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A married couple from Bristol has shared a pair of photographs taken 15 years apart, showcasing the alarming pace at which glaciers in the Swiss Alps are melting. The photos, posted by Duncan Porter, a software developer, depict the Rhône Glacier in August 2009 and again in August 2024. The stark contrast between the images highlights the devastating impact of global heating on these majestic ice formations. In the earlier photo, the glacier's white ice dominates the background, while in the recent one, much of it has melted away, revealing grey rock. A small pool at the bottom of the glacier, barely visible in 2009, has transformed into a vast green lake by 2024. Porter shared the emotional impact of witnessing this drastic change, stating, “Not gonna lie, it made me cry,” in a post on the social media platform X. Porter and his wife, Helen, who originally took the photograph during a visit to a viewpoint near a now-closed “Wes Anderson-style” hotel, were eager to recreate the image to show their teenage daughters, Maisie and Emily, the glacier. However, the stark difference between the two photos was both shocking and heartbreaking. Helen Porter, a nurse, expressed her disbelief, saying, “I thought it was really unbelievable.” The significant melting of the Rhône Glacier is a direct result of the planet's rising temperatures. Since preindustrial times, carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels and destroying nature has increased global temperatures by 1.3°C. Europe, which has warmed twice as fast as the global average, has seen its glaciers melt at an alarming rate. Official statistics indicate that Switzerland has lost one-third of its glacier volume since 2000, with 10% of that loss occurring in just the past two years. Porter, who is a committee member of a local climate action group in south-west England, emphasized the importance of taking action against climate change. He acknowledged that many people feel helpless when confronted with such stark evidence but pointed out that there are numerous ways individuals can contribute to the fight against climate change. He highlighted the role of local community projects and encouraged people to push for systemic change through their voting and shopping choices. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that in its worst-case scenario, “nearly all glacier mass” in low latitudes, central Europe, the Caucasus, western Canada and the US, north Asia, Scandinavia, and New Zealand could disappear in the coming centuries. While the Rhône Glacier has fared better than some other Swiss glaciers, it has still shrunk by about a quarter in the 15 years between Porter’s photographs. Swiss climate scientist Sonia Seneviratne, who co-authored an IPCC report and visited the Rhône Glacier as a teenager, expressed her sadness at the photos. “It was a very impressive glacier,” she said. “It’s very sad to see those pictures because you see how large the changes have been.” Porter’s post on X garnered widespread attention, with 3 million views and reactions ranging from horror to heartbreak. However, it also attracted comments from climate change deniers, many of which were abusive and based on misinformation. Porter noted that while glaciers naturally recede and grow over long periods, the current speed of change is unprecedented and alarming. “These things are supposed to happen over really long time periods,” he said. “What people should focus on is the speed of change.” The photos shared by Duncan and Helen Porter serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the rapid melting of glaciers like the Rhône Glacier highlights the pressing need for collective action to protect our planet for future generations. Credit: The Guardian 2024-08-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

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Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, has engaged in a heated exchange with Downing Street following his controversial comments about the possibility of civil war in the UK. Musk made his initial remarks on his social media platform, X, in response to a video showing rioters setting off fireworks at police, declaring that "civil war is inevitable." The prime minister's spokesperson quickly dismissed Musk's assertion, stating there is "no justification for comments like that" and warning that "anyone who is whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law." The situation escalated when Musk responded to a social media post by Sir Keir Starmer, who had condemned the violence directed at Muslims. The unrest included far-right demonstrations targeting mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers. Starmer emphasized that such acts "are not protest, they are pure violence" and asserted, "We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities." In a pointed reply, Musk questioned Starmer’s focus: "Shouldn't you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?" This exchange highlights the broader concern over online disinformation and its potential role in exacerbating civil unrest. The UK government is urging social media companies to take greater responsibility for curbing harmful online content that may be fueling the violence. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle convened a meeting with executives from Tiktok, Meta, Google, and X to emphasize their obligation to combat the spread of hateful misinformation and incitement. Kyle stressed the urgency of the matter: "There is a significant amount of content circulating that platforms need to be dealing with at pace. Different companies take different approaches, and I expect platforms to ensure that those seeking to spread hate online are not being facilitated and have nowhere to hide." Heidi Alexander, the Courts Minister, supported Downing Street's criticism of Musk's comments. She underscored the need for calm and condemned the notion that civil war is inevitable as "totally unjustified." Alexander pointed out that while some legislation on online harms from the previous government has not yet come into force, social media companies should proactively address the issue. "They should be actually doing the right thing and asking themselves what more they can be doing to stop the propagation and dissemination of this material and content online," she said. The row between Musk and UK officials underscores the ongoing debate about the role of social media in shaping public discourse and the responsibility of tech giants in mitigating the spread of harmful content. As tensions continue to rise, the UK government remains firm in its stance that online platforms must do more to prevent the incitement of violence and maintain social order. Credit: Sky News News 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

In a heated exchange that has further fueled the political drama leading up to the 2024 election, former President Donald Trump has accused Vice President Kamala Harris of being "afraid" to debate him on Fox News. This assertion comes despite Trump's own withdrawal from a previously agreed debate on ABC News set for next month. "Kamala Harris is afraid to debate me on Fox News," Trump wrote on Truth Social early Tuesday morning. "She will be easier to defeat on the debate stage than Crooked Joe Biden, just watch!" This statement was made in the context of Harris's campaign increasing pressure for Trump to engage in a debate with her, following President Biden's recent withdrawal from the race. Trump and Biden had initially agreed to a September 10 debate hosted by ABC News. However, with Biden no longer in the running, Trump has shown reluctance to commit to the debate. He has questioned the necessity of participating if he is leading in the polls, a sentiment he echoed during his absence from the GOP primary debates. "I mean, right now I say, why should I do a debate?" Trump told Fox Business Network host Maria Bartiromo last week. "I'm leading in the polls. And, everybody knows her, everybody knows me." A few days later, Trump announced his acceptance of a debate to be hosted by Fox News on September 4, stating he would not attend the ABC-hosted debate. This decision has sparked a strong reaction from the Harris campaign, which accused Trump of seeking refuge in Fox News to avoid a more challenging confrontation. "Donald Trump is running scared and trying to back out of the debate he already agreed to and running straight to Fox News to bail him out," said Michael Tyler, a communications representative for the Harris campaign. "He needs to stop playing games and show up to the debate he already committed to on September 10. The Vice President will be there one way or the other to take the opportunity to speak to a prime-time national audience." The Harris campaign's stance is that Trump is trying to evade a direct confrontation, despite Harris recently securing enough delegates to become the Democratic nominee. This development has added momentum to her campaign, which continues to gain traction. Recent polling data, such as a CBS News/YouGov poll released on Sunday, showed Harris with a narrow 1-point lead over Trump nationally and a tied position with him across key battleground states. This polling suggests a competitive race, emphasizing the high stakes of the proposed debates. Credit: Hill 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Staffordshire Police have come under fire after a police liaison officer was filmed advising a group of counter-protesters to discard weapons at a mosque. This incident, which occurred amidst violent anti-immigration protests, has led to a significant backlash and a subsequent review by the police force. The controversial footage, live-streamed on TikTok, captures the liaison officer addressing a crowd of men outside the Darul Falah mosque in Hanley. The protests in the city center had turned violent, leading to this confrontation. In the video, the officer, identifiable by his blue police vest, informs the crowd that the "EDL lot have gone home" and urges them to dispose of any weapons. Using a loudspeaker, the officer says, "We will work with you guys for the best solution. The EDL lot I’ve been assured have left. If there are any weapons or anything like that, then what I would do is discard them at the mosque. Don’t give anybody any reason to have any interaction with the police, so if there’s any weapons, get rid of them, we are not going to arrest anybody. You don’t want us to make arrests or start dispersing people. Is that alright?" This footage, believed to have been recorded after the counter-protest, quickly spread on social media, sparking widespread concern and criticism. Staffordshire Police acknowledged that the video has significantly undermined public confidence, particularly regarding the officer's advice to the crowd. In response to the public outcry, the force has launched a thorough review to evaluate the footage and assess whether the officer's actions were appropriate. A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police commented on the incident, stating, "We recognise that some footage shared on social media has gained traction and impacted on public confidence, particularly surrounding a protest liaison officer giving words of advice to a group in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday. We are actively reviewing this footage and all of the material available. We will address any lessons to be learned and assess whether the action taken was proportionate while we continue to reassure people in the local community." The unrest in Stoke-on-Trent was part of a broader wave of disorder that has affected several cities following the tragic Southport killings, in which three girls lost their lives. The violence in Stoke escalated as groups clashed around the mosque, leading to the deployment of riot police in large numbers. These clashes resulted in injuries to three officers and ten arrests. In the wake of the incident, Staffordshire Police have charged two individuals with offenses related to the disorder. Jarrod Hollinshead, aged 26, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words or behavior likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. Lee Bodman, aged 52, faces charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker and breaching a criminal behavior order. Both individuals are scheduled to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre later this month. To address the broader issue of the disorder, Staffordshire Police have appointed a senior investigating officer to lead a post-incident investigation. While this investigation is ongoing, the force continues to review the actions captured in the widely shared video. The goal is to learn from the incident, address any shortcomings, and work towards restoring public trust in law enforcement. This incident has highlighted the challenges faced by police forces in managing public order during highly charged and volatile situations. The actions of the liaison officer, intended to de-escalate the situation, have instead raised questions about the appropriate methods of maintaining peace and order. As the review progresses, Staffordshire Police aim to provide transparency and accountability, reinforcing their commitment to public safety and community relations. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Ireland is set to ban the wearing of balaclavas and other face coverings at protests where there is clear intent to intimidate or evade police identification. This decision comes in response to a surge in disturbances at anti-immigration demonstrations. The government has received legal advice supporting the ban, which aims to curb the use of masks in potentially threatening situations. Helen McEntee, the Justice Minister, confirmed the forthcoming legislation, stating, "The minister intends to introduce a ban on wearing masks at protests in circumstances where the wearing of a mask is intended to intimidate." This move is particularly significant in Ireland, where balaclavas carry a menacing connotation due to their historical association with paramilitary groups during the Troubles. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris highlighted the "potentially sinister overtures" of wearing balaclavas in Ireland in a recent internal note. The new law will include exemptions for wearing face coverings for medical reasons or due to cold weather. This measure mirrors similar actions taken in the UK, where police were empowered to arrest masked protesters earlier this year following riots in Southport. In the UK, those found guilty of wearing masks with the intention to intimidate face a fine of £1,000 or up to a month in prison. Ireland has witnessed a series of violent protests and riots linked to anti-immigration sentiments. In November last year, Dublin city center saw businesses looted and trams torched after children were attacked outside a city center creche. More recently, balaclava-wearing protesters clashed with Irish police at the proposed site of an asylum facility in Coolock, Dublin. Similar protests in June saw masked demonstrators gather outside Taoiseach Simon Harris’s family home to voice their opposition to the government's immigration policies. Despite the threats, Harris has refused to move to an official state residence, citing concerns about uprooting his family. The unrest has also spread to Northern Ireland, where Irish far-right groups joined loyalist protesters in Belfast. Following the Southport stabbings, a rally outside Belfast City Hall turned violent, leading to the arrest of four people and the injury of three police officers. Reports indicate that loyalist groups, including the UDA in south Belfast and Carrickfergus, had encouraged their members to "mask up" and join the protest. The Irish far-right protesters, some wrapped in the Irish tricolour, were seen alongside hardline unionists waving the British flag and later drinking in a loyalist bar in Sandy Row. Sources told the Belfast Telegraph that the Irish far-right received a "heroes' welcome" in the pub. The Irish government has condemned the actions of these protesters. The Taoiseach expressed disgust, stating, "This is repugnant to everything the Irish flag represents," after holding talks with Michelle O’Neill, the First Minister of Northern Ireland. Irish police and the Police Service of Northern Ireland are collaborating on an investigation into the Belfast riots, which saw businesses attacked and one set on fire. Liam Kelly, Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, praised the professionalism of the police during these confrontations, saying, "Our teams showed professionalism throughout in the face of such hate-filled racism and far-right thuggery. This is not who we are. This is not the Belfast that has made great progress. Hate has no place on our streets and it has to stop before it causes further damage or results in innocent people being hurt by the baying mob." The ban on balaclavas in Ireland aims to prevent the escalation of violence and ensure that protests remain peaceful and non-threatening. As the country grapples with rising anti-immigration sentiment, this legislative measure represents a step towards maintaining public order and safeguarding the values that the Irish flag represents. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Nikki Hiltz, one of America's premier middle-distance runners, has embarked on a remarkable journey since coming out as nonbinary and transgender in 2021. This three-year transformation has not only elevated their athletic career but also positioned them as a beacon of hope and representation for the LGBTQ+ community. As they prepare to compete in the Paris Olympics, Hiltz's story is one of perseverance, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of authenticity. In June 2021, at the U.S. Olympic trials at Hayward Field, Hiltz found themselves questioning their place in the sport. Having come out just three months earlier, they were gripped by self-doubt and uncertainty about their acceptance in the world of athletics. Fast forward to the present, and Hiltz stands as a transformed individual, having won their second consecutive national title in the women's 1,500-meter race and earning a spot on the Olympic team. They have become a symbol of strength and resilience for the queer community, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and representation in sports. "I can do this," Hiltz affirmed to themselves before the final race. "The world will make space for you." This self-assurance was reflected in their stunning performance, where they surged ahead in the final 100 meters to clinch victory. Hiltz's triumph not only solidified their status as a top athlete but also marked a historic milestone as the first openly transgender and nonbinary American track and field Olympian. Their presence in Paris will be more than just a personal achievement; it will be a powerful statement on the global stage. "I'm just looking forward to keep showing up as myself, keep taking up space," Hiltz said after their victory. "I use they/them pronouns. And people stumble all the time. But it’s kind of like, you can’t really ignore me anymore, because I’m a two-time back-to-back champion — I’m-here-get-it-right kind of vibe." The support Hiltz receives from fans and the LGBTQ+ community far outweighs any backlash. At their races, spectators wave Pride flags and cheer loudly when their name is announced. Hiltz and their partner, Emma Gee, also contribute to the community through their Pride 5K event in Flagstaff, Arizona, which raises funds for the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. Since its inception in 2020, the event has donated $175,000, underscoring Hiltz's commitment to making a positive impact beyond the track. Being a torchbearer for a cause can be a heavy burden. Gee, who ran at BYU, acknowledges the "emotional weight" of such responsibility. However, Hiltz and those close to them believe that their success is intrinsically linked to their decision to come out in 2021. Connecting with fellow transgender and nonbinary individuals through track and advocacy has been a source of empowerment for Hiltz. "It gives life to their running," said Hiltz's mother, Liz. "For them, it’s got to be more than about just track." Hiltz's journey to the Olympics comes at a time when transgender athletes face significant challenges and political attacks. Many on the political right, including former President Donald Trump, have used the issue of transgender women in sports as a divisive tool, arguing that female athletes need protection from competitors assigned male at birth. The Trans Legislation Tracker has recorded 637 anti-trans bills introduced in 43 state legislatures this year alone, many of which are sports-related. Hiltz's upbringing instilled in them a sense of purpose beyond personal achievement. Their maternal grandfather, Edward R. Cony, won a Pulitzer Prize for a series of investigative stories, and both of their parents were educators. Liz Hiltz often reminded Nikki of a quote from her classroom: "With great power comes great responsibility." Reflecting on their privilege, Hiltz said, "I’m so privileged. I’m White. I have an incredible support system. My family has always been accepting of me when I came out about my sexuality and then when I came out as my gender identity. I know so many queer people don’t have that love and support." Hiltz, assigned female at birth, competes in the women's category and does not take hormone treatments, which would violate World Athletics' doping code. Despite this, they are often the target of ignorance. Social media has been rife with false claims about Hiltz's gender. In response to one such post alleging that they were assigned male at birth, Hiltz wrote, "The ‘wE cAn aLwAys TeLL’ crowd at it again. Ted how bout you go touch some grass and then type into Google ‘what does nonbinary mean?’" They have learned to filter out the trolls and focus on educating those who are open-minded. "Maybe there’s an opportunity to change someone’s mind about something," Hiltz said. "Or maybe someday if that person has a kid and that kid is nonbinary, they’re like, ‘Oh, I’ve heard of that before.’ I don’t think we’re ever going to change our society or the way we think by just being like, ‘F--- you,’ and then, ‘Well, f--- you!’ The middle — it’s like the nonbinary place to be. It’s where the change can be made." Even during their Olympic preparation, Hiltz remains vocal about issues affecting their community. When two female boxers were disqualified from the Paris Games following unspecified gender tests, sparking controversy, Hiltz spoke out. "Transphobia is going crazy at these Olympics," they wrote on Instagram. "Anti-trans rhetoric is anti-woman. These people aren’t ‘protecting women’s sport,’ they are enforcing rigid gender norms, and anyone who doesn’t fit into those norms is targeted and vilified." Hiltz hopes for change in their sport. World Athletics currently prohibits transgender women from competing in the women’s category and tests women’s naturally occurring hormone levels for certain events. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has stated that the organization prioritizes inclusiveness, but not at the expense of fairness. "I’m elected to protect and preserve the female category," Coe said. "If I don’t and we don’t, then no woman is ever going to win another sporting event, particularly in track and field. The issue was clear to us." Hiltz went to Paris having achieved one goal (becoming an Olympian) and holding tight to another (winning a medal). Those goals are subsumed by Hiltz’s larger mission. By making space for themself, they have left a path for others to follow. “I’ve been called the first a lot — the first nonbinary person to do this or this,” Hiltz said. “That’s so cool. I’m so excited for whoever is second or third. I’m first, but I’m definitely not the last.” Credit: Washington Post 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

The sudden cancellation of a plea deal in the September 11 case last week has left victims’ families in a state of shock and raised significant political questions for the Pentagon and the Biden administration. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision on Friday to revoke the deal, which would have taken the death penalty off the table for three prisoners accused of plotting the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was described as “emotional whiplash” by family members who had supported the plan. This plea agreement was intended to resolve the long-running case with lifetime sentences for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the man accused of planning the attacks, and two alleged accomplices. The announcement of the deal, and its subsequent revocation, has reignited public attention and controversy. Republicans and some victims’ families criticized the plea agreement as too lenient, arguing that the defendants deserved harsher punishment. The administration’s sudden reversal has now put the case back in the spotlight, raising questions about the future of the legal proceedings and the political motivations behind the decision. The plea agreement was reached between the Office of Military Commissions and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, also known as KSM, along with two of his accomplices. The deal involved life sentences, allowing the defendants to avoid the death penalty. This agreement was an effort to bring an end to cases that have been mired in delays and pretrial proceedings for years. KSM is accused of masterminding the deadly 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Two of his accomplices who accepted the deal are also accused of involvement in the attacks, while another two prisoners have been charged but did not reach a plea deal last week. All five defendants have been held since the early 2000s and are currently detained at the Guantanamo Bay facility in Cuba. They were initially charged in 2008 and again in 2012 but have remained in pretrial status. Retired Brigadier General Susan Escallier, a lawyer and the Pentagon official responsible for military commissions, signed off on the plea agreement with the three men. The contents of the deal remained mostly secret, following the 51st round of pretrial hearings, a closed court session that did not involve the defendants. Shortly after Escallier approved the deal, family members of the 9/11 victims were notified by phone. One individual was told the agreement was “the best worst option,” according to The New York Times. In a letter to the relatives, survivors of the attacks, and other victims, including New York City firefighters, prosecutors stated that they had not reached the decision “lightly.” Defense Secretary Austin, who was returning from a weeklong trip to Asia, learned of the deal towards the end of his flight. Austin’s order, released on Friday night, nullified the earlier agreements. As the ultimate authority above Escallier, the head of the Convening Authority at the Pentagon, Austin oversees the Office of the Military Commissions, which was established after 9/11 to prosecute foreign individuals on terrorism charges. The announcement of the plea deal late Wednesday was met with immediate criticism from Republicans, who accused the Biden administration of failing to stand up to terrorists. Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell both released statements condemning the deal, claiming it would embolden terrorists. Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Austin demanding answers about how the plea deal was reached. Representative James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, opened a formal investigation into the plea deal and sent a letter to President Biden requesting relevant records, communications, and information. Following Austin’s decision to revoke the plea deal, Senators Tom Cotton and Mitch McConnell issued a joint statement expressing their relief that the defense secretary had “come to his senses.” They also threatened to pursue legislation if another deal is made, stating, “The President must know that we continue to watch this situation closely. The Justice for 9/11 Act is introduced, and if the Administration ever changes course, we stand ready to overturn any future cowardly plea deals with the murderous mastermind of that tragic day.” Some Democrats, however, expressed disappointment over Austin’s reversal. Senator Dick Durbin urged Secretary Austin to reconsider his decision, highlighting the impact on 9/11 families and the perceived lack of independence that has plagued the military commissions from the start. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh revealed that Austin was “surprised” by the U.S. military commission’s decision. Singh told reporters that the Pentagon chief “was certainly surprised as we all were.” She added, “This is a case of such significance that the secretary felt it was appropriate for the authority to rest with him.” Austin’s timing, coming after criticism from Republicans and victims’ families and ahead of a contentious presidential election, has raised questions about whether the move was politically motivated. The White House has avoided direct questions about its role in Austin’s decision, with national security spokesperson John Kirby stating that the decision was within Austin’s authority as the head of the Defense Department. Singh also emphasized that Austin reached the decision independently and that there had been no consultation with President Biden. The reversal of the plea deal has left some family members of the 9/11 victims stunned. The group September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, which supported the plea deal, described the situation as “emotional whiplash.” They acknowledged that while the plea deal was not the outcome originally hoped for, it offered a path to finality. The group criticized the reversal, stating that it “betrays 9/11 family members” and “undermines the very government attorneys charged with prosecuting this case.” They expressed broader concerns for the country and the future, highlighting the compromise of legal principles. Other families had previously expressed anger with the plea deal, arguing that it circumvented their desire for a trial that would fully reveal the details of the 9/11 attacks. One group, 9/11 Justice, was concerned about not being able to obtain information from KSM and the other defendants to support their ongoing civil case linking Saudi Arabia to the attacks. Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families United, expressed relief at Austin’s revocation of the plea deal, stating, “Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his associates should be shown the same mercy they showed my husband and the thousands of others they brutally murdered on 9/11—none.” She praised Secretary Austin for “doing the right thing and listening to the voices of the 9/11 community.” Strada’s organization also seeks justice against Saudi Arabia and supports legislation that would allow plaintiffs to more easily sue individuals or entities, including countries, for aiding and abetting terrorism. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also opposed Austin’s decision to revoke the plea deal, arguing that he had “prevented a guilty verdict.” The ACLU stated that this act violated the law and vowed to challenge it in court. They accused politics of dishonoring an agreement reached after years of hard work and consultation by all parties involved. The future of the case remains uncertain. The military commission has struggled for years to bring the defendants to trial, and the case may once again be mired in lengthy legal proceedings. The commission has generally struggled to secure convictions, with only eight people convicted of terrorism-related cases post-9/11, four of which have been overturned. Zacarias Moussaoui, known as the 20th hijacker, remains the only person convicted related to the 9/11 cases. He was detained in August 2001 before the attacks. In KSM’s case, the U.S. has faced accusations of torture at Guantanamo Bay, including waterboarding, which may render interrogation evidence inadmissible in court. Despite the years of delays, Austin believes a trial is necessary. Singh stated, “He believes that the families and the American public deserve the opportunity to see military commission trials carried out in this case. If we can move to the trials – and that has been ongoing and has been many, many years – but that is what he believes is the best course of action.” The path forward remains complex and fraught with legal and political challenges, as the quest for justice for the 9/11 victims continues. Credit: Hill 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

"I was absolutely certain I would die in Putin’s prison." This stark statement comes from Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Russian opposition politician, in his first in-depth interview following his surprise release in the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War. The man sitting before me is painfully thin—a consequence of the stress endured during his incarceration, he says. Still reeling from his sudden transfer from a high-security jail in Siberia to forced exile, Kara-Murza's experience over the past two years has been nothing short of harrowing. Describing his release as surreal, like watching a film, he also adds that it's a "good film" because he has finally been reunited with his family. He had not seen them since his arrest in Moscow in April 2022. His youngest son, anxious not to let him out of sight, follows him everywhere. Kara-Murza, who holds British citizenship, was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years for his relentless criticism of Vladimir Putin and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During his 11 months in solitary confinement, Kara-Murza was subjected to harsh conditions, including folding away his bed each morning at 5:00 AM and being allowed only an hour or so each day with paper and pen. "It’s so easy to lose your mind. You lose sense of time, space. Everything really," he reveals. "You do nothing, speak to no one, go nowhere. Day after day after day." Denied phone calls home, he only spoke to his children twice in over two years. The physical toll of imprisonment was exacerbated by his fragile health. Nearly a decade ago, Kara-Murza almost died from an unknown toxin and continues to suffer from nerve damage. In September, a prison doctor warned him he had "a year, 18 months at best" to live if he remained behind bars. "After two FSB poisonings, I don’t exactly have the right state of health for a strict regime prison," he explains with a wry smile. Last week, Kara-Murza was one of eight Russian dissidents who went missing from their prisons. As lawyers and relatives raised alarms, rumors of a looming swap began to swirl. The prisoners, however, were kept in the dark. When guards burst into Kara-Murza's cell in Omsk, he feared he was about to be executed. "I actually thought they were going to execute me," he recalls. Kara-Murza had been instructed to sign a request for a presidential pardon but refused, unwilling to beg for mercy from Vladimir Putin, whom he calls "a dictator, usurper, and a murderer." Instead, he was transferred to Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo FSB jail. Five days later, he was led out to board a bus where he saw other dissidents, each accompanied by an FSB guard in a balaclava. Another guard announced over the bus microphone that they were being taken for a prisoner swap, without providing details. "No-one asked our consent," Kara-Murza says. "We were loaded onto a plane like cattle and flown out." The dissidents landed in Germany, with Kara-Murza dressed in the only civilian clothes he owned: black long-johns, a T-shirt, and prison shower flip-flops. The Russian dissidents were part of a "bundle" of political prisoners released alongside high-profile U.S. nationals, such as journalist Evan Gershkovich. Among the released were former activists from Alexei Navalny's team, the opposition politician who died in prison earlier this year. Initially, Navalny was supposed to be part of the complex swap. In return, Russia received a handful of spies and criminals, including the key prize sought by Vladimir Putin: an FSB hitman named Vadim Krasikov, who had committed a murder in broad daylight in a Berlin park. The judge sentencing Krasikov to life in prison called the killing an act of "state terrorism." Krasikov was welcomed back to Russia with a red carpet and a hug from Putin himself. "To everyone who criticizes this [swap], I would respectfully urge them not to think of prisoner exchanges but of saving lives," Kara-Murza argues, responding to the controversy over freeing Krasikov. "Aren’t 16 lives worth releasing one murderer?" For a long time, Germany was unsure. The delay, Kara-Murza believes, may have cost Alexei Navalny his life. The joy of the Kara-Murzas’ reunion is marred by thoughts of those still imprisoned in Russia. "I’m so happy and overwhelmed to see these people free, but also very sad so many people were left behind," his wife Evgenia tells me. "I feel guilty." The Memorial human rights organization lists hundreds of political prisoners, and Evgenia had been campaigning hard for a priority group. "There are people with serious medical conditions, like Alexei Gorinov who’s missing part of his lung, who don’t have a lot of time," she adds. Vladimir Kara-Murza speaks of those "still languishing in Putin’s Gulag" and holds out hope for further exchanges. However, his freedom came with immediate controversy. Shortly after landing in Germany, he argued that sanctions related to the Ukraine war should be better targeted, causing uproar among Ukrainians who felt his first priority upon release should not have been to soften Russia's punishment for waging war. Kara-Murza calls it calibration. "I need more information," he admits. "I realize that February 2022 changed a lot." Yet he questions why a Russian human rights lawyer can't travel to the Baltic states for a conference while a Russian missile containing a Western-made chip can hit a residential building in Ukraine. "The responsibility for what the Putin regime is doing there is shared by Russian society, a large part of which chose to close their eyes to the abuses and repression," he argues. "But let’s not forget the responsibility of those Western countries who for years preferred to deal with Vladimir Putin and do business, knowing full well who he was and what he represented." In 2022, Vladimir Kara-Murza was arrested because he insisted on staying in Russia and speaking out. Now, barred from traveling, he worries about his right to call others to action. He feels he may be "more constrained" but remains committed to condemning the war on Ukraine. "Putin can’t be allowed to win this war. Ukraine must win, and there should be more support from Western countries so that happens," he asserts. Historically, he notes, "windows of opportunity" for democratic change often open after "disastrous military defeat." As his plane took off from Russia, the FSB guard beside him told him to look out of the window, suggesting it would be the last time he saw his motherland. The activist laughed and responded, "I’m a historian, so I am sure I will be back in my country." With conviction, he added, "And it will be much quicker than you think." Credit: BBC 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns that former President Trump and his campaign team were taken aback by President Biden’s unexpected decision to withdraw from the 2024 reelection race. This sudden shift has left Trump’s team scrambling to respond to the surge of momentum behind Vice President Kamala Harris, who has stepped in as the Democratic presidential nominee. Some GOP senators believe that Trump should have anticipated the change in the Democratic ticket and crafted a strategy in advance. They see Trump’s awkward comments about Harris’s racial heritage at the National Association of Black Journalists convention as indicative of the campaign’s lack of preparation. The selection of Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) as Trump’s running mate is viewed as further evidence that Trump was caught off guard by Biden’s exit. Vance’s controversial views on issues such as abortion and his disparaging remarks about “childless cat ladies” are seen as potentially damaging, playing into the narratives that Harris and the Democrats are likely to use against him. One Republican senator, who spoke to Trump before the announcement of Vance as his running mate, noted that Trump was skeptical about Biden stepping down. This senator described the campaign’s reaction as shocked and surprised by how quickly the Democratic Party unified behind Harris. The senator emphasized that Harris is more formidable than many Republicans anticipated, pointing out that a shorter election campaign favors her and highlighting her successful fundraising efforts, with Harris announcing she had raised $310 million in July. The lawmaker remarked, “I think they were caught off guard. I think they were surprised. I think there was shock when the Democrats revived [their party] really quickly” and unified support behind Harris. “I think she’s more formidable than Republicans give her credit for. It’s going to be a short election. That favors her. It’s going to be sprint. We’re used to these long elections; this one’s going to end up being short. That helps her.” Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of Trump, acknowledged that Trump had considered the possibility of Harris becoming the Democratic nominee. However, he admitted that Trump is struggling to find an effective message against Harris amid the enthusiastic response from the Democratic base. Graham suggested that Trump should focus on policy issues, criticizing Harris for her role in decisions such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan and her involvement as the “border czar.” He commented, “It’s pretty hard; she’s sort of having a honeymoon period here. I think the way forward is, she empowered the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, she was the border czar, on and on and on. Her policy choices have been disastrous for our country. I think that’s the theme.” Democrats have countered Republican criticisms, pointing out that Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration from Central American countries, not directly managing border security. The GOP has been scrambling to gather details on Harris’s record since Biden’s announcement, with Trump making several false claims about her during his first rally after she became the presumptive nominee. He accused Harris, falsely, of wanting to lift the Social Security retirement age, of heading up the criminal and civil prosecutions against him, and of wanting to outlaw red meat to fight climate change. On Wednesday, Trump dropped one of the biggest bombshells of the campaign by falsely claiming that Harris had embraced her Black identity only a few years ago and insisted he didn’t even know whether she was Black or Indian. The comments set off an uproar on Capitol Hill. Democrats condemned Trump’s mocking of Harris’s racial identity, while Republicans rushed to distance themselves from their nominee’s remarks. GOP senators said Trump’s response to Harris’s entry into the race shows the hallmarks of someone who was unprepared for a dramatic turn in the race, even though Biden had been under intense pressure since his disastrous June 27 debate to step aside. Trump on Thursday again tried to make an issue of Harris’s race by circulating a photo of Harris dressed in a sari, a traditional Indian garment, alongside her mother, who was born in Chennai, India. He wrote, “Thank you Kamala for the nice picture you sent from many years ago! Your warmth, friendship, and love of your Indian Heritage are very much appreciated,” in an ironic caption. His post flew in the face of advice from allied GOP senators who were urging him Thursday to drop the talk about race and instead focus on policy differences. “If you’re running for president or if you want to be CEO of a company, a campaign built on insults of an individual — we should be so far beyond that. It should not be about which nasty name you call somebody,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “It should be about the issues. I think the American people deserve more than what we’re seeing with this approach to a campaign. I just think it’s wrong.” A third Republican senator said Trump was “not prepared” for Biden to drop out and for Democrats to agree upon Harris as their nominee so quickly. The lawmaker said Trump seems to have assumed that the political arguments he had been crafting against Biden for years could be shifted over effectively to his vice president, but Harris’s political brand has so far shown itself to be resilient from the old attacks used against the president. The senator remarked, “I think they were counting that if it did happen, the negativity that she experienced in the three-and-half years would immediately take over, and that has not happened.” A fourth Republican senator who is a strong Trump ally said, “I do think they were caught a little off guard,” referring to Trump and his inner circle of advisers. “I kept hearing from my Democrat colleagues that there’s no way President Biden won’t be in the race because he’s the only person that ever beat Trump, and they would stick with him through thick and through thin. And then that didn’t happen. All the conventional wisdom, even coming from Democrats, was Biden was going to go the distance.” This unexpected turn of events has left the Trump campaign needing to quickly adapt and develop a new strategy to counter Harris’s momentum as the election draws nearer. Credit: Hill 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Ukraine has been pressing for a chance to neutralize Russia's aerial advantage, which has had devastating effects on Ukrainian cities and military positions. For months, Ukrainian officials have been appealing to their Western allies for permission to use advanced ballistic missiles, specifically the American-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), to strike Russian airfields. These requests have been consistently denied, with allies citing the risk of escalation in the war that has now entered its 29th month. The repeated refusals have pushed Ukrainian forces to ramp up their efforts using domestically produced drones. One significant recent attack was on the Morozovsk air base in southern Russia, located 200 miles from the front line in eastern Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian intelligence directorate, this drone raid successfully destroyed a Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber, damaged two more Su-34s, and burned down an ammunition warehouse. The directorate released satellite imagery showing extensive areas of scorched earth, which they attributed to the detonation of the ammunition following the attack. Despite the success of this operation, it is bittersweet. Similar drone strikes are becoming increasingly difficult as Russian forces strategically relocate their warplanes to more secure locations, diminishing the effectiveness of Ukrainian attacks and highlighting a critical missed opportunity to deal a decisive blow with the more powerful ATACMS missiles. The strategic objective of these Ukrainian attacks is clear: by targeting airfields near the Russia-Ukraine border, Ukraine aims to disrupt the key components of Russia's glide-bombing campaign. The Su-34 fighter-bombers, equipped with satellite-guided glide bombs, have been particularly destructive. These bombs, some weighing over three tons, are launched from beyond the reach of Ukraine's air defenses and have been extensively used to target both military and civilian infrastructure. The KAB glide bombs, with their pop-out wings, allow the Su-34s to strike from a safe distance. Despite their frequent inaccuracies, the bombs' sheer destructive power can demolish or severely damage buildings, trapping people in collapsed structures and complicating rescue operations. These munitions have played a crucial role in Russian victories along the 700-mile front line, turning urban environments into death traps and forcing defenders to retreat from obliterated positions. The strategic importance of disrupting this glide-bombing campaign cannot be overstated. Earlier this summer, there was a fleeting opportunity to significantly damage Russia's KAB infrastructure. Dozens of Su-34s were parked in the open at Voronezh Malshevo air base in southern Russia, just 100 miles from the Ukrainian border. Recognizing the potential to cripple a substantial portion of Russia's aerial strike capabilities, Ukrainian officials urgently sought permission to launch ATACMS at the base. The ATACMS, with their near-impossible-to-intercept technology, represented a chance to deal a major blow to Russian air power. However, the Biden administration, citing longstanding concerns about escalation, refused to change its policy. "Our policy has not changed," stated Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor. As a result, Ukraine was restricted to using ATACMS only within Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. This decision, observed closely by Russian intelligence, led to a swift and proactive response. Russian forces relocated the Su-34s and other valuable military assets to bases further from the Ukrainian border, significantly reducing their vulnerability. Between late June and mid-July, these relocations included moving many Su-34s to bases hundreds of miles away from the border, beyond the range of the most powerful Ukrainian drones and ATACMS. While some Su-34s and KAB bombs remain at border airfields like Morozovsk, the majority are now positioned out of reach of Ukrainian strikes, rendering potential future ATACMS raids less impactful. The current situation highlights a critical strategic miscalculation. The refusal to permit ATACMS strikes on Russian bases when the opportunity was ripe has allowed Russia to safeguard its warplanes and munitions. This has made it increasingly difficult for Ukraine to counter the ongoing glide-bombing campaign effectively. While Ukraine continues to inflict damage on Russian assets, the scale necessary to end the glide-bombing threat requires a more comprehensive and powerful approach—one that may no longer be feasible due to the smarter redeployment of Russian forces. The persistence of a handful of Su-34s and KAB bombs at vulnerable airfields offers some hope for continued Ukrainian resistance. However, achieving the overarching goal of neutralizing the glide-bombing campaign will demand a reassessment of strategy and perhaps a reconsideration of the restrictions placed on Ukraine's use of advanced weaponry. As the war drags on, the balance between strategic caution and the necessity of decisive action will remain a pivotal aspect of the broader conflict dynamics. Dhaval Joshi, an analyst at BCA Research, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the current situation: "A decoupling between robust growth in the economy and steadily rising unemployment is unprecedented in our lifetimes. Through the past 60 years, whenever the US unemployment rate has increased by 0.5% in a year, taking it to the cusp of recession, GDP growth has also been on the cusp of recession. That is, until now." He noted that unemployment was rising not due to widespread layoffs but because labor supply was increasing faster than labor demand. The stock market appeared more vulnerable to a recession than the real economy, with tech stocks, particularly those exposed to the artificial intelligence boom, being among the hardest hit. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine illustrates a complex interplay of military strategy, political decision-making, and the ever-present risk of escalation. The denied requests for ATACMS strikes represent a significant strategic setback for Ukraine, one that has allowed Russia to reposition its assets and protect its aerial strike capabilities. As the conflict continues, Ukraine's ability to adapt its strategy and leverage its available resources will be crucial in countering Russia's aerial advantage and mitigating the devastating impact of the ongoing glide-bombing campaign. Credit: Forbes 2024-08-07 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate as she gears up for a November faceoff against former President Donald Trump. This decision, confirmed by two sources familiar with the matter, introduces a new dynamic to the 2024 presidential race. Walz, 60, emerged as a dark horse contender for the vice-presidential slot amid early speculation about other high-profile names, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. However, Walz's profile surged over the past week, particularly after a viral cable news interview where he criticized some Republicans as “weird,” a line of attack that national Democrats subsequently adopted. Walz's selection is seen as a strategic move, given his liberal credentials and the perception that he is a safer choice compared to other contenders who have faced criticism from various segments of the left. Shapiro, for instance, has been scrutinized for his response to pro-Palestinian protests following the Israel-Hamas conflict, while both he and Kelly have faced backlash from union leaders. Moreover, Walz brings geographical appeal, hailing from a Midwestern state that Trump has increasingly targeted. Although Biden won Minnesota by 7 points in 2020 and no Republican has secured a presidential victory there in over 50 years, Trump and his running mate JD Vance have intensified their campaign efforts in the state, aiming to flip it in the upcoming election. Walz’s liberal bona fides and his recent rise in prominence make him a compelling choice for Harris as she prepares to challenge Trump in what promises to be a highly contentious election. His ability to appeal to Midwestern voters and his alignment with national Democratic strategies position him as a key player in the Harris campaign's efforts to secure victory in November. Credit: CNN 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Donald Trump has consistently argued that the economy under Joe Biden has been disastrous, and until recently, the data did not support his claim. The United States has been the fastest-growing G7 nation since the Covid pandemic, with historically low unemployment and less severe inflation compared to Europe after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, recent developments provide Trump with some evidence to back his argument. The latest US jobs figures indicate a significant cooling of the labor market. In July, payroll growth slowed to 114,000, about half the average of 215,000 from the previous 12 months and well below economists' expectations. The unemployment rate also rose from 4.1% to 4.3%, causing alarm. Financial markets, which had bet heavily on the US economy's resilience to higher interest rates, are now worried about a potential hard landing. Concerns about the US economy cooling rapidly contributed to a 12% drop in Japan's Nikkei index. The Federal Reserve's Sahm rule, a measure named after economist Claudia Sahm, gauges whether the US economy is in recession. According to this rule, if the three-month moving average of the unemployment rate is 0.5 percentage points or more above its low over the previous 12 months, the economy is in the early months of recession. The recent jobless report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the Sahm rule is close to being triggered. Unless the unemployment rate falls, the rule will be met next month. Historically, the Sahm rule has been a reliable predictor of impending US recessions, prompting some to argue that the Federal Reserve has delayed cutting interest rates for too long. Speculation has arisen that the Fed might announce an emergency rate cut before its next scheduled meeting. However, some economists caution against relying too heavily on the Sahm rule. Dhaval Joshi, an analyst at BCA Research, notes an unprecedented decoupling between robust economic growth and rising unemployment. Unlike in the past 60 years, when an increase in the unemployment rate by 0.5% in a year signaled a recession, current GDP growth remains strong. Joshi attributes the rising unemployment not to widespread layoffs but to an increase in labor supply outpacing labor demand. He suggests that the stock market, particularly tech stocks exposed to the artificial intelligence boom, is more vulnerable to a recession than the real economy. In addition to rising unemployment, other economic indicators pose challenges for Kamala Harris as she counters Trump's critiques of the administration's economic performance. For example, the performance of UPS, often seen as a barometer of the US economy, fell short of analysts' estimates last month, leading the company to lower its growth forecasts for 2024. With the presidential election only three months away, the US economy is not on the brink of an immediate recession. However, signs of households cutting back on spending spell trouble for Harris, the Democratic presidential hopeful. The cooling labor market and other economic indicators provide Trump with ammunition to argue that Biden's economic policies have failed, potentially swaying voters as the election approaches. Credit: The Guardian 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

A number of trolling and personal attack posts from the same poster @frank83628 have been removed. Any more of that and it will be more than posts removed.

In a revealing interview, Nancy Pelosi shared the harrowing experience of the October 28, 2022, attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi. For the first time, she discussed the trauma they endured when an assailant broke into their San Francisco home and struck her husband in the head with a hammer. The attack was so severe that surgeons had to remove part of his skull to save his life. "My husband and I have never talked about this," Pelosi said. "The doctors have supported that because they don't want him to revisit it." The assailant's target was Nancy Pelosi. "He was looking for me," she explained. "Imagine the guilt of all of that – it's just a horrible thing." In her new book, "The Art of Power," Pelosi recounts the incident and its aftermath. Her daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, urged her to give up her public life in the wake of the attack. Nancy Pelosi reflected on the blame her family places on certain elements of the Republican Party for demonizing her over the years. "The sad thing about my husband's assault was that they just made a joke of it. They thought it was funny. And people laughed. So, [Trump] was an instigator of violence and then made light of it," she said. Addressing reports that she led a coordinated effort to pressure President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 election, Pelosi denied any involvement. "Well, I've never shared any conversations with a President of the United States publicly, no," she said. Despite speculation, Pelosi maintained, "I didn't call one person. I could always say to him, 'I never called anybody.' What I'm saying is, I had confidence that the president would make the proper choice for our country, whatever that would be, and I said that." Pelosi praised Biden's many accomplishments, including his leadership at the NATO Summit, and expressed her support for whatever decision he made regarding the election. She even suggested that Biden deserved a place on Mount Rushmore, calling him "a Mount Rushmore kind of President of the United States." Reflecting on her 20 years as a leader in Congress, Pelosi emphasized the significance of her work during critical moments like the financial bailout, COVID relief, and the passage of the Affordable Care Act. She also recounted the terror of January 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the Capitol, targeting her and then-Vice President Mike Pence. Pelosi attributed the insurrection to Trump, stating, "It was an insurrection instigated by the President of the United States. He now tries to disassociate himself from it, blaming it on me and everybody else. But that's the way he is." Pelosi also shared a candid moment from her book where she expressed her willingness to confront Trump if he came to the Capitol on January 6: "If he comes, I'm gonna punch him out for trespassing on the Capitol grounds. I'm gonna punch him out, and I'm gonna go to jail, and I'm going to be happy." Now focusing her efforts on defeating Trump, Pelosi remains confident in the Democrats' ability to rally against him. She humorously remarked on Trump's choice of Ohio Senator JD Vance as his running mate, "I think it was a great choice!" When asked about her advice for Kamala Harris on campaigning against Trump, Pelosi emphasized authenticity. "Just be yourself," she advised. "It's the same advice I give to women – be yourself." Pelosi dismissed attempts by Trump and his supporters to portray Harris negatively, advising Harris to focus on key issues and ignore the distractions. "Just talk about kitchen-table issues – ignore him," she said. Despite stepping down from House leadership, Pelosi continues to run for re-election in her San Francisco district. When asked if she had ever been asked to run for president, Pelosi responded, "I haven't been asked, but I was encouraged to put my name in there sometime for vice president. I said, 'Why would I wanna be vice president?' I'm a legislator. I love legislating. People have to understand it's serious work." Credit: CBS News 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Vice President Kamala Harris stands at a pivotal moment in American political history, potentially poised to succeed where Hillary Clinton once fell short — defeating former President Donald Trump and becoming the first female president of the United States. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, yet there is palpable Democratic excitement surrounding Harris’s rise. Following President Biden’s decision on July 21 to step aside, Harris has emerged as the presumptive nominee. However, national polling averages and swing state data indicate that Trump leads Harris, albeit by narrower margins than he held over Biden. Prominent Democratic women approach the upcoming months with a blend of hope and trepidation. Patti Solis Doyle, who managed Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign, believes Harris holds advantages that Clinton did not enjoy. Reflecting on Clinton’s extensive time on the national stage, Solis Doyle noted, “She was someone the public knew very well and someone who was very polarizing. You either loved Hillary Clinton or you hated Hillary Clinton and it was cemented.” In contrast, Harris “does not have that same burden. While she has been on the national stage, it has been for a much shorter period of time.” Nonetheless, Solis Doyle acknowledged that Harris would still need to overcome voter biases simply by virtue of being a woman. “While we have come a long way, there is still work to do. It is 2024 and this country has not elected a woman president. I find that astonishing,” she said. Harris’s candidacy offers unique advantages in a race against Trump, some demographic, some issue-based, and others specific to Trump himself. Harris may appeal more to female voters and can amplify Democratic arguments about reproductive rights. As a Black, female former prosecutor, Harris is particularly well-suited to challenge a Republican nominee with a controversial history regarding women, such as Trump, who was found liable for the sexual abuse of writer E. Jean Carroll in a civil case last year and has made boorish comments about women like Rosie O’Donnell and Megyn Kelly. Despite these advantages, there is concern that some voters will once again retreat from supporting a female president. Women have reached many influential political positions, yet the presidency remains elusive. Beyond Clinton, other notable female candidates like Harris and Sen. Elizabeth Warren underperformed expectations in the 2020 Democratic primary. Observers are bracing for a contentious campaign, fraught with issues of gender and race. Kristy Sheeler, a communication studies professor at Indiana University Indianapolis and author of the 2013 book “Woman President,” warned, “I think the campaign rhetoric is going to be really ugly around gender and race.” Democratic strategist Julie Roginsky highlighted the risks and opportunities of Harris’s candidacy, stating, “We are still a very misogynistic country. Unlike Britain or India or Pakistan, the United States has never had a woman lead it.” Republicans and conservatives challenge the focus on Harris’s gender, arguing that it amounts to identity politics and is irrelevant to her capacity to govern. The GOP has characterized Harris as a “DEI hire,” implying that her race and gender have aided rather than hindered her career. Trump reinforced this narrative in a recent interview, incorrectly alleging that Harris had only recently embraced a Black identity. Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Race and gender have nothing to do with why Kamala Harris is the most unpopular Vice President in history. Kamala failed at her job as Border Czar, supported all of Joe Biden’s disastrous policies, and lied to the American people about Biden’s cognitive decline. She is weak, dishonest, and dangerously liberal.” Leavitt also contended that the media’s negative portrayal of Trump’s treatment of women is false, asserting, “President Trump is loved by millions of women across the country, and those who know him personally, myself included, will tell you he’s supportive, generous, and kind.” In policy terms, Leavitt claimed that Trump’s first term economically uplifted women, with a focus on expanding childcare and paid family leave. She promised that a second Trump term would make America “strong, safe, and prosperous again for all women.” The dynamics surrounding female candidates and elections are indeed complex. In the 2016 election, exit polls showed white women favoring Trump over Clinton by nine points, despite the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape. Black and Latino women, however, voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. On abortion, male and female views are not as divergent as sometimes portrayed. A CBS News/YouGov poll in June, marking the second anniversary of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, found that 37% of women believed abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, compared to 43% of men. Democrats, especially women, fervently hope Harris will finally shatter the glass ceiling. Yet, she faces considerable resistance. The journey to the presidency is laden with challenges, but Harris’s candidacy brings a renewed sense of possibility and a spotlight on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in American politics. The road to becoming the first female president is undeniably challenging, yet Kamala Harris’s candidacy is imbued with historical significance and the potential to break longstanding barriers in the highest office of the land. Credit: Hill 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Senior officials within the Scottish National Party (SNP) have sparked controversy by calling for pro-independence vigilantes to take action against potential far-right riots in Glasgow. The remarks came from Graham Campbell, a Glasgow councillor and co-convenor of the SNP Socialists, and Shelly-Ann Brown, the SNP’s national BAME convenor, who expressed distrust in Police Scotland’s ability to protect the public. Instead, they urged independence supporters to “occupy” key locations in the city and actively oppose far-right demonstrators. These calls for civilian action come amid concerns about a planned “pro-UK rally” in Glasgow, promoted by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Although the violent riots seen in England have not yet occurred in Scotland, the potential for unrest has heightened tensions. Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, has announced his intention to attend the rally in Glasgow City Centre, raising fears of clashes. Police Scotland responded by stating that they are aware of the planned rally and have prepared a “proportionate policing plan” to manage the situation. However, Campbell and Brown argue that past experiences show the police and courts have been insufficient in dealing with fascist groups. They wrote in the pro-independence Sunday National newspaper, "It is now up to the citizens of Glasgow to do that… So let’s turn up in our numbers, occupy our key locations and say: 'They shall not (and shall never) pass!'" The pair emphasized that independence supporters should coordinate with the Radical Independence Campaign, a far-left group, to ensure a significant presence in Glasgow on the day of the rally. They believe that a strong show of force from independence supporters is essential to prevent far-right elements from gaining a foothold in the city. Sharon Dowey, deputy justice spokesman for the Scottish Tories, condemned the call for vigilante action as “completely inappropriate.” She stressed that political figures should focus on calming the situation rather than inflaming it, particularly when tensions are already high. Dowey argued, “Instead of undermining the police, they should let our valued police force do what they do best rather than creating unnecessary work for them when they are already overwhelmed trying to do their job with one hand behind their back.” In response to the calls for civilian intervention, SNP backbencher Audrey Nicoll expressed confidence in Police Scotland’s capabilities. She reassured the public that the police are in constant communication with their partners across the UK and are taking steps to reach out to communities in Scotland who may be especially concerned about the potential for disorder. The debate over how to respond to the threat of far-right violence highlights broader tensions within Scotland. The SNP’s call for vigilantes reflects a deep-seated frustration with what they perceive as the inadequacies of state institutions in dealing with far-right groups. This frustration is compounded by the complex political landscape in Scotland, where issues of independence, identity, and public safety intersect. As Glasgow braces for the planned rally, the city's residents face a challenging situation. The calls for vigilantism underscore a profound distrust in traditional law enforcement and a belief that ordinary citizens must take matters into their own hands to protect their communities. Whether this approach will help prevent violence or further escalate tensions remains to be seen. In conclusion, the SNP’s call for vigilante action against far-right demonstrators in Glasgow has ignited a heated debate about the role of the police and the responsibilities of citizens in maintaining public order. With the planned rally by Tommy Robinson looming, the city is on high alert, and the actions taken by both the police and the public will be closely watched. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing far-right extremism and the complex dynamics of public safety in a politically charged environment. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Sara Morrison, a single mother from Belfast, felt discriminated against after participating in a gender-critical Let Women Speak rally. She turned to CrowdJustice, a crowdfunding platform, to raise funds for a tribunal against her employer, claiming she was forced out of work due to stress. Morrison’s post, published earlier this summer, resonated with many: “I don’t believe that anybody should be discriminated against for having gender-critical views and talking about them.” It wasn’t long before her case caught the attention of JK Rowling, the Harry Potter creator, who shared her support on social media. Rowling’s endorsement quickly raised thousands of pounds for Morrison's case, doubling her initial £15,000 target with donations from over 1,000 backers. One donor expressed solidarity, saying, “I am a single mum currently going through similar with my employer of 20 years.” On Mumsnet, where users use gardening metaphors to discreetly discuss fundraising due to site rules, support for Morrison grew. Messages like, “Pitiful carrot planted but let’s hope there’s a whole field of them,” and “Just did a little digging – can’t understand why these organisations don’t realize that they can’t treat workers like this,” reflected the community’s support. Simon Chambers, Morrison’s lawyer who also represents Graham Linehan, a co-writer of Father Ted, in a separate gender-critical discrimination case, stated that the additional funds would enable him to dedicate more resources to Morrison’s legal battle. This case is part of a larger trend where employees turn to public support for disputes that resonate on a broader scale. Gender-critical discrimination cases, like Morrison’s, are garnering significant public backing as workers claim they are penalized for opposing transgender ideology or supporting women's rights. Elspeth Duemmer Wrigley, a government lawyer, raised £40,000 this year after being sued for stating that only women can have periods. The case was later dropped. Chambers pointed out legal concerns where staff are punished for holding views contrary to those of their company’s customers, noting that the law can feel secondary to consumer whims. High-profile cases and support from celebrities and communities have amplified the reach of these legal battles. Ursula Doyle, a former editor at Hachette who claimed she was forced out for publishing Kathleen Stock’s gender-critical book “Material Girls,” raised almost £50,000 on CrowdJustice with significant support from Mumsnet users. Tanya de Grunwald, an advisor on employment issues, explained that the public's eagerness to back these cases stems from collective frustration. “People’s generosity isn’t pure altruism,” she said. “It’s a result of collective pent-up resentment that a large number of people have around these issues.” CrowdJustice has become a powerful tool for those seeking legal redress. Unlike other crowdfunding platforms, the money raised goes directly to the lawyers. Dawn Bebe, head of Crowdfunder, which acquired CrowdJustice last year, reported a surge in activity on the platform, with the number of cases rising by 265% since 2015. The platform has raised £14 million since its inception in 2014, primarily for legal cases from individuals who couldn’t secure legal aid or fund their cases privately. “More and more people realize this is a legitimate way to raise money,” Bebe noted, emphasizing the platform's influence on case law and its potential to challenge the status quo. As the government prepares for significant changes in workers’ rights, including granting full employment rights from the first day on the job, there is concern among employers about a potential rise in lawsuits. A City chairman expressed unease, feeling the pendulum has swung too far towards employees since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, lawyers representing mistreated workers argue that the rise of donation-based lawsuits reflects public frustration and willingness to support those they feel emotionally connected to. Chambers highlighted the importance of personality-driven cases in crowdfunding success, stating, “Nobody is interested in a lawyer talking about a case – it has to be personality-driven by the claimants.” He believes that crowdfunding has given visibility to “weird and wonderful cases” that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. “Employers have had it good for an awful long time,” he said. “It’s a small swing back of the pendulum in the direction of the employee.” As public support continues to grow, platforms like CrowdJustice are likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the legal landscape, empowering individuals to challenge perceived injustices and advocate for their rights. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Dame Sara Khan, a senior adviser on extremism who has served under Conservative prime ministers Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak, has delivered a scathing critique of recent Conservative administrations. She accuses them of failing the British people by ignoring clear warnings and fostering an environment conducive to far-right violence through their culture war agenda. Khan, who was Sunak’s independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience until May this year and acted as counter-extremism commissioner under May and Johnson, asserts that the Conservative government left the UK vulnerable to far-right violence by neglecting crucial red flags. She argues that top politicians have exploited culture wars for political gain, further exacerbating the issue. "The writing was clearly on the wall for some time," Khan remarked. "All my reports have shown, in a nutshell, that, firstly, these extremist and cohesion threats are worsening; secondly, that our country is woefully unprepared. We’ve got a gap in our legislation which is allowing these extremists to operate with impunity." She highlighted the scrapping of the counter-extremism strategy in 2021, which included essential resources and funding for local areas grappling with extremist activities. "Previous governments have astonishingly failed to address these trends, and they’ve taken instead, in my view, approaches that have actually been counterproductive and just defy any logical rationale," Khan said. Khan criticized politicians for using inflammatory and dehumanizing language, which she believes has indirectly or directly undermined social cohesion. She cited instances where far-right extremists have co-opted such language to further their agendas. "There’s a serious duty on our politicians to not engage in inflammatory language; to not use, for example, dehumanizing language about asylum seekers, refugees, and people who are coming to our country. Of course, there’s a legitimate debate about immigration, about numbers and all of those things, but there’s a way that you can talk about these issues without using dehumanizing and inflammatory language," Khan emphasized. Khan, who grew up in Bradford and is a British Muslim, conducted a review on social cohesion in the UK for Michael Gove in March this year, known as the Khan review. She pointed to evidence of the far right spreading disinformation to incite unrest in areas like Oldham, Knowsley, and Barrow. Despite previous calls for a change in the law on extremism, Khan noted that it remains legal to stir up racial hatred that is not threatening, abusive, or insulting. "There are claims about white genocide, promoting dangerous narratives, which is intended to stir up hatred against a racial and religious group," she said. "Hateful extremism has evolved significantly in the last decade, and extremists have professionalized and coordinated, locally, nationally, transnationally, they’re using social media to spread their extremist ideology and spreading disinformation. Our rules have failed to evolve with this growing extremist threat, there are gaps in our legislation that is allowing them to, in effect, operate with impunity." Khan argued that the political instability in recent years, with five different prime ministers in seven years, has weakened the government’s ability to respond effectively to these threats. She recounted dealing with three different home secretaries, each with varying levels of support and interest in tackling the problem. "Why it was that they didn’t respond to the reports, ultimately, is a question for them, but it’s just astonishing that they didn’t do anything about it," she said. She also highlighted a lack of institutional knowledge on combating disinformation and protecting vulnerable people, citing poor communication between the Home Office and local authorities. On Sunday, police clashed with rioters outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, with demonstrators chanting “Get them out” as they smashed the windows of the Holiday Inn Express. Khan concluded by saying that the Conservative administrations have failed those working to protect social cohesion and combat extremist actors. "Ultimately, unless we address these problems, it will get worse," she warned. A Conservative spokesperson responded, stating: "Rishi Sunak as prime minister made it clear that we must stand up to extremism in all its forms. The police must take a zero-tolerance approach to extremist tactics, and we set out reforms to how governments deal with extremists, redoubled our support for the Prevent programme, and demanded that universities stopped extremist activity on campus. We must stand together to combat the forces of division and give the police the powers they need to protect our country and values." Credit: The Guardian 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Imane Khelif, the Algerian Olympic boxer, has fervently called for an end to the bullying of athletes following her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This plea comes in the wake of unfounded claims about her gender that ignited a storm of controversy, particularly among right-wing figures. Khelif’s appeal for respect and adherence to Olympic principles underscores the damaging effects of such baseless accusations. Khelif's bout against Italian boxer Angela Carini last week became a flashpoint for controversy. Carini withdrew from the match after just 46 seconds, citing severe pain in her nose as the reason. Her subsequent refusal to shake Khelif’s hand and her emotional breakdown led to a wave of conspiracy theories about Khelif's gender. These rumors were fueled by conservative commentators, media personalities, and lawmakers, sparking a broader debate on transgender athletes in competitive sports. Addressing the issue in Arabic to SNTV, a sports video partner of The Associated Press, Khelif made a heartfelt plea. "I send a message to all the people of the world to uphold the Olympic principles and the Olympic Charter, to refrain from bullying all athletes, because this has effects, massive effects. It can destroy people, it can kill people’s thoughts, spirit, and mind. It can divide people. And because of that, I ask them to refrain from bullying," she said. Both Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting, another Olympic boxer who won her fight against Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova, do not identify as transgender. They competed in the women’s category at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo without incident. However, the International Boxing Association, which is permanently banned from the Olympics, claimed that both Khelif and Lin had failed unspecified eligibility tests at the previous year's Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. This sparked the controversy. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) quickly stepped in to clarify the situation. They confirmed that all athletes participating in the boxing tournament at the Paris Games met the competition's eligibility and entry regulations. "As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport," the IOC stated. Khelif expressed her gratitude towards the IOC and its president, Thomas Bach, for supporting her against these allegations. "I know that the Olympic Committee has done me justice, and I am happy with this remedy because it shows the truth," she told SNTV. Despite the media frenzy and public scrutiny, Khelif has shown remarkable resilience. Competing far from her home and family has been challenging, and the criticism has taken an emotional toll on her. "I am in contact with my family two days a week. I hope that they weren’t affected deeply. They are worried about me. God willing, this crisis will culminate in a gold medal, and that would be the best response," she said. To maintain her focus and protect her mental health, Khelif has distanced herself from social media, thanks to the guidance of a dedicated mental health team. "Honestly, I don’t follow social media. There is a mental health team that doesn’t let us follow social media, especially in the Olympic Games, whether me or other athletes. I’m here to compete and get a good result," she explained. Khelif’s determination was evident as she advanced in the competition. She defeated Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori, moving forward to the semifinals. She is set to face Janjaem Suwannapheng of Thailand in the women’s 66-kilogram semifinals. Should Khelif win, she will compete for a gold medal. Reflecting on the support she received during her matches, Khelif acknowledged the mixed emotions she experienced following her victory over Hamori. "I couldn’t control my nerves. Because after the media frenzy and after the victory, there was a mix of joy and at the same time, I was greatly affected, because honestly, it wasn’t an easy thing to go through at all. It was something that harms human dignity," she said. Angela Carini later apologized for her post-fight conduct, clarifying that her actions were not politically motivated and expressing regret for not shaking Khelif’s hand. As Khelif continues her journey in the Olympics, her message against bullying and her focus on competition serve as a powerful reminder of the true spirit of sportsmanship and resilience. Credit: Hill 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has ignited a heated debate by suggesting that "mass uncontrolled immigration" is a significant factor behind the recent riots spreading across the UK. Jones described the violent disturbances as akin to a “rebellion to illegal immigration.” She stressed the importance of understanding the perspectives of those who attend rallies, even if they don’t engage in disorder. In a statement, Jones elaborated on her viewpoint, stating, “I’ve spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder is to acknowledge what is causing it. Whilst the devastating attacks in Southport on Tuesday were a catalyst, the commonality amongst the protest groups appears to be focused on three key areas: the desire to protect Britain’s sovereignty; the need to uphold British values, and, in order to do this, stop illegal immigration.” Over the past week, cities including Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Blackpool, and Belfast have witnessed violent confrontations resulting in more than 90 arrests. Police officers have come under attack from bricks, bottles, and flares, forcing them to draw their batons. The immediate catalyst for these riots was the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport. Jones’s statement appeared to provide a rationale for some of the activities, sparking significant backlash. Nazir Afzal, a former chief prosecutor, called her comments “totally unacceptable” and accused her of appearing to justify rioting and criminality. Charlotte Nichols, the Labour MP for Warrington North, criticized Jones’s remarks, saying, “First and foremost, it demeans the office that she holds. We can accept that there is anger in parts of the community about immigration but that doesn’t mean we legitimise thuggery. Considering the number of police officers who have been injured, I believe her position is untenable. She should resign, and if not, she should be sacked.” Jones, who claims to be the UK’s most senior police commissioner and also chairs the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, defended her position. Following the criticism, she released another statement praising the police and condemning those acting outside the law. She wrote on the official website of the commissioner, “I stand by my statement issued [Saturday] where I called for calm, and for the country to work together to stop this mindless, criminal behavior. I fully support the police’s response to stem the growth of these riots and those acting outside of the law should expect to feel the full force of it. The violence we have seen has endangered our communities and infected lawful protest on a much broader issue. As a country this issue is something we should seek to understand without letting it divide us. I am confident there will be a time and place for that discussion in due course.” The riots, which continued on Sunday in Middlesbrough, Bolton, and Rotherham where rioters attacked a hotel housing migrants, have further intensified the national debate on immigration and public safety. Jones’s comments reflect a broader concern about the impact of immigration on British society and the challenges faced by law enforcement. She argues that arresting rioters is "treating the symptom and not the cause" and calls for a deeper examination of the issues driving the unrest. However, critics argue that her remarks risk legitimizing violence and undermining the efforts of the police. Charlotte Nichols emphasized that political figures should focus on calming the situation rather than inflaming it, particularly when tensions are already high. She said, “At a time when tensions are running high, political figures should be trying to dial down the situation rather than inflaming it. Instead of undermining the police, they should let our valued police force do what they do best rather than creating unnecessary work for them when they are already overwhelmed trying to do their job with one hand behind their back.” The situation underscores the complexity of addressing public concerns about immigration while maintaining social order and protecting democratic values. Jones’s insistence on the need to understand the root causes of the unrest highlights the ongoing challenge for policymakers and public officials. As the country grapples with these issues, it is clear that the conversation about immigration and its impact on society will continue to be a contentious and divisive topic. The challenge will be to navigate these complex dynamics in a way that promotes understanding and cohesion without condoning or encouraging unlawful behavior. As the UK continues to deal with the fallout from the recent riots, the debate sparked by Donna Jones's comments serves as a reminder of the deep divisions within society regarding immigration and public safety. The need for a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of all communities while upholding the rule of law and protecting public safety is more critical than ever. The actions and statements of public officials will play a crucial role in shaping the national discourse and determining the path forward in these challenging times. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

The man in the photograph is Ammar al-Baluchi, one of five men the US government has accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks. Arrested in April 2003 in Karachi, Pakistan, Baluchi has been shuffled through a network of clandestine prisons, known as black sites, and has endured years of detention without a criminal conviction. This photograph, shared by Baluchi’s legal team, is believed to have been taken in early 2004, when Baluchi was 26 years old. The stark image, showing him with a shorn head and a full beard, is a poignant reminder of the physical and psychological toll of his ordeal. Baluchi stands naked except for handcuffs shackling his wrists in a brightly lit, sterile room. His attorneys have added a black bar across his midsection to preserve his dignity. Baluchi's journey through the shadowy world of black sites began with his arrest in Karachi. He was then secretly moved between five different black sites from May 2003 to September 2006 before being transferred to Guantánamo Bay, where he has been held ever since. Despite the gravity of the charges against him, Baluchi has never been convicted of any crime. The photograph is believed to have been taken at the CIA's black site in Bucharest, Romania, known both as Location No 7 and Detention Site Black in US government communications. In the image, Baluchi is likely being readied for transfer to another black site, highlighting the transient and uncertain nature of his captivity. Between 2002 and 2008, at least 119 Muslim men were detained in secret CIA prisons worldwide. Of these, 39 were subjected to what the Bush administration euphemistically termed "enhanced interrogation techniques." In 2014, the US government, under President Barack Obama, admitted that these practices amounted to torture. “We tortured some folks,” Obama stated, marking a significant acknowledgment of the brutality that had been inflicted. Despite this admission, no one at the CIA has ever been held accountable for the torture inflicted upon these detainees. The CIA took approximately 14,000 photographs documenting their black sites and the detainees held within them. The existence of these photographs was hidden from the public until 2015, and most remain classified. Defense attorneys representing Guantánamo detainees have been challenging the military court’s stringent classification system for years, gradually leading to the release of more formerly classified material, including this photograph. Forced nudity was a common tactic employed by the CIA as an "enhanced interrogation technique" at the black sites. In Baluchi's case, his nakedness in the photograph is likely due to CIA transportation protocols rather than an interrogation method. According to a declassified CIA inspector general’s report, Baluchi was subjected to “standard rendition procedures” during his transfer to Romania from the Salt Pit, a secret prison in Afghanistan also known as Detention Site Cobalt. These procedures included a body cavity check and an examination by a medical officer, with CIA headquarters instructing field officers to document his physical condition with photographs. Baluchi’s most severe mistreatment occurred at the Salt Pit in Afghanistan, where he was subjected to a range of torturous practices. His head was repeatedly bounced off a wall in a technique referred to as “walling” by the government. Student interrogators seeking "official" job certification practiced this technique on him as if he were a training prop, keeping him naked for sessions that lasted up to two hours. Medical experts for the defense have since reported that the walling might have resulted in permanent traumatic brain injury. Baluchi was also deprived of sleep for up to 82 hours at a time, forced into stress positions, doused with ice-cold water, forcibly shaved, subjected to beatings, and deprived of food. His weight plummeted from 141 pounds to 119 pounds during his time at the Salt Pit. The Romanian black site, located in the basement of the National Registry Office for Classified Information in Bucharest, represented a stark contrast to the conditions at the Salt Pit. The cells were prefabricated, painted white, and tiled with impact-resistant glass. The facility was described by CIA debriefers as clean, sterile, efficient, and modern, with an almost surreal feel. Despite these relatively improved conditions, detainees were still subjected to solitary confinement, sleep deprivation, and physical manhandling. Baluchi described his time there as living in a refrigerator, constantly cold despite having some clothing and a blanket. The black sites, including the Romanian facility, were part of a broader network of secret prisons established by the CIA to detain and interrogate suspected terrorists. Romania, seeking entry into NATO at the time, cooperated with the CIA by hosting the site and was provided with millions of dollars in return. The conditions at these sites varied, but all were designed to disorient and dehumanize the detainees. At the Salt Pit, detainees were kept in complete darkness, constantly shackled in isolated cells, and subjected to loud noise or music. They were given only a bucket for human waste, and the facility was described by the chief of interrogations as a dungeon. In contrast, the Romanian site was flooded with light 24 hours a day. Detainees were allowed to shower once a week, a rare luxury compared to other black sites. However, they remained extrajudicially held and incommunicado, unable to speak with anyone except their jailers. The CIA report quotes a debriefer who called the Romanian black site the nicest facility she had visited, a chilling testament to the inhumanity of the other sites. The photograph of Baluchi serves a specific bureaucratic purpose: to document his physical condition and to demonstrate that his body remains whole despite the torture he has endured. The CIA’s “enhanced interrogation techniques” were designed to leave no lasting physical evidence on the body, as the Bush administration's notorious "torture memos" defined torture as permanent and serious physical damage that must rise to the level of death, organ failure, or the permanent impairment of a significant body function. This photograph, therefore, functions as visual proof of this discredited argument while illustrating the humiliating and submissive posture Baluchi is forced into in front of the camera. Dr. Vincent Iacopino, a physician specializing in the medical consequences of torture, has previously stated that such compulsory naked photography is both a form of sexual humiliation and sexual assault. The release of this photograph is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in the US government’s handling of detainees during the War on Terror. It provides a rare glimpse into the secretive and brutal world of CIA black sites, highlighting the need for continued scrutiny and advocacy for the rights of those who have been subjected to torture and extrajudicial detention. The image of Ammar al-Baluchi stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of the War on Terror and the enduring legacy of the CIA’s black sites. Credit: The Guardian 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

JD Vance’s journey from a high school senior in an Ohio steel town to a vice presidential nominee has been marked by significant transformations and controversies. Vance, who now uses his middle name instead of his surname Hamel, joined the Marines shortly after the United States invaded Iraq in 2003. He was confident that freedom and democracy would follow the invasion, a belief that was quickly shattered as the war, based on dubious intelligence about a dire threat to U.S. security, became a deadly quagmire. Reflecting on his experiences in a speech at the conservative Heritage Foundation, Vance lamented how those who were “the most wrong” about Iraq “suffered no consequences.” He criticized the U.S. foreign policy establishment for not learning from what he described as “perhaps the most unforced and catastrophic error in the history of this country.” These comments are indicative of the anti-establishment views Vance has espoused before and since becoming Donald Trump’s running mate. His military service, though a brief period in his early adulthood, has become a focal point in the political discourse surrounding his candidacy. If elected, Vance would be the first person from the generation that went to war after 9/11 to serve at such a senior level. His four years in the Marines, from ages 18 to 23, included a six-month deployment to Iraq as a public affairs specialist. This role involved writing news releases, taking photos, and interacting with journalists, but did not include combat. Vance’s shift from a moderate Republican critical of Trump to a staunch ally who echoes Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election has puzzled some who served with him. Cullen Tiernan, a former Marine who served with Vance, expressed a reluctance to assess Vance’s statements about past elections, noting that “a lot of this election chatter is looking backwards.” While Tiernan identifies as left-leaning, he remains undecided about voting for his friend, saying, “I love JD, I really want to vote for him, but it’ll take me some time to get there. I want to hear what Harris has to say. I’m going to take my time and give it a lot of deep thought.” Some Democrats have sought to minimize Vance’s military record because he did not see combat, arguing that his allegiance to Trump is an affront to the core values of honor, courage, and commitment that every U.S. Marine promises to uphold. However, Vance’s former military colleagues have defended him against such allegations. Shawn Haney, a retired Marine officer whom Vance has praised for her mentorship, stated that while she disagrees with much of his current politics, she can separate the person from the candidate and feels pride for someone she has served with, mentored, and considered a friend for almost 20 years. Vance’s transformation from Marine to vice presidential nominee is chronicled in his 2016 best-selling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” He wrote that he considered joining the Marines at the suggestion of a cousin who had served. He was interested in attending college but had a spotty high school transcript and worried about the debt and lack of structure that college life might bring. In September 2003, Vance began boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he was pushed to his physical and emotional limits. He lost 45 pounds and emerged with newfound confidence. After completing entry-level training, Vance visited his family and friends in Middletown, Ohio, where he saw a “world of small expectations” and “learned helplessness,” contrasting with the Marine Corps' teachings. At Cherry Point, an airfield in North Carolina, Vance started his first assignment. Initially reserved, he eventually opened up to his colleagues, sharing stories about his family and his colorful grandmother, “Mamaw.” His friends recall him as a fan of authors like Ayn Rand, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and enjoying activities such as visiting the beach, watching football, and playing poker. Vance’s deployment to Iraq from August 2005 to February 2006 was at Al-Asad airbase. He described being “a little homesick, but mostly happy to be here and finally contribute, even if only a small part, to our country’s mission.” While overseas, Vance lived in trailer-like housing, watching DVDs and capturing stories of service members in harm’s way. Though he did not face combat, he was “affected deeply” by experiences such as giving an Iraqi boy an eraser and seeing his overjoyed reaction. This moment made Vance appreciate his own circumstances and the support of his family. Rep. Seth Moulton, a former Marine infantry officer, has sharply criticized Vance’s service record, calling him “one of the biggest hypocrites in Congress.” Moulton argued that Vance’s book contradicts his candidacy and accused him of becoming a sycophant to Trump. Haney, who supervised Vance, expressed frustration at attacks on his military record, emphasizing that his politics and comments are fair game, but his honorable service during a tense and dangerous time should be respected. After his enlistment ended in 2007, Vance attended Ohio State University and then Yale Law School, where he developed his views on America’s divide between liberal elites and conservative masses, explored in his book. He has maintained contact with his Marine friends, who attended his wedding and reunions. Some see his Marine Corps experience reflected in his foreign policy views, particularly his criticism of U.S. spending abroad, notably in Ukraine. Vance has had a rocky start as Trump’s running mate, with his critics questioning his suitability and vetting by the Trump campaign. Vice President Harris has attacked Vance for his shift toward Trump, but Vance responded by questioning Harris’s accomplishments. Tiernan believes Vance’s Marine Corps experiences give him a unique perspective to scrutinize the nation’s leaders, saying, “He calls it like he sees it. He can question it from a place of personal experience.” JD Vance’s journey from a Marine to a vice presidential nominee is marked by a complex interplay of respect from his military friends and criticism from his political opponents. His service record, though a brief chapter in his life, continues to influence the discourse around his candidacy and reflects broader themes of loyalty, transformation, and the challenges of upholding core values in a contentious political landscape. Credit: Washington Post 2024-08-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced an emergency response meeting in Downing Street on Monday following a weekend of escalating violence that resulted in more than 150 arrests across various UK towns and cities. This decision comes in the wake of widespread unrest, including an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, prompting Starmer to promise that those involved will face "the full force of the law." Police were dispatched to manage violent scenes in multiple locations including Tamworth, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Hull, and Weymouth. Addressing the nation on Sunday, the Prime Minister vowed to take whatever steps necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice. During his speech, Starmer condemned the far-right actions that have targeted Muslim communities and other minority groups, citing incidents of Nazi salutes, attacks on mosques, and general wanton violence. "People in this country have a right to be safe," Starmer asserted. "We've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric, so no, I won't shy away from calling it what it is: far-right thuggery." The upcoming Cobra meeting, named after Cabinet Office Briefing Room A on Whitehall, will gather ministers, civil servants, police, intelligence officers, and other relevant figures to discuss the violence over the weekend and strategize the response for the coming days. This meeting is part of a series of discussions, including one between the Prime Minister and police chiefs last Thursday and a senior ministers' meeting on Saturday. The Home Office has responded to the situation by offering increased protections to mosques under a new process that allows for "rapid security" deployment, aiming to facilitate a swift return to worship. The violence that prompted the Cobra meeting began after the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport last Monday. Since then, over 150 arrests have been made. In Rotherham, anti-immigration demonstrators injured at least ten police officers, with one officer left unconscious after being hit with planks of wood and sprayed with fire extinguishers. Demonstrators also smashed windows to gain access to the Holiday Inn Express and set a large bin on fire. The officer knocked unconscious suffered a head injury, while at least two others had suspected broken bones. Hotel employees and residents, including asylum seekers, were "terrified," though no injuries were reported among them. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the scenes as "utterly appalling," stating that the police have the government's backing to take "the strongest action." In Tamworth, Staffordshire, officers confronted "violent acts of thuggery" on Sunday evening, where one officer was injured as people threw missiles, smashed windows, and started fires. In Middlesbrough, rioters smashed windows of houses and cars and hurled objects at officers. In Weymouth, Dorset, about 600 people from opposing sides gathered on the seafront, resulting in a "small number of low-level incidents" and one arrest for a public order offence. In Bolton, anti-immigration protesters clashed with a group of up to 300 masked individuals shouting "Allahu Akbar," prompting Greater Manchester Police to issue a Section 60AA order requiring people to remove face coverings. These violent outbreaks follow similar unrest in Southport, Belfast, Hartlepool, Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, and Sunderland earlier in the week. Prime Minister Starmer suggested that the response to the violence could involve measures similar to those used during the 2011 riots, emphasizing the need for rapid arrests and convictions. "We do have standing arrangements for law enforcement which means that we can get arrests... and convictions done very quickly," Starmer said. "I myself was part of that in 2011 when I was director of public prosecutions, and I'm determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible." Ministers have indicated that courts could operate around the clock to expedite prosecutions, similar to the approach taken in 2011. Police forces are also prepared to draft in extra officers to handle potential further unrest. The Cobra meeting on Monday is expected to provide a crucial update on the violence and outline the government's strategy for ensuring public safety and restoring order. Credit: BBC 2024-08-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.