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Exile as a Temporary State: The Resilience of Burmese Writer Ma Thida

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Exploring the Journey and Impact of Ma Thida’s Exile on Burmese Literature and Activism

By Kasim Abdulkadir:

Ma Thida, a prominent Burmese writer, physician, and activist, embodies the spirit of resilience and hope amid the challenges of political exile. Her story is a testament to the power of the written word and the unyielding human spirit in the face of repression. This article delves into Ma Thida’s journey, the significance of her work, and its broader impact on Burmese literature and activism.

The Journey of Ma Thida

Ma Thida’s journey is one of remarkable courage and perseverance. Born in Burma (Myanmar), she pursued a career in medicine while simultaneously nurturing her passion for writing. Her dual roles as a physician and writer provided her with unique insights into the human condition, which she eloquently expressed through her literary works.

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However, Ma Thida’s outspoken criticism of the Burmese government led to her arrest in 1993. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison on charges of “endangering public peace, having contact with illegal organizations, and distributing unlawful literature.” Her imprisonment brought international attention to the human rights abuses in Burma, and she was eventually released in 1999 after serving almost six years.

Exile and Activism

Following her release, Ma Thida continued to face persecution, which led her to seek refuge abroad. Despite the physical displacement, she viewed exile as a “temporary state of mind,” focusing on the continuity of her activism and literary contributions rather than the constraints of her situation.

In exile, Ma Thida has become a prominent voice for freedom and democracy. She has participated in numerous international forums, advocating for human rights and shedding light on the plight of the Burmese people. Her work has not only highlighted the struggles within Burma but has also inspired global audiences to support the cause of freedom and justice.

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Literary Contributions

Ma Thida’s literary works are deeply intertwined with her activism. Her writings, including novels, essays, and short stories, reflect the socio-political landscape of Burma and the resilience of its people. Through her storytelling, she has provided a voice to the voiceless, capturing the complexities of life under an oppressive regime.

Her notable works, such as “The Roadmap” and “Prisoner of Conscience: My Steps through Insein,” offer personal and poignant insights into the challenges faced by political prisoners and the broader fight for democracy. Her ability to convey profound messages through literature has made her a revered figure in both literary and activist circles.

Impact and Legacy

Ma Thida’s impact extends beyond her literary achievements. She has founded PEN Myanmar, an organization dedicated to promoting freedom of expression and supporting writers in Burma. Her efforts have helped create a platform for Burmese writers to share their stories and advocate for change.

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Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hope. Ma Thida’s story is a powerful reminder that exile, while challenging, can also be a period of profound growth and influence.

Multiple Perspectives and Future Scenarios

The story of Ma Thida can be viewed through multiple lenses:

  1. Human Rights Advocacy: Ma Thida’s journey underscores the critical role of human rights advocacy in challenging oppressive regimes. Her work highlights the importance of international solidarity and support for political prisoners and activists.
  2. Literary Influence: As a writer, Ma Thida has significantly contributed to Burmese literature, using her platform to address pressing social and political issues. Her works offer valuable insights into the lived experiences of those under authoritarian rule.
  3. Cultural Resilience: Ma Thida’s story illustrates the resilience of cultural and intellectual pursuits even in the face of exile. Her continued contributions to literature and activism demonstrate that physical displacement does not equate to the silencing of one’s voice.
  4. Future Prospects: Looking ahead, Ma Thida’s work could inspire a new generation of writers and activists in Burma and beyond. Her efforts to promote freedom of expression and support for writers may pave the way for more robust and vibrant literary and activist communities.

Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope

Ma Thida‘s story is a powerful narrative of resilience and hope. Her ability to view exile as a temporary state of mind and continue her activism and literary work is a testament to her strength and determination. As she continues to inspire others, Ma Thida remains a beacon of hope for those fighting for freedom and justice in Burma and around the world. Through her words and actions, she has shown that even in the most challenging circumstances, the human spirit can persevere and thrive.

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Analysis

Operation Rough Rider Escalates as UK Joins Trump’s Military Campaign Against Houthis

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The United Kingdom’s latest joint airstrike with the United States marks a new phase in the ongoing campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels—one that reveals both the deepening of transatlantic military coordination and the mounting complexity of Red Sea security.

On Tuesday night, British Typhoon fighter jets, in coordination with US forces, targeted a cluster of drone manufacturing sites south of Sanaa. The strikes were carried out with precision-guided bombs following extensive intelligence and planning. The Ministry of Defence in London emphasized that the mission was designed to minimize collateral damage, while sending a clear message of deterrence.

This strike—Britain’s first public acknowledgment of a joint operation since President Donald Trump launched Operation Rough Rider—signals a shift. It is no longer just about disruption of Houthi logistics, but about visible, sustained punishment of a group that has effectively paralyzed one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The Houthis’ attacks have caused a staggering 55% drop in shipping through the Red Sea, according to UK Defense Secretary John Healey, with economic repercussions felt far beyond the Gulf.

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Since Trump initiated the campaign in March, over 800 US strikes have hammered Houthi infrastructure, including refineries, airports, missile depots, and now drone labs. Yet the results remain mixed. While dozens of senior Houthi officers are reported killed, the group’s ability to intercept American drones and continue attacks on commercial vessels shows it remains operationally resilient.

The UK’s renewed participation adds credibility to the broader Western coalition’s resolve—but it also increases the risks of mission creep, civilian casualties, and regional blowback. Already, allegations are surfacing. Just this week, the Houthis claimed that a US strike killed at least 68 African migrants held in a detention facility—an allegation now under investigation by CENTCOM.

What emerges is a complicated battlefield: Trump is pursuing a hard-power strategy to restore deterrence and freedom of navigation, but his campaign is being tested by asymmetric warfare, Iranian proxy dynamics, and humanitarian optics.

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As the Red Sea becomes increasingly militarized, the question looms: Will these strikes produce strategic deterrence, or draw the West deeper into a conflict that cannot be won from the air alone?

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Analysis

Somalia’s Airspace Ban Reveals China’s Grip—and Somaliland’s Rising Global Standing

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The Somali government’s latest directive banning entry to Taiwanese passport holders is more than a travel restriction—it’s a geopolitical message dictated from Beijing. In the guise of “UN compliance,” Mogadishu has escalated its hostility toward Somaliland and deepened its role as a regional surrogate for Chinese interests in the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland, unlike Somalia, has been a functioning democracy for over three decades. Its strategic and values-based partnership with Taiwan—cemented in 2020 with mutual representative offices—represents a rare model of cooperation between two self-governing, democratic entities facing isolation due to external political pressures. That model is precisely what threatens both Beijing and Mogadishu.

The so-called compliance with UN Resolution 2758 is a legal stretch. The resolution merely transferred the China seat at the UN to the People’s Republic of China—it says nothing about Taiwan’s sovereignty. This deliberate misreading, pushed aggressively by Beijing and now echoed by Somalia, is being used to block Taiwan’s global engagement—especially with democratic partners like Somaliland.

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The real message here is that Somalia is attempting to weaponize airspace control over a territory it no longer governs. Since 1991, Somaliland has reasserted its independence, conducted peaceful elections, built credible institutions, and attracted legitimate diplomatic interest from global partners like Taiwan, the UK, and the United States. That recognition is growing—and Somalia, under pressure from China, is reacting with desperate measures.

For Somaliland and its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, this presents a strategic opportunity. The world is now watching Somalia’s China-backed aggression unfold in real time. This incident should trigger sharper diplomatic coordination between Somaliland and its allies. It underscores the urgent need for Somaliland to control its own airspace, protect its partners, and resist authoritarian overreach from both Mogadishu and Beijing.

If anything, this ban is proof that the Taiwan-Somaliland partnership is working—and rattling those who fear the emergence of new democratic alliances in East Africa. Somaliland’s measured, lawful, and values-driven diplomacy stands in stark contrast to Somalia’s politicized, externally manipulated retaliation.

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The answer isn’t silence—it’s greater visibility. Somaliland and Taiwan must continue to demonstrate what cooperation between free nations looks like. And democratic states across Africa and beyond must decide: Will they stand with authoritarian pressure—or with those who are building real governance from the ground up?

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Analysis

New Power Struggles in the Horn: Egypt and Russia Redraw the Map

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Two major diplomatic events have unfolded in the Horn of Africa within the past week: The state meeting between Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The official visit of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to Somalia.

Intelligence Analysis Report

Both events signal significant recalibrations of regional alignments, with direct implications for maritime security, foreign military presence, and great-power competition.

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The Horn of Africa has recently witnessed two notable diplomatic engagements that underscore the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region. These include the high-level meeting between Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Djibouti, as well as the visit by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov to Somalia on April 26, 2025.

Djibouti’s strengthening ties with Egypt reflect a broader strategic shift. As a host to key international military installations and a vital maritime logistics hub, Djibouti’s alignment with Egypt suggests a shared interest in enhancing regional maritime security and counterterrorism cooperation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Economic dimensions are also at play, with potential for expanded trade and investment. Egypt’s move to deepen relations with Djibouti appears aimed at countering the growing influence of Turkey, China, and Ethiopia in the region.

Conversely, Russia’s diplomatic overture in Somalia points to Moscow’s ambition to expand its footprint in the Horn of Africa. Bogdanov’s visit signals potential discussions around military cooperation, arms deals, and support for Somalia’s security infrastructure. Russia’s engagement may also be interpreted as an attempt to challenge Western dominance in the area, particularly that of the United States and European Union. In addition to geopolitical considerations, Somalia’s untapped natural resources, including possible hydrocarbon reserves, add an economic incentive to Russia’s interest.

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Together, these developments reflect an intensifying competition among global powers for influence in the Horn of Africa. Djibouti’s strategic positioning and Somalia’s emerging partnerships are reshaping alliances and security arrangements. The growing involvement of Egypt and Russia suggests that the Horn will continue to serve as a critical arena for geopolitical maneuvering, with significant implications for regional stability and global power dynamics.

Ongoing monitoring and strategic foresight will be essential to gauge the long-term consequences of these diplomatic movements and their impact on the balance of power in the region.

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Analysis

India Prepares for a Spectacular Strike on Pakistan

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Diplomatic leaks reveal India is not seeking peace talks — it’s building the case for decisive military action against Pakistan.

India Prepares for War: Building the Case for a Spectacular Strike on Pakistan

The world may soon witness the most dangerous India-Pakistan military escalation in years — and this time, New Delhi is making no apologies.

In the days since a horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir left 26 civilians dead, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved swiftly, briefing over 100 foreign diplomats and personally speaking to more than a dozen world leaders.

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But the message has been clear:
This is not a call for restraint. It’s a warning. India is preparing to strike.

Without explicitly naming Pakistan, Modi has vowed “severe punishment” and promised to raze “terror safe havens.” Indian officials, behind closed doors, have repeatedly linked the attack to Pakistan’s longstanding support for jihadist groups operating in Kashmir.

The technical evidence remains murky — facial recognition data, patterns of past attacks — but in the chaos of today’s fractured world order, India feels emboldened.
No major power is stepping in to urge caution.

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A World Distracted — A Window for Action

The United Nations and European Union have issued the usual platitudes for dialogue. Iran’s foreign minister has offered to mediate.
But the United States, locked in internal crises and foreign wars, has voiced only muted support for India’s pursuit of “justice.”

There is no ambassador in New Delhi.
There is no active diplomatic intervention.
And there is no real restraint.

If anything, India reads the global silence — especially from Washington — as a green light.

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Modi’s Playbook: Hit First, Talk Later

Analysts warn that Modi’s administration, learning from the 2019 Balakot incident, will not settle for a symbolic airstrike this time.
India is aiming for something spectacular — a strike that would inflict real political and military cost on Pakistan.

But the risks are enormous.

Pakistan’s military, already rattled by internal instability, has vowed to retaliate with force that would “match and exceed” any Indian move.
Both nations are nuclear-armed.
Both leaders are politically invested in appearing strong.

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The tit-for-tat cycle could spiral faster than in any previous confrontation.

Is Escalation Inevitable?

Unlike 2019, when responsibility for the terrorist attack was clear, this time claims of responsibility are murky.
A shadowy group called the “Resistance Front” emerged online — a name Indian officials privately link to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Pakistani-based terrorist network.

But formal evidence tying Pakistan’s government to the latest atrocity remains thin.
For India, the justification is simpler:
Pakistan’s hands are already stained with decades of bloodshed in Kashmir.

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Diplomats privately admit New Delhi’s case relies more on historic patterns than hard proof this time — a strategy fraught with risk.

Yet for Modi, the political stakes are clear:
After striking back in 2016 and 2019, doing nothing now would be seen as weakness.

The Clock Is Ticking

India and Pakistan’s “managed hostility” — as some call it — may survive another clash.
Or it may spiral into a regional catastrophe.

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Either way, the countdown has begun.
And this time, the world may be too distracted to stop it.

WARYATV will monitor this unfolding storm hour by hour.

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Analysis

Kenya Falls Deeper Into China’s Orbit – Signing 20 Deals

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China and Kenya elevate ties, signing 20 deals to deepen Belt and Road control and boost Beijing’s influence across Africa.

China Tightens Grip on Kenya as Xi and Ruto Forge “New Era” Alliance

While the world grapples with Beijing’s expanding shadow, Kenya just tightened the noose willingly.

On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto agreed to elevate bilateral ties to what they proudly call a “China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era” — a thinly veiled move to deepen Kenya’s dependency on Chinese power structures while boosting China’s control over Africa’s strategic corridors.

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Xi wasted no time framing the deal in sweeping, imperial language: vowing to make Kenya an “example” of the China-Africa model, strengthen Belt and Road entrenchment, and lead the so-called “Global South” under China’s guidance. The symbolism couldn’t be clearer — Beijing isn’t just building roads anymore. It’s building regimes.

Under the agreement, the two leaders signed 20 new cooperation deals, expanding China’s reach into Kenyan high-tech sectors, infrastructure, education, tourism, media, and “people-to-people” propaganda networks. It’s a full-spectrum offensive designed to lock Kenya tighter into China’s long-term geopolitical designs.

In case the world had any doubts, Ruto declared Kenya’s full loyalty to Beijing’s agenda, reaffirming the “One China” policy and explicitly rejecting Taiwan’s sovereignty — echoing the exact rhetoric Beijing demands from its vassal states.

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The timing is no accident. As trade wars escalate and the U.S. and its allies work to push back against China’s economic warfare, Xi is fast-tracking African dependencies. Kenya, once seen as a potential balancing actor, now looks poised to become a flagship outpost for Beijing’s economic empire on the African continent.

In exchange for railroads like the Mombasa-Nairobi line — now loaded with Chinese debt — Ruto has effectively offered up Kenya’s strategic autonomy. At the Great Hall of the People, Xi and Ruto celebrated the expansion of Belt and Road domination with grand ceremonies and banquet feasts, but behind the gold drapes lies a darker reality: Africa’s critical corridors are slipping into Chinese control without a fight.

Xi openly called for deeper financial “integration,” code for binding Kenya to Chinese lenders and markets, and painted Kenya as a “stabilizer” to help China challenge international trade norms set by the West. Ruto played along, warning against “trade wars” while applauding China’s global role as a “stabilizer” — a statement that echoes Xi’s anti-Western narrative almost word for word.

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For Kenya, the price of loyalty may soon become clear: crushing debts, political capture, and a slow erosion of real sovereignty under Beijing’s careful hand.

For Africa — and the world — this is a powerful wake-up call.

As China cements its hold on yet another key African partner, the stakes are rising. Fast.

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Analysis

The Rise of Russia’s African Empire: Moscow’s March to the Atlantic

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As the U.S. disengages, Russia entrenches itself in Africa — arming juntas, toppling Western influence, and redrawing the global map.

Russia isn’t just playing defense on Ukraine—it’s building an empire in Africa. From the Sahel to the Atlantic coast, Moscow is turning instability into strategy. What the West sees as chaos, the Kremlin sees as opportunity. And it’s capitalizing fast.

The Trump administration’s focus on Eastern Europe has left Africa dangerously exposed. While the U.S. exits Niger and France retreats from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, Russia is stepping in—with weapons, mercenaries, and deals. And make no mistake: this isn’t charity. This is conquest by proxy.

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In Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—the heart of the new Alliance of Sahel States—military juntas backed by Moscow have severed ties with France and the U.S., forming a regional force under Russian guidance. With 5,000 troops poised to reshape the Sahel, Western-backed frameworks like G5 Sahel are being dismantled. In their place? Russian-dominated command centers and Wagner-led operations.

Wagner PMC, far from being a rogue outfit, is the Kremlin’s hand in Africa’s affairs. From diamond mines in the Central African Republic to military bases in Libya, it embeds deeply, restructures loyalties, and leaves Moscow with leverage. In many African capitals, Wagner is more influential than any ambassador.

But Putin’s ambitions don’t stop at the Sahel. Lavrov’s 2023 visit to Mauritania, a key Atlantic state, signals a coastal pivot. Russia wants the Atlantic flank—naval access, trade routes, and digital infrastructure. And it’s using soft power, narratives of anti-colonial solidarity, and military dependence to get there.

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Washington is watching—but not reacting. As Trump pursues a Ukraine deal with Putin, the Kremlin is racking up wins in Africa. China and Iran are also in sync, forming a trilateral axis to counter Western influence in every sphere—military, digital, and ideological.

Bottom line: Africa is no longer a battlefield for hearts and minds—it’s now a staging ground for great power competition. Russia isn’t just back. It’s building a new empire, and if the U.S. doesn’t act, NATO will find its southern flank compromised not by bullets, but by silence.

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Analysis

How Iran Is Using China to Hedge Against the U.S.

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Iran-China Alliance Strengthens Amid U.S. Nuclear Talks — Beijing Becomes Tehran’s New Insurance Policy.

As Iran prepares for another round of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman, it is simultaneously tightening its embrace with China — and not quietly. Tehran has declared 2025 a potential “golden year” in Iran-China relations. This is more than diplomatic flattery; it is a calculated hedge. Iran’s leadership is betting that Beijing will provide a geopolitical counterweight to Washington as the regime navigates unprecedented economic and political pressure.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s trip to Beijing this week was not just another routine meeting. He called the talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi “lengthy but highly significant,” covering everything from bilateral economic cooperation to the global ambitions of U.S. power. It’s clear that Tehran is not merely looking for trade — it’s looking for insurance. And China, locked in its own rivalry with Washington, is willing to provide it.

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This partnership is built on mutual grievance: both nations denounce U.S. “hegemonic behavior” and seek to undermine the current Western-dominated order. Iran sees in China a lifeline — politically, economically, and diplomatically. With oil revenues still under sanctions and the U.S. pressuring its proxies across the region, Iran hopes that a powerful friend in Beijing will tilt the balance in its favor.

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s planned visits to China and Azerbaijan, alongside the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, signal a larger strategy: diversify alliances, elevate visibility, and escape the stranglehold of Western isolation.

But the stakes are high. If the nuclear talks with the U.S. collapse, Tehran will need China more than ever — for cash, technology, weapons, and legitimacy. If the talks succeed, Iran still wants China close, to resist future Western attempts to reimpose pressure.

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Bottom line: Iran isn’t placing all its bets on Washington — it’s building a parallel track with Beijing. In a year filled with diplomatic maneuvering, Tehran hopes China will be more than a partner. It wants a patron. And 2025 may be the year it gets one.

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Analysis

Franco-German Fireworks or Fragile Fantasy?

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Merz and Macron ignite a new EU vision—but it’s built on shaky ground. Behind the public romance between France and Germany lies a storm of unresolved tensions. Can Merz and Macron truly redefine Europe, or is this just another act in Brussels’ endless theatre of delusion? 

When Friedrich Merz chose Paris for his first foreign visit, pundits swooned. A conservative hawk from Berlin shaking hands with Emmanuel Macron—the Europhile poster boy—was heralded as the rebirth of the so-called Franco-German “engine” of Europe. But beyond the photo ops and flowery rhetoric lies a deeper truth: this new political marriage is laced with contradictions, mistrust, and strategic desperation.

Yes, Macron finally sees in Merz a partner who isn’t hypnotized by Washington’s shadow. Merz has echoed France’s call for “strategic autonomy” and even suggested that Europe must stop depending on the U.S. for its geopolitical security. That shift would be seismic—if it were sincere.

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But Merz is no De Gaulle. He’s a fiscal hawk, backed by conservatives terrified of debt and allergic to the very kind of joint EU borrowing Macron sees as vital for defense investment. The idea of Eurobonds to boost EU arms production? Forget it. Merz’s lips may say “Oui,” but his parliament screams “Nein.”

On trade, the contradiction widens. Merz is obsessed with pushing through the Mercosur deal to save Germany’s export economy. Macron? He’s trapped between his neoliberal instincts and the rage of French farmers ready to torch the deal in protest. The only likely compromise? A cynical abstention, dressed up as diplomacy.

Then there’s energy. France wants subsidies for nuclear power. Germany wants hydrogen flowing from Spain. The pipeline project remains stalled. Defense projects, too—like the SCAF fighter jet—are bogged down by mistrust and national egos. For every handshake, there’s a hidden dagger.

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The truth? This so-called “new chapter” is a crisis management romance, born of fear: fear of Trump’s return, fear of NATO decay, fear of China’s rise. But it’s not built on shared values. It’s built on shared panic.

So can the Franco-German engine power Europe’s future? Maybe. But only if both leaders stop playing games—and start confronting the deep fractures beneath the surface.

Until then, it’s not a honeymoon. It’s a photo op on borrowed time.

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