The Globalist Dutch elections, Lebanon seeks to disarm Hezbollah and the US government shutdown’s impact on aviation
9 snips
Oct 29, 2025 
Leila Molana-Allen shares insights on Lebanon's urgent need to disarm Hezbollah amid internal tensions and military limitations. Stefan de Vries discusses the dynamics behind the recent Dutch snap elections, focusing on Geert Wilders' waning populist appeal. Nina dos Santos tackles Brazil's police raids and the violence affecting favelas, while Sally Geffen highlights the fallout of the US government shutdown on air travel, including controller shortages and economic impacts. TV critic Scott Bryan rounds up key industry news, from CNN's streaming changes to updates on Doctor Who.
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Disarming Hezbollah Faces Practical Limits
- Lebanon faces a year-end deadline to disarm Hezbollah under the 2024 ceasefire deal, but full disarmament is unlikely.
- International pressure aims for significant weakening and cooperation with the Lebanese army rather than complete demobilisation.
Army Shortcomings Limit Disarmament Options
- The Lebanese army lacks the equipment, air power and training to replace Hezbollah as the country's dominant armed force.
- Western allies back disarmament but hesitate to arm the army with offensive capabilities that might concern Israel.
Political Stakes Make Forceful Disarmament Risky
- Pushing Hezbollah too hard risks internal political fracture because it is both a militia and a major political party.
- Negotiated arrangements with the army working alongside Hezbollah are more realistic and less likely to spark conflict.
