The security situation in West Africa continues to worsen following a string of military coups and ongoing armed conflicts. Additionally, in Mali and Niger, both former Western allies, new junta-led governments are aligning themselves with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Be the first to know when Peter Zeihan publishes a new commentary! Download the Straight Arrow…

Russian President Vladimir Putin traveled to China as he looks to strengthen ties between the two countries, and Slovakia’s prime minister is seriously wounded during an assassination attempt. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, May 16, 2024. Putin meets with Xi in China as two countries look to strengthen ties Russian…

On Monday, May 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin replaced Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with Andrei Belousov. It was a surprising move to some observers, as Putin had previously refused to oust Shoigu from that position even after the Wagner Group rebelled against Shoigu specifically. Others, like Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan, predicted this move…

Russia held its 79th annual Victory Day parade on Thursday, May 9, in Moscow to commemorate the Soviet Union’s role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The scaled-down ceremony featured a World War II-era tank, 9,000 troops, 61 weapon systems and 15 combat aircraft in Red Square. Officials accused the West of fueling…

With the United States Congress finally passing another major defensive aid package and France now threatening to send its own armed forces in to defend Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is promising his people that Russia is prepared to fight a long, protracted war for however long it takes. But how realistic is that promise?…

Most Western aid to Ukraine has been allocated only on the condition that it not be used to strike against Russia itself. But since the start of Putin’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, military analysts and foreign policy writers have both cautioned against conditioning aid, warning that Ukraine cannot successfully defend itself unless it is…

Russia is the world’s largest producer of enriched uranium, presenting a problem for U.S. supply chains as Western sanctions against Russia continue to escalate in response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition to uranium’s use in nuclear weapons, nuclear power provides around 20% of domestic American energy. Straight Arrow News contributor Peter Zeihan explains…

Vladimir Putin begins his fifth, six-year term as Russian president Tuesday, May 7. He has led the country for over 24 years. As Russia continues its prolonged conflict with Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry announced plans on Monday for tactical nuclear weapon drills in the near future. These exercises aim to prepare Russia’s non-strategic nuclear…

Most modern militaries distinguish between military and civilian equipment, but not North Korea. Video from a recent parade honoring North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reveals an unconventional display. Instead of tanks or armored carriers, tractors pulled rocket launchers and launchers discreetly concealed within vehicles designed to resemble civilian trucks. Matt Shoemaker, a retired intelligence…

Israeli officials expressed concerns that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue arrest warrants against Israeli government and military figures for actions linked to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The ICC has the authority to accuse officials of war crimes, including genocide and crimes against humanity. According to Reuters, the ICC may seek an arrest warrant…