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1. Judy Dempsey discusses the rising popularity of Germany’s AfD party, its anti-American stance, and growing pro-Russian sentiment driven by energy concerns, alongside public distrust regarding the conduct of the war in Ukraine. With Thaddeus McCotter.(1)
2. Judy Dempsey analyzes strained transatlantic relations following President Trump’s remarks on energy independence. She also highlights the significance of Hungary's upcoming election for regional populist movements and the European Union’s future. cc(2)
3. Jonathan Schanzer explains Israel’s military objectives against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. He details the threat of Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on maritime trade and Egypt's potential forced entry into the conflict. (3)
4. Jonathan Schanzer details Iran’s strategy of survival amidst U.S. and Israeli decapitation strikes. He discusses the global economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and diplomatic friction caused by European allies' reluctance. (4)
5. Mary Kissel discusses shifting global alliances, noting stronger ties with Gulf partners while European relations fray. She highlights Ukraine’s savvy outreach for energy and defense support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (5)
6. Mary Kissel examines a possible leadership transition in Cuba involving Marco Rubio and Raul Castro’s grandson. She discusses the regime’s fear following U.S. actions in Venezuela and the complexities of negotiating transitions. (6)
7. Joseph Sternberg critiques the Federal Reserve’s tendency to "overtalk." He argues that excessive public forecasting and the confusing "dot plot" mislead markets and obscure the economic reality of ongoing global conflicts. (7)
8. Joseph Sternberg discusses Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s indecisive response to President Trump’s "get your own oil" remark, highlighting Britain’s military limitations and the public’s deep anxiety over rising energy prices and deficits. (8)
9. Gregory Copley argues that NATO is entering a new era of disorder, suggesting European states should pursue independent security interests and potentially restore energy trade with Russia as U.S. leadership becomes increasingly abrasive. (9)
10. Gregory Copley reports the U.S. has virtually eliminated the Iranian Navy. He assesses global energy markets, noting stable oil prices despite insurance companies' risk-aversion nearly bankrupting regional states like Egypt. (10)
11. Gregory Copley critiques the removal of hereditary peers from the House of Lords, arguing the chamber has become a politicized "rubber stamp" for the Prime Minister rather than an independent house of review. (11)
12. Gregory Copley previews King Charles III’s state visit to Washington, emphasizing its role in preserving the strategic alliance and common purpose between English-speaking nations despite political tensions between the Trump administration and London. (12)
13. Cleo Paskal highlights China’s efforts to undermine U.S. relationships in the Central Pacific through corruption. She details new U.S. strategies to support local governments in Palau and the Marianas against illegal CCP activities. (13)
14. Cleo Paskal discusses the critical role of the Diego Garcia military base and the legal risks involved in transferring the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, which could complicate U.S. nuclear policy and regional security. (14)
15. Bob Zimmerman contrasts NASA’s risky Artemis 2 mission with SpaceX’s successful reusable rocket program. He also reports on a secretive medical emergency on the ISS and China’s deep commitment to its space program. (15)
16. Bob Zimmerman warns that political pressure is compromising safety for the Artemis 2 moon mission. He also reflects on Voyager 2’s historic images of Neptune and Hubble's observations of active black hole galaxies. (16)
Ireland