A conundrum sits in the middle of President Donald Trump’s polling numbers. On the one hand, verifiable data show that both the economy and international trade with the United States are up, and that illegal border crossings and crime are down. On the other hand, the president’s approval ratings in each of the sectors are plummeting. Certainly, part of the paradox could come from media spin or poor messaging, but perhaps the real issue is that Trump has done something no other politician has done before: broken the fourth wall. Expectations and Experience To quote the renowned punk band The Jam, “the public gets what the public wants.” Over the years, electorates in almost all Western nations have created a relatively consistent model of what a politician is and can do. So when an unconventional candidate comes along, he or she may be described as shattering a “glass ceiling” – moving beyond the staid, steady, and unexpected. The glass ceiling was impervious to two major political stars in recent history. Hillary Clinton was immensely “qualified” to be president and yet was, to many, an entirely unlikable figure, and denigrating a significant chunk of the voting public as “deplorables” did her no favors. Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris was mostly held back from office because of her inability to communicate effectively and her cowardice in dealing with any media not in her camp. Their gender, perhaps common sensically, did not blind the electorate to their weaknesses. When Trump won the presidency in 2016, he was a wrecking ball to the known world of politics. When he won again in 2024, he became precision detonation. Why then do his approval ratings not match the enthusiasm level with which he was elected? Pulling Back the Curtain on Trump Steady, deliberative, and cool-headed are qualities that have been lauded in any politician’s campaign ads. Successful presidents are known for presenting clear and well-laid plans to satisfy the voters who look to them for steadfast and unwavering leadership. Trump, in this aspect as well as others, is notably different. What the public sees from the commander-in-chief is often the thought process involved. Instead of engaging in closed-door confabs or, God forbid, policy focus groups, the president tells the public directly where he is in his thinking – at the current time. In the theater world, breaking character and speaking directly to the audience is a bold move that fails more often than it succeeds; they don’t call it “breaking” the fourth wall without reason. And yet when done well, it creates something quite special. Consider Ferris Bueller’s interactions with the audience, or William Goldman’s immensely popular novel The Princess Bride, which acts as a book within a book. When Trump says he is considering military action against Venezuela’s government, this shouldn’t be understood as he has met with his generals and determined how best to strike – but rather that an incursion is one of a number of possibilities. Is such public revelation a prudent practice? Well, that depends on who has tickets to the opening night. Warnings and Wish Lists The American public hears Trump’s ideas come and go, as he provides unprecedented access to his thought processes. Certainly, such unfiltered openness and transparency is quite a difference from the previous administration, marked by an elusive president and befuddled communications from his team. Instead of operating in the traditional DC manner – through leaks and veiled ministerial policy hints – Trump has taken it upon himself to keep everyone guessing while inviting the American people along for the ride. But also looking on are the likes of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other leaders both outside and inside the United States who seemingly never quite know how to deal with Trump. This president has made an art form of strategic ambiguity. Now that the political Fourth Wall has been broken, however, will such insights become the new expectation of a public so used to secrecy and top-down exposure?
https://www.libertynation.com/trump-polling-and-the-fourth-wall/
Category: international relations
Trump implies talks with India continue, praises Modi, says he might visit that country – News India Times
President Trump, during a press conference at the White House, indicated that he may visit India next year. The press conference was held to announce a deal aimed at lowering the price of weight-loss drugs.
During the event, Trump reiterated that applying tariffs on countries was a national security measure and a tool he used to prevent wars. He referred to the recent conflict between India and Pakistan as an example of his success with this approach.
Asked about the Supreme Court’s ongoing hearing on the legality of tariffs imposed by his administration, Trump emphasized that tariffs were akin to a national security initiative. He stated, “I use them for national defense. I ended… say five or six (wars) because of tariffs.”
Trump elaborated on the India-Pakistan conflict, saying, “If you take a look at India and Pakistan, they started to fight. The two nuclear nations were shooting at each other. Eight planes were shot down. There was seven, now it’s eight, because the one that was sort of shot down is now abandoned, and eight planes were shot down.”
He continued, “And I said, listen, if you guys are going to fight, I’m going to put tariffs on you. They both… were not happy about that, and within 24 hours they settled the war. If I didn’t have tariffs, I wouldn’t have been able to settle that war.”
When asked if he was planning to visit India, Trump responded, “Prime Minister largely stopped buying oil from Russia when you plan.” He added, “He’s a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We’ll figure that out. I’ll go. I had a great trip there with Prime Minister… Modi’s… great man, and I’ll be going.”
Asked if his visit could happen next year, Trump said, “It could be. Yeah.”
https://newsindiatimes.com/trump-implies-talks-with-india-continue-praises-modi-says-he-might-visit-that-country/
Vance in Israel Amid a Fragile Hamas Ceasefire – Liberty Nation News
**Vice President JD Vance’s Delayed Visit to Israel Amid Fragile Ceasefire with Hamas**
Vice President JD Vance had planned to visit Israel on October 20 — his first trip since assuming the vice presidency — but the visit was delayed by one day after Hamas violated a fragile ceasefire. In a conflict as acrimonious as that between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas, ceasefires remain tenuous agreements at best.
### Hamas Violated the Ceasefire
Some observers were surprised that the ceasefire brokered by former President Donald Trump on October 10 lasted as long as it did. However, as reported by *Just the News*, “Israel’s military said that its troops were fired upon by Hamas militants in southern Gaza.”
On October 19, Hamas militants ambushed Israel Defense Force (IDF) units near the city of Rafah, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and wounding several others. In response, Israel launched quick and substantial airstrikes targeting several Hamas command posts and fighting positions.
Initially, Israel halted humanitarian assistance and closed the Rafah crossing. However, on October 20, the Rafah portal was reopened, resuming the flow of aid to civilians in Gaza.
According to the Associated Press, at least 36 Palestinians were killed across Gaza during this escalation, including children. It is important to remember that Hamas controls the casualty figures, and the organization often uses women and children as human shields, as well as hospitals and schools as fighting positions. Therefore, Hamas-provided statistics are generally considered unreliable.
### The Cause and Complexity of the Ceasefire Breach
Hamas justified its ceasefire violation by claiming that IDF ground forces had not advanced to the “yellow” line that bisects Gaza longitudinally, as agreed upon. However, Hamas has consistently refused to disarm, a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Reconstruction of Gaza with an armed Hamas poses significant challenges, particularly because the group lacks operational control over other factions, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds Brigade and the Popular Resistance Committees’ Al-Nasser Salah ad-Din Brigades—both of which appear uninformed or unwilling to abide by the ceasefire.
Despite these setbacks, former President Trump asserted that the ceasefire was still holding. As reported by the BBC, Trump told reporters on Sunday: “The ceasefire was still in place. Hamas had been ‘rambunctious and they’ve been doing some shooting,’ but it might be ‘some rebels within’ the armed group. ‘Either way it’s gonna be handled properly. Toughly but properly.’”
### Vance’s Mission: Fortifying the Ceasefire and Planning for Gaza’s Future
Vice President Vance faces a complex mission during his visit, described as a high-level diplomatic effort to reinforce the ceasefire and discuss the release of additional deceased hostages. Additionally, Vance will focus on outlining what a post-conflict Gaza enclave might look like and how it could be governed.
A key priority on his agenda is persuading Hamas to disarm. As long as Hamas retains heavy weapons such as anti-tank missiles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades, the group will continue to pose a threat to lasting peace.
Vance is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Depending on the security situation in Gaza, Vance may become the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the war-torn region since the outbreak of conflict two years ago.
He will also assess the level of destruction on the ground firsthand, providing vital perspective on the resources and international support needed to make Gaza inhabitable once more.
### The Challenge of Achieving Peace in Gaza
The Trump administration remains clear-eyed about Gaza’s complex reality. The region is a quagmire of competing factions, with Hamas seeking to maintain governing authority once hostilities cease permanently.
However, such a scenario appears unlikely as long as Prime Minister Netanyahu remains in power.
Rebuilding the devastated Gaza will be an immense undertaking, comparable to post-World War II reconstruction efforts in Germany and Japan.
The United States has accepted responsibility for monitoring the ceasefire and the flow of humanitarian aid. As Vice President Vance emphasized on NBC’s *Meet the Press*, the U.S. president is “not planning to put boots on the ground” in Gaza or Israel.
Managing and maintaining the ceasefire is the crucial first step. The decision to send the vice president sends a strong message of American dedication to fostering a peaceful and prosperous Gaza.
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*The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of any affiliated organizations.*
https://www.libertynation.com/vance-in-israel-amid-a-fragile-hamas-ceasefire/
Trump tells Zelenskyy he’s reluctant to sell Ukraine Tomahawk missiles after warning Russia he might
**Trump Signals Hesitation on Selling Tomahawk Missiles to Ukraine Amid White House Talks**
*Washington, D.C.* — President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, October 17, 2025, for talks that signaled a shift in U.S. policy regarding the potential sale of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.
At the start of their meeting, Zelenskyy proposed a deal in which Ukraine would provide the United States with its advanced drones in exchange for Tomahawk cruise missiles—weaponry Ukrainian officials say is crucial to compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to seriously engage in peace negotiations.
However, President Trump expressed hesitation about selling the missiles, citing national security concerns. “I have an obligation also to make sure that we’re completely stocked up as a country, because you never know what’s going to happen in war and peace,” Trump said. He added, “We’d much rather have them not need Tomahawks. We’d much rather have the war be over to be honest.”
Following the meeting, Trump called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. In a Truth Social post, he stated, “Enough blood has been shed, with property lines being defined by War and Guts. They should stop where they are. Let both claim Victory, let History decide!”
Zelenskyy echoed the call for a ceasefire and negotiations but carefully refrained from fully embracing an immediate end to the war. “The president is right we have to stop where we are, and then to speak,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
The two leaders, along with Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and other aides, held a discussion that extended over two hours during a lunch in the White House Cabinet Room—far longer than initially planned.
Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on securing last week’s ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, noting that Trump now has significant momentum to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “President Trump now has a big chance to finish this war,” Zelenskyy said.
Recent days saw a fluctuating stance from Trump regarding the provision of Tomahawk missiles. While he initially appeared open to supplying Ukraine with the missiles, following his Thursday phone call with Putin, Trump started downplaying the likelihood of their delivery.
During the call, Putin warned that supplying Kyiv with Tomahawks “won’t change the situation on the battlefield, but would cause substantial damage to the relationship between our countries,” according to Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy adviser.
The Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of about 995 miles (1,600 kilometers), would enable Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory targeting military sites, energy infrastructure, and other key assets. Ukrainian officials see the missiles as a critical lever to pressure Putin toward peace talks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented that discussions about the Tomahawks have already had a positive effect by pushing Russia toward negotiations. “The conclusion is that we need to continue with strong steps. Strength can truly create momentum for peace,” Sybiha said on the social media platform X.
This latest White House meeting marks the fourth face-to-face encounter between Trump and Zelenskyy since the former Republican president returned to office in January, and their second meeting in less than a month.
Following his call with Putin, Trump announced plans to meet the Russian president soon in Budapest, Hungary, to further discuss ways to end the war. The two leaders also agreed that their senior aides, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, would convene next week at an unspecified location.
When asked whether Zelenskyy would participate in the proposed Hungary talks, Trump responded that it was “to be determined,” suggesting that a separate, “double meeting” involving both leaders might be the most feasible path to productive negotiations.
“These two leaders do not like each other, and we want to make it comfortable for everybody,” Trump said.
Prior to his recent calls, Trump showed growing frustration with Putin. Last month, he shifted his stance by stating he believes Ukraine could reclaim all its territory lost to Russia—a significant change from his earlier position urging Kyiv to make concessions for peace.
Since launching his 2024 campaign, Trump has promised to end the war swiftly. His peace initiative appeared to gain traction following summits with Putin in Alaska and subsequent meetings with Zelenskyy and European allies in Washington last August. At the time, Trump was confident he was paving the way for direct talks between the two leaders.
However, Putin has yet to express willingness to meet Zelenskyy, and Russia has intensified its military assault on Ukraine in recent weeks.
When asked if he felt Putin may be stringing him along, Trump acknowledged the possibility but expressed confidence in handling the Russian leader. “I’ve been played all my life by the best of them, and I came out pretty well,” he said. “I think I’m pretty good at this stuff.”
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**About the Photographs**
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles listen before a lunch in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Washington. —AP Photo/Alex Brandon
President Donald Trump greets Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday in Washington. —AP Photo/Alex Brandon
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**Spotlight**
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, continues to break barriers through her nonprofit work, which makes dance more accessible to children of color.
https://www.phillytrib.com/trump-tells-zelenskyy-hes-reluctant-to-sell-ukraine-tomahawk-missiles-after-warning-russia-he-might/article_59770354-d409-44f6-9f2d-3124bd867d58.html
Hamas knows where additional remains of murdered hostages are, Israeli official tells ‘Post’
Hamas Knows Where Additional Remains of Murdered Hostages Are, Israeli Official Tells ‘Post’
The terror group Hamas has previously stated that it cannot locate all the murdered hostages in the Gaza Strip. However, an Israeli official has informed the Jerusalem Post that Hamas does know the whereabouts of additional remains of these hostages.
An armed Hamas terrorist was seen standing guard as a Red Cross vehicle arrived to receive from Hamas the remains of deceased hostages who had been held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack.
The transfer took place in Gaza City on October 14, 2025.
Photo Credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS
By AMICHAI STEIN, Jerusalem Post Staff
猫虐待、邦人男に禁錮2年 地中海の島国マルタ
()
[有料会員限定記事]
7日間無料トライアルあり。1日37円で読み放題。年払いならもっとお得です。
首相指名、駆け引き激化 立維国協議、一本化視野
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title: 政治・社会｜首相指名、駆け引き激化 立維国協議、一本化視野
date: 2025-10-14 17:37
categories: 政治, 社会
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14日、国会内で立憲民主党、日本維新の会、国民民主党の3党幹事長が会談を行った。写真は会談に臨む（左から）国民民主党の榛葉幹事長、立憲民主党の安住幹事長、日本維新の会の中司幹事長＝14日午後、国会にて撮影。
立憲民主党は、石破茂首相の後任を選ぶ首相指名選挙に関連し、国民民主党の玉木雄一郎代表への一本化も視野に入れた連携を呼びかける見込みだ。
玉木代表は安全保障政策においても期待が寄せられている。
※この記事は有料会員限定です。残り578文字は7日間無料トライアル（一日37円）か年払いプランでご覧いただけます。
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https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1411138/
公明離脱は「残念」「打撃」 連立巡り、閣僚が発言
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title: 政治 公明離脱は「残念」「打撃」 連立巡り、閣僚が発言
date: 2025-10-14 12:15
categories: 政治
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公明党の連立離脱を巡り、石破内閣の閣僚からは14日、「安全保障政策でお世話になった。共に努力を続けてきたパートナーで、大変残念だ」と中谷元・防衛相がコメントしました。
また、村上誠一郎総務相は「自民にとって大きな打撃だ」と述べています。
今回の離脱は連立政権に大きな影響を及ぼすものであり、各閣僚からは率直な感想が寄せられています。
（この記事は有料会員限定です。）
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※クリップ機能は有料会員の方のみご利用いただけます。
※西日本新聞meの詳細については公式サイトをご覧ください。
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1411014/
Light shining beyond the grave: Who is deceased Gaza hostage Yossi Sharabi?
Light Shining Beyond the Grave: Who Is Deceased Gaza Hostage Yossi Sharabi?
Yossi Sharabi, 53, was known as a loving and dedicated father and husband. Throughout his life, he was always a protector, putting his family’s safety and well-being above all else.
During his captivity, Yossi continued to exhibit his caring nature by looking after the teenage hostages alongside him. He defended his family until the very last moment, embodying strength and resilience even in the most difficult circumstances.
Yossi Sharabi, who was kidnapped to Gaza.
(Photo credit: Official site)
【社説】戦後80年所感 歴史に学ぶ姿勢は示せた
石破茂首相が戦後80年の所感を発表した。先の大戦の反省や教訓に関する内容は共感できるものであり、石破氏の問題意識も随所に見られる。
しかし、残念なのは発表時期が首相退任間際になったことである。過去の首相談話は8月に閣議決定を経て公表しているため、今回のタイミングは遅きに失した感は否めない。その要因は、80年談話が自民党内で対立を生み、政治問題化したことにある。
戦後50年以降、歴代内閣は10年ごとの節目に首相談話を発表してきた。国内外から特に注目されたのは、侵略と謝罪への言及だ。
戦後50年の村山富市首相談話では、アジア諸国への「植民地支配と侵略」を明記し、「痛切な反省」と「心からのおわび」を表明した。この精神は戦後60年の小泉純一郎首相談話にも引き継がれている。
戦後70年の安倍晋三首相談話も、歴代内閣の立場を紹介する形で「反省とおわび」を表した一方で、次世代に「謝罪を続ける宿命を背負わせてはならない」と強調した。
石破氏が80年談話に意欲を示すと、一部議員から「70年談話で謝罪外交に区切りが付いている」との反発があった。さらに、7月の参院選大敗により党内からの退任圧力が強まると、8月に談話を出す力を失う結果となった。
節目の年に首相が継続して談話を発表することには、どのような内閣であっても先の大戦に対する認識と平和主義が不変であることを広く伝える意義がある。石破氏もそう考えているのだろう。彼が歴代内閣の歴史認識を「引き継いでいる」と表明したのは妥当なことである。
今回の所感では、なぜ戦争を避けられず長期化させたのかに重点が置かれている。70年談話には詳細な記述がない点だ。石破氏は開戦前後の歴史を振り返り、原因を憲法、政府、議会、メディアの4方向から掘り下げている。特に繰り返し強調した「歴史に学ぶ姿勢の大切さ」には賛同できる。
だからこそ、退任間際の駆け込み発表ではなく、終戦の日のような適切な時期に発表すべきだったのではないか。戦後談話は本来、政治的対立を避けるべきものであり、政府として幅広い識見を集め、時間をかけて検討してほしかった。
また、政府の意思表示である閣議決定を経ず、石破氏の所感にとどまったため、内外へのメッセージ性が弱まることが懸念される。
一方で、石破氏らしさは、1940年の斎藤隆夫衆院議員による反軍演説の引用などに表れており、所感という形式だから可能だった表現と言えるだろう。
戦争体験者が少なくなり、社会から戦争の記憶が薄れていく中、二度と戦争の惨禍を繰り返さないためにも、政治家は歴史の反省と教訓を繰り返し振り返ることを忘れてはならない。
近年は根拠のない風評に多くの人が流されやすく、社会の分断をあおる風潮が気がかりだ。だからこそ、誰もが歴史に学ぶ姿勢を大切にしたい。
https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1410387/