The Friday Edition

Our Friday News Analysis | What the World Reads Now!

April 30, 2026

Helping to Heal a Broken Humanity (Part 83)

The Hague, 01 May 2026 | If you know of a decisive story, tell the world! We're still searching.

The world’s top condom maker is raising prices of its products by up to 30 percent, warning that shortages of raw materials and chemicals because of the war in Iran could disrupt production.CreditCredit...Samsul Said/Bloomberg

NEW YORK TIMES BREAKING NEWS | CATASTROPHY! WHAT NOW? NOTHING!

The Malaysian company Karex, which produces about five billion condoms a year, said it was raising prices by 30 percent due to higher raw material costs and global shipping disruptions.

Watch the Video Here (2 minutes, 54 seconds)

Click here for Part 1

Editorial | A Win-Win-War ... The Off Ramp (Part 2)

By Abraham A. van Kempen
1 May 2026

To be continued on Monday, 4 May 2026.

Enjoy your weekend,

Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor

Building the Bridge Foundation, The Hague
A Way to Get to Know One Another and the Other

Remember! Diplomacy is catalytic—transformative —while military action is cataclysmic—destructive and catastrophic.

When faced with the options to be good, bad, or ugly, let’s build bridges, not burn them. After all, mutual deterrence reigns.

PUTIN'S SHOCKING IRAN URANIUM MOVE JUST CHANGED EVERYTHING — WHAT COMES NEXT COULD SHAKE THE WORLD?

Col. Douglas Macgregor discusses a tense international standoff, focusing on the United States waiting for a crucial phone call that has yet to come. The narrative underscores the complexity and significance of these strategic moves in shaping global interactions.

Watch the Video Here (31 Minutes, 05 Seconds)

Host Colonel Dougas Macgregor, PhD.
U.S. Power Insight
29 April 2026

Putin's unexpected decision regarding Iran's uranium has drastically altered the situation — future developments might have worldwide implications. Russia's proposal to oversee Iran's 450kg uranium reserve still exists, but the US has declined it.
Currently, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled directly to St. Petersburg to meet with Putin, with China observing silently from the sidelines. Col. Douglas Macgregor explains why Trump rejected the only effective method to settle 99% of the deal, revealing a risky geopolitical deadlock.
Uncover the secret tactics behind Iran's dual-track strategy, Russia's strategic leverage, and the future developments in this ongoing crisis.

00:00 - The Bombshell Announcement: Putin's Uranium Offer Still Stands

05:30 - Why Trump REJECTED the Only Working Solution
12:15 - Iran's Strategic Move: Araghchi Lands in St. Petersburg
18:45 - China's Silent Power Play & The Beijing Connection
25:20 - The Dangerous Endgame: What Happens Next

PUTIN AND TRUMP SPEAK BY PHONE – KREMLIN AIDE

The two presidents discussed the Ukraine conflict and the escalation in the Middle East, according to Yury Ushakov

Russian President Vladimir Putin © Sputnik / Alexander Kazakov

HomeWorld News
29 April 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, discussing the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in the Persian Gulf, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov.

During the conversation, Putin supported Trump after the recent assassination attempt on the US president at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. Ushakov said Putin "strongly condemned" the incident and stressed that "political violence is unacceptable in any form."

The Russian president supported Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire with Iran, warning against renewed conflicts between the US-Israeli alliance and Tehran. Moscow is willing to mediate and stays in contact with all parties, Putin said, according to Ushakov.

The aide noted the Russian President warned of serious repercussions for Iran, neighbors, and the world if the US and Israel force Iran again. He called a ground invasion unacceptable and dangerous.

Ushakov said Putin and Trump discussed the conflict in Ukraine and possible solutions. Both leaders saw Zelensky's regime in Kyiv as instigated by Europeans to prolong the conflict.

READ MORE: Trump would like to see Putin at G20 in Miami

Ushakov stated that the American president emphasized the need for an immediate halt to hostilities and expressed his willingness to assist in any way possible. His representatives will keep engaging with Moscow and Kyiv.

During a conversation that lasted over 90 minutes and was initiated by Russia, the US leader praised Moscow's recent Easter truce. Putin suggested a temporary ceasefire with Kyiv during the upcoming Victory Day celebrations, Ushakov said.

“Trump actively supported this initiative, noting that the holiday commemorates our shared victory over Nazism in World War II,” he added.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had a “very good conversation” with Putin, “mostly about Ukraine.”

“I think we’re going to come up with a solution relatively quickly, I hope. I think [Putin would] like to see a solution, I can tell you, and that’s good,” the US president said.

TWO KINGS AT WAR

The coming conflict between continents

Alexander Dugin on Charles III, Trump, and the return of Atlanticism.

By Alexander Dugin
Multipolar Press
Substack.com
29 April 2026

King Charles III of England emphasized the importance of maintaining NATO, supporting Ukraine, and initiating a collective war against Russia before Congress. The Congress responded with applause, mostly from Democrats but also some Republicans.

At the same time, Charles III made a biting joke, implying that the Americans' decision to declare independence from Britain was a mistake and that it was now time to fix it. His aggressive and blunt insolence reflected a distinctly English sense of humor. In this way, Charles also reminded them that during the previous reconstruction, the White House had been burned down.

He also remembered ecology, which previously annoyed Trump. Now, Trump supporters like Mark Levin are praising King Charles, and a photo of Charles and Trump appears on the White House website labeled “Two Kings,” referencing the anti-Trump slogan “No Kings!” If you oppose one king—an American one—you might end up with two.

Before our eyes, a clear reboot of classical Atlanticism is underway.

The conclusions for us are obvious. If there was ever any hope placed in Trump, it is gone. The great war of the continents is entering an acute phase.

(Translated from the Russian)

Read more ... “Beneath King Charles’s Jokes and Decorum, Some Subtle Rebuttals to Trump, King Charles III gently pushed back against President Trump’s attacks on Britain and NATO, and he spoke of the importance of checks and balances,” by Michael D. Shear and Zolan Kanno-Youngs, New York Times, 28 April 2026.

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

ALASTAIR CROOKE: IRAN WAR IS NOW A GLOBAL WAR FOR WORLD ORDER

An In-Depth Discussion on Negotiations, Geopolitical Dynamics, and Prospects for Resolution

British diplomat Alastair Crooke explains that the conflict in Iran has escalated into a decisive, all-or-nothing confrontation.
Iran will not return to crippling sanctions or constant military threats and aims to disrupt the US-led global economic system. Iran holds the advantage of time, while the US is showing signs of desperation.
Crooke, a former British diplomat and founder of the Conflicts Forum in Beirut, previously advised Javier Solana, the EU Foreign Policy Chief, on Middle East issues.

Watch the Video Here (46 minutes, 23 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
27 April 2026

Prof. Glenn Diesen interviews former British Diplomat Alistair Crook: The Current State of the Iran Conflict

Welcome back. Today is April 27th, 2026. I'm pleased to be with Alistair Crook, a seasoned British diplomat and negotiator with extensive experience in resolving conflicts in the Middle East. He is also the founder and director of the Conflicts Forum.

The Risk of Escalation and the Situation with Iran

It appears that we are facing the risk of a broader war involving both Iran and Russia.

Let's begin with Iran.

There is significant confusion about the current status of peace negotiations and whether a ceasefire remains in place. Amidst this uncertainty, a crucial question arises:

What are the prospects for ending this war?
Is the United States genuinely seeking an end to the conflict with Iran, and if so,
What could constitute a realistic off-ramp or exit strategy?

Propaganda, Confusion, and the State of Negotiations

Much propaganda confuses the situation. A recent development warrants scrutiny: there was never a real proposal for Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, to meet with Kushner or Witkov in Islamabad—Trump fabricated this, and it was never planned.

Trump said discussions would only work if Iran outlined its intentions. Iran’s goals were in a ten-point plan shared during Islamabad talks, which Trump once saw as a credible basis for negotiation.

Iran's Negotiating Position and the JCPOA

Iran's negotiating stance remains largely unchanged. Regarding the JCPOA, it’s unclear why Iran would rejoin an agreement often compared to parole—facing military encirclement, sanctions, tariffs, UN resolutions, and IAEA inspections again.
Iran has adopted new negotiation principles, as outlined by Araghchi in Pakistan.
Iran now refuses to engage in discussions about the nuclear issue until the ongoing war, blockades, attacks, and sanctions—such as the seizure of Iranian tankers—are resolved.

Strategic Leverage and the Strait of Hormuz

Iran influences the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and its pipelines. The US naval blockade is porous, with Iranian ships active. Although Iran’s oil income was expected to fall, it has maintained or increased revenue by routing tankers through territorial waters and keeping oil reserves at sea.

This ability to endure and adapt challenges the idea that Iran is close to surrender. Its identity, rooted in resisting Western modernity, strengthens its resolve.

Challenges in Achieving a Negotiated Settlement

For Iran, returning to the JCPOA feels like re-entering a prison. It sees control of the Strait of Hormuz as essential and non-negotiable, using it to counter sanctions or threats.

Israel's territorial ambitions in Lebanon and Syria complicate negotiations, as these regions are vital for crucial supply lines like oil, gas, and minerals. Disruptions here could cause serious consequences, as seen in Australia and Ireland.

Obstacles to Resolution: Political Dynamics in the US and Israel

Two main barriers hinder progress: the U.S. political and leadership landscape and the evolving situation in Israel. President Trump’s stance is shaped by rivalry with Obama and a desire to craft a deal better than the JCPOA, which he criticizes. A new deal with more Iranian benefits would likely be unacceptable to both Trump and Netanyahu.

The likely best outcome for Trump is Iran surrendering its enriched uranium, but Iran probably won't accept, valuing it as a bargaining chip. While military options exist, past efforts haven't reduced Iran's capabilities, and extensive bombing raises legality and effectiveness concerns.

Israel’s internal pressures suggest restraint is unlikely, especially as the government faces criticism over conflicts with Iran and Lebanon. There’s strong domestic support for continued US backing, even if it differs from broader American interests.

In summary, the situation remains complex with many challenges. Iran has taken a more assertive stance, prioritizing sovereignty over strategic areas like Hormuz and delaying nuclear talks until broader issues are tackled. The ongoing U.S.-Israeli dynamics add to the complexity, with a constant risk of escalation threatening regional and global security.

LAWRENCE WILKERSON: ARAGHCHI MEETS PUTIN AS RUSSIA GOES ALL-IN ON IRAN

Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson discusses the meeting between Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi and President Putin, highlighting the growing distrust of US diplomacy among both Iran and Russia.
Wilkerson, a retired US Army Colonel and former Chief of Staff to the US Secretary of State, provides this perspective.

Watch the Video Here (42 minutes, 30 seconds)

Host Prof. Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
28 April 2026

The Geopolitical Landscape: Iran, Russia, and U.S. Strategy

Welcome back. Today, we are joined by Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, whose extensive career in the U.S. military began in the mid-1960s during the Vietnam War and culminated in his role as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell. We appreciate his time and insights.

Recent Developments: Iran-Russia Relations

Recently, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia for talks with President Putin. Both see an existential conflict against the U.S., their shared adversary. Russia’s stance is firm: U.S. pressure will meet resistance from allies. While Putin is open to negotiations, he warned that the U.S. is unlikely to make significant progress.

Diplomatic Dynamics

It is suggested that Iran’s Foreign Minister should visit Beijing to meet Xi Jinping, highlighting the need for a broader alliance. Wang Yi, Sergey Lavrov, and Abbas Araghchi are respected diplomats, though doubts exist about their independence, with claims that the Iranian Foreign Minister is influenced by IRGC directives.

TEHRAN TURNS TO MOSCOW: WHY RUSSIA IS CRUCIAL FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi’s trip underscores Iran’s push for security guarantees as diplomacy strains under US and Israeli pressure

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) meets with the Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) in St. Petersburg, Russia on April 27, 2026. © Foreign Ministry of Iran / Handout / Anadolu via Getty Images

By Murad Sadygzade, President of the Middle East Studies Center, Visiting Lecturer, HSE University (Moscow).

HomeWorld News
Published 28 Apr, 2026 20:42

Respectfully annotated by Abraham A. van Kempen

The US, Israel, and Iran’s conflict has escalated, with military actions failing and diplomacy not yet resolving the issue.

What Washington and West Jerusalem initially saw as a controlled pressure campaign has become a strategic trap. Iran hasn't capitulated, maintains diplomacy, and the issue the US and Israel aimed to resolve through coercion has reemerged at negotiations in a more complex form.

They want Iran to prioritize its nuclear program from the start of talks. Facing military threats, Tehran insists security is key, seeking guarantees that hostilities won't resume and the region stays free from new US or Israeli measures. Iran’s latest proposal, relayed via Pakistan, suggests first ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, delaying the nuclear issue.

If Washington avoids engagement, it risks prolonging a crisis over a vital maritime route. Accepting Tehran's sequence suggests military pressure failed to influence Iran. Conversely, insisting on addressing the nuclear issue first may reinforce Iran’s view that the US isn't genuinely seeking de-escalation but wants a pressure tool for future use.

Israel faces multiple challenges: Lebanon's instability, unresolved Iran conflict, and domestic pressure on Netanyahu. Military actions may cause disruptions, but they can't secure a regional order if Iran passively accepts Israeli demands.

Tehran’s diplomatic outreach

Iran remains well connected, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visiting Pakistan, Oman, and Russia to maintain open lines of communication.

Pakistan acts as a mediator due to its contacts with both sides of the conflict. Although a second US-Iran talk was expected last week, it didn't progress. While talks continue, the parties can't agree on the talks' structure due to differing views on the nature of the crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg. © RT

Read more
Iranian foreign minister meets with Putin in Russia: As it happened

Oman plays a key role, with Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi having a constructive talk with Araghchi in Muscat about the Strait of Hormuz. Oman’s diplomatic style focuses on mediation and working with parties that distrust each other, aligning with Iran’s interests. Oman views itself as trustworthy for message transmission, respected by Washington for diplomacy, and strategically positioned to see Hormuz as a regional security and coastal responsibility.

Lebanon influences Iran’s strategic considerations. Despite a ceasefire, Israel continues using force, affecting Tehran’s view of Israeli intentions. Israel sees ceasefires as pauses, prompting Tehran to seek guarantees. An agreement stopping attacks on Iran but allowing military pressure on Lebanon wouldn’t ensure regional stability. Iran demands assurances against future military actions against Iran and Lebanon. Israeli threats strengthen Tehran’s demand for guarantees before making concessions. As threats increase, Iran’s demands grow, complicating Washington’s narrative of Iran retreating.

Araghchi goes to Russia

This week, the Iranian foreign minister’s visit to Russia aims to relay Tehran’s view of the crisis directly to a key power that maintains communication with all main parties involved.

Russia sees Iran as a key regional player and views the crisis beyond a US-Iran dispute. President Putin told Araghchi in St. Petersburg that Moscow will act to benefit Iran and regional populations to foster peace quickly. This implies that Russia wants to prevent a wider, more destructive conflict in the Middle East.

This situation is crucial for Iran, which faces military threats from the US and Israel, as well as efforts to influence the diplomatic landscape surrounding these threats. Washington and West Jerusalem aim to pressure Tehran into negotiations, emphasizing the nuclear issue from the start. Russia's condemnation of the strikes on Iran and its mediation efforts play a key role in preventing the crisis from turning into a one-sided ultimatum.

Read more
Iranian FM denies Trump has ‘all the cards.’

Russia’s role is vital as Moscow manages multiple fronts, maintains strategic ties with Israel and Gulf monarchies on energy and security, and continues to communicate despite disagreements. This network helps Moscow act as an informal stabilizer, especially when Western channels in Tehran are less reliable.

Araghchi’s visit is central to Iran’s strategy to prevent conflicts with the US and Israel. Tehran engages with Pakistan, Oman, and Russia, insisting future deals begin with security guarantees. Araghchi likely told Moscow that Tehran aims for Russian diplomatic support, efforts to prevent escalation, and help in engaging regional powers affecting regional influence.

Russia maintains pragmatic, respectful ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman, aiming to prevent regional conflicts that threaten energy, maritime security, and stability. Iran sees Russia as a stabilizer. Moscow emphasizes that a lasting solution must address the security concerns of all countries in the region, not just the US and Israel.

Read more
Iranian delegation member lifts lid on talks with US (VIDEO)

The visit has a military-strategic aspect. Many in the Middle East expect the US and Israel to renew military actions against Iran if talks fail. Tehran and Moscow discuss cooperation in diplomacy, military-technical, air defense, intelligence, and security. Russia aims to avoid escalation, favoring deterrence and diplomacy. A defenseless country under pressure is less likely to get a fair deal; a resilient nation gains more bargaining power.

A diplomatic crossroads

Iran views Russia as a key partner and influential player regionally and globally. Russia does not pressure Iran into negotiations under U.S. terms or support Israel’s ongoing aggression. Moscow’s stance emphasizes ending the conflict and preventing escalation, aiming to support Tehran and promote stability across the Middle East.

The next diplomatic stage is crucial. If the US accepts Iran's phased approach, the crisis could shift from conflict to negotiations. Rejection may leave the region in limbo, wavering between ceasefire and hostilities. Israeli strikes on Lebanon and threats to Iran will weaken Tehran's trust without guarantees. Ongoing mediation by Russia, Oman, and Pakistan provides Iran with diplomatic support to resist isolation and keep negotiations alive.

IRAN OFFERS U.S. NEW DEAL TO REOPEN HORMUZ

Prof. Glenn Diesen with Mario Nawfal

Iran must choose between establishing itself as a regional power or dealing with harsh sanctions and ongoing military threats from the US.
I discussed with Mario Nawfal how the all-or-nothing attitude towards the Iran War hampers the possibility of peace negotiations.

Watch the Video Here (31 minutes, 00 seconds)

Host Glenn Diesen
Substack.com
28 April 28 2026

The discussion suggests that undermining trust in mainstream media hasn't improved public understanding. Instead, it has created echo chambers that reinforce wartime narratives and discourage critical scrutiny.

This Nord Stream sabotage example shows early certainty is socially endorsed, while later corrections are seen as narrative shifts with little accountability. Both speakers say this has led Europe, especially Germany, to face a self-inflicted energy crisis, rely more on the U.S., and become more vulnerable to shocks.

The conversation then moves to Iran, where negotiations appear to be diverging due to coercive rhetoric, maximalist demands (including nuclear limits and control of the Strait of Hormuz), and a military buildup—indicating failing diplomacy amid deep trust deficits following past deceptions.

They suggest Europe might pursue pragmatic shipping and energy deals despite the EU’s hawkish stance, while Iran’s alliances with Russia and China are viewed as part of a broader struggle over energy resources and financial influence.

Overall, Prof. Diesen and Mario Nawfal see the Iran-U.S. standoff as a protracted conflict in which Iran’s ability to disrupt key maritime routes could escalate global costs, likely prompting the U.S. to make concessions first.

HARVARD ECONOMIST KEN ROGOFF: IRAN, OIL & THE GLOBAL ECONOMY AT RISK

A Charlie Rose Global Conversation

Ken Rogoff is a distinguished Professor of International Economics and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Yale, with a PhD in economics from MIT.
Perhaps more interesting to some is that he is a brilliant grandmaster and chess champion with an extraordinary career, having won the U.S. Junior Championship before deciding at 18 to pursue economics.
He served as chief economist at the International Monetary Fund. After teaching at Princeton, he is now the Maurits C. Boas Chair of International Economics at Harvard University.

Watch the Video Here (1 Hour, 13 Minutes, 11 seconds)

HOST CHARLIE ROSE
SUBSTACK.COM
26 APRIL 2026

This is a moment to discuss global economics, as the war in Iran has caused significant swings in oil, gasoline, and fertilizer prices.

We will talk about many things, including the Iran war, the control of the Strait of Hormuz, the regime in Iran, and President Trump. Also, the global economy, debt, the dollar, interest rates, the Federal Reserve, and the risks of artificial intelligence.

PENTAGON ADMITS ‘NO DEFENSE’ AGAINST RUSSIAN AND CHINESE HYPERSONIC WEAPONS

Officials are seeking funding for Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system by citing the rival capabilities

US Army conducts THAAD missile system training exercise at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 6, 2019. © Global Look Press/US Army

HomeWorld News
28 April 2026

Senior Pentagon officials told lawmakers that the U.S. will struggle to defend against advanced missile systems from China and Russia. They also support funding the Golden Dome missile defense program.

President Donald Trump announced the initiative in January 2025, proposing a major investment—possibly hundreds of billions over ten years—to boost ground and space capabilities.

The upgrade is urgent because the US has a limited, ground-based homeland defense system designed mainly to counter small-scale rogue attacks, said Assistant Secretary of War for Space Policy Marc Berkowitz at a Senate hearing.

He emphasized that the country faces major challenges with ballistic missiles and lacks defenses against hypersonic weapons or cruise missiles.

Michael Guetlein, head of the US Space Force's Golden Dome program, testified that China and Russia are actively modernizing and expanding their missile arsenals.

He highlighted hypersonic glide vehicles—maneuverable warheads at high speeds—and Russia’s development of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile.

READ MORE: Fire breaks out aboard identity-fluid $8 bn USS Zumwalt

Guetlein said these systems are "designed to challenge the tracking and engagement capabilities of our sensors" and to ensure a "responsive and survivable strike capability."

Moscow said its investment in advanced strategic weapons was mainly in response to the US withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty during President George W. Bush's administration, which aimed to develop a national anti-ballistic missile system.

While the US claims the shield targets only limited threats from countries like North Korea or Iran, Russian officials warn that it harms nuclear deterrence. They say it could enable a first strike that destroys Russian leadership, as American missile interceptors might be used to eliminate Russian retaliatory missiles.

The US-Israeli conflict targeting Iran raises concerns about Washington’s missile defense, as interceptors for systems like THAAD and Patriot are notably exhausted and may take years to replenish.

The Golden Dome system is projected to cost about $175 billion over the next decade, with Pentagon estimates rising to roughly $185 billion. Some analysts warn that the final cost could be much higher.

ISRAEL'S 'LOST TRIBE' STORY EXPOSES AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH ABOUT THE RIGHT OF RETURN

For Jewish arrivals to Israel, the journey is framed as the realization of a historic promise. For Palestinians, even the concept of return remains restricted or denied

Members of the Bnei Menashe community in India wave Israeli flags as they arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv, in April. Credit: Jack Guez/AFP

By Nagham Zbeedat
Israel News | Haaretz Today
29 April 2026

This week, families from India arrived in Israel, seen as a "lost Jewish tribe' returning home.

The language highlights familiarity, reunion, belonging, and the fulfillment of a historical promise.

But like many stories told here, the question is who gets to "return," and who does not.

Israel has long worked to unify global communities under Jewish belonging, including groups from Ethiopia, India, and regions shaped by memory, religion, or self-identification. This process involves recognition, conversion, and integration into Israeli society.

At its core, this is an active project: defining who a Jew is and then facilitating their return.

In Israeli discourse, Jews from abroad are rarely called immigrants. Instead, they are called aliyah, meaning ascent, which carries religious, historical, and moral significance. This framing portrays the movement as a return rather than just relocation.

Once a return is accepted, the process no longer requires justification. It instead becomes a part of history rather than a political act in the present.

Israeli historian Shlomo Sand, in "The Invention of the Jewish People," disputes the idea of a single, continuous Jewish nation with a single origin. He states that Jewish identity formed through dispersion, conversion, and reconstruction, not a straight line of history.

Within the context of the aliyah language, this argument becomes relevant today. If identity is influenced by history, then the idea of return is also a constructed concept. What seems like a natural homecoming is actually a politically designed framework, not an inherent truth.

On the ground, it shows a typical pattern of population movement driven by the state: people are brought in, settled, and integrated, while another group is displaced, restricted, or denied access to the same area.

The language surrounding aliyah masks the disparity between those permitted to enter and those barred from returning. For Jewish migrants, the process is seen as a means of fulfilling a goal. In contrast, Palestinians often face restrictions or outright denial of the very idea of return.

In the West Bank, communities face harassment, attacks, and displacement from settler violence supported by the Israeli military. Court rulings and government actions in Jerusalem have led to the demolition and alteration of neighborhoods. Gaza has seen entire neighborhoods destroyed. The expanding "yellow line" encroaches on areas, turning towns into inaccessible zones. In Israel, demolition orders threaten communities, especially in "unrecognized" or permit-less towns.

Across all these spaces, the result is a shrinking horizon of where Palestinians can live.

Israel is increasing entry points, aiming to bring in tens of thousands of workers through recent agreements with India. Since October 2023, Palestinian labor has been largely restricted, and tens of thousands of West Bank workers can no longer enter.

For Palestinians, the concept of return lives in memory, linked to families separated by borders, abandoned homes, and keys passed down through generations. This longing is not supported by flights, visas, or absorption programs. It remains unfulfilled and unrecognized.

Stories about newly recognized tribes and arriving families shouldn't be viewed in isolation.

They are part of a larger reality in which belonging is intentionally created and exclusion is actively upheld.

Israel is not just "bringing people home."

It is deciding, again and again, who gets to have one.

‘THE US... I JUST SEE SORT OF A SLOW DECLINE LIKE THE ROMAN EMPIRE, WHICH SLOWLY SHRINKS AWAY INTO IRRELEVANCY’ – KIM IVERSEN

‘The United States...I just see sort of a slow decline like the Roman Empire, which just slowly kind of shrinks away into irrelevancy’ – Kim Iversen.

Watch the Video Here (49 Minutes, 51 Seconds)

Host Rick Sanchez
HomeShowsSanchez Effect
29 April 2026 18:04

In this episode of RT’s ‘Sanchez Effect’, Rick talks to Kim Iversen, American YouTuber and host of the Kim Iversen Show.

They scrutinized US domestic policy, highlighting that both Democrats and Republicans, including leaders like Joe Biden and Donald Trump, are losing public support.

Iversen explains why “we're definitely not in charge of our government” and why Americans feel they do not live in a democracy anymore.

Our guest says that in Europe, the EU leadership no longer reflects the will of its citizens.

Iversen suggests voters want peace and stability, but in the US, regardless of the votes, you'll end up with John McCain.

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

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

Accurate knowledge fosters understanding, dispels prejudice, and sparks a desire to learn more about the subject. 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 cause untold harm, leading to misunderstandings, prejudices, and conflicts.

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