Weekend intelligence: Saturday, February 22, 2025—here’s your essential briefing on defense and global affairs.
Arab Leaders Develop Gaza Plan to Counter Trump Proposal
Arab leaders convened in Saudi Arabia to devise a reconstruction plan for Gaza, countering US President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to take control of the territory and relocate its population.
While the Arab states stand united in rejecting Trump’s plan, disagreements persist over governance and funding.
Egypt is expected to present a structured initiative spanning up to five years, with phases focused on recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and political resolution.
Saudi Arabia hosted US, Russian, and Arab officials for talks on Ukraine and Gaza this week.
With its increasingly close ties to global superpowers and its self-described role as a ‘country of peace’ – was Saudi Arabia the real winner? pic.twitter.com/qYO10O2jrz
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) February 21, 2025
Financing remains a major challenge, but Arab leaders aim to reach a consensus ahead of an emergency Arab League summit.
Analysts view this as a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Saudi Arabia taking a leading role in coordinating a unified response.
Trump Fires Joint Chiefs Chairman Brown, Picks New General
US President Donald Trump fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, removing a respected leader known for his historic role and advocacy for diversity in the military.
The decision is part of a broader effort by Trump’s administration to purge military leadership perceived as supporting “woke” policies.
Brown, the second Black officer to serve as chairman, had focused on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Trump nominated retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan Caine as his replacement, despite Caine lacking the required qualifications.
BREAKING: President Trump announced Friday night that he had fired Gen. C.Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and plans to replace him with Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine. https://t.co/KLWFVUcAYi pic.twitter.com/SAu3Dzlxdc
— ABC News (@ABC) February 22, 2025
The firings of two other top officers, Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Jim Slife, signal a major shakeup at the Pentagon.
The move has sparked political backlash, with Democrats accusing Trump of politicizing the military, while some Republicans have remained silent.
Brown, who had spoken out on racial issues, faced scrutiny from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who questioned whether his promotion was based on merit or race.
The firings highlight tensions over military leadership, diversity, and the increasing politicization of the armed forces.
US Pressures Ukraine Over Minerals Deal
US negotiators have reportedly pressured Ukraine to grant access to its critical mineral resources by raising the possibility of cutting off its access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network.
Starlink is vital for Ukraine’s military operations, particularly its drone warfare and battlefield communications.
The issue surfaced after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected a US proposal demanding $500 billion in mineral wealth as repayment for American wartime aid.
U.S. Negotiators have reportedly threatened to shutoff Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s “Starlink” Satellite Internet Service, used significantly by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and Civilians, if they continue to refuse to sign the Trump Administration’s “Critical Mineral Deal.” pic.twitter.com/BYXjv7jhkV
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 22, 2025
Despite ongoing talks, tensions between Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump have escalated, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being a “dictator without elections” after the Ukrainian leader suggested Trump was influenced by Russian disinformation.
While both sides are still negotiating an agreement, a potential shutdown of Starlink remains a major concern for Ukraine’s war effort.
US Sidelines Europe in Ukraine Peace Talks
The United States has proposed a draft UN resolution on the Russia-Ukraine war that is far weaker than a competing European-backed resolution demanding Russia’s full withdrawal from Ukraine.
Timed for the war’s third anniversary, the resolutions highlight growing tensions between the US and Europe, especially as President Donald Trump’s administration engages in direct negotiations with Moscow—excluding Ukraine and European leaders.
The US draft vaguely calls for a “swift end to the conflict” without directly condemning Russia, while the EU-backed resolution explicitly demands Russia’s immediate and unconditional withdrawal.
Russia has welcomed the softer US stance, even suggesting amendments to further dilute the language.
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, falsely blaming him for starting the war and pressuring him to negotiate quickly.
The UN General Assembly’s vote on the resolutions, though nonbinding, will serve as a global litmus test for international support on the issue.
Sources: News Agencies, Reuters