In response to the killings of two Americans during a clash between Filipino soldiers and a terrorist group in the province of Negros Occidental, the United States Embassy in the Philippines (Manila) issued a security alert for its citizens and advised them to follow local laws to avoid situations with heightened security risk, according to a news report by GMA News.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the news report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…
The United States Embassy in Manila on Friday issued a security alert for its citizens in the Philippines following the deaths of two Americans in a reported clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
In the security alert, the US embassy flagged as “areas of heightened concern” the rural and mountainous parts of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar.
“We advise Americans in the Philippines and around the world to abide by local laws and to avoid situations with elevated security risk,” the embassy said.
Two US citizens were among those 19 killed in the operation of the Philippine Army against alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.
The embassy informed its citizens that the NPA is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US and Philippine governments.
“Anyone in proximity of NPA elements is at grave risk of arrest, injury, or death. Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly in terrorist activities and/or provide financial support,” it said.
The US embassy urged Americans in the Philippines and worldwide to follow local laws and avoid situations with heightened security risks.
US citizens are also advised not to affiliate with insurgent or terrorist groups and to immediately leave areas where armed individuals not linked to police or military forces are present. It also cautioned that some non-governmental organizations may have ties to armed groups.
Americans planning humanitarian work were encouraged to coordinate with organizations registered with the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and local government units to ensure safety and proper documentation.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Leftist and terrorist groups in the Philippines are still attracting American citizens to come into the country to get involved with them? Do you consider the Philippines a hot spot of Islamo-Leftists, woke forces and terrorists?
Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads from the 1980s to the 1990s.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers, posters and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s to the 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. Space Duel Arcade Flyer
The front.
The rear.
When the 1979 arcade classic Asteroids achieved massive success for Atari, the company went on to make ports of it on different platforms as well as follow-ups in the arcades. The first follow-up Asteroids Deluxe had a positive reception but never reached the huge impact of its predecessor. Since Asteroids Deluxe was well regarded for improved visuals and higher level of challenge, Atari went on to make the 1982 follow-up Space Duel. To promote the game, Atari’s artists made fascinating original artworks for both the arcade cabinet and the arcade flyer itself. Apart from looking great, I noticed the spaceships of Space Duel’s art looks similar with those of Xevious (a Namco arcade game distributed by Atari in America) and I can only speculate that the same artist made those.
2. Midway Auxiliary Show Monitor Print Ad
Did you experience watching arcade gameplay footage displayed on an overhead monitor?
As video arcades in America became massively popular with people and became a major economic sector, it was not surprising that crowding became a trend especially whenever a very popular game attracted both players (waiting in line) as well as onlookers. Midway, which was an arcade giant in the 1980s, came up with their own concept of a specialized secondary display called the Midway Auxiliary Show Monitor designed to let onlookers watch a video of ongoing gameplay without physically standing by the player. As the print ad above shows precisely the use of the monitors, those were used at trade shows or in arcades with a setup to make turn the single-player experience into a makeshift show for the people nearby. Back in the 1980s, there was indeed a spectator approach to the arcade experience but players had to deal with the disturbance of many onlookers standing near to see the on-screen action. At the very least, Midway’s concept and hardware was a bold attempt to solve overcrowding.
3. Sega Genesis North American Print Ad
Did this 1989 ad convince you to buy a Sega Genesis console?
While the Sega Genesis has always been identified with 1990s console gaming in America, the console was officially launched there in August 1989. At the time, Sega of America was not too creative nor aggressive when it comes to marketing the Genesis. The above 1989 print ad showed a lot of screenshots to promote the games, showed the console with a TV and a few peripherals and a text description that emphasized the Genesis as the so-called ultimate dimension in game play. Considering how dynamic and aggressive Sega’s marketing of the Genesis and games became a few years later when Tom Kalinske became the CEO, it is not surprising that this old ad has been forgotten.
4. The Punisher NES Print Ad
Fact: The Punisher started as an assassin in the comic books in 1974 before being turned into an anti-criminal killer.
By the year 1990, The Punisher became one of Marvel Comics’ most popular figures and the character had two monthly series published. As such, an actual video game featuring the character was made for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and to promote it, three screenshots were shown, a brick wall with stylized short messages was shown and a hand-drawn art of the Punisher was displayed. As seen in the screenshots, elements from The Punisher comic books were displayed such as shooting and fighting the criminals. Considering how wholesome the NES audience was at the time, this print promotion of The Punisher game looks odd although it is a fact that entertainment products featuring violent entertainment properties or characters were made and marketed towards children less than 12-years-old. Remember the Rambo animated series and video games of the 1980s?
5. Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters Arcade Flyer
Did you enjoy this Lethal Enforcers sequel?
After achieving both critical and big-time commercial arcade success with Lethal Enforcers in 1992, Konami proceeded with the sequel Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters which was released in arcades two years later. While the 1994 game used 2D sprites and digitized photographs like its predecessor, Konami used the 19th century Old West as the setting making it totally different from the 1992 original. To promote the game and emphasize the Old West setting, Konami came up with this arcade flyer that showed actors in cowboy costumes with a background that looks like a cowboy movie set. Lethal Enforcers II: Gun Fighters went on to become successful in the arcades and it later got ported to game consoles.
6. Wipeout XL Print Ad
This is an ad and not an article.
1996 was a tremendous year for console gaming. As Nintendo launched their highly anticipated Nintendo 64 console (N64) that year, game publishers came up with new games that further utilized the features of both Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Wipeout XL was a sequel sci-fi racing game exclusive to the PlayStation and developer/publisher Psygnosis went all-in promoting the game with a lot of creativity and energy. They came up with this 2-page print ad to make gamers excited while creatively informing them what features, rave music and fun gameplay it has. On face value, this print ad looked more like a dazzling article.
7. Nights into Dreams Print Ad
The team behind the popular Sonic platform games on the Sega Genesis made Nights into Dreams.
If there is anything notable about the history of the Sega Saturn, it is the fact that there were no new dedicated platform games of Sonic The Hedgehog released for it which is very odd as the Sonic platform games on Sega Genesis were big sellers, critically acclaimed and even made their mark on pop culture. During the mid-1990s, Sonic Team (which had Sonic game creators like Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima) were laser-focused on making Nights into Dreams (stylized as NiGHTS into Dreams) which was an all-new intellectual property that allowed them to utilize the 3D capabilities of the Saturn while making room for their creativity. Sega knew Nights into Dreams was special so they came up with this 2-page print ad which had an eye-catching display of screenshots of the game on the left (with the Saturn in the middle) while using the other half for descriptive text and explanations (with the special Saturn controller in the middle) to grab people’s attention. This old ad from 1996 is a mixed bag for me as the left side was captivating to see while the description on the right side requires some effort to read properly due to the small size of the text.
8. Super Mario 64 Print Ad
This one was simple, clean and yet memorable.
What is arguably the most memorable video game released in 1996 was Super Mario 64 which was not only a fully featured launch game of the Nintendo 64 console, but also the first-ever Super Mario platform game made with 3D polygons complete with a large 3D environment that can be explored a lot. There was a huge anticipation for this game by both gamers and the media, and whenever it was previewed before release, it drew lots of crowds and many ended up being very impressed and wanting more. Nintendo knew they had some very special under the production and direction of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto. As such, Nintendo had an ambitious marketing campaign that includes print media, video advertising on MTV, Fox and Nickelodeon and even sending video tapes to thousands of Nintendo Power magazine subscribers. This 2-page print ad was part of the campaign and it had a fine visual design that strongly emphasized the iconic Mario in polygonal form in most spaces, leaving the screenshots in the bottom. This old ad from 1996 never looks outdated and its clean approach is really effective in helping people understand that something great would be launched along with the N64. Both the console and this game sold a lot of copies ultimately and it remains one of Nintendo’s biggest achievements ever.
For the first time since the United States and Israel started their joint military operations against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, a tanker carrying American oil arrived in Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News.
It should be noted that Japan imports over 90% of oil from the Middle East and the government also released some of its oil reserves. As such, importing oil from other destinations is crucial for the Japanese. US President Donald Trump already told the international community to buy oil from America.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…
A tanker carrying U.S. oil arrived in Japan on Sunday, marking the first such shipment from the United States since the Iran war began in late February.
According to Cosmo Energy Holdings Co. that procured the crude oil from the United States, the tanker, which arrived in Tokyo Bay, transported 145,000 kiloliters, equivalent to half a day of domestic consumption.
The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy shipments. Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which pass through the strait.
The tanker departed Texas on March 22 and transited the Panama Canal, which can accommodate smaller vessels.
The Japanese government and oil wholesalers have been trying to secure oil from alternative routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this development is the first of what could be many oil shipments from America coming to Japan?
Following the major announcement of the United States and the Philippines plan of launching a historic economic security zone of four thousand acres, it was revealed recently that New Clark City (NCC) in the Philippine province of Tarlac has been chosen as the site for an industrial hub focused on artificial intelligence (AI), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…
The New Clark City in Tarlac will host an industrial hub centered on artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and investments on a 1,618-hectare property.
This development comes as the Philippines formally joins the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led initiative that seeks to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain covering critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
“By joining Pax Silica, the Philippines is ensuring that our mineral resources and strategic location are not simply supporting global industries from the margins, but are actively harnessed to build the industries of the future,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement on Monday.
The country’s participation in this initiative signals its intent to play a more active role in the rapidly evolving AI and semiconductor landscape.
This is in sync with the Marcos administration’s target of establishing the Philippines as a regional AI powerhouse under the National AI Strategy Roadmap.
Strategically located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Coordination Office is the first of its kind to be established under Pax Silica. It is being designated as a “Golden Node,” a new model for AI-native investment acceleration hubs.
“The Golden Node is not about recreating the factories of the last century. It is about building the manufacturing ecosystems of the next century – AI-native from day one, anchored in the rule of law, and integrated into a network of trusted nations that will define global supply chain resilience for decades to come,” US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said in a separate statement.
New Clark City as next AI hub – Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said this development places New Clark City at the center of a pivotal transformation, one that will shape a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready Philippines.
“By establishing this Golden Node, we stand to position New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain for advanced technologies and next-generation manufacturing. On the ground, this will translate into more quality job opportunities for Filipinos and greater participation of local enterprises in the growing innovation-driven economy across the globe,” he said.
The BCDA will extend a two-year grace period on lease payments, which will be treated as an unconditional in-kind contribution to support the development of economic cooperation initiatives between the two countries.
Initially referred to as Clark Green City, New Clark City was planned, designed and founded by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). It has an area of more than 23,000 acres and is designed to accommodate over a million people. The NCC’s formal groundbreaking happened on April 11, 2016. For further information about New Clark City, click here.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Were you surprised to learn that New Clark City has been chosen as the AI-focused site of the 4,000 acre economic security zone of the United States and the Philippines with the Pax Silica initiative? If you have visited New Clark City lately, what can you describe about the place?
In a serious bid to strengthen its defense industry and boost security cooperation with partner nations, the government of Japan officially revised the limits on defense equipment exports, according to a news report by Kyodo News. This means enabling the sales of weapons overseas.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…
The Japanese government revised limits on defense equipment exports Tuesday to enable the sale of weapons overseas, as it seeks to boost security cooperation with partner countries.
The changes, approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, come as the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a national security hawk, aims to strengthen the country’s defense industry amid what the administration has called Japan’s most severe security environment since the end of World War II.
The revisions to the “three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology” and their implementation guidelines scrap rules that limit exports to five noncombat categories — rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.
While the revisions in principle prohibit the export of arms to countries where conflict is taking place, they do allow for exceptions “in special circumstances” that take into consideration Japan’s security needs and U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Defense equipment would be divided into “weapons” and “non-weapons” categories, based on whether they have lethal capability.
Exports of non-weapons such as warning and control radar systems face no restrictions, while those of weapons including destroyers and missiles are limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on protecting classified information related to defense equipment and technology.
The changes, which state that parliament will only be notified of weapon exports after government approval, are likely to draw criticism from opposition parties. They have argued parliament should give prior approval to avoid Japan becoming involved in exacerbating conflicts or fueling arms races.
The National Security Council will examine and decide whether to approve weapon exports. The next-generation fighter jet being developed with Britain and Italy will be an exception requiring Cabinet approval.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the government of Japan made the right move in line with the intention to strengthen its defense industry while boosting security cooperation with its partner nations? Do you think this development will enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region? How do you think Communist China and North Korea will react to Japan’s move? Do you think member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be among the first to buy weapons from Japan?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
The United States and the Philippines formally opened this year’s edition of Balikatan (Exercise Balikatan 41-2026) which is their annual joint military exercise focused on readiness, unity and defense, according to a news report by GMA News. Several allied nations and seventeen thousand troops are expected to participate in the exercise which will have military drills across various parts of the Philippines.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…
The Philippines and the United States on Monday formally opened their annual joint Balikatan Exercise for this year, with 17,000 troops and several other countries expected to join.
“I hereby declare Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 officially open starting today,” AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the opening ceremony.
“Let this exercise not only demonstrate our readiness but affirm our commitment to stand together, to act together, and when necessary, defend together,” he added.
More than 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the United States, and partner nations including Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and New Zealand. At least 18 more countries are expected to serve as observers in the exercise.
The drills will be conducted across various parts of the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao.
Balikatan 2026 will cover multiple domains such as air and missile defense, maritime security, live-fire exercises, and joint readiness operations.
The exercises will also include humanitarian and civic assistance programs such as building schools, supporting healthcare initiatives, and enhancing disaster preparedness in local communities.
Brawner said the expanded scope of the exercise reflects the evolving security environment.
Balikatan 2026 will be transformed from a bilateral activity between the Philippines and US into a multilateral effort aimed at improving interoperability and collective defense capabilities.
Brawner pointed out that the drills are anchored on respect for international law, national sovereignty, and the goal of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think transforming this year’s Balilkatan from a bilateral US-Philippines activity into a multilateral effort makes sense? Considering the number of allies and soldiers expected to participate in the 2026 Balikatan, do you think Communist China will feel intimidated?
A lot happened between the United States and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran lately. Previously there was progress reported in the latest talks between them and the result was the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A short time later, Iran closed the strait and blamed America with a bunch of allegations. Iran even fired at ships in the strait as if they don’t really care about the ceasefire. In his latest move over the situation, US President Donald Trump told Islamic regime of Iran to take the deal or else they would face destruction, according to a report by Newsmax.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from Newsmax report. Some parts in boldface…
President Donald Trump on Sunday morning threatened to “knock out every single power plant and every single bridge” in Iran unless the country’s leaders accept a “very reasonable deal” offered by the United States.
Trump accused Iran of blatantly violating a ceasefire agreement by firing on ships in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, including vessels tied to key U.S. allies France and the United Kingdom.
“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz — A Total Violation of our Ceasefire Agreement!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, criticizing Tehran’s actions as reckless and provocative.
“We’re offering a very fair and reasonable DEAL, and I hope they take it because, if they don’t, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran.“
Trump made clear that patience with the Iranian regime is running out, declaring “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!” and vowing decisive action if diplomacy fails.
He framed the moment as long overdue, arguing past administrations failed to confront what he called Iran’s “killing machine” over decades.
The president also underscored what he described as a strategic advantage for the United States, noting Iran’s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint, are backfiring.
Trump said a U.S.-led blockade has already effectively shut down the passage, costing Iran an estimated $500 million per day while redirecting energy demand toward American producers in states like Texas, Louisiana, and Alaska.
Meanwhile, the administration is continuing diplomatic efforts.
Trump said U.S. representatives are heading to Islamabad, Pakistan, for negotiations, signaling that talks remain active despite rising tensions.
A White House official confirmed to Newsmax’s Mike Carter on Sunday that Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner will be leading the negotiations.
According to Axios on Saturday, Trump convened a high-level Situation Room meeting with top officials, including Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, to address the escalating crisis.
The current ceasefire is set to expire within days, and officials warn that without a breakthrough, hostilities could quickly resume.
Iran has acknowledged receiving new U.S. proposals and says it is reviewing them, but has not yet committed to a deal.
The renewed tensions come after signs of progress in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, particularly limits on uranium enrichment.
However, Iran’s latest military actions in the Strait appear to have complicated those discussions.
Speaking Saturday, Trump dismissed Tehran’s tactics as ineffective brinkmanship.
“They got a little cute … they wanted to close up the Strait again,” he said, adding that Iran “can’t blackmail us.”
For addition insight, watch the YouTube news videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? If diplomacy fails again, do you think America and Israel will unleash a new wave of offensive attacks against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran? Did you notice there is division between Iran’s diplomats and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)? Are you convinced that the so-called supreme leader of Iran is not really leading the regime at all? Do you think the rebellious Iranians should leave their country before a new wave of attacks against the Islamic regime happens?
In the latest development between the United States and the Philippines, the US Department of State announced that the two nations plan the launch of a historic economic security zone of four thousand acres which will shore up supply chains and it will be located in the main island of Luzon.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the fact sheet posted by the State Department. Some parts in boldface…
Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg today announced the United States’ and the Philippines’ plans to establish a 4,000-acre industrial hub to secure inputs vital to American and global supply chains. The site is located in the Luzon Economic Corridor of the Philippines. The site—the first of its kind—is being designated by the Philippines as an Economic Security Zone, a new model for AI-native investment acceleration hubs being developed under the Pax Silica Initiative.
The Economic Security Zone is part of a broader strategy to surge production for inputs vital to U.S. supply chains. It is expected to serve as a purpose-built platform for allied manufacturing—an investment acceleration hub where the specific industrial activities are shaped by market demand, host-country comparative advantages, and the evolving needs of the allied network. Situated within the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Zone can leverage the Philippines’ geographic centrality in the Indo-Pacific, its young and technically skilled workforce, and its deepening alliance with the United States.
Structure and Planned Governance
Joint governance: The two governments intend to identify appropriate frameworks for the long-term development of the Zone that facilitate sovereign alignment and shared upside as it scales.
Enhanced Operational Certainty: The Economic Security Zone is intended to fuse American expertise in institutions and legal regimes – internationally enforceable contracts, transparent regulatory standards, and expert dispute resolution – with enhanced access to the Philippines’ outstanding workforce and talent, mineral endowments, energy resources, and strategic position at the crossroads of Indo-Pacific trade.
The Philippines and Pax Silica
Critical minerals: The Philippines holds significant reserves of nickel, copper, chromite, and cobalt—minerals increasingly vital to global supply chains.
Infrastructure: The Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) is a coordinated, high-impact investment in key sectors, including in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The LEC will transform Luzon into a more prosperous and interconnected region while delivering value to American investors.
The Economic Security Zone
First of many: The Luzon hub is intended to be the first Zone in a broader industrial network—a constellation of integrated manufacturing sites, logistics corridors, and shared financial instruments spanning partner nations across multiple continents.
System transformation: This interconnection can transform Pax Silica industrial policy from a collection of bilateral projects into a genuine system capable of competing with—and ultimately displacing—the concentrated supply chains on which the world currently depends.
For insight, Pax Silica is the State Department’s flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security, advancing new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners. To learn more, click here.
Meanwhile the Philippine News Agency (PNA) published its news article about this development revealing that the Philippines officially joined the Pax Silica Initiative described as a strategic coalition among fourteen states to create a secure supply for semiconductors and AI. To read the news article, click here.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think both the Philippines and America will benefit from the planned 4,000-acre special economic security zone in the long-term?
Remember a short time ago when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for direct talks with the Lebanese government for peace? In Washington, the envoys of Israel and Lebanon met in a historic summit mediated by the United States and things are off to a good start as both nations are looking forward to more talks in the near future, according to a news report by CBN News. Israel and Lebanon clearly want to work together to not only disarm the Islamic terrorist group Hezbollah (long supported by the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran) but also end its decades-long influence and harm of civilians.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from CBN News’ report. Some parts in boldface…
A historic Washington summit between Israel and Lebanon ended with a look toward more talks in the future and a sense that the two countries want to work together to disarm Hezbollah and make peace. Meanwhile, President Trump indicated that there may soon be a new round of talks with Iran.
The Washington talks were mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The first round was held between Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter and Lebanon’s Washington Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad.
Rubio suggested that the talks involve more than a ceasefire.
“This is about bringing a permanent end to twenty or thirty years of Hezbollah’s influence in this part of the world. And, not just damage inflicted on Israel, (but) the damage that is inflicted on Lebanon,” Rubio remarked. “We have to remember that the Lebanese people are victims of Hezbollah. The Lebanese people are victims of Iranian aggression. And this needs to stop.”
Ambassador Leiter contends that Israel and the Lebanese government are on the same side of the equation.
“We are both united in liberating Lebanon from an occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah,” he said. “Lebanon is under their occupation, and we are suffering from their constant barrages of missiles and terror attacks trying to cross our border.”
Leiter told reporters that the most important issue they discussed was the vision for the future.
“The long-term vision, where there will be a clearly delineated border between our countries, and where the only reason we will need to cross each other’s territory will be in business suits to conduct business, or in bathing suits to go on vacation,” he noted.
Israel made it clear that the security of Israelis is not up for negotiation, and Leiter believes the Lebanese government understands that.
“This was a victory for sanity, for responsibility, and for peace, because the head of Hezbollah warned the government of Lebanon yesterday not to participate in these talks. And the government of Joseph Aoun bravely said no to Hezbollah,” Leiter observed. “And this is the beginning of a very strong and fortified, consistent battle against Hezbollah.”
Hezbollah made its own statement by opening a round of rocket fire on Israel as the talks began. In a rare move, three Hezbollah terrorists laid down their weapons and surrendered to Israeli troops.
In a joint statement issued by the State Department after the talks, the U.S. expressed support for “the government of Lebanon’s plans to restore the monopoly of force and to end Iran’s overbearing influence.”:
For its part, Beirut “underscores the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty, while calling for a ceasefire and concrete measures to address and alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis that the country continues to endure as a result of the ongoing conflict.”
The two countries have been at war since 1948. Lebanon was once the only Christian-majority country in the Middle East, yet it was overrun, first by Palestinian terrorists in 1970-71, and then a decade later by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah.
Before the talks, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said there are no major disputes between Lebanon and Israel.
He explained, “The problem for Israel’s security is the problem for Lebanon’s sovereignty: it’s Hezbollah. It’s the same problem. And this problem needs to be addressed in order to move to a different phase (that) we want to reach, of peace and normalization with the state of Lebanon.”
Posted below are the related YouTube news videos.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you feel confident that the Israel and Lebanon will cooperate even more diplomatically to achieve both long-term peace as well as the disarmament of Hezbollah? How do you think Hezbollah will get disarmed? If ever America totally brings down the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, do you think Hezbollah terrorists will survive?
Now that the blockade on Iranian ports has been done by the United States, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that the Islamic terrorist regime reached out to them wanting to make a deal “very badly”, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post. This happened not so long after the initial US-Iran negotiations failed and the Islamic regime has a history of lying and pretending when negotiating with America.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from The Jerusalem Post news report. Some parts in boldface…
Iran called the United States, wanting “very badly” to make a deal, US President Donald Trump claimed to reporters at the White House on Monday.
Trump said he didn’t want to comment on what would happen if a deal wasn’t reached by the end of the ongoing ceasefire, but that “it won’t be pleasant for them, let me put it that way.“
Trump also said that Iran had refused to agree to having a nuclear weapon and that the US would get the nuclear material back.
“We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world,” Trump said.
Vice President JD Vance had done a “very good job” on Iran, the president added.
Trump also threatened that the US might also visit Cuba after finishing with Iran.
Trump threatens Iranian ships in Strait of Hormuz – Trump warned that any Iranian vessels attempting to come close to the US’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will be “immediately ELIMINATED,” in a post to Truth Social on Monday.
“Iran’s Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated – 158 ships,” Trump said.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this latest development? Do you think Iran is simply lying to America and is secretly collaborating with the anti-Trump forces from national leaders to the mainstream news media nations right down to civil groups in the United States? Do you hope that Trump, the US military and Israel will hit Iran very hard to finally bring down the Islamic terrorist regime in the event the ceasefire ends without a deal? Do you think Communist China and Russia are secretly sending weapons and money to the Iran?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco
Author Carlo Carrasco 