Topic: Partitioning

Sky News provides a historical overview of the region, starting from the 1947 UN partition plan through the 1967 Six-Day War. The report highlights the isolation and economic struggles of the 2.3 million residents in the Gaza Strip, which is governed by Hamas. Analysts note that while Hamas is a militia with limited capabilities compared to the Israeli military, their use of hostages forces a complex negotiation scenario.

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) released a paper discussing the potential partitioning of Russia into eight separate republics, including Siberia and the Urals. This "decolonization" strategy is viewed by some as an insane and dangerous escalation of geopolitical tensions. The plan suggests a long-term Western goal of dismantling the Russian Federation.

The prospect of partitioning Iraq into three distinct regions—Kurdish, Sunni, and Shia—is discussed as an "unnatural" but likely outcome of the current conflict. Vice President Joe Biden previously suggested this carving up of the state in 2008. The Kurds have already seized the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, while Shia militias are mobilizing in the south, effectively erasing the borders established a century ago.

Professor Stephen Cohen warns that the rushed May elections will lead to the further partition of Ukraine, as the East will not recognize a president elected primarily by the West. He suggests that the U.S. should follow Henry Kissinger's advice for negotiation. Cohen notes that while Kissinger meets with Putin regularly, President Obama has reportedly declined to see the veteran statesman.