US Politics - July, 2023
US Politics - July 2023
What is the precise strategy of the US for Ukraine? During the NATO summit (attended by G7 Members and other Western alliances), the US President reaffirmed promises to support Ukraine. However, there have been instances where the President also promised F-16 fighter jets to President Erdogan in an apparent attempt to influence Turkey's stance on Sweden's acceptance into NATO. Additionally, prior to the summit, the US allowed the delivery of Cluster Bombs to Ukraine, a move that has now seemingly garnered acceptance from various parties. This raises the question of whether the end justifies the means.
(Note: Both the Turkish Parliament and the US Congress must approve Sweden's acceptance and the provision of F-16s to Turkey. Considering Turkey's NATO membership since 1952, this situation prompts speculation about whether it is a strategic move or a bribery attempt.)
Who produces cluster bombs?
Sixteen countries are still believed to be cluster munition producers, including China, Russia, and Israel. The United States no longer produces cluster munitions but retains the option to produce them in the future. A total of fifty-nine countries stockpiles several million cluster munitions worldwide. The United States has an estimated stockpile of three million cluster munitions. In contrast, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, who have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, recently destroyed all of their stockpiles.
What does the Convention on Cluster Munitions say?
The Convention on Cluster Munitions (Oslo Convention) entered into force in August 2010. It has been signed by 119 States. The Convention bans the use, production, trade and stockpiling of cluster bombs. It also requires States Parties to provide victim assistance and to clear contaminated areas.
You can read the full report here.
However, the parties at the NATO summit pay great homage to the US President, particularly the NATO Secretary General, whose assignment was extended as the Alliance couldn't agree on a successor. This raises questions about whether the US seeks someone they can rely on with 100% ideological unity.
During a speech in Lithuania, Mr. Biden emphasized that the US has formed a coalition of 50 nations to ensure Ukraine's defense both presently and in the future. The coalition likely includes 31 NATO Members, Australia, New Zealand, some Pacific regions, Japan, and Taiwan. Notably, China, India, South America, the Middle East, and Africa are not part of this coalition. These 50 nations, often referred to as the Western alliance, appear to be placing their bets on green, renewable, and sustainable technologies, aiming for a future with reduced dependence on natural resources for survival.
In response to Russia's aggression, President Biden authorized an additional three thousand Reserves, bringing the total US troops in Europe to over 100,000. This includes new rotations of 10,000 troops in Poland, which has become a critical hub for supporting and supplying Ukraine. It's intriguing to question the necessity of troops "on the ground" in this context.
Furthermore, President Biden's promise to be around for the next five years seemingly guarantees a win in the 2024 elections. Despite the noise surrounding Hunter, it appears to have little impact on the media or political establishment. In the democratic process, this could potentially be a more significant factor than all of Trump's legal woes.
The Republicans are currently diverting campaign money to counter Trump's candidacy, but it hasn't diminished his lead. The nominee will face a well-funded democratic machine, backed by elite and left-leaning big donors while also claiming small donors, averaging $39 apiece. It remains to be seen if this money is well spent, as some may seek to radically change America and continue an elite-globalist agenda.
Certain Western news outlets have noted the unity among the US/NATO/G7 while also highlighting the importance of the Western world compared to the rest of the world and the unity among non-Western nations. This calls for the US and its allies to acknowledge that there can be multiple value systems, and a global world should engage in dialogue, accept differences, and address local skirmishes when they arise.
As for the press, there may be concerns about conformity and propaganda, similar to the issues surrounding Hunter and the Woke movement. People may perceive the climate change discussion as inducing fear about the end of the world, akin to a new Bible of the universe.
Let's observe if, by the end of the summer, the press adopts a more normalized language and fosters free speech for all, including diplomats, rather than promoting warmongering puppets in the administration. Such a change would be a beacon of hope.
