Podcasts about un charter

The US-Israeli war on Iran is expanding into a global conflict. The European Union supports it. The UK is letting Trump use British bases. Germany and France are involved. Canada backs it. Tehran has retaliated, in self-defense, hitting US military bases in Gulf countries. Ben Norton explains. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un25sqF6tnU Topics 0:00 US-Israeli war on Iran expands 0:46 Pentagon admits war is based on lies 2:54 France, Germany, UK join war 3:36 USA is using British bases 4:44 Iran retaliates in self-defense 5:48 Iran hits US bases in Middle East 6:20 US casualties 6:42 CIA coup installed Iran's shah 7:22 USA wants hegemony 8:21 Iran closes Strait of Hormuz 9:23 US & Israel target Iranian leaders 11:19 Supreme leader Ali Khamenei 12:28 US & Israel bomb a school 13:38 Germany ignores international law 15:10 Friedrich Merz, BlackRock boy 16:27 Canada PM Mark Carney 17:48 (CLIP) Carney WEF Davos speech 18:45 West's hypocrisy 20:19 Trump's war unites the West 21:33 Canada supports US-Israeli war 22:11 Netanyahu ICC arrest warrant 22:49 Nuclear weapon negotiations 24:24 US surprise attacks on Iran 26:34 Myth of "rules-based order" 27:20 Germany supports war 28:39 Turning victim into aggressor 29:29 France supports war 31:07 EU supports war 32:10 Ursula von der Leyen hypocrisy 33:16 EU works with Israel 33:40 EU backs Gulf monarchies 35:22 EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas 36:51 UN Charter on use of force 37:37 UN Charter on self-defense 38:14 Western imperialism 39:15 Outro

Jak przejść drogę od "English for survival" do mistrzostwa w Davos? Do świadomego, momentami wręcz "weaponized English"? W "English Biz" prześwietlamy retorykę Wołodymyra Zełenskiego i analizujemy językową ewolucję lidera: od potknięć i nieoczywistych idiomów po precyzyjne, strategiczne komunikaty wygłaszane w Davos, ONZ i przed Kongresem USA. Dlaczego w jego przypadku autentyczność okazuje się być silniejsza niż podręcznikowa gramatyka? O tym, jak jedno słowo potrafi spalić mosty lub zbudować sojusze opowiada Olga Pietrykiewicz. Zwroty: awful English formal exposure to academic English We are here We are all here Ukraine is alive We will never surrender Stand with Ukraine Your money is not charity. It's an investment. Today it's not enough to be the leader of the nation Today it takes to be the leader of the world being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace emotional power beyond the words English framing strategic linguistic positioning aggression war crimes resilience freedom democracy Let me be clear What we are facing is This is not just about Ukraine structured diplomatic speech I certainly felt something Unimaginable hardships Showed your grit and character Hence statecraft I proposed a comprehensive strategy put forward advanced a holistic roadmap sustainable peace half-hearted settlement plans uphold the UN Charter geopolitical leverage global security long-term stability collective responsibility strategic resilience united armed forces credible deterrence global actor geopolitical player smack upside the head fragmented strategic cohesion on board sustainable peace come on by leaps and bounds crude left brain writing, right brain delivery non-native diplomatic English idiomatic misalignment playing cards leverage deal cards on the job

International law scholars are often among the sharpest critics of the Trump administration—but what if the usual story misses something essential? In this episode, RBI interim director Eli Karetny speaks with NYU international law professor Robert Howse about Trump's complicated relationship with the UN Charter system, from Gaza to Venezuela and Iran. The conversation also turns to political theory: Leo Strauss's reputation as a neoconservative godfather, the shadow of Carl Schmitt, and how today's MAGA New Right recycles older anxieties about liberalism, virtue, and masculinity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

International law scholars are often among the sharpest critics of the Trump administration—but what if the usual story misses something essential? In this episode, RBI interim director Eli Karetny speaks with NYU international law professor Robert Howse about Trump's complicated relationship with the UN Charter system, from Gaza to Venezuela and Iran. The conversation also turns to political theory: Leo Strauss's reputation as a neoconservative godfather, the shadow of Carl Schmitt, and how today's MAGA New Right recycles older anxieties about liberalism, virtue, and masculinity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

International law scholars are often among the sharpest critics of the Trump administration—but what if the usual story misses something essential? In this episode, RBI interim director Eli Karetny speaks with NYU international law professor Robert Howse about Trump's complicated relationship with the UN Charter system, from Gaza to Venezuela and Iran. The conversation also turns to political theory: Leo Strauss's reputation as a neoconservative godfather, the shadow of Carl Schmitt, and how today's MAGA New Right recycles older anxieties about liberalism, virtue, and masculinity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

International law scholars are often among the sharpest critics of the Trump administration—but what if the usual story misses something essential? In this episode, RBI interim director Eli Karetny speaks with NYU international law professor Robert Howse about Trump's complicated relationship with the UN Charter system, from Gaza to Venezuela and Iran. The conversation also turns to political theory: Leo Strauss's reputation as a neoconservative godfather, the shadow of Carl Schmitt, and how today's MAGA New Right recycles older anxieties about liberalism, virtue, and masculinity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

International law scholars are often among the sharpest critics of the Trump administration—but what if the usual story misses something essential? In this episode, RBI interim director Eli Karetny speaks with NYU international law professor Robert Howse about Trump's complicated relationship with the UN Charter system, from Gaza to Venezuela and Iran. The conversation also turns to political theory: Leo Strauss's reputation as a neoconservative godfather, the shadow of Carl Schmitt, and how today's MAGA New Right recycles older anxieties about liberalism, virtue, and masculinity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Jean Krasno is in the faculty of the Department of Political Science at the City College of New York and is also a lecturer at Columbia University.  The “United Nations: Policy and Practice” is her most recent book. Dr. Krasno was authorized by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to organize his papers for publication. She is now leading a campaign to elect a woman UN Secretary-General. The UN was created in 1945 to eliminate the scourge of war, promote economic and social development, and enhance human rights worldwide. The UN has had nine secretaries-general to lead the organization. Emphasis is on selecting a woman when SG Guterres's term ends. The next UN SG must be an effective communicator with the 193-member states in the UN General Assembly and the various publics around the world. Most Americans are mostly unaware of how important UN services impact their lives every day.

Michael John-Hopkins, a legal scholar and a senior lecturer in law, discusses the theory of international law and its practice—from its conceptual foundation to what international law promises (sovereignty, non-use of force, equality of states, the UN Charter, rule of law) versus how it is actually applied (power politics, selective enforcement). He delineates the historical context of US foreign policy in Latin America, including the Monroe Doctrine, to show its continuity with current events, explaining why certain actors fail to observe international law and what contributes to this failure. Querying if the recent US kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores is uniquely egregious under international law, John-Hopkins delves into the broader patterns within US foreign policy and the myriad historical examples throughout US history of its regime-change and resource-grab colonialism, now set within a modern context. Vituperating the use of economic boycotts and sanctions as a means of strong-arming democracy, he notes how such acts of hybrid warfare constitute violations of international law while also signalling the erosion of the rules-based order. John-Hopkins considers Israel's repeated violations of international law from the inception of its statehood through the present, scrutinising Israel's illegal military operations, settlement policies, responses to terrorism, and the genocide of Palestinians all of which demonstrate the gap between norms and practice globally. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe

The Donald Trump administration is waging a war against all multilateral institutions and international law itself. He withdrew the US from most global organizations and created a "Board of Peace" as an alternative to the UN that is entirely controlled by the USA. Ben Norton explains the imperialist strategy to impose unipolar hegemony on the world. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3nGsmSI3EQ Topics 0:00 New phase of imperialism 1:17 US war on international law 2:03 US colonial expansionism 3:05 USA withdraws from international orgs 4:30 Board of Peace: Trump's UN alternative 6:27 Board of Peace isn't about Gaza 7:39 Board members: US officials & oligarchs 9:10 Most countries reject invitation 10:04 Trump didn't invite Africa 11:10 China opposes US-led world order 12:08 Trump's US unipolar pay-to-play plan 13:25 USA attacks Canada over China deal 15:19 Importance of international law 17:20 UN Charter upholds sovereignty 18:27 Goal of US imperialism 19:34 Outro

Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UN Secretary-General urged Member States to take immediate steps to implement the reforms they committed to in the Pact for the Future. Speaking at the commemoration of ECOSOC at 80 named “a turning point for multilateralism” today , Guterres said, “let us renew our commitment to safeguarding rights and speeding up development through multilateral cooperation. ECOSOC is an indispensable platform for global dialogue and action.” ECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa said the Council's legacy at 80 is simple and more urgent. He said, “Multilateralism must deliver. Development must be inclusive. And progress must reach everyone. This is the vision and commitment we set forth in the Charter - one that should continue to guide our collective action.” For her part, President General Assembly Annalena Baerbock reiterated, “Peace, development and human dignity and human rights are inseparable,” adding that delivering on these social and economic goals is therefore “not only a moral imperative for those they are designed to serve. It is also a matter of enlightened self-interest.” “It is an investment in stability, resilient and security in a world that is too often defined by crisis,” she added. Established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, ECOSOC held its first meeting on 23 January 1946. Its mandate – to coordinate the economic, social, and cultural activities of the United Nations and promote international cooperation and development – has placed it at the heart of advancing the principles of the UN Charter. Multilateralism, inclusivity, and global solidarity have been central to ECOSOC's mission from the outset. Marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UN Secretary-General urged Member States to take immediate steps to implement the reforms they committed to in the Pact for the Future. Speaking at the commemoration of ECOSOC at 80 named “a turning point for multilateralism” today , Guterres said, “let us renew our commitment to safeguarding rights and speeding up development through multilateral cooperation. ECOSOC is an indispensable platform for global dialogue and action.” ECOSOC President Lok Bahadur Thapa said the Council's legacy at 80 is simple and more urgent. He said, “Multilateralism must deliver. Development must be inclusive. And progress must reach everyone. This is the vision and commitment we set forth in the Charter - one that should continue to guide our collective action.” For her part, President General Assembly Annalena Baerbock reiterated, “Peace, development and human dignity and human rights are inseparable,” adding that delivering on these social and economic goals is therefore “not only a moral imperative for those they are designed to serve. It is also a matter of enlightened self-interest.” “It is an investment in stability, resilient and security in a world that is too often defined by crisis,” she added. Established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations, ECOSOC held its first meeting on 23 January 1946. Its mandate – to coordinate the economic, social, and cultural activities of the United Nations and promote international cooperation and development – has placed it at the heart of advancing the principles of the UN Charter. Multilateralism, inclusivity, and global solidarity have been central to ECOSOC's mission from the outset. Briefing the Security Council today on the situation in Syria, Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East Khaled Khiari said, “It is vital that ISIL is not allowed to capitalize on the fluid situation in the northeast.” Khiari also said, “As I speak, the situation on the ground remains very tense, with exchanges of fire and clashes between Government forces and the SDF in parts of Hasekeh governorate and also on the outskirts of Ayn al Arab, also known as Kobane - an SDF-controlled enclave where access is challenging, given ongoing clashes.” He appealed for both sides to “immediately adhere to a ceasefire in line with the 18 January agreement and engage in fleshing out and implementing the details of this latest understanding of 20 January swiftly and in a spirit of compromise, in order to ensure a peaceful integration of north-east Syria in support of Syria's broader transition.” He highlighted, “It is important also to note the recent Decree no. 13 announced by President al-Sharaa concerning the linguistic, cultural, and citizenship rights of Syrian Kurds within the Syrian state. This is a crucial issue for the future, and the decree is an encouraging initiative on which to build further through a genuinely inclusive process.” He stressed, “We share concerns about the presence of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria. During the fighting in northeast Syria, control of some of the detention centers for ISIL fighters switched from the SDF to Government forces, as did al-Hol camp in Hasakeh. There are indications that some detainees escaped.” He added, “Separately, the US announced on 21 January its mission to transfer ISIL detainees from Syria to Iraq, with 150 ISIL members held in Hasakeh already transported to a secure facility in Iraq. ” He also noted, “Israeli incursions in southern Syria continue to undermine Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. We welcome this Council's extension of UNDOF's mandate for another six months.” Edem Wosornu, Director of the Crisis Response Division of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, “In spite of these challenges, Syrians across the country continue to work to build a brighter future. More than 3 million refugees and internally displaced people have returned to their homes since December of 2024. And we have started to see some encouraging, if still limited, improvements in humanitarian indicators. Food security has improved slightly, but only one in five families are consistently meeting their nutritional needs.” Ibrahim Olabi, Syrian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said, “We are fully aware of the suffering endured by our Syrian Kurdish compatriots for decades due to marginalization and denial of rights. We are pleased today to see them as part of the new Syrian State institutions, like all other Syrian communities.” He reported, “The Ministry of Interior successfully apprehended the majority of escaped members and continues its efforts to follow to pursue the remaining ones, stressing that extended State sovereignty and the rule of law is the only permanent guarantee of security, stability, and effective counterterrorism. In this regard, the Syrian Government welcomes the American operation to transfer ISIS detainees out of Syrian territories and affirms its readiness to provide the necessary logistical and security support to ensure its success.” Lukman Al-Faily, Iraqi Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that his government reaffirms “its reception of foreign terrorists whose states refused to repatriate them is a measure aimed at protecting regional and international security from an imminent threat. Nevertheless, we stress that this issue should not be left to become a long-term strategic burden on Iraq alone. The insistence of some States on considering their terrorist nationals a threat to their national security and refusing to repatriate them is unacceptable.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.

Harvey found a great clip from the Chris Hedges Report (http://chrishedges.substack.com/) with Norman Finkelstein in which they discuss the recent UN Security Council Resolution to support the Trump peace plan and Peace Board for Gaza. Does this resolution undermine human rights, the UN Charter, the United Nations itself?

Singapore has expressed grave concern over the United States’ military intervention in Venezuela, emphasising its commitment to international law and the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity for small states. The response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs comes amid wider unease across the Asia-Pacific over how major power actions are shaping the global order. Drew Thompson, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University joins the Breakfast Show to examine how Singapore’s response should be understood, why events far from the region can carry implications for Asia-Pacific security, and what this moment reveals about the relationship between power, precedent and international law in an increasingly uncertain world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Military Action in Venezuela and Its Aftermath U.S. operation in Venezuela was not a war but a short military action to arrest Nicolás Maduro, described as an indicted narco-terrorist. This was not intended as a regime change through force but rather a law enforcement action supported by the military. After Maduro’s arrest, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s former Vice President and a staunch communist, was sworn in as interim president. The text provides extensive background on her Marxist roots, corruption allegations (including gold smuggling), and anti-American stance. Advocations for free and fair elections in Venezuela to replace the current regime with a pro-America, pro-market leader, highlighting Venezuela’s vast oil and gold reserves and its potential for economic recovery if corruption and communism are removed. There is discussion of U.S. legal precedent (e.g., Noriega case, Ker-Frisbie doctrine) supporting extraterritorial arrests and the constitutional authority of the President to order such actions, even if they conflict with international law like the UN Charter. Minnesota Political Crisis and Somali Fraud Scandal The second part shifts to domestic U.S. politics, focusing on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who allegedly faces a massive fraud scandal involving Somali immigrant communities and misuse of government funds. The fraud is described as “the worst instance of fraud in American history,” totaling around $9 billion. Minnesota Democrats are guilty of corruption, vote-buying schemes, and inciting violence to distract from the scandal, even suggesting that Walz called for “war with the federal government.” A congressional hearing exchange is included, highlighting welfare dependency statistics among Somali immigrant households compared to native Minnesotans, painting a picture of systemic abuse and failed integration policies. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Monday in response to American military operations in Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife— forcing dozens of countries to publicly respond to one of the most audacious U.S. actions in recent memory. Anjali and Mark break down what unfolded in the chamber: which countries issued the strongest condemnations, which were more restrained, and which attempted to thread the needle between defending a core principle of the UN Charter and avoiding the wrath of Donald Trump. They also ask a larger question: can an American foreign policy openly premised on hemispheric domination, resource extraction, and territorial expansion coexist with a United Nations designed to prevent exactly that? Is this an existential moment for the UN? Can the rules-based international order survive? And why has Somalia's UN ambassador suddenly landed in MAGA crosshairs? We discuss all this—and more! https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff  

Can the United States arrest a foreign head of state by sending FBI agents—and military troops—into another country? On the latest episode of Stanford Legal,  Professor Pam Karlan sits down with international law expert and Stanford Law lecturer Allen Weiner to discuss the recent extraction of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Their wide-ranging conversation focuses on the uneasy space where U.S. law collides with the constraints of international law.Weiner, a former U.S. State Department legal adviser and now director of several international law–and humanitarian-focused programs at Stanford Law School, explains how domestic legal theories advanced to justify Operation Absolute Resolve in contrast with the UN Charter's ban on the use of force. He situates the episode in a longer arc of U.S. efforts to reconcile military action with international legal limits, including earlier debates over actions in Kosovo and Libya.The legal questions are substantial, but the stakes ultimately turn on precedent and norms: how U.S. actions are understood by other states, what they signal to rivals such as Russia and China, and whether the international system begins to resemble the logic captured in Thucydides' Peloponnesian Wars—that “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”Links:Allen Weiner >>> Stanford Law pageConnect:Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast WebsiteStanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn PageRich Ford >>>  Twitter/XPam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School PageDiego Zambrano >>> Stanford Law School PageStanford Law School >>> Twitter/XStanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X (00:00) Is a threat a use of force? (00:16:18) Pressure, coercion, and the non-intervention line (00:17:02) Venezuela policy and the specter of escalation (00:28:24) Law, power, and the South China Sea  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host: Lara Bird-Leakey Guest: Dr. Yusra Suedi, Lecturer in International Law, University of Manchester; Visiting Professor, Geneva Graduate InstituteIn this important episode of International Law in Crisis?, Lara Bird-Leakey sits down with Dr. Yusra Suedi to unpack one of the most fraught legal and geopolitical flashpoints of our time — the United States' recent use of force against Venezuela.Recent U.S. military operations, including lethal strikes against alleged drug networks and the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, have sparked fierce international debate. Critics argue these actions stretch or violate foundational principles of international law, including the prohibition on the use of force, sovereignty, and the narrow conditions under Article 51 of the UN Charter for lawful self-defense. What constitutes a legitimate claim of self-defense under international law? Can the activities of transnational criminal organisations — such as drug cartels — ever amount to an “armed attack” justifying the use of force by another state? And what legal and normative thresholds must be met before force can be lawfully used beyond a state's own borders? In this conversation, Dr. Suedi challenges prevailing narratives that seek to justify the U.S. actions on legal grounds. She argues that no credible legal justification exists for the U.S. strikes under the accepted definitions of self-defense, as drug trafficking does not meet the stringent international law threshold of an armed attack. Accepting such reasoning, Suedi explains, would dangerously expand the exception to the rule against the use of force, undermining the UN Charter's core protections. Dr. Suedi also addresses how non-state actors - including organised criminal groups - are treated under international law, the legal distinction between law enforcement and armed conflict, and the broader implications for the international order if powerful states bypass legal constraints for political or economic ends.Dr. Suedi is a Lecturer in International Law at the University of Manchester, where she directs the LLM programmes in International Law. She also serves as Visiting Professor at the Geneva Graduate Institute and holds a PhD in Public International Law from the University of Geneva. Yusra writes on legal theory and practice at her blog Simplified Approaches to International Law (SAIL), where she explores complex legal issues with clarity and insight.

The United Nations has condemned the US attacks in Venezuela over the weekend as a direct violation of the UN charter. As the former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro awaits his next court date in New York, the Venezuelan Attorney General joins others urging recognition of Mr Maduro's immunity under international law.

The United Nations Security Council's first meeting of 2026 heard a global chorus of UN member states strongly denounce the United States' strike in Venezuela as a grave violation of the UN Charter, although a US representative defended it as a "surgical law enforcement operation".At Monday's emergency session, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, urged Washington to heed the international community's "overwhelming voice", comply with international law and the UN Charter, halt actions that infringe on other countries' sovereignty and security, stop toppling Venezuela's government, and return to dialogue and negotiations as the path to a political solution.Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, seized and brought to the US on Saturday after a large-scale US strike in the South American nation, pleaded not guilty in federal court in New York on Monday to charges of narco-terrorism. Crowds of protesters gathered outside the courthouse, many voicing opposition to the US action against Venezuela.Sun expressed China's "deep shock" and strong condemnation of what he described as the "unilateral, illegal and bullying acts" of the US, and he called for Washington to ensure the safety of Maduro and his wife, and to release them immediately."The US has placed its own power above multilateralism and military actions above diplomatic efforts,"Sun said, warning that such actions pose a grave threat to peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean and even internationally.He said the US military strikes "wantonly trampled" on Venezuela's sovereignty and violated core tenets of the UN Charter, including the principles of sovereign equality, noninterference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and prohibition of the use of force in international relations."The lessons of history are a stark warning," Sun said, adding that military means are not the solution to international problems, and the indiscriminate use of force will only lead to greater crises.He cited past US actions, such as bypassing the Security Council to launch military operations against Iraq, attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities, and the imposition of economic sanctions, military strikes and armed occupations in Latin America and the Caribbean.Those actions caused persistent conflict, instability and immense suffering for ordinary people, he said.The envoy reiterated that China firmly supports the Venezuelan government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests, and supports countries in the region in upholding Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace.He called on the US to change course, cease bullying and coercive practices, and develop relations and cooperation with countries in the region on the basis of mutual respect, equality and noninterference in internal affairs.Addressing the UN meeting, US economist Jeffrey Sachs said that the US military action and ongoing pressure violate Article 2, Section 4 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.Sachs, president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, called these actions part of a long-standing US pattern of "covert regime change", citing a historical record of 70 such operations between 1947 and 1989 alone.The US should "immediately cease and desist from all explicit and implicit threats or uses of force against Venezuela", he said.Sachs said, "Peace, and the survival of humanity, depends on whether the United Nations Charter remains a living instrument of international law, or is allowed to wither into irrelevance."At the meeting, Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, also called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.The Russian envoy called the US military action in Venezuela a "crime cynically perpetrated" and a harbinger of a return to an era of "lawlessness", stressing that any conflicts must be resolved through dialogue as enshrined in the UN Charter.Backers of the US military operation in Venezuela, including Argentina, framed the action as a law-enforcement, anti-narco-terrorism step and argued it could open a path to restoring democracy.Representatives of many countries pushed back by arguing that democracy cannot be delivered through force and coercion, and that any political outcome must be decided by Venezuelans through peaceful and lawful means.Leonor Zalabata Torres, Colombia's UN envoy, said that "democracy cannot be promoted or defended through violence or coercion", and Venezuela deserves peace and democracy, prosperity and dignity, with a government whose sovereignty is defined by no one but the Venezuelan people and their institutions.Mexico's UN envoy, Hector Vasconcelos, warned that "regime change by external actors and the application of extraterritorial measures" is contrary to international law and that, historically, all such actions have done is to exacerbate conflicts and weaken the social and political fabric of nations.Paula Narvaez Ojeda, Chile's UN representative, noted that foreign interference caused extreme damage to her nation, and she stressed that democracy is best recovered through "the strength of organized citizens and through our institutions".Spain's representative to the UN, Hector Gomez Hernandez, said that democracy "cannot be imposed by force" and "force never brings more democracy".Brazil's UN ambassador, Sergio Franca Danese, said that international norms are "mandatory and universal" and do not allow for exceptions based on ideological, geopolitical or economic interests, such as the "exploitation of natural or economic resources".The envoy dismissed the notion that "the end justifies the means", saying that such reasoning lacks legitimacy and grants the strongest the right to define what is just or unjust while imposing decisions on the weakest.Representatives from other countries also emphasized that the US military intervention constituted a fundamental breach of the UN Charter and the principles of sovereign equality.France's representative said that when a permanent member of the Security Council violates the UN Charter, it "chips away at the very foundation of the international order".South Africa warned that "no nation can claim to be legally or morally superior" to another.Pakistan said that unilateral military action "contravenes these sacrosanct principles", while the A3 group, consisting of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Liberia, said full respect for states' sovereignty and territorial integrity under the UN Charter is an essential foundation for international cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Harry sits down with Georgetown law professor Steve Vladeck to dissect the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. From the UN Charter and head-of-state immunity to the infamous 1989 Barr memo, they unpack the administration's legal gymnastics, multiple legal illegalities, and tenuous positions.  In particular, they zero in on the interplay between U.S. criminal law and the international law that we appear to have knowingly violated. They then turn to the long-term practical moral consequences of the operation, including the possible severe damage to U.S. credibility and strategic interests going forward. Mentioned in this episode: Steve's Substack post about Maduro's arrest: https://www.stevevladeck.com/p/200-five-questions-about-the-maduro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Power grabbed headlines, but the real story is law, limits, and what comes next. We sit down with Professor Anthony Colangelo of SMU to unpack the U.S. operation that seized Venezuela's leader and to separate a clean legal argument from messy policy ambitions. From irregular rendition to universal jurisdiction, we trace why courts can claim authority even after a cross‑border capture and how treaty obligations make narcoterrorism a shared international concern.We dive into the hard edge of immunity doctrine. Status‑based immunity protects a sitting head of state; conduct‑based immunity can persist after office, but not for acts condemned by international law. That distinction matters when a leader's actions create direct effects across borders. We also probe the collective self‑defense rationale under the UN Charter and why strict proportionality can fail as a deterrent against rational, high‑risk actors. The takeaway: legality can be clear while prudence is not.Then we confront the policy frontier: talk of running a country, steering succession, or taking oil turns a lawful seizure into a broader question of occupation and constitutional checks at home. What obligations follow a regime change? How do we minimize civilian harm, stabilize services, and hand control back quickly? Could trials in absentia provide accountability without escalating conflict? Throughout, we push past media echo chambers to focus on facts, precedent, and measurable limits on executive power.If you're tired of spin and looking for a rigorous, good‑faith analysis that respects both international law and constitutional guardrails, this one's for you. Listen, share with a curious friend, and tell us: legal win, policy risk, or both? If our work adds clarity, subscribe and leave a review to help others find the show.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

On our first show back after the holidays, Brian Finucane, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, explains the legal ramifications of invading Venezuela and kidnapping its leader for “law enforcement.” We'll break down the Supreme Court's ruling eviscerating Trump's effort to conscript National Guard troops to terrorize cities. And for subscribers, Justin Baldoni will once again teach us (how not to) CivPro.Links:Trump v. Illinois [Supreme Court]https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/25a443_new_b07d.pdfBrian Finucane, Presidential War Powers, the Take Care Clause, and Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, Cornell Law Review (2020)https://live-cornell-law-review.pantheonsite.io/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Finucane-final.pdf1989 OLC Memorandumhttps://www.justice.gov/olc/opinion/authority-federal-bureau-investigation-override-international-law-extraterritorial-lawUS v. Commonwealth of Virginia [In-state tuition for immigrant children]https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72085714/united-states-v-commonwealth-of-virginia/JGG v. Trumphttps://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69741724/jgg-v-trump/?order_by=descLively v. Baldonihttps://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69741724/jgg-v-trump/?order_by=descShow Links:https://www.lawandchaospod.com/BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPodThreads: @LawAndChaosPodTwitter: @LawAndChaosPodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

pWotD Episode 3170: 2026 United States strikes in Venezuela Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 346,391 views on Monday, 5 January 2026 our article of the day is 2026 United States strikes in Venezuela.On 3 January 2026, the United States attacked Venezuela, capturing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The attack, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, began around 2 am local time when explosions were observed. More than 150 United States Armed Forces aircraft were involved in the operation, which bombed infrastructure across northern Venezuela to support an apprehension force that landed in Caracas. Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodríguez denounced the capture as a kidnapping.Venezuelan and Cuban officials said more than 80 people were killed in the attack, including 32 members of the Cuban military and intelligence agencies. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York City by US forces. US attorney general Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and Flores had been indicted in the US Southern District of New York on several charges related to narcoterrorism, superseding a 2020 indictment based on similar charges. Maduro and Flores pled not guilty to the charges in a Manhattan federal court on 5 January 2026.US president Donald Trump and his administration justified the operation as a law-enforcement action, with military support, that the president has "inherent constitutional authority" to undertake. Officials in the United Nations (UN), the US, and other countries, as well as international law experts said the raid violated the UN Charter and Venezuela's sovereignty. Other reactions around the world included protests and celebrations by the Venezuelan diaspora.Trump stated that the US would "run" Venezuela until there was a transition of power, but these claims were contradicted by Rodríguez and walked back by US secretary of state Marco Rubio. The Venezuelan government remained in place with Rodríguez sworn in as President of Venezuela on 5 January 2026.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 07:23 UTC on Tuesday, 6 January 2026.For the full current version of the article, see 2026 United States strikes in Venezuela on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Kevin.

Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE) The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro. The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations. The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success. Geopolitical Context Venezuela’s significance stems from its vast oil reserves (largest in the world) and strategic location near the U.S. Maduro’s regime is portrayed as illegitimate, corrupt, and deeply involved in drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah). The discussion highlights Venezuela’s decline from being one of the wealthiest nations in the 1950s to a failed state under socialist rule. Legal Justifications President Trump acted within his constitutional authority under Article II as Commander-in-Chief. References are made to historical precedents, notably the 1990 capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama. The legal basis includes: FBI’s extraterritorial arrest authority. Precedents like the Ker-Frisbie doctrine and United States v. Alvarez-Machain. DOJ opinions (including one by Bill Barr) affirming presidential power to authorize such actions. Anticipated legal challenges include head-of-state immunity and UN Charter arguments. Future Implications (WATCH HERE: Is Cuba Ready to Fall?) There will be geopolitical ripple effects in Latin America, especially Cuba and Colombia. Avoiding prolonged U.S. military occupation in Venezuela is key Discussion of possible democratic elections and leadership changes in Venezuela. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the article with analysis from the author:  North Korea claimed it conducted a successful test of a hypersonic missile.  “A sub-unit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People’s Army conducted a missile launching drill on January 4,” a statement in North Korean state media said. “The drill was conducted as part of the operational evaluation of the sustainability, effectiveness, and operation of the DPRK’s war deterrent while evaluating the readiness of the hypersonic weapon system, verifying and confirming its capability for fulfilling mission and developing the missile soldiers’ firing capability.” Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the missile test. “To be honest, our such activity is clearly aimed at gradually putting the nuclear war deterrent on a highly developed basis.” He continued, “The reason why it is necessary is exemplified by the recent geopolitical crisis and complicated international events.” The test was conducted shortly after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was kidnapped by US forces. While Kim did not link the test to Maduro's capture, the North Korean leader has often argued that Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal prevents the US from attempting an Iraq or Libya-style regime change.   The North Korean Foreign Ministry denounced the US attack on Venezuela. “The incident is another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the US which the international community has so frequently witnessed for a long time.” The statement added, “The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK strongly denounces the U.S. hegemony-seeking act committed in Venezuela as the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty and as a wanton violation of the UN Charter and international laws with respect for sovereignty, non-interference and territorial integrity as their main purpose.” Sunday's missile launch follows North Korea testing a long-range strategic cruise missile and a new anti-aircraft system late last year. 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been sent to a detention center in New York after they were captured in a large-scale US military strike. A UN spokesperson says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply alarmed by the escalation in Venezuela, emphasizing the importance of full respect of international law, including the UN Charter. What aspects of international law has the US action violated? Will the US capture of Maduro necessarily lead to government change in Venezuela? Host Ding Heng is joined by Cao Ting, Director of Center for Latin American Studies at Fudan University and Professor Wang Jin from Northwest University in Xi'an, China.

The United States will take interim control of Venezuela after capturing President Nicolas Maduro and does not rule out deploying US troops on the ground, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the US strikes set "a dangerous precedent"."We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump said during a news conference ‍at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, hours after a US overnight attack on the South American country.A US occupation "won't cost us a anything" because the United States would be reimbursed from the "money coming out of the ground", Trump said, referring to Venezuela's oil reserves. Trump said American energy companies would rebuild Venezuela's broken infrastructure under US supervision.The president also said that the military operation against Maduro was not necessarily over, warning that the US stood ready to escalate if required."We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to do so," Trump said, although he added that the initial operation was so successful that "we probably don't have to do a second."He also said that US troops could remain on the ground in Venezuela during the interim period."We're not afraid of boots on the ground if we have to have [them]," he said, pointing out that American forces had already operated inside the country. "We had boots on the ground last night at a very high level," he added.Guterres is "deeply alarmed" by US military action in Venezuela that sets "a dangerous precedent", his spokesperson said on Saturday."These developments constitute a dangerous precedent," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. "The ‌secretary-general continues to emphasize the importance of full respect — by all — of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply ⁠concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected."Moments after Trump announced the ‍US would ⁠run the South American country until a "safe" transition was ‌completed, Spain said it will not "recognize an intervention that violates international law and pushes the region toward a horizon of uncertainty and belligerence," Prime ‍Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X.Venezuela and Colombia have asked the 15-member Security Council to meet, diplomats said, though the meeting had not yet been scheduled, Reuters reported.In a letter to the Security Council on Saturday, Venezuela's UN Ambassador Samuel Moncada described the operation as a "deadly and treacherous US military attack" against "a country that is at peace," warning it "has serious implications for regional and international peace and security."He said the US had violated the founding UN Charter, citing its provision that "All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."In a separate letter to the Security Council's January president, Venezuela's Permanent Mission to the United Nations condemned what it called "brutal, unjustified and unilateral" US armed attacks.The mission said that US forces bombed "civilian and military sites" in Caracas and other locations and called the operation "a flagrant act of aggression" that violated the UN Charter.Countries that criticized US strike mainly focused on the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force and urged de-escalation.China said it was "deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country.""Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. China firmly opposes it," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said.The spokesperson urged Washington to abide by international law, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries' sovereignty and security.Russia strongly urged the US leadership to release Maduro and his wife, the Russian foreign ministry said on Saturday.In a statement, the ministry called on Washington to reconsider its position regarding the couple.The statement also stressed the need to create conditions for resolving any existing issues between the United States and Venezuela through dialogue.France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said, "The military operation that led to the capture of Nicolas Maduro violates the principle of not resorting to force, that underpins international law".He added that "no lasting political solution can be imposed from the outside" and "only sovereign people themselves can decide their future".A leading international-law expert at Chatham House said that the US rationale collided with the UN Charter's baseline prohibition on the use of force."International law prohibits the use of force as a means of national policy," Marc Weller, program director of Chatham House's International Law Programme, said in a post on the London-based policy institute's website on Saturday.Short of a UN Chapter VII mandate, force is generally lawful only "in response to an armed attack" or possibly to rescue a population facing "imminent threat of extermination," he said."Clearly, none of these requirements are fulfilled" by the US operation against Venezuela, he said, adding that US interests in stopping drugs, or portraying the Maduro government as a criminal enterprise "offers no legal justification".

The United States has launched airstrikes on Caracas and detained Venezuela's president, Nicolás Maduro, in an unprecedented operation that has drawn condemnation from governments around the world. France, Spain, Brazil, China, Russia and the European Union say the action likely violates the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against a sovereign state. Independent media has never been more important. Please support this channel by subscribing here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g?sub_confirmation=1 Join this channel with a membership for exclusive early access and bonus content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbwLFZhawBqK2b9gW08z3g/join Buy Anthony's microphone: https://kellards.com/products/electro-voice-re20-broadcast-announcer-microphone-black-bundle-with-mic-shockmount-broadcast-arm Buy Anthony's black t'shirt: https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E455365-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09 Five Minute News is an Evergreen Podcast, covering politics, inequality, health and climate - delivering independent, unbiased and essential news for the US and across the world. Visit us online at http://www.fiveminute.news Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/fiveminutenews.bsky.social Follow us on Instagram http://instagram.com/fiveminnews Support us on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/fiveminutenews You can subscribe to Five Minute News with your preferred podcast app, ask your smart speaker, or enable Five Minute News as your Amazon Alexa Flash Briefing skill. CONTENT DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed on this channel are those of the guests and authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Anthony Davis or Five Minute News LLC. Any content provided by our hosts, guests or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything, in line with the First Amendment right to free and protected speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Jay rejects the false choice between  "Putin as a new Hitler" and the anti-NATO Left's defense of Russia. Under the UN Charter and Nuremberg principles, Russia's invasion is a war of aggression — there was no imminent threat and no "sphere of influence" justifies it. At the same time, NATO expansion was provocative and deceptive, and the U.S. refusal to take it off the table helped set the stage for war. The discussion highlights: •The Ukrainian people's right to self-determination and to overthrow their own oligarchy; • how the Iraq War normalized lawless aggression and weakened global norms; • the role of Russian, Ukrainian, U.S., and European oligarchies in prolonging the conflict; • why parts of the Left blur first principles by excusing one imperialism to oppose another; • China's strategic interest in sustaining the conflict; • Ukraine and Gaza serve as "battle labs" for AI weapons and companies like Palantir. • NATO functions as a "protection racket," getting Europe to increase military spending to 5%. • and why a negotiated peace — even with territorial concessions — may be necessary to create space for democratic struggle against oligarchic power on all sides. With host Barry Stevens.

In this excerpt from CBC Ideas, Augusto López-Claros reflects on a rapidly changing world and the civic movements demanding that the UN evolve with it. From the failures of the current system to the rising pressure from civil society, he outlines why the UN Charter's original architects left behind a little-known pathway — Article 109 — designed to ensure periodic review. Nearly 80 years later, that review has never happened. This episode explores why now may be the moment to invoke it, and how a global coalition is working to modernize multilateralism for the 21st century.Learn more on GlobalGovernanceForum.org

Given Japan's colonial rule over Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, which inflicted atrocities on the Chinese people, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has nonetheless attempted to exploit the Taiwan question to provoke trouble and threaten China militarily, which is "utterly intolerable", Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.中国外交部长王毅表示，鉴于日本在1895年至1945年间对台湾的殖民统治给中国人民带来了深重灾难，日本首相高市早苗却仍企图利用台湾问题挑衅生事、在军事上威胁中国，这种行径“完全不可容忍”。In his talks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in Beijing on Monday, Wang referred to Takaichi's recent provocative remarks in parliament about Taiwan, saying that the one-China principle is an important political foundation for China-Germany relations, and there is no room for ambiguity.王毅在周一与来访的德国外长约翰·瓦德普福举行会谈时指出，高市早苗近日在日本国会发表涉台挑衅言论。王毅强调，一个中国原则是中德关系的重要政治基础，不容含糊。He noted that unlike Germany, Japan has yet to conduct a thorough reflection in the past eight decades since the end of World War II on its history of aggression.王毅指出，与德国不同，日本在二战结束八十年来一直未能对其侵略历史进行彻底反省。Wadephul said Germany remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, and this position will not change.瓦德普福表示，德国始终坚定奉行一个中国政策，这一立场不会改变。During the talks, Wang said that Taiwan has been part of China since ancient times, and he elaborated on a seven-point fact list that clearly supports this position and records Tokyo's past official commitments regarding Taiwan.会谈中，王毅重申台湾自古以来就是中国的一部分，并列举了七项事实，既明确支持这一立场，也记录了日方过去在台湾问题上的正式承诺。The Cairo Declaration issued in 1943 stated that all the territories Japan had stolen from China, such as Taiwan, should be restored to China. Article 8 of the Potsdam Proclamation in 1945 stipulated that the terms of the Cairo Declaration will be carried out.1943年发布的《开罗宣言》明确规定，日本从中国窃取的所有领土（包括台湾）必须归还中国。1945年《波茨坦公告》第八条明确要求执行《开罗宣言》的所有条款。In 1945, Japan surrendered unconditionally, the Japanese emperor committed to faithfully fulfilling the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation, and the then Chinese government announced resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan on Oct 25, 1945.1945年日本无条件投降，日本天皇承诺忠实履行《波茨坦公告》的规定。同年10月25日，中国政府宣布恢复对台湾行使主权。In 1971, the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 to restore all rights to the People's Republic of China, and the UN's official legal opinion confirms that Taiwan is a province of China, Wang said.王毅指出，1971年联合国大会第二十六届会议通过2758号决议，恢复中华人民共和国在联合国的一切合法权利；联合国的正式法律意见也确认台湾是中国的一个省。According to the China-Japan Joint Statement of 1972, the Chinese government "reiterates that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the PRC", and "the government of Japan fully understands and respects this stand". The 1978 Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan confirmed that the principles set forth in the 1972 Joint Statement should be strictly observed.根据1972年《中日联合声明》，中国政府“重申台湾是中华人民共和国领土不可分割的一部分”，日本政府则“充分理解并尊重这一立场”。1978年《中日和平友好条约》进一步确认应严格遵守联合声明所确立的原则。As a defeated nation in World War II, Japan "should have undertaken profound reflection and acted with greater caution", as this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945), Wang said.王毅表示，作为二战战败国，日本理应深刻反省并更加谨慎。今年正值中国人民抗日战争胜利（1931—1945）80周年，日本更应有所警醒。He also said that attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" mean splitting China's territory, and supporting "Taiwan independence" amounts to interference in China's internal affairs, which violates China's Constitution as well as international law.他强调，谋求“台独”就是分裂中国领土，支持“台独”就是干涉中国内政，这既违反中国宪法，也违反国际法。The Chinese people, together with all peace-loving people around the world, bear the responsibility to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and they also have the obligation to prevent Japan from remilitarization and attempting to revive militaristic ambitions, he added.王毅补充说，中国人民以及全世界热爱和平的人们都有责任维护《联合国宪章》的宗旨和原则，也有义务防止日本重新军事化、阻止其重燃军国主义野心。"By linking the Taiwan question to Japan's 'survival-threatening situation', Takaichi and the conservative, right-wing forces behind her have stoked security anxiety among part of the Japanese public and politicians," said Wang Peng, a research fellow at Huazhong University of Science and Technology's Institute of State Governance.华中科技大学国家治理研究院研究员王鹏指出，高市早苗及其身后的保守右翼势力将台湾问题与所谓“生存危机情况”相挂钩，煽动了日本部分公众和政界的安全焦虑。This helps to pave the way for further lifting postwar legislative restrictions on Japan's military buildup and escalate tension in the Taiwan Strait, he said.他表示，这将为进一步突破日本战后军事限制铺路，并加剧台海局势紧张。Jeffrey Sachs, a professor and director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University in the United States, said in a lecture at the University of South Africa last month that "China went for a thousand years without once invading Japan, a near neighbor, even though China was much more powerful.美国哥伦比亚大学可持续发展中心主任、教授杰弗里·萨克斯上月在南非大学的演讲中指出：“中国在长达一千年的历史中，从未侵略过近邻日本，即便中国一直更为强大。”"The Japanese actually sadly invaded China many times, but never the other way around," he added.他补充说：“遗憾的是，侵略中国的一直是日本，而从未反之。”Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that during World War II, Japanese troops slaughtered more than 300,000 people in Nanjing in eastern China, killed over 100,000 in Manila in the Philippines within one month, and carried out the Singapore Massacre.中国外交部发言人郭家坤周二表示，二战期间，日本军队在中国南京屠杀30多万人，在菲律宾马尼拉一个月内杀害10万多人，并制造了新加坡大屠杀。Any moves to condone provocations by Japan's right-wing forces "will only lead to the resurgence of militarism" and "put Asian people at risk again", Guo said.郭家坤指出，任何纵容日本右翼挑衅的举动“只会导致军国主义死灰复燃”，并“让亚洲人民再次面临危险”。Cairo Declaration《开罗宣言》Potsdam Proclamation《波茨坦公告》remilitarization/ˌriːmɪlɪtəraɪˈzeɪʃən/重新军事化right-wing forces右翼势力resurgence of militarism军国主义复活

Ralph welcomes Judith Enck (founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution everywhere) to discuss her new book “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late.” Then, Ralph reflects on the 60th anniversary of “Unsafe at Any Speed.”Judith Enck is the founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is to eliminate plastic pollution everywhere. In 2009, she was appointed by President Obama to serve as regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and served as deputy secretary for the environment in the New York Governor's Office. She is currently a professor at Bennington College, where she teaches classes on plastic pollution. She is co-author (with Adam Mahoney) of The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late.I support recycling…But the sad reality is that plastic recycling has been an abysmal failure. Always has, always will be…You cannot really accomplish high levels of recycling with plastics because you would literally have to do hundreds, if not thousands of different sorting. The people who know this the most are the plastic manufacturers. Yet they have spent hundreds of millions of dollars confusing and deceiving the public into thinking: “Don't worry about all your plastic, just toss it in your recycling bin,” knowing that most plastic never gets recycled.Judith EnckA lot of people feel overwhelmed and that it's hopeless and what can one person do? And that fails to acknowledge that the reason we're not making more progress on climate change is because of the political power of fossil fuel companies. On the plastics issue, we're taking on fossil fuel, chemical, and consumer brand companies and plastics companies. So it's a lot. It's amazing we get anything done. But people around the country are coming together and they're getting victories.Judith EnckI do think if you start paying attention to plastic in your own life, you see that there are alternatives. And then you climb the civic ladder. So you try to reduce plastic in your own home. Then you look at your kid's school. Then you look at your faith community. Then before you know it, you're at your city council asking what can the city do to reduce plastics. You're going to get a couple victories there. And then you find the statewide environmental groups that are working on this. This is for the long haul.Judith EnckThe important thing about [Unsafe at Any Speed] now is: sure, it saved millions of lives and the laws are still on the books, and even Donald Trump can't tear seatbelts and airbags out of our cars. But if we tried to do this again today, it wouldn't happen. And that's because the concentration of corporate power over Congress and the media is so much more intense now. And it's also because the decline of civic institutions and democratic institutions has been very pronounced over the last few decades. And that is sobering us up.Ralph NaderNews 12/5/251. Our top stories this week are on Venezuela. First, the BBCis out with a report on the American military build-up around the Latin American nation, which includes “air and naval forces…a nuclear-powered submarine and spy planes...a range of aircraft carriers, guided-missile destroyers, and amphibious assault ships capable of landing thousands of troops.” So far, the Trump administration has sent mixed messages on whether they plan to launch a full-scale invasion of the Bolivarian Republic, but Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro shows no signs of stepping down without a fight, having declared a “massive mobilisation” of 200,000 military personnel throughout the country. Most ominously, on November 29th, President Trump declared Venezuela's sovereign airspace closed, per the Wall Street Journal.2. However, American bellicosity towards Venezuela is unpopular at home. A CBS poll found that only 30% of Americans would favor the U.S. taking military action in Venezuela, compared to a whopping 70% opposed. Another question in this same poll found that only 13% of Americans consider Venezuela a “major threat” with 48% considering the country a “minor threat” and 39% report they don't think Venezuela is a threat at all. Unfortunately, the lack of popular support for war is unlikely to constrain the Trump administration much, but it is a notable difference from the lead-up to the Iraq War, when 70% of Americans favored an invasion. The American people want peace, even if the government does not. 3. Another key detail from the CBS poll is that “Three in four Americans…say Trump would need congressional approvalbefore taking military action in Venezuela, including just over half of Republicans.” In light of this fact, it is significant that a bipartisan group in Congress is pushing a War Powers resolution to “block strikes on Venezuela,” per the Intercept. This new push in the House is sponsored by stalwart progressive Congressman Jim McGovern and co-sponsored by dissident Republican Thomas Massie along with other progressives like Reps. Ro Khanna, Lloyd Doggett, and Joaquin Castro, among others. As the Intercept piece notes, this resolution must be acted on in the House within 15 days, but by then the administration may have already acted, pre-empting the resolution. A similar resolution has also been introduced in the Senate, primarily backed by Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul, with backing from other Senate Democrats, per the Hill.4. Of course, American aggression towards Venezuela is reverberating out into the international community in myriad ways. Generally speaking, while United Nations officials decry the actions, America's European allies have kept quiet – with many speculating that these countries would prefer Maduro's ouster in order to get ready access to Venezuelan oil and decrease their dependence on Russia. China however, has issued a stiff condemnation of American actions. The Iranian Students News Agencyquotes Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's statement at a Beijing press conference, which where in he stated, “China opposes any action that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter or infringes upon the sovereignty and security of other countries…[and] opposes foreign forces interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext.” He added, “We urge all parties to keep the Latin American and Caribbean region a peaceful zone and not allow the situation to escalate further.” However, beyond these condemnations, it remains unclear what, if anything, China will do to check American aggression.5. Despite all of this however, House Democratic leadership is typically feckless. In a corollary to the increasing likelihood of strikes against Venezuela directly, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stepped up the campaign of striking boats off the country's coast. Recently, the Washington Post revealed that after a strike in September which left survivors clinging to life, Hegseth ordered a second strike, directing Admiral Frank Bradley to “kill everybody.” This revelation led to calls for House Democrats to pursue impeachment against Hegseth on charges that he violated the laws of war. However, Axiosreports House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will not pursue a Hegseth impeachment. While true that such a push would likely be DOA, it sends a dark signal that the administration can do something like this and face virtually zero official condemnation. 6. Nevertheless, Republicans have taken such unpopular actions that it seems Democrats will retake the House, perhaps by a wide margin, in the 2026 midterms – or perhaps before. So far, 31 House Republicans have announced they will not seek re-election, with some retiring and others running for other offices. Still others however are signaling that they will resign their offices before the midterms, shaving the slim House GOP majority ever slimmer. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she will retire in January 2026. Now, Congresswoman Nancy Mace is reportedly considering resigning early as well, though she has denied such rumors, per KOMO News. Either way, Democrats should be taking this moment to prepare an agenda for if and when they retake control of the chamber. 7. Turning to consumer protection news, Jalopnik reports Senate Republicans are seeking to rollback decades of automobile safety regulations. In a recent hearing held by the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation ostensibly to put the CEOs of the Big Three American car manufacturers, as well as Tesla, on the record as to why cars have become so expensive, Republicans on the committee used the opportunity to blame safety regulations. Jalopnik notes that Republican Senators specifically targeted “automated emergency braking, the requirements for which will not come into effect until 2029 and have no bearing on current car prices…[and] back-seat alarms to remind you if you've left a child or pet back there. According to Kids and Car Safety, since 1990 at least 1,165 children have sweltered to death in hot cars, and another 7,500 survived with varying degrees of injury.” The cost of these sensors will amount to about $50 per vehicle. In short, while there are many reasons cars have become considerably more expensive in recent years – including everything from tariffs to data centers buying up all electronic parts – blaming safety regulations is a tired canard. 8. Meanwhile, RFK Jr. is moving to kill a proposed Food and Drug Administration rule to test for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics, the Guardian reports. As this report notes, cosmetics companies have known about potential asbestos contamination of talc since the 1950s, but that fact, like so many other corporate secrets, was suppressed, only coming to light in the 1970s. Asbestos is a highly carcinogenic substance. It has been banned in over 50 countries and “No…level of exposure is considered safe.” However, attempts to ban the substance in the U.S. have been stymied by industry, beginning with the overturning of the EPA's 1989 ban.9. In more legal news, Reuters reports the British government has announced plans to “remove the historic right to trial by jury,” for defendants in criminal cases carrying potential sentences of under three years in jail. The government argues that this will help alleviate the tremendous backlog of cases before the British courts, despite the fact that the right to a jury trial in Britain dates back to the Magna Carta itself. Barbara Mills, chair of the Bar Council, which represents trial lawyers in the U.K., decried this move, stating ”there is no evidence that [the] removal [of jury trials] would reduce the backlog, nor has it been set out how an alternative system would be resourced…We urge the government to reconsider pursuing radical changes under the mistaken belief that radical equals effective.” 10. Finally, in local news, Washington D.C. Councilmember and Democratic Socialist Janeese Lewis George has officially launched her campaign to be the next mayor of the District of Columbia. Lewis George is the first serious candidate to announce a campaign to succeed unpopular three-term Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is retiring this cycle. Like Zohran Mamdani, Lewis George is prioritizing affordability in the increasingly expensive District as well as an emphasis on fixing city services like traffic safety improvement. According to the Washington Post, “Within hours of launching her campaign Monday morning, Lewis George's campaign said it had received enough money from enough D.C. residents to qualify [for the District's matching fund program], which provides public financing for campaigns that agree not to accept large-dollar donations and corporate contributions.” Within hours, “they had netted more than $110,000 in individual donations from 1,500 D.C. residents,” which after being combined with the matching funds, will total over $750,000.” However, many expect her main challenger to be Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, an ally of corporate interests and developers in the District, who will likely be bankrolled by those same interests. Whatever the future holds, this will surely be the most competitive citywide race the District has seen in decades. This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

China's ambassador to the United Nations on Monday delivered another letter to the United Nations chief, rejecting what Beijing calls Japan's "unreasonable arguments" over Taiwan and reiterating its position on the issue.中国驻联合国大使周一再次致函联合国秘书长，驳斥日本就台湾问题提出的所谓“无理主张”，并重申中方立场。In the letter, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said China "firmly opposes" Japan's letter to the UN and called it "dodging the key issues, while groundlessly accusing China and seeking to shift blame."在信函中，中国常驻联合国代表傅聪表示，中方“坚决反对”日本致联合国的信函，称其“回避关键问题，同时无端指责中国并试图推卸责任”。The latest move comes amid an exchange of letters between the two missions. Fu recently sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, prompting a response from Japan's UN ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki, who also wrote to the UN.最新动向发生在两国驻外使团互换信函之际。傅聪最近致函联合国秘书长安东尼奥·古特雷斯，日本驻联合国大使山崎和之随即作出回应，也向联合国发函。Fu said the direct cause of the "serious differences" between the two countries was the recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Nov 7, who suggested during a Diet session that a "Taiwan contingency" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan and implied possible military involvement.傅聪表示，两国出现“严重分歧”的直接原因在于日本首相高市早苗11月7日在国会会议上的言论。她当时暗示“台湾突发状况”可能构成日本的“生存威胁”，并暗示可能采取军事行动。Fu said such remarks challenge the outcomes of World War II, undermine the post-war international order and violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.傅聪说此类言论挑战第二次世界大战的成果，破坏战后国际秩序，违反《联合国宪章》的宗旨和原则。In its letter to the UN, Japan has said that it adheres to its "consistent position". Fu urged Japan to clarify what it calls its "consistent position" on Taiwan. "The Japanese side has continued to evade the question and has yet to give China a direct answer. Can the Japanese side provide the international community with a complete and accurate explanation of its 'consistent position' on the Taiwan question?"日本在致联合国的信函中表示坚持其“一贯立场”。傅聪立言敦促日本澄清其所谓对台湾问题的“一贯立场”。他表示：“日方持续回避问题，至今未向中方作出直接答复。日方能否向国际社会完整准确地说明其在台湾问题上的'‘一贯立场'？”The ambassador cited the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender as legal instruments confirming China's sovereignty over Taiwan.傅聪援引《开罗宣言》、《波茨坦公告》和《日本投降书》作为确认中国对台湾拥有主权的法律文书。He also referred to the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, which states that "the Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China" and "The Government of Japan fully understands and respects" China's stand that Taiwan is "an inalienable part of the territory of the People's Republic of China".他还援引了1972年《中日联合声明》，其中声明“日本政府承认中华人民共和国政府是中国唯一合法政府”，并“充分理解和尊重”中国关于台湾是“中华人民共和国领土不可分割一部分”的立场。Fu also rejected Japan's claim in its letter saying that Japan adheres to a "passive defense strategy, which is exclusively defense-oriented", and asserts that Takaichi's remarks were grounded in this position.傅聪也驳斥了日本在信函中声称日本坚持“纯粹以防御为导向的被动防御战略”的说法，并强调高市早苗的言论正是基于这一立场。"Takaichi linked Japan's 'survival-threatening situation' with a 'Taiwan contingency', implying the use of force against China. This clearly goes beyond its claim of 'passive defense strategy' that is 'exclusively defense-oriented'. The Japanese side's arguments are self-contradictory and are intended to mislead the international community," Fu said.傅聪指出：“高市将日本‘生存威胁'与‘台湾突发状况'挂钩，暗示对华动武。这显然超越了其所谓‘纯粹防御型'的‘被动防御战略'主张。日方论调自相矛盾，意在误导国际社会。”He also warned Japan's attempts to "expand its military capabilities and revive militarism". Fu said Japan had increased defense spending for many years, adjusted arms-export principles and was debating nuclear-related policies.他还警示道日本企图“扩大军事能力、复活军国主义”。傅聪指出，日本多年来不断增加国防开支，调整武器出口原则，并正在讨论核相关政策。"Takaichi's erroneous words and deeds have severely undermined the mutual trust between China and Japan and damaged the political foundation of China-Japan relations," Fu said.傅聪表示：“高市早苗的一系列错误言行严重破坏了中日之间的相互信任，损害了中日关系的政治基础。”Japan should "clearly reaffirm the one-China principle, faithfully uphold the spirit of the four political documents between the two countries and its political commitments, immediately retract the erroneous remarks, and take practical steps to honor its commitments to China," he said, warning that the Japanese side should "bear all the consequences arising therefrom".日本应“明确重申一个中国原则，恪守两国间四份政治文件的精神及其政治承诺，立即收回错误言论，并采取切实措施履行对中国的承诺”，傅聪警告称日方应“承担由此产生的全部后果”。Fu asked that his latest letter be circulated as an official document of the UN General Assembly under agenda item 120.傅聪要求将其最新信函作为联合国大会正式文件，列入议程第120项进行分发。Munir Akram, a seasoned diplomat and former permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and Geneva, told China Daily in a recent exclusive interview in New York that Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan were "not appropriate".资深外交官、巴基斯坦前常驻联合国纽约和日内瓦代表穆尼尔·阿克拉姆近日在纽约接受《中国日报》独家专访时表示，高市早苗关于台湾问题的言论“不恰当”。"I think everybody realizes how sensitive China is on the issue of the one-China principle and on any indication of encouragement of separatism from Taiwan," Akram said. "It is my hope that good sense will prevail, and that our friends in Japan will have realized that perhaps this was not the most appropriate way to address an issue China considers to be internal."穆尼尔·阿克拉姆表示：“我认为所有人都清楚中国对一个中国原则的敏感性，以及对任何鼓励台湾分裂行为的表态的警惕。我希望理性能够占上风，我们的日本朋友能够意识到，这种方式或许并非处理中国视为内政问题的最佳途径。”"It is difficult to understand why the remark was made because, both from a legal point of view and from a historical point of view, Japan of all countries should have been more careful because of the history involved," he said.他表示：“很难理解为何会发表此番言论，因为无论从法律角度还是历史角度来看，日本这个国家本应因涉及的历史问题而更加谨慎。”shift blame推卸责任contingencyn./kənˈtɪn.dʒən.si/不测事件，意外事件

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly's plenary meeting on Security Council reform on Tuesday, China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong said that Japan is "totally unqualified" to seek a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.在联合国大会周二举行的安理会改革全体会议上，中国常驻联合国代表傅聪指出，日本“完全不具备”谋求联合国安理会常任理事国席位的资格。This is a justified position. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's provocative remarks on Taiwan in the Diet on Nov 7 were not only gross interference in China's internal affairs, they were also an affront to international justice.这一立场完全正当。日本首相高市早苗11月7日在国会发表的涉台挑衅言论，不仅是对中国内政的粗暴干涉，也是对国际公义的严重冒犯。As Fu correctly pointed out, her remarks were "extremely erroneous and dangerous", as they deny the postwar international order, trample on the basic norms of international relations and represent a blatant departure from Japan's commitment to peaceful development.正如傅聪所指出，高市的言论“极其错误且危险”，因为它否定了二战后国际秩序，践踏国际关系基本准则，并公然背离了日本对和平发展的承诺。Her remarks, which run counter to Japan's commitments enshrined in the four political documents between China and Japan, have done grave damage to bilateral relations and sparked concern both within and outside Japan.她的言论违背了中日四个政治文件中日本所作的承诺，严重损害双边关系，并在日本国内外引发广泛担忧。Should Takaichi continue to challenge the one-China principle as a cornerstone of the postwar order, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, has left her no room to plead ignorance. When answering a question concerning Takaichi's recent remarks on Taiwan, Dujarric said that the official position of the UN on Taiwan is based on the relevant General Assembly Resolution 2758. And in addressing a follow-up question for confirmation that the official language in documents is still Taiwan, a province of China, he said "I'm not aware of any change in General Assembly texts", adding that every member state should support and respect the UN Charter.如果高市继续挑战作为战后秩序基石的一个中国原则，联合国秘书长发言人斯特凡纳·迪雅里克的表态已让她无可推诿。在回答有关高市涉台言论的问题时，迪雅里克表示，联合国对台湾问题的官方立场基于联大第2758号决议。面对记者追问联合国文件中仍将台湾表述为“中国的一个省”是否仍然适用，他回应称：“我没有听说联大文本有任何变化。”并强调所有会员国都应支持和尊重《联合国宪章》。As Fu pointed out, given Takaichi's egregious remarks, how can Japan's professed commitment to peaceful development be trusted? How can it be trusted to uphold fairness and justice? How can it be trusted to shoulder the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security?正如傅聪指出，在高市发表如此恶劣言论的情况下，日本所谓“坚持和平发展”如何令人信任？它又如何能被信任去维护公平与正义？如何能承担维护国际和平与安全的责任？On Sunday, citing the growing number of crimes against Chinese citizens in Japan, the Ministry of Education released an overseas study alert, advising Chinese students to plan their studies prudently. On the same day, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism also issued a cautionary travel notice for Chinese tourists.上周日，鉴于在日中国公民遭遇侵害案件增多，中国教育部发布海外留学预警，提醒中国学生谨慎规划赴日留学。同日，文化和旅游部也向中国游客发布赴日旅行风险提示。Needless to say, these warnings are making Chinese people think twice about studying in Japan or visiting the country. Already, tens of thousands of Chinese tourists have reportedly canceled trips to Japan.不言而喻，这些警示正让中国民众重新考虑赴日留学或旅行。据报道，目前已有数以万计的中国游客取消赴日行程。And Japan's self-made troubles do not end there. On Wednesday, Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said that under the current circumstances, even if Japanese seafood were exported to China, there would be no market for it. She also stressed that if Japan continues on its erroneous course, China will have no choice but to take severe and resolute countermeasures.日本自造的麻烦还不止这些。周三，中国外交部发言人毛宁表示，在当前情况下，即便日本水产品出口至中国，也不会有市场。她强调，如果日方继续在错误道路上滑行，中方将不得不采取严厉而坚决的反制措施。Japan should bear all the consequences of Takaichi's irresponsible remarks. Her attempts to distort, deny and glorify Japan's history of aggression and colonial rule and the ascendancy of ultrarightist sentiment in Japan have produced an international wave of concern at the possible consequences of militarism raising its ugly head in Japan again.日本应承担高市不负责任言论造成的全部后果。她试图歪曲、否认并美化日本侵略与殖民统治历史，加之日本国内极右势力抬头，引发了国际社会对日本军国主义可能再次抬头的强烈担忧。Japan's history of aggression has left lasting scars on neighboring countries, and its stubborn unwillingness to reflect on its wrongdoings has led to them festering. Takaichi's whitewashing of Japan's historical aggression and her accelerated remilitarization agenda have only served to rub more salt in the wounds.日本的侵略历史给周边国家留下深重伤痕，而其长期拒绝反省的态度让这些伤痕不断恶化。高市对白洗日本侵略历史的行为，以及她推动的加速军事化议程，无异于在伤口上撒盐。Takaichi's rhetoric in the Japanese parliament that the Dokdo islands, or Takeshima islets as the Japanese call them, are Japan's "inherent territory" has sparked anger in the Republic of Korea. The ROK's Foreign Ministry responded quickly by summoning the Japanese ambassador to Seoul to lodge a protest, strongly urging Japan to correct its erroneous stance.高市在日本国会声称独岛（日本称竹岛）是日本“固有领土”的言论，引发韩国强烈不满。韩国外交部迅速召见日本驻韩大使提出严正抗议，强烈敦促日方纠正错误立场。Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said that Japanese militarism brought profound disasters to Asia and the world, and caused Japan to pay a heavy price. She urged Takaichi and her like-minded Japanese politicians to deeply reflect on history and be wary of the serious consequences that their erroneous words and actions may cause.俄罗斯外交部发言人扎哈罗娃也表示，日本军国主义曾给亚洲和世界带来深重灾难，并让日本付出惨重代价。她敦促高市及其同类政客深刻反省历史，警惕其错误言行可能造成的严重后果。Despite the regional alarm, it seems Takaichi is determined to continue down the wrong path: According to Japanese media reports, under growing pressure from nationalist conservatives, she is considering paying homage at Yasukuni Shrine, which honors convicted war criminals among others, next month. Something most previous Japanese leaders have refrained from doing in their official capacity as prime minister.尽管区域国家已纷纷示警，但高市似乎仍执意走在错误道路上：据日本媒体报道，在民族主义保守派的压力下，她正考虑下月以首相身份参拜供奉有甲级战犯的靖国神社——这是大多数历任日本首相都避免在任内进行的行为。The Japanese leader should know that such a visit will drag Japan into an abyss of mistrust. "Normalization" will be an even more elusive aspiration for Japan if Takaichi continues on her current trajectory.日本领导人应当明白，此类行为将把日本拖入不信任的深渊。如果高市继续沿着当前路线前行，日本所谓“正常化”的愿望将更加遥不可及。an affront to 冒犯...run counter to 与……背道而驰；违反……rub salt in the wounds在伤口上撒盐drag ... into an abyss of mistrust将……拖入不信任的深渊（常用于评论类文章形容外交或关系迅速恶化）

Alex Newman is an award-winning international freelance journalist, author, researcher, educator and consultant. He is senior editor for The New American. He is co-author of Crimes of the Educators, author of Deep State: The Invisible Government Behind the Scenes and author of Indoctrinating Our Children to Death. He is founder & CEO of Liberty Sentinel and a national syndicator of radio and TV programs including Behind the Deep State which airs on WVCY Television and VCY.tv. Today is United Nations Day. It was 80 years ago today that the United Nations came into being by the signing of the UN Charter. The UN was created to maintain international peace and security and develop friendly relations between nations. They longed for international cooperation. How is that working out? So much of the world is sitting on a powder keg. Instead we have the UN lusting for control over the world's energy, the world's food supply, the world's housing, the world's transportation, the world's healthcare and even the world's education. As a matter of fact, the UN has just released a report titled, "Homeschooling Through a Human Rights Lens." This report, overseen by a communist, outlines the most draconian global assault on homeschooling in history. It claims governments must take total control, if they allow it at all.

Alex Newman is an award-winning international freelance journalist, author, researcher, educator and consultant. He is senior editor for The New American. He is co-author of Crimes of the Educators, author of Deep State: The Invisible Government Behind the Scenes and author of Indoctrinating Our Children to Death. He is founder & CEO of Liberty Sentinel and a national syndicator of radio and TV programs including Behind the Deep State which airs on WVCY Television and VCY.tv. Today is United Nations Day. It was 80 years ago today that the United Nations came into being by the signing of the UN Charter. The UN was created to maintain international peace and security and develop friendly relations between nations. They longed for international cooperation. How is that working out? So much of the world is sitting on a powder keg. Instead we have the UN lusting for control over the world's energy, the world's food supply, the world's housing, the world's transportation, the world's healthcare and even the world's education. As a matter of fact, the UN has just released a report titled, "Homeschooling Through a Human Rights Lens." This report, overseen by a communist, outlines the most draconian global assault on homeschooling in history. It claims governments must take total control, if they allow it at all.

The Security Council is deep into negotiations around authorizing an international stabilization force for Gaza.  But even if the Council approves such a mission, will it actually deploy? In this episode of To Save Us From Hell,  Mark and Anjali share their doubts. Also up: the Trump administration blew up a global deal to put a price on carbon in international shipping — a move that would have pushed the industry toward zero emissions. Mark and Anjali break down this latest clash between Washington and the U.N. But first, Anjali and Mark sit down with Heba Aly, director of a new coalition called Article 109, which is taking on a bold mission: reforming the U.N. Charter itself. Article 109 is a little-known provision of the Charter that enables member states to review and revise it — but it's never been invoked. So, is now the right time to open up the U.N. Charter to review? What would that actually entail? And is it even a good idea? Listen and learn! The full episode is available for our paying subscribers. https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff 

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.globaldispatches.orgThe ceasefire in Gaza is hanging by a thread. One idea on the table: an International Stabilization Force made up of troops from around the world. The Security Council is deep in negotiations over a resolution to authorize it — but even if it passes, will the mission ever deploy? Mark and Anjali have their doubts.Meanwhile, the Trump administration just blew up a global deal to put a price on carbon in international shipping — a move that would have pushed the industry toward zero emissions. Mark and Anjali break down this latest clash between Washington and the U.N.Those conversations are behind the paywall for our subscribers. Up first, they sit down with Heba Aly, director of a new coalition called Article 109, which is taking on a bold mission: reforming the U.N. Charter itself. Get a discounted subscription: https://www.globaldispatches.org/40percentoff

To join our Mega Orderers Club, and get ad free listening, early episode releases, bonus content and exclusive access to live events, visit https://disorder.supportingcast.fm/  As Trump parades across the Middle East collecting adulation for his ‘eternal peace' deal, Jane and Jason break down the realities and explain that what was achieved was merely a hostage release, prisoner swap, and ceasefire. With Phase 2 looming and infighting already starting in Gaza, they look at the role of the various international actors (like Qatar, Egypt, UK, US) in possibly creating technocratic governance of Gaza. Plus: Is now the time for an Iran peace deal and as the UN Charter turns 80, what might the future of the organisation be? Finally, as they Order the Disorder, they discuss the need for progressive politicians to become better communicators. Producer: George McDonagh Subscribe to our Substack - https://natoandtheged.substack.com/ Disorder on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DisorderShow Show Notes Links: Join the Mega Orderers Club via this link: https://disorder.supportingcast.fm/  For an explainer on Iran latest, read Gaza Ceasefire Could Give Iran Another Chance at Negotiations with the US - https://www.stimson.org/2025/gaza-ceasefire-could-give-iran-another-chance-at-negotiations-with-the-us/  Watch Jane discussing what's next for Middle East - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alTViSc3FJk  Read UN says countries are willing to help fund Gaza's $70 bln reconstruction https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-says-states-willing-fund-gazas-70-bln-rebuild-2025-10-14/  Read Why Was the President of FIFA at the Gaza Summit? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/world/middleeast/gianni-infantino-fifa-trump.html  Read What Gaza has been like since the ceasefire in Vox - https://apple.news/Ao4Xzg8yKT5-aVo-nm8769A  Read BBC Expert Says The Israel-Palestine Conflict 'Will Continue' Despite Trump's Peace Plan - https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/bbc-expert-says-the-israel-palestine-conflict-will-continue-despite-trumps-peace-plan_uk_68eb5d49e4b0abf20b6b0850?ncid=APPLENEWS00001   Watch Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa interview with CBC https://share.google/Eik7y67VmISQHiegN  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the High-level Week of the UN General Assembly, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the global initiatives proposed by China are totally compatible with the UN Charter.

The world is turning its eyes to Beijing on Wednesday, as China is staging a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.周三，世界目光聚焦北京—— 中国正举行阅兵仪式，纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利 80 周年。This event, of profound political and historical significance, is not merely a commemoration of past triumphs but a reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of the Chinese people. A display of national pride and a testament to the sacrifices made by the countless heroes who fought for justice and peace, the parade showcases China's readiness to face contemporary challenges with confidence and strength, and reflects the country's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity and its capability to contribute to global peace.这场仪式具有深刻的政治与历史意义，它不仅是对过往胜利的缅怀，更昭示着中国人民永不过时的精神品格与坚韧力量。作为民族自豪感的展现，亦是对无数为正义与和平献身的英雄先烈的致敬，此次阅兵既彰显中国有信心、有实力应对当下挑战，也体现出中国维护国家主权与领土完整的坚定立场，以及为全球和平贡献力量的决心。At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, held in China's northern port city of Tianjin on Sunday and Monday, the leaders of the member countries of the organization jointly issued a declaration on the victory won in the war against fascism and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.周日至周一，上海合作组织峰会在中国北方港口城市天津举行，成员国领导人共同发表关于反法西斯战争胜利及联合国成立80 周年的声明。As stated in the declaration, the World Anti-Fascist War brought great suffering and calamity to humanity, causing the deaths of millions of people. That war, launched by fascist forces with the intention of seeking monopolistic control of the entire world, deprived other countries and peoples of their freedom, their national identity, people's personal identity, and their traditional values.声明指出，世界反法西斯战争给人类带来深重苦难与浩劫，导致数百万民众丧生。法西斯势力发动这场战争，旨在谋求对全球的垄断控制，剥夺了其他国家和人民的自由、民族认同、个体身份及传统价值观。The Chinese people suffered more than any other as the war against Japanese aggression lasted 14 years (1931-45), causing over 35 million casualties and vast swaths of scorched earth.中国人民在14 年抗日战争（1931-1945 年）中所受苦难最为深重：超 3500 万同胞伤亡，大片国土沦为焦土。The victory against fascism was won because of the dedication of people worldwide who united to ensure that the fascist forces did not prevail.反法西斯战争的胜利，源于全球人民的同心协力—— 正是这份团结，让法西斯势力未能得逞。Yet what China and its people did during this period of history is not fully acknowledged and it is even relegated to the periphery in Western narratives of the war. The battlefields in China constituted an important theater in the war, and the Chinese people's tenacious resistance against the invading Japanese forces is a core part of the World Anti-Fascist War, and should be recognized as such.然而，中国及中国人民在这段历史中的付出，尚未得到充分认可，甚至在西方的战争叙事中被边缘化。中国战场是反法西斯战争的重要组成部分，中国人民对日本侵略者的顽强抵抗，本就是世界反法西斯战争的核心篇章，这一事实理应得到正视。The contribution China made to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War should assume its rightful place in history. This explains why it is necessary for China to organize activities to mark the victory anniversary.中国为世界反法西斯战争胜利作出的贡献，理应在历史中占据应有的位置。这也正是中国举办胜利纪念活动的意义所在。From its own history in the more than a century when it was humiliated by the invasions of foreign powers, China well knows how important it is to have a strong military for its security and peaceful development.回望一个多世纪以来遭受外国侵略欺凌的历史，中国深知：一支强大的军队，对国家安危与和平发展至关重要。The great changes taking place in the international situation also mean that China as a major country must do its bit for global development and world peace, and that obligates it to have a strong military able to shoulder its peacekeeping responsibilities. This is borne out by it contributing the largest number of UN peacekeepers among all the UN Security Council members.当前国际形势风云变幻，作为大国，中国有责任为全球发展与世界和平贡献力量，这也要求中国必须拥有一支能够肩负维和使命的强大军队。中国是联合国安理会常任理事国中派遣维和人员最多的国家，这一事实便是有力证明。China as a major champion of the UN Charter and advocate for a fair and just framework for global governance always upholds the UN as the center of the global system. Just as the declaration of the SCO stated, the founding of the United Nations was one of the most important fruits of the victory in the war against fascism. The UN has long been a cornerstone of international relations, and has established various models of cooperation in a wide range of fields such as the protection of world peace and security, global social and economic development and human rights progress.作为《联合国宪章》的坚定捍卫者、公平正义全球治理体系的积极倡导者，中国始终坚持以联合国为全球治理核心。正如上合组织声明所言，联合国的成立是反法西斯战争胜利最重要的成果之一。长期以来，联合国一直是国际关系的基石，在维护世界和平安全、推动全球社会经济发展、促进人权进步等诸多领域，构建了多样的合作模式。China always stands on the right side of justice and strives to promote global development and world peace. Its Victory Day military parade is not a display of China's military muscles per se, and it is certainly not directed at any country; China is not militaristic and neither are its people. Instead, the military parade is meant to tell the world that China will never forget those who lost their lives during that war and will remember that part of history forever in order to do its bit for the protection of world peace and to promote the role of the UN in maintaining a fair and just world order.中国始终站在正义一边，致力于推动全球发展与世界和平。此次胜利日阅兵，绝非所谓“炫耀武力”，更不针对任何国家 —— 中国及中国人民历来反对军国主义。举办阅兵，实则是向世界宣告：中国永远不会忘记战争中逝去的生命，永远铭记那段历史，愿为守护世界和平、推动联合国在维护公平正义国际秩序中发挥作用贡献力量。Wednesday's grand ceremony is therefore both a tribute to the past and a beacon of hope for the future. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for national independence and freedom, and is a celebration of the enduring spirit that continues to guide China toward a future of peace, prosperity and global harmony.因此，周三这场盛大仪式，既是对历史的致敬，更是对未来的期许。它提醒着人们：为国家独立与自由所付出的牺牲永不该被遗忘；而那份支撑民族前行的精神力量，将继续指引中国迈向和平、繁荣，并推动全球和谐发展的未来。

Eighty years ago, over 100 million people were killed or wounded in the World Anti-Fascist War. In the summer of 1945, 50 countries came together in San Francisco and agreed on an international treaty known as the UN Charter, which paved the way for the establishment of the United Nations later that year. This formed the political basis of a new international order, one that intended to enshrine the equal rights of all people and maintain peace. How has this order shaped the world we live in today? How are these ambitious goals faring now? And what might be undermining this hard-won order?

In response to a media inquiry about the recent developments in the Ukraine crisis and China's position under the current circumstances — how it views the prospects for resolving the crisis and what kind of peace agreement it hopes to see, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent and clear. China is not the creator of the crisis, nor is China a party to it. However, from the very first day of the crisis, China has upheld an objective and fair stance, firmly advocating peace talks and negotiations. 针对媒体询问乌克兰危机近期进展、中方当前立场、对危机解决前景的看法及希望看到何种和平协议等问题，中国外交部发言人毛宁周二表示，中国在乌克兰危机问题上的立场是一贯且明确的。中国并非危机的制造者，也不是危机的当事方。但自危机爆发第一天起，中国就秉持客观公正立场，坚定主张和谈协商。President Xi Jinping put forward a four-point proposal, emphasizing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected; the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed; the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard; and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported. 习近平主席提出四点主张，强调各国主权和领土完整应得到尊重，《联合国宪章》宗旨和原则应得到遵守，各国合理安全关切应得到重视，一切有利于和平解决危机的努力应得到支持。 These principles are of even greater practical importance under the current circumstances, Mao said, noting that China has also released a position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, sent special envoys to conduct multiple rounds of shuttle diplomacy, and initiated the establishment of the Group of Friends for Peace on the Ukraine crisis at the United Nations, voicing impartial calls for peace and dialogue. 毛宁指出，在当前形势下，这些原则具有更为重要的现实意义。她表示，中国已发布《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的中国立场》文件，派遣特别代表开展多轮穿梭外交，并在联合国发起成立 “乌克兰危机和平之友小组”，发出公正的和平与对话呼声。China is willing, in line with the will of the parties concerned and together with the international community, to continue playing a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the crisis, Mao said. 毛宁称，中国愿根据有关各方意愿，同国际社会一道，继续为推动危机政治解决发挥建设性作用。At Tuesday's press conference, a reporter asked about the recent speculation that some national leaders had suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky might meet within two weeks, as Putin is expected to attend events in China in early September marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The reporter asked whether China believed such a meeting could take place here. 在周二的记者会上，有记者问及近期关于部分国家领导人提议俄罗斯总统普京与乌克兰总统泽连斯基可能在两周内会面的猜测 —— 因普京预计将出席 9 月初中国举行的纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利 80 周年相关活动，记者询问中方是否认为此类会面可能在中国举行。Mao said that we do not answer hypothetical questions. 毛宁表示，对于假设性问题，我们不予置评。In response to a question about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky telling reporters outside the White House on Monday that he is ready to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and about US President Donald Trump's phone call with Putin in which he said he would hold a trilateral summit with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that China has always believed dialogue and negotiation are the only viable ways to resolve the Ukraine crisis and that China supports all efforts conducive to peace.针对乌克兰总统泽连斯基周一在白宫外对记者称其准备好与俄罗斯总统普京举行双边会面，以及美国总统特朗普与普京通电话时表示将与乌俄两国领导人举行三方峰会等问题，中国外交部发言人毛宁重申，中方始终认为对话谈判是解决乌克兰危机的唯一可行途径，支持一切有利于和平的努力。

The United Nations was created in 1945, after the end of World War II. Fast forward to today, is it remaining true to its founding document, the UN Charter? 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called out the selective application of the UN Charter, saying it is not an a-la-carte menu.

China and Ecuador sign a cooperation plan on promoting the Belt and Road Initiative (01:06). Iran says the U.S. gained no achievement from the Israel-Iran conflict (10:29). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says the UN Charter is not an a-la-carte menu (20:39).

The United Nations is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. On June 26, 1945, 50 countries signed the UN Charter. Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is nominated to be President of the 80th General Assembly of the UN. Her nomination, however, also drew criticism. - Die Vereinten Nationen feiern dieses Jahr ihr 80-jähriges Jubiläum. Am 26. Juni 1945 unterzeichneten 50 Länder die UN-Charter. Heute soll die frühere deutsche Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock zur Präsidentin der 80. Generalversammlung der UN gewählt werden. Ihre Nominierung sorgte allerdings auch für Kritik. Warum? Wir haben die Kontroverse rund um die Grünen-Politikerin etwas genauer beleuchtet.

Day 1,077.Today, we discuss the slashing of USAID and how Trump wants to access Ukraine's rare minerals in exchange for military support, and we report on Russia having more losses over the last two months than at any other point since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Narrative Podcast Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor, Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With special thanks to Asami Terajima (Reporter at The Kyiv Independent). @AsamiTerajima on X.Content Referenced:Battle Lines, our sister podcast, exploring wider global affairs:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/trump-edition-americas-ai-war-with-china-what-his/id1712903296?i=1000687394662Trump wants Ukrainian rare earths deal in return for US military support (FT):https://www.ft.com/content/94efcd8a-93ce-4ca6-bd07-061bfed1fdbf?shareType=nongiftBiden administration slowed Ukraine arms shipments until his term was nearly done (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/investigations/biden-administration-beset-by-doubts-slowed-ukraine-weapons-shipments-until-2025-02-03/Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's article for Russia in Global Affairs magazine, “The UN Charter as the legal foundation of a multipolar world”:https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/1994357/?lang=enSubscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 marks 80 years since the liberation of concentration camps, the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the end of World War II, and the signing of the UN Charter. It also commemorates 60 years since the signing of Nostra Aetate, which reshaped the Catholic Church's dialogue with non-Christian religions. Wow! Join us on today's edition of the Endtime Show as we explore the importance of these milestones along with many other ongoing prophetic fulfillments! --------------- 📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source Network and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse 📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com 🏧: America's Christian Credit Union: Make the switch from the BIG banks: https://www.endtime.com/switch ☕️: First Cup Coffee: Use code ENDTIME to get 10% off: https://www.firstcup.com 🥤: Ready Pantry: https://www.readypantry.com/endtime ⭐️ Birtch Gold: https://www.birchgold.com/endtime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ralph welcomes retired diplomat Ambassador Chas Freeman to discuss the United States' disregard for international law, the incoming Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, and the decline of the American Empire (among other topics).Ambassador Chas Freeman is a retired career diplomat who has negotiated on behalf of the United States with over 100 foreign governments in East and South Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and both Western and Eastern Europe. Ambassador Freeman was previously a Senior Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires in the American embassies at both Bangkok and Beijing. He was Director for Chinese Affairs at the U.S. Department of State from 1979-1981. He was the principal American interpreter during the late President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972. In addition to Chinese, Ambassador Freeman speaks French and Spanish at the professional level and can converse in Arabic and several other languages.He concluded his thirty years in public service as Assistant Secretary of Defense, responsible for managing defense relations with all regions of the world except the countries of the former Soviet Union. Ambassador Freeman is the author of several well-received books on statecraft and diplomacy, including The Diplomat's Dictionary, America's Misadventures in the Middle East, and America's Continuing Misadventures in the Middle East.I think it's fair to say that our country led the drive for international law, a world order that was based on rules established by consensus and legitimized at the United Nations. But we have also led the drive away from the rule of law, both internationally and domestically. And I think the connection is contempt for procedural justice or due process.Chas FreemanThat whole area of international law—which was a stabilizing force in the world—has gone [when Trump removed us from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Agreement in Europe.] And the UN Charter is disrespected—not just the US Constitution is—in its fundamentals. We invade the sovereignty of other countries with no serious regard for the legal prohibitions against that. And in fact, those legal prohibitions—which once were something that smaller countries could rely upon when they confronted the great powers—are no longer effective. Therefore, we see at the local level, the regional level, a proliferation of weapons designed to counter and defend against attack by greater powers. So the whole world is in effect arming itself. This is very good for arms manufacturers, but it's very bad for the prospects for our species.Chas FreemanThere are no realistic threats against the United States—except those that we are provoking. Our view seems to be that the best way to deal with the hornet's nest—I'm speaking of West Asia, the Middle East here—is to go and poke the hornets in their nest.Chas FreemanThe real risk now…is Israel has so much power in the US that it could create incidents which would flip the United States into a blazing barrage of empire expansion— and suppression in the United States domestically. And they have an incoming president who is ripe for that kind of manipulation to begin with.Ralph NaderIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantisNews 12/11/241. On December 4th, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated in broad daylight in Midtown Manhattan. Clues indicated that the killing was political; most notably, the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were each written on one of the three bullets fired at the scene. As AP notes, “The messages mirror the phrase ‘delay, deny, defend,' which is commonly used by lawyers and critics about insurers that delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions.” Following nearly two full days of nescience, authorities turned up a suspect – Luigi Mangione, the Ivy League-educated scion of an established Baltimore family who had shown signs of increasingly erratic behavior in recent months, perhaps related to ever-worsening back pain. When Mangione was apprehended in an Altoona, Pennsylvania McDonald's, he was found with “a three-page handwritten document that indicated ‘motivation and mindset,'” the BBC reports, however authorities have not released this manifesto. Perhaps unsurprisingly, ABC 7 New York reports that Mangione's actions have unleashed a torrent of “‘volcanic' anger,” toward health insurance agencies, which many regard as capricious and cruel. It remains to be seen how this public sentiment will factor into what is sure to be a highly-publicized criminal trial.2. The reverberations of Mangione's actions are already being felt. Back in November, the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued a statement decrying Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's unilateral declaration that it would refuse to “pay for anesthesia care if [a] surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes.” The ASA called on Anthem to reverse that proposal, but their pleas were ignored. That is until December 5th – just one day after the UnitedHealthcare shooting – when the company abruptly reversed themselves and even scrubbed the announcement of the policy from their website. Of course, Anthem insists that the outcry was based on “misinformation” and denies any correlation between the assassination and their decision, per NBC, but the timing frankly makes that difficult to believe.3. Another New York City killing also made the news last week: the trial of Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine on trial for strangling Jordan Neely to death in a New York subway car. Neely was an African-American street artist who had been experiencing homelessness. CNN reports Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide, already a lesser charge than the original second-degree manslaughter allegation, which Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed Friday after jurors “twice told the court they could not come to a verdict on the count.” Neely's father, Andre Zachary, is quoted saying “I miss my son. My son didn't have to go through this. I didn't have to go through this either…What's going to happen to us now? I've had enough of this. The system is rigged.”4. Turning to the Middle East, the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria has fallen. Assad, with help from Russia, has clung to power since the country descended into civil war in 2011, beating back all manner of rival forces ranging from U.S.-backed rebels to left-wing Kurdish militias to ISIS. The faction that finally did wrest power from Assad is called Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham or HTS, which splintered from Al-Qaeda but is now engaging in a so-called “charm offensive” per France24, and promoting itself as a tolerant faction that will not subjugate women or oppress ethnic and religious minorities such as Syrian Christians, Druze, and Kurds. In a statement, the group told the Kurds of Aleppo “You have the right to live freely … Diversity is a strength of which we are proud…We denounce the actions of the Islamic State group against the Kurds, including the enslavement of women … We are with the Kurds to build the Syria of tomorrow.” ABC reports the U.S. will “recognize and support a new Syrian government that renounces terrorism, destroys chemical weapons stocks and protects the rights of minorities and women.” So far HTS seems to fit the bill. And if this all wasn't enough, the Syrian situation is further complicated by Israel using this moment to expand its foothold in the country. CNN reports Israel has “launched airstrikes at military targets across Syria and deployed ground troops both into and beyond a demilitarized buffer zone for the first time in 50 years,” setting the stage for a possible new front in Netanyahu's ongoing regional war.5. In Palestine, the Intercept reports five Palestinians in the West Bank, along with the councils of the three villages they hail from have filed “a formal regulatory complaint in Germany accusing the media giant Axel Springer of contributing to human rights abuses in Palestine.” Specifically, the complaint concerns Yad2, a classified ads platform and subsidiary of Axel Springer that has been compared to Craigslist, which the plaintiffs allege enables illegal settlements. According to the complaint filed by Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre, Yad2's facilitation of settler activity violates Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, which “requires German companies to identify and mitigate human rights risks within their global supply chains, including in subsidiaries which they control.”6. In more Israel/Palestine news, the student body at Yale has “overwhelmingly,” passed three pro-Palestine referenda, including two demanding that the university “disclose and divest from its holdings in military weapons manufacturers, ‘including those arming Israel,'” per Yale Daily News. These measures passed with around 80% of the vote. Han Pimental-Hayes, an organizer with the pro-Palestine Sumud Coalition, is quoted saying “University leaders have long tried to paint pro-Palestine and pro-divestment students as a fringe minority. The results of this referendum demonstrate that in reality, the movement for a free Palestine and a more ethical endowment is overwhelmingly popular.” Yale Friends of Israel however expressed that they are “certain” Yale will not change its investment policy regarding Israel's weapons of war.7. Looking to Africa, Semafor reports that the incoming Trump White House appears set to recognize the breakaway state of Somaliland, spurred on by right-wing elements who wish to use the unrecognized country as a base for anti-China intelligence operations. This piece highlights that this move would rattle the governments of East Africa and draw the ire of the African Union, but Trump's China hawks see it as a critical element of countering Chinese influence in the region and particularly in Djibouti where the People's Liberation Army has set up one of its handful of foreign military bases. Even if Trump does not recognize Somaliland however, and instead hews to the traditional American “One Somalia” policy, Republicans are calling for Trump to take an approach akin to Taiwan – treating it as independent without formal recognition.8. Turning to domestic politics, POLITICO reports Democrats are staging a “mutiny” against the old guard who have monopolized power in the House. This report focuses on Rep. Jerry Nadler, 77, who will vacate his position as the top Democrat on Judiciary to clear the way for Jamie Raskin, Rep. Raul Grijalva, 76, who announced he would step down as the top Dem on the Natural Resources Committee, and David Scott of Georgia, 79, who is looking down the barrel at multiple challenges for his spot on the Agriculture Committee. Since this piece was published, another major challenge has emerged – NBC reports AOC is gunning for the top Democratic spot on the Oversight Committee. The POLITICO piece emphasizes Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' approach of letting the challenges “speak for themselves,” as an indication that he will not fight this wave of challenges.9. Washington Post labor reporter Lauren Kaori Gurley reports the Teamsters are demanding Amazon agree to bargaining dates by December 15. In a statement, Teamsters President Sean O'Brien writes “The Teamsters are done asking nicely for Amazon to stop breaking the law. Amazon must commit to come to the table and bargain a Teamsters contract with its workers — or face the consequences of its inaction.” This gambit by the Teamsters comes just as the winter holiday gift deliveries are getting into full swing, maximizing the union's leverage. Moreover, the Teamster's Faustian bargain with the Trump administration may yield results for them, as the normally business friendly Republicans may be inclined to put the screws to Amazon on behalf of this particular union. Whatever the circumstances, the Amazon Teamsters deserve a contract and it is heartening that O'Brien is fighting for his members.10. In decidedly worse Trump news, the president-elect has announced former Missouri Republican Congressman Billy Long as his pick to lead the IRS. A story by the Lever sounds the alarm on how he might use the “non-profit killer” bill to pursue political vendettas against tax-exempt organizations he dislikes. This piece exposes Long's role in trying to pressure the IRS to launch a probe into, of all things, the Humane Society following their support of a Missouri ballot measure strengthening dog breeder regulations. Put another way, if Long was ready to use the long-arm of the IRS to crack down on an organization whose sole political goal is the protection of animals, what might he do to organizations devoted to civil rights or social justice?This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe