OPINION: A weakened Hezbollah is being goaded into all-out conflict with Israel – the consequences would be devastating for all

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - For almost a year, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in increasingly provocative cross-border skirmishes as onlookers warn that this escalating war of attrition could land the region in all-out conflict. The past few days have made that devastating scenario closer to a reality. First came Israel's pager and walkie-talkie attack, an unprecedented assault on Hezbollah's communications that injured thousands of the organization's operatives. It w

September 24, 2024

OPINION: Abortion rights are on 10 state ballots in November − Democrats can't count on this to win elections for them

SEOUL, September 23 (AJP) - Ten states will vote on ballot initiatives on abortion this November: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Nevada and South Dakota. Many political analysts and pundits view abortion as a partisan issue, fueling speculation that direct votes on abortion rights will boost Democrats' chances up and down the ballot in November. Some Democratic strategists are hoping that turnout from the ballot initiatives will swin

September 23, 2024

Opinion: A wake-up call for Scholz and the European Union

KARACHI, September 20 (AJP) - The political landscape in Germany is undergoing a seismic shift, as evidenced by the recent state election in Thuringia. For the first time since World War II, a far-right party has emerged victorious in a German state election, marking a significant moment in the nation’s post-war history. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a staggering 32.8% of the vote, outpacing the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which managed only 23.6%

September 20, 2024

Opinion: Prime Minister's Visit underscores vital Britain ties

KENOSHA, September 20 (AJP) - The polite, low-key visit of Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain to President Joe Biden has generated relatively little media attention. That is unfortunate, because our alliance remains vital. “Someone to talk to” is how McGeorge Bundy, President John F. Kennedy’s national security adviser, summed up the partnership with Britain. In those years, Prime Minister Harold Macmillan provided unfailing support, encouragement and friends

September 20, 2024

OPINION: How Israel's Netanyahu survives in his job

SEOUL, September 20 (AJP) - After several tumultuous weeks in Israel, mass demonstrations increasingly depict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as directly responsible for the fate of the hostages still held by Hamas. Despite mounting internal and international pressure to negotiate a deal with Hamas for the hostages' release, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his opposition to such an agreement. Reports in the Israeli and international media accuse Netanyahu of actively attempting

September 20, 2024

OPINION: Fed slashes rates by a half-point – what that means for economy and presidential election

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - In a widely anticipated move, the Federal Reserve announced on Sept. 18, 2024, that it was cutting its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point to a range of 4.75 percent to to 5 percent – the first time the cost of borrowing has been lowered in four years. The move marks an important pivot point, signaling that central bankers believe they have finally won their battle against inflation. It is also significant in timing, coming just month

September 19, 2024

OPINION: Will exploding pager attack be the spark that ignites Israel-Hezbollah war?

SEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - The alleged Israeli attack on members of Hezbollah via their pagers is another ominous development propelling the Middle East towards a full-scale regional war. It leaves Hezbollah with little option but to retaliate with the full support of the Iran-led "axis of resistance." The sophistication and impact of targeting the pagers is unprecedented. The attack resulted in at least 11 deaths, including some of Hezbollah's fighters, and up to 3,0

September 19, 2024

OPINION: How the west is foiling Russia's attempts to use the Arctic in Ukraine war

SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - Things are not exactly going to plan for Moscow in the Arctic – an area that is a strategic military region for Russia and has significant economic potential that could help Russia in propping up its war economy. Yet, a combination of Ukrainian military capabilities, western pushback and the pressure of international sanctions have put a dent into Russian hopes to use the Arctic to its advantage in the war against Ukraine. As tensions with the west

September 13, 2024

OPINION: Could Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris make difference? 19% of young people admit celebrity's OK might influence them

SEOUL, September 12 (AJP) - Following months of speculation about would she or wouldn't she, Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris with an Instagram post shortly after the Sept. 10, 2024, presidential debate. "I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I'm voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,"

September 12, 2024

OPINION: Middle East and US foreign policy

CIA Director William J. Burns and British counterpart MI6 Chief Richard Moore have just met and are launching the latest effort to secure a peace agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, and stop the emerging regional war. This reflects the vital importance of intelligence for Israel as well as the close Anglo-American “Special Relationship,” which began with intelligence agencies in World War I. This unusual approach also reflects the difficulty of dealing with Isr

September 11, 2024