//The Wire//1800Z April 5, 2024//

//ROUTINE//

//BLUF: EARTHQUAKE STRIKES NEW JERSEY. SECSTATE BLINKEN SAYS UKRAINE WILL JOIN NATO.//

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-International Events-

Belgium: During the NATO summit in Brussels, U.S. SECSTATE Blinken stated definitively that Ukraine will join NATO. AC: A timeline for this event was not given, but considering the implications of such actions, concerns abound as to what will transpire when this does happen.

-HomeFront-

New Jersey: A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the vicinity of Lebanon. AC: As this is the strongest earthquake to hit New Jersey since 1884, substantial civil disruptions were reported. Damage reports have so far been minimal, but 911 call centers became overloaded as citizens called to report the earthquake. Ground stops were also reported at the following airports as crews inspected runways for damage:

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

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Analyst Comments: Even though Ukraine joining NATO would be the absolute worst military option (reinforcing a defeat and taking on the responsibility of defending a nation that could not defend itself) this course of action was inevitable due to the deep financial incentives of the United States. Though many Americans believe that such an action would immediately result in WWIII, how this will work in practice is unknown. Absolutely zero NATO members are anywhere near combat ready for this situation; and 100% of the warmongering individuals are only doing so to the point of financial benefit, almost certainly not really desiring a true conflict. However, this is obviously a very dangerous game, one which most world diplomats are not equipped to play.

Analyst: S2A1

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