Conservative: Hamas Numbers Debunk “Genocide”
Recent data from the Gaza war, shared by the Hamas-led Health Ministry, provides insights that have taken critics of Israel by surprise since the conflict’s conclusion. Commentator Seth Mandel explains that the ministry reported “68,800 deaths.” Out of those, 25,000 were identified as Hamas fighters, while around 10,000 were due to natural causes. The remaining 34,000 were civilians, described as “killed by Hamas and affiliated armed groups.” Therefore, even according to Hamas’s own figures, the civilian-to-combatant death ratio in Israel is near 1:1. This is quite significant, especially in an urban warfare setting where many areas have been used as human shields by Hamas. Mandel argues that suggesting “genocide” in this context seems illogical. He also notes that “military-age males” represent a disproportionate number of deaths, countering the narrative pushed by some, such as Sen. Liz Warren, that paint Jews as “baby killers.”
From the Right: Rice’s Call for Accountability
Susan Rice, who served as National Security Adviser during Obama’s presidency, expressed concerns about a potential “accountability challenge” from Democrats towards Trump supporters upon their return to power. “It’s not going to end well for them,” she stated in a discussion with Preet Bharara. Rice cautioned various sectors, including corporations and media outlets, that the old norms of engagement would not apply if Democrats regain control. It seems to be about a “forgive and forget” approach; however, she suggested that subpoenas might be on the horizon for some. Interestingly, she also noted that the actions she accuses Trump and his supporters of are not new, citing similar behaviors under the Obama and Biden administrations.
The Triumph of Education: A Shift Towards Technology
About 25 years ago, I was dismissed as “stupid” for suggesting that “social media, multitasking, and classroom computers” could be detrimental to genuine knowledge. Remembering Mark Bauerlein from The Chronicles, he argued that the decline in reading habits in high schools and colleges—a trend often attributed to digital distractions—has become a widely accepted issue. Initially, skeptics insisted that “tools are neutral” and that students needed to learn how to use them wisely. However, predictions of a decline in learning outcomes are, sadly, coming to light. By 2026, the U.S. is expected to face its worst academic achievements in decades, despite investments of billions in digital education. Insultingly, in Maine—where this trend began—student performance is at its lowest point in 30 years.
Centrist: Trump’s Foreign Policy is Pragmatic
There’s a common stereotype that President Trump dismisses both military action and diplomatic efforts, but that’s not quite the case. Mark Penn and Andrew Stein highlight in the Wall Street Journal that Trump’s approach to foreign policy effectively blends negotiations with military initiatives without estranging his supporters, who often prefer to avoid foreign interventions. While extremes in opinions—like those of Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens—don’t truly represent mainstream Republican voters, polling indicates that over 70% of MAGA Republicans back actions like regime change in Iran, continued military aid to Ukraine, and even territorial ambitions such as Greenland. His pragmatic policies toward terrorists and other threats seem to resonate with a broad segment of the American populace, reflecting a decisive and effective strategy.
Foreign Desk: Syria’s Leadership Needs to Gain U.S. Trust
The downfall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024 sparked hope among many, not just Syrians but anyone wishing for peace in the region. Former Vice President Mike Pence notes that this initial optimism is now at risk. The new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, has connections to ISIS and al-Qaeda, and while they claim to adopt a more moderate stance, their treatment of religious minorities and ethnic groups remains uncertain. Early indicators are troubling. The U.S. should refrain from hastily recognizing this new regime or pouring in reconstruction funds without stringent conditions fostering genuine human progress—such as religious freedom, accountability for misuse of power, and assurances for the Kurdish community. Essentially, Damascus must prove itself first.
