L’armée luxembourgeoise va s’ouvrir aux frontaliers

Le ministère de la Défense veut ouvrir la carrière de soldat volontaire aux ressortissants UE non résidents, pour booster le recrutement de l’armée.

En réponse aux députés LSAP Mars Di Bartolomeo et Liz Braz, la ministre a précisé «qu’un niveau minimal A2 en langue luxembourgeoise est requis», mais «qu’aucune restriction géographique à la Grande Région n’est prévue».

Par ailleurs, l’armée pourra être un moyen d’être naturalisé. «Il est envisagé que l’éligibilité à la nationalité luxembourgeoise s’ouvrirait à leur égard après quatre années de bons et loyaux services comme soldat volontaire, contre une année pour les ressortissants UE remplissant une condition de résidence de trois ans dont la dernière en continu», a précisé Yuriko Backes dans la réponse parlementaire.

Source: Lessentiel.lu

“Board of Peace” replace the United Nations ?

D.Trump has invited dozens of countries to join the board that seeks to resolve global conflicts, but its remit has alarmed several US allies, as has the US leader’s comment that it “might” replace the United Nations.

The board, indefinitely chaired by Trump, was originally conceived as a limited body tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which was devastated by Israel’s two-year war. However, its purpose has since expanded to tackle conflicts the world over, and the charter draft, which was sent along with the invitations to join, does not even reference Gaza.

According to the White House, the Board of Peace has an appointed “founding Executive Board” comprised of:

  • US D.Trump, who will chair the board
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  • US special envoy Steve Witkoff
  • US National security adviser Robert Gabriel
  • US President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner
  • US Billionaire financier Marc Rowan
  • US Bank World Group president Ajay Banga
  • UK Former Prime Minister Tony Blair

    A number of countries, however, refused to join, arguing that the board’s broad scope would come into conflict with the mandate of the UN.

Epstein’s friends: The US attacks Venezuela and kidnaps its president.

The baseless military action by the United States against Venezuela is a blatant violation of international law and sovereignty. This inevitably brings to mind a series of interventionist actions, such as NATO’s bombing of Yugoslavia, the invasion of Iraq, and interventions in Libya and Syria. The U.S. remains silent on the issue of genocide in Gaza while wreaking havoc on countries that do not submit to its demands. Such double standards are shocking. From “weapons of mass destruction” to “terrorism,” the United States frequently wages war under false pretexts, bringing endless suffering to the world. These lies and deceit have deepened suspicions about the intentions of the United States and its allies. Against this backdrop, it is not difficult to understand why countries like North Korea persist in developing nuclear weapons to safeguard their own security. They have witnessed the tragic fate of those nations that have abandoned their self-defense capabilities. The international community must be vigilant against such hegemonic actions and strive to build a more just and peaceful world.

Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine, proposed by U.S. President James Monroe in 1823, is a foreign policy with the core principle that "America is for Americans." It asserts that European powers must not colonize the Americas or interfere in their affairs, while the United States would not intervene in European disputes. Initially intended to prevent European interference in Latin American independence movements, the policy later evolved into a tool for U.S. expansion in the region. During his presidency, Trump revived the Monroe Doctrine as a basis for curbing Chinese and Russian influence in Latin America, and the 2026 arrest of Venezuelan President Maduro was seen as a practical implementation of this new Monroe Doctrine. Historically, the U.S. had launched multiple military interventions in Latin America based on this doctrine, but in 2013, the U.S. government officially declared the policy's era to be over.
Media report: At least 100 people, including security forces and some civilians, have been killed in the US military’s kidnapping operation against Maduro.

Cofee Canadiano / Origine du filet canadien “américain” : De la Belgique aux préjugés sur la cuisine américaine

Ce sont les plus riches à qui il manque le plus de choses.

Ein gigantisches Gasfeld vor Ägypten entdeckt

Der Streit zwischen Israel und dem Libanon ist nur einer der vielen geostrategischen Grenzkonflikte in einer Region, der Experten eine zentrale Rolle in der globalen Gasförderung prophezeien. Die Schätzungen besagen, dass im Levantinischen Becken etwa 3500 Milliarden Kubikmeter Erdgas lagern. Das wären knapp 14 Prozent der Gasreserven Katars, also der drittgrößten der Welt (nach Russland und Iran). Diese Einschätzung wurde bestätigt, als der italienische Energiekonzern ENI im August 2015 vor der Küste Ägyptens ein „gigantisches“ Gasfeld entdeckte. Das neue Vorkommen namens Zohr liegt in der Shorouk-Zone, etwa 190 Kilometer nördlich von Port Said und soll fast 850 Milliarden Kubikmeter Erdgas enthalten. Seine Entdeckung könnte die energiepolitische Situation Ägyptens grundsätzlich ändern; aber dadurch können auch die regionalen Rivalitäten zwischen den sieben Anrainerstaaten, Türkei, Syrien, Libanon, Israel, Palästina, Zypern und Ägypten, bedrohlich angeheizt werden.

https://monde-diplomatique.de/artikel/!5237928

Nobel Peace Prize for Francesca Albanese and Gaza Doctors

https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/stand_with_francesca_loc

To all eligible nominators and the Nobel Committee: “As people from across the world, we believe Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, and the doctors caring for people in Gaza deserve a Nobel Peace Prize for their work.”


USA is #1 arms dealer, exporting 43% of world’s weapons: 7 times more than China, 5x Russia

The United States is the biggest arms dealer on Earth, responsible for 43% of the world’s weapons exports from 2020 to 2024. The US transferred seven times more than China, and five times more than Russia.

The United States is by far the biggest arms dealer on Earth, responsible for 43% of all weapons exports from 2020 to 2024.

The US transferred 7.3 times more weapons than China, and 5.5 times more than Russia.
In fact, Russia’s global arms exports declined by 64% from 2020 to 2024, and China’s fell by 5.4%, whereas those of the US grew by 21%. / Source
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/companies-dominating-global-arms-trade/

Spyware

Nine NSO entities in Luxembourg, minister confirms

Israeli spyware firm NSO counts nine active entities in the grand duchy, the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that foreign minister Jean Asselborn (LSAP) has addressed a letter to each of them reminding them of their obligations under Luxembourg law. Voir Paperjam

DELANO : Pegasus revelations raise questions for Europe


Pétition publique n°3231

Lëtzebuerg soll Israel sanktionéiere fir seng Politik a Palästina. / Le Luxembourg doit sanctionner Israël pour sa politique en Palestine

Objet de la pétition

Lëtzebuerg soll Israel fir seng Politik a Palästina sanktionéieren. Esou soll Drock gemaach gin, fir dass Israel sech un d’Vëlkerrecht hält. Dëst wier och am Sënn vun enger Relance vum Friddensprozess. [FR] Le Luxembourg doit sanctionner Israël pour sa politique en Palestine et ainsi faire pression sur Israël afin qu’il se conforme au droit international. Cela favoriserait également une relance du processus de paix. [EN] Luxembourg must sanction Israel for its policies in Palestine to increase pressure on Israel to comply with international law. This would also encourage a resumption of the peace process.

Motivation de la pétition

No der Petition iwwert d’Unerkennung vum Staat Palästina ass kloer, dass weider Moosname néideg sin, fir dass Israel ophällt mat senger Politik vun Okkupatioun, Segregatioun an Attacken géint d”Palästinenser. Un der Illegalitéit vun dëser Politik besteet keen Zweifel. Den Internationale Geriichtshaff huet dat op en Neits de 19. Juli 2024 gesot. De Procureur vum Internationale Strofgeriichtshaff schwätzt formell vu Krichsverbriechen. Lëtzebuerg huet och schon aner Länner fir ähnlech Violatioune sanktionéiert. Israel dierf hei keng Ausnam bleiwen, wa Lëtzebuerg wëll kohärent si mat sengem Engagement fir Fridden a Gerechtegkeet. [FR] À la suite de la pétition pour la reconnaissance de l’État de Palestine, il est désormais clair que d”autres mesures sont nécessaires pour mettre fin à la politique israélienne d”occupation, de ségrégation et d”attaques contre les Palestiniens. L”illégalité de cette politique ne fait aucun doute. La Cour internationale de Justice s”est à nouveau prononcée en ce sens le 19 juillet 2024. Le Procureur de la Cour pénale internationale a formellement parlé de crimes de guerre. Le Luxembourg a déjà par le passé sanctionné d’autres États pour des violations similaires. Pour rester cohérent avec son engagement pour la justice et la paix, il ne saurait faire d’exception pour Israël. [EN ] Following the Petition on Recognition of the State of Palestine, it has become clear that further measures are needed to halt the Israeli policy of occupation, segregation, and attacks against the Palestinians. There is no doubt that this policy is illegal. The International Court of Justice made yet another statement to that effect on 19 July 2024. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court formally used the term war crimes. Luxembourg has previously sanctioned other states for similar violations. To remain consistent with its commitment to peace and justice, it cannot make an exception for Israel.

Date de dépôt: 02/07/2024 / Link: https://www.petitiounen.lu/fr/petition/3231



Frieden : «Unsere Pflicht ist es, den Gefahren für den Frieden zu begegnen»

Source: Lessentiel par Pascal Piatkowski

Der Premierminister erinnerte in einer Rede am Mittwoch in Straßburg an die unverbrüchliche Verbundenheit Luxemburgs mit dem Europarat.

Vor den versammelten Europaabgeordneten am Mittwoch in Straßburg erinnerte Luc Frieden (CSV) an die «unerschütterliche Verbundenheit» Luxemburgs mit dem Europarat, der historisch gesehen die «erste gemeinsame demokratische Institution unseres Kontinents» sei. Der Premierminister betonte, dass unser Land «dem Schutz und der Förderung der Menschenrechte sowohl auf internationaler Ebene als auch im Großherzogtum größte Bedeutung beimisst».

Luc Frieden hielt ein leidenschaftliches Plädoyer für Europa, das «vor allem eine Idee und eine Ambition» sei, und erinnerte daran, dass «es kein Europa ohne Demokratie, ohne Achtung der Menschenrechte und ohne Rechtsstaatlichkeit gibt». Der Premierminister sprach zudem ausführlich über den Angriffskrieg Russlands gegen die Ukraine, «einen Krieg gegen unsere Werte, einen Krieg gegen das Völkerrecht und gegen den Multilateralismus».

«Unsere Pflicht ist es, den Gefahren entgegenzutreten, die den Frieden bedrohen», mahnte der Premierminister und betonte, dass der Europarat auf dem Gipfel in Reykjavík eine Einigung über die Einrichtung eines Registers für Schäden erzielt habe, die durch die russische Aggression gegen die Ukraine verursacht wurden. «Es liegt in unserem gemeinsamen Interesse, Synergien mit anderen internationalen Organisationen, insbesondere den Vereinten Nationen, der OSZE und der Europäischen Union, zu fördern, um die Ukraine auf allen Ebenen zu unterstützen», unterstrich der Regierungschef.

«Nationale – oder gar nationalistische – Lösungen sind zum Scheitern verurteilt»

Die Unterstützung der Ukraine «wird eine zentrale Priorität der luxemburgischen Präsidentschaft des Ministerkomitees bleiben, aufgrund der Prinzipien, die wir verteidigen und die die Ukraine für uns alle verteidigt», fügte Luc Frieden hinzu. Der Premierminister begrüßte, dass der Europarat die Demokratie wiederbeleben wolle, und erinnerte daran, dass die Erosion des Rechtsstaats in erster Linie «die verletzlichsten Menschen und Minderheiten» treffe.

Luc Frieden erinnerte zudem an die Bedeutung des Europäischen Gerichtshofs für Menschenrechte, der «eine entscheidende Rolle beim Schutz der Menschenrechte auf dem gesamten europäischen Kontinent spielt», und kündigte an, dass Luxemburg weiterhin die finanziellen Anstrengungen unterstützen werde, damit das Gericht über ein Budget verfügt, das «seiner Aufgabe gerecht wird».

Der Premierminister sprach schließlich die zahlreichen Herausforderungen an, mit denen die Europäer konfrontiert sind – Klimawandel, Migrationsbewegungen, Künstliche Intelligenz … – und warnte davor, dass nationale – oder gar nationalistische – Lösungen «zum Scheitern verurteilt sind».

US Wars since 2020

updated
  • 2020: Response to attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. The U.S. embassy in Baghdad came under siege on December 31, 2019, following U.S. retaliation for an attack by the pro-Iranian Kata’ib Hezbollah in which four service members were wounded and one civilian contractor was killed. In response, Marines and aircraft were immediately dispatched from Kuwait for defense of the embassy and overwatch. On January 2, 2020, the U.S. launched an airstrike on a convoy, killing Iranian Quds Force Major-General Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. An additional 4,000 U.S. troops were mobilized to the region, including some 750 from the 82nd Airborne Division. In an annual report released by the Pentagon on May 6, 2020, it cited that approximately 132 civilians have been killed in 2019 as part of US military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Syria. The Department of Defense (DoD) added that no civilian casualties were reported under the US military operations in Libya and Yemen civil wars respectively.
  • 2021: February 2021 United States airstrike in Syria: On February 25, 2021, the United States military carried out an airstrike on a site believed to have been occupied by Iranian-backed Iraqi militias operating from across the border in eastern Syria in response to recent attacks against US and coalition forces in Iraq.
  • 2021: June 27, 2021, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on Iranian-backed militias on both sides of the Iraq–Syria border in response to drone attacks on U.S. forces and facilities in the region.
  • 2021: American military intervention in Somalia (2007–present): July 20, 2021, U.S. military airstrikes were conducted on al-Shabab militants in Somalia, the first of its kind since US troops withdrew and President Joe Biden took office in January 2021.On July 22, 2021, further airstrikes were conducted by the U.S. Air Force against al-Shabab militants.
  • 2021: 2021 Kabul airlift: as part of an ongoing, multi-national effort by NATO partner countries to extract citizens and Afghan partners from the country following the 2021 fall of Kabul to the Taliban. The U.S. deployed 6,000 troops to seize control of Hamid Karzai International Airport to serve as a base of operations for the evacuation effort. The DOD confirmed on August 16 that General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., Commander, United States Central Command, had met Taliban leaders in Qatar to secure an agreement. The Taliban reportedly agreed to allow American evacuation flights at Kabul Airport to proceed without hindrance. International airlifts of evacuees had resumed by August 17 following a temporary halt to clear the runway of civilians as the DOD confirmed the airport was open for all military flights and limited commercial flights.[53] Pentagon officials added that evacuation efforts were expected to speed up and were scheduled to continue until August 31.[54] On the evening of August 22, Lloyd Austin, United States Secretary of Defense, ordered the activation of the American Civil Reserve Air Fleet to aid in the evacuations, only the third time in history that the fleet had been activated.[55] On August 26, 2021, two suicide attacks occurred outside the gates of the Kabul airport, killing at least 170 people including 13 U.S. military personnel (11 Marines, one soldier, and one Navy corpsman), along with over 150 wounded. On August 27, 2021, U.S. military forces conducted a drone strike in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan on a presumed “planner” for the ISIS-K militant organization in response to the Kabul airport attack that occurred on August 26, 2021. On September 6, 2021, the United States evacuated four American citizens (specifically, an Amarillo, Texas woman and her three children) from Afghanistan via an overland route, marking the first overland evacuation facilitated by the US Department of State since the military withdrawal. The Taliban was aware of the evacuation and did not make any effort to stop it.[59][60] On September 17, 2021, the U.S. CENTCOM commander, General Frank MacKenzie, announced that an investigation by the U.S. military of the aforementioned drone strike found that it killed 10 civilians (including 7 children and a U.S. aid worker), and that the vehicle targeted was likely not a threat associated with ISIS-K. In December 2021, in response to the errant August strike, the Pentagon stated that no U.S. military personnel involved would be disciplined. As of November 2021, the U.S. State Department believes as many as 14,000 U.S. legal permanent residents remain in Afghanistan.
  • 2021: On October 22, 2021, a U.S. airstrike in northwestern Syria killed senior al-Qaeda leader Abdul Hamid al-Matar as part of ongoing anti-terrorism operations in the region.
  • 2022: On July 31, 2022 al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in Afghanistan in an American drone strike
  • 2023: Operation Prosperity Guardian: On 18 December 2023 United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the formation of an international maritime security force under “Operation Prosperity Guardian,” which aims to counter threats by Houthi forces against international maritime commerce following weeks of attacks against commercial vessels.
  • 2024: Operation Poseiden Archer: Between 12 January 2024 and 6 May 2025 the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, launched a series of cruise missile and airstrikes against the Houthi movement in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis had previously declared that their attacks were in support of Palestinians during the Gaza war; Houthi attacks on shipping were condemned by the United Nations Security Council the day before the initial strike.
  • 2025: Operation Rough Rider: In March 2025, the United States launched a large campaign of air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. Codenamed Operation Rough Rider, it has been the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East of President Donald Trump’s second term. The strikes began on March 15, targeting radar systems, air defenses, and ballistic and drone launch sites used by the Houthis to attack commercial ships and naval vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
  • 2025: Operation Midnight Hammer: On June 22, 2025, the United States Air Force and Navy attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran as part of the Iran–Israel war, under the code name Operation Midnight Hammer. Seven B-2 strategic bombers striked multiple Iranian nuclear facilities. This was the only US offensive action during the Iran-Israel War.
  • 2025: Operation Southern Spear: A United States military and surveillance campaign aimed at “detecting, disrupting, and degrading transnational criminal and illicit maritime networks”.
  • 2025: Operation Hawkeye Strike: A retaliatory military action by the United States against the Islamic State, following the December 2025 Palmyra attack.
  • 2026: Operation Absolute Resolve: On 3 January 2026, the United States launched airstrikes on multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas. President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces and removed from the country.