Free Republic

European nations are increasingly optimistic that they can support Ukraine financially and militarily against Russia even if President Trump decides to wash his hands of the conflict, as he often threatens, and instead focuses on normalizing relations with Moscow. But even with their best efforts, the Europeans cannot replace all of what the United States provides Ukraine — most important, real-time intelligence about Russian forces, incoming missiles and how and where to target the enemy. Ukraine’s ability to fight effectively relies largely on that American intelligence. “The Ukrainians don’t want this to be cut off no matter what,” said Camille...

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the lexicon, as evidenced by the extensive list of local sayings and idioms used throughout the Lone Star State. These turns of phrase make it easy to spot a Texan from a mile away (though the ten-gallon hats and spurred cowboy boots certainly help as well). There are classic expressions, such as “howdy” and “y’all,” as well as some phrases you may not be familiar with unless you’re from Texas. Let’s look at some of the distinctive phrases that are particularly common among Texans. Fixin’ To “Fixin’ to” is the unofficial state verb of Texas....

@ZelenskyyUa I held a meeting of the Staff. We thoroughly analyzed our work with Syria after the fall of Assad and his escape. Today, the intelligence services presented their reports—the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine—as well as the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs. We are defining our strategy and concrete steps. Ukraine is interested in stabilizing the situation in Syria and the entire region and will support the necessary efforts of partners. We believe it is crucial for the security of the Syrian people and the region as a whole to remove any Russian presence...

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has slammed Donald Trump’s proposal to retake the Panama Canal. Petro, a former Marxist guerilla and vocal supporter of Joe Biden, wrote in a post on the X platform that the number of illegal migrants crossing heading to the southern border would increase by “millions” unless Trump recognized the canal belongs to Panama. He wrote: Until the last consequences I will be on the side of Panama and the defense of its sovereignty. If the new US government wants to talk business, we will talk business, face to face, and for the benefit of our people,...

Former President Bill Clinton will lecture Feb. 12 at Bass Concert Hall, members of UT's Distinguished Speakers Committee confirmed Thursday. Event information such as time and ticket availability will be announced later this month, after it has been approved by Clinton's staff, said DSC Chairman Marc Eichenbaum. Clinton has typically drawn $100,000 per appearance at universities around the country since leaving office in 2001. But the former Arkansas governor opted to waive his standard fee as a favor to longtime supporter and distinguished UT alumna Liz Carpenter. Carpenter, former press secretary for Lady Bird Johnson, will also be honored that...