Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico Hospitalized

 

Robert Fico is in critical condition after being shot at a political rally. This was an apparent assassination attempt. The reasons for the attempted assassination are yet to be revealed. The news of Prime Minister Robert Fico's hospitalization is causing concern in Europe. The continent is becoming more unstable and this assassination attempt demonstrates instability could spread to France , the UK, and Germany. Prime Minister Robert Fico has been a longtime figure in Slovakian politics. He first served as prime minister from 2006 to 2010. Fico returned to office a second time from 2012 to 2018. The Smer Party is considered on the left. However, this does not mean Fico was unwilling to work with leaders such as Viktor Orban. The Hungarian prime minister's politics are more far-right in comparison. The reason Fico might have been attacked was because of his desire to make peace with Russia. Prime Minister Fico did not want to arm Ukraine. The more conservative and pro-NATO elements of Slovakia began to protest. The shoot according to Slovakian reports was a 71 year old man. The motivation remains unclear. Some speculate the culprit was vexed at the election outcome last October. Slovakia does not have a history of political violence. Parliament concerned about growing violence decided to suspend debate. A date has not been given for resumption of duties. Slovakia is heading to an era of extreme political polarization. The assassination attempt is going to divide the public even more.   

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 Withdrawn From Use

 

The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine has been withdrawn from use. The reason is that its vaccine can cause the side effect of blood clots. Some reports reveal that it can also cause low blood platelet counts. Blood platelets are also known as thrombocytes. These cell fragments do repairs to the body when injured to stop bleeding. After three years of saying side effects were minimal the evidence shows otherwise. Defective vaccines were put out into the market. Vaccinations should not cause other health issues. The lack of business regulation is to blame for the negligence of  pharmaceutical corporations. Class action lawsuits have been filed in the UK against AstraZeneca. The fact that people can get vaccine injured brings into question the policy of vaccine mandates. If employees get sick from a vaccine they are required to take, then that company is liable. The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine was distributed to 150 countries. The exact number of people who were vaccine injured is not known. There is no indication that it cause long term permanent health damage. Although getting thrombosis or thrombocytopenia should not be deemed insignificant. The World Health Organization also confirmed in 2021 that there could be adverse side effects from the AstraZeneca vaccine. This was not a condemnation, rather they claimed it was rare and not a serious concern. It becomes apparent that excuses were being made for egregious errors. Mainly it could be to protect Oxford University, which was a collaborator in developing the vaccine. Along with the Serum Institute, they made it possible for to exist. The side effects cannot be dismissed if the company is now ending production of the vaccine. The AstraZeneca highlights the need for more regulation of pharmaceutical corporations.   

Mahamat Deby Consolidates Power In Chad

Chad held a  presidential election. The outcome was as most observers predicted with military ruler Mahamat Deby winning most of the vote. The legitimacy has been questioned by political opposition. Chad is transforming into a country of dynastic rule. Although a military regime it has similarities to Togo and Gabon. One family is going to rule Chad for a number of years. If Idriss Deby was not killed by rebels he would still be president. The rule of the Deby's began in 1990. Chad continues to be an ally of France. However, with the French exit from Mali and Niger a void will grow. Chad could become a more powerful regional player in the Sahel. President Mahamat Deby might establish closer diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. A common enemy of rebel groups and terrorist organization would bring these countries together in an alliance. According to the results Mahamat won 61.3 % of the vote. The dispute was that the elections were not free or fair. African Union observers were not present. President Mahamat Deby does not have absolute control. He remains reliant on a ruling coalition. The military has immense influence over government. Algeria and Egypt also have this obstacle and at times coups occurred. If Mahamat maintains the support of the military his leadership will be secured. The 2022 crackdown forced some Chadians to flee abroad. Those suspected of involvement  in the assassination of Idriss Deby are among the Chadians that left. Most assume that foreign policy and internal matters will remain the same. Developments in Sudan and the relations with France will force a change in direction. Chad's transformation into a dynastic based system of government is the most noticeable.  

 

The Development of The Tungsten Encased Nuclear Reactor

 

A new fusion record has been set by the tungsten tokamak WEST. The development of tungsten encased nuclear fusion reactors could become a more efficient method of energy generation. The device located at the Princeton Physics Plasma Laboratory was able to hold hot fusion  plasma at 50 million degrees Celsius for six minutes. In order to generate power for a grid, the plasma has to be hot and dense. If the research continues, there might be fusion reactors that will be commercially available. The efforts of the Coordination on International on Long Duration Operation have produced favorable results.  Prior to this experiments did utilized graphite titles. The device that used that material was the Tore Supra. Tungsten is favorable because it retains less fuel. However, the limitation is that it cane make the plasma cool. Keeping a certain amount of heat is needed for energy generation. Technological barriers and physics challenges do prevent fusion reactors from being used for power. Tokamak WEST will require more adjustments to be able to be connected to a large power grid. The tungsten walls are going to be the most important development in nuclear technology. As fusion reactors advance further, considerations for tungsten mining should be made. China, the United Kingdom, Rwanda , Vietnam, and Russia are going to have to increase tungsten mining. These countries are the major producers of the element. Production would have to increase dramatically if fusion reactors are going into regular use. At the moment the machinery requires more advancement. The news demonstrates that fusion reactors are not theoretical. The devices have reached a phase of applied science.  

The Paris 2024 Olympics Will Begin July 26th

 

The summer games will be held in Paris. France does have internal difficulties related to the economy and domestic politics. Labor disputes and the controversy over retirement age are still ongoing. The 2024 Olympics is not going to be isolated from international events. Russia and Belarus are being treated differently from other countries. The reason is due to the Russia-Ukraine War. The measures taken could be argued as discriminatory. The IOC has stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete as neutrals or individuals. Belarus has not engaged in any combat operations against Ukraine. It did allow Russian troops to move through its territory, but no Belarussians did not invade. The IOC measure  is discrimination based on national origin. No such restrictions would be placed on the UK, France, or US for NATO action in Libya or Afghanistan. Double standards and contradictions will cast a shadow over the Olympics. This will make it more difficult to make the Olympics politically neutral. Europe is no longer going to be stable. The IOC should then think about getting either African, Latin American, or Asian cities to host. France might think that hosting the games will provide an economic boost. While tourism can do this, the games last for only a certain time frame. The amount of labor to build stadiums and infrastructure does create jobs. Yet, that gain in the construction sector is temporary. The Olympics only can be of value in improving France's international image. This might not work due to the actions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The sports spectators are going to be seeing more than just athletic events. Tension between nations is going to be present. Israel's participation will generate objection. The IOC might in the future try to ban China or Iran. France hosting the Olympic games creates complications beyond its borders.   

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's Political Goals For Senegal

 

Senegal has elected a new president. The agenda is going to be much different than the previous administration. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his desire to strengthen democratic institutions and enhance  diplomatic relations with other African countries. His ideology seems to be closer to a Pan-Africanist vision. The first measures of the new administration is an audit of the gas, oil, and mining sectors. The motivation for the audit is to detect possible corruption and to ensure that Senegal's natural resources are not being exploited by foreign entities. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye gave a promise to investors that they are still welcomed in Senegal. Senegal is about to accelerate with oil production. The Sangomar gas and oil project  has been developing offshore oil drilling sites. The new administration has also expressed the need to defend Senegalese sovereignty. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's major goal is to achieve African unity. This dream was what many African leaders were aiming for in the 1960s. The longtime heads of state on the continent have abandoned Pan-Africanism. Warfare in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia undermine Pan-African goals. There is hope considering President Faye is now one of Africa's youngest heads of state. The election result shows that a new generation of African leaders are emerging. While others cling to power, there is a growing sentiment for political change. How effective policies and reforms are depends on the leadership and resources available.