Aung San Suu Kyi's imprisonment Location Unknown

 

The military dictatorship announced that Aung San Suu Kyi was relocated. Suu Kyi was in  prison, but was moved to the status of being under house arrest. Her location has not been made public.  The justification was that a heatwave could threaten the health of elderly prisoners. While it is dubious the military regime is concerned about human rights, other factors were considered. If Aung San Suu Kyi were to get ill the regime would be blamed. The condition of the prison and the medical staff are not documented. Reports of Aung San Suu Kyi's health suggest she is suffering from a number of conditions. What little information has been released is that she was dealing with  vomiting, dizziness, and possible gum disease. The 78 year old politician and activist has been denied medical treatment. If Aung San Suu Kyi dies in detention, the military will have made a martyr. This will only cause resistance to grow against the regime. The civil war the Myanmar is facing could intensify. Based on her current prison sentence, Suu Kyi's prison sentence is 27 years, when means that she would be more than 100 years old when released. The junta intends to have her perish in detention. The other possible plan is to keep her imprisoned until her political influence wanes. Aung San Suu Kyi is not the only one imprisoned. Citizens and political figures are being incarcerated for rejecting the military dictatorship. Aung San Suu Kyi's treatment reveals that Myanmar is transforming into an authoritarian police state. 

O.J. Simpson Verdict (1995)

 

The O.J. Simpson trial captivated the American public. Media sensationalism prior and after the trial reached fanatic heights. O.J. Simpson was accused of the murder of Nicole Brown. His second wife was a victim of domestic violence. The athlete, actor, and sports broadcaster became infamous with the trial. This highlighted racial divisions in the United States. The Los Angeles Police Department's racism interfered with the murder case. That was used to discredit the prosecution. The media's racism depicted O.J. as an animal, who terrorized an innocent white woman. This racist trope was common in Reconstruction era America, but got a late 20th century update. So much focus on Nicole Brown, the media seemed to forget that Ron Goldman was murdered. The prosecution could not prove that O.J. Simpson murdered them and he was found not guilty. While most could deduce that O.J. was the culprit, the arguments were not persuasive enough to convince a jury. The verdict in many ways was vengeance for the Rodney King incident in 1992. King was beaten by a group of police officers and they were not charged. Criminal justice in America has either been biased or used to impose a racial caste system. The O.J. Simpson verdict demonstrated the favoritism that the famous and powerful get in a court of law. White rage about the verdict was a projection of racial animosity, rather than a concern about criminal justice. America lives in the illusion of a fair legal system. The O.J. Simpson trial will remain of interest to scholars of  jurisprudence and criminology.    

Iran Strikes Israel

 

When Israel attacked the Iranian embassy in Syria, this induced a military strike. Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel. The fear is that a wider regional war will take place. Israel's war on Gaza has generated much anger in the Middle East. To a degree Israel was in a state of war with Iran since the early 2000s. Israel has assassinated a number of Iranians. The targets tend to be scientists and generals. The most recent assassination was of General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. A possible Israel-Iran War would certainly draw in major world powers. If left unchecked the US-EU bloc would come to Israel's aid to oppose Iran. That would trigger a response from Russia and China. The trepidation present in foreign policy circles is a third World War. Conditions at the moment are not so dire that mass global conflict could occur. If support for Israel's expansion continues it will make a global war possible. The strike by Iran did not devastate Israel. What it did was to show that Israel is not invincible. Israel is at war with Syria, Hezbollah, Houthi rebels, Hamas, and Iran. Israel's disregard for civilian life can no longer be hidden. The attack of the Iranian consulate in Damascus left 13 people dead. Iran's military strike was designed to be an act of retaliation. Israel has been doing drone strikes and raid on Iran since 2018. Iran has not attacked Israel on its own soil. Asymmetric warfare through Lebanon and Syria was a method of fight a powerful IDF.As long as the conflict continues in Gaza, Israel will be come isolated. Zionism and Islamism are dividing West Asia. Both Iran and Israel are theocratic states. Israel just has the structures of liberal democracy, but in practice has morphed into an ethnostate. Israel wants to eliminate Iran to remove a regional competitor. This explains why Israel does not want to see Iran with nuclear weapons. Israel would not enjoy being the most powerful country in West Asia. Overtime, Iran will do more strikes in response to Israeli aggression.     

Zimbabwe's New Currency

 

Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency. The Zimbabwe Gold was introduced on April 5th. The motivation is to stop inflation and move away from the US dollar. This also is a way to circumvent sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States of America. Zimbabwe's condition would improve if there were no attempts at economic warfare. The ZiG as it is known was not the first attempt at a new currency. Six attempts have been made since 2008. The gold currency might have a better chance of survival. Gold is still valuable and having a currency backed by it could  generate trust in the public. The majority of transactions continue to be done in US dollars. The difference now is that Zimbabwe according to its central bank has 2,1 tons of gold. Zimbabwe also contains diamonds. Natural resources are the key to economic stability and development. Getting membership to the New Development Bank could provide further solutions to economic challenges. Further changes have to be made if the multi-currency system is to be discarded. The 2019 ban on foreign currencies as legal tender was designed to challenge foreign influence in Zimbabwe's economic policy. Global market inflation forced Zimbabwe to reverse the policy in 2022. Zimbabwe has been under US sanctions since 2003. The European Council has renewed restrictive measures against Zimbabwe. the claim is that it is a mere arms embargo, but most EU countries do not want to do business with Zimbabwe. The direct development cooperation ceased and that directly effects the people of Zimbabwe. When a country is blacklisted by sanctions this makes other countries hesitant to invest. They fear retaliation from other powers. The world is gradually moving into an era of de-dollarization and Zimbabwe sees this as an opportunity. If the Zimbabwe Gold is successful other African nations might try to replicate a similar economy policy. 

The Attempts To Ban Tik Tok

 

Governments are attempting to ban Tik Tok . The popular social media platform has been accused of disinformation and being a national security risk. These claims are being made based on anti-China sentiment. A number of countries are attempting to ban the application based on a xenophobic nationalism. The European Union has made a ban on Tik Tok to apply to staff devices. This applies to the European Parliament, European Commission, and and EU Council. The measure is unnecessary considering the only application that should be used in offices are for work , not entertainment. France, Canada, Belgium, Pakistan, Nepal, and Australia have adopted similar policies. The US motivation for the ban is because it does not want Chinese competition in the technology sector and wants censorship. Video sharing applications expose concerns that are not discussed by the mainstream media or government. While it is used mostly for frivolous purposes, videos show abuses. Israel's human rights violations and war crimes in Gaza have been exposed on various platforms. The Tik Tok ban is a test to introduce censorship on multiple platforms. The public would never accept this, so false justifications are made. Disinformation, preventing public disturbance, and national security are the common arguments. Intelligence agencies and law enforcement have a good amount of resources to deal with matters of espionage. This is not about protect, rather undermining press and free speech. Afghanistan also imposed a ban on Tik Tok on the basis it was protecting the youth. Governments both authoritarian and democratic want to prevent the public from having independent thought. More social media platforms and video sharing sites could be a target of censorship.     

Niger Seeks To Remove Foreign Military Bases

 

Niger is taking a different path in regards to its foreign and domestic policy. The military government wants to remove foreign military bases from the country.  The government has ordered the US and France to move its soldiers out of the country. France was the main country that has maintained influence in Niger since its independence in 1960. France maintained an estimated 1,500 troops in Niger. The United States of America has a total 1,100. This means that 2,600 foreign soldiers are active in Niger. Italy and the European Union have a smaller force in the Sahel nation. the justification for this is to provide support to Niger fighting terrorist organizations active in the region. The European presence is not reducing terrorism, rather it escalates violence. The ineffective methods of drones and targeted bombings extends warfare. Africa does not need assistance fighting wars. African nations have experience fighting insurgencies, civil wars, and insurrections. Algeria, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad,  Nigeria, Burundi, and Rwanda have fought conflicts like this. Uganda overtime was able to limit the Lord's Resistance Army's ability to conduct military operations. It remains unknown what military leader Abdourahamane Tchiani will do to remove terrorist organizations or deal with the fallout from destabilization in North Africa. Either the military  junta will seek an anti-neocolonial position or be another authoritarian regime. The military dictatorships of the past were products of Cold War foreign policy. Support for them was as a means of France and the UK to maintain control of their former colonies. Niger is undergoing a major foreign policy shift away from France and the US.   

Togo Prepares To Get A New Constitution

 

Togo is set to get another constitution. The 1992 constitution has been in place with revisions made in 2007. The controversy about a new constitution is that it might expand the powers of the presidency. It also empowers the parliament to elect the president directly. The political opposition claims this is an attempt to extend President Faure Gnassingbe's rule. Many African heads of state have used new constitutions to either extend term limits or abolish them completely. Lawmakers in Togo passed this measure and President Gnassingbe will give approval to it. What the government looks like is one in transition to a parliamentary system . That would mean Faure Gnassingbe would be more of a prime minister. The actual motivation is to make him president for life. The term limits are extended to six years. Under these conditions, Gnassingbe would be in power to 2031. His father passed away in office and Faure will not simply retire from Togolese politics. Modern dynasties are found in Syria, North Korea, Azerbaijan, and formerly Gabon. These governments are not hereditary monarchies, but the office of head of state is inherited. The Bongos of Gabon fell because the population could no longer tolerate their rule. Ultimately, it was the military that ended their regime. President Faure Gnassingbe was cognizant of the possible desire to have is administration removed. Under the new constitution it would allow him to undermine opposition and further expand the powers of the executive branch. As long as the Union for the Republic Party has most of the seats in the National Assembly, the president will have no serious threat. Togo with the new constitution indirectly encourages rule of decree.   

Terrorist Attack In Moscow

 

Russia has experienced a terrorist attack. Reports state that the culprits are connected to ISIS. The Russian government has reported that 137 people were killed in the attack. The Crocus City Hall concert venue was the target of the culprits. The four gunmen have been arrested and are on trial. President Putin when addressing the Russian Federation asserted that the gunmen were trying to flee to Ukraine. There is not enough information to know the exact plans of the terrorists. Making a connection to Ukraine would be premature. Ukraine has conducted strikes into Russian territory. This has been done with missiles and drones. The only reason that ISIS would attack Russia is due to its support of Syria. The reason ISIS and other terrorist organizations could not takeover was due to Russian intervention in the country. The suspects are from Tajikistan. The Central Asian countries have been fighting terrorist organizations for decades. The reason people join them is due to the anger at authoritarian regimes in the region. More people are being detained which has reached a total of 11 suspects. This might indicate a wider criminal conspiracy and possible interference from other countries. The US claims it shared information of a possible attack with Russia. This seems uncharacteristic of the US. due to the fact relations have been poor since 2014.The sanctions were designed to harm the Russian population, not its government. The EU using terrorist organizations to destabilize a country remains policy. This occurred in both Syria and Libya. The process could be replicated in Russia. At the moment this would be mere speculation. The FSB 's investigation is ongoing.    

The Nuclear Energy Summit

 

The Nuclear Energy Summit has opened in Brussels. The summit is the first of its kind seeking to expand nuclear power. Europe was for a time focusing on the expansion of renewable energy. This comes as a reversal of policies that were proposed a decade ago. Demonstrations against the summit expressed concerns from environmentalists. Nuclear power does produce waste, which must be stored in other areas. Unless there is a serious discussion about fusion reactors, the summit will not be effective. Nuclear fusion reactors could generate power and reduce waste. Environmentalists note that more nuclear reactors will not protect the climate. The expansion of nuclear power plants is about energy independence for Europe. The Russia-Ukraine War made EU countries realize how vital this is. Another aspect is that nuclear energy business sector wants to remain relevant. Solar, hydropower,  and wind power technology could get much cheaper, which means it would be more difficult for nuclear to compete. The move away from nuclear power was sparked by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.According to IAEA nuclear energy accounts for less than 10 % of global energy generation. France remains the leader in nuclear energy. An estimated 66.66 % accounts for its energy generation. A total of 30 countries are attending the summit in Belgium. The proposals are designed to phase out fossil fuels, which using nuclear energy as a substitute. The objective is to triple nuclear energy. This is dependent on the amount of uranium available. Countries such as Kazakhstan, Canada, and Namibia are going to have more importance to the nuclear energy industry. Those countries have uranium mines, but it is not clear if the can keep up with a surge in demand. The goal is to reduce emissions by 2050 , but certain factors could prevent this summit target. The Nuclear Energy Summit has been controversial with activists concern about negative effects to public health and the environment.    

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez's Criminal Conviction

 

Juan Orlando Hernandez has been convicted in a New York criminal drug trafficking trial. Hernandez is not the first Latin American leader to be subject to a US court. Manuel Noriega the military dictator of Panama  was deposed by the United States and imprisoned. Hernandez's circumstances follow a similar pattern. The former president faces up to 40 years in prison. The contradiction is that Juan Orlando Hernandez was considered an ally of the US in their war on drugs. The new York trial only exposes that the United States uses the excuse of gang violence and the war on drugs to control Central America. The US will never go after those who are connected to drug trafficking in the region. The CIA has profited directly from its involvement in the illegal drug trade. The trial demonstrates a violation of Honduras' national sovereignty. If Juan Orlando Hernandez committed most of his crimes in Honduras that is where he should face justice. Since the US backed coup in 2009, Honduras has been unstable. The blowback in the 2020s was a wave of migration from Central America. President Juan Orlando Hernandez also allowed the extradition of drug traffickers. Drug trafficking was not President Hernandez's only offense. He violated the constitution by running for reelection. Accusations of electoral fraud were made, but the United States recognized the government. When his second term was complete, he was arrested in 2022. Once extradited to the United States, the trial got delayed. Juan Orlando Hernandez became a scapegoat for America's failing Central America policy. President Juan Orlando Hernandez's error was that he thought that the US would protect him. Imprisoning South America leaders is not going to stop migration or end the power of drug cartels. Further destabilization only caused more discontent among the Central America population. President Juan Orlando Hernandez was only supported by the United States as a counter to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. When he was no longer useful the support dissipated. The trial got little press coverage in the US, because it connects the American government to a corrupt regime.      

The Global Rise In Excess Deaths

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a spike in excess deaths. Even when the vaccines were made available the morality rate did not go back to pre-pandemic levels. Excess morality is a public health concern, but is not discussed. Excess morality was high in 2023. This was a time when COVID-19 vaccines were available and the World Health Organization declared the emergency over. The people who are dying from the virus are those with comorbidities and the elderly. The excess death  pattern has been seen in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, UK, Israel,  the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland,   and Iceland. The  excess death are not a product of the COVID-19 virus in 2023. Some speculate that the portion of those deaths occurred due to unanticipated side effects of particular vaccines. Blood clots and myocarditis occurred in some people who were vaccinated. There is not enough data to support certain brands of the COVID-19 vaccines were responsible.  Another  probable explanation is that global healthcare systems are not equipped for a large world population. Fewer hospitals and a large population increases the likelihood of more excess deaths. Countries with aging populations should make sure that healthcare and hospitals are able to handle demographic changes. Governments refuse to do any investigation into the 2023 spike of excess deaths. The main reason is that it would show that most governments failed to produce effective public health policy. If excess deaths  do not decrease in 2024, then it is a concern governments cannot ignore. 

Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns

 

Ariel Henry announced he will resign as prime minister  of  Haiti. This was not so much of a resignation, but an overthrow of an unpopular government . When visiting Kenya about deploying police to Haiti, gang violence escalated. Henry was not elected and was appointed prime minister after the Moise assassination. Haiti has not had elections since 2016. The country might have democratic institutions, but it functions as an authoritarian system in practice. Ariel Henry refused to step down when his term of service expired. Henry currently is in Puerto  Rico. Haiti has been destabilized by US interreference and United Nations missions. The jail break of 4,000 gang members caused a spike in violence. What these gangs could transform into are organized militias and armed groups. Certain gangs are not focused on violent crime, rather aspire to seize power. The G9 Family and Allies might be seeking higher political objectives. Using the term gang would no longer be correct. The United Nations is now planning to sent another mission into Haiti. Presented as a multinational security support mission it is another invasion of the country. Kenya will lead this mission with a force of 1,000 police officers. What it amounts to is police officers acting a substitutes for soldiers. Police are not trained to fight wars or armed groups. Law enforcement differs from peacekeeping missions and military combat. If President William Ruto gets Kenya to commit to this operation it will be a major humanitarian crisis. The involvement of  multiple countries and the UN to stop gangs is puzzling. The United Nations never did missions against MS-13.  Haiti is of interest to US policy for influence in the Caribbean. This explains why the Biden administration did not condemn Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Ariel Henry was denied entry back into the country and by definition exiled. Resignation was not what occurred in reality. The official policy of the transitional government has not been made public. If they do allow for another occupation by the United Nations, public discord will grow.    

Victoria Nuland Curses The European Union (2014)

 

Victoria Nuland one of America's prominent diplomats will be leaving her post. The circumstances are not clear, but it indicates that there is a problem with the direction of US foreign policy. Nuland worked under the Bush, Obama, and Biden administrations. Her goal was to get aggressive with the Russian Federation. The policy related to Ukraine was interference. Victoria Nuland back in 2014 cursed the European Union. The reason was that it was not following an anti-Russian policy. The United States under a neoconservative framework should have more influence in Europe. The European Union is viewed more like an obstacle to making the continent subordinate. Seeing as she was the US ambassador to NATO, Nuland wanted to see the military alliance expand. Ukraine was going to be a testing ground for further expansion. The phone call been the US ambassador and Nuland indicates an attempt to select Ukrainian leadership. Nuland is a reminder that no matter who is elected, the foreign policy mechanisms remain the same. Victoria Nuland leaves a legacy of destabilizing Eastern Europe.  

Nikki Haley Ends Her Presidential Campaign

 

Nikki Haley has ended her presidential campaign. This means Donald Trump does not have an obstacle to the Republican presidential nomination. Haley's poor performance in Iowa and South Carolina indicated  the getting the Republican nomination was out of reach. The US in its 247 year history has never had a female president. It is unlikely that one would come from the Republican Party. The laws banning abortion and a general attack on women's rights has alienated women voters. Nikki Haley entering the presidential race was tainted by the fact she served as UN ambassador under the Trump administration. She attempted to present herself as an alternative to Biden and Trump. However, Nikki Haley's convictions are in alignment with the neoconservative political ideology. Haley insisted on staying in the race when the path to the nomination was not possible. Some Democrats voted for Nikki Haley. The strategy of reaching out to Democrats and independents has been done before. Donald Trump was able to get Democrats who previously voted for Obama in 2016. Nikki Haley could not replicate this method with success. Nikki Haley has not revealed whether or not she will endorse Donald Trump. President Biden responded by praising Nikki Haley. The reason for that statement is the political establishment does not want to see another Trump presidency. Political centrists of the Democratic Party would be satisfied with a Haley as long it was not Trump. Nikki Haley's loss demonstrates female politicians have little opportunities for advancement in the Republican Party.  

The War On The Houthi Rebels

 

The Houthi movement has been active in Yemen since the 1990s. Only when the Arab Spring occurred in 2011 did they get more international exposure. Saudi Arabia waged war against the movement and its fighters. As the years past, the US began to condemn the military actions that it supported. The reason for the support of Saudi Arabia was to counter Iran's influence in Yemen. The reversal of US policy demonstrates the contradictory nature of foreign affairs. The Houthi rebels in response to Israel's actions in Gaza began targeting ships in the Red Sea. This forces Israel and its European allies to take more expensive shipping routes. The Israel-Gaza War is causing other insurgencies, armed movements, and terrorist organizations to merge into a larger conflict. The UK and the United Arab Emirates have also played a role in creating violence in Yemen. West Asia could be getting closer to a larger regional war, similar to the Six Day War in 1967. Much of the frustration stems from US military presence in the Middle East and being ally of Israel. Some observers see a new formation of groups in response to attempts at nation building and occupation. The axis of resistance includes a coalition of countries and armed groups. Syria, Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthi movement, and Hamas are fighting a against European influence, Israel, and the Gulf monarchies. If shipping continues to be disrupted, the West will respond with more military strikes. The civil war in Yemen has now become a war against the Houthi rebels.  

The Influence of Jacob Rothschild

 

The founder of RIT Capital Management  Jacob Rothschild passed away at age 87. Part of the prominent banking family that has influenced governments for centuries, the press presented him as a humanitarian philanthropist. The billionaire class only performs charity for the sake of tax cuts. Most of the time funds are given to influence politics or business practices on their behalf. Jacob Rothschild was an advocate for Israel and financed many projects in the country. While Israel pushes forward in plans of annexation of Arab lands, the Zionist state has a powerful backer. Jacob Rothschild explained in an interview that the Zionist movement started in Eastern Europe. His family played a major role in the establishment of Israel. The Balfour Declaration was the basis for the establishment of a future Zionist state in West Asia. This explains why Jacob Rothschild for most of his life invested in Israel. This was not about Jewish identity or culture. The support for Israel was a financial project. The country survives by being backed by the West and a upper class elite. Now that Jacob Rothschild is no longer living, legal challenges are emerging among his family members for control of his investments and estate. Hannah  Rothschild might end up getting most of Jacob's assets. The daughter of the billionaire also is the chair of the Israeli organization Yad Hanadiv. This demonstrates how British imperialism never left West Asia. Hannah and her late father are citizens of the UK, but their wealth has immense influence in Israel. The degree in which Jacob Rothschild was influencing the UK's policy related to the Middle East remains a mystery.   

The M23 Rebels Connection To Rwanda

 

The M23 rebels are making an attempt to retake areas lost in the war. Clashes in North Kivu have caused fears of another massive civil war. Observers have noted that external forces are active in the DRC. According to the United Nations, Rwanda has been listed as a major contributor to the M23 insurrection. Much of the conflicts stems from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the Second Congolese Civil War. The war lasted from 1998 to 2003 displacing many people. Ethnic hatreds did not dissipate, with others accusing President Paul Kagame attempting to make a larger Tutsi state. Rwanda and Burundi were in a state of civil war prior to the 1994 genocide. The Rwandan Patriotic Front continues to dominate the politics of the country, but seeks more influence in the region. The alliance with the M23 rebels might be a means of fighting the Democratic Forces for Liberation of Rwanda. The Hutu rebel group wants to challenge the Rwandan Patriotic Front. During the final years of the Joseph Mobutu regime, Hutu refugees fled to the DRC. Militias have been forming independently of governments. A Tutsi and Hutu reconciliation was never achieved. M23 emerged in 2012 claiming it wanted to protect Tutsis from other Hutu militias. The UN Peacekeeping mission cannot be declared a success. Deaths and internally displaced persons have increased. The Congolese public sees them as an occupying force. Rwanda's growing military intervention into the DRC will harm relations with Uganda. President Yoweri Museveni realizes that the DRC is a major trading partner. The security risk is that the fighting could spill over into Uganda. Congolese asylum seekers are already entering the country. Uganda has taken refugees from other countries such as South Sudan, Burundi, and Eritrea. Rwandan refugees have come to Uganda. The DRC has descended into another humanitarian crisis. President Felix Tshisekedi's options are limited. The Democratic Republic of the Congo could be on the brink of war with Rwanda.  

President Obama Greets Qaddafi At The G8 (2009)

 

During the G8 Summit in 2009, President Barack Obama greeted Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. Sky News did a segment criticizing a simple handshake. A simple gesture can be a pathway to better relations. The major disappointment of the Obama administration was that it would later call for regime change in Libya. President Obama was responsible for attacking a prosperous African country. Sky News asserts that Qaddafi was arming terrorist organizations, but the US, UK, and France used terrorist to depose Qaddafi in 2011. Libya was no threat to the security of the United States of America. President Barack Obama promised a new era in foreign policy that differed from that of the Bush administration. The Iraq War, the invasion of Afghanistan, and the drone strikes in Somalia caused much discontent among the American public. The NATO invasion would cause the migration crisis forcing many Africans to flee to Europe. The motivation for the attack on Libya was based on energy. Oil was a natural resource that the US wanted to obtain. President Obama after leaving office would admit that the invasion of Libya was an error.    

Alexei Navalny's Emergence And Anti-Immigrant Politics (2012)

 

Alexei Navalny emerged during the 2010s as a figure of political opposition to Vladimir Putin. The lawyer turned blogger became an activist fighting corruption related to the role of business in government. The press tried to present him as a hero fighting authoritarianism in the Russian government. Honest reporting revealed that Navalny had political views that expressed xenophobic sentiment and racism. Navalny showed disdain for migrants. Central Asians, Muslims for the Caucasus, and Georgians he expressed were causing problems for the Russian Federation. He stated that Central Asians were trafficking drugs into Russia. Far-right nationalism and racism have been on the rise in Russia. Alexei Navalny wanted to use this development to build a movement. This ultranationalist movement Alexei Navalny was intended to replace the prominence of the United Russia Party. The West had interest in Navalny as a means of undermining President Vladimir Putin. Navalny was not trying to eliminate corruption rather replace the established oligarchs. Alexei Navalny died in prison and some have rushed to the conclusion Vladimir Putin ordered his death. Accusations of poisoning have been made, but there is no toxicology report to confirm this. Navalny was arrested in 2021. The charges ranged from violating court parole, encouraging extremism, and embezzlement. It can not be said that he got a fair trail under the current political circumstances. The Russian Federation will be divided over Alexei Navalny as a public figure.    

The Effectiveness of Antidepressants Questioned

 

Medical history has instances in which theories have been discarded. The chemical imbalance theory might becoming to an end as an explanation for depression. This makes observers question the effectiveness of antidepressants. The connection between the brain's serotonin and mental health does not have substantial scientific evidence. Considerable debate has surrounded if antidepressants work at all. The first antidepressant drugs were not designed for mental health. Imipramine was an antihistamine and Iproniazid was for combating tuberculosis. Medical researchers discovered these two drugs could alter mood. During the 1950s, psychosurgery was used to treat various types of mental illness. The only reason electroconvulsive therapy and lobotomy fell out of use was because more medications became available. The assumption is that medication was more reliable compared to surgeries. Pharmaceutical corporations then began getting more involved in the production of antidepressants. Drugs such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Cipramil generated enormous profits. It appeared that profits were more important compared to scientific fact. Antidepressants might be the best option for individual with extreme manic depression. Patients with mild cases might not see vast improvements or cure to mental distress. Antidepressants are being overprescribed by doctors. Being sad is a normal human emotion that does not require medical intervention. The influence of environment on mental health is a factor. Anxiety and stress can be induced by living in poverty, war zones, or unstable societies. Individuals could be using antidepressants as a means of numbing themselves from unpleasant aspects of life. The treatment of mental illness requires more than just  a combination of medicines. Not only could this be ineffective, the possibility of harming cognitive health exists.         

Imran Khan's Imprisonment

 

Pakistan is facing another political crisis. Imran Khan is now imprisoned on charges that observers believe has a political motivation. Removed from office in 2022, some would claim this was another coup. Pakistan has a long history of coups and Khan may have been victim to one. It is no coincidence that Nawaz Sharif has emerged. His intent is to form a coalition government. The Pakistan Tehreek -e-Insaf  Party is popular and polls predict a victory in the elections. Nawaz Sharif is favored by the military establishment and might intervene on his behalf. The Pakistan Muslim League needs a coalition to attain power. Even though other political parties and organizations are being suppressed, the PLM-N cannot assert full control. The Pakistan People's Party is also a major factor in elections. The two political dynasties which include the Sharifs and the Bhuttos are part of the political establishment. Keeping Khan imprisoned appears to be a means of stopping another political force emerging in the country. The Supreme Court should provide evidence and legal justifications for punishment. Otherwise Pakistan will resemble past military regimes . If Imran Khan were to be free, it is possible he could return to power. The military and Nawaz Sharif do not want him released, because Imran Khan would be a formidable political opponent. The dedication to the status quo has created more polarization in Pakistani society. Imran Khan's imprisonment is a reminder of how the military undermines the democratic institutions of Pakistan. 

President Hage Geingob Challenges Norbert Lammert's Anti-Chinese Racism (2018)

 

President Hage Geingob (1941-2024) met with German politician Norbert Lammert in 2018. Lammert was the new chairman of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The organization has been closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union. The organization is more of a consulting group and think tank. As their mission statement explains they want to promote freedom and liberty. What some observe is an attempt for the German conservative movement to impose their ideas on other nations. Norbert in the discussion claims that Germany is concerned about China's relations with Namibia. Sounding alarmed in a xenophobic manner he takes note of how their is a Chinese population in the country. Norbert Lammert is almost offended that it outnumbers the Germans in Namibia President Hage Geingob responded by saying Namibia is not under Chinese control and that it is " a European problem." President Hage Geingob also reiterates Namibia will not be lectured by a former colonizer. Germany refuses to pay compensation for the Herero genocide. Namibia fought a long war against occupation by Apartheid South Africa. Namibia would have remained under Germany's control if it had not lost World War I. China is the second largest economy in the world. It only makes sense that nations do business with it. President Hage Geingob also exposes that there is little equality when it comes to visas. Namibia is generous to Germans, but Germany is less welcoming of Namibians. Norbert Lammert revealed his anti-Chinese racism by assuming that China's motivations are for imperial intent. President Hage Geingob countered his prejudiced arguments on the basis of Namibia's national sovereignty.  

Senegal's Presidential Election Postponed

 

Senegal's presential election has been postponed. President Macky Sall stated the reason for the decision was related to the list of candidates. The dispute arose from the actions of the Constitutional Council . They excluded a number of opposition candidates. The legality of this is brought into question. While there are some qualifications candidates have to meet to run for office, it appears these actions are designed to favor President Macky Sall. Having free and fair elections is not possible, if citizens are not given options. The Senegalese Democratic Party did request the election to be postponed, so they could get Karim Wade to run. Wade was an opposition figure that was excluded. The PASTEF Party is the most vocal critic of the postponement of the presidential election. President Macky Sall expressed that he has no desire to run for a third term. The address to the public did not make mention what the new date for the  presidential election would be. President Macky Sall might be attempting to extend his term by extralegal means. Senegal currently has 20 candidates running for the office of president. There could be those who conspire to reduce competition by postponing the election. The announcement caused demonstrations to break out . Dakar is seeing a growing number of protests by Senegalese who feel the government is becoming quasi-authoritarian. Senegal's stable democratic structure shielded it from the turbulence of its neighbors. Depending of the actions of President Macky Sall, ECOWAS could get involved. The West African region is going through political transformation. Senegal is just one country undergoing change.    

Ecuador's Drug Gang War

 

Drug gangs are becoming more powerful in Latin America. The biggest gang Los Choneros has been responsible for car bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Much of the spike in violence comes from the shift in drug consumption and the reach of  other cartels from other countries. Peru and Columbia are the largest cocaine producers, but Ecuador was an area of drug transit. When FARC in Columbia demobilized a power void was created. Europe also wanted more drugs from the area. Smugglers saw a business opportunity in drug transit. Mexican and Venezuelan gangs began infiltration in the 2010s. Another powerful drug gang emerged known as Los Lobos. Both Los Choneros and Los Lobos are enemies. The two gangs have a hatred for government. The police are not able to fight all the factions. This is why the military is being deployed in certain regions. The war on drugs in Ecuador has become actual combat. The government has now declared that criminal gangs are terrorist organizations. What this means is the military will takeover more law enforcement duties. The concern becomes an increase in civilian death during anti-criminal gang operations. The military taking on a law enforcement role could open the path to authoritarianism. President Daniel Noboa's solution is to militarize law enforcement and build more prisons. The state of emergency that was declared is a potential threat to the civil liberties of the Ecuadorian citizen. El Salvador is also facing similar challenges. The result is more migration to from South America to North America. Ecuadorians at some point might have to flee the country due to internal armed conflict.    

The Italy-Africa Summit

 

Italy is seeking further economic investment in the Africa continent. What Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seeks to do is make Italy a gateway for energy transport. The obstacle to this is the issue of migration. Her government came to power on a platform that was anti-immigration and anti-migrant. The suspicion related to these talks is that Italy will benefit, while African nations will be exploited economically. Doing this will only cause more immigration. Italy also must consider bring people from other nations in the event of labor shortages. Italy along with EU officials have promised 5.5 billion  euros to enhance economic ties. A total of 45 African nations were represented at the summit. Meloni's Mattei plan seeks to make Italy a major player in the energy sector. The Russia-Ukraine War is a factor in this renew interest in energy deals with Africa. It would not be possible for Europe to completely get off Russian energy in just a few years. Prime Minister Meloni expressed that bolstering industry and agriculture in Africa could stop mass migration. This would encourage youth not to immigrate to Europe. The statements are to most African leaders empty promises. The Italy-Africa summit demonstrated that Europe needs Africa. The change in energy prices and geopolitical shifts reveal the EU reliance on the continent. What the African Union must do is attain an agreement that gives them the most benefit. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not about the economic empowerment of Africa. The objective is to bolster the state energy company Eni, while simultaneously making Italy pivotal to natural gas.  Eni is more dependent on Algeria, Libya, and Egypt. Libya remains unstable, but Algeria and Egypt could wield enormous power over Italy. Energy should be used as a method to force European nations to change policies. Only then can AU nations get desirable economic agreements.  

South Africa's International Court of Justice Case Against Israel

 

South Africa has filed an International Court of Justice case against Israel. The Israel-Gaza War has been seen by most African states as an extension of settler colonialism. What South Africa argues is that Israel is engaging in a genocide in Gaza. Israel denies that it is committing atrocities, but reports are showing growing numbers of civilian deaths. Hamas does not have the ability to defeat Israel or depose its government. What is happening is deportation and murder of the population of Gaza. Arab states have not done much to stop Israel's aggression. The Gulf monarchies are aligned with the West so their inaction is expected. Syria cannot effectively fight considering it has not won the civil war. Subject to bombings by Israel, Syria would need to be unified again to be formidable. Iran , the Houthi rebels, and Hezbollah are the only forces capable of stopping Israeli expansion. Arab states could have easily done what South Africa did. If Egypt does the same, it might convince others to follow. South Africa's ICJ case has another motivation. Israel was an ally of Apartheid South Africa. The Apartheid regime and Israel had economic agreements. They were doing weapons exchanges and expanding the arms industry . Both countries were also exchanging nuclear weapons technology. Under Apartheid, Jews were deemed white and were not subject to the same restrictions as the black population. Israel in public condemned the Apartheid regime in the 1950s and 1960s. The reality was that it was collaborating with it and was only making statements to not endanger relations with newly independent African  states. The shift came with the Yom Kippur War when most African states developed a more negative view of Israel. The conquest and theft of land reminded many leaders of their anti-colonial struggles. The embrace of Prime Minister John Vorster by Israel demonstrated the country had no respect for human rights. The ICJ case is punishment for the past relationship with the Apartheid regime. South Africans experienced apartheid and there is no desire to see it emerge in another part of the world. This is why South Africa will side with the Palestinian cause. 

Concerns About Liberian President Joseph Boakai

 

Joseph Boakai's presidential inauguration was cur short. The president was suffering from heat stroke, which required his speech to be cut short. Opposition parties  have raised  the concern about President Boakai's age. At 79 years old, he is one of Liberia's oldest presidents. Older leaders are common on the African continent. The issue relates to energy and fitness for office. Health becomes a concern for a head of state and matters of succession must be taken into account. Adding an age limit for political office would be discriminatory. An age requirement to obtain office is as well. That does assumes that younger people are not ready to be leaders. At some point, the youth must be allowed to continue the work of governance. Yet, longtime establishment politicians refuse to retire. The inability to at least accept some change or reform makes most establishment political figures seem out of touch. Joseph Boakai has served as vice president, so he understands the Liberian political system. The question remains is whether or not he will do something different with his administration. A run off election was required for him to beat George Weah. This means that the country is still divided along particular political lines. The world is having a concern with aging leadership, which clings to power. Age might bring political experience, but it become apparent that older leaders are not open to new ideas. President Joseph Boakai has not proposed anything innovative. When the public votes for an older head of state health, worldview, and  openness to new ideas must be considered. 

The Emergent Conflict Between Iran and Pakistan

 

Iran and Pakistan have been conducting airstrikes into each others territory. The escalation is the result of border disputes and alleged militant activity in Balochistan. Pakistan could be in a vulnerable position considering its major adversary India is on its eastern border. The Taliban came back to power in Afghanistan, which  also poses complications. Iran's target was the group known as Jaish al-Adl. The objective of this terrorist organization is the independence of Baluchestan and Sisten province. Jaish al-Adl operates between borders. This is similar to how armed groups operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Pakistan and Iran have a common enemy in armed groups and terrorist organizations. However,  bilateral relations are strained by attacking these organizations within certain areas. Iran's strike caused civillian death, which caused much anger in Pakistan. While both are Muslim countries, they follow different sects of the religion. Iran is an Islamic Republic, while Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic. The military has influence over government like Thailand or Myanmar. The geopolitics are significant, but one element gets overshadowed. The Baluch people desire national self determination. The ethnic group can be found in Iran, Pakistan, and Iran. Their grievances relate to economic inequality and cases of discrimination. The reason for joining armed groups or terrorist organizations is that Iran and Pakistan do not address their hardships. The situation of the Baluchs parallels  that of the Kurds in Iraq, Syria, Turkey ,  and Iran.  Pakistan and Iran are heading for a dramatic decline in diplomatic relations. The fear is a wider war between the two countries. 

Coretta Scott King Supports Gay Rights

 

Coretta Scott King was a civil rights activist, singer, and author who fought for equality in American society. When her husband was assassinated, she continued his work in the fight for social justice. Gay rights were controversial in American society. Coretta Scott King was an ally of the LGBTQ community at a time when most Americans viewed them as deviants. A portion of homophobic sentiment came from Churches. Coretta Scott King's argument was that discrimination  against gays and lesbians was unjust. A free and democratic society should not discriminate against people based on race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. One of the criticisms directed at civil rights leaders was that should focus solely on racial justice. When any group is singled out for discrimination all who are concerned about human rights should come to their aid. Coretta Scott King spent her life fighting for those who could not fight for themselves. By the early 21st century marriage equality was attained. While progress had been made, conservative backlash remained. 

The Use of Paxlovid For COVID-19

 

The anti-viral drug Paxlovid is available for use. There are tight controls of the medication. The intent of its creation was to help people with severe COVID-19. Some patients may have extreme reactions to particular vaccines and a pill could be a solution. The debate comes with what was stated previously. The vaccines produced were safe and effective, so Paxlovid is unnecessary. Booster shots exist for fighting new variants. Pfizer has been producing mRNA vaccines to fight COVID-19. If the mRNA technology is truly effective, Paxlovid  would not be needed. The only time for such a drug would be in emergency situations. Paxlovid is two drugs which contains nimatreviler and ritonavir. The complication comes with individuals on multiple medications. All of them are going to interact in the body. A patient would have to tell their doctor of  all the medications they take. They would then have to determine a way to avoid  harmful effects from the interactions between medications. The recommendation for Paxlovid is that anyone 12 and up can be given the drug. Those who are 50 or with comorbidities can be given Paxlovid. What Pfizer appears to be doing is putting a product out on the market for the sake of profit. No reports of adverse effects have appeared. Considering Pfizer did not test their vaccines for transmission, distrust from the public remains. A person who was vaccinated could still spread the virus. The CDC reported that COVID-19 deaths spiked in December of 2023. This was not due to the lack of medications or treatment. The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Medicine price remains too high for a population with stagnant wages. Pharmaceutical corporations need more regulation to prevent unethical business practices. The long term effects of Paxlovid are not known. The fact the drug got FDA approval demonstrates that it is pharmaceutical  corporations dictating public health policy. 

Israel Proposes Moving Refugees From Gaza To The DRC

 

Israel's war on Gaza has created refugees. The government wants the Arab population in Gaza to be reduced, but the obstacle is that Egypt will not accept Palestinians fleeing war. According to the Times of Israel   the Netanyahu government was in talks to has Palestinians deported there. This came with the denial from the DRC. Rumors that Israel is in talks with Chad and Rwanda have not been confirmed. The only African countries that could take refugees are Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Libya is too unstable to take any more people. Geographically, North Africa is closer and therefore a better option. If  the proposal is actually genuine it confirms that ethnic cleansing is Israeli policy. The attacks on refugee camps and forced removals are egregious human rights violations. The United Nations has not imposed sanctions, even though Israel has attacked their facilities in Gaza. Israel has met every definition of rouge state and still can commit war crimes. As the prospect of a wide regional war looms, refugee traffic will come to Europe. Europe was unable to cope with the refugee crisis from the Arab Spring. Another wave could more if Lebanon and Iran are involved. Most Palestinians do not want to leave their country. What Israel intends to do is destroy the two state solution and annex the land the would have been independent. When Gaza is absorbed, the West Bank will be next. The DRC should never accept any negotiations with Israel. To do so would be acting as an accomplice in criminal actions. The DRC struggles with armed groups and displaced people. Taking refugees would not be possible.     

The Somaliland Port Agreement Dispute

 

Ethiopia and Somalia are in a dispute over sea access. Somaliland is a self-governing break away region. Somalia sees the leasing of the sea port in Berbera as a means to balkanize the country. The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland is a lease for a naval base. The lease will last for 50 years with the purpose of commercial operations. Another part of the agreement is recognition of Somaliland as its own nation. This makes Somalia vexed and also concerned other nations will give Somaliland recognition. The Port of Berbera has been a significant investment for Ethiopia. This is not the first time Somaliland engaged in economic agreements without Mogadishu. The United Arab Emirates has also invested in the Berbera Port. Ethiopia will have access to Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The opportunity to expand trade with Europe could help Ethiopia. Somalia if it loses Somaliland will suffer economically. If Somalia was unified, it could benefit from its sea access. The concern is that Mogadishu could send troops to forcibly take Somaliland back. Ethiopia has fought the TPLF and has been involved in African Union missions in Somalia. Economics are going to be a source of tension between Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia needs to approach the situation with caution. There is a fragile peace with Eritrea, internal tension with the Tigray, and disputes with Egypt over the Nile River. If there is going to be economic growth and development it needs to include the entire Horn of Africa. Ethiopia should not make agreements with de-facto states or disputed territories. Recognizing self-governing break away regions does undermine Somalia's national sovereignty. Doing this might get Ethiopia fast sea access, but creates an enemy. Djibouti must be a mediator in the dispute between Ethiopia, Somalia, and the status of Somaliland. 

Remembering John Pilger

 

John Pilger ( 1939-2023)  was a journalist, reporter, and documentary filmmaker who challenged the establishment narratives. Pilger came to prominence covering the Vietnam War and the  Cambodian genocide. The Australian journalist came into reporting when media giants did not have such dominance. Based in the UK, John Pilger's career began before NewsCorp had become a monopolizing force in news. John Pilger through his reporting exposed human rights abuses in Bangladesh and Biafran War. He was an advocate for Aboriginal rights . His criticism of the US, UK, and Australia for military intervention was bold considering current sentiments. The War on Terror resulted in civilian deaths, but reporters questioning the wars were condemned. Pilger was not afraid to call the Iraq War and the invasion of Afghanistan as imperial projects. During his final years Pilger was a critic of the West's shift to an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese foreign policy. The mainstream media acts as a public relations firm to the government. John Pilger's frustration with the mainstream media was that it did not confront or challenge official foreign policy positions. The BBC has been accused of bias, but claims to be impartial. John Pilger was based in the UK for most of his life and discovered during his long decades career that one narrative is promoted. The notion that the US, UK, and Australia are promoting freedom and human rights is presented in news. Although it is fiction the message is prevalent in both liberal and conservative media outlets. John Pilger spent his life debunking this false narrative. What he leaves behind is a large body of work and a blueprint for the alternative media. John Pilger's use of documentary filmmaking was effective in persuasive argument. Documentary films are a tool in which those who seek to challenge the establishment must utilize.