Earthquake Strike Myanmar and Thailand

 

Myanmar and Thailand have experienced devasting earthquakes. Natural disasters produce a series of long term problems for public health, infrastructure, and housing. Homelessness will increase as a result of destroyed buildings. The military regime in Myanmar has no plans to address the concern of people who lost their homes. Reports estimate that the deaths in Myanmar are 1,600. The number could increase as more debris is cleared. Thailand's capital was damaged from the earthquake. Roads and bridges were also destroyed from the natural disaster. Rebuilding infrastructure is going to require major investments. Myanmar and Thailand might struggle to generate the funds for reconstruction. The military regime also is hostile to external contact. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the injured. The earthquake reveals the need to engineer earthquake resistant buildings. The earthquake was so powerful that skyscrapers in Bangkok were mot spared. The reason Myanmar is so susceptible to earthquakes relates to its location. It is located on a convergence area of the Earth's four major tectonic plates. Myanmar rests on the Sagaing fault. This explains why Mandalay was hit with immense force. Buildings that are older are going to be more vulnerable to collapse. Thailand's older buildings do not meet the safety construction standard. Vigorous earthquake protection for buildings must be required by law. Although regulations do exist, it appears most were not followed in Thailand.    

Marine Le Pen Seeks To Appeal The Ban On Running For The French Presidency

 

Marine Le Pen was found guilty of embezzlement. She will not serve any prison time . Two of the custody detainments are suspended, while the other two years will be a status of house arrest. This will require the use of an electronic tag .  Instead Marine Le Pen is prohibited from running in the next French presidential election. The misuse of European Union funds is a serious charge, but the ban on political office is has indications of political partisan motivations. If  Marine Le Pen was such a threat, a harsher prison sentence would have been imposed. The fact that individuals of such a corrupt nature can reach that level demonstrates the weakness of  the European liberal democratic system. This also has another negative consequence. Leaders are going to criminalize their political opponents on both the left and right. As Europe struggles economically, more are going to favor the conservative and far-right political factions. Suppressing political figures or movements is not going to defeat extremist elements within France. Marine Le Pen is seeking an appeal. It is dubious if the ruling can be overturned by 2027. Every attempt Le Pen made to be elected president she failed. The motivation to disqualify her now, might be due to the possibility Le Pen could win. A small number of Le Pen's political competitors also expressed concerns about the ruling. The National Rally Party is going to plot reprisals in reaction to this verdict. The appeals process is going to have legal complexities and opens the debate about the law in relation to political figures. 

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A New Phase In The Yemen War

 

The Houthi rebels are now fighting a new phase of the Yemen War. Israel's attacks on Gaza inflamed the rebellion and  escalated the civil war in Yemen. The response was to stop ships in the Red Sea. The invasion of Lebanon and attacks on Hezbollah  was significant to Houthi rebels. Seeing as both get some degree of support from Iran, the Red Sea response was the next choice. Yemen is nowing facing bombings from Israel's European and American allies. The objective is to ensure that Israel remains an outpost for US and European countries. Yemen could act as a launching area for a war on Iran. Saudi Arabia is a factor in the destabilization of Yemen. The desire to insert a president there loyal to their interest remains a priority. President Rashad al-Alimi made the accusation that al-Qaida was collaborating with Iran. This allegation has no basis, due to the fact a Sunni Muslim terrorist organization would not align with a Shia Muslim theocracy. Al-Qaida in the Arabian peninsula was formed indigenously. The other terrorist organizations were being aided by the West in Syria. The government of Yemen no longer controls the capital of Saana. Aden is now a de-facto capital for the al-Alimi administration. The Presidential Leadership Council has failed to govern Yemen. At one time,  President Rashad al-Alimi took refuge in Saudi Arabia. Like most presidents after the fall Abdullah Ali Salih, they are reliant of Saudi Arabia to enforce their leadership of Yemen. A decade has passed with no end in sight. The new phase of the Yemen War is that other conflicts are going to fuse with it.  

The Expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool and South Africa's Response

 

South African ambassador to the US Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the United States. The reasons for the expulsion are motivated by economics, the intolerance of the Trump administration, and an attempt to undermine BRICS. There is speculation that Elon Musk is having indirect influence over US policy regarding South Africa. Musk an Afrikaner benefited from the Apartheid regime. The Trump administration has also offered white South Africans to come to America. These proposals are a projection of white nationalist sentiment. The attacks on South Africa are also intended to dissolve the BRICS alliance. Prior to the diplomatic dispute, President Donald Trump warned various nations about abandoning the US dollar. The emergent economies are going to see growth and this shifts the geopolitical power balance. The blatant racism was apparent seeing as it is rare this happens to a senior official. Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was told he was no longer welcomed in the United States. When Rasool returned he was embraced by the South African Communist Party, ANC, and the South African public. The unprofessional conduct and discriminatory actions of the United States may have created more unity among South Africans. The government's response needs to be more forceful. Removal of US diplomats would be a proportional measure. If more criticisms about land reform come from the Trump administration, the ending of diplomatic ties should be considered. President Cyril Ramaphosa does have options, but if he does not act it will only harm South Africa's standing. Closing the embassy in the United States or imposing tariffs on American products are the more harsh  measures. South Africa could just request the US ambassador to leave. Regardless of what measure is taken, the expulsion of an ambassador for no reason demands retaliation.  

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Enter A New Era of Diplomatic Relations

 

Border clashes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have been taking place for over 30 years. These circumstances relate to how the Soviet Union divided Central Asia. When independence was granted as the result of the Soviet collapse in 1991, the new countries were in conflict. Between 2021 and 2022 the clashes between the two Central Asian states became more lethal. President Emomali Rahmon  and President Sadyr Japarov signed an agreement outlining what the defined borders would be. Since 2022, roads, railway, and air links were closed off. War or regional conflict only undermines the whole of Central Asia. This change in policy should be an example to all countries in the world. Conflict and war spreads while diplomacy is not given much consideration. The challenge is if Tajik and Kyrgyz  citizens will accept a peace settlement. Ethnic hatreds remain in particular areas. President Emomali Rahmon has ruled the country since 1994. Prior to this, he was Chairmen of the Supreme Assembly between 1992 to 1993. His power is immense being increased by constitutional referendums. President Rahmon has more power to maintain peace or disregard a peace settlement. President Sadyr Japarov does not have authoritarian power like other Central Asian leaders. Kyrgyzstan was during the 2000s rotating through various interim presidents. This was the result of the Tulip revolution. A change in administration could effect relations with Tajikistan. For now, the agreement to end hostilities remain intact.      

JFK Files Released

 

More documents related to the John F. Kennedy assassination have been released. A total of 80,000 documents. The release was done through executive order. Some are wondering why this took so long. The argument was that some documents had to be held for national security reasons. There was also speculation that the US government did not care about the assassination of a liberal head of state. At the time, Dallas Texas was rabidly anti-communist, anti-liberal, and supported racial segregation. Documents have been released before the recent executive order, but just add to the mystery. By law the government has to release all the documents. However, thousands of documents remain secret. This indicates that the criminal action had a much wider reach. Many Americans believe that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone. Others suspect that either the CIA itself or Cuban exiles who were part of the Bay of Pigs invasion were involved. Decades of scholarship, independent researchers, and historians have not been able to solve the case. The attempts to undermine the Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 is apparent. Withholding information just allows more conspiracy theories to develop. While making all the documents public might not provide answers, it ends one dispute. The Warren Commission was an inadequate investigation, which made the wrong conclusion. Oswald was not a sole culprit. He is charged as the assassin, but never was tried due to being killed by Jack Ruby. Seeing as Oswald was never tried or convicted this would make him an alleged assassin. The documents might not solve the criminal case, but are useful for the preservation of American history. 

Rwanda Severs Ties With Belgium

 

Rwanda has ended diplomatic relations with Belgium. The Rwandan government has instructed Belgian diplomatic staff to leave the country. The reason for the end of diplomatic relations stems from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The criticisms related to Rwanda's connection to the M23 rebels has generated controversy. Rwanda claims it has no involvement, but the M23 rebels appear to target Hutus. Rwanda is not breaking diplomatic relations out of anti-colonial politics or for the assertion of national sovereignty. Belgium is attempting to take sides in a regional African conflict. The memories of the Rwandan Civil War and genocide remain fresh. The Second Congolese Civil War created many refugees and internally displaced persons. While ending relations with former colonial powers should be praised, this was not for the sake of Pan-African unity. President Paul Kagame wants to increase his political power. Belgium is an obstacle and a possible country that could induce possible regime change. Belgium has been vociferous in trying to get EU members to sanction Rwanda. Imposing sanctions without some type of dialogue, reveals another agenda. Rwanda's military commanders have EU sanctions placed on them. The UK and Germany are suspending aid.  Simultaneously, attempts at peace talks were being made. The United Nations has not made an attempt to help with peace negotiations. As President Paul Kagame faces pressure from the EU, he will look for other allies elsewhere. The DRC has tantalum, which is essential to the electronics and computer industry. Belgium only concern about the M23 rebels is their control of natural resources in the Eastern Congo. President Paul Kagame's involvement in the DRC is not just economic. The RPF is seeking vengeance for the past abuses of the Hutus. Rwanda's break with Belgium was inevitable consequence of war.        

The European Union Does Not Want Peace In Ukraine

 

The European Union does not want a peace settlement in Ukraine. Since the Russia-Ukraine War broke out military aid and arms have been given by EU members. As Ukraine's losses mount, the much obvious path would be to start negotiations. The motivation for the European Union to keep the war going is to change the political dynamics of Europe. For European liberals and conservatives the war is a crusade to reinvigorate western values. Europe is struggling with its identity and cohesion. The era of large empires and international dominance has been declining gradually. European integration has to be in this view forcibly imposed on Eastern Europe. The West and Eastern Europe differ by politics and culture. The Russian Federation has a more traditional culture and is more aligned with the Global South. The EU member states are oriented to liberal democratic values with globalist sentiments. Conflict in Eastern Europe can be a gateway for forcing European integration on countries that do not favor it. The European Union insisted that the current was was unprovoked, when it was the 2014 coup that resulted in a series of unfortunate events. The Russian Federation either being weakened or dismantled would mean Europe would not have to be reliant on the country for energy. While it is apparent that Ukraine is not going to win the war, EU states do not want it to stop. France suggested sending some its own soldiers to Ukraine. Chances of a ceasefire are out of reach, even though President Putin would be open to an arrangement. President Zelensky does not believe the offer is genuine. The concern now is that the EU member states could send troops to Ukraine. Such a decision could spark a large European war.  

Rodrigo Duterte Has Been Arrested

 

The former president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested. The ICC issued a warrant related to drug trafficking charges. The warrant also changes the former president with directing the Davao Death Squad. The ICC claims that a thousand people could have been killed. The International Criminal Court's motives are not entirely altruistic. Certain countries are exempt from punishment, when there is evidence for human rights violations and crimes against humanity. Particular leaders are targeted in Asia and Africa, European leaders rarely are charged.  The question of jurisdiction is another concern. The Philippines is no longer an ICC member. The country withdrew in 2019. This brings into question the legality of this arrest. The ICC asserts that crimes committed when membership was active can still be prosecuted.  The argument is that the crimes were committed when the Philippines were part of the ICC. The war on drugs in the Philippines continues to have devasting social effects. It enabled law enforcement to engage in various acts of abuse and violence. The Davao Death Squad remains notorious for multiple killings. The ICC accuses the former president of direct involvement of DDS operations. According to Vice President Sara Duterte the former president was forced onto a plane and sent to the Hague. The domestic motivation is clear. Elections are coming up in the Philippines and Duterte was involved in political campaigning. There is a dispute between the Duterte and the Marcos family who want to dominate the politics of the Philippines. This arrest of a former Asian head of state will probably cause other countries to leave the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will most likely not try to stop an ICC trial of Rodrigo Duterte, because he is a political rival.       

The Natural Resources of Greenland

 

Greenland has been a topic on interest. The reason is related to its natural resources. Greenland contains rare earth minerals. Not only does Greenland contain those commodities, but oil and natural gas. Drilling for oil or extracting natural gas is restricted. The reasons are related to environmental protection and concern for the indigenous population. The Greenlandic Inuit. would be negatively impacted by natural gas production and oil drilling. Greenland is semi-autonomous, but is a territory of Denmark. The extraction of natural resources remains untapped potential. Greenland contains copper, graphite, nickel, gold, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, uranium, and iron ore. Mining is an important part of Greenland's physical economy. Exploration licenses are required for mining companies to search the land for rare earth minerals. Denmark has not fully extracted Greenland's natural resource economic value. The reason the Trump administration wants to acquire Greenland is to get access to the rare earth minerals. China and Russia are major producers of rare earth minerals. Trying to purchase Greenland from Denmark could be a means of competing with Eurasia. The value of rare earth minerals will only go up as reserves decline from high consumption. The possibility of Greenland being sold could spark a movement to full independence. Greenland's economic significance is going to to increase in the following years. Mining, natural gas, and oil corporations are going to put pressure on Denmark to get access to Greenland's natural resources. 

The Kurdistan Worker's Party Might Seek A Peace Agreement

 

The Kurdistan Worker's Party announced a ceasefire. The PKK for a number of years has been fighting Turkey for the cause of Kurdish national self-determination. Indications hint to the PKK seeking a peace agreement. Abdullah Ocalan leader of the PKK has called for the armed struggle to end. The circumstances are a direct result of the fall of the Assad presidency in Syria. Turkey made itself an enemy of Syria and the fight with the PKK was putting pressure on the government. The void left by the removal of the Baathist government puts the Kurds in a precarious situation. Israeli expansion and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's control of Syria means Kurds face two enemies. Ocalan's sudden shift away from armed resistance is more about a battlefield reality. Under such conditions a Kurdish state cannot be created. The PKK has been fighting since 1984 and has changed its policies regarding the question of independence. The shift in Turkey has been about more autonomy. Kurds in Syria, Iraq, and Iran do not all share this position. An estimated 40,000 people have died from the conflict with the PKK. As long as Abdullah Ocalan remains in prison peace agreements  or a sustainable ceasefire will not last. Calls for a peaceful resolution might not be possible. The desire to see a Kurdistan emerge are growing. What complicates regional matters is the Democratic Forces of Syria. The Kurdish led group has fought both the Bashar  al-Assad presidency in Syria and the Recep Erdogan government. Even if the PKK were to make peace or dissolve, this would not end regional challenges. Neo- Otomanism is partitioning parts of West Asia. Kurds and Arabs are seen as obstacles to the new Turkish neo-colonial policy. Members of the PKK understand this agenda. Abdullah Ocalan's calls for a peace settlement could be rejected by a large portion of  the PKK.  

The World's Glaciers Are Melting At A Faster Rate

 

The glaciers of the world are melting at a faster rate. This has been noted by the data examining mountain glaciers. If the frozen rivers of ice melt constantly, then sea levels rise. The result would mean flooding. Costal areas and islands are going to be effected. The world could be seeing a massive glacier loss. Scientists are using glaciers as a means of documenting climate change. The status of glaciers indicate that climate change has reached a perilous condition. The rate of change is more intense in certain areas of the world. Central Europe has experienced the effects of the shift in glacier melting. The use of satellites provides most of the data. This is an indirect measurement, so it might not be as precise. The world has over 200,000 glaciers. The question remains is the development reversible. At some stage, the melting of glaciers cannot be stopped. Using more fossil fuel only adds to the greenhouse effect. If this continues for a number of centuries, certain areas might not be habitable. Natural disasters such as flooding are going to be more intense. Seasonal meltwater does provide freshwater to populations around the globe. More meltwater does help in resistance to drought. Too much melting of glaciers becomes an environmental hazard. 

Malcolm X Views on Integration, President Kennedy, and Race Relations (1963)

 

Malcolm X was critical of the Kennedy administration's lack of action on civil rights. Only when the violence in Alabama got more intense did the government take notice. Malcolm X did not support racial integration. Black separatism was in his view the only solution in a racist society. Developing a self sustaining community and in the distant future a black nation in North America was the goal. Non-violent resistance was in an ineffective tactic in Malcolm's perspective. Malcolm X was accused of hating whites by the media. His response was that he was not focused on false assertions. Such a question was a disingenuous one. The attempt was to demonize the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X as a threat. Members of the Nation of Islam were subject to police brutality and murder. Malcolm X was being spied on by the FBI. Separatism made sense in a country based on second class citizenship and segregation. Race relations would not be improved by integration. 

Billie Holiday Sings Strange Fruit (1959)

 

Strange Fruit was a blues song protesting lynching released in 1939. Billie Holiday would sing the song regularly during her career. During the Great Depression African Americans were subject to persecution not only by the state, but by vigilante and terrorist groups. The Black Legion and the Ku Klux Klan attacked African American communities. Billie Holiday's singing expresses the sorrow and fear living under violent conditions. The victims in the song are compared to fruit. The context shows how there was a disregard for the value of African American life. When Billie Holiday performed the song again in 1959, America was changing. The murder of Emmett Till sparked a movement for civil rights. The resistance never stopped and music is a part of movements for justice.  

The Professional job Recession

 

Economists have noted there is a decline  related to industries such a tech, consulting, and finance. Various corporation across numerous industries are doing layoffs. The traditional office job could be experiencing what occurred with manufacturing. The common description of this is white collar recession. To be precise, it is a professional job recession. The common term is misleading, because it claims to be only happening in certain occupations. Workers with higher education and multiple skills are still subject to the exploitation of a capitalist system. Education and working for a particular company was claimed to protect workers from layoffs or job loss. Since 2022, layoffs have increased in the white collar classified jobs. Searching for positions has become more difficult or companies slowdown hiring. Those who remain employed are doing more work for less pay. What the global economy is experiencing looks closer to the 2008 financial meltdown. The professional worker class is not protected. Blue collar work was subject to disruptions in the economy. White collar work was shielded to an extent. The professional worker is getting closer to the conditions faced by the working class on a regular basis. The reason most cannot recognize the exploitation of the professional class was related to job benefits. Paid vacations, healthcare, and possible promotion were common benefits corporations offered. Overtime, such benefits were either reduced or disappeared. The professional managerial class and business elite can exploit the workforce to their benefit. The professional job recession will be exacerbated by more supply side economic policies, automation, and outsourcing.  

Ukraine Rejects Peace Proposals

 

Ukraine has rejected peace proposals. The reason relates to the fact that Russia occupies the eastern section of the country. Ukraine is divided not only politically, but on an ethnic basis. Ukrainians at this stage might not be willing to accept their ethnic Russian neighbors. The support for the Russian Federation is present in areas with more Russian speakers. President Zelensky does not want to negotiate without getting the territories lost back. The Ukrainian military is not strong enough to do so without aid or direct assistance from other European powers. There is no pathway for Ukraine to win or expel Russia. The Trump administration claimed it would have some form of agreement. The problem is that with no INF Treaty, nuclearization of Eastern Europe will continue. The Biden administration refused to acknowledge that the conflict was a war of proxy. The intent was to weaken the Russian Federation using Ukraine as a trap. The situation is different from the Soviet-Afghan War during the 1980s. Ukraine has become a victim of US geopolitical designs. Demands are being made by the US for Ukraine to agree to a mineral deal. Ukraine has lithium, titanium, and uranium deposits. Natural resources explains the US interference in Ukraine. Russia wants to halt NATO expansion and promote Slavic nationalism in Eastern Europe. The war could be coming to a close, but the aftermath will have devasting consequences. Ukraine is not going to escape the debt from the billions borrowed from EU nations. The US is going to more control over Ukraine's economic affairs. A peace proposal could save the government. President  Volodymyr Zelensky could either be removed by Russians or deposed by his own people. Cancelling elections demonstrates that he knows his support has waned or that he wants to remain in power indefinitely. A peace settlement is the only rational choice to bring Europe back to stability.      

Sam Nujoma 's Namibian Independence Speech

 

Sam Nujoma ( 1929-2025)  was the first president of  Namibia. SWAPO waged a long liberation war against Apartheid South Africa's occupation of the land. Nujoma mentions that multiple resolutions were passed by international bodies. The United Nations resolutions did not obtain Namibian independence. It was through armed freedom struggle against  the white minority ruled regimes. When Apartheid South Africa lost Namibia in 1990, it was apparent the regime was going to fall. Sam Nujoma declared a new era was emerging on the African continent. European colonial imperialism was a relic of the past. Yet, Namibia and South Africa were still fighting it. The liberation movements of the South African region were successful. The new era that Sam Nujoma referred to was the independent states free from foreign interference and colonization. Namibia obtained its independence after a long liberation war. . Sam Nujoma would serve as president of Namibia from  1990 to 2005. After leaving office he continued to campaign for SWAPO and was like an elder  statemen. 

South Africa Repeals Expropriation Act 63 of 1975

 

South Africa is engaging in a new policy of land reform. The repeal of the Expropriation Act 63 of 1975 represents an effort to eliminate the remains of the Apartheid regime. Land distribution was made unequal by racist laws and practices from 1948 to 1994. The majority of South Africans want to see land distribution. White farmers in the past exploited land and labor, while the black majority was impoverished. The repeal of the Expropriation Act 63 of 1975 is constitutional. A concern about property rights have been discussed by those who oppose reforms. The land was stolen by the Afrikaners and similar to Zimbabwe many were displaced. The expropriation of land under the new law is not to enrich or displace populations. It is giving justice to those who were under colonial rule and racial segregation. The debate over compensation will be contentious. The South African Constitution and courts have to determine if compensation is to be given. Section 12 explains the conditions for transactions. Some object to this on the basis of the basis of the oppression that was inflicted by the white minority ruled regime. Afrikaners continue to benefit from past violence and discriminatory practices of the past. Repeal old laws and new legislation might not be enough. The ANC must embark on wider economic empowerment programs. Strengthening the rand and expanding trade across Africa ensures a better future. Land reform and distribution is the first step to South Africa's economic improvement. 

The M23 Rebels Make Advances

 

The M23 rebels are making advances in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For a time the March 23 rebellion movement was not a serious threat. From 2023 onwards, clashes emerged. Observers cite that Rwanda and Uganda are fueling the current conflict. The M23 rebels are now making it an objective to take Kinshasa. The majority of the fighting has been in the eastern section of the DRC. An estimated 1 million people have been displaced. Another large scale civil war would devastate a region recovering from the Second Congolese Civil War. The reason President Paul Kagame supports the M23 rebels is because they are Tutsi armed group. Rwanda might be attempting to partition the DRC. The DRC is getting assistance from Burundi. The Tutsi population has felt isolated from the government. M23 represents an ethnic group trying to break away from the DRC. United Nations peacekeepers on present in the DRC and are collaborating with the Congolese Army. The Southern African Development Community has an active military mission in the DRC. The reason M23 became more formidable was from a new alliance. The Congo River Alliance was formed to overthrow the government. Corneille Nangaa was a politician turned rebel leader. Having both Rwandan and Ugandan aid, made the M23 rebels more powerful than they were in 2012. More armed groups are active in the Congo River Alliance. If the M23 rebels go beyond the east, the DRC will experience a large civil war.  

President Yoon Suk Yeol Charged With Insurrection

 

President Yoon Suk Yeol has been charged with insurrection. Prior to this, he was impeached. President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting president to be charged with a crime. Yoon is not the first South Korean president to commit criminal acts. Park Geun-hye was charged with abuse of power and bribery. She would eventually get a pardon. President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest sparked protest from supporters. Now, there is going to be a trial that will change South Korean politics. The fear is that both opposing political parties will criminalize figures they see as competition. President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt at imposing martial law was unconstitutional. The actions in December of 2024  are impeachable offenses. The insurrection charge would be easier to prove in court, if it was done to extend his term in office. Taking such action during an election or after the outcome of it would be insurrection. The South Korean Constitutional Court is debating on the impeachment process and if President Yoon Suk Yeol should be removed from office. Under conditions of removal, an election would held in 60 days. South Korea has fallen into a deep political crisis. The trial of Yoon Suk Yeol is polarizing the South Korean public. Even if President Yoon Suk Yeol survives insurrection charges, his future in politics has been damaged. The trial might expose a larger network of corruption and conspiracy in the South Korean government. 

Donald Trump, The Influence of Corporate Power, And The Corrupt System of American Politics

 Donald Trump became the second president to win non-consecutive terms. This so far, only happened with President Grover Cleveland in 1892. The US presidential election of 2024 was unlike any other. President Biden was forced out of the race over concerns about his cognitive health. Although Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both senior citizens, Biden's age became a topic of discussion. The first presidential debate was held before Biden and Trump were made official nominees of their political parties. The error was having President Joseph Biden debate that early. Donald Trump's return to the presidency was the outcome of the public's dissatisfaction with the Biden administration. Kamala Harris replaced Biden, but did not distance herself from his policies. Worsening economic conditions, concerns about immigration, and interventionist foreign policy caused President Biden to slip in the polls. Donald Trump was able to exploit discord, resentment, and disillusioned individuals. Voters who were once Democrats decided to vote for Donald Trump. Libertarians, anti-political establishment voters, and far-right factions  are a part of the Trump base. Elon Musk used his resources to assist the Trump campaign. The unusual coalition of groups elected him president both in 2016 and 2024. Donald Trump's loss in 2020 was due to the inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The election of Joseph Biden was an attempt to go back to a form of normalcy. Instead Americans were faced with inflation, the consequences of escalating the Russia-Ukraine War, and a growing housing crisis. Donald Trump would have never been able to win, if the Biden administration was able to address dire issues. Donald Trump's election in 2024 demonstrates corporate power has an abnormal amount of influence in American politics. Billionaires have  created an oligarchy, which only has some institutions of a liberal democratic structure. Donald Trump has been presented as a unique threat by the political establishment. The exaggeration ignores the fact that both political parties are beholden to the business elite, special interest groups, and a number of lobbies. Donald Trump demonized not because of his corruption or crimes, rather he ruined the mythical image honest government. American politics is  a corrupt system, yet many want to believe it can be reformed or used for revolutionary change. The Donald Trump presidency dismantled these long held American convictions. 

      Donald Trump built his wealth through real estate. It was 1976 when the Trump Organization did its major construction project. The renovation of the Commodore Hotel in New York, New York was the beginning of Trump's business career. The United States during this period was in a state of political doubt. The defeat in the Vietnam War and Watergate generated much discord in the American public. The United States was facing an energy crisis, which the Carter administration struggled to control. The economic condition was that of recession between the 1973 and 1975. The desire to see economic prosperity on the scale of the 1950s was desirable. Donald Trump took advantage of the political and economic shifts during the 1970s and 1980s. Donald Trump and the other corporate figures of real estate were  the forces behind gentrification. Manhattan was a specific target of pushing low income residents to other areas. When Ronald Reagan was elected president, a policy objective was to deregulate various industries. Simultaneously, housing subsidies were cut. The Regan administration's supply side economic policies enabled Donald Trump to expand his wealth.  This began a pattern of Donald Trump not paying taxes based on his income. The Trump Organization was not paying the proper amount of taxes. It was only in 2022 that the Trump Organization was convicted of criminal tax fraud. Corporations and the CEOs avoid any serious punishment. The Trump Organization's criminal behavior is common among large corporations. The influence of corporate power grew so much in the 1990s, it eclipsed political power. Both the Democratic and Republican Party became dependent on campaign donations from corporations. This phenomenon paralleled the monopoly trusts of the early 20th century. At the time, oil and steel were two immense trusts in the US economy. Figures like John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan were despised for their domination of business. The Theodore Roosevelt administration set about challenging corporate power by breaking up monopolies. Trust busting was the only time in US history in which corporate power was challenged effectively.     

By the late 20th century, the government was collaborating with corporate power. The environment allowed Donald Trump to rise as a public figure. Prior to his entry into politics, he would meet with various politicians  and celebrities. Donald Trump cultivated an image as being different from other corporate leaders. He did not present himself as hostile to the political establishment, rather an ambassador. This disguised a more malevolent nature. Trump's race prejudice, poor treatment of his employees, and unethical business practices were not subject to scrutiny prior to 2016. Corporate power was not only enabled by Republicans, but by the New Democrats with the election of William Jefferson Clinton. Accommodating corporate power, meant abandoning working class concerns. The shift was to focusing on the middle class and accommodating the business elite resulted in negative consequences. The cost of living increased, while wages remained stagnant. Attaining a middle class or financially secure status  was out of reach for most Americans. Donald Trump has done several business ventures. Casinos, gold courses, and a  recent venture into cryptocurrency shows profit motive drives Trump's ambitions. Politics is another business project to enrich himself. Corporate power is no longer operating in a furtive manner. Corporate power over the past 50 years has been pushing for an oligarchic system. Neither political party would challenge this , because the preservation of neoliberal capitalism is more important than a democratic government. 

      Corruption has been a part of American politics throughout its history. Attempts at reform are not successful. Campaign finance reform is discussed, but no substantive action is taken. Presidential campaigns now boast about how much money they raise. Egregious to most of the public, candidates for public office will not attack the practice publicly. Money continues to corrupt a fragile republic. Donald Trump was able to use some campaign funds to pay for legal expenses. A number of lawsuits were directed at him between 2022 and 2023. Taking campaign funds to pay for legal expenses demonstrates the corrupt nature of American politics. Donations from voters and other organizations should be used for getting elected to office. Kamala Harris campaign generated a total of $1billion. Despite getting funds from other companies, her website was asking voters to donate money. This comes at a time when Americans struggle with inflation. After the loss of the 2024 election, Kamala was asking voters to donate to cover certain debts accumulated during the campaign. What can be speculated is the Kamala Harris campaign was spending more than they were supposed to. The irresponsible mismanagement of funds borders on embezzlement.  The existing laws are too weak or there remain loopholes that make it difficult to charge. Voter power is being undermined by not only the candidates, but by other entities. Political action committees, lobbies, and corporations have more control over the US  Congress . A Democratic or Republican running for president would be more responsive to these entities than the general public. The Israel-Gaza War made voters question Middle East policy. The desire for change related to the Israel-US relationship was expressed by various constituencies. Protests did not change the presidential candidates' positions on Israel. Both favored arming the country despite human rights violations and war crimes. The reason is that AIPAC maintains connections to both political parties. The healthcare system will not be improved for the reason of insurance company lobbies. Legislation is stopped before it is even voted on. Super PACs might not be able to directly contribute to a political party or candidate, however their funds make it easier for their agenda setting objective. Donald Trump's involvement in politics was a natural choice. The corporate world functions on a similar system of corruption, which is why Trump was able to get elected to the office. 

      The political establishment has a distain for Trump for a number of reasons. A political neophyte won the presidency twice. The second time was more irksome considering it happened with a number of lawsuits in progress. Donald Trump cannot be controlled nor does he adhere to Washington based norms. Donald Trump continues to remold the political landscape. While Donald Trump is not anti-war and expresses sympathy with imperialist views, he does not share the neoconservative foreign policy vision. The rise of the MAGA movement produced an unanticipated reaction. Neoconservative Republicans and political centrist Democrats formed an alliance, which was not possible in the 2000s. The Bush era was another period of extreme division. The Iraq War and the Afghan War split both political parties. Bipartisanship could not function under a Bush administration.   When voters went to the polls in 2008 and 2012, they hoped for genuine change. President Barack Obama was unsuccessful in addressing the economic challenges the population was facing. Discussion of change was not enough. When Donald Trump entered the race in 2016, he took a more vituperative and vexed tone. Donald Trump channeled the frustrations, fears, and sadness of  people who were left behind by globalization and neoliberal capitalism. Voters who selected Obama previously cast ballots for Trump. The group of former Democrat voters selecting Trump occurred in 2024. The public has felt that two party system is not working for them. Voting for Trump in 2016 was an act disappointment for those who desired a change to the American political system. The Democrats who voted for Trump in 2024 was rage directed at the poor performance by the Biden administration. The political establishment refused to acknowledge the changes domestically or on a global scale. Tactics that would have worked in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 were no loner relevant. The political establishment then cited that Donald Trump was a fascist or collaborating with the Russian Federation. These accusations are not credible criticisms. Donald Trump ended the INF Treaty which did not work in Russia's favor. Fascism is a right-wing political ideology that promotes aggressive nationalism. Donald Trump's racism is based on  paleoconservative   convictions closer to Pat Buchanan.. Donald Trump as authoritarian tendencies, but classifying him under a fascist totalitarian designation would not be correct. The political establishment is not concerned about rights or freedoms. The objective is to maintain the status quo. Some of the anti-Trump Republicans and moderate Democrats share some of his hatreds and xenophobic attitudes. Their repudiation of him is not for a noble cause, rather to maintain the myth of an honorable country. 

     Donald Trump was able to market himself and the MAGA movement. The Democratic Party does not have an adequate response to this. The politically motivated lawsuits such as the classified documents case and the inflated values of his real estate properties helped his presidential campaign. Rather than focus on serious issues, the conversation was shifted. Donald Trump switched the subject to the culture war and Kamala Harris turned to identity politics. The focus on Trans rights was mentioned in negative terms , while the opposing view was an emphasis on inclusion. Wokeness, cancel culture, or anti-SJW sentiment are not relevant to most people. These ideas and beliefs are pertinent to workplaces or entertainment. The culture war is not determining the status of the economy, employment levels, crime, immigration, or foreign policy. To an extent political correctness created an atmosphere for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement to rise. Certain subjects or topics were not meant to be discussed for the sake of preventing offense. What happened was that political correctness was being used to censor opinions or perspectives some did not want to hear. Immigration was one of those concerns. While particular comments can be rude  or insulting, people were being attacked for expressing a view that was not intended to be offensive. Political correctness was used to stifle expression of various opinions in public discourse. Donald Trump challenged this by being a vitriolic and vituperative. By marketing himself as being outrageous, Donald Trump was able to get more media attention.  Any other political figure if they expressed views in that manner would be repudiated. Donald Trump when he was host of The Apprentice  created  a public persona of churlish and unfiltered speaker. CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News only amplified this image. While Trump despises the corporate media, it is understood that it is platform for marketing himself. When Trump makes a statement and the media reacts it only empowers him. Annexing Greenland, taking the Panama Canal back,  or making Canada part of the US generated panic among corporate media circles. These events will not happen, but Trump understands that words have power. 

     Donald Trump now has another term as president. Some wonder of the current administration will be the same as the 2017 to 2020. Based on the first term and the current political conditions a general prediction can be made. Immigration is going to experience some crackdowns. However, the H-1B visa programs will not be effected. The reason is because corporations want to exploit a section of skilled immigrant labor. President Donald Trump might want mass deportations, but there are obstacles to this. Legal challenges are to be anticipated. The amount of spending required would be immense . This includes transportation, law enforcement, and detention centers need funding. The MAGA  movement is starting to show political factionalism. The H-1B visa support by Trump  vexed many in the MAGA movement. The populist and working class section is experiencing tension with the more wealthy influencers. Elon Musk represents this divide. The more working class section of MAGA is suspicious of the tech billionaires. The religious right remains with Trump, so long as he remains anti-LGBTQ. To placate that section of the constituency more anti-Trans legislation will be proposed. The actions done will not create complete unity in the MAGA movement. Although intolerant, the movement has assorted group of people. Donald Trump was able to gain more African American and Latino voters in 2024. The majority of African Americans have voted Democrat since the 1960s. Now that loyal base is shifting. The reason could be that Democrats took the African American vote for granted. The United States is going to be more paleoconservative and functioning on a xenophobic nativist model. Economics during this second term is going to follow supply-side policies. The Biden administration did not attempt to repeal the Trump era tax cuts. Increasing tariffs will not solve inflation or prevent an economic downturn. The only way tariffs could be effective is if the US had a powerful manufacturing base. Most of those occupations have been outsourced and the idea of brining manufacturing back is not possible. Economic conditions were on the decline with Biden, but will continue under Trump. Foreign policy might be different. President Trump implied he wants the Russia-Ukraine War to end. This does not mean that the US will completely disengage in Eastern Europe. Conflict with China, Venezuela, or Iran is possible. President Donald Trump has made enemies in both the Republican and Democratic Party. What President Trump  accomplishes is dependent on the House of Representatives and the Senate. His election is not the beginning of an oppressive regime. Donald Trump's rise was a culmination of America's hatreds, failed promises, and lies.      

Evo Morales Faces Legal Challenges

 

Evo Morales is facing legal challenges. A judge called for his arrest for alleged relationship with a teenage girl while president. Evo Morales was the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Seeking to run for office again, the courts are also trying to stop him. The timing of these cases appear to have a political motivation. Evo Morales is still a popular political figure in Bolivia. He was removed by a coup and the basis of removal was just an accusation of electoral fraud. The opposition did not provide evidence of Evo Morales doing anything criminal. Evo Morales is being targeted both by the coups and other nefarious actors. An assassination attempt was made on his life in 2024 . President Luis Arce  might be orchestrating a campaign of lawfare against Morales. Law enforcement so far has not enforced the warrant for his arrest. The changes of sex trafficking or sex with a minor would be difficult to prove in court. The victim did not bring the charges to the court, which makes the situation more suspicious. Political opponents are being criminalized. Evo Morales is determined to get the nomination as the MAS Party presidential candidate. The courts want to prevent him from getting a third term. Evo Morales had to go into exile in Argentina due to the political persecution. The outcome of the election is not certain. If Evo Morales can avoid being imprisoned by his political enemies, he has a chance to win the presidency.   

Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew Responds To The Supreme Court Ruling

The US Supreme Court has shown support for the banning of Tik Tok. Based on the First Amendment this could be considered a violation of free speech and press. The legislation has to pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew made a video response to the US Supreme Court. The response was more so directed at users. Chew assured Tik Tok users that an agreement can be reached with the US government. The case for the ban is that Tik Tok poses a national security risk related to data. There is no evidence that the CCP is using Tik Tok for espionage. If that was the actual concern, then Google, X, and Meta should be investigated. A bias exists against Tik Tok, because it is a Chinese company. The US government is attempting censorship on the basis of national security. If the Tik Tok ban happens, then a number of social media platforms could be at risk. Shou Zi Chew believes he persuade the in coming Trump administration to shift policy. Considering Trump's anti-China rhetoric, this seems unlikely. Even if a presidential veto is done it could be overridden. Social media has been under attack since the late 2010s. The attempts to ban Tik Tok is an extension of a growing movement to control access to information. 

 

Romania's Protests Against The Cancelled Presidential Elections

 

Romania is seeing protests due to the cancellation of the presidential election. The reasoning behind this decision was suspected Russian interference. The evidence has yet to be made public and the motivation is political. The possibility of the AUR Party winning was a threat to the political establishment. The AUR is far-right and it is assumed that this type of behavior would come from those of that political affiliation. Romania's Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the annulment of the presidential election. The Romanian Constitutional Court needs to provide evidence of electoral fraud or foreign influence for this decision to be legal. Otherwise, this is a case of the judiciary violating the public's right to vote. A new election is being scheduled, but there is concern they could be postponed. Romania's internal crisis poses a problem for the European Union. The claim is that the EU supports liberal democracy and human rights. However, if it is a political party from another ideological spectrum, then few words of condemnation are given. Calin Georgescu if he runs again, might find that the election will be annulled a second time. Public discord could grow from a error in the Romanian Constitutional Court. The only charges Georgescu was given were related to campaign funds and the use of certain digital technologies. Georgescu never revealed the financial sources for his campaign. An investigation would probably not show that Calin Georgescu was being influenced by a foreign government. Romania is not under Russian influence. During the Cold War, Romania was the most independent of the Eastern Bloc nations. Romania refused to invade Czechoslovakia in 1968 along with the U.S.S.R. Romania is being influenced by the EU and NATO countries. The coalition government tends to favor the West, rather than the Eastern European region.      

Ecuador and Guatemala's Involvement In Haiti

 

Haiti is facing occupation from other countries in South America. Guatemala and Ecuador are getting more involved in the Caribbean nation. The justification was that the mission is to stabilize Haiti has a number of armed groups and gangs. While crime has been a problem, this is an internal matter for Haitian law enforcement. Gangs or armed groups are not directing there violence at Guatemala or Ecuador. Haiti does not pose a security risk to any of these countries. UN missions and foreign occupations have never helped Haiti. Kenya's mission to Haiti has also generated controversy in Africa. The Haitian National Police seeking foreign assistance proves that it no longer has independence. The United States appears to be outsourcing imperial projects to proxies in Latin America. What appears to be gang violence could morph into resistance against foreign military occupation and interference. The violence began in 2021 and was a reaction to Prime Minister Jovenel Moise refusing to relinquish power. His assassination led to a series of puppet governments. The Monroe Doctrine never disappeared, but changed with the geopolitical shifts. Haitians are taking up arms against being occupied and foreign interference in domestic affairs, Ecuador and Guatemala could be attempting to partition Haiti. Guatemalan and Ecuadoran troops are not there for human rights. Gaining more influence in the Caribbean is the objective. Haiti is not the same as Colombia in terms of violence. Foreign countries should not get involved in the policing Haiti. The advisors sent are going to have more of a command role and limited mechanisms exist to stop violence directed at the public by Central American soldiers.    

Jean-Marie Le Pen Vexed Over Suspension From The National Front (2015)

 

Jean-Marie Le Pen (1928-2025) was a prominent figure in French far-right politics. Known for his anti-immigrant and anti-black racism, Le Pen had not problem expressing his views publicly. Marine Le Pen expelled him from the National Front in 2015. One remark that got more criticism was Le Pen referring to the Holocaust as a "detail of history." The coded language implied that it was not that serious of an event. Jean-Marie Le Pen also expressed anti-Muslim sentiment. Jean-Marie Le Pen was not removed from the National Front for being too extreme. Most members and leaders hold these views. His daughter wanted more control of the party and to change its image to the public. Far-right parties try to appear more civil to get votes. The attempts to mainstream far-right political parties only work under poor economic conditions. Marine Le Pen  was not concerned about the National Front's racism, but trying to appeal more to the French population. Intolerant ideas would be repackaged to the voters. Blatant hatred could not be openly spoken, but done through policy. This required Jean-Marie Le Pen to be removed. The National Front continues to be active in French politics.  

Justin Trudeau Resigns

 

Justin Trudeau has resigned as Canada's prime minister. The Liberal Party is facing struggles on multiple fronts. Questions are mounting on who will get the leadership of the Liberal Party. This is a major change considering Trudeau has been in office since 2015. While some legislation benefited Canada under his leadership, other policies undermined progress. The concept of postnational state had some unforeseen consequences. Opening the Canada to refugees and more immigration without more accommodation generated public concern. More border crossings were happening at Roxham Road. The economic relations with the United States became more turbulent during the Trump administration. NAFTA was replaced with the United States-Mexica Canada Agreement. CUSMA did not improve the financial situation of the Canadian citizen. Tariffs became a topic of serious discussion. Steel and aluminum were effected the most in Canada. Foreign policy tended to follow a pattern common among western liberals. Canada's attitude toward China became more contentious and the support for the Russia-Ukraine War did not advance Canada's objectives in Europe. A peaceful Europe is better for Canada, rather than  keeping the conflict going. Diplomatic relations with India were in decline during the early 2020s. Much of this is due to India's accusation of Canada's support for the Khalistan  movement. The movement wants to see an independent Sikh state. Canada has a Sikh population, which advocates for a new nation on the Indian  subcontinent . Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could not formulate a policy to navigate these complications of foreign policy. The government could not survive decreasing poll numbers and  election losses. The wave of cabinet resignations demonstrated the frustration with Trudeau's premiership.  

Zimbabwe Abolishes The Death Penalty

 

Zimbabwe has announced that it will no longer use the death penalty. This is a significant move related to human rights in the Southern African nation. Zimbabwe only has a total of 60 prisoners on death row. Zimbabwe only executed one prisoner in 2005. Zimbabwe does not favor capital punishment for a number of reasons. Executions are a reminder of the abuses of the white minority rule Rhodesian regime. Many lost their lives in the Bush War and wider liberation struggle. Capital punishment and executions were used against Zimbabweans to maintain colonial domination. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has voiced his rejection of the death penalty. During the liberation war, given the death penalty. The sentence was changed to ten years in prison, but some were not so fortunate. Zimbabwe has been criticized by the EU for  having a poor record on human rights. Just like the EU Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. The criticisms of Zimbabwe are not out of genuine human rights promotion, rather a political agenda. African countries can advance human rights with out external advice or interference. Zimbabwe could inspire other African nations to ban capital punishment. Ghana, Kenya, and Liberia might be moving in this direction. President Mnangagawa signed the bill into law, preventing certain prisoners from being executed by the state.  

Billionaire Isabel Dos Santos And The Questions Around Her Assets

 

Isabel Dos Santos has been described as "Africa's richest woman." Questions remains about how she generated her wealth and how assets were acquired. The UK has frozen some of her assets, but she has stated her innocence related to criminal activity. Isabel being the daughter of the former Angolan president did have certain advantages. Isabel had investments in numerous banks and one telecommunications firm. President Jose Edurado dos Santos  made her head of Sonangol. This is an important oil firm in Angola. Isabel Dos Santos was removed by the new administration in 2017. Isabel Dos Santos was charged with embezzlement and money laundering by Angolan courts. There is indication that some of these assets were gained through illegal means and a system of nepotism. The  heaight of her fortune was around 2013 to 2015. Isabel Dos Santos has lost some wealth and according to Forbes rankings was removed from their list in 2021. Based on their sources her net work was $1.4 billion in 2020. The asset freezes probably did not make much on an impact. This does not account for hidden funds. Isable Dos Santos is considering running for president of Angola. The intention could be to use the office to enrich herself and reestablish Santos influence in government. The average Angolan does not see a dramatic increase in income, but Isabel used family and government connections to become a billionaire. The MPLA used to support socialism and Marxist-Leninist ideology. The ironic situation is that a billionaire could possibly run for president of Angola. Angola has gone though a similar transformation that China did after the end of Maoism. Isabel Dos Santos is a product of this economic shift.