The David Hunter Perspective - 2023-06-28

Read on for today's agenda below prepared by David (thank you very much). - Retired US Diplomat to 5 different nations  David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.

1)Is Putin A Coward?: Putin's trusty sidekick Yevgeny Prigozhen, head of the Wagner Group ---so called 'private military contractors' ---which has been battling Ukraine forces in Bakhmut for months, just attempted to invade Moscow. Reportedly, Russian President Putin took a secret flight out of town, and his military commanders were doubting they could withstand Wagner Group's assult. Then, only 200 km from Moscow, Wagner troops pulled back under a 'deal' negotiated by Belarus President Lukashenko. What is going on?

2)What is the Wagner Group and Who Owns It?: The Wagner groups supposed leader Prigozhen claims he 'owns it'. And it operates in Africa as a private military contractor, providing security assistance to various dictators including in Mali and Central African Republic (CAR). But Putin just stated that the Russian government had financed $1 billion to Wagner, and that the equipment it owns must be returned to the Russian military warehouses. Is it really a private business or the Russian government in disguise?

3)Israel Announces Plan for 6,000 New Homes in Palestine Area of West Bank: The Israeli Minister of Fiance, Mr. Smotrich, who is a 'settler on West Bank' himself, has announced plans to fast track approval for construction of up to 6,000 new Jewish settler homes in the West Bank. This move is denounced by UN General Secretary, and by our own US government. What do you think?