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Haiti, CIA, & more!

Good Afternoon - Switching things up a bit this week, we decided to cover the situation in Haiti, there was a lot to cover and we couldn’t fit all of the info in our normal format.

• To be more in depth & hit all the angles needed, there is only 1 Global Insights story however it is longer and goes into more detail.

• Once your are done with this weeks edition, reply with a “1” if you found this better than our normal story length.

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Global Insights

Haiti

Ariel Henry has declared his intention to step down as Haiti's prime minister. This decision, made late on Monday, follows calls from the United States for a transition to a new political process to address the ongoing unrest in the country. Henry assumed leadership after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, receiving support from several nations, including the U.S. Henry Ariel was notably accused of being involved in the assassination of Jovenel Moise as well.

Concerns arose as Haiti faced repeated delays in holding elections, attributed to logistical issues or violence. These delays led to protests against Henry's administration. Last year, Henry announced another postponement of elections until 2025, which further escalated tensions. Armed groups, already active in Port-au-Prince, intensified violence in response. Attacks on critical infrastructure, such as airports, police stations, sea ports, the Central Bank, and even the national soccer stadium, occurred. The situation worsened when two main prisons were raided, resulting in the escape of approximately 4,000 prisoners. Despite the government declaring a 72-hour state of emergency and implementing a night-time curfew, its authority diminished significantly.

Several armed groups, presenting themselves as community organizations, have emerged in recent years. These groups claim to serve underprivileged neighborhoods but have faced accusations of violence and murder. Notably, the G-9 group, led by former elite police officer Jimmy Chérizier, also known as "Barbecue," has played a prominent role in the unrest, claiming responsibility for numerous attacks on public institutions and openly calling for Henry's resignation, labeling their campaign as an "armed revolution." Barbeque has been calling for the resignation of Ariel for a long time.

However, amidst the political turmoil, it is the Haitian citizens who bear the brunt of the situation. According to a U.N. estimate, around 15,000 people have been displaced from Port-au-Prince alone within a week. While Ariel Henry's announcement of resignation may offer some hope, there remains widespread apprehension and fear among the population.

Barbecue has unofficially assumed leadership in Haiti following the resignation of the Prime Minister. Known as the leader of the G9 gang, Barbecue's ascension to power comes at a critical juncture for the country. In response to the shifting political landscape, the United States has pledged $130 million in aid, aiming to bolster security forces and provide humanitarian assistance.

Barbecue's influence has not gone unnoticed by the mainstream media. He has been featured in numerous interviews with AP News, USA Today, Forbes, and The Washington Post. In July 2021, Vice conducted an interview with him, shedding light on his background as an ex-cop turned gang leader.

Initially portrayed as an ally to Western media, Barbecue's relationship with the press changed when the United Nations unanimously voted to impose actions against his gang on October 21, 2022. Despite this, Barbecue has issued a statement urging the international community to give Haiti a chance to determine its own future.

In his statement, Barbecue stated the importance of “Haitians deciding their leadership and government model”, and stated the challenges faced by those living in shanty towns. He called on the Haitian people to '“take control of their destiny and choose their leaders.”

On Wednesday, Haiti's capital was calm following the prime minister's announcement two days earlier about his intention to step down Both the United States and the United Nations began to withdraw staff, out of fear that the peace is only temporary.

Security concerns prompted the deployment of anti-terrorism Marines by the U.S. Southern Command, aimed at bolstering embassy security and assisting non-emergency personnel in leaving Haiti.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned that people trying to reach the U.S. by boat from Haiti through Florida will be intercepted and possibly deported. He urged caution, highlighting the dangers of this journey and advising against attempting it. Sailors from the United States Coast Guard have reported citizens attempting to flee Haiti have been shot and killed by Haitian Gang members.

Voyage article on Barbeque Last year

Trending

CIA

According to US officials, the CIA ran a covert operation in China aimed at influencing public opinion against Chinese leadership. The operation involved creating fake online personas to spread negative views about the Chinese government and leak sensitive intelligence to foreign media. China criticized the US government for allegedly spreading misinformation, while a senior National Security Council official declined to confirm or deny the operation's existence.

Argentina

Argentina’s inflation has crippled the country in recent years. However here are the country’s inflation numbers for the past 3 months:

December 2023: 25.5%

January 2024: 20.6%

February 2024 13.2%,

Additionally, Argentina recently achieved its first budget surplus in 12 years, totaling $589 million. Javier Milei took office three months ago & ran his campaign heavily on reducing inflation & bringing back the economy.

Moldova

Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi stated this week that Moldova is not pursuing NATO membership due to insufficient public support.

"As for cooperation with NATO or some kind of NATO membership, it is out of the question at the moment because there is not enough public support for it," Popsoi said in an interview with the RTVI broadcaster.

History & Culture - Religion in Japan

Shintō, meaning "the way of kami," is Japan's indigenous belief system, distinct from Buddhism introduced in the 6th century AD. With no founder, fixed texts, or strict principles, it embodies Japan's spiritual heritage.

Shintō centers on "kami," sacred spirits embodied in natural elements and concepts essential to life. Humans can become kami after death, with the Sun Goddess Amaterasu holding a significant place. Shintō is an overall optimistic belief, viewing humanity as inherently good only being corrupted by evil spirits and life events. Purification rituals are often practiced to ward off evil spirits

Shintō shrines as seen all over Japan are places of worship and festivals ("matsuri") that connect kami with the world. Purity and the concept of "musubi" (harmony) are crucial. Shintō maintains a strong presence in contemporary Japan, with 70 percent of the population identifying with it.

Christianity in Japan

The introduction of Christianity to Japan occurred during a period of political turmoil in the late 16th century. Some regional lords in Kyūshū embraced Christianity, fostering the growth of the faith and engaging in trade with Western powers. However, the religion faced challenges as powerful warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued anti-Christian mandates in 1587. Subsequently, the Edo shogunate intensified its persecution of Christians with a ban on Christianity in 1612.

In 1873, Japan's long ban on Christianity was finally lifted - more than two centuries after it was first put in place. When Japan opened up its borders again after a long shut out from the Western world, around 20,000 Christians reappeared and came out of hiding,"

Today, Christianity is a minority religion in Japan, reflecting a complex religious history shaped by indigenous beliefs and external influences. Only 1.5% of the population are Christians

Fast Facts

• Joseph Stalin loved American Western Movies

• All tanks in the British army are equipped to make tea

• Hawaii is the only U.S state to grow coffee commercially.

The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.

- Gloria Steiner