Same reason Trump isn't in prison - because he's in power. I don't like it either.

Alternatively nothing or everything that the Trump administration does surprises me. I'm sure there are more holes in this "plan", esp. for Europe. But apparently once again our dear leaders cling to the old paradigm of "the USA, our trusty big brother".

From one Israeli propaganda YT video:

Israel is carrying out “one of the largest humanitarian missions in the world” in Gaza.

No, he really could not.

Freezing, preferably dismantling, all support to Israel would go a long way though.

I tend to believe them. And I know it's always hard to substantiate claims of Russian sabotage even though it's undeniably happening. But I'd still like to see how they argue that Russia is behind this.

Probably zero. But an actual invasion is unlikely. That would be like a bully choosing to attack the strongest kid, not the weakest.

Considering the Israeli government does equally heinous shit on YT, 🤷

In clear breach of Google’s policies, these ads justify and lionize the attack as a necessary defense of Western civilization, and claim that Israel is carrying out “one of the largest humanitarian missions in the world” in Gaza.

We live in a post-truth society.

G O O D

This coalition should have been aborted before it was born. Let's hope it finally breaks and Netanyahu can get a just trial for his crimes. Meaning he goes behind bars for the rest of his life. If not for genocide, at least for his equally heinous (/s) financial crimes.

Oh yes, that sounds a lot like Germany currently.

1.5% that _includes_ cybersecurity? I'm a bit skeptical but still, glad to hear it.

Personally I think the rhetoric should reflect that also but as ever so often I guess there's more money for military-related PR.

lawfare

Just like the many court cases against Trump, amirite? Weaponized DOJ and such. Socialist Fascism. Always in the way of good old ❄️🍑.

>Lars Klingbeil told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper that “serious and solution-oriented negotiations” with the US were still necessary, but added that if they fail, the EU would need “decisive counter-measures to protect jobs and businesses in Europe”.

Agreed, but he makes it sound like that's still in the future. Isn't the time for the tough response ___now___?

Can you elaborate? Looking at Germany it sounds familiar, but maybe it's not exactly the same in France.

The rhetoric of people like Macron is what tankies refer to when they claim that "The West" is "panicking" over Russia's "Right to defend itself against the NATO threat" and if "The West" would stop doing that, there'd be peace overnight.

I don't much like Macron, I don't know enough about French politics but I'm guessing they have their own military-industrial complex that would benefit...

But seeing the sort of people and politics we're up against on the world stage, maybe a little posturing is required. Wasn't Macron the one who responded in kind to Trump's handshaking play, and came out on top? (edit: not sure he comes out on top but he's certainly calling Trump's play)

Oh and one more thing: since Hybrid Warfare is a thing, calls for more military should always be paired with calls for active measure against disinformation campaigns. I hope our dear politicians will soon wake up from their pre-internet slumber.

Did you not see the implied /s under _my_ comment? 🤦

Well… *removed* about it on the Internet ain’t gonna change anything…

...they said on the internet, *removed*ly.

I see your point, but I don't feel divided about the EU; and "feeling divided about politicians" is basically the definition of democracy.

And if you didn't catch my drift, von der Leyen's track record has not been very good for _years_.

He thinks he's playing it cleverly, and all foreigners are humbled by his superiority. It's pathetic.

And then there are people like von der Leyen who actually prove him right. \*sigh\*

Exactly. At the very least call his bluff!

Each day, I'm hating von der Leyen more.