The article argues that Israel's military approach to defeating Hamas in Gaza is not enough to secure long-term peace and international support. It suggests that Israel needs to adopt a diplomatic track that revives the goal of a two-state solution and change its leadership to demonstrate commitment to a negotiated settlement. The author emphasizes that a two-state solution is not a defeat for Israel but a victory, and it is the only way to truly weaken Hamas and ensure Israel's long-term security.
Andrew Neil expresses concern that 2024, a year with elections in over 60 countries, may be a crisis point for democracy rather than a celebration. He highlights the likelihood of undemocratic elections in Russia, India, and Pakistan, and the potential negative impacts of a Trump re-election on Ukraine and NATO. Neil also notes the threats posed by China towards Taiwan, North Korea's aggressive stance, and Iran's regional disruptions. He criticizes the lack of strong democratic leadership and the complacency of Western nations in defense spending and geopolitical strategy, drawing parallels to the 1930s and the rise of autocrats, suggesting that democracies may struggle before finding the resolve to confront authoritarianism effectively.
The article suggests that despite ongoing controversies, including those related to Adderall, the individual referred to as "Previous Guy" is unlikely to face conviction before the upcoming election day. This implies a skepticism about the pace or outcome of legal proceedings against the former official, hinting at potential political implications for the elections.
The recent viral video of Kuki women being stripped and paraded naked by a Meitei mob in Manipur has finally brought attention to the violence that has been ongoing in the region for almost 80 days. The video, which garnered widespread attention, highlights the power of virality in breaking the silence surrounding such atrocities. However, it raises questions about why it took a viral video for the government and media to pay attention to the survivors' pleas for justice. The article also criticizes the lack of response from political leaders and highlights the need for accountability in cases of sexual violence.