Romania speaks as an observer, not a decider

Speaking at the gathering in an observer capacity, Dan reminded participants that Romania cannot be a full member of the new body as long as its Charter conflicts with Romania’s obligations as an EU member state. The president pointed out that the Board of Peace members plan to jointly impose sanctions, while Romania is legally bound by the sanctions regime decided in Brussels and cannot sign an arrangement that would breach obligations already undertaken.

He underlined that, after several days of talks with the American side, Bucharest obtained a clearly defined observer status, which allows Romania to be present at the table, to speak and support the process, without sharing legal responsibility for decisions that might contradict EU rules. In Dan’s own framing, this is the only serious way for Romania to balance its strategic partnership with Washington and its role inside the European Union.

Core message: ceasefire, Gaza and international law

Dan’s Washington speech focused on Gaza, the only topic on the agenda for this first Board of Peace meeting. Ahead of the event, he had already announced that he would use the occasion to reaffirm Romania’s firm support for international peace efforts and its openness to participating in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

In line with that promise, his Washington message stressed three key ideas:

• The fighting in Gaza must end through a political, negotiated solution that protects civilians and opens the way for reconstruction.
• Any new mechanism, including the Board of Peace, must complement the framework established by the UN Security Council resolution promoted by the US in November, not replace the UN system.
• Real peace in the region requires both credible security guarantees for Israel and a realistic political horizon for the Palestinians, in the logic of a two‑state outcome.

Dan explicitly linked Romania’s presence in Washington to the diplomatic track opened by the Security Council resolution, saying that the decision to attend is based on supporting the diplomatic process established by that resolution.

Romania’s contribution: from medical evacuations to reconstruction

The Romanian president also used his intervention to list what Bucharest has already done on the Gaza file. Romania has organised emergency medical evacuation operations for wounded civilians from Gaza and has provided humanitarian support to the population there.

Looking forward, Dan signalled that Romania is ready to contribute to post‑conflict reconstruction efforts in the Strip. He stated that Romania will go to Washington to reaffirm its strong support for international peace efforts and its willingness to participate in the reconstruction of Gaza, aiming to position the country not just as a commentator on the conflict, but as a practical contributor to rebuilding.

Repairing trust with Washington through the speech

Beyond Gaza, Dan’s Board of Peace address carried an important subtext about Romania–US relations. In interviews previewing the meeting, he admitted there had been doubts and even mistrust in the American administration after the annulled presidential runoff in December 2024, something he described as far from usual in a democracy.

He argued that Romania’s presence on the Board of Peace helps clarify, once and for all, both diplomatically and publicly, the true bilateral relationship between Romania and the United States. In essence, Dan used his appearance and speech in Washington as a stage to show that the political relationship has stabilised and that Romania remains a predictable partner despite its recent institutional turbulence.

A carefully balanced tone

Throughout his statements surrounding the speech, Nicusor Dan walked a careful line between loyalty to the United States and fidelity to the European and multilateral order. He publicly welcomed Trump’s initiative, describing the Board of Peace as an important effort toward peace, but refused to sign a Charter that could compel Romania to break EU sanctions rules.

At the same time, he grounded Romania’s participation in the authority of the UN Security Council and insisted that any new body must strengthen, not undermine, international law. Overall, his Washington speech presented Romania as an active supporter of peace in Gaza, a willing partner in reconstruction and a bridge between US leadership and European legal and political constraints.

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While specific details regarding the source or nature of the threats have not been disclosed, the Embassy’s warning serves as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in the region. The alert comes at a time when many religious communities are preparing for weekend services and gatherings, raising concerns about possible targeted attacks.

Recommended Precautions

In light of this warning, the U.S. Embassy has outlined several vital actions for citizens to consider:

1. Exercise Increased Caution: Individuals are advised to remain vigilant and avoid religious institutions during this period.
2. Maintain a Low Profile: Staying inconspicuous can help reduce the risk of attracting unwanted attention.
3. Stay Aware of Surroundings: Citizens should remain alert to their environment and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
4. Review Personal Security Plans: It is essential for individuals to reassess their safety measures and ensure they have a plan in place should an emergency arise.

Romanian Intelligence Service Contradicts the US Concerns

So far, the Romanian Intelligence Service – SRI has no information that could lead to the request to increase the terrorist alert level, but still taking into account the international security context and the religious events that are happening this weekend, the Romanian Intelligence Service, with the competent structures and together with all other structures and institutions in the national defence system, public order and national security, will obviously show increased attention to preserving the state of security in Romania.

Offiical commjunication from the Romanian Intelligence Service on the US warnings

As the weekend approaches, U.S. citizens in Romania are encouraged to heed the Embassy’s advice and prioritize their safety. The situation underscores ongoing global concerns regarding security at places of worship and the need for vigilance in protecting communities from potential threats.

Individuals are encouraged to monitor announcements from the U.S. Embassy and local authorities for further updates.

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If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.

Joe Biden on his getting our of the Presidential Race

It appears that the Lord Almighty did His Holy job and convinced Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race. On Sunday, July 21, during a full Moon in Capricorn, Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Kamara Harris to face Donald Trump.

This ends his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election.

Notable enough, this decision comes only after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies and sponsors to step aside following the June 27 debate.

Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president in 2021. If she gets the nomination from the Democrats, she will have a tough job defeating Trump, especially after the Republicans survived the assassination attempt. Also, her candidature’s late announcement will risk her election chances.

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According to reports, shots rang out from an elevated position, leading to the death of one individual and critically injuring two others. The shooter was subsequently killed by law enforcement.

Trump was grazed by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. He was quickly escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents and taken to a local hospital for observation.

Before leaving the stage, he raised his fist, telling the crowd, “FIGHT! FIGHT!”

Who Is The Shooter?

The shooter in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Crooks fired multiple shots from an elevated position, one of which grazed Trump’s ear. Secret Service snipers fatally shot him at the scene.

The motive behind Crooks’ attack remains unclear, and the FBI is actively investigating the incident.​

Immediate Response and Investigation

The Secret Service has confirmed that Trump is safe and receiving medical care. In a statement, Trump expressed his gratitude to law enforcement for their rapid response and extended condolences to the victims’ families. “Incredibly, such an act can take place in our Country,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. He assured supporters of his resilience and commitment to continue his campaign.

An elite FBI Fly Team has been dispatched to Butler to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting, which has been officially labelled an assassination attempt​.

Public and Political Reactions

Donald Trump Jr. confirmed that his father is in “great spirits” and remains committed to his campaign. “He will never stop fighting to save America, no matter what the radical left throws at him,” he told Fox News Digital​.

Also, Elon Musk posted this iconic picture on X:

As investigations continue, there is heightened security around Trump and his upcoming events. The incident has raised significant concerns about the safety of political figures and the increasing polarization and violence in the current political climate.

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According to President Zelensky, Ukrainians need two Patriot systems for Kharkiv – and much more. You can’t find Patriot systems at the supermarket. They are pretty few, challenging to produce, there are many promises, and Taiwan is also waiting for them. The big problem, the political pressure President Biden has put on Romania, in my opinion, is almost crushing. Romania’s big dilemma is that there are elections. Romania’s second dilemma is that Poland does not give Patriot. If Poland had given Patriot, it was impossible to say “no”. If Poland does not give a Patriot, it is tough to convince why you give it.

Professor Dan Dungaciu on the political pressure exerted by Joe Biden on Romania

The formal request was made in Washington this month when Romania’s President Klaus Johannis met Joe Biden. At that moment, when asked by the journalists, Johannis avoided a direct answer to whether Romania would deliver a Patriot system to Ukraine.

Politicians in Romania postponed the Supreme Council for National Defense meeting on this subject until after the elections. As Professor Dan Dungaciu mentioned, the population could feel vulnerable, impacting their voting decision.

What does Poland say? We are on the front line. If Poland does not give the Patriot, it will be much more complicated for Romania to explain why it gave it. Thirdly, remember that narratives appeared, which, in a way, lie to the world, “the Russians, if they win in Ukraine, enter NATO states, including Romania”. Whether we believe it or not, we probably don’t believe it. Still, the population looks and says, well, if Russia attacks NATO states, what are we going to defend ourselves within those two or three weeks until NATO comes after Article 5?

Professor Dan Dungaciu on the influence of the decision on voters

In the same TV show, broadcast by the national TV station B1, Dungaciu also referred to the inability of Romania’s officials to negotiate something in return.

The big problem, by the way, is what Romania could ask for; unfortunately, Romania asked for almost nothing for nothing. The performance of Romania, Romania, which failed to negotiate even entry into Schengen, will be challenging to convince the population of Romania that we will get something in return. What has Romania received in return lately?

Professor Dan Dungaciu on the inability of Romania to negotiate favorable terms

With a President more concerned about his political future, more inclined to execute suggestions coming from Washington, and with a Government focusing exclusively on June 9, the local and European election date, thus more inclined to oppose such a decision, the only functional Patriot System that Romania has could stay even longer in the country.

However, one thing is clear: Ukraine needs all the defence systems in the region combined to resist the latest counter-offensive of the Russian forces. And even all these could not suffice. In this context, Romania’s decision to deliver one Patriot System would be only a symbolic gesture to show the Biden administration that the country is the most obedient ally in NATO’s Eastern flank.

On the other hand, if Romania bends under this pressure, it could place more pressure on Poland to behave the same way.

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On Wednesday, November 15, the Romanian Army tested the Patriot missile system with live ammunition. It was supposed to be the perfect moment to show the world that the Patriot was the missile system to be used, but the exercise was very close to a disaster.

The 74th PATRIOT Regiment was to launch three PAC-2 ATM missiles at simulated aerial targets by MQM 178 Firejet and ULTRA 20 drones. But one of the three missiles missed the launch. The politicians in the stands were informed on the spot, and they ran away to avoid any explosion that could’ve occurred.

The problem with missile number 3 will be fixed; it is a minor technical problem with the control element.

Colonel Virgil Toșa, 74th PATRIOT Regiment, Romanian Army

The Romanian Army representatives tried to minimize the incident, but all labelled it “minor.” Yet, specialists say that anything can happen when military missiles fail to launch. This is why the politicians were hastily evacuated.

Romania ordered seven Patriot missile systems from the US Government in 2017, produced by the American company Raytheon. The value of the purchase was estimated at 3.9 billion dollars, excluding VAT.

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Diana Nicolaie presents a selection of eight mixed media art pieces that vividly illustrate the symbols of light – Life, Divinity, Hope, Truth, Celebration, Purity, Guidance and Knowledge. In white tones, seamlessly blend painting, structural elements and light, all enhanced by a unique olfactory experience.

In the year 2023, I’ve realized that anything is possible. After years of dedicated work, I found the courage to step into the art world, and now I have the privilege to share my vision in the city of limitless opportunities—New York. I believe I’m on the right path – My Path, The Path. It’s an honour to embark on this journey alongside an established artist, Carmen Marin, whom I deeply admire. Our distinct styles and techniques converge under the curatorial concept of Ioana Ciocan.

Diana Nicolaie, Romanian artist

Diana Nicolaie recently designed the exhibition from the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, “Bags: Inside Out,” at Art Safari Bucharest. Diana creates distinctive, monumental pieces and proper installations on canvas. Diana Nicolaie’s art is based on the play with varied shapes and textures, solid volumes and mixed techniques. The visual artist uses the play of lights and shadows as an open invitation to the viewer to enter her artistic universe.

I believe light is the unifying force that harmonizes perspectives, emotions and disparate worlds, guiding the viewer toward introspection. Light converges various viewpoints on what we feel and experience, transforming a moment, an emotion, or an image into a unique and defining encounter. My works aim to capture the artful fusion of sculpture and painting in conveying a message through light. Light remains a constant presence while we interpret images, textures, and ideas differently. The element breathes life and emotion into an image defined by shadows and colours.

Diana Nicolaie

Carmen Marin presents a collection of six paintings that adopt a surrealist approach, delving into the realms of dreams, the unconscious and the ever-evolving socio-cultural phenomena. Central themes of existentialism and postmodernism have pervaded her semi-figurative paintings since 2020. Drawing inspiration from the visual vocabulary of modernist and contemporary masters like Joan Mitchell, Georg Baselitz, or Kiki Smith, Carmen Marin approaches each canvas with an original perspective, delving into both the visual and human condition in an ongoing journey of reinvention.

Carmen Marin was involved in preparing the “Pain Memorial” exhibition in Sighet, and she got her first international recognition in 2004 when she won the Art Prize at a salon organized in Lausanne, Switzerland. She collaborated with several European art galleries in Greece, Spain, Germany, Finland, Norway, Ukraine, Italy and the USA throughout her career.

As Jean-Paul Sartre famously said, ‘Each man must invent his own way.’ Every exhibition is unique and has its poetic nature. It is up to the viewers to create their poems and leave a message behind them. We are all on a mission! I believe that the canvas surface has the potential to manifest the interconnected aspects of our perception of the world, transcending the linguistic multivocality of figuration and abstraction, organic and inorganic, self and other. Although polysemy is an essential starting point for understanding and rationalizing our realities, it is necessary to transcend the limitations of this logic. Painting is a means of achieving this goal.

Carmen Marin, Romanian artist

Ioana Ciocan is the Commissioner of Romania at the Venice Biennale and a member of the scientific council of the Cotroceni National Museum. In 2023, she was honoured with the Eisenhower Fellowship, and in 2021, President Klaus Iohannis of Romania awarded her the “Cultural Merit” Medal for “Plastic Arts.”

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He interviewed Andrew Tate in his house in Bucharest and Viktor Orban in Budapest, to name the last ones he met. And right after visiting Romania, Carlson made an awful joke about Transylvania during his speech in Budapest.

Precisely, if you don’t have time to browse the video in the X post above, he stated, addressing the Hungarian audience, that:

You’re not rolling across the border to reclaim territory you lost after the First World War. That could happen, but it’s not happening now anyway. Transylvania is safe in Romanian hands at the moment.

Tucker Carlson on Transylvania during speech in Budapest

Of course, this wouldn’t be the first or the last revisionist comment on Transylvania. But, when it comes from an international TV and internet personality like Carlson, it tends to stick longer to public consciousness.

Either way, this remark made Carlson lose good points in Romania, which is generally closer to Republican views than the American former host could conceive. And this is not something he imagined when he joked about Transylvania while delivering the speech in Hungary’s Capital city.

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The law gives the Supreme Council of Defense of the Country (CSAT) the last word regarding the authorization of projects. It excludes the Chinese company Huawei from the 5G equipment manufacturing and operating on Romanian soil. CSAT is led by the leaders who signed the strategic partnership with the USA and are very pro-American.

To be able to participate in the construction of 5G telecommunications networks in Romania, a company must meet several conditions, among which it should not be under the control of a foreign government, in the absence of an independent legal system, it has a transparent shareholder structure and no history of unethical corporate conduct, and it is subject to a legal system that imposes transparent corporate practices.

The law states that the CSAT’s compliant opinion “refers to the obligations assumed by the Romanian state within the framework of cooperation at the level of international organizations of which Romania is a part, of the European Union and bilateral strategic partnerships.” Of course, the Romanian – American is the one that stands out among these strategic partnerships the rule mentions. This is why everybody thought Chinese companies would never be able to implement their 5G technology in Romania, at least as long as the partnership with the USA is in force.

The surprise came out just recently when Romania authorized Lenovo to use the very 5G equipment Huawei is forbidden to utilize. The Government’s decision says that:

LENOVO GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HK LIMITED is granted authorization for the use of 5G infrastructure equipment, provided that the technologies, equipment or software products sold under its name or brand come from economic operators approved under Law no. 163/2021 regarding the adoption of measures related to IT and communications infrastructures of national interest and the conditions for the implementation of 5G networks.

Romanian Government’s decision of accepting Lenovo as 5G operator

Let us get this straight: Lenovo is a Chinese company, right? So, where is the explanation for all these decisions? It’s just one thing: the Americans have never said that China is the wrong way, only that Huawei is the wrong way. The Romanian journalists interpreted it as the USA forbidding Chinese companies to operate 5G networks and equipment in Romania. But they have never said that.

What was Huawei’s fault for not being accepted to participate in the 5G tender in Romania? The thing is, Lenovo, a Chinese company, is allowed to do what Huawei wasn’t. An explanation might be that Lenovo had been connected to Hong Kong, a former UK territory, which probably offered more transparency in their technological and commercial practices than Huawei, which is pure Chinese.

The reality is that, for one reason or another, the Chinese equipment is again agreed upon in Romania. The USA works in mysterious ways.

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Now, even though forbidden by international law, cluster munitions have come to public attention as the US sends them to Ukraine. The reason is that the US considers that Ukraine needs cluster munitions to defend its territory now, as the ammunition stock is depleting. The international community doesn’t agree with this view.

Not even NATO members agree regarding cluster munitions, and NATO’s Secretary General underlined on Friday, July 7, that the decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine belongs entirely to the US.

On the other hand, the US made it look like a very pondered decision. In fact, Ukraine has asked for cluster munition since the war began, so sending these controversial bombs to Ukraine is just the fulfillment of Ukraine’s request.

Understanding Cluster Munitions

Cluster munitions, also known as cluster bombs, are a type of weapon that can deliver multiple explosive submunitions over a wide area. Designed to destroy a range of targets – from infantry to armour – they are a controversial part of the modern military arsenal.

A cluster munition, often dispensed from aircraft or fired from the ground or sea, opens mid-air, releasing tens or even hundreds of submunitions. These can saturate an area of up to several football fields in size. While some argue that this gives cluster munitions a strategic advantage, it also fuels the controversy surrounding them.

Apparently, the Russian Army has used cluster bombs during this special operation, as they name it. This is why the Ukrainian Army doesn’t consider cluster bombs forbidden. They are defending their territory, and more than that, they proved not to be much concerned about the international treaties, as they recently proved regarding the issues with the Bystroye Canal scandal.

The supplying of cluster bombs to Ukraine will not cause anything else but a scaled retaliation from the Red Army. While Ukraine will start using this controversial type of munition, Russia will also feel more than entitled to increase its use. This will cause a further escalation of the conflict, which, we should understand, will take many more months or even years.

The Controversial Implications of Cluster Munitions

The controversy surrounding cluster munitions lies primarily in their impact on civilians and their lingering threat even after conflicts have ended. The broad area effect of cluster munitions makes it challenging to control their impact, leading to what many international humanitarian law experts consider an unacceptable risk of civilian casualties.

Moreover, many submunitions fail to explode upon impact, becoming de facto landmines. According to Handicap International, as many as 40% of these “duds” may not detonate on impact, posing a continued threat to civilians long after a conflict has ended.

The munitions have caused controversy over their failure – or dud – rate, meaning small unexploded bombs can linger on the ground for years and indiscriminately detonate later. This would make Ukraine a vast territory of unexploded cluster bombs, hazardous for the civilian population after or during the war.

Humanitarian Concerns over Cluster Bombs

The humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions have led to widespread calls for a comprehensive ban. The indiscriminate harm they can inflict upon civilians, coupled with the enduring post-conflict dangers, led to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) creation in 2008. This international treaty prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster munitions.

As of 2023, the Convention has been ratified by 110 countries. However, some significant military powers, including the USA, Russia, and China, have not joined the CCM. Their abstention is primarily based on the perceived military utility of cluster munitions, particularly in large-scale conventional warfare.

Critics argue that the humanitarian cost far outweighs any military advantage, pointing to the long-term suffering of civilian populations in Southeast Asia, the Balkans, and the Middle East. It’s estimated that 60% of cluster munition casualties are children, often attracted to the unexploded ‘bomblets’ because of their toy-like appearance.

Yet, we all live in a military world, as all the superpowers proved during the last decade, and this is what we all must understand. The military interest replaced the civilian good, and all decisions are taken from the military perspective rather than in the interest of all citizens.

The Case for Universal Prohibition of Cluster Bombs

While the Convention has successfully stigmatized cluster munitions, the continued abstention of key military powers presents a significant barrier to achieving a universal ban.

Efforts continue, spearheaded by non-governmental organizations, humanitarian agencies, and the United Nations, to urge these countries to ratify the Convention. For many, the only acceptable way forward is the complete and total elimination of cluster munitions, ensuring the protection of civilians during and after conflict.

The ongoing debate on cluster munitions brings into sharp focus the struggle between military strategy and humanitarian concerns. As the world grapples with these weapons’ legacy and potential future use, the necessity for a comprehensive, universal prohibition becomes increasingly apparent.

There will be disturbing news from the war after using this sort of controversial munitions, no doubt about it. We should get used to this as well.

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