dn2026-0512-es

This episode of Democracy Now! covers a series of escalating international and domestic crises, beginning with heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump condemning Iran's proposal as 'garbage' and warning of a critical situation. The episode details Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, including civilian casualties, violations of ceasefire agreements, and obstruction of UN peacekeeping forces. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian man during a raid, while settlers forced a family to exhume and reburial a deceased relative, raising concerns over illegal settlements. The European Union imposed sanctions on Israeli colonels and Hamas leaders, while also targeting Russian officials for the forced transfer of Ukrainian children. In New York, activists protested a real estate fair promoting sales of land in occupied Palestinian territories, calling it a violation of international law. Domestically, the U.S. faces political turmoil: Republican efforts to suspend fuel taxes, a controversial Trump-era ballroom project with environmental and ethical concerns, and a Supreme Court decision affecting voting rights in Virginia. Meanwhile, Trump prepares for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping, accompanied by billionaire executives, amid discussions on trade, AI, and arms sales. In Haiti, the government postponed elections due to instability, and in the Philippines, Senator Ronald de la Rosa fled arrest, facing ICC charges for alleged crimes against humanity during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. Sara Duterte faces impeachment, though her removal appears unlikely due to Senate control by her allies.