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However, following an unsuccessful coup in 2016, Erdogan initiated a widespread crackdown. In the wake of a shaky economy and a significant drop in the value of the lira following his re-election with increased powers, signs of cronyism and authoritarianism are becoming more prevalent in his government. As a result, Turks are now voting with their feet by leaving the country in large numbers, taking their talent and capital with them. This trend, as indicated by government data and analysts, suggests a widespread and concerning lack of confidence in Erdogan's leadership. Over the past few years, not only have students and academics left Turkey, but also entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and numerous wealthy individuals who are liquidating their assets and relocating with their families and finances overseas. Merve Bayindir, a hat designer, stated that she is selling all her belongings after shutting down her business in Istanbul and relocating to London. The emigration of over a quarter of a million Turks in 2017, a 42 percent increase from the previous year, is causing concern among experts who believe it could have long-lasting effects on Turkish society. Ibrahim Sirkeci, a director at Regent's University in London, described the situation as a significant brain drain. The departure of people, talent, and capital is being influenced by a combination of factors that have become characteristic of life under Erdogan, leaving his opponents feeling hopeless. These factors include fear of political persecution, terrorism, a lack of trust in the judiciary and the rule of law, and a declining business environment, exacerbated by concerns that Erdogan is manipulating the economy for personal gain. As a result, members of the old wealthy class, especially the secular elite who have long been influential in Turkey's cultural and business circles, are emigrating, while those close to Erdogan and his party are taking their place. One individual making this move is Merve Bayindir, a hat designer in Istanbul's Nisantasi district, who is relocating to London and selling her business and home in Istanbul. Protesters who took part in the demonstrations in Taksim Square in Istanbul in June 2013 faced harassment and persecution, leading many to leave Turkey. One such protester, Bayindir, continues to be haunted by the violence and feels unsafe in her own city. Many individuals faced harassment and persecution in Turkey, leading them to leave the country. Erdogan criticized the protesters and many of them left after experiencing arrests and harassment. Bayindir mentioned the discrimination, cultural and personal, along with the anger and violence that is difficult to cope with. Many Turks, including Bayindir, have applied for business visas in the UK or for golden visa programmes in Greece, Portugal, and Spain. The number of Turks seeking asylum in Europe has increased in the last three years, according to Sirkeci, who has researched Turkish migration to Britain for 25 years. He believes that 10,000 Turks have utilized a business visa program to relocate to the UK in recent years, with a significant increase in applications since the start of 2016. This is twice the amount from 2004 to 2015. Following the attempted coup, applications for political asylum by Turkish citizens in the UK tripled in the six months after, and increased sixfold in Germany. According to data from the UN refugee agency, the global number of Turks seeking asylum rose by 10,000 in 2017 to over 33,000. Many of those fleeing are followers of Fethullah Gulen, a preacher based in Pennsylvania who is accused of orchestrating the coup in 2016, or individuals accused of being his followers with weak evidence. After the coup, a large number of teachers and academics were dismissed from their positions, including many who had signed a petition for peace. Some have found jobs overseas. Erdogan's efforts to make Turkey more conservative and religious have led to a shift in the economic landscape, with a growing middle class and a close group of elites who owe their success to him. This intentional societal transformation has resulted in a loss of capital and talent, according to Bekir Agirdir, director of the Konda polling company. The government has supported new businesses through subsidies and contracts, leading to a rapid replacement of older establishments. He stated that there is a shift of resources happening, which involves social and political manipulation. Ilker Birbil, a mathematician facing charges for his involvement in a peace petition and now working at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, expressed concern about the permanent loss of individuals from Turkey. Birbil noted that those leaving the country have no intention of returning, pointing to the divisive political atmosphere as a major factor. He described the situation as worrisome for Turkey. Erhan Erkut, founder of MEF University in Istanbul, where innovation and entrepreneurship are taught, mentioned that many students and friends are reaching out to him for help in leaving Turkey. He explained that these individuals feel hopeless about the possibility of change, largely due to President Erdogan's long tenure in power. "He mentioned that for many people, this government is all they know and they are unaware that there are other options available. Families are establishing businesses overseas with the intention of passing them on to the next generation, as stated by Sirkeci from Regent’s University. A significant number of students at his private university are in this situation. According to the Global Wealth Migration Review by AfrAsia Bank, in 2016 and 2017, approximately 12,000 of Turkey's millionaires, representing about 12 percent of the wealthy class, transferred their assets out of the country. The majority of them relocated to Europe or the United Arab Emirates. Istanbul, Turkey's largest business hub, was identified as one of the top seven cities worldwide experiencing an outflow of wealthy individuals." According to the report, a major country collapse is often preceded by wealthy individuals leaving that country. Erdogan has criticized businesspeople who have moved their assets abroad as the Turkish economy struggles. He warned them in a speech in April that they would not be forgiven and would face consequences both in this life and the next. Erdogan stated that there is no valid explanation for this behavior, as reports emerged of Turkey's largest companies pulling out investments from the country. Several companies have transferred a significant amount of capital abroad due to concerns about being targeted in the aftermath of a coup or as the economy started to decline. One example is Yildiz Holding, a Turkish food company, which faced criticism on social media for its alleged connection to Gulen's movement. Yildiz responded by restructuring its debt and transferring ownership of its Turkish biscuit maker, Ulker, to its London-based holding company, effectively shielding it from legal action in Turkey. Mehmet Gun, a lawyer in Istanbul, noted that billions of dollars have left Turkey in recent years, particularly after the coup attempt, as individuals felt threatened. Designer Bayindir also began relocating her company to London two years ago. In Turkey, she used to have six employees and a display room, but now she creates and produces hats on her own in a rented studio in London. She could have remained in Istanbul and been more successful, but the tension in Turkey has escalated to the point where she is afraid of potential civil unrest or even civil war between supporters of Erdogan and his critics. When she visits Istanbul now, she notices that the city has lost its vitality. She appears exhausted. It is significant that I do not want to be here, as I am someone who loves the city itself. | 2 |
Sheikh Shahariar Zaman, a Senior Correspondent at bdnews24.com in Dhaka, reported that the government plans to implement a Green Initiative in all export-processing zones in order to decrease energy consumption. Mahbubur Rahman, a member of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, stated that industries in the EPZs release steam into the air when using boilers, which could instead be utilized for generating heat and saving a significant amount of energy. Rahman mentioned that a project is currently underway at the Chittagong Export Processing Zone to develop a plan for reducing carbon emissions, with support from organizations such as the International Finance Corporation, UKAID, KOICA, and the European Union. He also stated that this project will be replicated in other export processing zones, with the goal of ensuring more efficient energy use. Rahman emphasized that all export-processing zones will be included in this initiative, as Bangladesh is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions due to its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. There are eight export-processing zones in Bangladesh, according to Senior Investment Officer Han-koo Yeo of the International Finance Corporation. Yeo emphasized the importance of awareness and knowledge-sharing in adopting the Green Initiative. He mentioned that the project in Chittagong will allow local companies to learn how to implement the initiative. Yeo also stressed the importance of using energy efficiently for sustainable business development. | 2 |
Inspired by the teenage Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, 16-year-old student Aman Sharma started a petition on Change.org in May. He noticed that each year was becoming hotter, drier, thirstier, and more polluted. Sharma launched the campaign to pressure the government into taking action to prevent future survival consequences. His petition has garnered over 170,000 signatures. Sharma's demands to the environment ministry include increasing the country's green cover and meeting the commitments made under the 2015 Paris climate agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Despite repeated requests for comment, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change did not respond. Sharma is now aiming to attract the attention of Hollywood environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio, with support from various film personalities. DiCaprio recently shared a photo on Instagram showing women in Chennai struggling to draw water from a nearly empty well, highlighting the daily challenges faced by many residents. The city has been in the global spotlight due to the drying up of its main reservoirs, a result of poor monsoons in 2018. A government report from NITI Aayog warned that Chennai was among 21 cities at risk of running out of groundwater by 2020, amidst a larger water crisis affecting 600 million people in India. Additionally, a heatwave in the north has led to the deaths of at least 36 people this year, with New Delhi experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Jitendra Sharma, a well-known Instagram influencer based in Mumbai, recently initiated a petition which garnered almost 300,000 signatures by Friday. He expressed optimism that the government would declare a climate emergency, emphasizing the importance of such action and referencing similar steps taken by other nations. In May, the UK parliament declared a symbolic climate change "emergency" in recognition of a growing activist movement, particularly among youth in Europe. Environmentalist Chandra Bhushan explained that a climate emergency involves prioritizing climate change in policy and planning processes. Bhushan from the Centre for Science and Environment in Delhi stated that the Indian government will need to acknowledge the current crisis and develop a plan of action. He emphasized that despite the government's current lack of recognition of a climate emergency, it is inevitable that they will have to address it in the future. | 2 |
The South Asian nation has shown progress in addressing hunger, but still ranks among 40 countries where hunger remains a serious issue with a score of 20.4 on the Global Hunger Index. A high GHI score can indicate a lack of food, poor diet quality, inadequate child care practices, unhealthy environment, or a combination of these factors. The GHI rates countries on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being the best score (no hunger) and 100 being the worst. The 2020 Global Hunger Index, jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, was released online on Friday. The report classifies countries into levels of moderate, serious, or alarming hunger based on the most recent official data from sources like FAO, UNICEF, and WHO. The Index does not take into account the current impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report warns that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development goal of 'Zero Hunger' by 2030 will be a significant challenge. GHI scores indicate that hunger and undernutrition have worsened in countries with high levels of hunger. The report also notes that progress in many countries is slow or even regressing. GHI scores are calculated based on four indicators: undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality. Based on the index, Bangladesh has seen a significant decrease in child stunting, with a 12.8 percentage point drop between 2012 and 2020. However, there is still an issue with undernourishment, affecting 13 percent of the population, which is a slight improvement from 13.8 percent in 2012. Additionally, the under-five mortality rate has decreased to 3 percent in 2020 from 4.3 percent in 2012. The country is also facing a potential doubling of the poverty rate this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, Hasina Rahman, Assistant Country Director at Concern Worldwide, highlighted that Bangladesh is highly susceptible to increased food and nutrition insecurity due to the intersecting Health, Economic, and Environmental crises of 2020. She emphasized the importance of collaborating to transform food systems to be equitable, healthy, and eco-friendly to combat current challenges, prevent future crises, and work towards achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. According to the latest index, Sri Lanka and Nepal have lower levels of hunger compared to Bangladesh, while India ranks lower than Pakistan and Afghanistan is also included in the index. The rankings for 2020 have not yet accounted for the impact of COVID-19 on these countries. That being said, it clearly indicates where existing vulnerabilities to food insecurity are located. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was already not on track to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. This negative trend has been significantly worsened by the events of this year, with the economic downturn affecting all parts of the world. The significant impact of these multiple crises, along with the ongoing challenges of climate change and conflict, is rapidly increasing food and nutrition insecurity for millions, particularly for those who were already most at risk. COVID-19 has revealed the serious deficiencies of the world's food system and its inability to address overlapping global and regional crises. Experts believe that only by adopting an integrated and holistic approach to global and environmental health can we hope to achieve Zero Hunger by 2030. | 2 |
Britain's Home Secretary stated that only a small minority of organizations consulted on the government's proposal to allow police to detain terrorism suspects for up to 42 days without charge actually support the plan. The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, defended the controversial plans in front of a parliamentary committee, revealing that out of 71 organizations consulted, only six fully supported the proposal. Despite criticism from individuals such as the Director of Public Prosecutions and the former Attorney General, Smith maintained her stance on the issue during a hearing with the Home Affairs Select Committee. Smith also admitted that she had not met with the Director of Public Prosecutions to discuss the proposals, despite the importance of his support. Over the weekend, it was reported by the media that the head of MI5, Jonathan Evans, indicated to MPs privately that he would not support the new laws. However, senior police officers, such as London Commissioner Ian Blair, have expressed their support for the extension. Smith argued that the proposed laws were necessary in order to allow police sufficient time to interrogate suspects in highly complex terrorism cases. She stated that the laws would include certain "safeguards", with any request to extend the time limit requiring approval from both parliament and a judge. When questioned by members of both the opposition and government, Smith denied that the 42-day limit was established with political motives, but rather to ensure successful prosecutions. During the hearing, she expressed concern that in the future, with only 28 days before a trial, there may be a risk of releasing individuals before sufficient evidence has been gathered against them. Despite previously agreeing with critics that there was no need to extend the time period, she stated that her opinion had changed due to the current climate of sustained terrorism threats. She emphasized that if she and other senior police officials were mistaken in holding someone for longer than 28 days, the pre-trial extension would not be utilized. Smith's unexpected announcement of the plans last week has drawn criticism from opposition parties, human rights groups, and some Muslim organizations, as well as from some government MPs. The significant level of opposition suggests that Smith and Prime Minister Gordon Brown may encounter difficulty in passing the laws through parliament. This would reflect the challenges faced by former Prime Minister Tony Blair, who experienced his initial defeat in the House of Commons in 2005 while attempting to extend detention time to 90 days. | 2 |
According to a statement from the Bangladesh mission in Geneva on Monday, Bangladesh has been chosen as a titular member of the International Labour Organisation's governing body for the years 2008-11. Bangladesh will represent the Asia Pacific Group within the ILO. The elections for 18 new titular members took place at the international labour conference in Geneva on Monday. The ILO governing body consists of 56 regular members, representing governments, employers, and workers in accordance with the organization's tripartite structure. Acting labour and employment secretary Mahfuzul Haque, currently in Geneva, stated to bdnews24.com that the election demonstrates the international community's backing of the country's commitment to various ILO conventions. Haque emphasized that as a member of ILO GB, Bangladesh can play a significant role in safeguarding the rights of workers both domestically and internationally. He highlighted that Bangladesh is currently involved in several initiatives with ILO, such as combating child labor, improving working conditions in hazardous industries, creating guidelines for the ship-breaking sector, and protecting workers from climate change-related risks. Haque expressed confidence that following the elections, Bangladesh will be able to collaborate on more projects with ILO to further support the labor community's causes. | 2 |
The Foreign Service Academy recently held a training program for 15 young diplomats from neighboring countries and Bangladesh, marking the first time such an event has taken place. Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque presented certificates to the participants at the closing ceremony, which was attended by ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries. The training covered various aspects of international relations, including diplomacy, foreign policy, human rights, international trade, energy security, and climate change. The course also included lessons on the subcontinent's history, culture, democratic values, traditions, and development priorities. In addition to classroom sessions, the participants were taken on field trips to art galleries, museums, manufacturing plants, and other institutions important for Bangladesh's socio-economic development. The Foreign Service Academy, established in 1996, offers specialized training for Bangladeshi diplomats. The success of this international training program has prompted officials to consider making it a regular initiative. | 2 |
Researchers reported on Thursday that a Stone Age graveyard in the Sahara, known as Gobero, is filled with the remains of people, fish, and crocodiles who lived in the region when the desert briefly turned green. The site, discovered in Niger in 2000 by a team led by University of Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno, contains at least 200 graves from two separate settlements that were 1,000 years apart. The discovery was made while the team was searching for dinosaur fossils. The most striking discovery is a woman and two children, their arms intertwined, buried with flowers approximately 5,000 years ago. The Kiffians, tall hunter-gatherers, left the area during a drought around 8,000 years ago. The Tenerians, smaller people who settled in the area between 7,000 and 4,500 years ago, were hunters, herders, and fishers. Both groups left behind artifacts such as tools, fishhooks, ceramics, and jewelry. Chris Stojanowski, a bioarchaeologist from Arizona State University working on the site, stated that it is difficult to believe that two very different groups of people are burying their dead in the same location. The Sahara, the largest desert in the world for thousands of years, experienced changes in its climate due to shifts in the Earth's orbit around 12,000 years ago, bringing monsoons further north temporarily. The team analyzed tooth enamel, pollen, bones, soil, and tools to determine the age of the site, artifacts, and remains. The researchers concluded that the data from Gobero, along with other sites in North Africa, show that we are only just starting to comprehend the intricate history of biosocial evolution in the Sahara amidst significant climate changes. | 2 |
A couple of nights earlier, they had been throwing Molotov cocktails during the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong. However, when their friends were arrested by the police, they became afraid that they would be next. In a state of desperation, they reached out to a private online group that assists people in escaping to Taiwan. Quickly, they found themselves on a flight to Taipei, the capital city. One of the protesters nervously mentioned, "We are running from the authorities," as she scanned the food court with anxious eyes. "We didn't have much time to determine what was going on." After leaving the airport, the group quickly got into a black van and drove away, unsure of what the future held. They are part of the over 200 young protesters who have fled to Taiwan since the beginning of this year's Hong Kong democracy movement, according to lawyers, pastors, and other supporters who have assisted in their escape. Lawyers have reported that many protesters have recently arrived after escaping police-sieged university campuses. The protesters are fleeing due to fears of arrest and violence, as the clashes between demonstrators and authorities have become increasingly intense. Protesters are frequently met with tear gas, batons, and water cannons from police. Some protesters have become more aggressive, vandalizing buildings and throwing bricks at police, after feeling bitter that the peaceful tactics of the movement did not work. Over 5,000 people have been arrested since the protests began in June, with hundreds facing harsh sentences. Despite many vowing to continue fighting, a growing sense of mistrust is causing some demonstrators to leave Hong Kong out of fear of unfair treatment in court or abuse in detention, including allegations of sexual assault and rumors of torture. Some individuals are seeking medical treatment in Taiwan after hearing about arrests occurring in hospitals in Hong Kong. Protesters and organizers helping with the escapes emphasized the importance of keeping certain details and identities confidential to protect the operation. According to lawyer Chris Ng, protesters are aware of the severe consequences they could face, such as up to 10 years in prison, and have lost trust in Hong Kong's judicial system. Ng has witnessed protesters not showing up in court, likely having fled Hong Kong. He explained that even if they are willing to face legal consequences, they doubt they will be treated fairly or receive a proportionate punishment. A secret network of supporters has emerged along the pipeline connecting Hong Kong and Taiwan, assisting protesters with safe houses, transportation, and exits. Wealthy donors, aid groups, volunteers, fishermen, and pastors are all playing a role in this covert operation. This includes funding airplane tickets, providing transportation to and from airports, offering boat rides for a high price, and arranging smuggling routes for protesters who have been arrested and had their passports confiscated. Chun Sen Huang, a 54-year-old pastor of Chi Nan Presbyterian Church in Taipei, humorously remarked that he is becoming accustomed to unexpected gatherings. He plays a significant role in the network by serving as a liaison, coordinating travel plans, arranging accommodations, and connecting protesters with various resources in Taiwan. Huang is constantly busy, receiving requests on his phone even during sermons and prayers. Recently, he was informed about a protester who claimed to have been assaulted by Hong Kong police and needed help getting to Taiwan for an abortion. Additionally, he assisted ten students who escaped from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus during the police-protester standoff. Huang introduced them to a lawyer who assisted them in obtaining temporary student visas from a university in Taiwan. A mother contacted, seeking a new guardian for her 14-year-old son who had thrown Molotov cocktails. Taiwan, an autonomous island, is a convenient and hospitable sanctuary. Similar to Hong Kong, it has a tradition of accepting dissidents from mainland China. Despite Beijing considering Taiwan as part of China, Taiwanese leaders maintain their independence. Many Taiwanese citizens have shown their support for the protests in Hong Kong due to concerns about Chinese government interference and how it may impact their own democratic island in the future. The protests began in response to anger over an extradition bill that has since been withdrawn, which would have allowed Hong Kong's leaders to send a fugitive to Taiwan to face charges of murder, even though there is no extradition treaty between the two regions. Protesters in Hong Kong feared that this legal change could be used to send dissidents to mainland China for trial, where the courts are controlled by the Communist Party. While Taiwan is supportive of the protesters, the government is proceeding cautiously to avoid angering Beijing by enacting more lenient asylum laws. Many individuals who come seeking safety end up in a legal gray area with only temporary visas. Huang, who has been a pastor in Taiwan for 22 years, has helped several dissidents escape persecution from the Chinese government, but he has never witnessed an operation of this magnitude before. He compared the situation to "Operation Yellowbird," a covert network that smuggled numerous dissidents out of China and into Hong Kong following the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, when Hong Kong was still under British rule. "Darkness can never overcome light," Huang stated as he guided five newcomers into the church. "I am confident that democracy and freedom will ultimately triumph over totalitarianism." The choice to flee is a difficult one for protesters. Ali, a student at Hang Seng University, has been arrested twice and could face up to 10 years in prison. During her second arrest, she was detained in a parking lot with 70 other protesters for 48 hours. Ali described the lack of privacy, with male officers entering bathrooms unannounced and overhearing other protesters being interrogated. She said she was accused of rioting without being told why. While in custody, she missed her first day as an associate teacher at a primary school and got fired. As she waits for her trial, the dream of becoming a teacher is fading. "It feels like thinking about a life that's already gone," she explained. "My hopes for the future are shattered," Ali said, speaking from her grandmother's house where she resides. “I am left wondering what remains for me,” she pondered, now that her passport has been taken away, forcing her to consider relying on smugglers to transport her by boat to Taiwan. Despite this, she is concerned about leaving her elderly grandmother behind, who is unable to care for herself. The uncertainty of being able to come back weighs heavily on her mind. Fortunately, there are groups of volunteers offering financial assistance to protesters seeking to flee, with one social worker sharing that she had funded 11 individuals to reach Taiwan. The social worker, who has no children of her own, expressed her sense of responsibility to assist young people in need. She mentioned that even if she were to be arrested, she would take pride in her efforts to support the youth against totalitarianism. The social worker began fundraising for protesters who were fleeing in July, following an incident where a group of them breached the legislative building. She assisted a 17-year-old who had been expelled from his home by his parents for participating in the protests. She primarily receives donations in cash and in person, aiming to evade undercover police officers who may pretend to be supportive donors. She mentioned that the majority of people in Hong Kong are not happy and it is not just a small group of radical young people influenced by the USA, as claimed by Beijing. She explained that support for the protests comes from all sectors of society. In Taiwan, protesters typically receive monthly visas which can be renewed regularly. Daniel, a 22-year-old protester, has been living in Taiwan since July on an extended tourist visa. He described his initial involvement in the movement as quite extreme, including storming Hong Kong's legislative building, where his face was caught on surveillance footage. The following day, two police officers approached him on the sidewalk and informed him that they had identified him. Daniel admitted that this encounter made him face the reality that he could no longer ignore - he needed to leave his home. Although he managed to avoid getting arrested, he still does not feel safe. Daniel suspects that his phone has been hacked and that he is being monitored. He receives financial support from an aid group in Hong Kong to cover his living expenses, but he worries that the funds may not last. The pressure he was under caused him to seek help from a psychologist, who identified post-traumatic stress disorder. Daniel mentioned that the most difficult aspect is the longing he has for the life he had to abandon. He recalled a heartbreaking moment just before he left, standing at the foot of the stairs to his home in tears. This memory haunts him constantly as he realizes he may never return to Hong Kong to see his mother or his home again. Text from around 2019, belonging to The New York Times Company. | 2 |
During the recent conflict in the northern Tigray region, an explosion at DBL's compound caused significant damage, leading to a change in the company's business strategy. A company official, Adbul Waseq, described the terrifying experience of the explosion, which resulted in the suspension of operations for DBL and other foreign garment makers in Tigray. Ethiopia has made substantial investments in infrastructure over the past decade, aiming to boost its economy and become a manufacturing hub. By 2017, Ethiopia was recognized as the world's fastest growing economy. A year after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office, promising to reduce the government's control over the economy and open up sectors like telecommunications, investors were optimistic. However, Ethiopia has faced numerous challenges over the past two years, including ethnic conflicts, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent outbreak of fighting between the military and Tigray's former ruling party has caused concern among investors, highlighting the country's instability. The lack of foreign currency from manufacturing exports, combined with increasing debt, has raised concerns about Ethiopia's financial stability. The IMF had previously warned about Ethiopia's high risk of debt distress even before the pandemic. Abiy's government stated that despite facing multiple crises, Ethiopia is moving forward with reforms to establish the groundwork for a modern economy. Mamo Mihretu, a senior policy adviser in the prime minister's office, told Reuters that the Ethiopian economy has shown remarkable resilience despite the challenges of COVID and ongoing insecurity. Ethiopia's textile production is relatively small compared to countries like Vietnam and China, with exports totaling $94 million in 2016. The country's top exports are agricultural products such as coffee, tea, spices, oil seeds, plants, and flowers. However, Ethiopia's focus on the textile industry in the past decade reflects its ambitions in manufacturing. As the conflict approached Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, textile companies in the area began closing down and evacuating their staff. Cristiano Frati, an electrician evacuated from a factory run by Italian hosiery chain Calzedonia, expressed concern that they wouldn't be able to leave as the fighting neared. Calzedonia announced on November 13 that it had halted operations at the plant, which employs around 2,000 people, citing the conflict as the reason. The company has not provided any additional comments on the situation. A broad perspective reveals Hawassa Industrial Park in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples region of Ethiopia on November 17, 2017. Meanwhile, DBL has evacuated its foreign employees from Ethiopia. M.A. Jabbar, the managing director, expressed uncertainty about the situation, questioning when the war will come to an end. Another foreign company, Velocity Apparelz Companies, which supplies H&M and Children's Place, has also temporarily closed down, according to a company official speaking to Reuters. H&M expressed being "very concerned" and stated that they are closely monitoring the situation. The company has three suppliers in Tigray, all of which have ceased production, but they will continue to source from Ethiopia where they have a total of around 10 suppliers. Indochine Apparel, a Chinese company that supplies Levi Strauss & Co, reported that its operations in the Hawassa industrial park in the south of the country remain unaffected. Levi Strauss stated that they are keeping an eye on the situation and confirmed that there has been no impact on their supply chain thus far. The situation in Ethiopia's apparel sector was already difficult due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic before the conflict in Tigray. Some factories closed down, while others reduced wages or let go of employees. This downturn was not exclusive to the garment industry, as insurance companies had already ceased providing coverage for political risks in regions beyond Amhara and Addis Ababa. A risk consultant working with corporate clients described the current situation in Ethiopia as bleak. Similar to many other individuals interviewed by Reuters, the consultant preferred not to disclose their name due to concerns about potential repercussions from the government. Prior to the conflict in Tigray, Abiy's attempts to alleviate a restrictive political environment had already led to ethnic tensions. The violence that escalated in 2019 in various parts of the country had caused disruptions to projects, particularly in the agricultural sector. According to the leader of an agri-industry project that had to postpone its investment last year, the conflict began just as they were preparing to start planting. Workers are sewing clothes at the Indochine Apparel textile factory in Hawassa Industrial Park in Ethiopia's Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples region. Last year, IKEA opened a purchasing office in Ethiopia but closed it in September due to various factors including political and social unrest, COVID-19, and changes in the cotton market in Africa. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, a partner of the Coca-Cola Company, stated that the conflict in Tigray has disrupted their business in Ethiopia, which makes up around 20% of their sales volumes in the country. Additionally, delays in the construction of two new bottling plants, part of a $300 million investment plan, have been caused by the pandemic and a tax increase. With the recent capture of Mekelle, Abiy has claimed triumph over the TPLF in Tigray. Abiy's adviser Mamo stated that the quick and resolute military operation has eased any worries about political instability for investors. However, the TPLF remains determined to continue the fight. Ethiopia's increasing external debt, largely due to heavy borrowing for development projects from China, leaves little room for mistakes by the government. Foreign direct investment inflows have been decreasing consistently since reaching a peak in 2016 of over $4 billion, falling to approximately $500 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Inflation is currently at around 20%. "There are limited solutions to this situation. The country is unlikely to receive additional funding from the IMF and is unable to access financial markets." Menzi Ndhlovu, a senior country and political risk analyst at Signal Risk, an Africa-focused business consultancy, stated that their best hope for improvement is a global economic recovery next year. Despite ongoing challenges, Ethiopia introduced a significant investment law and made changes to its currency. Additionally, the government is moving forward with plans to liberalize the telecommunications industry, recently announcing the tendering of two new telecoms licenses and the sale of a minority stake in Ethio Telecom. Despite current unrest, companies interested in these opportunities are reportedly undeterred. However, Ethiopia's ambitious plans for manufacturing have been hindered for the time being. Waseq from DBL, who has gone back to Bangladesh, questioned, "Who would be willing to go there in this current situation?" and concluded, "Nobody." | 2 |
In its much-anticipated announcement, Aramco, the most profitable company in the world, did not provide specific details regarding the number of shares to be sold, pricing, or the launch date. According to bankers, investors are expected to value the company at approximately $1.5 trillion, which is lower than the $2 trillion valuation initially suggested by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman four years ago. Aramco also did not disclose any security measures taken after the unprecedented attacks on its oil plants in September. Sources have revealed that the oil company may offer 1%-2% of its shares on the local stock exchange, potentially raising $20 billion-$40 billion. If the deal exceeds $25 billion, it would surpass the record set by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba in 2014. During a news conference at Aramco's headquarters in Dhahran, Chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan stated that new investors have a great opportunity to benefit from Aramco's value and long-term growth potential. The company will be speaking with investors over the next 10 days to gauge interest before determining the price range for the IPO. The goal of the IPO is to support Prince Mohammed's economic reform plans by generating funds to develop non-energy industries and diversify revenue sources. Rumayyan mentioned that a decision regarding an international listing for Aramco shares will be made in the future, though no specific timeline or location was provided. Gary Ross, CEO of Black Gold Investors, noted that selling a portion of Aramco in a controlled market allows Saudi Arabia to have more influence in maintaining the company's value above its fair market value. Confirmation of the sale of shares in the oil giant, known formally as Saudi Arabian Oil Co, was announced about seven weeks after the damaging attacks on its oil facilities. This highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to move forward with the listing despite the attacks. Amin H Nasser, president and CEO of Saudi Aramco, made this announcement during a news conference at the Plaza Conference Center in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on November 3, 2019. Aramco stated that it does not anticipate the September 14 attack, which targeted key plants in Saudi Arabia's oil industry and initially cut its production in half, to have a significant impact on its business, operations, or financial condition. According to Aramco, the company accounted for approximately one in every eight barrels of crude oil produced globally from 2016 to 2018. According to Reuters calculations, the net income of $21.1 billion in the third quarter of 2019 for Aramco far surpassed that of oil giants like Exxon Mobil Corp, which was just over $3 billion. Rumayyan stated that the valuation would be determined after the investor roadshow. Aramco CEO Amin Nasser announced at the news conference that the prospectus will be released on Nov. 9. Saudi Arabia is relying on easy credit for retail investors and contributions from wealthy locals to help finalize the deal. Rory Fyfe, managing director at Mena Advisors, believes that despite strong pressure on local investors, international investors will still value the deal below the expectations of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Attracting investors, the Saudi stock market experienced a 2% decline following the Aramco announcement, with the benchmark index decreasing by almost a fifth since May. Local institutions have been selling shares in preparation for the Aramco deal, according to fund managers and analysts. Salah Shamma, head of investment at Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity, suggested that some local investors may be selling off other shares to redirect their investments to Aramco, indicating a potential short-term sacrifice for long-term benefits. In an effort to reassure investors, Aramco announced on Sunday that the state would waive its right to a portion of cash dividends on shares, prioritizing new shareholders. Additionally, Aramco is reducing the royalties it pays to the state. Starting from January 1, 2020, a new royalty scheme will be implemented by the company, with rates increasing progressively based on the price of oil. The Saudi market regulator has approved the application for listing, and non-resident institutional foreign investors have been granted an exemption to subscribe. Saudi investors may receive bonus shares, with a maximum of 100 bonus shares for every 10 allotted shares. Even with a valuation of $1.5 trillion, Aramco would still be valued at least 50% higher than Microsoft and Apple, the world's most valuable listed companies. A 1% sale of Aramco would generate around $15 billion for Saudi coffers, making it the 11th largest IPO in history, according to Refinitiv data. Hasnain Malik, head of equity strategy at Tellimer, emphasized the importance of considering the Aramco IPO in relation to the broader Saudi diversification efforts, noting that the proceeds from the IPO are expected to be less than the government's dividends from Aramco in the first half of 2019. The anticipated listing has garnered significant interest on Wall Street since it was first mentioned by Prince Mohammed in 2016. Aramco has enlisted the help of 27 banks, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JPMorgan, and Morgan Stanley, to work on the deal. Despite initial hopes for a large international listing, the share sale was postponed last year due to disagreements over the listing location. Rumayyan expressed confidence in the decision to take Aramco public, stating that now is the right time for the IPO. Aramco's initial public offering (IPO) schedule was postponed due to its acquisition of a 70% stake in Saudi Basic Industries Corp. The IPO plans were resumed following a successful international bond sale, which helped build relationships with potential investors. Delays in the IPO announcement on Oct 20 were attributed to the need for more time to secure cornerstone investors. Concerns about climate change and a shift towards environmentally-friendly technologies have deterred some fund managers in Europe and the US from investing in the oil and gas sector. Aramco's bond sale in April revealed its financial details for the first time, showing a net income of $111 billion, surpassing the combined net income of the top five oil majors. To combat pressure from climate activists, these companies have been increasing shareholder payouts. Aramco announced on Sunday its plan to pay out total ordinary cash dividends of at least $75 billion in 2020. With a valuation of $1.5 trillion, this would result in a dividend yield of 5%, which is lower than the dividend yield offered by competitor Royal Dutch Shell. Refinitiv data shows that Shell's dividend yield is above 6%. | 2 |
Classes were canceled on Wednesday and Thursday for students in the Midwest, including Chicago, which has the third-largest school system in the nation. Police warned of the increased risk of accidents on icy highways. Michigan announced that all state offices would also remain closed through Thursday. The US Postal Service, in a rare move, suspended deliveries in parts of the Dakotas through Ohio. There have been at least a dozen deaths related to extreme cold weather reported since Saturday in Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Illinois State Police rescued 21 people who were stranded in a charter bus that broke down in sub-zero temperatures along Interstate 55 near Auburn after the vehicle's diesel fuel turned to gel in its engine. A 70-year-old man was discovered deceased on a residential street in Detroit, according to a Detroit police spokesperson. In Ecorse, located about 15 miles south, a former city councilman in his 70s was found dead on Wednesday, dressed only in sleepwear, as reported by local police. Also on Wednesday, a University of Iowa student was found dead outside a building on campus, with the school attributing the death of pre-med student Gerald Belz to the weather. Meanwhile, in Chicago, the streets were deserted and few people were seen outside due to the extremely cold temperatures of around 18 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (minus 28 Celsius). "It's awful!" Pasquale Cappellano, a 68-year-old waiter, exclaimed while smoking a cigarette and waiting for a bus on Chicago's North Side. "I need to get my medication from Walgreens or else I wouldn't have left the house." In Minneapolis, where the temperature dropped to minus 14 F (minus 26 C), Brian Pierce decided to brave the cold and found himself observing cars sliding on the icy roads. "The roads sound strange, it seems like there's a lack of traction," he commented. "My teeth are in pain." TRAVELING EAST Sub-zero wind-chill temperatures hit the Northern Plains and Great Lakes, dropping to as low as minus 42 F (minus 41 C) in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and minus 31 F (minus 35 C) in Fargo, North Dakota, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS). The freezing winds moved towards the U.S. East Coast on Wednesday, causing temperatures to plummet. Over a thousand flights, almost two-thirds of the total, were canceled on Wednesday at Chicago O'Hare and Chicago Midway international airports, according to FlightAware. Amtrak also suspended all trains in and out of Chicago on Wednesday. Annie Carlson reported that her horses and sheep at Morning Joy Farm in Mercer, North Dakota were doing well, with the option to go into the barn for warmth. Her chickens, ducks, and guinea hens were also comfortable in the 70-degree F (21 C) temperature inside their hoop house. According to meteorologist Andrew Orrison, some of the most extreme wind chills were recorded in International Falls, Minnesota, reaching minus 55 F (minus 48 C). Even the South Pole in Antarctica experienced warmer temperatures than usual, with an expected low of minus 24 F (minus 31 C) with wind chill. Temperatures in Chicago are expected to drop significantly on Wednesday night, potentially breaking the record low of minus 27 F (minus 33 C) on Jan. 21, 1985. Banks and stores have closed for business, and Waste Management Inc has cancelled trash pickups in counties across the Midwest. The bitter cold is attributed to a displacement of the polar vortex, a stream of air that normally spins around the stratosphere over the North Pole but has been disrupted and is now pushing south. Authorities in the Midwest have established warming centers for individuals in need, including police stations in Chicago. In addition, city buses have been designated as mobile warming centers for the homeless, and police are distributing hats, jackets, and blankets. The Chicago Police Department is encouraging people to seek shelter from the cold, but they will not compel anyone to do so. Energy analysts predict that US homes and businesses will consume record levels of natural gas for heating on Wednesday. Xcel Energy requested that residents living north and northwest of the Twin Cities in Minnesota lower their thermostats to 60 F (16 C) due to strains on the natural gas supply system. The Michigan Agency for Energy announced that utility companies in the state had agreed not to disconnect gas or electric services for customers who were behind on payments for the remainder of the week. (Source: New York Times News Service, 2019) | 2 |
Harper Lee wrote "To Kill A Mockingbird" without knowing it would become a classic or have such a significant impact on her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. The novel has brought attention to the town and attracted tourists, while also sparking discussions about the history of racial segregation in the south. "To Kill A Mockingbird" follows two children in a fictional southern town, whose father, an attorney, defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Even though the man is not guilty, he is found guilty by a jury made up entirely of white people. Some of the most impactful parts of the book occur when the children come to understand that their father's fight was ultimately futile. Released in 1960, the book quickly gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim. It received the Pulitzer Prize, has sold over 30 million copies, and the film adaptation starring Gregory Peck is considered a timeless masterpiece. However, the success of the book can only reveal so much about its true significance. American readers frequently mention it as the novel they prefer the most. In a survey of readers, it was ranked as the second most influential book after the Bible. Library Journal named it the best novel of the 20th century. Each spring, numerous tourists visit Monroeville to see places related to Harper Lee's life, the book, and the courthouse featured in the movie. They also attend a stage version of the novel. Act One occurs outdoors at the court grounds, but Act Two shifts the audience and actors indoors to the original oval-shaped courthouse where the story is based. This setting provides a unique opportunity for the drama to unfold with the audience, judge, lawyers, and defendant mirroring their roles in a real trial. The black cast members are segregated to the gallery, reflecting the era of segregation. The audience is captivated by witnessing injustice, while the volunteer actors use the annual productions to contemplate the message of the book. Robert Champion, a detective with the Monroeville police department who portrays Boo Radley in the novel, emphasized that the experience has taught him the importance of not judging people. He believes in being tolerant of others while being intolerant of injustice. To prepare for his role, Champion spoke with individuals who were familiar with the real-life person that the character in the book is based on. According to Jane Ellen Clark from the Monroeville County Heritage Museum, Harper Lee may have drawn inspiration from a true rape trial that occurred in Monroeville's old courtroom. In 1934, Walter Lett, a black man, was wrongly accused of raping a white woman and sentenced to death. Recent findings reveal that white citizens had anonymously written to the governor of Alabama to express that Lett had been falsely accused. Lett's sentence was changed to life in prison and he passed away from tuberculosis in 1937 in a state prison, according to Clark. George Thomas Jones, a former businessman who now writes local history, was classmates with Lee and remembers her as a tomboy similar to Scout, the novel's narrator. Jones, who is 81 years old, mentioned that he could comprehend why the all-white juries during that time would have found the defendant guilty in such cases. He stated that individuals were often labeled as 'nigger lovers' and would face social and economic consequences regardless of the circumstances. Jones stated that during the '20s and '30s, despite injustices against blacks, relations between blacks and whites were in some ways better at that time. He believed that the social climate had been misunderstood, noting that there was mutual respect and no racial problems at that time. Jones mentioned that people who were good at heart on both sides had no issue getting along. While Alabama saw major struggles during the civil rights movement, Monroeville quietly desegregated its public facilities. Residents noted that the most significant change was in school desegregation. Mary Tucker, who relocated to the town in 1954 and worked at both black and integrated schools, stated that the absence of protest did not indicate that blacks were not resentful of segregation. She emphasized that despite the segregation and oppression, there were always individuals who strived to be fair, similar to Harper Lee's portrayal of Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird. Tucker noted that there were always a few good people who aimed to do what was right. Lee, now 81, continues to reside in Monroeville part-time but is seldom spotted in public. Tucker described Nelle as humble and modest, mentioning that you might see her in casual clothing at the grocery store. He also noted that she is quite reserved. | 2 |
President Donald Trump recently put forward suggestions for reopening the economy and indicated that parts of the United States would soon return to normal. The administration's optimistic outlook on the crisis contrasts with the views of medical advisors and scientists. The future remains uncertain, and experts in public health, medicine, epidemiology, and history have differing opinions on when we can safely leave our homes. How long will it take before we have a treatment or vaccine for the virus? How will we prevent the spread of the virus? Some believed that American innovation could lead to advancements in easing the situation. The key to moving forward relies on challenging but achievable factors: a gradual approach to reopening, extensive testing and monitoring, effective treatment, sufficient resources for healthcare workers, and ultimately a successful vaccine. Despite these efforts, pessimistic predictions for the upcoming year could not be avoided. Experts have stated that the optimistic scenario presented by Trump during his daily press briefings, in which lockdowns end soon and life returns to normal, is unrealistic. Dr. Harvey V Fineberg warned of a grim future with people stuck indoors for months, the vulnerable possibly quarantined longer, and a vaccine proving elusive. Dr. William Schaffner, while hopeful for a summer slowdown of the virus and a vaccine, acknowledged the uncertainty of the situation. "I am becoming more cautious due to my inherently positive outlook. Many specialists predict that after the crisis, the country and its economy will recover swiftly, but there will still be a difficult period ahead. The ultimate outcome of the pandemic will rely on future medical advancements and the behavior of individual Americans in the meantime. If we take strict precautions to safeguard ourselves and our families, more of us will survive." If we fail to recognize the seriousness of the virus, it will affect us. The number of deaths from COVID-19 in the US may be higher than what the White House is reporting. The virus has been responsible for more than 1,800 deaths daily since April 7, surpassing the daily death toll from heart disease and cancer. The coronavirus curves in New York, the epicenter of the epidemic, are leveling off with fewer hospital admissions and COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. Although the daily death toll remains high, it is no longer increasing. The epidemiological model from the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, often mentioned by the White House, initially forecasted 100,000 to 240,000 deaths by midsummer but now predicts 60,000. New York was observed from Weehawken, NJ on April 16, 2020, according to The New York Times. This development is positive, but it conceals certain important issues. The institute's forecast extends until August 4, focusing solely on the initial wave of the epidemic. It is anticipated that without a vaccine, the virus will continue to spread for years, leading to an increase in the number of deaths over time. The progress made so far in battling the coronavirus was only possible by implementing strict shutdown measures, which cannot continue indefinitely. The White House's plan for reopening in phases will likely result in an increase in the death toll, no matter how cautiously it is implemented. The best-case scenario is minimizing the number of fatalities. Long-term projections from reputable sources suggest a grim outlook, with estimates varying on how many Americans may ultimately die from the virus. Experts consulted by the CDC in March predicted that the virus could potentially infect 48% to 65% of the population with a fatality rate just under 1%, resulting in up to 1.7 million deaths if no action is taken to stop its spread. Researchers at Imperial College London created a model that was referenced by the president on March 30, predicting 2.2 million deaths in the US by September under similar circumstances. This is significantly higher than the number of Americans who died in World War II. The data from China is also concerning, with the epidemic being temporarily halted and a fatality rate of over 5% among reported cases. The Trump administration has raised doubts about the statistics but has not provided more accurate information. The fatality rates are influenced by how overwhelmed hospitals become and the percentage of cases that are tested. A report from the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine showed that China's death rate was 17% in early January during the chaos in Wuhan, but decreased to 0.7% by late February. Hospitals in cities like New York faced near chaos. Authorities in Wuhan and New York had to adjust their death tolls upwards last week after realizing that many individuals had died at home from COVID-19, strokes, heart attacks, or other causes due to a lack of ambulance services. During fast-moving epidemics, hospitals are overwhelmed with victims who may not be tested, while those with mild symptoms or who are asymptomatic are often not tested at all. This leads to a distorted fatality rate for the virus. Knowing the true number of infected individuals is crucial in determining the true lethality of a virus. In order to understand the extent of silent carriers in the US, tens of thousands of antibody tests need to be conducted. The CDC has estimated that it could be as high as 25% of those who test positive. Researchers in Iceland suggested that the number of asymptomatic cases may be twice as high as previously estimated. A health worker in New York is seen checking her personal protective equipment in Central Park on April 16, 2020. The New York Times reported that China is also reevaluating its own estimates, as a recent study found that only 1% of cases in Wuhan were asymptomatic, while new research suggests that the actual number may be closer to 60%. Our lack of understanding in certain areas of knowledge is significant enough to cause experts in epidemiology to feel overwhelmed. Dr. Anthony S Fauci, the science adviser to the White House coronavirus task force, has emphasized that all models are simply representations and can be altered based on new information. Interestingly, there is a possibility that the virus is evolving to produce milder symptoms. While in movies viruses tend to become more dangerous, in actuality they typically become less harmful as asymptomatic strains spread more easily. Even though the 1918 Spanish flu virus eventually transitioned into the seasonal H1N1 flu, the current virus's level of transmissibility and lethality remains unknown. However, the presence of refrigerated trucks outside hospitals indicates that it is more severe than a typical flu season. The lockdowns will eventually come to an end, but the process will be gradual. The exact percentage of Americans who have been infected is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 3% to 10%. It is probable that at least 300 million Americans are still susceptible to the virus. Epidemiologists agree that until a vaccine or other protective measure is developed, it is not safe for a large number of people to suddenly come out of hiding. If Americans do so, there may be a temporary calm for about three weeks before emergency rooms become overwhelmed again. Dr. Peter J Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, warns against assuming that a vaccine will quickly become available. Tomas Pueyo, in his popular article "Coronavirus: The Hammer and the Dance," accurately predicted the national lockdown and suggested a phased reopening of essential parts of the economy. Every epidemiological model anticipates a pattern similar to a dance, where the virus will continue to spread as more hosts become infected, leading to the need for lockdowns. This cycle of surges and declines in deaths is represented by curves that resemble shark teeth in the models. The models predict that surges will occur even with strict measures such as closed stadiums, churches, theatres, bars, and restaurants, quarantining travelers from abroad, and tightly restricting domestic travel to prevent reinfection of low-intensity areas by high-intensity ones. Experts suggest that stricter restrictions lead to fewer deaths and longer intervals between lockdowns. Many models predict that states will eventually implement widespread temperature checks, rapid testing, and contact tracing, similar to practices in Asia. Even the guidelines outlined in Trump's "Opening Up America Again" plan include three levels of social distancing and advise vulnerable individuals to remain secluded. The plan supports testing, isolation, and contact tracing, but does not address the funding or timeline for implementing these measures. Despite this, the president contradicted his own message by tweeting support for protesters in Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia who were opposing their states' shutdowns. China waited until there were no new cases for 14 consecutive days in cities like Wuhan and Nanjing before allowing them to reopen. In comparison, the US has been more lenient, with Americans still able to travel domestically, drive freely, and gather in public spaces. Despite some restrictions in place, many people are still organizing gatherings for children, hosting backyard barbecues, and meeting others through dating apps. This has contributed to the US seeing as many as 30,000 new cases of infection each day. Schaffner emphasized the importance of people understanding that playing poker with bandannas is not safe. Despite taking strict measures, Asian countries have faced challenges in controlling the virus. China has closed all movie theatres due to approximately 100 new infections daily. Singapore has shut down schools and nonessential workplaces, while South Korea and Japan are also facing difficulties, with Japan declaring a state of emergency recently. Dr Thomas R Frieden's public health advocacy group, Resolve to Save Lives, has outlined strict criteria for reopening and closing the economy. Reopening requires a 14-day decline in cases, tracing 90% of contacts, no health care worker infections, and other challenging goals. Frieden emphasizes the need to gradually reopen the economy and work towards achieving these goals to ensure a safer future. Immunity to the virus may create a societal divide between those who have recovered and are presumed immune, and those who are still vulnerable. Dr David Nabarro, a special envoy on COVID-19 for the World Health Organisation, anticipates a frightening divide in society. Those who have antibodies will have the privilege of traveling and working, while others will face discrimination. Individuals with presumed immunity are already in high demand, being asked to donate blood for antibodies and undertake risky medical tasks without fear. The government will soon need to develop a method to verify true immunity, with a test for IgG antibodies being a logical choice according to Dr Daniel R Lucey, a pandemics expert at Georgetown Law School. Numerous companies are currently working on developing such tests. Fauci mentioned that the White House was considering implementing certificates similar to those in Germany. China utilizes QR codes on cellphones that are linked to personal information to prevent others from using them. The adult-film industry in California introduced a similar concept ten years ago, where actors use a cellphone app to show they tested negative for HIV within the last 14 days, and producers can verify this on a secure website. Experts believe that as Americans in lockdown watch their immune neighbors return to normal life and potentially reclaim lost jobs, there may be a strong temptation to purposely infect themselves. Younger individuals, especially, may weigh the risk of a serious illness against the possibility of financial hardship and social isolation. Dr. Michele Barry, who heads the Centre for Innovation in Global Health at Stanford University, shared that her daughter, a Harvard economist, believes that COVID-19 parties are necessary for her age group to build immunity and support the economy. This approach has been seen before, as Cuba controlled its small AIDS outbreak in the 1980s by forcibly isolating those who tested positive in camps that provided various amenities and services. Dr. Jorge Pérez Ávila, an AIDS specialist often compared to Fauci in Cuba, revealed that many homeless youths in Cuba intentionally infected themselves through risky behaviors before antiretroviral therapy was available, resulting in numerous deaths. This risky behavior could also pose a threat to American youth, as even healthy individuals have succumbed to COVID-19. Adequate resources are crucial in controlling the virus. According to experts, the next two years will be characterized by periods of progress followed by setbacks. As more individuals with immunity return to work, the economy will gradually improve. However, if a large number of people become infected simultaneously, new lockdowns may be necessary. To prevent this scenario, widespread testing will be crucial. Dr. Fauci has emphasized the importance of letting the virus guide decisions on when it is safe to resume normal activities. He is suggesting that once a sufficient number of daily tests are conducted nationwide, any increase in the percentage of positive results can indicate the spread of the virus. Monitoring rising fevers using Kinsa's smart thermometers may provide an early warning, according to Schaffner. However, there have been ongoing issues with diagnostic testing, despite promises from the White House. To effectively control the virus, experts believe that all sick individuals, even those with mild cases, must be isolated. Patients in this country who receive a positive test result are instructed to remain at home but avoid contact with their families. The media has been showing examples of well-known individuals, such as CNN's Chris Cuomo, recovering alone in their homes. However, Cuomo's situation highlighted the reasons why the WHO is against home isolation. Dr. Bruce Aylward, who headed the WHO observer team in China, emphasized the importance of quickly isolating all cases if he had to choose only one intervention. In China, individuals who tested positive for the virus, regardless of how mild their symptoms were, were mandated to go to a hospital set up in a gymnasium or community center with oxygen tanks and CT scanners. Nurses monitored their recovery, reducing the risk to their families and providing comfort by being with others in similar situations. Nurses also organized activities like dance and exercise classes to boost morale and aid in clearing the lungs and maintaining muscle tone. Despite these efforts, experts had differing opinions on the effectiveness of these specialized wards. Fineberg and Lipsitch had differing views on the idea of mandatory quarantine processes, with Fineberg advocating for them and Lipsitch expressing distrust in the government's ability to enforce such measures. In order to effectively suppress a virus, it is crucial to test all contacts of known cases, but the US is currently lacking in this area. In China's Sichuan province, for instance, each known case had an average of 45 contacts. The CDC has around 600 contact tracers, while state and local health departments have employed about 1,600, primarily for tracing syphilis and tuberculosis cases. China recruited and educated 9,000 individuals solely in Wuhan. Frieden has predicted that the United States will require a minimum of 300,000. A vaccine is not expected to be available in the near future. Despite the fact that initial human trials for three potential vaccines have commenced, with two in the US and one in China, Fauci has consistently stated that developing a vaccine will take at least a year to 18 months. Experts in vaccine production all concur that even this timeline is overly optimistic. Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccinologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, mentioned that the current record for vaccine development is four years, specifically for the mumps vaccine. There is a disagreement among researchers on how to accelerate the process. With the use of modern biotechnology techniques such as RNA or DNA platforms, it is now possible to create candidate vaccines more quickly than ever. However, clinical trials still require time as the production of antibodies in the human body cannot be rushed. Additionally, some past vaccine candidates for coronaviruses like SARS have caused "antibody-dependent enhancement," which actually makes recipients more vulnerable to infection rather than offering protection. In the past, vaccines for HIV and dengue have both unexpectedly behaved similarly. Typically, a new vaccine is initially tested on fewer than 100 young, healthy individuals. If it proves to be safe and generates antibodies, thousands more volunteers, usually front-line workers at high risk, will participate in a Phase 3 trial where they will receive either the vaccine or a placebo. In order to accelerate this process, "challenge trials" can be conducted. In these trials, a small group of volunteers are vaccinated, monitored until they develop antibodies, and then intentionally exposed to the infection to determine if the vaccine provides protection. Challenge trials are only used for diseases that are completely curable, such as malaria or typhoid fever. Under normal circumstances, it is considered unethical to expose individuals to a disease with no cure, like COVID-19. However, some experts believe that in the current situation, it may be more ethical to conduct challenge trials on a small number of people at high risk in order to obtain results quickly, rather than leaving millions of people at risk for an extended period of time. Marc Lipsitch, who has advocated for challenge trials in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, pointed out that fewer people would be harmed in a challenge trial involving a few individuals compared to a Phase 3 trial involving thousands. While some volunteers have expressed interest in participating, others find the idea unsettling. Lucey expressed that while he finds it unethical, he can see the potential for challenge trials. Vaccinologists warned that challenge trials may not recruit enough volunteers to accurately assess if a vaccine causes enhancement, a rare but dangerous issue. Osterholm emphasized that challenge trials may not provide definitive answers on safety, potentially posing a significant risk. Lipkin proposed an alternative approach of testing at least two vaccine candidates in humans before conducting challenge trials in monkeys. Experts recommend starting production of the winning vaccine immediately, while also expanding human testing to identify any potential issues. Developing a vaccine is challenging, but producing hundreds of millions of doses is even more difficult. American vaccine plants typically only produce 5 to 10 million doses per year, primarily for newborns and elderly individuals. However, if a vaccine is successfully developed, the US may need 300 million doses, or 600 million if two doses are required, along with a corresponding number of syringes. Douglas emphasized the need for people to think on a larger scale and increase production volume. He noted that current flu vaccine plants that use chicken eggs are not ideal for modern vaccines, which are grown in cell broths. While European countries have vaccine plants, they may prioritize their own citizens. China has a thriving vaccine industry and is poised to potentially ramp up production in the near future. Experts suggest that China could even produce vaccines for the US. However, customers who are unable to choose where to purchase their products must accept the seller's asking price, even though the safety and effectiveness standards of certain Chinese companies may be flawed. India and Brazil also possess significant vaccine industries. If the virus spreads rapidly through their densely populated areas, they may suffer the loss of millions of citizens but achieve widespread herd immunity before the United States. In such a scenario, they could potentially have excess vaccine production capacity. Another option, as proposed by Arthur M Silverstein, a retired medical historian at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is for the government to take control of and repurpose existing liquor or beer plants, which have large fermentation vats. He mentioned that any distillery could potentially be changed. It is expected that treatments will be developed before vaccines. In the near future, specialists were more hopeful about treatments than vaccines. Some believed that convalescent serum could be effective. This traditional method has been utilized for more than a hundred years: Blood is taken from individuals who have recuperated from a disease, then filtered to eliminate everything except the antibodies. The immunoglobulin, which is rich in antibodies, is administered to patients through injections. A challenge now is that there are fewer survivors from whom blood can be collected. Before vaccines were available, antibodies were obtained from horses and sheep, but this method was difficult to maintain sterility and could sometimes cause allergic reactions due to animal proteins. The current solution is the use of monoclonal antibodies. According to experts, these treatment plans, which recently showed promise in controlling the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, are considered to be the most likely immediate solution. The process involves selecting the most effective antibodies and inserting the genes responsible for producing them into a harmless virus that can replicate in a cell culture. However, like vaccines, the production and purification of monoclonal antibodies is time-consuming. With sufficient production, these antibodies could potentially be used not only to save lives but also to protect healthcare workers. The longevity of antibodies varies depending on multiple factors, but they typically remain effective for weeks before degrading. It is important to note that antibodies cannot eliminate viruses that are already hidden inside cells. A daily preventive pill would be a more efficient solution than vaccines or antibodies because pills can be manufactured more quickly in factories. However, even if a pill was created, production would need to increase until it was widely available for 300 million Americans. Trump has repeatedly mentioned hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, making his news conferences seem like infomercials. Despite this, experts, including Fauci, agreed that no decisions should be made until clinical trials are completed, citing the thalidomide tragedy in the 1950s as an example of the dangers of inadequate testing. Multiple studies on hydroxychloroquine have been stopped due to patients experiencing abnormal heart rhythms from high doses. Barry expressed skepticism about the tolerability of high doses and potential vision issues from accumulation, but suggested exploring its potential as a preventative HIV drug. Dr. Luciana Borio strongly criticized Trump's suggestion of combining chloroquine with azithromycin as "total nonsense." I informed my family that if I were to contract COVID-19, they should not give me a certain combination of medications. Some doctors believe that Chloroquine could potentially protect hospitalized patients with pneumonia from dangerous cytokine storms by suppressing immune reactions. However, this does not mean it is effective for preventing infections, as President Trump has suggested, since it does not have antiviral properties. Various antiviral drugs, such as remdesivir, favipiravir, and baloxavir, are currently being tested against the coronavirus, with trials in China expected to release results next month. The outcomes of these trials may be inconclusive due to a shortage of patients available for testing. End dates for most trials in the US have not been determined yet. Farewell to the 'America First' ideology as unprecedented societal changes have occurred. Schools and businesses have shut down nationwide, millions have filed for unemployment, taxes and mortgage payments are postponed, and foreclosures are prohibited. Refrigerated trucks are being used as morgues in New York. Stimulus checks have started being distributed to help with the crisis, turning much of America into a temporary welfare state. Food banks are being established nationwide, leading to long lines of people in need. In New York, refrigerated trucks are being used as mobile morgues. The current public health crisis necessitates global cooperation on a level not seen in years. However, President Trump is working to cut funding for the WHO, the only organization equipped to coordinate such a response. Additionally, his ongoing conflicts with China, now the world's leading economy, could potentially impact the supply of essential drugs and vaccines. China has taken advantage of the pandemic to increase its influence globally by providing medical supplies to nearly 120 countries, including the US through Project Airbridge overseen by Jared Kushner. Experts suggest that in the current world, an "America First" strategy may not be effective, and instead recommend collaboration with China to improve public health efforts. Nicholas Mulder, an economic historian at Cornell University, has compared Kushner's project to the reverse of the Lend-Lease program during World War II. Osterholm was more straightforward in his statement, expressing concern that if we upset the Chinese with our words, it could have negative consequences. He pointed out the possibility that China may develop the first vaccine and have the power to choose who to sell it to. This raises the question of whether or not we would be a priority as a potential buyer. After the pandemic is over, the country's recovery may happen quickly, as it did after the world wars. However, it will be more challenging to measure the psychological impact of the crisis. Prolonged isolation and economic hardship could lead to an increase in domestic violence, mental health issues, and suicide rates. Additionally, there may be changes in political opinions. At first, the virus primarily affected Democratic cities such as Seattle, New York, and Detroit. However, as it continues to spread across the country, it will impact everyone. Even voters in Republican-leaning states who do not currently hold Trump responsible for the country's lack of preparedness or limited access to healthcare may reconsider if they witness loved ones succumb to the virus. In a bold analysis presented in his subsequent article, "Coronavirus: Out of Many, One," Pueyo examined Medicare and census data regarding age and obesity in states that have been resistant to shutdowns and counties that supported Republicans in the 2016 election. He determined that these voters could have a 30% higher risk of dying from the virus. In the aftermath of both wars, Mulder observed that society and incomes became more equal. Programs established for veterans' and widows' pensions created social safety nets, initiatives such as the GI Bill and VA home loans were implemented, unions gained strength, and tax advantages for the wealthy declined. Experts suggest that if a vaccine proves effective in saving lives, many Americans may become more trusting of traditional medicine and more open to scientific advancements, including in the realm of climate change. The clear skies seen over American cities during the lockdown period could potentially become a lasting feature. | 2 |
A woman named Amanda Otero approached Hoch and inquired if she intended to support a ballot measure to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a Department of Public Safety. Hoch promptly responded that she would not vote in favor of it. However, she was open to chatting and ended up conversing with Otero for about 20 minutes. Hoch, 35, expressed her belief that the proposed change would ultimately lead to failure. "She felt that it lacked sufficient substance," Otero expressed her criticism of the police, citing mistreatment of people she knew. Otero and Hoch seemed to have similar values, but Hoch expressed frustration at the obstacles to real change. Otero, the deputy director of TakeAction Minnesota, was attentive in the conversation. Ultimately, she inquired about Hoch's stance on the ballot measure on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 indicating complete support. Initially identifying as a three, Hoch later adjusted her rating to a five. This exemplified deep canvassing, a method that aims to sway voters by engaging them in discussions about their personal experiences and emotions, rather than relying on rehearsed arguments or informational materials. The ultimate objective is to not only secure support for a particular policy, but also to influence lasting change in voters' opinions beyond a single election or issue. In Minneapolis, the focus is on not only advocating for a charter amendment to reform the police department, but also on challenging voters to reconsider the concept of law enforcement, especially in the city where Derek Chauvin, a former police officer, was convicted of murdering George Floyd. Deep canvassing, a method of exchanging stories and building empathy with those who hold different views, is being used as a slow and deliberate approach in contrast to the fast-paced world of modern politics filled with mass texting and social media posts. While many political campaigns target like-minded individuals, deep canvassing aims to engage with those who may need their minds changed in order to support a particular policy or candidate. Before going out to speak with residents about a Minneapolis ballot measure on Oct 10, 2021, canvassers are given a briefing and split into groups. The aim of deep canvassing is to engage in longer conversations with voters, particularly those who need to be convinced. This approach in Minneapolis serves as a test case for bringing deep canvassing to communities across the country, with the goal of training thousands of people to engage with those who hold differing views in order to not only persuade on policy issues, but also to rebuild faith in democracy among voters. Organizers aim to engage in deep canvassing by having extended conversations with voters, particularly those who are still undecided. The New Conversation Initiative, led by Steve Deline, focuses on issues like climate, immigration, and jail reform through deep canvassing to provide individuals with a platform to express their thoughts and emotions. This approach seeks to create a shared understanding and connection between canvassers and voters rather than simply dismissing opposing views. Advocates believe that in today's polarized society, deep canvassing can effectively persuade individuals to consider progressive changes on various issues. By engaging in lengthy conversations at people's doorsteps, both canvassers and voters often feel more open and disarmed. George Goehl, from People's Action, emphasizes the power of progressives to introduce important ideas into national discourse through deep canvassing efforts. "We believe that in order to successfully achieve our goals, it is important to engage in conversations with individuals who have differing perspectives. This work is both time-consuming and costly, as training canvassers requires a significant investment of time. The majority of voters do not respond to door-to-door visits, and those who strongly disagree are often hesitant to engage with strangers. Despite these challenges, in Minneapolis, a team of 60 volunteers and staff have managed to reach 2,400 voters through door-to-door visits and phone calls, demonstrating the effectiveness of this persuasion method." The strategy of deep canvassing was first used by gay-rights activists in California in 2009 following the outlawing of same-sex marriage. Three years later, advocates in Minnesota utilized deep canvassing to help defeat a ballot measure against same-sex marriage. Currently, this political tactic is mainly employed by left-wing activists. A study conducted in 2016 by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and Yale showed that deep canvassing in Miami and Los Angeles successfully changed the opinions of some voters who were hesitant to support transgender rights by prompting them to reflect on their own experiences with discrimination. Take Action Minnesota canvassers are preparing to discuss a Minneapolis ballot measure on October 10, 2021. Take Action Minnesota has implemented deep canvassing as a strategy to connect with voters while conducting door-to-door outreach. In 2020, Goehl's organization also utilized deep canvassing via phone to appeal to rural white voters in swing states for Joe Biden, proving to be more effective than traditional canvassing methods. Recently, Take Action Minnesota canvassers are preparing to discuss a Minneapolis ballot measure, focusing on engaging voters through deep canvassing techniques. This approach involves initiating conversations about racism before addressing the topic of law-enforcement reform, which opponents have simplified to the controversial slogan of defunding the police. Changing attitudes about race requires engaging in difficult conversations and truly listening to others, rather than just seeking confirmation of our own beliefs. This process takes time and effort, and there are no easy solutions. Despite lengthy discussions about policing, the issue of racism often goes unaddressed. In recent observations, white canvassers and voters did not mention racism, with some white voters indicating they would be more supportive of certain measures if they knew they had the approval of Black voters. It wasn't until leaving a white voter's home that Otero noticed a Black Lives Matter sign in the window. Maybe she overlooked an opportunity, but then she was pleasantly surprised when a woman sitting on the porch next door beckoned her over. This woman also had a Black Lives Matter sign displayed in front of her house, as well as a sign with the word "love" written in various languages. Mary Scavotto introduced herself and mentioned that it was her birthday. Otero declined a piece of cake and began her presentation. Scavotto was well aware of the charter amendment. She expressed her worry about the concept of completely changing things without a solid plan. Scavotto, a long-time resident of the area, mentioned that she would consider leaving Minneapolis if the amendment was approved. She referenced a gas station that had burned down the previous summer as an example. She remembered how she and her neighbors made sure to remove anything from their porch that could be stolen and used to harm their homes. She mentioned that they were prepared to leave at a moment's notice with their bags packed and gas in their car. Reflecting on the current situation, she expressed concern about the lack of police presence and how it has affected the safety of her children, leading her to keep them indoors after dark. Otero agreed, mentioning that despite increased police funding, people still don't feel secure. She also shared her brother's mental health struggles and her mixed feelings towards law enforcement. Otero, a Latina, expressed her uncertainty about whether she wants the police to arrest her brother in order for him to receive help, due to concerns about him having a criminal record and whether he would actually receive the help he needs. She also shared her fear of her immigrant husband driving in Minneapolis. Scavotto, who is white, acknowledged the lack of safety people of color feel with the police and emphasized the need for reform. Otero expressed hope that more discussions like theirs would lead to greater understanding and positive change. "What would it require for us to unite in Minneapolis, regardless of age, race, class, or life experiences?" she inquired, reflecting on the recent trauma. "That's the big question," Scavotto responded, nervously laughing. "I can't even get along with my eight siblings at the moment." Days later, Scavotto admitted that their conversation had troubled her, noting Otero's attentive listening. She vowed to attend local forums to gain a better grasp of the charter amendment. She stated that she would not alter her vote at the moment, but mentioned that she is more receptive to doing so. | 2 |
According to a new study, some US bloggers, including scientists and science communicators, are using the popular fantasy drama "Game of Thrones" to raise awareness about climate change. They believe that discussing the topic in relation to the show can make it more engaging and less intimidating for the public. This approach is part of a growing trend in media, including TV shows, films, and novels, that address the issue of climate change fiction, also known as "cli-fi." Manjana Milkoreit, a research fellow at Arizona State University, explains that some bloggers want to show that there are solutions to the global problem of climate change and make the topic more approachable by connecting it to popular culture. While concerns about climate in the fictional world of Westeros may not initially seem important, they have sparked lively online debates in the United States about the impacts of global warming. Milkoreit, a sustainability fellow, discovered six blogs in 2013 dedicated to discussing the climate in "Game of Thrones," a number that increased to eight blogs last year. With the fifth series of the show now airing, she anticipates even more discussions to arise. These blogs draw comparisons between how the people of Westeros react to the approaching threat of winter and how the real world responds to climate change, providing a helpful way to understand the complexities of climate change and politics. The question remains: are these fears based in reality or mere fantasy? Some bloggers compare the White Walkers in "Game of Thrones," a mythical race with magical powers related to ice and cold, to represent the threat of climate change. On the other hand, some believe that the Night's Watch, a military order dedicated to guarding an ice "Wall" to block northern invaders, symbolizes scientists warning about impending problems. While the connection to climate change in "Game of Thrones" may not be as direct as in other films like "The Day After Tomorrow" and "Snowpiercer," which focus more explicitly on climate change, academics have differing opinions on how effectively these films raise awareness and encourage action. Elizabeth Trobaugh, who teaches a class on climate fiction in popular culture at Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts, believes that these films contribute positively to the cause. She mentioned that while some movie-goers view climate fiction films as just action films, others see them as a way to increase awareness and interest in climate issues. However, Ted Howell, a climate fiction teacher at Temple University, believes that these films may give viewers an inaccurate depiction of climate change, as some expect dramatic events like massive tidal waves or giant snowstorms. Finding a balance between entertainment and scientific accuracy can be challenging, but Milkoreit believes it is important to engage people in a fun way without alienating them in order to effectively address climate threats. | 2 |
The initial Thanksgiving celebration in 1621 in Massachusetts was held by the Pilgrims, newcomers to America, to express gratitude for a successful harvest. As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables this week, many of us being immigrants or their descendants, we are reminded of the pressing need for President-elect Obama to address the flaws in our current immigration policy. Rather than having a sensible immigration system in place, we witness sporadic immigration raids on businesses suspected of hiring undocumented workers, followed by deportations that could potentially separate parents from their children who are U.S. citizens by birth. The most contentious aspect of the immigration issue is how to handle the approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants. Many immigrants are not likely to go back to their home countries, even in the current challenging economic situation. It is not desirable for them to leave either, as they take on jobs that Americans are not interested in, whether it be in high-skilled areas like scientific and medical research or in basic yet important low-skilled jobs such as gardening, car washing, and cleaning. President Bush's comprehensive immigration proposals in 2007 were not approved by Congress, despite support from both Democratic and Republican leaders. The question now is whether President Obama will be able to achieve success where Bush did not. Obama's proposal closely resembles the failed bill, including increased border protection, more visas for new immigrants, penalties for employers who hire undocumented workers, and eventual citizenship for undocumented workers already in the country after paying a fine. While this proposal would be a significant improvement, if Congress does not pass immigration reform, there could still be benefits to American labor markets with more limited action. One option would be to allow the Department of Labor to determine the number of work permits and temporary visas to be issued each quarter. The Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is required by law to grant 65,000 H-1b temporary visas to skilled workers. These workers are selected by the Labor Department from a pool of around 630,000 applications submitted by employers. Those holding H-1b visas must leave the US once their employment ends. Despite this, a large number of applicants are unsuccessful in obtaining a visa. Many highly educated foreign students studying in the US, often funded by American taxpayers, are unable to secure employment in the country. Foreign workers must depart, bringing their intellectual accomplishments and valuable expertise with them. They contribute positively to the American economy by paying taxes and maintaining the operations of various industries such as laboratories, hotels, high-tech companies, and construction sites. If they are forced to leave, these contributions will cease. The H-1b visa cap of 65,000 for 2009 was filled within a week of the application process opening on April 1, 2008. This amount is a small fraction of the U.S. labor force, which consists of 154 million workers. Even if the cap was raised to 150,000, it would still only make up less than one tenth of 1% of the labor force. This means that the majority of prospective applicants are likely to be denied admission due to the low chance of success. While Congress may not be equipped to constantly change laws based on economic fluctuations, the Labor Department has the necessary expertise to assess changing labor markets and the ability to adjust visa quotas accordingly. It is suggested that Congress should give the Labor Department the authority to determine the number of visas to be issued on a quarterly basis. This would allow for a more flexible approach, with fewer visas being issued during times of high unemployment and more visas being issued when unemployment decreases. By entrusting the Labor Department with this responsibility, it would help to avoid putting excessive strain on U.S. workers and community resources. Allowing for quarterly adjustments to legal immigration could benefit America, as it could help President-elect Obama move past the immigration controversies that have been present during the Bush administration and set a positive tone for the future. Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a former chief economist at the U.S. Department of Labor and current senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, believes that having something to be thankful for next Thanksgiving would be a significant achievement. Her contact information is [email protected]. | 2 |
The virus has caused many deaths and overwhelmed hospitals, resembling wartime conditions. People now wear masks and gloves to go to the grocery store, likening it to preparing for battle. In Europe, which has faced terrorism in the past, the current pandemic brings back familiar fears. However, this virus is different as it is invisible, widespread, and unpredictable. Unlike terrorism, it is a natural disaster with no clear end in sight. It has required a significantly different reaction. While individuals flee in fear from a terrorist attack, they also come together in unity and resistance. However, once the lockdown due to the new coronavirus is lifted, people will emerge cautiously, akin to moles emerging from their burrows. According to Peter R Neumann, a professor at King's College London, individuals are more fearful of terrorism than of driving a car, even though the latter poses a higher risk. This fear stems from the lack of control individuals have over terrorist attacks. Terrorism is not just about killing people, but rather about manipulating ideas and interests, according to Neumann. The coronavirus presents a unique and frightening form of terrorism because it cannot be controlled or countered with traditional methods. Unlike human or ideological enemies, the virus does not respond to rhetoric or intimidation. This unknown and uncontrollable threat has already caused more deaths in the US than the 9/11 attacks, and is expected to continue to claim many more lives. Expert Thomas Hegghammer notes that while people typically fear man-made threats more, this virus is likely to be an exception. Julianne Smith, a former security adviser to former Vice President Joe Biden and now at the German Marshall Fund, explains that the impact of terrorism and the pandemic extends beyond just the immediate threats they pose. Both create a sense of helplessness as individuals never know when they might be affected. This invasion of personal life is evident in the fear of being in crowds or public events, whether due to terrorism or the virus. Joshua A Geltzer, former senior director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council, notes that the randomness of terrorism is what makes it so terrifying, and the virus behaves in a similar unpredictable manner. "It has the ability to cause individuals to consider, 'It might happen to me.' However, overcoming the virus necessitates a shift in mindset, according to Geltzer. He explained that while a bomb at the Boston Marathon prompts immediate concern about attending the event the following year, the virus requires a more collective approach in order to prevent its spread and avoid overwhelming the healthcare system. This requires a different type of unity. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, President George W. Bush encouraged Americans to continue with their daily activities, including flying on airplanes, traveling, and working. Similarly, after the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan attacks in 2015, President François Hollande of France also urged citizens to show resilience and defiance through marches and public demonstrations." In response to the virus, Geltzer and Carrie F. Cordero, a former security official at the Justice Department, emphasized the importance of resilience by staying at home instead of traveling. Governments are now faced with the challenge of convincing citizens to take actions for the common good, such as staying home, rather than mobilizing in response to terrorism. This enemy requires a different approach, as it does not evoke the same patriotic or visceral responses as terrorism. Geltzer noted that staying at home or producing protective gear may not seem as exciting as traditional security responses, but they are crucial in the current situation. It is not common for us to cheer for home schooling by chanting 'USA! USA!' Additionally, governments will find it challenging to adapt their security systems to address threats that cannot be countered through increased military expenditures and heightened surveillance. Analysts who focused on less traditional threats such as health and climate were previously considered less important, but this perception has shifted. Departments specializing in health security and virology may be established within intelligence agencies, signaling a shift in the concept of security. Furthermore, new threats may emerge in the future, including concerns about economic instability, rising debt levels, and social unrest. Many are concerned about the impact of the current low oil prices on Arab and Persian Gulf nations, which must cover expenses such as salaries for civil servants and the military, as well as subsidies for bread. However, even the Islamic State group has cautioned its followers against traveling to areas affected by the epidemic. Hegghammer, who witnessed the terrorist attacks in Norway in July 2011, notes that the response in Norway was one of collective solidarity and determination, with a strong sense of communal work (known as "dugnad" in Norwegian) as people volunteered their labor for the greater good. This spirit of unity and cooperation is being seen once again in response to the virus, with the young helping the elderly and government and opposition parties working closely together. The virus and the attacks by Breivik are being openly connected in the ongoing discussions in Norway. The criticism is being done in a thorough manner to highlight the government's lack of preparedness in handling a major threat, both in the past and currently. Comparisons are being made to previous events such as the aftermath of Breivik in Norway and the response to Sept 11 in the United States, where commissions of inquiry were formed to investigate government failures and plan for the future. However, unlike homogeneous Norway, the United States is deeply divided, with the ongoing crisis affecting different parts of society at varying speeds. This lack of unity, combined with existing political polarization and battles over science and facts, is likely to have a significant impact on the country, similar to the effects of the plague in Athens during the Peloponnesian War. In the end, she explained, the White House's slow reaction undermines the current political leadership and norms of society. If the political repercussions are significant, it could result in the demise of the powerful presidency and a resurgence of federal and congressional involvement as intended by the Founding Fathers. While the virus may create political divisions, it also serves as a reminder that democratic societies rely on civic responsibility. | 2 |
There is a concern that focusing on technological advancements may distract us from addressing the bigger issue of reducing our reliance on cars. For years, the United States has prioritized automobiles in transportation planning, leading to problems like air pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of alternative transportation options. Simply switching to different types of cars may not be enough to solve these issues; we may need to fundamentally change our reliance on cars. A new book by Peter Norton highlights the history of unfulfilled promises from car manufacturers and tech companies claiming to offer solutions to our car dependency issues. After World War II, various technologies such as radio waves, divided highway engineering, transistors, and repurposed technology from targeted bombs were proposed as ways to create an automobile utopia where anyone could drive anywhere, anytime, and park for free without any crashes. However, these technologies were often incomplete, and the idea behind them did not come to fruition. Norton expressed skepticism about the success of driverless cars, stating that the belief in high tech being superior technology is flawed. Many driverless car enthusiasts now agree that the technology is not yet ready for widespread use on the roads and will take many more years to develop. Our well-being and the health of the planet stand to benefit greatly from transitioning to electric vehicles, which is one of the main topics of discussion at the global climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Removing error-prone drivers from the equation could also lead to safer roads. However, improving cars alone is not a complete solution. There is a concern that promoting electric vehicles could further solidify our reliance on cars, as mentioned by my colleague Farhad Manjoo in The New York Times Opinion. Driverless cars could potentially lead to an increase in the number of miles driven, exacerbating issues with traffic and urban sprawl. While advancements in transportation should focus on safety and energy efficiency, it may also be beneficial to invest in promoting more affordable and attractive options such as walking, cycling, and shared transportation. The topic of Norton's discussion may seem like something imagined by Greta Thunberg. The automobile is a transformative convenience, and transitioning away from it will be challenging, expensive, and controversial. However, there are compelling reasons to attempt this change. The current transportation system is hazardous, environmentally harmful, and consumes significant public resources. It took many years to develop the United States with the car as the center of transportation. It was a decision, sometimes a controversial one, that we had the option to make a different choice. Norton suggested considering what would happen if some of the excessive money being used for driverless car development was instead invested in simpler products and policy adjustments. He proposed changing zoning laws to allow more homes to be built in close proximity to stores, schools, and offices to reduce the need for driving. Norton also highlighted the benefits of bicycles and electric railways that do not rely on batteries as technologies that can have a greater positive impact than driverless car software. This conversation with Norton made me reflect on the pros and cons of innovation. We are aware of the fact that technology enhances our lives. However, we also acknowledge that putting too much faith in technology can prevent us from addressing the underlying issues causing our problems. © 2021 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
According to a White House fact sheet released on Saturday, Biden's proposal for a "Billionaire Minimum Income Tax" would establish a 20% minimum tax rate on households with a net worth exceeding $100 million. This plan primarily aims to target the more than 700 billionaires in the United States, requiring them to pay a minimum tax of 20% on all of their income, including currently untaxed unrealized investment income. The fact sheet states that this tax would help reduce the budget deficit by approximately $360 billion over the next decade. Senate Democrats had previously suggested a billionaires tax last autumn to fund Biden's "Build Back Better" social and climate change initiatives, but the proposal did not advance due to insufficient support in the Senate. | 2 |
More than 1,000 residents sought safety in Tinabanan Cave, climbing 32 feet of slippery terrain to escape the super-typhoon that struck on November 8 and killed over 6,000 people. Lorna dela Pena, who was alone during the storm, recalled how everything was destroyed but managed to evacuate despite feeling disoriented. She mentioned that stairs were finally added to the cave after the disaster caused by Haiyan. While providing hot porridge to evacuees, dela Pena realized the significance of local organizations in assisting communities in becoming more resilient to extreme weather conditions caused by global warming. She emphasized the effectiveness of collaboration and unity in providing support, stating that what one person cannot achieve alone becomes possible when everyone comes together. Inspired by this, she collaborated with others in Marabut to establish women's groups dedicated to various causes. These groups now lead in organizing workshops on organic farming, hosting discussions on violence against women, and promoting the adoption of renewable energy among women in the community. Azucena Bagunas, 47, and dela Pena are part of a group of individuals known as "solar scholars" who were trained by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) to promote low-carbon development and climate resilience. Following Typhoon Haiyan, they learned to use solar-powered generators called TekPaks for disaster preparation. These generators have been crucial in providing light in dark caves during evacuations, helping to count the number of people seeking shelter and keeping communication lines open by charging mobile devices. Bagunas recalls a particularly significant moment when the technology saved a life by powering a nebuliser during an asthma attack. Bagunas and dela Pena are teaching other women in Marabut how to operate TekPaks and educating them about the advantages of renewable energy. When a storm approaches, these women make sure their solar-powered equipment is fully charged so they can quickly relocate their communities to safety. Bagunas emphasized that using solar energy is more cost-effective compared to relying on coal-fired electricity from the grid. She explained that by using solar power as the main source of energy in their homes, they can eliminate the need to pay for electricity and have access to affordable and dependable power as long as they have a panel. Bagunas also prefers solar energy as a safer alternative. In June, her brother's house next to hers caught fire when a live electricity wire struck his roof, causing some parts of her own house to be affected. As of 2020, around 60% of the Philippines' energy is still derived from coal and oil, while only 34% comes from renewable sources. However, the government's plan from 2020-2040 aims to transition the country to rely more on renewable energy sources like solar, with a target of half of power generation being renewable by the end of that period. Chuck Baclagon, Asia regional campaigner for 350.org, a global organization supporting grassroots climate action, commended the ICSC's efforts to bring solar power to communities in order to promote clean energy at the local level. Today's current centralized power system, which relies on fossil fuels, does not effectively address energy poverty in remote island areas that are far from commercial centers, according to him. He stated that transitioning to solar energy challenges the belief that transitioning is unaffordable. The expensive nature of fossil fuels is due to their importation, making them volatile in the market. Conversely, renewable energy sources like solar are easier to implement locally because they utilize available resources and have high potential in specific locations. Leah Payud, resilience portfolio manager at Oxfam Philippines, expressed support for introducing solar energy in impoverished rural communities, particularly because it benefits women and children who are most vulnerable to climate change. She stated that women's unpaid care work and domestic work doubles during disasters, and their burden is increased by the need to find energy sources for these tasks. Women lack access to clean kitchens and electricity, which makes tasks like cooking, breastfeeding, and sanitizing equipment more difficult. She emphasized that women should be involved in expanding the adoption of clean, cheap, and easily available energy because they are the main users and producers of energy. Without their involvement, renewable energy initiatives may not be suitable. She concluded by saying that gender justice is essential for climate justice. One effective method for introducing women to renewable energy involves having them create a 24-hour clock detailing their household chores and the energy sources they use for each task. Afterward, they can discuss with Oxfam staff how changing energy sources could help alleviate their workload, making the concept more relatable. This exercise has shown that many women spend around 13 hours daily on unpaid family care work, a burden that has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased home-schooling. In energy-deprived areas such as Suluan Island, women face dangers when collecting water, especially at night. Solar lights have proven to be a safer and more reliable alternative to oil lamps, as they eliminate the need to travel across the sea to purchase fuel. Payud emphasized that solar energy is the most reliable source of energy during a disaster, especially when there is a loss of main power supply and travel between islands is impossible. Following Haiyan, it took six months to restore grid power in remote communities, a situation that could have been avoided if women had access to alternative energy like solar. According to dela Pena and Bagunas, women play a crucial role in addressing climate change and energy poverty as they are the ones who typically take the lead in managing family issues. | 2 |
Britain has not yet determined its target for renewable energy from sources such as wind and sun by 2020. Industry experts are concerned about the lack of ambition in the country's approach. European Union leaders agreed on a mandatory target to obtain one-fifth of all energy from renewable sources by 2020, but did not specify how this target would be divided among the 27 member states. Tough discussions are expected before a decision is made in January, and the renewable energy industry is worried that Britain's goal may be too low. The Renewable Energy Association spokesperson, Leonie Greene, believes there is a negative attitude towards renewables in the UK. Renewable energy is better for the environment but is more costly than traditional fossil fuels, so it requires support for research, development, and installation to encourage investment and reduce costs. Greene referenced EU data which revealed that in 2005, Britain only obtained 1.8 percent of its energy from renewable sources, significantly lower than the EU-27 average of 6.7 percent. A UK government spokesperson stated that despite committing to the EU target of 20 percent renewable energy, they are still in the process of determining how to achieve this goal. The UK government previously announced that current policies would result in 5 percent renewable energy by 2020, deeming the EU target as ambitious. Leaked documents suggest that doubling this share to 10 percent by 2020 would cost up to 4.4 billion pounds annually. The documents indicated that Britain desired a flexible approach, such as reaching targets through a method similar to carbon offsetting, in which one pays another party to install renewable energy on their behalf. EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs expressed support for a trading approach where wealthier EU countries invested in renewable energy in less affluent, mainly ex-communist EU members. This proposal received a varied response from renewable energy companies. | 2 |
Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi is moving from being a symbol of freedom against Myanmar's military rule to a leader in the country's new fragile democracy. This transition has been challenging, as shown when she was questioned about her reluctance to condemn a violent military operation against Kachin rebels during a talk in London. Suu Kyi, who is Burman and not from the Kachin minority, responded by saying that she wants more information before taking sides in the conflict that has caused the displacement of thousands of people. The Kachin community was extremely angry. The Kachinland News website described her response as offensive. Kachin demonstrators assembled outside her upcoming event in London. A "open letter" from 23 Kachin organizations worldwide accused Suu Kyi of supporting government-approved violence. The fact that a woman who was once highly respected could provoke such animosity may have been unimaginable just a few months ago. A resounding win in a by-election catapulted Suu Kyi and 42 other members of her National League for Democracy into Myanmar's parliament. However, the once unquestioned idol is now facing criticism as she takes on a powerful role as a lawmaker. Despite becoming a prominent figure in the newly empowered parliament, Suu Kyi is being accused by ethnic groups of turning a blind eye to human rights violations in Myanmar's troubled border regions. Economists are concerned that her negative assessments of Myanmar's business environment may deter foreign investors. Political experts note that her party lacks substantial policies beyond those of its renowned leader. Additionally, she faces internal discord within the democracy movement she co-founded. Critics on the global stage have criticized her unclear stance on the pressing humanitarian crisis involving the stateless Rohingya Muslims in western Myanmar, where clashes with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists have resulted in numerous casualties and displaced individuals. Rejected by Myanmar and Bangladesh, where 300,000 refugees are hosted, numerous Rohingya people reside in dreadful conditions in Rakhine State. The United Nations has labeled the Muslim minority as having very few allies in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar. Conflict began in June, just prior to Suu Kyi's visit to Europe after 24 years. In Norway, a journalist questioned Suu Kyi about the citizenship status of the Rohingya in her country, following her acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize she received in 1991 while under house arrest. Suu Kyi's response of "I do not know" caused frustration among both the Rohingya, who seek recognition as citizens of Myanmar, and the locals in Rakhine who see them as intruders. This response was a stark contrast to the clear moral stance she took in her Nobel speech, where she discussed the plight of displaced individuals. As a political party leader, Suu Kyi now must navigate the need for strategic ambiguity, a shift from her previous role as a moral beacon that isolated the former junta on a global scale. She needs to maintain her popularity among the majority of Burmans and Buddhists, while also keeping good relationships with ethnic minorities and people of other religions. Additionally, she must find a way to work with the powerful military in Myanmar, despite their negative reputation. Her political skills have been recognized since 1988, when she came back to Myanmar and became a leader in the democracy movement despite facing imprisonment and house arrest for many years. "I prefer not to be called an icon, as in my opinion, icons are passive," she stated during a presentation on September 27 at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Massachusetts. "I have always viewed myself as a politician. What do they think I have been doing for the past 24 years?" Suu Kyi turned down several interview requests from Reuters for this article. Myanmar's reforms have picked up pace since she was released from house arrest in November 2010, just before a military-controlled election installed a semi-civilian government. This year, Myanmar has released political prisoners, loosened restrictions on the media, and begun addressing economic issues. The country's transition from authoritarian rule is often likened to the Arab Spring, but unlike the protests in the Middle East, Myanmar's reforms were initiated by former military leaders like President Thein Sein. A crucial moment in this process was a meeting between Aung San Suu Kyi and Thein Sein in Naypyitaw in August 2011, which marked the beginning of Suu Kyi's constructive dialogue with the government controlled by former military officials. She labeled him as "genuine" in his efforts to reform Myanmar, which led to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Naypyitaw and the lifting of most Western sanctions. Having a reputation for being saintly and having strong principles can be a hindrance in politics, where compromise and negotiation are necessary. Adulation can also create unrealistic expectations even for someone like Suu Kyi, who is considered a "human rights superstar" by Amnesty International. Suu Kyi understands that criticism and attacks are common for politicians. Being praised and idolized can also be seen as a risk that comes with the job, and is not as desirable as the alternative," she penned these words 14 years ago. Nowadays, she frequently travels to her parliamentary constituency of Kawhmu, a humble rice-growing region close to Yangon, the country's commercial hub. During a recent morning drive through Kawhmu's bumpy streets in an SUV, locals emerged from their homes to applaud "Mother Suu." The issues faced by Kawhmu - such as debt, absence of electricity, and unemployment - are a microcosm of the challenges encountered by Myanmar as a whole. "Some villages in this area have a lack of young people," explained Aung Lwin Oo, a 45-year-old carpenter and member of the National League for Democracy. "They have all migrated to Thailand and Malaysia for employment opportunities." Aung Lwin Oo mentioned that the work in those countries may not be glamorous. During her visit, Suu Kyi first visited a Buddhist monastery where she prayed with the monks and helped resolve a financial dispute between representatives from two villages. Later, she had lunch with NLD members at a tin-roofed wooden bungalow, which serves as the party's Kawhmu headquarters, and discussed drainage concerns with local authorities. According to aides, she finds satisfaction in her new job, which may not be glamorous. Win Tin, a confidant of the NLD elder, stated that she takes pleasure in political life to the fullest. She is also getting used to living in Naypyitaw, the secluded new capital constructed by the junta, where she resides in a house surrounded by a fence with razor wire on top. In the Lower House of parliament, the vibrant attire worn by numerous ethnic representatives creates a lively atmosphere. Sitting next to Suu Kyi is a Member of Parliament from Chin State adorned in a head-dress made of boar's teeth and hornbill feathers. On one side of the chamber, men in green uniforms dominate the room. The constitution of Myanmar, which was ratified in 2008 after a fraudulent referendum, sets aside a quarter of parliamentary seats for military personnel appointed by Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, a protege of the former dictator, Than Shwe. Suu Kyi's mere presence in parliament lends credibility to a political system established by the junta that once imprisoned her. Her party has had to make significant changes in their longstanding beliefs to be a part of this system. The NLD refused to participate in both the constitution-drafting process and the 2010 election, which was believed to be manipulated in favor of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. Suu Kyi's party also insisted that the military acknowledge the outcome of the 1990 election, which the NLD had won but was invalidated by the ruling junta. Despite initially opposing these actions, the NLD eventually changed its stance and joined the by-elections in April. Currently, the party only holds a small fraction of seats in the lower house, but Suu Kyi ensures that the NLD still has a significant impact. She took a leading role in opposing a higher education bill that she believed was inadequate, resulting in its cancellation in July. She also played a role in removing a clause in a foreign investment law that would have benefited Myanmar's corrupt businessmen. In August, she was appointed as the chair of a parliamentary committee focused on "rule of law and tranquility," which could increase her impact. Despite her influence, there are limitations to her power, as the National League for Democracy still aims to reform the constitution to reduce the military's control. It is a challenging task for Suu Kyi to secure three-quarters support in parliament, which includes some military delegates. Ohn Kyaing, NLD party spokesman and member of parliament, acknowledges Suu Kyi's persuasive abilities but recognizes that without the military's support, changing the constitution is unlikely. Despite the NLD's landslide victory in the by-election, the party still needs to rejuvenate itself to appear more like a potential government-in-waiting for the next general election in 2015. The National League for Democracy (NLD) was established in September 1988 following a military crackdown that resulted in the death or injury of many pro-democracy demonstrators. Suu Kyi was detained by the junta before the NLD was even a year old, and its members were harassed, imprisoned, and subjected to torture. In 2003, government forces assaulted Suu Kyi's convoy, leading to the deaths of numerous supporters. She narrowly managed to survive the attack. The majority of NLD offices were forced to close. When Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in 2010, her party was not very strong and had older leaders. She worked on revitalizing the party by opening many offices herself. Two of the party's elderly co-founders, Win Tin and Tin Oo, have been given more ceremonial roles. The party is now thriving with a million members, according to spokesman Ohn Kyaing. However, the success is leading to new challenges. The National League for Democracy (NLD) is planning to host its inaugural national party conference in late 2012 or early 2013. Protests have broken out in various regions, including Suu Kyi's Kawhmu, regarding the selection of attendees. This disagreement underscores the tension between long-standing NLD members, who endured twenty years of persecution, and new members who joined during Myanmar's era of reform. Ohn Kyaing stated, "The older members are reluctant to relinquish their positions because of their past struggles." Additionally, there is a power struggle between the central party headquarters and local branches, with some local officials criticizing their leaders for being domineering or unresponsive. As a result, at least five members have been suspended for defying or protesting against the party leadership. Suu Kyi leads a Central Executive Committee consisting of seven members, as reported by current and former NLD members. They claim that this committee simply approves her decisions, including the NLD's decision to reject taking a parliamentary oath in April. Aung Kyi Nyunt, an NLD legislator, acknowledges that while Suu Kyi's approach may not be democratic, it is not authoritarian because she does not force others to comply with her decisions; they already agree with her. After facing two weeks of opposition and disapproval from her supporters, the "Iron Aunty" eventually relented and her MPs returned to their seats. Additionally, the NLD has had a strained relationship with Myanmar's growing media presence. Reports have surfaced, such as one in May alleging that Suu Kyi's security personnel had attacked a journalist, which the NLD has disputed. Certain Burmese-language websites have been dedicated to tarnishing Suu Kyi's reputation, spreading baseless rumors - including one false claim that she has a teenage daughter with a Burmese lover - that are reminiscent of propaganda from the previous military regime. The websites, whose owners protect their identities by registering through proxies, were not able to be contacted for a comment. The NLD's entrance into parliament has also exposed a lack of specific policies and experts to create them, which is a significant weakness as Myanmar's government is quickly creating new laws. When asked by Reuters in Kawhmu to clarify the NLD's stance on the Rohingya, Suu Kyi appeared to suggest that the party did not have a policy on the issue. She stated that it is not solely the responsibility of the NLD to formulate this policy, but rather a matter that the entire country must be involved in. Suu Kyi's popularity in Myanmar is not as widespread as some Western admirers may believe. While she is greatly admired in the lowlands, where the majority Burmans reside and her image is prominent on various items, her reverence diminishes in the border regions where ethnic minorities, who have long fought against the Burman-dominated military, live. In the rural Shan State, where the largest minority resides, it is difficult to come across images of Suu Kyi. In July, Suu Kyi made her first speech in parliament, advocating for increased legal protection for minorities. However, her actions have not shielded her from criticism by ethnic leaders, including Khun Htun Oo, a prominent Shan politician who was imprisoned for nearly seven years under the former junta. According to Oo, Suu Kyi has been "neutralized" by her involvement in parliament, as he stated to reporters in Washington last month, just before they both received awards from a human rights organization. During her trip to the US, Suu Kyi's trustworthiness has decreased after she made a mistake in an interview with CNN. She confessed that she feels favorably towards Myanmar's military, which was established by her father, General Aung San. This statement sparked criticism on Facebook, the primary platform for political discussions in Myanmar. For years, the NLD supported demands for a United Nations Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged war crimes and human rights violations in Myanmar. This initiative has been quietly abandoned following Suu Kyi's release. In March, she stated that their focus is on restorative justice rather than retributive justice. Suu Kyi clarified that restorative justice does not involve prosecuting junta members. Western governments look to Suu Kyi as a guide on human rights issues. Mark Farmaner of the Burma Campaign UK criticized these ambiguous statements, accusing Western governments of using them as excuses to avoid taking action on matters of justice and accountability. He observed that British Foreign Secretary William Hague took over two months to address the violence against the Rohingya minority. The NLD spokesman Ohn Kyaing stated that Suu Kyi will address the Rohingya issue at the appropriate time, emphasizing the importance of timing in politics. | 2 |
In a few years, he transitioned from abstract art to graffiti, which caught the interest of de Kooning, according to Haze, who was raised in Manhattan. She advised him that artists must follow their inspirations in every moment. By the early 1980s, he joined Soul Artists, a prominent graffiti collective in New York City, and displayed his work alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, who were both his friends, at MoMA PS1. He exhibited at the Tony Shafrazi Gallery and later showcased his nonfigurative paintings globally. Instead of living a completely isolated artist life, he established a successful design business with clients such as the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and LL Cool J. In recent years, he has created clothing and designed spaces for Nike and the Standard Hotel. In 2013, he married actress Rosie Perez and lived a very collaborative and social lifestyle. However, everything changed when he began his artist residency at the Elaine de Kooning house in December. "I came here with the intention of relearning how to paint," he stated from a studio overlooking the empty woods in East Hampton. Numerous newly painted views of the studio in various shades of gray adorned the walls, providing a stark contrast to de Kooning's vibrant portrait of Haze and his sister. His earliest abstract paintings, created as a child under her guidance, were displayed alongside his new portrait of de Kooning, featuring wild hair and a cigarette. After months of painting through the night, he felt de Kooning's spirit guiding him to paint people, starting with himself. It was only recently that he felt deserving to paint Elaine, and he feels he has made significant progress in the past few weeks. Many individuals have also found themselves turning corners during quarantine, relying on their own creativity to shape their days in isolation. Many artists, writers, and composers who receive prestigious residencies to isolate themselves in remote and sometimes harsh environments see it as a valuable opportunity. However, during a pandemic, the additional isolation can be challenging even for the most resilient artists. Pat Phillips, who is currently on a painting residency in Provincetown, Massachusetts, finds the enforced isolation difficult, especially during the offseason when the town feels desolate. Despite having his wife, fellow artist Coady Brown, with him, the lack of community interactions and events has made the experience more challenging. Dune walks and potluck dinners featuring local clams are currently not happening. The residents who were once very social are now feeling isolated, according to Richard MacMillan, the executive director of the organization. While many residency programs have shut down due to the quarantine, some, such as Djerassi in California and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Nebraska, have been able to remain open with new safety protocols. Paolo Arao, a Brooklyn artist who recently completed a three-month residency at Bemis, mentioned that the past month was filled with distracting news. Despite this, he found Nebraska to be safer than home due to the low number of COVID cases. The Elaine de Kooning House residency, where only one artist is hosted at a time, proved to be a well-suited place for sheltering in place. The director of programming, Katherine McMahon, noted that the arrangement worked well for self-quarantine as the artist, Haze, worked through the night while she was up during the day. They would communicate from a safe distance, with Haze often taking breaks outside covered in paint. Haze mentioned that he promised his wife he would quit smoking when he returned home. At the moment, getting distracted would disrupt my focus. In early April, during the height of the pandemic in New York City, Haze was in de Kooning's former studio, surrounded by the sounds of sirens and nature. He sat in front of a self portrait, reminiscent of de Kooning, with a collection of art supplies nearby. He joked about having enough to last through any apocalypse. His studio also featured paintings of de Kooning and Kennedy, creating a nostalgic connection to the past. In close proximity, he was working on a portrait of his immigrant grandfather as a young boy. The time spent alone in his studio helped him to vividly recall various people from his past. He credited Elaine as a spiritual inspiration during this time and admitted to falling in love with her, even confessing to his wife. Despite planning to return home the next day, he found himself still painting a week later as the world seemed to be falling apart. He mentioned that Elaine used to say that obsession is a key component of the process. This information is from around 2020 and comes from The New York Times Company. | 2 |
Currently, the usual busy and exciting first week of the year in Hollywood has been significantly quieted due to a combination of factors including the omicron spike and NBC's decision to not broadcast the Golden Globes on Sunday due to ethical concerns with the organization behind the awards. As a result, events such as the AFI Awards and the Palm Springs Film Festival have been postponed or cancelled, and the Critics' Choice Awards, originally set to be televised on Sunday, have also been rescheduled. Furthermore, many highly anticipated award-winning films have not performed well at the box office. The Academy Awards are still set to take place on March 27, with nominations to be announced on February 8. However, details about the event have not been revealed yet. The annual Governors Awards, where honorary Oscars are usually presented, have already been postponed. It is uncertain if there will be a host, an audience, or viewers for the event. The Academy brought in a producer from the movie "Girls Trip" to manage the show in October, but has not provided any further details and declined to comment. The situation in 2022 is beginning to resemble that of 2021, with Hollywood once again missing out on its usual season of awards shows. This could have significant consequences on the film industry, as award shows are crucial for promoting movies. Nancy Utley, a former co-chair of Fox Searchlight, emphasized the importance of award shows for the box office and the types of movies that are produced. The reason to watch smaller movies in the current climate has become challenging due to the recent scandals and lack of diversity in the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which has affected the box office performance of prestige films during awards season. The large audience shift towards streaming services may be a lasting trend, as only major blockbusters like "Spider-Man: No Way Home" are attracting significant numbers of moviegoers. Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, expressed concern about the future of the movie industry, stating that people are no longer in the habit of watching films on the big screen. He also questioned the longevity of award season without the tradition of going to the movies. The Academy Awards were established in 1929 to showcase Hollywood's accomplishments to a global audience. At its peak, the telecast attracted 55 million viewers. However, this number has been declining steadily over the years, reaching an all-time low of 10.4 million viewers last year. This was for a show that had no host, no musical performances, and a best picture winner in "Nomadland" that was not widely seen. Despite efforts by Hollywood to promote theatergoing over streaming options with big stars and directors, these efforts have not been successful. The general public continues to show hesitancy in returning to movie theaters regularly. Despite positive reviews, highly anticipated films such as "No Time to Die," "Last Night in Soho," "Nightmare Alley," "Belfast," and "West Side Story" have struggled to make significant profits at the box office due to the ongoing pandemic. The original film made $44 million in 1961, which would be equivalent to $409 million today. A recent study shows that 49 percent of moviegoers before the pandemic are no longer purchasing tickets, with 8 percent saying they will never return. This decline in audience attendance is particularly harmful to midbudget films that rely on positive reviews and publicity to attract viewers. Some experts believe that the midbudget movie industry, which includes films costing $20 to $60 million and are not based on popular intellectual property, may be permanently affected by these changes. If changes in viewing habits become permanent and receiving awards is no longer as important, it will be much harder for films to make a profit. If audiences only want to see big blockbusters like "Spider-Man" in theaters, it will be challenging to persuade them to also watch smaller, more artistic films like "Belfast" by Kenneth Branagh. This shift not only impacts individual movies and filmmakers, but also the entire film industry as an art form. Art is delicate. Among the other potential best-picture contenders that had a significant theatrical release, only "Dune," a sci-fi spectacle based on existing material, surpassed the $100 million mark in box office sales. "King Richard" brought in $14.7 million, and "Licorice Pizza" made $7 million. According to film journalist and historian Mark Harris, there have been no non-genre adult dramas that have made over $50 million. The landscape of 2019, where films like "1917," "Ford v. Ferrari," and "Parasite" thrived financially, no longer exists. Despite this, studios are adapting - MGM is slowing down the theatrical release of "Licorice Pizza" after witnessing other high-quality films struggle when they expanded to over 1,000 theaters. The release of "Cyrano" in Britain starring Peter Dinklage has been postponed to February in order to align with the US release, in hopes that older female moviegoers will return to theaters by then. Sony Pictures Classics is adopting strategies from 2021, such as more virtual screenings and Q&As to attract academy voters, and shifting distribution to home platforms quicker. Their documentary "Julia" about Julia Child was available on premium video-on-demand during the holidays. While many studios held events in early December with vaccination and testing requirements, January has seen a cancellation or move to virtual platforms for awards campaigning events like screenings and parties. Billboards with the message "For your consideration" are still common in Los Angeles, but in-person events are mostly on hold. Netflix, known for limited theatrical releases and not reporting box office results, is expected to have a strong presence in award season this year with films like "Tick, Tick ... Boom," "The Power of the Dog," and "The Lost Daughter" competing for prizes. Like other studios, Netflix has shifted all January events to virtual. Michael Barker, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, mentioned the need to adapt to the current situation, reflecting on the challenges faced last year and the ongoing need to adjust. Despite the changes, he remains optimistic about the future and the new world order that will emerge once the current situation passes. | 2 |
During a recent visit to Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi stated that significant historical progress often occurs following major disasters. He highlighted how the nation has been strengthened and developed through challenging times. Xi, who has faced adversity in his youth, views the pandemic as an opportunity to showcase the party's ability to rectify early mistakes and unite the country in the face of international criticism. State propaganda is actively supporting Xi's leadership in combating the pandemic. As the National People's Congress approaches, Xi aims to translate his calls for solidarity into concrete actions, emphasizing the need to resume pre-pandemic initiatives such as eradicating extreme poverty by the end of the year while warning against complacency that could lead to a resurgence of infections. He must handle all of these tasks at a time when the country is dealing with diplomatic and economic challenges as difficult as any since the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989. Carl Minzner, a professor at Fordham University, warned that there is political risk for Xi if he does not handle his responsibilities properly. Despite criticisms of his handling of the outbreak, Xi has positioned himself as the essential leader defending China against major threats, which has garnered support from the party cadre and the public. Jude Blanchette, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that if time had stopped on February 1st, it would have been detrimental to the Chinese leadership. Xi made his first public appearance in the crisis just two days after ordering Wuhan to be locked down in late January. He led an uncommon televised meeting of the highest political body in the country, the Politburo Standing Committee, during a time when thousands were infected and many had died. As reported in People's Daily, the main newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, he solemnly shared that he had trouble sleeping the night before the Lunar New Year holiday. Xi also appeared to step back momentarily from his usual dominant position, allowing others to have a voice. He held the top position in the country. Premier Li Keqiang was initially responsible for the government's emergency response during the crisis, potentially positioning himself to take blame if the situation worsened. However, as China gained control over the outbreak, the party's propaganda shifted back towards Xi, with Li being pushed into the background. While Li will be delivering the keynote report to the National People's Congress on Friday, it is Xi who will be dominating the media coverage and providing guidance to provincial leaders and delegates. Despite criticism, Xi has not shown any signs of being humbled by the initial failures in the fight against the disease. He maintains that China has acted with transparency and responsibility throughout the crisis. Xi has cautioned about the growing uncertainty faced by China in the world. Despite his optimistic outlook for the future, he has also expressed concerns about potential economic collapse, international crises, and political deterioration. In a recent statement to the Politburo Standing Committee, Xi emphasized the need to be prepared for significant changes in external conditions, particularly in response to the recent global epidemic and economic developments. The biggest challenge currently facing China is its economy, which has experienced its first contraction in over forty years of transformation. The increasing wealth of millions of Chinese people has long been a key factor in the Communist Party's credibility. During recent visits to three provinces, Xi has focused on returning to the policy agenda that existed before the coronavirus pandemic. Xi has visited Zhejiang, Shanxi, and Shaanxi, wearing his usual dark blue windbreaker and a mask when indoors. He has toured factories, ports, government offices, and tourist spots in an effort to resume normal life while implementing new precautions against infection. In rural villages, he has shown interest in crops like wood ear fungus and chrysanthemums, which are important for his efforts to reduce poverty. He told a group of villagers in Shaanxi that their wood ear fungus was well-known and could help lift them out of poverty. However, despite the Communist Party's efforts to show China overcoming the epidemic, footage from Xi'an Jiaotong University revealed that things were still far from normal. The cheering crowd of students and professors was actually arranged, as the university was mostly closed. Xi joked about the situation, pointing out that school had not yet resumed. | 2 |
Not only do Changla Mro and other women of the Mro ethnic group have to endure long treks through difficult terrain and face dangers like snakes, wild pigs, and fishing cats, but since a water collection and treatment system was installed a year ago, serving about 21 families in Bandarban district, these risks have become a thing of the past. Changla Mro shared that two women were bitten by snakes while collecting water at night before the water plant was installed, but now they no longer fear these dangers. Global issues such as deforestation, climate change, and population growth are increasing the pressure on the world's limited fresh water supply. Finding new and creative methods to capture and preserve water has become increasingly important in ensuring a consistent supply throughout the year. In Bandarban, women are seen gathering water at the community water treatment plant, according to Thomson Reuters Foundation. The Hill Tract area of Bangladesh, spanning 5,500 square miles and home to both Bengali-speaking settlers and tribal people from 13 ethnic groups, faces a scarcity of water due to deforestation. The loss of trees has diminished the soil's capacity to retain water, resulting in dry season shortages as surface water evaporates, particularly impacting the Mro community in districts like Bandarban, Rangamati, and Khagrhachharhi. Kangchag Mro, aged 50, used to spend a lot of time searching for water in springs and streams, fearing waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and cholera. However, now she can easily access clean drinking water from taps at a water treatment plant in her community. She mentioned that collecting water in the hilly area was difficult, but the water plant has made their lives easier. The plant is supplied water from a reservoir 500 meters away on the hillside and was constructed with funding from the Arannayk Foundation, a collaboration between the Bangladesh and US governments focused on forest conservation. The artificial lake gathers water from the hills and sends it through a pipeline to a treatment plant where it is purified for household purposes. The efficient gravity flow water system, which eliminates the need for costly pumps, has led to discussions about expanding the project. Md Wali Ullah, the chief engineer of the Department of Public Health Engineering, mentioned that the government is looking into providing water to additional indigenous communities in the Hill Tract region. Ullah also stated that his department has already submitted a proposal to other relevant government departments. In Bandarban, there is a stream running. The importance of forests has been recognized by the Mro community leader, Khamchang Mro, as they act as a sponge to collect rainfall during the monsoon season and release it gradually into streams and rivers. Community members are now working to conserve forested areas to maintain a steady flow of water to springs and canals throughout the year. Khamchang Mro mentioned that they have reforested the degraded area of their village forests, resulting in a healthier condition for the village forest. Farid Ahmed Khan, who serves as the executive director of Arannayk Foundation, emphasized that local communities must safeguard their forests as they have no other option. Khan cautioned that if forests are not preserved, it could lead to a significant water shortage. In Bandarban, women collect water at the communal water treatment facility, while a stream flows through the area. These observations were reported by Thomson Reuters Foundation. | 2 |
The recent riots in the district have caused long-lasting divisions within the community, mirroring a national trend of tensions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist agenda. Many Hindus in Yamuna Vihar and other riot-affected areas of northeast Delhi are boycotting Muslim merchants and refusing to hire Muslim workers, while Muslims are struggling to find jobs due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. "I have made the decision to not work with Muslims," said Yash Dhingra, a shop owner in Yamuna Vihar, who has chosen to hire Hindu workers instead. The riots in India's capital, sparked by a controversial citizenship law seen as discriminatory towards Muslims, resulted in the deaths of at least 53 people, mostly from the Muslim community, and left over 200 injured. The violence has left the neighborhood of Yamuna Vihar in a state of devastation, with homes destroyed, electricity cables hanging precariously, and tensions high as Hindu residents are now boycotting Muslim workers. This has affected a wide range of professions, from cooks to mechanics to fruit sellers. Dhingra stated that there is evidence indicating that Muslims initiated the violence and are now shifting the blame to Hindus. This sentiment was shared by many Hindus who were interviewed in northeast Delhi, where several suffered significant financial losses or injuries during the riots. Reuters also interviewed around 30 Muslims who claimed that Hindus were no longer willing to work with them. Suman Goel, a 45-year-old housewife who has lived among Muslim neighbors for 23 years, expressed shock at the violence. "It feels odd to no longer feel like you belong, to walk out of your house and consciously avoid smiling at Muslim women," she expressed. "I'm sure they are experiencing the same sentiments, so it's better to keep our distance." Mohammed Taslim, a Muslim who ran a shoe business from a store owned by a Hindu in Bhajanpura, a neighborhood impacted by the riots, stated that his stock was destroyed by a Hindu mob. Following this, he was forcibly removed and his space was rented out to a Hindu businessman. Taslim claimed, "This is all happening simply because I am a Muslim." Numerous Muslims suggested that the recent attack was orchestrated by extremist Hindus in response to widespread protests in India against the new citizenship law. One Muslim research assistant in Delhi expressed concern, stating that safety and protecting their lives have become top priorities over career, jobs, and business. The research assistant, named Adil, chose not to reveal his full identity out of fear of potential repercussions. Emboldened by Modi's overwhelming victory in the 2014 elections, hardline groups have been pushing for a Hindu-centric agenda that has marginalized the Muslim minority in India. Vigilantes have targeted and killed Muslims involved in transporting cows, which are considered sacred by Hindus. The government has taken a tough stance towards Pakistan and revoked certain autonomous privileges for Jammu and Kashmir, the only Muslim-majority state in India. In a controversial decision, the Supreme Court allowed for the construction of a Hindu temple at Ayodhya, where a mosque was demolished by a right-wing mob in 1992. The implementation of the citizenship law, which excludes Muslims from neighboring Muslim-majority countries, has sparked widespread protests among Muslims and secular Indians. Modi's office declined to answer questions from Reuters regarding the recent violence. In the Delhi districts most affected by the unrest in February, Hindus and Muslims avoid each other during the day but are separated by barricades at night for safety. Some areas are even installing permanent barriers. Tarannum Sheikh, a schoolteacher, observed as two welders erected a high gate at the entrance of a narrow lane leading to the Muslim enclave of Khajuri Khas where she resides. She stated that the goal was to prevent Hindus from entering. She explained that they carry wooden batons to guard the entrance because they fear someone may cause trouble at any moment. She also mentioned that they no longer have faith in the police. In the nearby Hindu neighborhood of Bhajanpura, residents shared a similar lack of trust and feelings of insecurity. A 52-year-old grandmother named Santosh Rani expressed that the riots were necessary to bring Hindus together, as they had not realized they were living among such malicious individuals for many years. She mentioned that she was compelled to lower her two grandchildren from the first floor of her house to the street below after the building was set on fire during the violence, allegedly by a Muslim. Rani, who owns multiple factories and retail shops, stated that the Muslims have now tested their patience and as a result, they will not be providing them with employment opportunities. She expressed that she will never forgive them. Hasan Sheikh, a tailor who has been sewing clothes for Hindu and Muslim women for more than 40 years, shared that Hindu customers came to pick up their unstitched clothes after the riots. Sheikh, who is Muslim, found it strange how their relationship came to an end. I am not to blame, and neither are my female clients, but the atmosphere in this region is extremely tense. Both sides have valid reasons for their hatred. | 2 |
Chickens and pigs around the world are helping to reduce global warming by producing less methane compared to cows and sheep. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is often overlooked in comparison to carbon dioxide, but is crucial in the fight against climate change. Government policies and a UN-backed system of emission credits are benefiting investors, farmers, and major polluters by allowing them to offset their greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide. Methane is much more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere, and it is relatively easy to capture from sources such as animal waste, landfills, coal mines, and leaky natural gas pipes. Climate scientist Paul Fraser from Australia stated that one-fifth of global warming caused by greenhouse gases can be attributed to methane since before the industrial era. Methane levels in the atmosphere have increased significantly since 1750, surpassing natural levels over the past 650,000 years, according to the UN's climate panel. Human activities are primarily responsible for this increase. The panel will focus on strategies to reduce methane and other greenhouse gas emissions in their upcoming report in Bangkok in early May. Bill Hare, climate policy director for Greenpeace and a lead author of the report, believes that reducing methane emissions may be a more cost-effective solution compared to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. He stated that in the United States, there has been a significant emphasis on addressing methane rather than tackling more complex issues like CO2 emissions from coal. This preference is due to the fact that capturing methane from sources such as landfills, mines, and fossil fuel production or natural gas lines is relatively straightforward and economically viable. Methane, a key component of natural gas, can be utilized for power generation. Hare noted that agriculture presents a greater challenge, particularly in terms of methane emissions from livestock and rice cultivation, as changing practices in this sector may require longer time scales compared to industrial areas. Rice fields and other irrigated crops, along with natural wetlands, are significant sources of methane emissions. Additionally, large amounts of methane are stored in deposits under ice in sub-polar regions, permafrost, and under the sea. Various solutions are being explored, such as additives for livestock to reduce methane in their burps and transitioning from intensive feed lots to range-fed animals. Making changes to the flooding timing and methods of rice paddies also has the potential to decrease methane emissions. Despite efforts to reduce methane emissions, levels in the atmosphere have remained steady since 1999, according to Fraser, who leads the Changing Atmosphere Research Group at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. This is believed to be happening because the drying out of tropical wetlands is offsetting an increase in emissions from the oil and gas industry. However, it is uncertain how long this trend will continue. "Most people believe that at some point in the future, methane emissions will begin to rise again due to the global demand for natural gas, rice, and cattle," Fraser stated. This is why chicken manure and pig waste are in high demand. Through the UN's Kyoto Protocol, rich countries can meet their emissions targets by funding projects in developing countries that reduce greenhouse gases, in exchange for carbon credits. This development has led to significant investment in large pig farms in South America and poultry farms in India. The waste produced from these farms is processed in digesters to extract methane, which is then used to generate electricity or released as CO2. N Yuvaraj Dinesh Babu from Carbon Exchange in Singapore noted an increasing interest in such projects, which trade Kyoto carbon credits and facilitate emissions offsetting deals. The Kyoto system for emissions credits has been popular, with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change approving numerous methane-abatement projects in recent years and considering more. However, Stephan Singer from WWF believes this is not a complete solution. Singer, who heads WWF's European Energy and Climate Policy Unit, believes that more attention should be focused on controlling carbon dioxide emissions and the sources of methane that are difficult to control. Currently, only around 50 percent of all methane emissions are being controlled, particularly those from landfills, coal mines, and the oil and gas industry. Singer is concerned about the increasing methane emissions from ruminant animals, primarily due to the growing beef consumption in a wealthier world. The diet of Western countries has a significant impact on the atmosphere. In the United States, cattle alone emit approximately 5.5 million tonnes of methane annually, making up 20 percent of the country's methane emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In New Zealand, approximately half of all greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. Singer is particularly concerned about the potential sudden release of methane stored in sub-polar permafrost or vast methane hydrate deposits under the sea. Although this has not yet occurred, some scientists warn that it could happen in a warmer climate. Singer believes that if methane hydrates were to leak, it would be catastrophic. | 2 |
French President Nicolas Sarkozy will be meeting with unions on Wednesday in an attempt to reach an agreement on economic stimulus plans and prevent further protests due to the country's increasing unemployment rate and declining economic growth. Over a million people protested across France recently, criticizing Sarkozy's policies and calling for pay raises and job security amidst the economic downturn. Unions are planning another protest next month. Sarkozy's 26 billion euro stimulus plan has prioritized public spending projects over direct assistance to consumers and workers, leading to criticism from unions and the political left. A televised appearance following the protests aimed to reassure the public but ended up further weakening Sarkozy's support. In Saturday's edition of Le Figaro newspaper, which is known for its close ties to Sarkozy, the president was quoted as telling advisers that the outcome of his five-year term is in jeopardy. The French economy experienced a significant downturn in the last quarter of 2008, with a 1.2 percent decrease in GDP - the largest drop in 34 years. This was due to a decrease in exports and retailers reducing their stock, leading to an increase in unemployment. Strikes in Guadeloupe and Martinique, and to a lesser extent in Reunion, have been calling for higher minimum wages and lower food and fuel prices. There are concerns that these protests may escalate in the current tense environment, with a poll showing that 63 percent of respondents believe similar demonstrations could soon occur on the mainland. The opposition Socialists are pressuring Sarkozy before the "social summit" by calling for a 1 percentage point cut in value-added tax and a 3 percent increase in the minimum wage to stimulate consumer spending. Despite economists and unions advocating for these measures, Sarkozy is hesitant to boost consumer spending, preferring to focus on investments for the future rather than increasing public debt. The recent rise in household consumption is likely to be used as a defense by Sarkozy, who believes consumers do not need additional encouragement to spend. Britain has reduced its value-added tax by 2 percentage points, a move criticized by Sarkozy in his television speech as bringing no progress, which has angered Downing Street. Sarkozy has mentioned potential measures like lowering income tax and increasing unemployment benefits, but his employment minister and social affairs adviser remain against raising the minimum wage, calling it an unrealistic idea that could harm struggling companies. | 2 |
Japanese opposition leader Ichiro Ozawa resigned on Monday following a fundraising scandal, which is expected to improve his party's chances in the upcoming election. The Democratic Party's lead in polls had narrowed after the scandal, but Ozawa's resignation aims to strengthen party unity for a clear victory in the next election and bring about a change in government. The Democrats have promised to reduce bureaucratic interference in policy-making, prioritize consumer and worker rights over corporate interests, and pursue a more independent diplomatic stance from the United States. Ozawa's departure is not expected to change the political landscape significantly, but it may prompt the LDP to introduce additional stimulus plans to attract voters. A 15 trillion yen spending package is currently being discussed in parliament. The financial markets showed little reaction to Ozawa's resignation, with the yen trading slightly lower initially but remaining largely unchanged for the day. Prime Minister Aso mentioned that Ozawa's resignation will not affect the timing of the election, with speculation pointing towards a possible August vote. Hidenori Suezawa, chief strategist at Daiwa Securities SMBC, stated that with (Ozawa) no longer in the picture, Prime Minister Aso may choose to focus on aggressive economic stimulus measures to attract voters instead of dissolving parliament. Analysts believe that although replacing Ozawa may increase the Democrats' electoral prospects, not all the negative effects of his leadership will be quickly resolved. Independent political commentator Minoru Morita noted that there was widespread dissatisfaction with Ozawa, and his absence could significantly benefit the Democrats. Ozawa's departure may pave the way for a younger leader to take over, with potential candidates being former party leaders Katsuya Okada, known for advocating for stricter climate policies and considered the frontrunner, and Seiji Maehara, an expert in conservative security policies. Yukio Hatoyama and Naoto Kan, who are also former leaders and deputies of Ozawa, are also being considered as potential successors. Ozawa, a skilled campaign strategist, has been influential in Japanese politics for nearly two decades, having left the LDP and briefly replaced it with a pro-reform coalition. The impact of his resignation on the Democrats' chances will depend on his replacement and how smoothly the transition occurs. This move is seen as essential in addressing the party's image problem. Gerry Curtis, a Columbia University professor and expert in Japanese politics, raised the question of who the Democratic Party will choose as their next leader and how they will make that decision. According to a Democratic Party source, the next leader will likely be selected through a vote among party lawmakers, possibly within a week or 10 days. A survey conducted by the Yomiuri newspaper before Ozawa's announcement showed that the Democrats still held a slight lead over the LDP, but many respondents questioned Ozawa's earlier decision to stay on. Yukihiro Nakagawa, an executive at a precision machinery company, stated that he had planned to submit a blank vote if Ozawa had stayed, but now he is considering voting for the Democrats depending on the policies they promise. The survey conducted by the Yomiuri newspaper before Ozawa's announcement revealed that 30 percent of respondents would vote for the Democrats in the upcoming election, compared to 27 percent for the LDP. Some analysts believe that Ozawa's resignation could lead to renewed calls within the LDP to replace the unpopular Aso, while others argue that there is no clear successor and Aso will likely try to retain his position. | 2 |
Maibam Sharat was the second person in a group of six friends walking past a security checkpoint, following orders from Indian troops with their hands up in the air. Suddenly, a soldier emerged from an armored vehicle and began shooting. Sharat cannot recall how long the shooting lasted, but when it ceased, he discovered his friend Ranbir, who was in front of him, wounded in the stomach. The troops, present to combat separatist rebels in Manipur, did not immediately seek medical assistance for Ranbir. Eventually, they relented under local pressure and took him to a hospital, but it was too late - Ranbir had been shot seven times and had lost too much blood to survive. Sharat, a driver from Nongpok Semai, speculated that the troops may have been acting out of frustration and anger following an earlier attack by militants. Human rights organizations and political parties are condemning the killing of Ranbir as the latest in a series of abuses carried out by the military in the troubled region of Manipur. These abuses are shielded by the controversial federal anti-terror law known as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants soldiers immunity from prosecution. As Manipur's 2.6 million residents begin voting in a three-stage election to choose a new legislature, there is widespread agreement among political parties that the AFSPA should be either repealed or significantly amended. Sovakiran Singh, a legislator from the Heirok constituency where Nongpok Sekmai is located, has pledged to push for the repeal of the AFSPA if his party comes to power. However, there is a possibility that the central government in New Delhi could override the state government and reinstate the law. Singh is optimistic that the government will take action in response to the pressure coming from Manipur, where 20,000 people have lost their lives in a separatist uprising that began in the 1960s. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) grants soldiers extensive authority to search for, arrest, and even kill suspected militants without facing immediate danger. Soldiers can only be prosecuted with approval from the central government, which is rarely granted. This law was enacted in 1958 to combat separatist violence in northeast India, with the military arguing that it provides essential protection against politically motivated accusations. However, human rights organizations argue that the powers granted by AFSPA have created an environment where security forces can commit abuses with impunity, including torture, rape, and murder. According to Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press daily, the creation of AFSPA has only increased anger and led to more insurgents. A Border Security Force official claimed that the soldiers were retaliating against militants in the Nongpok Sekmai shooting, but the villagers in Manipur do not believe him. Manipur, located 1,500 miles (2,400 km) from New Delhi, is one of India's most troubled regions but often overlooked by the nation. Soldiers can be found everywhere, with the state experiencing multiple incidents of violence in the past five years due to allegations of soldiers killing civilians. Despite public outrage and protests, there has been a slight increase in extra-judicial killings, with 18 documented cases last year according to Babloo Loitongbam, director of Manipur's Human Rights Alert. Phanjoubam and Loitongbam believe that New Delhi should focus on a political, rather than military, solution to address the insurgency in Manipur and bring development to the underdeveloped state. It is uncertain whether political parties will be able to effectively advocate for change in this regard. The Congress party, which has been in power in Manipur since 2002, has been indecisive about the AFSPA issue. Sonia Gandhi, the party chief, informed Manipuris that the government was thoroughly examining a report from an expert panel that suggested modifications to the law 18 months ago. However, many Manipuris are doubtful that any real change will occur. | 2 |
On October 16, the day they had planned to visit the Terracotta Warriors, the couple tested positive for the coronavirus. As a result, China has imposed lockdowns on a city of 4 million people, as well as several smaller cities and parts of Beijing, in an effort to contain a new outbreak that has affected over 240 individuals in at least 11 provinces and regions. Schools and tourist sites have been closed, and government websites have provided detailed information about the couple's movements and contacts. This aggressive response reflects China's successful "zero COVID" policy, which has resulted in fewer than 5,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The new outbreak in China, although small in comparison to other countries, is significant for China. However, China's strict policy of eradicating the virus sets it apart from the rest of the world, as other countries like New Zealand and Australia have started reopening despite previously adopting a zero-tolerance approach. China remains the only country still striving for complete eradication of the virus, as emphasized by Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, during a news conference on Sunday. The existing control measures must not be eased. The government's stringent approach is based on specific Chinese considerations. Strong export activities have supported the economy. The Communist Party's firm control allows for efficient implementation of lockdowns and testing. Beijing is preparing to host the Winter Olympics in February, and many Chinese take pride in the low number of cases. China's leader, Xi Jinping, has frequently used the country's successful containment of COVID-19 as evidence of the effectiveness of its governance model. However, experts, both within China and internationally, have cautioned that this approach may not be sustainable in the long term. There is a concern that China could become increasingly isolated both diplomatically and economically, especially as global public opinion turns against it. Lynette Ong, a political scientist at the University of Toronto, noted that the Chinese regime believes it must maintain a 'zero COVID' policy to uphold its legitimacy, even though this comes at a high cost. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party's ability to control the virus appeared critical to its grip on power. China initially tried to hide the outbreak in Wuhan, which led to public outcry. Images of hospitals in chaos and patients in desperate need of help circulated on Chinese social media. However, as the virus spread globally, China's strict lockdowns and mass testing efforts were praised and seen as examples for other countries to follow. While Western democracies struggled with increasing death tolls, Xi Jinping highlighted how quickly China was able to control the spread of the virus. Anger over the initial reaction to the Wuhan outbreak transitioned into strong nationalism. Countries that implemented "zero COVID" policies were praised for their effective leadership focused on protecting lives rather than convenience and economic prosperity. As the pandemic enters its second year and the highly contagious delta variant spreads, nations are reassessing their approaches. Australia, which endured the world's lengthiest lockdown, is eliminating quarantine mandates for vaccinated citizens returning from abroad. New Zealand recently ended its pursuit of zero cases. Singapore is allowing vaccinated tourists from countries like Germany, the United States, and France to travel without quarantine. On the other hand, China has chosen not to follow suit. Zhang Wenhong, an infectious disease expert, faced backlash for suggesting China adapt to living with the virus. A former health minister criticized this mindset as dangerous. The government in Singapore is hesitant to deviate from its narrative of successfully managing the pandemic. She stated that outbreaks have become so common that they are no longer surprising, but the Chinese government aims to manage any potential sources of instability. China is also cautious due to the unequal distribution of medical resources, with most resources concentrated in urban areas, making it challenging for remote regions to handle an increase in cases. Despite a high vaccination rate of 75%, there are doubts about the effectiveness of China's domestic vaccines. However, the strategy of eliminating the virus seems to be supported by the public for the time being. Residents in locked-down areas have voiced their frustration about what they see as unfair and strict social media restrictions, but travel remains largely unrestricted in areas without COVID-19 cases. Affluent individuals have been investing in luxury goods and expensive cars instead of spending on overseas trips. According to Zhang, as long as people still have some level of mobility, they may not find strict COVID-zero policies too harsh. Some governments that initially decided to coexist with the virus may reconsider their approach, as seen in the case of Singapore reinstating restrictions in September following a surge in infections after easing measures in the summer. The government is continuing to implement travel lanes despite experts warning that the costs of aiming for zero cases will eventually be felt. China's economic growth is slowing down, with domestic travel over a recent weeklong holiday dropping below levels seen last year due to new cases scaring off tourists. Retail sales have been inconsistent, fluctuating with the virus outbreaks. There may also be diplomatic repercussions for the country. Xi has stayed in China and not met with any foreign visitors since early 2020, while other global leaders prepare to meet in Rome and Glasgow. China's tough approach is also affecting Hong Kong, which is aligning its COVID prevention policies with the mainland's, including implementing the world's longest quarantine. Despite concerns from business leaders about companies leaving, some support the restrictions but question if there is a plan for ending them. Jason Qiu, who grew up near Lanzhou, supports the current policies. “If the current situation persists for a prolonged period, such as the pandemic continuing for another five or 10 years or becoming endemic, it may be necessary to consider implementing some changes. Some officials have hinted at the possibility of easing restrictions, albeit cautiously. Gao Fu, the director of China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suggested in a recent interview that once the country achieves an 85% vaccination rate, it may be time to consider reopening. However, he emphasized the sensitivity of this issue. In the meantime, individuals affected by lockdowns have been trying to make the most of their circumstances. For instance, around 10,000 tourists are currently stranded in Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia, due to lockdown measures. As a gesture of goodwill, the local tourism association has promised them free access to three popular tourist attractions over the next three years.” Copyright 2021 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
The dense forests of Persin, an idyllic Danube island, are home to endangered sea eagles and pygmy cormorants, as well as the grim remains of a communist-era death camp. From 1949 to 1959, hundreds of "enemies of the regime" lost their lives in Bulgaria's Belene concentration camp, where bodies were even fed to pigs. Despite being largely forgotten two decades after communism fell, a small marble plaque is the only reminder of the camp's horrific history. Nostalgia for the past is on the rise in the small Balkan country and throughout the former Soviet bloc, as capitalism's shortcomings in improving living standards, enforcing the rule of law, and curbing corruption and nepotism lead to fond memories of a time when unemployment was low, food was affordable, and social safety was strong. Rumen Petkov, a 42-year-old former guard turned clerk at the only functioning prison on Persin island, mentioned that the negative aspects of the past have been forgotten. He noted that there is a sense of nostalgia, especially among the older population, as they stand in front of the deteriorating buildings of an old jail that was opened after the camp closed in 1959. In the 1980s, the communists imprisoned many ethnic Turks on the island for refusing to change their names to Bulgarian. Some young people in the nearby town of Belene, connected to the island by a pontoon bridge, also reminisce about the past, with Anelia Beeva, 31, expressing that life was better before with more opportunities for holidays, clothes, shoes, and food. Currently, a significant portion of our earnings is dedicated to purchasing food. Despite having university degrees, many individuals are without jobs and are opting to move to other countries. In Russia, a number of Soviet-style restaurants have emerged in Moscow, some hosting events that evoke nostalgia by having young individuals dress up as pioneers and dance to communist music. Traditional Soviet products such as Champagne and Red October Chocolates are still popular choices for birthday parties. Additionally, "USSR" themed clothing items like T-shirts and baseball caps are commonly seen throughout the country during the summer months. Analysts say that while there is little desire to bring back old regimes, apathy is a significant result. Bulgarian sociologist Vladimir Shopov wrote that nostalgia can drain the energy needed for meaningful change. Disenchantment with democracy is widespread in former communist eastern Europe, with pollsters noting a significant mistrust of the elites who led the countries into the European Union. A recent poll by the US Pew Research Center showed a significant decline in support for democracy and capitalism in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Hungary. For example, only 30 percent of Ukrainians approved of the shift to democracy in 2009, compared to 72 percent in 1991. In Bulgaria and Lithuania, the percentage of the population affected by the economic slide decreased from nearly three-quarters in 1991. Surveys conducted by the US-based human rights group, Freedom House, indicate a regression or status quo in corruption, governance, independent media, and civil society in the recently joined EU member states. The global economic crisis has negatively impacted the region, ending several years of growth and challenging the effectiveness of neoliberal capitalism advocated by the West. As a result, aspirations of catching up with wealthier Western nations have been replaced by feelings of injustice due to widening wealth disparities. In Hungary, a country hit hard by the economic downturn, a survey by pollster Szonda Ipsos in October revealed that 70 percent of adults who were present in 1989 expressed disappointment with the outcomes of the regime change. People in the former Yugoslav countries, who were deeply affected by the ethnic wars of the 1990s and are still not part of the EU, are feeling nostalgic for the socialist period under Josip Broz Tito. During that time, they were able to travel across Europe without needing a visa. Belgrade pensioner Koviljka Markovic, 70, expressed that life was better back then, with lower street crime, secure jobs, and salaries that allowed for a decent living. Nowadays, Markovic struggles to survive on her pension of 250 euros ($370 a month). In Bulgaria, some people are starting to view the 33-year rule of the late dictator Todor Zhivkov as a golden era when compared to the rampant corruption and crime that followed his downfall. More than 60 percent of people believe that life was better in the past, despite long shopping lines, the necessity of social connections to obtain valuable goods, restrictions on jeans and Coca Cola, and waiting up to 10 years to buy a car. Some Bulgarians valued security over freedom, according to historians Andrei Pantev and Bozhidar Gavrilov. Bulgaria, three years after joining the EU, still has the lowest average monthly salary of around 300 euros and pension of about 80 euros compared to other EU countries. Even Poland and the Czech Republic, which joined the EU in 2004, have lower incomes than western Europe. A 2008 Gallup survey ranked Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania among the top 10 most discontented countries in the world. Zsofia Kis, a 23-year old student in Budapest, mentioned that the previous generation, our parents, were much more content with what they had compared to the current trend of always wanting more. This change in attitude is attributed to the artificial suppression of unemployment by communist regimes. Despite two decades of difficult reforms, most people are unwilling to make further sacrifices required for a complete overhaul of the economy and judiciary. This has led to demoralization and increased support for political parties that promise strong leadership. Former KGB agent Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has described the collapse of the Soviet Union as the most significant geopolitical disaster of the century. Critics of the Kremlin have accused the government of slowly rehabilitating the Soviet Union in order to justify their restrictions on the media and opposition parties. Historian Nikita Petrov from the Memorial human rights group has stated that there is a deliberate effort to glorify the Soviet past and make the Soviet authorities appear more appealing to the current generation. In Bulgaria, powerful individuals who dominate entire industries have emerged from the ranks of the former communist party and its feared secret services. Despite widespread knowledge of corrupt politicians and crime bosses, Bulgaria has not prosecuted any high-ranking officials for corruption since 1989, and has only imprisoned one gang leader. There have been no convictions for crimes committed during the communist era. Commonly used terms among Bulgarians include "dalavera", meaning fraud, "mutri", a derogatory term for unsightly mafiosi, and "mente", referring to counterfeit goods. Many people in Bulgaria are beginning to doubt whether it is possible to achieve success through honest and ethical means. According to Boriana Dimitrova from Bulgarian polling agency Alpha Research, success is seen as illegal in the Balkans, the poorest part of Europe, where powerful parallel structures go unchallenged. Some people believe that despite its repression, the old regime at least maintained law and order. Prime Minister Boiko Borisov of the centre-right populist GERB party won a significant victory in Bulgaria's July election by promising to end the culture of impunity. Analysts suggest that in this region, only populist governments can thrive due to public dissatisfaction and economic downturn. Ivan Krastev from Sofia's Liberal Strategies Institute stated that the high level of distrust in political elite and institutions makes it difficult to convince people to follow unpopular governments. Some in Bulgaria criticize the West for accepting the communist past of members of the new elite. Critics point to the election of Bulgarian Irina Bokova, a former communist apparatchik and ambassador to Paris, as head of UNESCO in September as an example of Western hypocrisy. Bokova's past in Moscow during communism helped her advance in her diplomatic career in the 1990s. Some eastern Europeans believe they have caught up with and even surpassed capitalist standards in their pursuit of materialism. During the prosperous years, a significant portion of the loans obtained were used to purchase luxury items such as cars, yachts, high-end electronics, designer clothing, cosmetic surgeries, and extravagant vacations. The trend of emulating Western lifestyles extended to even naming babies with Western names and inundating television with reality shows like "Big Brother." Renowned Bulgarian artist Nikola Manev, residing in Paris, noted the increasing American influence in Bulgaria, with English being spoken to him on the phone and restaurants adopting names like Miami. Manev expressed concern over the loss of cultural identity, questioning why Bulgarian names were not being embraced. He observed that despite the surface appearance of new buildings, shops, and shiny cars, people have actually become sadder, more aggressive, and unhappy. He suggested spiritual remedies. This fall, tickets for Sofia's theaters are selling out weeks in advance, marking a significant change from previous years. | 2 |
The journalists Maria Ressa from the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov from Russia were honored for their brave efforts to defend freedom of expression, a crucial element for democracy and peace. The Nobel committee praised them as representatives of all journalists who fight for this principle in a world where democracy and press freedom are facing increasingly difficult challenges. Ressa, a Fulbright scholar and Time magazine Person of the Year in 2018, has been a vocal critic of her country's authoritarian president Rodrigo Duterte. Through her media company Rappler, she has exposed government corruption, investigated political figures' financial holdings and conflicts of interest, and reported on the violent anti-drug campaign of the Duterte government, which the committee likened to a war against the Filipino population. Ressa and Rappler have also uncovered how social media is being used to disseminate false information, intimidate opponents, and control public conversations. Ressa, only the 18th woman to receive the Peace Prize in its 120-year history, expressed her gratitude on Rappler's Facebook Live platform, hoping the award would highlight the challenges faced by journalists today. She dedicated the award to Rappler, emphasizing the importance of continuing the fight for truth. Muratov, who has championed free speech in Russia for many years, has faced increasing obstacles in his work. Following the announcement of the award, the Kremlin intensified its crackdown on critics, branding nine journalists and activists as "foreign agents." Despite facing ongoing harassment, threats, violence, and even killings, Muratov has remained the editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper he co-founded in 1993. Since the beginning, six journalists from the newspaper have been killed, as noted by the committee, who referenced Anna Politkovskaya's work on the war in Chechnya. Despite the murders and threats, editor-in-chief Muratov has stood firm in the newspaper's commitment to independent journalism. He has consistently supported journalists' right to report freely, as long as they adhere to professional and ethical standards. Many Russian dissidents had hoped for the award to go to Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader, and were disappointed when he was not selected. Muratov expressed surprise at receiving the award, stating that he would have chosen Navalny as well. He mentioned that he missed calls from Norway before being informed by his press secretary about the announcement. He mentioned that he would give a portion of the prize money to support the fight against spinal muscular atrophy, a cause he has long supported, as well as to help journalism resist pressure from Russian authorities. Muratov stated in a radio interview that the battle against the media is actually a battle against the people. This year marked only the third instance in the 120-year history of the prize where journalists were recognized for their efforts towards peace. Ernesto Moneta, an Italian newspaper editor and peace movement leader, received the award in 1907. Carl von Ossietzky, a German journalist, pacifist, and critic of Nazism who was imprisoned by Hitler, was the recipient of the prize in 1935. The Nobel committee selected from a pool of 329 candidates, which was one of the largest ever considered. Among the favorites were climate-change activists, political dissidents, and scientists who contributed to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee emphasized the importance of free and independent journalism in combating abuse of power, misinformation, and war propaganda. They stated that without freedom of expression and press, it would be challenging to achieve global unity, disarmament, and a more positive world order. | 2 |
In the October issue of GQ, Paul McCartney was interviewed and shared new insights about his life and experiences. Unlike before, where he relied on old Beatles stories, McCartney appeared more open and less concerned about his public image. He even discussed the band's teenage escapades in a way that surprised many. This level of openness was refreshing for both readers and fans, as it humanized the legendary musician. It required McCartney to answer questions and engage in a give-and-take that is not always expected in high-profile interviews, such as Beyoncé's feature in the September issue of Vogue. The article accompanying this text is titled "Beyoncé in Her Own Words" and is not a profile, but a collection of brief comments on various topics by Beyoncé herself. Anna Wintour describes the article as a "powerful essay" written by Beyoncé, suggesting it as a positive aspect. While a journalist was involved in the process, the outside perspectives have been mostly removed, which could be concerning for fans of celebrity journalism. This lack of outside perspective could be seen as a potential issue for those who value context and depth in celebrity coverage. It is not a single occurrence, but rather a common trend in the music industry, particularly in pop music. Many of the most well-known artists, such as Taylor Swift, Drake, and Frank Ocean, have been avoiding traditional press interviews for extended periods of time. Instead, they are relying on social media to share their stories, which may not be as fulfilling as in-depth interviews. A monologue, rather than a dialogue, has the potential to disrupt the traditional role of the celebrity press. In-depth interviews have been vital for creating stars since the 1960s, as well as for maintaining their status. Celebrities continued to engage with the media even after reaching the peak of their fame, viewing it as part of their job. It was through answering questions that the most influential cultural figures, such as John Lennon, Tupac Shakur, and Courtney Love, shared their thoughts and experiences with the public. The interviews used to be enlightening for fans and a point of pride for celebrities, particularly when they were confrontational. Stars like Ice Cube and Madonna thrived in such situations, showing themselves to be thoughtful, unafraid of challenges, and aware of their public image. However, this dynamic occurred when print media held more power, before the internet and TMZ took over the narrative. As celebrity movements were increasingly monitored in real time, many stars became more reserved. This shift alone may not mean the end of traditional celebrity journalism. However, the pressure on celebrity journalism coming from higher-ups may not be as significant as the threat emerging from below. A new generation of celebrities, including YouTube stars, SoundCloud rappers, and other young individuals, are sharing their lives extensively on social media on their own terms. They move quickly and decisively, without the constraints of traditional interviews. This generation values hyper-documentation and makes traditional celebrity journalism, which focuses on intimate perspectives and behind-the-scenes access, mostly irrelevant. A prime example is the rapper Lil Xan, who has recently been involved in various online dramas, discussing his health issues, conflicts with his management, and relationships with Noah Cyrus. He doesn't wait for traditional media to catch up to his story, instead announcing his own news on platforms like Instagram. In today's world, social media posts have replaced traditional tell-all interviews for celebrities. Ariana Grande, XXXTentacion, and Logan Paul have all used platforms like Instagram and YouTube to share their personal stories and address controversies. These one-sided narratives often go unchallenged and create safe spaces for young celebrities to connect with their fans. As social media audiences continue to grow, traditional celebrity journalism faces challenges in keeping up with the changing landscape. As time passes, the middle ground may disappear completely. Additionally, there is now a wide variety of content being created, making it hard for consumers to distinguish between original reporting and aggregated content, journalism-produced content and brand-produced content. This lack of clarity pushes well-known figures away from traditional media, where they have less control over the final product. With the decline of old media approaching, the new media landscape is often seen as a solution or a noisy diversion. This month, Selena Gomez is featured on the cover of Elle magazine, with a relatively harmless accompanying story. However, after the interview was published online, she responded with a lengthy Instagram post expressing her frustration. She admitted that it was difficult for her to speak from the heart for over an hour only to have someone else put those thoughts into paid words. As she grows older, she wants her voice to be authentic and truly hers. She listed the topics she had hoped to discuss in the interview, and criticized the focus on her personal life and church. The power dynamic now favors famous individuals over the press, causing publications to find creative ways to maintain access to these celebrities. This has led to celebrities editing special issues of magazines. While Swift was featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar this year, she actually conducted the interview with rock muse Pattie Boyd in the accompanying article. Rihanna also took her own photograph for the cover of The Fader in 2015, with the help of a professional photographer. This act was seen as a commentary on fame and the celebrity being in control of their own image. If those options aren't possible, magazines can choose a friend of the celebrity to conduct the interview instead. In the magazine Elle, Jennifer Lawrence spoke with Emma Stone. Gigi Hadid's Harper's Bazaar May cover interview was conducted by Blake Lively. Cleo Wade, an Instagram affirmation specialist, interviewed Katy Perry for the March Glamour cover. The magazine Interview, known for its celebrity interviews, has been revived recently. In the comeback issue, Raf Simons converses with George Condo with a journalist occasionally chiming in, while Jennifer Jason Leigh speaks to Phoebe Cates. The friend being interviewed doesn't even have to be famous. The current feature in Rolling Stone with the usually private pop star Sia is written by a self-proclaimed longtime friend, while New York magazine's recent interview with Woody Allen's wife, Soon-Yi Previn, was conducted by a friend of Allen, causing backlash on Twitter. These articles rely on friendships to provide insight, rather than maintaining objectivity as the press should. Celebrity profiles typically adhere to the idea that journalists represent the reader, not the subject, but in the pursuit of exclusive access, ethical standards are often disregarded. Friendship should not be a requirement for interviewing celebrities, as it can limit the depth and authenticity of the conversation. Fans miss out on the potential for more insightful and challenging discussions when interviewers are only focused on pleasing their friends. It is a missed opportunity for both the audience and the interview subjects to showcase their full complexity. Unfortunately, many stars have chosen to keep their interviews guarded and superficial, preventing the public from gaining a deeper understanding of their work and perspectives. It is unfortunate that important questions go unasked and unanswered as a result. Text = Copyright 2018 New York Times News Service. | 2 |
The coronavirus lockdowns have led to significant improvements in air and water quality, prompting calls for a low-carbon future. However, the urgency to re-employ millions of people is overshadowing these environmental gains. Wildlife has returned to city streets, with wolves, deer, and kangaroos being spotted in normally busy areas. Fish have been seen in Venice canals free from pollution caused by motor boats, and residents in India have caught a glimpse of the Himalayas for the first time in years. Satellite imagery has shown improved air quality in Europe and Asia, including China where the pandemic began. Despite these positive changes, residents in China are concerned that pollution levels will rise again as the economy restarts. Tang Zhiwei, a 27-year-old resident of Shanghai, mentioned that as the epidemic subsides in the second half of the year, the weather is expected to worsen gradually once factories reopen. He advised people to make the most of the current blue skies. Greta Thunberg emphasized that addressing the coronavirus crisis does not mean the climate crisis has disappeared, stressing the importance of tackling both simultaneously. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged governments to use their economic responses to the pandemic to address the even more urgent issue of climate change in a message for Earth Day. Guterres warned governments against bailing out heavily polluting industries as investors and industry lobbyists clash over "green stimulus" measures and weakening climate regulations. Peter Betts, a former lead climate negotiator, emphasized the importance of coronavirus economic stimulus packages being "low-carbon, climate-smart", expressing concern that some governments may prioritize economic recovery over environmental concerns. US President Donald Trump sees getting America, especially its oil and gas industry, back to work as a top priority. Trump tweeted his commitment to not letting the industry down and called for a plan to secure funds for these important companies and jobs. Last year was the hottest on record in Europe, with rising environmental stakes exacerbated by unprecedented levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, according to a study released on Earth Day by the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). C3S director Carlo Buontempo told Reuters that the warming trend is now undeniable worldwide, leading to an increase in the frequency of record-breaking events. The head of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that the coronavirus pandemic is expected to cause a 6% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions this year, the largest drop since World War Two. However, the WMO emphasized that this reduction will not halt climate change, as sustained climate action is still necessary despite the temporary decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to COVID-19. Due to millions of people staying home, there has been an improvement in air quality in China. Emissions in Shanghai decreased by almost 20% in the first quarter, and in Wuhan, where the pandemic began, monthly averages dropped by over a third. However, experts are concerned that this decline may allow China to ignore pollution in order to boost the economy, which suffered its first decline on record in the first quarter. | 2 |
The Norwegian politician who proposed WikiLeaks for the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize stated that the anti-secrecy website has been nominated, even though the deadline for nominations had passed. The Norwegian Nobel Committee accepts nominations for the prestigious award until February 1, with panel members having until the end of the month to make their own proposals. According to Norwegian parliamentarian Snorre Valen, WikiLeaks is a significant advocate for freedom of speech and transparency in the modern era by exposing corruption, human rights violations, and war crimes. Valen believes that WikiLeaks is a strong candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize due to its contributions. Nominations can be made by members of national parliaments, law or political science professors, and previous winners. The committee has refused to make any comments regarding the proposal from WikiLeaks or any other nominations. The release of secret documents and diplomatic cables by WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange has angered Washington, as they believe it has damaged US interests and peace efforts. Assange, an Australian, is facing extradition to Sweden from Britain for questioning in a sex case, which he and his supporters claim is a smear campaign to shut down WikiLeaks, a non-profit organization funded by the public and rights groups. Awarding the Nobel Prize to WikiLeaks could lead to criticism of the Nobel Committee, which has been controversial in its recent choices of Liu Xiaobo and President Barack Obama. The Nobel Prize was established by Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite, with the intention of recognizing those who promote peace among nations and work towards reducing standing armies. In recent years, the committee appointed by the Norwegian parliament has broadened Nobel's definition to include areas such as human rights, climate activism, and micro-financing, a move that has faced criticism from traditionalists. Observers of the Nobel Prize believe that awarding a prize to WikiLeaks would demonstrate the increasing influence of specialized Internet platforms and social media in driving global change. Platforms like Twitter and YouTube have played a crucial role in organizing protests in countries where the official media is tightly controlled, like Egypt. Kristian Berg Harpviken from the PRIO peace think tank in Oslo suggested that the innovative use of technology for promoting peace could be a key theme for this year's Nobel Prize, and he predicted that the prize would likely be awarded to a woman, possibly to the Russian human rights group Memorial and its leader, Svetlana Gannushkina, following a series of male recipients. | 2 |
Senior EU officials will visit Turkmenistan this week to enhance cooperation with Central Asia, a region abundant in energy resources that is crucial to Europe's goal of diversifying energy supplies and reducing reliance on Russia. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, along with the French and Slovenian foreign ministers, will engage in discussions with Central Asian leaders in Ashgabat on April 9-10, covering topics such as fuel and democracy. Despite being home to significant oil and gas reserves, the region is often governed by authoritarian regimes, leading to criticism from the West regarding democracy and human rights issues. The EU views Central Asia as a promising new energy source as it seeks to lessen its dependence on Russia, which currently provides a quarter of the bloc's energy. The EU stated that the implementation of its strategy is progressing, with joint priorities papers being developed in collaboration with regional partners for future actions, as preparations are made for the upcoming talks, likely to be conducted in private. Certain activists and politicians have claimed that the West prioritizes energy over democracy in their dealings with Central Asia, an accusation that Western governments have refuted. A U.S.-based organization, Human Rights Watch, has called on the EU to prioritize the promotion of human rights in their regional policy towards Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The organization highlighted that Central Asia is home to some of the most oppressive states from the former Soviet Union, and recommended that the EU take advantage of the opportunity to bring about positive changes in the region. They also suggested that establishing clear benchmarks will give the strategy a more defined focus. Kazakhstan, being the largest economy in the region with a stable investment climate, is the primary area of interest for Western countries. It has received billions of dollars in investment, but has not yet had an election considered free and fair by Western observers. Turkmenistan, which has been isolated for many years, is beginning to open up and has expressed interest in building closer relationships with the West and implementing more reforms. However, some analysts doubt the new president's dedication to real change. In 2007, Uzbekistan was labeled by the United States as one of the world's most consistent violators of human rights, but this year it received positive feedback from the West for releasing six imprisoned activists and showing more willingness to address human rights concerns. Human Rights Watch acknowledged that some progress in the region is deserving of recognition and is welcomed. However, these issues should not overshadow the widespread poor human rights conditions in each Central Asian country and throughout the region. | 2 |
Former Amazon employees Emily Cunningham and Maren Costa released a statement saying that Amazon has agreed to pay them back wages and must also inform all of its tech and warehouse workers across the country that employees cannot be fired for organizing and exercising their rights. The settlement was described by Cunningham and Costa as a victory for protecting workers' rights. The two women claim they were terminated last year for advocating for climate change action and addressing concerns about warehouse workers. Amazon argues that the employees violated internal policies. Amazon spokesperson Jose Negrete stated that a mutual agreement has been reached to resolve the legal issues. This settlement comes at a crucial time for Amazon, as the company aims to be a top employer and is seeking to hire thousands of new employees in the United States. Cunningham and Costa, both former designers at Amazon's Seattle headquarters, were part of a group that urged the company to take action on climate change and formed a group called Amazon Employees for Climate Justice. They garnered support from over 8,700 Amazon colleagues for their cause. Over time, Cunningham and Costa expanded their demonstrations. They were informed by Amazon that their public statements about the company had violated its external communication policy. In response, their group mobilized 400 employees to also speak out, deliberately violating the policy to make a statement. At the beginning of the pandemic, they organized an internal event for warehouse workers to discuss workplace safety conditions with tech employees. Shortly after, Amazon terminated both women. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wrote a letter to Amazon expressing worries about possible retribution, and Tim Bray, an internet pioneer and former vice president at Amazon's cloud computing division, resigned in protest. This spring, lawyers from the National Labour Relations Board supported Costa and Cunningham's claims that they were terminated for organizing activities. The NLRB's Seattle office filed a case against Amazon, alleging that the company applied its External Communications and Solicitation policies unfairly to prevent employees from participating in protected activities. The hearing was postponed as the parties negotiated a settlement. This is one of several disputes Amazon has had with the NLRB during the pandemic, including a recommendation to invalidate a union election in Bessemer, Alabama. Amazon denies any wrongdoing and plans to appeal if the recommendation is upheld. | 2 |
The largest-ever distribution of monetary reserves by the International Monetary Fund will boost liquidity for the global economy, according to Georgieva. This will help member countries by supplementing their foreign exchange reserves and reducing their reliance on expensive domestic or external debt. Georgieva believes that this allocation is a significant opportunity for the world to combat the current crisis, as long as it is used wisely. The IMF advises countries to use the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation to support their economies and fight against the coronavirus crisis, but not to delay necessary economic reforms or debt restructuring. The distribution of SDRs will be based on each country's existing quota shareholdings in the fund, with emerging market and developing countries expected to receive about $275 billion and low-income countries to receive around $21 billion. Georgieva stated that the IMF is advising wealthy countries that receive SDRs to transfer them to poorer countries in need. One suggestion is for wealthier nations to donate SDRs to the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust for low-income countries. The IMF is also exploring the creation of a Resilience and Sustainability Trust that could use donated SDRs to assist vulnerable countries with structural changes, such as addressing climate change. Another option is to allocate SDRs to support lending by multilateral development banks. The IMF's most recent SDR distribution occurred in 2009 during the global financial crisis, providing member countries with $250 billion in SDR reserves. In order to use their SDRs, nations must first trade them for actual stable currencies, which means they need to locate a country willing to make the exchange. | 2 |
A politician from Malaysia's ruling party has proposed that an electoral reform activist be hanged, while mock funeral ceremonies were conducted outside the residence of an opposition state leader. Eggs and rocks were thrown at a political rally, reflecting the country's long history of political mud-slinging and scandal. However, the recent increase in inflammatory language and violence, particularly targeting the political opposition, has surprised even experienced observers as Malaysia approaches its most heated and closely contested election scheduled for next April. Lim Guan Eng, the ethnic Chinese chief minister of Penang state and a prominent figure in Malaysia's opposition, expressed concern that the upcoming election could be the most corrupt and violent yet. He also mentioned that members of Perkasa, a group advocating for ethnic Malay rights with ties to the ruling party, performed a funeral ritual outside his home in May, which his supporters viewed as a threat. The escalating political tensions coincide with indications that Malaysia's ruling coalition, in power since 1957, may struggle to improve on their electoral performance from 2008, when they lost their two-thirds parliamentary majority and several state governments to the opposition. This ultimately led to the removal of then prime minister Abdullah Badawi. A recent internal poll within UMNO revealed that the coalition is facing challenges in regaining its two-thirds majority and could potentially even lose its simple majority. The polls indicated that the coalition may lose more states and is in a tighter race than expected in Johor state, traditionally a stronghold for UMNO, due to decreasing support from ethnic Chinese voters. A senior UMNO source expressed concern over the potential outcome, attributing a delay in elections to this issue. Independent polls conducted by the Merdeka Centre show that while Prime Minister Najib Razak maintains a strong approval rating of around 65 percent, the coalition's popularity is lower at around 48 percent. Najib has delayed the election, which must take place by next April, indicating his uncertain confidence in surpassing the performance from 2008. Ooi Kee Beng, deputy director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, stated that UMNO is aware that their power is not guaranteed, suggesting a potential for change that has not been seen since 1969. This year marked by race riots following significant election victories by ethnic Chinese, leading to the implementation of economic privileges for majority ethnic Malays over Chinese and Indian minorities. Relentless hate speech was directed towards leading electoral reform campaigner Ambiga Sreenevasan by UMNO lawmaker Mohamad Aziz, prompting the opposition to file a police report. Aziz had asked in parliament whether Sreenevasan should be hanged for treason, but retracted his remark two days later without any action taken by the party leadership. Sreenevasan, who has received an International Woman of Courage award, has reported receiving death threats and has taken measures such as hiring a bodyguard and installing security cameras around her home in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, she has faced calls for her citizenship to be revoked and has been labeled the "anti-Christ" by the right-wing Perkasa group. Sreenevasan expressed frustration over the continuous spread of hate speech, criticizing the lack of action from leadership. Despite leading a protest for electoral reforms in Kuala Lumpur, she faced backlash from former soldiers and market traders who camped outside her house, claiming a loss of earnings. Some protesters even resorted to disrespectful acts, such as pointing their buttocks towards her house. People who know Najib well say he is a polite man who avoids getting involved in dirty politics. However, the opposition believes that his lack of strong condemnation of violence and intimidation has emboldened extremists. Following a controversial comment made in parliament, he cautioned coalition MPs against making statements that could offend other ethnic groups or parties within the coalition. Malaysia's Home Minister, Hishamuddin Hussein, acknowledged the existence of political intimidation in the country, stating that the current political climate is highly charged. Lim from the opposition, who was detained for 18 months in 1986 under the now-repealed Internal Security Act and spent another year in prison for sedition, stated that the policy had surpassed mere approval. He claimed that the acts were endorsed and supported by Barisan Nasional, citing several incidents of physical intimidation against him in recent months. Anwar Ibrahim, the opposition's leader who served six years in jail on charges of sodomy and corruption that he believes were fabricated, accused UMNO of being responsible for an incident in February when a group of youths threw stones at his car in Johor state. Anwar's daughter, opposition MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, reported that a rally in her constituency in May was disrupted by individuals throwing rocks, water bottles, and eggs, resulting in numerous injuries. This was just one of many opposition rallies that have been disrupted, sometimes violently, in recent months. It is not known who was responsible for the attacks, however, leaders of the opposition have criticized the police for their failure to apprehend the culprits or promptly address the acts of violence. | 2 |
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed urged people to conserve energy and avoid wasting gas and electricity in order to bridge the gap between energy demand and supply. Speaking at a workshop and exhibition on "Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Programmes" at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Fakhruddin emphasized the importance of using energy-efficient lighting, implementing energy-saving technology in industries, and harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. He noted that promoting energy conservation and renewable energy technology has become a worldwide trend, driven by rising petroleum prices. Fakhruddin also highlighted the growing awareness of climate change and the depletion of natural resources globally, stating that Bangladesh is not exempt from these challenges. The government is in the process of drafting an Energy Conservation Act that will include provisions in the building code to promote the efficient use and conservation of energy in buildings. These provisions will involve shading buildings from sunlight, using energy-efficient air-conditioners and coolers, efficient insulation materials, energy-efficient lighting, and installing energy-efficient appliances. The government has also been offering financial and technical support for the promotion of solar home systems through implementing agencies, and has reduced import duties on solar panels from 5 percent to 3 percent. Additionally, the government is now focusing on expanding the use of solar energy to include applications such as water heating, water pumping for irrigation, and street lighting. The CA stated that the government was interested in promoting private investments in economic sectors and public-private partnerships in the energy industry. Additionally, they were looking into implementing policies that would allow private sector installation of merchant power plants. If these policies were adopted, small power plants, captive power plants, and merchant power plants would be able to sell power to their chosen customers. The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission would be responsible for overseeing this. Fakhruddin expressed hope that the workshop would generate new and creative ideas for advancing energy conservation and the use of renewable energy in the country. | 2 |
The oldest and longest-reigning monarch in the world was hospitalized overnight on Wednesday but was able to return to Windsor Castle the next day. Officials stated that she was in good spirits and back to work. The Queen had been advised by her medical staff to rest, but her illness was not related to COVID-19. The Palace announced that she attended hospital for preliminary investigations and returned to Windsor Castle in good spirits. There were no details given on the reason for her medical attention, leading some to question if the official account was complete. Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his best wishes and confirmed that the Queen was back to work. Johnson informed reporters that Her Majesty, the Queen, has returned to work at her desk in Windsor. A source close to the royal family stated that the queen had been at the King Edward VII hospital in London for practical reasons and her medical team had been cautious. The source mentioned that she is now resting and carrying out light official duties. Elizabeth, who is queen of multiple realms, including Australia and Canada, resumed work on Thursday afternoon. Despite significant changes in British society over the years, she has been a symbol of stability and has maintained the popularity of the monarchy. She has earned widespread respect in Britain and abroad for her quiet and dedicated commitment to duty, even in old age, even from those who wish for the monarchy to be abolished. Elizabeth recently hosted a drinks reception at Windsor for billionaire business leaders, including Bill Gates, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson organized a green investment conference. The queen, along with her son Prince Charles and grandson Prince William, greeted guests like US climate envoy John Kerry without masks. She was seen smiling and chatting with guests, showcasing her robust health as she approaches her 70th year on the throne. The last known time she spent a night in the hospital was in 2013 due to symptoms of gastroenteritis. In 2018, she had a successful surgery for an eye cataract, and in 2003, she had a knee operation. However, royal officials are reluctant to discuss her health issues. Her husband, Prince Philip, passed away in April at the age of 99. Despite this, she has continued to fulfill her official duties, although she has delegated more tasks to Charles and other members of the royal family due to her age. Recently, she was seen using a walking stick in public for the first time, aside from after her knee operation. She not only has experienced the loss of her husband, who she referred to as her source of support and stability, but also her second son Prince Andrew has stepped down from his royal responsibilities due to his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in a New York jail in 2019. Additionally, her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have also decided to leave their royal duties and relocate to Los Angeles, where they have criticized Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth's upcoming significant event is at the end of the month when she will host world leaders at the start of COP26 in Glasgow. | 2 |
The United Nations stated that investing in energy efficiency for power plants, buildings, and cars is the most effective way to combat global warming, with costs estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The report, presented at a meeting in Vienna with 1,000 delegates from 158 nations, also pointed out that curbing greenhouse gas emissions could be more cost-effective in developing countries compared to wealthier nations. The report suggested that to reduce emissions to current levels by 2030, it would require 0.3 to 0.5 percent of projected GDP or 1.1 to 1.7 percent of global investment flows. Yvo de Boer, the head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, highlighted that energy efficiency is the most promising solution for reducing greenhouse gases in the near future. The 216-page report was recently released online. According to him, the findings of the study could provide valuable guidance for governments convening in Austria to discuss long-term strategies for combating global warming beyond the UN's Kyoto Protocol. The protocol requires 35 wealthy nations to limit greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-12. The report suggests that investments and financial flows totaling $200 billion-$210 billion will be needed by 2030 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to current levels, including initiatives related to energy supply, forestry, and transportation. Improving energy efficiency in power plants, increasing fuel efficiency in vehicles, and enhancing insulation in buildings are among the recommended measures. The study predicts a transition to renewable energy sources like solar, hydropower, and some nuclear power. It also anticipates that investments in helping countries adapt to the effects of climate change will amount to billions of dollars in 2030, which includes addressing diseases like malaria and constructing protective structures like dykes. The report suggests that carbon markets will need to be expanded significantly in order to meet the growing demand for investments and financial resources. Currently, companies are responsible for around 60 percent of global investments. Experts noted that this report is the first of its kind to provide an overview of the necessary investments for a single year, specifically 2030. The report addresses some missing information in a broader context provided by previous reports, like one from former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern, who stated that it would be more cost-effective to address climate change now rather than later. U.N. reports this year have also predicted that global warming will lead to more heat waves, droughts, diseases, disruptions in agriculture, and rising sea levels worldwide. De Boer emphasized the need for increased investments in developing nations, stating that the majority of cost-effective opportunities are in these countries. He also mentioned that this does not mean wealthy nations should only invest abroad and not domestically, as over half of the required energy investment is needed in developing countries. China is constructing two new coal-fired power plants every week to support its expanding economy. The implementation of cleaner technology, such as removing and storing carbon emissions, could be beneficial in addressing this issue. | 2 |
After decades of unfulfilled promises, a paved road connecting Kenya to Ethiopia is finally becoming a reality for a remote desert region. Chinese road engineers are currently working on laying the first kilometers of tarmac to replace a challenging rock track that spans 530 kilometers and connects Kenya's farms and port to Ethiopia. This road, from Isiolo to Moyale on the border, is one of the final unpaved sections of the Great North Road, a colonial vision to link Cape Town to Cairo. Despite past failures by Britain and Kenyan governments, China is now taking the lead in constructing a vital trade route that will open up the long-isolated northern region of Kenya. This collaboration between China and Kenya is driven by a shared goal of economic development and resource extraction. The construction of the road is expected to bring about economic benefits such as increased tourism and trade in a previously underdeveloped area. Wu Yi Bao, project manager for China Wu Yi (Kenya) Co., stated that the completion of the road will lead to more trade and tourism in the region. The road is being built with funding from the African Development Bank and the Kenyan government. Estimates show that paving the road between Isiolo and Moyale could increase trade between Kenya and Ethiopia to $175 million annually, up from $35 million. Trade between China and Kenya has also been on the rise, reaching $959 million last year. The tarmac of the Cape-to-Cairo road ends abruptly at the edge of Isiolo, marking the border between the two Kenyas as residents of this frontier town feel disconnected from the rest of the country. Hussein Sasura, assistant minister for Development of Northern Kenya and other Arid Lands, notes that people in the north often feel like they are not part of Kenya. The community hopes that the improved road will attract more tourists and bring increased revenue to the area. However, there are individuals who are skeptical of China's intentions, reflecting the mixed feelings many Africans have towards the Asian country's investment efforts. Some people in African countries such as Zambia feel that China is engaging in a form of neocolonialism by focusing on exploiting Africa's resources and flooding the market with its low-cost products. China refutes these claims, citing a long history of 50 years of trade and collaboration with Kenya. In particular, the Chinese are eager to reconstruct the initial portion of the Isiolo-Moyale road to facilitate the transportation of heavy machinery to Merti, located approximately 80 km (50 miles) east of the 136 km (84.5 miles) they have committed to develop. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Sweden's Lundin Petroleum AB are conducting seismic tests in Merti in anticipation of oil drilling activities scheduled for the following year. Residents in Isiolo have been wary of oil exploration ever since a failed venture in the 1980s, and there are other indications of growing resentment. In a recent incident, a Chinese engineer was fatally shot near the Merille River by bandits on April 21. Tribal leaders believe he was targeted due to a perceived lack of employment opportunities for locals in the project. According to Wu, the majority of workers on the project were Kenyan, with all day laborers being from the area. Following the shooting incident, the Kenyan government deployed its elite paramilitary General Service Unit to the Merille River area in order to disarm young individuals and establish a security presence. It is widely believed that the construction of the road will greatly benefit northern Kenya and could potentially mark an end to years of neglect. Isiolo, which was once a remote outpost under colonial rule, was situated on the outskirts of the closed Northern Frontier District, stretching across the top half of Kenya from Uganda and Sudan to Ethiopia and Somalia. According to George Cardovillis, a Kenyan with Greek ancestry, during colonial times, Europeans were not permitted to reside in Isiolo due to its dangerous conditions and harsh climate, requiring individuals to obtain a permit in order to stay there. The government instructed them to continue traveling southward for over 600 km to Maralal. The landscape remains largely unchanged from generations past, with desolate stretches of black volcanic stones and reddish sands. The sun still shines brightly, casting shimmering heat waves, while mountains loom in the distance. Water is hard to come by in this harsh environment. Electricity, telephone lines, and most other services are nearly non-existent in this area. Despite the lack of infrastructure, some of Kenya's most untouched national parks can be found here, often overlooked due to their remote location. Just 50 km (31 miles) past Isiolo are three game reserves that are comparable to the popular Maasai Mara in terms of the diversity and abundance of wildlife. It was in this area that Joy Adamson, author of "Born Free" and naturalist, chose to settle and raise leopards until her tragic death. Jayne Nguatah, manager of the Sarova Shaba lodge in Shaba park, anticipates a significant increase in visitors once the road is completed. "It will serve as a Christmas present for us." The Sarova Shaba is situated along the Ewaso Nyiro river, where crocodiles thrive and Samburu and Borana herdsmen bring their animals to drink. Baboons and monkeys freely wander around the main lodge, resembling a treehouse that spans over a natural spring. However, the challenges of developing a sustainable tourism industry in northern Kenya extend beyond just infrastructure. Banditry and tribal conflicts are prevalent in this area, fueled by the influx of weapons from past and ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Security forces are thinly spread due to the presence of nomadic herders who are in search of pasture and water for their livestock. These herders have been following this practice for centuries, with some now armed with modern weapons such as AK-47 assault rifles and others using older rifles like the Sterling-Enfield from colonial times. Despite the Chinese engineers working on a road near Isiolo, doubts remain among some people in Moyale about whether the road will ever reach them. Plans to extend the road beyond the current construction by the Chinese are still in the planning stages. Trader Gumucha Gisiko expressed skepticism about the road that has been promised for 45 years, stating that he will only believe it when he sees it. | 2 |
Preliminary results indicated that the Christian Social Union (CSU) received 37.3 percent of the vote, falling short of an absolute majority for only the second time since 1962. This is expected to lead to internal conflicts within the conservative party, which has been a challenging partner for Merkel in Berlin. Bavarian premier Markus Soeder acknowledged the disappointing outcome, stating that it was not an easy day for the CSU. Despite this, he expressed humility and a desire to establish a stable government promptly. The need to form a coalition, following the rise of the pro-immigration Greens and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state assembly, represents a significant setback for the CSU, accustomed to governing independently. The Greens significantly increased their vote share to 17.8 percent, attracting support from more liberal CSU voters and traditional SPD supporters, who only received 9.5 percent. The impact of the Bavarian election will be felt in Berlin, leading to discussions about the end of Merkel's era. SPD leader Andrea Nahles pointed out the poor performance of the federal government in Berlin as a factor in her party's weak showing in Bavaria, hinting at the need for change. Horst Seehofer, the leader of the CSU, has caused difficulties for Merkel since her 2015 decision to open Germany's borders to over 1 million migrants. He has shifted his party to the right in an unsuccessful attempt to combat the rise of the AfD. The Prime Minister of Bavaria, Markus Soeder, reacted to the first exit polls in the Bavarian state election in Munich, Germany on October 14, 2018. According to political scientist Michael Weigl from the University of Passau, Seehofer's personal attacks on Merkel and his tough rhetoric against asylum seekers led to the CSU's poor performance. Weigl believes that this strategy created a polarized political environment, benefiting the Greens and the AfD the most due to their clear positions on immigration. Ultimately, this strategy backfired for the CSU. When asked about resigning as CSU leader, Seehofer stated to ZDF that while he was not ruling it out, there were multiple factors contributing to the party's poor performance that needed to be examined. The AfD received 10.7 percent of the vote according to preliminary results, while the Free Voters, a protest party likely to be the CSU's coalition partner, received 11.6 percent. The CSU has ruled out forming an alliance with the AfD. Tensions between Merkel's Christian Democratic Union and the CSU have escalated since they were forced into a coalition with the Social Democrats following a national election in March. The Bavarian election will be followed by another test for Merkel's conservative alliance, the Union, in two weeks when her CDU is expected to remain the largest party but lose votes in a Hesse election. The CDU will then hold its annual congress in December, where Merkel will seek re-election as party chairwoman, despite recent ousting of her ally Volker Kauder. Before the Bavarian vote, Merkel called for an end to infighting between CDU and CSU allies. Techau from The German Marshall Fund described Merkel as "exhausted and weakened" after her government nearly collapsed twice due to immigration disputes and a spy scandal. He mentioned that despite initial doubts, her decision to maintain a neutral stance for the Union seems more reasonable given the recent outcome for the CSU. The success of this approach moving forward will hinge on the results in Hesse. | 2 |
The ongoing hurricane in the financial markets has not had a significant impact on trade flows yet, but the lack of regulation is being blamed for the current financial crisis. This has led to calls for strengthening trade rules through a new trade agreement. China's deputy ambassador to the World Trade Organisation, Xiang Zhang, believes that concluding the negotiations for a new trade deal will send a positive signal to the world economy and business community. However, failure to reach an agreement after seven years of negotiations could result in a loss of confidence in business. WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy is still hopeful for an outline deal on agriculture and industrial goods by the end of the year in the Doha round, despite the lack of progress in July. Both Lamy and EU trade chief Peter Mandelson expressed concern last week that the financial crisis could lead to an increase in protectionism, ultimately harming economic growth. They emphasized the urgency of reaching a new trade deal to take advantage of the benefits of globalization. The crisis may also divert the attention of world leaders away from trade issues, making it difficult to secure a deal. The proposed $700 billion bailout for the U.S. financial industry, expected to be announced on Sunday, could help alleviate these concerns. However, any trade agreement would not be finalized until at least 2009 or 2010, with implementation periods of up to 5 years for wealthy nations and 17 years for developing countries. This delayed impact would mean that changes in trade flows would not immediately affect financial markets, as exchange rates and company earnings would only respond later on. Experts believe that a deal would increase business confidence by demonstrating a reduction in barriers to business, a healthy world trading system, and global cooperation. Fredrik Erixon from ECIPE noted that existing WTO agreements restrict countries from raising tariffs significantly, reducing the likelihood of a repeat of the economic nationalism seen in the 1930s. However, the push for a new trade deal to open up markets may face challenges in a climate where deregulation is being blamed for the crisis, and criticism of liberalisation from leaders like Nicolas Sarkozy and Peer Steinbrueck could impact discussions on liberalising trade in financial services. At a meeting in July, governments indicated they were willing to open up markets to various services despite the credit crunch not deterring negotiators from discussing banking. John Cooke, chairman of the Liberalisation of Trade in Services Committee, emphasized the distinction between market access in trade negotiations and financial contagion regulated by authorities. He stated that globalisation will continue to progress with increased trade and investment, leading to interdependencies between different economies. Trade rounds aim to not only liberalise commerce but also establish fair rules for the international trading system. In the current Doha round, developing countries are advocating for a decrease in agricultural subsidies provided by wealthy nations, which artificially lower prices and disadvantage farmers in poorer countries. Munir Ahmed, secretary-general of the International Textiles and Clothing Bureau, likened these subsidies to short-selling in the stock market, where investors borrow and sell overvalued shares in hopes of buying them back at a lower price. Ahmed, a former Pakistani ambassador to the WTO, emphasized the importance of reaching a Doha agreement to establish regulations in international commerce. The financial crisis further underscores the need for a Doha deal, as it serves as a reminder that economic prosperity is not guaranteed. Due to the recent growth in business, many companies have not been as motivated to advocate for a reform in trade rules to prevent protectionism from returning. This lack of pressure from businesses has also resulted in governments feeling less urgency to reach a deal. As a result, the tariff and subsidy cuts that have been implemented could potentially be reversed. New Zealand's WTO ambassador, Crawford Falconer, believes that reducing entitlements is crucial to preventing regression in the financial world. He stresses the importance of getting the job done now more than ever before. | 2 |
The government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed an agreement for a new project focusing on vulnerable communities in coastal areas. The project, titled "Community-based Adaptation to Climate Change through Coastal Afforestation in Bangladesh," aims to increase resilience in both communities and ecosystems through community-led adaptation efforts. According to UNDP country director Stefan Priesner, climate change adaptation is now a major development challenge for Bangladesh, making this project crucial for demonstrating effective strategies for coastal communities. The project's goal is to improve the abilities of government officials and planners at various levels to comprehend climate risks in coastal regions and implement effective risk reduction strategies. It will be implemented in five coastal districts - Barguna, Patuakhali, Bhola, Noakhali, and Chittagong - and aims to serve as an example for other least developed countries working on climate change adaptation projects. The project's findings will be shared at the upcoming Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December. | 2 |
New genetic evidence presented by US researchers suggests that Christopher Columbus may have brought syphilis to Europe from the New World, sparking a debate about the disease's origins. Through a genetic analysis of the syphilis family tree, researchers discovered that its closest relative is a South American cousin that causes yaws, an infection from the same bacteria sub-species. Evolutionary biologist Kristin Harper from Emory University in Atlanta stated that the findings indicate syphilis or its precursor originated in the New World and was transmitted to the Old World relatively recently in human history. This research is published in the journal Public Library of Science Neglected Tropical Diseases. She stated that the research supports the "Columbian theory," which connects the first recorded European syphilis outbreak in 1495 to Columbus and his crew returning. The combination of genetic data and the epidemic in Naples in 1495 provides strong evidence for the Columbian hypothesis. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, begins as a sore and can progress to a rash, fever, and potentially lead to blindness, paralysis, and dementia. The most recent evidence regarding its origins has been found in skeletal remains from both the New World and the Old World, with chronic syphilis leaving distinctive lesions on bones. During a telephone interview, Harper described it as having a worm-eaten appearance. Harper utilized phylogenetics to analyze the evolutionary connections among organisms in her study on the Treponema bacterial family responsible for syphilis, bejel, and yaws. She examined 26 strains of Treponema, including two previously unsequenced yaws strains from Guyana. Harper sequenced 21 different regions in an attempt to identify DNA variations among the strains. They came to the conclusion that although yaws is an ancient infection, venereal syphilis is a more recent development. Harper believes that a nonvenereal form of the tropical disease evolved into venereal syphilis in order to survive in the cooler European climate. However, the exact process of this evolution is unclear. Harper stated that the ancestor of syphilis originated from the New World, but its exact characteristics remain unknown. In a commentary in the same journal, Connie Mulligan and colleagues from the University of Florida disagreed with Harper's analysis, suggesting that her conclusions were too reliant on genetic changes observed in samples from Guyana. Mulligan proposed that more insightful information could be obtained from DNA obtained from ancient bones or well-preserved tissues. Harper admits that further research is necessary to elucidate the transmission of syphilis to the New World. "This is like a blurry picture," she remarked. | 2 |
Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi had a rare meeting with a government minister on Monday, potentially signaling improved relations between her and the country's new military-backed leadership. The meeting, which Suu Kyi was only informed about the day before, lasted over an hour and took place at a state guesthouse. This was the first known contact between Suu Kyi and a member of the new civilian government. Both parties expressed positivity and satisfaction with the meeting, discussing issues that would benefit the people of Myanmar. Despite being previously acquainted with Aung Kyi, having met him nine times while she was in detention, Suu Kyi and Aung Kyi hope for further dialogue in the future. Aung Kyi informed reporters that there were positive outcomes from past meetings and he anticipates improved results from the current talks. Standing next to Suu Kyi, Aung Kyi presented a joint statement to the press, stating that the discussions centered on potential collaborations for the betterment of the people. This encompassed topics such as upholding the rule of law, addressing disunity, and addressing issues that will be advantageous to the public. Following the inauguration of a new government in April, the country saw the end of nearly five decades of military rule. After being released from seven years of house arrest last November, Suu Kyi has been calling for dialogue with the new rulers. Nyan Win, a spokesperson for the National League for Democracy (NLD), Suu Kyi's active but officially disbanded party, noted that there have been signs of progress as the government has invited Suu Kyi to participate in discussions. Suu Kyi has been cautious not to provoke the government since her release, refraining from criticizing the November 7 election that was widely seen as fraudulent. The government and military have softened their approach towards Suu Kyi, occasionally criticizing her in state-controlled media but allowing her to travel and meet with diplomats, journalists, and supporters. It is believed that the government is hesitant to take action against Suu Kyi due to fear of international backlash and the potential for Western sanctions to remain in place. Engaging in dialogue with Suu Kyi could be seen as a strategic move by Myanmar's secretive leaders, many of whom have military backgrounds, to demonstrate to foreign governments their willingness to communicate. Christopher Roberts, an expert on Southeast Asia at Australian National University, believes that the meeting was likely more than just a public relations tactic. He suggests that this meeting is part of a larger effort by the government to make gradual improvements and establish a more legitimate image. Myanmar is working towards creating a functional government and presenting a positive image to the international community, as evidenced by their interactions with representatives from the US, Australia, and the UN, as well as allowing them to meet with Suu Kyi. Roberts stated that the actions will be taken as long as they do not compromise security or stability. | 2 |
His complete tweet stated that the recently established Disinformation Board should evaluate his tweet, or perhaps they should establish a new board specifically for non sequiturs. He believes that discussing raising corporate taxes is acceptable, while discussing taming inflation is crucial. However, combining the two topics is simply a tactic of misdirection. Bezos, who owns The Washington Post, continued to express his frustration by responding again on Sunday, according to the DealBook newsletter. He praised Joe Manchin, the moderate senator from West Virginia who has often gone against his Democratic colleagues on economic issues, stopping additional stimulus plans. Bezos commended Manchin for preventing the Democrats from making a mistake, getting involved in politics during a tumultuous time for the company due to internal unionization efforts. Many executives have been avoiding controversial discussions to avoid negative consequences, as seen with companies facing backlash. Engaging in a public debate with the government on Twitter about taxes would draw attention to a sensitive issue for Amazon, considering the company's significant pretax income in 2021 but relatively low federal tax owed. This is a 6 percent tax rate, which is significantly lower than the rates paid by both corporations and workers. Last year, when Biden announced plans to increase rates and eliminate tax loopholes, he criticized Amazon specifically, stating that it was unfair. Amazon did not provide a comment when asked by DealBook. Disney recently lost its special tax status in Florida after opposing a law restricting discussions on gender identity in schools. Now, Republican lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are working on legislation that would retaliate against politically active businesses. Executives must find a balance in navigating these challenges. Many workers, shareholders, and customers are asking corporations to take a stand on social issues, especially now that abortion rights are a prominent topic in midterm elections. Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, is likely not interested in getting involved in this controversy at the moment. Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk have both criticized the Biden administration publicly, but behind the scenes, they both work to gain government support for their space exploration ventures. Senator Bernie Sanders has accused Bezos and Musk of treating NASA as a source of easy money. He posted a message to Bezos on social media on Saturday regarding Amazon's labor problems and increasing profits, accusing the company of spreading misinformation by pushing anti-union messages and requiring workers to attend illegal meetings. He also criticized Amazon for attributing a 17 percent price hike to inflation while still making billions in profits and evading taxes. | 2 |
Alibaba has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 in its direct and indirect emissions. This includes reducing carbon intensity in various areas such as transportation, purchased goods and services, and waste by 50% by 2030. The company also aims to cut overall CO2 emissions by 1.5 gigatonnes by 2035. To reach these targets, Alibaba plans to implement new energy-saving technologies, utilize renewables, and explore carbon removal initiatives. Daniel Zhang, the CEO, emphasized the importance of encouraging actions and behavioral changes among consumers, merchants, and partners globally. President Xi Jinping declared last year that China's goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by around 2060. This has put pressure on the country's large corporations to develop their own plans to reach "net zero". However, many of China's major tech companies still heavily rely on the country's coal-powered energy system, with only a few committed to transitioning to renewable energy sources. According to a report by Greenpeace earlier this year, Tencent Holdings was ranked as the top Chinese cloud service provider in terms of obtaining renewable energy and reducing emissions, followed by Huawei Technologies, Baidu Inc, and Alibaba. | 2 |
At the age of 12, she used her mother's credit card to purchase a $29 Kylie Lip Kit in Candy K, which included a matte pink liquid lipstick and matching lip liner. Kylie Jenner's first makeup product sold out instantly in 2015, causing the website to crash, and propelling the youngest Kardashian-Jenner sibling to become a beauty mogul at just 18 years old. The Lip Kits became extremely popular, even making their way into the New York City bar and bat mitzvah scene, where emcees would throw the products into crowds of dancing tweens in bandage dresses. Five years in the future, the global beauty market is thriving, with celebrities promoting a wide range of products on social media, including lip gloss, face lotion, and even vibrators. New beauty lines are being released rapidly, such as Harry Styles’ Pleasing nail polish and Machine Gun Kelly’s UN/DN LAQR nail polish with paint splatter shades. Ariana Grande and Chiara Ferragni have also launched new makeup lines with unique themes. Billie Eilish and Addison Rae have introduced their own fragrances. Lori Harvey has launched her SKN by LH skin care line, and Demi Lovato has released the Demi Wand, an eight-speed vibrator made in collaboration with Bellesa, a website catering to female audiences. Hailey Bieber has announced that her Rhode Beauty line will be available for purchase next year, named after her middle name. The abundance of celebrity beauty and wellness products is beginning to seem like a parody. When the Alex Rodriguez concealer for men, a collaboration with Hims & Hers, was released in May and gained attention in celebrity news outlets like The Shade Room, many people initially thought it was a joke. Dua expressed skepticism towards celebrity beauty brands, a sentiment that is shared by many of her peers according to Hana Ben-Shabat, founder of research firm Gen Z Planet. Ben-Shabat's research shows that only 19% of Gen Zers are influenced by celebrities when making purchasing decisions, while 66% cited friends as the most influential. Stacey Berke, a 34-year-old addiction counsellor from Rochester, New York, mentioned how celebrities endorse their skincare products and deny using Botox, attributing their appearance to their own products. The traditional celebrity endorsement is no longer sufficient as people now require the assurance of expertise or genuine interest in the product being promoted. Lucie Greene, a trend forecaster and founder of Light Years consultancy, believes that the transactional nature of celebrity endorsements is becoming more apparent. It is important for consumers to be aware that celebrities often undergo cosmetic procedures to achieve their looks, making it difficult to trust their endorsements. Richard Gersten, an investor and the founder of True Beauty Ventures, mentioned that transitioning from making money by promoting other brands to creating something of one's own may not always be the right motivation for creating something. He also noted that his firm has been approached by at least 10 celebrity or influencer brands recently. Rachel ten Brink, a general partner of Red Bike Capital and founder of Scentbird, a fragrance subscription service, pointed out that in the past, the only way to experience a celebrity's world was through their perfume, but now fans have access to their food, fashion, opinions, and personal moments in real time, thanks to social media. This has redefined how the public interacts with celebrities. Following a celebrity on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok gives you a unique connection to them, according to ten Brink. In the early 2000s, many celebrities released their own fragrances, but Kylie Cosmetics introduced a new type of celebrity brand that focused on selling makeup or skincare products online. Jenner revolutionized the way brands were marketed and sold, moving away from traditional department store counters or Sephora. A single Instagram post from Jenner could generate millions in lipstick sales. Then, in 2017, Rihanna's Fenty Beauty changed the beauty industry by emphasizing inclusivity, diverse shade ranges, and discussions about race. In its initial year, the brand earned over $500 million in revenue, as reported by LVMH, the French luxury conglomerate and co-owner of Fenty Beauty. Goop, founded by Gwyneth Paltrow, has established itself as a lifestyle brand over the past ten years, selling skincare, supplements, bath salts, and athleisure. Many have tried to imitate these successful business models, but some industry experts, such as John Demsey, executive group president of the Estée Lauder Cos, remain skeptical of brands built around famous founders. He has collaborated with many celebrities, but he mentioned that there will not be a brand solely based on one celebrity. MAC, known for its collaborations with A-listers like Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Mariah Carey, released a new Viva Glam lipstick without a celebrity for the first time in 27 years on Dec 1. Demsey explained that the decision felt right at this time, and they focused on the core essence of the product and brand. He emphasized that collaborations are temporary, while a brand is long-lasting. It is a common secret in the industry that most celebrity beauty brands are not successful. All the people interviewed for this article, including executives at large companies and high school students, were requested to identify one to three successful celebrity beauty brands other than Kylie Cosmetics, Fenty, and Goop. However, none of them were able to do so. Demsey stated that relying solely on influence is not sufficient, as is having millions of followers on Instagram or TikTok. In June, Vanessa Hudgens (with 43 million Instagram followers) and Madison Beer (with 29 million Instagram followers) launched Know Beauty, a skincare line that recommends a regimen based on a DNA test taken from a cheek swab. It had a flashy introduction but has not been very active since then, although its products are still available on its website. Know Beauty did not provide any comments on the company's operations. Lady Gaga's Haus Laboratories, which was launched with great excitement two years ago, did not resonate with her enthusiastic fan base. Recently, the brand hired a new executive team to concentrate on enhancing product innovation, ingredients, and packaging. The latest Casa Gaga collection is visually different from the original black packaging. Lipsticks, highlighters, blush, and other beauty products are now being packaged in white compacts and tubes with gold accents. Haus Laboratories has chosen not to provide a comment on their business. Other well-known failures include Tati Westbrook closing Tati Beauty in November and Rflct, a skin care brand by gamer Rachell Hofstetter, shutting down in October due to unproven anti-blue-light claims. It is not widely known that a few companies are responsible for developing many of the popular celebrity beauty brands we see today. These companies, known as "brand factories" or "incubators," specialize in creating multiple labels quickly. They are created in partnership with a celebrity or with the intention of collaborating with a celebrity in the future. For instance, Beach House Group developed Florence by Mills for Millie Bobby Brown, Moon oral care for Kendall Jenner, and Pattern hair care for Tracee Ellis Ross. Forma Brands, which owns Morphe, is responsible for Jaclyn Cosmetics and Grande's R E M Beauty. Maesa has created Flower Beauty for Drew Barrymore, Kristin Ess Hair, TPH by Taraji hair care for Taraji P Henson, and Hey Humans personal care line for Jada Pinkett Smith. According to experts, most product lines produced by brand factories are not meant to be long-lasting businesses, but Ross's Pattern seems to be successful and could outlast many of its competitors. Greg Portell, a partner at the Kearney consulting firm, explained that incubators are designed to produce results quickly rather than focus on brand building. Shaun Neff, founder of Beach House Group, mentioned that his team generates ideas for new companies and then partners with celebrities. Neff specifically mentioned Kendall Jenner as an example, highlighting her popularity and style as factors in her collaboration with their brands. The decline of celebrity brands is also influenced by shifting cultural values. Older customers may be more attracted to celebrities, but it is more difficult to attract young millennials and Gen Zers who value authenticity. Dua questioned the skincare knowledge of Brown, the 17-year-old star of "Stranger Things," whose skincare line was released when she was 15: "I don't really trust it because what expertise do they have?" Additionally, younger generations see wearing someone else's makeup as going against self-expression, which is important to them. "They don't want to be like anyone else, not even a celebrity," ten Brink stated. "They don't want to simply emulate Addison Rae." | 2 |
Kasim Reed, the former Atlanta mayor who faced scandal in his administration in 2018, has reemerged as a candidate for a third term, leading a crowded field of lesser-known contenders. Reed's focus is on addressing the increase in violent crime in Atlanta, emphasizing his experience and track record as the solution. He has promised to strengthen law enforcement while also considering grassroots demands for a change in policing culture, including adding 750 officers to the police force. "He said in a recent television ad that they are going to train them in a post-George Floyd manner." Reed's opponents in the nonpartisan race, who mostly identify as Democrats, are also sharing a similar message, which is different from the defund-the-police stance of progressive activists during the 2020 protests. Reed's success in the November election will show how much voters are willing to overlook in politicians as long as they believe they can achieve peace and order. Reed's time in office was marked by a confrontational style that some viewed as bullying, as well as scandals involving kickbacks, theft of public funds, and weapons violations. Felicia Moore, a top rival for mayor, is urging voters to consider the corruption cases involving members of Reed's administration. She stated that the leadership must accept accountability for the actions of their organization, as he was the one in charge. However, in Atlanta, crime has become a major issue. The number of homicides investigated by Atlanta police rose from 99 in 2019 to 157 in 2020, a year when the US saw its largest one-year increase in homicides on record. This year, Atlanta is on pace to have an even worse year. Some particularly shocking homicides have occurred in the past year, such as an 8-year-old girl being shot and killed in a car with her mother last summer, and a 27-year-old bartender being kidnapped at gunpoint and killed while returning home from work last month. A 40-year-old woman and her dog were brutally killed while on a late-night walk near Piedmont Park in July. The violence in Atlanta is becoming more random and widespread, with incidents occurring throughout the day, according to mayoral candidate Sharon Gay. The impact of these crimes reaches beyond the mayor's office, with Georgia Republicans using the violence as a campaign issue, despite similar rises in crime in cities led by both Democrats and Republicans. Brian Kemp has allocated a significant amount of funding for a new "crime suppression unit" in the city. The affluent Buckhead neighborhood is considering breaking away from Atlanta primarily due to concerns about crime, a move that could have negative repercussions for the city's tax revenue. Some critics are holding the current mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, responsible for not effectively addressing the crime issue. Earlier this spring, just days before Bottoms decided not to seek reelection, former Mayor Reed criticized the high crime rates in the city, suggesting a rift with Bottoms and hinting at a potential return to politics. When it arrived, it brought a large amount of excitement and attractiveness. Mayor Reed stated at a glamorous event at Tyrese Gibson's home in Buckhead that the future of Atlanta is on the line. He confidently declared, "Atlanta, inform LA, New York, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, and especially Miami - I have returned!" Within a few weeks, he had collected around $1 million in campaign donations. However, the notion that Atlanta would benefit from returning to the years of 2010-17 under Reed's leadership is controversial. Reed claims responsibility for maintaining low crime rates during that period and takes pride in bringing in numerous police officers. According to FBI statistics, violent crime in the city decreased starting in 2012 and continued to drop during Reed's time as mayor. This decline was part of a national trend that began in the early 1990s. Despite this overall decrease, there has been a recent uptick in high-profile crimes in Atlanta, causing concern among residents. Reed was known for his strong leadership, as seen in his decision to dismiss the city fire chief for making derogatory remarks about homosexuality, and his handling of union protests to address the city's pension issues. However, his administration was marred by scandals that resulted in guilty pleas from several officials. The former human services director, watershed management head, and chief financial officer have been indicted and are currently waiting for trial. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in June that Reed may be under federal investigation for using campaign funds for personal expenses, although Reed stated in an interview that his lawyers were informed by the Department of Justice that he was not being investigated. The US Attorney's Office in Atlanta declined to provide any comments. Reed acknowledged his responsibility for the issues that happened during his tenure and mentioned that despite years of scrutiny, no charges have been brought against him. He stated that he has undergone intense vetting and security measures that few people experience and survive, emerging with a clear reputation. He implied that racism may have played a role in the scrutiny he faced. He mentioned that federal investigations, like the ones in Atlanta, are often targeted at Black political leaders, particularly mayors. A recent University of Georgia poll showed Reed leading the mayoral race with roughly 24% support, but 41% of likely voters were undecided. Reed's opponents are trying to persuade these undecided voters that there are better options. Some voters are tired of Reed. Bruce Maclachlan, an 85-year-old landlord residing in Inman Park near where Gay was mugged, expressed concerns about corruption surrounding Kasim Reed. He mentioned his support for Moore, the City Council president with around 20% support in the polls, noting her perceived honesty and lack of scandal. Criminal defense lawyer Robert Patillo has experienced the crime issue firsthand. Recently, his sister's car was stolen, his laptop was taken from his car, and a friend's house was burglarized. He mentioned that everyone has been affected by this crime wave. Despite this, he still plans to vote for Moore as he feels he is more reliable and capable of addressing crime and civil rights. However, he acknowledged the appeal of Reed, noting that people tend to lean towards strong leadership when feeling fearful. Pinky Cole, the creator of Slutty Vegan, a popular local restaurant chain, had a contrasting opinion. Cole, a well-known young African American entrepreneur in the city, stated that Reed had assisted her in resolving legal issues her business had encountered. She believed that the problems of crime and the city's business atmosphere were closely connected, a common perspective in Atlanta nowadays. This connection had a significant impact on her, as two of her employees had been shot in recent months, with one of them losing their life. Despite concerns about corruption cases involving Reed, she trusted in his integrity and recalled how he had previously made the city safe. Cole expressed confidence that he would be able to accomplish this once again. | 2 |
During the virtual inauguration of Global Centre on Adaptation's regional office in Dhaka on Tuesday, the prime minister emphasized the susceptibility of the South Asian region to climate-induced natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, tidal surges, droughts, glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and avalanches. She cautioned that even a 1.5 degree Celsius increase in temperature would have significant repercussions for Bangladesh and the surrounding area. Hasina also highlighted the vulnerability of children, women, elderly individuals, and those with special needs in the face of disasters, while reaffirming Bangladesh's dedication to adhering to the Paris Agreement and implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions and environmental degradation. She mentioned that her government has initiated various mitigation and adaptation programs in alignment with the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan established in 2009 to combat the impacts of climate change. In 2009, we established the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund and have allocated 430 million US dollars from our own resources to implement the action plan," she said. The government has also been spending around 1% of our GDP, equivalent to $2 billion per year since 2010 for adaptation purposes. The prime minister also mentioned the Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100 as a long-term initiative to address the challenges of climate change and natural disasters. Hasina stressed the importance of increasing resilience in South Asia to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters, noting that nearly 700 million people, half of the region's population, have been affected by such disasters in the past decade. Before people can fully recover from one natural disaster, another one often occurs, undoing any progress that has been made. In order to break this cycle, South Asia must work towards building stronger resilience. The establishment of the GCA's regional office in Bangladesh is seen as a positive step towards supporting on-the-ground actions in South Asia to improve adaptation and climate resilience. The hope is that this office will share successful adaptation practices from Bangladesh and other countries, and facilitate the exchange of ideas within the region, ultimately serving as a Center of Excellence for adaptation measures in the area. According to Hasina, Bangladesh is looking to the GCA Dhaka office for support during its chairmanship of important climate-focused international bodies, the Climate Vulnerable Forum and Vulnerable-20, over the next two years. She also called for the GCA to assist the Delta Coalition on a long-term basis. Hasina praised Bangladesh's efforts in disaster response but acknowledged the need for changes to mitigate the effects of climate change. She expressed confidence that by sharing experiences and best practices, countries in the region can work together to create a better future. Since climate change is a worldwide issue, I urge countries to improve their Nationally Determined Contributions by December 31st this year to address the problem and implement the 2015 Paris Agreement. In response to the aftermath of the pandemic, Hasina urged other nations to come together to combat the current crisis and any future ones. | 2 |
The US State Department published its annual report on human rights worldwide on Tuesday. The report includes excerpts on specific countries, such as Iraq. In Iraq, sectarian violence, terrorism, and retaliation by armed groups have hindered the government's efforts to establish and enforce the rule of law. Sunni Arab groups, including al Qaeda in Iraq, remnants of the Baathist regime, and insurgents, have violently opposed the government and targeted Shia communities. Conversely, Shia militias with connections to the Iraqi Security Forces have targeted Sunnis through death squads and kidnappings. Pakistan: Despite President Musharraf's pledge to move towards democracy and 'enlightened moderation,' the country's human rights situation remained dismal. Security forces continued to engage in extrajudicial killings, while arbitrary arrests and torture were widespread. Corruption was rampant within the government and police forces.
Russia: The centralization of power in the executive branch in Russia continued, with changes to election laws and new regulations on political parties giving the government extensive authority to oversee, investigate, restrict, and potentially shut down parties. When considering a compliant State Duma, corruption and selectivity in law enforcement, political pressure on the judiciary, and limitations on NGOs and the media, these factors led to a decline in government accountability. In Afghanistan, despite progress in human rights since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the country's human rights situation was still poor, with reports of arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and inadequate prison conditions. North Korea remained an isolated and oppressive regime in 2006, controlling nearly all aspects of citizens' lives and severely limiting freedoms such as speech, press, assembly, association, movement, and worker rights. An estimated 150,000 to 200,000 individuals, including political prisoners, were detained in camps where many died from torture, starvation, disease, and exposure. In Myanmar, the military government employed executions, rape, torture, arbitrary detention, and forced relocation of villages, particularly targeting ethnic minorities, to maintain power. Prisoners faced abuse and harsh conditions. In Iran, the government violated freedom of speech and assembly by cracking down on dissidents, journalists, and reformers through arbitrary arrests, torture, disappearances, excessive force, and denial of fair trials. In Zimbabwe, the Mugabe government continued widespread human rights violations. Official corruption and impunity were prevalent in Cuba and China in 2006. In Cuba, the government, led by Raul Castro during Fidel Castro's illness, continued to violate the rights of its citizens, including the right to peacefully change their government or criticize the revolution. In China, there was a decline in the human rights record with an increase in cases of monitoring, harassment, detention, and imprisonment of political and religious activists, journalists, writers, and defense lawyers seeking to exercise their rights under the law. | 2 |
Toles-Bey, a 62-year-old small-business owner, voted for the former president twice, after never participating in elections in his life. He now follows politics incessantly, an obsession he credits to Obama’s influence. He started a T-shirt company called You Can’t Trump God after Obama left office, because President Donald Trump’s election sent him into a downward emotional spiral that only religion could counteract. But even as Toles-Bey waited outside one of Obama’s recent rallies, he wondered aloud if his political hero’s signature idealism had a place in today’s flame-throwing political climate. “It’s a different world we’re living in,” Toles-Bey said. As Obama travels across the country to support Democratic candidates, some members of the coalition that helped him become the first black president are feeling anxious. Despite Obama's speeches focusing on themes of idealism and hope, recent acts of domestic terrorism have shaken the political system leading up to the 2018 elections. Supporters are questioning if they are witnessing a relic of a past era of civil political discourse when listening to Obama speak. The New York Times reports that Obama remains a key Democratic supporter and will be campaigning for key candidates like Andrew Gillum, Stacey Abrams, and Joe Donnelly in the final week of the election. However, Trump's presidency has challenged Obama's strategy of gradual change and has disillusioned some of the voters he once mobilized. Obama's advisers believe that he does not see resistance against Trump and voter motivation as mutually exclusive, as evidenced by his recent speeches criticizing Trump without directly naming him. Some Obama supporters, like Toles-Bey, now prefer a more aggressive approach in response to Trump, feeling that the new generation of progressives is pushing back harder than Obama typically does. According to 20-year-old Gabriella Lorance, younger generations are challenging the traditional way politics is supposed to work. She and her friends, who were just 10 years old when Obama was first elected, expressed their admiration for politicians such as Jason Kander, Beto O'Rourke, and Sharice Davids, but Obama did not make their list. LaTosha Brown, an organizer and co-founder of Black Voters Matter, believes there needs to be a change in how we approach creating change. She respects former President Obama, but now sees him as more of a traditionalist in a time that calls for more drastic action. Brown is tired of being told to wait and vote, insisting that a new approach is needed. This divide could be a sign of future disagreements among liberals. In the upcoming years, as voters look for someone to follow Obama as the unifying figure of the Democratic Party, the debate over the best approach to opposing Trump will be crucial, just as important as policy or ideology. Some potential Democratic presidential candidates for 2020 have already caused controversy by escalating their anti-Trump rhetoric. Former Vice President Joe Biden made a comment about physically fighting Trump (which he later apologized for), Michael Avenatti challenged a member of Trump's family to a physical altercation, and Eric Holder, a former attorney general under Obama considering a presidential run, received backlash for altering Michelle Obama's famous quote to a more aggressive tone. “This is the focus of the new Democratic Party,” Obama frequently includes appeals to conservatives in his speeches, shifting between criticizing the current Republican Party and reaching out to what he calls "compassionate conservatives" who want to build a coalition. However, the upcoming generation of Democrats may choose a more unwavering approach. In the midst of recent political violence, two progressive Democrats, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, stood out for their strong language. Ocasio-Cortez tweeted, "Imagine if it was ISIS that sent bombs to US officials, started shooting in grocery stores, and invading places of worship. How do you think this administration would respond?" Tlaib even went further. In a tweet that called out President Trump for blaming the Pittsburgh shooting on members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, Michelle Obama criticized his lack of leadership and compassion. She emphasized that the victims were fellow Americans who deserved better than to be killed by a terrorist with an AR-15 assault rifle. Obama defended her belief in taking the high road and emphasized the importance of leaders showing decency and not using fear as a motivator. Valerie Jarrett, a close adviser to Obama, acknowledged the frustration among Democrats during Trump's administration but stressed the importance of appealing to people's better nature. Jarrett highlighted that Obama's consistent message of decency and hope should not change, even in challenging political times. She emphasized the importance of not just telling people what they want to hear in the moment. You convey to them the message that you believe is important for them to hear. This is the essence of leadership." Some of Obama's supporters agreed with Jarrett. Kasey Dean, 28, who waited for Obama before his rally in Nevada last week, stated that politicians have a responsibility to uplift the country in times of uncertainty rather than incite fear. Hallie Sebena, 34, who attended Obama's rally in Milwaukee, mentioned that there are ways to resist without resorting to unethical tactics. "We need to have discussions that start from a place of respect," Sebena added. Other liberal voters mentioned that they were so outraged by Trump's administration that it altered their criteria for a Democratic messenger. Tom Mooshegian, 64, suggested that the person who runs against Trump in 2020 will need to be more of a "fighter" to match Trump's aggressive style. Dana Williams, 41, waiting for Obama in Las Vegas, believes that Democrats may need to adopt a more confrontational approach to combat Trump's prioritization of personal attacks. She emphasized the importance of meeting "fire with fire" and not backing down when faced with adversity. Brown expressed her concern that those in high offices may not fully understand the urgency of the current political climate. Obama has been advocating for a more hopeful, civil, and incremental approach to politics in his speeches this summer, without directly responding to Holder's comments. Obama emphasized that the upcoming election is about more than just politics during his speech in Milwaukee last week. He stressed the importance of having a politics that is decent, honest, lawful, and aims to do right by the people, reflecting the values of the country. After staying away from politics for over a year, Obama has now targeted his efforts on states where Democrats are in crucial Senate races. He also tends to hold rallies in urban areas with voters who are historically less likely to vote in midterm elections, including young people and minorities. Jon Favreau, a former speechwriter for Obama who now runs a liberal media company, said the former president’s message has evolved on key issues such as voter suppression and structural racism. The Republican Party has become more overtly tied to white identity politics and immigration reduction, Favreau said, and Obama has become more explicit in his indictments. In doing so, he has laid out a pathway for how Democratic candidates can criticize without resorting to mudslinging. Favreau said campaigns like Gillum’s in Florida, Abrams’ in Georgia and O’Rourke’s in Texas were “the next generation and the next iteration of that Obama message of hope.” “If you are only fighting Donald Trump, and if you’re only fighting Republicans with whatever sick burn you can figure out, you haven’t done the full job,” he said. "What voters desire is for individuals to advocate for causes." | 2 |
Just prior to the start of the latest climate talks in Glasgow, the G20 countries promised to stop funding coal-fired power plants overseas. This commitment followed a similar promise made by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Research from Boston University's Global Development Policy Center shows that this pledge means nearly all development finance institutions are now dedicated to reducing coal investments and increasing support for renewable energy. According to Rebecca Ray, a senior researcher at the GDP Center, if these institutions uphold their promises, it will be easier for developing nations to secure financial assistance for renewable energy projects and phasing out coal power plants. The study identified only three major institutions that have not yet made this commitment - the Development Bank of Latin America, the Islamic Development Bank, and the New Development Bank - although many of their major shareholders were part of the G20 pledge. Xi's announcement in September that China would no longer participate in overseas coal projects was a significant change that removed major financial support for coal-fired power, including from the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China. This decision quickly impacted the country's financial institutions, with the Bank of China pledging to halt new overseas coal projects starting in October. According to an expert involved in developing guidelines to reduce carbon emissions from China's Belt and Road investments, Chinese financial institutions were already aware of the declining demand for coal power, which made it easier for Xi's directive to be carried out. The expert emphasized the seriousness of the institutions in adhering to the new policy, noting that they were focused on finding reasons to discontinue projects rather than justifying their continuation. Analysts stated that China's decision to withdraw from coal represented a unique convergence of political, economic, and climate interests, as the coal industry struggles to compete with renewables. Due to the changing economics and issues with financing coal through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, China now has the necessary political signals to cease investing in coal, according to Matt Gray from TransitionZero. | 2 |
It is a new online computer model that displays the energy supply and demand in a country, as well as how they relate to the country's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Named the 'Bangladesh 2050 Energy Pathway’s Calculator' (BD2050), this unique software model integrates energy production, consumption, carbon emissions, and land use in Bangladesh. This tool can assist policymakers in determining which energy sources to use in order to minimize climate impacts. Accessible to the public, users can experiment with different energy sources and demand levels up to the year 2050 to understand the effects on the country. Developed by a team of researchers from Cardiff University, led by Bangladeshi Dr. Monjur Mourshed, with support from the UK’s Department for Energy and Climate Change and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, this calculator is the first of its kind for a least developed country. Dr. Mourshed mentioned that the calculator is already being used in the UK, Japan, China, and India. The British High Commissioner in Dhaka, Robert Gibson, emphasized the importance of using this tool for making informed decisions about energy infrastructure in Bangladesh. Dr. Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, highlighted the significance of planning for a low carbon development pathway in Bangladesh despite its current low greenhouse gas emissions. | 2 |
As the pressure to reopen the economy grows, so does the fear of going back to the office, according to Anderson, an introverted anthropology professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He admitted feeling physically ill just walking from the parking lot to his office. Anderson is not the only one who dreads returning to work alone, as many people, not just introverts, share similar feelings of sadness and anxiety. This sentiment is not only fueled by the fear of getting infected, as a Gallup poll found that a majority of US adults working from home would prefer to continue doing so "as much as possible" even after the pandemic. These supporters of remote work are concerned that they, as well as the nation as a whole, may lose valuable advantages that have been uncovered during this unique period of widespread remote work. Some individuals who have never enjoyed socializing with coworkers have experienced increased levels of productivity without the distractions of meetings and office small talk. Those concerned about environmental issues are eager to decrease their carbon footprint by eliminating their daily commutes by car. Additionally, while many parents are eager for schools and day care centers to reopen, some working parents are enjoying the extra time spent with their children. For example, Christine Reilley, who serves as the senior director of strategy and innovation for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in Manhattan, used to have to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to catch an early bus before the pandemic. She stated, "I am feeling more well-rested and have more time to dedicate to my work. I personally appreciate the savings in time and money from not having to commute." Some believe that working from home is not as great as it seems, especially for those in blue-collar jobs or essential roles such as healthcare workers, emergency responders, and grocery store employees. Many Americans who have lost their jobs may not sympathize with those still able to work from home. The negative aspects cannot be ignored either. Holding Zoom meetings at a kitchen table with distracted children and irritated spouses in the background is not conducive to productivity. Women find it challenging to voice their opinions in video calls when meetings are dominated by men. The current crisis has added to the challenges faced by working mothers. Telecommuting, which was already becoming more popular, excluded many low-wage workers and was met with skepticism by employers concerned about decreased productivity while working from home. Researchers have cautioned that problem solving and creativity may be negatively impacted when workers are isolated from each other, leading to feelings of loneliness and boredom. Remote workers have also noted working longer hours. In order for remote work to be effective, employers must provide the necessary equipment and support, according to Laurel Farrer, CEO of Distribute Consulting. According to experts and advocates, remote work can offer numerous benefits if implemented correctly. One of these benefits is the reduction of time spent commuting, which has been associated with higher stress levels, increased pollution, and respiratory issues. On average, American workers who drive to work spend around 54 hours per year stuck in traffic, according to research conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Additionally, remote work has the potential to increase productivity among employees who are able to work independently without constant supervision. A well-known study conducted in 2014 by Stanford professor Nicholas Bloom looked at remote workers in a Chinese travel agency and discovered that they were 13% more efficient compared to their colleagues who worked in the office. Estimates from Global Workplace Analytics suggest that if half of the population in the United States worked remotely, it could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle travel by over 51 million metric tons annually. The pandemic has shown some positive impacts, such as clearer skies in cities like Los Angeles due to reduced air pollution. However, there may be a resurgence in traffic congestion once people start returning to work, especially if they are concerned about contracting the virus on public transportation. Bill Eisele, a senior research engineer at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, mentioned that even if more people work remotely, they may still use their cars more for local errands. He pointed out that office commuters account for only about 18% of all traffic. According to Global Workplace Analytics, individuals could save an average of $2,000 to $6,500 annually by not having to spend on expenses like gas and day care. Additionally, companies could reduce their expenses on real estate. According to a Harvard Business School working paper from November, the US Patent and Trademark Office saved over $38 million in 2015 by reducing the amount of office space used. Additionally, a study from 2005 found that job satisfaction increased as people spent more time working remotely, up to 15 hours. Kate Lister, president of Global Workplace Analytics, believes that workers will seek a balance between remote work and office presence in the future. The expectation is that the pandemic will demonstrate to managers that employees can be trusted to complete their work without constant supervision. Many individuals have discovered a newfound appreciation for flexible work arrangements, with the ability to choose when and where they work. Jacquie Benetua-Rolens, a communications and engagement coordinator in California, has found joy in the genuine and unfiltered interactions that have emerged from working from home, including her 2-year-old son joining Zoom meetings in his pajamas. Benetua-Rolens emphasized the importance of being forgiving and understanding towards each other and ourselves, especially during times when we are all juggling various responsibilities. She reflected on her old office cubicle, which she used to love but now realizes she doesn't miss at all, despite her current messy house. Similarly, Jessica Keup, a single mother and computer programmer, moved to her parents' home in rural Tennessee with her son after her company transitioned to remote work in March. Since that time, she has been programming outdoors while her son spends time with the farm animals that live on the large property. Keup mentioned that the peaceful environment has helped her concentrate better and be more efficient. She appreciates not being distracted by coworkers who are socializing or seeking help with technical issues. According to a survey conducted early in the pandemic, many people have a strong inclination towards working remotely. Gallup discovered that nearly 60% of Americans who are currently working from home would like to continue working remotely "as much as possible" once restrictions are lifted, while 40% would prefer to go back to the workplace. The survey, which included 2,276 randomly selected adults and was conducted online from March 14 to April 2, had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. When it is time to go back to the office, Keup intends to inquire about the possibility of working remotely from Tennessee for two to four weeks per year, citing its beauty. She mentioned that it is calming and rejuvenating, and she will feel its absence. This information is copyrighted by The New York Times Company in 2020. | 2 |
Recently, oil and natural gas prices have increased significantly, leading to a rise in power prices as energy shortages affect Asia and Europe. The International Energy Agency (IEA) stated that record coal and gas prices, along with blackouts, are forcing the power sector and energy-intensive industries to rely on oil to maintain operations. The higher energy prices are also contributing to inflation and could potentially slow down economic recovery. Consequently, the IEA has revised its global oil demand forecasts for next year, expecting demand to return to pre-pandemic levels. It has increased its demand forecasts for 2021 and 2022 by 170,000 bpd and 210,000 bpd respectively. An increase in demand during the past quarter resulted in the largest depletion of oil product stocks in eight years, with storage levels in OECD countries reaching their lowest point since early 2015. The IEA predicted that OPEC+ would produce 700,000 bpd less than the expected demand for its crude in the fourth quarter of this year, indicating that demand will exceed supply until at least the end of 2021. The group's spare production capacity is expected to decrease rapidly from 9 million bpd in the first quarter of this year to just 4 million bpd in the second quarter of 2022, primarily in a few Middle East countries. This decline highlights the necessity of increasing investment to meet future demand. The IEA emphasized the importance of accelerating spending on clean energy transitions to avoid potential challenges in global energy markets, cautioning that the economic recovery from the pandemic, which heavily relies on fossil fuels, is not sustainable. The IEA released its annual energy outlook ahead of an upcoming climate conference in Britain next month. The world must increase its investment in renewable energy threefold by the end of the decade in order to effectively combat climate change, according to a statement released on Wednesday. | 2 |
Ankara is set to hold a crucial parliamentary election on Sunday, with the ruling AK Party facing off against the secular elite. The AK Party is expected to win, but likely with a smaller majority that may not be enough to change the constitution. This has led to positive reactions in Turkish financial markets. Investors support the party's economic policies but are wary of potential conflicts with secularists, including the military. The European Union is monitoring the election closely, hoping for a new government that can jumpstart Turkey's reform process, which has been stagnant. Some analysts believe that investors are not taking the risks seriously. According to Wolfango Piccoli of Eurasia Group, the upcoming elections in Turkey will not resolve the institutional deadlock, and the country's issues have only been delayed. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was forced to hold early elections after facing opposition from the secular elite. The new parliament is now tasked with electing the next president of Turkey. Secularists are concerned that Erdogan and Gul may undermine the separation of state and religion, although both men deny this claim. If the AK Party were to secure a majority of two thirds or more, they would have the ability to make changes to Turkey's secular constitution and appoint their presidential candidate without considering opposition objections. To alleviate concerns from secularists and appeal to the urban middle class, Erdogan has removed many of the more Islamist-oriented members of his party and has nominated more centrist and female candidates for the upcoming election. Erdogan has also hinted at the possibility of compromising on the presidency, which has traditionally been a stronghold for secularists. Despite polls indicating that the AK Party may receive around 40 percent of the vote, an increase from the 34 percent they received in 2002, it is expected that they will secure fewer seats in parliament due to more parties surpassing the 10 percent threshold. The main opposition party, the centre-left Republican People's Party (CHP), the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), and a significant number of independent, mostly pro-Kurdish candidates are expected to win seats in the 550-member parliament. According to Ayse Ayata, a professor at Ankara's Middle East Technical University, the upcoming parliament is likely to be characterized by polarisation. Ayata suggests that a coalition government could help reduce this polarisation. A total of 42.5 million Turks will have the opportunity to vote in the election, out of a population of 74 million. Additionally, four million young people will be participating in a national election for the first time. Analysts anticipate confrontations between the AK Party ex-Islamists and the arch-secularists of the CHP, as well as heated debates between Kurdish deputies advocating for more rights for their community and MHP ultra-nationalists who see these demands as a direct threat to Turkish national security and identity. Mehmet Ali Birand, a seasoned TV commentator, believes that the new parliament will test whether Turks and Kurds can come to a consensus on resolving the Kurdish issue. The ongoing conflict between Turkish security forces and Kurdish separatist rebels in the southeast region, which has resulted in over 30,000 deaths since 1984, remains a pressing issue. Despite the nationalist focus in current election rallies, there has been little mention of Turkey's EU membership aspirations, indicating a growing public disillusionment with the EU project. | 2 |
During a meeting in Copenhagen on Jun 8, Myanmar's Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye informed a group of diplomats, analysts, and members of a commission led by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan that eight of the commission's recommendations, including one calling for changes to the 1982 law, were not feasible in the current political environment. One attendee mentioned that Win Myat Aye emphasized that citizenship reform was not an option. The sources requested anonymity as Myanmar had requested that the discussions remain confidential. Win Myat Aye and government spokesperson Zaw Htay did not respond to requests for comment. The 1982 law, which limits citizenship to individuals from the "national races," was a crucial recommendation of the Annan commission. Myanmar, a country with a Buddhist majority, does not consider the Rohingya people to be an indigenous ethnic group, instead referring to them as "Bengalis", a term that the Rohingya reject as it suggests they are foreigners from Bangladesh, despite their long history in Myanmar. The Annan commission was established by Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2016 to address deep-rooted ethnic and religious divisions in Rakhine. Following the release of the commission's report in August 2017, Rohingya insurgents carried out attacks on security forces, leading to a military crackdown that the UN has described as a clear instance of ethnic cleansing. Win Myat Aye, who is overseeing reconstruction plans in conflict-affected Rakhine state, recently admitted that repatriating the approximately 700,000 Rohingya currently living in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh is uncertain. Many Rohingya refugee leaders have stated that they will not return unless they are guaranteed citizenship. However, Thaung Tun, Myanmar's National Security Adviser, stated that authorities were diligently carrying out the recommendations of the Annan commission to the best of their ability and as quickly as possible. He mentioned that more than 80 recommendations had been completed in less than 10 months, with ongoing efforts to address those that have not yet been implemented. The spokesman for Annan directed inquiries to the Myanmar government. Refugees have shared accounts of violence, including killings, arson, theft, and sexual assault, committed by the Myanmar security forces and Buddhist groups in Rakhine. Myanmar has denied allegations of ethnic cleansing and dismissed most reports of atrocities. The two countries signed a deal in January to send back the refugees in two years, but disagreements have delayed the process. Many Rohingya refugees refuse to return unless the 1982 law is changed. Those who identified as Rohingya were not included in the 2014 census and had their identity documents confiscated, preventing them from voting in the 2015 election. Suu Kyi, who previously advocated for a review of the law, is now encouraging Rohingya to accept the National Verification Card, which does not grant full citizenship. However, a large number of Rohingya people are unwilling to accept the document, as they believe it wrongly categorizes long-time residents as new immigrants and restricts their freedom of movement. The military, who shares power with Suu Kyi, firmly denies Rohingya requests for citizenship. In a speech given in March, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated that Rohingya do not share any characteristics or culture with the ethnic groups of Myanmar, and blamed the conflict on Rohingya demands for citizenship. During the Copenhagen meeting, diplomats were on the verge of taking a break for lunch when Win Myat Aye mentioned that Myanmar had only implemented 80 out of the 88 recommendations made by the commission, citing political and practical challenges with the remaining eight. One attendee stated that Annan responded by asking for clarification on which recommendations were causing difficulties. Let's revisit this topic once we come back from the break," Win Myat Aye then outlined the suggestions he mentioned Myanmar was having difficulty putting into practice. These suggestions included promises to establish a separate entity to examine grievances regarding citizenship verification, empower leaders within communities and civil society, and set up a system for receiving feedback on government effectiveness. "In diplomatic language, when you mention that something is challenging, it typically signifies a refusal," the second source explained. "That is how I interpreted this statement." | 2 |
Shahana Hanif, a former City Council employee, made history on Tuesday by winning her election in a Brooklyn district that includes Park Slope, Kensington, and parts of central Brooklyn. Hanif, who is Bangladeshi American, became the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Council, despite the large Muslim population in the city. She was one of two South Asian candidates to make history with their wins, along with Shekar Krishnan in Queens. Felicia Singh, another South Asian candidate, unfortunately lost in a closely watched race in Queens. Hanif expressed her humility and pride in becoming the first Muslim woman and woman of any faith to represent District 39 in a statement on Tuesday night. She mentioned the support of volunteers and endorsements from various community and progressive groups, such as the Working Families Party. She expressed the goal of creating a city that is anti-racist and feminist, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable, providing equitable education, investing in local climate solutions driven by communities, and ensuring immigrant neighbors feel safe and at home. She emphasized the importance of continued community involvement beyond the election. The upcoming City Council will have its first openly gay Black women serving as members, with Kristin Richardson Jordan winning in Harlem and Crystal Hudson in a Brooklyn district. Several other LGBTQ candidates, including Tiffany Cabán in Queens, also secured victories. Chi Ossé in Brooklyn and Erik Bottcher in Manhattan ran unopposed, while Lynn Schulman was predicted to secure a seat in Queens. These candidates are part of a trend towards a more diverse New York City Council, with over two dozen women likely to hold the majority of seats for the first time in history. | 2 |
On the third day of the Democratic National Convention, Kamala Harris, the first Black woman and Asian-American on a major US presidential ticket, shared her life story as a representation of the American dream. She criticized Donald Trump's leadership, stating that his failures have resulted in loss of lives and livelihoods. Former President Barack Obama also criticized Trump, attributing his failures to the high death toll from the coronavirus, loss of jobs, and damage to America's reputation. The evening highlighted a number of women speakers, with Harris making a direct appeal to women, young Americans, and voters of color, who are crucial for Biden to defeat Trump. She described the chaos, incompetence, and callousness of the current administration, expressing the feelings of fear and isolation it has brought. She stated that the current situation is overwhelming, but believes that there is room for improvement and we deserve better. She criticized the current president for using tragedies for political gain, and expressed hope that Joe Biden will tackle challenges with purpose. Biden is currently leading Trump in polls, particularly among women voters. Democrats at the convention have been targeting women voters by emphasizing Biden's involvement in the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and his plans to support childcare and protect family healthcare provisions. Obama, who served as vice president under Biden, expressed disappointment in Trump's handling of the presidency and criticized his lack of growth in the role, leading to severe consequences such as job losses. Obama stated that with our worst impulses being unleashed, our proud reputation worldwide is greatly diminished, and our democratic institutions are more threatened than ever before. The selection of a running mate holds special significance for Biden, who at 77 would be the oldest person to assume the presidency if elected. Speculation about his age has led to beliefs that he may serve only one term, making Harris a potential front-runner for the nomination in 2024. Biden announced Harris, 55, as his running mate last week, with the goal of challenging incumbents Trump, 74, and Vice President Mike Pence, 61. The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, former first lady and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, revealed at the convention that she often hears from voters who regret supporting Trump or not voting at all. Clinton emphasized the importance of not missing out on voting in the upcoming election, urging people to vote as if their lives and livelihoods depend on it. She also pointed out the risk of winning the popular vote but losing the Electoral College, as she experienced in her own election against Trump. Clinton warned that this scenario could happen to Biden and Harris as well, stressing the need for an overwhelming victory in the election. "Listen to my advice. We must have a large enough number of votes to prevent Trump from winning through deception or fraud. Democrats are concerned about Trump's attacks on mail-in voting, as well as changes at the US Postal Service that could cause delays in mail delivery. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump supporter, has promised to postpone these changes until after the election. Democrats are also sharing videos that criticize Trump's immigration policies, stance on gun control, and decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord." Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the US House of Representatives, spoke at the convention about her observations of Trump's disregard for facts, working families, and especially women. She emphasized that this disrespect is evident in his policies towards health and rights. Elizabeth Warren, a prominent progressive leader, highlighted Biden's plan to make childcare more affordable as a crucial part of his agenda to support working Americans. She stressed the importance of recognizing childcare as essential infrastructure for families. Later, Kamala Harris will have the opportunity to discuss her background as a child of immigrants and her various achievements in breaking gender and racial barriers throughout her career. She became well-known in the Senate for her thorough questioning of Trump nominees, including Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General Bill Barr. The Republican National Convention, which will also be mostly virtual, is scheduled for next week. | 2 |
Students who arrive late will not be allowed to enter. If you talk to your classmates during class, you will receive a warning. If you continue to do so, you will be asked to leave. Fadoua El Ouni was surprised when this happened in Kais Saied's constitutional law class at Carthage University, but not all university courses were the same. Saied was known for captivating classrooms with his powerful voice and formal speech, so when El Ouni heard him talking in everyday Tunisian dialect, she described it as an extraordinary experience. After suspending parliament and dismissing the prime minister due to protests against poverty, corruption, and the coronavirus, Tunisians have been trying to understand the contradictions surrounding Saied. They question how a political newcomer like him, who was nicknamed "RoboCop" for his serious demeanor, could become so popular among the youth. They also wonder how a strict constitutional law professor who rarely missed work could justify seizing power. The debate continues on whether Saied is a populist hero or a dangerous demagogue, and whether he will save or destroy Tunisia's democracy. Supporters believe he is the last hope to achieve the revolution's goals, while critics see him as an uncompromising ideologue. "We are aware that individuals who are clean and genuinely strive to achieve noble goals can sometimes transform into individuals who commit violent acts," said Saied, a longtime law professor who is known for his modest lifestyle despite holding the position of president since 2019. His motivation stems from a sense of responsibility and religious duty to empower the youth and the poor who led Tunisia's 2011 revolution, rather than personal ambition. He aims to provide education, healthcare, and improve living standards while eliminating corruption in the country. In an interview during his presidential campaign, Saied stated, "I am running against my own will." God commands that you engage in warfare, even if you find it distasteful. Fulfilling responsibilities can be burdensome, similar to a soldier who must fight despite not wanting to kill. Saied's office did not reply to an interview request. As a devout Muslim, Saied views his presidency as a test from God that he cannot decline. Mohamed-Dhia Hammami, a Tunisian political researcher at Syracuse University, interprets this as Saied feeling compelled to act because it is what the people expect of him. In Islam, the belief is that everyone experiences some form of trial. In this case, the trial for him is being the president. Some may see this as an excuse for demagoguery, but even his critics acknowledge that his beliefs are genuine and come from a place of faith and concern for the disadvantaged. Saied, who comes from a mixed-class background in Tunis, emerged onto the national stage in 2011 following the revolutionary protests and departure of Ben Ali. When protesters from marginalized areas staged sit-ins in Tunis demanding more significant changes, Saied was one of the few established figures to support them. Videos showing his visits quickly spread on Facebook. While he served on an advisory committee during the drafting of a new constitution, Saied did not receive one of the pens used in the process. This exclusion clearly bothered him. His commentary on Tunisian television consistently criticized the new constitution for giving too much power to Parliament. He believed that voters would be limited to choosing from electoral lists pushed by power-hungry political parties. Tunisians believe they would have a stronger connection to their democracy if they chose representatives whom they had personal relationships with. The suggestion was for a political system that worked both from the bottom-up and the top-down, with power coming from directly elected local councils and a powerful president. Despite skepticism about the feasibility of this idea, one activist who interacted with the professor during the transition to democracy remembered him as modest and generous, yet stubborn in his beliefs. For a lot of Tunisians, he was essential viewing on TV. It was as if he was declaring the ultimate truth about what the constitution should entail," according to Amna Guellali, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa. "His voice was like that of a prophet, something transcendent." Enthralled by his stern authority, a trait that became even more attractive as corruption scandals and economic hardships plagued the country, Tunisians began creating Facebook pages encouraging him to run for president. However, he declined until 2019. The tale of his presidential campaign has become well-known in Tunisia, with details such as the popular slogan "The people want," reminiscent of the 2011 revolution, the unexpected support from campaign volunteers, limited campaign financing, and his reputation for honesty despite rumors of foreign funding. He emphasized the importance of the people's sovereignty and stated that everything should begin with them. He mentioned a pivotal moment when a destitute man urged him to run for president, likening it to a spiritual experience, which influenced his decision. This encounter was not the only one of its kind, as videos often surface online showing Saied embracing poor protesters at the presidential palace or taking the time to greet everyday Tunisians on the street. Imen Neffati, a Tunisia researcher at Oxford University, stated that what sets him apart from other politicians is his lack of indifference. Critics argue that he is merely a law professor who never completed his doctorate and disagree with his conservative social views, including his support for the death penalty and his opposition to equal inheritance for men and women. He has also criticized open homosexuality, claiming it is part of a foreign conspiracy. However, everyone acknowledges his unwavering firmness. A European ambassador and informal adviser stated that he will never engage in negotiations with corrupt politicians or parties, which means he will not negotiate with Ennahda, the dominant party in Parliament, as well as most of Tunisia's business and political elite. Diplomats report that meetings at the presidential palace are more like lectures than dialogues. Advisers mention that he only listens to a few people, including his wife. Since July 25, Saied's security forces have imposed travel bans and house arrests on judges, politicians, and business owners without due process, causing concern among even his supporters that he may be moving towards autocracy. His office announced on Tuesday that the 30-day period originally set for his "exceptional measures" would be extended, without specifying for how long. He is expected to attempt to alter Tunisia's electoral system and make changes to its constitution in order to increase the president's authority. Despite his promise to name a new prime minister by Tuesday, presidential advisers have indicated that Saied sees the role as more of a "manager" rather than a true head of government. Saied justified his power grab by referring to Article 80 of the constitution, which grants the president broad emergency powers in times of imminent danger to the country. However, experts in constitutional law believe that his actions go against this provision, as it requires Parliament to remain in session. Despite his adherence to legal details, those who know him say that Saied often makes decisions based on emotion and instinct. “He believes the people have selected him,” Kahlaoui stated. “The public took to the streets, prompting him to take action.” And he did. ©2021 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
President Nicolas Sarkozy defended Muammar Gaddafi's recent visit to France by stating that the Libyan leader is not viewed as a dictator in the Arab world. The visit, which marked Gaddafi's first in 34 years, resulted in the signing of various business agreements. Critics, including human rights organizations and the opposition Socialists, have accused Sarkozy of prioritizing business interests over human rights concerns. Sarkozy's decision to invite Gaddafi was influenced by Libya's release of foreign medics accused of infecting Libyan children with HIV, a deal brokered with the assistance of Paris. In an interview with Le Nouvel Observateur magazine, Sarkozy emphasized that Gaddafi does not hold the same reputation as a dictator in the Arab world. Sarkozy stated that he is the longest serving head of state in the region and the Arab world, which is significant. He believes that France should engage in dialogue with all parties while remaining steadfast in its values. Gaddafi came into power in 1969 following a military coup. Libya's relationships with Western countries have improved since abandoning programs for weapons of mass destruction in 2003 and providing compensation for victims of bombings on U.S. and French airliners. However, Amnesty International emphasized that Libya's reemergence as an international partner must include genuine cooperation on human rights and trade matters. The group stated that President Nicolas Sarkozy must not only focus on commercial agreements in Libya, but also must ensure tangible improvements in human rights. The value of the contracts signed in France this week has also caused controversy, with some questioning the actual worth of the deals. Socialist Arnaud Montebourg described the visit as a "tragicomic farce" in parliament. Gaddafi criticized France, undermining its influence and damaging the universal appeal of its message. He suggested that improved political relations between Tripoli and Paris would benefit French companies, stating that French firms were valued in Libya. Yves-Thibault de Silguy, the chairman of Vinci, reported that Gaddafi acknowledged past challenges faced by firms due to political decisions but believed the current political environment was more favorable for French companies to thrive in Libya. | 2 |
Chen's case was one of the most well-known examples of the China Initiative, a program launched in 2018 during the Trump administration. China has been actively trying to steal American technology by recruiting overseas scientists as "nontraditional collectors." However, many of the prosecutions resulting from this initiative, including Chen's case, did not involve espionage or theft of intellectual property. Instead, they focused on the technical violation of not disclosing Chinese affiliations in grant proposals to US funding agencies. Critics have raised concerns about the targeting of scientists based on their ethnicity and the potential overreach of these prosecutions, which could blur the line between disclosure violations and more serious crimes like espionage. Critics in academia argue that these prosecutions have created a climate of fear among scientists of Chinese descent. Chen was arrested on Jan 14, 2021, during President Trump's last week in office, for allegedly failing to disclose affiliations with Chinese government institutions in grant applications to the US Department of Energy in 2017. He entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. Recently, officials from the Department of Energy have informed prosecutors that Chen was not required to disclose his seven affiliations, casting doubt on the basis of the charges. The Justice Department is considering dismissing cases and potentially retiring the China Initiative, which was established to address concerns about China's efforts to obtain sensitive information through nontraditional means. Officials from multiple administrations have raised alarms about China's ambitions for global power and the threats it poses to US national security and economy. The program has led to many convictions, like that of a Monsanto employee caught leaving the country with a proprietary algorithm and a Coca-Cola chemist found guilty of stealing a valuable formula. In Boston, a Harvard chemist, Charles Leiber, was convicted of various felonies including making false statements and not reporting income earned in China after a jury deliberated for less than three hours. However, some cases against academics have not been successful. Anming Hu, a University of Tennessee engineering professor, was acquitted in September due to lack of evidence of intentional fraud. The Justice Department has also dropped seven cases against researchers in recent months. The most prominent case to be dismissed so far is against Chen, a naturalized US citizen since 2000. He is an elite scientist supported by his university who has been on paid leave from MIT since his arrest. Chen expressed gratitude to friends and colleagues for their support during a difficult year and criticized the China Initiative. He believes the initiative causes unwarranted fear in the academic community. The decision to drop the case was made by the new US attorney in Boston, Rachael Rollins, after new information showed that the Chinese affiliations were not crucial to the funding agency. Rollins acknowledged the impact of charging decisions on people's lives. In my role as United States attorney, I will always encourage our office's prosecutors to conduct thorough and ongoing reviews at every stage of legal proceedings. The decision to dismiss the case today was made after careful consideration and is in the best interest of justice. When Chen was arrested a year ago, the tone from the prosecutor's office was markedly different. The initial allegations suggested a connection to loyalty to China, but the charges filed later were more limited, focusing on two counts of wire fraud related to nondisclosure of affiliations while applying for a grant. These affiliations included roles as a consultant to the Chinese government and various Chinese organizations. He was accused of not declaring a Chinese bank account with over $10,000 and giving false information in grant disclosures. Department of Energy officials indicated that the undisclosed affiliations would not have impacted the grant approval. Chen's lawyer, Robert Fisher, praised witnesses who clarified misunderstandings and stated that Chen never lied. Fisher expressed relief that the government recognized Chen's innocence. Our defense was that Gang did not commit any of the offenses he was charged with. The Biden administration is expected to announce changes to the China Initiative in the coming weeks. The Department of Justice is reviewing its approach to countering threats from the People's Republic of China. The name China Initiative may be changed, and cases may no longer be grouped together but absorbed into the National Security Division. There was initial discussion of offering amnesty in grant fraud cases, but officials are now leaning toward resolving the cases individually. Lelling, one of the creators of the China Initiative, is now advocating for the Justice Department to stop prosecuting individuals based on grant disclosures. He believes that while the initiative was meant to address espionage, it has strayed from its original purpose. Lelling expressed concerns about the fear and lack of collaboration among researchers due to the China Initiative. He acknowledged that the prosecutions of academics have led to more transparency about Chinese funding in research, but also emphasized the need for the DOJ to take a step back. Deterrence is the concept of preventing behavior by instilling fear, such as not speeding to avoid getting a ticket. MIT President Rafael Reif expressed eagerness for Chen to return to his duties at the university and acknowledged the immense burden the case had placed on him and his family. Reif stated that it was challenging to comprehend the suffering endured by good people, like Chen, and the ongoing distress felt by the MIT community, especially those of Chinese descent. | 2 |
In a televised address, Modi announced the decision to repeal all three farm laws and stated that the procedure will begin during the upcoming Parliament session. He called on the protesting farmers to return home and start anew. Protest leaders reacted to Modi's change in stance with cautious optimism and planned to meet in New Delhi to discuss the next steps. Many of the protesters belong to India's Sikh community, and Modi strategically made the announcement on Guru Nanak Jayanti, a significant holiday for Sikhs worldwide. Farmer leader and activist Ramandeep Singh Mann expressed his excitement, comparing the news to conquering Mount Everest. Mann expressed uncertainty about whether the government would agree to the farmers' request for a separate law ensuring a minimum price for crops. He stated that the farmers would maintain their protest outside New Delhi until Parliament officially repealed the three laws. Despite the farmers' unwavering stance, Modi's government had supported the market-friendly laws passed the previous year. The protesters endured harsh weather conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic while camping outside the city. Modi’s government argued that the new laws would attract private investment to a sector that is crucial for over 60% of India’s population but has not been contributing significantly to the economy. However, farmers, who are already burdened with heavy debt and bankruptcies, were concerned that the reduced government regulations would make them vulnerable to large corporations. The repeal of the laws coincides with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party intensifying its campaign for the upcoming elections in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, where many protesting farmers reside. Despite numerous unsuccessful negotiations, farmers changed their approach this autumn, closely following top officials of Modi’s government as they toured and campaigned in northern India to ensure that their grievances were not overlooked. In October, a confrontation between a BJP convoy and protesting farmers in Uttar Pradesh resulted in the deaths of four protesters and four others, including a local journalist. One of Modi's minister's son is being investigated for murder in the incident. Jagdeep Singh, whose father Nakshatra Singh was killed, believes that repealing the laws pays tribute to those who died during a year of protests due to various reasons. A farm leader stated that around 750 protesters have died, although the government denies having data on this. Singh sees the repeal as a victory for the farmers who sacrificed their lives to protect others from corporate greed. "They must be happy wherever they are." | 2 |
Nobody in the room had been told about Abiy Ahmed's trip, his second one since securing a peace agreement last year that put an end to twenty years of conflict between the two countries. A senior official present stated that the foreign office was unaware of the trip, and they only found out about it through Eritrean media, Facebook, and Twitter. Abiy is known for making surprise visits and taking bold personal actions instead of using government channels. The foreign ministry spokesman, Nebiat Getachew, claimed that the policy was well organized despite the lack of communication. He did not verify whether Abiy had taken the July trip without notifying the ministry. The agreement with Eritrea earned Abiy praise internationally. He is the second favorite to potentially win a Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, following climate activist Greta Thunberg. However, some Ethiopians are irritated by Abiy's unpredictable approach. It remains uncertain how much support his reforms have within the ruling coalition, which has been in power in some form since 1991, and how sustainable those reforms would be without his guidance. He has survived an assassination attempt in the past, when a grenade was thrown at a rally last year. According to Comfort Ero, Africa programme director at the International Crisis Group, lasting change cannot be achieved through a "cult of personality". She believes that Abiy's promised reforms will not be successful unless he strengthens the institutions in Ethiopia. The country has been experiencing rapid economic growth for over ten years, but there is concern over Abiy's capacity to implement all his reforms, which is causing anxiety among citizens and foreign investors he is trying to attract to modernize the telecoms and banking sectors. Some analysts argue that Abiy, a former military officer with expertise in cyber intelligence, occasionally circumvents government ministries in order to keep his swift-moving reforms on track and avoid getting bogged down in bureaucratic processes. These reforms, such as lifting bans on political parties, freeing jailed journalists, and holding accountable officials accused of torture, have garnered enthusiastic support from the public at rallies. According to Dereje Feyissa, a professor at Addis Ababa University, Abiy's rule appears to be based on his charismatic leadership style, but the concern remains as to whether this approach can be maintained in the long run. The initial excitement is fading as some believe Abiy's quick reforms are a strategic move to surprise opponents from the previous Tigrayan-dominated administration. Abiy, a member of the Oromo ethnic group, has taken strong actions against corruption and human rights violations since becoming Prime Minister in April 2018. Many high-ranking officials, particularly Tigrayans, have been removed from their positions. "In the first six or seven months, he weakened the existing institutions." Jawar Mohammed, an Oromo activist and informal adviser to the prime minister, stated that the institutions were not functioning properly or were working against the prime minister's agenda. He believes that the prime minister's progress would not have been possible without addressing this issue. One of Abiy's major accomplishments was the peace deal signed with Eritrea in July last year, which put an end to a nearly two-decade military stalemate following a border war. Historian Asle Sveen, who has written extensively about the Nobel Peace Prize, mentioned that the peace deal aligns with the type of candidate Alfred Nobel had in mind for the prize. Sveen highlighted that the peace deal with Eritrea and the prime minister's efforts towards democratic reforms internally have made him a popular figure. However, not all benefits of the peace were long-lasting. Land borders that were opened in July were closed again in December without any official explanation. Will Davison, an Ethiopia analyst at Crisis Group, suggested that last year's reconciliation was influenced by the Eritrean president's belief that the rise of Abiy signaled the decline of Tigray's ruling party, which had been a longstanding adversary. Despite losing power at the federal level, Tigray's ruling party still holds significant control in its own region, which has a border with Eritrea, hindering further improvement in relations between the two nations. Nebiat, the foreign ministry spokesman, mentioned that Eritrea and Ethiopia had reestablished diplomatic relations, air links, and phone connections. He stated that there are other ongoing engagements to strengthen relations in a more institutionalized manner. Abiy's bold diplomatic initiatives, such as his unexpected trip, are seen as personal initiatives by analysts and diplomats. A senior official from the foreign ministry mentioned that the ministry has been excluded from these initiatives, which could potentially jeopardize the country's interests abroad. The official also noted that Abiy has been engaging with Eritrea, Somalia, and wealthy Gulf states on significant policy matters without consulting his government first. However, Nebiat disagreed with this assessment. He stated that the Ethiopian government consistently carries out a well-planned foreign policy and diplomatic initiatives, dismissing any other allegations as unfounded. Abiy's hands-on approach has garnered praise from certain countries. Following the killing of over 100 protesters by Sudanese police in June, Abiy traveled to Khartoum to facilitate discussions between Sudan's military leaders and the opposition, with the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These negotiations resulted in a power-sharing agreement in August. Amjad Farid, a senior representative of the civilian group that negotiated with the military, stated that Abiy played a significant role. Abiy has implemented reforms both domestically and internationally, publicly denouncing past abuses and appointing former dissidents to key positions. Daniel Bekele, a former political prisoner and Africa director at Human Rights Watch, now leads the government's human rights commission. Birtukan Mideksa, who established a political party and was imprisoned following a contentious election in 2005, currently leads the electoral commission. However, there are frequent outbreaks of violence with ethnic undertones, and efforts to address historical injustices have been sluggish. A reconciliation commission established in December is lacking in clear direction, expertise, and has only convened twice, according to Laetitia Bader, an Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. Bader expressed skepticism about whether this initiative will have any meaningful impact. | 2 |
A senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and ally of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, was shot by a gunman on Sunday as he left a constituency meeting in Punjab province. Iqbal is currently recovering in hospital from a bullet wound, with Minister of state for interior affairs Talal Chaudhry stating that he is stable and in good spirits. Leaders from various opposition parties in Pakistan have condemned the assassination attempt, although a prominent official from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposition party suggested that Sharif's large rallies protesting his removal by the Supreme Court last July may have created a backdrop for the attack. "We strongly denounce it. However, Nawaz's baseless accusations against his opponents are negatively impacting the political atmosphere, causing tension and anger," stated Naeem ul Haq, chief of staff for former cricket star Khan. "If Nawaz Sharif continues to spread hate, such incidents will persist." Pakistan's Supreme Court removed Sharif as prime minister last July due to a minor unreported income issue and he is currently facing trial in an anti-corruption court, despite his party still holding a majority in parliament. Sharif has criticized the court's decision as a conspiracy orchestrated by rival Khan, often rallying his supporters to express his grievances. He has also portrayed Khan as a puppet of the influential military establishment, known for interfering in Pakistani politics. Khan refutes claims of collusion with the army, while the military denies involvement in politics. The recent attack on Sunday has increased tension leading up to the upcoming election in late July. Initial reports suggest the attacker may have ties to a new Islamist party that advocates for strict sharia law and the death penalty for blasphemy. The party, Tehreek-e-Labaik, denies any connection to the attacker, according to a local administrator's report seen by Reuters. "We do not have weapons. We are engaged in a nonviolent struggle. Those who are plotting against Tehreek-e-Labaik will not be successful." Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of the party, denounced the attack on Iqbal and stated that Labaik is engaged in a peaceful struggle to establish the Prophet's religion. According to the police, Iqbal was shot in the right arm and the bullet entered his groin. The suspected shooter, identified as 21-year-old Abid Hussain, has not had any motive officially reported by the authorities. Minister of state Chaudhry stated that religious radicalism is a part of the suspect's background. He mentioned that other individuals have been detained and the police are looking into groups that may have influenced the attack. Chaudhry emphasized that radicalism is not an individual issue but rather a societal problem, as individuals are often influenced by others on an ideological level. Labaik, the group responsible for the attack, originated from a protest movement that supported Mumtaz Qadri, who killed the governor of Punjab in 2011 due to his stance on blasphemy laws. The movement caused major disruptions in the country's capital last year, protesting against changes to electoral laws. The attempted assassination of Iqbal has raised concerns about potential pre-election violence by Islamist groups similar to past incidents, such as the assassination of Benazir Bhutto during the 2007 elections. | 2 |
The demand for batteries, a crucial component in electric cars, is currently exceeding supply, leading to a global competition among investors, companies, and startups to develop the necessary technology and infrastructure. While batteries were once considered unremarkable, they are now seen as an exciting and innovative aspect of the automotive industry. Unlike car manufacturing, which has remained relatively unchanged and unprofitable for decades, the battery industry is poised for significant advancements. The rapid evolution of battery technology is comparable to the early days of personal computers, mobile phones, and automobiles, presenting an opportunity for groundbreaking innovation and the emergence of new industry leaders. Wood Mackenzie predicts that electric vehicles will account for 18 percent of new car sales by 2030. This would result in a demand for batteries that is eight times greater than current factory production capabilities, according to a conservative estimate. Some analysts predict even faster growth in electric vehicle sales. Car manufacturers are competing to discover the most efficient chemical composition for batteries that provide high energy output at a low cost and in a compact size. GM's recent announcement that it plans to transition to all electric vehicles by 2035 was seen as a significant milestone by policymakers and environmentalists. However, many individuals in the battery industry viewed the company's announcement as obvious. Venkat Viswanathan, an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University who specializes in battery technology, stated that this announcement, along with other recent announcements, clearly indicates the arrival of electric vehicles. Companies such as Tesla, Panasonic, LG Chem, BYD China, and SK Innovation dominate battery manufacturing, with most of them located in China, Japan, or South Korea. Despite this, there are numerous new entrants in the industry, and investors are eagerly investing in startups they believe are on the brink of major advancements due to the potential for significant profits. Andy Palmer, the former CEO of Aston Martin and current nonexecutive vice chairman of InoBat Auto, believes the battery industry is still in its early stages. QuantumScape, a startup supported by Volkswagen and Bill Gates, is developing technology to improve battery efficiency, but has not yet generated significant sales. Despite this, the stock market values the company higher than Renault. Both China and the European Union are investing in battery technology. China views batteries as essential for its goal of dominating the electric vehicle sector. To achieve this, the Chinese government supported Contemporary Amperex Technology, a partially state-owned company, in becoming one of the largest battery suppliers globally in a short period. In response to this, the European Union is providing subsidies for battery production to prevent reliance on Asian suppliers and protect jobs in the auto industry. The European Commission recently announced a 2.9 billion euro fund to support battery manufacturing and research, in addition to over 60 billion euros already pledged by European governments and automakers for electric vehicles and batteries, as reported by Accenture. Government funds will be allocated to Tesla as a form of appreciation for their decision to construct a factory near Berlin. The United States is also expected to support the industry, aligning with President Joe Biden's focus on climate change and electric vehicles. Biden, who expressed his excitement about potentially driving an electric version of his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette in a campaign ad, emphasized the importance of federal incentives for electric car and battery production. Analysts believe that these incentives, along with technological advancements by government-funded researchers and companies like QuantumScape and Tesla, will be crucial in establishing a successful industry in the United States. Margaret Mann, a group manager at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, stated that China strongly promotes manufacturing and new development. She expressed optimism about the United States' potential to catch up in battery production but acknowledged that challenges remain. Entrepreneurs in the field believe that US companies have the opportunity to surpass Asian producers in the industry, despite current batteries not being competitive. Jagdeep Singh, CEO of QuantumScape, emphasized the importance of improving batteries for a renewable energy economy. Overall, the investment in battery technology is seen as positive news. It utilizes capitalism to address a global issue, but the restructuring of the auto industry will have consequences for companies that manufacture parts for traditional vehicles. Battery technology development is a gradual process and can take years, with unexpected challenges along the way. Many believe that China will benefit from the increasing demand for batteries due to its dominance in refining metals for batteries and production of battery cells. According to projections by Roland Berger, a German management consulting firm, China's dominance in battery production is expected to only slightly decrease over the next decade despite plans to expand production in Europe and the United States. Tom Einar Jensen, the CEO of Freyr, which is constructing a battery factory in northern Norway, emphasized the significant geopolitical implications of battery production. He stated that the European auto industry is aiming to reduce reliance on imports from Asia and China specifically. Freyr is seeking to raise $850 million through a proposed merger with Alussa Energy Acquisition Corp., a shell company that went public before acquiring any assets. The merger, announced in January, would result in Freyr being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company intends to manufacture batteries utilizing technology created by 24M Technologies in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The primary focus for the industry is on reducing the cost of batteries. According to Srinivasan, electric car batteries for a midsize vehicle currently cost around $15,000, which is double the price necessary for mass acceptance of electric cars. These cost reductions can be achieved through various small enhancements, such as producing batteries near car factories to eliminate shipping expenses, and minimizing waste, as stated by Roland Berger. Approximately 10 percent of the materials used in battery production are wasted due to inefficient manufacturing processes. However, in a recent study, Roland Berger cautioned that the increasing demand may result in higher prices for raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, potentially offsetting some of the efficiency improvements. The automotive industry is in competition for batteries with electric utilities and other energy firms that require them for storing intermittent wind and solar power, further increasing demand. Jason Burwen, the interim CEO of the United States Energy Storage Association, has suggested that there might be a shortage of supply this year. A new wave of companies has emerged to replace expensive minerals used in batteries with more affordable and readily available materials. OneD Material, located in San Jose, California, produces a substance resembling used coffee grounds for use in anodes, the electrode that allows power to exit batteries during vehicle operation. The substance is created using silicon, which is readily available and cost-effective, in order to lessen the reliance on graphite, which is rarer and more costly. In the future, the ultimate goal for the industry is solid state batteries, which would replace the liquid lithium solution in current batteries with solid layers of a lithium compound. Solid state batteries are expected to be more stable, less likely to overheat, and allow for quicker charging times. Additionally, they would be lighter. Toyota Motor Co. and other companies have made significant investments in this technology and have already accomplished the creation of some solid state batteries. Producing solid state batteries at a low cost in large quantities is the challenging aspect. QuantumScape has generated excitement by claiming to have discovered a material that overcomes a major obstacle to mass production of solid state batteries - their susceptibility to short circuits from imperfections. However, industry experts predict that solid state batteries will not be commonly accessible until approximately 2030. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, stated on a recent conference call that mass producing batteries is an extremely difficult task, contrasting it with the relative ease of creating prototypes. Scaling up production is quite challenging. Having a degree in electrochemistry is currently in high demand, as those who possess knowledge of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other battery materials are essential to the battery industry, similar to how software coders are crucial to computers. An example is Jakub Reiter, who has had a passion for battery chemistry since his youth in the 1990s in Prague. Despite it not being a popular career choice at the time, Reiter was recruited by BMW in 2011 while conducting graduate research in Germany to help them understand battery science. Recently, he was hired by InoBat to assist in establishing a factory in Slovakia, where major car manufacturers like Volkswagen, Kia, Peugeot, and Jaguar Land Rover are located. Reiter is currently the head of science at InoBat, a company that specializes in technology for rapidly creating batteries tailored to various needs, such as affordable batteries for commuter cars or high-performance ones for roadsters. Reiter noted that two decades ago, there was little interest in batteries, but now there is fierce competition and a significant struggle in the industry. | 2 |
Following the protests that occurred in Brazil in June, Rousseff has fulfilled a promise by requesting Congress to organize a non-binding national vote, or plebiscite, to determine what changes Brazilians desire. She has outlined various topics she hopes will be addressed during the vote, such as campaign finance reform, eliminating anonymous votes by lawmakers, and potentially moving from proportional representation to district voting. Recent polls have shown a significant drop in Rousseff's approval ratings, indicating that the protests have posed a serious threat to her chances of being re-elected next year. Over a million people participated in the protests, expressing discontent with poor public services, high living costs, and the large sum of money being spent on hosting the 2014 World Cup. The demonstrations have made it clear that Brazilians are demanding a more efficient and transparent government, free from corruption. While the protests targeted politicians from all parties, Rousseff's popularity suffered, prompting her to call for a plebiscite to gather the opinions of the people. She stated that the protests represent a desire for increased rights and representation, emphasizing the importance of public participation. Rousseff has also suggested that the plebiscite should consider issues like removing unelected substitutes for senators. According to the Brazilian system, all members of Congress have substitutes who can take over their position if they resign, such as to accept a Cabinet position. Rousseff is also pushing for the public to have a say in the rules that allow lawmakers to be elected with the support of voters from different parties. A Datafolha poll showed that 81 percent of Brazilians support the protests for change, with 68 percent in favor of having a plebiscite. However, Rousseff's political opponents believe that the popular vote is a tactic to divert attention from issues like lack of investment in infrastructure and to regain support before the next election. Senator Alvaro Dias of the PSDB, the main opposition party in the Senate, argues that most of Rousseff's proposed reforms are already being discussed in existing congressional bills, and that a rushed plebiscite would be an unnecessary expense for the country. He claims that these issues are not the main priorities for Brazilians and that it is a political distraction. The possibility of a fiasco exists with the plebiscite, which also presents a risk to Rousseff. The PMDB party, a key ally in her coalition government, is hesitant about the idea and prefers reform to be handled in Congress. According to political analyst Andre Cesar, there is concern that the vote may not take place or could lead to unforeseen consequences such as Congress debating the end of presidential re-election. Despite holding a slightly above 50 percent approval rating and being the frontrunner in the 2014 election, Rousseff faces a more competitive race now. Some experts argue that the plebiscite may not be the best way to regain political ground. According to them, Rousseff should prioritize reducing inflation and revitalizing Brazil's economy, which has been stagnant for the past two years. Although smaller protests are still ongoing in Brazil, the main catalyst for the large demonstrations has ceased with the conclusion of the Confederations Cup, a precursor to next year's World Cup. However, there are other challenges to face, as some of Brazil's major labor unions are planning a day of marches on July 11 to advocate for their demands, including a shorter work week. | 2 |
The graduate shows in May, which are like a designer's final exam, are not just a ceremonial milestone but also a chance to network, create a portfolio, and potentially find job opportunities. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year's show was canceled and replaced with a digital presentation on June 17 where each student could only showcase two looks and a 90-second video. For 24-year-old Ives, an ambitious American who has started his own label and worked with Rihanna's Fenty brand, the last two months have been challenging. Ives, who has diabetes and spent three months isolated in his apartment working on his pieces, reflected on the challenges posed by the pandemic and raised questions about the value of pursuing a postgraduate degree under current circumstances. The disruption caused by the pandemic has led many students to reconsider the future of higher education, with universities worldwide facing layoffs and financial uncertainties. This has prompted students of all backgrounds to rethink their decision to pursue higher education, including those interested in fields like fashion. Throughout history, obtaining a degree from prestigious schools such as Central Saint Martins or Royal College of Art in London, Parsons and F.I.T. in New York, and Royal Academy of Arts in Antwerp has been seen as a costly yet beneficial investment for those seeking to break into the highly competitive fashion industry. The business of fashion education has seen significant growth in the past decade, mirroring the expansion of the industry itself. Various established institutions and new private schools, like the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design, now offer a wide range of courses, promising specialized training, a supportive network of peers, and opportunities for internships. However, the outbreak of the coronavirus has led to travel restrictions and a decline in enrollments. Valérie Berdah Levy, director of the Paris campus of Istituto Marangoni, a private Italian fashion and design school, acknowledged that their revenue will likely decrease next year. Some students are hesitant to travel to Europe due to border restrictions, while others are uncertain about when borders will reopen. Berdah Levy also mentioned that parents of students may be facing financial difficulties or health issues that could impact their resources. Art schools, including London's Royal College of Art, are looking to adapt their plans for the fall based on changes made earlier this year in response to the pandemic. This may include focusing on presentation and research at the beginning of the academic year and teaching digital skills necessary for remote work and presentation. Broach's graduates are currently working on a RCA2020 "digital discovery platform" where each student will have their own page, set to launch between July 16-31. Despite the challenges of the new reality, the quality of industry speakers has improved significantly, with access to extraordinary speakers and more ambitious discussions on using the pandemic as a motivator for industry change. Recent events have featured speakers such as Sir Jonathan Ive, Virgil Abloh, and Olafur Eliasson. Additionally, Walter van Beirendonck arranged digital "blind dates" for his master's students with fashion stars like Stephen Jones and Raf Simons. This year, at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, graduates in fashion and accessories showcased their final projects to industry judges, such as designer Christopher John Rogers and Bergdorf Goodman's men's fashion director Bruce Pask, through virtual presentations. Michael Fink, the school of fashion dean at SCAD, acknowledged that students missed being together and handling fabrics, and some faced difficulties adjusting to working from home. The focus has shifted from just final collections to how designers respond to crises. It is uncertain whether fashion students, particularly those from China, who expect more than just a degree from their university experience will appreciate these changes. Universities in English-speaking countries, like Britain, Australia, and the United States, rely heavily on tuition fees from Chinese students, who pay more than local students. There is concern that enrollment levels could drop due to travel restrictions and growing frustration among Chinese students and parents with the West's lax approach to public health. Sir Nigel Carrington, vice-chancellor of the University of the Arts London, expressed concern about potential enrollment numbers, despite international acceptances being on track with last year. The university has around 3,000 Chinese students out of a total of 20,000, with an equal split between British and international students across its six colleges. The government sets a limit of approximately $11,500 for annual fees for British students, while international students face fees of around $25,000. Flights from China (and other countries) to Britain are not expected to resume until at least August. Many students are unable to meet the British government's language test requirement due to a backlog in applications, despite a delayed start to the fall term. Some scientists are forecasting a potential second wave of coronavirus in the fall, adding to the challenges faced by students. A fee increase related to Brexit is expected in 2021, leading more students from the European Union to enroll before the hike, which may temporarily offset the decrease in Chinese enrollment. Despite the challenges, Carrington stated that their institution remains highly sought after for its art and design courses. However, less competitive schools may face more severe consequences from the pandemic, including potential layoffs and non-renewal of contracts for lecturers, especially those with temporary contracts. An article in The Art Newspaper on June 22 highlighted that these actions could disproportionately impact women and people of color at British arts universities. In the midst of calls for better representation and diversity in fashion education, the identity of the instructors teaching students could play a significant role in their decision-making process. Despite uncertainty surrounding future demand, schools must acknowledge the fear felt by many young people worldwide while also recognizing the importance of continuing with education for aspiring fashion designers. Graduating students may have the opportunity to access workshops over the summer to complete their portfolios, a crucial aspect of job searches, as employment opportunities in fashion studios have become increasingly scarce due to the pandemic. Several smaller luxury brands such as Sies Marjan and Peter Pilotto have shut down recently, and many seamstresses and patternmakers have been laid off or put on furlough even by the largest fashion houses in countries like France and Italy. "I've worked for big companies before, so my original plan was to graduate and focus on my own label," said Ives, a graduate of Central Saint Martins. "However, the risks of starting a business during a major recession are significant. I am uncertain about my future plans, and many of my peers are in the same boat." | 2 |
Last week, a friendly Amazon employee at the opening of a Whole Foods Market in Washington's Glover Park neighborhood asked me if I wanted to scan a QR code on my Amazon app to start shopping. I opted instead to use my palm for entry, scanning both hands on a kiosk and linking them to my Amazon account in under a minute. I then used my right palm to enter the high-tech grocery store and spent the next 30 minutes shopping. I purchased a bag of cauliflower florets, grapefruit sparkling water, strawberries, and organic chicken sausages. Cameras and sensors tracked my selections, creating a virtual shopping cart in real time. I then left the store without needing a cashier, as Whole Foods, now owned by Amazon, would charge my account later. Amazon acquired Whole Foods for $13 billion over four years ago. The transformation of the grocery chain into an Amazon-owned entity is now fully evident at the newly renovated Whole Foods store in Glover Park. Despite previously taking small steps to integrate its influence into over 500 Whole Foods locations in the US and UK, Amazon has significantly advanced its involvement with the opening of a 21,000-square-foot store near Georgetown. This, along with another upcoming prototype store in Los Angeles, demonstrates Amazon's use of tracking and robotic technology to largely run the grocery store. The technology called Just Walk Out utilizes numerous cameras and sensors to track customers as they shop. Advanced software analyzes the data to improve accuracy in charging customers. This technology is similar to what is used in driverless cars, as it can identify when products are taken off the shelves, automatically track items, and charge customers when they exit the store. Anyone with an Amazon account, including non-Prime members, can use this method of shopping and avoid traditional cash registers by having their bill charged directly to their Amazon account. Amazon has been testing this automation for over four years, starting with 24 Amazon Go convenience stores and various Amazon Fresh grocery stores nationwide. The palm-scanning technology, called Amazon One, is also being used by other businesses, such as a Hudson convenience store at Dallas Love Field Airport and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. These stores have been valuable experiments, according to Dilip Kumar, Amazon's vice president of physical retail and technology. The company sees Whole Foods as another step in its expansion of technology into retail stores. Kumar mentioned that they identified areas of customer dissatisfaction and then worked backwards to find solutions to alleviate those issues. One example was customers not liking standing in checkout lines, which led to the development of Just Walk Out. He did not confirm if Amazon would expand this technology to all Whole Foods stores. According to Karen Weise, a New York Times colleague covering Amazon from Seattle, the company operates with long-term goals, allowing them to slowly transform labor, retail, and logistics over many years. The Whole Foods in Glover Park has been a key part of the neighborhood for over 20 years, serving as a cornerstone for residents near Embassy Row and the vice president's Naval Observatory residence. Despite a temporary closure due to a dispute with the landlord and a rat infestation, Amazon has announced plans to reopen the store as a Just Walk Out pilot project. While the rats may have been eliminated, concerns remain among the local community. The refurbished store has sparked a lively local discussion among residents, who are debating on the Nextdoor app and a neighborhood email list about the store's new technology and atmosphere, which some describe as "dystopian." Some neighbors fondly recall when the store used to be a place to hang out, offering free samples and blueberry pancakes on weekends. Alex Levin, a long-time Glover Park resident, believes that people should not dismiss the changes at the store and should instead embrace the benefits and drawbacks of the technology. He shared an experience of trying to outsmart the store's cameras and sensors by placing a box of chicken nuggets in his bag and then returning it to the freezer, but Amazon was not fooled and he was not charged for the item. Others claimed to have discovered mistakes in their invoices and were dissatisfied with the switch from selling produce by weight to selling it per item, bundle, or box. Some lamented the absence of the traditional checkout line, where they could browse through magazines and impulse buy items. Many were wary of the tracking technology, with one retired librarian comparing it to George Orwell's "1984." Amazon stated that it had no intention of utilizing video and other customer information from Whole Foods for advertising or its recommendation system. Customers who do not wish to participate in the new technology can simply enter the store without signing in and pay using self-checkout kiosks with a credit card or cash. As a loyal customer of Glover Park's Whole Foods, I was eager to see the changes in the store. However, my excitement turned to ambivalence as I encountered the palm scan and the six-pack banana bundles. I also observed a sign at the entrance prohibiting shoppers from taking photos or videos inside the store. I looked up at the ceiling and saw numerous small black plastic boxes hanging from the rafters. An employee then informed me that those were cameras that would track me while I shopped. Several workers were present at the entrance to assist customers with check-in, while others were stationed at the seafood counter, cheese station, and produce areas. Kumar mentioned that humans would always be employed in the stores, but I couldn't help but wonder for how much longer. Amazon, facing criticism for its treatment of workers, stated that employees may have their responsibilities change over time to focus more on engaging with customers to provide assistance. There were indications of a trend towards a more self-service approach. When I went to the bakery to have my $4.99 Harvest loaf sliced, I was directed to a professional-grade bread slicer for customers. A small warning label advised to be cautious of the sharp blades and to keep hands away from any moving components. Kumar refused to provide information on the effectiveness of the Just Walk Out technology, so I decided to test it myself. I took an organic avocado and placed it among nonorganic avocados, then walked around the store. Upon returning, I picked up the same organic avocado to see if the cameras and sensors would detect the error and charge me accordingly. At the end of my shopping trip, I had the choice of using a self-checkout kiosk or skipping the process altogether. I chose the second option and waved my hand over the exit turnstile. The turnstile's arms opened and an employee informed me that I should receive my receipt within two to three hours. As I walked out, I felt uneasy, worried that I might be wrongly perceived as a shoplifter. I received an email from Amazon in my inbox one hour later. The email contained a link that directed me to my Amazon account to view details. It informed me that my shopping session had lasted 32 minutes and 26 seconds, resulting in a total bill of $34.35. I was charged accurately for the organic avocado. | 2 |
The investors, which include the fund arm of insurer Aviva and several Swedish state pension funds, sent a letter to food companies on September 23 urging them to address the significant risks associated with industrial farming and to consider expanding into plant-based sources of protein. Among the companies contacted were Kraft Heinz, Nestle, Unilever, Tesco, and Walmart, according to a statement by the Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return Initiative, the group behind the investor action. Jeremy Coller, founder of the FAIRR initiative and chief investment officer at Coller Capital, warned of the potential financial, social, and environmental consequences of relying heavily on factory-farmed livestock to meet the increasing global demand for protein. He highlighted the pollution, safety, and welfare issues associated with intensive livestock production and emphasized the inability of the industry to keep up with the expected growth in global protein demand. Coller stated that investors are interested in whether major food companies have a plan to address these concerns and take advantage of the expanding plant-based protein market, which is projected to grow by 8.4 percent annually over the next five years. The campaign, based on a study by Oxford University, suggests that by 2050, $1.5 trillion in healthcare and climate change costs could be saved if people reduced their consumption of meat. According to a spokesperson, forward-thinking companies can promote sustainable diets by decreasing reliance on meat and promoting plant-based protein alternatives. This approach can also make companies' protein supply chains more resilient to future challenges. FAIRR has reached out to various companies including General Mills, Mondelez International, Ahold-Delhaize, The Co-operative Group, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Kroger Company, Marks & Spencer, Wm Morrison Supermarkets, Ocado, Sainsbury's, and Whole Foods Market. | 2 |
Maibam Sharat was the second person in a group of six friends walking past a security post in Manipur when Indian troops ordered them to raise their hands. Suddenly, a soldier emerged from an armoured car and started shooting. The shooting lasted for an unknown amount of time, and when it stopped, Sharat found his friend Ranbir wounded in the stomach. Instead of seeking immediate medical help, the troops took Ranbir to their camp. After pressure from locals, they finally took him to the hospital, but it was too late - Ranbir had sustained seven gunshot wounds and had lost too much blood. Sharat believes the troops may have been taking out their frustration and anger after being attacked by militants earlier that evening. Human rights groups and political parties are denouncing the killing of Ranbir as just the latest in a series of abuses carried out by the military in Manipur, which has been plagued by insurgency. These abuses have been committed under the protection of a harsh anti-terror law known as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which grants soldiers immunity from prosecution. As Manipur prepares to vote for a new legislature in a three-stage poll, many parties are calling for the repeal or significant amendment of the AFSPA. Sovakiran Singh, a legislator representing the Heirok constituency where Nongpok Sekmai is located, has stated that if his party comes to power, they will work towards repealing the AFSPA in the first session of the new legislature. Despite this, there is a possibility that the central government in New Delhi could override the state government and reinstate the law. Singh is hopeful that the government will respond to the pressure from Manipur, where 20,000 people have died in a separatist rebellion since the 1960s. The AFSPA grants troops expansive powers to search, arrest, and kill suspected militants, even without an imminent threat. Troops can only be prosecuted with permission from the central government, which is rare. Introduced in 1958 to combat armed separatist militancy in northeast India, the law is said to provide vital protection for the army from politically motivated charges. However, rights groups argue that the powers granted by the AFSPA have created an environment where security forces can commit abuses with impunity, including torture, rape, and murder. According to Pradip Phanjoubam, editor of the Imphal Free Press daily, the creation of AFSPA has only increased anger and led to more insurgents. A Border Security Force official claimed that the soldiers were retaliating against militants in the Nongpok Sekmai shooting, but few in the hamlet believe this explanation. Manipur, located 1,500 miles away from New Delhi, is considered one of India's most troubled regions, yet it remains largely overlooked by the nation. Soldiers have been present in various areas, leading to unrest due to accusations of killing innocent people. In the past five years, the state has experienced multiple incidents of violence. Despite public outcry, there has been a slight increase in extra-judicial killings, with 18 reported cases last year according to Babloo Loitongbam, director of Manipur's Human Rights Alert. Phanjoubam and Loitongbam believe that New Delhi should focus on a political rather than military solution to address the insurgency in Manipur and improve the state's development. However, it is uncertain whether political parties will be able to effectively advocate for change. The Congress party, which has been in power in Manipur since 2002, has been indecisive regarding AFSPA. Sonia Gandhi, the party chief, recently assured Manipuris that the government is examining a report from an expert panel that suggested changes to the law 18 months ago. However, many Manipuris are still doubtful about any real change happening. | 2 |
Christian Chapman, a 41-year-old mortgage underwriting trainer, likened his experience at Better.com's orientation to the excitement of a new relationship. Initially enthusiastic about the perks and mission of the company, Chapman and his colleagues cheered "LGTM!" which stood for "Let's Get That Money." However, Chapman began to notice warning signs, such as a profanity-laced rant from the CEO Vishal Garg during a video call. In a shocking move, Garg fired 900 employees, including Chapman, in a Zoom call that was recorded and shared online. Garg later apologized, but just over a week later, the company's board announced that the founder and chief executive would be taking a break from his role. Over the past two years, couches have served as offices and colleagues have communicated through instant messaging. The workforce, which had experienced sudden changes, has reevaluated how people should be treated in corporate environments. Angelina Darrisaw, CEO of C-Suite Coach, noted a decrease in tolerance for difficult bosses and an increase in interest for her executive coaching services last year. "You can't just wake up one day and start leading people," she stated. "Companies are now focusing on ensuring that our managers are properly trained to lead." The increased scrutiny of workplace behavior has followed years of public discussion about appropriate conduct in the office. The #MeToo movement led to numerous executives stepping down due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The Black Lives Matter protests, sparked by the death of George Floyd, caused corporate leaders to apologize for past discrimination and lack of diversity in their workforce, and commit to making changes. With the disruption of work routines caused by the pandemic, people are beginning to question the unpleasantness and mistreatment they used to tolerate as part of the normal office environment. Some people are saying that they no longer want to work for unpleasant individuals, but it is not against the law to be rude, which complicates the issue of dealing with difficult colleagues. The definition of a bully can vary depending on the perspective of the person being mistreated. In popular culture, the typical image of a harsh boss is someone like Meryl Streep's character Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada," who is demanding and insensitive. In reality, rude behavior can range from mildly uncomfortable to extremely unpleasant. The founder's strong vision and ambition can make it challenging for employees to question his behavior, as seen with Garg who accused fired employees of stealing by not working enough hours. Similarly, Hollywood mogul Scott Rudin was known for his critically acclaimed work but also for throwing staplers at his staff. Another example is Steph Korey, former CEO of Away, who demanded round-the-clock loyalty and activity on Slack. In a message to her staff, she expressed her hope that everyone in the group would appreciate the effort she put into creating a career development opportunity. Korey also apologized. On the other hand, there are individuals like Larry Ellison from Oracle who described his leadership style as "management by ridicule." Ellison once stated that one must be skilled at intellectual intimidation and rhetorical bullying. Tessa West, a social psychologist at New York University, wrote a book called "Jerks at Work" which outlines different types of negative personalities such as the bulldozer, the free rider, the gaslighter, and the kiss up/kick downer. A lot of the instances she discusses involve bosses, who are typically more difficult to report. West's interest in this topic is personal, as she experienced workplace mistreatment during her time in graduate school at the University of Connecticut. A peer engaged in sabotage by providing incorrect meeting times and making inappropriate comments about her clothing. Despite the comments not clearly violating any conduct policies, West was hesitant to address the issue. West reflected that the climate has shifted and behaviors that were once accepted as normal are now seen as inappropriate. Going to work has always involved dealing with various unpleasant aspects, such as commuting, small talk before coffee, and being told what to do by others early in the morning. However, in the past year, the balance of power between workers and bosses has shifted for some. This change may be attributed to a record number of Americans quitting their jobs in November, as well as uncertainty surrounding return-to-office plans. More employees are feeling empowered to speak up to their managers, a shift from the past when being your full self at work simply meant wearing colorful clothing. Now, it involves practices like meditation with colleagues and discussing how the company supports the community. Despite initially not planning to leave her job during the pandemic, 26-year-old Jacquelyn Carter eventually decided to quit her position at a nonprofit in Houston due to accumulating grievances. Some coworkers often forgot her name, while others talked over her in meetings. A manager at her workplace criticized one of her ideas as "stupid." Additionally, as a Black woman, she faced insensitive remarks from white colleagues. Being able to escape to her own space at home made her realize she didn't have to deal with comments about her appearance in the office. Watching TikToks of people celebrating leaving jobs they disliked, she was inspired to do the same. One video featured a group of women dancing offscreen with a message criticizing toxic management at a company. This motivated her to leave her employer due to a mean colleague, and she eventually found a new job at Darrisaw's firm. The bad-boss-goodbye posts have inspired some individuals to transition from retail to office jobs. For example, Kristofer Flatt, who used to work at a big-box store in Arkansas, felt ignored by his managers when he requested more protective gear and time off for a funeral. He was also given time-consuming tasks with no explanations. In the spring of 2020, he decided to quit and pursue a corporate job. Janine Yancey, the founder of Emtrain, a company that provides workplace trainings, believes that businesses need to prioritize creating a positive and conscious culture in order to attract top talent. She also mentioned that companies have not invested enough time and resources in developing leadership and management skills over the past few decades. Yancey, a former employment lawyer, realized that legal reform alone would not bring about the workplace changes she desired, especially after watching Ellen Pao lose her gender discrimination lawsuit in 2015. Yancey believes that society as a whole must change, not just the laws. Shani Ospina is working to speed up this societal shift as a professional jerk patroller. An executive coach at Strategyzer, a software and consulting company, conducts 90-minute screenings during interviews to evaluate the personality fit of job candidates, emphasizing the importance of being a team player. She starts by asking candidates what aspect of themselves they are most proud of, then delves deeper by asking what aspect they would most like to change. She believes that recognizing failures and striving to improve is what distinguishes an average person from a hardcore jerk. One of Strategyzer's founders, Alex Osterwalder, identifies common jerk qualities as blaming colleagues, rejecting feedback, and gossiping about others. He stresses that screening for nonjerkiness is as crucial as assessing technical skills. The negative impact caused by jerkiness, similar to incompetence, can reduce productivity. Competent individuals who are also jerks can have significant consequences, particularly in a corporate environment where results are prioritized over interpersonal relationships. Baird, a financial services firm, has taken this concept a step further by implementing a "no asshole rule" into their company policy, even including it in employee training materials. Leslie Dixon, the head of human resources, has terminated employees for violating the policy. Dixon believes that openly discussing the policy during onboarding and throughout one's career encourages an open dialogue about behavior that may not be illegal but can be uncomfortable. Similar to the approach taken by Strategyzer, those enforcing Baird's policy understand that rudeness is not a fixed trait and individuals are not fired for minor mistakes. Beth Kavelaris, the director of culture and integration at the company, even received feedback years ago that prompted her to reconsider her own behavior. Kavelaris remembered receiving criticism from her boss about her listening skills, which she believes she interrupted her boss while she was delivering the feedback. She mentioned that she has improved since then and has not received such feedback in a long time. Garg, who had recently fired 900 people over Zoom, apologized to his Better.com team for not showing enough respect and appreciation to those affected. He promised to do better in the future and concluded his note by pledging to be transparent and share the company's goals for 2022. His downfall occurred at a time when almost every company is focused on retaining talent. Without a skilled staff, it is impossible to achieve targets. Many companies are recognizing that misconduct is a major factor in reducing their workforce. Darrisaw, from C-Suite Coach, assists companies in evaluating their culture to prevent employees from wanting to leave. She questions clients about any increase in employees wanting to leave certain teams. Frequently, this can indicate the type of management style in place. Occasionally, employees may publicly criticize their harsh coworkers, while in other instances, this responsibility falls to those who are leaving the job instead. This suggests that the departure of employees could be problematic for those who have been unkind. | 2 |
The election serves as a significant test of public support for the military regime led by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, which has restricted political activities since taking power in a coup in 2014. Polls before the referendum showed a slight advantage for those in favor of the new constitution, but many voters were undecided. Initial results were anticipated for 8pm local time. Prayuth stated that he will not step down if the constitution is rejected, and that elections will occur next year regardless of the vote. He urged Thai citizens to participate in the election after casting his own vote on Sunday. "I encourage all individuals to participate in voting in order to make a decision about the country's future," said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, addressing reporters at a polling station in northwest Bangkok. He faced opposition from a woman who questioned his ability to govern and protect the country before security personnel intervened. Approximately 200,000 police officers were present for the vote in Thailand, and despite major political parties opposing the constitution, there were no signs of protests or issues. The junta, also known as the National Council for Peace and Order, has prohibited any criticism of the constitution and has arrested and charged many individuals who have spoken out against it, including politicians and student activists. Critics argue that the constitution is the military's way of trying to eliminate former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his populist policies from Thai politics following his removal in 2006. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has been in power during a period of political unrest that has lasted over a decade since Thaksin was ousted. Thaksin, who now lives in exile, still holds significant influence, especially among his rural supporters in the north of Thailand. His sister Yingluck won a decisive victory in the 2011 elections but was removed from power by Prayuth in a coup three years later. Despite being barred from politics for five years due to a corruption conviction, Yingluck was able to vote in the recent election and encouraged others to do the same. Thaksin criticized the new constitution, claiming it would only strengthen the military junta's control over Thailand. Interviews with senior military officers conducted by Reuters revealed that the military's goal is to prevent future coups by implementing a new charter that weakens political parties and gives the military a role in overseeing the country's economic and political development. The proposed constitution, which would be Thailand's 20th since the military ended an absolute monarchy in 1932, includes provisions for a Senate appointed by the junta with seats reserved for military leaders to limit the authority of elected officials. In Khon Kaen, a city in northeastern Thailand, approximately 50 voters lined up outside the newly rebuilt city hall, which had been destroyed during political turmoil in 2010. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who was voting at a nearby school, expressed his desire for the country to improve and voted in favor of the constitution in hopes of uniting Thailand and ending divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee expressed that he voted against the charter due to his disapproval of the junta, but did not anticipate the referendum to have a significant impact. He stated, "I know that nothing really changes today with the way the country is ruled." Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra also shared her thoughts after voting. Farmer Thongyoon Khaenkhaomeng, who voted in favor of the constitution at a nearby polling station, expressed his desire for the country to improve and for an end to Thailand's divisions. Day laborer Decha Shangkamanee explained that he voted against the charter due to his dislike of the junta, but he did not believe that the referendum would bring about significant change. He expressed his belief that the country's ruling system would remain the same. The vote took place amidst concerns about the health of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, with the military historically using its role as protector of the monarch to justify its involvement in politics. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the United Nations is advocating for more communication between the military and political opponents, according to Luc Stevens, the UN chief in Thailand. He stated to Reuters before the referendum that true reconciliation cannot happen if one group insists on reconciliation only on their own terms. To prevent leaving anyone behind in the country, an inclusive process and open dialogue must be pursued to allow people to freely express their opinions. Two students in Chaiyaphum were arrested for distributing leaflets opposing the referendum, according to Police Colonel Aram Prajit. Despite the ban on campaigning, the military junta has still mobilized numerous cadets to encourage Thailand's 50 million eligible voters to take part in the referendum. The Election Commission aims for an 80 percent voter turnout. Amnesty International stated that the military regime had established a frightening atmosphere leading up to the election by committing widespread human rights abuses. | 2 |
Despite the peaceful presidential election in Ukraine last month, the situation in the eastern region near the Russian border remains unstable, with armed groups attacking Ukrainian government forces and taking over state buildings. The G7 stated that they are prepared to increase targeted sanctions on Russia if necessary. German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized the importance of verifying Russia's actions to stabilize the situation in Ukraine. If progress is not made, she warned of the possibility of heavy sanctions, including restrictions on trade, finance, and energy. The US and EU have already imposed travel bans and asset freezes on Russian officials in response to the Crimea annexation. The successful May 25 elections and upcoming inauguration of President Petro Poroshenko suggest potential cooperation from Russia, reducing the threat of further sanctions. However, the statement released on Wednesday indicates that the West is still not satisfied with President Vladimir Putin's efforts to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine. Russia denies any involvement in the unrest in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian militias have taken over buildings, attacked Ukrainian forces, and proclaimed independence. Despite being excluded from the G7 meeting for the first time since joining in 1997, Putin will meet individually with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, and British Prime Minister David Cameron at a D-Day anniversary event in France. The focus of these meetings is on the discussions held and not necessarily who Putin meets. Prior to the G7 summit, President Obama met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Warsaw and expressed support for his leadership. Poroshenko, a billionaire in the chocolate industry, has expressed willingness to hold peace talks with Putin on the sidelines of the D-Day commemorations in Normandy. The G7 summit will also address economic, trade, climate, and energy policy, with a particular emphasis on energy security in Europe, which heavily relies on Russian oil and gas. The leaders are expected to stress the importance of prioritizing the security of energy supplies and reject the use of energy resources as a tool for political coercion. The crisis in Ukraine highlights the importance of prioritizing energy security and the need for a significant change in our strategy to diversify energy sources. The economic discussion among G7 members is not anticipated to introduce new ideas, but rather emphasize the importance of sustaining economic recovery and implementing stricter regulations to avoid future issues in the banking sector. The leaders will also reaffirm their dedication to finishing financial reforms this year, including addressing the issue of "too-big-to-fail" banks. | 2 |
Russia has expanded its military presence to the borders of NATO countries, including the Baltic nations, after invading Ukraine and deploying troops in Belarus. If Russia successfully takes over Ukraine and maintains bases in Belarus, it will be much more difficult for NATO to defend its eastern flank, with Russian forces stretching from the Baltics to Slovakia, Hungary, and northern Romania. The proximity of Russian forces in Belarus to Kaliningrad, a Russian territory with missile capabilities, poses a significant threat to Europe. The risk for NATO has increased, and the possibility of conflict with Russian forces in various regions will be a concern for years to come. This development has major implications for NATO, as stated by experts. Russia's goal is to eliminate Ukraine as an independent nation in Europe, which has prompted concerns about the need to take the situation seriously. NATO has responded by sending more troops and aircraft to member states near Russia, with plans for further deployments. There are talks about potentially scrapping the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act due to Russia's past violation of it during the invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that Russia's actions pose a significant threat to Euro-Atlantic security and will have far-reaching consequences. Additional defensive forces and assets are being deployed to the eastern part of the alliance in response. Discussions about redefining Europe's security architecture take on a new significance with Russian troops stationed on NATO's eastern border. Even if there is a significant increase in military spending in response to the recent Russian invasion, similar to the modest increase after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the establishment of new and permanent military deployments of forces, equipment, planes, and missiles will have a significant impact on the peace, prosperity, and complacency that the alliance has enjoyed for the past three decades. According to Lesser, NATO had been preoccupied with issues such as climate and cyber, neglecting the fact that there are ruthless individuals who view foreign policy as a brutal competition. With NATO already revising its strategic concept and discussing a replacement for Stoltenberg, who steps down on Oct 1, these tasks have become even more urgent. Lesser believes that NATO is now considering its purpose more broadly. Benjamin Hodges, a former commander of US forces in Europe who is now with the Centre for European Policy Analysis, stated that deterring a newly aggressive Russia will not be easy. He explained that moving troops and equipment around in post-Cold War Europe has become more difficult due to some bridges and railways being unable to handle heavy armour. Hodges also noted that political leaders may be surprised at how long it takes to move equipment given EU road regulations and the lack of special priority on the German rail system. Additionally, Hodges pointed out that NATO lacks significant air and missile defenses for modern air wars that target important infrastructure like airports, roads, and rail, as seen in Ukraine. He mentioned that protecting the US air base at Ramstein in Germany would require an entire battalion of Patriot missiles, but there is only one Patriot battalion in Europe. Hodges also mentioned how the Fulda Gap in Germany, once a concern for Cold War strategists, was heavily defended by US troops to prevent the Warsaw Pact from advancing tanks from East Germany to the Rhine River. The current concern is the Suwalki Corridor, a narrow passage that links Poland to Lithuania and is crucial for NATO as capturing it would isolate the Baltic nations. This corridor separates Belarus from Kaliningrad, the base of the Russian Baltic Fleet, and Robert Kagan of the Brookings Institution suggested that Putin may seek direct access from Belarus to Kaliningrad. This is just one part of a potential new Russian strategy to disconnect the Baltics from NATO and show that the alliance cannot protect them. The threat to Poland is now significant, and Bond recommended that the United States deploy two heavy battalions to Poland as a first step. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to strengthen deployments in the Baltic states. In 2016, NATO decided to station battalions in Poland and the Baltic nations for the first time as part of an "enhanced forward presence" plan. Each battalion consists of around 1,100 combat-ready soldiers, serving as tripwires rather than a significant obstacle to a potential Russian advance. Additionally, in 2014, NATO established a "very high readiness joint task force" led by Turkey, with a land brigade of approximately 5,000 troops supported by air, sea, and special forces, capable of deploying quickly in response to threats against NATO. However, the effectiveness of this smaller force remains unproven, and the larger Response Force it belongs to is significantly smaller than the Russian invasion force in Ukraine. The larger force, established in 2002 for rapid deployment, consists of 40,000 members who are based in their home countries, making mobilization a slow process. There are concerns about NATO members fulfilling their promise to provide weapons to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, as well as doubts about the feasibility of delivering arms due to potential interception by the Russian military. Supporting an insurgency against Russia would be risky given the proximity of the Russian military. Accidental confrontations leading to escalation are a possibility in this tense environment. Analysts are highlighting the incident in 2015 when Turkey shot down a Russian fighter plane near the Syria-Turkey border as a potential escalation point. With arms control agreements from the Cold War era mostly defunct, there are new concerns about the deployment of conventional forces and medium-range missiles. Russia's active involvement in cyberwarfare, including hacking the German Parliament and interfering in elections, adds to the threats. Strengthening cooperation between the European Union and NATO on defense is seen as crucial in addressing these new challenges, with a focus on areas such as economic sanctions, cyber resilience, energy security, and information warfare. This collaboration can benefit both organizations, especially since the majority of EU members are also part of NATO. Bond emphasized the importance of American support while also stressing the need for European autonomy and self-reliance. There are concerns in Europe about the future political landscape in the United States and the potential impact on European security. Bond urged for increased military spending and efficiency to address real capability needs, emphasizing the urgency of these measures. | 2 |
Germany's business leaders are facing criticism following a police raid on a prominent CEO's home and office. The incident has added to a series of scandals that have undermined public trust in the corporate system. The investigation into Klaus Zumwinkel, the CEO of Deutsche Post, for suspected tax evasion has angered Germans who are already upset about excessive executive pay and severance packages. Previous scandals involving Volkswagen and Siemens have also contributed to the public's disillusionment with the corporate sector. Analysts believe that the Left party could benefit politically from these scandals. Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck warned that the Zumwinkel case could have significant repercussions on the public's perception of the economic and social system. Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition government is concerned about the potential fallout from the scandal. The situation became more significant on Friday when a newspaper revealed that the investigation might extend to numerous wealthy and influential Germans with offshore bank accounts. Germany's reputation post-war is based on its strong economy and successful businesses, demonstrated by being the top exporter globally and having many companies leading in their industries. Despite managers in Germany earning less than their counterparts in the U.S. and UK, there is a growing dissatisfaction among Germans who believe they are not benefiting from the country's economic growth. Disposable income for lower-income individuals has decreased, leading to media criticism of excessive executive salaries. One notable example is Juergen Schrempp, former CEO of Daimler, who received a substantial payout and stock options during the failed merger with Chrysler, causing shareholders to suffer losses. The case of Zumwinkel contributes to the widespread belief that high-ranking individuals deceive and exploit others, as stated by the Sueddeutsche Zeitung in an editorial. This public outrage over unethical corporate leaders may result in a shift towards more left-wing policies, with the growing popularity of the Left party influencing mainstream parties to adopt more progressive stances. The negative image of greedy executives fosters a perception of inequality, potentially benefiting the Left party, according to Klaus Schneider from the SdK shareholders' association. Former German finance minister Oskar Lafontaine, who is a co-leader of the Left party, is advocating for an increase in public spending on pensions, welfare benefits, and education. Transparency International, a corruption watchdog, has stated that there is no concrete evidence to suggest that corruption is on the rise in Germany. However, Peter von Blomberg, deputy head of Transparency International Germany, mentioned that there has been a noticeable shift in public perception towards the issue of corruption over the past decade. He highlighted Scandinavian countries as positive examples due to their open communication between citizens and authorities. Von Blomberg also emphasized the importance of German companies implementing compliance guidelines, protecting whistleblowers, and fostering a culture of transparency. He stated that in Germany, there is still a strong aversion to reporting individuals, which has historical roots. However, he believes that there may be a conversation about implementing a legal structure to safeguard whistleblowers in the country. | 2 |
Iran has expressed its intention to reopen talks on its nuclear program with major powers, but both Washington and the European Union have denied this and called on Tehran to demonstrate its readiness for engagement. Despite the denial, tensions are rising over Iran's nuclear activities, with the US and other countries alleging that it is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran denies these accusations. The EU is planning to increase sanctions against Iran, including an embargo on its oil exports and potentially freezing the assets of Iran's central bank. Protecting non-oil trade from sanctions is still under discussion. In the current financial climate, it is important to manage your wealth effectively and make the most of your ISA while avoiding common mistakes. Iran has warned that it will close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for a significant portion of the world's oil trade, if it is unable to sell its own oil. This has raised concerns about the possibility of conflict in the Gulf region and potential escalation in the Middle East. Iranian officials have mentioned that President Barack Obama has shown willingness to engage in negotiations through a letter to Tehran, which could potentially ease tensions and stabilize oil prices. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has stated that discussions are currently underway to determine the location and date of the negotiations, with Istanbul being a likely venue. The day is not yet settled, but it will be soon." Washington denied any ongoing discussions about resuming talks, but did not confirm whether Obama had sent a letter to Tehran. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland stated on Wednesday that there were no current talks happening, but emphasized that if Iran is serious about discussing their nuclear program openly and honestly with the international community, the US is open to that. White House spokesman Jay Carney also refused to comment on reports of a letter, stating that specific diplomatic communications are not discussed. The United States is urging countries to decrease their purchases of Iranian oil in accordance with a new sanctions law signed by Obama on December 31. The denial from the State Department was supported by a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who represents the six world powers attempting to engage with Iran. According to the spokesperson, there are currently no negotiations taking place for new talks, as they are still waiting for Iran to respond to the proposals made by Ashton in her letter from October. British Foreign Secretary William Hague emphasized the need for Iran to be prepared for serious negotiations. "It is important to note that while we are considering further sanctions within the European Union, Iran has expressed interest in negotiations," he stated. "The possibility of negotiations will not prevent us from enforcing additional sanctions. We are looking for concrete negotiations," he explained during a press conference in Brazil. "Without meaningful negotiations, the pressure for legitimate but peaceful actions will persist," he added, mentioning an upcoming meeting of EU ministers to discuss imposing an oil embargo on Iran. Tehran maintains that its enrichment activities are for peaceful purposes, such as power generation and medical use, and denies any intentions of developing nuclear weapons. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stated that the U.S. military is fully prepared to handle any threats from Iran regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ashton communicated with Iranian negotiator Saeed Jalili to emphasize the West's desire to resume discussions, but Iran must be willing to engage in meaningful talks about ensuring the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Iran has consistently focused discussions on broader international security issues rather than its nuclear activities. The last negotiations between Iran and the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, along with Germany, stalled in Istanbul a year ago due to disagreements on the agenda. A U.N. nuclear watchdog report has raised concerns about Iran's nuclear weapon development. EU foreign ministers are likely to approve a gradual ban on imports of Iranian oil during a meeting on January 23, following a recent US law that would prevent transactions with Iran's central bank. There is progress on the central bank issue, with discussions ongoing. Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate but has also begun moving uranium enrichment to a more secure location in response to potential air strikes from Israel. According to Western diplomats, Tehran needs to demonstrate a willingness to change its direction in any future negotiations. Tehran insists that other countries must respect its right to enrich uranium, which can be used for nuclear weapons if enriched to higher levels than needed for power plants. Russia, a member of the six power group, has criticized the new EU and U.S. sanctions and warned against the military option proposed by the United States and Israel, saying it could trigger a devastating war in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while visiting the Netherlands, reiterated his stance that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Ehud Barak stated that any decision on an Israeli attack on Iran is a long way off. China and Russia both oppose Western efforts to prevent Iran from exporting oil. China criticized the U.S. sanctions signed into law by Obama on December 31, stating that they were not in accordance with international law. Iranian politicians claimed that Obama wrote a letter to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in response to Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions hindered their oil sales. Members of Iran's parliament discussed the letter on Wednesday, mentioning that it included an offer for direct negotiations. Lawmaker Ali Mottahari was quoted by the semi-official Fars news agency as saying, "The letter stated that closing the Strait of Hormuz is our 'red line' and also requested for direct talks." | 2 |
The payments, which began in July and were hundreds of dollars a month for most families, have assisted many American families in covering expenses such as food, rent, and child care. These payments have prevented millions of children from living in poverty and have boosted the US economy. However, this benefit, an extension of the child tax credit, is coming to an end just as a new wave of coronavirus cases is forcing people to stay home from work and potentially leading to more layoffs. Economists are concerned that the combination of expiring aid and increasing cases could slow down the economic recovery and cause significant hardship for families already struggling near the poverty line. Anna Lara, a mother of two in Huntington, West Virginia, expressed her anxiety about the situation, stating that it will be difficult next month and she is fearful of what lies ahead. Lara, 32, who lost her job during the pandemic, is finding it difficult to adjust to not having the extra assistance that helped her family make ends meet. She mentioned that the child benefit was crucial in reducing financial worries and providing a cushion for her family. The expiration of this assistance is just one of many benefits "cliffs" that Americans have faced as pandemic aid programs have come to an end, such as the Paycheck Protection Program which ended in March. Unemployment benefits stopped being provided in September, and in some states even earlier. The federal eviction moratorium came to an end over the summer. The final installment of stimulus payments was distributed to Americans in the spring. In comparison to those initiatives, the reduction in the child tax credit is relatively minor. The Treasury Department dispersed approximately $80 billion in payments over a six-month period through checks and direct deposits, providing up to $300 per child each month. The child benefit program, unlike many other pandemic response programs, was not meant to be temporary according to its supporters. It was approved by Congress as part of the American Rescue Plan for a single year, but many hoped it would continue due to its popularity. However, polls show a split public opinion on whether the program should be extended, with differences along party and age lines. The expanded tax credit did not convince Senator Joe Manchin, whose opinion was crucial, as he had concerns about the cost and structure of President Biden's climate, tax, and social policy bill. Without Manchin's support, the Build Back Better Act cannot move forward in the Senate. Supporters of the child benefit are disappointed by this setback, as the program has been shown to be highly successful in reducing child poverty and improving overall well-being. In the spring, Congress made three changes to the existing child tax credit. Firstly, they increased the maximum benefit to $3,600 per child from $2,000. Secondly, they started distributing the credit in monthly payments directly to recipients' bank accounts, making it more similar to children's allowances in Europe. Lastly, they extended the full benefit to millions who were previously ineligible due to low income, a change known as "full refundability." Poverty experts believe this change is crucial, as without it, a significant portion of children, including many Black, Hispanic, and children raised by single mothers, did not receive the full credit. Biden's proposal aimed to make the child tax credit provision permanent, as highlighted by Megan Curran from Columbia's Center on Poverty and Social Policy. The evidence shows that the policy is effectively reducing child poverty and food insufficiency. The expanded tax credit benefits not only low-income families but also those earning up to $150,000 annually, with even wealthier families eligible for the original $2,000 credit. Critics of the policy, such as Manchin, have argued that it doesn't make sense to provide assistance to families who are already financially stable. Some supporters of the credit would be willing to restrict it to wealthier households in order to continue providing it to those in need. Manchin has expressed doubts about giving cash payments without conditions and has raised concerns about recipients potentially using the money for drugs, as reported by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by a source familiar with the conversation. However, a survey by the Census Bureau revealed that most recipients used the funds for necessities like food and clothing, with many also saving or paying off debt. Other surveys have shown similar outcomes. One of Manchin's constituents, Lara, received her first monthly check last year at the perfect time when her dishwasher had recently broken. The $550 a month from the federal government allowed her family to replace it. Lara, who has a 6-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son, and whose partner earns around $40,000 annually, expressed that the family has always lived on the brink of need, never able to save enough for emergencies. The monthly child benefit helped them step back from the edge, enabling Lara to buy new shoes and a car seat for her daughter, stock up on sale laundry detergent, and fix her car's brakes. She commented on the lack of dash lights being on, which she found impressive. Some experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the policy, especially in the long run. Bruce D Meyer, an economist at the University of Chicago who focuses on poverty, suggested that while direct cash payments during the height of the pandemic were beneficial, a permanent policy of giving unconditional cash to parents could have unintended consequences. He and his colleagues recently released a working paper that suggests the child benefit may discourage work due to the elimination of work incentives that were previously part of the tax credit. Meyer explained that the initial goal was to provide cash to people in need during the pandemic, but now there are concerns about potential impacts on employment. According to him, it is important to focus on the long-term effects of the new child benefit, specifically its impact on labor supply. Some studies have shown that the benefit has not discouraged people from working and may actually encourage more people to work by making child care more affordable. Samuel Hammond from the Niskanen Center believes that the child benefit enables work and could have broader economic benefits, such as increasing consumer spending and creating jobs. This expansion is expected to have a greater impact in rural states with larger families and lower incomes. Some Republicans, like Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, believe that the expanded child tax credit has led to increased spending, contributing to inflation by giving people more money to spend during a strained supply chain. However, many economists do not think the tax credit has significantly impacted high inflation, as it is relatively small compared to the economy and previous pandemic aid. Chief economist Joe Brusuelas argues that the program is noninflationary as it is focused on necessities, not luxuries. Those benefitting from the tax credit argue that it helps them cope with rising prices for essentials like groceries, utilities, and gas, which strain their budgets. She mentioned that at the moment, both of her cars require fuel but she is unable to refuel them. However, she is not worried as she has groceries at home and her children can enjoy playing outdoors. | 2 |
Two high-level US government officials, Democrat Congresswoman Betty McCollum and ambassador-at-large for global women's issues Melanne Verveer, are scheduled to visit Dhaka on Wednesday. They will meet with government officials, community leaders, and civil society members who are involved in women's rights issues. The purpose of their visit is to promote US policy on women, health, and education. The officials will also discuss various issues with Bangladeshi government officials and non-government organizations, including maternal and child health, access to education for girls, child marriage, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the role of women in addressing climate change. McCollum, who is in her sixth term in the US Congress, has recently introduced legislation that recognizes child marriage as a human rights violation and advocates for its elimination as a US foreign policy objective. The legislation would mandate USAID and the State Department to gather and share data on child marriage and its effects on US development goals. Verveer, as director of the State Department's office on global women's issues, oversees foreign policy related to women's advancement worldwide. Verveer will travel to Nepal on January 6, while McCollum will remain in Bangladesh until January 10, as stated in the media release. | 2 |
In Gwinnett County, Georgia, a few precincts experienced long technical delays, while in South Carolina, some voting machines were lacking power or the necessary equipment to activate them. Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, also faced some confusion as at least four polling places were changed last minute. In Chandler, Arizona, voters arrived at a polling place only to find the doors locked due to failure to pay rent, although officials later reopened the location. In Houston, a worker was removed from a polling site and charged with assault after a racially charged dispute with a voter, according to The Houston Chronicle. Issues with voting are a common occurrence on election day and can take days or even weeks to fully understand. However, this year there have been more calls to voting hotlines from advocacy groups than in the last midterm election in 2014. The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, which oversees 20 election call centres, reported receiving 24,000 phone calls by 5 pm on Tuesday, compared to 14,000 at the same time in 2014. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas were identified as states with particularly problematic voting issues. These problems are likely to unsettle voters who are already on edge following the controversial 2016 election, which was marred by concerns of Russian interference and unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud by President Donald Trump. There has been an increase in tensions due to a contentious debate on the accessibility of voter registration, early voting, and polling sites for Americans. Election experts believe that minority voter rights have been on the decline since the Supreme Court invalidated a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act five years ago. Issues with access to polling sites have resulted in extended hours in multiple states, with a judge in Texas ordering nine polling locations in Harris County to stay open for an additional hour after complaints from civil rights organizations. Similar efforts are being made in Maricopa County, Arizona by a coalition of groups. A local judge in Georgia kept several sites in Gwinnett County open, including Annistown Elementary School, which extended voting by more than two hours. In Fulton County, which includes much of Atlanta, a few precincts were also kept open for several hours. One of the precincts was Forbes Arena, where a rally with Democratic candidate for governor Stacey Abrams and former President Barack Obama was held last Friday. The state's election system was a major point of contention during the campaign between Abrams, who aimed to become the first African-American woman elected governor, and her Republican opponent Brian Kemp, who is also the secretary of state and in charge of the state's elections. Abrams and her supporters accused Kemp of attempting to suppress the vote through strict interpretations of state laws and procedures. Kemp contended that his goal was to prevent cheating and dismissed accusations of voter suppression as unfounded. While some polling places in Georgia experienced long lines, others saw voters coming and going smoothly. Kemp stated that the voting process had been running smoothly throughout the day, with only typical questions from voters. However, some Georgia voters faced challenges, such as long lines and voting machine issues at Annistown Elementary School in Snellville, Gwinnett County. One voter, Ontaria Woods, reported waiting nearly five hours to vote after arriving at 7 am when the polls opened. After approximately 30 to 45 minutes, election workers informed people waiting in line about a problem with the ExpressPoll voting machines, according to the statement. The term 'voter suppression' was mentioned multiple times by the people, she added. Some voters refused provisional ballots because they were concerned about whether their votes would be counted, and a few went to Walmart to purchase food and water. The machines were eventually repaired around 11 am, and Woods voted about 45 minutes later before going to work, several hours later than planned. Gwinnett, a collection of suburbs near Atlanta that is rapidly becoming more diverse, has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but Hillary Clinton won the county in 2016. A representative of the county government, Joe Sorenson, stated that four precincts in Georgia had problems with the system that generates voter access cards for the electronic polling system. A judge decided to extend voting hours at several locations, with one remaining open until 9:25 pm instead of the planned 7 pm closing time. Bradford Berry, the general counsel of the NAACP, emphasized the need to ensure that malfunctioning voting machines are not concentrated in specific areas. While some issues in Georgia were attributed to county elections officials, a spokesperson for Abrams’ campaign, Abigail Collazo, placed the blame on Kemp. Collazo commended the dedication of Georgia voters despite polling location issues. In Arizona, voting rights monitors also reported significant delays at some sites due to ballot printing problems. Two years ago, there were issues with the voting process in Maricopa County, the state's most populous county, due to a change from local polling places to regional voting centers. According to Common Cause, voters at these centers experienced chaos as they were turned away or faced long waits because printers malfunctioned and could not produce ballots specific to their home precincts. Clarke from Common Cause described the problems in Maricopa County as some of the most significant they had seen, particularly affecting minority voters. In certain voting centers, minority voters outnumbered white voters significantly. In contrast, South Carolina had limited problems with malfunctioning voting machines, as reported by a spokesperson from the State Election Commission. Chris Whitmire, a spokesman, mentioned in an email that the issues were caused by human error in preparing the system and had been resolved earlier that morning. The Justice Department sent election monitors to 35 jurisdictions in 19 states, but Attorney General Jeff Sessions received criticism from Democrats for focusing on fraud over civil rights. Common Cause President Karen Flynn stated that the current political climate in 2018 is challenging without the support of the Department of Justice and the Voting Rights Act, along with a president who may be perceived as threatening to voters. In El Paso, Texas, the federal Border and Customs Protection agency cancelled a crowd-control exercise near the Mexico border following complaints of voter intimidation from civil-rights groups and Democratic leaders. The exercise was planned near a Latino neighborhood and a polling station used by Latino voters. Nina Perales, the voting rights legal director at the Mexican American Legal Defence and Educational Fund, described the situation as ham-handed and insensitive at the very least, and possibly even worse. Some feared sinister problems, but not all issues turned out as bad as expected. In a viral video from a polling site in Columbus, Ohio, a voter appeared to select the Republican candidate for governor, Mike DeWine, on an electronic ballot. However, the paper record in the video actually showed a vote for DeWine's Democratic opponent, Richard Cordray. The Facebook account that posted the video claimed the machine was rigged. Aaron Sellers, a representative for the Franklin County Board of Elections, explained that the machine in question had a paper jam that resulted in a previous voter's paper record being printed. The voter was given the opportunity to cast her ballot again on a functional machine. The incident was captured in a video that was widely shared on Twitter, particularly by individuals associated with the QAnon conspiracy theory and supporting President Trump. This information is from a 2018 report by the New York Times News Service. | 2 |
The foreign ministry stated that this decision would lead to improved well-being for the people of the region. Mahmud made these remarks during the opening of the 'Water Innovation Summit 2015' in New Delhi, which was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industries and the Water Institute of India. He emphasized the importance of water in relation to security and sustainable human development. Both Bangladesh and India experience an abundance of water during the monsoon season and scarcity during the dry season. Mahmud believes that by taking an integrated approach to managing water resources in the entire basin, the region can maximize the potential of its water resources. The water resources minister emphasized the importance of building a barrage in the Ganges within Bangladesh's borders to ensure a steady supply of fresh water in the southern region and mitigate the impact of climate change. He called for the prompt signing of the Teesta water-sharing agreement, stating that resolving water issues would contribute to the development and stability of the area. The minister also had a meeting with Indian counterpart Uma Bharati on Monday, as confirmed by the foreign ministry. Regarding the interlinking of rivers in India, Bharati assured that no projects would be undertaken that could harm Bangladesh, and she agreed to participate in the upcoming JRC meeting in Bangladesh. | 2 |
Zimbabwean police arrested opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai for the second time in a week, preventing him from attending a campaign rally for the upcoming presidential run-off vote. The opposition party believes that President Robert Mugabe is intentionally trying to hinder Tsvangirai's campaign to maintain his long-standing power. Tsvangirai was later released from police custody and the opposition party condemned his detention as a desperate and unjust act. They called for the government to allow Tsvangirai to fulfill his duty to the people of Zimbabwe. It was reported that police had prohibited several planned campaign rallies due to concerns about the safety of party leaders. The organization stated that they would take legal action against the police to prevent any interference in the campaign. Police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena attributed the incident to the opposition, claiming that the MDC convoy had broken through a roadblock. Tsvangirai, who won against Mugabe in a March 29 election but did not secure enough votes to avoid a second ballot, was detained and questioned by police for eight hours on Wednesday. Additionally, on Thursday, police detained five U.S. and two British diplomats for a few hours after they visited victims of political violence. Zimbabwe also prohibited relief agencies from operating in the country, leading to economic hardship. U.S. Ambassador James McGee, who was detained on Thursday, accused the government the next day of using food aid as a tactic to gain votes. He described the regime as desperate and willing to do anything to maintain power during a video conference call from Harare. The United States and Britain have placed blame on Mugabe's government for detaining the diplomats, stating that Zimbabwe is attempting to intimidate Tsvangirai's supporters. The foreign ministry of France expressed deep concern over the atmosphere of intimidation and violence in Zimbabwe. The opposition claims that 65 people have died in violent incidents since the start of the election process. President Mugabe has accused his opponents of causing the violence. In response to allegations of meddling in the election, Mugabe's government halted the operations of all foreign aid organizations in the country. Britain and the European Union have called for the ban to be lifted. United Nations officials have stated that the suspension of aid in Zimbabwe will lead to increased suffering, and the organization CARE has warned that millions of aid-dependent Zimbabweans are now at risk. EU aid commissioner Louis Michel expressed deep distress over the situation, noting that hundreds of thousands of people who rely on aid from the European Commission and other sources for survival are facing an even more uncertain future. Zimbabwe, once a prosperous country in Africa, has experienced a decline in food production since 2000, when President Mugabe's government began seizing white-owned farms as part of a land redistribution program. This has led to chronic food shortages, forcing the country to rely on handouts and imports to feed its population. Mugabe attributes the decline of the previously thriving economy to sanctions imposed by Western nations, while the opposition claims he destroyed Zimbabwe through poor management. The Southern African Development Community, which consists of 14 nations including Zimbabwe, is deploying observers to oversee the upcoming run-off election. | 2 |
Bennett had a meeting later in the day with King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain, along with Vice Admiral Brad Cooper and other officials. He also met with members of Bahrain's Jewish community and gave them a shofar. Bennett expressed his desire to move from government-to-government relations to people-to-people connections. Prince Salman agreed, calling the meeting a family gathering. The Israeli government and Bahrain announced a partnership to fund joint business ventures in various sectors. This visit marked the first official visit by an Israeli prime minister to Bahrain and highlighted the strengthening ties between Israel and several Arab nations over the past year and a half, including formal relations with Bahrain, the UAE, improved relations with Morocco, and Sudan. The Arab world had long resisted normalizing relations with Israel due to the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, priorities have shifted for some countries in the region, such as Bahrain, as containing Iran and its armed proxies has become a greater concern. Bahrain is now focusing on this shared goal with Israel, rather than an immediate resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially with Iran accelerating its nuclear enrichment. As a part of a regional alliance, Bahrain will host an Israeli military officer for the first time to ensure freedom of navigation and international trade in the Persian Gulf, following attacks on ships by Iran and its proxies. Bahrain's invitation to Bennett suggested an increasing acceptance of Israel's involvement in the region by Saudi Arabia, a major player in the Arab world and a key rival of Iran. While Saudi officials officially deny any plans to normalize relations with Israel like Bahrain, they have also denied reports of a secret meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bennett's predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Saudi support is important for Bahrain, as the kingdom has provided military assistance and financial aid in the past. Analysts believe that Bahrain often acts in accordance with Saudi interests, viewing Saudi Arabia as a supportive ally in times of need. Abdulla mentioned that there is more cooperation between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf States than many people realize. Key Saudi figures have also made surprising statements regarding Israel and the Palestinians recently. In 2018, Prince Mohammed garnered attention by stating that Israelis have the right to their own land. Two years later, Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan criticized the Palestinian leadership for not adequately supporting ordinary Palestinians. Currently, Saudi movie theaters are screening "Death on the Nile," which features Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who faced backlash in the Arab world for her support of Israeli military actions in Gaza. Relations are also improving between Israel and the two Arab countries, Egypt and Jordan, with which it had previously established a fragile peace. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt made a significant gesture towards Israel by publicly greeting an Israeli government minister, Karine Elharrar, in front of other Arab dignitaries. However, while government ties are getting stronger, the general sentiment among the Arab public is not as positive. Polls indicate that a majority of Arabs do not approve of the recent diplomatic developments with Israel. In Bahrain, where dissent is tightly controlled, there were small demonstrations against the Bahraini government and Israel, as seen in photos and videos shared on social media. International human rights organizations claim that Bahrain lacks independent news media and that its judges are selected by the ruling royal family, the Sunni Muslim Khalifa dynasty. The Khalifa family has been in power since 1783, governing a predominantly Shia population who claim to face institutionalized discrimination. Activists in exile from Bahrain criticized Bennett's visit as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause and an endorsement of Israel's policies, particularly as it coincided with the 11th anniversary of the 2011 uprising in Bahrain. Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, advocacy director at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, described the visit as a disrespectful gesture towards the historical significance of the uprising against autocracy in Bahrain. | 2 |
Greenpeace is calling on European Union and African leaders who met in Lisbon to take immediate action to prevent the destruction of African forests, which leads to carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. Stephan Van Praet, coordinator for the Greenpeace International Africa Forest Campaign, emphasized the importance of political leaders supporting a halt to deforestation in Africa. Trees absorb carbon dioxide while they grow and release it when they decompose or are burned, making deforestation a significant contributor to man-made carbon dioxide emissions. Urgent measures are needed to address this issue, as deforestation is responsible for a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the output of the United States, the world's largest polluter. Greenpeace activists displayed a banner at Lisbon's Vasco da Gama tower calling for action to save African forests and the climate. Stephan Van Praet announced that Greenpeace's campaign in Lisbon would continue throughout the weekend. He emphasized the importance of Europe implementing laws to prevent illegal timber from entering its market to strengthen its credibility in the global fight against climate change and deforestation. Van Praet stressed that Europe must lead by example in order to be considered responsible in the international market. The EU has committed to reducing emissions to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 to address the impacts of climate change such as heatwaves, disease, rising sea levels, and droughts. | 2 |
He plans to rejoin the Iran nuclear deal if Iran agrees to follow its limits. Additionally, he intends to extend the nuclear arms treaty with Russia for another five years and strengthen US commitments to NATO after threats from President Trump to withdraw from the alliance. Biden also plans to hold Russia accountable for election interference. Overall, he aims to move away from Trump's "America First" slogan and prioritize international cooperation, especially in response to the pandemic that has claimed over 1.2 million lives worldwide. Biden criticized Trump's handling of the pandemic, noting that the US has had a disproportionately high number of deaths compared to its population. Another reason why respect for American leadership is plummeting is due to Trump's support for autocrats worldwide and his disregard for democratic allies. While it may be easy to promise a return to the internationalist approach of the post-World War II era, actually executing this plan after four years of global isolationism and during a pandemic that has strengthened nationalist tendencies is much more challenging. The world has changed significantly since Biden was last involved in international affairs, with power vacuums being filled by China, democracies retreating, and new rivalries emerging in the race for a vaccine. Allies of the United States may find Biden comforting, but they are skeptical about fully trusting that the country will not revert to isolationist policies. Biden's advisors are beginning to outline a plan to reverse Trump's efforts to withdraw from global engagement, which they refer to as the Great Undoing. Antony J. Blinken, Biden's national security advisor, emphasized the importance of the United States taking a leadership role in global affairs. Despite the desire to reset to pre-Trump era policies, Blinken acknowledged that it will be a slow process. Biden is expected to take small steps, such as rejoining the Paris climate accord, to reassure allies and rebuild US power. Richard N. Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations and a close friend of Biden, said that Biden will inherit a situation that allows him a lot of freedom but also poses limitations. Haass mentioned that anything Trump did through executive order can be reversed the same way, but any actions requiring Senate approval or the use of force will be difficult without a clear reason. Biden, at 77, has a vision to move away from "America First" and instead tap into the strength and boldness that led to previous victories. Despite not discussing foreign policy much during his campaign, Biden has not been questioned about how current superpower competition differs from earlier in his career. He has not specified what consequences he envisions for President Putin of Russia, but one of his longtime advisers, Jake Sullivan, provided some insight. Just before the election, he stated that Biden was prepared to impose severe consequences on those involved in Russian interference, such as financial sanctions, asset freezes, cyberattacks, and exposing corruption by foreign leaders, indicating a tougher stance by the US. These actions were considered by the Obama administration during Biden's time as vice president but were not implemented. The shift in policy towards Russia highlights the detailed planning by Biden's transition team, which includes former Obama administration officials and plans for negotiations, treaty reentry, and early summit meetings. Officials say that the most prominent example of their plans diverging from the Obama administration's strategy will be seen in their reevaluation of the approach to China. His advisers admit that during Obama's presidency, Biden and his national security team underestimated how quickly President Xi Jinping of China would crack down on dissent and use its 5G networks and Belt and Road Initiative to challenge US influence. Kurt Campbell and Ely Ratner noted in a 2018 Foreign Affairs article that neither carrots nor sticks have been effective in swaying China as expected. Diplomatic and commercial engagement has not led to political and economic openness. The US military power and regional balancing have not been able to prevent Beijing from attempting to replace key aspects of the US-led system. China is a crucial area where Biden's longstanding beliefs will be tested. Robert Gates, who served as defense secretary under both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, had mixed views on Biden's foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Afghanistan. In 2009, Biden advocated for a limited force with a focus on counterterrorism in Afghanistan, but was overruled by Obama, who increased troop levels before later reducing them. Despite criticism in the past, Biden's stance on Afghanistan has now become a political advantage, as Trump's attempts to portray him as a supporter of perpetual warfare have not been successful. According to Sullivan, Biden's goal is to transition our presence in Afghanistan to a counterterrorism capability in order to prevent al-Qaida or the Islamic State group from establishing a base and threatening the United States. This approach would be focused and limited, reflecting Biden's position in 2009 and current stance. Unlike past Democrats who were seen as appeasing Russia during the Cold War, Biden is the first to take a firm stance against the Russian threat. He does not downplay the threat like Obama did in 2012, nor does he seek to reset relations with Russia, as Hillary Clinton did at the start of her tenure as secretary of state. Biden has pointed out that Russia preferred Trump in the 2016 election, emphasizing his history with Putin and the fact that Putin does not want him to become president. After the revelations of Russian interference in 2016 and Trump's failure to address it, Democrats have become more hawkish towards Russia. During the campaign, Biden criticized Trump for getting close to dictators and talked about how he would take action against Russia if he won the election. Now as president, Biden will have to address the challenge of a Russia with a significant nuclear arsenal, including 1,550 deployed nuclear weapons and various tactical nuclear weapons. One way Biden plans to address this issue is by extending the New START treaty for five years, as it is set to expire shortly after his inauguration. Additionally, he may aim to broaden the treaty to include other types of weapons and involve more countries. And he would exploit Putin's increasing economic vulnerability. Blinken stated, "We will deter, and impose costs for, Mr. Putin’s meddling and aggression." He also mentioned the other side of dealing with Moscow, pointing out that Putin is seeking to reduce Russia's reliance on China, which has put him in a difficult position. This implies that the Biden administration may try to capitalize on the distrust between Moscow and Beijing to divide the two superpowers, similar to how President Nixon used it to establish relations with China decades ago. A decade later, it seems that the Israelis were responsible for going too far in attempting to undermine the Iranian nuclear program. This action ultimately led to a new era of conflict, with Biden playing a significant role. Biden supported the covert operation as a way to slow down Iran's progress without starting a war in the Middle East. He later credited the covert program for bringing Iran to the negotiating table for the Iran nuclear deal five years later. Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain, spoke during a NATO leaders meeting at The Grove hotel and resort in Watford, England on Dec. 4, 2019. President-elect Joe Biden wants to reaffirm American commitments to NATO. Biden's initial approach with Iran involves restoring the status quo by rejoining the 2015 deal if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei agrees to return to production limits. However, Iran has suggested that there will be consequences for Trump's actions, and key restrictions on Iran are set to expire soon. There will be a new Iranian president soon, and it is unclear how this will impact potential talks. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently spoke at a NATO leaders meeting in Watford, England in December 2019. President-elect Joe Biden is looking to increase American commitments to NATO. Biden's team believes that rejoining the Iran nuclear deal would put pressure on Tehran. Secretary of State Blinken stated that if Iran refuses to comply, the US will have more support from allies who blame Trump for exiting the agreement. In 2012, Biden welcomed Xi to Washington and praised him as a reformer, but by this year he had changed his opinion and called Xi a "thug." Biden criticized Trump for starting a trade war with China and losing, as American taxpayers had to compensate for the tariffs through government subsidies. Biden has not shared many details on how he plans to address these issues. In addition to resolving longstanding disputes regarding agricultural goods and intellectual property theft by China, Biden will also have to navigate new challenges such as managing the technological presence of companies like Huawei and TikTok. Biden has hinted that he may continue the crackdown initiated by Trump, but with a more diplomatic approach to involve European and other allies. He expressed concerns about the information that China may be gathering and stated his intention to thoroughly investigate as president. I will consult with cyberexperts to determine the best solution to address the issue. Biden is adamant about prioritizing values in foreign policy, especially in regards to the US-China relationship. This stance is reminiscent of Bill Clinton's promise in 1992 to confront China's human rights abuses. This likely involves holding China accountable for crackdowns on dissent, such as the detention camps in Xinjiang and the expulsion of foreign journalists. | 2 |
Devi pointed out that the debris from a nearby hydroelectric power plant had destroyed her house and those of her neighbors in Haat village. She questioned the type of development that takes away homes from the poor to provide electricity to others. Over 240 households in the village lost their homes due to the construction of the 444-megawatt hydropower project on the Alaknanda river. The power plant funded by the World Bank is just one of many hydroelectric projects currently being constructed or in operation in India's Himalayan states. These projects are part of an effort to reduce the country's carbon emissions. The government believes that along with solar and wind power, hydropower is essential for India to achieve its goal of obtaining 50% of its energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. Supporters of hydropower argue that it offers a significant amount of clean electricity and can be quickly increased when solar and wind energy sources are unable to meet demand. However, opponents, including environmental groups and affected communities, argue that the high environmental and social costs associated with hydroelectric projects are difficult to justify. For example, Devi, a 63-year-old resident, shared that when officials from the government-owned Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) approached locals to purchase their land, those who refused were forcefully taken to a police station while their homes were demolished. Devi, a homemaker who now resides in a nearby village, mentioned that those who had previously agreed to sell their homes were given a "nominal" compensation of 1 million Indian rupees ($12,887) each. Sandeep Gupta, the assistant general manager of the THDC project, stated that the residents of Haat had willingly agreed to resettle themselves and received fair compensation. He also stated that the project was being monitored by government agencies to prevent any environmental damage, with no adverse impact reported so far. The International Energy Agency referred to hydropower as "the forgotten giant of clean electricity" in a June 2021 report, urging countries to incorporate it into their energy mix to achieve net-zero emissions. According to government data, India currently has 46 gigawatts of installed hydropower capacity, which is only a fraction of its potential generation capacity. In 2019, the government officially designated hydroelectric projects over 25 MW as a renewable energy source to increase capacity. Power companies were then required to incorporate hydroelectricity into their energy supply, whereas only smaller plants had been considered renewable before. Arun Kumar, an expert in hydropower and renewable energy, emphasized that expanding India's hydropower sector goes beyond electricity generation. He noted that hydroelectric dams can also ensure a reliable water supply for residential, commercial, and agricultural purposes. Kumar, who is a member of the International Hydropower Association in London, highlighted that large hydropower projects can bring various benefits such as attracting tourists, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure in surrounding communities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in underdeveloped areas. According to Himanshu Thakkar, who coordinates the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, it does not make economic sense for India to build more hydropower plants when cheaper clean energy alternatives like solar and wind projects are available. Thakkar stated that the cost of installing 1 MW of hydroelectric capacity in India is over 100 million rupees, which is twice as much as the cost for the same capacity from solar or wind sources. He believes that corruption and weak regulation are the main reasons why Indian authorities prioritize hydropower. Thakkar also mentioned that there is a high potential for inflating costs due to lack of credible regulatory oversight. Despite hydropower being considered a green energy source, some environmentalists argue that it does more harm than good in terms of environmental impact. According to experts, hydro projects can have negative impacts such as deforestation, river diversion, decreased groundwater recharge, and significant earth movement, all of which can increase the vulnerability of nearby communities to extreme weather events. S.P. Sati, an environmental science professor at the College of Forestry-Ranichauri in Uttarakhand, highlighted the devastating floods in the state in 2013, which resulted in approximately 6,000 deaths according to government estimates. A committee appointed by India's Supreme Court found that hydroelectric projects had worsened the flood damage by causing rushing water to carry large amounts of debris downstream, burying low-lying communities. The committee also warned in a report that construction activities like digging and the use of explosives could trigger landslides or slope failure. Sati expressed concern that if the sensitivity, fragility, and carrying capacity of the terrain are disregarded, hydropower could lead to significant disasters. Rajendra Prasad Hatwal, the head of Haat village, stated that residents will continue to protest and lobby the local government until the developers of the hydropower plant stop using their land as a dumping ground and fairly compensate displaced families. He questioned India's heavy reliance on hydropower, pointing out disruptions in countries like the United States, Brazil, and China due to climate change-driven droughts. Hatwal also raised concerns about the clearing of thousands of trees for the power plant, especially in light of the global push to save forests to combat climate change. He described the situation as confusing and frustrating. | 2 |
Democrats have gained control of the US House of Representatives from Trump's Republicans in the recent midterm elections, which were viewed as a judgment on his presidency thus far. This shift in power allows the opposition party to block Trump's domestic plans and investigate his business dealings and possible connections to Russia. However, Trump's authority in foreign policy is still strong, and Democrats may not be able to significantly impact his trade disputes with China or his stance on Iran. Norbert Roettgen, head of the foreign affairs committee in the German Bundestag, noted that the president's executive powers, especially in foreign policy, remain unaffected. Peter Trubowitz, director of the United States Centre at the London School of Economics, warns that if Trump is defeated in the House, he may become even more polarizing and aggressive, focusing heavily on China, Iran, and the Mexican border. Trubowitz believes that Trump's incentives have changed, leading him to prioritize foreign policy leading up to the 2020 election. Trump's first two years in office caused concern among traditional US allies due to his actions such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate accord, criticizing trade surpluses and defense spending of allies like Germany, and forming relationships with authoritarian leaders in North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Although some European politicians did not openly express it, the general hope in Berlin, Paris, and Brussels was that American voters would strongly reject Trump's Republicans in the midterms, leading to a change in direction and increasing the possibility of a change in government in 2020. Some European politicians viewed the Democratic gains in the House as evidence of a shift in American politics. Frans Timmermans, the first vice president of the European Commission, stated that Americans had chosen "hope over fear, civility over rudeness, inclusion over racism". However, the results did not meet the expectations of a significant "blue wave" that some had anticipated. Despite this, Republicans were able to strengthen their majority in the Senate, a chamber that has historically had a significant impact on foreign policy. In various significant House, Senate, and governor races, Republicans closely aligned with Trump emerged victorious in states like Iowa, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. According to Roettgen, this outcome signifies a "normalisation" of Trump and confirms the success of his "hostile takeover" of the Republican Party. One way Democrats could control Trump is through Saudi Arabia, as the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has sparked backlash in Congress and threats to block arms sales. By focusing more on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 election, Trump's ability to work with President Vladimir Putin may be limited. Additionally, Democrats in the House may push for increased sanctions against Moscow, including measures targeting European companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated with confidence that there are no positive signs of improving Russian-American relations in the near future. Trade is an area where presidents can make decisions without needing approval from Congress. European diplomats and analysts believe that President Trump may continue or escalate the conflict with China as his domestic agenda faces challenges. There is also a possibility that Trump will impose tariffs on car imports from Germany as tensions rise. A visit by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in June led to a temporary halt in trade disputes. Last month, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross claimed that the EU was hindering trade progress and mentioned that President Trump's patience was not endless. Jeremy Shapiro, a former State Department official and research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, stated that Trump feels strongly that the EU, particularly the Germans, are exploiting the US. Shapiro anticipates that if Trump faces challenges domestically, he will seek out new conflicts. | 2 |
Scattered rain provided some relief to parts of the hot US Midwest on Wednesday, but the majority of the region continued to suffer from the worst drought in fifty years, leading to a bleak outlook for global food supplies and prices. The US Agriculture Department predicted that food prices would rise faster than other consumer costs until 2013 due to the drought damaging crops and reducing supplies. USDA economist Richard Volpe warned that the impact of the drought on food prices would become more severe next year, affecting various stages of the supply chain from crop prices to retail prices. The USDA expects food prices to increase by 2.5-3.5 percent in 2012 and another 3-4 percent in 2013. The USDA stated that food prices will increase at a faster rate than overall U.S. inflation, which is a change from the usual trend. Inflation in the U.S. is expected to be 2 percent this year and 1.9 percent in 2013. Food inflation was 3.7 percent last year but only 0.8 percent in 2010. Additionally, the USDA announced on Wednesday that 76 more counties have been added to the list of areas eligible for disaster aid, bringing the total to 1,369 counties in 31 states. The agency also reported that two-thirds of the United States is currently experiencing mild or extreme drought conditions. Forecasters predicted that the northern Corn Belt from eastern Nebraska through northern Illinois would experience a second day of scattered rain after weeks of hot, dry weather. However, the southern Midwest, including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, was expected to continue facing hot and dry conditions. National Weather Service meteorologist Jim Keeney stated that most of these areas would need over 10 inches of rain to alleviate the drought from Kansas to Ohio. The front moving through was not anticipated to bring more than 1/2 to 1 inch of rain to any specific area and would not be enough to end the drought. The central and southern Midwest experienced temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, with St. Louis reaching 101 F. Meteorologist Andy Karst from World Weather Inc. stated that there is no change in the drought pattern, just thunderstorms moving around. There is no expectation of significant rainfall until August 8. As a result, Chicago Board of Trade grain markets rose after prices had dropped from last week's peak. For example, Chicago Board of Trade corn for September delivery closed higher at $7.94-1/2 a bushel, compared to last week's record high of $8.28-3/4. Similarly, August soybeans closed higher at $16.94-1/4, compared to last week's record of $17.77-3/4. September wheat also saw an increase, closing at $9.03-1/4 compared to last week's 4-year high at $9.47-1/4. Markets worldwide are worried about the impact of rising prices on local food costs due to expensive imports, potential scarcity of food aid for countries like China and Egypt, and the possibility of food riots. The United States, being the largest exporter of corn, soybeans, and wheat, is facing significant losses in its corn crop, which is vital for various products. Recent field tours have reported major damage in the corn crop, while soybeans are also struggling due to the drought. However, if the forecasted rain arrives, it may help mitigate the effects of the drought on soybeans. A recent Reuters poll indicated that US corn yields could hit a 10-year low, leading to the lowest harvest in six years. Extensive damage has been seen in the weekly crop reports from Corn Belt states, with losses comparable to those seen during the 1988 drought. Bryce Knorr, senior editor for Farm Futures Magazine, stated that almost 4 billion bushels have been taken off the corn crop due to the weather. In Putnam County, Indiana, crop scouts did not bother to inspect corn fields as they could see that farmers would likely plow the crops under. Scouts in central Illinois reported on Wednesday that some corn fields were in better condition than expected, with early planting and pollination benefiting from a warm winter and spring. Tom Womack from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture mentioned that while recent rains have improved soybean prospects, the damage to the corn crop cannot be reversed. Ohio Governor John Kasich issued an order allowing farmers to harvest hay from grass along highways near their land for their livestock. Fire risks were increasing in parts of the Plains, with firefighters and the National Guard trying to contain wildfires that have burned over 60,000 acres in three north-central Nebraska counties in the past week. On Wednesday, helicopters dropped water on wildfires sparked by lightning in the Niobrara River Valley, which have been burning since the weekend. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman stated that progress is being made, but ongoing support is necessary. In Missouri, one of the driest states in the country, the highway patrol warned of hazardous driving conditions due to smoke from grass and brush fires, with discarded cigarettes identified as a contributing factor. Throughout the Midwest, communities implemented water use restrictions for gardens and lawns and utilized drip bags to help save distressed trees. Reservoir and river levels are low and being closely monitored, leading to restrictions on barge movements along the Mississippi River and recreational boating. The U.S. drought is attributed to the El Nino phenomenon in the western Pacific Ocean, which affects global atmosphere and hinders moisture from reaching the U.S. Midwest. Some scientists warn that this year's drought, considered the worst since 1956, may be connected to climate factors that could have even more severe consequences in the future. The Midwest has experienced an increase in dangerously hot summer days over the past 60 years, and the region is expected to face more potentially deadly weather as the climate continues to warm, according to a report from the Union of Concerned Scientists. The report examined weather patterns in various cities including Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Peoria, Illinois, and Toledo, Ohio. It revealed that hot, humid days have increased in the Midwest since the 1940s and 1950s, while hot, dry days have also become more intense. Finding relief from the heat has become harder as there are fewer cool, dry days in summer and nighttime temperatures have risen. Steve Frenkel, UCS's Midwest office director, highlighted that high nighttime temperatures increase the risks of heat-related illness and death, especially for those without air conditioning. In July 1995, over 700 deaths in Chicago were linked to a heat wave. The report predicts that as summer temperatures become more extreme, the number of annual deaths in Chicago will increase from 143 in the years 2020-2029 to 300 in the years 2090-2099. | 2 |
French-American economist Duflo has become the second woman to win the economics prize in its 50-year history, at just 46 years old. She shared the award with Indian-born American Banerjee and Kremer from the United States. The Academy praised the trio for their work in breaking down the issue of poverty into smaller, more specific questions in areas like education and healthcare, making it easier to address. Their research has already made a significant impact, with over five million Indian children benefiting from tutoring programs as a direct result of their studies. Additionally, many countries have implemented heavy subsidies for preventive healthcare based on their recommendations. The economics prize of 9 million Swedish crowns ($915,300) is a recent addition to the five awards established by industrialist Alfred Nobel's will, which are administered by the Swedish central bank and have been awarded since 1969. The Nobel Economics Prize was the last award to be announced this year, following the winners of the prizes for medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, and peace. In 2018, the prize was jointly awarded to U.S. economists William Nordhaus and Paul Romer, who are known for adapting the traditional economic growth model to focus on environmental issues and technology benefits. Nordhaus' recognition has sparked controversy, as some critics argue that his model underestimates the risks associated with climate change. | 2 |
Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a government filled with loyalists on Monday, further solidifying his control over the economy and national security following protests. He limited Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's ability to implement market reforms. Putin, 59, maintained continuity by keeping ally Igor Shuvalov as first deputy prime minister overseeing economic policy, and Igor Sechin as energy chief outside of the government. While he announced some new cabinet appointments, Putin mostly kept familiar faces in key positions, indicating a lack of desire for significant policy changes at the beginning of his six-year presidential term. Putin also strengthened his control over important ministries by appointing Moscow police chief Vladimir Kolokoltsev as interior minister, showing confidence in his ability to handle protests. He maintained consistency in international and military affairs by retaining Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the defense industry. Putin informed the new cabinet during a Kremlin meeting broadcast live on state television that work will be challenging due to the current state of the world economy, which is filled with numerous uncertainties. The government's efficiency will be tested by how quickly it can carry out a privatization program and decrease the economy's reliance on oil and gas exports. Putin has been confronted with significant protests, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud but fueled by frustration over his prolonged rule. The opposition, representing a growing civil society in Russia, accuses Putin of disregarding their opinions and hindering economic and political reforms in the country. Putin's appointment of Kolokoltsev to the Interior Ministry indicates his resistance to the protesters' demands for increased political options and a decrease in central control over the vast country. Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov told Reuters that there is a man who disrupts peaceful meetings with the use of cudgels, fitting into the ideology of modern Putinism. Despite Medvedev's intention to promote pro-growth policies and privatization, concerns have been raised about factional divisions between the ruling 'tandem' in Russia due to the secretive process of forming a new government. Alfa Bank, based in Moscow, noted that the new cabinet is likely to prioritize budget stability over a pro-market agenda. The new cabinet is seen as an attempt to maintain a balance of power between the president and the prime minister, potentially hindering the implementation of a cohesive economic agenda. The lineup includes some new members who were part of the young market liberal team that worked in the Kremlin during Medvedev's presidency. One of them, Arkady Dvorkovich, has been appointed as one of six deputy premiers with responsibilities in energy and industry policy, areas where he previously had little influence as Medvedev's economic adviser. The energy minister position went to Alexander Novak, a former deputy finance minister, indicating that Sechin would still have control over Russia's oil and gas sector despite leaving the government. Mikhail Abyzov, another former Medvedev aide, was named as coordinator of an "open government" forum, which has so far had little impact. Putin, who relinquished the presidency in 2008 due to constitutional restrictions, has expanded his control over economic policy by appointing individuals who support his belief in state-led development to key positions such as finance and economy ministers. Anton Siluanov, a career bureaucrat, remains as finance minister, while Andrei Belousov, a pro-Putin economist, has been promoted to economy minister. Former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who was removed from his position last year after a power struggle with Medvedev, stated that he does not believe the current government will be able to effectively address the challenges facing Russia. Analysts predicted that the cabinet may not have autonomy, and were closely watching the Kremlin team formed by Putin to understand the direction of policy during his upcoming six-year term. Alexander Morozov, the chief economist at HSBC in Moscow, suggested that decision-making power may shift from the government to the presidential administration. Despite Russia's 4.9 percent economic growth in the first quarter, experts like German Gref from Sberbank warned about the potential negative impact of the country's dependency on oil. The government must create a favorable environment for investment and growth, as Gref's bank is next in line for privatization but the sale of a 7.6 percent stake has been repeatedly postponed due to poor market conditions. Shuvalov, who has supported privatization in the past, recently vetoed a sale due to worsening market conditions. He is seen as a key figure who can mediate between market liberals and those with a background in security services, like Putin. The decision to proceed and the pace at which it happens are contingent upon the price of oil. | 2 |
The sound of power tools fills the air as a group of workers hurries to ensure that Europe's largest city-center shopping mall opens on schedule. However, marketing executives believe that the crisis in global financial markets has caused consumers to move away from conspicuous consumption. The $3 billion Westfield center in West London will have a strong emphasis on luxury when it opens this Thursday, with stores like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany, and Gucci mentioned in promotional material. Despite this, Managing Director Michael Gutman insists that there is a mass-market appeal to the center, with only a few areas attracting special attention. Retailers are also shifting away from using the term "luxury" in their marketing, instead focusing on shopping as a form of relaxation and time spent with loved ones. With credit becoming more difficult to access and mortgage costs increasing, along with rising unemployment in the United States, Europe, and Japan, simply relying on clever advertising may not be sufficient to convince those who still have the means to spend their money. Rory Sutherland, vice-chairman at advertising agency Ogilvy, noted that in tough economic times, it may be seen as inappropriate or out of fashion to indulge in flashy or ostentatious spending. Instead, there may be a shift towards a more minimalist lifestyle, similar to the Swedish and Lutheran traditions of modesty and austerity. Even those in the financial district of the City of London, like broker Scott David, who can afford luxury items are now showing hesitation in making conspicuous purchases, such as showing up to a meeting in a new Porsche. "It would be considered in poor taste," he stated. "You don't want to appear as though you are flaunting your wealth in front of others." The luxury goods market is experiencing a slump after experiencing strong growth for years. Sales are predicted to decrease by 1 percent globally in the fourth quarter and could drop by as much as 7 percent next year, according to a recent study by consulting firm Bain and Co. In the U.S., Porsche car sales fell by 58 percent in September compared to September 2007, while overall car sales declined by 22 percent. Andy Lear, head of planning at the London office of French advertising agency Publicis, believes that the financial crisis is simply speeding up a trend that was already underway. He stated that people were searching for more substance in life instead of just focusing on making money and purchasing flashy items. Some individuals in the financial sector, who had previously lived a lavish lifestyle, are now beginning to reconsider their constant quest for material wealth. Patrick, an investment banker who preferred not to disclose his last name, mentioned that his work schedule had shifted in the past few months. "I now leave the office earlier and arrive later. Last week, I even took my son to school before coming to work - something I had never done before," he said, noting that some of his coworkers were also making similar changes. Patrick explained that the reason he decided to make a change in his career was due to the financial difficulties facing his employer, which meant no large bonuses would be given this year. Additionally, he felt that the motivation to work long hours had diminished. He expressed a shift in priorities and a desire to give back to society by working with a charity that assists the less fortunate with debt counselling. Henrietta Creighton, the managing director of Lifestyle Boutique, noted a decrease in business compared to the previous year, but mentioned that clients were still willing to spend on family celebrations. Toy maker Hasbro's chief executive, Brian Goldner, predicted that family board games like Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and Monopoly would be popular Christmas gifts as families opted for stay-at-home activities over expensive vacations. Lord Richard Harries, a member of Britain's upper house of parliament and a former Anglican bishop, suggested that the credit crisis could lead people in secular societies like Britain to turn towards religion. He noted a shift towards a more serious focus on family, altruism, and spirituality, which often occurs during economic downturns. Nick Wills-Johnson, a research fellow at Curtain University Business School, pointed out that past periods of conspicuous consumption, such as the 1980s, were followed by trends towards greater compassion and kindness, as seen in the "Caring '90s." David Fowler from Cambridge University, author of "Youth Culture in Modern Britain, 1920-1970", mentioned that downturns tend to increase support for anti-materialist movements, particularly among younger individuals. According to him, these movements thrive during times of economic hardship because they reveal the shallowness of a society driven by consumerism. | 2 |
Many individuals have faced challenges such as illness, economic instability, the climate crisis, grief, and racial disparities. In addition, factors like inflation, supply chain problems, and the aftermath of Russia's conflict with Ukraine are causing stress for many people in the United States, as shown by a recent survey for the American Psychological Association. Experts suggest that the arrival of spring can be a good opportunity to assess our mental well-being and reconnect with activities that bring us happiness and purpose, giving our minds a break when possible. This time of year is seen as ideal for individuals to reflect on their current situation and consider where they stand. Paul Napper, a psychology consultant for business leaders and co-author of "The Power of Agency: The 7 Principles to Conquer Obstacles, Make Effective Decisions and Create a Life on Your Own Terms," reflected on his experiences by asking, "What have I been through?" According to Napper, cultivating a focused and clear mind begins with making deliberate choices about how we use our time each day. When these decisions align with our values, interests, and passions, it demonstrates personal agency. Napper emphasized that there is always a choice, even if it may not be ideal. By evaluating our options, we can better adapt to our circumstances. To help declutter the mind as a new season approaches, here are five strategies to consider. Nkechi Njaka, a meditation guide in San Francisco with a background in neuroscience, emphasizes the importance of practicing mindfulness in order to combat the stress that comes with being human. Mindfulness meditation, which involves returning to the present moment when distracted, has been proven to reduce daily stress levels. Njaka suggests that when people notice their minds racing or feeling anxious, they are often focused on the past or future. To refocus on the present, she recommends starting by paying attention to bodily sensations, such as feeling the ground beneath you. The heat of the sun?” It is common for the mind to wander. If this happens, gently bring your focus back to your breath and return to the present. Being kind to yourself and approaching mindfulness with curiosity, openness, and forgiveness will make you more likely to continue practicing, she noted. Use transitional moments in the day, such as waking up, before or after meals, or changing your location, to practice mindfulness and establish a routine. Consider trying the Bullet Journal method, as research has shown that keeping a journal can enhance well-being. One popular method that has emerged recently is the Bullet Journal, created by digital designer Ryder Carroll and detailed in his bestselling book, "The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future." This organizational system also serves as a mindfulness practice, prompting individuals to regularly assess how they are utilizing their time and energy and determine if those investments are worthwhile. Carroll emphasizes the importance of avoiding productivity on tasks that are not aligned with one's goals. Initially using journaling to enhance focus and advance his career due to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Carroll eventually delved into assessing the emotional impact of his accomplishments. By reflecting on whether tasks provided energy or drained it, he observed a trend: activities that brought a sense of purpose and pride involved aiding others and performing acts of service. He suggested that if you are unsure of what you want, you will never find contentment in what you already possess. To combat overwhelming amounts of information, Cal Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown University and author of “Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World,” advises simplifying your news consumption. Instead of being bombarded by various sources, he suggests choosing one or two reliable sources to read at a designated time each day. For example, you could listen to a news podcast during your commute or read a newspaper during breakfast. Newport, who is 39 years old and has never used social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok, also recommends taking a 30-day break from optional technologies in your life. He wrote about the experience of 1,600 individuals who attempted it, noting that those who completed the entire 30 days were enthusiastic and determined to make the most of their time. Instead of mindlessly using social media in your spare moments, consider engaging in other activities such as reading, going for a walk in nature, or simply relaxing and listening to music. Allocate time for those activities. Clear out your physical space. During the pandemic, and especially during lockdown, many people have started to declutter their homes, a trend The Washington Post called the "great decluttering." If you haven't tackled your clutter yet, now is a good time to do so. According to Catherine Roster, a professor at the University of New Mexico, messy spaces can hinder clear thinking and impact various aspects of a person's life, including emotions and productivity. If hiring a professional organizer is not an option, Roster recommends enlisting a friend who is also decluttering to provide support and help make decisions about what to keep. Listening to music while sorting and organizing can help motivate you, according to Barbara Greenberg, a clinical psychologist. Many of her patients are feeling emotionally cluttered due to information overload and social isolation or unmet emotional needs. She advises reconnecting with loved ones who bring support and positivity into your life. If it has been a long time since you last communicated with someone, it may feel strange at first to reach out again. However, Greenberg suggests being straightforward and honest. You could explain the situation by saying something like, "We lost touch during the pandemic, but now things are settling down and I would love to reconnect with you. Not being able to see you has been something I have missed." This could lead to a positive domino effect where the person you contacted feels motivated to reach out to others as well. "Everyone appreciates receiving that kind of communication," she added. Copyright 2022 by The New York Times Company. | 2 |
Critics on both the right and left have criticized Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for different reasons. On the right, he has been criticized for including an Arab party in the coalition, which some say has weakened Israel's ability to police its Arab minority and respond to recent attacks by Arab citizens. On the left, Bennett has faced criticism for making minor concessions to the Palestinians while ruling out peace talks or the formation of a Palestinian state, leading to increased Palestinian despair and violence. Bennett's options in responding to the violence are limited by the diverse composition of his coalition, which includes right-wing, centrist, leftist, and Arab Islamist parties. Despite finding ways to work together, the recent attacks have highlighted the differing worldviews within the alliance. These attacks serve as a reminder that the Palestinian issue remains unresolved and a potential source of conflict, despite Israeli desires for peace. Bennett, like Netanyahu before him, has pushed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the side, viewing it as a problem to be managed rather than solved. Previous peace talks ended in 2014, and the Palestinian leadership's disunity has hindered progress. Israeli leaders, including Bennett, openly oppose a Palestinian state. Recent violence has led some in Israel to recognize the instability of the current situation, though opinions remain entrenched. Ofer Zalzberg, director of the Middle East Program at the Herbert C Kelman Institute, described the conversation around the conflict as repetitive with few new arguments. He stated that people tend to stick to their beliefs regardless of changing events, choosing their stance based on where they are situated. Some witnesses and survivors of the recent shooting in Bnei Brak feel that the attack by a West Bank Palestinian further solidified the belief that there is no Palestinian partner for peace and that a Palestinian state would pose a greater threat to Israelis. Despite Bennett's opposition to Palestinian sovereignty, he faced criticism for his collaboration with Ra’am and for issuing more work permits to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Calls for residents to avoid hiring Palestinian workers have been seen in the city, with some mayors shutting down construction sites that employed Palestinians and urging contractors to refrain from hiring them. Moshe Waldman, an accountant in Bnei Brak who witnessed part of the attack, believes that the families of terrorists should face severe punishment. He suggests that their homes should be destroyed as a means of real deterrence. Waldman feels that the world often advises negotiation, but in this situation, that is not the appropriate response. We are facing significant challenges because of the animosity towards us. While some criticize Bennett for being too accommodating towards Arab Israelis and Palestinians, others believe he is not doing enough. The Israeli government has taken steps such as granting work permits and legal status to West Bank Palestinians, providing financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, allowing visits between families in Gaza and Israeli jails, and engaging more openly with Palestinian leaders. However, critics argue that this approach, aimed at reducing conflict, does little to address the core issues of Palestinian life under occupation. The Israeli army continues to conduct raids in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority, and there remains a two-tier justice system in the West Bank favoring Israeli settlers over Palestinians. The dream of Palestinians for statehood remains out of reach, with a lack of hope and political progress on the Palestinian front. According to Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst based in Tel Aviv for the International Crisis Group, Israelis have grown accustomed to maintaining the current situation without facing any consequences. However, the absence of a political process has created a climate more prone to violence. In the immediate future, Bennett faces the challenging task of enhancing Israeli security and addressing the concerns of his right-wing supporters, all while avoiding actions that could worsen violence or alienate his coalition partners. As a result, the Israeli army has deployed additional forces to the West Bank and the Gaza border, and the Israeli Police has shifted its focus primarily to counterterrorism efforts. Bennett has also urged Israeli civilians to carry licensed firearms, a decision that has worried many Arab citizens of Israel, according to Bashaer Fahoum-Jayoussi, co-chair of the board of the Abraham Initiatives. She expressed concern that this could lead to the militarization of citizens and further fuel hate speech against the Arab community in Israel. In an effort to ease tensions, Bennett has praised his Arab coalition partner, Mansour Abbas, and the government still permits thousands of Palestinians to enter Israel from the West Bank and Gaza daily. There have been no changes to a plan allowing retirees from the West Bank to enter Jerusalem during Ramadan, which begins this weekend. Bennett's office chose not to comment, but his close ally Micah Goodman, who promoted the concept of "shrinking the conflict," stated that it is too early to assess the government's strategy in the West Bank and Israel. Goodman believes that achieving the gradual liberation of Palestinians in the West Bank and their integration within Israel will take years, not months. He also noted that fear is the dominant emotion for Israelis in the conflict, while humiliation is the main emotion for Palestinians. Reducing the conflict involves lessening fear for Israelis due to decreased terrorism and reducing humiliation for Palestinians by decreasing occupation. This process takes time and cannot be assessed after just nine months of this government. If the current violence decreases, it could indicate the effectiveness of the Bennett government's approach. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack in Bnei Brak, showing increased engagement with Israeli officials. If the violence decreases, it may show that the PA is a valuable partner in fighting against Israel's enemies, creating space for actions that strengthen the PA without achieving full Palestinian statehood. However, some believe that these incremental measures do not alleviate the occupation but instead allow for its entrenchment through the growth of settlements and settler violence. She stated that the occupation is continuing and is deteriorating further. | 2 |
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