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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Category: World
May 25, 2024
William Upton
War
World

Putin Again Presses For Ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is prepared to accept a negotiated ceasefire in its invasion of Ukraine along current battle lines but will continue hostilities if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country’s Western allies decline. In recent weeks, the Russian military has managed several critical breakthroughs along Ukrainian defenses and captured more territory than Ukraine took in its 2023 counter-offensive.

The Russian leader is rumored to be frustrated with U.S. and British efforts to dissuade Ukraine from accepting a negotiated settlement to the conflict and President Zelensky’s refusal to engage in talks. “Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire—to freeze the war,” an unnamed senior Russian official told Reuters.

“Let them resume,” Putin said at a press conference in Belarus on Friday, adding that Ukraine must accept “the realities on the ground.” Meanwhile, Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stressed that Russia does not want “eternal war.” The recent comments from Russian officials, as well as Putin, appear to indicate they are satisfied with their recent territorial gains and can sell a ceasefire as a victory at home.

Responding to Putin in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia was sending “phony signals” in an effort to derail peace talks initiated by his government slated to start next month in Switzerland. Kuleba wrote: “Putin currently has no desire to end his aggression against Ukraine. Only the principled and united voice of the global majority can force him to choose peace over war.”

Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak accused Putin of demanding Western democracies capitulate and accept their defeat.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country is prepared to accept a negotiated ceasefire in its invasion of Ukraine along current battle lines but will continue hostilities if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the country's Western allies decline. In recent weeks, the Russian military has managed several critical breakthroughs along Ukrainian defenses and captured more territory than Ukraine took in its 2023 counter-offensive. show more
germany
May 24, 2024
Culture
Politics
World

Teens Embrace ‘Foreigners Out!’ Anthem in Nightclubs.

Recent polling indicates a notable shift to the right among German youth, with the anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now the most popular choice among 14- to 29-year-olds. This political trend appears to be influencing both electoral prospects and cultural expression just weeks before the European Union elections, with several instances of young people engaging with a reworked Eurodance classic featuring anti-foreigner lyrics.

The song, set to DJ Gigi D’Agostino’s “L’amour Toujours,” has resurfaced repeatedly, promoting the slogan “Deutschland den Deutschen, Ausländer raus” (“Germany for the Germans, foreigners out”). The latest incident occurred at an exclusive nightclub on the German holiday island of Sylt, drawing widespread attention on social media.

A video circulating on social media depicts young men and women dancing and singing the contentious lyrics. German media have debated whether their gestures are merely dance moves or potentially Nazi salutes. Die Welt reports that Germany’s federal security police, typically focused on terrorism and international crime, are now investigating these activities.

Ferda Ataman, Germany’s Federal Commissioner for Anti-Discrimination, described the song as “pure racism,” asserting that it represents escalating discrimination. Green Party Integration Minister Aminata Touré echoed these concerns, calling for criminal investigations and describing the behavior as “Nazi yelling.”

The resurgence of this song highlights growing right-wing sentiments. Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has noted that similar clips have appeared frequently at discos and festivals across the country. Despite the backlash, it remains a symbol of a broader cultural shift within the youth demographic.

Support for the AfD among young Germans has surged, with recent research showing a significant increase in party preference among the 14- to 29-year-old cohort. Professor Klaus Hurrelmann has attributed this shift to growing pessimism and anxiety about the future, noting a diminishing optimism and increased fear of economic and geopolitical instability.

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Recent polling indicates a notable shift to the right among German youth, with the anti-mass migration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now the most popular choice among 14- to 29-year-olds. This political trend appears to be influencing both electoral prospects and cultural expression just weeks before the European Union elections, with several instances of young people engaging with a reworked Eurodance classic featuring anti-foreigner lyrics. show more
May 23, 2024
News
World

NO GO CONTINENT! U.S. State Dept. Declares Most of Western Europe Unsafe.

An analysis of the U.S. State Department‘s comprehensive list of global travel advisories reveals that the U.S. government believes a significant portion of the world, including much of Europe, is unsafe for Americans. The advisories categorize over 200 countries into four risk levels, which range from Level 1 (“Exercise Normal Precautions”) to Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”). Americans are to “exercise increased caution” in previously safe countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Level 4 advisories caution against travel to countries deemed extremely hazardous for Americans due to terrorism, civil unrest, and crime. As of May 2024, the U.S. government advises against travel to the following countries:

Afghanistan: With severe threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul ceased operations in August 2021. The nation is now under Taliban control.
Belarus: The conflict in neighboring Ukraine and the presence of Russian military forces pose significant risks.
Burkina Faso: Areas in the East and Sahel regions face persistent terrorism and violent crime.
Central African Republic: Limited government control and widespread violent crime make travel particularly unsafe.
Haiti: Kidnappings and violent crime have led to the evacuation of non-emergency U.S. personnel from the Port-au-Prince embassy in July 2023. The main airport only recently resumed operations.
Israel and the West Bank: The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and terrorist activities pose high risks.
Myanmar: The 2021 military coup has led to ongoing armed conflict and civil unrest.
Russia: The invasion of Ukraine, along with reports of arbitrary detentions and harassment of U.S. citizens, makes travel highly dangerous.

Countries under Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisories are considered high-risk, where non-essential travel should be reconsidered. Key countries in this category include:

Mexico: States such as Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas are particularly dangerous.
Lebanon: Conflicts and the presence of militant groups render certain regions unsafe.
Colombia: Violent crime and terrorist activities are common in some regions.
Sudan: Military conflicts have resulted in severe civil unrest and humanitarian crises.

Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) advisories indicate various risks where travelers should be particularly vigilant. Notable examples include France, Spain, Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands, all of which are on the list because of terrorism concerns.

Western European nations like Germany and the U.K. have seen a significant influx of Muslim migrants in the last decade. Many of these migrants and their children hold extremist views and are sympathetic towards terrorism.

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An analysis of the U.S. State Department's comprehensive list of global travel advisories reveals that the U.S. government believes a significant portion of the world, including much of Europe, is unsafe for Americans. The advisories categorize over 200 countries into four risk levels, which range from Level 1 ("Exercise Normal Precautions") to Level 4 ("Do Not Travel"). Americans are to "exercise increased caution" in previously safe countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. show more
May 23, 2024
Election 2024
Politics
World

Trump Pledges Return of Russian-Held Reporter Evan Gershkovich.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he plans to leverage his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Trump, who is running for re-election in November, spoke confidently about Gershkovich’s imminent release.

“Evan Gershkovich, the Reporter from The Wall Street Journal, who is being held by Russia, will be released almost immediately after the Election, but definitely before I assume Office. He will be HOME, SAFE, AND WITH HIS FAMILY,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account. He further emphasized, “Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, will do that for me, but not for anyone else, and WE WILL BE PAYING NOTHING!”

Russia authorities arrested Gershkovich in March 2023 on espionage charges. Gershkovich, his employer, and the Biden regime have all vociferously denied that he is a spy. Russian government officials alleged that the reporter possessed sensitive information pertaining to a “Russian defense enterprise.” He has been detained in a Moscow prison for over a year with no formal trial date established.

In an interview in April, Trump also expressed confidence in his ability to secure Gershkovich’s release. “And here’s a difference between me and Biden: I’ll get him released,” Trump said.

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he plans to leverage his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Trump, who is running for re-election in November, spoke confidently about Gershkovich's imminent release. show more
May 22, 2024
World

Ireland, Norway, Spain Recognize ‘Palestinian State.’

Ireland, Norway, and Spain have formally recognized the nonexistent state of Palestine. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris made the decision public in a statement on Wednesday. “Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine,” Harris said. “Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision.”

The move reflects a surge in diplomatic efforts within the United States and Europe to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The recognition of Palestinian statehood aligns with growing international sentiment favoring the Palestinians’ bid for sovereignty.

Palestinian statehood has already been recognized by over 130 out of 193 member states of the United Nations, according to information from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The recent announcements from Ireland, Norway, and Spain add to this significant international support.

The decision arrives amidst heightened tensions in the Gaza Strip, where conflict has recently intensified. The international community remains divided over the pathway to securing lasting peace in the region. Recognizing Palestinian statehood is viewed by some as a move that could potentially rebalance negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

Critics argue that recognizing Palestine outside of a mutually agreed-upon framework could undermine peace talks. However, proponents contend that it affirms Palestinians’ right to self-determination and could help facilitate substantive dialogue.

The U.S. has been rocked by widespread protests on college campuses in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The pro-Palestinian sentiment is a problem for the generally pro-Israel Biden government, which is trying to shore up the support of young people, Muslims, and Arab Americans ahead of the 2024 election. However, a recently released undercover video of a Biden White House staffer suggests that a second Biden term would be explicitly anti-Israel.

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Ireland, Norway, and Spain have formally recognized the nonexistent state of Palestine. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris made the decision public in a statement on Wednesday. "Today, Ireland, Norway, and Spain are announcing that we recognize the state of Palestine," Harris said. "Each of us will now undertake whatever national steps are necessary to give effect to that decision." show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
For those who don’t know, before I made the transition (no, not that kind) into politics proper, I worked in foreign affairs, counter-terrorism, and counter-extremism
for exclusive members-only insights
For those who don’t know, before I made the transition (no, not that kind) into politics proper, I worked in foreign affairs, counter-terrorism, and counter-extremism show more
for exclusive members-only insights
May 21, 2024
Ed Kozak
World

Syria’s First Lady Has Leukemia.

Asma al-Assad, wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer. This diagnosis follows a comprehensive series of medical tests after she presented with several symptoms. A statement from the President’s office said that she will adhere to a specialized treatment protocol, including stringent infection prevention measures, and will temporarily withdraw from all direct engagements.

Acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive cancer affecting the bone marrow and blood. However, this is not the first major health challenge for Asma al-Assad. She previously battled breast cancer and announced in August 2019 that she was completely free of the disease a year after her diagnosis.

Born and raised in London to Syrian parents, Asma al-Assad is a significant and polarizing figure. After her marriage to President al-Assad in 2000, she transitioned from a career in investment banking to becoming first lady. Throughout the ongoing Syrian Civil War she has maintained a public role, promoting civil and charity groups through her NGO, the Syrian Trust for Development.

Asma al-Assad received criticism for her steadfast support of her husband during the Syrian Civil War, which began after the so-called Syrian Revolution of Dignity. The Western-backed coup attempt was part of the wider “Arab Spring.” The war saw numerous Islamic terror groups, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, attempt to take control of the secular country.

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Asma al-Assad, wife of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer. This diagnosis follows a comprehensive series of medical tests after she presented with several symptoms. A statement from the President's office said that she will adhere to a specialized treatment protocol, including stringent infection prevention measures, and will temporarily withdraw from all direct engagements. show more
May 21, 2024
War
World

Zelensky Demands World War Three to Preserve His Legacy.

With Ukrainian forces facing intense Russian advances across various fronts, President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States and European nations to increase their defensive support for Ukraine. Speaking in an interview with The New York Times on Monday, Zelensky dismissed concerns over possible nuclear escalation and proposed that NATO planes should intercept Russian missiles within Ukrainian airspace.

Additionally, Zelensky demanded authorization from U.S. officials for Ukraine to target military sites inside Russia using American missiles and other weaponry. The U.S. has so far rejected this approach. The Ukrainian president argued that the inability to conduct cross-border strikes provides Russia with a significant tactical edge, enabling continued assaults in Ukraine’s northeast regions.

Video footage showed Zelensky making an urgent plea from the office in Kiev where he conducted the interview. Over the course of 50 minutes, he expressed both frustration and confusion at the Western hesitance to engage in more aggressive actions to ensure Ukraine’s victory.

Zelensky’s appeals come at a critical juncture in Ukraine’s struggle. The Ukrainian military is currently in retreat while awaiting a new shipment of American arms. Analysts point out that the current military challenge is the gravest Ukraine has faced since the early stages of the conflict.

The timing is also significant for Ukrainian domestic politics. Zelensky made these statements on the final day of his official five-year term as president. Given the suspension of elections scheduled for March due to the ongoing war, he will continue to serve as president under martial law, extending his tenure for as long as hostilities persist.

However, despite American hesitancy at escalating the conflict, other NATO countries have signaled a willingness to do so by sending in military personnel to train Ukrainian forces. U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr has indicated such escalation is inevitable.

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With Ukrainian forces facing intense Russian advances across various fronts, President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States and European nations to increase their defensive support for Ukraine. Speaking in an interview with The New York Times on Monday, Zelensky dismissed concerns over possible nuclear escalation and proposed that NATO planes should intercept Russian missiles within Ukrainian airspace. show more
May 21, 2024
Jack Montgomery
World

Biden Govt Wants to PUNISH Countries Who Demand NGO Transparency.

U.S. lawmakers are threatening to sanction Georgian lawmakers and politicians who vote to implement the country’s Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. The law requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving 20 percent or more of their funding from foreign sources to register as “agents of foreign influence” or “organizations carrying the interests of a foreign power” and identify their donors.

The U.S. government and the European Union (EU) have railed against the Georgian transparency registration as “the Russian law” — although it would also apply to NGOs receiving a fifth or more of their funding from Russia. French-born President Salome Zourabichvil, an unpopular liberal whose term began in 2018 and expires this year, vetoed the bill at the behest of the EU, with Georgia being a candidate for membership of the bloc. However, unlike in the French and Russian constitutional systems, the Prime Minister is in the political driving seat in Georgia. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has more than enough votes in Parliament to override the presidential veto.

POLITICO has seen a draft bill set to be introduced by South Carolina Republican Representative Joe Wilson, directly targeting Georgian lawmakers who vote to override the veto. It accuses members of Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s Georgian Dream party of having “increasingly and regrettably embraced a policy of accommodation with the Russian Federation” as part of an “increasingly illiberal turn.”

It also alleges that the governing party “has openly attacked U.S. and other Western democracy promotion organizations as well as local and international civil society while embracing increased ties with Russia in particular, as well as China” by drafting the transparency law — suggesting U.S. officials are keen to keep Georgians in the dark about where “civil society” nonprofits attempting to influence politics and culture get their money.

JOINT EFFORT. 

European Union politicians are also attempting to intimidate Georgian lawmakers into abandoning the bill with threats of personal sanctions. Thijs Reuten, a Dutch politician who sits with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, has “asked the EU High Representative to prepare sanctions against all MPs who vote to override the President’s veto.”

Previously, the European Union forced Hungary, a populist-led member state, to repeal a 2017 law  “on the transparency of civil society organizations capable of influencing public life,” requiring NGOs receiving at least €24,000 (~$26,000) to register as foreign-funded so members of the public would be more informed about possible conflicts of interest in their advocacy.

The EU argued that requiring foreign-funded NGOs to be transparent about their finances violated the right to freedom of association and free movement of capital for billionaire activists such as George Soros, as the law had been designed to curb their influence.

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U.S. lawmakers are threatening to sanction Georgian lawmakers and politicians who vote to implement the country's Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence. The law requires non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving 20 percent or more of their funding from foreign sources to register as "agents of foreign influence" or "organizations carrying the interests of a foreign power" and identify their donors. show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Hm, yes, I wonder why the Biden government wouldn’t want its NGOs and their activities being exposed? Sort of tells you everything, doesn’t it? And hiding behind the idea this is “pro-Russia” is even more ludicrous since it would also force Russian-backed NGOs to provide the same disclosures
for exclusive members-only insights
Hm, yes, I wonder why the Biden government wouldn’t want its NGOs and their activities being exposed? Sort of tells you everything, doesn’t it? And hiding behind the idea this is “pro-Russia” is even more ludicrous since it would also force Russian-backed NGOs to provide the same disclosures show more
for exclusive members-only insights
May 21, 2024
Breaking
World

BREAKING: Klaus Schwab Resigns as World Economic Forum Chairman.

Klaus Schwab, founder and long-time executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), emailed staff on Tuesday to announce his intent to step down. The email indicated that Schwab, who has led the organization since 1971, will move to a non-executive chairman role. The transition is awaiting approval from the Swiss government and is anticipated to be completed before the WEF’s annual meeting in 2025.

Under Schwab’s leadership, the unaccountable corporate-backed giant has grown significantly, generating nearly $500 million in revenue in the fiscal year ending March 2023. The organization also has reserves of approximately 200 million Swiss francs. Upon Schwab’s departure from the executive role, his family’s involvement with the WEF will continue. Schwab’s children have been appointed to high-ranking positions within the organization, and his wife, Hilde, oversees the WEF’s foundation and its awards ceremonies in Davos.

The change in leadership comes as Schwab, now 86, seeks to step back from daily operations while ensuring continuity within the WEF. The organization has been a prominent platform for promoting global cooperation and various policy agendas, sometimes drawing criticism for its influential role in global governance.

Schwab’s announcement marks a significant moment for the WEF, an organization known for its annual high-profile meetings in Davos, where world leaders and business executives gather to discuss global issues. Despite stepping down from executive duties, Schwab’s presence in the organization will remain influential due to his non-executive chairman status. A list of potential replacements is included in the Editor’s Note, below.

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Klaus Schwab, founder and long-time executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), emailed staff on Tuesday to announce his intent to step down. The email indicated that Schwab, who has led the organization since 1971, will move to a non-executive chairman role. The transition is awaiting approval from the Swiss government and is anticipated to be completed before the WEF's annual meeting in 2025. show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Here are some of the runners and riders being pitched as Schwab’s replacement: European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde — a controversial pick given her work at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and prosecution for negligence; Salesforce Co-CEO Marc Benioff; International Red Cross chief executive Peter Maurer; Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair – perhaps even more controversial than Lagarde, given his widely acknowledged work as a war criminal
for exclusive members-only insights
Here are some of the runners and riders being pitched as Schwab’s replacement: European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde — a controversial pick given her work at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and prosecution for negligence; Salesforce Co-CEO Marc Benioff; International Red Cross chief executive Peter Maurer; Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair – perhaps even more controversial than Lagarde, given his widely acknowledged work as a war criminal show more
for exclusive members-only insights
May 21, 2024
World

Investigation Suggests Attempted Assassination of Slovak PM Fico Was Not ‘Lone Wolf’ Attack.

The recent assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may involve more than just a lone assailant, according to Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok of the Hlas party. New investigative revelations suggest that the 71-year-old suspect, who is now in custody, had his Facebook and communication history deleted two hours after the incident, raising concerns about a broader conspiracy.

However, the suspect’s social media and communication history “was not deleted by him and apparently not by his wife either,” said Eštok during a Sunday press conference. “Based on this operational information, we are therefore also working with the possibility that a group of people is behind the assault,” Šutaj Eštok added.

Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák of the Smer-SD party echoed this sentiment, hinting that the suspect may have communicated with others regarding the assassination attempt, making it plausible “that he did not act alone.”

Pavol Gašpar, Deputy Director of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), flagged the serious state of national security, exacerbated by heightened foreign media attention surrounding the attempt on Fico’s life. Gašpar also suggested that foreign intelligence agencies may be active in the country, hinting at their involvement in the assassination attempt. “It cannot be ruled out that we are a breeding ground for the activities of intelligence services from abroad,” he said.

Robert Fico was shot several times by his would-be assassin on May 15. As of Sunday night, Fico remained in hospital in serious condition.

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The recent assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may involve more than just a lone assailant, according to Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok of the Hlas party. New investigative revelations suggest that the 71-year-old suspect, who is now in custody, had his Facebook and communication history deleted two hours after the incident, raising concerns about a broader conspiracy. show more