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Third of Jordanian teens believe 'honor killings' justified, study shows
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Greenland
It's not necessary. Greenland is part of NATO and there is already a U.S. base in Greenland. So it's protected by art. 5. As to China, it already failed its attempt to expand in Arctic countries, as you already know. And its been worse because of its support of Russia. Following China's example, the U.S. and the EU have defined an Artic Strategy. Denmark voted an investment screening act in 2021, in accordance with the 2019 EU Directive, and Greenland announced a declination of it (Greenland screening Act) in February 2024. The objective of both Acts is to protect national security and in particular to keep control of Infrastructures. https://investmentpolicy.unctad.org/investment-laws/laws/435/denmark-investment-screening-act#:~:text=The purpose of this Act,through screening and potential intervention https://kromannreumert.com/en/news/investment-screening-is-a-hot-topic-greenland-announces-its-own-investment-screening-act#:~:text=Investment screening underway in Greenland&text=The purpose of the announced,Greenlandic society's basic critical infrastructure. I have posted additional information in a previous post above. The U.S., , Denmark, Greenland and the EU did not wait for Trump's show to identify security and supplly issues, in particular re. China and Russia, and design solutions. They have already happily collaborated on these matters, without needing Trump's idiotic threats. -
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Israel-Hamas Swap Deal Nears Initial Phase, 33 Hostages to Be Released
In a significant development toward easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the first stage of a truce deal being negotiated in Qatar could result in the release of 33 Israeli hostages. Sources close to the talks and Israeli media confirmed the details on Tuesday. The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have gained momentum in recent days. According to a source briefed on the discussions, the “final round of talks” commenced in Doha on Tuesday. Two anonymous sources revealed to AFP that the initial exchange involves 33 Israeli hostages being freed in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. These hostages are among 94 individuals taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict. The figure includes 34 hostages whom the Israeli military believes to be deceased. Reports by *The Times of Israel* indicated that the initial phase of the agreement prioritizes “humanitarian cases,” including children and women. One source explained that the agreement’s first stage stipulates the release of hostages in batches. Israeli officials, however, are awaiting confirmation of their current status. If successful, a second phase of negotiations would begin 16 days after the deal's implementation, focusing on the release of male soldiers, men of military age, and the retrieval of deceased hostages. Hamas has signaled its willingness to release 34 hostages as part of the initial phase of a broader, multi-stage arrangement. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that the proposed deal allows Israel to maintain a buffer zone within Gaza during this phase. According to *Haaretz*, the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until all hostages are freed but will permit the movement of residents from southern to northern Gaza. US President Joe Biden announced on Monday that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement was nearing completion, aligning with a three-phase truce plan he introduced in May. “In the war between Israel and Hamas, we’re on the brink of a proposal... finally coming to fruition,” Biden said during a farewell address at the State Department. Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Key points of contention include the permanence of any ceasefire and the scale of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Talks in Qatar are being conducted with Israeli and Hamas representatives in separate rooms, according to insiders familiar with the process. As the deal inches closer, it offers a glimmer of hope in a conflict marked by devastation and loss, underscoring the delicate nature of diplomacy in achieving peace. Based on a report by AFP | TOI 2024-01-15 -
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Labour’s New Law that threatens Free Speech in Pubs & Other Work Places
Labour's proposed Employment Rights Bill has ignited concerns about its potential effects on free speech and business operations, particularly in public spaces like pubs. The legislation, expected to take effect next year, imposes a duty on employers to prevent workers from being harassed by third parties, including customers. This provision has raised alarms about how employers might manage philosophical debates on controversial topics such as trans rights or religion in social settings. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) warned that implementing these requirements in venues like pubs could be challenging, as reported by *The Times*. Critics argue the legislation could open the door to excessive legal disputes. Rupert Soames, president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), described the proposed measures as a potential “adventure playground for employment rights lawyers.” Soames urged ministers to reconsider key elements of the bill, citing concerns about its economic consequences. “I think not only will they not employ, I think they will let people go. I think there could be quite an ugly rush before some of these things come into force,” he told BBC Radio 4's *Today* programme. He also pointed to Labour's recent £25 billion increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions under Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves as a compounding factor. According to Soames, the combination of these measures could lead to higher unemployment and harm business growth. The government’s own impact assessment estimates the legislation could cost businesses up to £5 billion annually. However, many business leaders believe the true financial burden could be significantly greater. The Employment Rights Bill includes various provisions aimed at improving workers' conditions, such as guaranteed hours for those on zero-hours contracts and the ability for employees to file unfair dismissal claims from the first day of work. It also introduces a statutory probation period to simplify dismissals for new hires deemed unsuitable for their roles. Despite business leaders’ apprehensions, Downing Street remains steadfast in its commitment to the legislation. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman asserted that the bill would benefit both workers and businesses by boosting productivity and creating higher returns. “Many workers already deliver higher workers’ rights because it is in their own interests,” the spokesman said, emphasizing that the government will continue engaging with businesses to refine the legislation’s details. While proponents argue that the charter will enhance fairness and security for workers, critics worry about unintended consequences, such as stifling public discourse and exacerbating economic strain. As the debate unfolds, the balance between protecting workers’ rights and maintaining business viability remains a contentious issue. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-15 -
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Surge in Support for Mask Ban in New York Amid Rising Hate Incidents
A new poll reveals that a staggering 75% of New Yorkers support implementing a mask ban, a measure propelled by recent troubling incidents of anti-Jewish harassment. The survey, conducted by Mercury Public Affairs for the civil rights coalition #UnMaskHateNY, underscores a growing consensus across diverse demographics that public safety must take precedence over unrestricted anonymity during protests. The poll, which questioned 800 voters between December 16 and 20, 2024, found that 68% of respondents believe that while protecting free speech is crucial, it must be balanced with public safety. Only 23% supported the idea that individuals should have the right to wear whatever they choose, regardless of their behavior. These sentiments have been amplified by rising concerns about hate crimes, with 60% of voters indicating that discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion is worsening. The survey highlighted heightened fears among Jewish voters, with 74% reporting that they feel discrimination and harassment have increased. Similarly, 67% of Black voters, 68% of Asian voters, and 76% of Jewish voters expressed concerns about being targeted due to their identity. The sharp increase in antisemitic incidents, especially following the October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel, has spurred frequent anti-Israel protests, many of which have seen masked individuals engaging in acts of intimidation and hate. In response, the #UnMaskHateNY coalition has urged state lawmakers to pass a mask ban akin to one used to curb Ku Klux Klan activities in the early 20th century. Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League and a former Mayor of New Orleans, reflected on the historical context, stating, "There is no denying a link between anonymity and abuse, and we can never let that portion of our history return again into the present day." Eric Goldstein, CEO of the UJA Federation of New York, supported the call for regulation, emphasizing the need for safety and accountability. He remarked, "These survey results reflect a state united against hate and a shared commitment to fostering safety in our public spaces." Proposed legislation in New York, which would allow medical and religious exemptions, aims to impose penalties ranging from violations to Class A misdemeanors for those wearing masks during hate-filled acts. Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, one of the bill's sponsors, argued that the overwhelming support for this measure is a clear signal to lawmakers to take action. However, opposition exists. The NY Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has formed a coalition against the mask ban, arguing that it could lead to selective enforcement and undermine protections for those with disabilities and individuals engaging in political protests. Allie Bohm, senior policy counsel at NYCLU, stated, "Criminalizing masks puts New Yorkers’ health and safety at risk, opens the floodgates for selective and racially-biased enforcement, and undermines protections for political protest." Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-15 -
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Activists Arrested After Defacing Charles Darwin's Grave in Climate Protest
In a dramatic demonstration at Westminster Abbey, two activists from the environmental group Just Stop Oil defaced the grave of Charles Darwin, sparking widespread attention and debate. The protesters, armed with orange spray chalk, scrawled the words "1.5 is Dead" across the naturalist’s memorial around 10 a.m. on Monday, leading to their immediate arrest. The provocative message refers to the alarming news that global temperatures have exceeded the crucial threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Di Bligh, one of the protestors and a former chief executive of Reading Council, expressed her despair at the environmental crisis. "We’ve done this because there’s no hope for the world, really," she stated. "We’ve targeted Darwin’s grave because he would be turning in his grave due to the sixth mass extinction currently unfolding." A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest, saying the pair were taken into custody on suspicion of causing criminal damage with what appeared to be powdered paint. The Abbey’s conservators swiftly responded to the incident, assuring the public that the orange chalk spray could be removed without permanent damage. Despite the disruption, the Abbey remains open for visitors and worshippers. Alyson Lee, the other protester and a retired teaching assistant from Derby, voiced her frustration with the government's inaction on climate change. "We are trying to get the government to act on climate change. They are not doing enough," she said. Lee believed Darwin, a man of science, would have supported their cause, as he would have followed the scientific evidence of the current crisis. The protest coincided with a stark report from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), confirming that the previous year was the warmest on record globally, marking the first time average temperatures surpassed the 1.5°C benchmark. Additional analysis from the Met Office, the University of East Anglia, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science reinforced these findings, stating that 2024 was the hottest year on record. Reflecting on the dire implications of this temperature rise, Lee declared, "Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, we have already exceeded the so-called safe temperature rise of 1.5 degrees, and are heading for over three degrees of warming." She warned of the catastrophic consequences, including vast areas of the planet becoming uninhabitable, leading to mass displacement, societal collapse, and the extinction of countless species. Lee called for widespread civil disobedience, urging the public to "join us on the streets and help us reclaim parliament this April" in a bid to push for more aggressive action on climate change. The incident at Westminster Abbey has reignited the debate on the effectiveness and ethics of direct action in the fight against environmental degradation. Based on a report by The Independent 2024-01-15 -
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Russia and Iran to Solidify Alliance with Strategic Partnership Treaty
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are set to meet in Moscow this Friday to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, marking a significant step in the deepening relationship between the two nations. The Kremlin announced the forthcoming treaty on Monday, emphasizing its importance in expanding bilateral cooperation across various sectors. "On 17 January, Vladimir Putin will hold talks with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who will come to Moscow on an official visit," stated the Kremlin. "Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian will sign the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran." This agreement aims to strengthen ties in areas such as trade, investment, transport, logistics, and humanitarian efforts, while also addressing regional and international issues. It is also expected to solidify the military and political alliance between Moscow and Tehran, furthering a partnership that has grown notably since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Iran has played a key role in supporting Russia's military operations in Ukraine by supplying Shahed drones, which have been used to attack civilian infrastructure and power facilities. The deepening cooperation between the two nations highlights their shared interests in countering Western influence and building a more unified front against perceived external threats. The signing of the treaty has been in the works for several months. In October, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hinted that the agreement would soon be finalized, and in December, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that the deal was on track for completion by the end of January. The partnership follows a pattern of Russia strengthening its alliances with other nations outside Western influence. Last June, Putin signed a similar agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which included mutual commitments to military support in the event of aggression. The upcoming treaty with Iran signals an increasing alignment between Moscow and Tehran in their efforts to navigate international sanctions and isolation. Both nations face significant pressure from Western powers, and this partnership offers a way to bolster their political, economic, and military resilience. The signing of the agreement will likely further consolidate the growing ties between Russia and Iran, signaling their intent to collaborate closely in shaping regional dynamics and countering shared challenges on the global stage. Based on a report by Politico 2024-01-15
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