During the election campaign, Donald Trump claimed that if he was in power, neither would Russia have attacked Ukraine nor would Hamas have attacked Israel. He then declared that he would bring the war in Ukraine to an end, even before he took office on January 20. And while hedging on the timing of the end of the war in West Asia, he pledged to supporters of Israel that he stood firmly with Benjamin Netanyahu, told Arab-Americans that only he understood them, and sent out a message to Iran that his hardline policy would be back.
After his win, Trump, who has received more briefings, including directly from Joe Biden, and from European leaders in Paris and Florida, has reframed his messaging. On West Asia, he has sent a clear message to Hamas to release all the hostages by January 20 or warned there will be "all hell to pay". He hasn't publicly called on Israel to end its offensive, though some reports indicate that he does want the war wrapped up around the time he takes office to be able to take credit.
On Ukraine, from suggesting that he could end the war with just a phone call, Trump has woken up to the enormous human tragedy and acknowledged the strategic complexity in getting both sides to agree, claiming it is a more difficult situation than West Asia, while underlining the need for a deal urgently. And while reiterating his call to Europe to step up its security commitments to NATO, he hasn't indicated that he will leave the continent in the lurch to handle Ukraine all on its own without some kind of deal with Moscow.
To be sure, Trump isn't the only new variable in determining how the two wars evolve in 2025. There has been a change on the ground, especially in the final few months of 2024 - a change that will play an equally important role in shaping the motivations and calculations of actors.
Denne historien er fra December 31, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times Bengaluru.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 31, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times Bengaluru.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The world has always loved Indian beats
Jason Derulo is no stranger to India or Indian music. The American singer-songwriter and dancer has previously collaborated with rapper King on the party anthem Bumpa, with singer-songwriter Tesher on the hit single Jalebi Baby, and even took the stage to perform at the 2023 IPL.
Left knee strapped, Md Shami lets his pace talk at India nets
Master of swing and seam warms up for big battles
AI Challenge to Electoral Process
EC action on AI-generated content needs to be stringent. Mere labelling won't be enough
Trump 2.0: Prospects of global disruption
The world is watching nervously as the new President begins his second innings in Washington
Trial Run of Delhi-Srinagar Train Successful
The first successful trial run of the much-anticipated Delhi-Srinagar train service was completed on Sunday between the stations of Katra and Budgam in Jammu & Kashmir, paving the way for the Valley to be connected with the rest of the country via rail, officials aware of the matter said.
Amit Shah affirms PM's full support for Andhra
Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday emphasised the support of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for Andhra Pradesh, announcing that the Centre has approved projects totalling over ₹3 lakh crore for the state in just six months.
FPI Shorts Mount as Street Awaits Trump Flux
The change of guard in America looms large over India's stock market, with foreign portfolio investors (FPI) raising bearish bets close to record levels a day ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President.
India Open With Big Win Over Windies
Indian bowlers shot a clueless West Indies batters out for a measly 44 to set up a commanding nine-wicket win to begin their title defence on a resounding note in the women's U-19 World Cup here on Sunday.
NMC draft rules allow non-med grads to teach medical students
THE PROVISION SPARKED MIXED REACTIONS WITHIN THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY. SOME ARGUED THAT IT MAY DILUTE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION
Ceasefire brings hope in Gaza, Israel
Palestinians burst into the streets to celebrate and return to the rubble of their bombed-out homes on Sunday after a ceasefire deal halted fighting in Gaza, and three female hostages freed by Hamas were reunited with their mothers inside Israel.
