Biden Won’t Run Again: What It Means for the U.S.
President Joe Biden has decided not to seek re-election, marking the first time a sitting president has declined his party’s nomination since Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) in 1968. Citing his age and a poor debate performance, Biden’s decision has unified the Democratic Party behind Vice President Kamala Harris to prevent Trump’s return. However, the U.S. remains deeply polarized, resembling a “cold civil war.” Trump’s influence grows, especially after selecting Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, reinforcing Republican confidence in a potential victory.
UN Faces Existential Crisis as Intelligence Diplomacy Takes the Lead
The UN is facing an existential crisis as intelligence agencies increasingly eclipse diplomats in peacemaking. Since the Israeli invasion of Gaza, the UN has floundered in addressing the new conflict dynamics. With the death toll in Gaza nearing 40,000, the UN’s mediation role has diminished. The closure of UN missions in Sudan and Mali, coupled with the non-renewal of mandates in Iraq and Congo, highlights its waning influence. The UN struggles with credibility, initiating no new peacekeeping missions. Intelligence officials, notably CIA Director Bill Burns, have taken the forefront in negotiations, overshadowing the UN’s role. Intelligence diplomacy is now the vanguard of conflict resolution, casting doubt on the UN’s future as a global peacekeeper.
Israel’s Airstrikes in Yemen: Retaliation Unlikely to Halt Houthi Aggression
Israel’s recent airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi military sites in Hodeidah, are unlikely to stop future Houthi attacks. The strikes were in response to a drone attack on Tel Aviv. Despite the retaliation, the Houthis are expected to continue their aggression. Israel is more focused on threats from Hezbollah and Iran, making a prolonged campaign in Yemen improbable. This situation risks escalating into a cycle of regional strikes, further complicating the conflict.
Israel’s Gaza War and U.S. Support a ‘Disastrous’ Mistake
In an article titled “A Strategic Blunder Wrapped in a Moral Disaster” (22 Jul, Carnegie), Michael Young highlights Professor Stephen M. Walt’s critique of Israel’s Gaza war and U.S. support. Walt calls the war disastrous for both nations and devastating for Gaza’s citizens. He emphasizes the failure of U.S. “liberal hegemony,” noting global perceptions of hypocrisy. Despite the strong influence of the Israel lobby, shifting attitudes are challenging its dominance.
What’s Behind Bangladesh’s Student Protests?
Bangladesh has seen renewed political violence with protests over the job quota system favoring descendants of 1971 war fighters. The government’s violent crackdown escalated tensions, leading to over 130 deaths. The protests reflect broader economic and political discontent, exacerbated by inflation, a poor job market, corruption, and a lack of legitimate elections, challenging the ruling Awami League’s authority. While the government appears ready to concede on quotas, broader political issues and demands for accountability will be much harder to tackle.