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Mexico, Journalists inside Gaza & more!

Good Morning - This is the last Newsletter before Christmas. Holiday Spending is expected to reach $966 Billion this year in the United States.

Global Insights

Mexico attempting to crack down on Fentanyl

Mexico's efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking are under scrutiny as recent data reveals that the majority of its drug lab raids this year targeted inactive facilities. Out of 527 raids in 2023, less than 5% involved active labs, raising questions about the effectiveness of Mexico's strategy. This trend has persisted since President Lopez Obrador took office in 2018, with 89% of the 1,658 raids conducted from 2018 to 2023 focusing on inactive labs.

The U.S., pressuring Mexico to address the fentanyl trade, has faced skepticism over the credibility of the data. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defers inquiries to the State Department, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with Mexican authorities. However, analysts and Senator Grassley criticize Mexico's approach, suggesting it prioritizes appearances over substantive action.

Allegations of collusion between drug cartels and the military for strategic gains have also surfaced. While verification remains challenging, Mexican officials' limited responses contribute to skepticism surrounding the official data.

President Lopez Obrador, who initially downplayed fentanyl concerns, recently pledged cooperation after discussions with President Biden.

Journalists in Gaza

The Israel-Gaza conflict has taken a toll on journalists, making the first 10 weeks the deadliest period ever for media workers, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Of the 68 journalists who lost their lives, the majority (61 out of 68) were Palestinian. The CPJ expressed deep concern over what it perceives as a pattern of deliberate targeting of journalists and their families, allegedly by the Israeli military.

Among the casualties was Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abudaqa, killed in an Israeli drone strike while reporting from a school in Khan Younis. The CPJ's statement underscores the gravity of the situation, stating that more journalists have been killed in this short span than in any single country over an entire year. This concentration of journalist casualties in Gaza surpasses the toll in other conflict zones, including Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

The CPJ faces challenges in investigating the circumstances of these journalist deaths due to widespread destruction and difficulties accessing the conflict zone. The organization called for an end to the longstanding pattern of impunity in cases where journalists are killed. The findings show the risks journalists face in conflict zones such as Gaza.

Trending

Venezuelan prisoner exchange with the U.S

Venezuela's President Maduro might release 36 people, including 12 Americans, in exchange for Alex Saab, a Colombian businessman and Maduro ally. U.S. prosecutors accuse Saab of embezzling $350 million from Venezuela & alleged bribery of Venezuelan officials. Saab denies the charges.

Ukraine

Ukraine's Military wants to deploy 500,000 more troops to counter Russia. This would cost around $13.4 billion, according to President Zelenskyy. Ukraine has implemented a new law requiring the military registration of women aged 18 to 60. Interestingly, many of those affected by this mandate are women with medical qualifications, such as doctors, dentists, obstetricians, nurses, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical experts.

France closing embassy in Niger

France has decided to shut down its embassy in Niger due to challenges in fulfilling its diplomatic missions, fueled by growing anti-French government sentiment since the July coup, according to diplomatic sources on Thursday.

History & Culture - 1 Euro Rent

In 1516, Jakob Fugger the Rich, a prosperous merchant in Augsburg, Germany, had a vision. He initiated the construction of the Fuggerei, a walled town within Augsburg, to provide debt-free housing for the city's needy Catholic workers. For just one Rheinischer Gulden per year (about 1 Euro today), residents received apartments and financial security. Conditions included being a Catholic with low income, no debt, and maintaining respectability. Residents had to say daily prayers for the Fugger family, be home by 10 p.m. and follow other rules. Jakob donated the complex to the city in 1521, understanding that the Fugger family would perpetually own and manage it, preserving the original rent, rules, and regulations.

Almost 500 years later, the Fuggerei is the world's oldest social housing complex, housing around 150 residents of all ages. The 1 Euro yearly rent still continues to this day, and interested renters must have lived in Augsburg for at least two years, say daily prayers, and work a part-time job in the community.

The Fuggerei showcases historical and unique aspects, such as doorbell pulls with distinct shapes, hand-pump wells, Gothic address numbers, a school, a hospital, a restaurant, a beer garden, and a church. The complex features three museums displaying a model apartment, a historically preserved apartment, and a World War II bunker.

The Fugger family, now in its 19th generation since Jakob, oversees the foundation and trust. Admission conditions and rules have continually adapted to the unique circumstances of time. funding comes from community donations & forestry investments.

Fast Facts

• Over 70% of the world’s smartphones are Android

• There are around 4,000 coffee shops in NYC

• The UFC belt is made of real gold and is worth an estimated $330,000

• Spider webs were used as bandages in ancient times

• Blood donors in Sweden receive a text when their blood is used

Sometimes it is not enough to do our best, we must do what is required

-Winston Churchill