Trump's Board of Peace Meets Amid Gaza Tensions, While Olympics See Shock Upset in Speed Skating

In a week marked by international diplomacy and athletic competition, two major events unfolded on Thursday, captivating global attention. In Washington, US President Donald Trump's ad-hoc Board of Peace met to discuss a proposed multinational force in postwar Gaza, while in Milan, American speed skater Jordan Stolz's bid for four gold medals came to an end in the 1500m event.

The Board of Peace, a committee stacked with autocrats and right-wing allies, gathered in Washington to discuss Trump's vision for ending the conflict and rebuilding Gaza as a "riviera." The US plan, which would require the full disarmament of Hamas and support from Israel, proposes a multinational force comprising troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Morocco. However, expectations for the committee's success are tempered, given the complexities of the conflict and the challenges of securing international cooperation.

As reported by The Guardian, the US plan would also involve billions of dollars in funding, which Trump has vowed to secure. However, the details of the plan remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether the proposed force would be able to achieve its goals. The meeting of the Board of Peace has been met with heavy international scrutiny, with many questioning the committee's composition and the feasibility of its proposals.

Meanwhile, in Milan, American speed skater Jordan Stolz saw his bid for four gold medals crumble in the 1500m event. Stolz, who had been hoping for a clean sweep in the Winter Games, skated fast enough to win the gold at any other Olympics, but ultimately settled for silver in a time of 1:42.75. The 21-year-old American had previously set Olympic records in the 1000m and 500m events, but was foiled by Chinese skater Ning Zhongyan, who set a new Olympic record in the 1500m.

Stolz's performance was impressive, nonetheless, and he remains one of the top contenders in the speed skating events. His bid for four gold medals would have made him only the second American to achieve such a feat in any sport at a single Winter Games. Despite the setback, Stolz's achievements have been hailed as a major success for American speed skating.

In contrast to the athletic competition in Milan, the meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington has been marked by controversy and skepticism. The committee's composition, which includes autocrats and right-wing allies, has raised concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of its proposals. As the international community watches the developments in Gaza and the Middle East, it remains to be seen whether Trump's Board of Peace will be able to deliver on its vision for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

As the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of the Board of Peace's deliberations, the Olympics continue to captivate audiences with thrilling competitions and record-breaking performances. While Stolz's bid for four gold medals may have come to an end, the American speed skater has undoubtedly made his mark on the Winter Games.