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Hamas, Sea nomads, & more!

Good Morning- We're back in action after an amazing trip to Hawaii that kept us busy. Apologies for missing the newsletter last Friday, as extensive travel made it challenging. But we're now back on track with our regular schedule.

Global Insights

What led Hamas to attack Israel on October 7th?

The operation on October 7th, known as "Al Aqsa Flood," was organized by Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif, in direct retaliation for Israeli raids on Jerusalem's Al Aqsa mosque. Deif began planning it in May 2021, driven by the widespread anger and frustration in the Arab and Muslim world due to an Israeli incursion at Al Aqsa during Ramadan. Over 1,000 Israelis, 800 of whom were Jewish rabbis entered the mosque, mistreated worshippers, and forcibly beat and removed them from the Mosque then proceeded to perform Jewish rituals inside the Mosque. These events lit the fuse of anger that led to the operation.

Hamas also claimed they were responding to Israeli policies that allowed settler violence in the West Bank and increased tensions within the region. These policies made Palestinians desperate and led to a demand for action. At the same time, Arab-Israeli normalization reduced the importance of the Palestinian issue for some Arab leaders, resulting in less pressure on Israel. Hamas also felt emboldened due to its restored ties with Iran. 172 Palestinians were killed this year in the West Bank before the war broke out

It's important to note that not all groups in the "resistance axis" participated in the conflict. For example, Hezbollah from Lebanon did not get involved but did announce they initiated the removal of surveillance cameras from various Israeli army posts along the border.

Israel, dealing with internal political challenges, imposed a stricter blockade on the Gaza Strip, bombed the Gaza Strip, & cut off vital resources to the Gaza Strip. Resolving this ongoing conflict will likely require help from outside mediators.

The recent sentiment in the Arab world after the Gaza attack has made it complicated to discuss a potential Saudi-Israeli deal, which might be temporarily postponed rather than canceled.

The uncertain future of addressing the root causes of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict raises concerns about the conflict's persistence, with recurring cycles of violence and the suffering it causes on both sides.

Note: This article is only meant to explain why Hamas attacked Israel, not to justify any violence or pick a side

Sea Nomads of South East Asia

The Bajau people of Southeast Asia possess remarkable underwater skills, diving up to 200 feet and holding their breath for up to 13 minutes. Living primarily on houseboats off the coasts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the Bajau have developed unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in the ocean.

Life of the Bajau Sea Nomads

The Bajau, known as "sea nomads," have lived at sea for over 1,000 years. They rarely come ashore and rely on free diving to collect their food. They use minimal equipment, such as handmade wooden goggles and spearguns. Some even rupture their eardrums to cope with the underwater pressure, a practice that results in temporary hearing impairment.

Remarkable Breath-Holding Skills

Bajau divers spend more than five hours daily underwater, capturing fish and octopuses. Despite brief dives, their exceptional breath-holding skills allow them to stay submerged for extended periods. Their abilities are the result of experience and genetic adaptation.

The Role of the Spleen

Geneticist Melissa Ilardo discovered that the Bajau have significantly larger spleens than their non-sea-dwelling neighbors. The spleen stores oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which are released when mammals hold their breath. This adaptation provides the Bajau with an oxygen boost, contributing to their underwater prowess. Research revealed that the Bajau's unique genetic makeup, particularly the PDE10A gene, plays a crucial role. This gene influences thyroid hormone levels, leading to larger spleens and improved breath-holding abilities.

The Bajau people, including Land Bajau and Sea Bajau, live in offshore communities because they lack citizenship and formal rights on the mainland. This choice helps them keep their traditional maritime hunting skills passed down through generations. However, being stateless has consequences, like no access to government benefits such as public education for kids and formal jobs for adults.

Families independently go to trade surplus seafood, mainly fish, lobster, and sea cucumber, with nearby islanders. In exchange, they get essentials, gather water, or buy cassava for their traditional dish, Kasaba Panggykayu. They cook together on the houseboats in the evening.

The Bajau people have kept their artisan skills, like designing fishing boats without sketches, passed down through generations. Local Bajau emphasize that these skills are deeply ingrained in their heritage. They are skilled at building charming wooden stilt huts, which can house different group sizes through teamwork within three weeks.

Trending

Biden Halts chips to China

The Biden administration is stopping the sale of high-tech artificial intelligence chips, like those from Nvidia, to China. They're doing this to prevent China from getting advanced American technology that could boost its military.

Nicaragua sends priests to Rome

Nicaragua sent a group of twelve Catholic priests who had gone through legal procedures to Rome on Wednesday, according to the government's announcement. President Daniel Ortega has, on occasions, accused Catholic church leaders of plotting against his government, while legal authorities have detained priests and charged some with various offenses, including treason.

India rejects same-sex marriage

India's Supreme Court rejected an appeal to legalize same-sex marriages. The decision was announced on Tuesday following hearings held in April and May. Out of the five justices, three concluded that the matter should be determined by the parliament.

History & Culture - The Iran-Contra affair

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is often celebrated for his strong stance against communism. His dedication to eradicating this ideology extended globally, with a particular focus on supporting the Contras in Nicaragua, whom he considered "the moral equivalent of our Founding Fathers" in their battle against the Cuban-backed Sandinistas. This support came under the Reagan Doctrine, which entailed the CIA's training and assistance to anti-communist insurgencies worldwide.

Here's the background: Iran and Nicaragua both underwent major political changes in 1979. Iran became openly anti-U.S. under Ayatollah Khomeini, while Nicaragua saw a leftist Sandinista government come to power. This caused concerns about communism's spread in Central America, and the U.S., led by President Ronald Reagan, started supporting the Contras, who were anti-Sandinista rebels.

In 1984, Congress passed a law that prohibited military aid to the Contras, creating a problem for Reagan's administration. Meanwhile, efforts were made to negotiate with Iran to free American hostages in Lebanon. This led to secret arms sales to Iran in 1985, 1,500 American missiles had been sold to Iran for $30 million despite a U.S. embargo (official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country). Some of the money from these sales was redirected to support the Contras, with the knowledge and approval of key officials.

The scandal came to light in 1986 when a plane carrying supplies for the contras was shot down, leading to public outrage. President Reagan appointed the Tower Commission to investigate. The commission confirmed the arms-for-hostages policy but didn't directly implicate Reagan. Subsequent Congressional hearings in 1987 revealed more details, leading to prosecutions. Many convictions were later overturned or pardoned.

Despite the scandal, Reagan's popularity bounced back, and the U.S. moved on from this tumultuous period.

Fast Facts

• There are 54 countries in Africa

• 80% of Toyota’s sold 20 years ago are still active and on the road today

• Allodoxaphobia is the fear of other people's opinions

• The Ancient Greeks & Romans used to drop a piece of toast into their wine for good health - hence why we 'raise a toast'.

• In 2014, there was a Tinder match in Antarctica

Quote of the week

"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer."

-Mohammed Ali