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Semper Doctrina—we are always improving and adapting.
Politics

Biden’s Bid for Legacy

Biden’s Bid for Legacy: How Israel Found and Eliminated Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar

In a significant moment for Middle Eastern geopolitics, Israel successfully located and eliminated Yahya Sinwar, the prominent Hamas leader responsible for orchestrating violent attacks on Israeli civilians. Sinwar, who was the face of Hamas in Gaza and a key architect of terror operations, was targeted by Israeli forces in an operation demonstrating their intelligence and military precision.

But amid this major breakthrough, U.S. President Joe Biden appears eager to claim a share of the credit. As the world watched the culmination of Israel’s mission, Biden’s administration has signaled that his behind-the-scenes diplomacy played a crucial role. Biden has long sought a peace legacy in the Middle East, and with this high-profile Hamas leader taken down, the president seems poised to highlight U.S. involvement as a part of his efforts to stabilize the region.

However, while Biden may want to wrap this into his legacy, the facts on the ground tell a different story. Israel’s intelligence services, the IDF, and Mossad have been relentlessly pursuing Hamas leadership for years, and Sinwar was no exception. The operation to find him was primarily the work of Israel’s meticulous intelligence network, with assistance from other nations largely remaining supportive at best. Yet, Biden’s administration seems eager to highlight their diplomatic engagement as a factor in Sinwar’s elimination.

For Biden, this is more than just a tactical victory—he’s looking for a legacy boost. As his presidency faces challenges on multiple fronts, from domestic issues to global conflicts, the elimination of Sinwar offers an opportunity to claim leadership on one of the world’s most volatile issues. But the question remains: is this really Biden’s victory to own, or is he just trying to ride on the success of Israel’s military achievements?

For now, it seems clear that while Israel did the heavy lifting, Biden is doing his best to leverage the moment for his own narrative. Only time will tell whether this attempt will stick as part of his legacy or if it will be seen as political opportunism.

History

On this day October 17

Today in History

  • 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake Rocks California

    Santa Cruz County was the most affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake. About 60 people died as a result of falling buildings and landslides. It was the first major earthquake on the San Andreas fault since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

  • 1973 OPEC Declares Oil Embargo

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries or OPEC led by Arab countries declared an oil embargo on any country that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War, which was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states. The embargo led to a massive oil shortage and had long-lasting economic effects in the United States and Europe. The embargo was lifted in March 1974.

  • 1956 Bobby Fischer Wins the Game of the Century

    The chess match between 13-year old Fischer and Donald Byrne took place at the Marshall Chess Club in New York City.

  • 1861 Cullin-la-Ringo Massacre

    In what is thought to be the largest massacre of white settlers by Australian aborigines, the killings occurred after a group of settlers from Victoria led by politician Horatio Wills, set up a camp at Cullin-la-Ringo, which is located in present-day Central Queensland. 19 people were killed during the massacre.

  • 1814 London Beer Flood

    Vats of beer at the Meux and Company Brewery burst, flooding city streets with 610,000 liters of beer. The almost 15 feet tall wave of porter killed 8 people, some of whom were gathered for a funeral.

Politics

Kamala Harris Losing Her Shine

Kamala Harris Losing Her Shine as Trump Gains in Polls (Except CNN)

Kamala Harris, once seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, seems to be losing her luster as Vice President. Recent events and public perception have seen her struggling to connect with voters, while former President Donald Trump is experiencing a resurgence in popularity—making strides in nearly all major polls, except for CNN.

Despite being the first woman of color to serve as Vice President, Harris has faced criticism for her handling of key issues like immigration and public safety. Her approval ratings have consistently lagged, with many questioning her visibility and effectiveness.  Harris’s diminishing appeal could pose a challenge for the Democratic ticket.

Meanwhile, Trump, despite his legal challenges, is gaining ground in various national polls. Whether it’s his rallies, media presence, or a growing disillusionment with the current administration, his influence among Republican voters remains undeniable. Polls from organizations like Fox News and Rasmussen show him gaining momentum, solidifying his status as the GOP front runner. Yet, in a surprising contrast, CNN’s polling data paints a different picture, with Trump either stagnating or trailing behind.

This divergence in polling has sparked debate about media bias and how different outlets frame public opinion. But regardless of where each network stands, one thing is clear: Trump is positioning himself as a formidable force heading into 2024, while Harris may need to work hard to regain her footing.

The political landscape is heating up, and it seems both parties have their work cut out for them as we inch closer to the next election .