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Evening Brief: Waltz Confirmed as Ambassador to UN, Kirk Memorial is Tomorrow, Poland Scrambles Fighter Jets

BY Guy D. McCardle

From Waltz’s bruising confirmation to the U.N., to a nation preparing for Charlie Kirk’s massive memorial, Polish jets scrambling against Russian strikes, and Qatar freezing mediation after an Israeli hit in Doha, the world feels like it’s moving from one crisis stage to the next without pause. Welcome to SOFREP’s Saturday Evening Brief for September 20, 2025.

A Polish Air Force F-16 takes flight. Image Credit: United States Air Force

Mike Waltz Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations

On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mike Waltz as United States Ambassador to the United Nations after a 47-43 vote. Most Republicans supported him, along with three Democrats — Mark Kelly, Jeanne Shaheen, and John Fetterman. Senator Rand Paul was the sole Republican to oppose. 

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Waltz’s nomination was first announced on May 1, 2025, the same day he was removed as National Security Adviser under President Donald Trump.  His departure stemmed from controversy over a security breach: Waltz had inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to a Signal messaging group involving top U.S. officials which was discussing military operations in Yemen. Waltz has denied that any classified information was shared. 

His confirmation process was delayed by procedural hurdles and opposition — in particular from Senate Democrats. The nomination was advanced by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after a contentious hearing on July 15, 2025, during which Waltz highlighted his agenda for reforming the U.N. and aligning U.S. diplomatic engagement more closely with U.S. national interests. 

Importantly, while Waltz has been confirmed as the U.S. permanent representative to the U.N. Security Council, his formal designation as U.S. representative to the U.N. General Assembly was not voted on, due to objections from Democrats. 

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Waltz, a former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, served multiple combat tours. He was elected to Congress for several terms representing Florida before being appointed national security adviser on January 20, 2025. 

 

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Memorial Set for Charlie Kirk as Nation Watches

A public memorial service for Charlie Kirk is set for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Turning Point USA, the conservative organization Kirk founded, is organizing the event.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities have charged Tyler James Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder and several related counts; prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

The speaker roster for the memorial includes many prominent conservative figures: President Donald Trump; Vice President J.D. Vance; Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who has recently taken on leadership roles at TPUSA; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth; Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard; Donald Trump Jr.; Tucker Carlson; White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles; Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller; and other high-profile conservative voices.

Security measures have been escalated. The Department of Homeland Security has classified the service as a SEAR Level-1 event due to its national significance and the expectation of high-profile attendance. Local law enforcement, the Secret Service, and federal agencies are preparing extensive operations.

As for capacity, State Farm Stadium can seat around 73,000 people, and it is among the largest NFL stadiums in the country. Additional details on overflow seating or adjoining outdoor venues have not been confirmed in reliable sources.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Stadium and venue rules will apply: dress in “Sunday best” with red, white, or blue encouraged; stations will enforce no-bag policies and strict screening. Doors open in the morning; program details say the memorial will begin late morning or midday.

 

Poland Scrambles Jets as Russia Launches Attack on Western Ukraine

Early on September 20, 2025, Poland deployed military aircraft in response to a wave of Russian strikes targeting western Ukraine close to its border. The move, announced by Poland’s operational military command, was a precaution aimed at protecting Polish airspace amid the escalation.

The Polish forces, together with allied aircraft, were scrambled inside Polish airspace. Ground-based air defense units and radar systems were placed at maximum readiness. Authorities described the action as “preventive,” intended to secure airspace adjacent to the region under threat. The operation began around 03:40 GMT and concluded roughly at 05:00 GMT when the Russian strikes subsided.

Russia’s assault included a large number of drones, missiles, and cruise missiles striking multiple regions of Ukraine. These attacks triggered widespread air raid alerts across western Ukraine.

Poland emphasized that there were no confirmed violations of its airspace during the incident. While jets flew in defensive posture near the border, authorities reported that no Russian aircraft actually crossed into Polish territory during the scrambling.

The Russian incursions were part of a pattern of provocations in NATO’s eastern flank. The day before, three Russian MiG-31s were reported to have entered Estonian airspace for several minutes, in a breach that drew strong concern from NATO members.

Qatar Demands Accountability After Doha Strike Before Resuming Mediation

A new diplomatic standoff is unfolding: Qatar is demanding that Israel make amends for an early-September airstrike in Doha before Doha will resume its role as mediator in the Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations. The strike, carried out on September 9, 2025, targeted a compound in the Leqtaifiya district of Doha that housed Hamas operatives. It killed six people, including five Hamas members (one reportedly lower level) and a Qatari security officer.

Qatar’s leadership has condemned the strike in strong language. They’re describing it as a violation of sovereignty and a breach of the norms by which Doha has long mediated talks between Hamas and Israel. The Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry have demanded that Israel offer a formal apology, compensate the family of the Qatari officer killed, and guarantee no future strikes on Qatari territory. These demands are now being discussed in Washington among U.S. envoys and in Israeli-Qatari channels.

Israel has defended the strike as part of its ongoing campaign against Hamas leadership, arguing the compound in Doha was being used for coordinating activities against Israel. It has not publicly agreed to apologize or accept all of Qatar’s conditions. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have expressed concern that without Qatar’s continued participation as mediator, any progress on ceasefire or hostage exchange efforts will be much harder to achieve. Doha has paused or downgraded its mediation role in recent days, citing the strike as a key reason.

What is clear: the casualty count is confirmed in multiple outlets, the strike has shaken diplomatic trust, and Qatar’s demands are centered on official acknowledgement, compensation for the Qatari officer killed, and assurances about respect for sovereignty. Some earlier accounts overstated or speculated that Qatar had completely withdrawn from mediation; current reporting says its role is “paused” or under serious strain but not entirely abandoned. Also, no source confirms that all senior Hamas leaders were killed or that the mediation framework is fully broken beyond repair.

This moment may mark a turning point. If Israel agrees to Doha’s stipulations, mediation between Israel and Hamas may resume with Qatar at the table—restoring a key channel for negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release. If not, the diplomatic breach may further isolate Israel and leave a negotiation vacuum at a time when regional pressure to resolve the Gaza conflict is mounting.

 

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