The administration is demonstrating a willingness to use military force in unexpected ways, from a raid to capture Nicolas Maduro in Caracas to threatening a NATO ally, Denmark, over Greenland. This approach is described as an 'intoxication with the use of military power,' prioritizing unilateral action and risking major diplomatic fallout.
The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have begun actively targeting the 'ghost fleet' of tankers used to transport sanctioned Iranian and Russian oil. The seizure of a Russian-flagged vessel, despite a Russian naval escort, marks a significant escalation in enforcement that was previously lax.
Despite high Russian casualties, the war continues with ongoing negotiations involving unconventional U.S. representatives like Jared Kushner. Ukraine is reportedly receiving significant intelligence support for its attacks inside Russia, while President Zelensky is making key changes to his leadership team.
Iran is facing significant internal pressure from popular protests sparked by a currency collapse. The potential death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei without a clear successor threatens to create a power vacuum that could destabilize the regime and the entire region.
The episode highlights the use of government power for political ends, such as the attempt to retroactively demote Senator Mark Kelly. This is coupled with growing concern over the actions of federal agencies like ICE, with a fatal shooting in Minneapolis raising fears of excessive force and contributing to a climate of potential civil unrest.
Keep pulling the thread on Tulsi Gabbard.