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In September 2024, Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced over two dozen pieces of legislation during "China Week" to target China for political gain. The bills included measures to restrict federal funding, prevent government purchases of Chinese-made products, and revive the controversial China Initiative. Democrats criticized the bills for not focusing on improving the US economy, while China denounced them as a form of "new McCarthyism." The bills will need to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate to become law, with potential implications for US-China relations. [Extracted from the article]

The article from CounterPunch discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Lebanon. Israel's military actions, including bombings and troop mobilization, are seen as preparations for a possible invasion of southern Lebanon to target Hezbollah. The United States expresses concern but refrains from direct intervention, hoping for a diplomatic resolution. The situation is dire, with casualties rising and displacement of thousands of people, while the prospect of a two-state solution seems increasingly distant. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel, highlighting the lack of prospects for a cease-fire or peace settlement. It criticizes governments, such as India and Hungary, for advocating peace while supporting Russia's actions in Ukraine. The article also examines the challenges of achieving peace in Ukraine, including the high costs of rehabilitation and the potential for a larger conflict involving NATO and Russia. In the case of Israel, the article discusses the Knesset's resolution opposing the two-state solution and the implications for Palestinians. It concludes by emphasizing the need for negotiations and mutual concessions to end the conflicts. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing likelihood of a war in the Middle East, particularly centered in Lebanon. Israel's army is preparing for a potential conflict with Hezbollah, a heavily armed group with a significant missile and drone arsenal. The US may offer Israel security assistance in this war, although it would not deploy troops. The article also highlights the political challenges faced by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and the potential consequences of a war between Israel and Hezbollah. Additionally, it mentions Iran's desire to avoid a war and the upcoming presidential election in Iran. The key to preventing an Israel-Hezbollah war is a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but the Biden administration's support for Israel without consequences may contribute to a wider conflict. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the criminal activities and corruption within the Trump administration, particularly focusing on the Republican National Convention. It highlights the comparison between Trump's loyalists and the Mafia, and mentions individuals such as Peter Navarro, Rudy Giuliani, Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, Steve Bannon, and Roger Stone who have been involved in criminal activities or pardoned by Trump. The article also mentions the presence of election deniers and corrupt individuals like Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who have used their positions to make financial gains in the Middle East and China. It raises concerns about the potential consequences of a Trump victory, including the erosion of justice, the blurred line between public and private financial moves, and the impact on US foreign and national security policies. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the relationship between China, Russia, and Europe, specifically focusing on China's role in balancing its support for Russia in the war in Ukraine while also considering European commercial interests and US pressure. The article highlights China's importance to Russia as its main trading partner and key provider of military aid. It also mentions the lack of progress in US and EU efforts to get China to cut back on dual-use items that support Russia's military industry. Additionally, the article mentions China's stance on the war in Ukraine, which is characterized as evasive rather than actively promoting peace. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the recent summit between President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, which resulted in significant changes in US-Japan security relations. The leaders agreed on various measures, including an improved military command system, co-production of missiles, and increased private investments. The article also highlights Japan's changing strategic perspective and its increased military spending and participation in security coalitions. China's reaction to these developments is also discussed, with Chinese officials expressing concerns about the US and its allies targeting China. The article concludes by emphasizing the division and destabilization of Asia and the potential consequences of a Cold War framework. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the increasing tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the obstacles to cease-fire agreements between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions are criticized for jeopardizing negotiations, with protests intensifying as more hostages are recovered. The article also highlights the widening military operations in the West Bank, settler violence, and ongoing IDF actions in Gaza, painting a grim picture of the situation. Despite some efforts for peace, the article concludes that the conflict shows no signs of resolution in the near future. [Extracted from the article]

Progressive Senate Democrats, including Senator Jeff Merkley, are advocating for Senate action to hold Israel accountable for its actions in response to Hamas atrocities. They are pushing for measures that would tie further US military aid to Israel's adherence to international and US humanitarian law. Two specific actions supported by Merkley are a resolution by Senator Bernie Sanders that would require reporting on Israeli human rights violations and an amendment by Senator Chris Van Hollen that would investigate and report on any country's abuse of US military aid. However, both bills have limited support in the Senate. Merkley and Van Hollen have also observed the inadequate flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and have suggested conditioning the transfer of US nondefensive weapons on Israeli compliance with proposed actions. [Extracted from the article]

The US Supreme Court's recent decision to grant absolute immunity to a President's official acts has raised concerns about the potential abuse of power. This ruling allows presidents, including Donald Trump, to act without consequences, even if their actions undermine democracy or violate the law. Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissent argues that this decision transforms the presidency into an imperial position, disregarding the principle that no one is above the law. The Court's ruling has significant implications for democratic institutions and undermines America's reputation as a defender of the rule of law. The upcoming election is seen as a crucial moment to prevent further erosion of democratic values. [Extracted from the article]

In recent talks between US and Chinese leaders, there is support for more people-to-people exchanges, particularly in education. However, the Department of Defense has announced the termination of all but one West Coast language program in Chinese due to funding cuts by Congress. This decision has caught language teachers by surprise, as they believed Chinese-language programs would be strongly supported. While there are nearly 300,000 Chinese students studying in the US, Chinese complaints about the treatment of students are increasing. Both countries are emphasizing the safety of travelers in each other's country, with travel advisories and warnings being issued. These tensions reflect the current politics of US-China relations, which unfortunately impact students and researchers in both countries. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the double standard that the United States applies to countries like India and Israel when it comes to human rights and democracy. Despite being hailed as democracies, both countries are led by authoritarian rulers who prioritize crushing opponents over promoting democracy. The US has consistently supported India and Israel, but fails to address the receding democracy and human rights violations in these countries. The article argues that the US selectively condemns repression in adversarial countries while ignoring it in friendly countries. It also highlights the lack of self-regulating mechanisms in India and Israel to correct human rights violations. The article calls for the US government to prioritize democracy and human rights over supporting illiberal partners. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the recent confrontation between Israel and Iran, which began when Israel carried out an air strike on Iran's embassy in Damascus. In response, Iran launched a significant number of drones and missiles towards Israel, which were mostly intercepted. The author raises questions about the motives behind Israel's attack and whether it was necessary for self-defense or a deliberate provocation. They also emphasize the importance of preventing further military action and potential escalation, as well as the potential consequences of this episode, such as strained relations and increased involvement in Middle East conflicts. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report highlights the dire situation in Gaza, where half of the population, or 1.1 million people, are facing "catastrophic food insecurity." Without a ceasefire, the entire population could be in this condition by July, and famine is projected to occur between mid-March and May 2024. The delivery of food and basic necessities has been severely limited, with a significant decrease in the number of trucks entering Gaza. Additionally, the war has resulted in the deaths of numerous aid workers, raising concerns that relief organizations are being deliberately targeted. Israel has established a separate aid system to avoid reliance on the UN and NGOs. [Extracted from the article]

The China Initiative has ended, but the careers of a number of prominent scientists of Chinese descent in the US were ruined or set back. Recently, 10 Republicans on Rep. Mike Gallagher's special committee on China wrote Secretary of State Antony Blinken to urge that the U.S. scrap the 1979 US-China Science and Technology Agreement, which is up for renewal. He's leaving Harvard to take an academic position in his home country, China, one of about 1400 top Chinese scientists who in recent years have given up their US positions and returned to China. [Extracted from the article]

Treasury secretary Janet Yellen, one of several US cabinet secretaries whose visits to China had been on hold since the Chinese spy balloon incident in February, spoke April 20 at Johns Hopkins University; Yellen stressed that the US wants a "constructive relationship" with China. While China is seeking a way out of the impasse, the US is seeking to contain China, he said. MAY 24, 2023 Among the many troubling trends in US-China relations these days is the lack of high-level diplomatic engagement. [Extracted from the article]

Israel's attack on the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is seen by some as a symbol of the problems with its war on Hamas. The World Health Organization has referred to Al-Shifa as a "death zone," raising questions about Israel's moral authority. The ongoing military operations at the hospital have created a humanitarian crisis, with basic infrastructure and medical resources being shut down. Israel's claim that Hamas used the hospital's tunnel system has not been adequately demonstrated, and even if true, it would not justify targeting the hospital. The best course of action for Israel would be to cease military operations, restore essential services, and seek assistance from medical NGOs. The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe that affects both Gaza's people and Israel. [Extracted from the article]

Calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict are increasing, with the UN General Assembly also supporting the idea. However, implementing a cease-fire is complicated and requires agreements on supervision, incentives, and protection of civilian populations. The current circumstances make meeting these conditions difficult, as Israel is determined to eliminate Hamas and Hamas may see a cease-fire as an opportunity for Israel to improve its international image. Implementing a cease-fire requires a change in mindset and sustained cooperation from both parties and outside actors. Failure to establish a successful cease-fire could lead to a resumption of the conflict with even greater intensity. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the difficult choices that President Joe Biden faces in the Middle East, particularly regarding the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Biden is trying to balance supporting Israel while also protecting innocent lives in Gaza, but this approach is not satisfying advocates of either policy. The article highlights the challenges Biden faces in exerting leverage over Israel's actions and the criticism he receives from various groups who see his policy as contradictory. The author suggests that Biden should call for a cease-fire to save lives and support a safe Israel alongside a safe Palestinian state for long-term security. [Extracted from the article]

Now, 12 years later, on August 24 Japan started releasing into the Pacific Ocean more than one million metric tons of treated radioactive water from three of the Fukushima plants damaged reactors-water that has been cooling the reactor fuel. Antinuclear advocates inside and outside Japan had hoped that the Fukushima disaster would doom Japan's reliance on nuclear energy, but that did not happen. [Extracted from the article]

Three international firms dominate mining in Guinea: US-owned Alcoa, British-owned Rio Tinto, and Russian-owned United Company RUSAL. As for the producing countries, such as Indonesia, high international demand is an invitation to create an OPEC-style cartel so as to gain greater revenue from investing companies. For Indonesia's government, however, processing raw nickel within the country is a major benefit, and China holds the advantage. [Extracted from the article]

What Asian Americans Think China's unpopularity with Chinese Americans, and for that matter all Asian Americans, is among the chief findings of the Pew Research poll above. China's Unpopularity Elsewhere Another Pew poll also documents China's unpopularity among 10 European countries and most countries in Asia. AUGUST 8, 2023 One of Xi Jinping's signature initiatives is the idea of China's renaissance-"the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", as he puts it. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration is working on a package deal with Saudi Arabia that would lead to a Palestinian state in exchange for a permanent cease-fire and the establishment of Saudi-Israel relations. However, the Saudis are requesting additional concessions, such as a U.S.-Saudi mutual defense pact and cooperation on a civilian nuclear program. These demands are seen as risky, as they could potentially involve the U.S. in a war with Iran and contribute to the development of a Saudi nuclear bomb program. The main obstacle to the deal is Israel, as Prime Minister Netanyahu's government strongly opposes a Palestinian state and prefers to resettle the territories with Israelis. The New York Times reports that the high-level diplomacy with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is aimed at pressuring Netanyahu to accept the deal or face an endless war with diminishing support. However, it is unlikely that Netanyahu will change his stance, as his priority is to maintain power and remove Palestinians from Israel. The author expresses skepticism towards both MBS and Netanyahu, suggesting that neither can be trusted. [Extracted from the article]

Pres. Biden offered rare criticism of Israel's government while the new law was being debated in Tel Aviv, saying it contains some "of the most extreme members" he's seen in Israel. In short, Israel's right-wing government is driving a wedge between Israel and the US, at the expense of Israelis' as well as Palestinians' real security. JULY 27, 2023 The Growing Divide Israel's Knesset, or parliament, has passed the first law to scale back judicial independence, in line with the ambitions of Benjamin Netanyahu's largely far-right, ultra-religious cabinet. [Extracted from the article]

Prigozhin accused Moscow of deliberately targeting his soldiers and, perhaps most importantly, insisting that his soldiers sign contracts with the defense ministry that would cause Wagner to "cease to exist." JULY 5, 2023 A Narrow and Costly Escape Tensions between the Russian defense ministry and the head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, had been running high for months, mainly because of differences over war strategy and Prigozhin's accusations of insufficient battlefield support. Now we have to wonder if Prigozhin will survive, what he will do with his army based in Belarus if he does survive, and who will pay for it (since Putin has revealed that the Russian state paid $1 billion for Prigozhin's services). [Extracted from the article]

Questions of this sort point to just how important China's economy is to the world, not to mention to the fate of China's party-state leadership. JULY 25, 2023 China's economy is going through some of the same growing pains that Japan once experienced: lower consumer spending, overbuilding on homes and offices, local government debt that runs into the trillions of dollars, and high unemployment among young people. [Extracted from the article]

"President Biden and I do not see the relationship between the U.S. and China through the frame of great power conflict - we believe that the world is big enough for both of our countries to thrive." JULY 13, 2023 "I believe that my bilateral meetings - which totaled about 10 hours over two days - served as a step forward in our effort to put the U.S.-China relationship on surer footing", Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen said in a press briefing in Beijing. [Extracted from the article]

Yoon added: "Our two countries have agreed to immediate bilateral presidential consultations in the event of North Korea's nuclear attack and promised to respond swiftly, overwhelmingly and decisively using the full force of the alliance, including the United States' nuclear weapons." What Yoon got in return was also a win: Biden's commitment on extended deterrence and close consultations on nuclear weapons. MAY 8, 2023 The US-Republic of Korea (ROK) alliance began in 1953, at the end of the Korean War. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Project 2025, a policy planning guide published by the far-right that aims to dismantle the "Deep State" and implement an authoritarian agenda under Donald Trump. Although Trump claims to know nothing about the project, his name appears in the document over 300 times, and many individuals who worked on the project have ties to the Trump administration. The article focuses on the international affairs and foreign policy aspects of Project 2025, highlighting its obsession with China and its minimal treatment of Russia. The document emphasizes the need for an all-powerful executive and loyalty to the President, limiting policy debate and promoting Trump's authoritarian impulses. The article concludes that if the Project's agenda were implemented, it could lead to crises in Europe and the Middle East, arms races with Russia and China, trade wars, and tensions in the Taiwan Strait. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Project 2025, a plan by the far right to dismantle the Deep State and establish a President-centered authoritarian system with Donald Trump in mind. The article evaluates the project's policy ideas on China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and military affairs. It highlights Peter Navarro's chapter on international trade, which advocates for high tariffs and decoupling from China. The article also mentions Project 2025's proposals on Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Mexico, and nuclear weapons. Overall, the project emphasizes threats to US interests, expands presidential power, and prioritizes military-industrial expansion. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the escalating tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran in the Middle East. Recent events, such as a Hezbollah rocket attack on Israel and Israel's response, have raised the stakes and increased the risk of a wider war. The article explores the military and political realities of the situation, including the potential consequences of an Israeli attack on Hezbollah's missile force and the involvement of Iran. While all parties express a desire to avoid a larger war, the desire for vengeance and the fear of appearing weak may lead to further escalation. The article concludes that none of the parties seem to want either war or peace, and the situation does not appear to be moving towards a permanent ceasefire or resolution. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese analysts are facing the challenge of developing a new game plan for China's relations with the US after Joe Biden passed the torch to Kamala Harris. They value a predictable and stable US administration that recognizes China's international status as a great power and prefers competition over containment. Chinese analysts are also considering which US leadership gives Beijing the best chance to accomplish its aims in Asia and globally. While Vice President Harris is likely to stick closely to the Biden policy on China, a Trump administration would bring tariff wars, decoupling of economies, and limits on Chinese investments in the US. Some Chinese analysts argue that tensions with the US will persist regardless of who occupies the White House, while others see Trump's tariff threats as posing a greater danger for China's economy. Ultimately, the Chinese may believe that another Trump administration would cause major convulsions in US society, making it less able to compete with or threaten China. [Extracted from the article]

The Biden administration is facing criticism for its decision to provide more weapons to Israel despite evidence of war crimes and acts of genocide. The arms package, valued at $18 billion, includes fighter jets and bombs. Critics argue that this contradicts US policy on military aid, which requires recipients to adhere to international and American law. Organizations like Oxfam and Human Rights Watch have documented Israel's violations, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights has called for an arms embargo on Israel. The continued delivery of non-defensive weapons to Israel undermines US credibility and contributes to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [Extracted from the article]

President leadership will be central to relations with these adversaries, and Biden will have to resist political pressures, including from his own bureaucracy and party, to combat reemerging Cold War thinking. These priorities offer a window on specific issues that confront the Biden administration's foreign policy team. With Russia, calling out Moscow's election interference and cyberwarfare should not keep Biden from getting the US back into nuclear arms control. [Extracted from the article]

Prigozhin reportedly hailed the Niger coup for overthrowing colonialism, meaning a pro-Western leader; he offered his troops to help reestablish order, meaning repression of the new regime's opponents. Coup politics in Africa has become a Russian specialty, and we may yet find that Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which commands roughly 1000 soldiers, will be operating in Niger. [Extracted from the article]

JANUARY 13, 2022 On July 1, 1997 the United Kingdom formally handed Hong Kong over to China under an agreement that was supposed to give Hong Kong 50 years of autonomy: "one country, two systems", Deng Xiaoping promised. Unlike Trump, the Biden administration and members of Congress have responded to China's policies in Hong Kong with vociferous criticism and sanctions. [Extracted from the article]

Mr. Kissinger's career only shows how shameless foreign policy realism can be and how paper-thin is the notion of great statesmanship. If the US were a party to the International Criminal Court, these involvements would have put Kissinger in the dock. MAY 30, 2023 At the ripe age of 100, Henry Kissinger remains an icon of the governing class and the foreign policy establishment. [Extracted from the article]

JULY 2, 2021 Despite the best efforts of the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu to disrupt the nuclear talks with Iran by attacking Iran's nuclear computer network, the news out of Geneva is that a new agreement is close to being signed. During the Trump administration, US policy was based on casting Iran as an escalating threat to "peace and security" in the Middle East. As one longtime expert writes, "The Biden administration has to act decisively by lifting Trump-era sanctions and coming up with a credible road map for reviving a nuclear deal that the United States and Iran could agree on.". [Extracted from the article]

The lesson of Iran-Contra is that presidents have enormous resources at their disposal for conducting wars. Though the 1973 War Powers Resolution was meant to restrain an imperial president who had led the country to defeat in Vietnam, no president since has faithfully followed that law's requirements. But that still leaves the much broader 2001 AUMF, which gives the president the power to "prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States.". [Extracted from the article]

Avoiding a US-China Miscalculation China's relative military weakness was being exposed, yet Mao rejected Soviet nuclear assistance that would have put Russian bases on Chinese soil. For the US, that should mean reducing arms to Taiwan and reassuring China that Washington remains committed to "one China.". [Extracted from the article]

According to the Pentagon, there are plenty of threats to national security to justify so much spending: Russia, China, climate change, pandemics, and "extremism." When it comes to justifying high military spending, you can pick any administration at any time since the end of World War II and get the same narrative: national security requires constant vigilance and constant spending. JUNE 15, 2021 Did you really think that electing Joe Biden would mean major reductions in military spending and the shift of Pentagon resources to spending on social well-being, as progressives have long advocated?. [Extracted from the article]