While Americans were understandably preoccupied
with the U,S, national elections in the weeks leading
up to November 5, and also with digesting the results
since then, the rest of the world went on with its varying
own interests and events, albeit also keeping an eye on
what voters would do here.
Previously, many Americans, and the U.S, media, took
a close interest in events in the Mid East, Ukraine and
in China and its neighbors.
What, if anything has changed in these international
hotspots?
In Ukraine, both sides increased their attacks on each
other, employing new and more provocative weaponry.
Mr. Putin has revived threats of employing nuclear
weapons against Kyiv and some of its European allies
who supply it with more serious weapons, especially
Great Britain.
President-elect Trump has told both sides he will force
an end to hostilities in the war when he takes office,
and both Mr. Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky
appear to be positioning themselves for a change in the
U.S. government on January 20. Both sides seem to
be preparing for a diplomatic resolution, and for the
first time, Mr. Zelensky has said he was willing to trade
territory for peace — if it is accompanied by security
guarantees by the NATO country members. Mr. Putin
has opposed NATO membership for Ukraine, but has
not negated a non-membership security arrangement.
Meanwhile, combat and drone/missile attacks continue.
in the Middle East, a temporary ceasefire on the Israeli-
Lebanese border has begun with the agreement of
Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Lebanese military, and
Hezbollah —- at the behest of the U,S, and French
governments. The Israelis had conducted a successful
incursion in south Lebanon and Beirut systematically
destroying much, but not all. of Hezbollah’s missile
capability as well as as eliminating many of its top
commanders — with a goal of enabling Israeli residents
who live in the border areas between the two countries
to return to their homes in safety.
Israel attacked the Hezbollah forces which have been
continually bombing northern Israel, and the ceasefire
is dependent on Hezbollah not returning to southern
Lebanon and resuming their attacks. A U.S.-French
backed international military force is to be stationed
along the border to enforce the ceasefire.
Mr. Netanyahu has insisted that it is only a temporary
ceasefire. and that Israel intends to destroy fully
Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue
their campaign to destroy Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Its efforts in north and south Gaza have essentially
defeated the five Hamas divisions and its jihadist
allies, but some hostile forces remain, mostly in what
is left of the Hamas vast network of underground
tunnels. Although most of its commanders have been
eliminated, Hamas holds 100 hostages who have not
been released. It is estimated that only about 60-70 of
these hostages remain alive. Only the release of all
hostages, it is believed, will end IDF activity in Gaza.
President-elect Trump has reportedly told Mr. Netanyahu
he wants hostilities ended in Gaza by the time of his
inauguration — about seven weeks from now.
After considerable delay, the International Criminal Court
(ICC), headquartered in the The Hague, Netherlands,
issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and
his former Defense Minister Gallant, charging them with
war crimes. Neither Israel nor the U.S. recognize the ICC,
and the charges are regarded to show unfair anti-Israel
bias. President Biden denounced the ICC action. The U.S.
Congress has begun legislation to bring crippling
sanctions to the ICC if the charges are not withdrawn.
Several ICC signators, including Germany, France, Italy,
Hungary, and even the Dutch, have indicated they would
not arrest those charged.
Governments around the world, friendly and hostile to the
U.S. quickly responded to the U.S. election. One Middle
East nation promptly asked Hamas leaders to leave
immediately. Others, in anticipation of January 20, 2025,
prepared for significant new directions in U.S. foreign policy.
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Copyright (c) 2024 by Barry Casselman. All rights reserved.
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