And just like that, Iran’s mullahs are back in the game

And just like that, Iran’s mullahs are back in the game

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, October 13, 2023 In an extraordinary and fast paced series of events, the Islamic Republic of Iran was thrust back into the headlines. The Middle East again emotionally whipsawed in our 24/7 news cycle, both in a fleetingly positive and also tragically negative way. The Setting First, in […]

It’s only words? Growing concerns voiced as East Asian security debated at UN

It’s only words? Growing concerns voiced as East Asian security debated at UN

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, October 6, 2023 A wide swath of Asian security issues was discussed and deliberated upon during the recent UN General debate. Predictably, China and Korea dominated concerns though other concerns such as the South China Sea were largely overlooked. Speaking at the start of the 78th Assembly, President […]

Of no consequence: UN General Assembly debates Ukraine war, moves on

Of no consequence: UN General Assembly debates Ukraine war, moves on

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, September 27, 2023 The arc of history passed through the UN last week as the global Assembly debated and deliberated on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Storm clouds from far off Eastern Europe descended over the delegations meeting in New York, who while largely and resolutely condemning the […]

UN Assembly opens amid widening wars and humanitarian crises

UN Assembly opens amid widening wars and humanitarian crises

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, September 17, 2023 Presidents, prime ministers, kings and potentates are converging on New York for the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly. The 78th annual Assembly of the world organization presents both a global gala and expanded Summit meeting to try to solve a myriad of […]

After Afghanistan: Global conflicts widen, endure and spread

After Afghanistan: Global conflicts widen, endure and spread

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, September 8, 2023 It’s been two years since the fall of Afghanistan. The tragic collapse of Kabul to the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban signaled the last sordid chapter in the Biden Administration’s appalling and shambolic “withdrawal” from America’s longest military commitment. But beyond the perceived American weakness and strategic […]

UN Security Council shines a light on Kim dynasty’s rights violations, long ignored by member nations

UN Security Council shines a light on Kim dynasty’s rights violations, long ignored by member nations

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, August 27, 2023 Most countries politely prefer to look the other way when it comes to confronting widespread reports of North Korean human rights violations. After all what can you do about what goes on in one of the world’s most closed and repressive communist regimes [headed by […]

American films, except ‘Sound of Freedom,’ still hold sway in France

American films, except ‘Sound of Freedom,’ still hold sway in France

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, August 21, 2023 PARIS — Barbie has charmed Paris. The pink hued doll figure come alive in its blockbuster movie rendition has captured the hearts and imagination of the French film viewers during the second post-Covid Summer. Next, after the syrupy saccharine adventures of Barbie comes the cerebral […]

Coup in geostrategic Niger confronts France — and U.S. — with Russia’s expanding footprint

Coup in geostrategic Niger confronts France — and U.S. — with Russia’s expanding footprint

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, August 13, 2023 PARIS — The recent military coup d’etat in Niger, a vast and arid land on the southern tier of the Sahara, underscores the widening political crisis in Africa’s Sahel region, where instability, dire poverty and Islamic jihadi terrorism, have stalked the land. Thus, when Gen. […]

Paris Olympics countdown begins with expected complications, security and rights concerns

Paris Olympics countdown begins with expected complications, security and rights concerns

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, August 7, 2023 PARIS — The one-year countdown for the opening of the Paris Summer Olympics has begun. The return of the Olympics to France is largely met with eager anticipation for this international sporting extravaganza, but is equally tempered by the usual security concerns, political controversies, and […]

Russia accused of playing ‘Hunger Games’ with global grain supplies

Russia accused of playing ‘Hunger Games’ with global grain supplies

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J. Metzler, July 28, 2023 The Russians are acting more and more like Soviets. Their brutal war in Ukraine underscores the point that Moscow’s military ambitions have counter-humanitarian consequences. And now the Kremlin’s shutdown of the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain initiative signals that Vladimir Putin is willing to block food […]