Conventional military superiority doesn’t always guarantee success (think Vietnam, Afghanistan). Russia is learning that in Ukraine, where cheap tech, political will, and innovation are undermining its advantages in scale and firepower. Will the same be true for Iran?

The immense determination of Ukrainian warriors & civilians has prevented Putin from achieving any of his initial war aims: Tried to take all Ukraine—failed. Tried to overthrow Zelenskyy—failed. Tried to stop NATO expansion—failed. Putin is losing this war. I just hope it ends soon.

Once in power, Putin cut taxes for elites, consolidated media (directly or via loyalists) & sought to manipulate the electoral process. Sound familiar? Some parallels are hard to ignore. The difference? The US has strong checks, an active civil society & deep democratic traditions—that gives me hope

Putin’s brutal war is a vanity project. He doesn’t care about Ukrainians—but he doesn't care about his own citizens either. This war ends when we strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield, tighten sanctions to starve Russia's war machine, and force Moscow to negotiate on equal terms. W/ @news.sky.com.

This week Trump urged Republicans to “nationalize” elections. It may be one of the most anti-democratic ideas he’s floated and follows a well-worn authoritarian playbook, slowly chipping away at free & fair elections. Our democratic institutions are strong—but this is deeply disturbing

Trump’s comments last night about “Obama’s Iran deal” were simply wrong. It wasn’t perfect, but it capped uranium enrichment at 3.67%. Since Trump scrapped it, Iran has enriched to 60%—much closer to weapons-grade. And that stockpile still hasn’t been eliminated.

I was asked in a Q&A this week about Russia’s post-Putin leadership. Short term? We likely see a Putin 2.0–type successor. Longer term? History suggests the pendulum swings. Watch below, or check out McFaul's World on Substack for more: michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/recording-...

The U.S. and Russia were both backing the same candidate in Hungary’s recent election (and he lost). Peter Magyar’s victory is great news for Hungary, Ukraine, Europe and small-d democrats everywhere. Read more: michaelmcfaul.substack.com/p/viktor-orb...

Many hear 'Trump' and think 'America'. But millions of us believe we’re better off pursuing win-win cooperation with allies than Trump's zero-sum games. In Autocrats vs Democrats, I outline an alternative strategy that advances US interests through global engagement www.amazon.com/Autocrats-vs...

Republicans are selling a tax cut fantasy while hiding the fine print: no plan to replace the funding that keeps local communities running. It’s performative politics at everyone else’s expense.

🌟 Unexpected surprise of the day: I found a $100 bill on my way to work! Talk about a lucky find! 💸😄 Have you ever stumbled upon a hidden treasure like this? Share your story in the comments! Let’s celebrate the little joys and unexpected wins together. #LuckyFind #HiddenTreasure #GoodFortune

Kellyanne Conway got extremely upset that Americans might be getting false information online. Nine years ago she championed the concept of 'alternative facts' while defending false statements made by Sean Spicer, then Trump's White House press secretary.

One more for #screenshotsaturday Also tweaked the ice skill. It makes one piece of Ice that considered heavy, so it can break things But, if its near water it still creates that + pattern Hard to walk on... But.. I mean it is ice though 🤣 #pixelart #indiegames #indiedev

Here is how the league shield was unveiled for Zamalek sc after a three way title race on the last match day!

There is nothing like coming together as a community during the holidays 🎄 #TeamMenjivar had a wonderful time attending the San Fernando Gardens Christmas Tree Lighting in #Pacoima and the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in #Burbank. Wishing everyone a warm and happy holiday season.

Excerpt from the session at #WLF2024 titled Witnessing Me Too. Panellists: Anna M. M. Vetticad, Jeo Baby Moderator: Nayanthara Rajeev #wayanadliteraturefestival #WLF #kerala #malayalamcinema #metoo #metoomovement #wayanad #malayalamfilmindustry #men #women #sexeducation #PatriarchalSociety

CHP Lideri Özgür Özel: Bundan sonra gerekirse hayatı durduracağız. Gerekirse tüketimden gelen gücümüzü kullanacağız ama asla teslim olmayacağız. Bundan sonra olacak hiçbir şeyin sorumlusu ben değilim. Sorumlusu bu darbeyi yapanlardır.

We welcomed "Weird Al" Yankovic and They Might Be Giants in the studio this week to give their unfiltered opinions! See the episode that's got everyone talking at youtube.com/OfficeHoursLive or catch an extra hour with a FREE 7-day trial at patreon.com/officehourslive!

Ms. Mayday @maydaypartyof5.bsky.social

Come join the Penguin in the mountains ... twitch.tv/salpo_nolobio

The video AI created from my photo in under a minute🤔

"The hostages made us meet who we are, and who we want to be". Ilana Dayan talks about the defining role of the hostages for the nation of Israel and its people.

The one thing I miss about home is the lights .. #Americans go full out .. this is Boathouse Row in Philly #ChristmasLights #Christmas #BoathouseRow #philadelphia

A Ukrainian tractor driver keeps working as a Shahed drone explodes meters away. Russia has repeatedly targeted agricultural workers and machinery to damage Ukraine’s economy.

Will A Desperate Putin Expand his War in Ukraine to Other European Countries? (Forbes) 😟

During the night, Israeli occupation forces raided southern Hebron in the occupied West Bank, abducting Palestinians.

No hoopla or shenanigans Jake Lang tried to ride Chud’s infamy and start shit at Chud’s It didn’t go well as now he too got arrested. /

Together with ViiV Healthcare, we’re investing a total of £6m in the Global Fund, to help them fund locally led programmes that are tackling the high burden of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in lower income countries.

#ParasiteEve is my favorite Christmas movie 😂😂 Besides Persona, did any other major Survival Horror JRPG come out??

MEMORABLE MOMENT ✨ Presented by @telus Run-and-gun football: It's what makes Jacob Shaffelburg such a fan favourite for the CanMNT 🇨🇦 – why over-complicate the game, right? 😎 What's your favourite moment from the Maritime Messi? 👀

Any guesses???

Not Hiring Yet? Cut Back on Spending. $20 Job Listing #JobPost #Hiring

📮 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 #7: Fresh updates inside! Keep up with our newest achievements, activities, and developments. 📩 Αccess the full newsletter here: tinyurl.com/39u9szdm #HorizonEU #Carbonicaexcellencehub #widera #circulareconomy #climateresilience #CarbonSequestration #CrossBorderCooperation

👀 Le Alan Wake indépendant ? 🐷 The Pines est un RPG horrifique où les choix semblent avoir de réelles conséquences sur la suite de votre enquête. Une proposition alléchante qu'on attendra évidemment de pied ferme. 📅 Pas de date pour le moment.

🚗Harris County toll roads brings in an approximate $800 million to $1 billion annually from drivers, but how is all that money divvied up? bit.ly/4aoR5BD

Two minutes on the end of Hawks/Knicks, with some audio commentary explaining the fun strategy that was happening:

Do you know about Rebecca's Bird Book Bulletin? Just one of many resources for ABA members: aba.org/join

The brits were fun! Miku got thrown around and Chika keeps working on her power game

Азорские острова

As Americans struggle financially, Trump's promise to pardon all January 6th insurrectionists, including those who attacked police, is slammed. Families of officers like Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges speak out against rewriting history. #January6th #Trump #PoliticalNews #OfficerSafety

Flashback to 1979, when The Pittsburgh Steelers "Mean" Joe Green appeared in one of the most iconic ads for Coca-Cola. Don't forget to follow Historical Sports Goon for more retro sports-related content

MAH GUNS OVER HEATING!

Smoked. Flash fried. Then coated. Talk about depth of flavor?!?! 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 Oh and fresh cut fries of course.

We launched Operation Feed California because of the chaos coming out of DC If you want to get involved to make sure no one goes hungry because of Trump’s dysfunction, go to californiavolunteers.ca.gov @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @jensiebelnewsom.bsky.social @calvolunteers.bsky.social

God this is fucking incredible 😂😂 #comedy #politics #trump

Het H-woord is terug.

ON LOCATION 📌 Mackenzie Barwell joins us from Hamilton ahead of Forge vs. Cavalry 🗣️ 🔴 Watch #CPLSoccer on OneSoccer & CBC Gem

« Rassemblement pour un Québec blanc »!!! « Je me souviens d’un Québec Blanc! » sur la banderole de ces ethnonationalistes indépendantistes. Voici l’héritage de René Lévesque bafouée par #PSPP et le #PQ! La honte! Combien de fois,j’vous avertis à propos de PSPP et de son PQ! 🤷🏻 #polqc #Shawinigan

📺 La pelota fue revertida después de la revisión del Sistema de Ayuda a los Árbitros.

i was mostly at panels today on twitch con day 2 so this is all the photos i took plus today's free loot 😎 #twitch #twitchcon #fun #vtuber

Winnowing + Seed = Grain 🌾✨, but there are 1000s of combinations to discover 👀 What do YOU think Grain combines with? Drop it below 👇 New Science - Get ready for the new season #indiegame #gamedev #cardgame #indiedev #newscience

If you’re wondering why we have pride.

Why do Republicans hate cute babies? They constantly bleat about "the unborn" but refuse to help actual, living children. As a new dad, I'm suddenly thinking a lot about childcare. In Congress, I'll fight for universal childcare and Pre-K to make it easier for you to have a family.

This hero confronts Ben Leo of far-right bigoted cesspit that is GBNews, at an anti-ice protest in New Jersey, America and drops some serious truth bombs on him. Fair play for holding back on decking him. What a legend ✊ Things you love to see ❤

That was INTENSE. But watching those images reminds me it wasn't just succession of rough moments. There was some good ones too. #tattoolifestyle #tattooerlife #guestartistlife #bye2025 #2025recap

Kuwait’s air defense system is currently active repelling Irani missiles after Trump decided to end the ceasefire.

Certification gaps remain visible among childhood immigrant apprentices across Canada, according to new research examining multiple apprenticeship cohorts. immigcanada.com/certificatio... #immigcanada #statisticscanada #skilledtrades #tradescertification

NC is one of only 6 states , you need a license to sell a turtle, but not a vape. NC is one of just 7 states with no retailer licensing. The result is a teen vaping rate that's double the national average. Support Solly's Law. HB 430. #NCPol #NCGA #SollysLaw

Love Island: "America's sexiest singles will land in Fiji looking for love while competing for a share of $100,000. I mean, wow, YOU could get half a tank of gas for that!" Rising price of gas probably engenders mostly tears but, still, laughter is good for the soul!