Spin Watch (8/26/25)

US envoy Tom Barrack says Israel and Syria are not close to a security deal, contradicting a report that a preliminary agreement is possible by the end of September.

The language in this article subtly frames the concept of a “security deal” as a marker of progress, possibly suggesting that such an agreement would represent a legitimate advancement in peace relations. However, this can be a structural breakdown, as it may imply that the potential coercion or force used by either party to reach such a deal is somehow justified. The contradiction between the US envoy’s statement and the report also reveals an attempt to control the narrative around the Israel-Syria relationship, potentially obscuring the realities of the situation.

Moreover, the use of the term “envoy” contributes to the legitimization of the US’s role in these negotiations. This could be a euphemistic way to gloss over the US’s influence or interference in foreign affairs, suggesting a benign or even benevolent role rather than a powerful actor shaping international relations to its own ends.

Original Article


Trump also stated that he does not want to focus on defense only. “I don’t want to be defense only,” the President said. “We want offense too.”

The language used here frames the idea of “defense” and “offense” as equal parts of a strategy, potentially normalizing the use of aggressive action in international relations. This can disguise the reality of violence or coercion that “offense” might entail, presenting it as a reasonable part of governance. Furthermore, the implication that such actions can proceed without congressional approval implies a legitimacy that lacks structural grounding, as it bypasses the checks and balances system inherent to democratic governance.

Additionally, the quote “We’re just going to do it. I’m sure Congress will go along if we need that.” reveals a contradiction between the stated democratic values of the US and the observable actions of its President. It suggests an expectation of Congressional compliance rather than cooperation, subtly undermining the idea of separation of powers and democratic decision-making.

Original Article


A series of messages projected behind the band accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and condemned the United States for its support for Israel’s military. The messages concluded with a small phrase on top of a larger one: “F-k Israel. Free Palestine.”

In this article, the use of the term “accused” frames the band’s projection of messages as mere allegations, potentially undermining the seriousness of the claims made. This can be seen as a structural breakdown where the narrative is subtly controlled to favor a certain perspective, in this case, the legitimacy of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The euphemistic language of “support” for Israel’s military by the United States could also be misleading, as it avoids directly addressing the nature and consequences of this support.

Moreover, the band being barred from performing at Hungary’s Sziget Festival earlier can be seen as an attempt to suppress speech. This raises questions about the legitimacy of the structures that allow such suppression, particularly in a context where freedom of expression is supposedly valued.

Original Article


“What is happening in the Gaza Strip is not war. This is genocide. It is not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It is a war between a trained military against women and children. What is happening in the Gaza Strip against the Palestinian people has not happened at almost any other time in history. In fact, it only happened once; when Hitler decided to kill the Jews,” the Brazilian President charged.

The Brazilian President’s comments highlight a significant contradiction between the observable violence in the Gaza Strip and the language often used to describe it. By labelling the situation as a “genocide” rather than a “war”, he challenges the euphemistic language that often sanitizes the reality of the situation. The comparison to Hitler’s actions during the Holocaust further emphasizes the severity of the situation, contradicting narratives that frame the violence as part of a legitimate security strategy.

The subsequent diplomatic fallout reveals a structural breakdown, as it presents the reprimanding of the Brazilian Ambassador and the labeling of the Brazilian President as persona non grata as legitimate responses, potentially suppressing critical dialogue about the situation in Gaza. The stark contrast between the current and former Brazilian President’s relations with Israel further highlights the influence of political narratives in shaping international relations.

Original Article


During a recent visit to Israel, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack, accompanied by Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus, conveyed optimism that progress could be made.

The language used in this article suggests that the U.S. Special Envoy’s optimism about progress represents a legitimate and objective assessment of the situation. However, this could be a structural breakdown, as it may serve to legitimize the U.S.’s involvement in the negotiations without critically examining their motivations or influence. The framing of the negotiations as addressing the “security and humanitarian concerns” of Syria’s Druze population could also be seen as euphemistic, avoiding a direct discussion of the violence and conflict that have led to these concerns.

Furthermore, the article does not address who is responsible for the “recent waves of violence” against the Druze population. This omission can be seen as a structural breakdown, as it avoids attributing accountability and potentially obscures the reality of the situation.

Original Article


A monumental dam excavated in the Siloam Pool in the City of David National Park has now been dated in a joint study by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Weizmann Institute of Science to the reign of the kings of Judah, Joash or Amaziah. Its construction may have been a creative solution to the climate crisis, about 2,800 years ago, according to the researchers.

The article’s language frames the findings as a remarkable testament to the historical power and sophistication of the city of Jerusalem. However, this could be seen as a structural breakdown as it implicitly legitimizes current claims to the city based on historical precedents, potentially obscuring ongoing conflicts and disputes over the city’s status. The use of the term “creative solution to the climate crisis” could be seen as euphemistic, avoiding a direct discussion of the potential coercion or force used to construct such a massive project.

Moreover, the celebration of the dam as “tangible evidence of the strength of the Kingdom of Judah” reveals a contradiction between the narrative of a powerful, united kingdom and the observable reality of a region marked by division and conflict. This narrative may serve to legitimize current claims to power without grounding them in the complex realities of the present situation.

Original Article