Exploring the role of psychedelics in healing PTSD among veterans: Weapons and Warfare
This week on Weapons and Warfare, host Ryan Robertson sits down with former naval aviator Matthew Buckley to explore an innovative approach to addressing the silent battle many veterans face: PTSD. Buckley shares his journey and the groundbreaking mission he has undertaken to help fellow veterans heal through psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Robertson and Buckley delve into Buckley’s experiences with these treatments and the stigma surrounding them. The discussion challenges conventional methods and highlights the urgent need for compassionate solutions for those who have served.
You can subscribe to the Weapons and Warfare podcast on the platform of your choosing here.
President Trump suggests US take ‘long-term ownership’ of Gaza Strip
President Donald Trump called for the U.S. to have “long-term ownership” of the Gaza Strip. It comes as Israel and Hamas are working to hold a ceasefire after more than a year of war.
It’s the latest of several pushes the president has made to incorporate international land into the U.S.
Trump did not rule out a U.S. military presence in Gaza and did not offer an option for Palestinians who wished to stay. Trump said instead that they “have no alternative” but to leave.
President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. should have a presence in the Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas War. He made the comments Tuesday, Feb. 4, while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump called for the U.S. to own the land. He also said the two million Palestinians who live there “have no alternative” but to leave Gaza. Trump did not lay out an option allowing Palestinians who wish to stay to do so.
“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump said. “And everybody I have spoken to –– this was not a decision made lightly –– everybody I have spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.”
Leaders in Egypt and Jordan have rejected Trump’s calls to resettle Palestinians.
It’s the latest of several pushes President Trump has made to expand U.S. control of land. Since taking office, he has suggested incorporating Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal Zone into the United States. All of those proposals have received pushback from local leaders.
The president said he may send U.S. troops to the region if he believes it is necessary. That would be a reversal of promises during his first term and on the campaign trail to wind down U.S. military presence outside the U.S. and end what he called “forever wars.”
In his first term in office, President Trump tried unsuccessfully to significantly draw down the number of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He also sought to ensure NATO members paid more of the alliance’s defense spending as part of an effort to limit how much the U.S. spent on defending areas outside its borders.
Trump’s calls for U.S. expansion have sparked fears of war, including in Panama, where the president has threatened “powerful” action.
In Gaza, the president’s suggestion could complicate the current ceasefire that’s holding between Israel and Hamas, as Hamas and the Palestinian people seek to govern themselves. Meanwhile, Israeli government officials would like to incorporate more Palestinian land into Israel.
China’s military drills simulate blocking US forces from Taiwan
China is conducting military drills to practice blocking U.S. forces from interfering in a potential takeover of Taiwan. A Japanese think tank confirms these exercises are specifically designed to prevent U.S. access to the waters around Taiwan using an A2AD (anti-access/area denial) strategy.
In response, the U.S. and its allies are preparing countermeasures, including training with advanced weapons like the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), which is designed to penetrate enemy defenses from long range.
While China aims to keep U.S. forces out of the first and second island chains, stand-off weapons like the JASSM could disrupt this strategy, making a full blockade of Taiwan difficult to execute.
The People’s Republic of China is using live drills to practice keeping United States armed forces from interfering in a hostile Chinese takeover of Taiwan. While this may fall under the “things we already know” category, a Japanese think tank is making the point crystal clear.
Japanese analysis confirms China’s strategy
A recently published analysis from the Japanese Institute for National Fundamentals found that the large-scale military exercises China conducted in early December were designed to practice stopping U.S. forces from approaching the waters surrounding Taiwan.
China wants to employ an A2AD strategy, which stands for “anti-access/area denial.” As the name suggests, this strategy is designed to prevent the U.S. from gaining access to Taiwan and the surrounding region.
To achieve this, China aims to prevent U.S. warships and aircraft from operating in what is called the “First Island Chain,” which extends from Japan south through the Philippines and into Indonesia.
Chinese Naval presence near Taiwan
At the beginning of December 2024, 90 Chinese naval ships were spotted near Taiwan. According to the JINF, 18 destroyers and frigates were deployed east of the first island chain. There, the ships practiced maneuvers designed to keep U.S. forces locked behind the “Second Island Chain,” which stretches from Japan through Guam and into eastern Indonesia.
The role of microchips in the conflict
This is not the first time the discussion around Taiwan’s strategic importance has come up. At its core, Taiwan’s significance comes down to microchips.
While China has long maintained that Taiwan is part of its territory, the self-governing island also produces some of the world’s most advanced microchips. These components are crucial for everything from national defense to consumer electronics.
U.S. and allies move to counter China’s plans
Given Taiwan’s importance, the United States and its Indo-Pacific allies are working to deter China from its current trajectory and, if necessary, prepare to confront the PRC directly.
To that end, while China was conducting its blockade exercises around Taiwan, U.S. Marines on Guam were training with a new addition to their arsenal—the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).
Built by Lockheed Martin, the JASSM is a stealthy, semi-autonomous, precision-guided air-to-ground missile with a 1,000-pound warhead. Its effective range depends on the variant, but even the basic version has a range of over 500 nautical miles (approximately 600 miles). The U.S. Air Force first used JASSMs in Syria in 2018.
In August 2023, the U.S. Marine Corps announced the successful integration of the JASSM into its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets. Recent images show a USMC Hornet equipped with the missile during a training relocation program in late January. This training allowed Marine crews stationed in the continental U.S. to enhance their tactical proficiency in Guam, preparing for potential future conflicts in a contested environment.
JASSM variants and strategic use
The AGM-158 comes in several variants, with extended-range models capable of targeting both stationary and moving ground targets, as well as ships. As a stand-off weapon, the JASSM is designed to be fired from outside an enemy’s air defenses.
While China may rely on an A2AD strategy to keep the U.S. at bay, munitions like the AGM-158 will be deployed to disrupt that plan. Russia has struggled to stop stealthy cruise missiles used by Ukraine, and if China faces similar challenges, a full blockade of Taiwan may not be feasible.
Trump to withdraw US from UN Rights Council, extend UNRWA funds ban
President Donald Trump plans to withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. Human Rights Council. He also plans to cut UNRWA funding.
Trump’s move comes as Israel’s Prime Minister visits the White House.
Trump also quit the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement.
President Donald Trump is planning to issue an executive order Tuesday, Feb. 4 to withdraw the United States from the U.N. Human Rights Council and extend a funding ban for the U.N. Palestinian Relief Agency, UNRWA. This comes on the same day the White House is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a longtime critic of the U.N. and UNRWA. He accused the organization of being involved in “terrorist activities against Israel.”
During the war in Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces presented evidence purporting to show some Palestinians working for UNRWA were also members of Hamas.
What is Trump’s history with the U.N. Human Rights Council?
Trump’s expected withdrawal from the Human Rights Council also won’t be a first for him. He did the same his last time in office. Then-U.N. Envoy Nikki Haley said the move was over a “chronic bias” against Israel from the body, which is made up of 47 U.N. member states who are elected every four years.
Trump’s latest move will continue the United States’ back-and-forth relationship with the council, which was created during the George W. Bush administration.
Presidents Bush and Trump did not engage with the council, while presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden did.
However, the Biden administration did pause funding to UNRWA, following the reports staffers were involved in the October 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel.
What’s the latest on UNRWA in Gaza?
UNRWA was the main agency providing humanitarian aid for Gaza, which Israel recently banned.
UNRWA said the ban will have major consequences for those dealing with the destruction from the war in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
There’s currently a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas aiming to end the fighting and free hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Trump admin halts then restores crucial weapons shipments to Ukraine
The Trump administration briefly paused U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, but then quickly resumed deliveries. This move has reignited questions about the future of American military aid to Ukraine.
The brief delay highlights differing factions within the Republican Party, with some wanting to continue supporting Ukraine and others seeking to cut off aid altogether.
The pause has raised concerns about Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian advances, with critics warning that cutting military assistance could hurt Ukraine’s position in talks with Russia.
The Trump administration briefly halted U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine before resuming deliveries, according to sources familiar with the matter. The pause has renewed concerns over the future of American military support as officials inside the White House debate the scope of continued assistance to Kyiv.
President Donald Trump, who campaigned on the promise that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, has not announced any new military aid or financial packages since taking office. While shipments approved under the Biden administration continue to arrive, uncertainty remains over how long previously approved deliveries will last and whether additional support will follow.
Internal White House divisions on aid policy
The White House has not officially confirmed the pause in weapons shipments, but sources say internal disagreements over U.S. policy contributed to the delay. Trump administration officials are divided, with some advocating for maintaining military assistance while others push to scale back or eliminate support.
Critics argue that cutting military aid could weaken Ukraine’s position in negotiations with Russia. Military analysts note that previous supply disruptions have already affected Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian advances.
Impact of delays on the battlefield
Ukraine’s military has dealt with supply shortages before. Soldiers on the front lines report going months without receiving critical armored vehicles, ammunition, and air defense systems. A backlog in Congress and internal policy debates during Biden’s final months in office further delayed key shipments, leaving Ukrainian forces vulnerable.
The Institute for the Study of War reported that by late 2024, Russian forces were advancing by approximately 20 square kilometers per day, reclaiming previously contested territory. While military analysts caution that aid alone does not determine Ukraine’s success, Pentagon officials acknowledge that without continued U.S. support, Ukraine could face further setbacks.
Pentagon: Most promised aid has been delivered
While shipments continue to arrive, officials say a significant portion of the aid promised for 2024 has yet to be delivered. The Pentagon reported that as of January, 89% of critical munitions and 94% of anti-armor systems had been sent to Ukraine. However, delays in congressional approvals and a flurry of authorizations in the final weeks of the Biden administration meant that more equipment was approved than could be immediately shipped.
Uncertainty over future U.S. support
The Trump administration has not clarified its long-term strategy regarding Ukraine. Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Gen. Keith Kellogg, declined to comment on future military aid, saying only that “leverage is critical in negotiations.”
Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that a shift in U.S. policy could weaken their ability to defend against further Russian advances. While aid shipments have resumed, the long-term trajectory of American support remains uncertain.
China hits back at US with tariffs of up to 15% on American goods
China is not backing down in the tariff war with the Trump administration. And crews continue to remove the wreckage from an American Airlines jet that plunged into the Potomac River last week after a midair collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.
China hits back at US with tariffs of up to 15% on American goods
China responded to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs with some of its own. China’s finance ministry said Tuesday that starting next Monday, Feb. 10, it will impose additional tariffs of 15% on coal and liquefied natural gas imports from the U.S. and 10% higher duties on American crude oil, farm equipment, and certain cars.
China’s announcement came just minutes after Trump’s additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods took effect.
At the same time, Trump paused the 25% tariffs he promised to impose on Canada and Mexico for 30 days. Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor has the details of that pause here.
Trump has not yet spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping about the tariffs but is expected to do so in the next few days. In addition to the tariffs against the U.S., China has also filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
El Salvador offers to house violent U.S. criminals and deportees of any nationality
As the U.S. continues its crackdown on undocumented immigrants, El Salvador has offered the Trump administration an unprecedented deal.
After meeting with El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the details of the offer.
“He has agreed to accept for deportation any illegal alien in the United States who is a criminal from any nationality, be they MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and house them in his jails,” Rubio said. “And he’s also offered to do the same for dangerous criminals currently in custody and serving their sentence in the United States even though they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents.
We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system.
We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.
El Salvador’s president said in a post on X, “We have offered the United States the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system. We are willing to take in, only convicted criminals, including convicted U.S. citizens, into our mega-prison in exchange for a fee. The fee would be relatively low for the U.S. but significant for us, making our entire prison system, sustainable.”
It’s unclear when such a transfer might begin or if it would even be legal.
The stop in El Salvador was part of a larger tour of Central America for Secretary of State Rubio. Before heading there, Rubio was in Panama, seeking assurances on curbing China’s influence over the Panama Canal.
Rubio is also scheduled to visit Costa Rica, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic this week.
Large pieces of American Airlines jet pulled from river; more remains found
Salvage crews continued Tuesday to remove the wreckage of an American Eagle passenger jet in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.
Investigators said the plane broke apart into three pieces in the river. Officials said the remains of the jet must be removed from the crash site to recover all 67 victims who died in the mid-air collision between Flight 5432 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter last Wednesday night, Jan. 29.
So far, officials have positively identified 55 victims. They vowed to recover everyone. Searchers found additional remains during recovery efforts Monday, but they have not yet been identified.
Once the jet’s wreckage is cleared, crews will start working to remove what remains of the helicopter. They will haul both aircraft to a National Transportation Safety Board hangar for a lengthy investigation into what caused the deadly crash.
Trump reportedly weighing plan to dismantle the Department of Education
Trump could soon sign an executive order directing Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter to dismantle the Federal Department of Education, according to multiple reports citing sources briefed on drafts circulating among top administration officials.
The proposed order is expected to require Carter to submit a proposal to break up the department and for Congress to pass legislation to get rid of it.
It’s unclear when the president will officially make the order, but at least one White House official has said it’s expected sometime this month.
Trump creates US sovereign wealth fund, could buy into TikTok
The president has signed an executive order that outlines plans to establish a government-run sovereign wealth fund. It would serve as an economic development account and might be used to buy into TikTok as a partner.
The popular social media app operates under a 75-day period during which its owner, ByteDance, is supposed to break away from its Chinese influence.
In addition to TikTok, the fund would be used to pay for infrastructure projects in the U.S., including at airports and highways.
Elon Musk creates confusion over IRS’ free tax filing program
Tax season is here, and several Americans are banking on the IRS’ new Direct File system to make life easier. However, they might find themselves confused about a recent social media post by Department of Government Efficiency Chair Elon Musk.
Musk shared a user’s post about the free program on his platform X and said, “That group has been deleted.”
That led to concerns that Americans would not be able to use the new tool to file their 2024 taxes. However, the Direct File has not been “deleted” and is still available, at least for this tax season.
Musk was referring to 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects, including the IRS’s Direct File program. Last year, the IRS announced it would make the free electronic tax return filing system permanent.
Trump and Mexico’s president reach deal to delay tariffs
President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reached a deal to pause tariffs on goods from Mexico. The delay will last a month while the two sides negotiate.
The agreement was reached Monday, Feb. 3, ahead of tariffs that were set to take effect Tuesday, Feb. 4.
The status of Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada is still being discussed.
President Donald Trump announced a month-long pause for tariffs on Mexico. The decision came following agreements on trade and security between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Trump posted about the deal to Truth Social Monday, Feb. 3. He said Mexico will put 10,000 National Guard members at the U.S.-Mexico border to stop the flow of fentanyl and undocumented migrants into the U.S.
What did Sheinbaum say about her call with Trump?
Sheinbaum addressed her call with Trump and referenced drug trafficking in post to X. She also noted the U.S. will work to prevent high-powered weapons from being trafficked to Mexico.
Sostuvimos una buena conversación con el presidente Trump con mucho respeto a nuestra relación y la soberanía; llegamos a una serie de acuerdos:
1.México reforzará la frontera norte con 10 mil elementos de la Guardia Nacional de forma inmediata, para evitar el tráfico de drogas…
The 25% tariffs toward Mexico were scheduled to start Tuesday, Feb. 4 along with 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and 10% tariffs on goods from China.
Where does Canada stand with Trump?
As Trump and Sheinbaum made a deal, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also had a call with Trump early Monday. Trudeau’s office told CBC News they talked about trade and the border.
President Trump posted to Truth Social about his call with Trudeau and said they’re scheduled to talk again Monday afternoon. He also criticized him for not allowing U.S. banks to open or do business in Canada, on top of mentioning deaths in the U.S. from drugs going past the Canadian and Mexican borders.
Trudeau announced his own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods Saturday, Feb. 1. He released a list of 155 billion Canadian dollars ($106 billion) of American goods that will face 25% tariffs if Trump follows through with his tariffs on Canada.
“Part of what this council has been doing is pulling together perspectives from across industries, from across different parts of the country to make sure that anything we do will be fair right across the country,” Trudeau said. “That all Canadians will share in the job of standing up for our interests and, quite frankly, standing up to defend the most successful trading relationship in the world.”
Canada sends 75% of all its goods and services exports to the U.S. and Trudeau said the economy would be badly hit by Trump’s promised tariffs.
Israeli forces demolish buildings in West Bank operations, at least 25 killed
Israeli forces intensified military operations in the Jenin refugee camp, demolishing 23 buildings allegedly used by militants. The structures reportedly contained weapons, explosives labs and observation posts.
The operation began on Jan. 21, with nearly all 20,000 Jenin residents displaced over the past two months due to ongoing violence.
At least 25 Palestinians have been killed, including nine armed group members, a 73-year-old man and a 2-year-old girl, with dozens of weapons and hundreds of explosive devices seized.
Israeli forces intensified military operations in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, demolishing 23 buildings that the military says were used by militants. Israeli officials reported the structures contained weapons, explosives labs and observation posts.
Footage from the area shows large explosions and thick smoke rising over the densely populated camp. The United Nations reported that nearly all of Jenin’s 20,000 residents have been displaced since November 2024 due to the ongoing violence.
Casualties reported as fighting continues
Palestinian officials said at least 25 people have been killed since the operation began on Jan. 21, including nine members of armed groups, a 73-year-old man and a 2-year-old girl. The Israeli military claims it has killed more than 35 militants and detained over 100 individuals.
Israeli airstrikes also targeted the nearby city of Qabatiya, striking what officials described as a terrorist cell preparing an attack. The strike reportedly caused secondary explosions, indicating explosives were inside the targeted vehicle.
Military operations expand beyond Jenin
The Israeli military has expanded its operations beyond Jenin, with security forces now moving into other West Bank cities, including Tulkarem and Tamun. Officials said the military seized dozens of weapons and neutralized hundreds of explosive devices in the region.
The Palestinian Authority is calling for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting and urged the United States to intervene. Hamas, which governs Gaza, called for increased resistance against Israel following the latest demolitions.
No timeline for withdrawal
Israeli officials say security forces will remain in the area until all objectives are met but have not provided a timeline for the operation’s end. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to accuse each other of escalating violence in the region.
Nearly 80 Ukrainian troops executed by Russia since August, UN says
The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine is warning of an “alarming rise” in executions of Ukrainian soldiers by Russian forces. The report released on Monday, Feb. 3, said since August 2024, 79 executions have occurred in 24 separate incidents.
What did the report find?
The findings also documented the execution of a wounded Russian soldier by Ukrainian forces.
The mission revealed many Ukrainian troops who surrendered or were captured by Russian forces were shot and killed “on the spot.”
Witnesses also said some Ukrainian service members who were injured or unarmed were executed.
The report said the executions took place during Russian offensive operations.
Where did the evidence come from?
The evidence of the 24 incidents came from verified video and photos “published by Ukrainian and Russian sources showing executions or dead bodies,” according to the United Nations group.
The head of the mission said these executions would constitute war crimes and accused Russian military leaders of ordering the inhumane treatment and executions of captured Ukrainian soldiers.
What is the response to the report?
In response to the report, Ukraine’s foreign minister called for “concrete steps to hold the perpetrators accountable.”
As Straight Arrow News reported in September 2024, a video obtained by CNN showed Ukrainian soldiers appearing to surrender gunned down by Russian forces.
While Russia’s Defense Ministry has yet to comment on the mission’s most recent report, in response to September’s video, it denied Moscow had committed any war crimes.
Crews to start removing wreckage from deadly midair collision
Crews will start clearing the wreckage Monday of an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided midair from the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., last week. The Army Corps of Engineers will work alongside the Coast Guard and the Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving.
They will start by removing the jet’s remnants from the water. This process will take three days. Once completed, crews will work to retrieve the Black Hawk wreckage from the river.
Haulers will take the wreckage to a National Transportation Safety Board hangar for investigators to inspect as they work to determine what led to the deadly collision near Reagan National Airport last Wednesday, Jan. 29.
This comes as the search continues for the remains of all those killed in the crash. Federal authorities said searchers have recovered and identified the remains of 55 of the 67 people killed in the collision.
Authorities expect to recover all bodies. However, low visibility in the frigid water and the strewn-about wreckage of both aircraft are slowing the process.
The Corps of Engineers said the goal is to have everything removed by next Wednesday, Feb. 12. However, if any remains are found while the wreckage is getting removed, work will immediately cease.
Col. Francis Pera, the commander of the Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, said “the dignified recovery of missing flight passengers and personnel takes precedence” over the extraction timeline.
On Sunday, Feb. 2, an emotional scene played out when victim families gathered for a memorial on the airport runway at the edge of the Potomac River, viewing the site where their loved ones died.