From: The Australian January 12, 2025
Dutton pledges to repair Australia’s ties with Israel

Peter Dutton will make calling Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu one of his first priorities if he wins this year’s federal election, as he launches his broad pre-poll vision for the nation.

From: skynews.com.au January 12, 2025
Peter Dutton vows to ‘mend’ Australia’s relationship with Israel

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton vows to “mend” the relationship between Israel and Australia if the Coalition wins the election.

“The Labor government is so morally confused, it treats our ally Israel like an adversary,” Mr Dutton said.

“In the first days of a Coalition government, I will call the Prime Minister of Israel to mend the relationship that the Labor government has trashed so badly.”

From: The Jerusalem Post January 12, 2025
J.D. Vance: Trump will let IDF 'knock out' Hamas in Gaza, if hostages not released before January 20

J.D. Vance reveals the incoming administration's plans to address the Gaza hostage crisis and domestic disaster relief, promising decisive action on both fronts.

Vice president-elect J.D. Vance revealed the true meaning behind President-elect Donald Trump's threat that "all hell will break loose" if the hostages are not released by Inauguration Day on January 20 in an interview with FOX News on Sunday.

Vance told FOX News:
1. It means enabling the Israelis to knock out the final couple of battalions of Hamas and their leadership.
2. It means very aggressive sanctions and financial penalties on those who are supporting terrorist organizations in the Middle East.

It means actually doing the job of American leadership, which Donald Trump did very well for four years, and he's gonna do very well for the next four years.”

Vance expressed hope that a deal may be on the horizon, saying it might happen in the last few days of the Biden Administration.
“But regardless of when that deal is struck, it will be because people are terrified that there are going to be consequences for Hamas,”

How will Donald Trump handle Gaza, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and sovereignty of the West Bank?

Donald Trump assumes his second term as president of the United States following tectonic changes in the Middle East that will shape the future of the region for generations to come

A year and three months after the Hamas attack on southern Israel,
1. the terror group’s military wing has been pummeled,
2. the bulk of Hezbollah’s military capability has been destroyed,
3. Iran’s “axis of resistance” is at its weakest point for the past 30 years 
4. and the Assad regime in Syria has collapsed

From: The Australian December 3, 2024
From: The Jerusalem Post January 12, 2025
Israel is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Trump administration, believing that the regional changes have opened up unprecedented possibilities to reshape the Middle East.

However, Trump remains unpredictable in the extreme and somewhat of a maverick, making any predictions unwise.

From: Haaretz January 12, 2025
Gaza Has Become Israel's 'Forever War' and Only Trump Can End It

Israel's war in Gaza may be different to the U.S. war in Afghanistan, but the similarities are important.

Both became bloody stalemates without a clear political horizon – but U.S. President-elect Donald Trump can help Israel end it and achieve its original goals

When Donald Trump won his first presidential election in 2016 one of his key promises was to end America's "forever wars" –
referring to the bleeding conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere that had begun more than a decade earlier and seemed to have no end in sight.

Don't know...
From: ABC News January 11, 2025
Donald Trump backtracks on pledge to end Ukraine war in 24 hours as special envoy sets 100-day timeline

From: ANHA Hawar News Agency January 12, 2025
Riyadh meeting ignores Turkish occupation in Syria

A series of meetings took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together foreign ministers and representatives from several Arab and Western nations to discuss developments and strategies for supporting Syria.

The meetings concluded with a statement emphasizing
1. "support for the Syrian people during this critical phase in their history,
2. offering full assistance to help rebuild Syria as a unified,
3. independent Arab state that is secure for all its citizens,
4. free from terrorism
5. and with its sovereignty and territorial integrity unviolated by any party."

The statement further reiterated support for a Syrian political transition process that ensures the representation of all political and social forces in Syria, safeguards the rights of all Syrians, and promotes inclusive dialogue among all components of Syrian society.

The participants affirmed their commitment to addressing concerns and challenges through dialogue and consultation, while respecting Syria's sovereignty and the Syrian people's right to determine their own future.

Israel and Syria:
The statement also expressed concerns regarding Israeli incursions in the buffer zone near Syria, including the Mount Hermon region and parts of Quneitra province, stressing the importance of respecting Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Turkey and Syria:
However, the discussions noticeably avoided addressing Turkey's ongoing military operations and occupation of cities in NE Syria.

The extensive attacks and alleged violations by Turkish forces were absent from the statement, despite their continued impact on the region and Syrian stability.

What's new?! As always, the Double Standards and Hypocrisy beggars belief

What's new?! As always, the Double Standards and Hypocrisy beggars belief indeed

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• How Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza

In-depth: The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) is using photos and videos posted by Israeli soldiers in Gaza to build a growing body of evidence of alleged war crimes

Israeli soldiers are facing the growing risk of being arrested abroad for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza, with around 50 criminal complaints filed so far in courts around the world

A week ago, a former Israeli soldier hastily ended his holiday in Brazil after the country’s Federal Court ordered police to open a war crimes investigation against him The man subsequently fled to Argentina

A complaint lodged by the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) included over 500 pages of court records linking the suspect to the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza

The group called the Brazilian court’s decision “historic” saying it marked a significant precedent for a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to enforce Rome Statute provisions domestically, in the 15-month Israeli war on Gaza

The incident sparked a political uproar in Israel, with the foreign ministry reportedly helping the ex-combatant leave Brazil and condemning “anti-Israel elements” who were pushing for his arrest

The ministry also warned its nationals against posting details of their military service on social media

Throughout the war, Israeli soldiers have shared videos from Gaza showing them,
1. searching homes
2. destroying residential buildings
3. chanting racist slogans
4. and openly boasting about committing what appear to be war crimes

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• How Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch (HRW) told The New Arab

The ex-HRW director, who’s now a visiting professor at Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs, observed
Commenting on the warnings to soldiers over their social media posts, Roth underlined,

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• Hind Rajab Foundation HRF 'hunting down' Israeli soldiers abroad, for war crimes in Gaza

The landmark war crimes case in Brazil was the latest in a string of lawsuits brought by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) which has identified Israeli soldiers who are alleged to have committed atrocities while serving in Gaza

The case raised the prospect that regular Israeli troops could also face legal action while on holiday overseas

So far, the organisation has tracked and sent the names of 1,000 Israeli soldiers to the ICC and pursued legal cases in a number of countries, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the UK, Belgium, France and Brazil

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• soldier Gal Ferenbook, visiting Sri Lanka

In late December, the Hind Rajab Foundation HRF filed a legal complaint against Israeli soldier Gal Ferenbook, who was visiting Sri Lanka

The complaint was submitted to the country’s authorities, the ICC and Interpol, demanding his arrest over the killing of a Palestinian civilian in Gaza

According to the group, Ferenbook posted a video on his Instagram account exhibiting the dead body of a Palestinian as a war trophy

In the video, Ferenbook also laughed proudly as another soldier called him “Terminator”
The lawsuit prompted the soldier’s immediate evacuation by Israeli authorities

• combatant Roi Hakimi, visiting France

In the same month, the HRF called on French authorities to initiate legal proceedings against Roi Hakimi, an Israeli combatant who was visiting France, on charges of acts of torture and enforced disappearances in Gaza

The evidence consisted of Hakimi's own social media posts that featured photos and videos of him documenting scenes of destruction in Gaza, detainees in degrading conditions and other alleged violations of international law

One particularly incriminating image depicted Palestinian detainees, bound and stripped to their undergarments, standing in freezing temperatures at night amid Gaza's ruins

• Colonel Moshe Tetro, Israel’s incoming military attaché to Brussels

In December, the advocacy organisation urged Belgium to deny accreditation to Colonel Moshe Tetro, Israel’s incoming military attaché to Brussels who headed the unit coordinating aid into Gaza, due to his involvement in serious crimes

In a formal legal claim filed with the ICC the HRF also demanded immediate action against the colonel for allegedly implementing a policy of starvation against Gaza’s population by restricting food, water and medical supplies

The new military envoy is also accused of directing attacks on hospitals

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• How Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza

Neve Gordon, professor of international law and human rights at Queen Mary University of London, told The New Arab
Gordon, said the goal is to create some “panic” by indicating that even regular troops could face consequences for their actions

• So far No Arrest or Trial but.... Ticking Bomb

So far, none of the attempts overseas to bring charges against Israelis who served in the war have led to arrest or trial
Yet these legal challenges highlight the increasing push for accountability for alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza

Mark Kersten, an assistant professor in criminal law at the University of the Fraser Valley, told The New Arab
Kersten, pointed out that even if these lawsuits do not lead to accountability, the accused cannot act freely
Their holidays are disrupted and “their world shrinks” as they are recognised and tracked and efforts are made to hold them accountable

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• How Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza

Moreover Israel’s response reflects a significant concern that regular soldiers, not only high-ranking officers and politicians, can be prosecuted for their actions

In November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity, while the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is conducting a separate investigation into genocide allegations

There have been multiple reports of the Israeli army urging its personnel to leave various countries for fear of arrest
Last month, the Israeli army warned dozens of soldiers against travelling abroad over war crimes claims brought against them

The Israeli government is preparing to assist reservists and soldiers internationally in the event of arrest and legal action for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Officials are reportedly coordinating with local law firms overseas to provide immediate legal support

Amid mounting pressure on countries to detain Israelis suspected of war crimes, a joint body was formed including the military prosecution, the foreign ministry, the National Security Council and the Shin Bet intelligence agency, to analyse travel risks for combatants, in different countries

Israeli media even published a guide for holidaying soldiers on how to avoid arrest abroad and what to check before travelling

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• How Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza

Neve Gordon, professor of international law and human rights at Queen Mary University of London noted, the impact of the legal proceedings has “created a threat” referencing the panicked response from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which swiftly took steps, to protect its active-duty military staff overseas

the political scientist stressed that content shared by Israeli soldiers on social media platforms clearly shows not just destruction
but an apparent “joy” accompanying it
Gordon believes there is a serious risk of arrest or legal action for Israeli soldiers involved in war crimes

However Gordon made clear that such prospects, rest on:
1. the “will” of the country they are visiting
2. its legal system
3. and the “pressure” that Israel would put on that state not to issue an arrest warrant

The risk these alleged perpetrators face of war crime arrests in foreign countries largely depends on the state’s jurisdiction

Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza
The New Arab News by Alessandra Bajec 13 January 2025

Extracts:

• How Israeli soldiers abroad are facing arrest for war crimes in Gaza

In many instances, for a case to proceed, approval is required from the attorney general, who in most countries acts as both a legal authority and a political figure

This dual capacity makes the process for highly political cases more complex as the chief legal officer of a government must authorise the case moving forward

Mark Kersten, an assistant professor in criminal law at the University of the Fraser Valley said,
The criminal law expert argued that universal jurisdiction cases may progress where there is “no political oversight” allowing decisions to rest entirely with judges and lawyers or in countries that have voiced intent “to hold perpetrators of international crimes to account”

In Kersten's view, for these cases to succeed an ideal synergy of elements like,
1. solid evidence
2. adequate resources
3. impartial judges
4. and non-interference from the state is necessary

Kersten remarked that most states are capable of exercising universal jurisdiction, meaning they can investigate and prosecute certain crimes regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of the perpetrator or the victim as long as the accused is present in the country where a case has been initiated against him

Besides the government oversight obstacle as Kersten explained, another complication is the legal process required to authorise an arrest warrant for an individual temporarily in a foreign country who’s suspected of international crimes

the criminal justice professor emphasised

Inside the Minds of IDF Soldiers Who Commit War Crimes
Haaretz by Yoel Elizur 23 December 2024

Extracts:

• Inside the Minds of IDF Soldiers Who Commit War Crimes

'When You Leave Israel and Enter Gaza, You Are God':

As a psychologist dealing with brutality in the military, Elizur sees, how the government rhetoric of hatred is worsening the problem

Concern for the safety of family members serving in the army is part of family life in Israel
Like Elizur's contemporaries, he was a worried father when his children served in the IDF and he is a more worried grandfather

Elizur is horrified by the mass killing of civilians, in Gaza and he is disturbed the impact of this brutality, on soldiers' mental health
Israeli soldiers are imperiled by the government's inflammatory rhetoric and weakening of the civilian and military justice systems

These policies undermine the IDF's
1. code of conduct
2. support atrocities
3. and increase the risk of moral injury

Golda Meir: "A Land of Our Own" An Oral Autobiography

Israel has long propagated a narrative of endless victimisation
Middle East Monitor MEMO by Nasim Ahmed 05 October 2023

Former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir is the subject of a new film called 'Golda' starring Helen Mirren
To mark its release MEMO takes a look back....

Extracts:

• Israel has long propagated a narrative of endless victimisation, to justify its crimes and evade accountability

No one compels Israelis to kill children
Such statements not only reflect a racist worldview but are also embraced in Israel as the words of a wise and noble leader

However it must be stressed that no one compels Israelis to kill children as Meir implied
Israelis, like any other people, must be held to account for their own actions

Like many of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous quotations, these words echo through the ages

They offer hope and give rise to a sense that progress toward freedom, equality and—indeed—justice is inevitable

When organisations like The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) among others:
1. 'pursue' the terrorists with the same 'gusto'
2. condemn other countries like Russia for their war crimes

then we might, we just might -- Nevertheless....

No doubt antisemitism cancer rampant, around the World including the Vatican “Global Emergency.”

From: The Times of Israel January 14, 2025

Nearly half of all adults worldwide hold significant antisemitic views and younger people are more likely to discriminate against Jews, according to an Anti-Defamation League survey released on Tuesday.

The global survey asked 58,000 respondents in 103 counties and territories if they agreed with 11 antisemitic tropes, such as
1. Jews’ loyalty is only to Israel
2. Jews have too much power in the business world
3. Jews still talk too much about what happened to them in the Holocaust
4. Jews don’t care what happens to anyone but their own kind
5. People hate Jews because of the way Jews behave
6. Jews have too much control over global affairs
7. Jews think they are better than other people
8. Jews have a lot of irritating faults
9. Jews have too much control over the media
10. Jews are responsible for most of the world’s wars
11. Jews have too much control over the country’s government

If respondents believed that more than half of the statements were true, they were categorized as having “significant antisemitic beliefs,” ADL chief Jonathan Greenblatt said in a briefing, calling the findings a “global emergency.”

An anti-Israel protest in Times Square, New York City, January 6, 2025

“Why do attitudes matter so much? Because attitudes lead to action.

When antisemitic views are normalized, when anti-Jewish bigotry takes root, it creates an environment where Jews become more vulnerable,” he said, tying the antisemitic views to incidents such as the attacks on Israelis in Amsterdam in November.

In total 46 percent of adults backed a majority of the antisemitic tropes, representing around 2.2 billion people.

Many countries held widespread antisemitic views despite lacking any significant local Jewish population.

From: The Associated Press January 14, 2025
Hamas OKs draft agreement of a Gaza ceasefire and the release of some hostages, officials say

Cairo: Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday.

Mediators from the United States and Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the closest point yet to sealing a deal to bring them a step closer to ending 15 months of war.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity.

An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

“I believe we will get a ceasefire,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a speech Tuesday, asserting it was up to Hamas.
“It’s right on the brink. It’s closer than it’s ever been before,” and word could come within hours, or days.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the war and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack that triggered it.

Nearly 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and the military believes at least a third are dead.

Any deal is expected to pause the fighting and bring hopes for winding down the most deadly and destructive war Israel and Hamas have ever fought, a conflict that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

Washington: With news of an imminent cease-fire/hostage-release deal that largely mirrors outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's
long-gestating proposal, the families with most at stake are anxiously waiting to see what exactly the deal entails.

From: Haaretz January 14, 2025

Father of American Hostage: Any Deal That Doesn't Include All Americans in Phase One is Biden's failure

Ruby Chen, a dual Israeli-American citizen, is fighting for the body of his son to be returned to Israel in the first phase of a hostage deal.

Back from Qatar, where he pressed negotiators to include all hostages in a deal, he pleads with the incoming Trump administration to do everything in its power

Hamas Still Alive and Kicking Still calling the Shots... Day 466

‘Final stages of truce deal’: hopes rise for imminent ceasefire

Israel and Hamas are close to securing a deal, to halt the fighting in Gaza and return the hostages
Blinken: it was up to Hamas. “It’s right on the brink"

I was under the impression, President-elect Donald Trump's threat that "all hell will break loose" if the hostages are not released, by his Inauguration Day on January 20
1. it was not up to Hamas
2. No negotiating with terrorists
3. Israel's offer is nothing
4. terrorists unconditional release of ALL the remaining hostages alive and dead

The imminent cease-fire/hostage-release deal, largely mirrors outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's long-gestating proposal...

From: New Delhi Television Ltd NDTV World January 16, 2025
Donald Trump Claims Full Credit For The "Epic" Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal

Donald Trump said on his Truth Social network, before there was any official announcement from outgoing President Joe Biden's White House. "We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!"

West Palm Beach: US President-elect Donald Trump hailed a hostage release and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, agreed just four days before he returns to power.

In another Truth Social post, Trump claimed full credit for the agreement, saying,
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November".

He believes his administration's commitment to seeking peace and negotiating deals has sent a powerful signal to the world.

From: news.com.au January 16, 2025
The threat of “all hell breaking loose” – or the result of persistent diplomatic persuasion?

From: Al Jazeera January 16, 2025
What do we know about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal in Gaza?

First phase
1. Thirty-three Israeli captives, including women, children and civilians over the age of 50 will be released.
2. Israel will release a larger number of Palestinian prisoners during this phase.
3. Israel to withdraw its forces from Gaza’s population centres to areas no more than 700 metres inside Gaza’s border with Israel
4. Israel will allow civilians to return to their homes in the enclave’s besieged north
5. and allow a surge of aid into the enclave of up to 600 trucks per day.
6. Israel will allow wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza for treatment,
7. and will open the Rafah crossing with Egypt seven days after the start of the implementation of the first phase.
8. Israeli forces will reduce their presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, the border area between Egypt and Gaza
9. and then withdraw completely no later than the day 50 after the deal comes into effect.

Second phase If determined that the conditions First stage have been met:
1. Hamas will release all remaining living captives, mostly male soldiers,
2. in return for the freeing of more Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
3. Israel would initiate its “complete withdrawal” from Gaza.

Third phase Should the conditions of the Second stage be met:
1. bodies of the remaining captives will be handed over,
2. in return for a three-to five-year reconstruction plan to be conducted under international supervision.

Ball will be in Netanyahu’s court after phase one of ceasefire deal

Israeli media are saying Netanyahu is not going to address the public until the voting [on the ceasefire deal] is done and all the procedures are finished.

There is going to be an important discussion, in the security cabinet.

This is a deal that is laid out in a framework that secures a pause in the fighting but there could be a resumption of the war at the end of the first phase, and this is what far-right ministers are hoping for.

The Americans have been saying that they hope all three phases will be rolled out, but the ball will be in Benjamin Netanyahu’s court as he and his government will be deciding on the next steps on Thursday.

The Israeli public wants a ceasefire deal to bring back the captives, not to end the suffering of the Palestinian people, and this is why they have been protesting and asking for a deal, week after week.

Hamas thanks ‘support fronts’, Palestinian rights supporters

Al-Hayya pays tribute to Iran-allied groups across the region that launched attacks on Israel and opened “support fronts” to back Palestinians in Gaza, including the Houthis in Yemen and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Israel responded to Hezbollah’s attacks with an all-out war that killed the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah and thousands of fighters and civilians.

Al-Hayya also expressed gratitude to Qatar and Egypt for helping reach the ceasefire agreement as well as Turkiye, South Africa and Malaysia for showing solidarity with Palestinians.

The Hamas official added that protesters across the world helped “break the silence” about atrocities in Gaza.

From: Haaretz January 16, 2025
Hamas leader, after cease-fire deal announcement: 'Israel failed to achieve its goals in Gaza'

Hamas' acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said in a televised address on Wednesday that Israel failed to achieve its goals in Gaza, shortly after a cease-fire deal was announced.

He also vowed the Palestinian group will neither forgive nor forget.

Houthis salute 'resistance groups' in Gaza after cease-fire deal agreed to

The Houthis saluted "resistance groups" in Gaza on Wednesday following the announcement of the Gaza cease-fire deal, saying that Israel's occupation of Palestine "continues to be a threat to the stability and security of the region", according to a statement by the group's spokesman on Telegram.

Smotrich: Cease-fire/hostage deal with Hamas is 'a bad and dangerous deal'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in a statement,
"The deal that will be presented to the government is a bad and dangerous deal for the national security of the State of Israel."

"Along with the great joy and excitement of the return of each and every hostage, the deal takes back many achievements of the war in which the heroes of this nation gave their lives and will cost us, God forbid, a lot of blood,"

He said, adding "We oppose it with all force."

What has Israel achieved?

Israel was asleep at the wheel... October 7 failures

Day 468
1. Global pariah on the world stage
2. forced to negotiate with terrorists
3. Very costly, heavy losses, brutal human cost all sides
4. Hostages: 'Those Who Are Alive Sit and Rot, and the Dead Are Decaying'
5. Israel is burning and bleeding, on all fronts
6. economic toll into billions
7. ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders
8. HRF 'hunting down' Israeli soldiers abroad, for war crimes in Gaza
9. Israel licking their wounds
10. antisemitic terrorist enemies Alive and Kicking not destroyed
11. antisemitism cancer rampant, around the World including the Vatican
12. 'Israel failed to achieve its goals in Gaza'

Nasrallah, Sinwar and others -- champagne corks popping!