Jason “JB” Baker
@jasonbbaker.bsky.social
Mostly national security, foreign policy, & Middle East goings on. Some Illinois and Chicago Sports. Amateur angler and waterfowler. Personal account-views mine-nothing official here except the dad jokes.
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
One thing I have no patience for is "there is nothing to be thankful for" doomerism. If Americans were finding things to be thankful for in 1863, two and a half years into a bloody Civil War, when Abraham Lincoln formalized the Thanksgiving holiday, then I can find things to be thankful for too.
November 26, 2025 at 10:33 PM
One thing I have no patience for is "there is nothing to be thankful for" doomerism. If Americans were finding things to be thankful for in 1863, two and a half years into a bloody Civil War, when Abraham Lincoln formalized the Thanksgiving holiday, then I can find things to be thankful for too.
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
Trump has approved a 28-point plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. “The deeply troubling details now circulating show what Trump wants: to help the Russian president,” Phillips Payson O’Brien argues, “and to weaken Ukraine, perhaps fatally.”
Trump’s Devastating Plan for Ukraine
The White House is giving Putin permission to try again.
bit.ly
November 22, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Trump has approved a 28-point plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. “The deeply troubling details now circulating show what Trump wants: to help the Russian president,” Phillips Payson O’Brien argues, “and to weaken Ukraine, perhaps fatally.”
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
📣 We are now accepting applications for CFR's 2026–27 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, a unique opportunity for young professionals studying nuclear security issues.
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
November 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
📣 We are now accepting applications for CFR's 2026–27 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, a unique opportunity for young professionals studying nuclear security issues.
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Learn more: https://on.cfr.org/3JaeQnk
Apply by 11/30
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
Page One in CLT:
November 19, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Page One in CLT:
Big day in Washington with MBS visiting the White House. Lots of noise from this Saudi trip, but a few signals & highlights to pull from the headlines and list of takes, expert opinions and punditry. /1 🧵
November 18, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Big day in Washington with MBS visiting the White House. Lots of noise from this Saudi trip, but a few signals & highlights to pull from the headlines and list of takes, expert opinions and punditry. /1 🧵
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
An important ringing moral condemnation for an approach that would put the military’s judgment above that of their civilian superiors, which creates a different kind of problem.
Contributor: Do our military leaders have the backbone to disobey illegal orders?
A recently uncovered memo promises U.S. soldiers immunity for the killing of more than 80 people in boat strikes throughout the Caribbean, effectively conceding it crossed a line.
www.latimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:44 PM
An important ringing moral condemnation for an approach that would put the military’s judgment above that of their civilian superiors, which creates a different kind of problem.
Middle East hands will be watching very closely today. I'm curious to see what the U.S. "get" will be out of F-35s, some sort of civilian nuclear agreement, and surely some sort of security guarantee that matches--or more likely exceeds--what the Qataris got.
A fascinating time.
A fascinating time.
What to watch for as Trump welcomes Saudi crown prince
The visit, which will include a trip to the US Capitol, is being closely watched at home and in the Gulf.
www.semafor.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Middle East hands will be watching very closely today. I'm curious to see what the U.S. "get" will be out of F-35s, some sort of civilian nuclear agreement, and surely some sort of security guarantee that matches--or more likely exceeds--what the Qataris got.
A fascinating time.
A fascinating time.
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
I'm actually shocked. Good on Dana Bash for asking the question, and I genuinely would not have expected Greene to answer the way she did.
BASH: We have seen these attacks from the president at other people. It's not new. And I haven't heard you speak out about it until it was directed at you.
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: I think that's fair criticism. And I would like to say, humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.
MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: I think that's fair criticism. And I would like to say, humbly, I'm sorry for taking part in the toxic politics.
November 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
I'm actually shocked. Good on Dana Bash for asking the question, and I genuinely would not have expected Greene to answer the way she did.
If tariffs don’t make things more expensive for Americans, why will rolling back food tariffs make prices more affordable for consumers?
November 15, 2025 at 1:35 PM
If tariffs don’t make things more expensive for Americans, why will rolling back food tariffs make prices more affordable for consumers?
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
JPM: With the shutdown “the longest on record .. we now must take more seriously the possible damage to activity. Whereas previously it had been easy to imagine that any drag would be easily reversed when the shutdown ends, the risk for more lasting damage to the economy has grown ..”
November 8, 2025 at 12:32 AM
JPM: With the shutdown “the longest on record .. we now must take more seriously the possible damage to activity. Whereas previously it had been easy to imagine that any drag would be easily reversed when the shutdown ends, the risk for more lasting damage to the economy has grown ..”
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
Here’s an easy way to find out how to donate to your local food bank this weekend. 🇺🇸
@feedingamerica.org
give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate
@feedingamerica.org
give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate
November 7, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Here’s an easy way to find out how to donate to your local food bank this weekend. 🇺🇸
@feedingamerica.org
give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate
@feedingamerica.org
give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
The man who has caused this will now be a trillionaire. 600.000 deaths, two thirds of them children.
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 12:21 PM
The man who has caused this will now be a trillionaire. 600.000 deaths, two thirds of them children.
Yes I want to help shape foreign policy and help do good on the international stage—but more and more; my core beliefs are shaped by a system that can produce a trillionaire, but not reliably and consistently ensure children are fed and basic needs are affordable for the average American.
November 7, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Yes I want to help shape foreign policy and help do good on the international stage—but more and more; my core beliefs are shaped by a system that can produce a trillionaire, but not reliably and consistently ensure children are fed and basic needs are affordable for the average American.
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
ODDS FALL FOR TRUMP IN SUPREME COURT TARIFF CASE The chances that the Supreme Court will uphold President Trump’s global tariffs have dropped to 21%. Justices, including Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Barrett, questioned whether the 1977 International Emergency Economic
November 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
ABC News released before-and-after satellite images of the White House demolition.
October 23, 2025 at 9:27 PM
ABC News released before-and-after satellite images of the White House demolition.
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
You're absolutely right — starting a land war in Asia wasn't just a bad call, it's 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. Thank you for calling me out on that — really. I'll be extra-strategic from now on.
Would you like me to get cracking on those 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
Would you like me to get cracking on those 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
dawg we are gonna lose a war because ChatGPT has this guy mobilizing divisions that don't exist and tasking real troops with holding mountain passes and ports an LLM hallucinated
October 17, 2025 at 5:55 AM
You're absolutely right — starting a land war in Asia wasn't just a bad call, it's 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀. Thank you for calling me out on that — really. I'll be extra-strategic from now on.
Would you like me to get cracking on those 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
Would you like me to get cracking on those 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
Waiting until we're ~6 months out from expiration: "Putin suggested that Russia expected the U.S. to follow Moscow’s example to collectively avoid fallout on global stability." www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Putin ready to extend nuclear arms control pact for a year
The START agreement limiting active nuclear missiles and bombers expires in February, and Putin’s decision to extend it probably will be viewed favorably by Trump.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 22, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Waiting until we're ~6 months out from expiration: "Putin suggested that Russia expected the U.S. to follow Moscow’s example to collectively avoid fallout on global stability." www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
This team-up was presumed for a long time when it came to various possible Iran breakout scenarios.
But this following Israel attack on Qatar and only a few months after the latest and worst-in-the-nuclear-era fight between India and Pakistan. Not the kind of entanglement you generally love to see.
But this following Israel attack on Qatar and only a few months after the latest and worst-in-the-nuclear-era fight between India and Pakistan. Not the kind of entanglement you generally love to see.
AP: senior Saudi official…seemed to suggest that Pakistan’s nuclear protection was a part of the deal, saying it “will utilize all defensive and military means deemed necessary depending on the specific threat.” apnews.com/article/paki...
Saudi Arabia signs a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan after Israel's attack on Qatar
Saudi Arabia has signed a defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan, pledging that any attack on either nation would be considered an attack on both.
apnews.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
This team-up was presumed for a long time when it came to various possible Iran breakout scenarios.
But this following Israel attack on Qatar and only a few months after the latest and worst-in-the-nuclear-era fight between India and Pakistan. Not the kind of entanglement you generally love to see.
But this following Israel attack on Qatar and only a few months after the latest and worst-in-the-nuclear-era fight between India and Pakistan. Not the kind of entanglement you generally love to see.
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
Wonder how much having access to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal will cost the Saudis? Expect the price tag to be hefty.
‘Asked whether Pakistan would be obliged to provide Saudi Arabia with a nuclear umbrella under the pact, the official said: “This is a comprehensive defensive agreement that encompasses all military means.”’
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign mutual defence pact as regional tensions escalate
Deal with nuclear-armed Pakistan comes as Gulf Arab states worry about US reliability while Saudi official says pact isn’t responding to ‘specific events’
www.theguardian.com
September 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Wonder how much having access to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal will cost the Saudis? Expect the price tag to be hefty.
This is flying under the radar a bit, but unsurprising given the jolt to Gulf/Arab capitals after the Israeli strike in Doha.
A far cry from the situation that might have seen a U.S. defense pact and Saudi-Israeli normalization when I left the country just before October 7th.
A far cry from the situation that might have seen a U.S. defense pact and Saudi-Israeli normalization when I left the country just before October 7th.
Saudi Arabia signs ‘strategic mutual defence’ pact with Pakistan
Deal with nuclear-armed Islamabad comes after Gulf states alarmed by Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha
on.ft.com
September 18, 2025 at 12:39 PM
This is flying under the radar a bit, but unsurprising given the jolt to Gulf/Arab capitals after the Israeli strike in Doha.
A far cry from the situation that might have seen a U.S. defense pact and Saudi-Israeli normalization when I left the country just before October 7th.
A far cry from the situation that might have seen a U.S. defense pact and Saudi-Israeli normalization when I left the country just before October 7th.
Redford had a handful of iconic roles in fantastic films, but I’m re watching my favorite in honor: Spy Games.
September 18, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Redford had a handful of iconic roles in fantastic films, but I’m re watching my favorite in honor: Spy Games.
“I’m pretty sure there’s no part of the world where the contrast between objective reality and U.S. foreign policy is greater than in the Middle East.”
My latest @foreignpolicy.com
From Ro Khanna to Tom Barrack...
Washington is pushing outdated ideas and unrealistic goals. foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/15/d...
From Ro Khanna to Tom Barrack...
Washington is pushing outdated ideas and unrealistic goals. foreignpolicy.com/2025/09/15/d...
The Delusions Driving U.S. Policy in the Middle East
Washington is pushing outdated ideas and unrealistic goals.
foreignpolicy.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:02 AM
“I’m pretty sure there’s no part of the world where the contrast between objective reality and U.S. foreign policy is greater than in the Middle East.”
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
This story feels like it’s going to have huge repercussions
korean reporting is nightmarish on the conditions Korean workers were contained in
September 14, 2025 at 6:42 PM
This story feels like it’s going to have huge repercussions
Reposted by Jason “JB” Baker
I don’t see how Arab states can move towards further normalization with Israel when it violates their sovereignty with impunity and the US no longer guarantees their security. Especially with Iran courting rather than antagonizing them.
Iran pushed them closer to Israel, now Israel pushed them back.
Iran pushed them closer to Israel, now Israel pushed them back.
September 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
I don’t see how Arab states can move towards further normalization with Israel when it violates their sovereignty with impunity and the US no longer guarantees their security. Especially with Iran courting rather than antagonizing them.
Iran pushed them closer to Israel, now Israel pushed them back.
Iran pushed them closer to Israel, now Israel pushed them back.