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In a rare occurrence, Colorado health officials are investigating a suspected human case of the bubonic plague, a bacterial infection that infamously decimated Europe’s population in the 14th century. Despite its historical notoriety, the plague today is rare and treatable with antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. records about seven cases annually. Earlier this year, Oregon reported a case likely transmitted from a sick cat. The news might surprise those who consider the plague a relic of the past, but understanding its current presence and treatment is crucial. The bubonic plague is the most common form of the bacterial infection, primarily spread among rodents such as prairie dogs and rats. There are two other forms: septicemic plague, which affects the entire body, and pneumonic plague, which infects the lungs. Bubonic plague causes painful, swollen lymph nodes known as buboes, typically found in the groin, armpit, and neck. If untreated, it can progress into the septicemic or pneumonic forms. Other symptoms include sudden high fever and chills, headaches, and pain in the abdomen, legs, and arms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The bacteria Yersinia pestis, which causes the plague, is usually transmitted through the bites of infected fleas. These fleas can jump between rodents, pets, and humans, spreading the disease. Humans can also contract the plague through contact with infected bodily fluids, making it crucial to exercise caution when handling sick or dead animals. The plague can also spread via respiratory droplets from a person with pneumonic plague, the most deadly form, which has a nearly 100% fatality rate if untreated. In the U.S., most plague cases occur in rural areas of northern New Mexico, northern Arizona, southern Colorado, California, southern Oregon, and far western Nevada. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the plague is most endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, and Peru. While the plague was never eradicated, advancements in prevention and treatment have significantly reduced its threat. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial for curing the plague, underscoring the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. Preventative measures include keeping areas around the home free of debris to deter rodents and ensuring pets are up to date on flea treatments. The CDC also recommends using bug spray with DEET when spending time outdoors to repel fleas and other disease-carrying pests. Vaccines for the plague exist but are recommended by the WHO only for individuals at high risk, such as laboratory and healthcare workers. There is no plague vaccine available in the U.S. Lisa Morici, a microbiologist and immunologist at Tulane University School of Medicine, emphasizes the need for more research. While existing vaccines in other parts of the world are effective against bubonic plague, there is insufficient evidence to confirm their efficacy against pneumonic plague. Developing a vaccine trial is ethically and logistically challenging due to the rarity of the disease and its treatability with antibiotics. As Morici notes, "Because the bubonic form is quite treatable with antibiotics and also quite rare — you don’t see thousands and thousands of cases of plague a year — there’s just not a huge market for a plague vaccine at this point in time." The investigation in Colorado highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing and managing plague infections, even in modern times. Credit: NBC News 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Majid Freeman, known as Majid Novsarka, a campaign supporter for the newly elected independent MP for Leicester South, Shockat Adam, has been charged with terrorism offenses. Freeman, 36, faces charges of encouraging terrorism and supporting a proscribed organization. After being charged, he was released on bail. Leicestershire Police have not specified the actions that led to these charges. Freeman played a significant role in Adam’s campaign, which heavily focused on the Gaza conflict. This campaign culminated in a major political upset, as Adam defeated Labour’s Jonathan Ashworth. Ashworth had served as Labour’s shadow paymaster general and was expected to secure a senior position in Sir Keir Starmer’s new government. Shockat Adam’s victory was part of a broader trend in the recent general election, where four independent candidates won seats by campaigning on the Gaza conflict in areas with large Muslim populations. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has been critical of Labour’s response to the Gaza conflict, also won his seat in Islington North as an independent after being expelled from the party. In Leicester South, Adam received 14,739 votes, narrowly defeating Ashworth, who secured 13,760 votes. This victory was particularly significant as the seat had previously been a stronghold for Labour. Ashworth has called on Adam to publicly explain his association with Freeman, stating, “Decent minded people across Leicester will expect their new MP to publicly and without equivocation provide a full account of all his dealings with this individual in the campaign.” A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Freeman and reshared by Adam on June 22 showed Freeman confronting Ashworth on the street about his abstention from a parliamentary vote on a Gaza ceasefire. Adam’s caption on the video accused Ashworth of being “ashamed” of Labour’s “pro-genocide position” and suggested that if Ashworth did not want to face public questioning, he should avoid canvassing on the streets. Sir Keir Starmer, now the Prime Minister, has faced criticism from some Labour supporters for his gradual shift towards supporting a Gaza ceasefire. This internal party conflict influenced several recent electoral contests, with other prominent Labour MPs narrowly avoiding defeat by independent or Workers party candidates. The context of religious and ethnic identity is particularly sensitive in Leicester, where violence erupted between young Muslim and Hindu men in August and September 2022. Freeman did not immediately respond to a direct message on X seeking his comments on the charges, and Adam also did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment on Ashworth’s demands. Majid Freeman is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 24. The situation highlights the complex interplay of local politics, international conflict, and community tensions in the UK, particularly in areas with diverse populations. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for both Shockat Adam and the broader political landscape remain to be seen. Credit: Financial Times 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Vice President Kamala Harris is emerging as the leading contender to replace President Joe Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket, according to a recent poll. This development comes amidst growing pressure on Biden to reconsider his candidacy due to concerns about his performance, particularly after a heavily criticized debate with former President Donald Trump on June 27. Despite Biden's consistent assertions that he intends to stay in the race and the public support from key Democratic figures, speculation about his withdrawal continues to circulate. The Economist/YouGov poll, conducted from July 7 to July 9, indicates that a significant majority of Democratic voters favor Harris as Biden's potential replacement. The survey reveals that 73 percent of Democratic voters "somewhat" or "strongly" approve of Harris taking over the candidacy. This is a notable increase from a previous poll conducted from July 3 to July 6, which showed a 66 percent approval for Harris in the same role. Alternative candidates for the Democratic nomination, such as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, trail behind Harris in popularity. Buttigieg, who was the second most favored choice, garnered 57 percent approval. Newsom and Whitmer received 50 percent and 45 percent approval, respectively. However, the poll also highlights a division within the Democratic Party regarding Biden's candidacy. While 55 percent of Democratic voters believe Biden has the best chance of defeating Trump in a November rematch, only 46 percent expressed the same confidence in Harris. Additionally, when asked if Biden should step aside for another Democrat to run, 42 percent of Demcratic voters responded that he should "definitely" or "probably" step aside, whereas 45 percent felt he should remain the nominee. The perception of Harris's qualifications for the presidency also varies significantly across party lines. While 79 percent of Democrats consider her qualified, a staggering 88 percent of Republicans believe she is not. Among all respondents, 45 percent said Harris is not "qualified to be president." Resistance to Biden's candidacy is growing among some Democrats. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont became the first Democratic U.S. senator to call for Biden's withdrawal, and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi stated that Biden needs "to decide if he's going to run." High-profile Democrat and actor George Clooney also urged Biden to step aside in a New York Times opinion article, citing concerns about the president's ability to continue effectively. Despite this growing dissent, Biden's campaign maintains that he is committed to running and winning against Trump. Harris has consistently supported Biden's decision to stay in the race, even as discussions about potential replacements intensify. The Economist/YouGov poll, conducted with 1,620 U.S. adults through online interviews, carries a margin of error of 3.2 percent. As the election approaches, the Democratic Party faces critical decisions about its leadership and strategy to ensure a successful bid for the presidency. Credit: Newsweek 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

China issued a firm warning to NATO on Thursday, criticizing the alliance for pursuing security at the expense of other nations and cautioning it against exporting the same "chaos" to Asia that it has allegedly brought to Europe. This statement followed NATO's recent characterization of China as a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war against Ukraine. "NATO hyping up China’s responsibility on the Ukraine issue is unreasonable and has sinister motives," said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a daily briefing. Lin defended China's position on the Ukraine conflict, describing it as fair and objective, countering the narrative advanced by the United States and its European allies. These allies have condemned China for not denouncing Russia's invasion. Since the conflict began, China has not only maintained but also strengthened its economic ties with Russia, helping to offset the impact of Western sanctions. NATO, in a communique issued at a summit in Washington, asserted that China has become an enabler of the war through its "no-limits partnership" with Russia and its substantial support for Russia’s defense industrial base. Lin countered this assertion by stating that China’s trade with Russia is both legitimate and compliant with World Trade Organization rules. Lin further argued that NATO's version of security often comes at the cost of other nations' security. He reiterated China's support for Russia's view that NATO's expansion poses a threat to Russia. This expansion has long been a point of contention, and China has expressed concerns about NATO's increasing involvement in the Asia-Pacific region. Leaders or deputies from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea attended the NATO summit this week, highlighting the alliance's growing focus on the region. "China urges NATO to ... stop interfering in China’s internal politics and smearing China’s image and not create chaos in the Asia-Pacific after creating turmoil in Europe," Lin stated. This appeal underscores China's anxiety about NATO's potential influence and engagement in Asia. In a related development, Chinese troops are participating in joint military exercises in Belarus, a close ally of Russia, near the border with Poland, a NATO member. These drills are the first of their kind between China and Belarus, raising concerns about regional security dynamics. However, Lin sought to downplay these worries, describing the joint training as routine military exchange and cooperation, not aimed at any specific country. China's remarks highlight a broader geopolitical struggle as NATO addresses the challenges posed by both Russia and China. The alliance’s depiction of China as an enabler of Russia’s actions in Ukraine emphasizes the complexity of the global security landscape and the interconnected nature of international relations. China's strong reaction to NATO's accusations and its caution against the alliance's expansion into Asia illustrate the growing tension between these global powers. As NATO continues to navigate its relationships with China and Russia, the consequences for global stability and security remain significant. Lin's statements reflect China's firm stance on maintaining its sovereignty and its critical view of NATO's actions on the global stage. By drawing attention to what it sees as NATO’s overreach, China is positioning itself as a defender of regional stability against what it perceives as Western encroachment. This narrative is likely to resonate with other countries wary of NATO's influence, thereby shaping the discourse on global security and diplomatic relations. Credit: ABC News 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Wikipedia has long been a bastion of shared knowledge and collaborative truth-seeking. Yet, in Russia, a new narrative is taking shape as the Kremlin pushes forward with its own version of this ubiquitous online encyclopedia. The RuWiki project, a state-sponsored alternative to Wikipedia, marks a significant shift in how historical and contemporary information is being presented to the Russian public. Wikipedia had faced trouble from the Kremlin before, with Russian censors threatening it almost from the start of the Ukrainian war in 2014. However, it was only in late 2023, with the appearance of glitzy ads across Moscow, that a serious plan to replace it became clear. RuWiki, as the censors’ project is known, is mostly a straightforward copy of Wikipedia. But the most sensitive moments of history have been left out or rewritten. The Kremlin’s ideologues hope that millions of Russians will now embrace these new versions as the truth. The RuWiki project might be called Orwellian, if only the British author were not himself occasionally censored. The entry on “Nineteen Eighty Four,” for example, omits the regular site’s description of Winston Smith’s Ministry of Truth, where historical records are “corrected” (though Smith’s job does get a mention elsewhere). Elsewhere, RuWiki’s rewriters hack their way through the sensitive zones of Putinist ideology: LGBT rights, oral sex, Soviet history, and the war in Ukraine. Russian atrocities in Bucha, near Kyiv, in 2022 are reimagined as a “Ukrainian and Western disinformation campaign”. Kherson, a Ukrainian city being destroyed by Russian bombs, is mentioned without a word about the war. The execution of nearly 22,000 Polish officers at Katyn in 1940 is rewritten to cast doubt on the archive documents proving it was done by Soviet secret services. There is no entry on "Putin khuylo!", a derogatory chant mocking the Russian president first heard on Ukrainian football terraces in 2014. And all references to Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was killed in prison in February 2024, are altered to describe him as a mere “blogger”. A forthcoming analysis of the site by Mediazona, an independent Russian media outfit, shows the vast majority of the new edits are being made during weekday working hours. They reckon that shows teams of paid writers are doing the edits, unlike Wikipedia’s volunteer model. Earlier versions of the RuWiki site were open about how much was changed and when. In late 2023, it was possible to see that a full 158,000 symbols had been erased from an original Wikipedia text about Russian human rights. An entry on “Russian freedom of speech” was 205,000 symbols lighter. The article on “censorship” was also 71,000 symbols shorter. But recent versions of the site hide such statistics, likely due to negative media publicity. Despite long-running disagreements, Russian authorities have not yet blacklisted Wikipedia as they have dozens of other media. For the time being the two exist side by side. But the heavy investment in RuWiki suggests that Wikipedia’s days are numbered. Sergei Leschina, a member of the original Russian Wikipedia team, who left in 2015 following earlier attempts at censorship, says the Kremlin views such resources as bricks in a Chinese-style wall around the truth. The Russian internet is slowly being cleaned of foreign sites, he said, and local search engines and AI models will soon be compelled to prioritize the new fake history. “The Russian internet isn’t yet built like the Chinese one,” he says, “but it’s the direction we are heading, and quickly.” The Kremlin's move to rewrite Wikipedia is part of a broader strategy to control the narrative and reshape historical and contemporary accounts to align with state ideology. As the internet becomes an increasingly vital battleground for information and influence, projects like RuWiki illustrate the lengths to which authoritarian regimes will go to maintain their grip on public perception. The implications of this shift are profound, not only for Russians seeking reliable information but for the global community's understanding of truth in the digital age. Credit: The Economist 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

At the age of 12, Suborno Isaac Bari has accomplished what few others have even dared to imagine. Graduating from high school at such a tender age, Suborno is now poised to start his college journey at New York University (NYU) on a full scholarship in August. "It's really just the curiosity and spark of wanting to learn what's behind everything." Suborno’s extraordinary journey began remarkably early. He spoke his first words at just six months old and had memorized the periodic table by the age of two. "He was always different," said his father, Rashidul Bari. Both Rashidul, a doctoral candidate at Columbia University and high school physics teacher, and his wife, an elementary school teacher working toward her master's degree in early childhood education, recognized their son’s remarkable abilities but did not anticipate the speed at which he would progress through his education. Suborno, who lives with his family on Long Island, felt unchallenged in his early education. He found kindergarten and the beginning of elementary school unstimulating and began to delve into his father's university textbooks, absorbing knowledge through articles and academic videos online. His talents gained public attention early on. At the age of two, he was interviewed by a vice president at the City College of New York, impressing viewers by reciting the periodic table. In 2016, he received a letter of recognition from President Barack Obama, further propelling him into the spotlight. As he continued to excel, Suborno caught the eye of various academic institutions. Mumbai University invited him to be a guest lecturer in physics at age seven, a role he accepted. The pandemic only highlighted his need for a more challenging academic environment. "That was the last straw," he said, referring to the boredom he felt while completing third grade remotely. His enrollment in the Malverne Union Free School District as a fourth-grader quickly revealed his advanced capabilities. School staff noted that his understanding surpassed that of typical students, with comprehension levels akin to a 12th-grader or beyond. "Very quickly, we recognized that he could take on a lot more than your typical child," said Rebecca Gottesman, the district's director of K-12 counseling. The district and Suborno’s parents devised a hybrid educational path for him, balancing advanced coursework with social time among peers his own age. Despite skipping several grades and taking advanced placement classes, Suborno maintained strong social interactions, forming friendships easily and assisting older students with their studies. "Even though he's so bright, he's not intimidating," Gottesman remarked. "He's warm, he's engaging, he wants to help everyone." Suborno’s academic achievements are extraordinary. He passed five AP tests with top scores, graduating with more than the required credits at the age of 12. "It's really hard to do what Suborno did. It's hard to do at 18 years old, forget about doing it at 12. That’s what makes this such an exceptional situation," Gottesman said. Suborno’s journey has not been without challenges. Adjusting to the workload and expectations of higher grades has been demanding. "There's been such dramatic changes going from elementary to middle school, having to handle all the new homework and the scary exams," he acknowledged. However, he embraced these struggles as necessary for growth. Beyond his studies, Suborno enjoys biking, gardening, playing piano, and chess, ensuring he has ample free time for these activities. He began taking college courses last spring, driven by his curiosity and desire to learn. This summer, Suborno is attending in-person classes in physics, ordinary differential equations, and real analysis at various New York institutions. His father supports his educational journey by driving him between campuses. In March, Suborno received his acceptance letter from NYU, where he will be a commuter student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in math and physics. "I feel ready to take on college, not just academically but also socially," he said. Looking ahead, Suborno aspires to become a professor of math and physics, focusing on students with limited access to higher education and academic resources. "That's really my motivation for going into this field," he explained. He credits his family, teachers, and mentors for their roles in his success. His older brother, Refath Bari, also a physics scholar, has been a significant influence and support. Credit: Washington Post 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule may need to extend their stay in space until mid-August due to ongoing technical issues. The astronauts have been stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 6 following the first crewed docking of the Starliner spacecraft. Initially, the mission was slated to last about a week, but several problems, including faulty thrusters and helium leaks, have delayed their return. NASA announced on Wednesday that it is still conducting tests to ensure the capsule's performance meets safety standards. Although the space agency is confident in the craft’s ability to handle an emergency evacuation, mission managers are not yet ready to schedule its departure. Steve Stich, NASA’s commercial crew program manager, indicated that the data might allow for a return by the end of July, but emphasized that the process would be thorough and methodical. “We’re going to work methodically through our processes, including a return flight readiness review with the agency, before we get the go to proceed towards undocking and landing. This is a very standard process,” Stich said during a press conference. He added that a routine ISS crew rotation in mid-August serves as a deadline to avoid overcrowding on the space station. “A few days before that launch opportunity we would need to get Butch and Suni home on Starliner,” he noted. The ISS, which currently hosts a regular crew of seven in addition to the two Starliner astronauts, has adequate supplies and resources, ensuring there is no immediate risk to anyone on board. This gives engineers the necessary time to perform evaluations and address the helium leak issues, which are expected to be resolved by the end of this week. Mark Nappi, vice-president and program manager of Boeing’s commercial crew program, expressed confidence that the Starliner program would be strengthened by addressing these challenges. “All this information is going to go in a big bucket, and all the engineers are going to review it and try to see if it doesn’t point to root cause or point to some additional testing that we can do in the future to eliminate this problem once and for all,” he said. Boeing’s space operations are distinct from its aviation wing, yet the Starliner’s problems add to the company’s recent public relations issues, including the crashes of two 737 Max airliners and other safety-related incidents. Despite being years behind schedule and over $1.5 billion over budget, the Starliner mission, launched on June 5, aims to restore some of Boeing’s reputation and provide NASA with an alternative to SpaceX’s Dragon capsule for transporting astronauts to low Earth orbit. If this test mission concludes successfully, Starliner capsules, officially known as CST-100 (crew space transportation), will conduct six additional astronaut rotation flights to the ISS as part of NASA’s commercial crew program. Wilmore and Williams remain optimistic despite the delays. Speaking from the ISS, Wilmore said they are making the most of their extended stay and are not troubled by the technical issues. “This is the world of test. This is a tough business that we’re in, human spaceflight is not easy in any regime, and there have been multiple issues with every spacecraft that’s ever been designed,” he said. He emphasized their trust in the team making decisions on the ground, citing their integrity, technical expertise, and the necessity of the tests being conducted. Williams echoed his sentiment, expressing confidence in the spacecraft. “I have a real good feeling in my heart that this spacecraft will bring us home, no problem,” she said. Credit: The Guardian 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Florida on Thursday, just days after Orban's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This visit is expected to raise concerns that Orban might be acting as a mediator between Putin and Trump. The meeting will take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort after the conclusion of the NATO summit in Washington. Trump and Putin had a notably cordial relationship during Trump’s presidency, often drawing bipartisan criticism. Recently, Trump has claimed that if re-elected, he could persuade Putin to end the war in Ukraine and release Americans detained in Russia. Despite these assertions, one source familiar with the upcoming Orban visit, speaking anonymously, stated that Trump has not requested the Hungarian leader to prepare for any potential Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations. Orban's visit to Moscow was a significant topic of discussion at the NATO summit, where allies pledged additional air defenses for Ukraine in its ongoing battle against the Russian invasion that started in 2022. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg clarified on CBS News's "Face the Nation" that Orban did not visit Moscow on behalf of NATO, acknowledging that different NATO allies engage with Moscow in various ways. In addition to his recent meeting with Putin, Orban also visited Chinese President Xi Jinping and traveled to Azerbaijan earlier this month. These diplomatic activities have drawn criticism from European Union officials, who argue that Orban’s actions could undermine the EU's unified stance on global issues. Hungary assumed the EU's rotating presidency on July 1, amplifying the significance of Orban's international engagements. Trump and Orban have developed a close relationship over the years. In March, Orban visited Mar-a-Lago, where Trump hosted him with a tour of his residence, a dinner with former First Lady Melania Trump, an hour-long meeting with senior aides, and a musical performance by a band covering Roy Orbison songs. This camaraderie has been a point of contention for President Joe Biden, who, at a political rally in Philadelphia, criticized Orban for his authoritarian tendencies, stating that Orban "doesn’t think democracy works" and was "looking for dictatorship." The Biden administration has been vocal in its criticism of Orban, particularly regarding his friendly relations with Putin and recent Hungarian legislation that the State Department warned could "intimidate and punish" critics of Orban’s government. Trump’s campaign spokespeople and representatives for the Hungarian government have not yet commented on the upcoming meeting. As Orban prepares for his visit to Florida, the political implications of his meetings with both Putin and Trump are likely to be closely scrutinized by international observers and political analysts. The visit underscores the complex dynamics of global diplomacy and the varying approaches different leaders take in engaging with contentious geopolitical issues. Credit: Bloomberg 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ukraine is pushing to organize a second peace summit with Russia before the U.S. elections in November, aiming to secure a fair settlement in the ongoing conflict. The urgency stems from the potential political shift in the U.S., with the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has promised to end the war by his inauguration in January and has criticized the continued U.S. military support for Ukraine. This planned summit follows a previous meeting in Switzerland last month, which included representatives from over 90 countries. Russia was notably absent from this initial summit, and some key nations from the Global South declined to sign the final statement, arguing that Moscow should be part of the discussions. China and Brazil, which also did not participate in the Swiss meeting, have been advocating for Russia's inclusion and have proposed their own plans to end the conflict. Kyiv views the summit process as a pathway to reaching a broad agreement on key principles that would form the foundation of a just peace before direct engagement with Russia. The first summit focused on nuclear safety, food security, and the return of abducted children, and these issues are expected to guide initial contacts with Russian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the Reagan Institute in Washington, emphasized the importance of U.S. support in organizing the second summit to make it "more powerful and truly decisive." A Ukrainian official confirmed the plan to hold the second summit before the U.S. elections. However, officials from some Western allied nations stressed the need for careful organization, clear purposes, and managed expectations for any meeting with Russia. Some U.S. officials are unconvinced that a summit with both Russia and Ukraine will occur, citing the private nature of ongoing talks. The first summit's failure to fully win over key nations from the Global South was a significant setback for Ukraine. Many of these countries, along with China, have long maintained that Moscow should be included in the talks. Beijing and Brazil have put forward their proposals to bring about an end to Russia's war on Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to peace negotiations. The planned second summit aims to address these concerns by including Russia in the discussions, hoping to create a more balanced and effective dialogue. The focus on nuclear safety, food security, and the return of abducted children will remain central to these talks, providing a basis for initial contact with Russian officials. Zelensky's appeal at the Reagan Institute highlights the strategic importance of securing a peace framework amid the shifting political landscape in the U.S. With the possibility of Trump's return to the presidency, Ukraine is keen to solidify international support and establish a robust peace process. The potential changes in U.S. foreign policy make it crucial for Kyiv to act swiftly and decisively. The international community's response to Ukraine's call for a second summit will be a critical factor in determining the success of these efforts. The involvement of key global players, including the U.S., China, and Brazil, will be essential in creating a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement. As the November U.S. elections approach, the urgency of these discussions will only intensify, highlighting the need for a coordinated and strategic approach to peace negotiations. Credit: Bloomberg 2024-07-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

George Clooney, the Hollywood actor and prominent Democratic fundraiser, has publicly called for President Joe Biden to step down from the US presidential race. Clooney’s appeal comes just hours after senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi avoided directly answering questions about Biden’s future candidacy. The actor’s statements highlight the growing unease within the Democratic Party regarding the 81-year-old president’s ability to continue his campaign and secure a victory against Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Clooney, known for his significant contributions to Democratic fundraising efforts, expressed his concerns in an op-ed published by the New York Times. He acknowledged Biden’s numerous career victories but emphasized that the president faces an insurmountable challenge: "the fight against time." Reflecting on a recent encounter with Biden at a fundraising event, Clooney wrote, "It was devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I met three weeks ago was not the Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate." The event in question, co-hosted by Clooney in Los Angeles alongside other Hollywood luminaries like Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, raised approximately $30 million for Biden's campaign. Despite this record-breaking support, Clooney’s recent comments reveal a stark shift in his confidence. The Biden campaign swiftly rebutted Clooney’s remarks, with an unnamed source emphasizing that the president attended the fundraiser immediately after arriving from the G7 summit in Italy and stayed for over three hours, whereas Clooney "took a photo quickly and left." Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker and a highly influential Democrat, also hinted at the urgency of Biden’s decision-making process during a recent interview. When asked if Biden should remain in the race, Pelosi remarked, "I want him to do whatever he decides to do. It's up to the president to decide if he's going to run. We are all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short." Her comments, coupled with Clooney’s, underscore a growing impatience within the party as Biden faces increasing scrutiny. Despite these calls for introspection, President Biden has maintained his determination to continue his campaign. In a letter to Democrats in Congress, he reaffirmed his commitment to his candidacy and to defeating Trump. However, public dissent within the Democratic Party is becoming more vocal. Since Biden's debate with Trump on June 27, about a dozen elected Democrats have suggested he abandon his campaign. Among them, Michael Bennet of Colorado predicted a possible Trump landslide victory if Biden remains the candidate. Similarly, Pat Ryan, a congressman from New York, implored Biden to step aside "for the good of our country, for my two young kids." Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut expressed his "deep concern" about Biden’s ability to secure a win. Nonetheless, the Biden campaign reiterated that the president is "running this race to the end." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries plans to discuss the growing concerns with Biden by Friday. Despite the internal turmoil, support for Biden among elected Democrats remains substantial. California Governor Gavin Newsom, mentioned by Clooney as a potential replacement, has declared his unwavering support for Biden. The Congressional Black Caucus and progressive House members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have also publicly backed the president. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, while publicly supporting Biden, has reportedly told donors he is open to considering alternatives. Questions about Biden's candidacy have even reached the NATO summit in Washington, where Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expressed confidence that the US would remain a committed NATO member regardless of the election outcome. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of NATO unity, especially in a dangerous world, and assured that this unity includes the United States. As Biden prepares for a rare solo news conference and an interview with NBC News, Democratic voters in key swing states like Pennsylvania exhibit mixed feelings. While some, like Karren Gillchrist in Harrisburg, remain firmly behind Biden, others, such as Melissa Nash in Elizabethtown, express uncertainty about the best candidate to lead the country. Clooney’s intervention and the ensuing debate within the Democratic Party illustrate the complex dynamics at play as the US gears up for the next presidential election. The calls for Biden to reconsider his candidacy reflect deep concerns about the party’s chances of success and the need for a robust candidate to challenge Trump. Credit: BBC 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The US Justice Department announced on Tuesday that it has disrupted a sophisticated Russian "bot farm" designed to spread propaganda and disinformation in the United States and other countries. The operation involved seizing two internet domains and searching nearly 1,000 social media accounts that Russian operatives allegedly used to pose as US residents. These fake accounts were part of an effort to promote support for Russia's war in Ukraine and to influence public opinion in the US and abroad. The bot farm utilized artificial intelligence to create fake social media profiles that appeared to be ordinary people in the US. According to the Justice Department, this elaborate scheme was orchestrated by an employee of RT, a Russian state-owned media outlet funded by the Kremlin, with the assistance of an officer from Russia's FSB intelligence agency. The news comes as US intelligence officials remain vigilant for potential meddling by Russia or other foreign powers in the 2024 presidential election. US officials are particularly concerned that the country's support for Ukraine could provoke the Russian government to take greater risks in attempting to interfere in the upcoming election. European nations have also been on high alert for Russian influence operations aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. Recently, Russian propagandists have intensified efforts to discredit the Paris Olympics, including producing a fake documentary that uses AI to impersonate actor Tom Cruise, according to Microsoft. The FBI, along with US Cyber Command, Dutch and Canadian security agencies, played crucial roles in exposing the bot farm. The operation targeted not only the US but also Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Ukraine, and Israel, as revealed in an advisory released jointly by the US, Dutch, and Canadian authorities. RT, historically a mouthpiece for the Russian government, has seen its influence in the US diminish in recent years as social media platforms have moved to block its content. Nevertheless, RT has sought new ways to reach audiences, including using an army of fake accounts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), according to the Justice Department. An FBI affidavit disclosed that RT leadership approved a proposal from an employee to use software to create a bot farm, theoretically enabling RT to distribute information on a large scale. The scheme accelerated when Russian operatives purchased one of two domain names from an Arizona-based company, Namecheap, in 2022, which were used to set up the bot farm. The RT employee, the FSB officer, and others had access to the bot farm, which included accounts that pretended to be interested in cryptocurrency. One example cited by the Justice Department involved a fake account based in Minneapolis posting a video of Russian President Vladimir Putin claiming that parts of Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania were a "gift" from Russian forces that liberated them from Nazi control during World War II. In another instance, a fake account replied to a US politician running for federal office with a video of Putin justifying Russia's war in Ukraine. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated, "The Justice Department will not tolerate Russian government actors and their agents deploying AI to sow disinformation and fuel division among Americans." CNN has reached out to the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, the Kremlin, the FSB, and RT for comments regarding the Justice Department's announcement. The social media platform X voluntarily suspended the bot accounts identified in court documents. CNN has also requested a comment from X. This development underscores the ongoing battle against foreign interference and the use of advanced technologies like AI to influence public opinion and destabilize democratic processes. The collaboration between US, Dutch, and Canadian authorities highlights the international effort required to combat such sophisticated disinformation campaigns. Credit: CNN 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In a passionate appeal during his visit to Washington for a pivotal NATO summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on international leaders to provide immediate aid to his beleaguered country, stressing the urgency of the situation. “Everyone is waiting for November,” Zelensky declared, referencing the upcoming 2024 US presidential election and the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to power. This uncertainty, he warned, is a waiting game that Russian President Vladimir Putin is also playing. “It’s time to step out of the shadows, to make strong decisions work, to act and not to wait for November or any other month,” Zelensky urged. “To this end, we must be strong and uncompromising altogether. And first of all, America, and first of all, the leaders of America, and the president of the United States as a leader of the free world, to be uncompromising in defending democracy. Uncompromising against Putin and his country. Uncompromising to every possible terror.” These remarks were delivered at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington, where the summit has prioritized providing long-term support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky's agenda in the coming days includes shoring up and boosting allied support for Ukraine and meeting with President Joe Biden. Zelensky emphasized the need for America to provide more substantial support to Ukraine and other allies bordering Russia. “We have proven more than once that the more we have, the harder it is for Putin to make war. He still thinks that war might pay. He still thinks that humiliating America might pay,” he said. He further asserted that Ukraine “can significantly limit Russian actions in south Ukraine and push the occupiers out of there if the American leadership assists us with the necessary deep strike capabilities against Russian military and logistics in our Ukrainian Crimea.” The US has pledged significant announcements regarding Ukraine during the three-day summit, which President Biden inaugurated with plans to supply new air defenses to Ukraine. NATO members have been clear that Ukraine is the main focus of the summit, with a European diplomat noting, “The priority one, two, and three is Ukraine.” Despite these assurances, concerns remain about whether the shows of support will suffice as the war continues with no clear resolution in sight. The potential impact of the 2024 US presidential election, particularly if Trump is re-elected, casts a shadow over the proceedings. Zelensky expressed hope that a Trump presidency would not alter US policy towards Ukraine. “I hope that if people of America vote for President Trump, I hope his policy with Ukraine will not change,” Zelensky said in an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier. He noted that while he doesn’t know Trump “very well,” their meetings during Trump’s administration were positive. Zelensky’s visit to the US follows deadly Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including a missile strike on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital. The attack killed over three dozen people. Addressing Russian officials’ denials of responsibility, Zelensky stated, “Russia always knows where its missiles hit. Always.” In response to these attacks, the US and some NATO allies announced on Tuesday evening they would provide Ukraine with additional Patriot batteries and other systems to strengthen Kyiv’s air defenses. The US, Germany, and Romania will each contribute a Patriot battery, while the Netherlands will collaborate with other countries to supply an additional battery. Italy will also provide a SAMP-T long-range air defense system. Zelensky expressed his gratitude on social media: “This is yet another significant step following the US decision to prioritize Ukraine in air defense missile deliveries. I am grateful to President Biden for his leadership and to all partner countries for their commitment to providing us with air defense capabilities as quickly as possible.” He emphasized the importance of a unified and strong response to Russia’s air terror, which includes the brutal strike on the children’s hospital. Officials believe the timing of Moscow’s assault was deliberate, coinciding with the start of the summit. Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chair of Ukraine’s parliament, described it as “a hello from Putin to all the NATO countries … making fun of us trying to follow red lines.” The attack underscored the urgent need for continued military support for Ukraine and the necessity of being able to strike targets deep within Russian territory. “This attack, this attack on Ukraine’s future – because children are our future – shall not remain unresponded,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Stefanchuk echoed this sentiment, calling for “a stable and forecastable supply of these weapons,” ammunition, and the ability to effectively counter aerial threats, including the need for F-16 fighter jets. He also underscored the necessity of imposing sanctions that would make Russia feel the economic pain of the war. Zelensky has stated that Kyiv will fight for “decisive actions” from the United States and Europe at the summit. Ukraine is also seeking clear progress toward NATO membership, a matter that caused a diplomatic spat last year. Zelensky had expressed frustration over the lack of a set time frame for Ukraine’s invitation to NATO. However, this year, there has been greater communication with Ukrainian officials ahead of the summit. A European diplomat mentioned “deep and frank conversations” with Ukrainian officials, including a visit by Presidential adviser Andriy Yermak to Washington to work on commitments. As reported by CNN, Ukraine’s path to NATO was described as “irreversible” in a draft of the alliance’s joint communiqué, although some believe there must be a stronger commitment. A senior European diplomat quipped, “this irreversibility is very much reversible.” A senior Biden administration official highlighted the substantial nature of NATO’s commitments to Ukraine, which include setting up a command at Wiesbaden and coordinating training, equipping, logistics, and force development. “We’re not talking about some sort of plan for how they’re going to get from here to there. We’re talking about standing up an entire command at Wiesbaden and we’ll look at how we do these various pieces that I mentioned earlier – training, coordination, equipping, coordination, logistics, force development. This is a very serious effort to get Ukraine in a position, as I said earlier, where it will be ready to assume its roles and responsibilities within the alliance on day one,” the official said. He added, “I’ll let the Ukrainians speak for themselves, but I think they understand the value of what NATO will be doing for that.” The urgency of Zelensky’s call for immediate and unwavering support from international leaders is a clear reminder of the high stakes involved in the ongoing conflict. The outcomes of this NATO summit could have profound implications for Ukraine’s future and the broader geopolitical landscape. Credit: CNN 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In a shocking act of vandalism, the statue of Anne Frank in Amsterdam was defaced with the word "Gaza" scrawled in red paint. The incident has drawn strong criticism from the city's mayor, Femke Halsema, and has prompted a police investigation. The statue, which stands in a park close to where Anne Frank and her family lived before they were forced into hiding during World War II, was found with the graffiti on its podium. The monument depicts Anne wearing several layers of clothing, a precaution her family took to avoid arousing suspicion while they were on the run from the Nazis. The defacement of such a significant historical and cultural symbol has deeply troubled the local community and beyond. Mayor Halsema responded to the incident with a fierce condemnation. "No Palestinian has been helped by smearing her so precious statue," she stated. She highlighted the importance of Anne Frank's legacy, emphasizing that the young girl, who was brutally murdered by the Nazis at the age of 15, serves as a daily reminder of humanity and gentleness in the most difficult circumstances. "Whoever it was, shame on you! There is no excuse for this," Halsema added in her Instagram post. Amsterdam police have opened an investigation into the vandalism. According to a police spokesperson, officers received a report of the incident on Tuesday afternoon. They visited the statue, documented the graffiti, and have since started an investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made. Anne Frank’s diary is often the first introduction many young people have to the horrors of the Holocaust. In 1944, Anne Frank and seven other Jewish people who had been hiding in the secret annex above a canal-side warehouse in Amsterdam were discovered and detained. Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the age of 15. The statue of Anne Frank is not just a tribute to her memory, but also a symbol of resilience and the enduring fight against hatred and bigotry. The defacement of the Anne Frank statue has been widely condemned by the community. Mayor Halsema's passionate remarks underline the ongoing struggle against antisemitism and the importance of preserving historical memory, even as contemporary conflicts and divisions persist. This incident serves as a reminder of the powerful impact of historical symbols and the need to protect them from acts of hate and vandalism. Credit: CNN 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is facing renewed scrutiny as Democratic U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to initiate an investigation into alleged ethics violations. The senators are calling for the appointment of a special counsel to look into accusations against Thomas, who is the longest-serving member of the court and a key figure in its conservative majority. Justice Thomas has been embroiled in controversy for some time, primarily due to allegations that he failed to disclose expensive gifts from billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow. Additionally, Thomas is accused of not paying taxes on a forgiven loan exceeding $267,000 from another wealthy business owner. These issues have brought significant attention to his conduct and compliance with federal laws. On July 3, Whitehouse and Wyden sent a letter to Garland requesting the special counsel, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "We do not make this request lightly," they wrote. "The evidence assembled thus far plainly suggests that Justice Thomas has committed numerous willful violations of federal ethics and false-statement laws and raises significant questions about whether he and his wealthy benefactors have complied with their federal tax obligations." The senators pointed out that Thomas has remained suspiciously silent when given opportunities to address these concerns. "No government official should be above the law," they insisted, "We therefore request that you appoint a Special Counsel authorized to investigate potential criminal violations by Justice Thomas." The Department of Justice and the Supreme Court were both contacted for comments following the announcement. In their letter, the senators argued that appointing a special counsel is in the public interest due to the substantial evidence against Thomas, which they believe warrants a criminal investigation. They also highlighted that the full extent of Thomas's undisclosed activities remains unknown. The controversy gained significant traction after an April 2023 report by ProPublica, which exposed a series of undeclared luxury trips accepted by Thomas from Crow over many years. ProPublica noted that the frequency and extent of Crow's gifts to Thomas were unprecedented in modern U.S. Supreme Court history. Crow defended his actions by categorizing them as hospitality extended to "dear friends," while Thomas asserted that he did not commit any wrongdoing. Thomas stated that the gifts were not reportable and that he had sought guidance early in his tenure. "Early in my tenure at the Court, I sought guidance from my colleagues and others in the judiciary and was advised that this sort of personal hospitality from close personal friends, who did not have business before the Court, was not reportable," Thomas said. "I have endeavored to follow that counsel throughout my tenure and have always sought to comply with the disclosure guidelines." Credit: Newsweek 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Members of an Australian religious group known as The Saints have gone on trial, accused of causing the death of an eight-year-old diabetic girl by denying her medical care. Elizabeth Struhs was found dead in January 2022 at a home in Toowoomba, approximately 125 kilometers west of Brisbane, after having been deprived of insulin for nearly a week. Prosecutors allege that the sect members chose to pray for divine intervention rather than seeking medical help as Elizabeth's health rapidly deteriorated. This highly publicized and unusual case has seen all 14 defendants, including Elizabeth's parents, opting to represent themselves in court. Jason Struhs, 52, Elizabeth’s father, and Brendan Stevens, 62, the leader of The Saints, have been charged with murder. Prosecutors claim they either encouraged or instructed the other group members to rely solely on prayer for Elizabeth's recovery. Kerrie Struhs, 49, Elizabeth's mother, along with her brother Zachary Struhs, 21, and ten other group members aged between 22 and 67, face manslaughter charges. As the trial commenced at the Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday, the courtroom had been specially modified to accommodate the large number of defendants. The dock, typically used for defendants in a criminal trial, was too small to hold all 14 accused. Consequently, the men, clad in prison khakis, and the women, dressed in blue uniforms, were seated at two long tables. The group has refused legal representation and has also declined to enter pleas on the charges. As a result, the court formally considers them to have entered pleas of not guilty. Given the complexity and high-profile nature of the case, it will be heard by a judge alone, without a jury, and is expected to last around three months. Prosecutor Caroline Marco, in her opening statement, described Elizabeth as an "intelligent, spiritual child." Marco emphasized the tragic outcome of the parents' decision to withdraw insulin, stating, "[She was] too young to understand the dire consequences of her parents' decision to withdraw insulin for her... which she ultimately paid for with her own life." The trial highlights the tensions between religious beliefs and medical ethics, raising critical questions about parental responsibility and the legal obligations to ensure the health and well-being of children. As proceedings continue, the case is expected to delve deeply into the actions and beliefs of The Saints, examining how their faith-based decisions led to such a tragic outcome. Credit: BBC 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Arrest Warrant Issued for Yulia Navalnaya: Widow of Russian Opposition Leader Faces Extremism Charges In a significant escalation of the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent, a Moscow court has issued an arrest warrant for Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, on charges of extremism. Navalnaya, who currently resides outside Russia, is accused of "participation in an extremist society," as reported by the state-controlled Tass news agency. These charges are linked to her alleged involvement with organizations associated with her husband, which have been labeled extremist by Russian authorities. Alexei Navalny, renowned as Russia's most prominent opposition leader over the past decade, tragically died in February while imprisoned in the Arctic Circle. Although Russian authorities maintain that he died of natural causes, Yulia Navalnaya has vehemently disputed this, asserting that her husband was "tortured, starved, cut off, and killed" under the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Navalny had been serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges widely perceived as politically motivated. In a defiant response to the arrest warrant, Yulia Navalnaya took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her outrage. She stated, "When you write about this, please do not forget to write the main thing: Vladimir Putin is a murderer and a war criminal. His place is in prison, and not somewhere in The Hague, in a cosy cell with a TV, but in Russia - in the same colony and the same two-by-three-metre cell in which he killed Alexei." The decision by the Moscow court means that Navalnaya would face arrest if she returned to Russia. The charges against her may be tied to a June 2021 ruling by a Moscow court that declared three organizations linked to Alexei Navalny as extremist. This ruling has been part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia, aimed at dismantling Navalny's political and social network and stifling any opposition to Putin's regime. Navalnaya, who has pledged to continue her husband's work, was unable to attend his funeral in March. Since then, she has met with several Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, to garner international support for her cause. Recently, she was elected to chair the U.S.-based Human Rights Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. In her new role, she has vowed to intensify the fight against Putin's regime, continuing the struggle her husband began. The arrest warrant against Yulia Navalnaya is the latest chapter in the ongoing saga of repression against those who dare to oppose the Kremlin. Her determination to carry on her husband's legacy underscores the continued resistance to Putin's autocratic rule, both within Russia and on the global stage. The international community watches closely as Navalnaya steps into her new role, anticipating how she will leverage her platform to challenge the Kremlin's narrative and advocate for human rights and democratic freedoms. Yulia Navalnaya's story is not just one of personal loss but of unyielding resilience and defiance in the face of an oppressive regime. Her resolve to continue Alexei Navalny's fight for a freer Russia is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of those who stand up against tyranny. Credit: BBC 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In the recent devastating attack on a Kyiv children's hospital, a type of Russian missile known as the Kh-101 was identified, highlighting Russia's reliance on Western-designed components despite sanctions. Captured on camera moments before it hit the cancer hospital, the Kh-101 is one of Russia's most advanced cruise missiles, crucial to its ongoing airstrike campaign against Ukraine. The Kremlin has managed to evade sanctions by incorporating microprocessors and other technology not originally intended for military use. Ukrainian officials and experts have pointed out that Western technology has enabled Russia to develop smarter missiles, allowing their attacks to bypass Ukraine's strained air defenses. Olena Bilousova, a research lead on sanctions at the KSE Institute in Kyiv, noted that although sanctions have limited Russia's access to some advanced components, the country's defense sector has adapted by using commercially available technology. An analysis of a Kh-101 missile fired in January revealed it contained 16 pieces of Western-made electronics, including components from Swiss-headquartered STMicroelectronics and U.S. chipmakers Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, and Intel. These components, primarily intended for civilian use, were found to have been purchased on the open market and imported via China, despite being labeled as Western-made. A single missile's wreckage likely underestimates Russia's dependence on foreign parts. A comprehensive analysis by the Office of the President of Ukraine indicated that a complete Kh-101 could contain over 50 different foreign-produced components. The recent large-scale attack on Ukrainian infrastructure, commercial, and residential buildings resulted in at least 41 civilian deaths and over 190 injuries. Russia denied targeting the hospital, instead claiming, without evidence, that Ukraine struck it using a U.S. and Norway-supplied Nasams air defense system. Despite Russia's denials, experts like Pavel Luzin, a visiting scholar at Tufts University's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, insist that Russian missiles almost always hit their intended targets. Luzin stated, "If a Russian missile hit a hospital, that means Russia’s military targeted a hospital." Additionally, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of placing anti-air systems in residential areas, though no evidence supports these claims. Footage of the missile before impact confirmed it was a Kh-101, recognizable by its distinctive wings, nose, fuselage shape, and externally mounted turbofan engine. There were no signs of damage from air defenses or other missiles, suggesting the attack was deliberate. Fabian Hoffmann, a doctoral research fellow at the University of Oslo, emphasized that the missile's appearance indicated it was on a controlled flight path, reinforcing the notion of a targeted attack. In the year before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, only 56 Kh-101 missiles were produced. However, after ramping up production, Russia manufactured 420 Kh-101s last year. This increase, reported by the Royal United Services Institute, a British defense think-tank, underscores Russia's ability to produce large quantities of missiles despite sanctions. Oleksandr Lytvynenko, secretary of Ukraine's national security and defense council, noted that while Western sanctions are effective, the quality of Russia's weapons has diminished. The U.S. has attempted to disrupt Russia's defense supply chains, making it more challenging for Russia to obtain advanced Western technology. Consequently, Russian manufacturers have turned to civilian components, which lack the resilience and protection of military-grade electronics. Hoffmann estimated that the failure rate of Russian cruise missiles could be as high as 20%, due to smuggled components' inability to provide accurate guidance or withstand subsonic flight conditions. Despite these challenges, Ukraine's air defenses continue to struggle against large-scale missile barrages. During Monday's attack, Ukraine's air force reported downing 30 out of 38 missiles. The evidence indicates that the Kh-101 missile hit its intended target, with no visible damage on the fuselage or signs of interference from air defenses. Russia's increased missile production from March to June saw the launch of 446 missiles, compared to 423 during the same period the previous year. Of these, 304 were Kh-101s or their Soviet predecessor, the Kh-555. Luzin suggested that Russia might be using older components to maintain production rates, with engines like the R95 potentially substituting for the Kh-101's more advanced TRDD-50A engine. Western components, although not military-grade, are still being acquired by Russia through front companies in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The U.S. has stringent export controls on items made using its technology, but enforcing these rules is challenging. While major suppliers have not been found in breach of export controls, components can be resold by buyers who disregard the regulations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine plans to address the issue of Western components in Russian missiles with leaders at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington. The Semiconductor Industry Association, representing U.S. chipmakers, emphasized that its members are committed to compliance programs to prevent misuse of their products. However, these measures alone cannot stop intentional product diversion, counterfeiting, and misuse. Credit: Financial Times 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The Biden administration's Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has come under intense scrutiny after whistleblowers revealed that a government contractor failed to properly vet sponsors for unaccompanied children apprehended at the border. These lapses have allegedly led to several cases of child trafficking. The accusations were brought to light during a roundtable discussion co-hosted by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). Deborah White, a federal employee detailed to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement, expressed her horror at discovering that children were being trafficked with the help of taxpayer dollars. She revealed that the contractor responsible for processing these children was not adequately vetting sponsors, and government officials were complicit in the malpractice. According to White, she and her colleague, Tara Rodas, first identified a case of trafficking involving minors in June 2021. Despite reporting their findings, the issue persisted, and children continued to be sent to dangerous locations. White recounted chilling incidents where children were sent to abandoned houses or non-existent addresses. In one case in Michigan, a child was sent to an open field even after a 911 call reported hearing someone screaming for help at that location. White noted that when she raised concerns about these contractor failures and requested to see the contract, she was rebuffed and told not to ask for it again. Taking matters into her own hands, White created training programs for significant incident reports of sexual abuse and flagging trafficking, but her efforts did not prevent children from being sent to unsafe environments. White also highlighted that ORR officials never met sponsors face-to-face and that fraudulent documents were rampant. Tara Rodas added that ORR was essentially unifying children with "random people," who often were not the children's parents. She described a case involving a 16-year-old girl from Guatemala whose sponsor, claiming to be her older brother, was found touching her inappropriately. Rodas noted that the girl appeared drugged and as if "she was for sale" based on her sponsor's social media posts, which also contained child pornography. Shevaun Harris, Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, voiced her concern about the situation, noting that less than 10% of children apprehended at the border were being released to their parents. Harris found it "frightening" and inhumane. White recounted an instance where questioning the authenticity of documents led HHS ORR leadership to dismiss their concerns, stating that their job was not to investigate the sponsor but to reunify the child with them. The whistleblowers argued that both ORR and the primary contractor, Cherokee Federal, ignored warnings about child trafficking to prevent overcrowding at the southern border. White accused Cherokee Federal of staffing the site with unqualified, unvetted, and dangerous contractors who had access to vulnerable children, depriving them of the necessary support, services, and humanity they deserved after their perilous journey. White labeled the ORR program "the biggest failure in government history" that she had ever witnessed. Senator Bill Cassidy emphasized that the exploitation of children should not be a partisan issue. He criticized President Biden, asserting that he has the power to prevent this by securing the border and reforming ORR to protect children from harm. Cassidy argued that Biden was treating the border crisis as a campaign messaging issue rather than addressing the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from his policies. He questioned whether anything would force the President into action if the exploitation of children would not. Credit: NYP 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Each year, the skies above Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, Idaho, buzz with activity as it hosts what insiders refer to as the “annual fly-in event.” To the outside world, it's better known as the “summer camp for billionaires.” This exclusive event attracts some of the most influential leaders in business, media, and politics to Sun Valley, Idaho, for a confidential conference organized by New York investment bank Allen & Company. The atmosphere is a blend of rugged casualness and understated luxury, with attendees often seen sporting puffy Patagonia vests, Apple watches, and high-end cashmere pullovers. Imagine the setting of "Dirty Dancing," but replace the young dancers with mostly older White men carrying Wall Street Journals, murmuring about regulatory overreach. The summit’s agenda and lecture topics remain closely guarded secrets. Reporters allowed to attend must stay off the record, ensuring that the elite can converse freely and navigate the mountain resort, discussing industry trends and sometimes striking historic multibillion-dollar deals. Sun Valley is famously believed to be where Jeff Bezos decided to purchase The Washington Post and where the deal between Comcast and NBC Universal was conceived. Warren Buffett, often a regular at this event, dubbed Sun Valley dealmaking as ABWA, or “acquisitions by walking around.” This year, the private jets are expected to land on Tuesday, as reported by the Idaho Mountain Express. Among the power brokers converging in Sun Valley are AI pioneer Sam Altman; Disney CEO Bob Iger along with potential successors; and familiar faces like Apple’s Tim Cook, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Google’s Sundar Pichai, media tycoons Rupert Murdoch and Oprah Winfrey, and many others. David Zaslav, CEO of CNN’s parent company Warner Bros. Discovery, confirmed his attendance through a spokesperson. Notably absent from this year's guest list is Warren Buffett. At nearly 94, Buffett may be content to let his 62-year-old successor, Greg Abel, handle the networking and socializing. There’s also speculation that Buffett might be avoiding the event after media reports last year highlighted his wife Astrid’s complaint about paying $4 for a cup of coffee. Elon Musk is another notable absentee. Despite his usual fit for such gatherings, his recent public confrontations with several CEOs, urging them to "go f— themselves," might make his presence at a rafting trip with those same CEOs less than ideal. This year, discussions are expected to focus heavily on artificial intelligence, the ongoing drama surrounding Iger’s succession plan, and the complex negotiations behind the Paramount-Skydance merger. However, the dominant topic may well be political intrigue, specifically President Joe Biden’s capability to campaign, which has Democratic donors and officials in a state of anxiety. It's almost certain that the elite media moguls will speculate about potential replacements for Biden on the 2024 ballot as they gather around for discussions. This could be a pivotal week for three governors in attendance: Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, and Wes Moore, all of whom are considered potential successors to Biden, despite his firm denials of stepping down. The presence of these political figures underscores the importance of the discussions taking place. While the political speculation is captivating, it's essential to step back and examine the broader implications of such gatherings. Events like Sun Valley underscore the immense power and influence of America’s billionaire class, highlighting the systemic inequalities that are so deeply ingrained in society that they often go unquestioned. Hamilton Nolan aptly captured the essence of Sun Valley in 2021, describing it as a place where “the billionaires are feted by the mere millionaires; the millionaires drum up enough deals to allow them to buy their third and fourth homes… This is the wondrous model of American capitalism in action — a tiny handful of wealthy people eat cake, and an entire nation gathers downstream, hoping to snatch up a few falling crumbs.” Credit: CNN 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

At New York University Abu Dhabi’s graduation ceremony this past May, a student donning the traditional Palestinian black-and-white keffiyeh scarf shouted “Free Palestine!” as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma. Witnesses reported that just days after the incident, the student was deported from the United Arab Emirates. This occurrence highlights the delicate balance the UAE is attempting to maintain between its diplomatic recognition of Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has wreaked havoc in the Gaza Strip. While the UAE has offered aid to Palestinians, the federation of seven emirates, known for tightly controlling speech and banning political parties, has not seen the mass demonstrations that have swept other parts of the Arab world. This strict regulation extends into academic life at NYU Abu Dhabi, where students report that activities related to the war have been barred, and even cultural events in the country's capital have faced restrictions. Those wearing the keffiyeh have been stopped from entering such events. One student, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisals, commented, “I think the government and the laws of the country don’t necessarily align with wanting to create an environment that appeals to the West as well, if we’re talking about freedom of speech and so on.” Responding to questions from The Associated Press, NYU Abu Dhabi stated that while it has been “guaranteed academic authority” on its campus, “in none of our locations ... are members of the NYU community immune from local law.” The university added that it has no control over any nation’s immigration or law enforcement actions and advised students “clearly and repeatedly about expectations, obligations, and boundaries, including the protocols for the NYU Abu Dhabi graduation.” The Emirati government did not respond to a request for comment. Before the graduation, students were informed that “displaying the Palestinian flag anywhere on campus is not permitted and this was strictly executed, even in residential buildings,” according to another student who also spoke anonymously. In total, five students described similar restrictions in the lead-up to the graduation, affecting those who attempted to organize fundraisers involving keffiyehs and vigils for the dead in Gaza. Jacqueline Hennecke, an NYU Abu Dhabi alumna who graduated in May, told the AP that the university sent an email before the graduation banning all “cultural attire” at the commencement, including scarves. The student who ignored this directive and shouted “Free Palestine!” on stage was taken into police custody prior to his deportation, according to the American Association of University Professors, which supports free speech and academic freedom efforts. The association stated that the university “has been unable to protect students, staff and faculty from being taken into custody and interrogated at government security offices and has failed to prevent the deportation of one academic staff member and a graduate student.” It also alleged that staff and students from non-Western countries had been “detained, intimidated, and deported based on surveillance,” though it did not provide further details. This incident is not the first time NYU Abu Dhabi has faced criticism for attempting to balance the ideals of an American liberal arts education with the UAE’s strict regulations on speech. Human rights groups previously criticized the university for its use of migrant workers to build the campus, alleging that these workers were subjected to various violations, including paying recruitment fees that were never reimbursed, living in overcrowded conditions, and being forced to work overtime. An investigation commissioned by NYU found that some workers had not been protected by the fair labor practices the school had pledged, and the school promised reimbursement, though some workers later claimed they never received it. In 2017, the journalism department at New York University cut its ties to the Abu Dhabi campus over the UAE’s denial of work visas to two professors and the school’s handling of the situation. The deportation of the student comes as the UAE maintains its diplomatic ties with Israel, which operates both a consulate in Dubai and an embassy in Abu Dhabi. Daily flights to Israel continue despite Western airlines being slow to resume flights to Ben Gurion International Airport outside of Tel Aviv. During the U.N. COP28 climate talks in Dubai in November, security officials closely monitored pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which were allowed in the U.N.-controlled “Blue Zone” at the event. At the recent Abu Dhabi Comedy Festival, an AP journalist saw security guards stop people from entering the event unless they removed their keffiyehs and handed them over. The Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 250 others being taken hostage. The subsequent Israeli offensive has killed over 38,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials, though this number does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Credit: Independent 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

At the 2024 NATO Summit, President Joe Biden delivered a powerful and clear speech, emphasizing the strength and unity of the alliance. Speaking in the same venue where the original NATO treaty was signed 75 years ago, Biden began by invoking the history of the alliance. "Today, NATO is more powerful than ever, 32 nations strong," he declared, highlighting the expansion and resilience of the organization over the decades. Biden praised the commitment of member nations, noting that 23 countries are now meeting the mandatory defense spending of 2% of GDP. He emphasized NATO's fundamental democratic character, asserting, "Remember NATO's character is fundamentally democratic. Always will be." He called for collective strength in response to the current geopolitical challenges, stating, "This moment in history calls for our collective strength." The President turned his focus to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions. "Putin wants nothing less than Ukraine's total subjugation, to end Ukraine's democracy, and to destroy Ukraine's culture, and to wipe Ukraine off the map," he said. Biden assured the audience of NATO's resolve, proclaiming, "And you know Putin won't stop in Ukraine. Make no mistake: Ukraine can and will stop Putin." In a clear contrast to former President Donald Trump's stance on NATO, Biden highlighted the bipartisan support for the military alliance in the United States. "An overwhelming bipartisan majority of Americans understand that NATO makes us all safer," he said. He painted a grim picture of a world without NATO, stressing the importance of the alliance in maintaining global peace and stability. "The American people understand what would happen if there was no NATO," he warned, suggesting a scenario of war and economic catastrophe. During his speech, Biden honored NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg by awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Quoting former President Ronald Reagan, Biden said, "If you are threatened, we are threatened. If you are not at peace, we cannot be at peace." He praised Stoltenberg as a man of integrity and intellectual rigor, acknowledging his significant contributions to the alliance. "So much of the progress we made in the alliance is thanks to the secretary. He's a man of integrity and intellectual rigor," Biden said, adding that Stoltenberg "works across the political spectrum" in support of NATO. The most significant news from Biden's speech was the announcement of additional air defense support for Ukraine. The President revealed that the US, along with Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy, would provide Ukraine with "dozens of additional tactical air defense systems" within months. This announcement came just a day after a children's hospital in Kyiv was hit by missiles, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. Biden's commitment to supporting Ukraine was evident as he stated, "Ukraine can and will stop Putin." Following his speech, a military choir performed "Let There Be Peace on Earth," underscoring the theme of unity and peace that Biden championed throughout his address. The President's forceful and steady delivery stood in stark contrast to his recent debate performance, which had raised questions about his political future. Biden's speech at the NATO summit was part history lesson, part call to arms, as he recounted the alliance's successes and called for continued strength and unity. Biden's speech highlighted his efforts to strengthen and expand NATO, one of the notable accomplishments of his presidency. However, the road ahead for his re-election campaign is filled with challenges. His performance at the summit was just the first of many hurdles he must clear to secure a second term in office. In a follow-up announcement, US officials provided more details about the additional aid to Ukraine. The package will include air defense systems such as Patriot missiles and components. Alongside Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy, other countries like the UK, Canada, Norway, and Spain are expected to contribute to the air defense support for Ukraine. This response follows a missile barrage from Russia that hit a children's hospital, killing 36 people and injuring 140. Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, had emphasized the need for more air defense systems, and it now appears that Western allies will provide some of the necessary support. Despite the focus on international security, domestic politics loomed large over the NATO meeting. The debate over whether President Biden should stay in the race for re-election continued, with some Democratic lawmakers calling for him to step aside. New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill became the latest to urge Biden to halt his campaign, citing the high stakes and real threats facing the country. However, other Democrats, like Hank Johnson of Georgia, expressed strong support for Biden, urging the party to unite and focus on retaining the White House. As Biden navigates the complexities of his re-election campaign, his speech at the NATO summit reinforced his commitment to global security and the values of the alliance. The announcement of additional aid to Ukraine and the recognition of Stoltenberg's contributions underscored the ongoing importance of NATO in addressing current and future challenges. Credit: BBC 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to outmaneuver the extremes of French politics, may have inadvertently strengthened the nation’s Far Left. By calling unnecessary parliamentary elections, whose second round was held on Sunday, Macron hoped to avert right-wing dominance. Instead, his actions have paved the way for a resurgence of left-wing influence. This shift is evident from the recent alliance between Macron’s party and the New Popular Front of the Left, specially formed for the election. This coalition secured the Left the most seats in the latest vote. The agreement allowed each party a clear run in designated seats, leaving voters in some areas with no alternative to candidates from the hard-left France Unbowed party of Jean-Luc Mélenchon if they opposed Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. The resurgence of the Left comes amid a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents in France, particularly following the Hamas massacres on October 7 last year. Mélenchon’s downplaying of anti-Semitism as “residual” contradicts the reality of increasing attacks. Anti-Semitic sentiment has been a frequent feature in protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Two teenage boys in France currently face charges for racially insulting and raping a 12-year-old Jewish girl, underscoring the persistence of such hate crimes. Historically, the National Rally harbored anti-Semitic views, though Le Pen has since condemned the Hamas attacks. Today, it is largely the far-Left that propagates anti-Semitic narratives. In critical race theory, Jews are considered part of the white oppressors, unable to be victims of racism. This ideological stance has found fertile ground among the Left, which has seen a demographic shift towards Muslim – Arab, black African, and Turkish – populations. These communities' grievances have provided the Left with new support, compensating for the loss of the white working class. Anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment are prevalent in Islamist political discourse, and the Palestinian flag has replaced traditional leftist symbols in demonstrations. The October 7 atrocities, rather than discrediting Hamas, have impressed many on the Left with their display of power. Mélenchon, an eloquent revolutionary figure, sees potential gains in this chaos. Conversely, the National Rally now views Jews as part of the French culture they aim to protect from Islamist threats. Macron, known for his intellectual approach, seems to be trying to balance these extremes. However, his tactics may be exacerbating the very divisions he seeks to control. The situation in France could have implications for other countries, including Britain. Although Jeremy Corbyn, the UK’s equivalent to Mélenchon, lacks the same dynamism, the Muslim population in the UK, which is about two-thirds that of France’s, has shown growing political influence. Recent elections demonstrated the rise of Islamist political power, even posing a threat to Sir Keir Starmer in his constituency. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The surprising election results in Britain prompted an international sigh of relief, but Emmanuel Macron’s gamble has weakened both him and Europe. It was a week of contrasts for Europe—good because Britain now boasts a strong, stable centrist government keen on resetting relations with the EU, and French voters rallied to keep the hard-right National Rally (RN) out of power. Yet, it was also a bad week as France appears set for a period of weak, unstable, and divided government, which will hamper the entire EU. This comes at a crucial time for the continent, with Vladimir Putin still pummeling Ukraine and Donald Trump likely to become president of the US again unless Joe Biden steps aside. Britain now has a responsible, pragmatic government of the centre-left, elected for up to five years. Led by a former human rights lawyer determined to defend the rule of law at home and internationally, it embraces a judicious mix of market economy, state intervention, and social justice. The government strongly supports Ukraine and is committed to pursuing good relations with other European countries. This administration is a much better match to the values proclaimed in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union than the government of Hungary, whose anti-liberal nationalist leader, Viktor Orbán, has been meeting with Putin in Moscow to discuss how they can compel Ukraine to capitulate in the name of “peace.” However, there is a significant snag: Britain is no longer a member of Europe’s core political and economic community. In a bid to demonstrate Britain’s commitment to European stability, David Lammy, Britain’s new foreign minister, visited his counterparts in Germany, Poland, and Sweden in his first few days in office. Meanwhile, John Healey, the new defense minister, hastened to Odesa for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart. Lammy has been emphatic and eloquent in calling for a “reset,” a “fresh start,” and a “close partnership” with the EU and individual European countries. Britain proposes a new UK-EU security pact, with closer cooperation in many areas. Despite the goodwill expressed in Berlin, Paris, Warsaw, and other European capitals, the fact that the UK is institutionally just another “third country” for the EU means that negotiating this new, closer relationship will be complicated, with numerous blocking or veto possibilities for various national, party-political, and bureaucratic players inside the EU. Moreover, the red lines that Keir Starmer proclaimed to win pro-Brexit voters back to Labour—no return to the EU’s customs union, single market, or freedom of movement—seriously limit what can be achieved on the economic front. British politics is not as different from continental Europe as it seems at first glance. A key reason for the scale of Labour’s victory was the split right-wing vote between the Conservatives and Nigel Farage’s Reform party, which is the British equivalent of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, Germany’s AfD, or Italy’s Fratelli d’Italia, channeling widespread popular economic and cultural concerns into the scapegoating of immigration. Farage’s Reform party got about 14% of the popular vote compared to about 24% for the Tories. Nationalist populist sentiments on both sides of the Channel will constrain and complicate the UK-EU reset, while the hard right continues to grow stronger. The news from London is more encouraging than that from Paris. Yes, an astronaut orbiting our planet would have heard a huge sigh of relief rising from the entire European continent as it was learned that RN had not repeated its spectacular success in the first round of the parliamentary election and would only be the third-largest group in the National Assembly, the lower house of the French parliament. But that’s where the good news ends. In Britain, the popular vote primarily aimed to oust the Conservatives. In France, it was to keep RN out, not to put anyone in particular in. The result is a parliament split between three main groups: the hastily assembled New Popular Front (NFP), a loose left-wing coalition of four very different parties, including the Eurosceptic and populist France Unbowed; Macron’s centrist Ensemble, which is not really a party but rather an ensemble; and RN, which is a very disciplined party. None has a majority on its own, and all the options being discussed for forming a government are likely to be unstable and fissiparous. The country faces a soaring national debt and large budget deficit. Expansive spending plans from the NFP could provoke the wrath of the bond markets and trouble the eurozone. According to the constitution, the president cannot call new elections for another year. In opposition, RN may well gain even more support, preparing for a presidential run by Le Pen or Jordan Bardella in 2027. In sum, while Britain has a strong government but a weak position in Europe, France will have a strong position in Europe but a weak government. Macron’s authority and influence are greatly diminished—and that’s entirely his own fault. The former British prime minister Rishi Sunak probably miscalculated in calling an early election (and then conducted a rain-soaked, gaffe-filled campaign), but he would have been obliged to call an election by the end of the year anyway. The writing was on the wall for the Conservatives after 14 years in power during which they have done such damage to the country. Macron, by contrast, had a relative although not an absolute majority for his centrist grouping in a parliament elected until 2027, the year in which his presidential term ends. I remember watching him in Normandy on the D-day anniversary on June 6 and thinking, “there’s a man who has succumbed to hubris.” Just three days later, the “Jupiterian” president made his hasty, melodramatic announcement of a snap parliamentary election, manifesting that particularly pernicious form of stupidity that he unfortunately shares with some elite British advocates of Brexit: the stupidity of highly educated and intelligent people. As a result, Jupiter has become Icarus. Calling for a political “clarification,” he has achieved the opposite. For all of Europe, the tragedy is that Macron has also been the most powerful advocate of what Europeans urgently need in an overheating world torn between Putin, Trump, and Xi Jinping: more unity, more coherence, more power. As he puts it: l’Europe puissance. He has recently become the most influential West European voice in favor of increased support for an embattled Ukraine, whose fate today hangs in the balance. Only a few weeks ago, Macron was warning that “Europe is mortal.” Now, in an act of folly and hubris, he has stabbed both himself and Europe in the back. Opinion - Timothy Garton Ash Credit: The Guardian 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Consider coffee a mini-Mediterranean diet, experts told UPI. The health benefits of the beverage that millions of people drink to start their day far outweigh the potential risks, much like the popular diet that limits red meat and fat intake, the experts say. "The Mediterranean diet is primarily a plant-based diet, and coffee is a plant-based drink," said Stephen Safe, a researcher with expertise in cancer prevention, in a phone interview. "If you compare the benefits of coffee to those of the Mediterranean diet, you could hardly tell the difference between them," said Safe, a distinguished professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Texas A&M University in College Station. In a review of peer-reviewed studies of the beverage, Safe and his colleagues found that coffee consumption can help reduce a person's risk for certain types of cancers, as well as Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and dementia. "Drinking coffee has also been shown to help people live longer," Safe said. "I'm a big proponent, and I drink a lot of it," he added, noting that he consumes "five or six double espressos" every day. Safe describes coffee as a "miracle" drink, much like "aspirin is a miracle drug." Here's why. "Contrary to popular opinion," Safe said, the overwhelming majority of research suggests that coffee consumption is linked with a number of key health benefits. For example, a 2019 study found that coffee consumption lowered the risk for Type 2 diabetes by 22%. Additionally, people who consumed more than 60 cups of coffee per month—or more than two a day—were found to have a nearly 70% lower risk of liver cancer, a nearly 50% lower risk for colon and breast cancers, and a nearly 30% lower risk for thyroid cancer, according to a 2021 study. Although more research is needed to identify why this is the case, coffee contains many of the same chemical ingredients found in elements of the Mediterranean diet, which also has been found to reduce cancer risk, Safe said. On top of the potential cancer benefits, compared with non-drinkers, coffee drinkers have up to a 30% lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in 2002. A diet that included coffee was found to reduce the risk for certain neurological diseases, including dementia, according to a study published by long-time coffee researcher Marilyn Cornelis and her colleagues last year. Although the reasons for this are unclear, research suggests that the caffeine in coffee has a neuroprotective effect and helps the brain produce dopaminergic neurons, or brain cells involved in movement and other functions, said Cornelis, an associate professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Many current treatments for Parkinson's disease, for example, are designed to boost the production of these neurons, she said. "For many years, coffee has been seen as an unhealthy drink, but over time, the research really supports more benefits than adverse effects," Cornelis, who has been researching the health effects of coffee and caffeine for more than 20 years, said in a phone interview. "Given other options in terms of beverages, coffee is probably one of the better ones," she said. She agreed with Safe that more research is needed to understand why coffee is so beneficial, but suggested that the polyphenols found naturally in coffee, like other plant-based products, most likely have antioxidant effects that can help reduce inflammation, a common cause of disease. Caffeine also increases the metabolism of fats in the body, which may add to the drink's health benefits, she added. In addition, "coffee can also lead to improved mood and a reduced risk for depression," Dr. Donald D. Hensrud, a specialist in general medicine and an associate professor of preventive medicine and nutrition at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, said in a phone interview. Caffeine doesn't necessarily lead to worsening anxiety or increase a person's risk for heart disease, including irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure, contrary to the image of the "person who is stressed out and drinking a lot of coffee," Cornelis said. An analysis of data from 32 studies published in 2023 found "no significant association" between coffee consumption and heart disease. That said, drinking too much coffee can lead to heart palpitations and insomnia, or trouble sleeping, Hensrud said. Coffee can also worsen symptoms such as excessive urination, particularly in older men with enlarged prostate glands, according to Hensrud. Some coffee drinkers may experience acid reflux, or heartburn, and the beverage also may lower the body's ability to absorb key minerals like calcium and iron, which are important for bone health, he said. Coffee also has been linked with difficulty becoming pregnant and an increased risk of miscarriage among women who drink more than two cups per day, Hensrud said. "I divide coffee into health effects and side effects, and the health effects are really significant, while the side effects are relatively minor except for pregnant women," he said. Indeed, the oft-heard limit of two cups per day only applies to women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Otherwise, there's no hard and fast rule for how much coffee to drink to maximize these health benefits, Hensrud said. However, how a person takes it matters, he said. In other words, the less milk, cream, sugar, and other add-ons, the better. For this reason, many of the coffee drinks sold at chain retailers don't convey the same health benefits as simple, black coffee, he said. In addition, boiled but not filtered coffee can increase LDL, or "bad," cholesterol in the bloodstream, Hensrud said. Since 2015, black coffee has been included in the Department of Health and Human Services' dietary guidelines, which suggest that up to five cups of coffee per day is safe. However, this is "not a recommendation," Cornelis said. "This just means that if you're already consuming that amount, and you're healthy, there's no need to cut back," she said. Research suggests that some people may be "genetically predisposed to being able to metabolize caffeine more quickly," according to Cornelis. This means they are less likely to experience side effects like difficulty sleeping and can consume more, she added. Hensrud said he typically tells his patients that, as long as they're not experiencing the common "side effects" of coffee consumption—particularly heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping—there's no need for them to stop drinking it. Still, "if they're consuming six or more cups per day, I may tell them to think about cutting back, just because they may start experiencing problems like reflux," he said. The good news, according to Cornelis, is that most people "are sensitive to the effects of caffeine" and know when they have had too much, based on what their bodies are telling them. And, while cutting back on caffeinated coffee when experiencing side effects can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, the chemical is not considered addictive, she said. "I tell people to go by side effects when they're deciding how much coffee to drink," Hensrud said. "If you're not having side effects, there's no reason to consume less," he said. Credit: UPI 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

On the eve of a crucial NATO summit in Washington, China and Belarus have initiated joint military exercises just a few miles from the Polish border. The manoeuvres, codenamed Falcon Assault, are set to continue until July 19 and are being conducted at a training ground near the city of Brest, according to the Belarusian defence ministry. These exercises are occurring at a significant geopolitical moment as NATO's 32 member countries, including Poland, convene to discuss additional military and financial support for Ukraine. Belarus, a staunch ally of Russia, previously allowed Moscow to use its territory as one of the launchpads for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The timing and location of these drills underscore the tense and complex military dynamics in the region. Major General Vadim Denisenko, chief of Belarusian special operations command, remarked on the global situation and its implications for the exercises: "Events taking place in the world are alarming, the situation is uneasy, therefore we are going to practice new forms and methods of performing tactical tasks." The drills, described as "anti-terrorist exercises," involve Chinese and Belarusian military personnel practicing night landings, overcoming water barriers, and conducting operations in populated areas. The Belarusian defence ministry provided further details, noting that Chinese troops were seen disembarking from a plane and offloading equipment in photos shared on Telegram. The Chinese defence ministry added that Belarus held "a grand welcome ceremony" for the Chinese troops upon their arrival on Thursday. "The joint training aims to enhance the coordination capabilities of the participating troops, and deepen practical cooperation between the two armies," the ministry stated. While the exact number of troops involved in the drills remains unclear, the exercises are a clear indication of the strengthening military ties between China and Belarus. This cooperation is particularly noteworthy given the current geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The NATO summit, which coincides with these exercises, will likely address the implications of the growing military collaboration between China and Belarus. The alliance's discussions will focus on how to continue supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. The presence of joint Chinese-Belarusian military exercises so close to NATO territory adds a layer of urgency and complexity to these deliberations. In summary, the Falcon Assault drills between China and Belarus highlight the intricate and precarious nature of current international relations. As NATO members gather to strategize their support for Ukraine, the proximity and timing of these exercises serve as a stark reminder of the shifting alliances and ongoing tensions that characterize the global political landscape. Credit: Sky News 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe