb(46,174,246)">=E2=80=9Cthe biggest rally we=E2=80=99ve eve=
r had=E2=80=9D</a></span>=C2=A0of his MAGA supporters.</p><p style=3D"backg=
round-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans=
-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">He has renewed a=C2=A0<span class=
=3D"gmail-LinkEnhancement" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:=
border-box"><a class=3D"gmail-Link" href=3D"https://www.reuters.com/world/u=
s/senate-visit-trump-push-voter-id-bill-that-republicans-say-cant-pass-2026=
-06-24/" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"background-repeat:no-r=
epeat;box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,2=
46)"><u style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box">push fo=
r legislation</u></a></span>=C2=A0making it harder to vote, while a key all=
y encourages armed Trump supporters to=C2=A0<span class=3D"gmail-LinkEnhanc=
ement" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><a class=
=3D"gmail-Link" href=3D"https://www.mediamatters.org/steve-bannon/steve-ban=
non-calls-ice-and-others-be-every-precinct-midterms-if-youre-armed-or-not" =
target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box=
-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246)">floo=
d voting precincts</a></span>=C2=A0in November.</p><p style=3D"background-r=
epeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;=
line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">In other words, it has been a week like al=
l others. Trump has used the federal government as his personal plaything, =
to punish opponents, reward friends, enrich himself and wield power in a wa=
y no president has done before, unencumbered by independent agencies or by =
Congress. His self-declared emergency powers and his capricious interpretat=
ions of the law allow him to do what he wants, when he wants, to whom he wa=
nts =E2=80=94 often with the blessing of the conservative majority on the S=
upreme Court and the applause of Republicans in Congress.</p><p style=3D"ba=
ckground-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,s=
ans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">But would Trump=E2=80=99s enable=
rs cheer him on as loudly as they now do if they understood that two can pl=
ay at this game?</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:bord=
er-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px=
">Recently, I spent some time calling around to veterans of previous Democr=
atic administrations and liberal policy wonks to pose a hypothetical: What =
would it look like if the next Democratic president wielded power the way T=
rump does?</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box=
;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">The =
answer, it turns out, is not at all hypothetical. The advocacy arms of the =
Roosevelt Institute, the Center for American Progress and other influential=
 groups on the left are already assembling lists of ways a Democratic presi=
dent could use the breathtaking executive power Trump has seized.</p><p sty=
le=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia=
,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">It=E2=80=99s an embryoni=
c Project 2029, though they don=E2=80=99t use that name, and they do not ha=
ve the level of coordination that the Republicans=E2=80=99 Project 2025 did=
 =E2=80=94 yet. (A group that does call itself Project 2029, run by a pair =
of former Democratic staffers, has produced a relatively tame=C2=A0<span cl=
ass=3D"gmail-LinkEnhancement" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizi=
ng:border-box"><a class=3D"gmail-Link" href=3D"https://www.thebulwark.com/p=
/exclusive-first-look-at-the-democrats-version-policy-project-2025-2029" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-s=
izing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246)"><u sty=
le=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box">first set of recom=
mendations</u></a></span>.)</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-=
sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;marg=
in:30px 0px">Happily, I heard little about plans for Trump-style vengeance.=
 No less a pugilist than Norm Eisen, the founder of Democracy Defenders Act=
ion and a relentless warrior against the Trump administration in court, tol=
d me that Trump=E2=80=99s opponents =E2=80=9Cmust not descend into a kind o=
f permanent cycle of the Hatfields and McCoys,=E2=80=9D with =E2=80=9Cendle=
ss cycles of tit-for-tat.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repe=
at;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1=
.8;margin:30px 0px">Rather, the nascent Democratic effort contemplates some=
thing far more consequential =E2=80=94 and it should be even scarier to Tru=
mp=E2=80=99s enablers: ways to use the all-powerful, unitary executive that=
 Trump has invented (and the Roberts Court has blessed) to launch a new Pro=
gressive Era, in which a Democratic president imposes by executive fiat gov=
ernment run health care and many other ideas liberals have long dreamed abo=
ut but lacked the votes to enact. Virtually all of it can be done without C=
ongress, using powers Trump has unlocked.</p><p class=3D"gmail-cms-textAlig=
n-center" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;text-a=
lign:center;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30p=
x 0px">***</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box=
;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">All =
faiths have some version of the Golden Rule. In mine, the Talmudic scholar =
Hillel in the first century B.C.E. argued: =E2=80=9CWhat is hateful to you,=
 do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah.=E2=80=9D The rest, he=
 said, is just =E2=80=9Ccommentary.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repe=
at:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;lin=
e-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">A version of the Golden Rule informed our sys=
tem of government, too. Though we had formal checks and balances, we also h=
ad presidents who didn=E2=80=99t break norms =E2=80=94 because they didn=E2=
=80=99t want their opponents to do the same. Trump has shattered that restr=
aint.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font=
-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">=E2=80=9C=
Trump has discovered, or created, powers that no president has ever had tha=
t have been sanctioned by a right-wing Supreme Court,=E2=80=9D says Neera T=
anden, a veteran of the Obama and Biden administrations who runs the Center=
 for American Progress. =E2=80=9CIn many ways, Trump has widened the apertu=
re of the powers the federal government has.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"backgr=
ound-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-=
serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Here=E2=80=99s a sampling of some po=
licies that liberal policy wonks and officials from previous Democratic adm=
inistrations believe the next president, armed with these widened powers, c=
ould implement =E2=80=94 without the pesky inconvenience of consulting Cong=
ress:</p><ul class=3D"gmail-rte2-style-ul" id=3D"gmail-rte-b33c22b1-5eaa-11=
f1-a606-e912d92ee3c7" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:borde=
r-box;margin:0px;list-style:disc;padding:0px 0px 0px 24px;font-family:Georg=
ia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8"><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repe=
at;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Creating a =E2=80=9Cpublic-o=
ption=E2=80=9D government-run health insurer offering comprehensive medical=
 coverage and a similar public-option plan for prescription drugs.</li><li =
style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px =
24px">Funneling federal funds to state-run public-option health insurance.<=
/li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:=
0px 0px 24px">Seizing patents from drug makers that developed their product=
s with government funding and giving the patents to others that will produc=
e the medicines at low cost.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;b=
ox-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Establishing government-run groc=
ery stores.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-=
box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Restarting government fertilizer production, forc=
ing agribusinesses to cut seed prices or lose their patents, and breaking u=
p the oligopoly in meatpacking.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repea=
t;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Initiating direct government =
lending, and perhaps government-run banks, to reduce banking costs.</li><li=
 style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px=
 24px">Cutting off all government funds for, and refusing to grant export l=
icenses to, businesses that don=E2=80=99t significantly raise their wages, =
don=E2=80=99t remove barriers to union organizing and don=E2=80=99t have bl=
emish-free records on labor violations.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:=
no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Taking =E2=80=9Cgolde=
n shares=E2=80=9D in, or other forms of government control over, frontier A=
I labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic, banks, pharmaceutical companies and ot=
hers.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;pa=
dding:0px 0px 24px">Denying electrical power to AI data centers.</li><li st=
yle=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24=
px">Establishing government-run factories that would produce solar and othe=
r clean-energy technologies, essential medicines and more.</li><li style=3D=
"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Di=
smantling and reorganizing the Department of Homeland Security.</li><li sty=
le=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24p=
x">Unwinding previously approved acquisitions, including Paramount Skydance=
=E2=80=99s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, or forcing these behemoths t=
o divest pieces of their businesses.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-=
repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Forcing nonprofit hospit=
als to spend billions more on charity care.</li><li style=3D"background-rep=
eat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px 0px 24px">Cracking down on =
abuses by private equity in health care and by corporate investors in renta=
l housing.<br style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><=
/li></ul><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font=
-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Many of t=
he above ideas came from Roosevelt Forward, the advocacy arm of the Rooseve=
lt Institute, an economic think tank. The group=E2=80=99s president, former=
 Biden administration official Elizabeth Wilkins, told me the powers to imp=
lement most of these industrial policies are already on the books (in legis=
lation such as the Bayh-Dole Act, the Defense Production Act and the Afford=
able Care Act), but =E2=80=9Cwe just haven=E2=80=99t had the chutzpah=E2=80=
=9D to exercise them =E2=80=94 until now. =E2=80=9CTrump fundamentally chan=
ged how government works to enrich himself,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CA f=
uture president should have no hesitation in doing the same for working peo=
ple.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-=
box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">T=
he Center for American Progress will be preparing an agency-by-agency set o=
f policies for the next Democratic administration. It did the same in 2008,=
 but now it=E2=80=99s a =E2=80=9Csupercharged scenario=E2=80=9D because the=
 next Democratic president will be able to =E2=80=9Creshape the government,=
=E2=80=9D Tanden argues. While Trump often bends corporate America to his w=
ill to benefit himself and his friends, the next president =E2=80=9Ccould u=
se some of those powers to =E2=80=A6 create a kind of new social contract.=
=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;=
font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">The S=
upreme Court has yet to make definitive pronouncements on many of Trump=E2=
=80=99s most sweeping assertions of power: his routine use of emergency pow=
ers, his impounding of funds, his ignoring of congressional spending requir=
ements. Should any of those abuses somehow get the high court=E2=80=99s ble=
ssing, it would be hard for a Democratic president to resist pressure to, s=
ay, declare a gun violence emergency, a housing emergency, a climate emerge=
ncy and an affordability emergency, or refuse to spend funds appropriated f=
or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no=
-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-hei=
ght:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Already, it will be difficult to =E2=80=9Cput the =
toothpaste back in the tube,=E2=80=9D argues Vanita Gupta, the director of =
the Center for Law and Public Trust at New York University Law School and a=
 prospective attorney general in a Democratic administration. =E2=80=9CInde=
pendent agencies, for better or worse, likely will no longer be independent=
, and there the president will have significant authority.=E2=80=9D She ima=
gines that =E2=80=9Cconsumer protection could go on steroids, antitrust reg=
ulations could be put on steroids.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repea=
t:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line=
-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Then there=E2=80=99s the DOGE precedent. The s=
ame shortcuts it used to fire personnel could be used to hire workers quick=
ly and reshape the entire federal government. Gupta proposes to =E2=80=9Cus=
e this crisis as an opportunity to transform how you get things done.=E2=80=
=9D<br style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"></p><p c=
lass=3D"gmail-cms-textAlign-center" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;bo=
x-sizing:border-box;text-align:center;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;=
line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px"></p><p class=3D"gmail-cms-textAlign-center=
" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;text-align:cen=
ter;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">*=
**</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-fa=
mily:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">I have no do=
ubt there will be calls from some on the left for a campaign of retribution=
 that mirrors what Trump has done: criminal prosecutions of Republican lawm=
akers and Fox News executives and personalities; FBI and regulatory probes =
of Republican donors, Trump-aligned corporations and conservative activists=
; revoking security clearances and protective details of former Republican =
officials; blocking GOP-aligned firms from government business; threatening=
 the nonprofit status of conservative groups; using the Federal Communicati=
ons Commission to challenge licenses for conservative outlets and pressure =
broadcasters to remove conservative voices; firing anybody hired by the Tru=
mp administration.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:bo=
rder-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0=
px">But that would just perpetuate corruption and validate Trump=E2=80=99s =
authoritarian behaviors. =E2=80=9CWe can=E2=80=99t live in a country where =
the president is dictating who DOJ must prosecute, nor can we have an admin=
istration that works to make the president rich,=E2=80=9D Gupta says. =E2=
=80=9CYou can have transformation without corruption.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=
=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,A=
rial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Of course, running the cou=
ntry by executive fiat is a lousy way to govern, regardless of who does it.=
 Government policy, directed by presidential whim rather than legislation, =
would yo-yo back and forth each time the White House changed hands. Few wou=
ld find government work appealing if they knew they were always an election=
 away from being out of a job. Things would grow ever more unstable because=
, as Trump has demonstrated, it=E2=80=99s far easier to destroy than to bui=
ld.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-f=
amily:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">But what if=
 these progressive ideas caught fire? What if the American public decided t=
hat all these government interventions in the market were cutting the cost =
of health care, groceries, energy and banking while pushing up wages? A fut=
ure Republican president might have trouble reversing them.</p><p style=3D"=
background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial=
,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Some congressional Republicans=
 have recently pushed back against Trump=E2=80=99s $1.8 billion =E2=80=9Can=
ti-weaponization=E2=80=9D slush fund, the White House ballroom and Iran war=
 powers. But these are modest rebellions. Clearly, congressional Republican=
s, as they surrender their Article 1 powers to the president and cheer his =
power grabs, aren=E2=80=99t thinking about unintended consequences.</p><p s=
tyle=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georg=
ia,Arial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Maybe they are hoping =
the Supreme Court will turn on a dime and reject as unconstitutional the po=
wers Trump has used when a Democratic president does the same.</p><p style=
=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,A=
rial,sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px">Or maybe Trump=E2=80=99s c=
ongressional enablers expect that a Democratic president will unilaterally =
return to the self-restraint that guided our leaders before Trump. If so, t=
hey profoundly misread human nature. Too late, they may discover they have =
sown the seeds of a progressive revival.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:n=
o-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Georgia,Arial,sans-serif;line-he=
ight:1.8;margin:0px"><i style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:bor=
der-box">Dana Milbank is a NOTUS Perspectives columnist.=C2=A0=C2=A0</i></p=
></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-article__footer" style=3D"background-repea=
t:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:32px;font-style:italic;font-va=
riant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:=
normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:14px;line-height:18px;font-family:Inte=
r,Arial,sans-serif;text-align:center"><p class=3D"gmail-article__image-foot=
er-caption" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;marg=
in:0px">Illustration by NOTUS; AtlasbyAtlas Studio/Shutterstock</p><p class=
=3D"gmail-article__image-footer-caption" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repe=
at;box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px"><br></p><p class=3D"gmail-article__ima=
ge-footer-caption" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-b=
ox;margin:0px"><br></p></div></div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] Leading the UN in a World That Has Already Changed
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*https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/26/leading-the-un-in-a-world-that-has-a=
lready-changed/
<https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/26/leading-the-un-in-a-world-that-has-a=
lready-changed/>*

*Leading the UN in a World That Has Already Changed*
*Lubna Qasim <https://moderndiplomacy.eu/author/lubnaqasim/>June 26, 2026*
*Riyad H. Mansour, Palestinian Permanent Observer to the United Nations, on
screens as he addresses delegates after the United Nations General
Assembly. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz*

*The race to succeed Ant=C3=B3nio Guterres as Secretary-General of the Unit=
ed
Nations is unfolding against a backdrop that the organization was not
designed to manage. Eight decades after its founding, the UN faces a world
in which geopolitical rivalry is inseparable from geoeconomic competition,
in which economic coercion has become a standard instrument of statecraft,
and in which multilateral institutions are under sustained pressure from
both major powers and increasingly assertive middle powers.*

*The next Secretary-General will inherit an institution weighed down by
recurrent crises, financial constraints, and a growing doubt about whether
the UN can still deliver the collective action it was created to enable.
The challenge is not only to administer the organization. It is to renew
it.*

*The world the UN was created to manage was defined primarily by the
balance of power among great states. The postwar order sought to contain
rivalry, manage decolonization, and provide a forum for collective
security. For much of the Cold War, the UN=E2=80=99s role was constrained b=
y the
superpower divide, but its legitimacy derived from the fact that it
reflected the world=E2=80=99s fundamental geopolitical architecture.*

*Since the end of the Cold War, the international system has been
reconfigured in ways that the UN=E2=80=99s founders did not foresee. The 19=
90s
brief promise of a liberal order, in which markets, democracy, and
multilateralism would expand in tandem, gave way over time to a more
contested and fragmented system. The 2008 financial crisis, the rise of
China, the 2014 annexation of Crimea, the 2018=E2=80=932020 trade and techn=
ology
conflicts, the pandemic, and the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have all
accelerated the erosion of that order.*

*The most consequential shift is not simply that geopolitics has returned.
It is that the world is now organized less by a clear balance of military
power than by an increasingly fragmented geoeconomic order. Wars span
continents, but the contests that shape them are often fought through
supply chains, debt, sanctions, investment screening, technology
restrictions, trade barriers, energy security, and access to critical
minerals. Economic power is now exercised as much through markets,
financial systems, and institutions as through military force.*

*That transformation has fundamentally altered the role of diplomacy.
Diplomacy is no longer primarily about managing relations between sovereign
states within a stable framework. It is about navigating economic
interdependence that is simultaneously a source of growth and a source of
vulnerability. It is about mediating disputes where economic and security
interests are inseparable. It is about building consensus on issues that
require both political arbitration and technical economic coordination.*

*For much of its history, the UN has looked to diplomats, statesmen, and
political mediators to lead the organization. Those qualities remain
essential. But they are no longer sufficient. The defining contests of the
twenty-first century are not fought only through armies and alliances. They
are shaped through supply chains, debt, technology, trade, investment,
sanctions, energy security, and access to critical minerals. Power is now
exercised as much through economic networks as through military force. Yet
the criteria for selecting the world=E2=80=99s highest international diplom=
at have
been slow to reflect that transformation.*

*The next Secretary-General should not merely be a guardian of
multilateralism. He or she must be an architect of cooperation in an era
defined by fragmentation. That requires more than experience in diplomacy
alone. It requires the ability to understand how economics, development,
finance, and security now intersect in practical and politically
consequential ways.*

*This is not a call for technocratic leadership. Nor is it an argument that
economics should displace diplomacy. It is a recognition that diplomacy
itself has changed. The Secretary-General of tomorrow will be required to
navigate sovereign debt crises, broker consensus on climate finance, engage
with development banks, understand technological competition, and mediate
disputes in which economics and security are inseparable. The office has
traditionally rewarded political experience. The coming decade will require
economic fluency alongside diplomatic skill.*

*The question facing member states is therefore not simply who should
succeed Ant=C3=B3nio Guterres. It is what kind of leader the world now requ=
ires.
That answer points toward a profile long underweighted in discussions of UN
leadership: a figure equally comfortable in cabinet rooms, development
institutions, financial negotiations, and diplomatic forums.*

*Someone who understands not only the language of peace and security, but
also the mechanics of growth, development, and economic resilience.*

*In this regard, the discussion surrounding Rebecca Grynspan is
instructive. Her significance lies not only in her personal qualifications,
but in what her career represents. As a former Vice President of Costa Rica
and current Secretary-General of UNCTAD, she embodies a model of leadership
shaped by the evolving demands of global governance.*

*Her experience spans development economics, international finance,
diplomacy, and multilateral negotiation=E2=80=94areas now central to the
effectiveness of the United Nations itself.*

*Some may argue that the UN=E2=80=99s core mission remains peace and securi=
ty, and
that economic issues should be handled by specialized institutions. That
view is increasingly outdated. In Ukraine, in Gaza, in the Sahel, and in
the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the drivers of conflict are no longer
separable from economic pressures, debt, resource competition, and the
effects of sanctions and food insecurity. The UN cannot be effective in its
traditional areas if it ignores the economic dimensions of those crises.*

*The case for leaders of this kind extends beyond any individual candidacy.
The United Nations was created in the aftermath of the Second World War to
preserve peace, foster cooperation, and provide a framework for collective
action. Eight decades later, it confronts a fundamentally different
environment: one defined by geopolitical rivalry, geoeconomic competition,
technological disruption, widening inequality between nations, and mounting
pressure on global systems of stability.*

*These pressures are reinforced by shifting patterns of major-power
engagement with multilateral institutions, including periodic questioning
of commitments by key member states and intensifying debates over
burden-sharing, institutional efficiency, and reform. At the same time, the
United Nations faces an internal imperative of adaptation. An institution
designed in the aftermath of 1945 cannot rely on inherited structures and
assumptions if it is to remain effective in the twenty-first century. It
must modernize its processes, improve cost-effectiveness, and strengthen
responsiveness to a rapidly changing global environment, looking outward to
a more fragmented order while also reforming inward to preserve legitimacy
and performance.*

*Nowhere is this shift more visible than in the widening divide between the
Global North and the Global South. Trust has eroded. Developing countries
increasingly question whether international institutions reflect their
interests, priorities, and lived realities. At the same time, developed
economies struggle to sustain consensus on climate finance, development
assistance, trade, and security. The next Secretary-General will therefore
need to be more than a diplomat. He or she must be a bridge-builder capable
of restoring confidence between North and South, developed and developing
economies, creditors and debtors, and established and emerging powers.*

*The North=E2=80=93South divide is no longer just a matter of development
assistance. It is a structural fault line in the global order. For many
countries in the Global South, the postwar multilateral system has come to
feel like an arrangement designed by and for the developed world, one that
offers them limited voice in the institutions that shape the rules of
trade, finance, and security.*

*At the same time, many developed countries face domestic pressure to
reduce spending on international institutions and to prioritize national
security over global commitments. Climate finance has become a central test
of this divide. Developing countries argue that the North has failed to
deliver on its promises, while the North insists that new*

*mechanisms and private capital must play a larger role. This mutual
distrust weakens the foundation of cooperation the UN was meant to sustain.=
*

*The next Secretary-General will need to engage directly with these
tensions, not as a peripheral issue but as a core challenge. That means
recognizing that the credibility of the UN depends in large part on whether
the Global South sees it as a platform that reflects their interests and
priorities, and whether the Global North sees it as a realistic mechanism
for managing shared risks and building long-term stability.*

*The stakes could hardly be higher. The choice of the next
Secretary-General may prove to be one of the most consequential decisions
of the coming decade. Across Ukraine, the Middle East, the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, and other conflict zones, the effectiveness of
multilateral diplomacy is being tested under severe strain. At the same
time, the world faces rising debt burdens, climate stress, humanitarian
crises, technological disruption, and accelerating economic fragmentation.*

*Recent years have exposed the limits of the post-1945 multilateral
architecture. From Ukraine to Gaza, from Afghanistan to the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, the United Nations has often appeared constrained in
its ability to prevent conflict, enforce international norms, or mobilize
decisive collective action. Whether fair or not, this perception has
contributed to a growing belief that the institution is struggling to keep
pace with the scale and complexity of contemporary challenges. Rebuilding
confidence in the United Nations will require more than procedural reform;
it will require leadership capable of restoring faith in the value of
multilateral cooperation itself.*

*The question is no longer whether the United Nations must adapt. It is
whether it can adapt quickly enough. An institution designed for the
realities of 1945 cannot continue to operate as though the world has
remained unchanged. The next Secretary-General must lead not only the
administration of the United Nations, but its renewal.*

*Many member states today champion feminist foreign policy and place
greater emphasis on inclusive leadership in international affairs. Against
that backdrop, the selection of the next Secretary-General presents a
historic opportunity for the United Nations to be led by a woman for the
first time. Such a milestone would reflect the organization=E2=80=99s longs=
tanding
commitment to equality and representation, while reinforcing the principle
that leadership should be determined by merit, experience, vision, and the
ability to build consensus across diverse constituencies.*

*This is why the debate about succession is about far more than
personalities. It is about the future relevance of multilateralism itself.
If the United Nations is to remain the indispensable forum for
international cooperation, it will require a leader capable of bridging
divides, rebuilding trust, and reimagining the institution for a new era.*

*The decision made by member states will shape not only the future of the
United Nations, but the credibility of multilateralism for a generation. At
a moment when confidence in international institutions is under strain and
geopolitical divisions are deepening, the world requires a
Secretary-General capable of bridging divides, rebuilding trust, and
demonstrating that collective action remains possible. The question before
member states is therefore not simply who should lead the United Nations
next. It is what kind of international order they are prepared to sustain.*

--000000000000d5de9f0655396d45
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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/26=
/leading-the-un-in-a-world-that-has-already-changed/" target=3D"_blank">htt=
ps://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/06/26/leading-the-un-in-a-world-that-has-alrea=
dy-changed/</a></font></b></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-he=
ight:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(2=
7,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>Leading the UN in a W=
orld That Has Already Changed</i></font></h1><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.=
45em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><=
a href=3D"https://moderndiplomacy.eu/author/lubnaqasim/" style=3D"text-deco=
ration:none;margin:0px;color:rgb(27,27,27);max-width:100%;display:inline" t=
arget=3D"_blank">Lubna Qasim</a><span style=3D"margin:0.07em 0.45em 0px;pad=
ding:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"></span>June 26, 2026</font></b></di=
v><img width=3D"412" height=3D"275" src=3D"https://moderndiplomacy.eu/wp-co=
ntent/uploads/2025/09/United-Nations.jpg" alt=3D"" title=3D"United-Nations"=
 style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"><b><font face=3D"georg=
ia, serif">Riyad H. Mansour, Palestinian Permanent Observer to the United N=
ations, on screens as he addresses delegates after the United Nations Gener=
al Assembly. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz</font></b><p style=3D"max-width:100%;col=
or:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The race to succeed Ant=
=C3=B3nio Guterres as Secretary-General of the United Nations is unfolding =
against a backdrop that the organization was not designed to manage. Eight =
decades after its founding, the UN faces a world in which geopolitical riva=
lry is inseparable from geoeconomic competition, in which economic coercion=
 has become a standard instrument of statecraft, and in which multilateral =
institutions are under sustained pressure from both major powers and increa=
singly assertive middle powers.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;co=
lor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The next Secretary-Gene=
ral will inherit an institution weighed down by recurrent crises, financial=
 constraints, and a growing doubt about whether the UN can still deliver th=
e collective action it was created to enable. The challenge is not only to =
administer the organization. It is to renew it.</font></b></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The wor=
ld the UN was created to manage was defined primarily by the balance of pow=
er among great states. The postwar order sought to contain rivalry, manage =
decolonization, and provide a forum for collective security. For much of th=
e Cold War, the UN=E2=80=99s role was constrained by the superpower divide,=
 but its legitimacy derived from the fact that it reflected the world=E2=80=
=99s fundamental geopolitical architecture.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Since the e=
nd of the Cold War, the international system has been reconfigured in ways =
that the UN=E2=80=99s founders did not foresee. The 1990s brief promise of =
a liberal order, in which markets, democracy, and multilateralism would exp=
and in tandem, gave way over time to a more contested and fragmented system=
. The 2008 financial crisis, the rise of China, the 2014 annexation of Crim=
ea, the 2018=E2=80=932020 trade and technology conflicts, the pandemic, and=
 the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have all accelerated the erosion of that orde=
r.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif">The most consequential shift is not simply that geop=
olitics has returned. It is that the world is now organized less by a clear=
 balance of military power than by an increasingly fragmented geoeconomic o=
rder. Wars span continents, but the contests that shape them are often foug=
ht through supply chains, debt, sanctions, investment screening, technology=
 restrictions, trade barriers, energy security, and access to critical mine=
rals. Economic power is now exercised as much through markets, financial sy=
stems, and institutions as through military force.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Th=
at transformation has fundamentally altered the role of diplomacy. Diplomac=
y is no longer primarily about managing relations between sovereign states =
within a stable framework. It is about navigating economic interdependence =
that is simultaneously a source of growth and a source of vulnerability. It=
 is about mediating disputes where economic and security interests are inse=
parable. It is about building consensus on issues that require both politic=
al arbitration and technical economic coordination.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Fo=
r much of its history, the UN has looked to diplomats, statesmen, and polit=
ical mediators to lead the organization. Those qualities remain essential. =
But they are no longer sufficient. The defining contests of the twenty-firs=
t century are not fought only through armies and alliances. They are shaped=
 through supply chains, debt, technology, trade, investment, sanctions, ene=
rgy security, and access to critical minerals. Power is now exercised as mu=
ch through economic networks as through military force. Yet the criteria fo=
r selecting the world=E2=80=99s highest international diplomat have been sl=
ow to reflect that transformation.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%=
;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The next Secretary-G=
eneral should not merely be a guardian of multilateralism. He or she must b=
e an architect of cooperation in an era defined by fragmentation. That requ=
ires more than experience in diplomacy alone. It requires the ability to un=
derstand how economics, development, finance, and security now intersect in=
 practical and politically consequential ways.</font></b></p><p style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">This is =
not a call for technocratic leadership. Nor is it an argument that economic=
s should displace diplomacy. It is a recognition that diplomacy itself has =
changed. The Secretary-General of tomorrow will be required to navigate sov=
ereign debt crises, broker consensus on climate finance, engage with develo=
pment banks, understand technological competition, and mediate disputes in =
which economics and security are inseparable. The office has traditionally =
rewarded political experience. The coming decade will require economic flue=
ncy alongside diplomatic skill.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;co=
lor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The question facing mem=
ber states is therefore not simply who should succeed Ant=C3=B3nio Guterres=
. It is what kind of leader the world now requires. That answer points towa=
rd a profile long underweighted in discussions of UN leadership: a figure e=
qually comfortable in cabinet rooms, development institutions, financial ne=
gotiations, and diplomatic forums.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%=
;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Someone who understa=
nds not only the language of peace and security, but also the mechanics of =
growth, development, and economic resilience.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max=
-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">In this r=
egard, the discussion surrounding Rebecca Grynspan is instructive. Her sign=
ificance lies not only in her personal qualifications, but in what her care=
er represents. As a former Vice President of Costa Rica and current Secreta=
ry-General of UNCTAD, she embodies a model of leadership shaped by the evol=
ving demands of global governance.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%=
;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Her experience spans=
 development economics, international finance, diplomacy, and multilateral =
negotiation=E2=80=94areas now central to the effectiveness of the United Na=
tions itself.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Some may argue that the UN=E2=80=99s core=
 mission remains peace and security, and that economic issues should be han=
dled by specialized institutions. That view is increasingly outdated. In Uk=
raine, in Gaza, in the Sahel, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, =
the drivers of conflict are no longer separable from economic pressures, de=
bt, resource competition, and the effects of sanctions and food insecurity.=
 The UN cannot be effective in its traditional areas if it ignores the econ=
omic dimensions of those crises.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The case for leaders o=
f this kind extends beyond any individual candidacy. The United Nations was=
 created in the aftermath of the Second World War to preserve peace, foster=
 cooperation, and provide a framework for collective action. Eight decades =
later, it confronts a fundamentally different environment: one defined by g=
eopolitical rivalry, geoeconomic competition, technological disruption, wid=
ening inequality between nations, and mounting pressure on global systems o=
f stability.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)">=
<b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">These pressures are reinforced by shifting=
 patterns of major-power engagement with multilateral institutions, includi=
ng periodic questioning of commitments by key member states and intensifyin=
g debates over burden-sharing, institutional efficiency, and reform. At the=
 same time, the United Nations faces an internal imperative of adaptation. =
An institution designed in the aftermath of 1945 cannot rely on inherited s=
tructures and assumptions if it is to remain effective in the twenty-first =
century. It must modernize its processes, improve cost-effectiveness, and s=
trengthen responsiveness to a rapidly changing global environment, looking =
outward to a more fragmented order while also reforming inward to preserve =
legitimacy and performance.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:=
rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Nowhere is this shift more =
visible than in the widening divide between the Global North and the Global=
 South. Trust has eroded. Developing countries increasingly question whethe=
r international institutions reflect their interests, priorities, and lived=
 realities. At the same time, developed economies struggle to sustain conse=
nsus on climate finance, development assistance, trade, and security. The n=
ext Secretary-General will therefore need to be more than a diplomat. He or=
 she must be a bridge-builder capable of restoring confidence between North=
 and South, developed and developing economies, creditors and debtors, and =
established and emerging powers.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The North=E2=80=93Sout=
h divide is no longer just a matter of development assistance. It is a stru=
ctural fault line in the global order. For many countries in the Global Sou=
th, the postwar multilateral system has come to feel like an arrangement de=
signed by and for the developed world, one that offers them limited voice i=
n the institutions that shape the rules of trade, finance, and security.</f=
ont></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">At the same time, many developed countries face domesti=
c pressure to reduce spending on international institutions and to prioriti=
ze national security over global commitments. Climate finance has become a =
central test of this divide. Developing countries argue that the North has =
failed to deliver on its promises, while the North insists that new</font><=
/b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"geo=
rgia, serif">mechanisms and private capital must play a larger role. This m=
utual distrust weakens the foundation of cooperation the UN was meant to su=
stain.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif">The next Secretary-General will need to engage d=
irectly with these tensions, not as a peripheral issue but as a core challe=
nge. That means recognizing that the credibility of the UN depends in large=
 part on whether the Global South sees it as a platform that reflects their=
 interests and priorities, and whether the Global North sees it as a realis=
tic mechanism for managing shared risks and building long-term stability.</=
font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">The stakes could hardly be higher. The choice of the ne=
xt Secretary-General may prove to be one of the most consequential decision=
s of the coming decade. Across Ukraine, the Middle East, the Democratic Rep=
ublic of the Congo, and other conflict zones, the effectiveness of multilat=
eral diplomacy is being tested under severe strain. At the same time, the w=
orld faces rising debt burdens, climate stress, humanitarian crises, techno=
logical disruption, and accelerating economic fragmentation.</font></b></p>=
<p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, s=
erif">Recent years have exposed the limits of the post-1945 multilateral ar=
chitecture. From Ukraine to Gaza, from Afghanistan to the Democratic Republ=
ic of the Congo, the United Nations has often appeared constrained in its a=
bility to prevent conflict, enforce international norms, or mobilize decisi=
ve collective action. Whether fair or not, this perception has contributed =
to a growing belief that the institution is struggling to keep pace with th=
e scale and complexity of contemporary challenges. Rebuilding confidence in=
 the United Nations will require more than procedural reform; it will requi=
re leadership capable of restoring faith in the value of multilateral coope=
ration itself.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)=
"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The question is no longer whether the Un=
ited Nations must adapt. It is whether it can adapt quickly enough. An inst=
itution designed for the realities of 1945 cannot continue to operate as th=
ough the world has remained unchanged. The next Secretary-General must lead=
 not only the administration of the United Nations, but its renewal.</font>=
</b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"ge=
orgia, serif">Many member states today champion feminist foreign policy and=
 place greater emphasis on inclusive leadership in international affairs. A=
gainst that backdrop, the selection of the next Secretary-General presents =
a historic opportunity for the United Nations to be led by a woman for the =
first time. Such a milestone would reflect the organization=E2=80=99s longs=
tanding commitment to equality and representation, while reinforcing the pr=
inciple that leadership should be determined by merit, experience, vision, =
and the ability to build consensus across diverse constituencies.</font></b=
></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georg=
ia, serif">This is why the debate about succession is about far more than p=
ersonalities. It is about the future relevance of multilateralism itself. I=
f the United Nations is to remain the indispensable forum for international=
 cooperation, it will require a leader capable of bridging divides, rebuild=
ing trust, and reimagining the institution for a new era.</font></b></p><p =
style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, seri=
f">The decision made by member states will shape not only the future of the=
 United Nations, but the credibility of multilateralism for a generation. A=
t a moment when confidence in international institutions is under strain an=
d geopolitical divisions are deepening, the world requires a Secretary-Gene=
ral capable of bridging divides, rebuilding trust, and demonstrating that c=
ollective action remains possible. The question before member states is the=
refore not simply who should lead the United Nations next. It is what kind =
of international order they are prepared to sustain.</font></b></p></div></=
div>
</div>
</div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] Fwd: Simplicius: "Next Phase of Psyop: Ukraine Now Accuses
 Belarus of Rapid Militarization on Border." (6/26/26)
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*https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/next-phase-of-psyop-ukraine-now-accuse=
s?utm_source=3Dpost-email-title&publication_id=3D1351274&post_id=3D20358068=
8&utm_campaign=3Demail-post-title&isFreemail=3Dfalse&r=3D210kv&triedRedirec=
t=3Dtrue&utm_medium=3Demail
<https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/next-phase-of-psyop-ukraine-now-accuse=
s?utm_source=3Dpost-email-title&publication_id=3D1351274&post_id=3D20358068=
8&utm_campaign=3Demail-post-title&isFreemail=3Dfalse&r=3D210kv&triedRedirec=
t=3Dtrue&utm_medium=3Demail>*

*Next Phase of Psyop: Ukraine Now Accuses Belarus of Rapid Militarization
on Border*
*Simplicius* <https://substack.com/@simplicius76>   6/26/26

*Today Zelensky announced a new series of =E2=80=9Crevelations=E2=80=9D reg=
arding the
ongoing Belarus-vectored escalation. *

*Zelensky now claims that Ukraine has detected a plethora of other war
preparations that Russia is allegedly making in Belarus, near the Ukrainian
border, presumably for the future invasion from Belarus that Zelensky had
already hinted at months ago was being gradually prepared by Russia.*

*Volodymyr Zelenskyy / =D0=92=D0=BE=D0=BB=D0=BE=D0=B4=D0=B8=D0=BC=D0=B8=D1=
=80 =D0=97=D0=B5=D0=BB=D0=B5=D0=BD=D1=81=D1=8C=D0=BA=D0=B8=D0=B9@ZelenskyyU=
aOur intelligence has
obtained important findings regarding the situation in Crimea and in our
other territories currently under Russian occupation. Ukraine=E2=80=99s For=
eign
Intelligence Service has obtained data indicating that the crisis with
fuel, military logistics, and governance in 10:57 AM =C2=B7 Jun 25,
2026 =C2=B7 214K Views------------------------------241 Replies =C2=B7 1.13=
K
Reposts =C2=B7 6.4K Likes*
<https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2070159391110643748>

*Specifically, on that topic he writes: *




*Separately, Oleh Luhovskyi reported on measures being carried out in
Belarus, under obvious Russian influence, to prepare for a potential
expansion of aggression against Ukraine. Along our state border in Belarus,
the construction of road infrastructure and storage bases for ammunition
and fuel and lubricants is nearing completion. These facilities have no
purpose other than a military one. These are the border directions of
Kobryn=E2=80=93Kovel, Ivanava=E2=80=93Manevychi, Luninets=E2=80=93Sarny, Re=
=C4=8Dyca=E2=80=93Korosten, and
Homie=C4=BA=E2=80=93Chernihiv. We know that Russian documents describe this=
 specifically
in the context of the tasks of the so-called =E2=80=9CSVO.=E2=80=9D Belarus=
 has received
the necessary signals from Ukraine regarding this activity, as well as
regarding all other formats of its collaboration with Russia in the
interests of prolonging and scaling up the war. Belarus knows what steps it
must take for peace. The development of border infrastructure for
aggression from Belarus must be stopped. It is the Belarusian side that
must take steps toward de-escalation and peace. Thank you to everyone who
helps us protect lives and our independence! Glory to Ukraine!*

*To corroborate these =E2=80=9Cfindings=E2=80=9D he posted several slides c=
laiming to show
this military infrastructure that Belarus has been building up at the
behest of Russia =E2=80=9Cin the direction of Ukraine=E2=80=9D: *
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oIW0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Fbaf4ca1a-c65b-42f2-882c-235120f585ac_1280x720.jpeg>
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!thrF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Fbfac629c-dfd3-41b9-8a9f-82015ef43e8b_1280x720.jpeg>
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!qZ4N!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Fdb405be7-7255-4866-859a-b98109f429bf_1280x720.jpeg>

*Keep in mind, none of this should necessarily be treated with outright
skepticism. For all we know, Russia truly has been making such
preparations=E2=80=94after all, it certainly would be logicalfor Russia to =
finish
what it started in 2022, and cut off or capture Kiev for good. And for
those skeptical: why would Russia have any moral, ethical, or legal qualms
against doing so now if it happily launched an offensive from Belarus just
four years earlier in 2022?*

*The only skepticism comes from the understanding that Zelensky is now
desperately searching for a new avenue of provocation in order to widen the
conflict, and so for this reason alone this information should be treated
cautiously. Also, these could just be long term Russian projects for
general regional security, given the obvious understanding that the West is
itself militarizing all along the Union State=E2=80=99s borders. *

*It is interesting that just yesterday, Zelensky announced Belarus had
=E2=80=9Ccomplied=E2=80=9D with his one week ultimatum and had =E2=80=9Cshu=
t down=E2=80=9D the signal
repeaters on the Ukraine-Belarussian border. *
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ljRa!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2F2080bd83-8c5d-421e-984c-2e1c2c6eeb1f_675x942.jpeg>
*https://www.svaboda.org/a/33788637.html*
<https://www.svaboda.org/a/33788637.html>

*Read the full story on the above
<https://www.svaboda.org/a/33788637.html>.*

*The reason this is interesting is because suddenly, as soon as the relay
towers were =E2=80=9Cshut down=E2=80=9D according to him, he immediately la=
unched into
complaints about an entirely new scheme of =E2=80=9CRussian escalations=E2=
=80=9D, in this
case the so-called military =E2=80=9Cpreparations=E2=80=9D and ammo bases b=
eing built on
the Belarussian side of the border. It all has the feel of
something rehearsed, like Zelensky is going through a kind of multi-phase
operational script.*

*Lending credence to that notion is his announcement of a new =E2=80=9C40-d=
ay
operation=E2=80=9D that is meant as a new phase of the recent theater that =
Zelensky
has been crafting together with his European partners: *
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EVkl!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Fa3695ee3-9895-4f47-9f60-7d041719bf33_1121x290.png>

*It=E2=80=99s clear that virtually everything Ukraine has been doing vis-a-=
vis
long-range strikes against Russian refineries, Crimean =E2=80=9Cdrone scare=
=E2=80=9D and
=E2=80=9Cisolation crisis=E2=80=9D, to the new Belarussian flashpoint is a =
carefully
crafted psychological operation. Its purpose? Why, Zelensky states it
openly: to force Russia into ending the war. *

*But why would the =E2=80=9Cvictor=E2=80=9D who=E2=80=99s doing such tremen=
dous damage to his enemy
as to virtually bring him to his knees seek such a premature conclusion to
the hostilities? If you=E2=80=99re winning so devastatingly as Ukraine clai=
ms to be
doing, then why not defeat your opponent in full rather than simply force
him into a rushed ceasefire? *

*Even Germany=E2=80=99s Chancellor Merz has now begun virtually begging Rus=
sia to
freeze the frontline immediately at its current place: *

*Why would that be? *

*The answer is again clear: Europe is running out of political capital to
keep Ukraine afloat. For all its wondrous drone-tech-achieved battlefield
surprises, Ukraine simply cannot sustain this unprecedentedly expensive war
effort. *

*All signs point to this:*
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XzXP!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Ff8869d8d-13ee-4adb-978b-48c6c8504d6e_696x586.jpeg>









*The first tranche of the =E2=82=AC90 billion aid package for Ukraine will =
no
longer include =E2=82=AC5.9 billion for drone production, Euractiv reports.=
Kiev
will receive =E2=82=AC3.2 billion in direct budget support.The EU will purc=
hase the
drones itself to avoid corruption schemes involving the Ukrainian side.*

*We=E2=80=99ve seen that the Europeans are simply pushing their countries a=
nd
political orders to the very brink merely to maintain Ukraine=E2=80=99s bat=
tlefield
status quo, but the cracks are turning into massive fractures as we=E2=80=
=99ve now
seen with Starmer=E2=80=99s collapse; Merz and co. are not far behind. *

*As for the Belarus situation, Lukashenko himself stated that if Ukraine
attacks Belarus the nature of the conflict =E2=80=9Cwill change instantly=
=E2=80=9D: *





*Belarus says it=E2=80=99s being dragged into the war the West unleashed in
Ukraine=E2=80=9CAttempts are being made to drag out and even expand the con=
flict
unleashed by the West in Ukraine. Today we clearly feel an obvious attempt
to drag Belarus into this war,=E2=80=9D said Belarusian Defense Minister Vi=
ktor
Khrenin.*

*And oddly enough, Commander-in-Chief Syrsky announced that Ukraine now
needs to accelerate mobilization in order to form new brigades for the
Belarussian border:*
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xDvq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2F275a718f-5e6e-4fff-bb2c-506b399d8215_811x847.jpeg>

*From the above:*

*Against the background of the threat from Belarus, there is a need to
create new brigades in order to ensure that this possible offensive is
repulsed. About this in the comments section LIGA.net for analysis, the
commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky told.*

*He clarified that Russia=E2=80=94which according to Ukraine is losing more=
 men
than it can recruit=E2=80=94is somehow managing to create several new divis=
ions and
five brigades, which Ukraine now needs to match: *

*"The enemy, by the way, has adjusted its plans and is going to create new
divisions and five brigades this year. We are forced to respond to such
actions. In war, you either seize the initiative or give it up. The third
is not given, " emphasized Syrsky.*

*This all brings us back to the main point: That Russia continues to
increase pressure on Ukraine in the actual war, while Ukraine is forced to
respond asymmetrically via hybrid methods, i.e. psyops. *

*As we have been writing here recently, Russia has infact initiated a
systematic campaign of destroying Ukrainian civilian infrastructure that
had previously appeared to be off-limits.*

*From Ukrainian channels: *
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oLY8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2F54dda4f2-c439-4973-9c70-e85050e091e7_2637x966.jpeg>
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zy9r!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Fc7d91b5b-d6fd-4bd2-a0a6-a7954446c005_1206x542.jpeg>
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4OWq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2Fb73be384-1c92-4d17-b512-7aee6d5eb7a1_1080x1080.jpeg>

*Over 150 gas stations were destroyed in the past two months=E2=80=94most o=
f them
in the past couple weeks=E2=80=94according to Ukraine=E2=80=99s own former =
Minister of
Infrastructure: *







*Russia has destroyed more than 150 gas stations in Ukraine over the last
two months=E2=96=AA=EF=B8=8FThe former Minister of Infrastructure of Ukrain=
e, Pivovarsky,
also reported that oil depots and other fuel infrastructure facilities are
subjected to attacks almost every week.=E2=96=AA=EF=B8=8FIn addition, he re=
ported that the
Ukrainian market is already preparing for a difficult winter. Reserves are
being formed, logistics capacities are being booked, contracts are being
concluded, and as a result, fuel prices are also rising.*

<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GIcF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2F7089d34c-d5c2-452c-8eed-ca0e66baebdb_872x171.jpeg>
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Kp78!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2F34da6e47-bcff-4d3a-80d8-cbad3ac11e3e_946x1248.jpeg>

*The sheer number of videos showing new such instances has been
overwhelming the networks. *













*The Russian Armed Forces have launched massive strikes on Ukraine,
destroying the enemy=E2=80=99s infrastructure and logistics in 6 regions=E2=
=9A=A1=EF=B8=8F The
strikes hit the Poltava, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and
Sumy regions.=F0=9F=92=A5 Many industrial facilities have been hit, includi=
ng
factories used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, oil depots, gas stations,
fuel warehouses, and power substations. In some regions, power outages have
been reported.=F0=9F=92=A5 Strikes have also been carried out on railway
infrastructure, bridges, and dozens of enemy cargo transports, which will
severely hamper the logistics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces=E2=80=99 milita=
nts.*

*A new report of 4 gas stations being wiped out in Sumy just yesterday with
attendant photos <https://t.me/Novichok_Rossiya_2/53942>: *





*Strike on a fuel station in Sumy today around 5 PM, =E2=80=94 Kordon
MediaYesterday and today, 4 gas stations were destroyed in Sumy.*

*One such gas station hit was captured in visceral detail:*

*In fact, the above OSINT blogger who has lived in Sumy for a long time
reports that things are going downhill for the AFU in the Sumy region:*
<https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xsK9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progre=
ssive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fi=
mages%2F15bbea15-5aa5-4496-824e-c5018d3225f4_840x639.jpeg>

*As well as: *

*=E2=80=9CAbsolutely, the information I heard through some connections that=
 the
Russians are in the forests north of Sumy, is true. It is now common
knowledge throughout the city that several Russian groups are active not
far from Sumy. Leaving aside Russia taking villages, many areas of Sumy
forest are pretty much grey zones.=E2=80=9D*

*This is interesting in light of Ukraine=E2=80=99s announcement yesterday o=
f a
mandatory evacuation for a dozen border settlements in Chernigov, which is
sandwiched between Belarus and Sumy:*

*AMK Mapping =F0=9F=87=B3=F0=9F=87=BF@AMK_Mapping_Ukrainian authorities hav=
e issued mandatory
evacuation orders for 12 border settlements of Chernihiv Oblast, including
2 that border Belarus. Approximately 1,000 civilians remain in these 12
villages, including 120 children. Evacuations will begin on July 1 and are
expected to 2:50 PM =C2=B7 Jun 24,
2026 =C2=B7 52.7K Views------------------------------13 Replies =C2=B7 37
Reposts =C2=B7 332 Likes*
<https://x.com/AMK_Mapping_/status/2069855826324705589>

*Russia has been making a lot of =E2=80=9Csilent advances=E2=80=9D that go =
unnoticed along
the entire northern border recently, particularly in the Kharkov region.
Syrsky himself dismissed these as merely Russia=E2=80=99s attempts to gain =
traction
=E2=80=9Csomewhere=E2=80=9D after having failed their main assaults on the =
primary battle
lines=E2=80=94but even if that were true, why wouldn=E2=80=99t it be a good=
 strategy to
advance wherever you can in order to stretch your opponent to the breaking
point? *

*Even as of this writing, Russia has launched another successful strike on
Kiev, though for some reason we expect that the images of massive flames
and pillars of smoke will not be broadcast as enthusiastically as those
rare hits in Moscow: *

*And this gets to our point: that Russia has been systematically working
out Ukraine=E2=80=99s infrastructure which is getting very little notice co=
mpared
to the manufactured Ukrainian campaign and exaggerated panic tactics about
=E2=80=9Cshortages=E2=80=9D and =E2=80=9Cevacuations=E2=80=9D, etc. *

*This is essentially Russia=E2=80=99s plan: continue stripping Ukraine of i=
ts
resources while bankrupting the EU=E2=80=99s ability to provide meaningful =
support
for Ukraine. Is it a foolproof plan? No. Is it absolutely guaranteed to
work? No. But it is far more likely to go Russia=E2=80=99s way than the rec=
ent
Ukrainian theatrics going Zelensky=E2=80=99s way. *

*As a fitting curiosity to end on, Russian outlet MASH claims that a hacker
group has successfully penetrated Ukraine=E2=80=99s secret casualty lists a=
nd
revealed that the AFU has lost ~2.4 million total soldiers:*

*Ukraine has lost approximately 2.4 million soldiers since the start of
Russia's operation in Ukraine in 2022 Russian hackers PalachPro and the
NoName057(16) group have breached databases belonging to the Ukrainian
General Staff and Ukraines territorial recruitment centers=F0=9F=9A=A8Confi=
rmed
Ukraine has lost over 1,700,000 dead and wounded=F0=9F=9A=A8 Russian hacker=
 group
KillNet has confirmed that they successfully hacked the database of the
Armed Forces of Ukraine It contains information on an astounding 1.7
million dead and missing Ukrainian soldiers5:45 PM =C2=B7 Jun 25,
2026 =C2=B7 11K Views------------------------------20 Replies =C2=B7 167 Re=
posts
=C2=B7 380 Likes*
<https://x.com/BowesChay/status/2070262163722183055>

*From Russian Izvestia
<https://en.iz.ru/en/2121575/2026-06-25/hackers-broke-databases-kiev-and-fo=
und-out-exact-number-losses-armed-forces-ukraine>:*

*=E2=80=9CThe resources we have received contain huge lists of dead Ukraini=
an
soldiers. Their deaths were recorded not only on the battlefield, but also
in hospitals,=E2=80=9D the hackers said.*

*It is noted that in most cases, some kind of =E2=80=9Cillness=E2=80=9D was=
 indicated as
the cause of death of personnel in the rear areas, without additional
details. The deaths of thousands of young men in rear-line hospitals under
the same diagnosis seems strange, the appeal says.*

*This appears to confirm that the 2.4M number is purely KIA rather than
=E2=80=9Ctotal casualties=E2=80=9D which would include wounded. Certainly i=
t will be much
too high a number to be believable for many people, but the way things have
gone it doesn=E2=80=99t seem totally out of the realm of possibility, eithe=
r. *

*Ukraine has always utilized psyops like this to demoralize the Russian
side, but as most know, the stodgy Russian MOD has never really bothered to
craft such =E2=80=9Cinformation campaigns=E2=80=9D despite many on the Russ=
ian side urging
them to do so. As such, this type of release is unlikely to be a pure psyop
from the Russian side, as the MOD doesn=E2=80=99t seem to care to =E2=80=9C=
convince=E2=80=9D anyone
of Ukraine=E2=80=99s losses, just as it never cares to =E2=80=9Cshow=E2=80=
=9D anyone BDA photos
after strikes=E2=80=94the MOD has never bothered proving anything of this s=
ort
during the war.*

*But you decide what you want to believe.*

*A parting video: We=E2=80=99ve seen many of these recent hits by Russian d=
rones on
Ukrainian power transformers, but the latest shows how things have
developed and evolved. Ukraine began to cover their units in cement
sarcophagi but Russian drones still found their way in. Now they=E2=80=99ve=
 added a
gauntlet of nets and other obstacles, but watch how delicately the Russian
drones continue wending their way through=E2=80=94bonus videos of hits on a=
 gas
storage site and another power transformer, as well:*

*The music is fitting=E2=80=94it is truly a choreographed dance by the nimb=
le drone
op.*

------------------------------

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<http://buymeacoffee.com/Simplicius>*

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tyle=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:1=
00%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>Next P=
hase of Psyop: Ukraine Now Accuses Belarus of Rapid Militarization on Borde=
r</i></font></h1><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.45em;max-width:100%;color:rg=
b(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/@simplicius76" style=3D"text-d=
ecoration:none;margin:0px;color:rgb(27,27,27);max-width:100%;display:inline=
" target=3D"_blank"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Simplicius</b></font><=
/a>=C2=A0 =C2=A06/26/26</div><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)=
"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Today Zelensky announced a new series of=
 =E2=80=9Crevelations=E2=80=9D regarding the ongoing Belarus-vectored escal=
ation.<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rg=
b(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Zelensky now claims that Ukra=
ine has detected a plethora of other war preparations that Russia is allege=
dly making in Belarus, near the Ukrainian border, presumably for the future=
 invasion from Belarus that Zelensky had already hinted at months ago was b=
eing gradually prepared by Russia.</b></font></p><a href=3D"https://x.com/Z=
elenskyyUa/status/2070159391110643748" rel=3D"noopener noreferrer" style=3D=
"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blan=
k"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><div styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:1=
00%">Volodymyr Zelenskyy / =D0=92=D0=BE=D0=BB=D0=BE=D0=B4=D0=B8=D0=BC=D0=B8=
=D1=80 =D0=97=D0=B5=D0=BB=D0=B5=D0=BD=D1=81=D1=8C=D0=BA=D0=B8=D0=B9</span><=
span style=3D"max-width:100%">@ZelenskyyUa</span></p></div><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%">Our intelligence has obtained important findings regarding the =
situation in Crimea and in our other territories currently under Russian oc=
cupation. Ukraine=E2=80=99s Foreign Intelligence Service has obtained data =
indicating that the crisis with fuel, military logistics, and governance in=
<span>=C2=A0</span></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:=
100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">10:57 AM =C2=B7 Jun 25, 2026</span><sp=
an style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></s=
pan><span style=3D"max-width:100%">214K<span>=C2=A0</span>Views</span></p><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%"></p><hr style=3D"height:0.5px;border:0px;max-wid=
th:100%"><p></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=
241<span>=C2=A0</span>Replies</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=
=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"=
>1.13K<span>=C2=A0</span>Reposts</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span=
>=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%=
">6.4K<span>=C2=A0</span>Likes</span></p></div></b></font></div></a><p styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>S=
pecifically, on that topic he writes:<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><blo=
ckquote style=3D"color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;pa=
dding-left:16px;border-left-width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left-c=
olor:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">Separately, Oleh Luhovskyi reported=
 on measures being carried out in Belarus, under obvious Russian influence,=
 to prepare for a potential expansion of aggression against Ukraine. Along =
our state border in Belarus, the construction of road infrastructure and st=
orage bases for ammunition and fuel and lubricants is nearing completion.</=
span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><=
span>=C2=A0</span>These facilities have no purpose other than a military on=
e. These are the border directions of Kobryn=E2=80=93Kovel, Ivanava=E2=80=
=93Manevychi, Luninets=E2=80=93Sarny, Re=C4=8Dyca=E2=80=93Korosten, and Hom=
ie=C4=BA=E2=80=93Chernihiv. We know that Russian documents describe this sp=
ecifically in the context of the tasks of the so-called =E2=80=9CSVO.=E2=80=
=9D<span>=C2=A0</span></span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><br><span sty=
le=3D"max-width:100%">Belarus has received the necessary signals from Ukrai=
ne regarding this activity, as well as regarding all other formats of its c=
ollaboration with Russia in the interests of prolonging and scaling up the =
war. Belarus knows what steps it must take for peace. The development of bo=
rder infrastructure for aggression from Belarus must be stopped. It is the =
Belarusian side that must take steps toward de-escalation and peace. Thank =
you to everyone who helps us protect lives and our independence! Glory to U=
kraine!</span></span></b></font></em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>To corroborate =
these =E2=80=9Cfindings=E2=80=9D he posted several slides claiming to show =
this military infrastructure that Belarus has been building up at the behes=
t of Russia =E2=80=9Cin the direction of Ukraine=E2=80=9D:<span>=C2=A0</spa=
n></b></font></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=
=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oIW0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_pro=
gressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%=
2Fimages%2Fbaf4ca1a-c65b-42f2-882c-235120f585ac_1280x720.jpeg" style=3D"tex=
t-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><=
div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"g=
eorgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oIW0!=
,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubst=
ack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbaf4ca1a-c65b-42f2-882c=
-235120f585ac_1280x720.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D"232" alt=3D"" style=3D=
"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></d=
iv><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://sub=
stackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!thrF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/=
https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfac=
629c-dfd3-41b9-8a9f-82015ef43e8b_1280x720.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:no=
ne;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=
<b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!thrF!,w_1456,c_limit=
,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.=
s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbfac629c-dfd3-41b9-8a9f-82015ef43e8b_1=
280x720.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D"232" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0=
px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></div><div style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/=
image/fetch/$s_!qZ4N!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2=
Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdb405be7-7255-486=
6-859a-b98109f429bf_1280x720.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(=
65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"=
><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=
=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!qZ4N!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_a=
uto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaw=
s.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdb405be7-7255-4866-859a-b98109f429bf_1280x720.jpe=
g" width=3D"412" height=3D"232" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em au=
to;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></div><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%">Keep in mind, none of this should necessarily be treated with=
 outright skepticism. For all we know, Russia truly has been making such pr=
eparations=E2=80=94after all, it certainly would be<span>=C2=A0</span></spa=
n><em style=3D"max-width:100%">logical</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%">f=
or Russia to finish what it started in 2022, and cut off or capture Kiev fo=
r good. And for those skeptical: why would Russia have any moral, ethical, =
or legal qualms against doing so now if it happily launched an offensive fr=
om Belarus just four years earlier in 2022?</span></b></font></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Th=
e only skepticism comes from the understanding that Zelensky is now despera=
tely searching for a new avenue of provocation in order to widen the confli=
ct, and so for this reason alone this information should be treated cautiou=
sly. Also, these could just be long term Russian projects for general regio=
nal security, given the obvious understanding that the West is itself milit=
arizing all along the Union State=E2=80=99s borders.<span>=C2=A0</span></b>=
</font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"ge=
orgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">It<span>=C2=A0</span></span=
><em style=3D"max-width:100%">is</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=
=C2=A0</span>interesting that just yesterday, Zelensky announced Belarus ha=
d =E2=80=9Ccomplied=E2=80=9D with his one week ultimatum and had =E2=80=9Cs=
hut down=E2=80=9D the signal repeaters on the Ukraine-Belarussian border.<s=
pan>=C2=A0</span></span></b></font></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:r=
gb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ljRa!,f_au=
to,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.am=
azonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2080bd83-8c5d-421e-984c-2e1c2c6eeb1f_675x94=
2.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%"=
 target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:1=
00%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/i=
mage/fetch/$s_!ljRa!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep=
/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F208=
0bd83-8c5d-421e-984c-2e1c2c6eeb1f_675x942.jpeg" width=3D"295" height=3D"412=
" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font><=
/span></div></a><a href=3D"https://www.svaboda.org/a/33788637.html" style=
=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%;margin-top:0.=
25em;margin-bottom:0.25em" target=3D"_blank"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=
<b>https://www.svaboda.org/a/33788637.html</b></font></a></div><p style=3D"=
max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span =
style=3D"max-width:100%"><a href=3D"https://www.svaboda.org/a/33788637.html=
" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" targe=
t=3D"_blank">Read the full story on the above</a></span><span style=3D"max-=
width:100%">.</span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,=
27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">The=
 reason this is interesting is because suddenly, as soon as the relay tower=
s were =E2=80=9Cshut down=E2=80=9D according to him, he immediately launche=
d into complaints about an entirely new scheme of =E2=80=9CRussian escalati=
ons=E2=80=9D, in this case the so-called military =E2=80=9Cpreparations=E2=
=80=9D and ammo bases being built on the Belarussian side of the border. It=
 all has the feel of something<span>=C2=A0</span></span><em style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%">rehearsed</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%">, like Zelensky is g=
oing through a kind of multi-phase operational script.</span></b></font></p=
><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, ser=
if"><b>Lending credence to that notion is his announcement of a new =E2=80=
=9C40-day operation=E2=80=9D that is meant as a new phase of the recent the=
ater that Zelensky has been crafting together with his European partners:<s=
pan>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,2=
7,27)"><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!EVkl!,f_auto,q_au=
to:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws=
.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3695ee3-9895-4f47-9f60-7d041719bf33_1121x290.png"=
 style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=
=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><f=
ont face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fe=
tch/$s_!EVkl!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%=
3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa3695ee3-9=
895-4f47-9f60-7d041719bf33_1121x290.png" width=3D"412" height=3D"107" alt=
=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span=
></div></a></div><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">It=E2=80=99s clear th=
at virtually<span>=C2=A0</span></span><em style=3D"max-width:100%">everythi=
ng</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>Ukraine has been d=
oing vis-a-vis long-range strikes against Russian refineries, Crimean =E2=
=80=9Cdrone scare=E2=80=9D and =E2=80=9Cisolation crisis=E2=80=9D, to the n=
ew Belarussian flashpoint is a carefully crafted psychological operation. I=
ts purpose? Why, Zelensky states it openly: to force Russia into ending the=
 war.<span>=C2=A0</span></span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;co=
lor:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>But why would the =E2=
=80=9Cvictor=E2=80=9D who=E2=80=99s doing such tremendous damage to his ene=
my as to virtually bring him to his knees seek such a premature conclusion =
to the hostilities? If you=E2=80=99re winning so devastatingly as Ukraine c=
laims to be doing, then why not defeat your opponent in full rather than si=
mply force him into a rushed ceasefire?<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><p=
 style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"=
><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">Even Germany=E2=80=99s Chancellor Merz h=
as now begun virtually<span>=C2=A0</span></span><em style=3D"max-width:100%=
">begging</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>Russia to f=
reeze the frontline immediately at its current place:<span>=C2=A0</span></s=
pan></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font fa=
ce=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Why would that be?<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></=
p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, se=
rif"><b>The answer is again clear: Europe is running out of political capit=
al to keep Ukraine afloat. For all its wondrous drone-tech-achieved battlef=
ield surprises, Ukraine simply cannot sustain this unprecedentedly expensiv=
e war effort.<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>All signs point to thi=
s:</b></font></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=
=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XzXP!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_pro=
gressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%=
2Fimages%2Ff8869d8d-13ee-4adb-978b-48c6c8504d6e_696x586.jpeg" style=3D"text=
-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><d=
iv style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"ge=
orgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!XzXP!,=
w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubsta=
ck-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff8869d8d-13ee-4adb-978b-=
48c6c8504d6e_696x586.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D"347" alt=3D"" style=3D"m=
argin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></div=
><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6=
px;padding-left:16px;border-left-width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-l=
eft-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max=
-width:100%">The first tranche of the =E2=82=AC90 billion aid package for U=
kraine will no longer include =E2=82=AC5.9 billion for drone production, Eu=
ractiv reports.</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><br style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">Kiev will receive =E2=82=AC3.2 =
billion in direct budget support.</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><b=
r style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">The EU will p=
urchase the drones itself to avoid corruption schemes involving the Ukraini=
an side.</span></b></font></em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width:100%;=
color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%">We=E2=80=99ve seen that the Europeans are simply pushing their co=
untries and political orders to the<span>=C2=A0</span></span><em style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%">very brink</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</=
span>merely to maintain Ukraine=E2=80=99s battlefield status quo, but the c=
racks are turning into massive fractures as we=E2=80=99ve now seen with Sta=
rmer=E2=80=99s collapse; Merz and co. are not far behind.<span>=C2=A0</span=
></span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><fon=
t face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>As for the Belarus situation, Lukashenko himse=
lf stated that if Ukraine attacks Belarus the nature of the conflict =E2=80=
=9Cwill change instantly=E2=80=9D:<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><blockq=
uote style=3D"color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;paddi=
ng-left:16px;border-left-width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left-colo=
r:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=3D"=
max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:1=
00%">Belarus says it=E2=80=99s being dragged into the war the West unleashe=
d in Ukraine</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><br style=3D"max-width:=
100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=E2=80=9CAttempts are being made t=
o drag out and even expand the conflict unleashed by the West in Ukraine. T=
oday we clearly feel an obvious attempt to drag Belarus into this war,=E2=
=80=9D said Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.</span></b></font></=
em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif"><b>And oddly enough, Commander-in-Chief Syrsky annou=
nced that Ukraine now needs to accelerate mobilization in order to form new=
 brigades for the Belarussian border:</b></font></p><div style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$=
s_!xDvq!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-pos=
t-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F275a718f-5e6e-4fff-bb2c-506b39=
9d8215_811x847.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);ma=
x-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://su=
bstackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xDvq!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_pr=
ogressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic=
%2Fimages%2F275a718f-5e6e-4fff-bb2c-506b399d8215_811x847.jpeg" width=3D"394=
" height=3D"412" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:bloc=
k"></b></font></span></div></a></div><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(2=
7,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>From the above:</b></font></p><b=
lockquote style=3D"color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;=
padding-left:16px;border-left-width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left=
-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%">Against the background of the threat from Belarus, there is a nee=
d to create new brigades in order to ensure that this possible offensive is=
 repulsed.</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>About th=
is in the comments section LIGA.net for analysis, the commander-in-Chief of=
 the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky told.</span></b></font></em><=
/p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif"><b>He clarified that Russia=E2=80=94which according to =
Ukraine is losing more men than it can recruit=E2=80=94is somehow managing =
to create several new divisions and five brigades, which Ukraine now needs =
to match:<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(=
0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;padding-left:16px;border-left-=
width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-wid=
th:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=3D"max-width:100%"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><b>&quot;The enemy, by the way, has adjusted its plans=
 and is going to create new divisions and five brigades this year. We are f=
orced to respond to such actions. In war, you either seize the initiative o=
r give it up. The third is not given, &quot; emphasized Syrsky.</b></font><=
/em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font =
face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">This all brings u=
s back to the main point: That Russia continues to increase pressure on Ukr=
aine in the<span>=C2=A0</span></span><em style=3D"max-width:100%">actual wa=
r</em><span style=3D"max-width:100%">, while Ukraine is forced to respond a=
symmetrically via hybrid methods, i.e. psyops.<span>=C2=A0</span></span></b=
></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"g=
eorgia, serif"><b>As we have been writing here recently, Russia has infact =
initiated a systematic campaign of destroying Ukrainian civilian infrastruc=
ture that had previously appeared to be off-limits.</b></font></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Fr=
om Ukrainian channels:<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><div style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fet=
ch/$s_!oLY8!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack=
-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F54dda4f2-c439-4973-9c70-e8=
5050e091e7_2637x966.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,21=
0);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https:/=
/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!oLY8!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl=
_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpub=
lic%2Fimages%2F54dda4f2-c439-4973-9c70-e85050e091e7_2637x966.jpeg" width=3D=
"412" height=3D"151" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:=
block"></b></font></span></div></a></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color=
:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zy9r!,f_=
auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.=
amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc7d91b5b-d6fd-4bd2-a0a6-a7954446c005_1206=
x542.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:10=
0%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.co=
m/image/fetch/$s_!zy9r!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:st=
eep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F=
c7d91b5b-d6fd-4bd2-a0a6-a7954446c005_1206x542.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D=
"185" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></fo=
nt></span></div></a></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><a href=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!4OWq!,f_auto,q_auto:goo=
d,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2=
Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb73be384-1c92-4d17-b512-7aee6d5eb7a1_1080x1080.jpeg" sty=
le=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"=
_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font =
face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/=
$s_!4OWq!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2=
F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb73be384-1c92-=
4d17-b512-7aee6d5eb7a1_1080x1080.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D"412" alt=3D"=
" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></d=
iv></a></div><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"=
georgia, serif"><b>Over 150 gas stations were destroyed in the past two mon=
ths=E2=80=94most of them in the past couple weeks=E2=80=94according to Ukra=
ine=E2=80=99s own former Minister of Infrastructure:<span>=C2=A0</span></b>=
</font></p><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;marg=
in-right:6px;padding-left:16px;border-left-width:3px;border-left-style:soli=
d;border-left-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%"><em style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%">Russia has destroyed more than 150 gas stations in U=
kraine over the last two months</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><br =
style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=E2=96=AA=EF=B8=
=8FThe former Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Pivovarsky, also repor=
ted that oil depots and other fuel infrastructure facilities are subjected =
to attacks almost every week.</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><span =
style=3D"max-width:100%">=E2=96=AA=EF=B8=8FIn addition, he reported that th=
e Ukrainian market is already preparing for a difficult winter. Reserves ar=
e being formed, logistics capacities are being booked, contracts are being =
concluded, and as a result, fuel prices are also rising.</span></b></font><=
/em></p></blockquote><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a h=
ref=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GIcF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_=
progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpubl=
ic%2Fimages%2F7089d34c-d5c2-452c-8eed-ca0e66baebdb_872x171.jpeg" style=3D"t=
ext-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"=
><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D=
"georgia, serif"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!GIc=
F!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsub=
stack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7089d34c-d5c2-452c-8e=
ed-ca0e66baebdb_872x171.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D"81" alt=3D"" style=3D=
"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></d=
iv><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https://sub=
stackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Kp78!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/=
https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F34da=
6e47-bcff-4d3a-80d8-cbad3ac11e3e_946x1248.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration:no=
ne;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=
<b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Kp78!,w_1456,c_limit=
,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.=
s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F34da6e47-bcff-4d3a-80d8-cbad3ac11e3e_9=
46x1248.jpeg" width=3D"312" height=3D"412" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0=
px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></div><p style=3D"=
max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>The sh=
eer number of videos showing new such instances has been overwhelming the n=
etworks.<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(0=
,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;padding-left:16px;border-left-w=
idth:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-widt=
h:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">The Russian Armed For=
ces have launched massive strikes on Ukraine, destroying the enemy=E2=80=99=
s infrastructure and logistics in 6 regions</span><br style=3D"max-width:10=
0%"><br><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=E2=
=9A=A1=EF=B8=8F The strikes hit the Poltava, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kh=
arkiv, Mykolaiv, and Sumy regions.</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><=
br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=F0=9F=92=A5=
 Many industrial facilities have been hit, including factories used by the =
Ukrainian Armed Forces, oil depots, gas stations, fuel warehouses, and powe=
r substations. In some regions, power outages have been reported.</span><br=
 style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%">=F0=9F=92=A5 Strikes have also been carried out on rail=
way infrastructure, bridges, and dozens of enemy cargo transports, which wi=
ll severely hamper the logistics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces=E2=80=99 mil=
itants.</span></b></font></em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%">A new report of 4 gas stations being wiped out in Sumy just yester=
day<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><a href=3D"http=
s://t.me/Novichok_Rossiya_2/53942" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(=
65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">with attendant photos</a></sp=
an><span style=3D"max-width:100%">:<span>=C2=A0</span></span></b></font></p=
><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6=
px;padding-left:16px;border-left-width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-l=
eft-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max=
-width:100%">Strike on a fuel station in Sumy today around 5 PM, =E2=80=94 =
Kordon Media</span><br style=3D"max-width:100%"><br><br style=3D"max-width:=
100%"><br><span style=3D"max-width:100%">Yesterday and today, 4 gas station=
s were destroyed in Sumy.</span></b></font></em></p></blockquote><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>On=
e such gas station hit was captured in visceral detail:</b></font></p><p st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b=
>In fact, the above OSINT blogger who has lived in Sumy for a long time rep=
orts that things are going downhill for the AFU in the Sumy region:</b></fo=
nt></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a href=3D"https:/=
/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xsK9!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:st=
eep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F=
15bbea15-5aa5-4496-824e-c5018d3225f4_840x639.jpeg" style=3D"text-decoration=
:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D=
"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, seri=
f"><b><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!xsK9!,w_1456,c_li=
mit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-med=
ia.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F15bbea15-5aa5-4496-824e-c5018d3225f=
4_840x639.jpeg" width=3D"412" height=3D"313" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em=
 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></b></font></span></div></a></div><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>As=
 well as:<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(=
0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;padding-left:16px;border-left-=
width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-wid=
th:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=3D"max-width:100%"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><b>=E2=80=9CAbsolutely, the information I heard throug=
h some connections that the Russians are in the forests north of Sumy, is t=
rue. It is now common knowledge throughout the city that several Russian gr=
oups are active not far from Sumy. Leaving aside Russia taking villages, ma=
ny areas of Sumy forest are pretty much grey zones.=E2=80=9D</b></font></em=
></p></blockquote><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><b>This is interesting in light of Ukraine=E2=80=99s a=
nnouncement yesterday of a mandatory evacuation for a dozen border settleme=
nts in Chernigov, which is sandwiched between Belarus and Sumy:</b></font><=
/p><a href=3D"https://x.com/AMK_Mapping_/status/2069855826324705589" rel=3D=
"noopener noreferrer" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);m=
ax-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif"><b><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:=
100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">AMK Mapping =F0=9F=87=B3=F0=9F=87=BF</=
span><span style=3D"max-width:100%">@AMK_Mapping_</span></p></div><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%">Ukrainian authorities have issued mandatory evacuation =
orders for 12 border settlements of Chernihiv Oblast, including 2 that bord=
er Belarus. Approximately 1,000 civilians remain in these 12 villages, incl=
uding 120 children. Evacuations will begin on July 1 and are expected to<sp=
an>=C2=A0</span></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100=
%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">2:50 PM =C2=B7 Jun 24, 2026</span><span s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span>=
<span style=3D"max-width:100%">52.7K<span>=C2=A0</span>Views</span></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"></p><hr style=3D"height:0.5px;border:0px;max-width:=
100%"><p></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">13<=
span>=C2=A0</span>Replies</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0=
</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%">37<sp=
an>=C2=A0</span>Reposts</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</=
span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%">332<spa=
n>=C2=A0</span>Likes</span></p></div></b></font></div></a><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Russia has =
been making a lot of =E2=80=9Csilent advances=E2=80=9D that go unnoticed al=
ong the entire northern border recently, particularly in the Kharkov region=
. Syrsky himself dismissed these as merely Russia=E2=80=99s attempts to gai=
n traction =E2=80=9Csomewhere=E2=80=9D after having failed their main assau=
lts on the primary battle lines=E2=80=94but even if that were true, why wou=
ldn=E2=80=99t it be a good strategy to advance wherever you can in order to=
 stretch your opponent to the breaking point?<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font>=
</p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, =
serif"><b>Even as of this writing, Russia has launched another successful s=
trike on Kiev, though for some reason we expect that the images of massive =
flames and pillars of smoke will not be broadcast as enthusiastically as th=
ose rare hits in Moscow:<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><div style=3D"max=
-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b=
><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/f=
etch/$s_!UjdB!,w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%=
3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F098ceafc-7=
832-438d-8f53-cc67a03b8f93_1672x941.jpeg" alt=3D"" width=3D"412" style=3D"m=
argin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block" height=3D"232"></span><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!BNR=
X!,w_720,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubs=
tack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F7802e899-aff3-47e4-bdb=
4-a12211333fa9_1083x1452.jpeg" alt=3D"" width=3D"307" style=3D"margin:0.5em=
 0px 0.5em auto;display:block" height=3D"412"></span></b></font></div></div=
><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, ser=
if"><b>And this gets to our point: that Russia has been systematically work=
ing out Ukraine=E2=80=99s infrastructure which is getting very little notic=
e compared to the manufactured Ukrainian campaign and exaggerated panic tac=
tics about =E2=80=9Cshortages=E2=80=9D and =E2=80=9Cevacuations=E2=80=9D, e=
tc.<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(2=
7,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>This is essentially Russia=E2=80=
=99s plan: continue stripping Ukraine of its resources while bankrupting th=
e EU=E2=80=99s ability to provide meaningful support for Ukraine. Is it a f=
oolproof plan? No. Is it absolutely guaranteed to work? No. But it is far m=
ore likely to go Russia=E2=80=99s way than the recent Ukrainian theatrics g=
oing Zelensky=E2=80=99s way.<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>As a fi=
tting curiosity to end on, Russian outlet MASH claims that a hacker group h=
as successfully penetrated Ukraine=E2=80=99s secret casualty lists and reve=
aled that the AFU has lost ~2.4 million total soldiers:</b></font></p><a hr=
ef=3D"https://x.com/BowesChay/status/2070262163722183055" rel=3D"noopener n=
oreferrer" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:10=
0%" target=3D"_blank"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, =
serif"><b><p style=3D"max-width:100%">Ukraine has lost approximately 2.4 mi=
llion soldiers since the start of Russia&#39;s operation in Ukraine in 2022=
 Russian hackers PalachPro and the NoName057(16) group have breached databa=
ses belonging to the Ukrainian General Staff and Ukraines territorial recru=
itment centers</p><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-width:100=
%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%">=F0=9F=9A=A8Confirmed Ukraine has lost over =
1,700,000 dead and wounded=F0=9F=9A=A8 Russian hacker group KillNet has con=
firmed that they successfully hacked the database of the Armed Forces of Uk=
raine It contains information on an astounding 1.7 million dead and missing=
 Ukrainian soldiers</p></div></div><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">5:45 PM =C2=B7 Jun 25, 2=
026</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=
=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%">11K<span>=C2=A0</span>Views=
</span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"></p><hr style=3D"height:0.5px;border=
:0px;max-width:100%"><p></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><span style=3D"max-=
width:100%">20<span>=C2=A0</span>Replies</span><span style=3D"max-width:100=
%"><span>=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%">167<span>=C2=A0</span>Reposts</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%=
"><span>=C2=A0</span>=C2=B7<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%">380<span>=C2=A0</span>Likes</span></p></div></b></font></div></a><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif=
"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><a href=3D"https://en.iz.ru/en/2121575/=
2026-06-25/hackers-broke-databases-kiev-and-found-out-exact-number-losses-a=
rmed-forces-ukraine" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);ma=
x-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">From Russian Izvestia</a></span><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%">:</span></b></font></p><blockquote style=3D"color:rgba(=
0,0,0,0.65);margin-left:2px;margin-right:6px;padding-left:16px;border-left-=
width:3px;border-left-style:solid;border-left-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);max-wid=
th:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=3D"max-width:100%"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=E2=80=9CThe resourc=
es we have received contain huge lists of dead Ukrainian soldiers.</span><s=
pan style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>Their deaths were recorded =
not only on the battlefield, but also in hospitals,=E2=80=9D the hackers sa=
id.</span></b></font></em></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><em style=3D"max-=
width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>It is noted that in most cases=
, some kind of =E2=80=9Cillness=E2=80=9D was indicated as the cause of deat=
h of personnel in the rear areas, without additional details. The deaths of=
 thousands of young men in rear-line hospitals under the same diagnosis see=
ms strange, the appeal says.</b></font></em></p></blockquote><p style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>This app=
ears to confirm that the 2.4M number is purely KIA rather than =E2=80=9Ctot=
al casualties=E2=80=9D which would include wounded. Certainly it will be mu=
ch too high a number to be believable for many people, but the way things h=
ave gone it doesn=E2=80=99t seem totally out of the realm of possibility, e=
ither.<span>=C2=A0</span></b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rg=
b(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Ukraine has always utilized p=
syops like this to demoralize the Russian side, but as most know, the stodg=
y Russian MOD has never really bothered to craft such =E2=80=9Cinformation =
campaigns=E2=80=9D despite many on the Russian side urging them to do so. A=
s such, this type of release is unlikely to be a pure psyop from the Russia=
n side, as the MOD doesn=E2=80=99t seem to care to =E2=80=9Cconvince=E2=80=
=9D anyone of Ukraine=E2=80=99s losses, just as it never cares to =E2=80=9C=
show=E2=80=9D anyone BDA photos after strikes=E2=80=94the MOD has never bot=
hered proving anything of this sort during the war.</b></font></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>Bu=
t you decide what you want to believe.</b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:=
100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>A parting video:=
 We=E2=80=99ve seen many of these recent hits by Russian drones on Ukrainia=
n power transformers, but the latest shows how things have developed and ev=
olved. Ukraine began to cover their units in cement sarcophagi but Russian =
drones still found their way in. Now they=E2=80=99ve added a gauntlet of ne=
ts and other obstacles, but watch how delicately the Russian drones continu=
e wending their way through=E2=80=94bonus videos of hits on a gas storage s=
ite and another power transformer, as well:</b></font></p><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b>The music i=
s fitting=E2=80=94it is truly a choreographed dance by the nimble drone op.=
</b></font></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"></p><hr styl=
e=3D"height:0.5px;border:0px;max-width:100%"><p style=3D"color:rgb(0,0,0)">=
</p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><em style=3D"max-width:=
100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">Your =
support is invaluable. If you enjoyed the read, I would greatly appreciate =
if you subscribed to a<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:10=
0%">monthly/yearly pledge</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0=
</span>to support my work, so that I may continue providing you with detail=
ed, incisive reports like this one.</span></b></font></em></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><em style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif"><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%">Alternatively, you ca=
n tip here:<span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><a href=
=3D"http://buymeacoffee.com/Simplicius" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color=
:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">buymeacoffee.com/Simplic=
ius</a></span></b></font></em></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,2=
7,27)"></p><hr style=3D"height:0.5px;border:0px;max-width:100%"><p style=3D=
"color:rgb(0,0,0)"></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><a h=
ref=3D"https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/next-phase-of-psyop-ukraine-now-=
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rif"><b>Share</b></font></span></a></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb=
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Subject: [Salon] Iranian drones attack Bahrain and a ship is struck in the
 strait after US airstrikes on Iran
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Iranian drones attack Bahrain and a ship is struck in the strait after US
airstrikes on Iran
[image: A man stands beside a fishing pole along the shore as cargo ships
and commercial vessels are seen in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas,
Iran, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA via AP)]

A man stands beside a fishing pole along the shore as cargo ships and
commercial vessels are seen in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran,
Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA via AP)
[image: XXXXX in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. XXXXX.
(AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)] <https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell>
By  JON GAMBRELL <https://apnews.com/author/jon-gambrell>
Updated 6:24 AM EDT, June 27, 2026
Leer en espa=C3=B1ol
<https://apnews.com/article/iran-eeu-israel-guerra-barein-ormuz-estrecho-6a=
f93df925036cbf73a4f70c9d63cbdc>

[image: Comments] 8

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) =E2=80=94 Iran launched a drone assault ta=
rgeting
Bahrain while a ship in the Strait of Hormuz separately came under attack
Saturday, likely Tehran=E2=80=99s response to overnight airstrikes by the U=
nited
States.

The attacks across the Persian Gulf show the danger of the Iran war again
spinning out of control, even after Iran and the U.S. reached an interim
deal to try and agree on a final accord to end the conflict.
<https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-deal-june-17-2026-19652f=
4611b704c0a991bf1f5bc9a4b9>

The U.S. had launched its airstrikes in response to an Iranian drone attack
on a ship trying to get out of the strait on Thursday, continuing a string
of attacks that have shaken the uneasy ceasefire in the war.

Meanwhile, a multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy said
Saturday that it would expand a route near Oman in the strait to allow for
both inbound and outbound traffic =E2=80=94 likely setting up a new flashpo=
int with
Tehran.
Bahrain condemns Iran=E2=80=99s drone attack

That Iran targeted Bahrain likely was not coincidental. The kingdom has
been one of the strongest critics of Iran and is home to the U.S. Navy=E2=
=80=99s
5th Fleet. It just hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a meeting
of the Gulf Cooperation Council=E2=80=99s foreign ministers, which ended wi=
th a
call for an end to Iran=E2=80=99s attacks and the strait to be completely o=
pen.

A statement from Bahrain=E2=80=99s Foreign Ministry said a =E2=80=9Cnumber =
of Iranian
drones=E2=80=9D targeted the country. It called the attack =E2=80=9Ca flagr=
ant threat to
the security of citizens and residents.=E2=80=9D

Iran=E2=80=99s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard earlier on Saturday issued =
a
statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency saying it had targeted
several locations =E2=80=9Cof the U.S. terrorist army in the region.=E2=80=
=9D

It did not name what areas were targeted.

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gmail-Figure-content" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:borde=
r-box;display:flex;margin-top:10px"><div class=3D"gmail-Figure-content-text=
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t: 20px; flex: 0 0 20px; object-fit: contain;">=C2=A0<span id=3D"gmail-vf-c=
onversations-count" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:inherit=
"><span class=3D"gmail-vf-comments-count gmail-vf-body-text--deprecated gma=
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><div class=3D"gmail-RichTextStoryBody gmail-RichTextBody" style=3D"backgro=
und-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box"><p style=3D"background-repeat:n=
o-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.55;font-stretch:normal;margin:=
20px 0px">DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) =E2=80=94 Iran launched a drone =
assault targeting Bahrain while a ship in the Strait of Hormuz separately c=
ame under attack Saturday, likely Tehran=E2=80=99s response to overnight ai=
rstrikes by the United States.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;b=
ox-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.55;font-stretch:normal;margin:20px 0px">=
The attacks across the Persian Gulf show the danger of the Iran war again s=
pinning out of control, even after Iran and the U.S. reached=C2=A0<span cla=
ss=3D"gmail-LinkEnhancement" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizin=
g:border-box"><a class=3D"gmail-Link gmail-AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href=3D=
"https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-deal-june-17-2026-19652f=
4611b704c0a991bf1f5bc9a4b9" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing=
:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,66,169)">an interim de=
al to try and agree on a final accord to end the conflict.</a></span></p><p=
 style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.5=
5;font-stretch:normal;margin:20px 0px">The U.S. had launched its airstrikes=
 in response to an Iranian drone attack on a ship trying to get out of the =
strait on Thursday, continuing a string of attacks that have shaken the une=
asy ceasefire in the war.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-si=
zing:border-box;line-height:1.55;font-stretch:normal;margin:20px 0px">Meanw=
hile, a multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy said Saturday=
 that it would expand a route near Oman in the strait to allow for both inb=
ound and outbound traffic =E2=80=94 likely setting up a new flashpoint with=
 Tehran.</p><div class=3D"gmail-FreeStar gmail-Advertisement" style=3D"back=
ground-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0=
);border-color:rgb(0,0,0);display:flex;margin-bottom:60px;margin-top:0px;pa=
dding:0px"></div><h2 style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border=
-box;margin:0px;font-size:2.4rem;font-stretch:normal;padding-top:25px">Bahr=
ain condemns Iran=E2=80=99s drone attack</h2><p style=3D"background-repeat:=
no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.55;font-stretch:normal;margin=
:20px 0px">That Iran targeted Bahrain likely was not coincidental. The king=
dom has been one of the strongest critics of Iran and is home to the U.S. N=
avy=E2=80=99s 5th Fleet. It just hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio=
 for a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council=E2=80=99s foreign ministers,=
 which ended with a call for an end to Iran=E2=80=99s attacks and the strai=
t to be completely open.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-siz=
ing:border-box;line-height:1.55;font-stretch:normal;margin:20px 0px">A stat=
ement from Bahrain=E2=80=99s Foreign Ministry said a =E2=80=9Cnumber of Ira=
nian drones=E2=80=9D targeted the country. It called the attack =E2=80=9Ca =
flagrant threat to the security of citizens and residents.=E2=80=9D</p><p s=
tyle=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.55;=
font-stretch:normal;margin:20px 0px">Iran=E2=80=99s paramilitary Revolution=
ary Guard earlier on Saturday issued a statement carried by the state-run I=
RNA news agency saying it had targeted several locations =E2=80=9Cof the U.=
S. terrorist army in the region.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:=
no-repeat;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:1.55;font-stretch:normal;margin=
:20px 0px">It did not name what areas were targeted.</p></div></div></span>=
</div></div>

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The Financial Times, June 25, 2026

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<div dir="ltr">The Financial Times, June 25, 2026</div>

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Subject: [Salon] Beyond the Nazi Comparison: Calling out Zionism
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Beyond the Nazi Comparison: Calling out Zionism

*Summary: while the Nazi genocide was larger in scale, the Israeli state=E2=
=80=99s
actions are distinct because its leaders openly boast about war crimes and
ethnic cleansing in a way no Nazi official ever did.*

On 14 June, Israel=E2=80=99s former Defence Minister, Moshe Ya=E2=80=99alon=
, compared
Israeli settlers to Nazis
<https://us.list-manage.com/B_RLJcvfw1P?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
and
accused authorities of failing to investigate Israelis responsible for
killing Palestinian civilians in the Occupied West Bank.

In an interview with Ynet
<https://us.list-manage.com/GFP8dSfVglC?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
Ya=E2=80=99alon stated that factions within the religious Zionist movement =
hold a
=E2=80=9CJewish supremacy ideology.=E2=80=9D =E2=80=9CWhat is Jewish suprem=
acy? Eighty years after
the Holocaust, it=E2=80=99s *Mein Kampf* in reverse. The superior race is u=
s,=E2=80=9D said
Ya=E2=80=99alon, who served as Defence Minister under Benjamin Netanyahu fr=
om 2013
to 2016.

Such comments raise eyebrows in the West, where comparing Israel to the
Nazis is still taboo. However, among Israelis, this comparison is not new.
David Ben-Gurion, Israel=E2=80=99s founding father, regularly likened
<https://us.list-manage.com/bMAKMfxKsPu?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
Menachem
Begin and Ze=E2=80=99ev Jabotinsky to Hitler. In the 1980s, Professor Yesha=
yahu
Leibowitz
<https://us.list-manage.com/tYt3a28i8PW?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
a respected Orthodox intellectual, warned that nationalist shifts in
Israeli society were fostering a =E2=80=9CJudeo-Nazi=E2=80=9D mentality. Mo=
re recently, in
early 2026, former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo stated that settler
violence reminded
him
<https://us.list-manage.com/ZyvsnrqeeNN?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
of
historical persecution against Jews: =E2=80=9CMy mother was a Holocaust sur=
vivor,
and what I saw reminded me of the events that happened against Jews in the
last century.=E2=80=9D

It is an irony worth noting that these comparisons contravene the Internati=
onal
Holocaust Remembrance Alliance=E2=80=99s
<https://us.list-manage.com/10TsWqcRkjS?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
exceptionally
broad definition of anti-Semitism adopted by over 1,200 entities worldwide.
Indeed one could argue that the current actions of the Israeli state exceed
even Nazi atrocities, albeit not in scale. With support from the US, UK and
Europe, Israel continues to exterminate Palestinians. People in Gaza are
denied
<https://us.list-manage.com/pQDS3H5mCRH?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
elementary
healthcare, education, water, and sanitation. Settlers rampage unchecked in
the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Although official figures place the death toll in Gaza at over 69,000 - 75%
of them women and children - some scholars estimate the actual death toll
<https://us.list-manage.com/2VxsxA1HOaR?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
at
680,000, including 380,000 infants under five. Average life expectancy has
dropped from 75 to 35
<https://us.list-manage.com/Eu7I6nLr9vL?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
years.
Since the October ceasefire announcement, UNICEF reports
<https://us.list-manage.com/AZVIM0tkqGm?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
one
child killed daily
<https://us.list-manage.com/8wFvO9qt2Vp?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.
There are hundreds of videos showing Israeli forces destroying schools. In
an interview with Tucker Carlson
<https://us.list-manage.com/yOW7ywcZhA5?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
Dr Nick Maynard of Oxford University described how many Palestinian boys
suffered gunshot wounds to their testicles, and at least 114 children were
killed with single gunshot wounds
<https://us.list-manage.com/1RkvRvwGG0a?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
to
the head or chest
<https://us.list-manage.com/5RLzwkmeNYx?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.
A recently published United Nations report
<https://us.list-manage.com/NA_a5yKKNZ1?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
states
that Israel is not only indiscriminately killing children but is
"deliberately" targeting them.

The targeting of journalists is unprecedented
<https://us.list-manage.com/L8h2IMaxuto?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.
More journalists have been killed in Gaza than in the US Civil War, World
Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Yugoslav wars and the
post-9/11 war in Afghanistan combined. An average of 13 are killed every
month
<https://us.list-manage.com/kg9BoTQry1r?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
.

Last month, the United Nations added Israel to its blacklist for sexual
violence
<https://us.list-manage.com/KcE2UqV2bmG?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
in
conflict zones, citing systematic, large-scale rape of Palestinian women,
men, and children. While Klaus Barbie
<https://us.list-manage.com/e6eUA0RZi0A?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
raped
prisoners with dogs, the Nazis did not operate with the same systematic,
state-enabled organisation
<https://us.list-manage.com/127fCTeVcS2?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
as
the IDF. Soldiers caught raping a Palestinian prisoner on camera were
 acquitted
<https://us.list-manage.com/LC9UPsX0R8o?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
and
became celebrities in Israeli media
<https://us.list-manage.com/tSVsQfmTVzK?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
.

Israel=E2=80=99s Prime Minister and former Defence Minister are wanted by t=
he ICC
<https://us.list-manage.com/ZHkgYHSnha2?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
for
war crimes including starvation, murder, and persecution. Never before has
a state boasted
<https://us.list-manage.com/aqrHE_ev5hI?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
so
openly about committing war crimes
<https://us.list-manage.com/ARLIe4DXjJL?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.
Settlers call for ethnic cleansing
<https://us.list-manage.com/jfEGHm_YGTH?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>;
IDF members celebrate burning Palestinians
<https://us.list-manage.com/pMzuKn4ycip?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
alive.
Rabbi Eyal Karim, now the chief rabbi of the IDF, stated in 2014 that
soldiers are allowed to rape non-Jewish women
<https://us.list-manage.com/Qi_YqFA0YBt?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
in
wartime. Other military rabbis have called for the return of slavery
<https://us.list-manage.com/jdyjdHrY4iJ?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
and
the killing of gentile babies
<https://us.list-manage.com/YwCLuwQTEDC?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
.

Government rhetoric is equally explicit. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich
 declared
<https://us.list-manage.com/tQDZSVIjWJD?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
Gaza
would be =E2=80=9Ctotally destroyed.=E2=80=9D Heritage Minister Amihai Eliy=
ahu suggested nuking
Gaza
<https://us.list-manage.com/aQxrpyjtzjn?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.
Minister May Golan said
<https://us.list-manage.com/r91P9NhmR7w?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
=E2=80=9CI am personally proud of the holocaust of Gaza=E2=80=9D and =E2=80=
=9CI am proud to be
racist
<https://us.list-manage.com/12sC_dPP2vw?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.=E2=80=9D
MK Moshe Sa=E2=80=99ada=E2=80=99s catchphrase
<https://us.list-manage.com/13klvUv0rUL?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
is
=E2=80=9Cvanquishment, annihilation, emigration.=E2=80=9D

Defence Minister Israel Katz outlined plans
<https://us.list-manage.com/w13jYNizSiM?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
for
permanent occupation and ethnic cleansing of southern Lebanon, stating
residents would never see their homes again. National Security Minister
Itamar Ben-Gvir, convicted of eight offences including incitement to
racism, oversees the prison service described by B=E2=80=99Tselem as a =E2=
=80=9Cnetwork of
torture camps
<https://us.list-manage.com/zYguD5UO07y?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.=E2=80=9D
He stated
<https://us.list-manage.com/1AW9iOCucT2?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
=E2=80=9CFor every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers m=
ust
weep,=E2=80=9D echoing Nazi General Wilhelm Keitel=E2=80=99s =E2=80=9CHosta=
ge Order,=E2=80=9D
<https://us.list-manage.com/iOJWvgqqKSv?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
for
which Keitel was executed
<https://us.list-manage.com/b3mKEn80EKd?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
in
1946.

Even Naftali Bennett, former PM and head of the =E2=80=98Liberal Zionist=E2=
=80=99 camp
<https://us.list-manage.com/giyuRY3UJzX?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
proposed a =E2=80=9Cfull siege=E2=80=9D
<https://us.list-manage.com/1A_NrC_21C5?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
on
Gaza, suggesting upcoming elections will focus on methods of genocide
rather than its cessation. As US Senator Richard Black noted
<https://us.list-manage.com/uRq3SpEMg7C?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
not even the Nazis felt emboldened enough to openly announce their genocide=
.

In Gaza, occupation forces hunt hungry Palestinians
<https://us.list-manage.com/BhEh9d0o9qL?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
with
bullets. Snipers shoot unarmed people
<https://us.list-manage.com/huw3cULPMof?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
at
aid centres and brag about it
<https://us.list-manage.com/ByYnub4q0VX?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>.
The IDF left premature babies to die in incubators
<https://us.list-manage.com/RUtLuHO4wG_?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
at
Nasser Medical Complex. When Netanyahu characterised the mass slaughter
<https://us.list-manage.com/1CLszyVXqvk?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
of
22 civilians at Nasser Hospital as a mishap, Channel 14 reported
<https://us.list-manage.com/YMUhajOZmrI?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
that
the Golani Brigade demanded an apology. Channel 14 has a history of praisin=
g
civilian killings
<https://us.list-manage.com/e4byq1spipk?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>;
one journalist giggled on air
<https://us.list-manage.com/bU3_4i9LEVq?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
=E2=80=9CI am for the war crimes... I want to see more houses destroyed.=E2=
=80=9D

For months, Israeli forces murdered dozens of Palestinians
<https://us.list-manage.com/6ozBdOGbbGw?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
daily
at GHF =E2=80=9Caid=E2=80=9D sites. Haaretz interviewed IDF soldiers who ad=
mitted
<https://us.list-manage.com/VguFA6lmNeR?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
they
were ordered to shoot unarmed Palestinians collecting food. The moral
difference between gassing people after promising a shower and shooting
them after promising food is only technological: Zyklon B as opposed to
corporate entities such as Palantir, Google, and Amazon
<https://us.list-manage.com/kPGfVi97NU1?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
.

Unlike the Nazi regime which did not use the ploy of assassinating enemy
negotiators, Israel and the US have targeted Hamas negotiators
<https://us.list-manage.com/5reLkIHywqT?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
multiple
times with Israel reportedly pressing
<https://us.list-manage.com/hJEZI5XaE_m?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
the
US to kill Iran=E2=80=99s current negotiators.

While the German public=E2=80=99s relationship to the Holocaust was mixed,
Israelis overwhelmingly
support
<https://us.list-manage.com/10xYZ4TueSb?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
the
genocide. Polls
<https://us.list-manage.com/Dseom4IxWWb?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
show
76% of the Jewish public believe there are no innocent people in Gaza.

But Israel does not represent the Jewish people, and Zionism is not
Judaism. Authentic Jewish tradition
<https://us.list-manage.com/PBKg5L2FyTJ?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
stands
for justice (Tzedek
<https://us.list-manage.com/RB98Jw2V74N?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>)
and the belief that every human is created in the image of God (Tzelem
Elohim
<https://us.list-manage.com/16pg7FeAqHK?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
).

As former PM Ehud Olmert wrote in Haaretz
<https://us.list-manage.com/rps3pj8KzW9?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>,
Israel is committing ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. And as
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated
<https://us.list-manage.com/hUSvo_afXfW?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
the
genocidal regime in Tel Aviv threatens us all.

The taboo of calling what Israel is doing Nazism is broken but the scorched
earth tactic that starves and slaughters women and children, blows up
hospitals, rapes and tortures prisoners in custody, murders journalists -
that tactic is driven by the ideology of Zionism.

*Members can leave comments about this newsletter
<https://us.list-manage.com/PpprF5gOmUm?e=3D672f0b89c4&c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129>
on
the Arab Digest website.*






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<div dir=3D"ltr"><table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" wi=
dth=3D"600" id=3D"m_-7344530901105934624templateContainer" style=3D"border:=
1px rgb(238,238,238)"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center" valign=3D"top"><table=
 border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" width=3D"600" id=3D"m_-73=
44530901105934624templateHeader" style=3D"background-color:rgb(238,238,238)=
;border-bottom:0px"><tbody><tr><td class=3D"m_-7344530901105934624headerCon=
tent" style=3D"color:rgb(32,32,32);font-family:Arial;font-size:34px;line-he=
ight:34px;padding:0px;text-align:center;vertical-align:middle"><img src=3D"=
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2820afb1fbae0c99e88fb6f52/images/be53215b-2c3=
7-4f8f-9f3d-22926d16809c.png" alt=3D"" border=3D"0" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" =
style=3D"border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcol=
or; border-image: initial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; height: auto=
; line-height: 14px; outline: none; text-transform: capitalize; margin: 0px=
; padding: 0px;"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td align=3D"cente=
r" valign=3D"top"><table border=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"10" cellspacing=3D"0" =
width=3D"600" id=3D"m_-7344530901105934624templateBody"><tbody><tr><td vali=
gn=3D"top" class=3D"m_-7344530901105934624bodyContent"><table border=3D"0" =
cellpadding=3D"10" cellspacing=3D"0" width=3D"100%"><tbody><tr><td valign=
=3D"top"><div style=3D"color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Verdana,Geneva,sans-ser=
if;font-size:12px;line-height:20px"><h1 style=3D"color:rgb(64,64,64);font-f=
amily:Georgia,Times,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;font-size:28px;font-w=
eight:normal;line-height:42px;margin-bottom:10px">Beyond the Nazi Compariso=
n: Calling out Zionism</h1><p></p><p><em>Summary: while the Nazi genocide w=
as larger in scale, the Israeli state=E2=80=99s actions are distinct becaus=
e its leaders openly boast about war crimes and ethnic cleansing in a way n=
o Nazi official ever did.</em></p><p>On 14 June, Israel=E2=80=99s former De=
fence Minister, Moshe Ya=E2=80=99alon,<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com=
/B_RLJcvfw1P?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0compared Israeli set=
tlers to Nazis</a>=C2=A0and accused authorities of failing to investigate I=
sraelis responsible for killing Palestinian civilians in the Occupied West =
Bank.</p><p>In an interview<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/GFP8dSfVgl=
C?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_bl=
ank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0with Ynet</a>, Ya=E2=80=99alon =
stated that factions within the religious Zionist movement hold a =E2=80=9C=
Jewish supremacy ideology.=E2=80=9D =E2=80=9CWhat is Jewish supremacy? Eigh=
ty years after the Holocaust, it=E2=80=99s=C2=A0<em>Mein Kampf</em>=C2=A0in=
 reverse. The superior race is us,=E2=80=9D said Ya=E2=80=99alon, who serve=
d as Defence Minister under Benjamin Netanyahu from 2013 to 2016.</p><p>Suc=
h comments raise eyebrows in the West, where comparing Israel to the Nazis =
is still taboo. However, among Israelis, this comparison is not new. David =
Ben-Gurion, Israel=E2=80=99s founding father,<a href=3D"https://us.list-man=
age.com/bMAKMfxKsPu?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858=
129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0regularly lik=
ened</a>=C2=A0Menachem Begin and Ze=E2=80=99ev Jabotinsky to Hitler. In the=
 1980s, Professor<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/tYt3a28i8PW?e=3D672f=
0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0Yeshayahu Leibowitz</a>, a respected Orth=
odox intellectual, warned that nationalist shifts in Israeli society were f=
ostering a =E2=80=9CJudeo-Nazi=E2=80=9D mentality. More recently, in early =
2026, former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo stated that settler violence<a href=
=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/ZyvsnrqeeNN?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5=
fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,10=
2)">=C2=A0reminded him</a>=C2=A0of historical persecution against Jews: =E2=
=80=9CMy mother was a Holocaust survivor, and what I saw reminded me of the=
 events that happened against Jews in the last century.=E2=80=9D</p><p>It i=
s an irony worth noting that these comparisons contravene the<a href=3D"htt=
ps://us.list-manage.com/10TsWqcRkjS?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=
=A0International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance=E2=80=99s</a>=C2=A0exceptio=
nally broad definition of anti-Semitism adopted by over 1,200 entities worl=
dwide. Indeed one could argue that the current actions of the Israeli state=
 exceed even Nazi atrocities, albeit not in scale. With support from the US=
, UK and Europe, Israel continues to exterminate Palestinians. People in Ga=
za<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/pQDS3H5mCRH?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=
=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(1=
02,102,102)">=C2=A0are denied</a>=C2=A0elementary healthcare, education, wa=
ter, and sanitation. Settlers rampage unchecked in the West Bank and East J=
erusalem.</p><p><img height=3D"690" src=3D"https://mcusercontent.com/2820af=
b1fbae0c99e88fb6f52/images/c278ce89-d628-3a85-33bd-304a367dae1b.jpg" width=
=3D"550" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd gmail-a6T" tabindex=3D"0" style=3D"cursor: p=
ointer; outline: none; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; hei=
ght: 690px; line-height: 14px; text-transform: capitalize; display: inline;=
 margin: 0px 0px 10px; width: 550px;"></p><p>Although official figures plac=
e the death toll in Gaza at over 69,000 - 75% of them women and children - =
some scholars estimate the<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/2VxsxA1HOaR=
?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_bla=
nk" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0actual death toll</a>=C2=A0at 68=
0,000, including 380,000 infants under five. Average life expectancy has dr=
opped<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/Eu7I6nLr9vL?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c=
2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rg=
b(102,102,102)">=C2=A0from 75 to 35</a>=C2=A0years. Since the October cease=
fire announcement,<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/AZVIM0tkqGm?e=3D672=
f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" styl=
e=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0UNICEF reports</a>=C2=A0one child killed=
<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/8wFvO9qt2Vp?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=
=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(1=
02,102,102)">=C2=A0daily</a>. There are hundreds of videos showing Israeli =
forces destroying schools. In an<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/yOW7y=
wcZhA5?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=
=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0interview with Tucker Ca=
rlson</a>, Dr Nick Maynard of Oxford University described how many Palestin=
ian boys suffered gunshot wounds to their testicles, and at least 114 child=
ren were killed with<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/1RkvRvwGG0a?e=3D6=
72f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" st=
yle=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0single gunshot wounds</a>=C2=A0to the<=
a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/5RLzwkmeNYx?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3D=
cd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,=
102,102)">=C2=A0head or chest</a>. A recently published=C2=A0<a href=3D"htt=
ps://us.list-manage.com/NA_a5yKKNZ1?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">Uni=
ted Nations report</a>=C2=A0states that Israel is not only indiscriminately=
 killing children but is &quot;deliberately&quot; targeting them.</p><p>The=
 targeting of journalists is<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/L8h2IMaxu=
to?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_b=
lank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0unprecedented</a>. More journa=
lists have been killed in Gaza than in the US Civil War, World Wars I and I=
I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Yugoslav wars and the post-9/11 war=
 in Afghanistan combined. An average of 13 are killed<a href=3D"https://us.=
list-manage.com/kg9BoTQry1r?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569=
d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0every=
 month</a>.</p><p>Last month, the United Nations added Israel to its<a href=
=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/KcE2UqV2bmG?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5=
fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,10=
2)">=C2=A0blacklist for sexual violence</a>=C2=A0in conflict zones, citing =
systematic, large-scale rape of Palestinian women, men, and children. While=
<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/e6eUA0RZi0A?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=
=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(1=
02,102,102)">=C2=A0Klaus Barbie</a>=C2=A0raped prisoners with dogs, the Naz=
is did not operate with the same<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/127fC=
TeVcS2?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=
=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0systematic, state-enable=
d organisation</a>=C2=A0as the IDF. Soldiers caught raping a Palestinian pr=
isoner on camera were<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/LC9UPsX0R8o?e=3D=
672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" s=
tyle=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0acquitted</a>=C2=A0and became<a href=
=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/tSVsQfmTVzK?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5=
fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,10=
2)">=C2=A0celebrities in Israeli media</a>.</p><p>Israel=E2=80=99s Prime Mi=
nister and former Defence Minister are<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com=
/ZHkgYHSnha2?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0wanted by the ICC</a=
>=C2=A0for war crimes including starvation, murder, and persecution. Never =
before has a state<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/aqrHE_ev5hI?e=3D672=
f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" styl=
e=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0boasted</a>=C2=A0so openly about committ=
ing<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/ARLIe4DXjJL?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2i=
d=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(=
102,102,102)">=C2=A0war crimes</a>. Settlers call for<a href=3D"https://us.=
list-manage.com/jfEGHm_YGTH?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569=
d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0ethni=
c cleansing</a>; IDF members celebrate<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com=
/pMzuKn4ycip?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0burning Palestinians=
</a>=C2=A0alive. Rabbi Eyal Karim, now the chief rabbi of the IDF, stated i=
n 2014 that soldiers are allowed to<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/Qi=
_YqFA0YBt?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" targe=
t=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0rape non-Jewish women</=
a>=C2=A0in wartime. Other military rabbis have called for the<a href=3D"htt=
ps://us.list-manage.com/jdyjdHrY4iJ?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=
=A0return of slavery</a>=C2=A0and the killing of<a href=3D"https://us.list-=
manage.com/YwCLuwQTEDC?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13=
858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0gentile ba=
bies</a>.</p><p>Government rhetoric is equally explicit. Finance Minister B=
ezalel Smotrich<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/tQDZSVIjWJD?e=3D672f0b=
89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0declared</a>=C2=A0Gaza would be =E2=80=9C=
totally destroyed.=E2=80=9D Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu suggested<a hr=
ef=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/aQxrpyjtzjn?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0b=
e5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,=
102)">=C2=A0nuking Gaza</a>. Minister May Golan<a href=3D"https://us.list-m=
anage.com/r91P9NhmR7w?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e138=
58129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0said</a>, =
=E2=80=9CI am personally proud of the holocaust of Gaza=E2=80=9D and =E2=80=
=9CI am<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/12sC_dPP2vw?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp=
;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:=
rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0proud to be racist</a>.=E2=80=9D MK Moshe Sa=E2=80=
=99ada=E2=80=99s<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/13klvUv0rUL?e=3D672f0=
b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0catchphrase</a>=C2=A0is =E2=80=9Cvanquish=
ment, annihilation, emigration.=E2=80=9D</p><p>Defence Minister Israel Katz=
<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/w13jYNizSiM?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=
=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(1=
02,102,102)">=C2=A0outlined plans</a>=C2=A0for permanent occupation and eth=
nic cleansing of southern Lebanon, stating residents would never see their =
homes again. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, convicted of eight=
 offences including incitement to racism, oversees the prison service descr=
ibed by B=E2=80=99Tselem as a =E2=80=9C<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.co=
m/zYguD5UO07y?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" t=
arget=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">network of torture camps<=
/a>.=E2=80=9D He<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/1AW9iOCucT2?e=3D672f0=
b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0stated</a>, =E2=80=9CFor every tear of an=
 Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep,=E2=80=9D echoing Na=
zi General Wilhelm Keitel=E2=80=99s<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/iO=
JWvgqqKSv?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" targe=
t=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0=E2=80=9CHostage Order,=
=E2=80=9D</a>=C2=A0for which Keitel was<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.co=
m/b3mKEn80EKd?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" t=
arget=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0executed</a>=C2=A0i=
n 1946.</p><p>Even Naftali Bennett, former PM and head of the<a href=3D"htt=
ps://us.list-manage.com/giyuRY3UJzX?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=
=A0=E2=80=98Liberal Zionist=E2=80=99 camp</a>, proposed a<a href=3D"https:/=
/us.list-manage.com/1A_NrC_21C5?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73=
c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0=
=E2=80=9Cfull siege=E2=80=9D</a>=C2=A0on Gaza, suggesting upcoming election=
s will focus on methods of genocide rather than its cessation. As US Senato=
r Richard Black<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/uRq3SpEMg7C?e=3D672f0b=
89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0noted</a>, not even the Nazis felt embold=
ened enough to openly announce their genocide.</p><p>In Gaza, occupation fo=
rces<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/BhEh9d0o9qL?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2=
id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb=
(102,102,102)">=C2=A0hunt hungry Palestinians</a>=C2=A0with bullets. Sniper=
s shoot<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/huw3cULPMof?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp=
;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:=
rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0unarmed people</a>=C2=A0at aid centres and<a href=
=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/ByYnub4q0VX?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5=
fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,10=
2)">=C2=A0brag about it</a>. The IDF left premature babies to<a href=3D"htt=
ps://us.list-manage.com/RUtLuHO4wG_?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e=
3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=
=A0die in incubators</a>=C2=A0at Nasser Medical Complex. When Netanyahu cha=
racterised the<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/1CLszyVXqvk?e=3D672f0b8=
9c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D=
"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0mass slaughter</a>=C2=A0of 22 civilians at N=
asser Hospital as a mishap, Channel 14<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com=
/YMUhajOZmrI?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0reported</a>=C2=A0th=
at the Golani Brigade demanded an apology. Channel 14 has a history of<a hr=
ef=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/e4byq1spipk?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0b=
e5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,=
102)">=C2=A0praising civilian killings</a>; one journalist<a href=3D"https:=
//us.list-manage.com/bU3_4i9LEVq?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a7=
3c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0=
giggled on air</a>, =E2=80=9CI am for the war crimes... I want to see more =
houses destroyed.=E2=80=9D</p><p>For months, Israeli forces murdered<a href=
=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/6ozBdOGbbGw?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5=
fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,10=
2)">=C2=A0dozens of Palestinians</a>=C2=A0daily at GHF =E2=80=9Caid=E2=80=
=9D sites. Haaretz interviewed IDF soldiers who<a href=3D"https://us.list-m=
anage.com/VguFA6lmNeR?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e138=
58129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0admitted</a=
>=C2=A0they were ordered to shoot unarmed Palestinians collecting food. The=
 moral difference between gassing people after promising a shower and shoot=
ing them after promising food is only technological: Zyklon B as opposed to=
 corporate entities such as<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/kPGfVi97NU=
1?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_bl=
ank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0Palantir, Google, and Amazon</a=
>.</p><p>Unlike the Nazi regime which did not use the ploy of assassinating=
 enemy negotiators, Israel and the US have<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage=
.com/5reLkIHywqT?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129=
" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0targeted Hamas n=
egotiators</a>=C2=A0multiple times with Israel<a href=3D"https://us.list-ma=
nage.com/hJEZI5XaE_m?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e1385=
8129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0reportedly p=
ressing</a>=C2=A0the US to kill Iran=E2=80=99s current negotiators.</p><p>W=
hile the German public=E2=80=99s relationship to the Holocaust was mixed, I=
sraelis<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/10xYZ4TueSb?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp=
;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:=
rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0overwhelmingly support</a>=C2=A0the genocide.<a hre=
f=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/Dseom4IxWWb?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be=
5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,1=
02)">=C2=A0Polls</a>=C2=A0show 76% of the Jewish public believe there are n=
o innocent people in Gaza.</p><p>But Israel does not represent the Jewish p=
eople, and Zionism is not Judaism. Authentic<a href=3D"https://us.list-mana=
ge.com/PBKg5L2FyTJ?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e138581=
29" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0Jewish traditi=
on</a>=C2=A0stands for justice (<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/RB98J=
w2V74N?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=
=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">Tzedek</a>) and the belief tha=
t every human is created in the image of God (<a href=3D"https://us.list-ma=
nage.com/16pg7FeAqHK?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e1385=
8129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">Tzelem Elohim</a>)=
.</p><p>As former PM Ehud Olmert<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage.com/rps3p=
j8KzW9?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129" target=
=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0wrote in Haaretz</a>, Is=
rael is committing ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. And as Ira=
nian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi<a href=3D"https://us.list-manage=
.com/hUSvo_afXfW?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a73c569d8e13858129=
" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102)">=C2=A0stated</a>=C2=A0=
the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv threatens us all.</p><p>The taboo of calli=
ng what Israel is doing Nazism is broken but the scorched earth tactic that=
 starves and slaughters women and children, blows up hospitals, rapes and t=
ortures prisoners in custody, murders journalists - that tactic is driven b=
y the ideology of Zionism.</p><p><strong>Members can=C2=A0<a href=3D"https:=
//us.list-manage.com/PpprF5gOmUm?e=3D672f0b89c4&amp;c2id=3Dcd0be5fd6179e3a7=
3c569d8e13858129" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(102,102,102);font-we=
ight:normal">leave comments about this newsletter</a>=C2=A0on the Arab Dige=
st website.</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul></ul>=
<p></p><ul></ul></div><br></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></tab=
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The Long Arm of the Chinese Academy of SciencesFar more than just a
research institution, CAS is a key investor behind many of China=E2=80=99s =
leading
technology companies.
By Savannah Billman
<https://www.thewirechina.com/team_member/savannah-billman/> =E2=80=94 June=
 21, 2026
A Chinese researcher checks plant seeds at the Southwest China Germplasm
Bank of Wild Species established by Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB) under
the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). *Credit: IC Photo via Depositphotos
<https://depositphotos.com/portfolio-21607914.html?content=3Dphoto&sh=3D83d=
dc281d29e1cf43c8735639620731c0d2a6e3d&qview=3D235930044>*

Over the next five years, China=E2=80=99s government will be racing to win =
the
global battle in science and technology, as outlined
<https://www.qualenergia.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/China_15th_Five-Year=
_Plan_English.pdf>
in
its latest medium-term plan. Much of the responsibility will fall on the
country=E2=80=99s top research institution, the Chinese Academy of Sciences=
.
<https://www.cas.cn/>The website <https://www.cas.cn/> for the Chinese
Academy of Sciences.

CAS =E2=80=94 established directly under the State Council, China=E2=80=99s=
 cabinet, a few
weeks after the founding of the People=E2=80=99s Republic in 1949 =E2=80=94=
 now operates
over 100 research institutes across China, employing 63,000 scientists. It
is the world=E2=80=99s most prolific
<https://www.nature.com/nature-index/institution-outputs/china/chinese-acad=
emy-of-sciences-cas/5139072d34d6b65e6a002145>
publisher
of research papers.

It is also a prolific investor and incubator of companies in fields like
quantum and AI that are key to China=E2=80=99s technological self-reliance
ambitions. Some of its institutes function as defense research partners for
the People=E2=80=99s Liberation Army.

Experts say CAS combines functions that most countries would normally split
between separate bodies.

=E2=80=9CThis unusual concentration of functions, combined with the prestig=
e
accorded to academicians in China and access to China=E2=80=99s top politic=
al
leadership, is what makes CAS so powerful,=E2=80=9D a member of a team that=
 has
researched CAS=E2=80=99s military ties at the policy thinktank RAND told *T=
he Wire*.
Team members requested anonymity given the sensitivity of their research.
CAS Institute of Plasma Physics=E2=80=99 Experimental Advanced Superconduct=
ing
Tokamak fusion reactor. *Credit: CAS*

Exactly how CAS is working to fulfil Beijing=E2=80=99s demands is less clea=
r. While
it used to publish five-year plans detailing its strategic priorities, CAS
hasn=E2=80=99t publicly released one covering any year since 2021.

In this week=E2=80=99s Big Picture, *The Wire China* examines how CAS opera=
tes,
invests, and spends its considerable financial resources.
SCIENCE PAYS

Compared to government-linked scientific institutes in the United States,
CAS wears more hats and has a bigger budget.


Despite its close ties to Beijing, CAS isn=E2=80=99t totally dependent on
government grants: a major source of revenue is its business operations.
Over the past five years alone, CAS=E2=80=99s annual business revenue has i=
ncreased
by over $20 billion RMB to 71.3 billion RMB ($10.3 billion), according to
its budget reports <https://www.cas.cn/xxgkml/zgkxyyb/czjf/ysjs/>.

CAS carries out business operations itself, along with its many subsidiary
institutes and holding companies that invest in areas related to their core
research focus.

CAS plays the role of an incubator, providing the structure to take
profitable scientific breakthroughs to market. Research projects conducted
by scientists at CAS institutions are spun out into commercial enterprises,
allowing the scientists-turned-executives to profit from their research
while maintaining a connection to CAS.

The relationship with CAS does not end after the investment has been made
or a company has been spun off. It continues, often through joint research
projects, talent development programs, shared personnel and facilities, and
access to technical expertise.
Hanna Dohmen, a senior research analyst at the Washington DC-based Center
for Security and Emerging Technology

Over the years, CAS has supported many Chinese industry leaders, including
chipmaker Cambricon
<https://www.thewirechina.com/2025/09/14/cambricon-chinas-nvidia/>, Chang
Guang Satellite Technology
<https://www.thewirechina.com/2026/04/26/chinas-eyes-in-the-sky-make-their-=
mark/>,
and U.S.-China dual-headquartered PC maker Lenovo
<https://www.thewirechina.com/2021/06/20/lenovos-legendary-reach/>.

The chart below traces a select sample of CAS investments through its major
funds and the institutes leading in cutting-edge industries like
semiconductors and quantum.

Becoming part of CAS=E2=80=99s network allows companies access to its power=
ful
scientific ecosystem.

=E2=80=9CThe relationship with CAS does not end after the investment has be=
en made
or a company has been spun off,=E2=80=9D says Hanna Dohmen, a senior resear=
ch
analyst at the Washington DC-based Center for Security and Emerging
Technology.
An excerpt from the outline of the Chinese Academy of Sciences 13th
five-year plan. *Translation via CSET
<https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/outline-of-the-chinese-academy-of-=
sciences-13th-five-year-development-plan/>.*

=E2=80=9CIt continues, often through joint research projects, talent develo=
pment
programs, shared personnel and facilities, and access to technical
expertise,=E2=80=9D she adds. =E2=80=9CThese benefits are mutual.=E2=80=9D

The last public CAS five year plan, covering the years 2016=E2=80=932020, c=
alls
<https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/outline-of-the-chinese-academy-of-=
sciences-13th-five-year-development-plan/>
for
CAS to incubate and strengthen thousands of enterprises as well as convert
S&T achievements into profitable applications. But the exact nature of
CAS=E2=80=99s non-financial support to companies in its network is often
undisclosed.
BIG SPENDER

Aside from social security and other employment-related expenditures, CAS=
=E2=80=99s
single biggest spending line item is science and technology research, which
has increased by 47 percent between 2021 and 2026.

CAS=E2=80=99s research spend this year is budgeted at 144.7 billion RMB (ab=
out $21
billion) =E2=80=94 about a third of the money set aside for science and tec=
hnology
research in China=E2=80=99s 2026 central government budget
<https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1357987.shtml>.
<https://www.thewirechina.com/2022/01/09/jeff-stoff-glenn-tiffert-on-why-th=
e-u-s-needs-to-do-its-homework-on-chinese-research-partners/>

Some of that spending funds research with direct military applications. In
its directory of 50 CAS institutes and their defense ties, policy thinktank
RAND identified <https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TLA4687-1/tool.html> 17
CAS research institutes as core defense partners of the Chinese military =
=E2=80=94
a relationship which can include receiving defense contracts, military
patents, and advising PLA bodies.

In some cases, these military collaborations have led to U.S. sanctions. 11
CAS institutes have been added to the U.S. entity list since as early as
2022, restricting American companies=E2=80=99 abilities to export to them w=
ithout a
license.

But that list only includes three of the institutes RAND identifies as core
defense partners, underscoring the difficulty of determining the extent of
CAS involvement in military activities that are not publicly disclosed.

=E2=80=9CThe issue is not that CAS has defense ties, but that so little is =
publicly
known about them,=E2=80=9D says a representative of the RAND project. =E2=
=80=9CThe
information gap around CAS is disproportionally wide for an institution so
central to global science.=E2=80=9D
------------------------------

Savannah Billman is a Staff Writer for *The Wire China* based in NYC. She
previously worked at the National Committee on U.S.-China

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail-container" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit=
;margin:0px auto;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baselin=
e;zoom:1;display:flex;max-width:50rem;width:800px"><h1 style=3D"box-sizing:=
inherit;margin:1em 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;font-v=
ariant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:3rem;line-height:1.25;font-si=
ze-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertic=
al-align:baseline">The Long Arm of the Chinese Academy of Sciences</h1><h2 =
style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0.75em 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;fo=
nt-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:400;font-stretch:inherit;=
font-size:1.625rem;line-height:1.25;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:i=
nherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Far more than=
 just a research institution, CAS is a key investor behind many of China=E2=
=80=99s leading technology companies.</h2></div><div id=3D"gmail-primary" c=
lass=3D"gmail-content-area" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:=
0px;border:0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit=
;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:21.5px;line=
-height:inherit;font-family:adobe-caslon-pro,serif;font-size-adjust:inherit=
;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline=
;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span class=3D"gmail-post-meta" style=3D"box-sizing:inhe=
rit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"=
><span class=3D"gmail-byline" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;paddin=
g:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inheri=
t;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:1rem;line-height:inherit;font-family:inher=
it;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inhe=
rit;vertical-align:baseline;color:rgb(222,68,47)"><span class=3D"gmail-auth=
link" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font:in=
herit;vertical-align:baseline">By=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.thewirechina.=
com/team_member/savannah-billman/" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-c=
olor:transparent;color:rgb(222,68,47);text-decoration:none">Savannah Billma=
n</a>=C2=A0</span></span><span class=3D"gmail-post-date" style=3D"box-sizin=
g:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;font=
-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:0.75rem=
;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kern=
ing:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;color:rgb=
(89,89,89);display:inline-block">=E2=80=94=C2=A0June 21, 2026</span></span>=
<div class=3D"entry-content gmail-paid-content" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit=
;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;zoo=
m:1"><div class=3D"gmail-wp-block-image" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin=
:0px 0px 2em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><=
img width=3D"2000" height=3D"1333" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-c=
ontent/uploads/2026/06/Depositphotos_235930044_L.jpg" class=3D"gmail-attach=
ment-large gmail-size-large gmail-wp-post-image" alt=3D"" style=3D"box-sizi=
ng: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vert=
ical-align: bottom; height: auto; max-width: 100%;">A Chinese researcher ch=
ecks plant seeds at the Southwest China Germplasm Bank of Wild Species esta=
blished by Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB) under the Chinese Academy of S=
ciences (CAS).=C2=A0<em style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;=
border:0px;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;fo=
nt-size:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:in=
herit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:bas=
eline">Credit: IC Photo via=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://depositphotos.com/portf=
olio-21607914.html?content=3Dphoto&amp;sh=3D83ddc281d29e1cf43c8735639620731=
c0d2a6e3d&amp;qview=3D235930044" class=3D"external" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145)">=
Depositphotos</a></em></div><p class=3D"gmail-has-drop-cap gmail-wp-block-p=
aragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border=
:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Over the next five years, China=
=E2=80=99s government will be racing to win the global battle in science an=
d technology, as=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.qualenergia.it/wp-content/uplo=
ads/2026/03/China_15th_Five-Year_Plan_English.pdf" class=3D"external" targe=
t=3D"_blank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color=
:rgb(50,104,145)">outlined</a>=C2=A0in its latest medium-term plan. Much of=
 the responsibility will fall on the country=E2=80=99s top research institu=
tion, the Chinese Academy of Sciences.</p><div class=3D"gmail-wp-block-imag=
e" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 2em;padding:0px;border:0px;fo=
nt:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><a href=3D"https://www.cas.cn/" class=
=3D"external" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-colo=
r:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145);display:inline-block"><img width=3D"112=
5" height=3D"601" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/20=
26/06/CAS-Website.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80667" style=3D"box=
-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0=
px; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; b=
order-image: initial; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; width: 350px;"=
></a>The=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.cas.cn/" class=3D"external" target=3D"=
_blank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(=
50,104,145)">website</a>=C2=A0for the Chinese Academy of Sciences.</div><p =
class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0=
px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">CAS =E2=
=80=94 established directly under the State Council, China=E2=80=99s cabine=
t, a few weeks after the founding of the People=E2=80=99s Republic in 1949 =
=E2=80=94 now operates over 100 research institutes across China, employing=
 63,000 scientists. It is the world=E2=80=99s most=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://=
www.nature.com/nature-index/institution-outputs/china/chinese-academy-of-sc=
iences-cas/5139072d34d6b65e6a002145" class=3D"external" target=3D"_blank" s=
tyle=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,14=
5)">prolific</a>=C2=A0publisher of research papers.=C2=A0</p><div aria-hidd=
en=3D"true" class=3D"gmail-wp-block-spacer" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;mar=
gin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;clear:b=
oth;height:1px"></div><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-si=
zing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertica=
l-align:baseline">It is also a prolific investor and incubator of companies=
 in fields like quantum and AI that are key to China=E2=80=99s technologica=
l self-reliance ambitions. Some of its institutes function as defense resea=
rch partners for the People=E2=80=99s Liberation Army.</p><img width=3D"151=
2" height=3D"1763" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2=
026/06/How-CAS-Works.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80659" style=3D"=
box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; padding=
: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom;"><img width=3D"1=
465" height=3D"1184" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads=
/2026/06/Who-Runs-CAS.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80660" style=3D=
"box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; paddin=
g: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; contain-intrins=
ic-size: 3000px 1500px;"><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box=
-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vert=
ical-align:baseline">Experts say CAS combines functions that most countries=
 would normally split between separate bodies.</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-bloc=
k-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;bor=
der:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">=E2=80=9CThis unusual concent=
ration of functions, combined with the prestige accorded to academicians in=
 China and access to China=E2=80=99s top political leadership, is what make=
s CAS so powerful,=E2=80=9D a member of a team that has researched CAS=E2=
=80=99s military ties at the policy thinktank RAND told=C2=A0<em style=3D"b=
ox-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-variant:inherit;fo=
nt-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inheri=
t;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-fe=
ature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">The Wire</em>. Team members=
 requested anonymity given the sensitivity of their research.</p><div class=
=3D"gmail-wp-block-image" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 2em;pa=
dding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><img width=3D"13=
52" height=3D"862" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2=
025/07/EAST-1.jpg" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-69868" style=3D"box-siz=
ing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; =
border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; contain-intrinsic-size:=
 3000px 1500px; width: 400px;">CAS Institute of Plasma Physics=E2=80=99 Exp=
erimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak fusion reactor.=C2=A0<em style=
=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-variant:inher=
it;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:i=
nherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;fo=
nt-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Credit: CAS</em></div>=
<p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0p=
x 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Exac=
tly how CAS is working to fulfil Beijing=E2=80=99s demands is less clear. W=
hile it used to publish five-year plans detailing its strategic priorities,=
 CAS hasn=E2=80=99t publicly released one covering any year since 2021.=C2=
=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;ma=
rgin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baselin=
e">In this week=E2=80=99s Big Picture,=C2=A0<em style=3D"box-sizing:inherit=
;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit=
;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inh=
erit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:in=
herit;vertical-align:baseline">The Wire China</em>=C2=A0examines how CAS op=
erates, invests, and spends its considerable financial resources.=C2=A0</p>=
<h6 class=3D"gmail-wp-block-heading" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px=
;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight=
:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:1.375rem;line-height:inherit;font-f=
amily:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-se=
ttings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><span style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;m=
argin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;fo=
nt-weight:700;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit;fo=
nt-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-featur=
e-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">SCIENCE PAYS</span></h6><p clas=
s=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1=
em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"></p><p clas=
s=3D"gmail-has-drop-cap gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inher=
it;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:ba=
seline">Compared to government-linked scientific institutes in the United S=
tates, CAS wears more hats and has a bigger budget.</p><img width=3D"1392" =
height=3D"827" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/=
06/Big-Budgets.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80661" style=3D"box-si=
zing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;=
 border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; contain-intrinsic-size=
: 3000px 1500px;"><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing=
:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-al=
ign:baseline"><br style=3D"box-sizing:inherit">Despite its close ties to Be=
ijing, CAS isn=E2=80=99t totally dependent on government grants: a major so=
urce of revenue is its business operations. Over the past five years alone,=
 CAS=E2=80=99s annual business revenue has increased by over $20 billion RM=
B to 71.3 billion RMB ($10.3 billion), according to its=C2=A0<a href=3D"htt=
ps://www.cas.cn/xxgkml/zgkxyyb/czjf/ysjs/" class=3D"external" target=3D"_bl=
ank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(50,=
104,145)">budget reports</a>.</p><img width=3D"1411" height=3D"761" src=3D"=
https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Moneymakers.png" al=
t=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80662" style=3D"box-sizing: border-box; heig=
ht: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: in=
herit; vertical-align: bottom; contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px;"><p c=
lass=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0p=
x 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">CAS carr=
ies out business operations itself, along with its many subsidiary institut=
es and holding companies that invest in areas related to their core researc=
h focus.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing=
:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-al=
ign:baseline">CAS plays the role of an incubator, providing the structure t=
o take profitable scientific breakthroughs to market. Research projects con=
ducted by scientists at CAS institutions are spun out into commercial enter=
prises, allowing the scientists-turned-executives to profit from their rese=
arch while maintaining a connection to CAS.=C2=A0</p><blockquote class=3D"g=
mail-wp-block-quote gmail-is-layout-flow gmail-wp-block-quote-is-layout-flo=
w" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit=
;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:700;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:2rem;l=
ine-height:1.2;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:in=
herit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;quotes:none;cle=
ar:both;color:rgb(51,51,51)"><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D=
"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 0.5em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inheri=
t;vertical-align:baseline">The relationship with CAS does not end after the=
 investment has been made or a company has been spun off. It continues, oft=
en through joint research projects, talent development programs, shared per=
sonnel and facilities, and access to technical expertise.</p><cite style=3D=
"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:1.25em 0px 0px;border:0px;font-varia=
nt:inherit;font-weight:400;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:1.75rem;line-heig=
ht:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inheri=
t;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;display:block">Hann=
a Dohmen, a senior research analyst at the Washington DC-based Center for S=
ecurity and Emerging Technology</cite></blockquote><p class=3D"gmail-wp-blo=
ck-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;bo=
rder:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Over the years, CAS has supp=
orted many Chinese industry leaders, including chipmaker=C2=A0<a href=3D"ht=
tps://www.thewirechina.com/2025/09/14/cambricon-chinas-nvidia/" style=3D"bo=
x-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145)">Cambri=
con</a>,=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/2026/04/26/chinas-eye=
s-in-the-sky-make-their-mark/" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color=
:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145)">Chang Guang Satellite Technology</a>, a=
nd U.S.-China dual-headquartered PC maker=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.thewi=
rechina.com/2021/06/20/lenovos-legendary-reach/" style=3D"box-sizing:inheri=
t;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145)">Lenovo</a>.=C2=A0</p>=
<p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0p=
x 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">The =
chart below traces a select sample of CAS investments through its major fun=
ds and the institutes leading in cutting-edge industries like semiconductor=
s and quantum.</p><img width=3D"2560" height=3D"2332" src=3D"https://www.th=
ewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mapping-CAS-Investments-scaled.pn=
g" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80663" style=3D"box-sizing: border-box;=
 height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; fon=
t: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px; =
width: 1280px;"><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:i=
nherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-alig=
n:baseline">Becoming part of CAS=E2=80=99s network allows companies access =
to its powerful scientific ecosystem.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-p=
aragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border=
:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">=E2=80=9CThe relationship with C=
AS does not end after the investment has been made or a company has been sp=
un off,=E2=80=9D says Hanna Dohmen, a senior research analyst at the Washin=
gton DC-based Center for Security and Emerging Technology.</p><div class=3D=
"gmail-wp-block-image" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 2em;paddi=
ng:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><img width=3D"1262"=
 height=3D"940" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2026=
/06/Excerpt-from-Five-Year-Plan-CAS.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-8=
0666" style=3D"box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margi=
n: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; c=
ontain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px; width: 390px;">An excerpt from the ou=
tline of the Chinese Academy of Sciences 13th five-year plan.=C2=A0<em styl=
e=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-variant:inhe=
rit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:=
inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;f=
ont-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Translation via=C2=A0=
<a href=3D"https://cset.georgetown.edu/publication/outline-of-the-chinese-a=
cademy-of-sciences-13th-five-year-development-plan/" class=3D"external" tar=
get=3D"_blank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent;col=
or:rgb(50,104,145)">CSET</a>.</em></div><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragrap=
h" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;fo=
nt:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">=E2=80=9CIt continues, often through jo=
int research projects, talent development programs, shared personnel and fa=
cilities, and access to technical expertise,=E2=80=9D she adds. =E2=80=9CTh=
ese benefits are mutual.=E2=80=9D=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-parag=
raph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px=
;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">The last public CAS five year plan, =
covering the years 2016=E2=80=932020,=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://cset.georgeto=
wn.edu/publication/outline-of-the-chinese-academy-of-sciences-13th-five-yea=
r-development-plan/" class=3D"external" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"box-sizi=
ng:inherit;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145)">calls</a>=C2=
=A0for CAS to incubate and strengthen thousands of enterprises as well as c=
onvert S&amp;T achievements into profitable applications. But the exact nat=
ure of CAS=E2=80=99s non-financial support to companies in its network is o=
ften undisclosed.</p><h6 class=3D"gmail-wp-block-heading" style=3D"box-sizi=
ng:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;font-varian=
t:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:1.375rem;line-=
height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:in=
herit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><span style=3D=
"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-style:inherit;fo=
nt-variant:inherit;font-weight:700;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;l=
ine-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kernin=
g:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">BIG SPENDE=
R</span></h6><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inhe=
rit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:b=
aseline"></p><p class=3D"gmail-has-drop-cap gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=
=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inher=
it;vertical-align:baseline">Aside from social security and other employment=
-related expenditures, CAS=E2=80=99s single biggest spending line item is s=
cience and technology research, which has increased by 47 percent between 2=
021 and 2026.</p><img width=3D"1059" height=3D"804" src=3D"https://www.thew=
irechina.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ST-Spender.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"g=
mail-wp-image-80664" style=3D"box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-wid=
th: 100%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-a=
lign: bottom; contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px; object-fit: cover;"><p=
 class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px =
0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">CAS=E2=
=80=99s research spend this year is budgeted at 144.7 billion RMB (about $2=
1 billion) =E2=80=94 about a third of the money set aside for science and t=
echnology research in China=E2=80=99s 2026 central government=C2=A0<a href=
=3D"https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1357987.shtml" class=3D"external=
" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparen=
t;color:rgb(50,104,145)">budget</a>.</p><div class=3D"gmail-wp-block-image"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 2em;padding:0px;border:0px;font=
:inherit;vertical-align:baseline"><a href=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/2=
022/01/09/jeff-stoff-glenn-tiffert-on-why-the-u-s-needs-to-do-its-homework-=
on-chinese-research-partners/" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color=
:transparent;color:rgb(50,104,145);display:inline-block"><img width=3D"1302=
" height=3D"2322" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads/20=
26/06/Stoff-and-Tiffert-QA.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-80665" sty=
le=3D"box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; margin: 0px; p=
adding: 0px; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: curren=
tcolor; border-image: initial; font: inherit; vertical-align: bottom; conta=
in-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px; width: 300px;"></a></div><p class=3D"gmai=
l-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;paddin=
g:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">Some of that spendin=
g funds research with direct military applications. In its directory of 50 =
CAS institutes and their defense ties, policy thinktank RAND=C2=A0<a href=
=3D"https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TLA4687-1/tool.html" class=3D"external"=
 target=3D"_blank" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;background-color:transparent=
;color:rgb(50,104,145)">identified</a>=C2=A017 CAS research institutes as c=
ore defense partners of the Chinese military =E2=80=94 a relationship which=
 can include receiving defense contracts, military patents, and advising PL=
A bodies.</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" style=3D"box-sizing:inhe=
rit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:b=
aseline">In some cases, these military collaborations have led to U.S. sanc=
tions. 11 CAS institutes have been added to the U.S. entity list since as e=
arly as 2022, restricting American companies=E2=80=99 abilities to export t=
o them without a license.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" st=
yle=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font:in=
herit;vertical-align:baseline">But that list only includes three of the ins=
titutes RAND identifies as core defense partners, underscoring the difficul=
ty of determining the extent of CAS involvement in military activities that=
 are not publicly disclosed.=C2=A0</p><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font=
:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">=E2=80=9CThe issue is not that CAS has de=
fense ties, but that so little is publicly known about them,=E2=80=9D says =
a representative of the RAND project. =E2=80=9CThe information gap around C=
AS is disproportionally wide for an institution so central to global scienc=
e.=E2=80=9D</p><hr class=3D"gmail-wp-block-separator gmail-has-alpha-channe=
l-opacity" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;height:1px;border-width:2px medium m=
edium;border-style:solid none none;border-color:currentcolor;margin:1em 0px=
;padding:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-wp-block-media-text gmail-is-stacked-on-m=
obile" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;fon=
t:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;direction:ltr;display:grid"><img width=3D=
"774" height=3D"774" src=3D"https://www.thewirechina.com/wp-content/uploads=
/2025/12/Savannah-Billman-Headshot.png" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-wp-image-74=
670 gmail-size-full" style=3D"box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width:=
 unset; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font: inherit; vertical-ali=
gn: middle; contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px; width: 160px;"><div clas=
s=3D"gmail-wp-block-media-text__content" style=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin=
:0px;padding:0px 51.2px;border:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;dir=
ection:ltr;word-break:break-word"><p class=3D"gmail-wp-block-paragraph" sty=
le=3D"box-sizing:inherit;margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;border:0px;font-sty=
le:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;fo=
nt-size:19px;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inher=
it;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseli=
ne">Savannah Billman is a Staff Writer for=C2=A0<em style=3D"box-sizing:inh=
erit;margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inh=
erit;font-stretch:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family=
:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-setting=
s:inherit;vertical-align:baseline">The Wire China</em>=C2=A0based in NYC. S=
he previously worked at the National Committee on U.S.-China=C2=A0</p></div=
></div></div></div></div>

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https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/06/china-now-leads-world-submarin=
e-construction/

China Now Leads World Submarine Construction

   - Published on 24/06/2026
   - By H I Sutton
   -

[image: World submarine construction chart with China breakdown]
<https://www.navalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-submarine-const=
ruction-chart-1.jpg>[Click
to enlarge] China leads submarine construction with 24 boats in the past 5
years. This includes an estimated 12 nuclear boats. If the survey were
extended to smaller =E2=80=98extra-large=E2=80=99 uncrewed underwater vehic=
les (XLUUVs),
China=E2=80=99s lead would grow.

*More countries are building and operating submarines today than at any
point in modern history. Yet amid this global expansion, China has emerged
as the dominant force, launching twice as many submarines as any other
nation and introducing more new classes.*
World submarine construction is growing to levels unseen since the Cold War
in the 1980s. And in stark contrast to back then, today many more countries
are involved. An estimated 77 submarines have been launched in the past 5
years (2021-present) by some 16 countries. This number includes 33
nuclear-powered submarines in 6 countries (China, Russia, United States,
United Kingdom, France and India). Brazil and North Korea also have
nuclear-powered boats under construction, but they have yet hit the water.
Meanwhile South Korea
<https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/05/south-korea-unveils-historic-=
plan-to-build-first-nuclear-powered-submarine/>
and
Australia have plans to operate nuclear boats.

But one country stands out for both their dramatic increase in volume and
rapid pace of technical development. China has established a commanding
lead in submarine production. Over the past five years, it has launched
about 24 submarines. This is twice Russia=E2=80=99s 12 and more than triple=
 the
United States=E2=80=99 output of 7 boats.
Innovation

The contrast between China and Russia and the United States is in more than
just numbers, it=E2=80=99s the rate of improvement. China=E2=80=99s constru=
ction includes 7
new classes of boat. Meanwhile, of the 12 boats launched in Russia, only
one was of a new class, the *Khabarovsk*
<https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/05/new-details-of-russias-super-=
weapon-submarine-khabarovsk/>
which
had been in construction over 11 years. And for the United States, they
were all the well-established Virginia Class. This is not to say that
Chinese submarines are, on an individual level, more sophisticated but they
are developing faster.

One key area where China has a clear edge is the construction of
extra-extra-large
underwater drones
<https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/12/chinas-new-underwater-drones-=
could-threaten-west-coast-u-s/>
(XXLUUVs).
We haven=E2=80=99t counted the regular XLUUVs (with one =E2=80=98X=E2=80=99=
), but China is the only
country building underwater drones which are the size of regular crewed
submarines and these are included. China is also the first country to going
for small nuclear power plants, termed nuclear-AIP (air independent power)
which is seen on the Type-041 Zhou Class.

China=E2=80=99s submarine construction includes four Hangor class boats for=
 export,
part of a deal with Pakistan. Other countries building significant numbers
of submarine for export are Germany and France, although the latter did not
launch any export boats during the period. However, the general trend over
the past 30 years has been technology transfers with local production and
even the Chinese-Pakistan deal is shared production. This trend is driving
the proliferation of countries building submarines.
China Goes Nuclear

Conventional non-nuclear submarines remain a key pillar of China=E2=80=99s
submarine force, but the focus is changing to nuclear boats. Until very
recently the sole shipyard building nuclear submarines was at Huludao in
the north of the country. Now two shipyards on the Yangtze River, the
Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan and the JN yard in Shanghai, have joined. Wuchang
appears likely to focus on the Type-041 Zhou class =E2=80=98mini-nuke=E2=80=
=99 while JN has
begun construction of much larger boats. The first nuclear powered boat
launched at JN was a new class of attack submarine
<https://www.hisutton.com/Chinese-Small-Sail-Sub.html>, known for its very
small fin (sail), which is as-yet unnamed. An identical submarine was
launched in Huludao just days apart. Exact details of the new class, and
how it relates to the also new Type-095 have yet to emerge.

Given the three yards now building nuclear submarines, the focus of
construction is expected to shift to nuclear boats. China can already
launch several each year, which a reasonable estimate now increasing to
around six per year. This is triple the rate the United States is aiming
for.

At the same time, China=E2=80=99s yards in the south of the country seem fo=
cused on
uncrewed submarines. Although conventional submarines will remain a major
force component for at least a decade, they are likely to become smaller
and less emphasised part, displaced by more nukes at the top end and large
uncrewed platforms at the lower end of their remit.
Outlook

More countries will be launching new submarines in the coming years. Many
will be for local use but increasingly countries are also looking to export
their designs, with Spain and South Korea being notable new entrants on the
market. However China is likely to continue to dominate, even as major new
classes start being launched in the United States and United Kingdom.


   -

[image: Picture of H I Sutton]
H I Sutton
H I Sutton writes about the secretive and under-reported submarines,
seeking out unusual and interesting vessels and technologies involved in
fighting beneath the waves. Submarines, capabilities, naval special forces
underwater vehicles and the changing world of underwater warfare and seabed
warfare. To do this he combines the latest Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
with the traditional art and science of defense analysis. He occasionally
writes non-fiction books on these topics and draws analysis-based
illustrations to bring the subject to life. In addition, H I Sutton is a
naval history buff and data geek. His personal website about these topics
is Covert Shores (www.hisutton.com)

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><a href=3D"https://www.navalnews.com/nava=
l-news/2026/06/china-now-leads-world-submarine-construction/" target=3D"_bl=
ank">https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/06/china-now-leads-world-sub=
marine-construction/</a><br><div><br></div><div><div style=3D"box-sizing:bo=
rder-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-width:0px;max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><h1 st=
yle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;line-heigh=
t:1.2em;font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;color:rgb(30,50,95);fo=
nt-size:35px">China Now Leads World Submarine Construction</h1></div><div s=
tyle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-width=
:0px;width:970px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:&quot;Open =
Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><ul style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;m=
argin:0px;outline:none;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6;list-style-position:o=
utside;list-style-type:none;display:flex"><li style=3D"box-sizing:border-bo=
x;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex;font-size:14px;font-fami=
ly:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;word-break:break-word"><span style=3D"b=
ox-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex;width=
:14px"></span><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;o=
utline:none;display:inline-block"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padd=
ing:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:inline">Published on</span>=C2=A024=
/06/2026</span></li><li style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0=
px;outline:none;display:flex;font-size:14px;font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quo=
t;,sans-serif;word-break:break-word"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;p=
adding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex;width:14px"></span><span st=
yle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:in=
line-block"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;out=
line:none;display:inline">By</span>=C2=A0H I Sutton</span></li><li style=3D=
"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex;fon=
t-size:14px;font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;word-break:break-w=
ord"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:no=
ne;display:flex;width:14px"></span><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;pad=
ding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:inline-block"><br></span></li></ul=
></div><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;outline:none;text-al=
ign:center;min-width:0px;margin:0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(51,51,51);font=
-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><a href=3D"https://www.navaln=
ews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-submarine-construction-chart-1.jpg=
" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;color:=
rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none;line-height:inherit;display:inline-block=
" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin=
:0px;outline:none"><img width=3D"1909" height=3D"1045" src=3D"https://www.n=
avalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-submarine-construction-chart-=
1.jpg" alt=3D"World submarine construction chart with China breakdown" styl=
e=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;height:auto;=
max-width:100%;border-width:medium;border-style:none;border-color:currentco=
lor;border-radius:0px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle"></span></=
a>[Click to enlarge] China leads submarine construction with 24 boats in th=
e past 5 years. This includes an estimated 12 nuclear boats. If the survey =
were extended to smaller =E2=80=98extra-large=E2=80=99 uncrewed underwater =
vehicles (XLUUVs), China=E2=80=99s lead would grow.</div><div style=3D"box-=
sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;border-radius:0px;hei=
ght:auto;min-height:auto;min-width:0px;overflow:visible;width:100%;display:=
flex;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px">=
<div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min=
-width:0px;max-width:100%"><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;=
margin:0px;outline:none;line-height:1;font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,san=
s-serif;font-weight:700;color:rgb(30,50,95);font-size:22px;text-transform:u=
ppercase"><br></div></div></div><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding=
:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-width:0px;width:100%;max-width:100%;color:=
rgb(51,51,51);font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><div style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex"=
><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;d=
irection:ltr;display:flex;width:970px"></span></div></div><div style=3D"box=
-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;color:rgb(51,51,51);=
font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;min-width:0px;font-size:16px;m=
ax-width:100%"><p style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px=
 17px;outline:none;font-family:inherit;line-height:1.5em;font-size:20px"><s=
trong style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;fo=
nt-weight:bold;line-height:inherit">More countries are building and operati=
ng submarines today than at any point in modern history. Yet amid this glob=
al expansion, China has emerged as the dominant force, launching twice as m=
any submarines as any other nation and introducing more new classes.</stron=
g></p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;=
margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:56px"><span style=3D"font-family:=
inherit;background-color:transparent">World submarine construction is growi=
ng to levels unseen since the Cold War in the 1980s. And in stark contrast =
to back then, today many more countries are involved. An estimated 77 subma=
rines have been launched in the past 5 years (2021-present) by some 16 coun=
tries. This number includes 33 nuclear-powered submarines in 6 countries (C=
hina, Russia, United States, United Kingdom, France and India). Brazil and =
North Korea also have nuclear-powered boats under construction, but they ha=
ve </span>yet hit<span style=3D"font-family:inherit;background-color:transp=
arent"> the water. Meanwhile=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.navalnews.c=
om/naval-news/2026/05/south-korea-unveils-historic-plan-to-build-first-nucl=
ear-powered-submarine/" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener" style=3D"font-family:in=
herit;background-color:transparent;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin=
:0px;outline:none;color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none;line-height:inhe=
rit" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;mar=
gin:0px;outline:none;text-decoration:underline">South Korea</span></a><span=
 style=3D"font-family:inherit;background-color:transparent">=C2=A0and Austr=
alia have plans to operate nuclear boats.</span></div><div aria-hidden=3D"t=
rue" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;cle=
ar:both;height:25px"></div><p style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;ma=
rgin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font-family:inherit;line-height:1.5em">But o=
ne country stands out for both their dramatic increase in volume and rapid =
pace of technical development. China has established a commanding lead in s=
ubmarine production. Over the past five years, it has launched about 24 sub=
marines. This is twice Russia=E2=80=99s 12 and more than triple the United =
States=E2=80=99 output of 7 boats.</p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"bo=
x-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:2=
5px"></div><h2 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outlin=
e:none;line-height:1.2em;font-family:inherit;color:inherit">Innovation</h2>=
<div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin=
:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><p style=3D"box-sizing:bord=
er-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font-family:inherit;lin=
e-height:1.5em">The contrast between China and Russia and the United States=
 is in more than just numbers, it=E2=80=99s the rate of improvement. China=
=E2=80=99s construction includes 7 new classes of boat. Meanwhile, of the 1=
2 boats launched in Russia, only one was of a new class,=C2=A0<a href=3D"ht=
tps://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/05/new-details-of-russias-super-wea=
pon-submarine-khabarovsk/" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener" style=3D"box-sizing:=
border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;color:rgb(51,51,51);text-dec=
oration:none;line-height:inherit" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"box-sizi=
ng:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;text-decoration:underline=
">the=C2=A0<em style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outlin=
e:none;line-height:inherit">Khabarovsk</em></span></a>=C2=A0which had been =
in construction over 11 years. And for the United States, they were all the=
 well-established Virginia Class. This is not to say that Chinese submarine=
s are, on an individual level, more sophisticated but they are developing f=
aster.</p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:=
0px;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><p style=3D"box-s=
izing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font-family:i=
nherit;line-height:1.5em">One key area where China has a clear edge is the =
construction of=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/1=
2/chinas-new-underwater-drones-could-threaten-west-coast-u-s/" rel=3D"noref=
errer noopener" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outli=
ne:none;color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none;line-height:inherit" targe=
t=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;ou=
tline:none;text-decoration:underline">extra-extra-large underwater drones</=
span></a>=C2=A0(XXLUUVs). We haven=E2=80=99t counted the regular XLUUVs (wi=
th one =E2=80=98X=E2=80=99), but China is the only country building underwa=
ter drones which are the size of regular crewed submarines and these are in=
cluded. China is also the first country to going for small nuclear power pl=
ants, termed nuclear-AIP (air independent power) which is seen on the Type-=
041 Zhou Class.</p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><p style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font=
-family:inherit;line-height:1.5em">China=E2=80=99s submarine construction i=
ncludes four Hangor class boats for export, part of a deal with Pakistan. O=
ther countries building significant numbers of submarine for export are Ger=
many and France, although the latter did not launch any export boats during=
 the period. However, the general trend over the past 30 years has been tec=
hnology transfers with local production and even the Chinese-Pakistan deal =
is shared production. This trend is driving the proliferation of countries =
building submarines.</p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:borde=
r-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><h2=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;line-he=
ight:1.2em;font-family:inherit;color:inherit">China Goes Nuclear</h2><div a=
ria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;o=
utline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><p style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font-family:inherit;line-heig=
ht:1.5em">Conventional non-nuclear submarines remain a key pillar of China=
=E2=80=99s submarine force, but the focus is changing to nuclear boats. Unt=
il very recently the sole shipyard building nuclear submarines was at Hulud=
ao in the north of the country. Now two shipyards on the Yangtze River, the=
 Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan and the JN yard in Shanghai, have joined. Wuchan=
g appears likely to focus on the Type-041 Zhou class =E2=80=98mini-nuke=E2=
=80=99 while JN has begun construction of much larger boats. The first nucl=
ear powered boat launched at JN was=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.hisutton.co=
m/Chinese-Small-Sail-Sub.html" type=3D"link" id=3D"m_3400522972694798694gma=
il-https://www.hisutton.com/Chinese-Small-Sail-Sub.html" rel=3D"noreferrer =
noopener" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:non=
e;color:rgb(51,51,51);text-decoration:none;line-height:inherit" target=3D"_=
blank"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:=
none;text-decoration:underline">a new class of attack submarine</span></a>,=
 known for its very small fin (sail), which is as-yet unnamed. An identical=
 submarine was launched in Huludao just days apart. Exact details of the ne=
w class, and how it relates to the also new Type-095 have yet to emerge.</p=
><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margi=
n:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><p style=3D"box-sizing:bor=
der-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font-family:inherit;li=
ne-height:1.5em">Given the three yards now building nuclear submarines, the=
 focus of construction is expected to shift to nuclear boats. China can alr=
eady launch several each year, which a reasonable estimate now increasing t=
o around six per year. This is triple the rate the United States is aiming =
for.</p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0p=
x;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><p style=3D"box-siz=
ing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 17px;outline:none;font-family:inh=
erit;line-height:1.5em">At the same time, China=E2=80=99s yards in the sout=
h of the country seem focused on uncrewed submarines. Although conventional=
 submarines will remain a major force component for at least a decade, they=
 are likely to become smaller and less emphasised part, displaced by more n=
ukes at the top end and large uncrewed platforms at the lower end of their =
remit.</p><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:=
0px;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;height:25px"></div><h2 style=3D"box-=
sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;line-height:1.2em;fon=
t-family:inherit;color:inherit">Outlook</h2><div aria-hidden=3D"true" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;clear:both;he=
ight:24px"></div><p style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0=
px 17px;outline:none;font-family:inherit;line-height:1.5em">More countries =
will be launching new submarines in the coming years. Many will be for loca=
l use but increasingly countries are also looking to export their designs, =
with Spain and South Korea being notable new entrants on the market. Howeve=
r China is likely to continue to dominate, even as major new classes start =
being launched in the United States and United Kingdom.</p></div><div style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-width:0px=
;width:100%;max-width:100%;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:&quot;Open Sans&=
quot;;font-size:14px"><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margi=
n:0px;outline:none;display:flex"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;paddi=
ng:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;direction:ltr;display:flex;width:970px"></sp=
an></div></div><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;o=
utline:none;border-radius:0px;height:auto;min-height:auto;min-width:0px;ove=
rflow:visible;width:100%;display:flex;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:&quot=
;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;paddin=
g:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-width:0px;width:970px;max-width:100%"><di=
v style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;line-h=
eight:1;font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;font-weight:700;color:=
rgb(30,50,95);font-size:22px;text-transform:uppercase"><br></div></div><div=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-wid=
th:0px;width:970px;max-width:100%"><ul style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;paddi=
ng:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;font-size:16px;line-height:1.6;list-style-po=
sition:outside;list-style-type:none;display:flex"><li style=3D"box-sizing:b=
order-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex;font-size:13px;f=
ont-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;word-break:break-word"></li></u=
l></div></div><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;ou=
tline:none;min-width:0px;width:100%;max-width:100%;color:rgb(51,51,51);font=
-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><div style=3D"box-sizing:bord=
er-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex"><span style=3D"box=
-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;direction:ltr;displa=
y:flex;width:970px"></span></div></div><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;=
padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;min-width:0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(=
51,51,51);font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;;font-size:14px"><div style=3D"b=
ox-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;display:flex"><div=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 20px 0px 0px;outline=
:none"><img src=3D"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a8af67836d0135c43e5f8=
e5a3ce2d5f8581fb6e0560d70f6df84bd6e1e2b32e6?s=3D150&amp;d=3Dmm&amp;r=3Dg" a=
lt=3D"Picture of H I Sutton" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;mar=
gin:0px;outline:none;height:70px;max-width:100%;border:solid rgb(30,50,95);=
border-radius:500px;object-fit:cover;width:70px"></div><div style=3D"box-si=
zing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none;font-size:17px"><div st=
yle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px;outline:none"><h2 style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 10px;outline:none;line=
-height:1.2em;font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;color:rgb(30,50,=
95);font-size:22px;letter-spacing:-0.6px">H I Sutton</h2></div><div style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;padding:0px;margin:0px 0px 0.8em;outline:none;fon=
t-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:1.4em"=
>H I Sutton writes about the secretive and under-reported submarines, seeki=
ng out unusual and interesting vessels and technologies involved in fightin=
g beneath the waves. Submarines, capabilities, naval special forces underwa=
ter vehicles and the changing world of underwater warfare and seabed warfar=
e. To do this he combines the latest Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) with =
the traditional art and science of defense analysis. He occasionally writes=
 non-fiction books on these topics and draws analysis-based illustrations t=
o bring the subject to life. In addition, H I Sutton is a naval history buf=
f and data geek. His personal website about these topics is Covert Shores (=
<a href=3D"http://www.hisutton.com" target=3D"_blank">www.hisutton.com</a>)=
</div></div></div></div></div></div>
</div>

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Subject: [Salon] Trump Blows Wind in Erdogan's Sails as Turkey Advances
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*https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/2026-06-27/ty-article/.premium/tr=
ump-blows-wind-in-erdogans-sails-as-turkey-advances-regional-ambitions/0000=
019f-0758-dfe2-a79f-6f592ee70000
<https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/2026-06-27/ty-article/.premium/tr=
ump-blows-wind-in-erdogans-sails-as-turkey-advances-regional-ambitions/0000=
019f-0758-dfe2-a79f-6f592ee70000>*

6/27/26

*Trump Blows Wind in Erdogan's Sails as Turkey Advances Regional Ambitions
- Middle East *News
[image: =D7=A4=D7=95=D7=AA=D7=97=D7=AA]
*Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo=C4=9Fan at the handover ceremony of a
warship built by Turkey for Romania last week. Credit: AFP*

*U.S. President Donald Trump is making things up. The interesting question
is whether he knows he's making things up, lying and constructing an
alternative reality, or if he believes in the reality that he is creating.*

*The latest example was his comment claiming that Turkey was about to join
the war, "maybe on the Iran side, because he's not a big fan of Israel."
Luckily, according to his version, he asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip
Erdo=C4=9Fan "to stay out." And Erdo=C4=9Fan allegedly agreed.*

*Ankara, as expected, denied the story. "Turkey never intended at any stage
to intervene in the war with Iran," a Turkish government official told
Haaretz. He said the Turkish position was clear from the start. It opposed
the war, even after Iran fired missiles at Turkish air space. NATO forces
and Patriot batteries shot down all four Iranian volleys at Turkey. Ankara
didn't even think of invoking NATO's joint defense clause. Still, there's
reality and then there's Trump. In his reality, he asked the "very strong
person" to stay out, and the Turkish leader gallantly agreed.*

*It's also worth noticing what Trump didn't say. Contrary to his venomous
language when he declared that Netanyahu "will do whatever I want him to
do," he spoke with demonstrative care about Erdogan, and not by chance.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who is also the Special Presidential
Envoy for Syria and Iraq, called the Trump-Erdo=C4=9Fan relationship a
"bromance." It rests on Trump's deep admiration of Erdo=C4=9Fan going back =
to
his frist administration. Trump stressed he would only attend the NATO
summit opening on July 7 "out of respect" for Erdogan. He also said, "I'm
going to probably do something that's going to make him very happy"
regarding Turkey's request to buy F-35 fighter jets and advanced jet
engines. Trump perhaps invented the intervention story, but not the new
status Turkey is seeking =E2=80=93 to dictate policy rather than merely obe=
y it.*

*For Erdogan, the upcoming NATO summit isn't just another conference. It's
a historic opportunity. Turkey last hosted a NATO summit in 2004, a year
after he rose to power. It was a completely different Turkey then. The
country was just emerging from a dire economic crisis that helped propel
him to power. The generals still threateningly hovered over the civilian
politicians, especially over him. The local defense industry barely
supplied a fifth of the army's needs, with turnover of little more than $1
billion. Turkey bought its first drones, ironically, from Israel.*

*That first drone deal became a decisive lesson for Turkey. Ankra ordered
10 drones. The deliveries were delayed. When they arrived, the Turks
complained that Israel had deliberately sabotaged the drones' ability to
photograph and collect intelligence. Only years later, after mutual
recriminations, crises, and diplomatic pressure were the problems resolved.
However, for Erdogan, the affair accomplished its goal. It bolstered the
decision he had already made to make Turkey self-reliant.*

*Since then, Turkey has undergone a true revolution. Erdo=C4=9Fan canceled =
deals
worth billions, funded local production infrastructure and built a military
industry that has made Turkey a regional empire of drones and a global
player in the defense industry. Turkey has NATO's second largest army. Its
annual defense industry production is around $20 billion, and it plans to
invest more than $27 billion this year in expanding production. At the same
time, it seeks to present itself not only as a weapons client or effective
user of arms but also as a supplier of arms and military experience.*
[image: A memorial event for those killed in Iran, in Istanbul, Turkey, on
Friday.]
*A memorial event for those killed in Iran, in Istanbul, Turkey, on
Friday. Credit: Murad Sezer/Reuters *

*Thus, the coming summit in Ankara is planned as a Caesar-like display. The
Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications announced that 32 heads
of state, nearly 100 ministers and thousands of "foreign guests" will be
attending. It noted that around 3,000 international media professionals had
applied for accreditation. (Turkey has denied accreditation to dozens of
journalists, according to Reuters.) There will be around 1,600 workstations
for members of the press, while Turkish broadcaster TRT will provide live
coverage from 26 locations. There will be dozens of events, symposia and
guided tours in Istanbul. *

*Turkey is investing around $250 million to host the summit, including
airport preparation, fixing roads and sidewalks, and unprecedented security
measures. Tens of thousands of police officers and security personnel are
already deployed in key locations. Turkey has also banned all protests,
press conferences and other public gatherings, as it has done for previous
such events. It has already arrested more than 200 people in "anti-terror"
raids, a catch-all clause that allows not only detaining individuals who
might disturb the peace but also dissidents and political rivals.*

*Erdo=C4=9Fan wants his guests not only to participate in the summit but al=
so to
buy into his narrative. They are all due to receive three fancy books
prepared especially for the summit =E2=80=93 about Turkey's military power,=
 its
production capabilities, its fight against terror and its regional and
international standing.*

*The message is clear. Turkey isn't just another "East-West bridge," that
diplomatic clich=C3=A9 attached to it for years. It seeks to be considered =
a
vital partner. Not a weigh station but a destination. Not one that supplies
mediatory services for others' interests but the one formulating its own
regional interests.*

*The war with Iran offers Turkey an almost perfect opportunity to show off
this upgrade. The invitation of Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates
and Kuwait to the summit wasn't meant only to embellish the group photo.
These countries are members of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative
established at the 2004 summit. It is part of a clear Turkish attempt to
fix Ankara in the role of being the central axis between NATO and the Gulf
states, and between the United States the regional architecture that will
perhaps arise the day after the war.*
[image: NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, last year.]
*NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, last year. Credit: Yves
Herman/Reuters*

*It's also the new doctrine that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has
begun to articulate. The lesson for him is clear. Countries in the region
cannot continue to base their security solely on external alliances or
American sponsorship. Fidan told Al Jazeera in January that Turkey seeks to
establish regional security arrangements that will create "fundamental and
ultimate trust" among the states. "We want to create a regional solidarity
platform," he added. It's a much more ambitious vision than the usual image
of Turkey as a mediator. Fidan proposes a new security order, in which
Turkey is the main writer of the script.*

*However, this doctrine remains far from becoming a desired product. First,
the "regional solidarity" Fidan speaks of has a clear political limit from
the get go. Israel is not a partner as long as it doesn't adopt the
two-state formula. Secondly, the Gulf states are very cautious. None of
them has severed relations with Iran, and some of them are already talking
with Iran about security arrangements and economic cooperation following
the war. Moreover, the close ties that Turkey built in recent years with
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar =E2=80=93 including arms deals and huge inv=
estments
in the Turkish economy =E2=80=93 have not totally erased the historic suspi=
cion
that these regimes harbor regarding Turkey in general and Erdo=C4=9Fan
specifically.*
[image: Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month in Deir ez-Zor,
eastern Syria.]
*Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month in Deir ez-Zor,
eastern Syria. Credit: Omar Albam/AP*

*Then there are the internal disputes among the Gulf states. The rivalry
between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi regarding Yemen and Sudan, their ongoing
competition with Qatar, Kuwait's meticulous neutrality, and mainly the
uncertainty around the future of negotiations between the United States and
Iran all keep the Gulf states in a holding pattern. They're prepared to
listen to Turkey, maybe even buy arms from it, but they're not ready to
hand it the keys to regional security.*

*And Turkey itself has structural problems. As a NATO member, it enjoys
mutual defense through Article 5. A regional defense pact, in which Turkey
would serve as an anchor of defense for the Gulf States and not only an
arms supplier, is liable to create a system of obligations that would put
it in direct conflict with its NATO allies. Here lies the Turkish paradox.
Ankara doesn't want to abandon the alliance. On the contrary, it seeks to
leverage it economically and politically, but at the same time it aspires
to be the center of security dependence for other countries in the region.
It's hard to simultaneously possess a preferred member card in NATO and
status as the one organizing the Middle East's new security arrangement.*

*Meanwhile, Erdo=C4=9Fan must also take great care regarding a list of nati=
onal
objectives. For example, he must see to it that Trump doesn't adopt
regional arrangements that will hurt Turkey's interests in Syria; that
Israel doesn't expand its war in Gaza; that Kurdish forces in Syria be
integrated into the national army under conditions acceptable to Ankara;
that the peace process with the Turkish Kurds and Kurdish underground move
ahead without blowing up; and, mainly, to find a way to legally run for
another term after this one expires in two years. And so, even as he hosts
the world, Erdo=C4=9Fan remains a captive of domestic politics.*
[image: U.S. President Donald Trump attends a rally in celebration of the
250th anniversary of U.S. independence on the National Mall in Washington,
D.C., U.S., last week.]
*U.S. President Donald Trump attends a rally in celebration of the 250th
anniversary of U.S. independence on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.,
U.S., last week. Credit: Evan Vucci/Reuters*

*If Trump gave Erdo=C4=9Fan a gift, it wasn't the claim that Turkey was abo=
ut to
intervene in the war for Iran against Israel, nor his participation in the
NATO Summit. Rather, it was the opportunity to remind the world that of the
alliance between him and Erdogan; it was stressing that Turkey, not Israel,
is again at the heart of the story; and perhaps it was also backing the
Turkish vision. The question is whether summit attendees will buy this
vision or suffice with the performance.*

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"font-family:georgia,serif;backgro=
und-color:transparent"><a href=3D"https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/=
2026-06-27/ty-article/.premium/trump-blows-wind-in-erdogans-sails-as-turkey=
-advances-regional-ambitions/0000019f-0758-dfe2-a79f-6f592ee70000" target=
=3D"_blank">https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/2026-06-27/ty-article/=
.premium/trump-blows-wind-in-erdogans-sails-as-turkey-advances-regional-amb=
itions/0000019f-0758-dfe2-a79f-6f592ee70000</a></b></div><div dir=3D"ltr" c=
lass=3D"gmail_attr"><br></div><div dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr">6/27/26=
</div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div style=3D"font-family:georgia,s=
erif"><b><br></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0p=
x;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font size=3D"4" =
face=3D"georgia, serif"><i>Trump Blows Wind in Erdogan&#39;s Sails as Turke=
y Advances Regional Ambitions - Middle East </i>N</font><font size=3D"2" st=
yle=3D"font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;">ews</font></h1><div style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"Turkish Pre=
sident Recep Tayyip Erdo=C4=9Fan at the handover ceremony of a warship buil=
t by Turkey for Romania last week. Credit: AFP" alt=3D"=D7=A4=D7=95=D7=AA=
=D7=97=D7=AA" width=3D"412" height=3D"239" src=3D"https://img.haarets.co.il=
/bs/0000019f-075a-d455-abff-3fde811c0007/e3/cc/d181b8dd41669c8c4bc4bd2f135c=
/66112754.JPG?precrop=3D3936,2287,x0,y337&amp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D244&=
amp;cmsprod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></div></di=
v><b><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">=
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo=C4=9Fan at the handover ceremony of a w=
arship built by Turkey for Romania last week.</span><span>=C2=A0</span><spa=
n style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">Credit: A=
FP</span></b><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">U.S. President Donald Trump is making things up. The in=
teresting question is whether he knows he&#39;s making things up, lying and=
 constructing an alternative reality, or if he believes in the reality that=
 he is creating.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,2=
7)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The latest example was his comment cla=
iming that Turkey was about to join the war, &quot;maybe on the Iran side, =
because he&#39;s not a big fan of Israel.&quot; Luckily, according to his v=
ersion, he asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo=C4=9Fan &quot;to stay =
out.&quot; And Erdo=C4=9Fan allegedly agreed.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max=
-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Ankara, a=
s expected, denied the story. &quot;Turkey never intended at any stage to i=
ntervene in the war with Iran,&quot; a Turkish government official told Haa=
retz. He said the Turkish position was clear from the start. It opposed the=
 war, even after Iran fired missiles at Turkish air space. NATO forces and =
Patriot batteries shot down all four Iranian volleys at Turkey. Ankara didn=
&#39;t even think of invoking NATO&#39;s joint defense clause. Still, there=
&#39;s reality and then there&#39;s Trump. In his reality, he asked the &qu=
ot;very strong person&quot; to stay out, and the Turkish leader gallantly a=
greed.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif">It&#39;s also worth noticing what Trump didn&#39=
;t say. Contrary to his venomous language when he declared that Netanyahu &=
quot;will do whatever I want him to do,&quot; he spoke with demonstrative c=
are about Erdogan, and not by chance. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack=
, who is also the Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq, called the=
 Trump-Erdo=C4=9Fan relationship a &quot;bromance.&quot; It rests on Trump&=
#39;s deep admiration of Erdo=C4=9Fan going back to his frist administratio=
n. Trump stressed he would only attend the NATO summit opening on July 7 &q=
uot;out of respect&quot; for Erdogan. He also said, &quot;I&#39;m going to =
probably do something that&#39;s going to make him very happy&quot; regardi=
ng Turkey&#39;s request to buy F-35 fighter jets and advanced jet engines. =
Trump perhaps invented the intervention story, but not the new status Turke=
y is seeking =E2=80=93 to dictate policy rather than merely obey it.</font>=
</b></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><div style=3D"max=
-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><p=
 style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.4em"></p><h5 styl=
e=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width:100%"><b style=3D"font-size:small;background-=
color:transparent"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">For Erdogan, the=C2=A0<a s=
tyle=3D"color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%">upcoming NATO summit</a>=C2=
=A0isn&#39;t just another conference. It&#39;s a historic opportunity. Turk=
ey last hosted a NATO summit in 2004, a year after he rose to power. It was=
 a completely different Turkey then. The country was just emerging from a d=
ire economic crisis that helped propel him to power. The generals still thr=
eateningly hovered over the civilian politicians, especially over him. The =
local defense industry barely supplied a fifth of the army&#39;s needs, wit=
h turnover of little more than $1 billion. Turkey bought its first drones, =
ironically, from Israel.</font></b></h5></div></div></div></div><p style=3D=
"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">That =
first drone deal became a decisive lesson for Turkey.<span>=C2=A0</span><a =
style=3D"color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%">Ankra ordered 10 drones</a>.=
 The deliveries were delayed. When they arrived, the Turks complained that =
Israel had deliberately sabotaged the drones&#39; ability to photograph and=
 collect intelligence. Only years later, after mutual recriminations, crise=
s, and diplomatic pressure were the problems resolved. However, for Erdogan=
, the affair accomplished its goal. It bolstered the decision he had alread=
y made to make Turkey self-reliant.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100=
%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Since then, Turkey =
has undergone a true revolution. Erdo=C4=9Fan canceled deals worth billions=
, funded local production infrastructure and built a military industry that=
 has made Turkey a regional empire of drones and a global player in the def=
ense industry. Turkey has NATO&#39;s second largest army. Its annual defens=
e industry production is around $20 billion, and it plans to invest more th=
an $27 billion this year in expanding production. At the same time, it seek=
s to present itself not only as a weapons client or effective user of arms =
but also as a supplier of arms and military experience.</font></b></p><div =
style=3D"max-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"A memo=
rial event for those killed in Iran, in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday. Credit=
: Murad Sezer/Reuters" alt=3D"A memorial event for those killed in Iran, in=
 Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday." width=3D"412" height=3D"276" src=3D"https://=
img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-075a-d455-abff-3fde7da90001/ae/23/e6c15b0246b=
88556910d9e007b81/532603.jpg?&amp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D281&amp;cmsprod"=
 style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></div></div><b><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;marg=
in-bottom:0.25em">A memorial event for those killed in Iran, in Istanbul, T=
urkey, on Friday.</span><span>=C2=A0</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%;ma=
rgin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">Credit: Murad Sezer/Reuters<span>=C2=
=A0</span></span></font></b><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Thus, the coming summit in Ankara is plan=
ned as a Caesar-like display. The Turkish Presidency&#39;s Directorate of C=
ommunications announced that 32 heads of state, nearly 100 ministers and th=
ousands of &quot;foreign guests&quot; will be attending. It noted that arou=
nd 3,000 international media professionals had applied for accreditation. (=
Turkey has denied accreditation to dozens of journalists, according to Reut=
ers.) There will be around 1,600 workstations for members of the press, whi=
le Turkish broadcaster TRT will provide live coverage from 26 locations. Th=
ere will be dozens of events, symposia and guided tours in Istanbul.<span>=
=C2=A0</span></font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Turkey is investing around $250 million t=
o host the summit, including airport preparation, fixing roads and sidewalk=
s, and unprecedented security measures. Tens of thousands of police officer=
s and security personnel are already deployed in key locations. Turkey has =
also banned all protests, press conferences and other public gatherings, as=
 it has done for previous such events. It has already arrested more than 20=
0 people in &quot;anti-terror&quot; raids, a catch-all clause that allows n=
ot only detaining individuals who might disturb the peace but also dissiden=
ts and political rivals.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb=
(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Erdo=C4=9Fan wants his guests =
not only to participate in the summit but also to buy into his narrative. T=
hey are all due to receive three fancy books prepared especially for the su=
mmit =E2=80=93 about Turkey&#39;s military power, its production capabiliti=
es, its fight against terror and its regional and international standing.</=
font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">The message is clear. Turkey isn&#39;t just another &qu=
ot;East-West bridge,&quot; that diplomatic clich=C3=A9 attached to it for y=
ears. It seeks to be considered a vital partner. Not a weigh station but a =
destination. Not one that supplies mediatory services for others&#39; inter=
ests but the one formulating its own regional interests.</font></b></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif=
">The war with Iran offers Turkey an almost perfect opportunity to show off=
 this upgrade. The invitation of Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates a=
nd Kuwait to the summit wasn&#39;t meant only to embellish the group photo.=
 These countries are members of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative establi=
shed at the 2004 summit. It is part of a clear Turkish attempt to fix Ankar=
a in the role of being the central axis between NATO and the Gulf states, a=
nd between the United States the regional architecture that will perhaps ar=
ise the day after the war.</font></b></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><div=
 style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belg=
ium, last year. Credit: Yves Herman/Reuters" alt=3D"NATO headquarters in Br=
ussels, Belgium, last year." width=3D"164" height=3D"109" src=3D"https://im=
g.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-075a-d455-abff-3fde7f980000/7c/27/da1dc70f4f269=
48a016c58685a82/214270.jpg?&amp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D278&amp;cmsprod" s=
tyle=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></div></div><b><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin=
-bottom:0.25em">NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, last year.</span><s=
pan>=C2=A0</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bot=
tom:0.25em">Credit: Yves Herman/Reuters</span></font></b><p style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">It&#39;s als=
o the new doctrine that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has begun to a=
rticulate. The lesson for him is clear. Countries in the region cannot cont=
inue to base their security solely on external alliances or American sponso=
rship. Fidan told Al Jazeera in January that Turkey seeks to establish regi=
onal security arrangements that will create &quot;fundamental and ultimate =
trust&quot; among the states. &quot;We want to create a regional solidarity=
 platform,&quot; he added. It&#39;s a much more ambitious vision than the u=
sual image of Turkey as a mediator. Fidan proposes a new security order, in=
 which Turkey is the main writer of the script.</font></b></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">However=
, this doctrine remains far from becoming a desired product. First, the &qu=
ot;regional solidarity&quot; Fidan speaks of has a clear political limit fr=
om the get go. Israel is not a partner as long as it doesn&#39;t adopt the =
two-state formula. Secondly, the<span>=C2=A0</span><a style=3D"color:rgb(65=
,110,210);max-width:100%">Gulf states are very cautious</a>. None of them h=
as<a style=3D"color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>seve=
red relations with Iran</a>, and some of them are already talking with Iran=
 about security arrangements and economic cooperation following the war. Mo=
reover, the close ties that Turkey built in recent years with Saudi Arabia,=
 the UAE and Qatar =E2=80=93 including arms deals and huge investments in t=
he Turkish economy =E2=80=93 have not totally erased the historic suspicion=
 that these regimes harbor regarding Turkey in general and Erdo=C4=9Fan spe=
cifically.</font></b></p><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><div style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%"><img title=3D"Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month=
 in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria. Credit: Omar Albam/AP" alt=3D"Syrian interi=
m President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria." widt=
h=3D"412" height=3D"276" src=3D"https://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-075a-=
d455-abff-3fde80590001/e7/27/dd74dd394c9a888a171763ae25af/168345-2.jpg?&amp=
;width=3D420&amp;height=3D281&amp;cmsprod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em =
auto;display:block"></div></div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">Syrian interim =
President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.</span><=
span>=C2=A0</span><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bo=
ttom:0.25em">Credit: Omar Albam/AP</span></font></b><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Then there are th=
e internal disputes among the Gulf states. The rivalry between Riyadh and A=
bu Dhabi regarding Yemen and Sudan, their ongoing competition with Qatar, K=
uwait&#39;s meticulous neutrality, and mainly the uncertainty around the fu=
ture of negotiations between the United States and Iran all keep the Gulf s=
tates in a holding pattern. They&#39;re prepared to listen to Turkey, maybe=
 even buy arms from it, but they&#39;re not ready to hand it the keys to re=
gional security.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,2=
7)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">And Turkey itself has structural probl=
ems. As a NATO member, it enjoys mutual defense through Article 5. A region=
al defense pact, in which Turkey would serve as an anchor of defense for th=
e Gulf States and not only an arms supplier, is liable to create a system o=
f obligations that would put it in direct conflict with its NATO allies. He=
re lies the Turkish paradox. Ankara doesn&#39;t want to abandon the allianc=
e. On the contrary, it seeks to leverage it economically and politically, b=
ut at the same time it aspires to be the center of security dependence for =
other countries in the region. It&#39;s hard to simultaneously possess a pr=
eferred member card in NATO and status as the one organizing the Middle Eas=
t&#39;s new security arrangement.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;=
color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Meanwhile, Erdo=C4=9F=
an must also take great care regarding a list of national objectives. For e=
xample, he must see to it that Trump doesn&#39;t adopt regional arrangement=
s that will hurt<span>=C2=A0</span><a style=3D"color:rgb(65,110,210);max-wi=
dth:100%">Turkey&#39;s interests in Syria</a>; that Israel doesn&#39;t expa=
nd its war in Gaza; that Kurdish forces in Syria be integrated into the nat=
ional army under conditions acceptable to Ankara; that the peace process wi=
th the Turkish Kurds and Kurdish underground move ahead without blowing up;=
 and, mainly, to find a way to legally run for another term after this one =
expires in two years. And so, even as he hosts the world, Erdo=C4=9Fan rema=
ins a captive of domestic politics.</font></b></p><div style=3D"max-width:1=
00%"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><img title=3D"U.S. President Donald Trum=
p attends a rally in celebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independe=
nce on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., U.S., last week. Credit: Evan=
 Vucci/Reuters" alt=3D"U.S. President Donald Trump attends a rally in celeb=
ration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on the National Mall i=
n Washington, D.C., U.S., last week." width=3D"412" height=3D"266" src=3D"h=
ttps://img.haarets.co.il/bs/0000019f-075a-d455-abff-3fde7ec50001/7f/00/3f49=
aaf14ef1be76175d221b0e96/529131.jpg?&amp;width=3D420&amp;height=3D271&amp;c=
msprod" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"></div></div><b>=
<font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25=
em;margin-bottom:0.25em">U.S. President Donald Trump attends a rally in cel=
ebration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence on the National Mall=
 in Washington, D.C., U.S., last week.</span><span>=C2=A0</span><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em">Credit: Evan Vuc=
ci/Reuters</span></font></b><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">If Trump gave Erdo=C4=9Fan a gift, it was=
n&#39;t the claim that Turkey was about to intervene in the war for Iran ag=
ainst Israel, nor his participation in the NATO Summit. Rather, it was the =
opportunity to remind the world that of the alliance between him and Erdoga=
n; it was stressing that<span>=C2=A0</span><a style=3D"color:rgb(65,110,210=
);max-width:100%">Turkey, not Israel, is again at the heart of the story</a=
>; and perhaps it was also backing the Turkish vision. The question is whet=
her summit attendees will buy this vision or suffice with the performance.<=
/font></b></p></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

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*https://www.juancole.com/2026/06/obliterating-children-damning.html
<https://www.juancole.com/2026/06/obliterating-children-damning.html>*

*Obliterating Gaza=E2=80=99s Children: The Damning UN Report*

*Dan Steinbock <https://www.juancole.com/author/dan-steinbock> 06/27/2026*

*Singapore (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) =E2=80=93 From Gaza and b=
eyond,
Israeli authorities and security forces have deliberately targeted
Palestinian children. It is in line with the new Obliteration Doctrine and
the topic of a new UN report.*

*When I was working on The Fall of Israel
<https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-fall-of-israel/> (2024) and
particularly The Obliteration Doctrine
<https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-obliteration-doctrine-genocide-pr=
evention-israel-gaza-and-the-west/>(2025),
what I found most repulsive was the targeting of children in the Gaza
Strip.*

*By late 2024, the testimonies of health professionals on location
indicated that the deaths of many children in Gaza were not just collateral
damage, but outcomes of deliberate, targeted actions.*

*The testimony of Dr. Feroze Sidhwa,
<https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/10/09/opinion/gaza-doctor-intervi=
ews.html>a
young American trauma and general surgeon who had volunteered in Palestine
including the European Hospital in Khan Younis, was particularly
compelling.*

*=E2=80=9CI=E2=80=99ve seen violence and worked in conflict zones,=E2=80=9D=
 Sidhwa said. =E2=80=9CBut of
the many things that stood out about working in a hospital in Gaza, one got
to me: Nearly every day I was there, I saw a new young child who had been
shot in the head or the chest, virtually all of whom went on to die.=E2=80=
=9D*

*The statement of Dr. Sidhwa, who subsequently became one of the endorsers
of my book, The Obliteration Doctrine
<https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-obliteration-doctrine-genocide-pr=
evention-israel-gaza-and-the-west/>,
was supported by dozens of other remarkable and courageous medical
volunteers in Gaza. And these testimonies, in turn, have been supported by
many reports of multiple international NGOs and multilateral organizations.=
*

*So, the latest report of the UN Independent International Commission is
hardly new. Nonetheless, it is among the most consequential documents to
emerge from the Gaza war. Its conclusion is stark: Israeli authorities and
security forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children, actions
that the Commission argues constitute genocide, crimes against humanity,
and war crimes.*
The Commission=E2=80=99s findings

*The Commission=E2=80=99s report
<https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2026/06/israel-continues-commit-ge=
nocide-and-other-atrocity-crimes-deliberately>concludes
that the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children is not incidental
collateral damage but part of a recurring pattern of conduct. In line with
the Genocide Convention, it argues that such actions are a key indicator of
genocidal intent because they strike at the future existence of the
Palestinian people.*

*According to the inquiry, more than 20,000 Palestinian children were
killed between October 2023 and October 2025, representing roughly 30
percent of all fatalities, while over 44,000 were injured. Even since the
October 2025 ceasefire, at least 265 children have been killed
<https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/19/israel-kills-a-child-a-day-on-ave=
rage-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire-un-says>
by
Israeli military fire, and 400 more injured, many of them with
=E2=80=9Ccatastrophic=E2=80=9D wounds.*

*The Commission cites cases involving sniper fire, quadcopter drones,
precision-guided munitions, and high-yield bombs used in densely populated
civilian areas. It argues that the nature of these weapons systems often
allowed operators to identify their targets, including whether they were
children.*

*Israel has rejected the findings as biased and defamatory.*

*Regardless of political positions, the significance of the report lies in
its accumulation of evidence, legal analysis, forensic testimony, and
witness accounts. It represents one of the most comprehensive international
investigations yet conducted on the impact of the war on children.*

*It is a condemnation that casts a long dark shadow over the entire Israeli
war government andits international collaborators, arms suppliers and
financiers.*
Children and the logic of genocide

*In The Obliteration Doctrine, I showed that modern warfare in Gaza evolved
beyond traditional military objectives toward the destruction of the social
foundations of Palestinian existence. The Commission=E2=80=99s findings rei=
nforce
this interpretation.*

*Historically, genocide scholars have emphasized that attacks on children
occupy a unique place in genocidal campaigns. The 1948 Genocide Convention
identifies not only direct killing but also the infliction
of conditions calculated to destroy a protected group. In Gaza, famine
served the same genocidal function as starvation in the Warsaw ghetto.*

*Children embody demographic continuity, cultural reproduction, and
collective future. Consequently, systematic violence against children has
appeared repeatedly in cases later recognized as genocide, from the
Armenian genocide to Rwanda.*

*The Commission explicitly states that targeting children attacks =E2=80=9C=
the very
capacity of the Palestinian people to exist and determine their future.=E2=
=80=9D
Its findings connect killings to broader patterns: destruction of schools,
hospitals, pediatric facilities, neonatal care units, food systems, and
water infrastructure.*

*That=E2=80=99s the ultimate objective: the genocide and ecocide of Palesti=
ne, its
culture and children. Israel=E2=80=99s devastation of Lebanon follows in th=
e
footprints
<https://www.juancole.com/2026/04/obliteration-ecocide-lebanon.html>.*

*From an empirical perspective, the cumulative effect is measurable.
Public-health research consistently demonstrates that childhood exposure to
mass violence produces lifelong deficits in physical health, educational
attainment, psychological resilience, and economic productivity.*

*Israel did not triumph in Gaza. Moral darkness did.*
Human cost beyond death statistics

*Death tolls alone understate the catastrophe. The Commission reports more
than 44,000 wounded children.*

*Gaza now reportedly has one of the world=E2=80=99s highest concentrations =
of child
amputees. Thousands face permanent disability from burns, blast injuries,
spinal trauma, vision loss, and neurological damage. Worse, Israel has
often denied treatment to thousands of Gazans
<https://www.btselem.org/20250709_israel_denying_thousands_of_amputees_in_g=
aza_including_children_proper_care>
who
lost limbs in Israeli attacks.*

*Research from conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia
demonstrates that severely injured children often experience decades of
adverse outcomes.*

*Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders,
and developmental impairments can remain elevated throughout adulthood.
Educational interruptions reduce lifetime earnings. Family structures
collapse under caregiving burdens.*

*The Commission also documents starvation, disease outbreaks, displacement,
and collapse of medical services. Such conditions affect not only present
survival but the health of future generations through malnutrition,
impaired fetal development, and maternal health crises.*

*The result is not merely a humanitarian emergency. It is the systematic
destruction of human development on a societal scale.*
Hind Rajab, the voice that refuses to disappear

*This tragedy is symbolized by the short life and unwarranted execution of
six-year-old Hind Rajab
<https://www.juancole.com/2025/09/background-rajab-story.html>.*

*Trapped in a vehicle with relatives during military operations in Gaza,
Hind=E2=80=99s desperate phone calls became known worldwide. Audio recordin=
gs
captured a terrified child trapped in a car in Gaza, pleading for rescue
while surrounded by the bodies of family members.*

*The story is depicted by a Venice-awarded 2025 docudrama
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voice_of_Hind_Rajab> by Kaouther Ben
Hania about the young girl, whose desperate calls for help to the Red
Crescent were recorded and went viral.*

*Rescue efforts reportedly failed, and Hind was later found dead. The
Commission specifically references the case as emblematic of broader
patterns under investigation.*

*Historically, certain victims become moral symbols because they
crystallize a larger reality. During the Vietnam War, the photograph of Kim
Ph=C3=BAc <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phan_Thi_Kim_Phuc> became such a
symbol.*

*Hind Rajab has become one of the defining voices of Gaza because her case
transforms abstraction into human reality.*

*Statistical discussions of thousands of deaths become impossible to
separate from the image of a frightened child waiting for help that never
arrived.*
High technology and moral decay

*One of the most troubling aspects of the Commission=E2=80=99s report is th=
e
relationship between technological sophistication and ethical collapse.*

*Israel possesses some of the world=E2=80=99s most advanced military techno=
logies,
including AI-assisted targeting systems, drones, surveillance platforms,
precision-guided munitions, biometric monitoring, and integrated
battlefield intelligence.*

*In theory, such capabilities should reduce civilian casualties by
improving discrimination between combatants and noncombatants.*

*Already in The Fall of Israel
<https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-fall-of-israel/>, two long years
ago, I showed that precisely the reverse has taken place. Despite all the
official rhetoric of =E2=80=9Ctargeting,=E2=80=9D the Palestinians in Gaza =
were hammered
for months by indiscriminate bombing, as even the U.S. intelligence
community acknowledged already in late 2023.*

*In line with the Obliteration Doctrine, modern technology =E2=80=93 AI-amp=
lified
bombing, or alcocide =E2=80=93 was not deployed to optimize precision-targe=
ting.
Rather, it was used to maximize deaths. The execution of innocent
civilians, particularly children, was no longer just collateral damage, but
the tacit objective.*

*Even as these realities became known, that did not halt bombing, which
prevailed over months despite official indignation. The maximized mass
atrocities slowed only when the arms transfer supply chains could no longer
satisfy the demand.*

*The Commission concurs. It points to incidents in which advanced systems
allegedly enabled more precise killing rather than greater protection.
Precision technology does not inherently produce ethical outcomes; it
amplifies the intentions guiding its use.*

*In The Fall of Israel
<https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-fall-of-israel/>, this was one of
the central themes. Technological superiority cannot compensate for moral
deterioration. States may achieve unprecedented operational efficiency
while simultaneously eroding the ethical restraints necessary for
legitimate military conduct.*

*That=E2=80=99s the rotting moral swamp where the international community s=
tands
today.*
The cost to Israeli society and soldiers

*The consequences do not end with Palestinian victims. When perpetrators
are done with their victims, they act out their moral ambivalence on
themselves and their loved ones, one way or another.*

*A growing body of clinical evidence from military psychology demonstrates
that participation in, witnessing of, or exposure to violence against
civilians, especially children, can generate profound psychological injury
among soldiers themselves.*

*This is what trauma centers in Israel know only too well (and what the
government struggles to supress from the media). The men who return from
the indiscriminate killing fields of Gaza =E2=80=93 and increasingly Lebano=
n =E2=80=93 are
no longer men. They are walking time bombs.*

*When you are expected to kill without any moral consideration, you
continue killing: if not others, then yourself. Research on U.S. veterans
from Iraq and Afghanistan has identified high rates of PTSD, depression,
substance abuse, suicide risk, and what clinicians increasingly term =E2=80=
=9Cmoral
injury=E2=80=9D=E2=80=94psychological damage resulting from participation i=
n, failure to
prevent, or witnessing acts that violate deeply held moral beliefs.*

*Studies consistently show that moral injury can be more persistent than
fear-based trauma because it attacks personal identity and ethical
self-understanding.*

*Prolonged occupation and repeated campaigns of collective punishment have
contributed to a process of extraordinary social brutalization within
Israeli society. The concern is not merely political polarization but
normalization of violence. When civilian suffering becomes routine, moral
thresholds shift.*

*History offers sobering parallels. Colonial wars in Algeria, Indochina,
and elsewhere often left lasting psychological scars not only on the
colonized but on the societies conducting the campaigns.*

*That=E2=80=99s what happens when the living dead return home.*

*Photo by Hosny salah: via Pexels
<https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-playing-in-flooded-gaza-refugee-camp=
-35934248/>*
If Gaza becomes the new norm

*The broader international implications may be even more alarming. If the
deliberate targeting of children becomes normalized, the consequences
extend far, far beyond the Middle East.*

*International humanitarian law depends fundamentally on protecting
civilians, especially children. If powerful states can openly disregard
these norms without meaningful accountability, the deterrent effect of
international law weakens everywhere.*

*Empirical evidence suggests that impunity encourages repetition. The
failures to prevent atrocities in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur contributed to
future violations by signaling weak enforcement. Conversely, successful
accountability mechanisms have historically reduced recurrence.*

*The risks include greater regional radicalization, transnational
terrorism, refugee flows, intensified great-power rivalry, erosion of
international institutions, and the spread of increasingly unrestricted
warfare.*

*In The Obliteration Doctrine, I warned repeatedly that what happened in
Gaza won=E2=80=99t stay in Gaza. The Strip became a laboratory for new form=
s of
warfare later exported elsewhere.*

*The Commission=E2=80=99s findings raise precisely that concern. If the sys=
tematic
destruction of children, schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure
becomes accepted in one conflict, future belligerents may invoke the
precedent.*

*The ultimate question raised by the report is therefore not only what
happened to Gaza=E2=80=99s children. It is whether the international commun=
ity is
willing to preserve the principle that children remain beyond the reach of
war itself.*

*For if that principle fails in Gaza, it will not survive elsewhere.*

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://www.juancole.com/2026/06/obli=
terating-children-damning.html" target=3D"_blank">https://www.juancole.com/=
2026/06/obliterating-children-damning.html</a></font></b></div><div dir=3D"=
ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b>=
</div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0=
.5em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=
=3D"4"><i>Obliterating Gaza=E2=80=99s Children: The Damning UN Report</i></=
font></h1><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.45em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27=
,27)"><p style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;clear:both;dis=
play:inline"><a href=3D"https://www.juancole.com/author/dan-steinbock" rel=
=3D"author" style=3D"text-decoration:none;margin:0px;color:rgb(27,27,27);ma=
x-width:100%;display:inline" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"margin:0px;ma=
x-width:100%">Dan Steinbock</span></a></span><span>=C2=A0</span><span style=
=3D"margin:0.07em 0.45em 0px;padding:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"></s=
pan>06/27/2026</font></b></p></div><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,=
27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Singapore (Special to Informed Com=
ment; Feature) =E2=80=93 From Gaza and beyond, Israeli authorities and secu=
rity forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children. It is in line =
with the new<span>=C2=A0</span><em style=3D"max-width:100%">Obliteration Do=
ctrine<span>=C2=A0</span></em>and the topic of a new UN report.</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia=
, serif">When I was working on<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.cla=
ritypress.com/product/the-fall-of-israel/" style=3D"text-decoration:none;co=
lor:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><em style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%">The Fall of Israel</em></a><span>=C2=A0</span>(2024) and particular=
ly<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-ob=
literation-doctrine-genocide-prevention-israel-gaza-and-the-west/" style=3D=
"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blan=
k"><em style=3D"max-width:100%">The Obliteration Doctrine</em></a>(2025), w=
hat I found most repulsive was the targeting of children in the Gaza Strip.=
</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif">By late 2024, the testimonies of health professionals =
on location indicated that the deaths of many children in Gaza were not jus=
t collateral damage, but outcomes of deliberate, targeted actions.</font></=
b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"geor=
gia, serif">The<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.nytimes.com/intera=
ctive/2024/10/09/opinion/gaza-doctor-interviews.html" style=3D"text-decorat=
ion:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">testimony =
of Dr. Feroze Sidhwa,<span>=C2=A0</span></a>a young American trauma and gen=
eral surgeon who had volunteered in Palestine including the European Hospit=
al in Khan Younis, was particularly compelling.</font></b></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=
=9CI=E2=80=99ve seen violence and worked in conflict zones,=E2=80=9D Sidhwa=
 said. =E2=80=9CBut of the many things that stood out about working in a ho=
spital in Gaza, one got to me: Nearly every day I was there, I saw a new yo=
ung child who had been shot in the head or the chest, virtually all of whom=
 went on to die.=E2=80=9D</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rg=
b(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The statement of Dr. Sidhwa, =
who subsequently became one of the endorsers of my book,<span>=C2=A0</span>=
<a href=3D"https://www.claritypress.com/product/the-obliteration-doctrine-g=
enocide-prevention-israel-gaza-and-the-west/" style=3D"text-decoration:none=
;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><em style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%">The Obliteration Doctrine</em></a>, was supported by dozens of o=
ther remarkable and courageous medical volunteers in Gaza. And these testim=
onies, in turn, have been supported by many reports of multiple internation=
al NGOs and multilateral organizations.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">So, the latest =
report of the UN Independent International Commission is hardly new. Noneth=
eless, it is among the most consequential documents to emerge from the Gaza=
 war. Its conclusion is stark: Israeli authorities and security forces have=
 deliberately targeted Palestinian children, actions that the Commission ar=
gues constitute genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.</font></=
b></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font=
 face=3D"georgia, serif">The Commission=E2=80=99s findings</font></h4><p st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"=
>The<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2=
026/06/israel-continues-commit-genocide-and-other-atrocity-crimes-deliberat=
ely" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" ta=
rget=3D"_blank">Commission=E2=80=99s report<span>=C2=A0</span></a>concludes=
 that the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children is not incidental co=
llateral damage but part of a recurring pattern of conduct. In line with th=
e Genocide Convention, it argues that such actions are a key indicator of g=
enocidal intent because they strike at the future existence of the Palestin=
ian people.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><=
b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">According to the inquiry, more than 20,000 =
Palestinian children were killed between October 2023 and October 2025, rep=
resenting roughly 30 percent of all fatalities, while over 44,000 were inju=
red. Even since the October 2025 ceasefire, at least<span>=C2=A0</span><a h=
ref=3D"https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/19/israel-kills-a-child-a-day-=
on-average-in-gaza-despite-ceasefire-un-says" style=3D"text-decoration:none=
;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">265 children have =
been killed</a><span>=C2=A0</span>by Israeli military fire, and 400 more in=
jured, many of them with =E2=80=9Ccatastrophic=E2=80=9D wounds.</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia=
, serif">The Commission cites cases involving sniper fire, quadcopter drone=
s, precision-guided munitions, and high-yield bombs used in densely populat=
ed civilian areas. It argues that the nature of these weapons systems often=
 allowed operators to identify their targets, including whether they were c=
hildren.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif">Israel has rejected the findings as biased and=
 defamatory.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)">=
<b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Regardless of political positions, the sig=
nificance of the report lies in its accumulation of evidence, legal analysi=
s, forensic testimony, and witness accounts. It represents one of the most =
comprehensive international investigations yet conducted on the impact of t=
he war on children.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,2=
7,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">It is a condemnation that casts a l=
ong dark shadow over the entire Israeli war government<span>=C2=A0</span><e=
m style=3D"max-width:100%">and</em>its international collaborators, arms su=
ppliers and financiers.</font></b></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Children and the l=
ogic of genocide</font></h4><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">In<span>=C2=A0</span><em style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%">The Obliteration Doctrine</em>, I showed that modern warfare in Ga=
za evolved beyond traditional military objectives toward the destruction of=
 the social foundations of Palestinian existence. The Commission=E2=80=99s =
findings reinforce this interpretation.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Historically, g=
enocide scholars have emphasized that attacks on children occupy a unique p=
lace in genocidal campaigns. The 1948 Genocide Convention identifies not on=
ly direct killing but also the infliction of<span>=C2=A0</span><em style=3D=
"max-width:100%">conditions</em><span>=C2=A0</span>calculated to destroy a =
protected group. In Gaza, famine served the same genocidal function as star=
vation in the Warsaw ghetto.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color=
:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Children embody demographi=
c continuity, cultural reproduction, and collective future. Consequently, s=
ystematic violence against children has appeared repeatedly in cases later =
recognized as genocide, from the Armenian genocide to Rwanda.</font></b></p=
><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, =
serif">The Commission explicitly states that targeting children attacks =E2=
=80=9Cthe very capacity of the Palestinian people to exist and determine th=
eir future.=E2=80=9D Its findings connect killings to broader patterns: des=
truction of schools, hospitals, pediatric facilities, neonatal care units, =
food systems, and water infrastructure.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">That=E2=80=99s =
the ultimate objective: the genocide and ecocide of Palestine, its culture =
and children. Israel=E2=80=99s devastation of<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"=
https://www.juancole.com/2026/04/obliteration-ecocide-lebanon.html" style=
=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_b=
lank">Lebanon follows in the footprints</a>.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">From an em=
pirical perspective, the cumulative effect is measurable. Public-health res=
earch consistently demonstrates that childhood exposure to mass violence pr=
oduces lifelong deficits in physical health, educational attainment, psycho=
logical resilience, and economic productivity.</font></b></p><p style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Israel d=
id not triumph in Gaza. Moral darkness did.</font></b></p><h4 style=3D"marg=
in:1em 0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif=
">Human cost beyond death statistics</font></h4><p style=3D"max-width:100%;=
color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Death tolls alone und=
erstate the catastrophe. The Commission reports more than 44,000 wounded ch=
ildren.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><f=
ont face=3D"georgia, serif">Gaza now reportedly has one of the world=E2=80=
=99s highest concentrations of child amputees. Thousands face permanent dis=
ability from burns, blast injuries, spinal trauma, vision loss, and neurolo=
gical damage. Worse,<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.btselem.org/2=
0250709_israel_denying_thousands_of_amputees_in_gaza_including_children_pro=
per_care" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100=
%" target=3D"_blank">Israel has often denied treatment to thousands of Gaza=
ns</a><span>=C2=A0</span>who lost limbs in Israeli attacks.</font></b></p><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, se=
rif">Research from conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia demons=
trates that severely injured children often experience<span>=C2=A0</span><e=
m style=3D"max-width:100%">decades</em><span>=C2=A0</span>of adverse outcom=
es.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font =
face=3D"georgia, serif">Rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression=
, anxiety disorders, and developmental impairments can remain elevated thro=
ughout adulthood. Educational interruptions reduce lifetime earnings. Famil=
y structures collapse under caregiving burdens.</font></b></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The Com=
mission also documents starvation, disease outbreaks, displacement, and col=
lapse of medical services. Such conditions affect not only present survival=
 but the health of future generations through malnutrition, impaired fetal =
development, and maternal health crises.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The result is =
not merely a humanitarian emergency. It is the systematic destruction of hu=
man development on a societal scale.</font></b></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em =
0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Hind =
Rajab, the voice that refuses to disappear</font></h4><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">This tragedy is=
 symbolized by the short life and unwarranted<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"=
https://www.juancole.com/2025/09/background-rajab-story.html" style=3D"text=
-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">ex=
ecution of six-year-old Hind Rajab</a>.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Trapped in a ve=
hicle with relatives during military operations in Gaza, Hind=E2=80=99s des=
perate phone calls became known worldwide. Audio recordings captured a terr=
ified child trapped in a car in Gaza, pleading for rescue while surrounded =
by the bodies of family members.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The story is depicted =
by a<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Voice_o=
f_Hind_Rajab" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width=
:100%" target=3D"_blank">Venice-awarded 2025 docudrama</a><span>=C2=A0</spa=
n>by Kaouther Ben Hania about the young girl, whose desperate calls for hel=
p to the Red Crescent were recorded and went viral.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Re=
scue efforts reportedly failed, and Hind was later found dead. The Commissi=
on specifically references the case as emblematic of broader patterns under=
 investigation.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27=
)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Historically, certain victims become mo=
ral symbols because they crystallize a larger reality.<span>=C2=A0</span><a=
 href=3D"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phan_Thi_Kim_Phuc" style=3D"text-dec=
oration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">During=
 the Vietnam War, the photograph of Kim Ph=C3=BAc</a><span>=C2=A0</span>bec=
ame such a symbol.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27=
,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Hind Rajab has become one of the def=
ining voices of Gaza because her case transforms abstraction into human rea=
lity.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><fon=
t face=3D"georgia, serif">Statistical discussions of thousands of deaths be=
come impossible to separate from the image of a frightened child waiting fo=
r help that never arrived.</font></b></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-wi=
dth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">High technology=
 and moral decay</font></h4><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">One of the most troubling aspects of the =
Commission=E2=80=99s report is the relationship between technological sophi=
stication and ethical collapse.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;co=
lor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Israel possesses some o=
f the world=E2=80=99s most advanced military technologies, including AI-ass=
isted targeting systems, drones, surveillance platforms, precision-guided m=
unitions, biometric monitoring, and integrated battlefield intelligence.</f=
ont></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">In theory, such capabilities should reduce civilian cas=
ualties by improving discrimination between combatants and noncombatants.</=
font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">Already in<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.cla=
ritypress.com/product/the-fall-of-israel/" style=3D"text-decoration:none;co=
lor:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><em style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%">The Fall of Israel</em></a>, two long years ago, I showed that prec=
isely the reverse has taken place. Despite all the official rhetoric of =E2=
=80=9Ctargeting,=E2=80=9D the Palestinians in Gaza were hammered for months=
 by indiscriminate bombing, as even the U.S. intelligence community acknowl=
edged already in late 2023.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:=
rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">In line with the Obliterati=
on Doctrine, modern technology =E2=80=93 AI-amplified bombing, or alcocide =
=E2=80=93 was not deployed to optimize precision-targeting. Rather, it was =
used to maximize deaths. The execution of innocent civilians, particularly =
children, was no longer just collateral damage, but the tacit objective.</f=
ont></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">Even as these realities became known, that did not halt=
 bombing, which prevailed over months despite official indignation. The max=
imized mass atrocities slowed only when the arms transfer supply chains cou=
ld no longer satisfy the demand.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;c=
olor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The Commission concurs=
. It points to incidents in which advanced systems allegedly enabled more p=
recise killing rather than greater protection. Precision technology does no=
t inherently produce ethical outcomes; it amplifies the intentions guiding =
its use.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><=
font face=3D"georgia, serif">In<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.cl=
aritypress.com/product/the-fall-of-israel/" style=3D"text-decoration:none;c=
olor:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><em style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%">The Fall of Israel</em></a>, this was one of the central themes. T=
echnological superiority cannot compensate for moral deterioration. States =
may achieve unprecedented operational efficiency while simultaneously erodi=
ng the ethical restraints necessary for legitimate military conduct.</font>=
</b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"ge=
orgia, serif">That=E2=80=99s the rotting moral swamp where the internationa=
l community stands today.</font></b></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-wid=
th:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The cost to Isra=
eli society and soldiers</font></h4><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27=
,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The consequences do not end with =
Palestinian victims. When perpetrators are done with their victims, they ac=
t out their moral ambivalence on themselves and their loved ones, one way o=
r another.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b=
><font face=3D"georgia, serif">A growing body of clinical evidence from mil=
itary psychology demonstrates that participation in, witnessing of, or expo=
sure to violence against civilians, especially children, can generate profo=
und psychological injury among soldiers themselves.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Th=
is is what trauma centers in Israel know only too well (and what the govern=
ment struggles to supress from the media). The men who return from the indi=
scriminate killing fields of Gaza =E2=80=93 and increasingly Lebanon =E2=80=
=93 are no longer men. They are walking time bombs.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Wh=
en you are expected to kill without any moral consideration, you continue k=
illing: if not others, then yourself. Research on U.S. veterans from Iraq a=
nd Afghanistan has identified high rates of PTSD, depression, substance abu=
se, suicide risk, and what clinicians increasingly term =E2=80=9Cmoral inju=
ry=E2=80=9D=E2=80=94psychological damage resulting from participation in, f=
ailure to prevent, or witnessing acts that violate deeply held moral belief=
s.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif">Studies consistently show that moral injury can be m=
ore persistent than fear-based trauma because it attacks personal identity =
and ethical self-understanding.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;co=
lor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Prolonged occupation an=
d repeated campaigns of collective punishment have contributed to a process=
 of extraordinary social brutalization within Israeli society. The concern =
is not merely political polarization but normalization of violence. When ci=
vilian suffering becomes routine, moral thresholds shift.</font></b></p><p =
style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, seri=
f">History offers sobering parallels. Colonial wars in Algeria, Indochina, =
and elsewhere often left lasting psychological scars not only on the coloni=
zed but on the societies conducting the campaigns.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Th=
at=E2=80=99s what happens when the living dead return home.</font></b></p><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><img src=3D"https://media.ju=
ancole.com/images/2026/06/pexels-hosny-salah-21693143-359342481.jpg" alt=3D=
"" width=3D"412" height=3D"275" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;displa=
y:block"><i style=3D"max-width:100%"><small style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif">Photo by Hosny salah:<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=
=3D"https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-playing-in-flooded-gaza-refugee-c=
amp-35934248/" style=3D"text-decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-widt=
h:100%" target=3D"_blank">via Pexels<span>=C2=A0</span></a></font></b></sma=
ll></i></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)">=
<font face=3D"georgia, serif">If Gaza becomes the new norm</font></h4><p st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"=
>The broader international implications may be even more alarming. If the d=
eliberate targeting of children becomes normalized, the consequences extend=
 far, far beyond the Middle East.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;=
color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">International humanit=
arian law depends fundamentally on protecting civilians, especially childre=
n. If powerful states can openly disregard these norms without meaningful a=
ccountability, the deterrent effect of international law weakens everywhere=
.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font fa=
ce=3D"georgia, serif">Empirical evidence suggests that impunity encourages =
repetition. The failures to prevent atrocities in Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfu=
r contributed to future violations by signaling weak enforcement. Conversel=
y, successful accountability mechanisms have historically reduced recurrenc=
e.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif">The risks include greater regional radicalization, t=
ransnational terrorism, refugee flows, intensified great-power rivalry, ero=
sion of international institutions, and the spread of increasingly unrestri=
cted warfare.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">In<span>=C2=A0</span><em style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%">The Obliteration Doctrine</em>, I warned repeatedly that what happ=
ened in Gaza won=E2=80=99t stay in Gaza. The Strip became a laboratory for =
new forms of warfare later exported elsewhere.</font></b></p><p style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The Comm=
ission=E2=80=99s findings raise precisely that concern. If the systematic d=
estruction of children, schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure bec=
omes accepted in one conflict, future belligerents may invoke the precedent=
.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font fa=
ce=3D"georgia, serif">The ultimate question raised by the report is therefo=
re not only what happened to Gaza=E2=80=99s children. It is whether the int=
ernational community is willing to preserve the principle that children rem=
ain beyond the reach of war itself.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100=
%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">For if that princip=
le fails in Gaza, it will not survive elsewhere.</font></b></p></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] US releases details of trilateral framework: Disarm
 Resistance first
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*https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-trilateral-framework-condi=
tions-iof-withdrawal-on-hezboll
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-trilateral-framework-condi=
tions-iof-withdrawal-on-hezboll>*

*US releases details of trilateral framework: Disarm Resistance first*

*The United States Department of State on Friday released a trilateral
framework agreed upon by the United States, "Israel", and Lebanon
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/from-us--lebanese--israeli-en=
voys-agree-to-launch-direct-neg>,
outlining a roadmap aimed at establishing what the parties described as
=E2=80=9Clasting peace and security=E2=80=9D between Lebanon and the occupa=
tion entity.*

*According to the document, both Lebanon and "Israel" declared their
ambition to formally conclude the state of war between them, ensure the
sovereignty and security of both parties, and establish peaceful
=E2=80=9Cneighborly=E2=80=9D relations through future agreements and direct=
 bilateral
negotiations mediated by Washington.*

*The framework followed multiple rounds of direct negotiations and sets out
a phased approach to alleged security and political normalization under US
mediation. *
Framework conditions withdrawal of IOF on Hezbollah disarmament

*The framework centers on a reciprocal process linking the withdrawal of
Israeli forces from Lebanese territory with the disarmament of "non-state
armed groups", referring to the Resistance, and the gradual so-called
restoration of Lebanese state authority across the country.*

*Under the proposed arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would
gradually assume security responsibilities in designated "pilot zones"
following the "verified disarmament" of the Resistance and the dismantling
of its infrastructure. The agreement also commits Lebanon to ensuring that
"non-state armed groups" hold no military or security role anywhere in the
country.*

*This process, according to the document, would pave the way for phased
Israeli military redeployments and the return of displaced civilians to
their homes.*

*Beirut also requested support from international and Arab partners, under
US leadership, to implement these objectives, while the framework
simultaneously reiterates that the Lebanese state alone holds exclusive
authority over decisions of war and peace and rejects any role for state or
non-state actors in the use of force without official government
authorization, reflecting an internal contradiction between reliance on
externally led implementation and the stated principle of exclusive state
sovereignty
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/source-to-al-mayadeen---netan=
yahu-has-no-choice-but-to-accep>.*
'Israel=E2=80=99s' position and security justifications

*For its part, "Israel" stated in the framework that its actions in Lebanon
stem from what it described as =E2=80=9Cthreats=E2=80=9D posed by the Resis=
tance.*

*It asserted that the elimination of these threats would remove any future
need for Israeli military action or presence in Lebanon, adding that
"Israel" has =E2=80=9Cno territorial ambitions in Lebanon,=E2=80=9D a claim=
 that overlooks
the long history of Israeli occupation and aggression on Lebanon
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/may-25--south-lebanon-continu=
es-to-liberate-the-homeland>
predating
the establishment and emergence of the Resistance.*
Coordination mechanisms and US-led oversight

*The framework proposes the establishment of a military coordination group
with US participation to oversee implementation and ensure compliance with
the agreed roadmap. It also commits both sides to working toward a "secure
and rebuilt Lebanon" under full state sovereignty.*

*Washington further pledged to mobilize international support for Lebanon=
=E2=80=99s
reconstruction, economic recovery, and infrastructure rehabilitation.*

*Any future US assistance to the Lebanese military would be conditioned on
"verifiable milestones, full transparency, demonstrated results, and
ongoing oversight", effectively placing strict external control over aid
while exposing the gap between stated support for Lebanese sovereignty and
the imposition of externally defined benchmarks and supervision.*

*The agreement also states that Lebanon and the United States will work to
ensure that reconstruction funds and financial resources "do not reach
entities or individuals affiliated with non-state armed groups". This
provision is presented as part of broader efforts to allegedly strengthen
state institutions and centralize control over financial and security
structures.*
Future negotiations

*Upon signing, both parties are expected to establish working groups tasked
with drafting a comprehensive peace and security agreement, alongside
continuous direct talks facilitated by the United States.*

*As a form of so-called confidence-building measures, Lebanon and "Israel"
pledged to cease hostile actions in international political and legal
forums and cooperate on the search for remains and the release of
detainees. This effectively means that Lebanon cannot file legal action
against "Israel" for its crimes of aggression.*

*The document concludes by acknowledging the role of the United States in
supporting efforts to end decades of war and expresses appreciation for the
"vision and leadership" of US President Donald Trump.*
'A great achievement for Israel'

*US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that a framework
agreement had been reached between Lebanon and "Israel"
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lebanese-government---israel-=
--reach-us-sponsored-framework>,
describing the deal as a first step in what he called a "difficult
journey."*

*Rubio emphasized that "this is the beginning of the beginning
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/vance-and-rubio-show-differin=
g-tones-on-iran-and--israel--po>,"
adding that "there is still a long road ahead for Lebanon and Israel."*

*"Israel's" envoy to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, claimed that under
this framework, "Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, and the road to peace
between Israel and Lebanon is in." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a major achievement for the
occupation, calling it a blow to Iran, which he said was trying to force
Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by force.*

*Additionally, Netanyahu declared that "Israel" would not allow Lebanese
residents or Hezbollah to return to the security belt area under Israeli
occupation, and stressed that "Israel" would remain in the areas of
southern Lebanon it is occupying until "Hezbollah is disarmed."
Israeli Channel 12 quoted a senior Israeli official who described the
agreement with the Lebanese government as a "great achievement for Israel."=
*

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://english.alm=
ayadeen.net/news/politics/us-trilateral-framework-conditions-iof-withdrawal=
-on-hezboll" target=3D"_blank">https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics=
/us-trilateral-framework-conditions-iof-withdrawal-on-hezboll</a></font></b=
></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><font color=3D"#000000" fa=
ce=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.=
2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%"><font color=3D"#0=
00000" face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>US releases details of trilate=
ral framework: Disarm Resistance first</i></font></h1><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">The United States=
 Department of State on Friday released<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https:=
//english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/from-us--lebanese--israeli-envoys-ag=
ree-to-launch-direct-neg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" tar=
get=3D"_blank">a trilateral framework agreed upon by the United States, &qu=
ot;Israel&quot;, and Lebanon</a>, outlining a roadmap aimed at establishing=
 what the parties described as =E2=80=9Clasting peace and security=E2=80=9D=
 between Lebanon and the occupation entity.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">According to =
the document, both Lebanon and &quot;Israel&quot; declared their ambition t=
o formally conclude the state of war between them, ensure the sovereignty a=
nd security of both parties, and establish peaceful =E2=80=9Cneighborly=E2=
=80=9D relations through future agreements and direct bilateral negotiation=
s mediated by Washington.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><fon=
t color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">The framework followed multiple=
 rounds of direct negotiations and sets out a phased approach to alleged se=
curity and political normalization under US mediation.=C2=A0</font></b></p>=
<h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D"geo=
rgia, serif">Framework conditions withdrawal of IOF on Hezbollah disarmamen=
t=C2=A0</font></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif">The framework centers on a reciprocal process linkin=
g the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory with the disarma=
ment of &quot;non-state armed groups&quot;, referring to the Resistance, an=
d the gradual so-called restoration of Lebanese state authority across the =
country.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#00000=
0" face=3D"georgia, serif">Under the proposed arrangement, the Lebanese Arm=
ed Forces (LAF) would gradually assume security responsibilities in designa=
ted &quot;pilot zones&quot; following the &quot;verified disarmament&quot; =
of the Resistance and the dismantling of its infrastructure. The agreement =
also commits Lebanon to ensuring that &quot;non-state armed groups&quot; ho=
ld no military or security role anywhere in the country.</font></b></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">=
This process, according to the document, would pave the way for phased Isra=
eli military redeployments and the return of displaced civilians to their h=
omes.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" =
face=3D"georgia, serif">Beirut also requested support from international an=
d Arab partners, under US leadership, to implement these objectives, while =
the framework simultaneously reiterates that the Lebanese state alone holds=
 exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace and rejects any role f=
or state or non-state actors in the use of force without official governmen=
t authorization, reflecting an internal contradiction between reliance on e=
xternally led implementation and the<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://e=
nglish.almayadeen.net/news/politics/source-to-al-mayadeen---netanyahu-has-n=
o-choice-but-to-accep" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=
=3D"_blank">stated principle of exclusive state sovereignty</a>.</font></b>=
</p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D=
"georgia, serif">&#39;Israel=E2=80=99s&#39; position and security justifica=
tions</font></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif">For its part, &quot;Israel&quot; stated in the framewo=
rk that its actions in Lebanon stem from what it described as =E2=80=9Cthre=
ats=E2=80=9D posed by the Resistance.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">It asserted that th=
e elimination of these threats would remove any future need for Israeli mil=
itary action or presence in Lebanon, adding that &quot;Israel&quot; has =E2=
=80=9Cno territorial ambitions in Lebanon,=E2=80=9D a claim that<span>=C2=
=A0</span><a href=3D"https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/may-25--s=
outh-lebanon-continues-to-liberate-the-homeland" style=3D"text-decoration:n=
one;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">overlooks the long history of Israeli=
 occupation and aggression on Lebanon</a><span>=C2=A0</span>predating the e=
stablishment and emergence of the Resistance.</font></b></p><h2 style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">Co=
ordination mechanisms and US-led oversight</font></h2><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">The framework pro=
poses the establishment of a military coordination group with US participat=
ion to oversee implementation and ensure compliance with the agreed roadmap=
. It also commits both sides to working toward a &quot;secure and rebuilt L=
ebanon&quot; under full state sovereignty.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">Washington fur=
ther pledged to mobilize international support for Lebanon=E2=80=99s recons=
truction, economic recovery, and infrastructure rehabilitation.</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">Any future US assistance to the Lebanese military would be condition=
ed on &quot;verifiable milestones, full transparency, demonstrated results,=
 and ongoing oversight&quot;, effectively placing strict external control o=
ver aid while exposing the gap between stated support for Lebanese sovereig=
nty and the imposition of externally defined benchmarks and supervision.</f=
ont></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"=
georgia, serif">The agreement also states that Lebanon and the United State=
s will work to ensure that reconstruction funds and financial resources &qu=
ot;do not reach entities or individuals affiliated with non-state armed gro=
ups&quot;. This provision is presented as part of broader efforts to allege=
dly strengthen state institutions and centralize control over financial and=
 security structures.</font></b></p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=
=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">Future negotiations=C2=A0<=
/font></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"g=
eorgia, serif">Upon signing, both parties are expected to establish working=
 groups tasked with drafting a comprehensive peace and security agreement, =
alongside continuous direct talks facilitated by the United States.</font><=
/b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georg=
ia, serif">As a form of so-called confidence-building measures, Lebanon and=
 &quot;Israel&quot; pledged to cease hostile actions in international polit=
ical and legal forums and cooperate on the search for remains and the relea=
se of detainees. This effectively means that Lebanon cannot file legal acti=
on against &quot;Israel&quot; for its crimes of aggression.</font></b></p><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, seri=
f">The document concludes by acknowledging the role of the United States in=
 supporting efforts to end decades of war and expresses appreciation for th=
e &quot;vision and leadership&quot; of US President Donald Trump.</font></b=
></p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=
=3D"georgia, serif">&#39;A great achievement for Israel&#39;=C2=A0</font></=
h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that a<span>=
=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lebane=
se-government---israel---reach-us-sponsored-framework" style=3D"text-decora=
tion:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">framework agreement had been re=
ached between Lebanon and &quot;Israel&quot;</a>, describing the deal as a =
first step in what he called a &quot;difficult journey.&quot;</font></b></p=
><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, se=
rif">Rubio emphasized that<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://english.alm=
ayadeen.net/news/politics/vance-and-rubio-show-differing-tones-on-iran-and-=
-israel--po" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank=
">&quot;this is the beginning of the beginning</a>,&quot; adding that &quot=
;there is still a long road ahead for Lebanon and Israel.&quot;</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">&quot;Israel&#39;s&quot; envoy to the United States, Yechiel Leiter,=
 claimed that under this framework, &quot;Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, an=
d the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in.&quot; Meanwhile, Isra=
eli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a major achie=
vement for the occupation, calling it a blow to Iran, which he said was try=
ing to force Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by force.</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">Additionally, Netanyahu declared that &quot;Israel&quot; would not a=
llow Lebanese residents or Hezbollah to return to the security belt area un=
der Israeli occupation, and stressed that &quot;Israel&quot; would remain i=
n the areas of southern Lebanon it is occupying until &quot;Hezbollah is di=
sarmed.&quot; Israeli<span>=C2=A0</span><em style=3D"max-width:100%">Channe=
l 12</em><span>=C2=A0</span>quoted a senior Israeli official who described =
the agreement with the Lebanese government as a &quot;great achievement for=
 Israel.&quot;</font></b></p></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

--0000000000005dd0bd06553ea7d7--

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Subject: [Salon] US releases details of trilateral framework: Disarm
 Resistance first
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*https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-trilateral-framework-condi=
tions-iof-withdrawal-on-hezboll
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-trilateral-framework-condi=
tions-iof-withdrawal-on-hezboll>*

*US releases details of trilateral framework: Disarm Resistance first*

*The United States Department of State on Friday released a trilateral
framework agreed upon by the United States, "Israel", and Lebanon
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/from-us--lebanese--israeli-en=
voys-agree-to-launch-direct-neg>,
outlining a roadmap aimed at establishing what the parties described as
=E2=80=9Clasting peace and security=E2=80=9D between Lebanon and the occupa=
tion entity.*

*According to the document, both Lebanon and "Israel" declared their
ambition to formally conclude the state of war between them, ensure the
sovereignty and security of both parties, and establish peaceful
=E2=80=9Cneighborly=E2=80=9D relations through future agreements and direct=
 bilateral
negotiations mediated by Washington.*

*The framework followed multiple rounds of direct negotiations and sets out
a phased approach to alleged security and political normalization under US
mediation. *
Framework conditions withdrawal of IOF on Hezbollah disarmament

*The framework centers on a reciprocal process linking the withdrawal of
Israeli forces from Lebanese territory with the disarmament of "non-state
armed groups", referring to the Resistance, and the gradual so-called
restoration of Lebanese state authority across the country.*

*Under the proposed arrangement, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would
gradually assume security responsibilities in designated "pilot zones"
following the "verified disarmament" of the Resistance and the dismantling
of its infrastructure. The agreement also commits Lebanon to ensuring that
"non-state armed groups" hold no military or security role anywhere in the
country.*

*This process, according to the document, would pave the way for phased
Israeli military redeployments and the return of displaced civilians to
their homes.*

*Beirut also requested support from international and Arab partners, under
US leadership, to implement these objectives, while the framework
simultaneously reiterates that the Lebanese state alone holds exclusive
authority over decisions of war and peace and rejects any role for state or
non-state actors in the use of force without official government
authorization, reflecting an internal contradiction between reliance on
externally led implementation and the stated principle of exclusive state
sovereignty
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/source-to-al-mayadeen---netan=
yahu-has-no-choice-but-to-accep>.*
'Israel=E2=80=99s' position and security justifications

*For its part, "Israel" stated in the framework that its actions in Lebanon
stem from what it described as =E2=80=9Cthreats=E2=80=9D posed by the Resis=
tance.*

*It asserted that the elimination of these threats would remove any future
need for Israeli military action or presence in Lebanon, adding that
"Israel" has =E2=80=9Cno territorial ambitions in Lebanon,=E2=80=9D a claim=
 that overlooks
the long history of Israeli occupation and aggression on Lebanon
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/may-25--south-lebanon-continu=
es-to-liberate-the-homeland>
predating
the establishment and emergence of the Resistance.*
Coordination mechanisms and US-led oversight

*The framework proposes the establishment of a military coordination group
with US participation to oversee implementation and ensure compliance with
the agreed roadmap. It also commits both sides to working toward a "secure
and rebuilt Lebanon" under full state sovereignty.*

*Washington further pledged to mobilize international support for Lebanon=
=E2=80=99s
reconstruction, economic recovery, and infrastructure rehabilitation.*

*Any future US assistance to the Lebanese military would be conditioned on
"verifiable milestones, full transparency, demonstrated results, and
ongoing oversight", effectively placing strict external control over aid
while exposing the gap between stated support for Lebanese sovereignty and
the imposition of externally defined benchmarks and supervision.*

*The agreement also states that Lebanon and the United States will work to
ensure that reconstruction funds and financial resources "do not reach
entities or individuals affiliated with non-state armed groups". This
provision is presented as part of broader efforts to allegedly strengthen
state institutions and centralize control over financial and security
structures.*
Future negotiations

*Upon signing, both parties are expected to establish working groups tasked
with drafting a comprehensive peace and security agreement, alongside
continuous direct talks facilitated by the United States.*

*As a form of so-called confidence-building measures, Lebanon and "Israel"
pledged to cease hostile actions in international political and legal
forums and cooperate on the search for remains and the release of
detainees. This effectively means that Lebanon cannot file legal action
against "Israel" for its crimes of aggression.*

*The document concludes by acknowledging the role of the United States in
supporting efforts to end decades of war and expresses appreciation for the
"vision and leadership" of US President Donald Trump.*
'A great achievement for Israel'

*US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that a framework
agreement had been reached between Lebanon and "Israel"
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lebanese-government---israel-=
--reach-us-sponsored-framework>,
describing the deal as a first step in what he called a "difficult
journey."*

*Rubio emphasized that "this is the beginning of the beginning
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/vance-and-rubio-show-differin=
g-tones-on-iran-and--israel--po>,"
adding that "there is still a long road ahead for Lebanon and Israel."*

*"Israel's" envoy to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, claimed that under
this framework, "Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, and the road to peace
between Israel and Lebanon is in." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a major achievement for the
occupation, calling it a blow to Iran, which he said was trying to force
Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by force.*

*Additionally, Netanyahu declared that "Israel" would not allow Lebanese
residents or Hezbollah to return to the security belt area under Israeli
occupation, and stressed that "Israel" would remain in the areas of
southern Lebanon it is occupying until "Hezbollah is disarmed."
Israeli Channel 12 quoted a senior Israeli official who described the
agreement with the Lebanese government as a "great achievement for Israel."=
*

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://english.alm=
ayadeen.net/news/politics/us-trilateral-framework-conditions-iof-withdrawal=
-on-hezboll" target=3D"_blank">https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics=
/us-trilateral-framework-conditions-iof-withdrawal-on-hezboll</a></font></b=
></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><font color=3D"#000000" fa=
ce=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.=
2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%"><font color=3D"#0=
00000" face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>US releases details of trilate=
ral framework: Disarm Resistance first</i></font></h1><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">The United States=
 Department of State on Friday released<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https:=
//english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/from-us--lebanese--israeli-envoys-ag=
ree-to-launch-direct-neg" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" tar=
get=3D"_blank">a trilateral framework agreed upon by the United States, &qu=
ot;Israel&quot;, and Lebanon</a>, outlining a roadmap aimed at establishing=
 what the parties described as =E2=80=9Clasting peace and security=E2=80=9D=
 between Lebanon and the occupation entity.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">According to =
the document, both Lebanon and &quot;Israel&quot; declared their ambition t=
o formally conclude the state of war between them, ensure the sovereignty a=
nd security of both parties, and establish peaceful =E2=80=9Cneighborly=E2=
=80=9D relations through future agreements and direct bilateral negotiation=
s mediated by Washington.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><fon=
t color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">The framework followed multiple=
 rounds of direct negotiations and sets out a phased approach to alleged se=
curity and political normalization under US mediation.=C2=A0</font></b></p>=
<h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D"geo=
rgia, serif">Framework conditions withdrawal of IOF on Hezbollah disarmamen=
t=C2=A0</font></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif">The framework centers on a reciprocal process linkin=
g the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory with the disarma=
ment of &quot;non-state armed groups&quot;, referring to the Resistance, an=
d the gradual so-called restoration of Lebanese state authority across the =
country.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#00000=
0" face=3D"georgia, serif">Under the proposed arrangement, the Lebanese Arm=
ed Forces (LAF) would gradually assume security responsibilities in designa=
ted &quot;pilot zones&quot; following the &quot;verified disarmament&quot; =
of the Resistance and the dismantling of its infrastructure. The agreement =
also commits Lebanon to ensuring that &quot;non-state armed groups&quot; ho=
ld no military or security role anywhere in the country.</font></b></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">=
This process, according to the document, would pave the way for phased Isra=
eli military redeployments and the return of displaced civilians to their h=
omes.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" =
face=3D"georgia, serif">Beirut also requested support from international an=
d Arab partners, under US leadership, to implement these objectives, while =
the framework simultaneously reiterates that the Lebanese state alone holds=
 exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace and rejects any role f=
or state or non-state actors in the use of force without official governmen=
t authorization, reflecting an internal contradiction between reliance on e=
xternally led implementation and the<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://e=
nglish.almayadeen.net/news/politics/source-to-al-mayadeen---netanyahu-has-n=
o-choice-but-to-accep" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=
=3D"_blank">stated principle of exclusive state sovereignty</a>.</font></b>=
</p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D=
"georgia, serif">&#39;Israel=E2=80=99s&#39; position and security justifica=
tions</font></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif">For its part, &quot;Israel&quot; stated in the framewo=
rk that its actions in Lebanon stem from what it described as =E2=80=9Cthre=
ats=E2=80=9D posed by the Resistance.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">It asserted that th=
e elimination of these threats would remove any future need for Israeli mil=
itary action or presence in Lebanon, adding that &quot;Israel&quot; has =E2=
=80=9Cno territorial ambitions in Lebanon,=E2=80=9D a claim that<span>=C2=
=A0</span><a href=3D"https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/may-25--s=
outh-lebanon-continues-to-liberate-the-homeland" style=3D"text-decoration:n=
one;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">overlooks the long history of Israeli=
 occupation and aggression on Lebanon</a><span>=C2=A0</span>predating the e=
stablishment and emergence of the Resistance.</font></b></p><h2 style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">Co=
ordination mechanisms and US-led oversight</font></h2><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">The framework pro=
poses the establishment of a military coordination group with US participat=
ion to oversee implementation and ensure compliance with the agreed roadmap=
. It also commits both sides to working toward a &quot;secure and rebuilt L=
ebanon&quot; under full state sovereignty.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">Washington fur=
ther pledged to mobilize international support for Lebanon=E2=80=99s recons=
truction, economic recovery, and infrastructure rehabilitation.</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">Any future US assistance to the Lebanese military would be condition=
ed on &quot;verifiable milestones, full transparency, demonstrated results,=
 and ongoing oversight&quot;, effectively placing strict external control o=
ver aid while exposing the gap between stated support for Lebanese sovereig=
nty and the imposition of externally defined benchmarks and supervision.</f=
ont></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"=
georgia, serif">The agreement also states that Lebanon and the United State=
s will work to ensure that reconstruction funds and financial resources &qu=
ot;do not reach entities or individuals affiliated with non-state armed gro=
ups&quot;. This provision is presented as part of broader efforts to allege=
dly strengthen state institutions and centralize control over financial and=
 security structures.</font></b></p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=
=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, serif">Future negotiations=C2=A0<=
/font></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"g=
eorgia, serif">Upon signing, both parties are expected to establish working=
 groups tasked with drafting a comprehensive peace and security agreement, =
alongside continuous direct talks facilitated by the United States.</font><=
/b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georg=
ia, serif">As a form of so-called confidence-building measures, Lebanon and=
 &quot;Israel&quot; pledged to cease hostile actions in international polit=
ical and legal forums and cooperate on the search for remains and the relea=
se of detainees. This effectively means that Lebanon cannot file legal acti=
on against &quot;Israel&quot; for its crimes of aggression.</font></b></p><=
p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, seri=
f">The document concludes by acknowledging the role of the United States in=
 supporting efforts to end decades of war and expresses appreciation for th=
e &quot;vision and leadership&quot; of US President Donald Trump.</font></b=
></p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" color=3D"#000000" face=
=3D"georgia, serif">&#39;A great achievement for Israel&#39;=C2=A0</font></=
h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that a<span>=
=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/lebane=
se-government---israel---reach-us-sponsored-framework" style=3D"text-decora=
tion:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">framework agreement had been re=
ached between Lebanon and &quot;Israel&quot;</a>, describing the deal as a =
first step in what he called a &quot;difficult journey.&quot;</font></b></p=
><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, se=
rif">Rubio emphasized that<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://english.alm=
ayadeen.net/news/politics/vance-and-rubio-show-differing-tones-on-iran-and-=
-israel--po" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank=
">&quot;this is the beginning of the beginning</a>,&quot; adding that &quot=
;there is still a long road ahead for Lebanon and Israel.&quot;</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">&quot;Israel&#39;s&quot; envoy to the United States, Yechiel Leiter,=
 claimed that under this framework, &quot;Iran is out, Hezbollah is out, an=
d the road to peace between Israel and Lebanon is in.&quot; Meanwhile, Isra=
eli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the agreement as a major achie=
vement for the occupation, calling it a blow to Iran, which he said was try=
ing to force Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon by force.</font></b><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font color=3D"#000000" face=3D"georgia, =
serif">Additionally, Netanyahu declared that &quot;Israel&quot; would not a=
llow Lebanese residents or Hezbollah to return to the security belt area un=
der Israeli occupation, and stressed that &quot;Israel&quot; would remain i=
n the areas of southern Lebanon it is occupying until &quot;Hezbollah is di=
sarmed.&quot; Israeli<span>=C2=A0</span><em style=3D"max-width:100%">Channe=
l 12</em><span>=C2=A0</span>quoted a senior Israeli official who described =
the agreement with the Lebanese government as a &quot;great achievement for=
 Israel.&quot;</font></b></p></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

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https://www.theguardian.com/law/2026/jun/27/board-of-peace-legal-immunity-u=
n

6/27/26
Trump=E2=80=99s Board of Peace plans to grant itself sweeping immunity, doc=
uments
show

Draft resolution seeks to shield board members and security forces from
potential prosecution for work in Gaza

*Cate Brown <https://www.theguardian.com/profile/cate-brown>* and *Aram
Roston <https://www.theguardian.com/profile/aram-roston>*

[image: A group of men in suits smile in front of a backdrop that reads
'Board of Peace']

The Board of Peace at the US Institute of Peace in Washington DC on 19
February 2026. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

The UN <https://www.theguardian.com/world/unitednations>-sanctioned Board
of Peace announced by Donald Trump
<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump> earlier this year to rule
Gaza <https://www.theguardian.com/world/gaza> is planning a sweeping grant
of legal immunity for itself, according to a draft of the resolution
obtained by the Guardian. The draft language would also let the
organization obtain public property in Gaza =E2=80=9Cfree of charge=E2=80=
=9D.

The four-page resolution, labeled =E2=80=9Csensitive but unclassified=E2=80=
=9D, extends
broad protections to every member of the Board of Peace and its
administrative affiliate, the office of the high representative (OHR), as
well as to the Palestinian technocrats, international military forces and
nonresident contractors lined up to perform work in Gaza
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/gaza>. It defines legal processes from
which they would have immunity as =E2=80=9Cany arrest, detention or legal
proceedings in the courts or other entities in Gaza=E2=80=9D.

It is unclear if the document is attempting to relieve the Board of Peace
and its affiliates from prosecution in international courts, in addition to
potential claims in Gaza.

The Board of Peace=E2=80=99s chair, Donald Trump
<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump>, would have the right to
waive someone=E2=80=99s legal immunity, pending majority support from his p=
eace
board, the June 2026 draft resolution states.

The seven-member =E2=80=9Cexecutive board=E2=80=9D that leads the Board of =
Peace includes
Trump=E2=80=99s son-in-law Jared Kushner; special envoy Steve Witkoff; the
president=E2=80=99s chief of staff, Susie Wiles; and his national security =
adviser,
Marco Rubio. Though countries have pledged billions, most have not yet
transferred funds to support its work in Gaza and no major contracts have
been issued.

The White House referred questions to the Board of Peace.

The Board of Peace did not answer specific questions about the draft
resolution, but an official said in a statement: =E2=80=9CThere is no opera=
tive
resolution or immunity framework of the kind described in your questions =
=E2=80=A6
Any suggestion that this process is designed to create lawlessness or
impunity is wrong, misleading and gets the issue entirely backwards.=E2=80=
=9D

The official added that =E2=80=9Cthe suggestion that the President will hav=
e a role
in establishing or waiving immunity in Gaza [is] categorically false=E2=80=
=9D, and
that =E2=80=9Cthe Board will ensure all personnel, contractors, and partici=
pating
entities follow applicable law and operate under clear rules, oversight,
and accountability mechanisms=E2=80=9D. The official did not explain what t=
he
oversight and accountability would be.

Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat serving as the Board of Peace=E2=80=
=99s
high representative for Gaza, has been meeting in Cairo this week with
Palestinian administrators selected by the Board of Peace to govern Gaza.
The discussions have focused on refining the framework for the group=E2=80=
=99s work
in the territory, according to one person familiar with the agenda. The
prospective immunity resolution titled =E2=80=9CRESOLUTION NO 2026/3=E2=80=
=9D has not been
shared with the Palestinian cohort, the person said.
=E2=80=98No external oversight=E2=80=99

Six lawyers specializing in US contracting law and international armed
conflict reviewed the draft resolution for the Guardian.

If the resolution goes into force, they said, it is unclear how Board of
Peace officials, soldiers, and contractors would be held accountable if
there are shootings or accidents that affect Gaza residents, or even how
the group might resolve routine disputes over business or land use there.

US-led reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan were often plagued by
controversies of corruption or cases of civilian deaths or abuse at the
hands of American contractors, including those working for Blackwater and
KBR, who have since faced litigation in US courts. Any reconstruction
effort in Gaza could face similar challenges.

=E2=80=9CIt looks like an attempt to exempt the board, and all of its perso=
nnel,
from accountability for potential legal violations,=E2=80=9D said Emily Sch=
aeffer
Omer-Man, an expert in litigating international humanitarian law in
Israeli, American and foreign courts.

Several lawyers, including Omer-Man, pointed to the specific risks
associated with section 7 of the draft resolution, entitled =E2=80=9CThird =
Party
Liability/Claims=E2=80=9D, which lays out a system for the Board of Peace t=
o
consider and adjudicate any claims for =E2=80=9Cproperty loss or damage and=
 for
personal injury, illness or death=E2=80=9D arising from its work in Gaza.

=E2=80=9CThey are basically saying there=E2=80=99s no external oversight, i=
ncluding
applicable international law regarding occupation,=E2=80=9D said Noura Erak=
at, an
international law professor at Rutgers University. =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s cr=
eating a legal
system unto itself.=E2=80=9D

Contractors have also pressed for clarity about the legal protections
afforded for potential work in Gaza, where the Trump-backed peace board has
solicited bids for rubble removal, security work and a vast reconstruction
effort envisaged there. Trump=E2=80=99s son-in-law Jared Kushner has descri=
bed
transforming the coastal territory into a site of luxury resorts, hi-tech
cities and regional business hubs.

Laws governing international contractors and military forces are usually
outlined in =E2=80=9Cstatus of forces agreements=E2=80=9D between countries=
, but there is
no such document for Gaza. American contractors can be subject to US law
for certain crimes
<https://www.npr.org/2007/10/05/15027390/contractors-working-overseas-subje=
ct-to-u-s-law>
 even if they operate overseas.

=E2=80=9CI would think any company would want a very clear legal framework,=
=E2=80=9D said
Doug Brooks, president emeritus of the International Stability Operations
Association. =E2=80=9CThere are liability issues any serious American compa=
ny would
want to be clear about.=E2=80=9D

Israeli officials don=E2=80=99t want to negotiate a status of forces agreem=
ent in
Gaza because Israel doesn=E2=80=99t want to recognize Gaza as a state, one =
American
security contractor said.

=E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s pretty important for political and legal cover and in=
surance,=E2=80=9D the
contractor said. =E2=80=9CIt gives the people of Gaza clarity and comfort a=
round
how they=E2=80=99ll be treated and dealt with by contractors they may engag=
e with.=E2=80=9D
Free facilities for the Board of Peace

The final section of the Board of Peace=E2=80=99s draft resolution, entitle=
d
=E2=80=9CPremises of the Board of Peace, OHR, and ISF=E2=80=9D, says that t=
he group =E2=80=9Cshall
be provided, free of charge, public premises and facilities needed for the
accomplishment of the missions in Gaza=E2=80=9D.

Legal experts said that this singular phrase could open the door to illegal
confiscation of Palestinian property. It=E2=80=99s not clear which group =
=E2=80=93 Israel,
Hamas or the Palestinian Authority =E2=80=93 would be responsible for =E2=
=80=9Cproviding=E2=80=9D
the Board of Peace with facilities, and under what terms.

The Board of Peace plans to build a base for an international military
force,
<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-gaza-military-plan> =
as
well as logistics hubs to power its operations there, according to
contractors involved in the process. The international force is intended to
assist with disarming Hamas, which is a crucial step in Trump=E2=80=99s pea=
ce plan.
Israel has refused to proceed with steps outlined by a November 2025
ceasefire agreement
<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/18/un-security-council-votes-to=
-endorse-donald-trumps-gaza-plan>
 if Hamas continues to bear arms.

*The Board of Peace is taking a page out of Israel=E2=80=99s repressive pla=
ybook*

=E2=80=9CBy unilaterally declaring the power to seize Palestinian land, pro=
perty
and buildings for their own use without consent, compensation or readdress,
the Board of Peace is taking a page out of Israel=E2=80=99s repressive play=
book,=E2=80=9D
said Omar Shakir, executive director at Dawn, a non-profit dedicated to
investigating the impacts of US foreign policy in the Middle East. =E2=80=
=9CFar
from signaling an end to genocide, apartheid and occupation, this document
suggests entrenching some of its ugliest signature characteristics. This
risks not only complicity, but direct perpetration of grave abuses.=E2=80=
=9D

Several attorneys raised questions about the Board of Peace=E2=80=99s legal
authority to assume control of public facilities and premises.

=E2=80=9CIf they don=E2=80=99t have a status of forces agreement with Israe=
l, then it=E2=80=99s not
clear what the board=E2=80=99s legal authority would be,=E2=80=9D said Brad=
 Parker,
associate director of policy at the Center for Constitutional Rights. CCR
attorneys have represented victims
<https://ccrjustice.org/files/newsletters/CCR_Newsletter_winter07.pdf> in
US litigation against Blackwater and other American security contractors
for alleged abuses in Iraq.

The UN security council authorized <https://docs.un.org/en/s/res/2803(2025)=
>
 the Board of Peace to oversee the administration of Gaza until 31 December
2027. The UN charter affords its diplomats and organizations specific legal
protections for work conducted on behalf of UN missions abroad. Language in
the Board of Peace=E2=80=99s draft resolution appears to draw on those exis=
ting
frameworks
<https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/1949/08/19490816%2010-43%20AM/Ch_III_=
2p-full%20text.pdf>,
which include protections against the arrest or detention of UN diplomats
during official work, as well as the seizure of UN property. It=E2=80=99s u=
nclear
if the Board of Peace could draw on the UN immunities for its own
protection.

The draft says that the resolution will go into force upon Mladenov=E2=80=
=99s
signature. The Board of Peace did not respond to questions about what
additional parties, if any, would sign its sweeping resolution.

=E2=80=9CHow valuable is this document if they are the only ones signing it=
?=E2=80=9D
Shakir said.

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/law/20=
26/jun/27/board-of-peace-legal-immunity-un" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"font=
-family:Optima;font-size:11pt;background-color:transparent">https://www.the=
guardian.com/law/2026/jun/27/board-of-peace-legal-immunity-un</a></div><div=
 dir=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><span style=3D"font-family:Optima;font-si=
ze:11pt;background-color:transparent"><br></span></div><div dir=3D"ltr" cla=
ss=3D"gmail_attr"><span style=3D"font-family:Optima;font-size:11pt;backgrou=
nd-color:transparent">6/27/26=C2=A0</span></div><div class=3D"msg4506125952=
607474959"><div lang=3D"EN-GB" link=3D"#0563C1" vlink=3D"#954F72" style=3D"=
word-wrap:break-word"><div class=3D"m_4506125952607474959WordSection1"><h1 =
style=3D"margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-left:0cm"><span style=
=3D"font-size:23.5pt;font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color=
:#1b1b1b">Trump=E2=80=99s Board of Peace plans to grant itself sweeping imm=
unity, documents show<u></u><u></u></span></h1><p style=3D"margin:0cm"><spa=
n style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=
<u></u><u></u></span></p><h2 style=3D"margin-top:0cm;text-align:start;color=
:rgba(27,27,27,0.65);max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-decoratio=
n-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"fo=
nt-size:17.5pt;font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;font-weight=
:normal">Draft resolution seeks to shield board members and security forces=
 from potential prosecution for work in Gaza<u></u><u></u></span></h2><p cl=
ass=3D"MsoNormal"><b><i><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font=
&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b"><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/profile/=
cate-brown" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"font-weight:normal;font-style:=
normal">Cate Brown</span></a></span></i></b><span class=3D"m_45061259526074=
74959apple-converted-space"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-=
font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"font-fam=
ily:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">and<span class=3D"m=
_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><b><i><a href=3D"ht=
tps://www.theguardian.com/profile/aram-roston" target=3D"_blank"><span styl=
e=3D"font-weight:normal;font-style:normal">Aram Roston</span></a><u></u><u>=
</u></i></b></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><img border=3D"0" width=3D"46=
5" height=3D"292" style=3D"width:4.8437in;height:3.0416in" id=3D"m_45061259=
52607474959Picture_x0020_1" src=3D"cid:ii_19f0a1d7a964cff311" alt=3D"A grou=
p of men in suits smile in front of a backdrop that reads &#39;Board of Pea=
ce&#39;"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif"><u></u><u=
></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal">The Board of Peace at the US Institu=
te of Peace in Washington DC on 19 February 2026.<span class=3D"m_450612595=
2607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span>Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Get=
ty Images<u></u><u></u></p><p><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-syste=
m-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The<span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959ap=
ple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/wo=
rld/unitednations" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">UN</span=
></a>-sanctioned Board of Peace announced by<span class=3D"m_45061259526074=
74959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian=
.com/us-news/donaldtrump" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">D=
onald Trump</span></a><span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-s=
pace">=C2=A0</span>earlier this year to rule<span class=3D"m_45061259526074=
74959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian=
.com/world/gaza" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">Gaza</span=
></a><span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</spa=
n>is planning a sweeping grant of legal immunity for itself, according to a=
 draft of the resolution obtained by the Guardian. The draft language would=
 also let the organization obtain public property in Gaza =E2=80=9Cfree of =
charge=E2=80=9D.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-va=
riant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoratio=
n-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-sys=
tem-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The four-page resolution, labeled =E2=
=80=9Csensitive but unclassified=E2=80=9D, extends broad protections to eve=
ry member of the Board of Peace and its administrative affiliate, the offic=
e of the high representative (OHR), as well as to the Palestinian technocra=
ts, international military forces and nonresident contractors lined up to p=
erform work in<span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=
=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/world/gaza" target=3D"_=
blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">Gaza</span></a>. It defines legal proc=
esses from which they would have immunity as =E2=80=9Cany arrest, detention=
 or legal proceedings in the courts or other entities in Gaza=E2=80=9D.<u><=
/u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;te=
xt-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-s=
pacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif=
;color:#1b1b1b">It is unclear if the document is attempting to relieve the =
Board of Peace and its affiliates from prosecution in international courts,=
 in addition to potential claims in Gaza.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoratio=
n-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"fo=
nt-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The Board of =
Peace=E2=80=99s chair,<span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-s=
pace">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtru=
mp" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">Donald Trump</span></a>=
, would have the right to waive someone=E2=80=99s legal immunity, pending m=
ajority support from his peace board, the June 2026 draft resolution states=
.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:norm=
al;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;w=
ord-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,=
serif;color:#1b1b1b">The seven-member =E2=80=9Cexecutive board=E2=80=9D tha=
t leads the Board of Peace includes Trump=E2=80=99s son-in-law Jared Kushne=
r; special envoy Steve Witkoff; the president=E2=80=99s chief of staff, Sus=
ie Wiles; and his national security adviser, Marco Rubio. Though countries =
have pledged billions, most have not yet transferred funds to support its w=
ork in Gaza and no major contracts have been issued.<u></u><u></u></span></=
p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text=
-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span s=
tyle=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The=
 White House referred questions to the Board of Peace.<u></u><u></u></span>=
</p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;te=
xt-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span=
 style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">T=
he Board of Peace did not answer specific questions about the draft resolut=
ion, but an official said in a statement: =E2=80=9CThere is no operative re=
solution or immunity framework of the kind described in your questions =E2=
=80=A6 Any suggestion that this process is designed to create lawlessness o=
r impunity is wrong, misleading and gets the issue entirely backwards.=E2=
=80=9D<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps=
:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:so=
lid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&q=
uot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The official added that =E2=80=9Cthe suggestion t=
hat the President will have a role in establishing or waiving immunity in G=
aza [is] categorically false=E2=80=9D, and that =E2=80=9Cthe Board will ens=
ure all personnel, contractors, and participating entities follow applicabl=
e law and operate under clear rules, oversight, and accountability mechanis=
ms=E2=80=9D. The official did not explain what the oversight and accountabi=
lity would be.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-vari=
ant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-=
style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-syste=
m-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat s=
erving as the Board of Peace=E2=80=99s high representative for Gaza, has be=
en meeting in Cairo this week with Palestinian administrators selected by t=
he Board of Peace to govern Gaza. The discussions have focused on refining =
the framework for the group=E2=80=99s work in the territory, according to o=
ne person familiar with the agenda. The prospective immunity resolution tit=
led =E2=80=9CRESOLUTION NO 2026/3=E2=80=9D has not been shared with the Pal=
estinian cohort, the person said.<u></u><u></u></span></p><h2 style=3D"max-=
width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:n=
one;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-size:=
17.0pt;font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=
=80=98No external oversight=E2=80=99<u></u><u></u></span></h2><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-lin=
e:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-fa=
mily:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Six lawyers specia=
lizing in US contracting law and international armed conflict reviewed the =
draft resolution for the Guardian.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:n=
one;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-famil=
y:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">If the resolution goe=
s into force, they said, it is unclear how Board of Peace officials, soldie=
rs, and contractors would be held accountable if there are shootings or acc=
idents that affect Gaza residents, or even how the group might resolve rout=
ine disputes over business or land use there.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decora=
tion-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D=
"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">US-led rec=
onstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan were often plagued by controver=
sies of corruption or cases of civilian deaths or abuse at the hands of Ame=
rican contractors, including those working for Blackwater and KBR, who have=
 since faced litigation in US courts. Any reconstruction effort in Gaza cou=
ld face similar challenges.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;tex=
t-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot=
;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=80=9CIt looks like an at=
tempt to exempt the board, and all of its personnel, from accountability fo=
r potential legal violations,=E2=80=9D said Emily Schaeffer Omer-Man, an ex=
pert in litigating international humanitarian law in Israeli, American and =
foreign courts.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-var=
iant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration=
-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-syst=
em-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Several lawyers, including Omer-Man, poi=
nted to the specific risks associated with section 7 of the draft resolutio=
n, entitled =E2=80=9CThird Party Liability/Claims=E2=80=9D, which lays out =
a system for the Board of Peace to consider and adjudicate any claims for =
=E2=80=9Cproperty loss or damage and for personal injury, illness or death=
=E2=80=9D arising from its work in Gaza.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoratio=
n-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"fo=
nt-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=80=9CThey=
 are basically saying there=E2=80=99s no external oversight, including appl=
icable international law regarding occupation,=E2=80=9D said Noura Erakat, =
an international law professor at Rutgers University. =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s=
 creating a legal system unto itself.=E2=80=9D<u></u><u></u></span></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decor=
ation-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=
=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Contrac=
tors have also pressed for clarity about the legal protections afforded for=
 potential work in Gaza, where the Trump-backed peace board has solicited b=
ids for rubble removal, security work and a vast reconstruction effort envi=
saged there. Trump=E2=80=99s son-in-law Jared Kushner has described transfo=
rming the coastal territory into a site of luxury resorts, hi-tech cities a=
nd regional business hubs.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:10=
0%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text=
-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;=
-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Laws governing international =
contractors and military forces are usually outlined in =E2=80=9Cstatus of =
forces agreements=E2=80=9D between countries, but there is no such document=
 for Gaza. American contractors can be<span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959a=
pple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.npr.org/2007/10/0=
5/15027390/contractors-working-overseas-subject-to-u-s-law" target=3D"_blan=
k"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">subject to US law for certain crimes</span=
></a><span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</spa=
n>even if they operate overseas.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:non=
e;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:=
&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=80=9CI would think =
any company would want a very clear legal framework,=E2=80=9D said Doug Bro=
oks, president emeritus of the International Stability Operations Associati=
on. =E2=80=9CThere are liability issues any serious American company would =
want to be clear about.=E2=80=9D<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:non=
e;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:=
&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Israeli officials don=
=E2=80=99t want to negotiate a status of forces agreement in Gaza because I=
srael doesn=E2=80=99t want to recognize Gaza as a state, one American secur=
ity contractor said.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;fon=
t-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decor=
ation-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple=
-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s pretty import=
ant for political and legal cover and insurance,=E2=80=9D the contractor sa=
id. =E2=80=9CIt gives the people of Gaza clarity and comfort around how the=
y=E2=80=99ll be treated and dealt with by contractors they may engage with.=
=E2=80=9D<u></u><u></u></span></p><h2 style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-=
caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-styl=
e:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-size:17.0pt;font-family:&quot=
;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Free facilities for the Boar=
d of Peace<u></u><u></u></span></h2><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant=
-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-sty=
le:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-f=
ont&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The final section of the Board of Peace=E2=
=80=99s draft resolution, entitled =E2=80=9CPremises of the Board of Peace,=
 OHR, and ISF=E2=80=9D, says that the group =E2=80=9Cshall be provided, fre=
e of charge, public premises and facilities needed for the accomplishment o=
f the missions in Gaza=E2=80=9D.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:non=
e;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:=
&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Legal experts said that=
 this singular phrase could open the door to illegal confiscation of Palest=
inian property. It=E2=80=99s not clear which group =E2=80=93 Israel, Hamas =
or the Palestinian Authority =E2=80=93 would be responsible for =E2=80=9Cpr=
oviding=E2=80=9D the Board of Peace with facilities, and under what terms.<=
u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal=
;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;wor=
d-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,se=
rif;color:#1b1b1b">The Board of Peace plans to build a base for<span class=
=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"htt=
ps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-gaza-military-plan" targ=
et=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">an international military force=
,</span></a><span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=
=A0</span>as well as logistics hubs to power its operations there, accordin=
g to contractors involved in the process. The international force is intend=
ed to assist with disarming Hamas, which is a crucial step in Trump=E2=80=
=99s peace plan. Israel has refused to proceed with steps outlined by<span =
class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=
=3D"https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/18/un-security-council-votes=
-to-endorse-donald-trumps-gaza-plan" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color=
:#416ed2">a November 2025 ceasefire agreement</span></a><span class=3D"m_45=
06125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span>if Hamas continues to =
bear arms.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><i>The Board of P=
eace is taking a page out of Israel=E2=80=99s repressive playbook</i><i><sp=
an style=3D"font-family:&quot;Aptos&quot;,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span>=
</i></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:star=
t;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><=
span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1=
b">=E2=80=9CBy unilaterally declaring the power to seize Palestinian land, =
property and buildings for their own use without consent, compensation or r=
eaddress, the Board of Peace is taking a page out of Israel=E2=80=99s repre=
ssive playbook,=E2=80=9D said Omar Shakir, executive director at Dawn, a no=
n-profit dedicated to investigating the impacts of US foreign policy in the=
 Middle East. =E2=80=9CFar from signaling an end to genocide, apartheid and=
 occupation, this document suggests entrenching some of its ugliest signatu=
re characteristics. This risks not only complicity, but direct perpetration=
 of grave abuses.=E2=80=9D<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:10=
0%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;text=
-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quot;=
-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">Several attorneys raised ques=
tions about the Board of Peace=E2=80=99s legal authority to assume control =
of public facilities and premises.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:n=
one;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-famil=
y:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=80=9CIf they don=
=E2=80=99t have a status of forces agreement with Israel, then it=E2=80=99s=
 not clear what the board=E2=80=99s legal authority would be,=E2=80=9D said=
 Brad Parker, associate director of policy at the Center for Constitutional=
 Rights.<span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</=
span><a href=3D"https://ccrjustice.org/files/newsletters/CCR_Newsletter_win=
ter07.pdf" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">CCR attorneys ha=
ve represented victims</span></a><span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-=
converted-space">=C2=A0</span>in US litigation against Blackwater and other=
 American security contractors for alleged abuses in Iraq.<u></u><u></u></s=
pan></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:star=
t;text-decoration-line:none;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><=
span style=3D"font-family:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1=
b">The UN security council<span class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-convert=
ed-space">=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://docs.un.org/en/s/res/2803(2025)" =
target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">authorized</span></a><span =
class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span>the Board=
 of Peace to oversee the administration of Gaza until 31 December 2027. The=
 UN charter affords its diplomats and organizations specific legal protecti=
ons for work conducted on behalf of UN missions abroad. Language in the Boa=
rd of Peace=E2=80=99s draft resolution appears to draw on those existing<sp=
an class=3D"m_4506125952607474959apple-converted-space">=C2=A0</span><a hre=
f=3D"https://treaties.un.org/doc/Treaties/1949/08/19490816%2010-43%20AM/Ch_=
III_2p-full%20text.pdf" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"color:#416ed2">fra=
meworks</span></a>, which include protections against the arrest or detenti=
on of UN diplomats during official work, as well as the seizure of UN prope=
rty. It=E2=80=99s unclear if the Board of Peace could draw on the UN immuni=
ties for its own protection.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:=
100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:none;te=
xt-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-family:&quo=
t;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">The draft says that the res=
olution will go into force upon Mladenov=E2=80=99s signature. The Board of =
Peace did not respond to questions about what additional parties, if any, w=
ould sign its sweeping resolution.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%;font-variant-caps:normal;text-align:start;text-decoration-line:n=
one;text-decoration-style:solid;word-spacing:0px"><span style=3D"font-famil=
y:&quot;-apple-system-font&quot;,serif;color:#1b1b1b">=E2=80=9CHow valuable=
 is this document if they are the only ones signing it?=E2=80=9D Shakir sai=
d.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class=3D"MsoNormal"><span style=3D"font-size:=
11.0pt;font-family:Optima"><u></u>=C2=A0<u></u></span></p></div></div>
</div></div></div>

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*https://thecradle.co/articles/hezbollah-chief-declares-lebanon-israeli-agr=
eement-null-and-void
<https://thecradle.co/articles/hezbollah-chief-declares-lebanon-israeli-agr=
eement-null-and-void>*

*Hezbollah chief declares Lebanon-Israel agreement =E2=80=98null and void=
=E2=80=99*The
resistance leader accused the Lebanese government of effectively granting
Israel what they failed to achieve militarily

*News Desk   6/27/26*

*Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem called the US-sponsored
Lebanon-Israel agreement =E2=80=9Cnull and void=E2=80=9D on 27 June, saying=
 it legitimizes
Israeli occupation of Lebanon and vowed to continue defending Lebanese
territory.*

*"This agreement is null and void,=E2=80=9D Qassem said, adding that Hezbol=
lah
=E2=80=9Cwill continue as a resistance in the field to defeat the occupatio=
n. We
did not leave the field in the most difficult circumstances, and we will
not leave it.=E2=80=9D*

*Qassem emphasized that the Beirut ignored the Iran-US Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) agreement, which =E2=80=9Cplaced a halt to the war on L=
ebanon
as its first item,=E2=80=9D  and chose to =E2=80=9Cabandon the cards of str=
ength=E2=80=9D while
granting Israel =E2=80=9Cwhat it wants for free.=E2=80=9D*

*The Secretary-General asserted that linking the enemy's withdrawal to the
removal of weapons across the country is a =E2=80=9Cdangerous violation=E2=
=80=9D of
Lebanon=E2=80=99s constitutional law and a betrayal of the thousands who ha=
ve been
killed by Israeli attacks across the country.*

*He added that the current proposal effectively =E2=80=9Clegitimizes the oc=
cupation
for years=E2=80=9D and allows Israel to dictate internal security matters u=
nder the
guise of an =E2=80=9Dexperimental peace."*

*=E2=80=9CThe experimental period might extend over months in the two regio=
ns,"
referring to the so-called =E2=80=9Cpilot zones=E2=80=9D where authority wo=
uld gradually
transfer from Israeli forces to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) as part of
the first phase of the agreement. *

*He added that =E2=80=9Cand there will be no transition to another phase ex=
cept
with a certificate of 'good conduct' from Israel, implementing what Israel
failed to achieve on the battlefield
<https://thecradle.co/articles/washington-ends-israeli-freedom-of-action-in=
side-lebanon-report>.=E2=80=9D*

*On Saturday morning, the Israeli military claimed it had taken "full
control" of Ali al-Taher Hill, the strategically vital heights overlooking
the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh.*

*Hezbollah dismissed the claims as fabricated propaganda, while a Lebanese
military source told Al Jazeera, =E2=80=9CWe have not detected any advance =
by
Israeli occupation forces toward the Ali al-Taher Heights in the Nabatieh
district.=E2=80=9D*

*Since the signing of the framework agreement, Israel continues to commit
various military violations across the south of Lebanon, including
artillery shelling, drone strikes, and ground incursions with heavy
machine-gun fire.*

*The signing of the framework was met with mass protests
<https://thecradle.co/articles/lebanon-orders-security-crackdown-on-protest=
s-against-seditious-israel-deal>
in
Beirut and other areas, as demonstrators blocked roads and burned tires.*

*In response, Lebanese judicial authorities ordered security forces to use
all necessary measures to disperse gatherings and restore public order.*

*Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, describing it
as a major achievement for Israel and stating that Israeli troops would
remain in the =E2=80=9Csecurity zones=E2=80=9D in southern Lebanon.*

--000000000000bbcf0e06553fd800
Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

<div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote"><div dir=3D"lt=
r" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://thecradle.co/articles/hezbollah-chi=
ef-declares-lebanon-israeli-agreement-null-and-void" target=3D"_blank">http=
s://thecradle.co/articles/hezbollah-chief-declares-lebanon-israeli-agreemen=
t-null-and-void</a></font></b></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div>=
<b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"lin=
e-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0.5em;max-width:100%;color:r=
gb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"4"><i>Hezbollah chief d=
eclares Lebanon-Israel agreement =E2=80=98null and void=E2=80=99</i></font>=
</h1><h2 style=3D"color:rgba(27,27,27,0.65);line-height:1.27275em;max-width=
:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" size=3D"2">The resistance leader accus=
ed the Lebanese government of effectively granting Israel what they failed =
to achieve militarily</font></h2><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.45em;max-wid=
th:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><p style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:=
inline"><a style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">News Desk=C2=A0 =C2=A06/27/26</font></b></a></p></div><=
div style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-bottom:1.15em;line-height:1.5em;color:rg=
ba(0,0,0,0.65)"><img src=3D"https://thecradle-main.oss-eu-central-1.aliyunc=
s.com/public/articles/82ad91a0-723d-11f1-8886-00163e02c055.webp" alt=3D"" s=
tyle=3D"margin:auto 0px auto auto;display:block;clear:both" width=3D"412" h=
eight=3D"232"></div><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Hezbollah Secretar=
y-General Naim Qassem called the US-sponsored Lebanon-Israel agreement =E2=
=80=9Cnull and void=E2=80=9D on 27 June, saying it legitimizes Israeli occu=
pation of Lebanon and vowed to continue defending Lebanese territory.</font=
></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">&quot;This agreement i=
s null and void,=E2=80=9D Qassem said, adding that Hezbollah =E2=80=9Cwill =
continue as a resistance in the field to defeat the occupation. We did not =
leave the field in the most difficult circumstances, and we will not leave =
it.=E2=80=9D</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,2=
7,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Qass=
em emphasized that the Beirut ignored the Iran-US Memorandum of Understandi=
ng (MoU) agreement, which =E2=80=9Cplaced a halt to the war on Lebanon as i=
ts first item,=E2=80=9D=C2=A0 and chose to =E2=80=9Cabandon the cards of st=
rength=E2=80=9D while granting Israel =E2=80=9Cwhat it wants for free.=E2=
=80=9D</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The Secret=
ary-General asserted that linking the enemy&#39;s withdrawal to the removal=
 of weapons across the country is a =E2=80=9Cdangerous violation=E2=80=9D o=
f Lebanon=E2=80=99s constitutional law and a betrayal of the thousands who =
have been killed by Israeli attacks across the country.</font></b></span></=
p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.4em"></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=
<b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">He added that the current proposal effecti=
vely =E2=80=9Clegitimizes the occupation for years=E2=80=9D and allows Isra=
el to dictate internal security matters under the guise of an =E2=80=9Dexpe=
rimental peace.&quot;</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margi=
n-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.4em"></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(2=
7,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=
=E2=80=9CThe experimental period might extend over months in the two region=
s,&quot; referring to the so-called =E2=80=9Cpilot zones=E2=80=9D where aut=
hority would gradually transfer from Israeli forces to the Lebanese Armed F=
orces (LAF) as part of the first phase of the agreement.=C2=A0</font></b></=
span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"g=
eorgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">He added that =E2=80=9Cand th=
ere will be no transition to another phase except with a certificate of &#3=
9;good conduct&#39; from Israel, implementing what Israel failed to achieve=
=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://thecradle.co/articles/washington-ends-israe=
li-freedom-of-action-inside-lebanon-report" style=3D"text-decoration:none;c=
olor:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><span style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%">on the battlefield</span></a><span style=3D"max-width:100%">.=E2=
=80=9D</span></font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">On Saturda=
y morning, the Israeli military claimed it had taken &quot;full control&quo=
t; of Ali al-Taher Hill, the strategically vital heights overlooking the so=
uthern Lebanese city of Nabatieh.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D=
"georgia, serif">Hezbollah dismissed the claims as fabricated propaganda, w=
hile a Lebanese military source told<span>=C2=A0</span><i style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%">Al Jazeera</i>, =E2=80=9CWe have not detected any advance by Israel=
i occupation forces toward the Ali al-Taher Heights in the Nabatieh distric=
t.=E2=80=9D</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27=
,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Since=
 the signing of the framework agreement, Israel continues to commit various=
 military violations across the south of Lebanon, including artillery shell=
ing, drone strikes, and ground incursions with heavy machine-gun fire.</fon=
t></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:=
0.4em"></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D=
"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">The signing of the framewor=
k was=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://thecradle.co/articles/lebanon-orders-s=
ecurity-crackdown-on-protests-against-seditious-israel-deal" style=3D"text-=
decoration:none;color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank"><sp=
an style=3D"max-width:100%">met with mass protests</span></a><span style=3D=
"max-width:100%"><span>=C2=A0</span>in Beirut and other areas, as demonstra=
tors blocked roads and burned tires.</span></font></b></p><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">In response, Lebanese judicial authorities ordered secu=
rity forces to use all necessary measures to disperse gatherings and restor=
e public order.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(2=
7,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">I=
sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the deal, describing it a=
s a major achievement for Israel and stating that Israeli troops would rema=
in in the =E2=80=9Csecurity zones=E2=80=9D in southern Lebanon.</font></b><=
/span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.4em;margin-bottom:0.4em">=
</p></div><div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font></b></div><div s=
tyle=3D"font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:small"><br></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>
</div>

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Subject: [Salon] How America lost its swagger after 100 days of war against
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[image: David Dodwell] <https://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell>
Outside In
  David Dodwell <https://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell>
How America lost its swagger after 100 days of war against Iran

Defeated by asymmetric warfare and spurned by allies, the US has ended up
boosting China=E2=80=99s economy and standing instead
SCMP
[image: US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver a speech at the Mack
Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, on June
23. Photo: Getty Images via AFP]
David Dodwell <https://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell>
David Dodwell is CEO of the trade policy and international relations
consultancy Strategic Access.
Published: 4:30pm, 26 Jun 2026Updated: 5:13pm, 26 Jun 2026

Who would have imagined that just over 100 days could so change the world?
The US-Israeli =E2=80=9Cwar of choice=E2=80=9D on Iran has fundamentally =
=E2=80=93 perhaps,
permanently =E2=80=93 shifted the global balances of economic, military and
political power, and not in America=E2=80=99s favour.
Mix the direct impact of this gratuitous military conflict
<https://www.scmp.com/topics/us-israel-war-iran?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Dar=
ticle>
with
the broader effects on global security, efforts to mitigate climate change,
contain soaring public debt and =E2=80=9Cde-risk=E2=80=9D after America=E2=
=80=99s unilateral
efforts to unravel globally agreed trade, and we face nothing less than an
upheaval.

=E2=80=9CTrump=E2=80=99s war in Iran was supposed to project American power=
. It projected
the opposite,=E2=80=9D wrote Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer in a newslet=
ter.
=E2=80=9CAmerican reliability can no longer be assumed, and reducing depend=
ence on
the US has gone from luxury to necessity.=E2=80=9D

The damage to the US has been heavy. Pollsters record a dramatic collapse
in America=E2=80=99s standing worldwide. Even among Americans, according to=
 the
Brookings Institution, 56 per cent believe the war has had a net negative
effect on US interests =E2=80=93 and this included a third of Republicans.
When Pew Research asked
<https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3358142/new-poll-shows-e=
roding-global-trust-trump-and-america?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Darticle>
respondents
if they were confident US President Donald Trump would =E2=80=9Cdo the righ=
t thing
regarding world affairs=E2=80=9D, 88 per cent of Mexicans said they weren=
=E2=80=99t,
alongside 79 per cent of Canadians and, across Europe, over 80 per cent in
Sweden, Germany and Turkey. The European Council found that only 11 per
cent of Europeans still consider America an ally.

China=E2=80=99s standing has risen sharply without it having to lift a fing=
er. More
people now believe China will have a positive impact on global affairs in
the coming decade than the US will, according to an Ipsos poll. A European
Council poll showed that about half of respondents in Europe and the US now
see China as an ally or necessary partner.
John Mearsheimer: Making it Make Sense | Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo
Trump=E2=80=99s behaviour has alienated even the closest and longest-standi=
ng US
allies. Threats against Canada and Greenland, and the badmouthing
<https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3357801/italys-meloni-let-t=
rumps-jibes-slide-so-long-now-shes-hitting-back?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Dar=
ticle>
of
EU leaders, have soured links with virtually every European power and
rattled the foundations of the transatlantic Nato
<https://www.scmp.com/topics/nato?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Darticle> allianc=
e.
While most Europeans are rapidly boosting defence spending, they are also
seeking ways of reducing reliance on America.
Gulf economies that have for decades been among the biggest purchasers of
US defence equipment and provided secure bases for American troops across
the Middle East on the assumption that, in return, they were under the US
security umbrella, now feel catastrophically betrayed
<https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3347189/severely-damaged=
-how-us-israel-war-iran-decoupling-gulf-security?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Da=
rticle>
.
The US military has failed to rid them of decades of threats from Iran and
its axis of resistance
<https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3356756/irans-unity-theatr=
es-strategy-exposes-us-israel-rift?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Darticle>.
Worse, it has failed to protect them from Iranian drone and missile attacks
that destroyed around 80 energy facilities, which will cost some US$60
billion and take up to five years to repair. =E2=80=9CThey paid the price o=
f
Iranian retaliation,=E2=80=9D as Bremmer put it. =E2=80=9CWith no say in th=
e decisions that
put them in the crosshairs.=E2=80=9D
The military failure has painfully illustrated how the rules of war have
changed. Million-dollar Patriot missiles have been outmanoeuvred
<https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3345227/irans-cheap-th=
reat-us20000-drones-vs-us4-million-interceptors?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Dar=
ticle>
by
US$30,000 Shahed drones. The US may have spent US$890 billion a day on the
military campaign against Iran, but that does not deliver dominance in a
war waged by kamikaze drones and artificial intelligence-enabled
communications.

The harm to the Gulf economies has been amplified by the global disruption
of supplies of oil, gas, fertilisers, helium and other fossil-based
products. Iran may have triggered the disruption by choking the Strait of
Hormuz, but surveys show the US is being blamed for an unnecessary war and
the fuel and fertiliser shortages.
Vance says US-Iran deal will fundamentally transform Middle East
America=E2=80=99s war aims appear to have backfired in ways never expected =
or
intended. The defence department wants to raise the Pentagon=E2=80=99s budg=
et
to a record
US$1.5 trillion
<https://www.scmp.com/news/us/politics/article/3349007/trump-administration=
-seeks-us15-trillion-defence-new-budget-request?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Dar=
ticle>
when
national debt, now over US$39 trillion, is squeezing all areas of the
government budget, and when conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine and Iran
have depleted munitions to levels that will take years to replenish.
The war has scored other =E2=80=9Cown goals=E2=80=9D. The attack on Iran, w=
hich some
believed would make Beijing think twice before considering an armed assault
on Taiwan, has clearly backfired
<https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3349130/how-lessons-iran-=
war-could-shape-mainland-chinas-calculus-taiwan?module=3Dinline&pgtype=3Dar=
ticle>.
The evidence of the Iran war is that the US could not prevail if such an
attack did occur. Those anxious about national security who have in the
past found comfort in a US security umbrella have over the past three
months been taught a brutal lesson.

America=E2=80=99s inability to protect global oil and gas supplies through =
the
Strait of Hormuz has given the global green economy a powerful shot in the
arm =E2=80=93 not helpful to Trump=E2=80=99s ambitions for the US fossil fu=
el economy, but
for China, as the champion of green technologies from electric vehicles and
batteries to solar and wind power, a welcome and unexpected gift.
Can the Middle East war turbocharge China=E2=80=99s global EV ambitions?

Since the turn of the century, the US and its closest Western allies have
reluctantly conceded to the rising economic power of the Global South.
Advanced economies=E2=80=99 share of the global gross domestic product has =
tumbled
from 58 per cent in 2000 to 39 per cent today, with developing economies=E2=
=80=99
share rising 20 percentage points to 61 per cent. But they have found
comfort in continued military dominance.

So the past 100 days have come as an unwelcome surprise. Adjustment will be
painful for many. This shocking asymmetric shift in the way wars are fought
means a similarly shocking shift in the global balances of power. The US
remains influential, but after the Iran war, some of the swagger has gone.
[image: David Dodwell] <https://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell>
David Dodwell <https://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell>
David Dodwell is CEO of the trade policy and international relations
consultancy Strategic Access. His work focuses on developments and
challenges facing the Asia-Pacific over the past four decades.

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nt-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px">How America=
 lost its swagger after 100 days of war against Iran</span></h1></div><div =
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x;font-family:Merriweather,&quot;Merriweather fallback&quot;,serif;font-siz=
e-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-si=
ze:20px;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51)"><h3 class=
=3D"er6t7fe3 gmail-css-19mvk5a e1ql5f172" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ma=
rgin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:in=
herit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-siz=
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ze:20px;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><p class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-=
1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;fon=
t:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit">Defeated by asy=
mmetric warfare and spurned by allies, the US has ended up boosting China=
=E2=80=99s economy and standing instead</p></h3></div><div class=3D"gmail-c=
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P</span></div></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-css-km3tje ea45u6l19" s=
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r:rgb(0,0,0)"><div class=3D"er6t7fe23 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 e14wegc30" style=3D=
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ss-bjn8wh e1gf69pb3" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;=
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er:0px"><span style=3D"box-sizing:border-box"><img alt=3D"US President Dona=
ld Trump arrives to deliver a speech at the Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Opera=
tions facility in Macungie, Pennsylvania, on June 23. Photo: Getty Images v=
ia AFP" class=3D"e1gf69pb2 gmail-css-16ak3ue e445x7d0" src=3D"https://cdn.i=
-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2026/=
06/26/5e6fb7dc-4b14-4873-b8eb-a9f71afcf0d9_3e9a5e69.jpg?itok=3DTzum6Pmi&amp=
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an></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-css-1d2w7us ea45u6l32" style=3D"bo=
x-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-variant-numeric:inherit;fon=
t-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:i=
nherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:Roboto,&quot;Roboto fallback&quot;,s=
ans-serif;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settin=
gs:inherit;font-size:14px;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:grid;c=
olor:rgb(0,0,0)"><div class=3D"gmail-css-1oetv63 ea45u6l17" style=3D"box-si=
zing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inhe=
rit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-famil=
y:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settin=
gs:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:flex"><div class=3D"e=
r6t7fe32 gmail-css-7qldf6 eybiz6w3" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0=
px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:700;font=
-stretch:inherit;line-height:normal;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:i=
nherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><a=
 target=3D"_self" class=3D"e163ld431 gmail-css-uvyeg2 ecgc78b0" href=3D"htt=
ps://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;marg=
in:0px;padding:0px;font-variant-ligatures:inherit;font-variant-caps:inherit=
;font-variant-numeric:lining-nums proportional-nums;font-variant-east-asian=
:inherit;font-variant-alternates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:n=
ormal;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:i=
nherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:inline-block;color:rgb(0,=
0,0)">David Dodwell</a></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-css-ybouy1 ea45u6l0"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;f=
ont-variant-ligatures:inherit;font-variant-caps:inherit;font-variant-numeri=
c:lining-nums proportional-nums;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-varian=
t-alternates:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:1=
8.2px;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:i=
nherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:rgb(90,90,90)"><div class=
=3D"er6t7fe6 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 e1q7ts0l0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ma=
rgin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:in=
herit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-siz=
e-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertica=
l-align:baseline;border:0px">David Dodwell is CEO of the trade policy and i=
nternational relations consultancy Strategic Access.</div></div><div class=
=3D"gmail-css-14nqcp8 ea45u6l16" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;=
padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;fon=
t-stretch:inherit;line-height:normal;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:i=
nherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:ba=
seline;border:0px"><div class=3D"er6t7fe26 gmail-css-1jj3xkn efakuk42" styl=
e=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-v=
ariant-ligatures:inherit;font-variant-caps:inherit;font-variant-numeric:lin=
ing-nums proportional-nums;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-variant-alt=
ernates:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:i=
nherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:ba=
seline;border:0px;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Published:=C2=A04:30pm, 26 Jun 20=
26Updated:=C2=A05:13pm, 26 Jun 2026</div></div><div class=3D"gmail-css-15nu=
gz2 ea45u6l12" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-s=
tyle:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;f=
ont-family:Merriweather,&quot;Merriweather fallback&quot;,serif;font-size-a=
djust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-size:=
18px;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:rgb(34,34,34)"><div class=3D"=
gmail-js-reading-0-percent-completion-tracker gmail-css-19icq8a ekyy9du0" s=
tyle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;fon=
t-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inhe=
rit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-=
feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div><p class=
=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;mar=
gin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inh=
erit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;font-family:inherit;font-size-=
adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-=
align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit">Who would have imagined that just =
over 100 days could so change the world? The US-Israeli =E2=80=9Cwar of cho=
ice=E2=80=9D on Iran has fundamentally =E2=80=93 perhaps, permanently =E2=
=80=93 shifted the global balances of economic, military and political powe=
r, and not in America=E2=80=99s favour.</p><div class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css=
-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;fo=
nt-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inhe=
rit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-k=
erning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border=
:0px">Mix the direct impact of this gratuitous=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" cla=
ss=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www.sc=
mp.com/topics/us-israel-war-iran?module=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" titl=
e=3D"" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inh=
erit;font-variant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-siz=
e-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertica=
l-align:baseline;border:0px;display:inline;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:=
break-word"><span class=3D"gmail-css-0 ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border=
-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-we=
ight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;f=
ont-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;=
vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;word-break:break-word">military conflict=
</span></a>=C2=A0with the broader effects on global security, efforts to mi=
tigate climate change, contain soaring public debt and =E2=80=9Cde-risk=E2=
=80=9D after America=E2=80=99s unilateral efforts to unravel globally agree=
d trade, and we face nothing less than an upheaval.</div><p class=3D"e8zc9q=
40 gmail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;pa=
dding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-=
stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inh=
erit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:base=
line;border:0px;color:inherit">=E2=80=9CTrump=E2=80=99s war in Iran was sup=
posed to project American power. It projected the opposite,=E2=80=9D wrote =
Eurasia Group founder Ian Bremmer in a newsletter. =E2=80=9CAmerican reliab=
ility can no longer be assumed, and reducing dependence on the US has gone =
from luxury to necessity.=E2=80=9D</p><div class=3D"gmail-css-1auxnbl evaao=
s91" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inher=
it;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-heigh=
t:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit=
;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><div cla=
ss=3D"e11v3ui10 e11v3ui11 gmail-ad-with-size-0x0 gmail-css-kcdza6 evaaos90"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;f=
ont-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:0;=
font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feat=
ure-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:flex"></div=
></div><div class=3D"gmail-js-reading-20-percent-completion-tracker gmail-c=
ss-19icq8a ekyy9du0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;=
font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:in=
herit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font=
-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;bord=
er:0px"></div><p class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box=
-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:i=
nherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;font-fam=
ily:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-sett=
ings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit">The damage t=
o the US has been heavy. Pollsters record a dramatic collapse in America=E2=
=80=99s standing worldwide. Even among Americans, according to the Brooking=
s Institution, 56 per cent believe the war has had a net negative effect on=
 US interests =E2=80=93 and this included a third of Republicans.</p><div c=
lass=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight=
:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-=
size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vert=
ical-align:baseline;border:0px">When Pew Research=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" =
class=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www=
.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3358142/new-poll-shows-eroding-globa=
l-trust-trump-and-america?module=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" =
style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;fo=
nt-variant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjus=
t:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align=
:baseline;border:0px;display:inline;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-w=
ord"><span class=3D"gmail-css-0 ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ma=
rgin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:in=
herit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-siz=
e-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertica=
l-align:baseline;border:0px;word-break:break-word">asked</span></a>=C2=A0re=
spondents if they were confident US President Donald Trump would =E2=80=9Cd=
o the right thing regarding world affairs=E2=80=9D, 88 per cent of Mexicans=
 said they weren=E2=80=99t, alongside 79 per cent of Canadians and, across =
Europe, over 80 per cent in Sweden, Germany and Turkey. The European Counci=
l found that only 11 per cent of Europeans still consider America an ally.<=
/div><p class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:b=
order-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;fo=
nt-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;font-family:inher=
it;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inhe=
rit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit">China=E2=80=99s stand=
ing has risen sharply without it having to lift a finger. More people now b=
elieve China will have a positive impact on global affairs in the coming de=
cade than the US will, according to an Ipsos poll. A European Council poll =
showed that about half of respondents in Europe and the US now see China as=
 an ally or necessary partner.</p><div class=3D"gmail-methode-html-wrapper =
gmail-oembed-wrapper e1a5rv550 gmail-css-1llrc1m e1yqhwb40" style=3D"box-si=
zing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font:inherit;vertical-align:baseline=
;border:0px;color:inherit;word-break:break-word"><div class=3D"gmail-c1 e2g=
ky7d0 e1drg7e30 e1ciypty0 ehdmpxk0 gmail-css-1avyp1d e1hpd36k0" style=3D"bo=
x-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:=
inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-f=
amily:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-se=
ttings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-css-=
8owkf6 e1hpd36k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;fon=
t-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inher=
it;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-ke=
rning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:=
0px"><div class=3D"gmail-css-fbqk9e e9gb5764" style=3D"box-sizing:border-bo=
x;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weigh=
t:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font=
-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;ver=
tical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-css-17srd=
7h e9gb5762" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-sty=
le:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;li=
ne-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning=
:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px">=
<div class=3D"gmail-css-yegjy4 e9gb5763" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;mar=
gin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inh=
erit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size=
-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical=
-align:baseline;border:0px"></div><div id=3D"gmail-ad-yt-WqLfsxWHq5Y-335808=
6" class=3D"gmail-css-ipcwwe e9gb5760" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margi=
n:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inher=
it;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-a=
djust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-a=
lign:baseline;border:0px"></div></div></div></div><div class=3D"e1hpd36k3 g=
mail-css-79hwxn e1x11wau0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;paddin=
g:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stre=
tch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inheri=
t;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baselin=
e;border:0px;display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-css-0 e1x11wau2" style=3D"bo=
x-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:=
inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:22.4px;font-fa=
mily:Roboto,&quot;Roboto fallback&quot;,sans-serif;font-size-adjust:inherit=
;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-size:16px;vertical=
-align:baseline;border:0px;color:rgb(0,0,0)">John Mearsheimer: Making it Ma=
ke Sense | Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo</div></div></div></div><div clas=
s=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ma=
rgin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:in=
herit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-siz=
e-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertica=
l-align:baseline;border:0px">Trump=E2=80=99s behaviour has alienated even t=
he closest and longest-standing US allies. Threats against Canada and Green=
land, and the=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" class=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-cs=
s-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/=
3357801/italys-meloni-let-trumps-jibes-slide-so-long-now-shes-hitting-back?=
module=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=3D"box-sizing:border=
-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-st=
retch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inh=
erit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;displ=
ay:inline;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-word"><span class=3D"gmail-=
css-0 ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-=
style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit=
;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kern=
ing:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0p=
x;word-break:break-word">badmouthing</span></a>=C2=A0of EU leaders, have so=
ured links with virtually every European power and rattled the foundations =
of the transatlantic=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" class=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 g=
mail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.com/topics/nato?module=
=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;m=
argin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-stretch:=
inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;f=
ont-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:inl=
ine;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-word"><span class=3D"gmail-css-0 =
ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:=
inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-=
height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:in=
herit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;word=
-break:break-word">Nato</span></a>=C2=A0alliance. While most Europeans are =
rapidly boosting defence spending, they are also seeking ways of reducing r=
eliance on America.</div><div class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;f=
ont-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:in=
herit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;fon=
t-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px">Gulf economi=
es that have for decades been among the biggest purchasers of US defence eq=
uipment and provided secure bases for American troops across the Middle Eas=
t on the assumption that, in return, they were under the US security umbrel=
la, now feel=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" class=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css=
-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/articl=
e/3347189/severely-damaged-how-us-israel-war-iran-decoupling-gulf-security?=
module=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=3D"box-sizing:border=
-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-st=
retch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inh=
erit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;displ=
ay:inline;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-word"><span class=3D"gmail-=
css-0 ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-=
style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit=
;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kern=
ing:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0p=
x;word-break:break-word">catastrophically betrayed</span></a>.</div><div cl=
ass=3D"gmail-js-reading-50-percent-completion-tracker gmail-css-19icq8a eky=
y9du0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inh=
erit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-hei=
ght:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inher=
it;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div>=
<div class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizing:bord=
er-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-=
weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit=
;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inheri=
t;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px">The US military has failed to rid the=
m of decades of threats from Iran and its=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" class=3D=
"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.co=
m/week-asia/politics/article/3356756/irans-unity-theatres-strategy-exposes-=
us-israel-rift?module=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=3D"bo=
x-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:=
inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;f=
ont-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;b=
order:0px;display:inline;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-word"><span =
class=3D"gmail-css-0 ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;pa=
dding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-=
stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:in=
herit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:bas=
eline;border:0px;word-break:break-word">axis of resistance</span></a>. Wors=
e, it has failed to protect them from Iranian drone and missile attacks tha=
t destroyed around 80 energy facilities, which will cost some US$60 billion=
 and take up to five years to repair. =E2=80=9CThey paid the price of Irani=
an retaliation,=E2=80=9D as Bremmer put it. =E2=80=9CWith no say in the dec=
isions that put them in the crosshairs.=E2=80=9D</div><div class=3D"e8zc9q4=
0 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;pad=
ding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-s=
tretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inh=
erit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:base=
line;border:0px">The military failure has painfully illustrated how the rul=
es of war have changed. Million-dollar Patriot missiles have been=C2=A0<a t=
arget=3D"_self" class=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" hre=
f=3D"https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3345227/irans-chea=
p-threat-us20000-drones-vs-us4-million-interceptors?module=3Dinline&amp;pgt=
ype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding=
:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-heig=
ht:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-setti=
ngs:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:inline;color:rgb(44,=
70,146);word-break:break-word"><span class=3D"gmail-css-0 ef9u0v00" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-va=
riant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;=
font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feat=
ure-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;word-break:break-wo=
rd">outmanoeuvred</span></a>=C2=A0by US$30,000 Shahed drones. The US may ha=
ve spent US$890 billion a day on the military campaign against Iran, but th=
at does not deliver dominance in a war waged by kamikaze drones and artific=
ial intelligence-enabled communications.</div><p class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-cs=
s-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;f=
ont-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inh=
erit;line-height:28.8px;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-k=
erning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border=
:0px;color:inherit">The harm to the Gulf economies has been amplified by th=
e global disruption of supplies of oil, gas, fertilisers, helium and other =
fossil-based products. Iran may have triggered the disruption by choking th=
e Strait of Hormuz, but surveys show the US is being blamed for an unnecess=
ary war and the fuel and fertiliser shortages.</p><div class=3D"gmail-metho=
de-html-wrapper gmail-oembed-wrapper e1a5rv550 gmail-css-1llrc1m e1yqhwb40"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font:inherit;vertica=
l-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit;word-break:break-word"><div class=
=3D"e2gky7d0 e1drg7e30 e1ciypty0 ehdmpxk0 gmail-css-1avyp1d e1hpd36k0" styl=
e=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-v=
ariant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit=
;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-fea=
ture-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><div class=3D"gma=
il-css-agvv0 e1hpd36k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0=
px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch=
:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;f=
ont-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;b=
order:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-css-t9arl3 e9gb5764" style=3D"box-sizing:bor=
der-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font=
-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inheri=
t;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inher=
it;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-css=
-17srd7h e9gb5762" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;fo=
nt-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inhe=
rit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-k=
erning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border=
:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-css-yegjy4 e9gb5763" style=3D"box-sizing:border-b=
ox;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weig=
ht:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;fon=
t-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;ve=
rtical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div><div id=3D"gmail-ad-yt-XUQXypmn_wI-=
10" class=3D"gmail-css-ipcwwe e9gb5760" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;marg=
in:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inhe=
rit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-=
adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-=
align:baseline;border:0px"></div></div></div></div><div class=3D"e1hpd36k3 =
gmail-css-1w4b7vg e1x11wau0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padd=
ing:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-st=
retch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inhe=
rit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:basel=
ine;border:0px;display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-css-0 e1x11wau2" style=3D"=
box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-varian=
t:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:22.4px;font-=
family:Roboto,&quot;Roboto fallback&quot;,sans-serif;font-size-adjust:inher=
it;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;font-size:16px;vertic=
al-align:baseline;border:0px;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Vance says US-Iran deal will=
 fundamentally transform Middle East</div></div></div></div><div class=3D"e=
8zc9q40 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0=
px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;=
font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adju=
st:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-alig=
n:baseline;border:0px">America=E2=80=99s war aims appear to have backfired =
in ways never expected or intended. The defence department wants to raise t=
he Pentagon=E2=80=99s budget to a=C2=A0<a target=3D"_self" class=3D"e1yy41x=
40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.com/news/u=
s/politics/article/3349007/trump-administration-seeks-us15-trillion-defence=
-new-budget-request?module=3Dinline&amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-va=
riant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:inh=
erit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:base=
line;border:0px;display:inline;color:rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-word">=
<span class=3D"gmail-css-0 ef9u0v00" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:=
0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit=
;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adj=
ust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-ali=
gn:baseline;border:0px;word-break:break-word">record US$1.5 trillion</span>=
</a>=C2=A0when national debt, now over US$39 trillion, is squeezing all are=
as of the government budget, and when conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine a=
nd Iran have depleted munitions to levels that will take years to replenish=
.</div><div class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1xdhyk6 ec74h0k0" style=3D"box-sizi=
ng:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inheri=
t;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:=
inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings=
:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px">The war has scored other =E2=
=80=9Cown goals=E2=80=9D. The attack on Iran, which some believed would mak=
e Beijing think twice before considering an armed assault on Taiwan, has=C2=
=A0<a target=3D"_self" class=3D"e1yy41x40 ef9u0v01 gmail-css-1ankfgb ecgc78=
b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3349130/how-le=
ssons-iran-war-could-shape-mainland-chinas-calculus-taiwan?module=3Dinline&=
amp;pgtype=3Darticle" title=3D"" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;=
padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;li=
ne-height:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-featur=
e-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:inline;color:=
rgb(44,70,146);word-break:break-word"><span class=3D"gmail-css-0 ef9u0v00" =
style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;fo=
nt-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inh=
erit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font=
-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;word-break:bre=
ak-word">clearly backfired</span></a>. The evidence of the Iran war is that=
 the US could not prevail if such an attack did occur. Those anxious about =
national security who have in the past found comfort in a US security umbre=
lla have over the past three months been taught a brutal lesson.</div><p cl=
ass=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;=
margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:=
inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;font-family:inherit;font-si=
ze-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertic=
al-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit">America=E2=80=99s inability to =
protect global oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz has given =
the global green economy a powerful shot in the arm =E2=80=93 not helpful t=
o Trump=E2=80=99s ambitions for the US fossil fuel economy, but for China, =
as the champion of green technologies from electric vehicles and batteries =
to solar and wind power, a welcome and unexpected gift.</p><div class=3D"gm=
ail-methode-html-wrapper gmail-oembed-wrapper e1a5rv550 gmail-css-1llrc1m e=
1yqhwb40" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font:inheri=
t;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit;word-break:break-word"><=
div class=3D"gmail-c1 e2gky7d0 e1drg7e30 e1ciypty0 ehdmpxk0 gmail-css-1avyp=
1d e1hpd36k0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-st=
yle:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;l=
ine-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kernin=
g:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"=
><div class=3D"gmail-css-8owkf6 e1hpd36k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;m=
argin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:i=
nherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-si=
ze-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertic=
al-align:baseline;border:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-css-fbqk9e e9gb5764" styl=
e=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-v=
ariant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit=
;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-fea=
ture-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:flex"><div=
 class=3D"gmail-css-17srd7h e9gb5762" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin=
:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inheri=
t;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-ad=
just:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-al=
ign:baseline;border:0px"><div class=3D"gmail-css-yegjy4 e9gb5763" style=3D"=
box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-varian=
t:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font=
-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-=
settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div><div id=3D"gmail=
-ad-yt-ByreRudsyoc-3351676-15" class=3D"gmail-css-ipcwwe e9gb5760" style=3D=
"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-varia=
nt:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;fon=
t-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature=
-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div></div></div></d=
iv><div class=3D"e1hpd36k3 gmail-css-79hwxn e1x11wau0" style=3D"box-sizing:=
border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;f=
ont-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inh=
erit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:in=
herit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-=
css-0 e1x11wau2" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font=
-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inheri=
t;line-height:22.4px;font-family:Roboto,&quot;Roboto fallback&quot;,sans-se=
rif;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inh=
erit;font-size:16px;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:rgb(0,0,0)">Ca=
n the Middle East war turbocharge China=E2=80=99s global EV ambitions?</div=
></div></div></div><p class=3D"e8zc9q40 gmail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-va=
riant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;f=
ont-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-featu=
re-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;color:inherit">Since=
 the turn of the century, the US and its closest Western allies have reluct=
antly conceded to the rising economic power of the Global South. Advanced e=
conomies=E2=80=99 share of the global gross domestic product has tumbled fr=
om 58 per cent in 2000 to 39 per cent today, with developing economies=E2=
=80=99 share rising 20 percentage points to 61 per cent. But they have foun=
d comfort in continued military dominance.</p><div class=3D"gmail-js-readin=
g-90-percent-completion-tracker gmail-css-19icq8a ekyy9du0" style=3D"box-si=
zing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inhe=
rit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-famil=
y:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settin=
gs:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div><p class=3D"e8zc9q40 g=
mail-css-1c6uqr6 ec74h0k1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;paddin=
g:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stre=
tch:inherit;line-height:28.8px;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit=
;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline=
;border:0px;color:inherit">So the past 100 days have come as an unwelcome s=
urprise. Adjustment will be painful for many. This shocking asymmetric shif=
t in the way wars are fought means a similarly shocking shift in the global=
 balances of power. The US remains influential, but after the Iran war, som=
e of the swagger has gone.</p><div class=3D"gmail-js-reading-100-percent-co=
mpletion-tracker gmail-css-19icq8a ekyy9du0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight=
:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-=
size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vert=
ical-align:baseline;border:0px"></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-css-1kfpym9=
 ea45u6l2" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style=
:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line=
-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:i=
nherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"></=
div><div class=3D"gmail-css-1fek98n ea45u6l9" style=3D"box-sizing:border-bo=
x;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weigh=
t:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font=
-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;ver=
tical-align:baseline;border:0px"><div class=3D"er6t7fe31 gmail-css-13q2d2o =
e7gba4u1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:=
inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-=
height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:in=
herit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><di=
v class=3D"gmail-css-tbgdr e13gyt08" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:=
0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit=
;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adj=
ust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-ali=
gn:baseline;border:0px;display:grid"><div class=3D"gmail-css-1btmqbx e13gyt=
07" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inheri=
t;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height=
:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;=
font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><a target=
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nt-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust=
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ex"><a target=3D"_self" class=3D"e13gyt02 e163ld431 gmail-css-1j77t19 ecgc7=
8b0" href=3D"https://www.scmp.com/author/david-dodwell" style=3D"box-sizing=
:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;=
font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:16px;font-family:inher=
it;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inhe=
rit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px;display:inline-block;color:rgb(0,13,=
55)">David Dodwell</a><div class=3D"e13gyt06 gmail-css-nzko5h e7f0hzg3" sty=
le=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-=
variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inheri=
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ature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><div class=3D"e7=
f0hzg1 gmail-css-1ve11rc e1plt2it0" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0=
px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;=
font-stretch:inherit;line-height:0;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inh=
erit;font-kerning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:base=
line;border:0px"></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-css-gy7cxa e13gyt01"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;f=
ont-variant:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:in=
herit;font-family:inherit;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-kerning:inherit;fon=
t-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border:0px"><div class=
=3D"e13gyt00 gmail-css-1y5q2jx e12du4v60" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ma=
rgin:0px;padding:0px;font-style:inherit;font-variant:inherit;font-weight:in=
herit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:16px;font-size-adjust:inherit;font-k=
erning:inherit;font-feature-settings:inherit;vertical-align:baseline;border=
:0px;display:-webkit-box;text-overflow:ellipsis;overflow:hidden">David Dodw=
ell is CEO of the trade policy and international relations consultancy Stra=
tegic Access. His work focuses on developments and challenges facing the As=
ia-Pacific over the past four decades.</div></div></div></div></div></div><=
/div>

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*https://www.palestinechronicle.com/father-will-we-still-be-alive-tomorrow-=
a-gaza-doctors-appeal-from-jazic/
<https://www.palestinechronicle.com/father-will-we-still-be-alive-tomorrow-=
a-gaza-doctors-appeal-from-jazic/>*

*=E2=80=98Father, Will We Still Be Alive Tomorrow?=E2=80=99: A Gaza Doctor=
=E2=80=99s Appeal from
JAZIC*Speaking live from Gaza, Dr. Eyad Amawi told the Second Jewish
Anti-Zionist Congress that genocide destroys not only lives but society
itself.
*June 27, 2026 <https://www.palestinechronicle.com/2026/06/> *
*Palestinian physician Dr. Eyad Amawi, a member of Doctors Against
Genocide. (Photos: Wikimedia. Design: Palestine Chronicle)*

*By Romana Rubeo  *

*Destroying the Conditions for Life*

*DUBLIN =E2=80=93 As the first day of the Second Jewish Anti-Zionist Congre=
ss
turned from discussions of history, international law and political action
to voices from Palestine itself, the conference hall fell silent for a live
testimony from Gaza.*

*Speaking via video link on Friday, Palestinian physician Dr. Eyad Amawi, a
member of Doctors Against Genocide, offered a stark account of life inside
the besieged Strip, arguing that Israel=E2=80=99s military campaign has evo=
lved
into the systematic destruction of every condition necessary for civilian
life.*

*=E2=80=9CThey (The Israelis =E2=80=93 PC) are destroying everything,=E2=80=
=9D Amawi said,
explaining that the devastation extends far beyond homes reduced to rubble.
=E2=80=9CThey are destroying the infrastructure. They have turned our envir=
onment
into an environment of disease and infection.=E2=80=9D*

*The consequences, he explained, are becoming increasingly severe as Gaza
enters another summer under siege. Fuel shortages have forced many
desalination plants to shut down, humanitarian organizations struggle to
operate the few facilities that remain, and access to clean drinking water
continues to deteriorate.*

*=E2=80=9CWithout water, there is no life,=E2=80=9D Amawi said, describing =
a humanitarian
crisis in which disease spreads through overcrowded displacement camps
while medical services collapse under impossible conditions.*

*For Amawi, these conditions are neither accidental nor simply the
inevitable consequences of war. Rather, they form part of what he described
as a deliberate effort to dismantle Palestinian society itself.*

*Pointing to the destruction of farms, factories, local institutions and
municipal services, he said more than 500,000 Palestinians have lost their
livelihoods, while restrictions on fuel, construction materials and
essential equipment have made reconstruction virtually impossible.*

* =E2=80=9CWhat we are witnessing,=E2=80=9D he argued, =E2=80=9Cis the syst=
ematic destruction of
social life and the deliberate engineering of starvation.=E2=80=9D*
*=E2=80=98We Are Losing an Entire Generation=E2=80=99*

*While the destruction of infrastructure formed the backdrop to his
testimony, Amawi repeatedly returned to the people living through its
consequences, particularly Gaza=E2=80=99s children.*

*More than 64,000 children, he said, have been orphaned since the beginning
of the war. Many now live in tents after losing not only their parents but
also their homes, schools and communities.*

*=E2=80=9CWe are losing an entire generation,=E2=80=9D Amawi warned, explai=
ning that the
phrase refers not only to those killed but also to the destruction of
education, childhood and any prospect of normal development.*

*The crisis, however, became deeply personal as he described conversations
inside his own family.*

*=E2=80=9CMy own children still ask me every day, =E2=80=98Father, will we =
still be alive
tomorrow?'=E2=80=9D he said, recalling nights punctuated by bombardment, dr=
ones and
the constant fear of renewed displacement.*

*According to Amawi, Israeli military operations have left more than two
million Palestinians confined to an increasingly narrow stretch of land
after Israeli forces expanded their control over much of the Gaza Strip.*

*At the same time, he said, the healthcare system has been pushed beyond
collapse.*

*Starvation, he explained, has weakened children=E2=80=99s immune systems, =
while
hospitals lack the medicines, equipment and personnel needed to treat
diseases that continue spreading through overcrowded camps.*

*Appealing for greater international action, Amawi said medical evacuations
remain desperately needed, yet repeated efforts to bring sick children to
safety, establish mobile hospitals and deliver medical supplies continue to
face enormous obstacles.*

*=E2=80=9CMedical missions are blocked. Medical supplies are prevented from
entering,=E2=80=9D he said, arguing that denying hospitals the materials ne=
eded to
function serves one objective: =E2=80=9Cto destroy every possibility that
Palestinians can resume a normal life or rebuild what has been destroyed.=
=E2=80=9D*
*=E2=80=98This is Our Homeland=E2=80=99*

*Amawi also questioned repeated international assurances that humanitarian
conditions in Gaza were improving.*

*The number of aid trucks entering the Strip, he said, has declined in
recent days, while promises to provide mobile homes and other essential
shelter have largely gone unfulfilled. Fuel, batteries, solar panels and
other basic necessities continue to be blocked despite the desperate needs
of displaced families.*

*=E2=80=9CThere is no real humanitarian aid,=E2=80=9D he said.*

*He contrasted the sustained international focus on Israeli security with
what he described as the near absence of concern for Palestinian civilians.=
*

*=E2=80=9CThere are endless discussions about Israeli security,=E2=80=9D Am=
awi observed,
=E2=80=9Cyet there is no concern for the security of Palestinian children.=
=E2=80=9D*

*Nor, he added, is there sufficient urgency regarding medical evacuations,
functioning hospitals or the basic necessities required for people simply
to remain alive.*

*Toward the end of his testimony, Amawi turned to what he described as the
broader objective behind Israel=E2=80=99s policies.*

*Israeli leaders, he noted, have repeatedly spoken of removing Palestinians
from Gaza altogether. But for those living through the destruction, he
said, departure is neither possible nor acceptable.*

*=E2=80=9CI do not know where they expect us to go,=E2=80=9D Amawi said. =
=E2=80=9CThis is our
homeland. This is our land. We will not leave. We will not give up.=E2=80=
=9D*

*Addressing participants in Dublin and audiences around the world, he urged
them to continue speaking publicly about Gaza and to pressure governments
to move beyond expressions of concern.*

*=E2=80=9CThis brutality must stop now,=E2=80=9D Amawi said, insisting that=
 =E2=80=9Cthere is no
more time for empty political statements.=E2=80=9D*

*=E2=80=9COur people here=E2=80=94and our people in the West Bank=E2=80=94h=
ave the right to live,
just like every other person in the world.=E2=80=9D*

*He ended not with a political argument but with a plea that echoed across
the conference hall=E2=80=94a simple call born of nearly three years of war=
.*

*=E2=80=9CEnough,=E2=80=9D Amawi concluded.*

*As the live connection came to an end, Amawi=E2=80=99s final words=E2=80=
=94=E2=80=9DThis is our
homeland. This is our land. We will not leave. We will not give up=E2=80=9D=
=E2=80=94were
met with a prolonged standing ovation from the audience in Dublin. Moments
later, the conference hall echoed with chants of =E2=80=9CFree, free Palest=
ine,=E2=80=9D as
participants rose to their feet in solidarity with those still enduring
Israel=E2=80=99s genocidal assault on Gaza.*

*(The Palestine Chronicle)*

*=E2=80=93 Romana Rubeo is an Italian writer and the managing editor of The
Palestine Chronicle. Her articles appeared in many online newspapers and
academic journals. She holds a Master=E2=80=99s Degree in Foreign Languages=
 and
Literature and specializes in audio-visual and journalism translation.*

--00000000000057984c0655404205
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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif"><a href=3D"https://www.palestinechronicle.com/fa=
ther-will-we-still-be-alive-tomorrow-a-gaza-doctors-appeal-from-jazic/" tar=
get=3D"_blank">https://www.palestinechronicle.com/father-will-we-still-be-a=
live-tomorrow-a-gaza-doctors-appeal-from-jazic/</a></font></b></div><div di=
r=3D"ltr"><div dir=3D"ltr"><div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><br></font=
></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bot=
tom:0.5em;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><font face=3D"georgia, serif"=
 size=3D"4"><i>=E2=80=98Father, Will We Still Be Alive Tomorrow?=E2=80=99: =
A Gaza Doctor=E2=80=99s Appeal from JAZIC</i></font></h1><h2 style=3D"line-=
height:1.27275em;max-width:100%"><font size=3D"2" face=3D"georgia, serif" c=
olor=3D"#000000">Speaking live from Gaza, Dr. Eyad Amawi told the Second Je=
wish Anti-Zionist Congress that genocide destroys not only lives but societ=
y itself.</font></h2><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.45em;max-width:100%;colo=
r:rgb(27,27,27)"><div style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"><b=
><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%"><s=
pan style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%"></span><a href=3D"https://www.pales=
tinechronicle.com/2026/06/" style=3D"text-decoration:none;margin:0px;color:=
rgb(27,27,27);max-width:100%;display:inline" target=3D"_blank">June 27, 202=
6</a></span><span>=C2=A0</span></font></b></div></div><img src=3D"https://w=
ww.palestinechronicle.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dr-Eyad_Gaza_PC.png" a=
lt=3D"" title=3D"Dr Eyad_Gaza_PC" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;disp=
lay:block" width=3D"412" height=3D"276"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Pa=
lestinian physician Dr. Eyad Amawi, a member of Doctors Against Genocide. (=
Photos: Wikimedia. Design: Palestine Chronicle)</font></b><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif"><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%">By<span>=C2=A0</span><a title=3D"Display all articles f=
or Romana Rubeo" style=3D"color:rgb(65,110,210);max-width:100%">Romana Rube=
o</a></span><span>=C2=A0</span>=C2=A0</font></b></p><blockquote style=3D"co=
lor:rgba(0,0,0,0.65);line-height:1.38em;font-style:italic;margin-top:1em;ma=
rgin-bottom:1em"></blockquote><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width:100%;co=
lor:rgb(27,27,27)"><b style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif=
">Destroying the Conditions for Life</font></b></h4><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"ge=
orgia, serif">DUBLIN =E2=80=93 As the first day of the Second Jewish Anti-Z=
ionist Congress turned from discussions of history, international law and p=
olitical action to voices from Palestine itself, the conference hall fell s=
ilent for a live testimony from Gaza.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-=
width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font fac=
e=3D"georgia, serif">Speaking via video link on Friday, Palestinian physici=
an Dr. Eyad Amawi, a member of Doctors Against Genocide, offered a stark ac=
count of life inside the besieged Strip, arguing that Israel=E2=80=99s mili=
tary campaign has evolved into the systematic destruction of every conditio=
n necessary for civilian life.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:1=
00%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"ge=
orgia, serif">=E2=80=9CThey (The Israelis =E2=80=93 PC) are destroying ever=
ything,=E2=80=9D Amawi said, explaining that the devastation extends far be=
yond homes reduced to rubble. =E2=80=9CThey are destroying the infrastructu=
re. They have turned our environment into an environment of disease and inf=
ection.=E2=80=9D</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(=
27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=
The consequences, he explained, are becoming increasingly severe as Gaza en=
ters another summer under siege. Fuel shortages have forced many desalinati=
on plants to shut down, humanitarian organizations struggle to operate the =
few facilities that remain, and access to clean drinking water continues to=
 deteriorate.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,=
27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=
=80=9CWithout water, there is no life,=E2=80=9D Amawi said, describing a hu=
manitarian crisis in which disease spreads through overcrowded displacement=
 camps while medical services collapse under impossible conditions.</font><=
/b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">For Amawi, these condi=
tions are neither accidental nor simply the inevitable consequences of war.=
 Rather, they form part of what he described as a deliberate effort to dism=
antle Palestinian society itself.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D=
"georgia, serif">Pointing to the destruction of farms, factories, local ins=
titutions and municipal services, he said more than 500,000 Palestinians ha=
ve lost their livelihoods, while restrictions on fuel, construction materia=
ls and essential equipment have made reconstruction virtually impossible.</=
font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=C2=A0=E2=80=9CWha=
t we are witnessing,=E2=80=9D he argued, =E2=80=9Cis the systematic destruc=
tion of social life and the deliberate engineering of starvation.=E2=80=9D<=
/font></b></span></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(2=
7,27,27)"><b style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=
=98We Are Losing an Entire Generation=E2=80=99</font></b></h4><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font =
face=3D"georgia, serif">While the destruction of infrastructure formed the =
backdrop to his testimony, Amawi repeatedly returned to the people living t=
hrough its consequences, particularly Gaza=E2=80=99s children.</font></b></=
span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max=
-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">More than 64,000 children, he=
 said, have been orphaned since the beginning of the war. Many now live in =
tents after losing not only their parents but also their homes, schools and=
 communities.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,=
27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=
=80=9CWe are losing an entire generation,=E2=80=9D Amawi warned, explaining=
 that the phrase refers not only to those killed but also to the destructio=
n of education, childhood and any prospect of normal development.</font></b=
></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"=
max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">The crisis, however, becam=
e deeply personal as he described conversations inside his own family.</fon=
t></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CMy own child=
ren still ask me every day, =E2=80=98Father, will we still be alive tomorro=
w?&#39;=E2=80=9D he said, recalling nights punctuated by bombardment, drone=
s and the constant fear of renewed displacement.</font></b></span></p><p st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><=
b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">According to Amawi, Israeli military operat=
ions have left more than two million Palestinians confined to an increasing=
ly narrow stretch of land after Israeli forces expanded their control over =
much of the Gaza Strip.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;col=
or:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, =
serif">At the same time, he said, the healthcare system has been pushed bey=
ond collapse.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,=
27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Sta=
rvation, he explained, has weakened children=E2=80=99s immune systems, whil=
e hospitals lack the medicines, equipment and personnel needed to treat dis=
eases that continue spreading through overcrowded camps.</font></b></span><=
/p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width=
:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Appealing for greater international=
 action, Amawi said medical evacuations remain desperately needed, yet repe=
ated efforts to bring sick children to safety, establish mobile hospitals a=
nd deliver medical supplies continue to face enormous obstacles.</font></b>=
</span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CMedical missions a=
re blocked. Medical supplies are prevented from entering,=E2=80=9D he said,=
 arguing that denying hospitals the materials needed to function serves one=
 objective: =E2=80=9Cto destroy every possibility that Palestinians can res=
ume a normal life or rebuild what has been destroyed.=E2=80=9D</font></b></=
span></p><h4 style=3D"margin:1em 0px;max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><s=
trong style=3D"max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=98This =
is Our Homeland=E2=80=99</font></strong></h4><p style=3D"max-width:100%;col=
or:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, =
serif">Amawi also questioned repeated international assurances that humanit=
arian conditions in Gaza were improving.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"m=
ax-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font =
face=3D"georgia, serif">The number of aid trucks entering the Strip, he sai=
d, has declined in recent days, while promises to provide mobile homes and =
other essential shelter have largely gone unfulfilled. Fuel, batteries, sol=
ar panels and other basic necessities continue to be blocked despite the de=
sperate needs of displaced families.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-w=
idth:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CThere is no real humanitarian aid,=E2=80=9D he=
 said.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"=
><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">He contras=
ted the sustained international focus on Israeli security with what he desc=
ribed as the near absence of concern for Palestinian civilians.</font></b><=
/span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"ma=
x-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CThere are endless d=
iscussions about Israeli security,=E2=80=9D Amawi observed, =E2=80=9Cyet th=
ere is no concern for the security of Palestinian children.=E2=80=9D</font>=
</b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Nor, he added, is ther=
e sufficient urgency regarding medical evacuations, functioning hospitals o=
r the basic necessities required for people simply to remain alive.</font><=
/b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Toward the end of his =
testimony, Amawi turned to what he described as the broader objective behin=
d Israel=E2=80=99s policies.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100=
%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"geor=
gia, serif">Israeli leaders, he noted, have repeatedly spoken of removing P=
alestinians from Gaza altogether. But for those living through the destruct=
ion, he said, departure is neither possible nor acceptable.</font></b></spa=
n></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CI do not know where the=
y expect us to go,=E2=80=9D Amawi said. =E2=80=9CThis is our homeland. This=
 is our land. We will not leave. We will not give up.=E2=80=9D</font></b></=
span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max=
-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">Addressing participants in Du=
blin and audiences around the world, he urged them to continue speaking pub=
licly about Gaza and to pressure governments to move beyond expressions of =
concern.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27=
)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=
=9CThis brutality must stop now,=E2=80=9D Amawi said, insisting that =E2=80=
=9Cthere is no more time for empty political statements.=E2=80=9D</font></b=
></span></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"=
max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9COur people here=
=E2=80=94and our people in the West Bank=E2=80=94have the right to live, ju=
st like every other person in the world.=E2=80=9D</font></b></span></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%">=
<b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">He ended not with a political argument but=
 with a plea that echoed across the conference hall=E2=80=94a simple call b=
orn of nearly three years of war.</font></b></span></p><p style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D=
"georgia, serif">=E2=80=9CEnough,=E2=80=9D Amawi concluded.</font></b></spa=
n></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><span style=3D"max-wi=
dth:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">As the live connection came to a=
n end, Amawi=E2=80=99s final words=E2=80=94=E2=80=9DThis is our homeland. T=
his is our land. We will not leave. We will not give up=E2=80=9D=E2=80=94we=
re met with a prolonged standing ovation from the audience in Dublin. Momen=
ts later, the conference hall echoed with chants of =E2=80=9CFree, free Pal=
estine,=E2=80=9D as participants rose to their feet in solidarity with thos=
e still enduring Israel=E2=80=99s genocidal assault on Gaza.</font></b></sp=
an></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><i style=3D"max-widt=
h:100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">(Th=
e Palestine Chronicle)</font></b></span></i></p><div style=3D"max-width:100=
%;color:rgb(27,27,27)"><div style=3D"max-width:100%"><p style=3D"max-width:=
100%"><span style=3D"max-width:100%"><i style=3D"max-width:100%"><span styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif">=E2=80=93 Romana Rube=
o is an Italian writer and the managing editor of The Palestine Chronicle. =
Her articles appeared in many online newspapers and academic journals. She =
holds a Master=E2=80=99s Degree in Foreign Languages and Literature and spe=
cializes in audio-visual and journalism translation.</font></b></span></i><=
/span></p></div></div></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

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 =?utf-8?q?cific_war_to_China?=
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*https://asiatimes.com/2026/06/us-navy's-repair-gap-could-hand-the-pacific-=
war-to-china/
<https://asiatimes.com/2026/06/us-navys-repair-gap-could-hand-the-pacific-w=
ar-to-china/>*

*US Navy=E2=80=99s repair gap could hand the Pacific war to China*US Navy
dangerously unprepared to restore battle-damaged warships fast enough to
sustain a high-intensity conflict with China
*by Gabriel Honrada <https://asiatimes.com/author/gabriel-honrada/> June
27, 2026*
*USS Fitzgerald towed the MV Transshelf to the US for repairs following a
2017 collision in Japan. Photo: US Navy*

*The US Navy=E2=80=99s greatest vulnerability in a war with China may not b=
e losing
ships =E2=80=94 but getting them back into the fight.*

*RAND released <https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA470-9.html> a
recent report warning that the US Navy faces severe risks to its maritime
dominance because repairing battle-damaged Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
in a hostile Indo-Pacific theater is significantly more complex and
difficult than current military plans allow.*

*Based on a two-day wargaming tabletop exercise sponsored by the Joint
Staff and held in August 2025, defense experts from the US and regional
allies =E2=80=94 including Japan, South Korea and Australia =E2=80=94 simul=
ated conflict
vignettes against China to evaluate strategic ship-salvage and
force-regeneration capabilities.*

*The analysis revealed critical bottlenecks in industrial ship repair,
finding that the US Navy=E2=80=99s organic capabilities are insufficient fo=
r major
repairs and can only stabilize ships to the point that they can transit
back to the US.*

*Repairs are further crippled by a severe shortage of specialized
technicians and a rigid peacetime regulatory framework that stalls
emergency wartime operations.*

*Additionally, tech-sharing hurdles and the non-standardized, =E2=80=9Csnow=
flake=E2=80=9D
configurations of individual Aegis combat systems make it nearly impossible
to substitute or cannibalize parts.*

*This lack of specialized spare parts is compounded by the extreme physical
vulnerability of allied shipyards to enemy attacks and commercial
constraints at regional hubs such as Singapore.*

*Together, those factors threaten to leave damaged US warships stranded and
defenseless during an active campaign.*

*The US Navy=E2=80=99s battle damage repair capabilities may not be limited=
 to just
the Arleigh Burke destroyer class. A US Government Accountability Office
(GAO) report <https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-246.pdf> from June 2021
states that the US Navy is still in the early stages of developing the
capabilities needed to repair battle damage in great-power conflicts.*

*The GAO report says that the US Navy lacks an established wartime
doctrine, has fragmented planning on which authority oversees repair and
maintenance efforts, and faces severe shipyard capacity shortages, because
it hasn=E2=80=99t had to repair damaged warships on a scale not seen since =
World
War II.*

*Compounding these vulnerabilities, the report says the US Navy relies on
outdated ship survivability models, leaving it without reliable data on
modern failure points needed to accurately analyze battle damage repair
needs.*

*Furthermore, Michael Hogan mentions in a May 2025 article
<https://cimsec.org/if-the-u-s-navy-cant-repair-ships-in-peacetime-how-will=
-it-do-so-in-war/>
for
the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) that post-Cold War
downsizing slashed the US Navy=E2=80=99s auxiliary fleet to just three ocea=
n-going
tugs, two rescue ships and two submarine tenders, driving its declining
repair capabilities and leaving it unable to handle sudden wartime battle
damage.*

*According to Hogan, US public shipyards are already operating at maximum
capacity, and routine peacetime modernization means fewer than 40% of
maintenance periods are completed on time. He stresses that with a massive
domestic shipbuilding bottleneck, the US faces a crippling capacity deficit
compared to China, leaving forward-deployed warships highly vulnerable in a
conflict.*

*Illustrating the US Navy=E2=80=99s massive shipbuilding deficit vis-a-vis =
China,
The War Zone (TWZ) reported
<https://www.twz.com/alarming-navy-intel-slide-warns-of-chinas-200-times-gr=
eater-shipbuilding-capacity>
in
June 2023 that a leaked US Navy intelligence slide revealed that China
possesses an astonishing 232 times the shipbuilding capacity of the US. *

*The slide said China=E2=80=99s state-run shipyards produce a massive capac=
ity of
approximately 23.25 million gross tons, compared to less than 100,000 tons
domestically for the US.*

*Moreover, Arjun Vohra mentions in a Geopolitical Monitor article
<https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/the-us-shipbuilding-industry-is-not-re=
ady-for-a-war/>
this
month that the US today maintains only eight military shipyards, a far cry
from its robust World War II industrial base.*

*Vohra points out that because modern destroyers take 5 to 7 years to
build, compressing wartime timelines is nearly impossible, forcing the US
Navy to rely heavily on retrofitting older vessels rather than building new
ones.*

*Against that backdrop, China=E2=80=99s naval repair enterprise is evolving=
 in the
opposite direction. Contrasting China=E2=80=99s approach to naval shipbuild=
ing and
repair with that of the US, a RAND report
<https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3368-1.html> this month
mentions that the People=E2=80=99s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is transitio=
ning
toward a hybrid maintenance framework, balancing the replacement of older
hulls with comprehensive overhauls of its newest, highly sophisticated
surface combatants.*

*The report says that to support its breakneck shipbuilding pace, China
heavily prioritizes organic, grassroots self-sufficiency, though its
lower-level units still struggle with surface-level practices and rely on
higher echelons for complex repairs.*

*It notes that this strategy directly contrasts with the US Navy=E2=80=99s
longstanding, repair-focused approach, which remains severely hindered by
domestic shipyard bottlenecks, compounding maintenance backlogs and
critical workforce shortages.*

*A Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) report warns
<https://csbaonline.org/research/publications/sustaining-the-fight-resilien=
t-maritime-logistics-for-a-new-era/publication/1>
that
the lack of rapid repair capabilities has diminished the US Navy to the
point of functioning as a mere =E2=80=9Cgarrison force,=E2=80=9D dependent =
on a forward
network of ports and bases rather than the true expeditionary force it was
during World War II.*

*It warns that in a protracted war of attrition against a peer adversary
like China, this decay would be catastrophic. Lacking mobile repair assets
and flexible surge capacity to triage struck vessels, the US Navy faces a
steep drop in operational availability and a dramatically higher loss
percentage of salvageable warships, the report says.*

*Those shortcomings could be especially consequential in a Taiwan
contingency. A January 2023 Center for Strategic and International Studies
(CSIS)  report
<https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/230109_=
Cancian_FirstBattle_NextWar.pdf?VersionId=3DXlDrfCUHet8OZSOYW_9PWx3xtc0ScGH=
n>
mentions
that a potential Chinese amphibious invasion of Taiwan would inflict
catastrophic losses on the US Navy, typically sinking two US carriers and
10 to 20 large surface combatants within three weeks, losses that could
cripple the US=E2=80=99s global position for years.*

*Reversing those shortcomings will require more than additional funding =E2=
=80=94
it will require a fundamental shift in how the US Navy prepares to
regenerate combat power during wartime. *

*William Arnest writes in a March 2025 Proceedings article
<https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/march/fix-navys-expedition=
ary-repair>
that,
to reverse severe post-Cold War capability divestments, the US Navy must
transition from peacetime efficiency metrics to a wartime framework focused
on rapid force regeneration through a tiered triage matrix that prioritizes
quick, mission-essential fixes over full restoration.*

*Arnest urges accelerating the procurement of Navajo-class salvage ships
and next-generation submarine tenders, using existing expeditionary fast
transports as repair platforms, and deploying containerized, mobile
Expeditionary Maintenance and Repair Facilities (EMRFs).*

*He adds that the US Navy must have a flag-level champion within the Chief
of Naval Operations (CNO) staff to bridge structural organizational divides
and secure vital funding. Whether the US can sustain maritime power in the
Indo-Pacific may ultimately depend less on how many warships it fields than
on how quickly it can return damaged ones to the fight.*

*Unless the US rebuilds the industrial, logistical and organizational
foundations of wartime naval resilience, China=E2=80=99s growing advantages=
 in
shipbuilding and force regeneration could increasingly shape the strategic
balance in any prolonged conflict.*

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><b style=3D"background-color:transparent"><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000"><a href=3D"https://asiatimes.c=
om/2026/06/us-navys-repair-gap-could-hand-the-pacific-war-to-china/" target=
=3D"_blank">https://asiatimes.com/2026/06/us-navy&#39;s-repair-gap-could-ha=
nd-the-pacific-war-to-china/</a></font></b></div><div dir=3D"ltr"><div dir=
=3D"ltr"><div><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000"><br></font=
></b></div><div><h1 style=3D"line-height:1.2141em;margin-top:0px;margin-bot=
tom:0.5em;max-width:100%"><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000" s=
ize=3D"4"><i>US Navy=E2=80=99s repair gap could hand the Pacific war to Chi=
na</i></font></h1><h2 style=3D"line-height:1.27275em;max-width:100%"><font =
size=3D"2" face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">US Navy dangerously un=
prepared to restore battle-damaged warships fast enough to sustain a high-i=
ntensity conflict with China</font></h2><div style=3D"margin-bottom:1.45em;=
max-width:100%"><div style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"><di=
v style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline"><b><font face=3D"georg=
ia, serif" color=3D"#000000"><span style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%"></sp=
an><span style=3D"margin:0px;max-width:100%"><span style=3D"margin:0px;max-=
width:100%">by</span><span>=C2=A0</span><span style=3D"margin:0px;max-width=
:100%"><a href=3D"https://asiatimes.com/author/gabriel-honrada/" style=3D"t=
ext-decoration:none;margin:0px;max-width:100%;display:inline" target=3D"_bl=
ank">Gabriel Honrada</a></span><span>=C2=A0</span></span><span style=3D"mar=
gin:0px;max-width:100%">June 27, 2026</span></font></b></div></div></div><i=
mg width=3D"412" height=3D"275" src=3D"https://i0.wp.com/asiatimes.com/wp-c=
ontent/uploads/2026/06/US-Navy-US-Ship-Repairs.jpeg?fit=3D780%2C520&amp;ssl=
=3D1" alt=3D"" style=3D"margin:0.5em 0px 0.5em auto;display:block"><span st=
yle=3D"max-width:100%;margin-top:0.25em;margin-bottom:0.25em"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">USS Fitzgerald towed the MV Transshel=
f to the US for repairs following a 2017 collision in Japan. Photo: US Navy=
</font></b></span><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, ser=
if" color=3D"#000000">The US Navy=E2=80=99s greatest vulnerability in a war=
 with China may not be losing ships =E2=80=94 but getting them back into th=
e fight.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia=
, serif" color=3D"#000000">RAND<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.ra=
nd.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA470-9.html" style=3D"text-decoration:none;m=
ax-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">released</a><span>=C2=A0</span>a recent re=
port warning that the US Navy faces severe risks to its maritime dominance =
because repairing battle-damaged Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in a hostil=
e Indo-Pacific theater is significantly more complex and difficult than cur=
rent military plans allow.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><fo=
nt face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Based on a two-day wargaming t=
abletop exercise sponsored by the Joint Staff and held in August 2025, defe=
nse experts from the US and regional allies =E2=80=94 including Japan, Sout=
h Korea and Australia =E2=80=94 simulated conflict vignettes against China =
to evaluate strategic ship-salvage and force-regeneration capabilities.</fo=
nt></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" col=
or=3D"#000000">The analysis revealed critical bottlenecks in industrial shi=
p repair, finding that the US Navy=E2=80=99s organic capabilities are insuf=
ficient for major repairs and can only stabilize ships to the point that th=
ey can transit back to the US.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b=
><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Repairs are further crippl=
ed by a severe shortage of specialized technicians and a rigid peacetime re=
gulatory framework that stalls emergency wartime operations.</font></b></p>=
<p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#0000=
00">Additionally, tech-sharing hurdles and the non-standardized, =E2=80=9Cs=
nowflake=E2=80=9D configurations of individual Aegis combat systems make it=
 nearly impossible to substitute or cannibalize parts.</font></b></p><p sty=
le=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Th=
is lack of specialized spare parts is compounded by the extreme physical vu=
lnerability of allied shipyards to enemy attacks and commercial constraints=
 at regional hubs such as Singapore.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:10=
0%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Together, those fact=
ors threaten to leave damaged US warships stranded and defenseless during a=
n active campaign.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">The US Navy=E2=80=99s battle damage r=
epair capabilities may not be limited to just the Arleigh Burke destroyer c=
lass. A US Government Accountability Office (GAO)<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=
=3D"https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-21-246.pdf" style=3D"text-decoration:non=
e;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">report</a><span>=C2=A0</span>from June =
2021 states that the US Navy is still in the early stages of developing the=
 capabilities needed to repair battle damage in great-power conflicts.</fon=
t></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" colo=
r=3D"#000000">The GAO report says that the US Navy lacks an established war=
time doctrine, has fragmented planning on which authority oversees repair a=
nd maintenance efforts, and faces severe shipyard capacity shortages, becau=
se it hasn=E2=80=99t had to repair damaged warships on a scale not seen sin=
ce World War II.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D=
"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Compounding these vulnerabilities, the r=
eport says the US Navy relies on outdated ship survivability models, leavin=
g it without reliable data on modern failure points needed to accurately an=
alyze battle damage repair needs.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Furthermore, Michael Ho=
gan mentions in a May 2025<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://cimsec.org/=
if-the-u-s-navy-cant-repair-ships-in-peacetime-how-will-it-do-so-in-war/" s=
tyle=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">article</a><=
span>=C2=A0</span>for the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSE=
C) that post-Cold War downsizing slashed the US Navy=E2=80=99s auxiliary fl=
eet to just three ocean-going tugs, two rescue ships and two submarine tend=
ers, driving its declining repair capabilities and leaving it unable to han=
dle sudden wartime battle damage.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"=
><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">According to Hogan, US =
public shipyards are already operating at maximum capacity, and routine pea=
cetime modernization means fewer than 40% of maintenance periods are comple=
ted on time. He stresses that with a massive domestic shipbuilding bottlene=
ck, the US faces a crippling capacity deficit compared to China, leaving fo=
rward-deployed warships highly vulnerable in a conflict.</font></b></p><p s=
tyle=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">=
Illustrating the US Navy=E2=80=99s massive shipbuilding deficit vis-a-vis C=
hina, The War Zone (TWZ)<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.twz.com/a=
larming-navy-intel-slide-warns-of-chinas-200-times-greater-shipbuilding-cap=
acity" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">repo=
rted</a><span>=C2=A0</span>in June 2023 that a leaked US Navy intelligence =
slide revealed that China possesses an astonishing 232 times the shipbuildi=
ng capacity of the US.<span>=C2=A0</span></font></b></p><p style=3D"max-wid=
th:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">The slide said =
China=E2=80=99s state-run shipyards produce a massive capacity of approxima=
tely 23.25 million gross tons, compared to less than 100,000 tons domestica=
lly for the US.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"=
georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Moreover, Arjun Vohra mentions in a Geopo=
litical Monitor<span>=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.geopoliticalmonito=
r.com/the-us-shipbuilding-industry-is-not-ready-for-a-war/" style=3D"text-d=
ecoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">article</a><span>=C2=A0</s=
pan>this month that the US today maintains only eight military shipyards, a=
 far cry from its robust World War II industrial base.</font></b></p><p sty=
le=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Vo=
hra points out that because modern destroyers take 5 to 7 years to build, c=
ompressing wartime timelines is nearly impossible, forcing the US Navy to r=
ely heavily on retrofitting older vessels rather than building new ones.</f=
ont></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" co=
lor=3D"#000000">Against that backdrop, China=E2=80=99s naval repair enterpr=
ise is evolving in the opposite direction. Contrasting China=E2=80=99s appr=
oach to naval shipbuilding and repair with that of the US, a RAND<span>=C2=
=A0</span><a href=3D"https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3368-1.h=
tml" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">report=
</a><span>=C2=A0</span>this month mentions that the People=E2=80=99s Libera=
tion Army Navy (PLAN) is transitioning toward a hybrid maintenance framewor=
k, balancing the replacement of older hulls with comprehensive overhauls of=
 its newest, highly sophisticated surface combatants.</font></b></p><p styl=
e=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">The=
 report says that to support its breakneck shipbuilding pace, China heavily=
 prioritizes organic, grassroots self-sufficiency, though its lower-level u=
nits still struggle with surface-level practices and rely on higher echelon=
s for complex repairs.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font f=
ace=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">It notes that this strategy direct=
ly contrasts with the US Navy=E2=80=99s longstanding, repair-focused approa=
ch, which remains severely hindered by domestic shipyard bottlenecks, compo=
unding maintenance backlogs and critical workforce shortages.</font></b></p=
><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000=
000">A Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) report<span>=
=C2=A0</span><a href=3D"https://csbaonline.org/research/publications/sustai=
ning-the-fight-resilient-maritime-logistics-for-a-new-era/publication/1" st=
yle=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">warns</a><spa=
n>=C2=A0</span>that the lack of rapid repair capabilities has diminished th=
e US Navy to the point of functioning as a mere =E2=80=9Cgarrison force,=E2=
=80=9D dependent on a forward network of ports and bases rather than the tr=
ue expeditionary force it was during World War II.</font></b></p><p style=
=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">It w=
arns that in a protracted war of attrition against a peer adversary like Ch=
ina, this decay would be catastrophic. Lacking mobile repair assets and fle=
xible surge capacity to triage struck vessels, the US Navy faces a steep dr=
op in operational availability and a dramatically higher loss percentage of=
 salvageable warships, the report says.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width=
:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Those shortcoming=
s could be especially consequential in a Taiwan contingency. A January 2023=
 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) =C2=A0<a href=3D"htt=
ps://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/230109_Canc=
ian_FirstBattle_NextWar.pdf?VersionId=3DXlDrfCUHet8OZSOYW_9PWx3xtc0ScGHn" s=
tyle=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" target=3D"_blank">report</a><s=
pan>=C2=A0</span>mentions that a potential Chinese amphibious invasion of T=
aiwan would inflict catastrophic losses on the US Navy, typically sinking t=
wo US carriers and 10 to 20 large surface combatants within three weeks, lo=
sses that could cripple the US=E2=80=99s global position for years.</font><=
/b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=
=3D"#000000">Reversing those shortcomings will require more than additional=
 funding =E2=80=94 it will require a fundamental shift in how the US Navy p=
repares to regenerate combat power during wartime.<span>=C2=A0</span></font=
></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=
=3D"#000000">William Arnest writes in a March 2025 Proceedings<span>=C2=A0<=
/span><a href=3D"https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/march/fix-=
navys-expeditionary-repair" style=3D"text-decoration:none;max-width:100%" t=
arget=3D"_blank">article</a><span>=C2=A0</span>that, to reverse severe post=
-Cold War capability divestments, the US Navy must transition from peacetim=
e efficiency metrics to a wartime framework focused on rapid force regenera=
tion through a tiered triage matrix that prioritizes quick, mission-essenti=
al fixes over full restoration.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><=
b><font face=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Arnest urges accelerating=
 the procurement of Navajo-class salvage ships and next-generation submarin=
e tenders, using existing expeditionary fast transports as repair platforms=
, and deploying containerized, mobile Expeditionary Maintenance and Repair =
Facilities (EMRFs).</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">He adds that the US Navy must have a =
flag-level champion within the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) staff to bri=
dge structural organizational divides and secure vital funding. Whether the=
 US can sustain maritime power in the Indo-Pacific may ultimately depend le=
ss on how many warships it fields than on how quickly it can return damaged=
 ones to the fight.</font></b></p><p style=3D"max-width:100%"><b><font face=
=3D"georgia, serif" color=3D"#000000">Unless the US rebuilds the industrial=
, logistical and organizational foundations of wartime naval resilience, Ch=
ina=E2=80=99s growing advantages in shipbuilding and force regeneration cou=
ld increasingly shape the strategic balance in any prolonged conflict.</fon=
t></b></p></div></div>
</div>
</div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] Americans Deserve Answers From Hegseth
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https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/06/mcraven-americans-des=
erve-answers/687708/
Americans Deserve Answers From Hegseth

*The president and the secretary of defense have a right to remove
officers, but also an obligation to explain their actions.*
By William H. McRaven
<https://www.theatlantic.com/author/william-h-mcraven/>
*June 25, 2026*

In September 1862, General George B. McClellan, the general in chief of the
Union Army, had just repelled the Confederate advance under Robert E. Lee
at the Battle of Antietam. But, as Lee=E2=80=99s battered army retreated ac=
ross the
Potomac River, McClellan failed to pursue him=E2=80=94leaving Lee=E2=80=99s=
 army mostly
intact. Abraham Lincoln relieved McClellan that November for his failure to
be aggressive on the battlefield. The president addressed this firing with
members of his Cabinet, and made his rationale known in letters and
telegrams to key leaders in Congress.

In 1951, after failing to follow direct orders from President Harry Truman
and publicly criticizing the administration=E2=80=99s China policy, General=
 Douglas
MacArthur was relieved of his command and forced to retire. On April 11,
1951, Truman issued a public statement explaining exactly why he had fired
MacArthur.

In June 2008, Secretary of Defense Bob Gates, with the approval of
President George W. Bush, fired both the secretary of the Air Force,
Michael Wynne, and the chief of staff of the Air Force, General Michael
Mosely, for their failure to properly oversee the Air Force=E2=80=99s nucle=
ar
mission. On June 5, 2008, Gates held a press conference to explain his
decision.

Every president and secretary of defense has the right and, moreover, the
responsibility to remove officers who are failing to meet the high
standards expected of senior leaders. But when crucial decisions regarding
the professionalism, effectiveness, or morale of the military are made, the
people and their duly elected representatives have a right to know why
these decisions were made.

In recent months, President Trump, upon advice from Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth, has relieved or forced the retirement of some of the finest
officers that have ever served this nation. I have personally worked with
most of them in combat. I can tell you from experience that Generals C. Q.
Brown, Randy George, Jim Mingus, J. P. McGee, Dave Hodne, Jim Slife, and
Joe Berger and Admirals Lisa Franchetti and Jamie Sands were war fighters
through and through. And this week, in an egregious decision, the president
forced General Chris Donahue to step down from his position in command of
U.S. Army Europe. Donahue is without question one of the most brilliant
officers I know. He is strategically focused, tactically aggressive,
personally courageous, exceptionally thoughtful in his planning and
execution, and compassionate with his troops. He has the respect of every
man and woman who ever served with him=E2=80=94and you can put me at the to=
p of
that list.

What is particularly concerning about these firings is the effect the
dismissals will have on the officer ranks. Throughout my time as a senior
officer, I never hesitated to provide my best military advice to the
secretary or the president even when that advice ran contrary to their
stated position. Never once did I fear that by providing my advice I would
be fired or asked to retire early. Not only was it my obligation to be
forthcoming, but it was also the expectation of those leaders that I would
be brutally candid. Hopefully, that level of honest engagement kept the
secretary and the president from making poor military decisions. However,
these recent firings raise a real risk that senior officers will be overly
cautious about providing their best advice and, therefore, that the chance
for military miscalculation will grow dramatically.

If Secretary Hegseth is trying to =E2=80=9Crevive the warrior ethos and res=
tore
trust in our military,=E2=80=9D as he has said, then the unplanned departur=
e of
these senior leaders will do just the opposite and may leave the president
and the secretary without the experienced voices they need to make the best
military decisions. Members of Congress should demand answers. The American
people should demand answers. The future of our national security depends
on it.

--00000000000032bcb90655438dcd
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<div dir=3D"ltr"><a href=3D"https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2=
026/06/mcraven-americans-deserve-answers/687708/" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"font-family:verdana,sans-serif;background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font=
 color=3D"#000000">https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/06/mc=
raven-americans-deserve-answers/687708/</font></a><div style=3D"font-family=
:verdana,sans-serif"><div title=3D"Bookmark item"></div><div title=3D"Mark =
item as read"></div><div title=3D"Move item to Trash"></div></div><div styl=
e=3D"font-family:verdana,sans-serif"><h2></h2></div><div style=3D"font-fami=
ly:verdana,sans-serif"><div><h1><span style=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255=
,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">Americans Deserve Answers From Hegseth</font=
></span></h1></div><div><p><b style=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><=
font color=3D"#000000">The president and the secretary of defense have a ri=
ght to remove officers, but also an obligation to explain their actions.</f=
ont></b></p></div><div><div><address id=3D"m_-7785448514104227912m_-6097436=
301971143824gmail-byline"><span style=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"=
><font color=3D"#000000">By=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.theatlantic.com/aut=
hor/william-h-mcraven/" target=3D"_blank">William H. McRaven</a></font></sp=
an></address></div></div><h2></h2><b><span style=3D"background-color:rgb(25=
5,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">June 25, 2026</font></span></b></div><d=
iv dir=3D"auto" style=3D"font-family:verdana,sans-serif"><p style=3D""><spa=
n style=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">In Se=
ptember 1862, General George B. McClellan, the general in chief of the Unio=
n Army, had just repelled the Confederate advance under Robert E. Lee at th=
e Battle of Antietam. But, as Lee=E2=80=99s battered army retreated across =
the Potomac River, McClellan failed to pursue him=E2=80=94leaving Lee=E2=80=
=99s army mostly intact. Abraham Lincoln relieved McClellan that November f=
or his failure to be aggressive on the battlefield. The president addressed=
 this firing with members of his Cabinet, and made his rationale known in l=
etters and telegrams to key leaders in Congress.</font></span></p><p style=
=3D""><span style=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000=
000">In 1951, after failing to follow direct orders from President Harry Tr=
uman and publicly criticizing the administration=E2=80=99s China policy, Ge=
neral Douglas MacArthur was relieved of his command and forced to retire. O=
n April 11, 1951, Truman issued a public statement explaining exactly why h=
e had fired MacArthur.</font></span></p><p style=3D""><span style=3D"backgr=
ound-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">In June 2008, Secretar=
y of Defense Bob Gates, with the approval of President George W. Bush, fire=
d both the secretary of the Air Force, Michael Wynne, and the chief of staf=
f of the Air Force, General Michael Mosely, for their failure to properly o=
versee the Air Force=E2=80=99s nuclear mission. On June 5, 2008, Gates held=
 a press conference to explain his decision.</font></span></p><p style=3D""=
><span style=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">=
Every president and secretary of defense has the right and, moreover, the r=
esponsibility to remove officers who are failing to meet the high standards=
 expected of senior leaders. But when crucial decisions regarding the profe=
ssionalism, effectiveness, or morale of the military are made, the people a=
nd their duly elected representatives have a right to know why these decisi=
ons were made.</font></span></p><p style=3D""><span style=3D"background-col=
or:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">In recent months, President Tr=
ump, upon advice from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, has relieved or fo=
rced the retirement of some of the finest officers that have ever served th=
is nation. I have personally worked with most of them in combat. I can tell=
 you from experience that Generals C. Q. Brown, Randy George, Jim Mingus, J=
. P. McGee, Dave Hodne, Jim Slife, and Joe Berger and Admirals Lisa Franche=
tti and Jamie Sands were war fighters through and through. And this week, i=
n an egregious decision, the president forced General Chris Donahue to step=
 down from his position in command of U.S. Army Europe. Donahue is without =
question one of the most brilliant officers I know. He is strategically foc=
used, tactically aggressive, personally courageous, exceptionally thoughtfu=
l in his planning and execution, and compassionate with his troops. He has =
the respect of every man and woman who ever served with him=E2=80=94and you=
 can put me at the top of that list.</font></span></p><p style=3D""><span s=
tyle=3D"background-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">What is =
particularly concerning about these firings is the effect the dismissals wi=
ll have on the officer ranks. Throughout my time as a senior officer, I nev=
er hesitated to provide my best military advice to the secretary or the pre=
sident even when that advice ran contrary to their stated position. Never o=
nce did I fear that by providing my advice I would be fired or asked to ret=
ire early. Not only was it my obligation to be forthcoming, but it was also=
 the expectation of those leaders that I would be brutally candid. Hopefull=
y, that level of honest engagement kept the secretary and the president fro=
m making poor military decisions. However, these recent firings raise a rea=
l risk that senior officers will be overly cautious about providing their b=
est advice and, therefore, that the chance for military miscalculation will=
 grow dramatically.</font></span></p><p style=3D""><span style=3D"backgroun=
d-color:rgb(255,255,255)"><font color=3D"#000000">If Secretary Hegseth is t=
rying to =E2=80=9Crevive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our militar=
y,=E2=80=9D as he has said, then the unplanned departure of these senior le=
aders will do just the opposite and may leave the president and the secreta=
ry without the experienced voices they need to make the best military decis=
ions. Members of Congress should demand answers. The American people should=
 demand answers. The future of our national security depends on it.</font><=
/span></p></div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] Of Stoicism and Stupor
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Of Stoicism and Stupor
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The
Wars of Marcus Aurelius and Donald Trump

Timothy Snyder <https://substack.com/@snyder>
Jun 27
<https://substack.com/@snyder>

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As Donald Trump announced his whimsy war in Iran, I was reading about
another imperial campaign, long ago, against an Iranian people.

In the late second century AD, the Roman Empire confronted armies that had
crossed the border at the Danube River and even broached the Alps in
northern Italy. Among them were the Iazyges, speakers of an Iranian
language, who hailed from the Ukrainian steppe.

In Ukraine this February, I was learning about an archaeological
<https://substack.com/redirect/849c3eee-0b98-44a7-8407-4971dc665bde?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
find
which reveals the interactions of the Romans and the Iazyges, which
included alliance as well as enmity. The Roman war against the Iazyges
allies was commanded personally by Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who spent the
years between 171 and 180 AD at the front. During that time he kept a
philosophical diary, probably written at night in his tent. Discovered
after his death, that text, known as the *Meditations*, is a great work of
Stoic philosophy.

I turned to the *Meditations* to see if I could learn anything that would
help me to understand the work of Ukrainian archaeologists about the
interactions between Romans and Iazyges. I found something else:
perspective on the wars of today, and a sense of why, beyond his obvious
incompetence in military matters, Trump had to lose his.

It was shaming to read the bombast
<https://substack.com/redirect/849c3eee-0b98-44a7-8407-4971dc665bde?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
of
Trump: (=E2=80=9Dno president was willing to do what I have done tonight=E2=
=80=9D)
alongside the reflections of Marcus (=E2=80=9Cwhen things have such a plaus=
ible
appearance, show them naked, see their shoddiness, strip away their own
boastful account of themselves.=E2=80=9D) Trump broadcast his arrogance to =
millions
of people; Marcus wrote for himself.

Despite the fact he was commanding an army at the front, Marcus never
mentioned the war in his *Meditations*. War was simply something he had to
do; he had no difficulty seeing the other side as people, or understanding
their motivations. He mentions the Iazyges only once in the text: to make a
broader point about hubris, to suggest that it was wrong for Romans to take
pride in taking a prisoner of war.

Although Marcus did not broach the subject of my interest, I could not stop
reading his *Meditations*. The contrast with Trump=E2=80=99s utterances was
astounding, and vertiginous. The one could spend nine years in command and
write a philosophical diary in which he did not even mention the war; the
other immediately leapt to praise himself for a war he would lose in weeks.
[image: brown concrete post under blue sky during daytime]
<https://substack.com/redirect/27d6b6d8-43fa-41e9-b334-a0105f76630e?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
Upgrade to paid
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FCE4?&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_source=3Dsubscribe-widget&utm_content=3D203750=
681>

Trump had felt pleasure
<https://substack.com/redirect/27a09459-ef8a-4ad3-9e50-b745e7abab07?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
after
the intervention in Venezuela; he wanted more of that feeling. The
Americans were bound to lose because there was no human thought involved;
Trump regarded technology as magic and a first strike by missiles as
definitive. People were killed, including schoolchildren, but there was no
front as such, since the war was conducted from a distance. Trump=E2=80=99s
frivolity made it easy for his chosen enemy.

Rather than remaining in post until their deaths, as did Marcus Aurelius,
the Americans never took up a post in any meaningful sense. Trump=E2=80=99s
secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, was, if possible, even more boastful
<https://substack.com/redirect/317b3932-8d38-4d35-a074-656732e9ea94?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
than
the president: =E2=80=9CDeath and destruction from the sky all day long. We=
 are
playing for keeps. Our war fighters have maximum authority granted
personally by the president and yours truly. This was never intended to be
a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight. We are punching them while
they=E2=80=99re down, which is exactly how it should be.=E2=80=9D Such word=
s were uttered
by men who began a war in February and, despite a missile here and a drone
there, essentially capitulated
<https://substack.com/redirect/51eb9cb0-2f41-46a9-837d-d875854d435d?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
before
summer.

Their elation had nothing to do with any real prospect of victory, but
rather with the palpable pleasure they took in killing. Hegseth quite
wrongly equates
<https://substack.com/redirect/27a09459-ef8a-4ad3-9e50-b745e7abab07?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
the
high he feels when others die with the political phenomenon of victory in
war. The embrace of what he calls =E2=80=9Clethality=E2=80=9D is a flight f=
rom something
which we all share, which is mortality. By killing others he is displacing
the acceptance of one=E2=80=99s own death, which Marcus regarded as the fir=
st step
towards thinking: =E2=80=9Cin a short while, you will be nobody and nowhere=
; and
the same of all that and all who are now alive. It is the nature of all
things to change, to perish and be transformed so that in succession
different things can come to be.=E2=80=9D

Trump enjoyed the killing from day to day, but never had any idea what
victory would require. Hegseth reveled
<https://substack.com/redirect/b36b631f-f416-434d-9f81-a14dc0b3539c?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
in
=E2=80=9Coverwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy=
.=E2=80=9D He
claimed
<https://substack.com/redirect/0cc9d9ee-4892-4cd5-bddd-21a9f3d29d94?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
that
the war had been won, even as it was clear that the US had failed to
achieve any meaningful objective: =E2=80=9Cnever in recorded history has a =
nation=E2=80=99s
military been so quickly and effectively neutralized.=E2=80=9D As the weeks=
 passed,
both he and Trump fell back onto a purely internal, psychological notion of
victory: what mattered was not the actual war in the actual world, but
their ability to continue to say words in front of microphones that made
them feel good inside. Even that feeling, grounded in nothing, faded
quickly after February.

Stoicism is a manner of making connections with the world that help us to
avoid elementary mistakes. Writing in his tent, Marcus Aurelius reflected
on hubris and history: Each life, says Marcus, must be seen in the
perspective of the entire cosmos: =E2=80=9CWhat a tiny part of the boundles=
s abyss
of time has been allotted to each of us, and this is soon vanished in
eternity; what a tiny part of the universal substance and the universal
soul; how tiny in the whole earth the mere clod on which you keep.=E2=80=9D=
 We
might be deluded to believe in our own grandeur, but the truth is
elsewhere. Pride is an error from which the boastful person himself
suffers: =E2=80=9CWhy then this stress, why not be content with an orderly =
passage
through the brief span you have.=E2=80=9D

What we as mortals can know is very limited: =E2=80=9CIn man=E2=80=99s life=
, his time is a
mere instant, his existence a flux, his perception fogged, his whole bodily
composition rotting, his mind a whirlygig, his fortune unpredictable, his
fame unclear.=E2=80=9D Starting from such cosmic humility, we can build up =
our own
ethical steadfastness. Everything is in flux, but we can project calm
outwards into our small corner of the world: =E2=80=9CBe like the rocky hea=
dland on
which the waves constantly break. It stands firm, and round it the seething
waters are laid to rest.=E2=80=9D From this idea of self-creation comes con=
fidence
about one=E2=80=99s own purposes: =E2=80=9CDig inside yourself,=E2=80=9D wr=
ote Marcus Aurelius,
=E2=80=9Cinside there is a spring of goodness ready to gush at any moment, =
if you
keep digging.=E2=80=9D

Goodness is possible, despite everything; or rather by seeing one=E2=80=99s=
 own
small place in everything. If you can see your limits, you have a chance of
seeing others and the world. If you can accept mortality, you need not take
refuge in lethality. If you are seeking the good in yourself, you will not
mirror an enemy. Revenge is an error that bespeaks a lack of courageous
inquiry about oneself and the world. Indeed, says Marcus Aurelius, =E2=80=
=9Cthe
best revenge is not to be like your enemy.=E2=80=9D

During the war, Trump and Hegseth fell back upon the idea of revenge: in a
blasphemous tirade
<https://substack.com/redirect/67ea5556-4aa4-46e8-bc22-49f618b02533?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
which
he plagiarized from a movie*,* Hegseth said: =E2=80=9CI will strike down up=
on thee
with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and
destroy my brother.=E2=80=9D If you do not know who you are, you model your=
self on
your enemy, and claim that what is evil when they do it is good when you do
it. There is not much difference between Hegseth=E2=80=99s fundamentalism
<https://substack.com/redirect/427b35a7-4fb0-4b51-ba75-49c05161a69e?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
and
that of the people he calls
<https://substack.com/redirect/31153389-8ea3-4eb2-8f33-2790f86041cb?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
=E2=80=9Cmullahs.=E2=80=9D
He refers
<https://substack.com/redirect/31153389-8ea3-4eb2-8f33-2790f86041cb?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
to
them as =E2=80=9Cbarbaric savages=E2=80=9D; but when he looks at the mirror=
 of the makeup
studio he installed
<https://substack.com/redirect/4beb0f5a-27bd-437d-bf1e-05edce497470?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
for
himself in the Pentagon, what does he see?

The American leaders had no idea of who they were or what they wanted,
aside from the satisfaction of their emotional needs by the killing of
others. They were unable to imagine that people on the other side might
have ideas about their own interests and plans for their own behavior. The
could not see the world, even in its plainest representation as geography;
whereas Marcus exploited a bend in the Danube River to tactical advantage
to win a battle; Trump chose to ignore the physical limit the Straits of
Hormuz can place on world trade. As soon as the war began, the Iranians did
the obvious: they responded to American long-range attacks with the same;
and they blocked the Straits.

Because the Americans were operating without a sense of themselves, of the
world, or other people, this came as a surprise. Marcus Aurelius offers
this mild comment: =E2=80=9CHow absurd -- and a complete stranger to the wo=
rld-- is
the man surprised at any aspect of his experience in life!=E2=80=9D
Upgrade to paid
<https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY2=
9tL3N1YnNjcmliZT91dG1fc291cmNlPXBvc3QmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLWNoZWNrb3V0J=
m5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tJTJGcCUyRm9mLXN0b2ljaXNt=
LWFuZC1zdHVwb3Imcj00NHV4ciZ0b2tlbj1leUoxYzJWeVgybGtJam8yT1RRMU1UZ3pMQ0pwWVh=
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InUiOjY5NDUxODMsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoyMDk4MTQyMTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWI=
tMCIsInN1YiI6ImxpbmstcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.mELfbW2ZMwE57c2yAW04jgTaQ6ALGYfmtOis-tA=
FCE4?&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_source=3Dsubscribe-widget&utm_content=3D203750=
681>

The Americans, strangers to the world, reacted to their feelings of
surprise with fantasies of destruction. The pleasure they took in killing
became a vision of annihilation. Rather than confront the errors they made
about war, the Americans leapt to visions of violence in which no one would
ever have to think again. Trump lost control on Easter Sunday when he
tweeted
<https://substack.com/redirect/7284641f-4333-4b13-a8f5-e26e4ba09162?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>:
=E2=80=9COpen the Fuckin=E2=80=99 Strait, you crazy bastards, or you=E2=80=
=99ll be living in Hell.=E2=80=9D
He then promised
<https://substack.com/redirect/ba6a5546-ca9a-4c44-9af5-8b5b15f0b37a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
that
he would bomb Iran =E2=80=9Cback to the Stone Age, where they belong=E2=80=
=9D and said
<https://substack.com/redirect/17ce40b3-49b1-4d81-80b8-13a6b4c063e3?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
that
=E2=80=9Ca whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back ag=
ain.=E2=80=9D In
our modern legal and ethical language, this is of course genocidal language
<https://substack.com/redirect/783c6c72-6679-4d38-86a6-afab37ef094a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>.
The American bombast was followed by American surrender.

Marcus Aurelius won his war against the Iazyges. He combined victory and
prudence, and for this he was and will be remembered. The defeated Iazyges
returned to their previous role as Roman clients, offered thousands of
cavalrymen as soldiers of Rome, and opened trade routes to the east.
Marcus=E2=80=99s philosophical diary has been read for the better part of t=
wo
millenia; so long as we are present as a literate civilization, it will be
read. Despite Marcus=E2=80=99s certainty that we will all be forgotten, oth=
ers
built a victory column in his honor after his death; it still stands in
Rome, more than one thousand eight hundred years later.

Another legacy of Marcus=E2=80=99s victory also touches the center of what =
we think
of as Western culture. As part of the peace accord, he dispatched 5,500
Iazyges cavalrymen, taken into his service, to the north of what is now
northern England, to defend the Roman border at Hadrian=E2=80=99s Wall. The=
ir first
commander was a man named Arthur, and it is possible that the Iazyges and
some of their Iranian-speaking kin incorporated his name into stories of
their own -- of a lady in the lake, of a sword in a stone, of a quest for a
golden cup -- which, with time, became the legend of Christian chivalry.
That is another story, and one worth telling.

But it is also part of the story of Marcus Aurelius, which, despite the
fact that he chose not to tell it himself, or rather precisely for that
reason, is instructive about our predicament today. Stoicism is a way not
to be a stranger to the world; it can protect the powerful from vanity and
folly. To fall into a stupor of self-absorption, as Trump has done, is to
flee from reality. Few wars are worth fighting; those that are fought can
only be won in the world, and not within the tortured confines of estranged
minds. Trump hastens now towards our shared horizon of death, seeking
honors that only posterity can accord and will not.

Share
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0681&utm_source=3Dsubstack&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_content=3Dshare&utm_campa=
ign=3Demail-share&action=3Dshare&triggerShare=3Dtrue&isFreemail=3Dtrue&r=3D=
44uxr&token=3DeyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo2OTQ1MTgzLCJwb3N0X2lkIjoyMDM3NTA2ODEsImlhdCI6M=
Tc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoxNzg1MTU4MTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzEwODk3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9z=
dC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.x_6IT4mVsLLyXKWyHgUeTmEvQZoVQ9IU5Yk60797RqY>

Thinking about... is a reader-supported publication. Please subscribe.
Upgrade to paid
<https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY2=
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m5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tJTJGcCUyRm9mLXN0b2ljaXNt=
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RaU9qRTNPREkxTmpZeE5qZ3NJbVY0Y0NJNk1UYzROVEUxT0RFMk9Dd2lhWE56SWpvaWNIVmlMVE=
14TURnNU55SXNJbk4xWWlJNkltTm9aV05yYjNWMEluMC5tSG4xRzVBRHlHeUZmTUNsLUIyaVNFd=
XhaRjk0dWRQdVdCblpiNHprTWxFIiwicCI6MjAzNzUwNjgxLCJzIjozMTA4OTcsImYiOnRydWUs=
InUiOjY5NDUxODMsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoyMDk4MTQyMTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWI=
tMCIsInN1YiI6ImxpbmstcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.mELfbW2ZMwE57c2yAW04jgTaQ6ALGYfmtOis-tA=
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The quotations of Marcus Aurelius are drawn from this excellent
<https://substack.com/redirect/3cd3565a-4596-4466-9761-3aaeea5da94a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>
 edition
<https://substack.com/redirect/015eb07e-2c3a-43b2-ba46-44c473a55ded?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>:
Marcus Aurelius, *Meditations,* trans. Martin Hammond, introd. Diskin Clay,
London: Penguin, 2006. The quotations of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth are
linked to sources in the text.

Share
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0681&utm_source=3Dsubstack&utm_medium=3Demail&utm_content=3Dshare&utm_campa=
ign=3Demail-share&action=3Dshare&triggerShare=3Dtrue&isFreemail=3Dtrue&r=3D=
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Tc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoxNzg1MTU4MTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzEwODk3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9z=
dC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.x_6IT4mVsLLyXKWyHgUeTmEvQZoVQ9IU5Yk60797RqY>

For general guidance, On Tyranny
<https://substack.com/redirect/9f1777a5-68ba-4846-8e4d-c79ec1d06738?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>

For a vision of a better USA, On Freedom
<https://substack.com/redirect/fc3c72d6-ace3-4aef-89d1-7fda5308157e?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k>

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</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir=3D"auto" style=3D"font-size:16px;padding=
:32px 0px 0px;line-height:26px"><div role=3D"region" aria-label=3D"Post hea=
der" style=3D"line-height:26px"><h1 dir=3D"auto" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,5=
5);font-family:Lora,sans-serif;margin:0px;line-height:36px;font-size:32px">=
<a href=3D"https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D310897&amp;p=
ost_id=3D203750681&amp;utm_source=3Dpost-email-title&amp;utm_campaign=3Dema=
il-post-title&amp;isFreemail=3Dtrue&amp;r=3D44uxr&amp;token=3DeyJ1c2VyX2lkI=
jo2OTQ1MTgzLCJwb3N0X2lkIjoyMDM3NTA2ODEsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoxNzg1=
MTU4MTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzEwODk3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.x_6IT4mVsL=
LyXKWyHgUeTmEvQZoVQ9IU5Yk60797RqY" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,=
55,55);text-decoration:none">Of Stoicism and Stupor</a></h1><h3 dir=3D"auto=
" style=3D"font-family:&quot;SF Pro Display&quot;,-apple-system-headline,sy=
stem-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvet=
ica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quo=
t;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;font-weight:normal;margin:12px 0px 0px;color=
:rgb(119,119,119);line-height:24px;font-size:18px">The Wars of Marcus Aurel=
ius and Donald Trump</h3><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"100%" border=
=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0" style=3D"margin:1em 0px;height:2=
0px"><tbody><tr><td><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto" border=3D"0=
" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td><table role=3D"present=
ation" width=3D"auto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbo=
dy><tr><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"><div style=3D"list-style:none;fo=
nt-size:11px;line-height:20px;text-decoration:unset;color:rgb(54,55,55);mar=
gin:0px;font-family:&quot;SF Compact&quot;,-apple-system,system-ui,-apple-s=
ystem,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-s=
erif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe U=
I Symbol&quot;;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.2px"><a href=3D"ht=
tps://substack.com/@snyder" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);=
list-style:none;margin:0px;line-height:20px;letter-spacing:0.2px;text-decor=
ation:none">Timothy Snyder</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr=
><td><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"><di=
v style=3D"list-style:none;font-size:11px;line-height:20px;text-decoration:=
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t;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Se=
goe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;text-transform:uppercase;let=
ter-spacing:0.2px">Jun 27</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody>=
</table></td><td align=3D"right"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto=
" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"=
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blank"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!N6cN!,f_auto,q_a=
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,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2FLucideHeart%3Fv%3=
D4%26height%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808080%26strokeWidth%3D2" wi=
dth=3D"18" height=3D"18" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" style=3D"border-wi=
dth: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; vertical-align=
: middle; max-width: 18px;"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td width=3D=
"8" style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"><table=
 role=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadd=
ing=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/a=
pp-link/post?publication_id=3D310897&amp;post_id=3D203750681&amp;utm_source=
=3Dsubstack&amp;utm_medium=3Demail&amp;isFreemail=3Dtrue&amp;comments=3Dtru=
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lor:rgb(119,119,119);font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont=
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moji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:i=
nline-block;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);border-radius:9999px;text-tran=
sform:uppercase;font-size:12px;line-height:1;padding:9px 0px;text-decoratio=
n:none;min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width:38px"><img src=3D"https:/=
/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!x1tS!,w_36,c_scale,f_png,q_auto:good,fl_pr=
ogressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2FLucideComments%3Fv%3D4%=
26height%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808080%26strokeWidth%3D2" width=
=3D"18" height=3D"18" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" style=3D"border-width=
: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; vertical-align: m=
iddle; max-width: 18px;"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td width=3D"8"=
 style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"><table ro=
le=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=
=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/app-=
link/post?publication_id=3D310897&amp;post_id=3D203750681&amp;utm_source=3D=
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2ODEsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoxNzg1MTU4MTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzEwODk3Ii=
wic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.x_6IT4mVsLLyXKWyHgUeTmEvQZoVQ9IU5Yk60797RqY"=
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pple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,=
sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;S=
egoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-block;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);=
border-radius:9999px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;line-height:1;=
padding:9px 0px;text-decoration:none;min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;w=
idth:38px"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_L14!,w_36,c=
_scale,f_png,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F=
icon%2FLucideShare2%3Fv%3D4%26height%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808=
080%26strokeWidth%3D2" width=3D"18" height=3D"18" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-C=
ToWUd" style=3D"border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: cur=
rentcolor; vertical-align: middle; max-width: 18px;"></a></td></tr></tbody>=
</table></td><td width=3D"8" style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td style=3D"vert=
ical-align:middle"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" border=3D"0" c=
ellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=
=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnN1YnN0YWNrLmN=
vbS9wdWIvc255ZGVyL3Avb2Ytc3RvaWNpc20tYW5kLXN0dXBvcj91dG1fc291cmNlPXN1YnN0YW=
NrJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLXJlc3RhY2stY29tbWVudCZhY=
3Rpb249cmVzdGFjay1jb21tZW50JnI9NDR1eHImdG9rZW49ZXlKMWMyVnlYMmxrSWpvMk9UUTFN=
VGd6TENKd2IzTjBYMmxrSWpveU1ETTNOVEEyT0RFc0ltbGhkQ0k2TVRjNE1qVTJOakUyT0N3aVp=
YaHdJam94TnpnMU1UVTRNVFk0TENKcGMzTWlPaUp3ZFdJdE16RXdPRGszSWl3aWMzVmlJam9pY0=
c5emRDMXlaV0ZqZEdsdmJpSjkueF82SVQ0bVZzTEx5WEtXeUhnVWVUbUV2UVpvVlE5SVU1WWs2M=
Dc5N1JxWSIsInAiOjIwMzc1MDY4MSwicyI6MzEwODk3LCJmIjp0cnVlLCJ1Ijo2OTQ1MTgzLCJp=
YXQiOjE3ODI1NjYxNjgsImV4cCI6MjA5ODE0MjE2OCwiaXNzIjoicHViLTAiLCJzdWIiOiJsaW5=
rLXJlZGlyZWN0In0.lcnDksGbsnGMpOXo3ObN9HfVz8uTBQts6gz7c9X1XTw?&amp;utm_sourc=
e=3Dsubstack&amp;utm_medium=3Demail" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(1=
19,119,119);font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Se=
goe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot=
;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-blo=
ck;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);border-radius:9999px;text-transform:upp=
ercase;font-size:12px;line-height:1;padding:9px 0px;text-decoration:none;mi=
n-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width:38px"><img src=3D"https://substack=
cdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ubXF!,w_36,c_scale,f_png,q_auto:good,fl_progressive=
:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2Fnotes__NoteRestackIcon%3Fv%3D4%2=
6height%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808080%26strokeWidth%3D2%26strok=
eLinecap%3Dround%26strokeLinejoin%3Dround" width=3D"18" height=3D"18" alt=
=3D"" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" style=3D"max-width: 550px; vertical-align: mid=
dle; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor;"=
></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td align=3D"=
right"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"><ta=
ble role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cel=
lpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=3D"https://open.subs=
tack.com/pub/snyder/p/of-stoicism-and-stupor?utm_source=3Demail&amp;redirec=
t=3Dapp-store&amp;utm_campaign=3Demail-read-in-app" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(119,119,119);font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSyst=
emFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple C=
olor Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;dis=
play:inline-block;border:1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);border-radius:9999px;tex=
t-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;line-height:12px;padding:9px 14px;text=
-decoration:none"><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px;display:inl=
ine-block;vertical-align:middle;max-width:0px;min-height:18px"></div><span =
style=3D"vertical-align:middle;margin-right:4px">READ IN APP</span><img src=
=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ET-_!,w_36,c_scale,f_png,q_auto=
:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2FLucideArrowU=
pRight%3Fv%3D4%26height%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808080%26strokeW=
idth%3D2" width=3D"18" height=3D"18" alt=3D"" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" style=
=3D"min-width: 18px; min-height: 18px; border-width: medium; border-style: =
none; border-color: currentcolor; vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 0px=
; margin-left: 0px; max-width: 18px;"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></=
tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr height=3D"16"><t=
d height=3D"16" style=3D"font-size:0px;line-height:0">=C2=A0</td></tr></tbo=
dy></table></div></div><div dir=3D"auto" style=3D"font-size:16px;padding:32=
px 0px 0px;line-height:26px"><div dir=3D"auto" style=3D"text-align:initial;=
line-height:26px;width:550px;word-break:break-word;margin-bottom:16px;font-=
family:Lora,sans-serif"><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55)=
;line-height:26px">As Donald Trump announced his whimsy war in Iran, I was =
reading about another imperial campaign, long ago, against an Iranian peopl=
e.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px"=
>In the late second century AD, the Roman Empire confronted armies that had=
 crossed the border at the Danube River and even broached the Alps in north=
ern Italy. Among them were the Iazyges, speakers of an Iranian language, wh=
o hailed from the Ukrainian steppe.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;colo=
r:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">In Ukraine this February, I was learning =
about an=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/849c3eee-0b98-44a7-8=
407-4971dc665bde?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87h=
oa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">archaeological</a=
>=C2=A0find which reveals the interactions of the Romans and the Iazyges, w=
hich included alliance as well as enmity. The Roman war against the Iazyges=
 allies was commanded personally by Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who spent the =
years between 171 and 180 AD at the front. During that time he kept a philo=
sophical diary, probably written at night in his tent. Discovered after his=
 death, that text, known as the=C2=A0<em>Meditations</em>, is a great work =
of Stoic philosophy.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55)=
;line-height:26px">I turned to the=C2=A0<em>Meditations</em>=C2=A0to see if=
 I could learn anything that would help me to understand the work of Ukrain=
ian archaeologists about the interactions between Romans and Iazyges. I fou=
nd something else: perspective on the wars of today, and a sense of why, be=
yond his obvious incompetence in military matters, Trump had to lose his.</=
p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">It =
was shaming to read the=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/849c3=
eee-0b98-44a7-8407-4971dc665bde?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XU=
ET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">bo=
mbast</a>=C2=A0of Trump: (=E2=80=9Dno president was willing to do what I ha=
ve done tonight=E2=80=9D) alongside the reflections of Marcus (=E2=80=9Cwhe=
n things have such a plausible appearance, show them naked, see their shodd=
iness, strip away their own boastful account of themselves.=E2=80=9D) Trump=
 broadcast his arrogance to millions of people; Marcus wrote for himself.</=
p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Des=
pite the fact he was commanding an army at the front, Marcus never mentione=
d the war in his=C2=A0<em>Meditations</em>. War was simply something he had=
 to do; he had no difficulty seeing the other side as people, or understand=
ing their motivations. He mentions the Iazyges only once in the text: to ma=
ke a broader point about hubris, to suggest that it was wrong for Romans to=
 take pride in taking a prisoner of war.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px=
;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Although Marcus did not broach the s=
ubject of my interest, I could not stop reading his=C2=A0<em>Meditations</e=
m>. The contrast with Trump=E2=80=99s utterances was astounding, and vertig=
inous. The one could spend nine years in command and write a philosophical =
diary in which he did not even mention the war; the other immediately leapt=
 to praise himself for a war he would lose in weeks.</p><div style=3D"line-=
height:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacin=
g=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><=
td align=3D"left" width=3D"394" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"http=
s://substack.com/redirect/27d6b6d8-43fa-41e9-b334-a0105f76630e?j=3DeyJ1Ijoi=
NDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" s=
tyle=3D"padding:0px;width:auto;height:auto;border-width:medium;border-style=
:none;border-color:currentcolor;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin:0=
px"><img alt=3D"brown concrete post under blue sky during daytime" title=3D=
"brown concrete post under blue sky during daytime" width=3D"394" height=3D=
"591" src=3D"https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1592775281649-8472401d1ecb?c=
rop=3Dentropy&amp;cs=3Dtinysrgb&amp;fit=3Dmax&amp;fm=3Djpg&amp;ixid=3DM3wzM=
DAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMHx8bWFyY3VzJTIwYXVyZWxpdXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzgyNTA0NDg2=
fDA&amp;ixlib=3Drb-4.1.0&amp;q=3D80&amp;w=3D1080" class=3D"gmail-CToWUd" st=
yle=3D"vertical-align: middle; display: block; height: auto; margin: 0px au=
to; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; w=
idth: auto; max-width: 100%;"></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td=
></tr></tbody></table></div><div style=3D"margin:0px 0px 1em;direction:ltr;=
line-height:26px"><div style=3D"text-decoration:unset;list-style:none;line-=
height:26px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substac=
k.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL3N1YnNjcmliZT=
91dG1fc291cmNlPXBvc3QmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLWNoZWNrb3V0Jm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM=
0ElMkYlMkZzbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tJTJGcCUyRm9mLXN0b2ljaXNtLWFuZC1zdHVwb3Im=
cj00NHV4ciZ0b2tlbj1leUoxYzJWeVgybGtJam8yT1RRMU1UZ3pMQ0pwWVhRaU9qRTNPREkxTmp=
ZeE5qZ3NJbVY0Y0NJNk1UYzROVEUxT0RFMk9Dd2lhWE56SWpvaWNIVmlMVE14TURnNU55SXNJbk=
4xWWlJNkltTm9aV05yYjNWMEluMC5tSG4xRzVBRHlHeUZmTUNsLUIyaVNFdXhaRjk0dWRQdVdCb=
lpiNHprTWxFIiwicCI6MjAzNzUwNjgxLCJzIjozMTA4OTcsImYiOnRydWUsInUiOjY5NDUxODMs=
ImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoyMDk4MTQyMTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMCIsInN1YiI6Imx=
pbmstcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.mELfbW2ZMwE57c2yAW04jgTaQ6ALGYfmtOis-tAFCE4?&amp;utm_me=
dium=3Demail&amp;utm_source=3Dsubscribe-widget&amp;utm_content=3D203750681"=
 target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(255,255,255);font-family:system-ui,-a=
pple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,=
sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;S=
egoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-block;box-sizing:border-box;border-widt=
h:medium;border-style:none;border-color:currentcolor;border-radius:8px;font=
-size:14px;line-height:20px;font-weight:600;opacity:1;outline:none;white-sp=
ace:nowrap;margin:0px auto;background-color:rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20=
px;height:auto;text-decoration:none">Upgrade to paid</a></div></div><p styl=
e=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Trump had fe=
lt=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/27a09459-ef8a-4ad3-9e50-b7=
45e7abab07?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu=
3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">pleasure</a>=C2=A0after=
 the intervention in Venezuela; he wanted more of that feeling. The America=
ns were bound to lose because there was no human thought involved; Trump re=
garded technology as magic and a first strike by missiles as definitive. Pe=
ople were killed, including schoolchildren, but there was no front as such,=
 since the war was conducted from a distance. Trump=E2=80=99s frivolity mad=
e it easy for his chosen enemy.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rg=
b(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Rather than remaining in post until their dea=
ths, as did Marcus Aurelius, the Americans never took up a post in any mean=
ingful sense. Trump=E2=80=99s secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, was, if p=
ossible, even more=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/317b3932-8=
d38-4d35-a074-656732e9ea94?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJ=
YVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">boastfu=
l</a>=C2=A0than the president: =E2=80=9CDeath and destruction from the sky =
all day long. We are playing for keeps. Our war fighters have maximum autho=
rity granted personally by the president and yours truly. This was never in=
tended to be a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight. We are punching them=
 while they=E2=80=99re down, which is exactly how it should be.=E2=80=9D Su=
ch words were uttered by men who began a war in February and, despite a mis=
sile here and a drone there, essentially=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.c=
om/redirect/51eb9cb0-2f41-46a9-837d-d875854d435d?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKl=
hdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:=
rgb(54,55,55)">capitulated</a>=C2=A0before summer.</p><p style=3D"margin:0p=
x 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Their elation had nothing =
to do with any real prospect of victory, but rather with the palpable pleas=
ure they took in killing. Hegseth quite wrongly=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://sub=
stack.com/redirect/27a09459-ef8a-4ad3-9e50-b745e7abab07?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHI=
ifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D=
"color:rgb(54,55,55)">equates</a>=C2=A0the high he feels when others die wi=
th the political phenomenon of victory in war. The embrace of what he calls=
 =E2=80=9Clethality=E2=80=9D is a flight from something which we all share,=
 which is mortality. By killing others he is displacing the acceptance of o=
ne=E2=80=99s own death, which Marcus regarded as the first step towards thi=
nking: =E2=80=9Cin a short while, you will be nobody and nowhere; and the s=
ame of all that and all who are now alive. It is the nature of all things t=
o change, to perish and be transformed so that in succession different thin=
gs can come to be.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54=
,55,55);line-height:26px">Trump enjoyed the killing from day to day, but ne=
ver had any idea what victory would require. Hegseth=C2=A0<a href=3D"https:=
//substack.com/redirect/b36b631f-f416-434d-9f81-a14dc0b3539c?j=3DeyJ1IjoiND=
R1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" sty=
le=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">reveled</a>=C2=A0in =E2=80=9Coverwhelming violen=
ce of action against those who deserve no mercy.=E2=80=9D He=C2=A0<a href=
=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/0cc9d9ee-4892-4cd5-bddd-21a9f3d29d94?j=3D=
eyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_=
blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">claimed</a>=C2=A0that the war had been=
 won, even as it was clear that the US had failed to achieve any meaningful=
 objective: =E2=80=9Cnever in recorded history has a nation=E2=80=99s milit=
ary been so quickly and effectively neutralized.=E2=80=9D As the weeks pass=
ed, both he and Trump fell back onto a purely internal, psychological notio=
n of victory: what mattered was not the actual war in the actual world, but=
 their ability to continue to say words in front of microphones that made t=
hem feel good inside. Even that feeling, grounded in nothing, faded quickly=
 after February.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);lin=
e-height:26px">Stoicism is a manner of making connections with the world th=
at help us to avoid elementary mistakes. Writing in his tent, Marcus Aureli=
us reflected on hubris and history: Each life, says Marcus, must be seen in=
 the perspective of the entire cosmos: =E2=80=9CWhat a tiny part of the bou=
ndless abyss of time has been allotted to each of us, and this is soon vani=
shed in eternity; what a tiny part of the universal substance and the unive=
rsal soul; how tiny in the whole earth the mere clod on which you keep.=E2=
=80=9D We might be deluded to believe in our own grandeur, but the truth is=
 elsewhere. Pride is an error from which the boastful person himself suffer=
s: =E2=80=9CWhy then this stress, why not be content with an orderly passag=
e through the brief span you have.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 2=
0px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">What we as mortals can know is ve=
ry limited: =E2=80=9CIn man=E2=80=99s life, his time is a mere instant, his=
 existence a flux, his perception fogged, his whole bodily composition rott=
ing, his mind a whirlygig, his fortune unpredictable, his fame unclear.=E2=
=80=9D Starting from such cosmic humility, we can build up our own ethical =
steadfastness. Everything is in flux, but we can project calm outwards into=
 our small corner of the world: =E2=80=9CBe like the rocky headland on whic=
h the waves constantly break. It stands firm, and round it the seething wat=
ers are laid to rest.=E2=80=9D From this idea of self-creation comes confid=
ence about one=E2=80=99s own purposes: =E2=80=9CDig inside yourself,=E2=80=
=9D wrote Marcus Aurelius, =E2=80=9Cinside there is a spring of goodness re=
ady to gush at any moment, if you keep digging.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"mar=
gin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Goodness is possible=
, despite everything; or rather by seeing one=E2=80=99s own small place in =
everything. If you can see your limits, you have a chance of seeing others =
and the world. If you can accept mortality, you need not take refuge in let=
hality. If you are seeking the good in yourself, you will not mirror an ene=
my. Revenge is an error that bespeaks a lack of courageous inquiry about on=
eself and the world. Indeed, says Marcus Aurelius, =E2=80=9Cthe best reveng=
e is not to be like your enemy.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px=
;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">During the war, Trump and Hegseth fe=
ll back upon the idea of revenge: in a blasphemous=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://=
substack.com/redirect/67ea5556-4aa4-46e8-bc22-49f618b02533?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1=
eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=
=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">tirade</a>=C2=A0which he plagiarized from a movie<=
em>,</em>=C2=A0Hegseth said: =E2=80=9CI will strike down upon thee with gre=
at vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my =
brother.=E2=80=9D If you do not know who you are, you model yourself on you=
r enemy, and claim that what is evil when they do it is good when you do it=
. There is not much difference between Hegseth=E2=80=99s=C2=A0<a href=3D"ht=
tps://substack.com/redirect/427b35a7-4fb0-4b51-ba75-49c05161a69e?j=3DeyJ1Ij=
oiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank"=
 style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">fundamentalism</a>=C2=A0and that of the peop=
le he=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/31153389-8ea3-4eb2-8f33=
-2790f86041cb?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8=
yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">calls</a>=C2=A0=E2=
=80=9Cmullahs.=E2=80=9D He=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/31=
153389-8ea3-4eb2-8f33-2790f86041cb?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR=
9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)"=
>refers</a>=C2=A0to them as =E2=80=9Cbarbaric savages=E2=80=9D; but when he=
 looks at the mirror of the makeup studio he=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substa=
ck.com/redirect/4beb0f5a-27bd-437d-bf1e-05edce497470?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ=
.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"co=
lor:rgb(54,55,55)">installed</a>=C2=A0for himself in the Pentagon, what doe=
s he see?</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-heigh=
t:26px">The American leaders had no idea of who they were or what they want=
ed, aside from the satisfaction of their emotional needs by the killing of =
others. They were unable to imagine that people on the other side might hav=
e ideas about their own interests and plans for their own behavior. The cou=
ld not see the world, even in its plainest representation as geography; whe=
reas Marcus exploited a bend in the Danube River to tactical advantage to w=
in a battle; Trump chose to ignore the physical limit the Straits of Hormuz=
 can place on world trade. As soon as the war began, the Iranians did the o=
bvious: they responded to American long-range attacks with the same; and th=
ey blocked the Straits.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,=
55);line-height:26px">Because the Americans were operating without a sense =
of themselves, of the world, or other people, this came as a surprise. Marc=
us Aurelius offers this mild comment: =E2=80=9CHow absurd -- and a complete=
 stranger to the world-- is the man surprised at any aspect of his experien=
ce in life!=E2=80=9D</p><div style=3D"margin:0px 0px 1em;direction:ltr;line=
-height:26px"><div style=3D"text-decoration:unset;list-style:none;line-heig=
ht:26px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substack.co=
m/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL3N1YnNjcmliZT91dG=
1fc291cmNlPXBvc3QmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLWNoZWNrb3V0Jm5leHQ9aHR0cHMlM0ElM=
kYlMkZzbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tJTJGcCUyRm9mLXN0b2ljaXNtLWFuZC1zdHVwb3Imcj00=
NHV4ciZ0b2tlbj1leUoxYzJWeVgybGtJam8yT1RRMU1UZ3pMQ0pwWVhRaU9qRTNPREkxTmpZeE5=
qZ3NJbVY0Y0NJNk1UYzROVEUxT0RFMk9Dd2lhWE56SWpvaWNIVmlMVE14TURnNU55SXNJbk4xWW=
lJNkltTm9aV05yYjNWMEluMC5tSG4xRzVBRHlHeUZmTUNsLUIyaVNFdXhaRjk0dWRQdVdCblpiN=
HprTWxFIiwicCI6MjAzNzUwNjgxLCJzIjozMTA4OTcsImYiOnRydWUsInUiOjY5NDUxODMsImlh=
dCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoyMDk4MTQyMTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMCIsInN1YiI6Imxpbms=
tcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.mELfbW2ZMwE57c2yAW04jgTaQ6ALGYfmtOis-tAFCE4?&amp;utm_medium=
=3Demail&amp;utm_source=3Dsubscribe-widget&amp;utm_content=3D203750681" tar=
get=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(255,255,255);font-family:system-ui,-apple=
-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans=
-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe=
 UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-block;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:me=
dium;border-style:none;border-color:currentcolor;border-radius:8px;font-siz=
e:14px;line-height:20px;font-weight:600;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:=
nowrap;margin:0px auto;background-color:rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20px;h=
eight:auto;text-decoration:none">Upgrade to paid</a></div></div><p style=3D=
"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">The Americans, s=
trangers to the world, reacted to their feelings of surprise with fantasies=
 of destruction. The pleasure they took in killing became a vision of annih=
ilation. Rather than confront the errors they made about war, the Americans=
 leapt to visions of violence in which no one would ever have to think agai=
n. Trump lost control on Easter Sunday when he=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://subs=
tack.com/redirect/7284641f-4333-4b13-a8f5-e26e4ba09162?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIi=
fQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"=
color:rgb(54,55,55)">tweeted</a>: =E2=80=9COpen the Fuckin=E2=80=99 Strait,=
 you crazy bastards, or you=E2=80=99ll be living in Hell.=E2=80=9D He then=
=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/ba6a5546-ca9a-4c44-9af5-8b5b=
15f0b37a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k=
" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">promised</a>=C2=A0that he=
 would bomb Iran =E2=80=9Cback to the Stone Age, where they belong=E2=80=9D=
 and=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/17ce40b3-49b1-4d81-80b8-=
13a6b4c063e3?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8y=
Ju3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">said</a>=C2=A0that =
=E2=80=9Ca whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back ag=
ain.=E2=80=9D In our modern legal and ethical language, this is of course=
=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/783c6c72-6679-4d38-86a6-afab=
37ef094a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k=
" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">genocidal language</a>. T=
he American bombast was followed by American surrender.</p><p style=3D"marg=
in:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">Marcus Aurelius won h=
is war against the Iazyges. He combined victory and prudence, and for this =
he was and will be remembered. The defeated Iazyges returned to their previ=
ous role as Roman clients, offered thousands of cavalrymen as soldiers of R=
ome, and opened trade routes to the east. Marcus=E2=80=99s philosophical di=
ary has been read for the better part of two millenia; so long as we are pr=
esent as a literate civilization, it will be read. Despite Marcus=E2=80=99s=
 certainty that we will all be forgotten, others built a victory column in =
his honor after his death; it still stands in Rome, more than one thousand =
eight hundred years later.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px">Another legacy of Marcus=E2=80=99s victory also to=
uches the center of what we think of as Western culture. As part of the pea=
ce accord, he dispatched 5,500 Iazyges cavalrymen, taken into his service, =
to the north of what is now northern England, to defend the Roman border at=
 Hadrian=E2=80=99s Wall. Their first commander was a man named Arthur, and =
it is possible that the Iazyges and some of their Iranian-speaking kin inco=
rporated his name into stories of their own -- of a lady in the lake, of a =
sword in a stone, of a quest for a golden cup -- which, with time, became t=
he legend of Christian chivalry. That is another story, and one worth telli=
ng.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px=
">But it is also part of the story of Marcus Aurelius, which, despite the f=
act that he chose not to tell it himself, or rather precisely for that reas=
on, is instructive about our predicament today. Stoicism is a way not to be=
 a stranger to the world; it can protect the powerful from vanity and folly=
. To fall into a stupor of self-absorption, as Trump has done, is to flee f=
rom reality. Few wars are worth fighting; those that are fought can only be=
 won in the world, and not within the tortured confines of estranged minds.=
 Trump hastens now towards our shared horizon of death, seeking honors that=
 only posterity can accord and will not.</p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px=
;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px">=
<a href=3D"https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D310897&amp;p=
ost_id=3D203750681&amp;utm_source=3Dsubstack&amp;utm_medium=3Demail&amp;utm=
_content=3Dshare&amp;utm_campaign=3Demail-share&amp;action=3Dshare&amp;trig=
gerShare=3Dtrue&amp;isFreemail=3Dtrue&amp;r=3D44uxr&amp;token=3DeyJ1c2VyX2l=
kIjo2OTQ1MTgzLCJwb3N0X2lkIjoyMDM3NTA2ODEsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoxNz=
g1MTU4MTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzEwODk3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.x_6IT4mV=
sLLyXKWyHgUeTmEvQZoVQ9IU5Yk60797RqY" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(2=
55,255,255);font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Se=
goe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot=
;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inline-blo=
ck;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:medium;border-style:none;border-color=
:currentcolor;border-radius:8px;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;font-weight=
:600;margin:0px;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:nowrap;background-color:=
rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20px;height:auto;text-decoration:none">Share</=
a></p><div style=3D"line-height:26px"><div style=3D"font-family:system-ui,-=
apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial=
,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;=
Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:1.5;max-width:560px;m=
argin:24px auto;text-align:center;padding:0px 32px;direction:ltr"><div styl=
e=3D"margin-top:16px;font-size:18px;max-width:384px;width:fit-content;line-=
height:22px;display:flex;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto"><p style=3D"ma=
rgin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:26px;font-size:16px">Thinking about... is a r=
eader-supported publication. Please subscribe.</p></div><div style=3D"margi=
n:0px 0px 1em;direction:ltr;line-height:26px"><div style=3D"text-decoration=
:unset;list-style:none;line-height:26px;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https=
://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tL3N1=
YnNjcmliZT91dG1fc291cmNlPXBvc3QmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLWNoZWNrb3V0Jm5leHQ=
9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZzbnlkZXIuc3Vic3RhY2suY29tJTJGcCUyRm9mLXN0b2ljaXNtLWFuZC=
1zdHVwb3Imcj00NHV4ciZ0b2tlbj1leUoxYzJWeVgybGtJam8yT1RRMU1UZ3pMQ0pwWVhRaU9qR=
TNPREkxTmpZeE5qZ3NJbVY0Y0NJNk1UYzROVEUxT0RFMk9Dd2lhWE56SWpvaWNIVmlMVE14TURn=
NU55SXNJbk4xWWlJNkltTm9aV05yYjNWMEluMC5tSG4xRzVBRHlHeUZmTUNsLUIyaVNFdXhaRjk=
0dWRQdVdCblpiNHprTWxFIiwicCI6MjAzNzUwNjgxLCJzIjozMTA4OTcsImYiOnRydWUsInUiOj=
Y5NDUxODMsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCwiZXhwIjoyMDk4MTQyMTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMCIsI=
nN1YiI6ImxpbmstcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.mELfbW2ZMwE57c2yAW04jgTaQ6ALGYfmtOis-tAFCE4?&=
amp;utm_medium=3Demail&amp;utm_source=3Dsubscribe-widget-preamble&amp;utm_c=
ontent=3D203750681" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(255,255,255);displ=
ay:inline-block;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:medium;border-style:none=
;border-color:currentcolor;border-radius:8px;font-size:14px;line-height:20p=
x;font-weight:600;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:nowrap;margin:0px auto=
;background-color:rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20px;height:auto;text-decora=
tion:none">Upgrade to paid</a></div></div></div></div><p style=3D"margin:0p=
x 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px">The quotations of Marcus A=
urelius are drawn from this=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/3=
cd3565a-4596-4466-9761-3aaeea5da94a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJ=
R9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)=
">excellent</a>=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/015eb07e-2c3a=
-43b2-ba46-44c473a55ded?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVv=
Ueyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)">edition</a=
>: Marcus Aurelius,=C2=A0<em>Meditations,</em>=C2=A0trans. Martin Hammond, =
introd. Diskin Clay, London: Penguin, 2006. The quotations of Donald Trump =
and Pete Hegseth are linked to sources in the text.</p><p style=3D"margin:0=
px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;text-align:center;border-r=
adius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D3=
10897&amp;post_id=3D203750681&amp;utm_source=3Dsubstack&amp;utm_medium=3Dem=
ail&amp;utm_content=3Dshare&amp;utm_campaign=3Demail-share&amp;action=3Dsha=
re&amp;triggerShare=3Dtrue&amp;isFreemail=3Dtrue&amp;r=3D44uxr&amp;token=3D=
eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo2OTQ1MTgzLCJwb3N0X2lkIjoyMDM3NTA2ODEsImlhdCI6MTc4MjU2NjE2OCw=
iZXhwIjoxNzg1MTU4MTY4LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMzEwODk3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbi=
J9.x_6IT4mVsLLyXKWyHgUeTmEvQZoVQ9IU5Yk60797RqY" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"=
color:rgb(255,255,255);font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFo=
nt,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color=
 Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display=
:inline-block;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:medium;border-style:none;b=
order-color:currentcolor;border-radius:8px;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;=
font-weight:600;margin:0px;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:nowrap;backgr=
ound-color:rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20px;height:auto;text-decoration:no=
ne">Share</a></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-h=
eight:26px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substack=
.com/redirect/9f1777a5-68ba-4846-8e4d-c79ec1d06738?j=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.R=
KlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"colo=
r:rgb(255,255,255);font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&=
quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emo=
ji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;display:inl=
ine-block;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:medium;border-style:none;borde=
r-color:currentcolor;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;font-weight:600;margin=
:0px;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:nowrap;border-radius:4px;background=
-color:rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20px;height:auto;text-decoration:none">=
For general guidance, On Tyranny</a></p><p style=3D"margin:0px 0px 20px;col=
or:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px"><a h=
ref=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/fc3c72d6-ace3-4aef-89d1-7fda5308157e?j=
=3DeyJ1IjoiNDR1eHIifQ.RKlhdBNqcWqTehJJR9XUET0yJYVvUeyb87hoa8yJu3k" target=
=3D"_blank" style=3D"color:rgb(255,255,255);font-family:system-ui,-apple-sy=
stem,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-se=
rif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI=
 Symbol&quot;;display:inline-block;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:mediu=
m;border-style:none;border-color:currentcolor;font-size:14px;line-height:20=
px;font-weight:600;margin:0px;opacity:1;outline:none;white-space:nowrap;bor=
der-radius:4px;background-color:rgb(81,180,233);padding:12px 20px;height:au=
to;text-decoration:none">For a vision of a better USA, On Freedom</a></p></=
div></div></div>

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 https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/06/25/trump-prerogative-powers-strongma=
n-presidency/
A Unified Theory of Donald Trump=E2=80=99s Presidency=20
Past presidents have tapped their unarticulated prerogative powers in times=
 of necessity and for the national good. For Trump, it=E2=80=99s a permissi=
on slip to do as he will.     On Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 02:58:53 PM GMT=
+5, Chas Freeman via Salon <salon@listserve.com> wrote: =20
=20
=20

=C2=A0https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milbank-democrats-are-draftin=
g-plans-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029
Feature

Dana Milbank:=C2=A0Democrats Are Drafting Plans to Govern Like Trump in 202=
9

He may have inadvertently sown the seeds of a new progressive age.


President Trump now says=C2=A0=E2=80=9Cthere are no limits=E2=80=9D=C2=A0to=
 his power, and, over the last week or so, his administration has behaved a=
ccordingly:

His acting head of national intelligence, installed without Senate confirma=
tion and despite having no national-security experience, has begun=C2=A0a m=
ass firing=C2=A0of career intelligence professionals.

His Cabinet agencies, in support of his dubious claim that renovation probl=
ems with the Reflecting Pool were the result of vandalism, have begun=C2=A0=
rounding up people=C2=A0and threatening them with 10-year prison sentences.

He has shut down a large swath of the National Mall for his attempt to hija=
ck the nation=E2=80=99s 250th birthday celebration with=C2=A0=E2=80=9Cthe b=
iggest rally we=E2=80=99ve ever had=E2=80=9D=C2=A0of his MAGA supporters.

He has renewed a=C2=A0push for legislation=C2=A0making it harder to vote, w=
hile a key ally encourages armed Trump supporters to=C2=A0flood voting prec=
incts=C2=A0in November.

In other words, it has been a week like all others. Trump has used the fede=
ral government as his personal plaything, to punish opponents, reward frien=
ds, enrich himself and wield power in a way no president has done before, u=
nencumbered by independent agencies or by Congress. His self-declared emerg=
ency powers and his capricious interpretations of the law allow him to do w=
hat he wants, when he wants, to whom he wants =E2=80=94 often with the bles=
sing of the conservative majority on the Supreme Court and the applause of =
Republicans in Congress.

But would Trump=E2=80=99s enablers cheer him on as loudly as they now do if=
 they understood that two can play at this game?

Recently, I spent some time calling around to veterans of previous Democrat=
ic administrations and liberal policy wonks to pose a hypothetical: What wo=
uld it look like if the next Democratic president wielded power the way Tru=
mp does?

The answer, it turns out, is not at all hypothetical. The advocacy arms of =
the Roosevelt Institute, the Center for American Progress and other influen=
tial groups on the left are already assembling lists of ways a Democratic p=
resident could use the breathtaking executive power Trump has seized.

It=E2=80=99s an embryonic Project 2029, though they don=E2=80=99t use that =
name, and they do not have the level of coordination that the Republicans=
=E2=80=99 Project 2025 did =E2=80=94 yet. (A group that does call itself Pr=
oject 2029, run by a pair of former Democratic staffers, has produced a rel=
atively tame=C2=A0first set of recommendations.)

Happily, I heard little about plans for Trump-style vengeance. No less a pu=
gilist than Norm Eisen, the founder of Democracy Defenders Action and a rel=
entless warrior against the Trump administration in court, told me that Tru=
mp=E2=80=99s opponents =E2=80=9Cmust not descend into a kind of permanent c=
ycle of the Hatfields and McCoys,=E2=80=9D with =E2=80=9Cendless cycles of =
tit-for-tat.=E2=80=9D

Rather, the nascent Democratic effort contemplates something far more conse=
quential =E2=80=94 and it should be even scarier to Trump=E2=80=99s enabler=
s: ways to use the all-powerful, unitary executive that Trump has invented =
(and the Roberts Court has blessed) to launch a new Progressive Era, in whi=
ch a Democratic president imposes by executive fiat government run health c=
are and many other ideas liberals have long dreamed about but lacked the vo=
tes to enact. Virtually all of it can be done without Congress, using power=
s Trump has unlocked.

***

All faiths have some version of the Golden Rule. In mine, the Talmudic scho=
lar Hillel in the first century B.C.E. argued: =E2=80=9CWhat is hateful to =
you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah.=E2=80=9D The rest=
, he said, is just =E2=80=9Ccommentary.=E2=80=9D

A version of the Golden Rule informed our system of government, too. Though=
 we had formal checks and balances, we also had presidents who didn=E2=80=
=99t break norms =E2=80=94 because they didn=E2=80=99t want their opponents=
 to do the same. Trump has shattered that restraint.

=E2=80=9CTrump has discovered, or created, powers that no president has eve=
r had that have been sanctioned by a right-wing Supreme Court,=E2=80=9D say=
s Neera Tanden, a veteran of the Obama and Biden administrations who runs t=
he Center for American Progress. =E2=80=9CIn many ways, Trump has widened t=
he aperture of the powers the federal government has.=E2=80=9D

Here=E2=80=99s a sampling of some policies that liberal policy wonks and of=
ficials from previous Democratic administrations believe the next president=
, armed with these widened powers, could implement =E2=80=94 without the pe=
sky inconvenience of consulting Congress:
  =20
   - Creating a =E2=80=9Cpublic-option=E2=80=9D government-run health insur=
er offering comprehensive medical coverage and a similar public-option plan=
 for prescription drugs.
   - Funneling federal funds to state-run public-option health insurance.
   - Seizing patents from drug makers that developed their products with go=
vernment funding and giving the patents to others that will produce the med=
icines at low cost.
   - Establishing government-run grocery stores.
   - Restarting government fertilizer production, forcing agribusinesses to=
 cut seed prices or lose their patents, and breaking up the oligopoly in me=
atpacking.
   - Initiating direct government lending, and perhaps government-run banks=
, to reduce banking costs.
   - Cutting off all government funds for, and refusing to grant export lic=
enses to, businesses that don=E2=80=99t significantly raise their wages, do=
n=E2=80=99t remove barriers to union organizing and don=E2=80=99t have blem=
ish-free records on labor violations.
   - Taking =E2=80=9Cgolden shares=E2=80=9D in, or other forms of governmen=
t control over, frontier AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic, banks, pharm=
aceutical companies and others.
   - Denying electrical power to AI data centers.
   - Establishing government-run factories that would produce solar and oth=
er clean-energy technologies, essential medicines and more.
   - Dismantling and reorganizing the Department of Homeland Security.
   - Unwinding previously approved acquisitions, including Paramount Skydan=
ce=E2=80=99s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, or forcing these behemoths=
 to divest pieces of their businesses.
   - Forcing nonprofit hospitals to spend billions more on charity care.
   - Cracking down on abuses by private equity in health care and by corpor=
ate investors in rental housing.  =20


Many of the above ideas came from Roosevelt Forward, the advocacy arm of th=
e Roosevelt Institute, an economic think tank. The group=E2=80=99s presiden=
t, former Biden administration official Elizabeth Wilkins, told me the powe=
rs to implement most of these industrial policies are already on the books =
(in legislation such as the Bayh-Dole Act, the Defense Production Act and t=
he Affordable Care Act), but =E2=80=9Cwe just haven=E2=80=99t had the chutz=
pah=E2=80=9D to exercise them =E2=80=94 until now. =E2=80=9CTrump fundament=
ally changed how government works to enrich himself,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=
=80=9CA future president should have no hesitation in doing the same for wo=
rking people.=E2=80=9D

The Center for American Progress will be preparing an agency-by-agency set =
of policies for the next Democratic administration. It did the same in 2008=
, but now it=E2=80=99s a =E2=80=9Csupercharged scenario=E2=80=9D because th=
e next Democratic president will be able to =E2=80=9Creshape the government=
,=E2=80=9D Tanden argues. While Trump often bends corporate America to his =
will to benefit himself and his friends, the next president =E2=80=9Ccould =
use some of those powers to =E2=80=A6 create a kind of new social contract.=
=E2=80=9D

The Supreme Court has yet to make definitive pronouncements on many of Trum=
p=E2=80=99s most sweeping assertions of power: his routine use of emergency=
 powers, his impounding of funds, his ignoring of congressional spending re=
quirements. Should any of those abuses somehow get the high court=E2=80=99s=
 blessing, it would be hard for a Democratic president to resist pressure t=
o, say, declare a gun violence emergency, a housing emergency, a climate em=
ergency and an affordability emergency, or refuse to spend funds appropriat=
ed for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Already, it will be difficult to =E2=80=9Cput the toothpaste back in the tu=
be,=E2=80=9D argues Vanita Gupta, the director of the Center for Law and Pu=
blic Trust at New York University Law School and a prospective attorney gen=
eral in a Democratic administration. =E2=80=9CIndependent agencies, for bet=
ter or worse, likely will no longer be independent, and there the president=
 will have significant authority.=E2=80=9D She imagines that =E2=80=9Cconsu=
mer protection could go on steroids, antitrust regulations could be put on =
steroids.=E2=80=9D

Then there=E2=80=99s the DOGE precedent. The same shortcuts it used to fire=
 personnel could be used to hire workers quickly and reshape the entire fed=
eral government. Gupta proposes to =E2=80=9Cuse this crisis as an opportuni=
ty to transform how you get things done.=E2=80=9D




***

I have no doubt there will be calls from some on the left for a campaign of=
 retribution that mirrors what Trump has done: criminal prosecutions of Rep=
ublican lawmakers and Fox News executives and personalities; FBI and regula=
tory probes of Republican donors, Trump-aligned corporations and conservati=
ve activists; revoking security clearances and protective details of former=
 Republican officials; blocking GOP-aligned firms from government business;=
 threatening the nonprofit status of conservative groups; using the Federal=
 Communications Commission to challenge licenses for conservative outlets a=
nd pressure broadcasters to remove conservative voices; firing anybody hire=
d by the Trump administration.

But that would just perpetuate corruption and validate Trump=E2=80=99s auth=
oritarian behaviors. =E2=80=9CWe can=E2=80=99t live in a country where the =
president is dictating who DOJ must prosecute, nor can we have an administr=
ation that works to make the president rich,=E2=80=9D Gupta says. =E2=80=9C=
You can have transformation without corruption.=E2=80=9D

Of course, running the country by executive fiat is a lousy way to govern, =
regardless of who does it. Government policy, directed by presidential whim=
 rather than legislation, would yo-yo back and forth each time the White Ho=
use changed hands. Few would find government work appealing if they knew th=
ey were always an election away from being out of a job. Things would grow =
ever more unstable because, as Trump has demonstrated, it=E2=80=99s far eas=
ier to destroy than to build.

But what if these progressive ideas caught fire? What if the American publi=
c decided that all these government interventions in the market were cuttin=
g the cost of health care, groceries, energy and banking while pushing up w=
ages? A future Republican president might have trouble reversing them.

Some congressional Republicans have recently pushed back against Trump=E2=
=80=99s $1.8 billion =E2=80=9Canti-weaponization=E2=80=9D slush fund, the W=
hite House ballroom and Iran war powers. But these are modest rebellions. C=
learly, congressional Republicans, as they surrender their Article 1 powers=
 to the president and cheer his power grabs, aren=E2=80=99t thinking about =
unintended consequences.

Maybe they are hoping the Supreme Court will turn on a dime and reject as u=
nconstitutional the powers Trump has used when a Democratic president does =
the same.

Or maybe Trump=E2=80=99s congressional enablers expect that a Democratic pr=
esident will unilaterally return to the self-restraint that guided our lead=
ers before Trump. If so, they profoundly misread human nature. Too late, th=
ey may discover they have sown the seeds of a progressive revival.

Dana Milbank is a NOTUS Perspectives columnist.=C2=A0=C2=A0

Illustration by NOTUS; AtlasbyAtlas Studio/Shutterstock






--=20
Salon mailing list
Salon@listserve.com
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 =20
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<div>                https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/06/25/trump-preroga=
tive-powers-strongman-presidency/<br>A Unified Theory of Donald Trump=E2=80=
=99s Presidency <br>Past presidents have tapped their unarticulated preroga=
tive powers in times of necessity and for the national good. For Trump, it=
=E2=80=99s a permission slip to do as he will.             </div>          =
  <div class=3D"yahoo_quoted" style=3D"margin:10px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-lef=
t:1px solid #ccc;padding-left:1ex;">                        <div style=3D"f=
ont-family:'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;co=
lor:#26282a;">                                <div>                        =
On Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 02:58:53 PM GMT+5, Chas Freeman via Salon &lt=
;salon@listserve.com&gt; wrote:                    </div>                  =
  <div><br></div>                    <div><br></div>                       =
                         <div><div id=3D"yiv3267590109"><div dir=3D"ltr"><d=
iv style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;display:grid;color:rgb(18,19,24);fo=
nt-family:Inter, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:18px;" class=3D"yiv=
3267590109gmail-article__header"><div style=3D"background:none 0% repeat sc=
roll rgb(235,244,241);" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__photo-box"><di=
v style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;display:flex;min-height:406px;" clas=
s=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__photo-frame yiv3267590109gmail-article__ph=
oto-frame_orientation_landscape"><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;=
overflow:hidden;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__photo-canvas"><span =
style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Picture"=
><br></span></div><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;overflow:hidden=
;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__photo-canvas"><span style=3D"backgr=
ound-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Picture"><br></span></d=
iv><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;overflow:hidden;" class=3D"yiv=
3267590109gmail-article__photo-canvas"><span style=3D"background-repeat:no-=
repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Picture"><i style=3D"font-family:Georg=
ia, Arial, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);background-repeat:n=
o-repeat;">&nbsp;<a href=3D"https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milbank=
-democrats-are-drafting-plans-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029" target=3D"_blan=
k" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener">https://www.notus.org/perspectives/dana-milb=
ank-democrats-are-drafting-plans-to-govern-like-trump-in-2029</a></i><img a=
lt=3D"Perspectives20260603_danamilbank_illo.png" width=3D"312" height=3D"20=
8" src=3D"https://static.notus.org/dims4/default/a6843ca/2147483647/strip/t=
rue/crop/3456x2304+0+0/resize/312x208!/quality/90/?url=3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fk2-p=
rod-aji.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd4%2F56%2F96fbc8dc4973bbd=
f9c94861c6890%2Fperspectives20260603-danamilbank-illo-4x.png" style=3D"back=
ground-repeat:no-repeat;vertical-align:middle;border-style:none;display:blo=
ck;min-height:406px;max-width:100%;width:600px;color:rgb(56, 143, 122);font=
-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal=
;font-size:12px;line-height:18px;font-family:Inter, Arial, sans-serif;text-=
align:center;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Image"></span></div></div></div>=
<div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin:auto 0px;padding:48px;" cl=
ass=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__header-text"><p style=3D"background-repe=
at:no-repeat;display:flex;margin:0px;text-align:center;" class=3D"yiv326759=
0109gmail-article__content-type"><span style=3D"background:none 0% repeat s=
croll rgb(56,143,122);padding:2px 8px;color:rgb(255,255,255);font:600 12px/=
18px Inter, Arial, sans-serif;letter-spacing:0.01em;text-transform:uppercas=
e;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__content-type-text">Feature</span><=
/p><h1 style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-style:normal;font-variant:=
normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal;font-size:42px;line-height=
:46px;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;margin:24px 0px 0px;letter-spa=
cing:-0.02em;text-align:center;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__headl=
ine"><span style=3D"background:0% repeat scroll rgba(0,0,0,0);">Dana Milban=
k:</span>&nbsp;Democrats Are Drafting Plans to Govern Like Trump in 2029</h=
1><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin:24px 0px 0px;font-style:=
normal;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal;font-s=
ize:22px;line-height:28px;font-family:Inter, Arial, sans-serif;text-align:c=
enter;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__deck"><p style=3D"background-r=
epeat:no-repeat;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;">He may have inadvertentl=
y sown the seeds of a new progressive age.<br style=3D"background-repeat:no=
-repeat;"></p></div></div></div><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;m=
ax-width:728px;margin:0px auto;color:rgb(18,19,24);font-family:Inter, Arial=
, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:18px;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-page-c=
ontent-trim"><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin-top:36px;" cl=
ass=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__body yiv3267590109gmail-raw-content yiv3=
267590109gmail-raw-content_type_article yiv3267590109gmail-raw-content_them=
e_perspectives-article"><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=
=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-RichTextArticleBody yiv3267590109gmail-RichTextBody"=
><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-s=
erif;line-height:1.8;margin:0px 0px 30px;">President Trump now says&nbsp;<s=
pan style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Link=
Enhancement"><a href=3D"https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-war-pow=
er-no-limits" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;background-color:transpa=
rent;color:rgb(46,174,246);" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Link" target=3D"_b=
lank" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener"><u style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;"=
>=E2=80=9Cthere are no limits=E2=80=9D</u></a></span>&nbsp;to his power, an=
d, over the last week or so, his administration has behaved accordingly:</p=
><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-s=
erif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">His acting head of national intellig=
ence, installed without Senate confirmation and despite having no national-=
security experience, has begun&nbsp;<span style=3D"background-repeat:no-rep=
eat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-LinkEnhancement"><a href=3D"https://www.n=
bcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/odni-begins-firings-under-bill-pul=
te-director-national-intelligence-rcna351290" style=3D"background-repeat:no=
-repeat;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246);" class=3D"yiv32=
67590109gmail-Link" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener">a mass fi=
ring</a></span>&nbsp;of career intelligence professionals.</p><p style=3D"b=
ackground-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-heig=
ht:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">His Cabinet agencies, in support of his dubious cl=
aim that renovation problems with the Reflecting Pool were the result of va=
ndalism, have begun&nbsp;<span style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=
=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-LinkEnhancement"><a href=3D"https://www.notus.org/tr=
ump-white-house/arrests-citations-reflecting-pool-vandalism-president-trump=
" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;background-color:transparent;color:r=
gb(46,174,246);" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Link" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D=
"noreferrer noopener">rounding up people</a></span>&nbsp;and threatening th=
em with 10-year prison sentences.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repea=
t;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">=
He has shut down a large swath of the National Mall for his attempt to hija=
ck the nation=E2=80=99s 250th birthday celebration with&nbsp;<span style=3D=
"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-LinkEnhancement"=
><a href=3D"https://apnews.com/article/trump-america-250-rally-75e2bb4f4d2b=
3f7ab8cdddb86879bec7" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;background-color=
:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246);" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Link" targ=
et=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener">=E2=80=9Cthe biggest rally we=E2=
=80=99ve ever had=E2=80=9D</a></span>&nbsp;of his MAGA supporters.</p><p st=
yle=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;l=
ine-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">He has renewed a&nbsp;<span style=3D"backg=
round-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-LinkEnhancement"><a hr=
ef=3D"https://www.reuters.com/world/us/senate-visit-trump-push-voter-id-bil=
l-that-republicans-say-cant-pass-2026-06-24/" style=3D"background-repeat:no=
-repeat;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246);" class=3D"yiv32=
67590109gmail-Link" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener"><u style=
=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;">push for legislation</u></a></span>&nbsp;=
making it harder to vote, while a key ally encourages armed Trump supporter=
s to&nbsp;<span style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv32675901=
09gmail-LinkEnhancement"><a href=3D"https://www.mediamatters.org/steve-bann=
on/steve-bannon-calls-ice-and-others-be-every-precinct-midterms-if-youre-ar=
med-or-not" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;background-color:transpare=
nt;color:rgb(46,174,246);" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Link" target=3D"_bla=
nk" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener">flood voting precincts</a></span>&nbsp;in N=
ovember.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Ar=
ial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">In other words, it has be=
en a week like all others. Trump has used the federal government as his per=
sonal plaything, to punish opponents, reward friends, enrich himself and wi=
eld power in a way no president has done before, unencumbered by independen=
t agencies or by Congress. His self-declared emergency powers and his capri=
cious interpretations of the law allow him to do what he wants, when he wan=
ts, to whom he wants =E2=80=94 often with the blessing of the conservative =
majority on the Supreme Court and the applause of Republicans in Congress.<=
/p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans=
-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">But would Trump=E2=80=99s enablers=
 cheer him on as loudly as they now do if they understood that two can play=
 at this game?</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georg=
ia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Recently, I spent s=
ome time calling around to veterans of previous Democratic administrations =
and liberal policy wonks to pose a hypothetical: What would it look like if=
 the next Democratic president wielded power the way Trump does?</p><p styl=
e=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;lin=
e-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">The answer, it turns out, is not at all hypo=
thetical. The advocacy arms of the Roosevelt Institute, the Center for Amer=
ican Progress and other influential groups on the left are already assembli=
ng lists of ways a Democratic president could use the breathtaking executiv=
e power Trump has seized.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-f=
amily:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">It=E2=80=
=99s an embryonic Project 2029, though they don=E2=80=99t use that name, an=
d they do not have the level of coordination that the Republicans=E2=80=99 =
Project 2025 did =E2=80=94 yet. (A group that does call itself Project 2029=
, run by a pair of former Democratic staffers, has produced a relatively ta=
me&nbsp;<span style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;" class=3D"yiv3267590109=
gmail-LinkEnhancement"><a href=3D"https://www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-fi=
rst-look-at-the-democrats-version-policy-project-2025-2029" style=3D"backgr=
ound-repeat:no-repeat;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(46,174,246);" =
class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-Link" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer noope=
ner"><u style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;">first set of recommendations=
</u></a></span>.)</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Ge=
orgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Happily, I heard=
 little about plans for Trump-style vengeance. No less a pugilist than Norm=
 Eisen, the founder of Democracy Defenders Action and a relentless warrior =
against the Trump administration in court, told me that Trump=E2=80=99s opp=
onents =E2=80=9Cmust not descend into a kind of permanent cycle of the Hatf=
ields and McCoys,=E2=80=9D with =E2=80=9Cendless cycles of tit-for-tat.=E2=
=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Aria=
l, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Rather, the nascent Democra=
tic effort contemplates something far more consequential =E2=80=94 and it s=
hould be even scarier to Trump=E2=80=99s enablers: ways to use the all-powe=
rful, unitary executive that Trump has invented (and the Roberts Court has =
blessed) to launch a new Progressive Era, in which a Democratic president i=
mposes by executive fiat government run health care and many other ideas li=
berals have long dreamed about but lacked the votes to enact. Virtually all=
 of it can be done without Congress, using powers Trump has unlocked.</p><p=
 style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;text-align:center;font-family:Georgia=
, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;" class=3D"yiv326759010=
9gmail-cms-textAlign-center">***</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat=
;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">A=
ll faiths have some version of the Golden Rule. In mine, the Talmudic schol=
ar Hillel in the first century B.C.E. argued: =E2=80=9CWhat is hateful to y=
ou, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah.=E2=80=9D The rest,=
 he said, is just =E2=80=9Ccommentary.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-r=
epeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;marg=
in:30px 0px;">A version of the Golden Rule informed our system of governmen=
t, too. Though we had formal checks and balances, we also had presidents wh=
o didn=E2=80=99t break norms =E2=80=94 because they didn=E2=80=99t want the=
ir opponents to do the same. Trump has shattered that restraint.</p><p styl=
e=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;lin=
e-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">=E2=80=9CTrump has discovered, or created, p=
owers that no president has ever had that have been sanctioned by a right-w=
ing Supreme Court,=E2=80=9D says Neera Tanden, a veteran of the Obama and B=
iden administrations who runs the Center for American Progress. =E2=80=9CIn=
 many ways, Trump has widened the aperture of the powers the federal govern=
ment has.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:G=
eorgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Here=E2=80=99s =
a sampling of some policies that liberal policy wonks and officials from pr=
evious Democratic administrations believe the next president, armed with th=
ese widened powers, could implement =E2=80=94 without the pesky inconvenien=
ce of consulting Congress:</p><ul id=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-rte-b33c22b1-5ea=
a-11f1-a606-e912d92ee3c7" style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin:0px;l=
ist-style:disc;padding:0px 0px 0px 24px;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-se=
rif;line-height:1.8;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-rte2-style-ul"><li style=
=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Creating a =E2=80=9C=
public-option=E2=80=9D government-run health insurer offering comprehensive=
 medical coverage and a similar public-option plan for prescription drugs.<=
/li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Funneli=
ng federal funds to state-run public-option health insurance.</li><li style=
=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Seizing patents from=
 drug makers that developed their products with government funding and givi=
ng the patents to others that will produce the medicines at low cost.</li><=
li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Establishing=
 government-run grocery stores.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repea=
t;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Restarting government fertilizer production, forci=
ng agribusinesses to cut seed prices or lose their patents, and breaking up=
 the oligopoly in meatpacking.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat=
;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Initiating direct government lending, and perhaps g=
overnment-run banks, to reduce banking costs.</li><li style=3D"background-r=
epeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Cutting off all government funds for=
, and refusing to grant export licenses to, businesses that don=E2=80=99t s=
ignificantly raise their wages, don=E2=80=99t remove barriers to union orga=
nizing and don=E2=80=99t have blemish-free records on labor violations.</li=
><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Taking =E2=
=80=9Cgolden shares=E2=80=9D in, or other forms of government control over,=
 frontier AI labs such as OpenAI and Anthropic, banks, pharmaceutical compa=
nies and others.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0=
px 24px;">Denying electrical power to AI data centers.</li><li style=3D"bac=
kground-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Establishing government-run=
 factories that would produce solar and other clean-energy technologies, es=
sential medicines and more.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;pa=
dding:0px 0px 24px;">Dismantling and reorganizing the Department of Homelan=
d Security.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24=
px;">Unwinding previously approved acquisitions, including Paramount Skydan=
ce=E2=80=99s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, or forcing these behemoths=
 to divest pieces of their businesses.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:n=
o-repeat;padding:0px 0px 24px;">Forcing nonprofit hospitals to spend billio=
ns more on charity care.</li><li style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;paddi=
ng:0px 0px 24px;">Cracking down on abuses by private equity in health care =
and by corporate investors in rental housing.<br style=3D"background-repeat=
:no-repeat;"></li></ul><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:=
Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Many of the ab=
ove ideas came from Roosevelt Forward, the advocacy arm of the Roosevelt In=
stitute, an economic think tank. The group=E2=80=99s president, former Bide=
n administration official Elizabeth Wilkins, told me the powers to implemen=
t most of these industrial policies are already on the books (in legislatio=
n such as the Bayh-Dole Act, the Defense Production Act and the Affordable =
Care Act), but =E2=80=9Cwe just haven=E2=80=99t had the chutzpah=E2=80=9D t=
o exercise them =E2=80=94 until now. =E2=80=9CTrump fundamentally changed h=
ow government works to enrich himself,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CA future=
 president should have no hesitation in doing the same for working people.=
=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, A=
rial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">The Center for American =
Progress will be preparing an agency-by-agency set of policies for the next=
 Democratic administration. It did the same in 2008, but now it=E2=80=99s a=
 =E2=80=9Csupercharged scenario=E2=80=9D because the next Democratic presid=
ent will be able to =E2=80=9Creshape the government,=E2=80=9D Tanden argues=
. While Trump often bends corporate America to his will to benefit himself =
and his friends, the next president =E2=80=9Ccould use some of those powers=
 to =E2=80=A6 create a kind of new social contract.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D=
"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-he=
ight:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">The Supreme Court has yet to make definitive pro=
nouncements on many of Trump=E2=80=99s most sweeping assertions of power: h=
is routine use of emergency powers, his impounding of funds, his ignoring o=
f congressional spending requirements. Should any of those abuses somehow g=
et the high court=E2=80=99s blessing, it would be hard for a Democratic pre=
sident to resist pressure to, say, declare a gun violence emergency, a hous=
ing emergency, a climate emergency and an affordability emergency, or refus=
e to spend funds appropriated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.</p><=
p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-ser=
if;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Already, it will be difficult to =E2=
=80=9Cput the toothpaste back in the tube,=E2=80=9D argues Vanita Gupta, th=
e director of the Center for Law and Public Trust at New York University La=
w School and a prospective attorney general in a Democratic administration.=
 =E2=80=9CIndependent agencies, for better or worse, likely will no longer =
be independent, and there the president will have significant authority.=E2=
=80=9D She imagines that =E2=80=9Cconsumer protection could go on steroids,=
 antitrust regulations could be put on steroids.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"ba=
ckground-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-heigh=
t:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Then there=E2=80=99s the DOGE precedent. The same s=
hortcuts it used to fire personnel could be used to hire workers quickly an=
d reshape the entire federal government. Gupta proposes to =E2=80=9Cuse thi=
s crisis as an opportunity to transform how you get things done.=E2=80=9D<b=
r style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;"></p><p style=3D"background-repeat:=
no-repeat;text-align:center;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-hei=
ght:1.8;margin:30px 0px;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-cms-textAlign-center"=
></p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;text-align:center;font-family:=
Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;" class=3D"yiv32=
67590109gmail-cms-textAlign-center">***</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no=
-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px =
0px;">I have no doubt there will be calls from some on the left for a campa=
ign of retribution that mirrors what Trump has done: criminal prosecutions =
of Republican lawmakers and Fox News executives and personalities; FBI and =
regulatory probes of Republican donors, Trump-aligned corporations and cons=
ervative activists; revoking security clearances and protective details of =
former Republican officials; blocking GOP-aligned firms from government bus=
iness; threatening the nonprofit status of conservative groups; using the F=
ederal Communications Commission to challenge licenses for conservative out=
lets and pressure broadcasters to remove conservative voices; firing anybod=
y hired by the Trump administration.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-re=
peat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px=
;">But that would just perpetuate corruption and validate Trump=E2=80=99s a=
uthoritarian behaviors. =E2=80=9CWe can=E2=80=99t live in a country where t=
he president is dictating who DOJ must prosecute, nor can we have an admini=
stration that works to make the president rich,=E2=80=9D Gupta says. =E2=80=
=9CYou can have transformation without corruption.=E2=80=9D</p><p style=3D"=
background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-hei=
ght:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Of course, running the country by executive fiat =
is a lousy way to govern, regardless of who does it. Government policy, dir=
ected by presidential whim rather than legislation, would yo-yo back and fo=
rth each time the White House changed hands. Few would find government work=
 appealing if they knew they were always an election away from being out of=
 a job. Things would grow ever more unstable because, as Trump has demonstr=
ated, it=E2=80=99s far easier to destroy than to build.</p><p style=3D"back=
ground-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:=
1.8;margin:30px 0px;">But what if these progressive ideas caught fire? What=
 if the American public decided that all these government interventions in =
the market were cutting the cost of health care, groceries, energy and bank=
ing while pushing up wages? A future Republican president might have troubl=
e reversing them.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Ge=
orgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Some congression=
al Republicans have recently pushed back against Trump=E2=80=99s $1.8 billi=
on =E2=80=9Canti-weaponization=E2=80=9D slush fund, the White House ballroo=
m and Iran war powers. But these are modest rebellions. Clearly, congressio=
nal Republicans, as they surrender their Article 1 powers to the president =
and cheer his power grabs, aren=E2=80=99t thinking about unintended consequ=
ences.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Aria=
l, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Maybe they are hoping the S=
upreme Court will turn on a dime and reject as unconstitutional the powers =
Trump has used when a Democratic president does the same.</p><p style=3D"ba=
ckground-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Georgia, Arial, sans-serif;line-heigh=
t:1.8;margin:30px 0px;">Or maybe Trump=E2=80=99s congressional enablers exp=
ect that a Democratic president will unilaterally return to the self-restra=
int that guided our leaders before Trump. If so, they profoundly misread hu=
man nature. Too late, they may discover they have sown the seeds of a progr=
essive revival.</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;font-family:Geor=
gia, Arial, sans-serif;line-height:1.8;margin:0px;"><i style=3D"background-=
repeat:no-repeat;">Dana Milbank is a NOTUS Perspectives columnist.&nbsp;&nb=
sp;</i></p></div></div><div style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin-top=
:32px;font-style:italic;font-variant:normal;font-size-adjust:none;font-stre=
tch:normal;font-size:14px;line-height:18px;font-family:Inter, Arial, sans-s=
erif;text-align:center;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__footer"><p st=
yle=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin:0px;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail=
-article__image-footer-caption">Illustration by NOTUS; AtlasbyAtlas Studio/=
Shutterstock</p><p style=3D"background-repeat:no-repeat;margin:0px;" class=
=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article__image-footer-caption"><br></p><p style=3D"b=
ackground-repeat:no-repeat;margin:0px;" class=3D"yiv3267590109gmail-article=
__image-footer-caption"><br></p></div></div></div></div>-- <br>Salon mailin=
g list<br><a ymailto=3D"mailto:Salon@listserve.com" href=3D"mailto:Salon@li=
stserve.com" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener">Salon@listserve.=
com</a><br><a href=3D"https://mlm2.listserve.net/mailman/listinfo/salon" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noreferrer noopener">https://mlm2.listserve.net/mail=
man/listinfo/salon</a><br></div>            </div>                </div>
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Subject: [Salon] U.S. says it hit targets in Iran as hostilities erupt over
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U.S. says it hit targets in Iran as hostilities erupt over Hormuz for third
day

The announcement came hours after Iran said it targeted U.S. interests in
the Middle East.


The Washington Post, June 27, 2026
June 27, 2026 at 6:51 p.m. ED


Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. (Reuters)
By Victoria Craw <https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/victoria-craw/>
 and
Suzan Haidamous <https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/suzan-haidamous/>

The U.S. military on Saturday launched a fresh round of airstrikes against
targets in Iran, hours after officials there said they were targeting U.S.
interests in the Middle East.

The clashes marked the latest threat to a ceasefire and ongoing talks
toward a broader peace. Central Command said its forces targeted Iranian
military infrastructure, including communication systems, air defense sites
and drone storage facilities, along with its capabilities to lay mines, in
response to what it called =E2=80=9Ccontinued Iranian aggression against co=
mmercial
shipping.=E2=80=9D

It was the third straight day that hostilities have erupted over the Strait
of Hormuz, the vital waterway for global commerce. A memorandum of
understanding that brought about the ceasefire calls for ensuring safe
passage through the strait, but Washington and Tehran differ over whether
Iran can control which vessels can cross and when.

Earlier Saturday, Iran said it launched retaliatory strikes on U.S.
interests in the Middle East as Bahrain said it was targeted by an Iranian
drone attack. In another incident, U.K. Maritime Trade Operations =E2=80=94=
 a
monitoring agency run by the British Navy =E2=80=94 reported a tanker in th=
e Strait
of Hormuz was damaged after it was hit by an =E2=80=9Cunidentified projecti=
le.=E2=80=9D All
crew were reported safe, it said
<https://www.ukmto.org/-/media/ukmto/products/20260627-ukmto_warning-076-26=
.pdf?rev=3Dc605dfe284e844828d89a20dd75845c3>
.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. The agency=E2=80=99s Joint =
Maritime
Information Center raised the security threat level
<https://x.com/UK_MTO/status/2070809278235963514/photo/1> to =E2=80=9Csubst=
antial,=E2=80=9D
citing the strikes on merchant ships and mines in the strait.

The statement from Iran=E2=80=99s Foreign Ministry that it had struck U.S. =
assets
came a day after the United States hit Iranian missile
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/06/26/us-strikes-ira=
nian-military-sites-after-ship-was-hit-strait-hormuz/>
and
drone storage locations. The U.S. said Friday=E2=80=99s strikes were retali=
ation
for an Iranian attack on a commercial ship exiting the Strait of Hormuz on
Thursday.

=E2=80=9CAfter yesterday=E2=80=99s U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian =
attack on M/V
Ever Lovely, Iran was given a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement but
elected not to when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T
Kiku this morning at 4:30 a.m. ET,=E2=80=9D military officials from U.S. Ce=
ntral
Command, which oversees operations in the region, said in a statement. =E2=
=80=9CThe
Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more
than two-million barrels of crude oil.=E2=80=9D

Traffic through the strait slowed sharply during the four-month U.S.-Iran
war, causing oil prices to surge. Energy costs have eased since the
ceasefire was reached earlier this month, but the dispute over control of
the strait has led to rising tensions.

Each side has accused the other of violating the memorandum of
understanding signed by the two countries. The 14-point deal to end the war
paved the way for a further 60-day period of technical negotiations to work
out some of the thorniest details.

The target and location of the strikes Tehran announced Saturday remained
unclear.

U.S. Central Command did not immediately confirm whether American assets
were hit. Bahrain=E2=80=99s Foreign Ministry said
<https://www.bna.bh/%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9%=
D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9.aspx?cms=3Dq8FmFJgiscL2fwIz=
ON1%2bDoJYOlohxlD00fcxoHhQQI4%3d>
its
territory was under drone attack early Saturday but did not share details
on targets or damage.

It condemned =E2=80=9Ccontinued attacks, at a time when regional and intern=
ational
efforts are moving toward de-escalation,=E2=80=9D without elaborating on wh=
ether
the drones were intercepted or any damage occurred. The ministry did not
immediately reply to a request for comment on the attacks, which were also
condemned
<https://x.com/mofauae/status/2070821329461563419?s=3D46&t=3DamjTrLCbi466Ol=
-7vHvfxQ>
by
the United Arab Emirates.

Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy=E2=80=99s 5th Fleet, a=
nd has
been repeatedly subject to Iranian attacks over the course of the war. This
week it hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/06/25/rubios-new-job=
-selling-trumps-iran-deal-worried-gulf/>,
who met with Gulf allies to reassure them that the U.S. was committed to
regional stability.

On Saturday, Iran=E2=80=99s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened fu=
rther
clashes in a statement claiming strikes on U.S. military targets, without
specifying details.

=E2=80=9CIn the event of a repeat of aggression, our response will be more
extensive,=E2=80=9D it said in comments reported by Iran=E2=80=99s semioffi=
cial Tasnim news
<https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/06/27/3626773/irgc-navy-responds-to=
-us-aggression-strikes-american-targets>
 agency.

Vice President JD Vance said in a post on X
<https://x.com/JDVance/status/2070630231023792362> on Friday that if Iran
had =E2=80=9Cdisagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pic=
k up the
phone.=E2=80=9D

=E2=80=9CBut violence will be met with violence,=E2=80=9D he added.
------------------------------

What readers are saying
The comments express widespread skepticism and criticism of the Trump
administration's handling of the conflict with Iran, particularly regarding
the supposed ceasefire, which many argue is not being upheld as hostilities
continue. Commenters highlight perceived failures in... Show more

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail-grid-full-inner-standard" style=3D"box=
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ss" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;font-size:48px;margin:0px;font-family:Po=
stoni,garamond,serif;line-height:1.1">U.S. says it hit targets in Iran as h=
ostilities erupt over Hormuz for third day</h1><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-ckO=
SsQ gmail-wpds-c-ckOSsQ-iPJLV-css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0p=
x;font-family:Franklin,arial,sans-serif;font-size:20px;line-height:1.25">Th=
e announcement came hours after Iran said it targeted U.S. interests in the=
 Middle East.</p><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-ckOSsQ gmail-wpds-c-ckOSsQ-iPJLV-=
css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:Franklin,arial,s=
ans-serif;font-size:20px;line-height:1.25"><br></p><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c=
-ckOSsQ gmail-wpds-c-ckOSsQ-iPJLV-css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margi=
n:0px;font-family:Franklin,arial,sans-serif;font-size:20px;line-height:1.25=
">The Washington Post, June 27, 2026</p><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-bEimne g=
mail-wpds-c-bEimne-dyECYW-theme-default" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ove=
rflow:hidden;margin-bottom:16px;font-size:16px"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-=
eUMOSL" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;display:inline-block=
"><span class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-bASIGw gmail-wpds-c-bASIGw-inNKvU-css gmail-o=
verrideStyles" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;display:inline=
-block">June 27, 2026 at 6:51 p.m. ED</span></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-=
c-eUMOSL" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;display:inline-blo=
ck"><span class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-bASIGw gmail-wpds-c-bASIGw-inNKvU-css gmail=
-overrideStyles" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;display:inli=
ne-block"><br></span></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-eUMOSL" style=3D"box-=
sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;display:inline-block"><span class=3D"gmai=
l-wpds-c-bASIGw gmail-wpds-c-bASIGw-inNKvU-css gmail-overrideStyles" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;display:inline-block"><br></span><=
/div></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-uyDXS-isHidden=
NS-false" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box"></div></div></div><div id=3D"gmai=
l-topper-lede-art" class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-iseLPC gmail-wpds-c-iseLPC-icGSbyN=
-css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;background:linear-gradient(0deg,rgb(25=
5,255,255) 25%,rgb(255,255,255) 0%) 0% 0%/auto repeat scroll padding-box bo=
rder-box rgba(0,0,0,0)"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-fBNlXc" style=3D"box-siz=
ing:border-box;display:flex;float:right;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:50px;=
margin-right:50px;height:auto;width:300px;max-width:300px"></div><div class=
=3D"gmail-wpds-c-klfsiG gmail-wpds-c-klfsiG-igITFUq-css gmail-overrideStyle=
s" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:=
640px;max-width:640px"><div width=3D"600" height=3D"356" class=3D"gmail-wpd=
s-c-hQNCQc" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;line-height:0;height:auto;width:=
640px;max-width:100%"><img alt=3D"" width=3D"600" height=3D"356" class=3D"g=
mail-wpds-c-fCbEVg gmail-wpds-c-fCbEVg-iPJLV-css" style=3D"box-sizing: bord=
er-box; background-position: center center; background-size: cover; object-=
fit: cover; height: auto; width: 640px; max-width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 600 =
/ 356;"></div></div></div>Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. (Re=
uters)</div></div><div class=3D"gmail-grid-body" style=3D"box-sizing:border=
-box;max-width:inherit;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;width:2048px"><div =
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n-bottom:24px;max-width:640px"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-kkHkJQ" style=3D"=
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css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(42,42,42);margin-bottom:0px">=
<div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-kxYKtF-isLive-false gmail=
-wpds-c-PJLV-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;margin-bottom:4px"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-AsWAM=
-isMultiple-true" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block"><spa=
n class=3D"gmail-PJLV" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box"><div class=3D"gmail-=
wpds-c-byuVAJ gmail-wpds-c-byuVAJ-iPJLV-css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;display:inline-block;font-size:16px"><span class=3D"gmail-PJLV" style=3D"b=
ox-sizing:border-box">By=C2=A0</span><a class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wp=
ds-c-PJLV-ktcktv-isLink-true gmail-overrideStyles gmail-js-itid-click" href=
=3D"https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/victoria-craw/" rel=3D"author" st=
yle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(42,42,42);text-decoration:underline =
1.12px">Victoria Craw</a></div><span class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-kpjDGe gmail-wpd=
s-c-kpjDGe-fSGdIc-isSmall-false gmail-wpds-c-kpjDGe-iPJLV-css" style=3D"box=
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class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-AsWAM-isMultiple-true" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block"><span class=3D"gmail-PJLV" =
style=3D"box-sizing:border-box"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-byuVAJ gmail-wpd=
s-c-byuVAJ-iPJLV-css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline-block;f=
ont-size:16px"><a class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-ktcktv-isLin=
k-true gmail-overrideStyles gmail-js-itid-click" href=3D"https://www.washin=
gtonpost.com/people/suzan-haidamous/" rel=3D"author" style=3D"box-sizing:bo=
rder-box;color:rgb(42,42,42);text-decoration:underline 1.12px">Suzan Haidam=
ous</a></div></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class=3D"gmail-meter=
edContent gmail-grid-center" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box"><div class=3D"=
gmail-teaser-content" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box"><div class=3D"gmail-w=
pds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-b=
ox;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJ=
LV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizi=
ng:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,se=
rif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">The U.S. militar=
y on Saturday launched a fresh round of airstrikes against targets in Iran,=
 hours after officials there said they were targeting U.S. interests in the=
 Middle East.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body g=
mail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D=
"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gma=
il-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-f=
amily:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-he=
ight:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">The clashes marked the latest threat to a cease=
fire and ongoing talks toward a broader peace. Central Command said its for=
ces targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including communication syste=
ms, air defense sites and drone storage facilities, along with its capabili=
ties to lay mines, in response to what it called =E2=80=9Ccontinued Iranian=
 aggression against commercial shipping.=E2=80=9D</p></div></div><div class=
=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizi=
ng:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c=
-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Ro=
man&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">It w=
as the third straight day that hostilities have erupted over the Strait of =
Hormuz, the vital waterway for global commerce. A memorandum of understandi=
ng that brought about the ceasefire calls for ensuring safe passage through=
 the strait, but Washington and Tehran differ over whether Iran can control=
 which vessels can cross and when.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV=
 gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true gmail-article-body gmail-=
type-inline-ad gmail-subtype-desktop gmail-preceding-anchor" style=3D"box-s=
izing:border-box;max-width:none;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;width:2048=
px"></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStanda=
rdLayoutAd-true gmail-article-body gmail-type-inline-ad gmail-subtype-mobil=
e" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:none;margin-left:0px;margin-rig=
ht:0px;width:2048px"></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-bo=
dy gmail-type-rail-ad gmail-subtype-rail" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;ma=
x-width:inherit;margin:0px 50px;width:300px;height:726px;display:flex;float=
:right"></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type=
-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wp=
ds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-c=
opy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:geo=
rgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;=
font-size:1.25rem">Earlier Saturday, Iran said it launched retaliatory stri=
kes on U.S. interests in the Middle East as Bahrain said it was targeted by=
 an Iranian drone attack. In another incident, U.K. Maritime Trade Operatio=
ns =E2=80=94 a monitoring agency run by the British Navy =E2=80=94 reported=
 a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz was damaged after it was hit by an =E2=80=
=9Cunidentified projectile.=E2=80=9D All crew were reported safe,=C2=A0<a h=
ref=3D"https://www.ukmto.org/-/media/ukmto/products/20260627-ukmto_warning-=
076-26.pdf?rev=3Dc605dfe284e844828d89a20dd75845c3" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blan=
k" title=3D"https://www.ukmto.org/-/media/ukmto/products/20260627-ukmto_war=
ning-076-26.pdf?rev=3Dc605dfe284e844828d89a20dd75845c3" style=3D"box-sizing=
:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);text-decoration:underline 0.0625em rgb(17,1=
7,17);border-bottom:0px">it said</a>.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-P=
JLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-=
width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css =
gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:bord=
er-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;pad=
ding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">There was no immediate =
claim of responsibility. The agency=E2=80=99s Joint Maritime Information Ce=
nter=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://x.com/UK_MTO/status/2070809278235963514/photo/=
1" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https://x.com/UK_MTO/status/20708092=
78235963514/photo/1" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);tex=
t-decoration:underline 0.0625em rgb(17,17,17);border-bottom:0px">raised the=
 security threat level</a>=C2=A0to =E2=80=9Csubstantial,=E2=80=9D citing th=
e strikes on merchant ships and mines in the strait.</p></div><div class=3D=
"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:=
border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-he=
FNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"=
box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&=
quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">The stat=
ement from Iran=E2=80=99s Foreign Ministry that it had struck U.S. assets c=
ame a day after=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec=
urity/2026/06/26/us-strikes-iranian-military-sites-after-ship-was-hit-strai=
t-hormuz/" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https://www.washingtonpost.c=
om/national-security/2026/06/26/us-strikes-iranian-military-sites-after-shi=
p-was-hit-strait-hormuz/" class=3D"gmail-js-itid-click" style=3D"box-sizing=
:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);text-decoration:underline 0.0625em rgb(17,1=
7,17);border-bottom:0px">the United States hit Iranian missile</a>=C2=A0and=
 drone storage locations. The U.S. said Friday=E2=80=99s strikes were retal=
iation for an Iranian attack on a commercial ship exiting the Strait of Hor=
muz on Thursday.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV=
-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true gmail-article-body gmail-type-inline-ad gma=
il-subtype-mobile" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin-right:0px;max-widt=
h:none;margin-left:0px;width:2048px"></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV =
gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-widt=
h:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmai=
l-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-b=
ox;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding=
-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">=E2=80=9CAfter yesterday=E2=
=80=99s U.S. strikes in response to the Iranian attack on M/V Ever Lovely, =
Iran was given a chance to honor the ceasefire agreement but elected not to=
 when its forces launched a one-way attack drone that hit M/T Kiku this mor=
ning at 4:30 a.m. ET,=E2=80=9D military officials from U.S. Central Command=
, which oversees operations in the region, said in a statement. =E2=80=9CTh=
e Panama-flagged tanker was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz with more =
than two-million barrels of crude oil.=E2=80=9D</p></div><div class=3D"gmai=
l-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-wpds-c-PJLV-bHCGeL-isStandardLayoutAd-true gmail-articl=
e-body gmail-type-inline-ad gmail-subtype-desktop gmail-preceding-anchor" s=
tyle=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin-right:0px;max-width:none;margin-left:0=
px;width:2048px"></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body g=
mail-type-rail-ad gmail-subtype-rail" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-wi=
dth:inherit;margin:0px 50px;width:300px;height:1146.7px;display:flex;float:=
right"></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-=
text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpd=
s-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-co=
py" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:geor=
gia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;f=
ont-size:1.25rem">Traffic through the strait slowed sharply during the four=
-month U.S.-Iran war, causing oil prices to surge. Energy costs have eased =
since the ceasefire was reached earlier this month, but the dispute over co=
ntrol of the strait has led to rising tensions.</p></div><div class=3D"gmai=
l-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text gmail-subtype-atp-question=
s" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c=
-dxBimu gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" style=3D"box-sizing:border-bo=
x;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-=
bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem"><span class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-=
cEkrQs" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:inline">Each side has accuse=
d the other of violating the memorandum of understanding signed by the two =
countries. The 14-point deal to end the war paved the way for a further 60-=
day period of technical negotiations to work out some of the thorniest deta=
ils.</span></p><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-dxBimu gmail-overrideStyles gmail-f=
ont-copy" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&qu=
ot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-siz=
e:1.25rem"><span style=3D"font-size:1.25rem;background-color:transparent">T=
he target and location of the strikes Tehran announced Saturday remained un=
clear.</span></p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body g=
mail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D=
"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gma=
il-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-f=
amily:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-he=
ight:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">U.S. Central Command did not immediately confir=
m whether American assets were hit. Bahrain=E2=80=99s=C2=A0<a href=3D"https=
://www.bna.bh/%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9%D8%A7%=
D9%84%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9.aspx?cms=3Dq8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2b=
DoJYOlohxlD00fcxoHhQQI4%3d" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https://www=
.bna.bh/%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9%D8%A7%D9%84%=
D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%A9.aspx?cms=3Dq8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2bDoJYOl=
ohxlD00fcxoHhQQI4%3d" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);te=
xt-decoration:underline 0.0625em rgb(17,17,17);border-bottom:0px">Foreign M=
inistry said</a>=C2=A0its territory was under drone attack early Saturday b=
ut did not share details on targets or damage.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail=
-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-custom_embed gmail-subtype-magne=
t" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"></div><div class=3D"gmai=
l-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:borde=
r-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-=
iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-s=
izing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;=
,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">It condemned =
=E2=80=9Ccontinued attacks, at a time when regional and international effor=
ts are moving toward de-escalation,=E2=80=9D without elaborating on whether=
 the drones were intercepted or any damage occurred. The ministry did not i=
mmediately reply to a request for comment on the attacks, which were also=
=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://x.com/mofauae/status/2070821329461563419?s=3D46&am=
p;t=3DamjTrLCbi466Ol-7vHvfxQ" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https://x=
.com/mofauae/status/2070821329461563419?s=3D46&amp;t=3DamjTrLCbi466Ol-7vHvf=
xQ" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);text-decoration:unde=
rline 0.0625em rgb(17,17,17);border-bottom:0px">condemned</a>=C2=A0by the U=
nited Arab Emirates.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article=
-body gmail-type-text gmail-subtype-atp-questions" style=3D"box-sizing:bord=
er-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-dxBimu gmail-overrideStyle=
s gmail-font-copy" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:ge=
orgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6=
;font-size:1.25rem"><span class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-cEkrQs" style=3D"box-sizing=
:border-box;display:inline">Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the U.S.=
 Navy=E2=80=99s 5th Fleet, and has been repeatedly subject to Iranian attac=
ks over the course of the war. This week it hosted=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://=
www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/06/25/rubios-new-job-selling-=
trumps-iran-deal-worried-gulf/" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https:/=
/www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/06/25/rubios-new-job-selling=
-trumps-iran-deal-worried-gulf/" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(1=
7,17,17);text-decoration:underline 0.0625em rgb(17,17,17);border-bottom:0px=
">U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio</a>, who met with Gulf allies to reas=
sure them that the U.S. was committed to regional stability.</span></p></di=
v><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=
=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF =
gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"=
null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;T=
imes New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.=
25rem">On Saturday, Iran=E2=80=99s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threat=
ened further clashes in a statement claiming strikes on U.S. military targe=
ts, without specifying details.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gm=
ail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:=
640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-=
overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box=
;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-b=
ottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">=E2=80=9CIn the event of a re=
peat of aggression, our response will be more extensive,=E2=80=9D it said i=
n comments reported by Iran=E2=80=99s=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://www.tasnimnew=
s.ir/en/news/2026/06/27/3626773/irgc-navy-responds-to-us-aggression-strikes=
-american-targets" rel=3D"" target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https://www.tasnimne=
ws.ir/en/news/2026/06/27/3626773/irgc-navy-responds-to-us-aggression-strike=
s-american-targets" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);text=
-decoration:underline 0.0625em rgb(17,17,17);border-bottom:0px">semiofficia=
l Tasnim news</a>=C2=A0agency.</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-PJLV gma=
il-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:6=
40px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJLV-css gmail-o=
verrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;=
margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;padding-bo=
ttom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">Vice President JD Vance said=
=C2=A0<a href=3D"https://x.com/JDVance/status/2070630231023792362" rel=3D""=
 target=3D"_blank" title=3D"https://x.com/JDVance/status/207063023102379236=
2" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(17,17,17);text-decoration:under=
line 0.0625em rgb(17,17,17);border-bottom:0px">in a post on X</a>=C2=A0on F=
riday that if Iran had =E2=80=9Cdisagreements about how the MOU is being ap=
plied, they can pick up the phone.=E2=80=9D</p></div><div class=3D"gmail-wp=
ds-c-PJLV gmail-article-body gmail-type-text" style=3D"box-sizing:border-bo=
x;max-width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF gmail-wpds-c-heFNVF-iPJL=
V-css gmail-overrideStyles gmail-font-copy" dir=3D"null" style=3D"box-sizin=
g:border-box;margin:0px;font-family:georgia,&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,ser=
if;padding-bottom:24px;line-height:1.6;font-size:1.25rem">=E2=80=9CBut viol=
ence will be met with violence,=E2=80=9D he added.</p></div></div><div clas=
s=3D"gmail-wpds-c-gVGMge gmail-wpds-c-gVGMge-ijVZkQg-css gmail-article-foot=
er" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;list-style:none;border-radius:8px;margin=
-bottom:16px;padding:0px 16px 16px;min-height:600px;max-width:1024px;margin=
-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:1024px"><hr class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-czFuUx=
" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:inherit;height:0px;border-width:0.8p=
x 0px 0px;border-style:solid none none;border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1) current=
color currentcolor;line-height:1.25;margin:0px auto 24px;width:640px;max-wi=
dth:640px"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-dhzjXW gmail-wpds-c-dhzjXW-ivSGRq-css=
 gmail-footer-sm gmail-overrideStyles gmail-test gmail-article-bottom-actio=
n-bar" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;clear:left;margin-bottom=
:24px;max-width:640px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:640px"><div =
class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-rPmfy" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px auto=
;width:640px"><p class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-esEUdQ gmail-wpds-c-esEUdQ-hyvuql-is=
Bold-true gmail-wpds-c-esEUdQ-igDDRwa-css gmail-headingStyleOverrides" styl=
e=3D"box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 8px;font-weight:700;padding-top:0=
px;padding-bottom:0px;font-size:18px;font-family:Franklin,arial,sans-serif;=
line-height:1.25">What readers are saying</p><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-bHX=
elH gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH-erqBZw-maxWidth-md gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH-ijLYHBl-css"=
 style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;margin:0px auto;width:640px;ma=
x-width:1280px;padding:16px 20px;border-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.1);border-style:=
solid;border-width:0.8px;border-radius:8px"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-bHXe=
lH gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH-erqBZw-maxWidth-md gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH-iiSpORC-css" =
style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;margin:0px auto;width:598.4px;m=
ax-width:1280px"><div class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH-erqB=
Zw-maxWidth-md gmail-wpds-c-bHXelH-igoXVOL-css" style=3D"box-sizing:border-=
box;display:flex;margin:0px auto;width:598.4px;max-width:1280px;font-size:1=
6px;line-height:1.25"><div style=3D"box-sizing:border-box">The comments exp=
ress widespread skepticism and criticism of the Trump administration&#39;s =
handling of the conflict with Iran, particularly regarding the supposed cea=
sefire, which many argue is not being upheld as hostilities continue. Comme=
nters highlight perceived failures in...=C2=A0<span class=3D"gmail-wpds-c-g=
MYSpI" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(89,89,89);margin-bottom:16p=
x;margin-left:8px;text-decoration:underline">Show more</span></div></div></=
div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

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Subject: [Salon] A Terrible Thing Happened to My Family
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Pete Buttigieg's Substack <https://petebuttigieg.substack.com/>
A Terrible Thing Happened to My Family
<https://petebuttigieg.substack.com/p/a-terrible-thing-happened-to-my-famil=
y>
Even in today's climate, there should be one fundamental principle everyone
respects: whatever you think about someone in politics, you leave their
kids alone.
<https://substack.com/@petebuttigieg>
Pete Buttigieg <https://substack.com/@petebuttigieg>
Jun 26, 2026
------------------------------

Someone decided to hurt our family this week. I=E2=80=99m furious, and I wa=
nt to
share what happened.

You=E2=80=99ve probably heard of =E2=80=9Cswatting.=E2=80=9D It=E2=80=99s a=
 cruel and dangerous kind of
hoax that has started happening more frequently in recent years. Someone
anonymously calls 911 with a false report of imminent danger, such as a
hostage situation, at the home of a public figure. Law enforcement swarms
the house, guns drawn, terrifying the unsuspecting homeowner and family and
sometimes even leading to deaths or injuries in the confusion. It=E2=80=99s
happened to dozens of lawmakers, judges, celebrities, and others. (When I
was in the Cabinet, someone attempted to do this to our home, but
fortunately the hoax was quickly detected.) It=E2=80=99s become enough of a=
 problem
that the FBI now has a dedicated database to track such incidents.

Now imagine the same concept, but with Child Protective Services instead of
a SWAT team. Hadn=E2=80=99t thought of that? Me neither, until a few days a=
go when
a police officer and a CPS worker showed up at our home and politely asked
to speak with me.

I showed them in, invited them on the deck so that we could hear each other
over the barking dog, and asked what was going on. They explained that
there had been an allegation against me, that it concerned our
four-year-old twins, and that a forensic interview had been arranged for
the children the following day. I could not be present at the children=E2=
=80=99s
interview, nor could any family member sit in. Afterwards, they would come
back and interview me. And only then would they tell me anything about the
nature of the allegation.

I was bewildered and troubled, but tried to stay calm. I=E2=80=99m used to =
any
number of falsehoods, attacks, and serious problems being thrown my way.
What I didn=E2=80=99t understand was what could have led to this kind of vi=
sit.
Then, the CPS worker told me something that made my stomach turn: I was not
to be alone around the children, at least until the interview took place
the next day. They asked if I had relatives nearby or could perhaps stay at
a hotel for the night.

The officer and the CPS worker wanted to see the children. I invited them
to stay until Chasten, who was out running errands and preparing to pick
the twins up from summer camp for the day, returned home. When he pulled up
in the family car, the kids bounded into the house, looking curiously at
the two guests. They were courteous and professional, inviting the kids to
inspect the officer=E2=80=99s police car, which fascinated them of course, =
while
the grownups talked in the driveway. We agreed that the kids would stay at
their grandparents=E2=80=99 house after our family dinner that night. And t=
hen they
left.

The twenty-four hours until they returned are among the darkest hours of my
life. I tried to get my head around the idea that I had been accused of
something so serious that I couldn=E2=80=99t be alone around my own childre=
n, and
had consented to have them interviewed by strangers, without my knowing
where the accusation had come from or even what it contained.

Many times over the years, I have been denounced, yelled at, protested,
threatened, and heckled. I=E2=80=99ve been through political attacks in off=
ice,
death threats in public life, and rocket attacks in war. But this is the
ugliest thing that has happened to me since my career in service began.

After spending a sleepless night wondering what the hell was going on, and
spending half a day anxiously picturing what our children were going
through without their parents, I waited until the appointment time for my
=E2=80=9Cinterview=E2=80=9D finally came. With the kids back at their grand=
parents=E2=80=99 house
after their appointment in town, and Chasten having been asked to wait
upstairs, the officer and CPS worker sat down at our kitchen table with me
and my new lawyer.

Then, for the first time, the officer explained what the allegation
actually was. An anonymous caller had contacted CPS. The caller said that
he had spoken to a woman who claimed to have met me at a conference several
years ago in Alabama, where she said I told her that I had committed
unspeakable violent crimes, and the caller believed my children were still
at risk.

That was all. The officer had a couple of obvious questions. He asked if I
had been to the town where the woman claimed she had met me. I have not.
Then the officer made clear that he believed this was politically
motivated, and said it would not be referred to a prosecutor. Nothing in
the forensic interview with the children, which was conducted by trained
personnel, had led to concerns.

After the officer spoke, the CPS worker likewise indicated she had not
found anything to substantiate the allegation, though her process would
take a bit longer to be formally completed. I no longer needed to avoid
being around my children unsupervised. Chasten was invited to come back
downstairs and hear the same information that had just been shared with me.
Then, per standard procedure, she verified that there was adequate food in
our kitchen and asked to take a look at the kids=E2=80=99 bedroom.

After the officer, the CPS worker, and the lawyers all left, Chasten and I
hugged each other as tightly as we have any time since the day our son was
put on life support as a critically ill infant just weeks after the
adoption. We went to get the kids, had dinner with them and their
grandparents, brought them home and gave them the most normal bedtime we
could - with a few more bedtime books than usual. Then we went and sat
under the light at our kitchen table, trying to begin to process our
feelings.

Everyone knows politics is ugly these days. It=E2=80=99s always been ugly, =
but now
it feels more and more like bloodsport. Cruelty, lies, and even deadly
violence have been directed at political figures across the ideological
spectrum. Generally everyone agrees this has to stop, even as our country
(and public figures) get all too used to it.

Even so, this is different. My in-laws had to explain to my children, whom
we have taught to avoid talking to strangers, that they would need to have
a conversation, one at a time and for nearly an hour each, in a place
they=E2=80=99d never been, with adults they did not know, who would ask que=
stions
we weren=E2=80=99t allowed to know either. For twenty-four deeply distressi=
ng
hours, we had no idea what I was accused of or what was about to happen. We
could not understand someone abusing the system like this in order to hurt
me and my family with an absurd and easily refuted allegation of a horrific
crime.

The police officer, the CPS professional, and the forensic interviewers who
spoke to my children were just following procedure and doing their jobs -
admirable jobs that must be incredibly difficult every day, protecting the
most vulnerable children from the most horrible threats. When a serious
allegation is made, they respond. But in this case, their time and
resources were wasted in a cruel, politically motivated hoax that harmed
our family.

Now our family is left to deal with the aftermath. I worry about any unseen
effects this had on our kids, on Chasten and me, and on the rest of our
family. Even though the accusation was absurdly and obviously false, and
was promptly rejected by law enforcement, I still worry about the harm it
has done. Chasten and I worry about who else might try to do this kind of
thing, to us or to others. And at the most basic level, I worry about how
anyone, even in today=E2=80=99s world, could fail to respect the absolutely
fundamental principle that whatever you think about someone in politics,
you leave people=E2=80=99s kids out of it.

I am a reasonable man. I try to keep as calm and low-key as possible. But I
cannot describe the mix of rage and sadness that I feel at the idea that
someone brought our children into this. They are four years old. Four. They
do not know or care what a Democrat or a Republican is. They don=E2=80=99t =
know how
politics works. They don=E2=80=99t know about hate. They should be worrying=
 about
what kind of ice cream they=E2=80=99re getting this afternoon, not why they=
 are
being brought into a meeting with a grownup asking strange questions or why
their Papa is suddenly unavailable to read them a bedtime story. For God=E2=
=80=99s
sake, they are just kids.

I don=E2=80=99t know who did this, or exactly what prompted them to try. It=
=E2=80=99s not
lost on me that this happened soon after we shared photos of our family on
social media for Father=E2=80=99s Day. Or that this occurred during a month=
 meant
to make families like ours feel welcome and safe. We=E2=80=99re used to nas=
ty,
hateful, and sometimes violent things being said about us and even about
our family. But this is the first time someone managed to invade our lives
like this - and drag our children into it.

To be clear, making a false report of this kind is a crime. That=E2=80=99s =
as it
should be, both to protect the innocent from false accusations, and to
preserve the integrity of a process designed to protect children from harm.
I don=E2=80=99t know how much we can do about it, but so help me God, if th=
ere is
any way to press civil or criminal charges over this, we will. Not just for
our own sakes but to draw a line that I thought everyone already
recognized: do not mess with someone=E2=80=99s kids.

Meanwhile, we will continue to do our work, supporting and speaking out for
causes we believe in, according to our values. I=E2=80=99ll continue to sta=
nd up
against the cruelty and corruption of the people in power today, and I=E2=
=80=99ll
keep making the case for a better future in our country through a better
kind of politics. We cannot let American politics keep going in this
direction. And we must not all go on as if it=E2=80=99s acceptable for this=
 kind of
thing to be part of the cost of entering public service.

Most importantly, Chasten and I will continue to pour ourselves into the
joyful and demanding work of raising and educating our two children. Being
their parents is the best thing in our lives. They are just children, kids
who deserve the best upbringing that their parents can provide, who mean
more to us than anything, whom we love beyond words and will do anything to
protect, and whose right to a safe and happy childhood deserves absolute
and unconditional respect.
------------------------------
Subscribe to Pete Buttigieg's Substack
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Husband, dad, veteran, writer, and proud Midwesterner. 19th US Secretary of
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ransform-uppercase-yKDgcq gmail-reset-IxiVJZ gmail-meta-EgzBVA" style=3D"te=
xt-decoration:unset;list-style:none;margin:0px;font-size:11px;line-height:2=
0px;font-family:&quot;SF Compact&quot;,-apple-system,system-ui,-apple-syste=
m,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif=
,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Sy=
mbol&quot;;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.2px"><span style=3D"mi=
n-width:0px"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/@petebuttigieg" class=3D"gmail=
-pencraft gmail-pc-reset gmail-decoration-hover-underline-ClDVRM gmail-rese=
t-IxiVJZ" style=3D"color:unset;text-decoration-line:unset;text-decoration-s=
tyle:unset;text-decoration-color:unset;list-style:none;margin:0px">Pete But=
tigieg</a></span></div><div class=3D"gmail-pencraft gmail-pc-display-flex g=
mail-pc-gap-4 gmail-pc-reset" style=3D"text-decoration:unset;list-style:non=
e;display:flex"><div class=3D"gmail-pencraft gmail-pc-reset gmail-color-pub=
-secondary-text-hGQ02T gmail-line-height-20-t4M0El gmail-font-meta-MWBumP g=
mail-size-11-NuY2Zx gmail-weight-medium-fw81nC gmail-transform-uppercase-yK=
Dgcq gmail-reset-IxiVJZ gmail-meta-EgzBVA" style=3D"text-decoration:unset;l=
ist-style:none;color:rgb(119,119,119);margin:0px;font-size:11px;line-height=
:20px;font-family:&quot;SF Compact&quot;,-apple-system,system-ui,-apple-sys=
tem,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-ser=
if,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI =
Symbol&quot;;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.2px">Jun 26, 2026</d=
iv></div></div></div><hr style=3D"margin:16px 0px;padding:0px;height:1px;ba=
ckground:none 0% 0%/auto repeat scroll padding-box border-box rgba(0,0,0,0.=
1);border:0px"></div></div><div style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);font-family:sy=
stem-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&quot;Segoe UI&quot;,Roboto,Helvet=
ica,Arial,sans-serif,&quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;,&quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quo=
t;,&quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;;font-size:19px"><div class=3D"gmail-availabl=
e-content gmail-reader2-post-content" style=3D"display:flex;font-family:-ap=
ple-system-ui-serif,ui-serif,Spectral,Georgia,serif"><div dir=3D"auto" clas=
s=3D"gmail-body gmail-markup" style=3D"width:1895.2px;margin-bottom:16px;wo=
rd-break:break-word"><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max=
-width:600px">Someone decided to hurt our family this week. I=E2=80=99m fur=
ious, and I want to share what happened.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;m=
argin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">You=E2=80=99ve probably heard of =E2=
=80=9Cswatting.=E2=80=9D It=E2=80=99s a cruel and dangerous kind of hoax th=
at has started happening more frequently in recent years. Someone anonymous=
ly calls 911 with a false report of imminent danger, such as a hostage situ=
ation, at the home of a public figure. Law enforcement swarms the house, gu=
ns drawn, terrifying the unsuspecting homeowner and family and sometimes ev=
en leading to deaths or injuries in the confusion. It=E2=80=99s happened to=
 dozens of lawmakers, judges, celebrities, and others. (When I was in the C=
abinet, someone attempted to do this to our home, but fortunately the hoax =
was quickly detected.) It=E2=80=99s become enough of a problem that the FBI=
 now has a dedicated database to track such incidents.</p><p style=3D"line-=
height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">Now imagine the same con=
cept, but with Child Protective Services instead of a SWAT team. Hadn=E2=80=
=99t thought of that? Me neither, until a few days ago when a police office=
r and a CPS worker showed up at our home and politely asked to speak with m=
e.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">I=
 showed them in, invited them on the deck so that we could hear each other =
over the barking dog, and asked what was going on. They explained that ther=
e had been an allegation against me, that it concerned our four-year-old tw=
ins, and that a forensic interview had been arranged for the children the f=
ollowing day. I could not be present at the children=E2=80=99s interview, n=
or could any family member sit in. Afterwards, they would come back and int=
erview me. And only then would they tell me anything about the nature of th=
e allegation.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-wid=
th:600px">I was bewildered and troubled, but tried to stay calm. I=E2=80=99=
m used to any number of falsehoods, attacks, and serious problems being thr=
own my way. What I didn=E2=80=99t understand was what could have led to thi=
s kind of visit. Then, the CPS worker told me something that made my stomac=
h turn: I was not to be alone around the children, at least until the inter=
view took place the next day. They asked if I had relatives nearby or could=
 perhaps stay at a hotel for the night.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;ma=
rgin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">The officer and the CPS worker wanted t=
o see the children. I invited them to stay until Chasten, who was out runni=
ng errands and preparing to pick the twins up from summer camp for the day,=
 returned home. When he pulled up in the family car, the kids bounded into =
the house, looking curiously at the two guests. They were courteous and pro=
fessional, inviting the kids to inspect the officer=E2=80=99s police car, w=
hich fascinated them of course, while the grownups talked in the driveway. =
We agreed that the kids would stay at their grandparents=E2=80=99 house aft=
er our family dinner that night. And then they left.</p><p style=3D"line-he=
ight:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">The twenty-four hours unti=
l they returned are among the darkest hours of my life. I tried to get my h=
ead around the idea that I had been accused of something so serious that I =
couldn=E2=80=99t be alone around my own children, and had consented to have=
 them interviewed by strangers, without my knowing where the accusation had=
 come from or even what it contained.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;marg=
in:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">Many times over the years, I have been de=
nounced, yelled at, protested, threatened, and heckled. I=E2=80=99ve been t=
hrough political attacks in office, death threats in public life, and rocke=
t attacks in war. But this is the ugliest thing that has happened to me sin=
ce my career in service began.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px =
auto 20px;max-width:600px">After spending a sleepless night wondering what =
the hell was going on, and spending half a day anxiously picturing what our=
 children were going through without their parents, I waited until the appo=
intment time for my =E2=80=9Cinterview=E2=80=9D finally came. With the kids=
 back at their grandparents=E2=80=99 house after their appointment in town,=
 and Chasten having been asked to wait upstairs, the officer and CPS worker=
 sat down at our kitchen table with me and my new lawyer.</p><p style=3D"li=
ne-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">Then, for the first t=
ime, the officer explained what the allegation actually was. An anonymous c=
aller had contacted CPS. The caller said that he had spoken to a woman who =
claimed to have met me at a conference several years ago in Alabama, where =
she said I told her that I had committed unspeakable violent crimes, and th=
e caller believed my children were still at risk.</p><p style=3D"line-heigh=
t:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">That was all. The officer had=
 a couple of obvious questions. He asked if I had been to the town where th=
e woman claimed she had met me. I have not. Then the officer made clear tha=
t he believed this was politically motivated, and said it would not be refe=
rred to a prosecutor. Nothing in the forensic interview with the children, =
which was conducted by trained personnel, had led to concerns.</p><p style=
=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">After the offic=
er spoke, the CPS worker likewise indicated she had not found anything to s=
ubstantiate the allegation, though her process would take a bit longer to b=
e formally completed. I no longer needed to avoid being around my children =
unsupervised. Chasten was invited to come back downstairs and hear the same=
 information that had just been shared with me. Then, per standard procedur=
e, she verified that there was adequate food in our kitchen and asked to ta=
ke a look at the kids=E2=80=99 bedroom.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;ma=
rgin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">After the officer, the CPS worker, and =
the lawyers all left, Chasten and I hugged each other as tightly as we have=
 any time since the day our son was put on life support as a critically ill=
 infant just weeks after the adoption. We went to get the kids, had dinner =
with them and their grandparents, brought them home and gave them the most =
normal bedtime we could - with a few more bedtime books than usual. Then we=
 went and sat under the light at our kitchen table, trying to begin to proc=
ess our feelings.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max=
-width:600px">Everyone knows politics is ugly these days. It=E2=80=99s alwa=
ys been ugly, but now it feels more and more like bloodsport. Cruelty, lies=
, and even deadly violence have been directed at political figures across t=
he ideological spectrum. Generally everyone agrees this has to stop, even a=
s our country (and public figures) get all too used to it.</p><p style=3D"l=
ine-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">Even so, this is dif=
ferent. My in-laws had to explain to my children, whom we have taught to av=
oid talking to strangers, that they would need to have a conversation, one =
at a time and for nearly an hour each, in a place they=E2=80=99d never been=
, with adults they did not know, who would ask questions we weren=E2=80=99t=
 allowed to know either. For twenty-four deeply distressing hours, we had n=
o idea what I was accused of or what was about to happen. We could not unde=
rstand someone abusing the system like this in order to hurt me and my fami=
ly with an absurd and easily refuted allegation of a horrific crime.</p><p =
style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">The police=
 officer, the CPS professional, and the forensic interviewers who spoke to =
my children were just following procedure and doing their jobs - admirable =
jobs that must be incredibly difficult every day, protecting the most vulne=
rable children from the most horrible threats. When a serious allegation is=
 made, they respond. But in this case, their time and resources were wasted=
 in a cruel, politically motivated hoax that harmed our family.</p><p style=
=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">Now our family =
is left to deal with the aftermath. I worry about any unseen effects this h=
ad on our kids, on Chasten and me, and on the rest of our family. Even thou=
gh the accusation was absurdly and obviously false, and was promptly reject=
ed by law enforcement, I still worry about the harm it has done. Chasten an=
d I worry about who else might try to do this kind of thing, to us or to ot=
hers. And at the most basic level, I worry about how anyone, even in today=
=E2=80=99s world, could fail to respect the absolutely fundamental principl=
e that whatever you think about someone in politics, you leave people=E2=80=
=99s kids out of it.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;=
max-width:600px">I am a reasonable man. I try to keep as calm and low-key a=
s possible. But I cannot describe the mix of rage and sadness that I feel a=
t the idea that someone brought our children into this. They are four years=
 old. Four. They do not know or care what a Democrat or a Republican is. Th=
ey don=E2=80=99t know how politics works. They don=E2=80=99t know about hat=
e. They should be worrying about what kind of ice cream they=E2=80=99re get=
ting this afternoon, not why they are being brought into a meeting with a g=
rownup asking strange questions or why their Papa is suddenly unavailable t=
o read them a bedtime story. For God=E2=80=99s sake, they are just kids.</p=
><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">I don=
=E2=80=99t know who did this, or exactly what prompted them to try. It=E2=
=80=99s not lost on me that this happened soon after we shared photos of ou=
r family on social media for Father=E2=80=99s Day. Or that this occurred du=
ring a month meant to make families like ours feel welcome and safe. We=E2=
=80=99re used to nasty, hateful, and sometimes violent things being said ab=
out us and even about our family. But this is the first time someone manage=
d to invade our lives like this - and drag our children into it.</p><p styl=
e=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">To be clear, m=
aking a false report of this kind is a crime. That=E2=80=99s as it should b=
e, both to protect the innocent from false accusations, and to preserve the=
 integrity of a process designed to protect children from harm. I don=E2=80=
=99t know how much we can do about it, but so help me God, if there is any =
way to press civil or criminal charges over this, we will. Not just for our=
 own sakes but to draw a line that I thought everyone already recognized: d=
o not mess with someone=E2=80=99s kids.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;ma=
rgin:0px auto 20px;max-width:600px">Meanwhile, we will continue to do our w=
ork, supporting and speaking out for causes we believe in, according to our=
 values. I=E2=80=99ll continue to stand up against the cruelty and corrupti=
on of the people in power today, and I=E2=80=99ll keep making the case for =
a better future in our country through a better kind of politics. We cannot=
 let American politics keep going in this direction. And we must not all go=
 on as if it=E2=80=99s acceptable for this kind of thing to be part of the =
cost of entering public service.</p><p style=3D"line-height:1.6em;margin:0p=
x auto;max-width:600px">Most importantly, Chasten and I will continue to po=
ur ourselves into the joyful and demanding work of raising and educating ou=
r two children. Being their parents is the best thing in our lives. They ar=
e just children, kids who deserve the best upbringing that their parents ca=
n provide, who mean more to us than anything, whom we love beyond words and=
 will do anything to protect, and whose right to a safe and happy childhood=
 deserves absolute and unconditional respect.</p></div></div><div class=3D"=
gmail-pencraft gmail-pc-display-flex gmail-pc-flexDirection-column gmail-pc=
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eset-IxiVJZ" style=3D"font-family:&quot;SF Pro Display&quot;,-apple-system-=
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size:20px;color:unset;text-decoration:unset;list-style:none;text-align:cent=
er">Subscribe to Pete Buttigieg&#39;s Substack</h4><div class=3D"gmail-penc=
raft gmail-pc-reset gmail-flex-grow-rzmknG gmail-color-secondary-ls1g8s gma=
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https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/06/23/the-most-important-founder-youve-n=
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The Most Important Founder You=E2=80=99ve Never Heard Of

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
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By Kit Klarenberg
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Leaked emails reveal British intel instigated riots in occupied Ireland
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By Kit Klarenberg*Leaked emails expose how British military-intel officials
deliberately provoked riots among occupied Ireland=E2=80=99s Catholic and
Protestant communities, which they then exploited to justify repression. In
private diatribes, veterans of occupied Ireland who later became MI6
officers still obsess over =E2=80=9Ckeeping Northern Ireland British=E2=80=
=9D and mock the
death of Bobby Sands.*

Leaked emails reviewed by The Grayzone offer an extraordinary insight into
the covert activities of prominent British military and intelligence
veterans posted to occupied Ireland during the 1980s. Still possessed of
enduring contempt for Catholics and visceral hatred for prominent Irish
Republican freedom fighters, these men believe to this day that their
patriotic duty remains to =E2=80=9Ckeep Northern Ireland British.=E2=80=9D

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my
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e-widget-preamble&utm_content=3D203480381>

Several British veterans of the so-called Troubles have found employment at
a private spying firm called Hakluyt, which has been referred to as a =E2=
=80=9Crest
home for spies.=E2=80=9D Founded by longtime MI6 officers, including the fo=
rmer spy
who inspired Ian Fleming=E2=80=99s James Bond character, the firm has been =
plausibly
accused
<https://substack.com/redirect/63611ce5-7cd2-46ef-87fb-2554a1015d11?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
of serving as a cutout for the agency.

Keith Craig is another MI6 journeyman
<https://substack.com/redirect/0ec02acc-4478-4f8f-81dd-1a04f0a9186d?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
who joined Hakluyt, serving as its CEO
<https://substack.com/redirect/84d266ee-f6c8-46b3-9f95-a0e22a4279cf?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
for ten years. While public details on Craig=E2=80=99s time
<https://substack.com/redirect/906253b3-32b4-4e27-98c6-2f48dbf2cf33?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
in the British Army are scarce, the leaked Hakluyt communications place him
on the frontline of the Troubles as part of the military=E2=80=99s elite Bl=
ack
Watch unit
<https://substack.com/redirect/548a9944-6730-428c-b5e7-df61496bb4c8?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
.

The leaks contain several revealing exchanges between Craig and Pablo Mille=
r
<https://substack.com/redirect/622df6b8-a7b0-44a2-9f2e-d2f74ef16916?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>,
a veteran MI6 officer suspected
<https://substack.com/redirect/f1215e90-95c3-49aa-b6e0-53eeae1e39bf?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
to have served as the handler for the now-missing Russian turncoat Sergei
Skripal
<https://substack.com/redirect/9338407a-32e7-4aeb-94a5-886be2657bb4?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>.
At the time of the Skripal poisoning affair, Miller maintained an address
in Salisbury, UK, not far from the Skripals=E2=80=99 home, and worked for
<https://substack.com/redirect/0cb9bff2-1bf1-45e3-8c4e-8b362453f30a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
Orbis Business Intelligence, the private firm established by Christopher
Steele, his former MI6 colleague and the author of the fabrication-filled
=E2=80=9CSteele Dossier.=E2=80=9D (The British government placed Miller=E2=
=80=99s name under a D
Notice
<https://substack.com/redirect/11b5e163-7dc3-4db9-939d-0c0fa4e122ad?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
immediately after Skripal=E2=80=99s alleged poisoning, preventing the count=
ry=E2=80=99s
press from mentioning him directly).

In leaked emails, Miller and his Hakluyt colleagues unite around their
vitriolic resentment of Irish Catholics, and delight in rehashing the
schemes they hatched to push the local Republican population toward
violence during the Troubles. These twisted machinations included placing a
sandwich on the tombstone of the martyred hunger striker Bobby Sands.

[caption id=3D=E2=80=9Dattachment_142465=E2=80=9D align=3D=E2=80=9Daligncen=
ter=E2=80=9D width=3D=E2=80=9D400=E2=80=9D]
<https://substack.com/redirect/12da5b41-1d00-4505-880b-74e6ce537a14?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

One of the few publicly available photos of MI6 veteran Pablo
Miller[/caption]
A sandwich on Bobby Sands=E2=80=99 grave had =E2=80=9Cthe desired effect=E2=
=80=9D

In emails to longstanding military and intelligence friends and
collaborators, the MI6 vet and Hakluyt leader Keith Craig wistfully
recalled a morbid intrigue that occurred while he was posted to the
Catholic heartland of West Belfast in March 1983, around the anniversary of
the 1981 hunger strike
<https://substack.com/redirect/7be9e5bd-3e12-4b96-a7a6-5f44510fb53a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
.

Led by Bobby Sands, Irish Republican prisoners starved themselves for
prolonged periods in protest of inhumane conditions and persistent torture
<https://substack.com/redirect/65f937ec-95f1-4b71-9a81-c213858c7174?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>.
Craig reported how Black Watch fighters =E2=80=9Cmuch-anticipated=E2=80=9D =
Catholic rioting
in support of the hunger strikers, but were disappointed when it failed to
materialize.

=E2=80=9CThe locals were in fact remarkably well-behaved,=E2=80=9D Craig la=
mented.

In a cynical attempt to bring local anger to a boiling point, a Black Watch
night patrol taunted the Republican population by placing a bacon sandwich
on Bobby Sands=E2=80=99 grave. This =E2=80=9Chad the desired effect and we =
were on riot
duty for a week,=E2=80=9D he recalled.
<https://substack.com/redirect/4e4fb9f7-91a2-414a-81fe-71463c559ae4?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

The leaked admission that British occupiers deliberately instigated riots
raise new questions about the August 9, 1983 murder
<https://substack.com/redirect/c8ba239c-6b94-4b53-afa1-8339a89c7437?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
of Thomas =E2=80=98Kidso=E2=80=99 Reilly in Belfast by a British soldier wh=
o opened fire on
the apparently innocent 22-year-old. =E2=80=9CHe done nothing,=E2=80=9D an =
eyewitness
remarked
<https://substack.com/redirect/c8ba239c-6b94-4b53-afa1-8339a89c7437?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>.
=E2=80=9CHe was walking up that road and he was shot.=E2=80=9D

The killing of Reilly, a road manager for an array of famous bands, brought
crowds of infuriated Catholics into the streets. As the protests grew,
British soldiers opened fire on them with plastic bullets, further
exacerbating their anger. It now appears clear the British military had
every intention of provoking violence to justify its occupation.

In 1984, Reilly=E2=80=99s killer, Ian Thain, became the first British soldi=
er
<https://substack.com/redirect/6e0b230b-2889-416d-8b90-5137ec25829b?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
to be convicted of murder in occupied Ireland during the Troubles. Despite
receiving a life sentence, he was quickly released and returned to
frontline military duty.
*MI6 veterans =E2=80=9Cthrew a party=E2=80=9D to celebrate Bobby Sands=E2=
=80=99 death*

Since 1968, British military-intelligence operatives have killed hundreds
of Catholic civilians with near-total impunity. Keith Craig and his
associates at Hakluyt are nonetheless proud of their time in Ulster, and
reserve murderous venom for Bobby Sands to this day.

In March 2020, Craig emailed British Army and MI6 associates a photo
of a well-known
plaque
<https://substack.com/redirect/edfbdcf4-4e1e-4eae-824f-ea132682ebdf?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
commemorating Sands in Rosslea, a Catholic village in Ulster bordering the
Republic of Ireland. An ad for a weight loss business was emblazoned above
the plaque.

Among the recipients of the mocking photo was Pablo Miller.
<https://substack.com/redirect/9363a43a-824e-43e1-a4fa-c6dfe1431e1a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

In a separate leaked email, Miller recalled how his Royal Tank Regiment
<https://substack.com/redirect/e9a2813a-1bc6-457f-9046-f3288276091f?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
squadron =E2=80=9Cthrew a party=E2=80=9D to celebrate Sands=E2=80=99 death.=
 A banner was hung above
the squadron=E2=80=99s bar, which read =E2=80=9CBobby Sands DIY.=E2=80=9D M=
iller boasted how =E2=80=9Cour
Fenians joined in enthusiastically,=E2=80=9D using a derogatory term for Ca=
tholics
of Irish descent in the unit. The grim celebration was reportedly =E2=80=9C=
all very
non-sectarian.=E2=80=9D
<https://substack.com/redirect/95ea1544-1184-4ff0-baeb-f2dcf3bace81?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

In another leaked email, Miller referred to his habit of singing Protestant
songs, =E2=80=9Ctaunting the Fenians, so lustily in my misspent youth.=E2=
=80=9D
<https://substack.com/redirect/59bda8f1-5310-4059-8aa0-9eccd85c5e9f?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

In a separate exchange, Keith Craig proclaimed that the motto of Black
Watch was =E2=80=9Cnae [no] poofs [homosexuals] nae blacks nae Fenians.=E2=
=80=9D He
nostalgically described the elite special forces unit as, =E2=80=9Cjust enl=
ightened
chaps from the back streets of Dundee.=E2=80=9D
<https://substack.com/redirect/4fea8310-1b5f-4cf6-a65e-c82b7b8ec629?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

Black Watch formed a core part of Britain=E2=80=99s active military engagem=
ent in
occupied Ireland 1969 - 2007, London=E2=80=99s longest in history. The unit=
 was
hated
<https://substack.com/redirect/2abeb419-7fbd-40aa-98e5-f488ca0112a0?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
by Catholics, and a frequent target of armed Irish Republican groups.

Miller=E2=80=99s casual anti-Irish racism is all the more striking given he=
 himself
is a practicing Catholic. In a leaked self-authored account of his service,
Miller romantically describes life in the RTR in occupied Ireland, during
the late 1980s. As operations manager, he coordinated with the Royal Ulster
Constabulary and Ulster Defence Regiment, while ensuring patrolling British
forces remained safe from attack. He considered Republican =E2=80=9Cterrori=
sm=E2=80=9D to
be =E2=80=9Cthe greatest threat to the British constitution in the second h=
alf of
the 20th century.=E2=80=9D

Miller felt he had =E2=80=9Cearned the professional respect=E2=80=9D of his=
 RUC and UDR
counterparts, and established =E2=80=9Cclose=E2=80=9D personal relations wi=
th some of them.
It is uncertain how many =E2=80=9Cpart-time=E2=80=9D UDR operatives he met =
were also
members of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
<https://substack.com/redirect/06200799-55eb-4627-b6d1-1c38665b69d3?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

The UDA acted as an anti-Catholic death squad throughout the Troubles, in c=
lose
coordination
<https://substack.com/redirect/29d09f05-79d1-40f5-a25e-99b4008942e0?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
with the British Army and MI5. Many of its weapons were sourced
<https://substack.com/redirect/4c8cb9d3-69e6-4b22-bd05-c59b09790628?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
from UDR barracks, and the Regiment=E2=80=99s soldiers frequently moonlight=
ed
<https://substack.com/redirect/00155db7-451e-4940-8aa9-d148b3d299a4?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
in the UDA, committing
<https://substack.com/redirect/4667477f-82b9-4d8f-bfb0-933089c104e1?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
=E2=80=9Cterrorist acts.=E2=80=9D

>From 1970 - 1997, the UDA killed at least
<https://substack.com/redirect/3c3ef48a-9541-4fce-94ce-c774351302d5?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
400 people, most of them Catholic civilians. The full scale of its crimes,
and the true extent of its collusion with the British Army and intelligence
services, will never be known. Convicted UDA terrorists participated in UDR
operations throughout this time, and vice versa.

Among the UDA=E2=80=99s most prominent victims was Pat Finucane
<https://substack.com/redirect/bc41d6c1-fce1-4ed8-8078-88e892381e7d?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>,
a Belfast lawyer executed at home in front of his family in February 1989
for the crime of representing Irish Republican hunger strikers in court.

Prime Minister David Cameron admitted
<https://substack.com/redirect/5bd543eb-3a46-448b-b3bf-f5b092fc7563?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
to =E2=80=9Cshocking levels of collusion=E2=80=9D in Finucane=E2=80=99s exe=
cution in 2011, however,
he rejected requests by the victim=E2=80=99s family for a full inquiry. =E2=
=80=9CThere are
people in buildings all around here who won=E2=80=99t let it happen,=E2=80=
=9D Cameron
explained
<https://substack.com/redirect/6eaaea2b-0428-48aa-a576-3413c632e9e9?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>
in private, referencing his office=E2=80=99s proximity to the headquarters =
of the
Ministry of Defence, MI5 and MI6.

It is for this reason that so many shocking crimes perpetrated by
Protestant paramilitary groups in collaboration with British intelligence
remain unsolved.
*Miller waxes nostalgic about fight to =E2=80=9Ckeep Northern Ireland Briti=
sh=E2=80=9D*

In private accounts of his involvement in the Troubles, Pablo Miller
defended Britain=E2=80=99s dirty war on Irish Catholics. =E2=80=9CNo state =
- least of all a
liberal democracy - can afford to tolerate with equanimity an existential
threat to its constitutional order,=E2=80=9D he asserted. Miller went on to=
 express
pride in his =E2=80=9Csmall role in helping to defeat Republican terrorism,=
 keep
Northern Ireland British and protect the integrity of the British
constitution.=E2=80=9D

=E2=80=9CIt may sound a bit pompous or portentous, but Northern Ireland, as=
 part of
the United Kingdom, remains very important to me personally,=E2=80=9D he co=
ntinued.
=E2=80=9CThe British Army lost a lot of chaps - and of course it cost even =
more
Northern Irish lives - defending our constitutional order. So I would be a
bit miffed, to say the least, if we were ever to return to those times
again.=E2=80=9D

*Read Pablo Miller=E2=80=99s reflections on his time as a patriotic British=
 Army
tank regiment soldier in occupied Northern Ireland in full here
<https://substack.com/redirect/244b983a-b7b4-4fdf-9f26-5bede6968753?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>.*
<https://substack.com/redirect/966d1259-810f-45e8-a6dc-d27ad03c4e0a?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc>

This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my
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1" border=3D"0" style=3D"height:1px!important;width:1px!important;border-wi=
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ht:0!important;margin-left:0!important;padding-top:0!important;padding-bott=
om:0!important;padding-right:0!important;padding-left:0!important"><div sty=
le=3D"display:none;font-size:1px;color:#333333;line-height:1px;max-height:0=
px;max-width:0px;opacity:0;overflow:hidden">By Kit Klarenberg</div><div sty=
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uto" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=
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rget=3D"_blank"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!mLjW!,f=
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4x1024.png" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:550px;border:none;vert=
ical-align:middle;width:32px;height:32px;min-width:32px;min-height:32px;obj=
ect-fit:cover;margin:0px;display:inline;border-radius:50%" width=3D"32" hei=
ght=3D"32"></a></td><td width=3D"4" style=3D"min-width:4px"></td><td style=
=3D"vertical-align:middle"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/@kitklarenberg" =
target=3D"_blank"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_bJQ!=
,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.=
s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F45f834c1-a079-4dd5-bb52-b3134fb16ccb_4=
160x4160.jpeg" style=3D"box-sizing:border-box;max-width:550px;border:none;v=
ertical-align:middle;width:32px;height:32px;min-width:32px;min-height:32px;=
object-fit:cover;margin:0px;display:inline;border-radius:50%" width=3D"32" =
height=3D"32"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><tabl=
e role=3D"presentation" width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellp=
adding=3D"0" style=3D"border-top:1px solid rgb(0,0,0,.1);border-bottom:1px =
solid rgb(0,0,0,.1);min-width:100%"><tbody><tr height=3D"16"><td height=3D"=
16" style=3D"font-size:0px;line-height:0">=C2=A0</td></tr><tr><td><table ro=
le=3D"presentation" width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpaddi=
ng=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto" border=
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pacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=3D"h=
ttps://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=3D474765&amp;post_id=3D203=
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ppercase;font-size:12px;line-height:1;padding:9px 0;text-decoration:none;co=
lor:rgb(119,119,119);min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width:38px" targe=
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tical-align:middle;max-width:18px" alt=3D""></a></td></tr></tbody></table><=
/td><td width=3D"8" style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td style=3D"vertical-alig=
n:middle"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" border=3D"0" cellspacin=
g=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=3D"https:=
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i&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;display:inline-block;font-weight:500;borde=
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t-size:12px;line-height:1;padding:9px 0;text-decoration:none;color:rgb(119,=
119,119);min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width:38px" target=3D"_blank"=
><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!x1tS!,w_36,c_scale,f_p=
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gn:middle;max-width:18px" alt=3D""></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td w=
idth=3D"8" style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td style=3D"vertical-align:middle"=
><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" c=
ellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a href=3D"https://substac=
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&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color Emoji=
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-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;line-height:1;padding:9px 0;text-decora=
tion:none;color:rgb(119,119,119);min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width=
:38px" target=3D"_blank"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s=
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rder:none;vertical-align:middle;max-width:18px" alt=3D""></a></td></tr></tb=
ody></table></td><td width=3D"8" style=3D"min-width:8px"></td><td style=3D"=
vertical-align:middle"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"38" border=3D"=
0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center"><a h=
ref=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnN1YnN0YWNr=
LmNvbS9wdWIvdGhlZ3JheXpvbmUvcC9sZWFrZWQtZW1haWxzLXJldmVhbC1icml0aXNoLWludGV=
sP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9c3Vic3RhY2smdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249ZW1haW=
wtcmVzdGFjay1jb21tZW50JmFjdGlvbj1yZXN0YWNrLWNvbW1lbnQmcj0xZW9nYiZ0b2tlbj1le=
UoxYzJWeVgybGtJam95TXpZME5Ea3hMQ0p3YjNOMFgybGtJam95TURNME9EQXpPREVzSW1saGRD=
STZNVGM0TWpNME16RTNNU3dpWlhod0lqb3hOemcwT1RNMU1UY3hMQ0pwYzNNaU9pSndkV0l0TkR=
jME56WTFJaXdpYzNWaUlqb2ljRzl6ZEMxeVpXRmpkR2x2YmlKOS5nd1Vua3o0cF82NDVSS055WG=
RwOC1DM2xCUV9Sb3A5Z2dkVDhzVEdlRF9rIiwicCI6MjAzNDgwMzgxLCJzIjo0NzQ3NjUsImYiO=
nRydWUsInUiOjIzNjQ0OTEsImlhdCI6MTc4MjM0MzE3MSwiZXhwIjoyMDk3OTE5MTcxLCJpc3Mi=
OiJwdWItMCIsInN1YiI6ImxpbmstcmVkaXJlY3QifQ.k2-G_3URtiC0ZD2lFzifOsXgLL0MEfcg=
tjbQDZS7uhU?&amp;utm_source=3Dsubstack&amp;utm_medium=3Demail" style=3D"fon=
t-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Robo=
to,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emo=
ji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;display:inline-block;font-weight:500;bord=
er:1px solid rgb(0,0,0,.1);border-radius:9999px;text-transform:uppercase;fo=
nt-size:12px;line-height:1;padding:9px 0;text-decoration:none;color:rgb(119=
,119,119);min-width:38px;box-sizing:border-box;width:38px" target=3D"_blank=
"><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ubXF!,w_36,c_scale,f_=
png,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2Fno=
tes__NoteRestackIcon%3Fv%3D4%26height%3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%252380=
8080%26strokeWidth%3D2%26strokeLinecap%3Dround%26strokeLinejoin%3Dround" wi=
dth=3D"18" height=3D"18" alt=3D"" style=3D"max-width:550px;border:none!impo=
rtant;vertical-align:middle"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbod=
y></table></td><td align=3D"right"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"au=
to" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=
=3D"vertical-align:middle"><table role=3D"presentation" width=3D"auto" bord=
er=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td align=3D"center=
"><a href=3D"https://open.substack.com/pub/thegrayzone/p/leaked-emails-reve=
al-british-intel?utm_source=3Demail&amp;redirect=3Dapp-store&amp;utm_campai=
gn=3Demail-read-in-app" style=3D"font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkM=
acSystemFont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Appl=
e Color Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;displ=
ay:inline-block;font-weight:500;border:1px solid rgb(0,0,0,.1);border-radiu=
s:9999px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:12px;line-height:12px;padding:9=
px 14px;text-decoration:none;color:rgb(119,119,119)" target=3D"_blank"><div=
 style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px;display:inline-block;vertical-ali=
gn:middle;max-width:0;min-height:18px"></div><span style=3D"vertical-align:=
middle;margin-right:4px">READ IN APP</span><img src=3D"https://substackcdn.=
com/image/fetch/$s_!ET-_!,w_36,c_scale,f_png,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:ste=
ep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2Ficon%2FLucideArrowUpRight%3Fv%3D4%26height%=
3D36%26fill%3Dnone%26stroke%3D%2523808080%26strokeWidth%3D2" width=3D"18" h=
eight=3D"18" style=3D"min-width:18px;min-height:18px;border:none;vertical-a=
lign:middle;margin-right:0;margin-left:0;max-width:18px" alt=3D""></a></td>=
</tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></=
td></tr><tr height=3D"16"><td height=3D"16" style=3D"font-size:0px;line-hei=
ght:0">=C2=A0</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div dir=3D"auto" style=
=3D"padding:32px 0 0 0;font-size:16px;line-height:26px"><div dir=3D"auto" s=
tyle=3D"text-align:initial;font-size:16px;line-height:26px;width:100%;word-=
break:break-word;margin-bottom:16px"><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-heig=
ht:26px;margin:32px auto;margin-top:0"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" c=
ellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:cente=
r"></td><td align=3D"left" width=3D"1456" style=3D"text-align:center"><a hr=
ef=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/05d1b73c-5856-4a33-a47e-7e791ecc9565?j=
=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D=
"padding:0;width:auto;height:auto;border:none;text-decoration:none;display:=
block;margin:0;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"=
" width=3D"550" height=3D"309.375" src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fet=
ch/$s_!JOcB!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3=
A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1162bc3f-fd=
6f-4660-b481-4240249f2e2e_1920x1080.jpeg" style=3D"border:none!important;ve=
rtical-align:middle;display:block;height:auto;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!im=
portant;max-width:100%!important;margin:0 auto"></a></td><td style=3D"text-=
align:center"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0=
;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"></p><h3 style=3D"font=
-family:&#39;SF Pro Display&#39;,-apple-system-headline,system-ui,-apple-sy=
stem,BlinkMacSystemFont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-seri=
f,&#39;Apple Color Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol=
&#39;;font-weight:bold;margin:1em 0 0.625em 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-heig=
ht:1.16em;font-size:calc(1.375em*1)">By Kit Klarenberg</h3><h4 style=3D"fon=
t-family:&#39;SF Pro Display&#39;,-apple-system-headline,system-ui,-apple-s=
ystem,BlinkMacSystemFont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-ser=
if,&#39;Apple Color Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbo=
l&#39;;font-weight:bold;margin:1em 0 0.625em 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-hei=
ght:1.16em;font-size:calc(1.125em*1)"><strong>Leaked emails expose how Brit=
ish military-intel officials deliberately provoked riots among occupied Ire=
land=E2=80=99s Catholic and Protestant communities, which they then exploit=
ed to justify repression. In private diatribes, veterans of occupied Irelan=
d who later became MI6 officers still obsess over =E2=80=9Ckeeping Northern=
 Ireland British=E2=80=9D and mock the death of Bobby Sands.</strong></h4><=
p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size=
:16px"><span>Leaked emails reviewed by The Grayzone offer an extraordinary =
insight into the covert activities of prominent British military and intell=
igence veterans posted to occupied Ireland during the 1980s. Still possesse=
d of enduring contempt for Catholics and visceral hatred for prominent Iris=
h Republican freedom fighters, these men believe to this day that their pat=
riotic duty remains to =E2=80=9Ckeep Northern Ireland British.=E2=80=9D</sp=
an></p><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px"><div style=3D"font-si=
ze:16px;direction:ltr!important;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;font-f=
amily:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,=
Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&=
#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;color:#363737;line-height:1.5;max-width:560p=
x;margin:24px auto;display:block;text-align:center;padding:0px 32px"><div s=
tyle=3D"margin-top:16px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemF=
ont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color E=
moji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;font-size:18px=
;max-width:384px;width:fit-content;line-height:22px;display:flex;text-align=
:center;font-weight:400;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto"><p style=3D"mar=
gin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px">This Su=
bstack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consi=
der becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><div style=3D"margin:0 0 1=
em;direction:ltr;font-size:16px;line-height:26px"><div style=3D"text-decora=
tion:unset;list-style:none;font-size:16px;line-height:26px;text-align:cente=
r;border-radius:4px"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR=
0cHM6Ly90aGVncmF5em9uZS5zdWJzdGFjay5jb20vc3Vic2NyaWJlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9cG9zdC=
Z1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249ZW1haWwtY2hlY2tvdXQmbmV4dD1odHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnRoZWdyYXl6b=
25lLnN1YnN0YWNrLmNvbSUyRnAlMkZsZWFrZWQtZW1haWxzLXJldmVhbC1icml0aXNoLWludGVs=
JnI9MWVvZ2ImdG9rZW49ZXlKMWMyVnlYMmxrSWpveU16WTBORGt4TENKcFlYUWlPakUzT0RJek5=
ETXhOekVzSW1WNGNDSTZNVGM0TkRrek5URTNNU3dpYVhOeklqb2ljSFZpTFRRM05EYzJOU0lzSW=
5OMVlpSTZJbU5vWldOcmIzVjBJbjAuTlNVUzZxbS0zak5PZ29DTUZQTWFkeTB0NTRwVFZPWXJ0R=
VlvMFFxdXBMRSIsInAiOjIwMzQ4MDM4MSwicyI6NDc0NzY1LCJmIjp0cnVlLCJ1IjoyMzY0NDkx=
LCJpYXQiOjE3ODIzNDMxNzEsImV4cCI6MjA5NzkxOTE3MSwiaXNzIjoicHViLTAiLCJzdWIiOiJ=
saW5rLXJlZGlyZWN0In0.k4vC3S6sLwXyysDittKDAvo5o_SNAlT9nMm6QCS6F2s?&amp;utm_m=
edium=3Demail&amp;utm_source=3Dsubscribe-widget-preamble&amp;utm_content=3D=
203480381" style=3D"font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,=
&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color Emoji=
&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;display:inline-blo=
ck;box-sizing:border-box;border:none;border-radius:8px;font-size:14px;line-=
height:20px;font-weight:600;text-align:center;opacity:1;outline:none;white-=
space:nowrap;text-decoration:none!important;margin:0 auto;background-color:=
#fdda0d;color:#363737!important;padding:12px 20px;height:auto" target=3D"_b=
lank"><span style=3D"color:#363737;text-decoration:none">Upgrade to paid</s=
pan></a></div></div></div></div><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>Several British veterans of t=
he so-called Troubles have found employment at a private spying firm called=
 Hakluyt, which has been referred to as a =E2=80=9Crest home for spies.=E2=
=80=9D Founded by longtime MI6 officers, including the former spy who inspi=
red Ian Fleming=E2=80=99s James Bond character, the </span><span>firm has b=
een </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/63611ce5-7cd2-46ef-87fb=
-2554a1015d11?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZ=
txvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_b=
lank"><span>plausibly accused</span></a><span> of serving as a cutout for t=
he agency.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line=
-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>Keith Craig is another </span><a href=3D=
"https://substack.com/redirect/0ec02acc-4478-4f8f-81dd-1a04f0a9186d?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color=
:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>MI6 journ=
eyman</span></a><span> who joined Hakluyt, serving as its </span><a href=3D=
"https://substack.com/redirect/84d266ee-f6c8-46b3-9f95-a0e22a4279cf?j=3DeyJ=
1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color=
:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>CEO</span=
></a><span> for ten years. While public details on </span><a href=3D"https:=
//substack.com/redirect/906253b3-32b4-4e27-98c6-2f48dbf2cf33?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMW=
VvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54=
,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>Craig=E2=80=99s =
time</span></a><span> in the British Army are scarce, the leaked Hakluyt co=
mmunications place him on the frontline of the Troubles as part of the mili=
tary=E2=80=99s elite </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/548a99=
44-6730-428c-b5e7-df61496bb4c8?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fG=
MYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underl=
ine" target=3D"_blank"><span>Black Watch unit</span></a><span>.</span></p><=
p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size=
:16px"><span>The leaks contain several revealing exchanges between Craig an=
d </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/622df6b8-a7b0-44a2-9f2e-d=
2f74ef16916?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtx=
vOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_bla=
nk">Pablo Miller</a><span>, </span><span>a veteran MI6 officer </span><a hr=
ef=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/f1215e90-95c3-49aa-b6e0-53eeae1e39bf?j=
=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D=
"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>sus=
pected</span></a><span> to have served as the handler for the now-missing R=
ussian turncoat </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/9338407a-32=
e7-4aeb-94a5-886be2657bb4?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ84=
54lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" =
target=3D"_blank"><span>Sergei Skripal</span></a><span>. At the time of the=
 Skripal poisoning affair, Miller maintained an address in Salisbury, UK, n=
ot far from the Skripals=E2=80=99 home, and </span><a href=3D"https://subst=
ack.com/redirect/0cb9bff2-1bf1-45e3-8c4e-8b362453f30a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2Iif=
Q.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55)=
;text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank">worked for</a><span> Orbis Bu=
siness Intelligence, the private firm established by Christopher Steele, hi=
s former MI6 colleague and the author of the fabrication-filled =E2=80=9CSt=
eele Dossier.=E2=80=9D (The British government placed Miller=E2=80=99s name=
 </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/11b5e163-7dc3-4db9-939d-0c=
0fa4e122ad?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxv=
Oc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blan=
k">under a D Notice</a><span> immediately after Skripal=E2=80=99s alleged p=
oisoning, preventing the country=E2=80=99s press from mentioning him direct=
ly).</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-heigh=
t:26px;font-size:16px">In leaked emails, Miller and his Hakluyt colleagues =
unite around their vitriolic resentment of Irish Catholics, and delight in =
rehashing the schemes they hatched to push the local Republican population =
toward violence during the Troubles. These twisted machinations included pl=
acing a sandwich on the tombstone of the martyred hunger striker Bobby Sand=
s.</p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;fo=
nt-size:16px">[caption id=3D=E2=80=9Dattachment_142465=E2=80=9D align=3D=E2=
=80=9Daligncenter=E2=80=9D width=3D=E2=80=9D400=E2=80=9D]</p><div style=3D"=
font-size:16px;line-height:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" bor=
der=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-=
align:center"></td><td align=3D"left" width=3D"400" style=3D"text-align:cen=
ter"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/12da5b41-1d00-4505-880b-74e6c=
e537a14?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc"=
 style=3D"padding:0;width:auto;height:auto;border:none;text-decoration:none=
;display:block;margin:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=
=3D"400" height=3D"400" src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!FFxl=
!,w_400,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubst=
ack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F0fb5ae86-8c5a-410c-ae90=
-92bad04c2b6e_400x400.jpeg" style=3D"border:none!important;vertical-align:m=
iddle;display:block;height:auto;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!important;max-wi=
dth:100%!important;margin:0 auto"></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center">=
</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,=
55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"> One of the few publicly available =
photos of MI6 veteran Pablo Miller[/caption]</p><h3 style=3D"font-family:&#=
39;SF Pro Display&#39;,-apple-system-headline,system-ui,-apple-system,Blink=
MacSystemFont,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;App=
le Color Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;font=
-weight:bold;margin:1em 0 0.625em 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:1.16em;=
font-size:calc(1.375em*1)">A sandwich on Bobby Sands=E2=80=99 grave had =E2=
=80=9Cthe desired effect=E2=80=9D</h3><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:r=
gb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>In emails to longstandi=
ng military and intelligence friends and collaborators, the MI6 vet and Hak=
luyt leader Keith Craig wistfully recalled a morbid intrigue that occurred =
while he was posted to the Catholic heartland of West Belfast in March 1983=
, around the anniversary of the </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redi=
rect/7be9e5bd-3e12-4b96-a7a6-5f44510fb53a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTb=
u7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decora=
tion:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>1981 hunger strike</span></a><span>=
.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:2=
6px;font-size:16px"><span>Led by Bobby Sands, Irish Republican prisoners st=
arved themselves for prolonged periods in protest of inhumane conditions an=
d persistent </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/65f937ec-95f1-=
4b71-9a81-c213858c7174?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454l=
cFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" tar=
get=3D"_blank"><span>torture</span></a><span>. Craig reported how Black Wat=
ch fighters =E2=80=9Cmuch-anticipated=E2=80=9D Catholic rioting in support =
of the hunger strikers, but were disappointed when it failed to materialize=
.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:2=
6px;font-size:16px"><span>=E2=80=9CThe locals were in fact remarkably well-=
behaved,=E2=80=9D Craig lamented.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;c=
olor:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>In a cynical atte=
mpt to bring local anger to a boiling point, a Black Watch night patrol tau=
nted the Republican population by placing a bacon sandwich on Bobby Sands=
=E2=80=99 grave. This =E2=80=9Chad the desired effect and we were on riot d=
uty for a week,=E2=80=9D he recalled.</span></p><div style=3D"font-size:16p=
x;line-height:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cel=
lspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"=
></td><td align=3D"left" width=3D"1024" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=
=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/4e4fb9f7-91a2-414a-81fe-71463c559ae4?j=3D=
eyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"pa=
dding:0;width:auto;height:auto;border:none;text-decoration:none;display:blo=
ck;margin:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=3D"550" heigh=
t=3D"237.40234375" src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!pCYB!,w_1=
100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-=
post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F199bbd2a-31bd-44be-8fe9-df2=
7e9463aa3_1024x442.png" style=3D"border:none!important;vertical-align:middl=
e;display:block;height:auto;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!important;max-width:=
100%!important;margin:0 auto"></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td=
></tr></tbody></table></div><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,5=
5);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>The leaked admission that British=
 occupiers deliberately instigated riots raise new questions about the </sp=
an><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/c8ba239c-6b94-4b53-afa1-8339a89=
c7437?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" s=
tyle=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><s=
pan>August 9, 1983 murder</span></a><span> of Thomas =E2=80=98Kidso=E2=80=
=99 Reilly in Belfast by a British soldier who opened fire on the apparentl=
y innocent 22-year-old. =E2=80=9CHe done nothing,=E2=80=9D an eyewitness </=
span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/c8ba239c-6b94-4b53-afa1-8339a=
89c7437?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc"=
 style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank">=
<span>remarked</span></a><span>. =E2=80=9CHe was walking up that road and h=
e was shot.=E2=80=9D</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,5=
5,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>The killing of Reilly, a road =
manager for an array of famous bands, brought crowds of infuriated Catholic=
s into the streets. As the protests grew, British soldiers opened fire on t=
hem with plastic bullets, further exacerbating their anger. It now appears =
clear the British military had every intention of provoking violence to jus=
tify its occupation.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,5=
5,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>In 1984, Reilly=E2=80=99s kill=
er, Ian Thain, became the </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/6=
e0b230b-2889-416d-8b90-5137ec25829b?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wL=
Co3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:u=
nderline" target=3D"_blank"><span>first British soldier</span></a><span> to=
 be convicted of murder in occupied Ireland during the Troubles. Despite re=
ceiving a life sentence, he was quickly released and returned to frontline =
military duty.</span></p><h3 style=3D"font-family:&#39;SF Pro Display&#39;,=
-apple-system-headline,system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,&#39;Sego=
e UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color Emoji&#39;,&#3=
9;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;font-weight:bold;margin:1em=
 0 0.625em 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:1.16em;font-size:calc(1.375em*=
1)"><strong>MI6 veterans =E2=80=9Cthrew a party=E2=80=9D to celebrate Bobby=
 Sands=E2=80=99 death</strong></h3><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(=
54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>Since 1968, British milita=
ry-intelligence operatives have killed hundreds of Catholic civilians with =
near-total impunity. Keith Craig and his associates at Hakluyt are nonethel=
ess proud of their time in Ulster, and reserve murderous venom for Bobby Sa=
nds to this day.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55=
);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>In March 2020, Craig emailed Briti=
sh Army and MI6 associates a photo of a </span><a href=3D"https://substack.=
com/redirect/edfbdcf4-4e1e-4eae-824f-ea132682ebdf?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.Ji=
lZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);tex=
t-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>well-known plaque</span></a=
><span> commemorating Sands in Rosslea, a Catholic village in Ulster border=
ing the Republic of Ireland. An ad for a weight loss business was emblazone=
d above the plaque.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55=
,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>Among the recipients of the moc=
king photo was Pablo Miller.</span></p><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-he=
ight:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=
=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><t=
d align=3D"left" width=3D"529" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"https=
://substack.com/redirect/9363a43a-824e-43e1-a4fa-c6dfe1431e1a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiM=
WVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"padding:0;w=
idth:auto;height:auto;border:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin=
:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=3D"529" height=3D"1024=
" src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!jcfA!,w_529,c_limit,f_auto=
,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amaz=
onaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F98c16258-298e-4523-9213-7fa6c6899180_529x1024=
.png" style=3D"border:none!important;vertical-align:middle;display:block;he=
ight:auto;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!important;max-width:100%!important;mar=
gin:0 auto"></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td></tr></tbody></ta=
ble></div><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26p=
x;font-size:16px"><span>In a separate leaked email, Miller recalled how his=
 </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/e9a2813a-1bc6-457f-9046-f3=
288276091f?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxv=
Oc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blan=
k"><span>Royal Tank Regiment</span></a><span> squadron =E2=80=9Cthrew a par=
ty=E2=80=9D to celebrate Sands=E2=80=99 death. A banner was hung above the =
squadron=E2=80=99s bar, which read =E2=80=9CBobby Sands DIY.=E2=80=9D Mille=
r boasted how =E2=80=9Cour Fenians joined in enthusiastically,=E2=80=9D usi=
ng a derogatory term for Catholics of Irish descent in the unit. The grim c=
elebration was reportedly =E2=80=9Call very non-sectarian.=E2=80=9D</span><=
/p><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px;margin:32px auto"><table w=
idth=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><=
td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><td align=3D"left" width=3D"1023" style=
=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/95ea1544-11=
84-4ff0-baeb-f2dcf3bace81?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ84=
54lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"padding:0;width:auto;height:auto;border:none;te=
xt-decoration:none;display:block;margin:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"" =
title=3D"" width=3D"550" height=3D"161.29032258064515" src=3D"https://subst=
ackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!s1Ou!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progr=
essive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2F=
images%2F4490ee6a-e84c-45aa-993a-dfcd40c663fa_1023x300.png" style=3D"border=
:none!important;vertical-align:middle;display:block;height:auto;margin-bott=
om:0;width:auto!important;max-width:100%!important;margin:0 auto"></a></td>=
<td style=3D"text-align:center"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style=3D=
"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><sp=
an>In another leaked email, Miller referred to his habit of singing Protest=
ant songs, =E2=80=9Ctaunting the Fenians, so lustily in my misspent youth.=
=E2=80=9D</span></p><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px;margin:32=
px auto"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=
=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><td align=3D"left" w=
idth=3D"1024" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/r=
edirect/59bda8f1-5310-4059-8aa0-9eccd85c5e9f?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJ=
aTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"padding:0;width:auto;height:=
auto;border:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin:0" target=3D"_bl=
ank"><img alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=3D"550" height=3D"249.755859375" src=3D=
"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!SkCd!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto=
:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.c=
om%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbd5f0bda-72be-42ec-bb8a-1f7fad6b73d0_1024x465.png" s=
tyle=3D"border:none!important;vertical-align:middle;display:block;height:au=
to;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!important;max-width:100%!important;margin:0 a=
uto"></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td></tr></tbody></table></d=
iv><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-=
size:16px"><span>In a separate exchange, Keith Craig proclaimed that the mo=
tto of Black Watch was =E2=80=9Cnae [no] poofs [homosexuals] nae blacks nae=
 Fenians.=E2=80=9D He nostalgically described the elite special forces unit=
 as, =E2=80=9Cjust enlightened chaps from the back streets of Dundee.=E2=80=
=9D</span></p><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-height:26px;margin:32px aut=
o"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><=
tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><td align=3D"left" width=3D"=
936" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/4=
fea8310-1b5f-4cf6-a65e-c82b7b8ec629?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wL=
Co3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"padding:0;width:auto;height:auto;bord=
er:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin:0" target=3D"_blank"><img=
 alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=3D"550" height=3D"208.60042735042734" src=3D"htt=
ps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!i5ZT!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:goo=
d,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2=
Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc8e0e84b-be63-4610-a76f-dfa11ff73632_936x355.png" style=
=3D"border:none!important;vertical-align:middle;display:block;height:auto;m=
argin-bottom:0;width:auto!important;max-width:100%!important;margin:0 auto"=
></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td></tr></tbody></table></div><=
p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size=
:16px"><span>Black Watch formed a core part of Britain=E2=80=99s active mil=
itary engagement in occupied Ireland 1969 - 2007, London=E2=80=99s longest =
in history. The unit </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/2abeb4=
19-7fbd-40aa-98e5-f488ca0112a0?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fG=
MYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underl=
ine" target=3D"_blank"><span>was hated</span></a><span> by Catholics, and a=
 frequent target of armed Irish Republican groups.</span></p><p style=3D"ma=
rgin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>=
Miller=E2=80=99s casual anti-Irish racism is all the more striking given he=
 himself is a practicing Catholic. In a leaked self-authored account of his=
 service, Miller romantically describes life in the RTR in occupied Ireland=
, during the late 1980s. As operations manager, he coordinated with the Roy=
al Ulster Constabulary and Ulster Defence Regiment, while ensuring patrolli=
ng British forces remained safe from attack. He considered Republican =E2=
=80=9Cterrorism=E2=80=9D to be =E2=80=9Cthe greatest threat to the British =
constitution in the second half of the 20th century.=E2=80=9D</span></p><p =
style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:1=
6px"><span>Miller felt he had =E2=80=9Cearned the professional respect=E2=
=80=9D of his RUC and UDR counterparts, and established =E2=80=9Cclose=E2=
=80=9D personal relations with some of them. It is uncertain how many =E2=
=80=9Cpart-time=E2=80=9D UDR operatives he met were also members of the Uls=
ter Defence Association (UDA).</span></p><div style=3D"font-size:16px;line-=
height:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" border=3D"0" cellspacin=
g=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td><=
td align=3D"left" width=3D"1024" style=3D"text-align:center"><a href=3D"htt=
ps://substack.com/redirect/06200799-55eb-4627-b6d1-1c38665b69d3?j=3DeyJ1Ijo=
iMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"padding:0=
;width:auto;height:auto;border:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;marg=
in:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=3D"550" height=3D"29=
6.484375" src=3D"https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!5a5Z!,w_1100,c_lim=
it,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-medi=
a.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff379f708-a091-4125-a755-fdac04793ede=
_1024x552.png" style=3D"border:none!important;vertical-align:middle;display=
:block;height:auto;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!important;max-width:100%!impo=
rtant;margin:0 auto"></a></td><td style=3D"text-align:center"></td></tr></t=
body></table></div><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-h=
eight:26px;font-size:16px"><span>The UDA acted as an anti-Catholic death sq=
uad throughout the Troubles, in </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redi=
rect/29d09f05-79d1-40f5-a25e-99b4008942e0?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTb=
u7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decora=
tion:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>close coordination</span></a><span>=
 with the British Army and MI5. Many of its weapons </span><a href=3D"https=
://substack.com/redirect/4c8cb9d3-69e6-4b22-bd05-c59b09790628?j=3DeyJ1IjoiM=
WVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(5=
4,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>were sourced</s=
pan></a><span> from UDR barracks, and the Regiment=E2=80=99s soldiers </spa=
n><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/00155db7-451e-4940-8aa9-d148b3d2=
99a4?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" st=
yle=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><sp=
an>frequently moonlighted</span></a><span> in the UDA, </span><a href=3D"ht=
tps://substack.com/redirect/4667477f-82b9-4d8f-bfb0-933089c104e1?j=3DeyJ1Ij=
oiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rg=
b(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>committing</=
span></a><span> =E2=80=9Cterrorist acts.=E2=80=9D</span></p><p style=3D"mar=
gin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>F=
rom 1970 - 1997, the UDA </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/3c=
3ef48a-9541-4fce-94ce-c774351302d5?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLC=
o3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:un=
derline" target=3D"_blank"><span>killed at least</span></a><span> 400 peopl=
e, most of them Catholic civilians. The full scale of its crimes, and the t=
rue extent of its collusion with the British Army and intelligence services=
, will never be known. Convicted UDA terrorists participated in UDR operati=
ons throughout this time, and vice versa.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 =
20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>Among the=
 UDA=E2=80=99s most prominent victims was </span><a href=3D"https://substac=
k.com/redirect/bc41d6c1-fce1-4ed8-8078-88e892381e7d?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.=
JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);t=
ext-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>Pat Finucane</span></a><s=
pan>, a Belfast lawyer executed at home in front of his family in February =
1989 for the crime of representing Irish Republican hunger strikers in cour=
t.</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:=
26px;font-size:16px"><span>Prime Minister David Cameron </span><a href=3D"h=
ttps://substack.com/redirect/5bd543eb-3a46-448b-b3bf-f5b092fc7563?j=3DeyJ1I=
joiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:r=
gb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>admitted</s=
pan></a><span> to =E2=80=9Cshocking levels of collusion=E2=80=9D in Finucan=
e=E2=80=99s execution in 2011, however, he rejected requests by the victim=
=E2=80=99s family for a full inquiry. =E2=80=9CThere are people in building=
s all around here who won=E2=80=99t let it happen,=E2=80=9D </span><a href=
=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/6eaaea2b-0428-48aa-a576-3413c632e9e9?j=3D=
eyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"co=
lor:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration:underline" target=3D"_blank"><span>Camero=
n explained</span></a><span> in private, referencing his office=E2=80=99s p=
roximity to the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, MI5 and MI6.</span=
></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;fon=
t-size:16px"><span>It is for this reason that so many shocking crimes perpe=
trated by Protestant paramilitary groups in collaboration with British inte=
lligence remain unsolved.</span></p><h3 style=3D"font-family:&#39;SF Pro Di=
splay&#39;,-apple-system-headline,system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFon=
t,&#39;Segoe UI&#39;,Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif,&#39;Apple Color Emo=
ji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Emoji&#39;,&#39;Segoe UI Symbol&#39;;font-weight:bold=
;margin:1em 0 0.625em 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:1.16em;font-size:ca=
lc(1.375em*1)"><strong>Miller waxes nostalgic about fight to =E2=80=9Ckeep =
Northern Ireland British=E2=80=9D</strong></h3><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px =
0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>In private acc=
ounts of his involvement in the Troubles, Pablo Miller defended Britain=E2=
=80=99s dirty war on Irish Catholics. =E2=80=9CNo state - least of all a li=
beral democracy - can afford to tolerate with equanimity an existential thr=
eat to its constitutional order,=E2=80=9D he asserted. Miller went on to ex=
press pride in his =E2=80=9Csmall role in helping to defeat Republican terr=
orism, keep Northern Ireland British and protect the integrity of the Briti=
sh constitution.=E2=80=9D</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb=
(54,55,55);line-height:26px;font-size:16px"><span>=E2=80=9CIt may sound a b=
it pompous or portentous, but Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingd=
om, remains very important to me personally,=E2=80=9D he continued. =E2=80=
=9CThe British Army lost a lot of chaps - and of course it cost even more N=
orthern Irish lives - defending our constitutional order. So I would be a b=
it miffed, to say the least, if we were ever to return to those times again=
.=E2=80=9D</span></p><p style=3D"margin:0 0 20px 0;color:rgb(54,55,55);line=
-height:26px;font-size:16px"><em><span>Read Pablo Miller=E2=80=99s reflecti=
ons on his time as a patriotic British Army tank regiment soldier in occupi=
ed Northern Ireland in full </span><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect=
/244b983a-b7b4-4fdf-9f26-5bede6968753?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2=
wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc" style=3D"color:rgb(54,55,55);text-decoration=
:underline" target=3D"_blank">here</a><span>.</span></em></p><div style=3D"=
font-size:16px;line-height:26px;margin:32px auto"><table width=3D"100%" bor=
der=3D"0" cellspacing=3D"0" cellpadding=3D"0"><tbody><tr><td style=3D"text-=
align:center"></td><td align=3D"left" width=3D"1024" style=3D"text-align:ce=
nter"><a href=3D"https://substack.com/redirect/966d1259-810f-45e8-a6dc-d27a=
d03c4e0a?j=3DeyJ1IjoiMWVvZ2IifQ.JilZISJaTbu7B2wLCo3fGMYZ8454lcFEiXYqlZtxvOc=
" style=3D"padding:0;width:auto;height:auto;border:none;text-decoration:non=
e;display:block;margin:0" target=3D"_blank"><img alt=3D"" title=3D"" width=
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F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F1e2afd4a-423d-=
49b1-a73c-dffce4f912bf_1024x284.png" style=3D"border:none!important;vertica=
l-align:middle;display:block;height:auto;margin-bottom:0;width:auto!importa=
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https://x.com/manolo_realengo/status/2070923697477599356
The US has seized $5.49 billion of Venezuela=E2=80=99s oil revenue in 2026,=
 then
offers just $150 million in earthquake aid while the UN estimates $6.7
billion in losses. It=E2=80=99s not relief, it=E2=80=99s extortion. At the =
same time, US
has $30 billion of frozen assets while people are under rubble.

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<div dir=3D"ltr"><div class=3D"gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir=
=3D"ltr" class=3D"gmail_attr"><a href=3D"https://x.com/manolo_realengo/stat=
us/2070923697477599356" rel=3D"noreferrer" target=3D"_blank" style=3D"backg=
round-color:transparent">https://x.com/manolo_realengo/status/2070923697477=
599356</a></div>
The US has seized $5.49 billion of Venezuela=E2=80=99s oil revenue in 2026,=
 then offers just $150 million in earthquake aid while the UN estimates $6.=
7 billion in losses. It=E2=80=99s not relief, it=E2=80=99s extortion. At th=
e same time, US has $30 billion of frozen assets while people are under rub=
ble.<br>
</div></div>

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