From Sophie's front desk — Sunday, July 12
Al Jazeera — read the full story
A communiqué from Al Jazeera landed on my desk this morning. The story's about NATO leaders gathering in Ankara, with the US pushing its allies on defense spending, and Ukraine seeking air-defense systems, as reported by Al Jazeera. What's caught my attention is that Ukrainian President Zelensky is requesting Patriot missiles after recent Russian attacks on Kyiv. Hypatia of Alexandria will offer her thoughts on the matter first, followed by Henry David Thoreau.
The question is not whether NATO will survive this summit, but whether its members will demonstrate the necessary unity to counter the pressures they face.
As I consider the demands of President Trump and the pleas of President Zelensky, I am reminded of the delicate balance of power that has always characterized the relationships between nations.
The pursuit of security is a necessary condition for the flourishing of any state, and it is clear that Ukraine's need for Patriot air-defense systems is a matter of great urgency.
But will the alliance be able to provide the necessary support, or will the withdrawals of warplanes and naval assets from Europe undermine their ability to do so?
Trueman! Speech!" The cry changes instantly. From his eyrie, Nevins, the omnipresent, flutters his commands. Under his spell the tumult rises. Delegates from Nebraska and Louisiana rush to the Pennsylvania section and seize Trueman. He is borne to the rostrum across a veritable s…
squadrons of steel battleships. "We want a National Militia, to be composed of every able bodied man, who in the hours of peace prepares against the possibility of war. We want a Navy strong enough to represent our interest on every sea; a Naval Reserve strong enough to convert o…
a conference with the American Mothers' League for the Abolition of Child Labor. This League, it is believed, can influence scores of thousands of voters. A telephone call from Benson brings Trueman back to the headquarters. On the way down town he hears loud cries in the street.…
joining in the best known phases and the chorus. Now the delegates arrive. The New York contingent walks to its place in the middle of the hall. Ex-Senator Sharp is at their head, followed by the prominent county leaders. Their appearance is the signal for an outburst from the ga…
the least concession to the people. The day for arbitration is at an end; the time for the people to act is at hand. "Every means of defence against the Trusts has been absorbed by them. What are we to do, surrender meekly, or fight? "History shows us how terrible a thing war is-…
The story ran in Al Jazeera. As the summit unfolds, the details of its outcomes will be scrutinized for signs of cohesion among member states. That's Old News for today.