Our Friday News Analysis | What the World Reads Now!

Smoke rising above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip, right, and messages in support of Israeli hostage in Tel Aviv. Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters, Jack Guez / AFP

Listen to the Podcast Here (24 minutes, 57 seconds)

Host: Linda Dayan
Israel News | Podcasts
15 January 2025

For the first time in over a year, a deal to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza and to end the devastating conflict there seems imminent. The initial stage of the agreement will reportedly involve 33 individuals captured by Hamas returning to Israel, along with a temporary ceasefire.

However, much remains uncertain—even after it is finalized. Various factors could derail the deal during the planning or execution phases. Haaretz correspondent Linda Dayan spoke with senior security analyst Amos Harel about the ongoing challenges, the future of Gaza, the fate of the hostages, and the fading hopes of Israel's radical right wing.

Harel notes that much of this hinges on one individual: incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. "I'm not convinced Trump has a solid plan for this; he might be improvising," Harel observes. "Nonetheless, something noteworthy is unfolding. It's not only about the cease-fire and the hostage agreement at this moment; it's about a possible diplomatic resolution—or an effort at one—in the region."

What is the Side of the Story that is Not Yet Decisive? Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen

OPINION | FROM GAZA TO CALIFORNIA: THE FLAMES THAT CONNECT US ALL

The fires burning in Palestine and Los Angeles today are symptoms of the same disease: a system that values conquest over conservation, profit over people, and expansion over existence.

A scene from the Palisades fire that started in the city of Los Angeles in January 2025. (Photo: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)/Flickr)

By Ahmad Ibsais
MONDOWEISS.NET
11 JANUARY 2025

For the past few days, I’ve been staring at my phone, watching houses, history, and memories burn up. But this time, it wasn’t Gaza. I was watching the Palisades burn. The hills are alive with fire, a haunting echo of another inferno raging thousands of miles away. For fifteen months, I’ve witnessed Gaza’s land and people burn through screens and headlines, and now, as I watch the skies above an American city fill with smoke, the distances between these catastrophes collapse into a single, searing truth: these flames speak the same language of destruction—colonialism.

The fire raging through the Palisades isn’t just a California wildfire; it symbolizes a global crisis characterized by interconnected disasters. When I close my eyes, the images blend: hills ablaze in California, olive groves burning in Gaza and historic Palestine, and horizons shrouded in smoke that crosses borders.

Research from Lancaster University suggests that within the first sixty days after October 7, the military response in Gaza produced more planet-warming gases than the total emissions of twenty climate-vulnerable nations over an entire year. In October 2023 alone, Israel dropped 25,000 tons of bombs on Gaza, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to burning 150,000 tons of coal. By December, American cargo flights delivering weapons used 50 million liters of aviation fuel, releasing 133,000 tons of CO2 into our shared atmosphere—surpassing Grenada's annual emissions.

However, this environmental catastrophe did not begin with the current genocide. Palestinians have lived and worked sustainably within their environment for decades, preserving indigenous landscapes and cultivating various crops, from watermelons to olives—central to Palestinian culture and identity. Since 1967, Israel has systematically uprooted at least 2.5 million trees in the occupied Palestinian territories, including nearly one million olive trees that have served as a primary source of food and income for many Palestinians. Israel replaced these trees with imported European vegetation, possibly reflecting its European roots. This destruction has led to habitat fragmentation, desertification, land degradation, and soil erosion, negatively impacting the climate resilience of the entire region.

When we examine the climate impacts of war infrastructure—such as the tunnels, walls, and military installations—we observe an increase of 450,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent, surpassing the annual emissions of 33 nations. Each bomb that falls on Gaza sends ripples through our collective future, with effects evident in rising sea levels, warming temperatures, and the fires currently threatening California’s hills.

I reflect on Gaza’s farmers, who have nurtured 170 square kilometers of flourishing orchards and fields for generations, with nearly half their land devoted to feeding their communities. Now, satellite images depict a wasteland where gardens once thrived. The Israeli military has destroyed 70% of northern Gaza’s water wells, demolished thousands of greenhouses, and transformed fertile soil into toxic land. This devastation aligns with the destruction of 80% of all Gazan infrastructure. Between October 2023 and March 2024 alone, 48% of Gaza’s tree cover was lost or damaged, either wiped out by military actions or cut down by desperate individuals searching for fuel under the blockade.

The bitter irony doesn’t escape me: LA Mayor cut $17.6 million to its fire departments while California sent $610 million to Israel through taxpayers. The Wonderful Company, controlling nearly 60% of California’s water through the Resnick family, pumps millions into supporting the very territorial expansion that has turned Gaza’s landscape into an environmental catastrophe. That already, in 2025, Biden is trying to push for an additional 8 billion in military “aid” to fund a Genocide while thousands of U.S. citizens from Ashville, NC, to Los Angeles, are suffocating under the climate crisis. We are financing the flames that will eventually reach our doorsteps.

A scene from the Palisades Fire that started in the City Of Los Angeles, January 2025. (Photo: California Department Of Forestry And Fire Protection (Cal Fire)/Flickr)

The environmental wounds in Gaza will not heal quickly. Thirty-seven million tons of debris now cover the landscape, creating a toxic legacy that will contaminate the soil and water for generations. Each day, 130,000 cubic meters of untreated sewage flow into the Mediterranean Sea—not because Palestinians want this devastation, but because Israeli violence has destroyed their infrastructure and hindered their ability to care for their land as they have for countless generations.

When I see environmental activists turning their backs on Gaza, I feel compelled to inform them. Rebuilding Gaza’s 100,000 damaged buildings will generate 30 million metric tons of greenhouse gases—equivalent to New Zealand’s annual emissions and exceeding the emissions of 135 other countries, including Sri Lanka and Lebanon. This is a climate debt we all must confront, a fire we all need to fight.

The flames engulfing the Palisades mirror Gaza’s suffering: homes reduced to ash, landscapes altered, and lives disrupted. Yet they symbolize something more profound—an urgent warning about our shared fate. When we allow the bombing of Gaza’s aquifers and the poisoning of its soil, we only exacerbate the climate crisis that now surrounds California in flames.

The genocide in Gaza – recognized as a war crime under the Rome Statute – isn’t just a distant tragedy. It’s a harbinger of our collective future if we continue to allow environmental warfare and genocide to go unchallenged. As Benjamin Neimark from the Queen Mary University of London warns, “The military’s environmental exceptionalism allows them to pollute with impunity as if the carbon emissions spitting from their tanks and fighter jets don’t count. This has to stop.”

What is burning in Palestine and Los Angeles today emphasizes the same fundamental issue: a system prioritizing conquest over conservation, profit over people, and expansion over existence. This legacy arises from a perspective meant to silence indigenous voices, reminding us that we must recognize the earth’s wounds as our own.

What you permit in Gaza, you permit everywhere. Today, it’s their fields burning under thousand-pound bombs; tomorrow, it’s our forests. The fires that connect us finally compel us to recognize this truth: we either unite against this destruction or all burn apart.

Ahmad Ibsais is a first-generation Palestinian-American law student who writes the newsletter State of Siege.

INTERVIEW | ‘US SANCTIONS AGAINST THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT ARE A MAFIA-SPIRIT BULLYING LAW’

"If the ICC loses its legitimacy, there will soon be no one left to prosecute serious crimes against humanity. All 125 member countries of the court must come together to oppose its dismantling."

Pro-Palestijns protest bij Internationaal Strafhof in Den Haag. Foto Josh Walet/ANP

The U.S. is deeply concerned about the arrest warrants issued for Israeli leaders by the International Criminal Court in The Hague. This concern is evident in the impending U.S. sanctions that will impact all employees, their families, and related companies. Dutch historian Iva Vukusic, a renowned expert on the ICC, has stated, "2025 will be the most dangerous year in the court's history.

By Derk Walters
NRC The Netherlands
13 januari 2025

Before Donald Trump officially takes office as President, the U.S. House of Representatives has already passed a law that reflects his views. In response to arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders, the United States plans to impose sanctions on anyone who is not American and who supports or funds the International Criminal Court. Many Democrats and Republicans endorsed this ‘Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,’ which still requires Senate approval.

According to historian Iva Vukusic from Utrecht University, this new law allows Americans to treat international law like a "hammer," showing little concern for diplomacy.

               “This is not how normal states behave. It’s a bullying law, similar to the mafia: if you do something to me or my allies, I’ll break your legs.”

What will the law – ‘the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act’ – specifically regulate?

“This comprehensive law could impact everyone associated with the ICC in any capacity. It's not just the prosecutor or the judges; it also includes the company providing ICT to the court. Moreover, it is particularly troubling because it extends to the family members of those involved. These individuals risk having their assets frozen or being denied a visa to the U.S. For example, the daughter of an ICC employee studying in the U.S. might have to leave. An academic or journalist might also worry about whether she will still receive a visa if she discusses this in an opinion piece for the ICC. In this way, the new law goes much further than previous sanctions, which targeted only a few individuals connected to the court.”

What causes this American resistance to the ICC?

“Skepticism towards the ICC, or its outright rejection, is one of the few issues where Republicans and Democrats still find common ground. It reflects a sense of American exceptionalism: ‘We can do whatever we want.’ This sense of exceptionalism also extends to Israel, the only other country mentioned in the new law.”

But the Americans support the arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin, right?

"That's correct. The suspect's role as an American ally significantly impacts the response. However, these sanctions also jeopardize the investigation, as the ICC’s credibility is on the line."

Aren't there other developments that might also pose a threat to the ICC?

“2025 will be the toughest year in the court's history. For example, countries like France, Poland, and Germany are openly questioning whether they would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he sets foot on their territory. According to the Rome Statute—the treaty that underpins the International Criminal Court—they are obligated to do so. However, now that the suspect is an ally, we suddenly hear the argument that a sitting head of state enjoys immunity. They may make that claim, but why didn't we hear it when there was an arrest warrant issued for Putin?”

“The Rome Statute is not a marketplace from which you can pick and choose an argument that suits your agenda. Putin characterizes the West as hypocritical, and through this behavior, Western countries are indeed validating his claims: they seemingly only follow international if it’s convenient."

What might the possible consequences be?

“If the ICC loses its legitimacy, soon, there will be no one left to prosecute the worst crimes in the world.”

Do you think the member states are doing enough?

“In Croatia, where I’m from, there’s a saying: ‘The village is on fire, but the old woman is combing her hair.'

This illustrates what the member states are doing now: remaining passive when they should firmly oppose the United States. When Americans claim they want to protect their ally, Israel, Europeans should emphasize that they are allies, too. They aren't voicing their concerns enough, and their voices aren’t strong enough. America is attacking us, and we’re just letting it happen.”

Europe values the military support it receives from the U.S. Given this relationship, isn’t it reasonable for Europe to critique cautiously?

"NATO is an alliance founded on reciprocity. One party cannot dictate while the other obeys. The European member states of the ICC should strive to resist American imprudence."

What responsibilities does the Netherlands have as the ICC host nation?

The Netherlands must take 'effective and adequate measures' to ensure the ICC functions appropriately. This could involve actions against intercepting employees' communications or responding to cyberattacks. However, I am uncertain about what the Netherlands can do in response to this American pressure other than expressing strong opposition. This is a responsibility that all 125 member states must adopt vigorously and urgently.

VIEW | WHY THE US MISUNDERSTANDS RUSSIA

Judge Andrew Napolitano with Prof. Glenn Diesen

Watch the Video Here (22 minutes, 16 seconds)

Host: Judge Andrew Napolitano – Judging Freedom
Guest: Professor Glenn Diesen
14 January 2025

I had the great privilege of speaking with Judge Napolitano about why the U.S. misunderstands Russia. The U.S. often confuses Russia with the Soviet Union, leading to the assumption that conflicts stem from Moscow’s pursuit of security through dominance and empire.

Our conflicts with Russia stem from the failure to establish a mutually acceptable political settlement in the post-Cold War era. We initially forged agreements for an inclusive pan-European security framework built on indivisible security, but this was overlooked in favor of hegemony through NATO expansion.

In the 1990s, many American leaders, including George Kennan and US Secretary of Defense William Perry, recognized that NATO expansion would betray and undermine the peace established after the Cold War. The dynamics of bloc politics returned, deeply dividing societies in the shared neighborhood between NATO and Russia, turning them into mere pieces on a chessboard. For Moscow, pulling Ukraine into NATO’s orbit was seen as the ultimate red line, perceived as an existential threat to Russia. If we acknowledge the security concerns of our adversaries, we can reduce security competition and pave the way for peace.

VIEW | ‘NATO LOST’: UKRAINE WAR BACKFIRES, BRINGS RUSSIA AND CHINA CLOSER TOGETHER

Professor Glenn Diesen, author of The Ukraine War & the Eurasian World Order, argues that NATO’s strategy in Ukraine has failed. Recent surveys reveal that most Ukrainians no longer support the three-year counteroffensive against Russia. Diesen notes that the proxy conflict aimed at eliminating Russia has backfired on the US and NATO: "Instead of restoring the unipolar order, it seems to accelerate our exit from it."

Watch the Video Here (13 minutes, 53 seconds)

Breakthrough News
Guest: Professor Glenn Diesen
13 January 2025

On Breakthrough News, I talked about NATO's failure in Ukraine. By inciting the conflict, dismissing legitimate Russian security concerns, and halting all diplomacy for three years, NATO has undermined its credibility as a security provider. In 2014, NATO endorsed the coup in Kyiv, fully recognizing that integrating Ukraine into its sphere could ignite a war, even though just 20% of Ukrainians favored NATO membership.

Since the Minsk peace agreement and the Istanbul negotiations, NATO has neglected and undermined every potential peace path due to its ambitious goals. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, NATO couldn't defeat Russia militarily, weaken its economy, or diplomatically isolate it. Consequently, Russia has strengthened its alliance with China, making a just resolution in Ukraine increasingly unlikely. Russia will shift its economic focus eastward in the upcoming decades, while its growing military will primarily aim to deter the West.

While Ukraine has faced the most significant suffering in this war, Europe has also experienced a considerable defeat, as its security, economy, political stability, and geopolitical relevance are likely to keep declining.

SEYMOUR HERSH | KILLING FOR KILLING’S SAKE IN GAZA

A radicalized IDF sees all Palestinians as terrorists.

A poster for Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 film Apocalypse Now. / Paramount Pictures.

By Seymour Hersh
SUBSTACK.COM
JAN 09, 2025

An experienced Israeli veteran describes Gaza as a battleground. He had previously been a strong supporter of Israel's response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. He views Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the architect of the extensive retaliatory bombing and ground invasion, as a modern incarnation of Colonel Kurtz, a psychopathic character from Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 film Apocalypse Now, inspired by Joseph Conrad’s 1899 novella Heart of Darkness.

What began as a retaliatory war by the internationally revered Israel Defense Forces against a disciplined Hamas guerilla force turned into the systematic starvation of a society whose civilian survivors—men, women, and children—are the victims of an Israeli military whose combat units are often led by the second generation of Israeli settlers. These officers, increasingly prominent as the war in Gaza goes on, are religious zealot majors and lieutenant colonels who believe it is their calling to shoot and kill any Palestinian who moves, whether combatant or civilian.

The West Bank contains over 120 Israeli settlements, with fifteen situated in East Jerusalem. Additionally, there are more than two hundred illegal outposts that, while not officially sanctioned, receive arms from the increasingly radical Israeli government. Violent actions against Palestinians in the West Bank have continually increased, including bombing missions carried out by the Israeli Air Force.

The IDF recruiting pattern explains the growing violence against Palestinian men, women, and children in the war. I was told that 40 to 45 percent of today’s higher officers in the IDF come from settler families in the West Bank who combine “deep religiosity with Netanyahu’s political fervor.’’ The Israeli veteran told me of watching in horror, with colleagues, as Israeli bombings and earth-moving machinery were continuing to, as he put it, “level” north Gaza and turn it into a dead zone. He said that there “have been more and more reports of colonels and even generals issuing orders to kill every Palestinian you see and destroy every building still standing. Israel’s war in Gaza has become fanatical. It’s apocalypse now. Killing for killing’s sake. It is corruption like never before.”

He referenced a troubling article from December published by Haaretz, the progressive Israeli newspaper currently facing heightened scrutiny from the Netanyahu administration. The article focused on the Netzarim Corridor, which used to be a narrow, partially paved road dividing north and south Gaza. In the aftermath of the 10/7 assault, the IDF has converted it into a two-and-a-half-mile-wide safe zone that stretches across the entire four-mile length of the Gaza Strip. Numerous buildings, including a hospital, have been demolished to support the IDF's operations. Haaretz reported that multiple officers are in charge of the zone and routinely direct IDF soldiers to open fire on Gazans—many of whom are in search of food and safety, often with children in tow.

Many have been summarily executed on the order of senior officers who deemed them to be terrorists. IDF soldiers on duty at the corridor told Haaretz that, at best, one in every twenty of those Gazans looking for any help was a “terrorist,” but all were routinely gunned down. One commander at the corridor called it “the line of dead bodies,” where, because bodies were not collected, there are “packs of wild dogs who come to eat them.”

It was explained that the area was a “kill zone,” and anyone who entered without permission would be shot. According to a recently discharged IDF officer speaking to Haaretz, there was inevitable competition among the various units assigned to guard the corridor. He also noted that the kill zone extended as far as a sniper could see. “We’re killing civilians who are then counted as terrorists.” If one perimeter defense unit has 150 kills, “the next unit aims for 200.”

The competition was very familiar to this reporter. I reported often and mercilessly about the competition for body counts among companies in combat during the Vietnam War. There were benefits for killing the most Vietnamese: a weekend far away from the war with an all-you-can-eat barbeque for the winning unit, complete with a constant flow of beer and, on special occasions, a busload of Vietnamese prostitutes brought by bus from a local city. Once grand but decaying armies in Gaza or Vietnam follow the same patterns.

Other moderate voices, though not radical, are present. Moment magazine, established in 1975 for the American Jewish community by notable individuals such as the late Elie Wiesel, a Nobel laureate who endured Auschwitz and Buchenwald during World War II, published an interview last month with Israeli General Yair Golan. A paratrooper who retired ten years ago as the IDF’s deputy chief of staff, Golan later became a Knesset member, serving as deputy minister of the economy.

Golan leads the newly established Israeli Democrats Party, a liberal Zionist faction that the magazine estimates could secure ten seats in an upcoming election. Describing himself as a humble person with straightforward views, he stated during the November interview that a ceasefire with Hamas is feasible. However, Netanyahu "chooses to prolong the conflict to appease the far-right members of his coalition who are eager to rebuild settlements in Gaza.” Are the planned settlements in northern and southern Gaza aimed at the religious extremists who support Netanyahu? It’s all part of the strategy.

Golan stated that there are at least four distinct groups in Israel: ultra-Orthodox Jews, Orthodox Jews, secular Jews, and Arabs. He emphasized, “We must bridge the gaps in our society among these groups and promote judicial equality and equal opportunity for all.”

When asked how to end the war in Gaza and free the remaining 10/7 hostages, Golan responded:

               “Netanyahu knows that all that is needed is a hostage deal to move in a positive direction. But he does not want it. Why? The war in the south provides the opportunity to convince the Israeli people that we are in a time of emergency and only he can save us.”

Golan expressed strategic worries:

               “We frequently face decisions that present us with undesirable alternatives. Here, we are forced to choose between the better and the worse. Yet, this government regularly opts for the less favorable choice. This is its main failing, as it prioritizes the personal and political interests of its members over those of Israel. A viable alternative to Netanyahu should involve a cohesive governing coalition.”

When asked how Israel should engage with Donald Trump, he stated,

               Anticipating the policies of the new U.S. administration proves difficult. However, the U.S. needs to establish a regional coalition to counter Iran. U.S. backing is vital for achieving a new peace agreement with the Palestinians. A fresh Memorandum of Understanding with America must be in place by 2026. This MOU should explicitly strengthen America’s commitment to Israel’s security.

               “The worst-case scenario for Israel would occur if Donald Trump takes office and states something like, ‘It’s too difficult to engage with you. You’re not a good partner.'"

Modest man. Modest ideas. Common sense. If modern history tells us anything, don’t bet on it.

FYODOR LUKYANOV | THESE PEOPLE WILL SHAPE THE POLITICS OF 2025

Here’s how the new year will test Russia’s resilience and the global order

Russian President Vladimir Putin. © Sputnik/Kristina Kormilitsyna

By Fyodor Lukyanov, the editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs, chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy, and research director of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

HomeWorld News
5 January 2025

Anticipating the future is becoming more complex. Global changes happen so fast that developments that used to take decades now transpire in just a year. Although it's tough to identify the exact timing of these changes, significant people, trends, and events to observe in 2025 are emerging.

Trump and Musk: A Political Tandem Unlike Any Other

The rise of US President-elect Donald Trump and South African-born billionaire Elon Musk has formed a unique and unpredictable political coalition. Trump’s mercantilist and isolationist tendencies now blend with Musk’s techno-utopian vision and unconventional leadership style.

Trump frequently directs allies and engages adversaries, but his "deals" are often simplistic. On the other hand, Musk isn’t hesitant to ridicule global leaders, especially in the U.S. His immense wealth, forward-thinking vision, and conviction in driving political change empower him to behave as if he is the ruler of the universe.

The combination of Reagan-era realism, libertarian disruption, and techno-optimism forms a volatile mix. A confrontation between the two narcissistic egos appears unavoidable, but its development could reshape global politics.

Read more
Russia’s pivot to Asia: Why 2024 has been a success

Europe: Fragmentation and Contradiction

European politics remain fragmented, characterized by unstable party systems and reactive policies dominating the landscape. Governments grapple with crises while holding on to outdated ideologies, leading to contradictory strategies.

Rising American involvement in Western Europe’s domestic affairs intensifies the instability. The Trump administration seems increasingly reckless in its willingness to interfere, and Musk’s unpredictable sway introduces another layer of complexity to transatlantic relations. European NATO and EU member countries, balancing immediate concerns with long-term challenges, face the threat of additional disorder.

Middle East: Rising Tensions and Experimentation

In Syria, radical Islamist factions are trying to present an image of "normality" as they solidify their power. Meanwhile, outside powers cautiously engage with these groups, feigning trust in them. Syria seems to be the stage for yet another experiment, this time focused on balancing regional interests by "normalizing" once-extreme factions. However, success is far from guaranteed.

The most volatile flashpoint in the region is the rising tensions between Israel and Iran. As Tehran’s regional allies weaken or remain absent and Israel grows more confident, the chances of an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites are rising. This action—potentially supported by the U.S.—could escalate into a broader regional conflict. In retaliation, Tehran may accelerate its nuclear program, further elevating the stakes.

BRICS at a Crossroads

Under Russia’s leadership in 2024, the BRICS bloc gained notable momentum, highlighted by the landmark Kazan Summit. With Brazil in charge, the group faces a critical turning point.

Read more
Missed this? The sneaky trends of 2024 that could flip Russia-Africa relations

For Brazil, BRICS is still a secondary focus—primarily to enhance broader diplomatic goals rather than a core component of its foreign policy. The group’s ability to maintain its recent momentum or face setbacks will impact its relevance in a world that is becoming more polarized.

Economic Sanctions as a Weapon

Trump’s reentry to the White House signifies a new phase in the US-EU sanctions landscape. Unlike the prior administration, which focused on political motivations, Trump’s team appears committed to utilizing economic sanctions to tilt the balance in favor of America.

This strategy won’t eliminate politically motivated sanctions; instead, it will add another dimension to an already busy agenda. The expected result is a more intricate web of economic actions aimed at a growing set of participants, significantly affecting global trade dynamics.

The Decline of International Institutions

Global governance systems are becoming less influential. More often, personal interests dictate short-term choices rather than established multilateral frameworks.

Although this trend might not cause instant disorder, it threatens the stability of international relations. As nations focus on pressing issues, their relationships with neighboring countries grow increasingly vital, overshadowing broader global collaboration.

Russia’s Focus on Survival

By 2025, Russia seeks to achieve two primary goals: conclude its military operations in Ukraine and ensure internal stability. Its foreign policy remains centered on Eurasia, prioritizing influence in neighboring countries.

Read more
This strategic move can help both India and Russia resist Western pressure. Will New Delhi act?

Russia seeks to strengthen its socio-economic resilience in a tumultuous and fragmented world while strategically guiding its international efforts.

A World in Transition

The projections for 2025 suggest that the world is experiencing significant shifts. Short-term mindsets are on the rise, alongside growing regional rivalries and the aspirations of individual leaders, all of which are transforming the global landscape. As regional alliances become more important, traditional international institutions are losing significance in this fragmented environment.

Europe faces political fragmentation and differing policies, while the US, guided by Trump and Musk, is redefining its role in international politics. In the Middle East, rising tensions between Israel and Iran, alongside the shifting dynamics in Syria, present new challenges. Meanwhile, the BRICS bloc reaches a critical point in establishing its importance, as Washington seems ready to employ economic sanctions more forcefully than ever before.

Russia's endurance hinges on its ability to adjust to these evolving dynamics and maintain internal stability and regional sway. As we near 2025, the global landscape presents a mix of uncertainty and opportunity, highlighting the extraordinary speed of change in our times.

PREPARE FOR WAR – NATO CHIEF

Mark Rutte has urged bloc members to increase their defense expenditures, underscoring that their “future security is in jeopardy."

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte © Getty Images / Omar Havana

Edited by Abraham A. van Kempen
HomeWorld News
15 January 2025

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte encourages all members of the U.S.-led military alliance to embrace a proactive "wartime mentality" and thoughtfully consider boosting their defense spending. He highlights how crucial it is to address the perceived threats from Russia and other nations.

During Wednesday's Military Committee meeting in Brussels, Rutte shared some significant concerns regarding the future security of our community. He expressed heartfelt condemnation of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran for their actions that threaten to undermine our democracies and limit our freedoms.

               “To keep our peace strong, it’s essential to be ready for challenges. Rutte emphasized that it’s time to embrace a proactive mindset, encouraging NATO countries to focus on enhancing our defense capabilities so they are more effective and better suited for the times ahead.”

As NATO allies boost their defense spending and ramp up military exercises, Rutte pointed out that these initiatives are still "not quite enough to tackle the challenges we’ll encounter in the next four to five years.”

Rutte emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in "changing the course of the war" while warmly acknowledging Kyiv's challenges on the conflict's front lines.

Moscow has consistently stated that it does not pose a threat to NATO members. Instead, it highlights its view that the US-led alliance is engaging in a proxy war against Russia, while also encroaching upon its territory.

Last month, President Vladimir Putin observed that many NATO countries seem to oppose Russia. On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out how history appears to be echoing itself, drawing attention to the "clear parallels” between Moscow’s current conflict with NATO and the expansionist ambitions of Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler after their European conquests.

Read more
NATO steps up patrols in Baltic Sea

On Tuesday, Rutte shared some really exciting news! NATO is getting set to enhance its presence in the Baltic Sea, a key area for Russian naval activities and energy exports. They’re kicking off a new mission that’s all about protecting our undersea infrastructure. This is such a significant step toward keeping these important waters safe!

The NATO chief shared some exciting news about our upcoming deployment! It will include frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and a "small fleet of naval drones." These additions are expected to really enhance our surveillance and deterrence capabilities, making us even more prepared.

The announcement follows a regrettable incident involving the Eagle S, an oil tanker registered in the Cook Islands. Last month, the Eagle S reportedly damaged the Estlink 2 power cable connecting Finland and Estonia. In light of this situation, the EU has expressed concern and may consider sanctions against Moscow for what EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described as the "intentional destruction of Europe’s essential infrastructure" by a so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers, which is believed to include the Eagle S.

Although Finnish authorities have temporarily detained the tanker, they have yet to present any conclusive evidence linking it to the alleged sabotage.

It seems Moscow hasn’t had the chance to share their thoughts on the incident yet.

RUTTE ENCOURAGES NATO MEMBERS TO INVEST 3.7 PERCENT OF THEIR GDP IN DEFENSE, HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLECTIVE SECURITY

At present, NATO member states must allocate at least 2 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense expenditures. Nevertheless, several countries continue to fall short of this benchmark.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at a meeting of committees of the European Parliament. Photo Remko de Waal / ANP

By Casper van der Veen
NRC The Netherlands
13 januari 2025

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed the urgent need for member nations to allocate 3.6 to 3.7 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense during a session on Monday at the European Parliament. This allocation will support the military alliance's upcoming objectives.

The standard is 2 percent, yet not every member state meets this requirement. Under Rutte's leadership, the Netherlands struggled to achieve this target for years. However, unlike Spain and Belgium, the Netherlands has consistently invested at least 2 percent in its military since last year.

Five percent

Last week, President Donald Trump proposed that NATO member countries allocate 5 percent of their GDP towards defense—an expenditure level that the United States has not yet achieved. Analysts argue that this considerable commitment is politically and economically impractical for nearly all member nations.

The persistent inquiry is to what extent Trump, known for his flamboyant statements, has considered the percentage. Some analysts propose that the Republican is presenting a lofty 'opening bid' with the expectation of agreeing on a lower percentage in negotiations.

In 2023, twenty-three of the thirty-two NATO member states attained the two percent defense spending benchmark, the Netherlands's first achievement of this noteworthy milestone.

On Monday, Rutte said the current 2 percent is "insufficient," he stressed the importance of striving for "over 3 percent." Meanwhile, the NATO Secretary General pointed out that by working together to acquire weapons and military equipment and investing in innovation, “we could see a decrease in defense spending over the long run.”

Security

Rutte recognized that while boosting defense budgets can sometimes mean cuts to social security, healthcare, and pensions in many countries, it’s essential to consider the benefits. The NATO chief pointed out that enhancing our defense significantly strengthens our security, which he sees as a key priority.

Rutte expressed his concerns about those opposing increased defense spending. He remarked,

               "While we may feel secure now, it’s important to recognize that our safety could be at risk without taking steps now in just four or five years. Choosing not to act might lead to interesting options, like brushing up on Russian or even thinking about a fresh start in beautiful New Zealand!"

EDITORIAL | Who’s Our Enemy?

By Abraham A. van Kempen
17 January 2025

Look at the map! Russia is surrounded. NATO encircles Russia.

Does anyone genuinely believe that the Russian Federation would initiate an attack, invade, and establish its presence on a global scale?

Russia naturally seeks respect and dignity, which is why it has expanded its global influence, much to the dismay of NATO member states, also known as the West.

Through the BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—the Russian Federation has positioned itself as a key global player aiming to sustain a multipolar balance of power, even in the face of NATO’s ‘defense shield.’

Would it have made a difference if the Russian Federation had set aside its pride and refrained from invading Ukraine? Just look at the map! Would it have mattered if Ukraine were positioned as a NATO member and even as part of the EU? Russia could still have expanded its sphere of influence by broadening its markets for selling oil, gas, and wheat to Asia and Africa while engaging in trade of products and services in Europe.

I realize the people of Russia felt betrayed and threatened. Russia asserts that NATO provoked the war.

Historians and media analysts from around the world, including Western commentators, agree on this point. Yet, despite the extensive evidence, Western media continue to portray the conflict as “unprovoked.”

I want to ask President Putin, “What made you decide to invade and attack?” And to the leaders in Brussels and every European capital, as well as our friends in Washington D.C., Ottawa, and Tokyo, I’d like to know:

               “If there was no provocation for the war, what actions could you have taken to prevent it?’

With a population of 146 million, Russia is the largest country in Europe, contributing to the continent's vibrancy and diversity.

Since 1949, NATO has been containing Russia. Throughout the years, all NATO member states consistently targeted their collective nuclear arsenals at Russia.

Is Russia really our foe, or is that just an illusion?

NATO EUROPEAN MEMBER STATES IN 2023. (The United States and Canada are not shown.)

NATO EUROPEAN MEMBER STATES IN 2023. (The United States and Canada are not shown.)

What a business!

NATO presents a profitable opportunity if you are 1) a bank financing arms production, 2) a key player in the Military-Industrial Complex driving demand for weapons, 3) engaged in extracting natural resources like oil, steel, and titanium that fuel the war machine, 4) a major construction firm tasked with rebuilding nations ravaged by conflict, or 5) part of a media network – wars generate advertising revenue.

BRICS VERSUS THE EU-US/NATO ‘DEFENSE’ ALLIANCE

The world is shifting toward a healthy balance of power with the new sheriff—the BRICS—in town. The EU-US/NATO ‘defense’ alliance remains formidable but is no longer invincible.

The 12,000 to 15,000 nuclear warheads held by all parties are meant for deterrence, not for launching, igniting, or exploding. However, a single mistake could lead to the annihilation of North America and Western Europe within minutes. Naturally, little would remain in Russia and China. Furthermore, both Israel and Iran could be completely wiped off the map.

“If anything could go wrong, it will,” says Murphy’s Law.

Who is our worst enemy?

EXTRA | DOUGLAS MACGREGOR: UKRAINE’S F-16S ANNIHILATED - RUSSIA’S SU-57S REWRITE AIR WARFARE FOREVER!

Can Ukraine sustain its determination in the face of Russia’s prevailing strategies?

View the video here (15 minutes, 16 seconds)

WarZone Echo
Guest: Col. Douglas MacGregor

Explore Douglas Macgregor's insightful analysis of the escalating conflict in Ukraine, where Russia has conducted targeted strikes on essential Ukrainian infrastructure and industrial hubs. Significant damage has been inflicted on the MotorSich factory and ongoing assaults in Toretsk and Kursk. Discover how advanced FAB bombs, UAVs, and enhanced airpower transform battlefield dynamics.

Macgregor explores the stark realities and potential consequences of this war.

BUILDING THE BRIDGE! | A WAY TO GET TO KNOW THE OTHER AND ONE ANOTHER

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Photo Credit: Abraham A. van Kempen, our home away from home on the Dead Sea

By Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor
Updated 19 January 2024

Those who commit to 'healing our broken humanity' build intercultural bridges to learn to know and understand one another and others. Readers who thumb through the Building the Bridge (BTB) pages are not mindless sheep following other mindless sheep. They THINK. They want to be at the forefront of making a difference. They're in search of the bigger picture to expand their horizons. They don't need BTB or anyone else to confirm their biases.

Making a Difference – The Means, Methods, and Mechanism for Many to Move Mountains

Accurate knowledge promotes understanding, dispels prejudice, and awakens the desire to learn more. Words have an extraordinary power to bring people together, divide them, forge bonds of friendship, or provoke hostility. Modern technology offers unprecedented possibilities for good, fostering harmony and reconciliation. Yet its misuse can do untold harm, leading to misunderstanding, prejudice, and conflict.

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