by Ivan Hoffman,* Czech Republic
(13 June 2023) (Edit. Globalbridge.ch) Well-known Czech publicist Ivan Hoffman – dissident under socialism, after 1989 working for “Radio Free Europe” for several years, then journalist, editor and presenter on Czech state radio – has written a short commentary on the current EU policy. Ivan Hoffman hits the mark with it, and his commentary should therefore also be read in German-speaking Europe. (cm)
by M. K. Bhadrakumar,* India
(6 June 2023) The G7 Leaders’ 2700-word statement on Ukraine,1 issued in Hiroshima after their summit meeting glossed over the burning question today – the so-called counter-offensive against the Russian forces.It is a deafening silence, since rumours are swirling about the disappearance of the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces. Significantly, President Vladimir Zelensky himself is making himself scarce from Kiev touring world capitals – Helsinki, Hague, Rome, Vatican, Berlin, Paris, London and Jeddah and Hiroshima. It does seem that something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
Jacques Baud* in an interview with “Swiss Standpoint”
(30 May 2023) On the occasion of a trip to Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Brussels, two members of the editorial board of “Swiss Standpoint” had the following conversation with the Swiss military analyst Jacques Baud. He talks about the causes of the war, the current situation of Ukrainian and Russian troops and the influence of the USA on events in the region. In a second part, questions of international trade relations and Switzerland's loss of trust and credibility abroad are also discussed.
by Matthew Ehret,* Canada
(23 May 2023) The potential outbreak of a civil war sparked by a factional fight within Sudan's military government poses a destabilization threat beyond the nation's borders – into Africa, West Asia, and the emerging multipolar order. This suits the west just fine.
by M. K. Bhadrakumar,* India
(10 May 2023) The worst-case scenario is coming to pass, apparently, in Sudan. That is, at any rate, the apocalyptic message streaming out of Khartoum in the western media.
President Biden lent credence to the alarmist perception by confirming that on his orders, the US military conducted an operation “to extract government personnel from Khartoum”.
by Ralph Bosshard,* Switzerland
(9 May 2023) Following his official statement on hypersonic weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen as a braggart and it is in line with the current mainstream to portray the Russian army as an inefficient bunch equipped with old junk. Reports on the effective use of the latest Russian weapons technology simply do not fit into this concept. However, a change from the common clichés is inevitable, not least in Europe’s own security interests.