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“Duplitecture”, Narcos in the Middle East & More!

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Global Insights

Chinese “Duplitecture”

In Zhejiang province, China, a 354-foot Eiffel Tower replica stands tall in Tianducheng, known as the "Paris of the East." This luxury development mirrors European charm, featuring its own Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées Square, and more. Despite being initially criticized as a ghost town, Tianducheng now draws tourists with its European ambiance.

This phenomenon isn't unique; replicas of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Thames Town in Shanghai showcase China's fascination with duplicating Western landmarks. Bianca Bosker coined the term "duplitecture" for this trend, where Chinese architects claim this highlights their skills by recreating iconic structures worldwide.

Critics label these replicas as kitschy, but Chinese architects argue they demonstrate technological prowess. Despite this, the government is clamping down on the trend. A regulation since 1996 prohibits foreign names for locations, streets & cities to preserve cultural heritage, but enforcement has been challenging.

Civil Affairs Minister Li Liguo aims to curb irregularities in naming, targeting foreign and bizarre names that may damage sovereignty and national dignity. While Tianducheng's features may resemble Paris, it's crucial not to call it so.

China's duplitecture is a fascinating blend of cultural imitation, technological ambition, and a government striving to assert its identity in a changing global landscape.

Narcos in the Middle East

Wasim Badie al-Assad recently posted a photo on social media featuring himself alongside Lebanese drug baron Nouh Zaiter and Mohammed Zarour of the Syrian 4th Division. The caption read, "The best brothers." Al-Assad, a cousin of the Syrian president, faces accusations of contributing to Syria's alleged status as a narco-state. The photo, taken during their January 17 meeting at the Damascus Sheraton, raises concerns about the distribution of Captagon (a psychostimulant) through networks connected to Bashar al-Assad's relatives and Hezbollah operatives.

Lebanese media outlet Baladi News suggests that Zaiter, wanted by Interpol & the C.I.A for involvement in cannabis in Lebanon, has close ties to the al-Assad organization. Analysts speculate this photo is evidence of Syria becoming a narco-state orchestrated by the Syrian regime and Hezbollah.

Zaiter is wanted in Lebanon for cannabis-related activities and is considered by some as a key ally in drug cultivation and manufacturing due to his extensive experience. He is alleged to be involved in cross-border operations using Hezbollah-controlled illegal crossings between Lebanon and Syria. Lebanon holds the top spot as the main cannabis producer for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Additionally, it sends cannabis to the United States using smuggling routes in South America, although it doesn't play as significant a role as some other major suppliers do.

Lebanese analysts argue that Zaiter, partnering with Hezbollah and the 4th Division, has played a pivotal role in turning Syria's economy into a black market, circumventing sanctions through the drug trade, human trafficking, and organ trade. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 is believed to have prompted this shift.

Nouh Zaiter, recognized as Lebanon's top narcotics figure, has allegedly collaborated with Hezbollah and the 4th Division in cannabis production since 2014. He operates in northern rural Homs, particularly in al-Qusayr, where he cultivates cannabis and manufactures Captagon in a workshop. Zaiter has been deemed the “Escobar of the Middle East” for his Robin Hood-like status with some of the Lebanese people & his claims of being misunderstood by the government and media.

Despite regional efforts to combat illegal drugs, the ongoing drug trafficking indicates the strength of the regime-Hezbollah partnership and its extensive distribution network. US sanctions on Iran have reportedly weakened Iran's ability to finance proxies, making the drug trade an alternative to Iran's diminishing financial support and sustaining the financial capabilities of Hezbollah and the Syrian 4th Division

Trending

Britain cracking down on Migration

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has unveiled plans to reduce net migration by raising the minimum salary for skilled jobs, making it harder for migrants to obtain work visas. The proposal comes amid concerns about record-high migration figures and criticism from within Sunak's Conservative Party. However, businesses and trade unions have expressed reservations, citing potential challenges for the private sector and the state-run health service already grappling with labor shortages.

Hunter Biden Indicted

On Thursday, Hunter Biden was indicted on nine tax charges in California. These charges, including three felonies and six misdemeanors, are in addition to existing federal firearms charges in Delaware. In that case, Hunter Biden is accused of violating laws related to individuals with a history of drug use possessing guns in 2018.

Mexico raising the minimum wage

Mexico is set to increase the country's minimum wage by 20% in 2024, bringing it to around $14.25 per day. Starting January 1, the minimum wage, approximately $1.75 per hour, will impact about one-third of Mexico's registered workers. The Peso has risen 10% against the dollar since 2022

History & Culture - The real 1st President of the United States

When we discuss the President of the United States, we typically refer to those elected under the U.S. Constitution. While George Washington is commonly acknowledged as the first president in this system, it's worth noting that the Articles of Confederation also outlined the role of a president, though with limited powers. John Hanson became the first President of the United States in Congress Assembled under the Articles of Confederation in November 1781.

Debates persist about whether John Hanson or George Washington was the first U.S. President, but the distinction lies in the fact that the Articles of Confederation did not establish an executive branch. The President of Congress held a ceremonial role, dealing with correspondence and signing documents, distinct from the responsibilities of a President under the Constitution.

Despite finding the job tedious and expressing a desire to resign, Hanson remained in office due to the absence of clear succession procedures in the Articles. Serving from November 5, 1781, to November 3, 1782, Hanson achieved significant milestones, including the removal of foreign troops from American lands and the establishment of key government departments. His influence also extended to the proposal of Thanksgiving Day as the fourth Thursday in November. Hanson's one-year term, different from the current four-year terms, left a notable impact on United States Constitutional History. Often referred to as the "forgotten first President," he is recognized alongside George Washington in statues at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. John Hanson passed away on November 15, 1783, at the age of 62.

Fast Facts

• Detroit is on pace to have their lowest homicide rate in 60 years

• About 80% of the people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes since the war started, roughly 1.87 million people

• Abraham Lincoln is in the wrestling hall of fame

• Cases of dementia in Europe and North America have dropped 13 percent per decade over the past 25 years

• There are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells
  

Information is useless unless you know how to interpret it, how to use it to tell appearance from reality.

-33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene