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Narratives, Koreas, & more!

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Global Insights

How narratives are shaped

In the US, a real estate tycoon is leading "Facts for Peace" An advertising campaign aimed to shift public opinions about Israel in a positive direction amid the conflict with Hamas. They're asking for big donations, targeting figures like Eric Schmidt and Michael Dell to raise $50 million. Despite ongoing issues in Gaza, the US strongly supports Israel with aid and diplomatic backing. The campaign's founder, US billionaire Barry Sternlicht, said the campaign would help Israel “Get ahead of the narrative.”

Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok are accused of limiting pro-Palestinian voices, but these claims are disputed by the companies. The campaign's story differs from international experts, including the UN, on Israel's actions in occupied areas.

A big point of contention is the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, considered illegal under international law. The US condemns these settlements but has taken limited action.

The "Facts for Peace" campaign is trying to shape public opinion, but it clashes with reports from independent sources. Overall, it reflects a larger struggle involving influential figures, media campaigns, and social media dynamics during a complex geopolitical conflict.

North Korea launches shells near South Korea: What you need to know

North Korea fired around 200 artillery shells into its western waters, marking a further escalation in tensions after the termination of a 2018 inter-Korean military accord in November.

The move prompted emergency evacuations for civilians on South Korean islands, leading to the South Korean military's response through live-fire drills. Detected by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) from North Korea's southwestern coastal areas, the shells landed in a buffer zone, raising concerns about potential violations of the 2018 accord designed to reduce tensions.

Fortunately, there were no reported damages to South Korean citizens or the military from North Korea's actions. Nevertheless, the South Korean military officially labeled the incident as "provocative" and issued a stern warning. They emphasized close coordination with the United States and a readiness to respond to any further provocations.

Amid the rising tensions, China called for restraint, underlining the importance of dialogue to address the situation diplomatically. The recent actions by North Korea, including a satellite launch and testing of an advanced intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), have added complexity to the already sensitive geopolitical dynamics in the region.

In late 2022, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in exchanged letters, described as a rare positive moment by North Korean state media. Moon expressed his commitment to Korean unification, receiving thanks from Kim for his contributions. Kim expressed hope for improved inter-Korean relations.

Trending

Russia-Ukraine update

Russia is considering purchasing short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, which would improve its ability to target Ukraine's infrastructure. In late 2023 and early 2024, Russia launched missile and drone attacks in Ukraine, revealing weaknesses in Ukrainian air defenses and causing civilian casualties. In response, Ukraine used drones to attack a Russian city, causing additional civilian casualties. Ukraine is facing difficulties in defending its territories as funding from NATO countries has decreased.

Finland

From January 1, 2024, the Finnish Ministry of Interior will give asylum seekers up to 5,000 euros ($5,500) for voluntarily returning within 30 days of a negative decision. This supports quick returns and matches assistance levels with Finland's reference countries.

Epstein list

Supposedly, the much-anticipated Epstein client list is out, but it's not the big reveal everyone expected. It's just documents from one victim who sued Epstein in 2015, not the complete official list. Be cautious of online info suggesting otherwise. We were given a very small part of the whole story.

History & Culture - Historic Bans on Coffee

MECCA AND ISLAM

In 1511, Mecca's Governor, Khair Beg, banned coffee due to concerns about potential radical thinking caused by the drink, similar to worries about forbidden wine which is banned in The Quran. The Sultan of Egypt later overturned the ban, allowing Mecca to resume its coffee culture.

CATHOLICISM

During the 16th century, Europe welcomed coffee, but some clergy labeled it a "satanic drink," pushing for Church prohibition. Pope Clement VIII tasted and approved coffee, humorously suggesting baptizing it. With the Pope's blessing, coffee houses flourished.

THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

The Ottoman Empire had a complex relationship with coffee, sometimes seeing it as delicious, other times suspecting mood-altering effects. Attempts to outlaw it, including a decree by the Great Suleiman, were unsuccessful. Severe penalties by Murad IV didn't stop coffee shops from thriving.

THE SWEDES

By the 1700s, coffee reached Sweden, facing heavy taxes and eventual sales outlawing. King Gustave showcased coffee's dangers by ordering a death row prisoner to drink three pots daily. Ironically, the condemned, sentenced to death by coffee, outlived his monitoring physician.

PRUSSIA

Frederick the Great linked beer’s decline to coffee's popularity, establishing a state monopoly and imposing taxes. Ironically, he later embraced coffee, having six to eight cups every morning.

Today, coffee is the second most traded commodity globally. Americans alone consume over 400 million cups daily.

Fast Facts

• Every year, around 100 million premium cigars are handcrafted in Cuba.

• Over 50% of pilots have admitted to falling asleep mid-flight

• Brazil imported more enslaved Africans than any other country in the world

It is your own bad strategies, not the unfair opponent, that are to blame for your failures.

You are responsible for the good and bad in your life.

-33 Strategies of War