European nations are facing increased pressure to bolster their military capabilities, with a senior US official urging them to take the lead in their own defense, as the world becomes increasingly militarized. This call to action comes amidst a backdrop of global instability, including ongoing concerns about the situation in Gaza and a pivotal election in Bangladesh.
Elbridge Colby, the US Under Secretary of War, emphasized that while the US is not abandoning its NATO allies, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense, according to Sky News. He stated the alliance must be prepared for potential enemies to strike. This sentiment was echoed by Germany's defense minister, who underscored the need for the alliance to become "more European."
The shift in focus comes as European nations are being judged not just on their military spending, but also on their military credibility, according to a US defense official. The UK and its European allies are scrambling to address this, as figures like Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin shape a new world order, as reported by Sky News.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with Amnesty International and the Israeli human-rights organization BTselem stating that the genocide is continuing, according to Al Jazeera. Four months after a deal to stop the war, Palestinians continue to face dangers, including ongoing Israeli attacks and restrictions on essential resources. The Al Jazeera report featured interviews with Middle East political analysts and human rights experts, who discussed the ongoing challenges.
In other news, Bangladesh recently held an "era-defining election," where a new generation of voters played a key role in the political landscape, according to Sky News. The election offered a chance for a real contest, following years of authoritarian rule and a mass student uprising in 2024 that led to the ouster of the country's longest-serving prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
The NATO meeting in Brussels was marked by the absence of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, which one ally described as "missing a good party," as reported by Sky News. Other allies played down the no-show, but the underlying message of increased European responsibility for defense remained clear.
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