Californians have nobody to blame but themselves. They keep electing that guy, and the people who give him the laws he wants.
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ME: For at least the 4th time in the last 45d, a headline story claims "Gaza/Hostage deal is near". I doubt it just as I doubted any of the previous three worthless claims by the press. Both sides remain bitter enemies with the IDF holding the upper hand (IMO). However, it really is hard to judge who's holding the upper hand when you're comparing a mostly conventional fighting force versus a force (Hamas) that fights unconventionally.
That could be easier to discern if it weren't clouded by the politics on both sides. In general, negotiating with Arabs, in this case Palestinians represented in negotiations by various other Arab states (e.g., Qatar. Egypt) can be frustratingly difficult for western negotiators who aren't versed in Arab cultures. "mean what you say and say what you mean" is a phrase not used within Arab cultures - that much I know. Yes I agree doesn't always mean that. Same with the converse. So, right now, despite claims that a deal is near, I'm skeptical.
I've said this before. While the cost in civilian casualties and deaths of dismantling the military and political/governing structures of Hamas in Gaza is staggering, that's what Hamas brings about by it's tactics, both military and political, on the people they claim to represent. Israel is typically depicted in the news as guilty of genocide of the Palestinian people. Because Hamas organizes and trains primarily among civilians in hospitals, mosques, schools and designated civilian shelters, in order to regroup and rearm, that tactic brings about civilian casualties. This isn't new but a socially liberal world view condemns it instead of vilifying it as it should. That kind of story does not make it to the front page. Claims of Israeli genocide certainly does.
It angers me that Hamas, nearly broken by the IDF and it's intelligence arm (Mossad), is in a position to make any demands with regard to a truce. I'll continue to support the choice of Israeli hardliners to force the surrender of Hamas by continuing to hammer them anywhere in Gaza where they are found.Mission to CFB's National Championship accomplished. But the shine on the NC Trophy is embarrassingly wearing off. It's M B-Ball ..... or hockey or volley ball or name your college sport favorite time ...... until next year.
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In Ukraine: Putin is still playing the long game while claiming to make territorial gains in Eastern Ukraine with Pokrovsk in it's cross hairs. The RA has tried and mostly failed to take this town with the UA fiercely defending it at high cost to both armies in terms of manpower. Today the UA spokesperson announced that they had forced the Russians to bypass the town and try to cut off a supply route to it critical to the supply UA forces in Eastern Donetsk Oblast. While Russia has the advantage in manpower, they tend to unremittingly throw soldiers into a meat grinder. Putin doesn't care and this has been the way the Russians have fought as long as they have fought wars.
The problem for Putin is a failing economy because of multiple war related factors. Western countries that do not want Putin to win continue to apply pressure on Russia's economy with some but not complete effectiveness. Putin has managed to mitigate most sanctions by teaming up with Iran, NK and China, none of these countries wanting western governments to succeed. But time is closing in on him as average Russians and Russian Oligarchs are beginning to feel the effects. Putin runs a police state so, an outcome on Russian citizens that forces Putin to realize he's not going to occupy Ukraine or force the Zelenski government to collapse, is uncertain. The Trump factor is heavily at play. How DJT handles the war in Ukraine and his relationship with Putin is going to go a long way in brining and end to this three year conflict - one way or the other. It seems that Trump isn't going to abandon Zelenski. But even that outcome is uncertain until he officially assumes the role as POTUS. There are rumors that he is arranging a phone call with Putin before that. We'll see.Mission to CFB's National Championship accomplished. But the shine on the NC Trophy is embarrassingly wearing off. It's M B-Ball ..... or hockey or volley ball or name your college sport favorite time ...... until next year.
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Wait! Trump said that negotiating peace would be easy and he would do it as soon as he was elected.
Maybe Geezer can tell us all what he really meant when he said that?I feel like I am watching the destruction of our democracy while my neighbors and friends cheer it on
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Any tariff on Canadian oil would have its greatest impact on the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Close to 70% of the oil processed in the Midwest comes from Canada.
Assessing America's Appetite for Canada's Crude: A Look at Canadian Crude Usage by U.S. Refineries | Oil Sands Magazine
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