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Hamas is set to release the bodies of four hostages from Gaza on Thursday, according to Israeli security officials. Additionally, three living hostages are expected to be freed on Saturday as part of the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The names of the deceased hostages will be provided to the Israel Defense Forces on Thursday morning, and their families will be informed shortly after. Israeli authorities are also pushing for the release of all six remaining living hostages included in the first phase of the agreement, rather than just three. If successful, this would leave only four hostages—who are believed to be dead—remaining in Gaza under the original 33-person deal. So far, 19 Israeli hostages have been released, along with five Thai nationals. Officials have stated that eight of the 33 hostages due for release by March 2 are deceased, but their identities remain unconfirmed. Concerns are growing that Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel, 5, and Kfir, 2, may be among the dead. The Bibas family has become a symbol of the brutal October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. Despite the initial cease-fire agreement prioritizing the release of women, including those who served in the military, Shiri and her children were not among those freed. Recently, Hamas has only released male hostages, including Shiri’s husband, Yarden Bibas. He has since spoken about the psychological torment he endured at the hands of Hamas, who repeatedly used his family’s uncertain fate as a form of torture. Hamas also forced Yarden to appear in a propaganda video, in which he was coerced into claiming that his wife and children had been killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Meanwhile, Zeev Elkin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, stated that the Knesset is working on the second phase of the cease-fire deal with Hamas. This next phase aims to secure the release of the remaining hostages. If all 14 hostages are freed by the March 2 deadline, Hamas would still hold approximately 59 hostages in Gaza, with around 36 presumed dead, according to Israeli officials. Among those expected to be released in the second phase is Israeli-American Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old from Tenafly, New Jersey. Speaking to Israeli public broadcaster KAN, Elkin emphasized the urgency of securing the hostages' freedom while balancing the broader implications for the ongoing conflict. “We all want to proceed to phase two and release the hostages, the question is under what conditions is the war ended,” he said. As negotiations continue, the fate of the remaining hostages remains uncertain, with growing international pressure on Hamas to release those still in captivity. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-19

A shocking new revelation has emerged, highlighting widespread anti-Israel sentiment within the Australian healthcare system. This comes after an alarming video surfaced featuring two nurses from Bankstown making antisemitic remarks and threatening to "kill" Israeli patients. While the video caused significant outrage, it appears to be just the "tip of the iceberg" in what is being described as a toxic and racist culture in the health sector. If you thought those two nurses in Bankstown Australia were bad, then just watch this. @SharriMarkson exposes just how bad the jihadists in the Australian medical field are, and how the government are doing next to nothing about it. The letter urged Butler to instruct the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Australian Medical Council to investigate antisemitic behavior among medical professionals. It described the issue as a "systemic problem" and insisted: "It is entirely unacceptable for any medical professional to use their platform to spread discriminatory or hateful remarks, especially in a divisive manner." Attached to the letter was a dossier detailing the worst offenders, submitted in the immediate aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks. The doctors also requested a reminder be sent to all medical professionals, reinforcing that hate speech violates the core principles of healthcare. However, no apparent action was taken. As a result, antisemitic rhetoric has continued unchecked, leaving Jewish patients vulnerable. One of the most appalling cases involves Dr. Mohamed Ghilan, who publicly shared a post stating, "Live like Sinwar or die trying," in reference to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. He also shared another post quoting Sinwar: "Humiliation will never be for us." Additionally, another post of his read: "I am Hamas, they are Hamas, we are all Hamas." Dr. Ghilan was employed at Alfred Hospital until three months ago. In response to inquiries, Alfred Health stated that concerns about the doctor’s online activity had been raised with them in November of last year. "He was suspended from work, and a workplace investigation into the allegations commenced," the statement read. "Dr. Ghilan resigned from our health service while the investigation was still in progress. The concerns raised with Alfred Health were reported to both AHPRA and Victoria Police at the time." Despite this, he remains a registered medical practitioner. Another case involves a Junior Medical Officer from the Western Sydney Local Health District, who posted, "Every Zionist, young to old, is a psychotic maniac." In another post, he wrote, "Antisemitism is just a weaponized cop-out to protect this criminal entity which is Zionism and all its followers." He also reshared a post calling for Zionists to be "defeated, crushed and utterly removed from power," adding, "Any supporter of Israel is a rotten human. If nobody had any sympathy for the Nazis, nobody should have any sympathy for any of these people." In one of the most disturbing instances, a Western Sydney doctor posted on Twitter: "I've even become fearful when I see new patients Jewish names book in with me." This raises deep concerns about how Jewish patients might be treated in such an environment. A long-term NSW Health employee, who has worked in Bankstown, shared her experiences of both explicit and implicit antisemitism but has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her career. She recalled a manager referring to someone by saying, "He’s such a f***ing Jew." On another occasion, a colleague told her, "There will be peace (between Palestinians and Israelis) when one side puts down their arms, and that side should be Israel," implying that Israel should be wiped out. The extent of the anti-Zionist and antisemitic sentiment in the healthcare sector has become so significant that an Instagram account, "Not My Doctor," has been created to expose these cases. NSW Health was confronted with these black-and-white examples of social media posts. In response, Secretary Susan Pearce stated that the department "is committed to combatting antisemitism and hate in all its forms." However, she did not comment on whether any of the implicated doctors would face investigation. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-19 Related Topics: Anti-Semitism in the NHS: The Disturbing Reality of Hate Among Medical Professionals Australian Nurses Suspended Over Hate Speech Antisemitic Video as Investigation Unfolds

A senior US senator has strongly criticized Sir Keir Starmer’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a “dangerous surrender” that jeopardizes Western security interests in the Indian Ocean. Jim Risch, the Republican chair of the Senate’s foreign relations committee and a close ally of Donald Trump, has warned that this move poses an “unneeded risk to our military position” and could allow China to gain greater insight into US activities at Diego Garcia, the crucial American naval base on the largest island in the archipelago. “Ceding ground to China is dangerous surrender, and the US and the UK need to work together to push back on this,” Risch stated during a visit to London, speaking at the think tank Policy Exchange. “While this is ultimately a British decision, retaining sovereign control over Diego Garcia is imperative for our collective security.” The Trump administration is currently reviewing the deal ahead of Starmer’s upcoming visit to Washington DC. Several high-profile Republicans, including Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, have publicly voiced their concerns. However, with the White House currently focused on Ukraine negotiations and efforts to broker a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the Chagos Islands have not yet become a top priority. Risch, who was recently invited by Trump to celebrate the release of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel from Russian detention, emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia. “Diego Garcia plays an indispensable role in helping all of us deter Chinese aggression,” he said. “I’m concerned that the decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius creates unneeded risk to our military position in the Indian Ocean and will allow [the] Chinese to gain greater insight into our activities at Diego Garcia. We understand that the government has put measures in place to limit the Chinese navy’s ability to encroach upon Diego Garcia, but it isn’t just about the Chinese navy. We are equally worried about collection activities conducted by China’s commercial — so-called commercial — and oceanographic spy vessels.” Beyond the Chagos issue, Risch also criticized Britain’s military capabilities, arguing that “the British military is too small” to meet current security challenges. His concerns were echoed by HR McMaster, Trump’s former national security adviser, who recalled working on the Chagos issue during the first Trump administration and described the deal as a “travesty.” “This would put us at a significant strategic disadvantage,” McMaster said. Policy Exchange has blamed the Chagos deal on what it describes as a “hyper-legalist” and “flawed” approach to international law led by Attorney General Lord Hermer. The 2019 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled 13-1 in favor of Mauritius’ claim over the islands, has played a significant role in Britain’s decision to proceed with the handover. The lone dissenting judge was American, while the majority included a Russian and a Chinese judge. Starmer has argued that the ICJ ruling created legal uncertainty that threatened the future of Diego Garcia. His plan involves leasing the base from Mauritius for £90 million annually, with the payment increasing over 99 years in line with inflation. However, critics believe this concession was unnecessary. Stephen Doughty, a foreign office minister, recently defended the decision, writing in *The Times* that Britain had to finalize a deal before Mauritius secured a binding ICJ ruling. He warned that such a judgment could have “serious real-world operational impacts,” including potential consequences from UN bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which controls electromagnetic spectrum allocations, and the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which regulates airspace. However, Tom Tugendhat, the former UK security minister, dismissed these concerns, stating that the ITU had “absolutely no authority to interfere in — let alone shut down — our satellite facilities on Diego Garcia.” He argued that the real threat to the base came not from international legal bodies but from the UK government’s own willingness to concede to Mauritius. “The main threat to the future of our military base in the Indian Ocean is not some unilateral punitive action of an international body. It is simply the government’s distorted interpretation of the UK’s legal obligations and its willingness to surrender meekly to a Mauritian shakedown,” he said. Richard Ekins KC, co-author of the Policy Exchange report, also criticized the UK government, stating that it was “failing to defend the UK’s legal rights.” “The government’s attempts to rationalize its surrender of a vital strategic asset betray a damaging hyper-legalist disposition. No international court can force the UK to cede the Chagos and no responsible government should pretend that its hands are tied,” he said. The report suggests that the controversial guidance issued by Hermer to government lawyers last year may be a key factor behind the Chagos deal. His directive advised legal teams to assess “the likelihood of a legal challenge being successful” even if a case never reached court. The report describes this approach as “badly misguided,” arguing that any legal advice based on it is “worse than useless.” “As long as the UK does not accept the jurisdiction of the ICJ over the Chagos sovereignty dispute, the prospects of a binding judgment against Britain are non-existent,” the report concludes. Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-19

Ursula von der Leyen has kicked off her second term as European Commission president with a sweeping and rapid deregulation push—one that took many in Brussels by surprise. Few officials had prior knowledge of the plan before it was already in motion, leaving policymakers scrambling to catch up with the new direction. Facing pressure from right-wing governments, von der Leyen has made cutting bureaucratic red tape a cornerstone of her second term, aiming to boost Europe's economic competitiveness. However, this shift in focus has come at the expense of environmental regulations and other long-standing priorities, raising concerns among various stakeholders in the European policymaking community. POLITICO spoke with a range of Brussels insiders, including Commission officials, national diplomats, European Parliament lawmakers, industry representatives, and NGO figures. Their accounts describe a centralized, fast-moving agenda designed to "simplify" European Union regulations while easing burdens on businesses. The rapid nature of these changes has alarmed many in Brussels, particularly those who have spent years crafting the very regulations now being reconsidered. Some Commission staffers have been left “depressed” as years of regulatory efforts are swiftly undone. Cabinet officials, too, have struggled to exert influence over von der Leyen’s highly centralized approach to policymaking. This top-down strategy has raised transparency concerns across EU institutions. “When we’re going that fast, how can we be sure we’re getting it right?” questioned a senior national regulator, who, like others interviewed, spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the discussions. The deregulation push began in November during a meeting in Budapest, where von der Leyen announced a major shift in EU green policy. The move surprised many, as it signaled a departure from some of the Commission’s previous environmental priorities. The plan has the backing of key EU member states, including France and Germany, as well as von der Leyen’s political allies in the center-right European People’s Party (EPP). At the heart of the effort is an “omnibus” bill aimed at simplifying a set of laws designed to hold companies accountable for environmental and social damages. Von der Leyen has insisted that the bill will not weaken existing regulations but will streamline them by eliminating unnecessary duplication and paperwork. She argues that this will make the EU a more attractive place to do business. However, critics warn that reopening these files could ultimately lead to a dilution of the laws themselves. The suddenness of this initiative has caught even Commission officials off guard. Four officials admitted to POLITICO that they first learned of the plan—which directly affects their work—through von der Leyen’s Budapest speech. Since then, the deregulation push has expanded, with promises of “at least” five omnibus packages in 2025 and the scrapping of previous Commission proposals deemed too burdensome. Despite the criticism, von der Leyen’s push for a faster, more agile approach to EU lawmaking has its supporters. Jean-Paul Servais, head of the global securities watchdog IOSCO, defended the urgency of the effort, stating: “In wartime, speed is maybe the most important aspect.” European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde also voiced her support, co-authoring an op-ed in the Financial Times alongside von der Leyen. In it, they argued that the EU has “too much at stake” to allow excessive regulation to hold back economic growth. They praised the deregulation effort as an “unprecedented simplification” initiative aimed at keeping Europe competitive on the global stage, promising to “do whatever is necessary to bring Europe back on track.” Still, as one senior Commission official noted, the EU executive branch is “only one player in this game.” The official pointed out that EU governments and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) often dilute legislative proposals during negotiations. “If they want ambition, we give them ambition. But then they have to be ambitious.” As von der Leyen forges ahead with her deregulatory agenda, the debate over the balance between economic growth and regulatory oversight is set to intensify. While some see the push as a necessary step to maintain Europe’s global standing, others fear it could come at the cost of hard-won environmental and social protections. The speed and scope of these changes ensure that the controversy surrounding them is far from over. Based on a report by Politico 2025-02-19

President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed concerns over reports that the European Union might respond to his "reciprocal" tariff policy by restricting imports of certain American food products. "That’s all right. I don’t mind. Let them do it. Let them do it," Trump told reporters. "They’re just hurting themselves if they do that. I can’t imagine it, but it doesn’t matter." According to a report from the Financial Times, citing three unnamed officials, the European Commission is set to move forward next week with plans to limit imports of specific U.S. food products that do not comply with EU regulations. Among the potential targets of these restrictions are U.S. soybean crops, which use pesticides that are banned in the EU. European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Olivér Várhelyi emphasized the EU's stance in a recent interview with the Financial Times. "We have very clear signals from the parliament, very clear signals also from the member states and from our farmers: whatever is banned in the EU, it should be banned in the EU, even if it is an imported product," he stated. Trump recently signed a presidential memorandum proposing reciprocal tariffs, arguing that the policy is necessary to counter unfair and discriminatory trade practices from both adversaries and allies. While the tariffs were not enacted immediately, the memorandum initiated a review process to implement them. Under this plan, reciprocal tariffs would be determined based on five factors: the tariffs imposed on U.S. products by a given nation, unfair taxes, costs to U.S. businesses and consumers from foreign policies, exchange rates, and any other measures deemed unfair by the U.S. trade representative’s office. White House officials indicated that Trump aims to move quickly on implementing the tariffs, suggesting they could be in place within "weeks" or, at most, "a few months." Defending the policy on Sunday, Trump reiterated the fairness of reciprocal tariffs. "We’re having reciprocal tariffs. Whatever they charge, we charge. It’s very simple. If a certain country—like India, which is very high tariff—if they charge us X dollars, we charge them X dollars," he said. "It’s a fair thing to do," he added. "Even the media said it was fair, and it’s going to be very good for the United States." Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-19

Couple of posts removed for comments on moderation and a foreign language interview. "All video content must be from a credible media source, and in English. Foreign languages, even with subtitles, are not permitted."

Please discuss the topic not some posters repetative references to historical perspectives of the conflict. There are alternative topics already on that. BBC Faces More Serious Accusations of Bias in Gaza Hostage Release Coverage

Nonsense troll post removed @beautifulthailand99

As North Korea prepares to welcome Western visitors once again, the leading tour operator to the reclusive state has likened the experience to “a school trip.” Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours, explained that every aspect of the journey is tightly controlled, making independent exploration virtually impossible. “Everything is guided, the itinerary is all planned in advance by us with our partners there,” Cockerell told The Independent daily travel podcast. “You don't really have to do much thinking for yourself. Thinking for yourself is not hugely encouraged in North Korea anyway.” Koryo Tours is finalizing its first trip to the country in five years, with the inaugural departure scheduled for Thursday, 20 February. Due to high demand from adventurous travelers eager to visit the isolated nation, the tour is already fully booked. North Korea initially shut its borders to Western tourists in January 2020, becoming the first country to do so in response to the Covid pandemic. Now, it will be the last to reopen. While a group of Russian tourists was granted access a year ago, largely for publicity purposes, it was only this month that Westerners were given permission to visit. “It's happened really quickly,” Cockerell said. “Just a week-and-a-half ago or so, we were told, ‘Send in some staff for final meetings.’ We scrambled a bit and sent in one of my colleagues.” For now, entry is limited to the Rason Special Economic Area in the northeast of the country, a mountainous region that shares borders with China and Russia. “There are two cities in the area, called Rason and Sombong. There are fishing villages, farming villages, and so on,” Cockerell said. “But by North Korean basic standards, it's actually quite advanced.” According to him, the region enjoys a relatively better economy than much of the north, benefiting from trade—both legal and otherwise—primarily with China. “Most North Koreans would consider it a good place to live,” he noted. “It's an interesting and quirky place, but it is definitively North Korea. The rules and regulations remain the same. The same kind of propaganda stuff you see everywhere is still present.” Since there is no airport in Rason, visitors will cross into the country via bus from the Chinese city of Yanji. “Rason is technically visa-free,” Cockerell explained. “The procedure for an entry permit is the same as applying for a visa, but quicker. So there's no actual document.” However, tourists must attend a mandatory one-hour pre-trip briefing covering regulations, etiquette, and safety. Koryo Tours warns that infractions that might seem minor elsewhere can have severe consequences in North Korea. “Offences that would be considered trivial in other countries can incur very severe penalties in North Korea, particularly actions the authorities deem to be disrespectful towards the North Korean leadership or government, or those involving religion.” Starting in March, Koryo Tours will operate two trips per month to the region, with the longest tour spanning four nights at a cost of €705 (£587). Highlights of the itinerary include a visit to the Three Country Border Viewpoint, Rason Taekwondo School, Ryongyson Brewery, and the Golden Triangle Bank, where, in theory, visitors can open a North Korean bank account. Despite the opportunity to explore this enigmatic country, the UK Foreign Office strongly advises against travel to North Korea, citing the unpredictable security situation. “The security situation in North Korea can change quickly with no advance warning about possible actions by the authorities. This poses significant risks to British visitors and residents.” The Foreign Office further warns that foreign nationals have been detained for allegedly violating local laws, sometimes without access to assistance from their governments. “Support from FCDO is severely limited, especially while there is no British Embassy presence. Remote support is available if you’re able to contact us online or by phone. However, the routine lack of access to internet and mobile networks makes it almost impossible to communicate outside of North Korea.” Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-18

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that a "US security guarantee" is the only way to ensure peace in Ukraine and deter further Russian aggression. Speaking in Paris after an emergency summit with European leaders, he emphasized that a "US backstop" is crucial to preventing another attack on Ukraine by Moscow. "This is an existential question for Europe as a whole, and therefore vital for Britain's national interests," Starmer said, adding that the current geopolitical landscape demands a shift in approach. "This is a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent. We are in a new era in which nations cannot cling hopelessly to the comforts of the past." During his discussions at the Élysée Palace with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the European Union, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Starmer reiterated that any peace agreement must safeguard Ukraine’s sovereignty and deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from future aggression. "Europe must play its role, and I'm prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground alongside others if there is a lasting peace agreement," Starmer stated. He also announced that he will be traveling to Washington next week to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss what the UK sees as "key elements of a lasting peace" for Ukraine. Despite concerns about shifting US priorities, Starmer expressed confidence that Washington would remain committed to NATO. "It is clear the US is not going to leave NATO," he said. "But we Europeans will have to do more. The issue of burden sharing is not new, but it is now pressing, and Europeans will have to step up, both in terms of spending and the capabilities that we provide." The prime minister revealed that he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday and would do so again in the coming days. "We envisage further engagement with European colleagues when I return from the US," he added. Britain, he insisted, would continue to take "a leading responsibility, as we always have," stressing that "democracy must prevail." US President Donald Trump has previously stated that the United States no longer sees the defense of Europe as its primary concern and has called on European nations to increase their defense spending. When asked by Sky News Europe correspondent Adam Parsons whether the US had undermined the UK, Europe, and Ukraine by unilaterally initiating talks with Russia, Starmer responded that Washington, like Ukraine, wanted "lasting peace." He reinforced his view that a "US backstop" was essential to any credible security guarantees for Ukraine. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-18

With a power vacuum in Syria and little international will to repatriate jihadists, Kurdish forces warn that Islamic State could regain strength by breaking out prisoners like Hamza Parvez. As a masked guard opened a slot in the door and called for the British detainee, the air outside the cell filled with a foul stench. Hamza Parvez stepped forward, complaining about his meager hygiene supplies—a small bar of soap and a worn towel. Once known as "Hungry Hamza," the 31-year-old from west London was among the first Britons to join ISIS in 2014. He gained notoriety through social media, where he posted not only recruitment videos urging fellow Britons to join but also reviews of fast-food restaurants under the so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq. When The Times visited his cell this week in Syria’s al-Hasakah prison—a facility that exclusively holds former ISIS fighters—Parvez appeared gaunt. He described his treatment as “genocide,” complaining that he had been using the same blanket and pillow for years. However, he acknowledged that his conditions were far better than those endured by the prisoners tortured and executed by ISIS during what he once called “the golden era of jihad” between 2014 and 2019. The extremist group, once promising its followers an apocalyptic caliphate, has been reduced to small bands of fighters hiding in the Syrian desert. However, experts warn that the group’s best chance at resurgence lies in breaking out detainees like Parvez and rebuilding its ranks—something the heavily armed guards of al-Hasakah prison are determined to prevent. Parvez stopped short of renouncing ISIS, instead suggesting that the group had made errors in its approach. “They wanted to take a very hard stance,” he said. “They wanted to scare the world.” He admitted, “We definitely made mistakes. Here in the Middle East, unfortunately, they are not the most organised … I don’t want to lie. It’s not easy to say I don’t believe in the Islamic State. It’s an organisation. But the foundations of Islam, I believe in them.” At al-Hasakah, approximately 4,500 prisoners are held behind multiple layers of blast walls and razor wire. Most are kept in isolation, with cells holding 15 to 20 men. They are allowed about 45 minutes of outdoor exercise each day. Guards instruct journalists not to discuss current affairs with the inmates, preferring to keep them in the dark. Parvez, for instance, appeared unaware that the overthrow of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December had reignited discussions about the fate of foreign ISIS fighters and the thousands of women and children still held in separate detention camps. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which defeated ISIS in 2019 with Western support, now controls eastern Syria and oversees these prison facilities. The SDF has repeatedly urged foreign governments to take back their citizens for trial or establish an international court, but most nations prefer to strip their citizenship and leave them imprisoned in Syria. With Assad gone, the SDF fears ISIS could use the resulting instability to regain a foothold in Syria. The new regime in Damascus, led by former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, insists it can secure the prisons. However, doubts remain about whether hardliners within his ranks—many of whom resent his failure to implement Islamic law—could be swayed by the extremist ideology of the prisoners they are supposed to guard. In his headquarters in al-Hasakah, SDF commander General Mazloum Abdi warned that ISIS is already exploiting the security vacuum left by Assad’s downfall. His forces, which drove ISIS from its de facto capital of Raqqa and defeated them at their last stronghold in Baghuz in 2019, remain on high alert. “There is a security vacuum. In the desert, Daesh has been able to secure locations and weapons,” Abdi said, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS. “And we know their primary goal is the cities.” He added that ISIS has begun infiltrating urban areas. Abdi noted that the new Syrian administration is attempting to accommodate international demands for inclusivity. However, this runs counter to its base, which adheres to Salafism and jihadist ideology. “The direction now is towards imposing [non-Islamic] civil law and Daesh is exploiting this” by appealing to radical hardliners, he said. Critics, including some terrorism analysts, argue that the SDF and the US may be overstating the ISIS threat to justify maintaining control over northeastern Syria’s oil-rich regions while negotiating a federal arrangement with the central government. They also point out that the SDF has long faced opposition from Turkish-backed militias that reject Kurdish autonomy. However, the SDF, which claims it lost 13,000 soldiers fighting ISIS, strongly refutes these claims. US-led airstrikes, including multiple attacks coinciding with Assad’s ouster on December 8, have significantly weakened ISIS, according to two Western counterterrorism officials. However, intelligence suggests the group is quietly planning its next move. The US is reportedly considering a withdrawal of its troops from Syria, but Abdi, who maintains close ties with the American military, said he has not been informed of any such plans. “There are a lot of discussions in ISIS circles about assassinating Sharaa. So they could be quiet because they’re trying to plan along those lines,” said Aaron Zelin, a jihadist expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He noted that the absence of ISIS attacks over the Christmas period might indicate strategic planning rather than a loss of capability. A mass prison breakout could change everything. In 2022, ISIS orchestrated a major attack on al-Hasakah prison, detonating car bombs outside the facility while inmates staged an uprising inside. The ensuing battle lasted a week before SDF and US forces regained control. Since then, prisoners have been transferred to a more secure building within the complex. Beyond breaking out fighters, ISIS also aims to free the women and children held in SDF-administered camps, which are largely funded by US foreign aid. The largest, al-Hawl, holds nearly 40,000 people. The US has warned that it cannot continue funding the camps indefinitely. Al-Hawl’s director, Jihan Hasan, has voiced concerns over potential disaster if funding is cut. “At the end, the whole world is concerned with al-Hawl,” Hasan said. “The burden shouldn’t be on the [SDF’s] autonomous administration.” While Iraq has begun repatriating some of its citizens, most Western nations have only taken back a handful of detainees, leaving thousands of women and children in limbo. The SDF has attempted to send children to rehabilitation centers where they learn languages and music, but space is limited. Critics have also accused the SDF of separating children from their mothers. During a recent tour of the al-Hawl camp in an armored vehicle, children pelted the car with stones and chanted the ISIS slogan “baqiya”—meaning “it remains” in Arabic. One child climbed onto the vehicle’s bumper and raised his index finger in a sign of allegiance to the group, while his mother looked on. “The last time there was unrest in the camp, they were telling the guards: ‘Soon you will be the ones in the camp, and we will be the ones detaining you,’” said an SDF counterterrorism official. ISIS, he warned, sees these children as a future army. “You can’t defeat an ideological jihadist group only using combat.” Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-18

The Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, has confirmed to Sky News that it received $24,000 (£19,000) from the US State Department to support a film project centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The funds were allocated to facilitate storytelling from marginalized communities through film. This revelation follows criticism of a separate $70,000 (£56,000) grant for a "DEI musical" in Ireland, which the Trump administration recently described as "crap" and a waste of taxpayer money. The administration is in the process of dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been involved in funding international cultural projects. However, spending records indicate that the $24,000 grant given to IADT in October 2021 was not through USAID but rather via the US Embassy in Dublin. The Irish college used the funding, along with additional support from Screen Skills Ireland, to produce four short documentaries created by individuals from marginalized backgrounds. These films premiered at a Galway film festival in July 2023. Project lead lecturer and filmmaker Vanessa Gildea expressed her strong belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion in the film industry. "I believe passionately that the future of film and television must be based on diversity, inclusion, and gender parity. This belief is the reason we created this film project," she said. "We are all incredibly proud of these beautiful and moving films, and of each and every filmmaker." Among the four short films was Falling, a poetic portrayal of a courageous young Afghan woman seeking a better life. Another, Cultural Medium, directed by Britney Madondo, offered a vibrant and lyrical exploration of the Black and Irish experience through the artistic lens of Yomi Attention. What is Freedom?, directed by Mohadesa Shojaee, took viewers on a journey of navigating freedom in a new land, while Sticks & Stones delved into experiences of discrimination and the significance of language. The revelation of the funding came amid a broader scrutiny of US government expenditures on DEI projects abroad. Two weeks ago, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted what she described as "insane priorities" funded by USAID, including $1.5 million (£1.2m) for workplace DEI initiatives in Serbia, $47,000 (£37,000) for a "transgender opera" in Colombia, and the previously mentioned $70,000 (£56,000) grant for the "DEI musical" in Ireland. "I don't know about you, but as an American taxpayer, I don't want my dollars going towards this crap, and the American people don't either," Leavitt stated. "And that's exactly what Elon Musk has been tasked by President Trump to do." The funding revelations have provoked strong reactions from conservative commentators in the US. However, it appears that both the $70,000 grant and the IADT funding were awarded by the State Department, not USAID. Reports suggest the $70,000 grant was used for an event in Dublin rather than a musical, though repeated attempts to contact the event's organizer have been unsuccessful. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-18

Reform UK is gaining ground against the struggling Conservative Party, with new polling indicating that Nigel Farage's party is now viewed as a serious competitor to the Tories. An exclusive YouGov poll for Sky News reveals that Reform UK is performing at least as well as the Conservatives in key areas, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing Kemi Badenoch. The survey suggests that the Conservative brand has suffered significant damage, while Reform UK is increasingly resonating with voters. Despite the early stage of this parliamentary term, with most parties yet to outline detailed policy platforms, the poll provides insight into how the electorate perceives both parties. Only 10% of voters currently see the Tories as strong, while 61% view them as weak. By contrast, Reform UK fares much better, with 31% of respondents calling the party strong and just 27% considering it weak. This means that three times as many voters perceive Reform UK as strong compared to the Conservatives. A similar trend is evident when assessing whether each party has a clear sense of direction. Just 18% of voters believe the Conservatives have a clear purpose, while 59% say their direction is unclear. Reform UK, however, scores significantly higher, with 49% believing the party has a clear sense of purpose and only 24% unsure about what it stands for. Voters are thus more than twice as likely to see Reform UK as having a clear direction compared to the Tories. The gap is narrower when it comes to trust, but Reform UK still leads. Only 11% of voters see the Tories as trustworthy, while 65% consider them untrustworthy. For Reform UK, 19% say they are trustworthy, with 52% holding the opposite view. Ten years ago, when Nigel Farage led UKIP, some believed that his leadership or the party’s brand was too controversial for mainstream success. There was speculation that Farage had a lower potential ceiling of support compared to the Conservatives. However, the latest polling suggests that this perception may have changed now that he leads Reform UK. One way to gauge this is by examining the proportion of voters who say they would never support each party. According to the poll, 56% of respondents say they would never vote for Reform UK, leaving a potential voter base of 44%. An almost identical figure—55%—say they would never vote Tory, leaving them with a 45% pool of potential voters. This indicates that Reform UK does not face a lower ceiling of support than the Conservatives. Further analysis shows that right-leaning voters are more likely to switch from the Conservatives to Reform UK than the other way around. Among those who voted for Reform UK in the general election, 46% say they would never vote Tory. However, among Conservative voters from last year’s election, only 36% rule out voting for Reform UK. Additionally, 24% of those who voted Conservative in the last election now say they "will" or "might" vote for Reform UK, while only 8% of Reform UK voters indicate they "will" or "might" switch to the Conservatives. These figures suggest that Reform UK is emerging as a serious alternative for right-leaning voters, further challenging the Conservative Party’s position. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-18

The United Kingdom is at risk of becoming a "global powerbase" for radical Islam due to the failure of Sir Keir Starmer’s government to take decisive action, according to counter-extremism analyst Amjad Taha. While countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been rolling back ultra-conservatism, the UK finds itself in an "extraordinary position" where militant Islam is spreading within its borders. Taha, who has 1.6 million followers on X and Instagram, has voiced concerns about harmful teachings in schools and local communities. He points to instances where children in London, Birmingham, and Manchester are reportedly being taught about global jihad against Jews and Christians, with Holocaust denial included in some curriculums. "The things that some of the Islamists say in various mosques, and we have been seeing it online—the terminology they use, the analysis they make, the statements they actually make—they wouldn't be able to say it all the way in Afghanistan or Iraq," he said. His comments come as Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner launches a new council on Islamophobia, which aims to define the term officially. Some critics argue that this could lead to the introduction of a "blasphemy law" in the UK. The Home Office has responded to concerns by stating that the government is increasing training for officials to "spot terrorist ideologies, explicitly Islamist extremism." The new Islamophobia council, set to be chaired by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, will make recommendations that could criminalize certain criticisms of Islam, raising concerns about potential restrictions on free speech. Historian and founder of the Oxford Institute for British Islam, Dr. Taj Hargey, criticized the move, stating, "It is astounding that an unpopular Labour Party is seeking to sacrifice free expression just to placate Islamic fundamentalists." Taha echoes these concerns, suggesting that radical elements in the UK are growing unchecked while Middle Eastern countries are curbing ultra-conservatism. According to Taha, the Muslim Brotherhood exerts significant influence over press narratives in the UK’s Muslim communities. "The Muslim Brotherhood and the Islamists are radical Islamists, and they use freedom of speech in a manner where they will be anti-Semite in the name of freedom of speech. I absolutely stand against that, as I think anti-Semitism is not an opinion but a crime, and a crime against humanity," he stated. He further warned that extremists in the UK openly supported Hamas following the October 7 attacks against Israel. "What I saw and what we witnessed is the fact that some Islamists from all the way over here, we saw their voices—it was for Hamas," he said. He described Hamas as "the armed forces of the Muslim Brotherhood," pointing out that while the organization is banned in the UAE, it remains legal in the UK. He called for an immediate ban, arguing that "they use freedom of speech to censor your right to speak against them." Taha also raised concerns about Islamic Relief, a UK-registered charity that has been banned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to alleged ties to terrorist groups. "The fact that Islamic Relief, for instance, is registered as a charity here but all the way in Saudi Arabia, in the UAE, and other countries, it is banned because of the investigation that showed that this charity is sending money all the way to some terrorist groups in the Middle East—it tells you a lot," he said. He warned that "once-alien" ideologies are now deeply embedded in British society. "On London’s streets, the flags of terrorist groups are flown to protest against the war in Gaza, the Met Police happily explain on social media that 'jihad' on a flag means struggle, not war, and thousands of people are prepared to stand alongside Hamas terrorists and those sympathetic to ISIS and Al-Qaeda," he said. Meanwhile, Gulf nations are moving in the opposite direction, banning religious police, promoting arts and live music, and encouraging English-language education to create more global opportunities for their youth. Taha, who led the first independent youth delegation to Israel after the 2020 Abraham Accords, sees the rise in independent Muslim candidates in UK elections as a strategy to exert increasing influence. "We are seeing the realization of a radical Islamic strategy to exert increasing influence in the UK, emboldened by the lack of forceful pushback from the authorities," he said. "Keir Starmer sounds confident when he talks of this great democracy that values free speech and respect for international human rights. But the plan by extremists is to eradicate democracy while pretending to participate in it." He criticizes the UK government for failing to take strong action, allowing Islamist groups to operate freely under the guise of community organizations, advocacy groups, and charities. The Home Office has rejected these criticisms, stating that "Islamist extremism has no place in our society, and the government is committed to tackling the threat it poses to communities and individuals." A spokesperson emphasized that the government is working across departments to combat extremism, including radical Islamist ideologies. Meanwhile, Mr. Grieve, the former Attorney General, has been recommended to chair a committee defining anti-Muslim prejudice. In 2018, he wrote the foreword to a report on Islamophobia by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, which defined Islamophobia as "rooted in racism" and targeting "expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness." Some critics argue that this definition is overly broad and could suppress legitimate criticism of Islam. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has called it a "Trojan horse for a blasphemy law" and "deeply flawed." The new council will consist of 16 members, potentially including Leeds Imam Qari Asim, who was previously dropped as a government adviser after supporting a ban on The Lady of Heaven, a historical drama about the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed. It remains uncertain whether the government will adopt the all-party group’s definition of Islamophobia. At the same time, the government is forming a separate council to address anti-Semitism. Some within the Jewish community argue that existing institutions already monitor the issue effectively. Additionally, the Home Office has announced plans to track more non-crime hate incidents related to both Islamophobia and anti-Semitism. A spokesperson for Angela Rayner's Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government has stated that the government aims to take a "more integrated and cohesive" approach to tackling religious and racial hatred. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has denied that the government is using the all-party group’s definition of Islamophobia and has reassured the public that authorities will pursue offenders "regardless of their race or religion." The government has firmly denied that it is considering any form of blasphemy law. "No blasphemy laws will be introduced by this government. We are firmly committed to tackling all forms of hatred and division, including the unacceptable rise in anti-Muslim hatred," a spokesperson confirmed. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-18

A group of fathers in Birmingham has vowed to patrol their neighborhood in response to what they see as a breakdown in law and order following the tragic stabbing of 12-year-old Leo Ross. The boy was attacked on January 21 and later died in the hospital, leaving residents in the Hall Green area shaken and frustrated. The men, led by Reece Chisholm, 37, have decided to take matters into their own hands, arguing that the police are not doing enough to protect the community. Chisholm, a reformed criminal who now runs a gardening business, emphasized that their efforts would be peaceful but effective. “We won’t be using violence. All we want to do is what the police are not doing,” he said. Their concerns grew even stronger upon learning that the suspect charged with Leo’s murder had also been wanted for four serious assaults on women in the area. Chisholm was particularly incensed by reports of a man exposing himself in public. “They told us this area would be better policed after Leo’s murder, so how come there’s a man masturbating at the bottom of Chinn Brook Road, scaring women and getting away with it?” he asked. Chisholm put out a call on social media, urging local men to join him in protecting the vulnerable. “Calling all men in the Hall Green area, message me please. Let’s get a team of us and do what we do best—look after the vulnerable people and the children within our area.” The response was immediate, and he now leads what he calls a ‘Dad’s Army’ that he expects to grow further. He insists the group will act within the law, making citizens' arrests if necessary. “We will make citizens' arrests with reasonable force. The police won’t come out, so I will put them in my car and take them to the station myself.” He also wants to ensure the elderly feel safer. “After 8 p.m. every evening, elderly people can’t walk the streets—they feel vulnerable. If they know there’s a group of lads from the area looking out for them, they will feel safer.” The group plans to introduce themselves to older residents, wear name badges, and use body cameras and walkie-talkies for safety. Chisholm, a father of eight, has also encouraged his children to act as informants on local issues. “I get my kids to liaise with other kids to see if there are any problems at home and they come back and tell me. I was told that one dad kept hitting his kid, so I spoke to him in the playground and I told him that if it continued, I’d have to report him.” While Hall Green is not regarded as one of Birmingham’s most dangerous neighborhoods, crime and disorder have been increasing. Chisholm, who regularly helps elderly residents with gardening and maintenance, described seeing “rats as big as beavers” and noted the decline in community resources. “When I was a kid, we had a community center where we’d all play pool and football. We had Solihull Lodge, another center for kids. These places are derelict now.” Among those the group hopes to protect is a local woman, Sandra (not her real name), who has lived in fear since her ex-partner was released from prison after serving five years for a brutal assault that left her with permanent facial scars. She worries for her safety and that of others, including an 11-year-old girl who recently reported being abused by her mother’s partner. “This little girl went into the local shop and told them she didn’t want to go home because her mum’s partner keeps coming into her room and touching her,” Sandra said. “He’s a known predator. He was caught with a 13-year-old girl in his car only recently.” Despite years of complaints to authorities, she claims nothing has been done. “The police and social services know everything, but they don’t do anything.” Sandra herself was a victim of grooming as a teenager and now finds herself dealing with a hostile new environment after being re-homed for protection. She described ongoing harassment from neighbors, including racial slurs, vandalism, and surveillance cameras pointed at her property. “They have put cameras on their house looking into my garden, but they seem to be untouchable. We are nervous wrecks.” Chisholm previously worked with a group called Innocence Matters that sought to catch child predators. “We caught four or five and the police did what they had to do, but only one got a prison sentence because he’d done it five times before.” Reflecting on the decline of law enforcement, he said, “Compared to when I was growing up, there are a lot more thefts happening. The police policed the streets better in the ’90s and 2000s than they do now. Even though they have more technology now, there are just fewer of them.” He is determined to keep pushing for change, regardless of the obstacles. “Things have got to change. I am not against anyone; I’m here to help everyone.” Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-18

Danny Cohen, the former director of BBC Television, has strongly criticized the BBC’s reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accusing the broadcaster of drawing an "appalling false equivalence" between Israeli hostages released by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel. He warned that the BBC risks becoming a "Hamas propaganda mouthpiece" by failing to adequately highlight the suffering endured by the hostages while giving disproportionate attention to the conditions of Palestinian detainees. Cohen’s criticism comes amid continued coverage of the conflict following the October 7 Hamas attack, during which hostages were taken. He argued that the BBC has repeatedly glossed over the torture, starvation, and abuse faced by Israeli hostages, instead choosing to emphasize the hardships claimed by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. "In their rush to gloss over the undeniable torture, starvation, and beatings that hostages have endured and their determination to highlight claims of poor conditions in Israel’s jails, the BBC is repeatedly drawing offensive false equivalence between victims of war crimes and hundreds of convicted violent offenders," he said. According to Cohen, the BBC has failed to properly report that many of the Palestinian prisoners released were convicted of serious terror offenses, including bombings and knife attacks. He pointed to Hamas member Mohammad Abu Warda, who was serving 48 life sentences for organizing a 1996 suicide bus bombing that killed 45 people. Cohen’s report accused the BBC of focusing on those freed from administrative detention without trial while only briefly mentioning the 733 Palestinian prisoners convicted of violent crimes who were also released. Critics have also taken issue with the BBC’s choice of language when referring to Hamas. During the first two hours of coverage on a recent hostage release, BBC reporters described Hamas personnel as "armed militants," "gunmen," "members," and "local health officials" but did not call them "terrorists" or acknowledge that Hamas is a proscribed terrorist organization. The broadcaster has also apologized multiple times for mistakenly referring to Palestinian prisoners as "hostages." Relatives of Israelis murdered by Palestinian attackers have expressed anger over the BBC’s coverage. Hillel Fuld, whose brother Ari was killed in 2018 by a Palestinian teenager recently freed in the prisoner exchange, criticized the lack of attention given to the victims' families. "There is zero attention being paid to the families whose lives these ‘prisoners’ ruined. Let’s not forget who these people are. They are murderers who destroyed families," Fuld wrote on social media. Cohen also accused BBC presenters of underreporting the suffering of Israeli hostages, including Naama Levy, whose brutal abduction was captured on video. He noted that BBC correspondents failed to mention the well-documented footage of Levy being dragged into a Hamas truck, covered in blood with her hands tied. He expressed concern that BBC journalists, including Laura Kuenssberg and Middle East regional editor Sebastian Usher, had equated the ordeal of Hamas’s hostages with what they described as "appalling" and "particularly hard" conditions in Israeli jails. BBC correspondent Mark Lowen came under particular scrutiny for stating: "They are then reunited with their families, it’s all very emotional of course, and then also later on that day you have similarly emotional scenes in Gaza where Palestinians who have been held in Israeli jails are released… The most serious offenders will be deported away from Gaza but there will be joy and heartbreak there as well from the families as they see their loved ones and for those still waiting for others to be released in the coming weeks of the ceasefire deal." Cohen condemned this framing, asserting that there is no legitimate comparison between the suffering of Israeli hostages and the imprisonment of Palestinian terrorists. "Taking hostages is a war crime. Torture, sexual abuse, and starvation of those hostages is a war crime. There is no equivalence between the horrors hostages have endured and the administrative detention of Palestinians or the decades-long imprisonment of murderous and violent terrorists," he stated. He called on the BBC to reconsider its approach, urging the broadcaster to "radically rethink its coverage, stop drawing these offensive comparisons, and remind its audience that Hamas is not providing ‘well-ordered’ hostage releases but once again showing the world what a barbarous and brutal terror group looks like." Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-18 Related Topics: "Controversy Surrounds BBC Arabic's Coverage of Israel-Gaza Conflict" BBC uses account of journalist working for Iran-backed news agency in Gaza deaths article MPs demand inquiry Gaza doctors at centre of harrowing BBC report are Hamas supporters BBC criticized For failing To Disclose Affiliations of Palestinian Journalists Hamas Ties BBC Faces Backlash Over Terminology in Hamas Coverage BBC Chairman Calls For a Thorough Review of Israel-Hamas War Bias BBC Accused of Bias in Israel-Hamas Coverage: Over 1,500 Breaches of Guidelines Jeremy Bowen Defends BBC Amid Allegations of Bias Over Israel-Hamas Coverage New Report from former BBC Director Criticizes Coverage of Israel-Hamas Conflict Whistleblower Alleges Normalized Anti-Semitism at the BBC

It has emerged that Lord Hermer fought to secure compensation from the British government for Rangzieb Ahmed, a high-profile al-Qaeda operative linked to the July 7 bombings. Acting in his capacity as a lawyer, the Attorney General represented Ahmed, a convicted terrorist, in a legal case where he sought damages for alleged torture at the hands of Pakistan’s authorities. The 2020 case examined whether UK police, intelligence services, and government departments could be held jointly liable for alleged actions carried out by Pakistan, a key ally in the war on terror. If the court had ruled in Ahmed’s favor, he could have received substantial compensation from British taxpayers while serving his prison sentence. Ahmed, now 49, was once regarded as Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man and the leader of al-Qaeda’s operations in Europe. He was the first individual in Britain to be convicted for “directing” terrorist activities and, in 2008, was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison. His criminal record includes involvement in multiple terror plots, including the devastating July 7, 2005, London bombings that killed 52 people. Lord Hermer, then a barrister at Matrix Chambers, represented Ahmed in the High Court in 2020. The case named six key government entities as defendants: the Security Service, the Secret Intelligence Service, the Home Office, the Foreign Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and Greater Manchester Police. However, the High Court ultimately dismissed Ahmed’s claim against all six. Ahmed, a British citizen of Pakistani descent, was arrested in Pakistan in 2006 and later claimed to have endured torture and mistreatment at the hands of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency. He alleged that British authorities were aware of his ordeal and had even supplied his interrogators with questions. Among his claims were severe beatings and the removal of three fingernails by Pakistani forces. Pakistan deported Ahmed to Britain in 2007, where he was subsequently convicted of multiple terrorism offenses. In 2010, he attempted to appeal his conviction, arguing that it was “unsafe,” but the Court of Appeal dismissed his case, stating there was “no evidence” to support his claims. During the 2020 case, Lord Hermer faced criticism for what was perceived as an attempt to “relitigate” aspects of Ahmed’s conviction through civil proceedings. However, he contended that “there is nothing in the pleaded case which could cast doubt on the safety of the conviction.” He further argued that recent disclosures regarding British complicity in the torture of terror suspects strengthened Ahmed’s claims. The court, however, found these arguments unpersuasive and dismissed the case. The legal battle sparked political backlash, with Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, publicly questioning Lord Hermer’s history of defending controversial figures. “The barristers cab-rank rule is long established. But what first attracted Gerry Adams, Shamima Begum, Phil Shiner, and al-Qaeda terrorists to Lord Hermer’s cab?” Jenrick said. He further criticized Hermer’s reluctance to disclose his financial interests and his cautious legal approach, asserting that “he’s unfit to be Attorney General.” Ahmed’s attempts to secure early release from prison have repeatedly failed. In September 2022, his parole request was denied due to concerns about his potential danger to the public. In 2023, he was instructed to complete a deradicalization program as a prerequisite for a future parole hearing. Despite this, his 2024 parole request was again rejected on the grounds that he remained a public safety risk. A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office responded to criticisms by emphasizing the professional obligations of legal practitioners. “Law officers such as the Attorney General will naturally have an extensive legal background and may have previously been involved in a wide number of past cases. It is a feature and cornerstone of our legal system that legal professionals operate the cab-rank rule when it comes to clients, and barristers do not associate themselves with their clients’ opinions.” Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-18

British universities have doubled their spending on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) roles in just three years, now collectively spending £28 million annually on these positions. Critics argue that such investments are wasteful, particularly as the higher education sector faces a growing financial crisis. A new study by the Taxpayers’ Alliance (TPA) found that between 2022 and 2024, the average university's spending on EDI staff increased by 125 percent, rising from £75,000 per institution to £168,000. The number of EDI employees also grew by 20 percent, with universities now employing an estimated 1,000 diversity staff members across the sector. The University of Oxford tops the list, employing 59 EDI staff in 2023-24 at a cost of £2.5 million, not including pensions and benefits. Oxford Brookes University followed, spending £1.3 million, while Edge Hill University in Lancashire allocated £1.2 million. The University for the Creative Arts in Farnham spent £1 million. Despite this surge in spending, 19 universities reported that they had not hired any EDI personnel over the three-year period. Some of the highest-paid diversity officers earn more than senior academic staff. Coventry University’s “EDI strategic lead” receives a salary between £83,872 and £119,274 pro rata, while the University of Warwick’s social inclusion director earns between £71,900 and £123,900. The University of Portsmouth’s director of student racial equity is paid £89,432. The debate over EDI spending has intensified as universities across the country make staff redundancies and cut academic programs due to budget shortfalls. The Office for Students recently warned that 72 percent of universities could be running at a deficit by 2025-26. Despite this, institutions continue to invest heavily in diversity initiatives. A broader examination of the public sector suggests that EDI spending is widespread. A 2022 report by the Conservative Way Forward think tank estimated that 10,000 EDI roles exist across public institutions, costing taxpayers £427 million per year. The TPA’s latest findings indicate that more than a tenth of those positions are in higher education. Criticism of university EDI initiatives has also been directed at the ideological content promoted in training materials and policies. The University of Edinburgh’s guide to microaggressions likens them to “mosquito bites” and lists statements such as “your colour doesn’t matter to me, everyone’s human” as problematic. Imperial College London provides guidance on being a “white ally,” instructing students to recognize their “white privilege.” Hull University has expanded its diversity policies beyond legal requirements, including protections for gender identity not covered by the Equality Act 2010. Concerns about the impact of EDI policies on free speech and academic freedom have been raised by scholars such as Professor John Marenbon, a fellow of the British Academy. He argued that universities are being “destroyed from within” as faculty members police each other’s views, fostering an atmosphere of conformity where those who question diversity initiatives face career repercussions. Joanna Marchong, an investigations campaign manager at the Taxpayers’ Alliance, condemned the rising costs, stating, “Taxpayers are starting to see just how deeply the public sector is plagued by costly EDI roles. These positions are draining millions from hardworking Brits despite clear evidence of their ineffectiveness, and their numbers keep growing. Public bodies must get their priorities straight and stop wasting money on expensive, pointless non-jobs.” However, university officials have defended their diversity programs. A spokesperson for the University for the Creative Arts noted that over half of their 30 EDI staff work as inclusion assistants, supporting disabled and neurodiverse students. Professor Duncan Ivison, vice-chancellor at the University of Manchester, stated, “Our EDI roles help make our university operate more fairly for everyone. There are still significant attainment gaps between different groups of students that we need to close, and we want our academic and professional staff workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. Inclusive universities do better research and teach more effectively. It’s a crucial element of genuine academic excellence.” The University of Edinburgh echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive culture. “Our investment in equality, diversity, and inclusion enables us to provide an environment where our staff, students, and graduates can meet their full potential and are treated with dignity and respect,” a spokesperson said. The University of Warwick reaffirmed its social inclusion strategy, which aims to achieve a diverse workforce by 2030 and remove barriers to success. As universities continue to grapple with financial pressures, the growing expenditure on EDI staff remains a divisive issue, with some arguing that the investment enhances academic institutions, while others see it as an unnecessary burden on taxpayers and a distraction from core educational priorities. Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-18

As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and human-like, what will happen to humanity? The rapid progression of AI suggests that 2025 may mark the moment when the phrase "My people will talk to your people" transforms into "My AI will talk to your AI." The question is: Are we ready for this shift? OpenAI has recently unveiled an artificial intelligence model capable of demonstrating human-like reasoning when tackling complex problems. This model not only provides solutions but also explains its thought process, allowing humans—or even other AIs—to verify its conclusions. As AI continues to evolve, businesses will experience a major transformation. AI-driven agents will expedite processes, boost efficiency, and almost inevitably replace human workers, leading to lower payroll costs. These AI systems will take on roles such as travel agents, administrative assistants, programmers, prototype testers, marketing managers, and even serve as digital avatars within video games. The true limitations of AI agents will not stem from their capabilities, which continue to grow at an astonishing rate, but rather from the imagination of those who deploy them. The integration of AI will disrupt both economic and social structures, inevitably shifting our perception of what it means to be human. Humans are inherently social beings. While AI is designed to focus purely on problem-solving, human cognition is deeply rooted in relationships and social interactions. While some individuals thrive in isolated problem-solving roles, the majority of people find themselves gathering around the coffee machine or water cooler for connection and conversation. Human nature adapts when new members join our groups. A newborn transforms its parents, a sibling reshapes family dynamics, and a new coworker or student alters social interactions within their environment. Until now, these newcomers have always been human. However, as AI agents become increasingly autonomous, they will begin to shape how we perceive ourselves. Virtual AI companions may lead us toward a more detached and abstract understanding of what it means to be human. If AI takes physical form through robots or androids, it could foster a machine-like self-perception among people. Worse still, it might bring out humanity’s darker tendencies—particularly our instinct to exploit. This was the very concern explored in the 1920 play Rossum’s Universal Robots, which first introduced the concept of robots. Isaac Asimov echoed similar themes in his I, Robot series, particularly in Robbie, where a robotic caretaker altered family dynamics in ways that were not entirely beneficial. As AI systems become more integrated into daily life, the way we relate to technology may, in turn, reshape how we view ourselves. The more we engage with AI as though it were a human counterpart, the more likely we are to interpret our own existence through a technological lens. AI agents will undoubtedly accelerate this shift. Before we allow this transformation to take root, we should pause and reflect on our humanity. For all their impressive capabilities, AI companions will never hold the key to our humanity. That remains something we can only discover in one another. The essence of being human lies not in technology but in our shared ability to imagine and create a world richer and more meaningful than anything artificial intelligence could ever replicate. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-18

Authorities investigating the shocking murder of transgender man Sam Nordquist in upstate New York have stated there is “no indication” so far that the crime was motivated by hate. This revelation comes as Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the brutality of the attack and mobilized state resources to aid in the investigation. Nordquist, 24, was reportedly subjected to relentless torture for over a month while staying at Patty’s Lodge motel in Canandaigua before his tragic death. According to court documents, he was brutally assaulted with fists, sticks, dog toys, rope canes, belts, a table leg, and even a broomstick. His lifeless body was later discarded in an empty field in neighboring Yates County. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime, the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office and New York State Police released a joint statement on Sunday clarifying that there is no evidence at this stage to classify the murder as a hate crime. “To help alleviate the understandable concern that Sam’s murder could be a hate crime, we are disclosing that Sam and his assailants were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the time period leading up to the instant offense,” the statement read, as reported by *Spectrum News.* The investigation is still in its early stages, but authorities have already made significant progress, with five individuals facing second-degree murder charges. Those charged include Precious Arzuaga, 38; Jennifer A. Quijano, 30; Kyle Sage, 33; Patrick A. Goodwin, 19; and Emily Motyka, 19. All five have been arraigned and are being held without bail. New York State Police Captain Kelly Swift confirmed that Nordquist suffered “repeated acts of torture and violence” leading up to his death. His family had initially reported him missing on February 9, and his body was discovered three days later. Governor Hochul spoke out against the heinous crime on Sunday, calling the details “horrific and brutal.” She urged New Yorkers to unite in condemnation of the act, offering her condolences to Nordquist’s grieving family, friends, and community. “The charges against these individuals are sickening, and all New Yorkers should join together to condemn this horrific act. We are praying for Sam Nordquist’s family, community, and loved ones who are experiencing unimaginable grief,” Hochul said. While authorities have yet to determine a definitive motive, Hochul has directed State Police to provide all necessary support to the District Attorney’s office as they continue the investigation. This includes examining whether the crime could ultimately be classified as a hate crime. The District Attorney’s Office has urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues, emphasizing that their focus remains on securing justice for Nordquist. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-18

One of the internet’s most widely used free platforms could soon introduce paywalls, signaling a major shift in how users engage with its content. Reddit is exploring a feature that would allow some of its communities, known as subreddits, to create exclusive content accessible only to paid members. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman hinted at the development in a recent video, confirming that the platform is actively working on the feature. “It’s a work in progress right now, so that one’s coming ... We're working on it as we speak,” Huffman said during a videotaped Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Thursday. He also confirmed that the rollout of “paid subreddits” is a key feature planned for 2025. The introduction of paywalled communities would enable subreddit creators to monetise their content, potentially turning select spaces into premium hubs. However, specific details regarding how these paid communities would be priced or what criteria subreddits must meet to qualify for the feature remain unknown. The exact timeline for its implementation is also unclear. In addition to the potential paywall, Huffman revealed that Reddit is working on an artificial intelligence-powered feature that would summarise search results. The company is also developing new tools aimed at laying the foundation for an eventual Reddit marketplace, broadening its efforts to generate revenue beyond advertising. The shift toward diversifying income streams follows a similar path taken by other platforms like X and Discord, which have introduced monetisation options for creators. Reddit’s move comes in the wake of its Q4 2024 earnings report, where the company reported a quarterly income of $71 million but a net loss of $484.3 million for the year. The platform also missed its global daily active unique users target by two million, a shortfall Reddit attributed to changes in Google’s search algorithm. Beyond paywalled content, Reddit has also been securing deals to license its user-generated data to major tech companies like Google and OpenAI. A recent agreement with Google, reportedly valued at around $60 million, underscores the significance of Reddit’s vast repository of discussions as a resource for training artificial intelligence models. "We are still talking to some of the big players,” Huffman said last week. Despite concerns that paywalls could alter the platform’s free-access culture, Huffman remains optimistic about Reddit’s trajectory. In August, he reassured users that the site, which boasts over 100 million daily active users, would “continue to exist and grow and thrive” even with the introduction of paid content. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-18

Topic re-opened after clean up of off topic and trolling posts along with removal of a member.

A pure off topic baiting troll post has been removed @Chomper Higgot please discuss the topic not other posters and what you think they should do.

Please discuss the topic here which is: Rising Anti-Israel Sentiments in Pai Following Tourists Misconduct Failing to do so will be wasting your time as the post will be removed.

Baiting troll post and false claim removed @SMIAI please remain on topic without baiting other posters or you will be removed