Donald Trump is issuing illegal orders to the military Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) addresses the failure to obey orders, stating that service members must obey lawful orders. An order is considered unlawful if it requires a service member to commit a crime, violates the Constitution, or is otherwise illegal. Service members have a duty to refuse … [Read more...] about Legal Orders
War
Pentagon investigation of Sen. Mark Kelly revives Cold War persecution of Americans with supposedly disloyal views
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly speaks at a town hall meeting hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party in Columbia, S.C., on Sept. 12, 2025. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Gregory A. Daddis, Texas A&M University In an unprecedented step, the Department of Defense announced online on Nov. 24, 2025, that it was reviewing statements … [Read more...] about Pentagon investigation of Sen. Mark Kelly revives Cold War persecution of Americans with supposedly disloyal views
Democrats’ Message on Illegal Orders Is Clear, Timely and Targeted
The legal and ethical duty of military members to refuse to obey orders that are manifestly unlawful has been a topic of debate for many decades. Perhaps the most famous example, and legal precedent, was set during the Nuremberg Trials after World War II. Trials that “established the global legal principle that ‘just following orders’ is not a valid defense for war crimes.” … [Read more...] about Democrats’ Message on Illegal Orders Is Clear, Timely and Targeted
Just follow orders or obey the law? What US troops told us about refusing illegal commands
There are certain situations in which the military should not fall in line. Bo Zaunders/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images Charli Carpenter, UMass Amherst and Geraldine Santoso, UMass Amherst As the Trump administration carries out what many observers say are illegal military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean allegedly smuggling … [Read more...] about Just follow orders or obey the law? What US troops told us about refusing illegal commands
Have the Trump Administration’s Anti-DEI Policies Reached into an American Military Cemetery in the Netherlands?
Having spent most of my adolescent years in the Netherlands Antilles and in the Netherlands, I vividly remember the open-mindedness, tolerance and respect for the rights of others consistently displayed by the Dutch people. Such tolerance (known as verdraagzaamheid) – in particular, religious tolerance – has been a deeply ingrained part of Dutch history and society at least … [Read more...] about Have the Trump Administration’s Anti-DEI Policies Reached into an American Military Cemetery in the Netherlands?
A Dark Cloud Hangs over the Margraten American Cemetery this Veterans Day
On May 8. 2005, President George W. Bush addressed the Dutch people and the world at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, during a celebration in remembrance of those who served in World War II. The hallowed 65-acre Margraten American Cemetery and Memorial, located in the beautiful rolling hills of Limburg, the Netherlands, is the last resting place … [Read more...] about A Dark Cloud Hangs over the Margraten American Cemetery this Veterans Day
The Fall of the Berlin Wall and Veterans Day
On Sunday, November 9, the free world will celebrate the 36th anniversary of the fall of the infamous Berlin Wall, a date that is remembered as marking the beginning of the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe and signaling the end of the Cold War. Two days later, on November 11, we will celebrate Veterans Day once again, “a day to honor America’s veterans for … [Read more...] about The Fall of the Berlin Wall and Veterans Day
Jews Especially are Weighing Mamdani’s Rhetoric
By Halie Soifer NEW YORK — There’s an election on Tuesday that has captured the attention of nearly every American Jew – the mayoral race in New York City. Since New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s overwhelming victory in the primary, I have echoed the deeply held concerns of many Jewish Americans about Mamdani’s positions on a range of issues, and recently reiterated … [Read more...] about Jews Especially are Weighing Mamdani’s Rhetoric
Excellent News from the Horn of Africa: Somaliland
There are rumors about in the diplomatic sphere, on twitter/X and in the Somaliland capital of Hargeisa, that the Trump administration might just be about to recognise Somaliland. A short Horn of Africa primer: Prior to independence in 1960 there were basically two Somalias: the Somalia we know now (Italian) and British Somaliland (now.. "Somaliland"). They united at … [Read more...] about Excellent News from the Horn of Africa: Somaliland
UN health chief’s disturbing facts about Gaza
Gaza's health factsheet is shocking. World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that more than 170 000 people have injuries in Gaza, including more than 5000 amputees and 3600 people with major burns. At least 42 000 people have injuries that require long-term rehabilitation. “There are still 15 000 patients who need treatment outside Gaza, … [Read more...] about UN health chief’s disturbing facts about Gaza
‘The Battle Within’ Offers Hope for Veterans and First Responders
(September was Suicide Prevention Month. October 28 will be National First Responders Day and, of course, November 11 is Veterans Day. This article is dedicated to honoring the Service, dedication, and sacrifices of these brave men and women.) Throughout history, fighting men and women have lived with the terrible physical and mental scars of war. However, it was not … [Read more...] about ‘The Battle Within’ Offers Hope for Veterans and First Responders
Reactions to a Historic Day in the Saga of the Middle East
Embed from Getty Images After 738 Days, Hostages are Freed. 7+3+8 = 18, Life! SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Here in alphabetical order are the reactions from a variety of perspectives to Hamas freeing its hostages; the prospect of peace in the Middle East; and the role of U.S. President Donald J. Trump in achieving this blue-ribbon moment. American Jewish Committee: After 738 … [Read more...] about Reactions to a Historic Day in the Saga of the Middle East
HOSTAGES FREED (CARTOON)
Jewish Organizations, Prominent Individuals, Comment on Israel-Hamas Peace Deal
SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — Following in alphabetical order are comments issued by Jewish and pro-Israel organizations and members of Congress about the Israel-Hamas peace deal. —American Jewish Committee –American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the agreement reached by Israel and Hamas, brokered by the United States, to begin the first phase of President Trump’s 20-point peace … [Read more...] about Jewish Organizations, Prominent Individuals, Comment on Israel-Hamas Peace Deal
As Israel prepares to celebrate hostages’ return, UN readies immediate life-saving aid to Gaza.
While President Donald Trump prepares to join Israelis to celebrate the release of hostages after two years of horrific Hamas captivity, the United Nations humanitarian community is preparing to immediately alleviate the unimaginable misery of Gaza’s people. “We and our partners are prepared to move—now” to deliver food, water, medical and shelter assistance to people in … [Read more...] about As Israel prepares to celebrate hostages’ return, UN readies immediate life-saving aid to Gaza.
In Gaza’s open wound, Hamas clings on as Israelis sink into division and global isolation. UN chief echoes Trump’s hope for lasting peace.
October 7 was a day of global mourning at this century’s most heinous act of terrorism in 2023, when Hamas and allied factions killed over 1250 Israeli and other nationals and abducted 250 women, children, men and the elderly into the Gaza strip. “The recent proposal by United States President Donald J. Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic … [Read more...] about In Gaza’s open wound, Hamas clings on as Israelis sink into division and global isolation. UN chief echoes Trump’s hope for lasting peace.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize: ‘Facts and Circumstances’
We are rapidly approaching the date, October 10, 2025, when the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member body appointed by Norway’s Parliament (Storting) will announce the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, one of the world’s most prominent and prestigious honors. There is heightened interest this year because of the intense lobbying to have the Prize awarded to Donald … [Read more...] about The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize: ‘Facts and Circumstances’
UN inquiry insists IDF has committed genocide in Gaza but Israel junks it as “distorted and false”.
Even as Israel’s defense minister declared that “Gaza is burning” because “the IDF strikes with an iron fist “, a United Nations inquiry insisted that Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip. Israel immediately denounced the genocide allegations as an antisemitic “blood libel”. After a painstaking legal analysis of Israel’s actions and intent, the inquiry named … [Read more...] about UN inquiry insists IDF has committed genocide in Gaza but Israel junks it as “distorted and false”.
Military spending has exploded to $2.7 trillion while world poverty deepens, UN report says.
The unprecedented $2.7 trillion spent on weapons and the military has left global spending on building peace and sustainable development far behind and is intensifying wars and geopolitical tensions, a new United Nations report warns. Spending on security needs increased across all five global regions during 2024, marking the steepest year-on-year rise for at least the last … [Read more...] about Military spending has exploded to $2.7 trillion while world poverty deepens, UN report says.
UN declares roadmap to a two-state solution amid signs of hope in Gaza’s awful suffering
The United Nations has overwhelmingly agreed on a declaration that lays out a single roadmap to deliver a two-State solution partitioning Israel and a new State of Palestine. In the UN General Assembly, 142 voted in favor, 10 voted against including Israel and the US, and 12 abstained. Those in favor included almost all large members of the European Union. Israeli … [Read more...] about UN declares roadmap to a two-state solution amid signs of hope in Gaza’s awful suffering