Eva Leopold
@evaleopold.bsky.social
Political Scientist. Analyst. Writer. Researcher. IR. MENA. Iraq. HR. World affairs.
By necessity, some Swedish politics.
By necessity, some Swedish politics.
Pinned
Eva Leopold
@evaleopold.bsky.social
· Dec 7
Residents in the suburbs of the capital, Damascus, are coming out onto the streets to celebrate as the Assad regime leaves and opposition forces arrive.
#Syria 🇸🇾
(🎥Credit: Step News Agency)
#Syria 🇸🇾
(🎥Credit: Step News Agency)
If this indeed is the end of the Assad regime, it is difficult not to reflect on all the death, suffering and destruction that have taken place since the peaceful protests began in connection with the so-called Arab Spring. Much could have been very different.
I believe that pressure and ultimatums on Denmark and NATO members as a whole to surrender Greenland are unlikely to work. Few to none would perceive any gains from doing so and this has become increasingly clear.
January 18, 2026 at 9:15 PM
I believe that pressure and ultimatums on Denmark and NATO members as a whole to surrender Greenland are unlikely to work. Few to none would perceive any gains from doing so and this has become increasingly clear.
The tariff dispute over Greenland will not affect NATO's cohesion, says German FM Johann Wadephul on German TV.
- There is absolutely no doubt that the United States stands fully behind the alliance, NATO and Europe's defense, he concludes.
A level of ascertainty that raises questions.
- There is absolutely no doubt that the United States stands fully behind the alliance, NATO and Europe's defense, he concludes.
A level of ascertainty that raises questions.
Sweden's Commander-in-Chief recently expressed the NATO agreement (specifically Art 5) is valid until otherwise announced; that other discussions only benefit the Kremlin and Putin. This is a problematic approach. Given current uncertainties, it should be expected all possible scenarios are analyzed
What European leaders have been most nervous about is the US pulling back on NATO or Ukraine… but how can Europe trust the US will come to its defense if its trying to seize territory from a NATO country. They can’t. So why cave to keep a security commitment that is not real. 6/
January 18, 2026 at 8:18 PM
The tariff dispute over Greenland will not affect NATO's cohesion, says German FM Johann Wadephul on German TV.
- There is absolutely no doubt that the United States stands fully behind the alliance, NATO and Europe's defense, he concludes.
A level of ascertainty that raises questions.
- There is absolutely no doubt that the United States stands fully behind the alliance, NATO and Europe's defense, he concludes.
A level of ascertainty that raises questions.
Maybe taxing the rich would benefit both democracy and the environment?
The top 10% now account for nearly half of all consumer spending.
January 18, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Maybe taxing the rich would benefit both democracy and the environment?
Reposted by Eva Leopold
Syria announces ceasefire agreement with Kurd-led SDF after heavy fighting https://aje.news/ojit4f
January 18, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Syria announces ceasefire agreement with Kurd-led SDF after heavy fighting https://aje.news/ojit4f
Sweden's Commander-in-Chief recently expressed the NATO agreement (specifically Art 5) is valid until otherwise announced; that other discussions only benefit the Kremlin and Putin. This is a problematic approach. Given current uncertainties, it should be expected all possible scenarios are analyzed
What European leaders have been most nervous about is the US pulling back on NATO or Ukraine… but how can Europe trust the US will come to its defense if its trying to seize territory from a NATO country. They can’t. So why cave to keep a security commitment that is not real. 6/
January 18, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Sweden's Commander-in-Chief recently expressed the NATO agreement (specifically Art 5) is valid until otherwise announced; that other discussions only benefit the Kremlin and Putin. This is a problematic approach. Given current uncertainties, it should be expected all possible scenarios are analyzed
I believe this is already in motion. Even though the press conference with Danish FM Løkke Rasmussen and Norwegian FM Barth Eide today showed ministers acting with restraint and reiterating already announced positions, it's quite clear sharper countermeasures are being prepared in the background.
A key point here in an excellent thread by @maxbergmann.bsky.social:
Continuing with the grovelling strategy, distasteful to the European publics from the start, would likely have a domestic political cost to European leaders. It’s time for a strong response now. Enough is enough.
Continuing with the grovelling strategy, distasteful to the European publics from the start, would likely have a domestic political cost to European leaders. It’s time for a strong response now. Enough is enough.
Trump tariffing countries over Greenland is a test. If Europe just swallows it and tries to move on, it increases the odds of the WH thinking it can seize Greenland without consequences. Europe therefore has to respond.
Euro publics have had enough and want their leaders to push back 2/
Euro publics have had enough and want their leaders to push back 2/
January 18, 2026 at 5:13 PM
I believe this is already in motion. Even though the press conference with Danish FM Løkke Rasmussen and Norwegian FM Barth Eide today showed ministers acting with restraint and reiterating already announced positions, it's quite clear sharper countermeasures are being prepared in the background.
UM David van Weel också.
Trump's Greenland tariffs are "blackmail", says Dutch minister - DutchNews.nl
Dutch foreign minister David van Weel on Sunday described plans by US president Donald Trump to impose tariffs on eight European countries because of their support for Greenland as “blackmail”, “incom...
www.dutchnews.nl
January 18, 2026 at 4:06 PM
UM David van Weel också.
Reposted by Eva Leopold
#Trump and #Greenland: Statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom
www.government.se/statements/2...
www.government.se/statements/2...
Statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom
As members of NATO, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise „Arct...
www.government.se
January 18, 2026 at 3:19 PM
#Trump and #Greenland: Statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom
www.government.se/statements/2...
www.government.se/statements/2...
■ If the EU Commission considers the US tariffs to be a form of economic coercion, it could, for example, stop US direct investment in the EU or stop US companies from participating in procurement.
■ Any countermeasures must be supported by international law.
Source: EU
■ Any countermeasures must be supported by international law.
Source: EU
January 18, 2026 at 2:58 PM
■ If the EU Commission considers the US tariffs to be a form of economic coercion, it could, for example, stop US direct investment in the EU or stop US companies from participating in procurement.
■ Any countermeasures must be supported by international law.
Source: EU
■ Any countermeasures must be supported by international law.
Source: EU
■ Examples of what the EU can introduce:
Trade barriers, tariffs, quotas.
Investment restrictions
Licensing requirements
Sanctions related to intellectual property rights
Financial restrictions, such as banking services.>
Trade barriers, tariffs, quotas.
Investment restrictions
Licensing requirements
Sanctions related to intellectual property rights
Financial restrictions, such as banking services.>
January 18, 2026 at 2:58 PM
■ Examples of what the EU can introduce:
Trade barriers, tariffs, quotas.
Investment restrictions
Licensing requirements
Sanctions related to intellectual property rights
Financial restrictions, such as banking services.>
Trade barriers, tariffs, quotas.
Investment restrictions
Licensing requirements
Sanctions related to intellectual property rights
Financial restrictions, such as banking services.>
try to influence political decisions and/or have actual or potential impact on the EU’s internal market or the EU’s external relations.>
January 18, 2026 at 2:58 PM
try to influence political decisions and/or have actual or potential impact on the EU’s internal market or the EU’s external relations.>
The "bazooka” was decided on in 2023.
■ The law gives the EU Commission far-reaching powers to protect the Union and its member states against economic coercion from third countries. The EU can decide on activation if third countries exercise economic coercion against the EU/member states, >
■ The law gives the EU Commission far-reaching powers to protect the Union and its member states against economic coercion from third countries. The EU can decide on activation if third countries exercise economic coercion against the EU/member states, >
January 18, 2026 at 2:57 PM
The "bazooka” was decided on in 2023.
■ The law gives the EU Commission far-reaching powers to protect the Union and its member states against economic coercion from third countries. The EU can decide on activation if third countries exercise economic coercion against the EU/member states, >
■ The law gives the EU Commission far-reaching powers to protect the Union and its member states against economic coercion from third countries. The EU can decide on activation if third countries exercise economic coercion against the EU/member states, >
President Macron will request use of the EU's anti-coercive instrument – the so-called trade bazooka, the president's staff informed AFP. This will require a qualified majority among EU countries after the Commission has presented a final proposal.
January 18, 2026 at 2:51 PM
President Macron will request use of the EU's anti-coercive instrument – the so-called trade bazooka, the president's staff informed AFP. This will require a qualified majority among EU countries after the Commission has presented a final proposal.
A good suggestion, however on somewhat shaky grounds as some EU countries, as well as the EU as a whole, have proven to be rather unreliable in being clearly opposed when other violations of international law have been committed elsewhere.
January 18, 2026 at 12:08 AM
A good suggestion, however on somewhat shaky grounds as some EU countries, as well as the EU as a whole, have proven to be rather unreliable in being clearly opposed when other violations of international law have been committed elsewhere.
Joint statement of EU Commission president and European Council president ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
January 17, 2026 at 11:42 PM
Reposted by Eva Leopold
"A Unicef spokesperson, James Elder, said more than 100 children had been killed in the territory since the ceasefire came into force in October." www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Newborn baby becomes eighth to die of hypothermia in Gaza this winter
Despite the ceasefire, more than 100 children have died in the territory since October
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 11:18 PM
"A Unicef spokesperson, James Elder, said more than 100 children had been killed in the territory since the ceasefire came into force in October." www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Reposted by Eva Leopold
Mafia takeover of America complete. Trump has told countries that want to serve on his Gaza Board of Peace they will have to pay $1 billion to be permanent members.
Trump Wants Nations to Pay $1 Billion to Stay on His Peace Board
The Trump administration is asking countries that want a permanent spot on his new Board of Peace to contribute at least $1 billion.
www.bloomberg.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Mafia takeover of America complete. Trump has told countries that want to serve on his Gaza Board of Peace they will have to pay $1 billion to be permanent members.
Reposted by Eva Leopold
- It clearly shows that sending European troops to Greenland has helped, he says.
January 17, 2026 at 9:25 PM
- It clearly shows that sending European troops to Greenland has helped, he says.
Reposted by Eva Leopold
“A landmark transatlantic trade deal will not be approved by EU lawmakers after U.S. President Donald Trump hit European countries with new tariffs as part of his efforts to wrest control of Greenland from Denmark” www.politico.eu/article/eu-u...
EU-US trade deal ‘on hold’ after new Trump tariffs
The pact, designed to avoid hefty tariffs on European exports, cannot be passed in light of Washington’s threats against Greenland, lawmakers say.
www.politico.eu
January 17, 2026 at 9:21 PM
“A landmark transatlantic trade deal will not be approved by EU lawmakers after U.S. President Donald Trump hit European countries with new tariffs as part of his efforts to wrest control of Greenland from Denmark” www.politico.eu/article/eu-u...
Danish media:
🧵 Reactions to Trump's threats on increased tariffs:
- Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson "will not be blackmailed" and "will always stand up for my country and for our allied neighbors."
- European Council President Antonio Costa is coordinating a joint EU response.
- Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson "will not be blackmailed" and "will always stand up for my country and for our allied neighbors."
- European Council President Antonio Costa is coordinating a joint EU response.
January 17, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Danish media:
- It clearly shows that sending European troops to Greenland has helped, he says.
January 17, 2026 at 9:25 PM
- It clearly shows that sending European troops to Greenland has helped, he says.
but that they would cause so much political trouble if Trump invaded, he says.
Although the allied exercises in Greenland have been described as a demonstration of power towards Russia and China, an underlying motive has been to make it expensive for Trump to invade Greenland, he explains.
Although the allied exercises in Greenland have been described as a demonstration of power towards Russia and China, an underlying motive has been to make it expensive for Trump to invade Greenland, he explains.
January 17, 2026 at 9:25 PM
but that they would cause so much political trouble if Trump invaded, he says.
Although the allied exercises in Greenland have been described as a demonstration of power towards Russia and China, an underlying motive has been to make it expensive for Trump to invade Greenland, he explains.
Although the allied exercises in Greenland have been described as a demonstration of power towards Russia and China, an underlying motive has been to make it expensive for Trump to invade Greenland, he explains.