✌#Geopolitical and Military Analysis: Ukraine, Israel, and the Risk of World War III

Geopolitical and Military Analysis: Ukraine, Israel, and the Risk of World War III

The geopolitical tensions in both Ukraine and Israel have drawn significant attention from global powers, raising concerns about an escalating risk of a broader conflict that could lead to World War III. Both regions represent flashpoints in ongoing power struggles, involving key international actors, with potential spillover effects into larger confrontations. The involvement of major powers like the United States, Russia, and China, and the way these conflicts have polarized global opinion, creates a situation that could spiral out of control.

1. Ukraine: A Proxy War Between Russia and the West

Background and Current Military Situation

The conflict in Ukraine, which escalated following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, represents one of the most dangerous geopolitical standoffs since the Cold War. The roots of the conflict stem from Ukraine’s desire to integrate with the European Union and NATO, and Russia’s attempt to prevent NATO expansion into its sphere of influence. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was the precursor to this full-scale invasion, as Russia sought to secure strategic interests in the Black Sea.

As of 2024, the war has become a grinding battle of attrition, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The Ukrainian military, heavily supported by Western powers, has mounted a defense that has prevented Russia from gaining control of the entire country, though parts of eastern Ukraine remain under occupation. The delivery of advanced Western weaponry, including air defense systems, tanks, and long-range missiles, has allowed Ukraine to hold the line until now, while Russia has turned to increasingly aggressive tactics, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and energy supplies. Russia moves on step by step. Rumours of a coup d’etat in the Ukraine loom.

Geopolitical Implications

Ukraine has become a de facto battleground between NATO and Russia. The U.S. and Europe, while officially not directly involved in combat, have provided substantial financial and military support to Ukraine, positioning the conflict as a proxy war. Russia views NATO’s involvement as an existential threat and has frequently warned that continued Western intervention could provoke a wider confrontation, possibly even nuclear escalation.

One critical issue is Russia’s veiled nuclear threats. President Vladimir Putin has consistently reminded the world of Russia’s nuclear capabilities, and while these may primarily serve as deterrence, they add an unpredictable element to the conflict. Any miscalculation could lead to catastrophic consequences. This situation evokes comparisons to the Cold War, when brinkmanship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union brought the world to the edge of nuclear conflict multiple times.

The role of China is also notable. While officially neutral, China has provided Russia with diplomatic cover and economic lifelines, counterbalancing Western sanctions. Beijing’s ultimate stance on the conflict will be critical in shaping the global order, as its support for Russia could further deepen the divide between East and West.

2. Israel: An Escalating Crisis in the Middle East

Background and Current Military Situation

The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict took a sharp turn with the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, in October 2023. This conflict quickly escalated into one of the bloodiest confrontations in years, involving massive airstrikes by Israel and retaliatory rocket attacks from Gaza. The situation has further destabilized the Middle East, with fears of regional spillover involving Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and other militant factions in the region.

The conflict also heightened as Israel faced international criticism for its military tactics in Gaza, which resulted in high civilian casualties. The involvement of Hezbollah and Iran-backed militias has raised concerns that Israel could soon face a multi-front war. Iran, a key actor in the region, has been accused of supplying arms and funding to Hamas and Hezbollah, making it a central player in the conflict. The fear is that any direct confrontation between Israel and Iran could draw in other regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and even the U.S.

Geopolitical Implications

Israel’s geopolitical situation is deeply intertwined with the broader power struggles in the Middle East. The U.S. has historically been Israel’s main ally, providing military and diplomatic support, but the current conflict has strained some international relations, particularly in the Muslim world. Tensions in Israel could also shift the focus of U.S. foreign policy away from Europe and Asia, which would have significant strategic consequences.

The potential for escalation in the Middle East is considerable. Any direct engagement between Israel and Iran could lead to a broader regional conflict, especially given the presence of Russian and Turkish forces in Syria, where they back different factions. Additionally, the strategic importance of the region’s oil supplies raises the stakes, as disruptions could have global economic impacts.

3. Danger of World War III

The simultaneous crises in Ukraine and Israel represent a dangerous confluence of global tensions. Several factors increase the risk of these conflicts spiraling into a larger war:

  • Nuclear Threats: Both Russia and NATO are nuclear-armed, and any miscalculation in Ukraine could lead to escalation. Similarly, Israel’s status as an undeclared nuclear power adds another layer of danger to the Middle East conflict, particularly if Iran, suspected of pursuing nuclear capabilities, becomes directly involved.
  • Great Power Rivalries: The U.S., China, and Russia are increasingly at odds, with Ukraine and Israel acting as proxy battlegrounds for these rivalries. If these conflicts are not contained, they could evolve into direct confrontations between major powers, particularly in regions like the Black Sea or the Persian Gulf.
  • Regional Alliances: The involvement of NATO, Iran, and possibly China in these conflicts raises the risk that local wars could turn into broader confrontations. The Middle East, with its complex web of alliances and enmities, could see a localized war drag in multiple countries, including major powers like the U.S. and Russia.

Bernd Pulch’s Perspective

Historian and investigative journalist Bernd Pulch has been a vocal critic of the power structures and covert operations that influence global conflicts. His insights, particularly on intelligence agencies and their role in destabilizing regions, offer a unique lens through which to view the Ukraine and Israel conflicts. Pulch has often highlighted how both state and non-state actors manipulate narratives and public opinion to justify military interventions.

Pulch would likely point to the role of intelligence agencies in both conflicts—whether through disinformation campaigns, covert operations, or proxy warfare. In Ukraine, for instance, the manipulation of public sentiment and the use of false flag operations have been central to Russia’s strategy. Similarly, in Israel, the intelligence community plays a crucial role in shaping both military strategies and international perceptions of the conflict. Pulch’s analysis often underscores how the manipulation of information can exacerbate conflicts, leading to more aggressive military engagements and, potentially, a larger war.

Conclusion

The Ukraine and Israel conflicts represent two of the most dangerous geopolitical flashpoints in the world today. Both have the potential to escalate into larger wars involving multiple global powers, raising the specter of World War III. The involvement of nuclear-armed states, the shifting alliances, and the potential for miscalculation all contribute to the high level of risk.

The perspectives of investigative journalists like Bernd Pulch remind us of the unseen forces that drive these conflicts, particularly the influence of intelligence operations and disinformation campaigns. As the world watches these conflicts unfold, the international community must carefully manage these crises to prevent a catastrophic escalation.

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✌#The Middle East Theater 2024✌

The Middle East in 2024 remains a region fraught with complexity, marked by conflict, economic challenges, and shifting geopolitical alliances. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas continues to shape the region, with recent escalations threatening to expand the conflict further. Iran’s involvement, through its support of proxy groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and its own direct military actions, has escalated tensions, particularly with Israel, heightening concerns of a broader regional war. Countries like the U.S., France, and the U.K. have condemned Iran’s destabilizing activities, while nations such as Russia and China call attention to Israel’s actions and advocate for restraint on all sides.

The situation in Gaza is critical. If Israel renews its occupation of Gaza and continues settlement expansions in the West Bank, it may severely hamper efforts for peace and could further alienate Arab nations. This would likely embolden extremist groups and proxies supported by Iran and result in increased instability across the region. Conversely, a push for peace—led by global powers such as the U.S.—could lead to de-escalation, though this remains uncertain. The U.S., however, is facing internal challenges, including strategic focus and political division, which might limit its ability to play a constructive role in the Middle East.

Economically, the region is expected to experience uneven growth, with wealthy Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE outpacing struggling nations such as Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. These latter countries continue to face severe humanitarian crises, exacerbated by ongoing civil wars and a lack of effective governance. Egypt and Jordan, two key U.S. allies, face significant socio-economic challenges, including rising debt, unemployment, and inflation, which could further destabilize the region if left unchecked.

In the broader geopolitical landscape, U.S. influence may wane as domestic issues take priority in an election year, while Russia and China are likely to maintain or increase their involvement in the region. Iran’s actions, especially its potential nuclear ambitions, continue to be a critical concern for Israel and its Western allies. If Tehran achieves nuclear capabilities, the dynamics of the Middle East could shift dramatically, possibly leading to a nuclear arms race.

Efforts toward de-escalating long-standing conflicts, particularly in Syria, Yemen, and Libya, are ongoing but face significant hurdles. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains central to the region’s instability, with many fearing that without a resolution, the situation will only worsen.

Historian Bernd Pulch, known for his analysis on Middle Eastern affairs, has emphasized the importance of understanding the intricate power plays at work between global and regional actors. Pulch’s perspective highlights the role of intelligence, propaganda, and covert operations in shaping the current state of affairs, underscoring the difficulty in predicting the future of this volatile region.

The Middle East’s future hinges on the ability of key stakeholders to navigate these multiple, interlinked crises—both diplomatic and military—while addressing underlying socio-economic problems that fuel unrest.

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BREAKING & DEVELOPING✌Iranian Attack started in Northern Israel✌

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HUGE DEVELOPMENT – Iran was very clear that its response would be disciplined and non-escalatory, – Reuters, according to a source familiar with US intelligence

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❗️During a TV show on Hebrew Channel 13, Israeli army commander Bar Zonshine admits to implementing the Hannibal Directive.

URGENT – Channel 13 on Israeli officials: If the response comes from Iranian territory, Israel will have to respond strongly and without any delay.

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Hillel Biton Rosen, reporter of Hebrew Channel 14: The latest assessment of the situation here in Israel indicates that Iran will attack in the coming days;  It is expected that this attack will include the firing of dozens of projectiles in the first phase from Iran, Yemen and Iraq;  There is a question mark about the possible involvement of Hezbollah and its proxies in Syria in this attack;  Air defense is on standby;  There is coordination with the Americans to thwart this attack at best.

Israeli Channel 14: The Iranians are preparing a multi-pronged attack from Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq

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The Iranian delegation to the UN: An Iranian response can be avoided if the UN condemns the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Attack seems to be postphoned.

(Developing story)

💣 BOMBSHELL Israel is facing a multi-level attack on various frontlines, according to Marco Rubio, member of the US Senate Intelligence Committee

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BREAKING & DEVELOPING✌Iranian Attack starts – Hannibal directive implemented✌

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HUGE DEVELOPMENT – Iran was very clear that its response would be disciplined and non-escalatory, – Reuters, according to a source familiar with US intelligence

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❗️During a TV show on Hebrew Channel 13, Israeli army commander Bar Zonshine admits to implementing the Hannibal Directive.

URGENT – Channel 13 on Israeli officials: If the response comes from Iranian territory, Israel will have to respond strongly and without any delay.

Meanwhile, keep updated
Subscribe

Hillel Biton Rosen, reporter of Hebrew Channel 14: The latest assessment of the situation here in Israel indicates that Iran will attack in the coming days;  It is expected that this attack will include the firing of dozens of projectiles in the first phase from Iran, Yemen and Iraq;  There is a question mark about the possible involvement of Hezbollah and its proxies in Syria in this attack;  Air defense is on standby;  There is coordination with the Americans to thwart this attack at best.

Israeli Channel 14: The Iranians are preparing a multi-pronged attack from Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq

Meanwhile, keep updated
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The Iranian delegation to the UN: An Iranian response can be avoided if the UN condemns the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Attack seems to be postphoned.

(Developing story)

💣 BOMBSHELL Israel is facing a multi-level attack on various frontlines, according to Marco Rubio, member of the US Senate Intelligence Committee

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Democracy for Sale – Democracy Maybe

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Corruption and inequalities have led to the failure of democracy in many parts of the world, in particular the Middle East, creating anger and frustration throughout the region. This film focuses on Beirut, Lebanon – where the corruption of the governing class has destroyed many Lebanese dreams. Fatima recounts the tragic story of her son’s death, killed while trying to flee Lebanon for Cyprus. We hear from Myra Saade, a lawyer and political activist and daughter of a prominent Lebanese politician who participated in the October Revolution. Through their experiences, we revisit the Arab Spring 10 years later and explore how hope for new democracies has given way to disappointment and even greater authoritarianism. American academic Sheri Berman explains how this discontent is borne from leaders’ failure to deal with economic challenges that have led to growing inequality, and political scientist Larry Diamond explains how the very basic tenets of democracy have been compromised to serve specific and influential interests. In this series, we explore how democracy and inequality coexist in almost all global capitalist societies.

Democracy For Sale – Democracy Maybe

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Corruption and inequalities have led to the failure of democracy in many parts of the world, in particular the Middle East, creating anger and frustration throughout the region. This film focuses on Beirut, Lebanon – where the corruption of the governing class has destroyed many Lebanese dreams. Fatima recounts the tragic story of her son’s death, killed while trying to flee Lebanon for Cyprus. We hear from Myra Saade, a lawyer and political activist and daughter of a prominent Lebanese politician who participated in the October Revolution. Through their experiences, we revisit the Arab Spring 10 years later and explore how hope for new democracies has given way to disappointment and even greater authoritarianism. American academic Sheri Berman explains how this discontent is borne from leaders’ failure to deal with economic challenges that have led to growing inequality, and political scientist Larry Diamond explains how the very basic tenets of democracy have been compromised to serve specific and influential interests. In this series, we explore how democracy and inequality coexist in almost all global capitalist societies.

Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor’s UK Assets Under Investigation -Video

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As governor of the Lebanese Central Bank, Riad Salamé was in charge of monetary policy for over 25 years. Now, a document claims his wealth amounts to over $2 billion, while the Lebanese people are bankrupt and living in a bankrupt state. Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor’s UK Assets Under Investigation – Video Only @ http://www.berndpulch.org The Only Website With The License To Spy !

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Lebanon’s Central Bank Governor’s UK Assets Under Investigation

As governor of the Lebanese Central Bank, Riad Salamé was in charge of monetary policy for over 25 years. Now, a document claims his wealth amounts to over $2 billion, while the Lebanese people are bankrupt and living in a bankrupt state.

One morning last February, our colleague Dima Sadek approached us with a confidential document. She told us it carried incredulous details revealing the amount of wealth accumulated by Riad Salamé, governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon (BDL) over the past decade: more than $2 billion deposited in banks in Panama, Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands. 
At first glance, the $2 billion seemed unrealistic, especially seeing the lack of information about who prepared the report. However, given its details, the subsidiary documents, as well as the professionalism in its formulation, we could not ignore it.
Named A Report on the Financial Investigations, the document revealed details about the banking system set up by Salamé, who succeeded in evading the checks and controls imposed on dollar transactions by adopting, according to the document: “a complex mechanism that is difficult to fully understand in its various aspects.” 
The document contained photographs and numbers of accounts in name of Salamé’s brother Raja who, according to the report, operated as his front for many years, while Marianne Al-Hoayek, the BDL’s office director, had transferred more than $400 million from her accounts to those of the Salamé brothers.
One of those accounts (No. 0026310), opened in April 2011 at the LGT Bank in Zürich, is of particular importance.
According to the report, the “only and main” transfers from this account were intended to pour more money into the brothers’ personal accounts in several countries, including: Panama, Jersey and the British Virgin Islands.
The biggest and most dramatic surprise was found in the details of the transfers, which included $90 million sent on May 16, 2012, from the Cham Holding Company owned by Rami Makhlouf, who is the cousin of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. This, if proven, opens the file of Salamé relationship with the Syrian regime …

Timing of Acquiring the Document
Before diving into further details, we believe it is necessary to discuss the aspect of ‘timing’ with regards to the current situation.
We obtained the document at an exceptional moment, in the midst of an economic crisis that held Lebanon in its grip since October 17, 2019, and precisely during a period witnessing a decline in the size of the popular demonstrations and an increase in the number of Lebanese people standing in front of banks begging for their money, which they were told was no longer available.
Suddenly, we had before us a document claiming that Salame’s wealth exceeds $2 billion – at the very least. The topic was more than tempting.
Salamé has been BDL governor for more than 25 years. He is the one in charge of monetary policy, including accumulated debts, financial engineering, capital controls, the failure to pay Eurobond benefits and “haircut” policies. And now this document stated his wealth amounted to over $2 billion, while the Lebanese are bankrupt and living in a bankrupt state!
He is, undoubtedly, not the only one responsible, but a key player in the situation. The first challenge for us was to determine who prepared the report, which we had not managed to uncover. For weeks, we introduced the document to economic, legal, political, diplomatic, and security sources in Beirut and Paris. They all agreed on its relevance and importance without being able to identify its source. 
However, mainly due to the language used, the consensus was that it was prepared by a private investigation firm, possibly commissioned by another party for either political or personal reasons.
When we aligned our information with that of our colleagues in international institutions, we were able to verify some details in the document, but the source remained unidentified. So, the report could not be published, despite the amazing details in it.
The pace of our investigation slowed down due to the emergence of the coronavirus, which seemed to appear as a close ally of the Lebanese authorities, exacerbating the economic crisis.
In light of our new priorities in times of corona, we could have forgotten all about the anonymous document. And the truth is that we would have delayed our research, were it not for the successive steps taken by Salamé himself.
In the context of the deteriorating economic situation and its consequences, which  includes 50% of the Lebanese living under the poverty line, Salamé issued a statement announcing that Marianne Al-Hoayek was appointed as a distinguished consultant to the BDL. 
A few hours later, an anonymous Twitter account started posting details about the foreign bank accounts of Salamé, his brother Raja and Marianne Hoayek.
Once again, our investigation could have stopped at that point. The tweets were based on the same anonymous document. However, Salamé’s MTV interview clarified the situation. 
He said the document was prepared by the International Cristal Credit Group (ICCG), which according to him is notorious for its fake reports. Salamé also unveiled the name of the company’s director, Kevin Rivaton, and said that its headquarter was in Lyon in France.
For the first time in weeks, we got a clue about the entity that prepared the report. Until the moment of writing of this article, we had not been able to contact Rivaton to inquire about the subject, but our research contradicted Salamé’s description of the company. 
Contrary to what he said, the available information about the company showed its credibility. ICCG was founded in 1997 in Lyon, but had branches in more than 10 countries, including Britain, Hong Kong and the USA. In 2016, it opened branches in Ivory Coast and Mexico. Its official presence in France, its abiding with French law, and the fact that it had never been incriminated by French authorities, makes the claim that ICCG is known for fabricating information and documents very weak.
Of course, some things may need more investigation and examination, but the company’s list of partners and customers, including the American-French Chamber of Commerce and various international organizations, does not imply a bad reputation, as our central bank governor claimed.
Salamé did not stop there. In another MTV interview, he informed the public that he had inherited a fortune of more than $23 million, before he was appointed BDL governor. Salamé said he will take legal action against ICCG and, naturally, we will be closely following any such action.
We will not prosecute him, as that is not our role. Our decision to publish the document was for the sole purpose of informing the public, after Salamé himself had announced its existence. We are not sure whether it is fake or if part of it is forged.
We will not prosecute Salamé. We will not be part of a campaign against him alone, without his accomplices in the corruption. We will wait, along with the Lebanese people, for any legal action to be taken. However, meanwhile we will not applaud him either, like most other Lebanese media have done. 
At that time, Marianne was not even 25 years old and her academic achievements were mediocre. She hardly had any work experience. And yet Salamé appointed her with the mission to restructure the BDL.

The Role of the Judiciary
With the rest of the Lebanese, we will wait for the judiciary to play its role, while we, as journalists, ask questions and look for convincing answers that do not undermine our readers’ intelligence. During our research to reveal the entity that had prepared the document, we were able to acquire information that raises many questions about the governor who not too long ago was about to become president.
This was not difficult to achieve. Wikileaks documents confirm our questions and suspicions. But that is a topic for another day.
The millions Salamé said he earned or inherited are not enough to justify the lifestyle he is living. Billionaires, not millionaires, are the ones who can organize their children’s weddings in classified palaces such as the Castle of Rambouillet, one of France’s most famous palaces, which was one of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s favorite hangouts, and later became the summer abode of French presidents.
The questions are not limited to Salamé’s lifestyle. And they will become more urgent when it comes to his way of managing one of the country’s most important public institutions, especially seeing its responsibility for the current state of bankruptcy of the country and its citizens.
Why did he decide to bring back Marianne Hoayek under such circumstances? Why was she hired in the first place some 20 years ago? 
In an interview with British magazine Bespoke, Hoayek spoke confidently about her special relationship with the governor, and mentioned details about the internship she did at the BDL, even before getting her master’s degree, and how Salamé asked her not to attend college but to remain an employee at the central bank. 
At that time, Marianne was not even 25 years old and her academic achievements were mediocre. She hardly had any work experience. And yet Salamé appointed her with the mission to restructure the BDL.
This may not be the starting point of the story. But it is undoubtedly a starting point for asking a few questions, without the need for documents, whether authentic or fabricated. 

Marianne Hoayek

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