The latest declarations from the White House have sent shockwaves through global markets, as President Donald Trump suggests the U.S. could wind down its military campaign against Iran within two to three weeks. However, as domestic petrol prices climb past $4 a gallon and the Strait of Hormuz remains a volatile chokepoint, many are questioning if this mission accomplished narrative is premature. The reality on the ground characterized by a lack of formal negotiations and a mowing the lawn military strategy suggests that ending this conflict will be far more complex than a simple withdrawal. The Stone Age Strategy: Defining the U.S. Military Objective President Trump has pivoted from seeking a diplomatic grand bargain to a strategy of pure attrition. By stating that a deal is no longer necessary, he has redefined success as the degradation of Iran’s capabilities to the point of being put into the Stone Ages.This shift signals an Israelization of American war aims, where the goal is n...
Kyiv/Moscow, January 4, 2024 - Ukraine and Russia have carried out their first major prisoner exchange since last August, in a deal negotiated with help from the United Arab Emirates. The exchange, which took place on January 3, saw nearly 500 prisoners of war returned home by both sides. According to Ukrainian sources, Kyiv handed over 248 Russian military personnel in exchange for the release of 230 Ukrainians, including both military personnel and six civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the numbers, stating that the deal represented "the largest" prisoner swap since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in late February 2023. The released Ukrainians included soldiers, border guards, and navy personnel who had been captured during months of intense fighting. Russia also confirmed the exchange, with state television channel RT reporting that Moscow had secured the release of 173 Russian civilians and military in the deal. Margarita Simonov...