Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
Chuck Holton is an American war correspondent, published author, and motivational speaker.
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South Korea’s Martial Law Drama: What Happened and Why It Matters

South Korea just had a wild 24 hours. President Yoon Suk Yeol dropped a martial law bombshell late Tuesday night, something the country hasn’t seen since it democratized in the 1980s. Imagine the shock: suddenly, the military is in charge, political activities are banned, labor strikes shut down, and the media muzzled. Oh, and if you stepped out of line? Arrest without a warrant.

But here’s the twist—before the ink on that declaration dried, the opposition-controlled National Assembly pulled the rug out from under him. They voted to overturn the martial law order almost immediately, and by Wednesday morning, Yoon had to lift it. Now, the opposition is calling for his resignation and even floating the idea of impeachment.

What sparked this chaos? Yoon claimed it was about cracking down on “antistate” and pro-North Korean elements inside South Korea. But let’s be real—it’s more likely tied to the fact that the liberal opposition has been on a tear lately, taking control of the legislature and going after his cabinet. It feels like a high-stakes chess match, and Yoon just tried to flip the board.

Of course, thousands of people flooded the streets overnight, surrounding the National Assembly to protest. Military police were out in force, but thankfully, no violence broke out.

Here’s why this matters. South Korea isn’t just any country—it’s the world’s 14th-largest economy and a key U.S. ally in Asia. Moves like this send shockwaves, not just at home but internationally. Yoon, who’s been in office since May 2022, is a conservative leader trying to hold his ground, but this martial law gambit might have just backfired big time.

What’s next? We’ll see if the opposition can actually force him out, but either way, this is a massive test for South Korea’s democracy—and a reminder that even stable countries can hit some serious turbulence.

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Watch: Biblical Red Heifer ritual comes to life

in a rehearsal ceremony, A red heifer raised in Israel was disqualified for sacrifice after two black hairs were found on its body. It was used in a practice burning ceremony for priests.

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Pray for Texas Flood Victims

Wow.

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Free Burma Rangers Under Fire

WARNING: This video contains graphic material.
The Free Burma Rangers charged into the line of fire to extract the wounded from the frontlines in Burma during the ongoing war for freedom.
One of their own, Ranger Benedict To, was killed in the line of duty as he worked to get those who were wounded out of harms way.

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Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce
Travel to Armenia with Chuck Holton

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Armenia. Explore ancient Christian sites, breathtaking mountains, and the resilient spirit of the Armenian people, guided by Chuck Holton and his family. Perfect for couples, Christian adventurers, photographers & drone lovers. $2700 per person – limited spots available! Link to application and details here, https://www.holtonnews.com/armenia-tour/

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Looking to Adopt?

Two sweet dogs were left on Chuck’s property and we’re hoping to find them a loving home. They’re both friendly and healthy—the black one is a sweet little female and the brown one is a gentle male.

If you’re on the East Coast or near southern West Virginia and would like to adopt them, please email [email protected] to coordinate pickup.

Let’s find these two a good home.

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The national library of Israel

A hot zone viewer named Rachael works at the national library of Israel and invited me for a tour today. Fascinating! Thank you, Rachel!

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Blood Sea:
 Why the Houthis Just Sank Two Ships

 

This week, the Houthis took their war to a whole new level—sinking two commercial ships in the Red Sea in just a matter of days. First, the Magic Seas was hit and went down. Then came the Eternity C, boarded by armed Houthi fighters who planted explosives on the hull and detonated them. The shocking video released by the group shows militants moving through the ship, firing weapons into walls and windows. Most of the crew is still unaccounted for.

So why now?

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Ceasefire Illusions and the Battle for Real Peace in the Middle East

By Chuck Holton
Reporting from Jerusalem, Israel

Another Strike Looms: Israel Eyes Fordow, Again

As tensions simmer just beneath the surface in the Middle East, the illusion of ceasefires continues to dominate headlines. But from the ground here in Jerusalem, the reality is far different. Israel appears to be preparing for another potential strike on Iran—particularly the Fordow nuclear facility—amid concerns that time is running out to neutralize the threat of uranium enrichment. Israeli leadership is not waiting for diplomatic ceremonies. They’ve made it clear: the truce was conditional, and they reserve the right to act if Iran continues to endanger Israeli security.

That resolve was evident in Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he met twice with President Trump. Despite public speculation, it’s clear Netanyahu was not simply seeking peace talks. He emphasized the necessity of "finishing the job in Gaza" and praised America’s support—particularly the determination of U.S. B2 bomber pilots—as instrumental in reshaping the conflict.


Houthi Menace: Political Theater with Real Victims

Meanwhile, in a display of violence as propaganda, the Iranian-backed Houthis released another highly-produced video showing the sinking of commercial vessels like the Magic Seas—Greek-flagged, Liberian-registered, and completely unaffiliated with Israel. These attacks aren’t strategic; they’re sensational. Poorly trained operatives parading around as commandos show that the goal isn’t military victory but media relevance.

The real tragedy? Innocent seafarers becoming casualties in a conflict they never signed up for. And with every new attack, the narrative of peace grows thinner.


The Ceasefire Charade

Despite high-level efforts—most notably by President Trump—to broker ceasefires across the region, the facts on the ground reveal continued hostilities:

  • In Lebanon, Israeli forces are conducting daily drone strikes and eliminating Hezbollah leadership.

  • In Syria, IDF troops continue operations, targeting Iranian militias and weapons depots.

  • In Iran, mysterious explosions still rock military sites and infrastructure, hinting at covert operations.

  • In Gaza, heavy IDF activity persists as troops push deeper into urban strongholds like Beit Hanoun and Khan Yunis.

These are not signs of peace. These are signs of a nation that understands its survival depends on vigilance.


The Gaza Dilemma: Feeding the War Machine?

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has now distributed over 65 million meals to civilians in Gaza—funded in large part by U.S. taxpayers. But while the aid is vital for many, it raises a vital question: at what cost?

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Facts, Not Feelings

“Why Don’t You Talk About the Deaths in Gaza?”

That question came up—again. And here’s my answer: I do talk about it, just not in the way people want me to. If your side orchestrates an atrocity like October 7th, you don’t get to demand that the world ignore your consequences. Self-defense isn’t genocide.

Do civilians die in war? Of course—and every loss is tragic. But according to third-party data, the civilian-to-combatant ratio in Gaza is one of the lowest in modern warfare. Lower than in Iraq or Afghanistan. Lower than in Yemen. Lower even than Israel’s last major operations.

And no, Gaza isn’t being depopulated. In fact, population numbers show there are more people in Gaza today than at the war’s start. For a so-called genocide, that’s one remarkably inefficient campaign.


Crossing Borders and Cultures

Joining me in Israel is my good friend Oscar Blue Ramirez, who experienced firsthand what real border security looks like. After flying into Jordan, he spent over nine hours just trying to cross into Israel. From chaos on the Jordanian side to four-hour inspections on the Israeli end, Oscar came through sunburned, smoked out, and very much enlightened.

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