We have been at-sea heading for Southampton, UK,since leaving Miami on Sunday.  Before bringing you up to day on our cruise, one item regarding Donald Trump.  His re-election as president   will definitely change our relationship with the world.    His stance has always been America first. With Europe. The Ukraine War will be probably be settled, with Russia gaining some territory.  Interesting that Vladimir Putin has not yet congratulated Trump. His view about NATO is clear.  He wants every member to pay their share. His "pal," Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, will hold a summit of 50 European leaders today in Budapest, which will be our final European Christmas River Cruise stop. He identifies well with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has had good relations with Saudi Arabia.  Iran has tried to assassinate Trump, so there is a problem there. China will also see some added tariffs, and there is that Taiwan matter.  ...

You must know by now that  Iran finally responded on their revenge  for the assassination of Hamas leader  Ismail Haniyeh in Teheran on 31July2024, compounded by those pager/walkie talkie explosions and bombing death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut. Sent 180 or ballistic missiles to Israel from Iran.  Almost 90% got intercepted, but that means at least 20 succeeded.  However, no fatalities. Remember that earlier revenge strike by Iran in April for Israel bombing their militia in Syria?  More than 300 missiles, of which 99% were intercepted? I think the drop in interceptions this time was that there were only two destroyers helping the  Iron Dome , which was funded by President Barack Obama.  In April, at least one aircraft carrier helped in the defense. The question is what's next? Was that all from Iran?  Early reports indicate that was it . Will Israel retaliate?  In April, they didn't because there were no civilian deat...