The man they call “Barbecue”, Bean Belt, Border disputes, & more!

Good Morning- In midst of the BRICS summit which took place this week, we may be seeing some new faces joining soon. The BRICS bloc, consisting of developing nations, has decided to expand its membership to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion is aimed at modernizing the global order and increasing the group's influence. It's the first expansion in 13 years and is open to further additions as more countries express interest in joining. The new members will join China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, adding economic strength to BRICS and reinforcing its goal to champion the Global South. The expansion will take effect on January 1, 2024. BRICS encompasses around 40% of the world's population and a quarter of the global GDP

Global insights

The man they call “Barbecue”

For those who have been part of our community for a few months, you might recall one of the previous article discussing the ongoing situation in Haiti. As a quick refresher, Haiti has been immersed in a state of continuous turmoil since the assassination of President Moise two years ago in 2021. Following this event, stability has remained elusive, and the nation has been under the sway of two rival gangs, "Gpep" and "G9," locked in constant struggles for control and dominance. This power struggle has given rise to famine, economic struggles, and a surge in violence, primarily concentrated in the capital city of Port Au Prince.

In this week's edition, we turn our attention to a fascinating figure within this intricate narrative: Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, the leader of the G9 gang, formally known as the G9 Family and Allies. Cherizier's role in this unfolding saga is noteworthy, and we're here to provide you with a brief insight into his persona and influence.

From Officer to Gang Leader Chérizier's journey from police officer to gang leader has been marked by controversy and violence. Accused of being involved in various human rights violations and fatal attacks against civilians during his time in the Haitian National Police, Chérizier transformed into a powerful figure leading the confederation of gangs known as the G9 Family and Allies. This coalition, composed of numerous powerful gangs, has wielded considerable influence over Haiti's political landscape.

Quest for Power and Legitimacy Chérizier has presented himself as a revolutionary seeking to dismantle a system as what he describes as inequality and ran by elites that perpetuate it. He has expressed a vision of a new Haiti where everyone has access to basic necessities and a decent quality of life. However, his reputation is far from that of a benevolent leader. He has been accused of orchestrating and participating in various brutal attacks against rival gangs and civilians, causing significant bloodshed and destruction in his war against GPEP. His gang had imposed lockdowns on fuel distribution in 2021, a move that would only be reversed under one condition: the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Henry had been accused of involvement in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise. Cherizier's message was clear: "If Henry resigns at 8 am, the roads will be cleared by 8.05 am, allowing the uninterrupted return of fuel trucks." G9 had taken control of key routes leading to oil terminals. This chokehold on transportation had led to widespread disruption in gasoline distribution, triggering various reactions including strikes and violent protests. Cherizier's statement carried a promise beyond the lifting of blockades. He asserted that with Henry's departure, his gang would actively contribute to restoring "stability, security, and development" within the country. He also pledged to combat the rampant kidnappings that had plagued the nation, stating, "In the areas under our influence, kidnappings are nonexistent. Our neighborhoods offer safety from such threats." Cherizier denied rumors that his gang had demanded exorbitant ransoms for clearing the roads, stating that certain goals required significant sacrifices.

Controversial Alliances and Enemies Chérizier's alliances and enemies highlight the complex web of political and criminal connections in Haiti. He has reportedly collaborated with both the ruling Haitian Tèt Kale Party and police forces. However, he has also clashed with rival gangs and political opponents. Despite his checkered reputation, Chérizier's influence continues to grow whom some say poses challenges to the Haitian state and further destabilization of the country.

Uncertain Future The future for Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier remains uncertain. His powerful role within the G9 Family and Allies, along with his strategic control over key infrastructure, grants him significant leverage over Haiti's political establishment. Chérizier's demands for amnesty, the removal of arrest warrants, and even Cabinet positions highlight his attempts to gain further legitimacy within the formal political system. As Haiti grapples with political turmoil and a shifting criminal landscape, Chérizier's role remains pivotal in shaping the nation's future.

In the midst of Haiti's complex challenges, the figure of "Barbecue" stands as both a symbol of defiance against perceived injustice and a source of deep controversy. Whether his aspirations for a new Haiti will align with a path towards stability and prosperity or further contribute to the country's instability is a question that remains unanswered. As the nation navigates its way forward, the enigma of Jimmy Chérizier will undoubtedly continue to shape its trajectory.

The Bean Belt

When it comes to drinks, coffee is one of the more polarizing. Some absolutely love it & its an essential part of a lot of peoples daily lives. Others seem to have the opinion that it tastes like dirt water. Regardless of whether you like coffee or not, it has become unavoidable in our daily lives, with countless Starbucks & Dunkin Donuts on every corner, many smaller coffee chains, & indie coffee shops found throughout downtowns, it seems that the options are endless for a cup of joe. While Italy is synonymous with coffee culture, coffee beans aren't actually grown there despite its dominance in the coffee world. Or Tim Hortons, essentially being synonymous with Canadian culture, despite not being grown in Canada. No matter the country or brand you think your coffee comes from, every cup originates from the same few places in what’s called “The Bean Belt”

The Bean Belt defines the horizontal zone nestled between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, encompassing the primary cultivation areas for most coffee plants. Categorically, the key nations known for coffee production within this belt include:

• Central American – Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador

• South American – Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru

• Indonesia – Java, Sumatra, Papua Guinea

• Southeast Asia – Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar

• Africa & Arabia – Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

• Islands – Australia (entirely consumed by Australians), Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Jamaica

The Bean Belt offers an ideal climate for nurturing coffee beans, which require a distinct set of conditions to flourish. To yield their finest harvest, coffee trees thrive in elevated terrains within humid, tropical environments, characterized by alternating dry and wet seasons, and enriched soil. Various aspects influence the caliber and taste of coffee, including the plant variety, soil composition, and post-harvest cherry processing techniques. The interplay of these factors is remarkably intricate, to the extent that quality and flavor can vary significantly even within a single plantation.

Roasting the beans- Roasting the coffee beans is where the different cultures around the world get to put their twist on the almighty bean. The craft of roasting coffee beans carries a subjective nature depending on where it is taking place. Although diverse techniques exist, they all find their assessment in the ultimate flavor drawn from the unassuming coffee bean. Much of the roasting process revolves around the duration of heating (roasting) the beans, determining both the resultant hue and taste. While we mentioned Italian coffee does not originate from Italy, the Italian roasting style, however, is renowned worldwide. Italian roast involves roasting beans to dark, producing small, glossy beans coated in natural sugars, fats, and oils. Italian roasted beans lend themselves perfectly to crafting rich, flavorful espresso, making them a staple in the coffee world.

Israel Lebanon conflict overview

The Israeli-Lebanese border has managed to avoid a large-scale conflict since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. However, recent incidents and escalating rhetoric from both sides are stirring concerns of a potential new confrontation. As tensions simmer over Iran's nuclear program and amidst surging Israel-Palestinian violence, the delicate peace in the region is at risk. This article delves into the recent developments, the factors fueling the tensions, and the delicate balance that keeps both parties on the edge.

Tensions Flare: A Look at Recent Incidents

Recent events along the Israeli-Lebanese border have exacerbated the long-standing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. A series of incidents, including rocket fire and confrontations between Hezbollah supporters and Israeli forces, have added to the simmering tensions. These incidents have stirred concerns about potential miscalculations and unintended escalations.

One notable event was a roadside bombing in March, for which Israel blamed Hezbollah. This attack marked a new level of audacity for the group, as it occurred farther from the border than their typical activities. The attack's intended scale could have escalated the situation significantly, had it caused major casualties.

Changing Dynamics and Risks

Amidst this backdrop, there are several factors contributing to the escalating tensions. First, the changing political landscape in Israel, marked by internal crises, has emboldened its adversaries. Hezbollah perceives Israel as weakened due to some soldiers in the army reserves refusal to serve. Israel, on the other hand, dismisses such perceptions and emphasizes its preparedness.

Additionally, the relationship between Hezbollah and Palestinian factions in the occupied West Bank and Gaza has strengthened. This coordination adds a layer of complexity to the situation, making the potential for a larger conflict more evident. The broader geopolitical context, including Iran's influence and the Israel-Palestinian conflict, adds fuel to the fire.

Diplomatic and Military Moves

Diplomatic and military maneuvers on both sides further intensify the situation. Israel's National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, notes that Hezbollah's actions have become increasingly brazen. He suggests that Iran might be encouraging Hezbollah to take greater risks.

Hezbollah, for its part, has taken a calculated approach. While the group does not want to provoke a war, it has indicated that any future conflict would be a deliberate decision, not a result of provocations. This stance underscores the group's strategic thinking, aiming to maintain control over the timing and scale of any potential conflict.

Treaty signed last October

There was a maritime demarcation (water border) deal facilitated by the United States last October, signaling a positive move in their relationship as they contemplate joint offshore energy exploration. While termed "historic" by leaders from both nations and the U.S., the broader potential for significant diplomatic progress remains uncertain. The signing occurred separately, with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid each endorsing the deal. The agreement, although preventing potential conflict and implying a measure of recognition, falls short of constituting a comprehensive peace treaty.

Trending

Republican Debates & Trump

The 2024 Presidential debates for the Republican nominee in the United States kicked off last night, it seems the winner according to social media was Vivek Ramaswamy creating impactful sound bites and demonstrating an effort to connect with the voters he seeks to represent within his party, he is actively engaging with their concerns. Some appreciated Vivek, others noted that voters should be weary of politicians who tell you everything you want to hear. 5 minutes before the debates kicked off, Tucker Carlson debuted his interview with Donald Trump on the X platform. Trump is highly favored in the polls at the moment.

Putin breaks silence on Wagner boss’s death

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences to the family of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader the Wagner mercenary group, after Prigozhin's plane crashed with no survivors. This comes two months after Prigozhin led a mutiny against Moscow. Putin's comments suggested mixed feelings about Prigozhin. So far, the only official statement had been from the aviation authority confirming Prigozhin's presence on the plane. Russian investigators are looking into the crash's cause, while the identities of the recovered bodies remain unconfirmed. U.S. officials are considering various theories, including a surface-to-air missile, regarding the cause of the crash.

SpaceX being sued by U.S Government

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, a company owned by Elon Musk, accusing it of engaging in discriminatory hiring practices against asylum recipients and refugees. According to a statement from the Justice Department, the lawsuit claims that SpaceX consistently discouraged individuals seeking asylum and refugees from submitting job applications and also declined to hire or give them fair consideration based on their citizenship status. These alleged actions took place between September 2018 and May 2022 and are said to be in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

India’s Chandrayaan 3

On Thursday, India's Chandrayaan-3 moon rover successfully disembarked from the spacecraft, initiating its mission to investigate the lunar south pole, perform experiments, and prepare for upcoming obstacles, as indicated by the head of the space agency. Having touched down on the previously uncharted southern lunar pole on Wednesday, India accomplished this milestone ahead of other nations. Russia's Luna-25 had recently encountered an unsuccessful venture with a comparable mission.

Life after the bomb: Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Hiroshima, both the city and its prefecture, has evolved into a thriving manufacturing center with a diverse range of industries, from heavy sectors like shipbuilding and steel to cutting-edge fields like electronics. The city's population has grown significantly, now reaching almost 1.2 million residents, compared to its post-war population. Tourism plays a crucial role in Hiroshima's appeal, with over 10 million annual visitors and a peak of 1.8 million foreign tourists in 2019.

The iconic Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a poignant symbol of destruction and peace within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its historical significance, the city offers diverse dimensions beyond its monuments.

Named the "City of Water," Hiroshima features six rivers and maintains its character. The prefecture and city host cultural gems like professional sports teams, the Hiroshima Symphony Orchestra, and the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine. Utilizing its varied geography, Hiroshima Prefecture excels in agriculture, notably as a leading producer of lemons and a growing force in premium wagyu beef production. The legacy of the past drives studies on the effects of radiation exposure on future generations.

These cities exemplify transformation, from devastation to thriving urban landscapes, marked by commerce, green spaces, and an annual Peace Declaration ceremony. Overall, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are thriving and vibrant in modern times.

Fast Facts

• Fruit loops are all the same flavor despite there different color

• 90% of Earths population lives in the northern hemisphere

• The global average human life expectancy in 1900 was 31 years

• There are 54 countries in Africa, & the most widely spoken language is Arabic (170 million people) followed by English (130 Million people)

• Napoleon carried a vial of poison around his neck, that he could quickly ingest if ever captured

Quote of the week

“People who pride themselves on their ‘complexity’ and deride others for being "simplistic" should realize that the truth is often not very complicated. What gets complex is evading the truth.”

-Thomas Sowell