Dear Donald,
Remember when Hilary called you a puppet during the 2016 election debate and you took it with grace and dignity and didn’t clap back like a schoolyard bully?
Remember when you respected women?
Remember when all of America’s pop stars were falling over themselves to sing at your inauguration ceremony, and it was independently confirmed by a non-governmental third-party that the largest ever crowd in recorded history turned up to that same event?
Remember when evidence came out outlining how Russia had interfered extensively and deliberately in your country’s sacred election process, and so you condemned Putin’s regime and cut ties with all your Slavic business dealings?
Remember when you released your tax returns in order to clear up any lingering doubt over your financial health and honesty?
Remember when it came out that building an oil pipeline through indigenous lands would not, in fact, reduce the price of oil and would, in fact, be environmentally devastating, so you ground the project to a swift halt and ordered an investigation into, and an overhaul of, your country’s overseas exportation plans?
Remember when you called Elizabeth Warren an intelligent and respectable Native American woman?
Remember when Australia caught fire and Bolsonaro set the Amazon on fire and even California went up in flames way grander than usual, so you strengthened your commitment to the Paris Agreement in order to tackle the very real threat of climate change?
Remember when everyone and their estranged mother called Melania a cold-hearted trollop for wearing a jacket emblazoned with the phrase ‘I really don’t care, do u’ on her way to visit children in cages, and so you took to Twitter like always to extol the virtues of her misguided and unapologetic ass?
Remember when you called distinguished military serviceman and former prisoner of war John McCain a laudable American hero to a group of your close personal friends who were so impressed by your comments that they couldn’t wait to tell the world’s news media?
Remember when you didn’t try to buy Greenland and all the people of Puerto Rico cheered?
Remember when you acknowledged the systemic issue of racism in the USA, specifically that within the ranks of your men in blue, right before you condemned the white supremacists in Charlottesville, calling them very awful people?
Remember when you said black lives matter?
Remember when you imposed a travel ban on absolutely no one based on what country they happened to hail from?
Remember when your Trump organisation refused sixty thousand dollars for hosting an event in Kuwait because of a very apparent conflict of interest?
Remember when you reinforced LGBTQ inclusivity in your military and silenced the debate around gender identity and public bathroom usage?
Remember when you denounced any link between vaccines and autism?
Remember when you increased US funding for the United Nations Population Fund because vulnerable women in countries such as Venezuela and Syria desperately needed access to reproductive and sexual health programs?
Remember when you gave settlement status to 59,000 Haitians, ensuring them an opportunity to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake which tore their already poverty-stricken country apart?
Remember when you retweeted actual facts?
Remember when you took the warnings of the CDC seriously and expanded its pandemic response team just two months before the first cases of Covid-19 burst onto the world stage?
Remember when you wore a mask and stopped shaking people’s hands in order to be a genuinely admirable role model to three hundred million Americans?
Remember when your ratings skyrocketed, and you won the popular vote?
Remember when you calmly conceded your election defeat and congratulated Biden on a race well won and honourably fought, before quietly commiserating with your nearest and dearest in some far-off place and publicly thanking your fanbase online for their intelligently peaceful support?
Remember when we believed a single word you said?
Yeah, me neither.
So go on now Drumpf, off you pop, just like the weasel we will always remember you being.
All the very worst,
Faith Falters
About the Creator
Faith Falters
I write for love and to stay alive.
IG: @haikuheroine
IG: @faith_falters
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EU and Mercosur Seal Historic Trade Deal
After more than two decades of negotiations, delays, political resistance, and diplomatic resets, the European Union and the Mercosur bloc have finally sealed a historic trade deal. The agreement, hailed by supporters as one of the most ambitious trade pacts ever negotiated, promises to reshape economic ties between Europe and South America while redefining how global trade aligns with climate goals, labor standards, and geopolitical realities. The deal links the EU — one of the world’s largest single markets — with Mercosur, a South American trade bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, representing a combined population of over 780 million people. Together, they form a massive economic zone with the potential to influence global supply chains, agricultural markets, and industrial trade for decades to come. What Is the EU–Mercosur Trade Deal? At its core, the EU–Mercosur agreement is designed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on a wide range of goods and services, making trade between the two regions cheaper and more efficient. For European exporters, the deal opens access to South American markets for products such as cars, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial equipment — many of which currently face high import duties. For Mercosur countries, the agreement improves access to the EU market for agricultural products, including beef, poultry, sugar, ethanol, soy, and coffee. The European Commission estimates that the deal could save European companies billions of euros annually in tariffs, while boosting economic growth and strengthening strategic ties between the two regions. Why This Deal Took So Long Negotiations between the EU and Mercosur began in 1999, but progress was repeatedly stalled by disagreements over agriculture, environmental protection, labor rights, and political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic. European farmers, particularly in France and Ireland, have long opposed the deal, fearing competition from cheaper South American agricultural imports. Environmental groups raised alarms about deforestation in the Amazon, arguing that increased beef and soy exports could accelerate forest loss. On the Mercosur side, concerns centered on protecting domestic industries and ensuring fair access to European markets without being overwhelmed by EU industrial powerhouses. Only in recent years — amid rising global trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical competition — did momentum return. Both blocs increasingly saw strategic value in diversifying partnerships beyond China and the United States. Economic Impact: Who Stands to Gain? Supporters argue that the agreement is a win-win for both regions. For the European Union, the deal strengthens export opportunities for manufacturers and service providers while reinforcing Europe’s role as a global trade leader. European carmakers, engineering firms, and pharmaceutical companies are expected to benefit significantly. For Mercosur countries, the agreement provides stable access to one of the world’s wealthiest consumer markets. Agricultural exporters, in particular, stand to gain from reduced tariffs and predictable trade rules. Supporters say the deal could stimulate investment, create jobs, and modernize industries across South America. Economists also highlight that the agreement sends a strong signal in favor of rules-based international trade at a time when protectionism is rising globally. Environmental and Climate Concerns Despite the economic promise, the deal remains controversial — especially in Europe. Environmental organizations warn that increased agricultural exports from South America could intensify deforestation, biodiversity loss, and carbon emissions, particularly in Brazil’s Amazon region. Critics argue that previous environmental commitments have not been adequately enforced and fear the trade deal could undermine the EU’s climate leadership. In response, the European Commission has emphasized that the final agreement includes binding sustainability provisions, commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement, and mechanisms to address environmental violations. Supporters argue that engagement — rather than isolation — gives the EU more leverage to promote sustainable practices. Still, skepticism remains strong among green groups and some EU lawmakers, who insist that enforcement will be key. Political Resistance Inside the EU Even after sealing the deal, ratification is far from guaranteed. Several EU member states, including France, Austria, and Ireland, have expressed strong reservations. Farmers’ unions worry about unfair competition, while political leaders face domestic pressure to protect local agriculture and environmental standards. Because the agreement requires approval from all EU member states and the European Parliament, even a small number of dissenting countries could delay or derail implementation. This political reality means that while the deal has been sealed at the diplomatic level, its future still depends on intense political negotiation within Europe. Why the Deal Matters Globally Beyond trade volumes and tariff reductions, the EU–Mercosur agreement carries geopolitical significance. It strengthens ties between Europe and South America at a time when global power dynamics are shifting. China has significantly expanded its economic footprint in Latin America, and the EU sees the deal as a way to remain relevant and competitive in the region. The agreement also reinforces the EU’s ambition to shape global trade rules around sustainability, labor rights, and environmental standards, even if critics question how effective those safeguards will be in practice. In a world marked by trade wars, sanctions, and fragmented supply chains, the deal stands as a rare example of multilateral cooperation. What Happens Next? The next phase involves legal review, translation into all EU languages, and the ratification process across member states. This could take several years, and political opposition may still reshape or delay parts of the agreement. Meanwhile, businesses on both sides are already preparing for potential opportunities, assessing new markets, and planning long-term strategies around the expected changes. Whether the deal ultimately fulfills its promise will depend not only on economic performance but also on enforcement, transparency, and political will. A Turning Point for Trade Relations The EU–Mercosur trade deal marks a historic turning point in relations between Europe and South America. It reflects a growing recognition that global challenges — from climate change to economic resilience — require cooperation across continents. Yet the agreement also highlights the tensions between economic growth and environmental responsibility, free trade and local protection, ambition and accountability. As the world watches the ratification process unfold, one thing is clear: this deal is more than a trade agreement. It is a test of how global partnerships can evolve in an increasingly complex and divided world.
By Muhammad Hassan4 days ago in The Swamp
Fighting Ends After Syrian and Kurdish Forces Agree on Ceasefire
After weeks of escalating clashes that threatened to further destabilize northern Syria, Syrian government forces and Kurdish-led groups have agreed to a ceasefire, bringing a fragile calm to areas that had seen intense fighting. The agreement, brokered through regional mediation and quiet international diplomacy, marks a significant moment in a conflict that has repeatedly shifted alliances and front lines over more than a decade. The ceasefire follows violent confrontations between Syrian Arab Army units and Kurdish forces, primarily affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in strategically sensitive مناطق near key roads, oil fields, and population centers. The clashes had raised fears of a wider conflict that could draw in external actors already deeply entangled in Syria’s complex war. Why the Fighting Broke Out Tensions between Damascus and Kurdish authorities have simmered for years. While both sides have occasionally cooperated against common threats such as extremist groups, their long-term political goals remain sharply divided. Kurdish groups seek greater autonomy and recognition of their self-administered regions, while the Syrian government insists on full territorial control and centralized authority. Recent fighting was reportedly triggered by disputes over security control, checkpoints, and access to resources, particularly oil and wheat. Local incidents quickly escalated as reinforcements were deployed and artillery exchanges followed, displacing civilians and disrupting already fragile livelihoods. The Ceasefire Agreement According to sources familiar with the talks, the ceasefire includes an immediate halt to hostilities, the withdrawal of heavy weapons from flashpoint areas, and the reopening of key roads for civilian and commercial traffic. Joint coordination mechanisms are also expected to be established to prevent misunderstandings and accidental clashes. Importantly, the agreement reportedly includes provisions for dialogue on local governance and security arrangements, signaling that both sides recognize military escalation as costly and unsustainable. While details remain limited, mediators emphasized that the ceasefire is intended as a first step rather than a comprehensive political settlement. Impact on Civilians For civilians caught in the crossfire, the ceasefire brings cautious relief. Thousands were forced to flee their homes as fighting intensified, seeking shelter with relatives or in makeshift camps. Schools closed, medical services were interrupted, and essential supplies became scarce. Humanitarian organizations have welcomed the truce but warn that conditions remain dire. Many areas affected by the clashes were already struggling with economic hardship, fuel shortages, and the aftermath of years of war. A sustained ceasefire could allow aid access, repairs to infrastructure, and the gradual return of displaced families. Regional and International Dimensions The ceasefire also has broader regional implications. Northern Syria is a geopolitical chessboard involving multiple actors, including Russia, the United States, Turkey, and Iran. Kurdish-led forces have long been supported by the US in the fight against extremist groups, while the Syrian government is backed by Russia and Iran. Any escalation between Syrian and Kurdish forces risks upsetting this delicate balance. Observers note that external actors likely played a behind-the-scenes role in encouraging restraint, as renewed conflict could undermine counterterrorism efforts and complicate regional stability. Turkey, which views Kurdish armed groups near its border as a security threat, is also closely watching developments. A breakdown of the ceasefire could prompt new cross-border operations, further complicating the situation. Challenges Ahead Despite the ceasefire, deep mistrust remains. Previous truces in Syria have often collapsed due to accusations of violations, local power struggles, or shifting external priorities. Analysts caution that without a clear political framework addressing Kurdish autonomy, resource sharing, and integration of armed forces, the current calm may prove temporary. Economic pressures add another layer of risk. Control over oil fields and agricultural land is not only a political issue but also an economic lifeline in a country devastated by sanctions, inflation, and unemployment. Disagreements over revenue sharing could easily reignite tensions. A Fragile Opportunity Still, the ceasefire offers a rare opportunity for de-escalation at a time when Syria can ill afford another front of conflict. If maintained, it could open space for confidence-building measures, local reconciliation efforts, and renewed discussions about Syria’s future governance. For now, residents in affected areas are cautiously hopeful, listening for the sounds of normal life returning instead of gunfire. Whether this ceasefire becomes a stepping stone toward lasting stability or merely a pause in a long-running struggle will depend on the willingness of all sides to prioritize dialogue over force. In a conflict marked by broken agreements and shifting loyalties, even a fragile calm is meaningful. The coming weeks will reveal whether this ceasefire can hold—and whether it can lay the groundwork for a more durable peace in northern Syria.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi3 days ago in The Swamp
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