Pentagon Prepares For War In Space
A key aim of the U.S. Space Force, created in 2019, is to plan, equip and defend U.S. interests in space.Photo: etienne laurent/Shutterstock
Wall Street Journal: Pentagon Prepares for Space Warfare as Potential Threats From China, Russia Grow
White House’s spending request includes plans for simulators, equipment to train Space Force members for battle
The Pentagon is gearing up for a future conflict in space as China and Russia deploy missiles and lasers that can take out satellites and disrupt military and civilian communications.
The U.S. military long ago dropped the notion of crewed, orbiting space weapons in favor of satellites because the logistics of supporting people outside of Earth’s atmosphere were formidable.
The physics of space also make it impossible to sneak up on an enemy or quickly change orbit or direction. And earthbound tactics don’t work in space, where the U.S., China and Russia are all turning to satellites and sensors to wage and win any conflict.
“You can’t dig trenches in space,” said Marty Whelan, senior vice president of the Defense Systems Group at The Aerospace Corp., a federally funded research group.
“If deterrence fails, you can’t wait until something bad happens to get ready. You have to have the full infrastructure together,” said Mr. Whelan, a former Air Force major general, who led a strategic review of space systems for the Pentagon and the intelligence community.
The White House this month proposed a $30 billion annual budget for the U.S. Space Force, almost $4 billion more than last year and a bigger jump than for other services including the Air Force and the Navy.
Read more ....
WNU editor: When it comes to space, the Pentagon is focused on China .... China Deploys Weapons Capable Of ‘Wiping’ US Space Capabilities; PLA’s Phenomenal Rise Alarms Pentagon (EurAsian Times).
Former President Trump Tells Americans To 'Pray' As Nuclear Tensions Rise
Trump shares deepfake photo of himself praying (link here).
Newsweek: Trump Tells Americans to 'Pray' After Putin Reveals Nuclear Weapons Plan
Former President Donald Trump called on Americans to "pray" after Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed his latest plans for his country's nuclear weapons over the weekend.
Putin announced on Saturday plans to place nuclear weapons in Belarus for the first time in decades as Russia's relations with the West continue to sour amid its invasion of Ukraine.
The conflict has long sparked concerns of escalation, with fears that Russia could eventually use nuclear weapons in the ongoing war.
Russia, on the other hand, has accused the West of inflaming tensions through its support for Ukraine.
Read more ....
Update: Donald Trump says 'pray' as he blames 'incompetent' Biden for Putin's nuclear threat (The Mirror)
WNU Editor: A sign of the times. All the fears and worries of nuclear war during the Cold War are now rushing back in the 2020s.
Declassified Video Shows How B-52 Crews Would Conduct Nuclear Strikes During The Cold War
* The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration released declassified footage from 1960 showing how to operate B-52s with nuclear missiles
* Crew members received extensive training and wouldn't know if a mission was a test or not until they reached their target
* Officials released the 30-minute video on March 20 as Russian leaders threaten nuclear forces if the West continues to send arms to Ukraine
Declassified footage from 1960 revealed how the United States Air Force would perform nuclear strikes if needed amid the Cold War.
The video, Nuclear Effects During SAC Delivery Missions, released by The US National Archives and Records Administration on March 20 helped prepare bomber crews operating B-52s.
At the time, the aircrafts had nuclear missiles onboard that were ready to launch if the US was attacked by the Soviet Union.
Read more ....
Update: Declassified Video Shows How B-52 Crews Would Conduct Nuclear Strikes During Cold War (Aviationist)
WNU Editor: Russian has also been declassifying their old nuclear files (see below).
North Korea Claims It Has Developed Tactical Nuclear Weapons
Kim Jong Un with what North Korean state media says are tactical nuclear weapons
BBC: North Korea asserts first evidence of tactical nuclear weapons
North Korea has revealed small nuclear warheads, which it says can be fitted on to short-range missiles.
The North has long claimed it has tactical nuclear weapons, capable of hitting targets in South Korea.
But the photos published in its state newspaper on Tuesday are the first time it has provided evidence.
However, it is impossible to verify whether they are the real deal. Until North Korea tests one of these devices, we are left guessing.
Read more ....
Update #1: North Korea unveils new nuclear warheads as US air carrier arrives in South -- Reuters
Update #2: North Korea unveils smaller nuclear warheads that may fit on variety of missiles -- Japan Times
WNU Editor: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also called for the production of more weapons-grade nuclear materials .... North Korean Leader Calls for More Weapons-Grade Nuclear Materials (VOA).
North Korea Puts City Under Lockdown Over 653 Missing Bullets
Hyesan has a population of around 200,000 people and lies on the border with China
* North Korean officials have searched house-to-house in the city, sources claim
* The assault rifle ammunition was discovered missing on March 7
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has put an entire city under lockdown after 653 bullets went missing during a military withdrawal, it has been claimed.
The dictator's officials have searched house-to-house in the city of Hyesan, which has a population of around 200,000 people, for the ammunition, two sources told Radio Free Asia.
'The city… will remain on lockdown until all 653 bullets are found,' a resident of the northern province of Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located, anonymously told RFA's Korean Service.
Read more ....
Update: Kim Jong Un has lept this North Korean city under strict lockdown; the reason may amuse you (MINT)
WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. 653 bullets are going to be found, but my gut tells me these bullets would be brought from somewhere else and claimed as the missing bullets.
Picture Of The Day
Supporters of Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) One Kenya Alliance, throw stones at riot police officers as they participate in a nationwide protest over cost of living and President William Ruto's government in Mathare settlement of Nairobi, Kenya March 27, 2023. REUTERS/John Muchucha
WNU Editor: The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... Kenyan police fire tear gas at anti-government protesters (Reuters).
Global Voices seeks an Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Editor
Originally published on Global Voices
Nairobi market. Photo by Filip Noubel, used with permission
Are you a writer and editor with a deep understanding of and curiosity about all facets of Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa? Are you excited about shaping ideas into stories, social media posts, and other editorial outputs in collaboration with a diverse community?
If you answered “yes” to the questions above, you might consider applying for the position of Regional Editor for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa .
The Regional Editor will be responsible both for editing stories written by Global Voices’ volunteer contributors and for writing stories about the region. Global Voices stories focus on topics such as internet culture, freedom of speech online, technology and digital rights, human rights, diversity and representation, and language diversity.
The Regional Editor will also work with a diverse community of contributors who write stories, share ideas for stories, and set the editorial agenda for the region by proposing ideas, sharing knowledge, and providing leads.
The Editor's work will include:
- Leading and developing the team responsible for reporting on the countries of Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa
- Writing, fact-checking and editing stories highlighting the most compelling and important issues from online sources in the region
- Keeping on top of developing stories, buzz and trends across social media and citizen media the region
- Developing a database of reliable and vetted online sources across their region
- Facilitating virtual editorial meetings to collect and develop ideas and leads about happenings in the region
- Attending meetings and participating in discussions with colleagues from the Global Voices newsroom and other sections
- Working closely with media partners to select and repackage stories adapting for a global audience, and promote and republish Global Voices stories on partner sites.
- Staying engaged with the Global Voices newsroom and the larger community to participate in cross-regional projects
- Work in accordance with Global Voices community and editorial guidelines, mission and culture
Successful candidates for the position will:
- Have strong fluency, writing, and communication skills in English
- Have proven news-sourcing and news-writing ability
- Be able to write sensitively and knowledgeably about local issues for a global audience
- Have a sound grasp of issues relating to countries in Anglohpine Sub-Saharan Africa, and sound editorial judgment on regional issues
- Have a thorough understanding of citizen media, mainstream media, local press and social media dynamics in the region, including knowledge of credible social media and citizen voices in the region
- Understand digital rights, freedom of speech, and activism-related issues and dynamics in the region
- Be comfortable working with others in a loosely structured, wholly virtual work environment
- Have high computer literacy.
- Have reliable access to a broadband internet connection.
- Be able to devote 10-15 hours per week to Global Voices work
- Be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Global Voices’ mission and values
Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of languages from Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa.
Global Voices is a global, virtual organization. The engine of the Global Voices newsroom is a team of part-time editors who work with volunteer contributors and translators around the world to highlight stories and perspectives that are underrepresented in international mainstream media.
There is no geographic requirement associated with these positions. Global Voices has no office or physical headquarters. Candidates must be comfortable setting their own schedules and working in a wholly virtual environment.
We strongly welcome candidates currently contributing to the Global Voices project to apply.
The position is part-time and will be treated as a freelance contract.
To apply:
Submit a résumé and a cover letter in English that highlights your work and explains why you would be a good fit for the position to jobs@globalvoices.org, with the subject line: Regional Editor for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa: your name. Please attach your cover letter as a .doc or .pdf file in addition to including it in the body of your e-mail.
The application deadline is 11:59pm EST (GMT -4) on April 14, 2023.
Written by Filip Noubel
Photos stolen, compensation denied: plights of Rohingya Photographers
International media and non-profits have used photos by Rohingyas without credit
Originally published on Global Voices
Image and text by Shafiur Rahman. Used with permission
Since the military coup in February 2021, the situation for the Rohingya community of Myanmar has become increasingly dire, with severe breaches of international law and human rights being committed, such as arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, and murder. The Rohingya have been victims of genocide for decades, and the Myanmar military is currently targeting over 600,000 of them who remain in the country. As a result, many Rohingya have been compelled to flee to neighbouring countries, where they are still experiencing human rights violations, including human trafficking and deportation. Over 1.1 million Rohingya refugees currently live in refugee camps in southeastern Bangladesh, and are confronting a multitude of challenges.
These Rohingya refugees don't have a voice in general; for decades, some of their voices were highlighted by visiting journalists and were sometimes filtered before they reached the outside world of the camps. Nevertheless, a number of young Rohingya refugees are using their phone cameras or professional cameras to document their lives in the refugee camps and tell their own stories using social media.
Despite international efforts to mitigate the crisis, and repatriate them, the Rohingya refugees continue to suffer, exploited by different quarters. In recent years there have been a number of incidents where some of these Rohingya photographers found that their photos were used by international non-profits, and media houses without consent or paying for them. This runs counter to the fundamental values of journalistic integrity and ethical behaviour that underpin the notion of accountable journalism and professionalism. Moreover, the struggles of these photographers to claim their rights remain often unheard.
Some of their lone voices echo on social media platforms, such as this tweet by Rohingya photographer Md Jamal in December 2022:
STOP USING OUR PHOTOS WITHOUT AUTHORISATION.
Today @MohammedZonaid8 & I resolved an issue with an online news site. They used our photos without our permission. This is illegal. #Rohingya photographers’ work may ONLY be used WITH consent.
Thanks @RohingyaPhoto for advice pic.twitter.com/AkPoBj6AEV
— Md Jamal Photography (@mdjamal315) December 1, 2022
UK-based British-Bangladeshi journalist and documentary filmmaker Shafiur Rahman launched the first Rohingya Photo Competition (RPC) in 2020 to encourage Rohingya refugees to document their struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic through their own eyes. More competitions followed in the subsequent years, and photos captured by the refugees were displayed in numerous cities around the world such as Lampedusa, Venice, Verona, and Newcastle. The South Asia Gallery in the Manchester Museum, a British Museum partnership, is currently displaying nine images taken by Rohingya refugees who participated in the Rohingya Photography Competition.
Highlights of 2022: 5 #Rohingya #refugees selected by the South Asia Gallery, Manchester ( a British Museum Partnership) to have their photos EXHIBITED. Preview event 15 February 2023.
CONGRATS
to @MainulI39525825 @SalimArmany @md_yasiein @HaiderAliktp & Mohammed Hossain. pic.twitter.com/V7AkeDREoi
— Rohingya Photography Competition (@RohingyaPhoto) December 18, 2022
Read More: Photo contest asks Rohingya community to document their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic
Rahman helped certain photographers to assert their copyright over photos that were used without their permission by others. Frequently, upon being notified, these entities paid the photographers, but some also threatened them and refused to pay. These accounts depict the exploitation of vulnerable refugees, despite the fact that many individuals worldwide contributed donations to support them.
Global Voices interviewed Shafiur Rahman over email to gain a deeper understanding of the obstacles faced by Rohingya photographers in exercising their rights. An edited version follows.
Global Voices (GV): Tell us about the response to the Rohingya Photo Competition. How many photographers submitted their photos so far?
Shafiur Rahman (SR): Overall, I think the Rohingya Photography Competition has been successful in conveying the elements of the Rohingya crisis through powerful visual storytelling. The collection of photos you will see on the website is moving and thought-provoking, and it has the potential to raise awareness and inspire action on this important human rights issue. Similarly, with the exhibitions, we have held, we had the same experience.
The photographers have captured a range of emotions and experiences related to their crisis, including despair, hope, resilience, and activism. The black and white style, used especially by the Kutupalong Registered Camp refugees in Ukhia, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, adds to their emotional impact and gives them a sense of timelessness. Each competition attracts between 70 and 80 photographers. They have in total over the years submitted thousands of images.
GV: Do you provide training for these photographers and make them aware of copyright laws?
SR: While the photographers of the Rohingya Photography Competition have expressed a strong desire for training in photography techniques, they have not indicated the same level of interest in copyright education. Photography skills are certainly essential to developing the refugees’ abilities to document their lives and experiences. It is equally crucial to educate them on copyright laws and how to protect their rights as creators. Both aspects are necessary to empower the Rohingya refugees and help them share their stories with the world in a way that is both effective and legally protected. RPC is currently considering holding a workshop on copyright matters.
GV: Tell us some of the violations you have seen by caused by media organisations.
SR: AFP was the first case I dealt with. It involved an image in The Guardian (attributed to AFP) that was submitted to the Rohingya Photography Competition. I immediately suspected something fishy. I asked the photographer if they had given their image to any agency, which they denied.
Bureau Chief of @AFP in Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, acknowledges unauthorised usage of photo taken by #Rohingya refugee by deleting pic from AFP system. Blames “confusing circumstances.”
How many times has this happened before? Exploitation of an already persecuted population? https://t.co/xfk31n7sQ2
— Shafiur Rahman (@shafiur) January 21, 2021
And thus began a lengthy exchange with AFP. In short, one of their stringers had found the photo in a WhatsApp group or on Twitter and had then claimed it as one of his own and passed it on to AFP, who carried out absolutely no checks on the photograph. The photo did not have its EXIF data and was not of its original resolution size. Basically, they were caught with their pants down.
There was a celebrated case where AFP wrongly argued that it could use images found on Twitter and was fined heavily. In our case, the photographer wanted a very, very modest fee which was then settled. In atonement, AFP also offered to do a workshop and help Rohingya photographers pitch to them. It never materialised. It is unclear if this was due to the pandemic or just a negotiation tactic.
The People's Dispatch case demonstrated numerous tactics to avoid payment. At first, emails went unanswered, followed by a promise to reply after conducting an investigation. Later, an absurd message claimed that they don't usually pay contributors, despite the fact that the photographer had never heard of People's Dispatch and had never been a contributor. The publication even requested to verify the photographer, who then met with one of their contacts. After further delays, payment was finally made. Although they eventually paid, the experience taught them a lesson. In a second instance of infringement, they handled the matter more promptly.
GV: Are there violations by international non-profit organisations?
SR: In recent years, Oxfam has been running “Oxfam’s Rohingya Arts Campaign.” It grandly claims to have “created the space for Rohingya artists and activists to share their perspectives through poetry, painting, photography, film, creative writing or any other artistic medium.” This is of course an empty boast, a classic NGO tactic of bigging up small projects to an unrecognisable level. But imagine my disappointment when I discovered Oxfam, which has been claiming to provide this art platform, had used photographs by Rohingya refugees without permission or compensation and without any acknowledgement. The fact that Oxfam has used the work of Rohingya photographers for their own benefit, and again I repeat, without consultation and without considering their rights and interests, is antithetical to the very idea of providing an arts platform. It is unacceptable for any organisation, especially one with a mission to alleviate poverty and injustice, to exploit refugees for their own gain like this.
RECAP 2022:
Extracted apology & license fee from Oxfam
Got author X to remove her publication from Amazon & author Y to remove & pay license fee to refugee
Got People’s Dispatch to pay license fee to 2 refugees
Stopped unauthorised exhibition by local branch of Amnesty, UK. pic.twitter.com/f62D9TIv4q
— Rohingya Photography Competition (@RohingyaPhoto) December 31, 2022
Following my communication with them, Oxfam issued a swift apology for their actions. However, their subsequent handling of the situation was equally absurd. Despite being present on the ground in Kutupalong, they claimed they could not compensate the refugee photographer directly because they were unable to provide cash. According to their rules, the only way to transfer funds was through a bank account, despite the fact that they know refugees are unable to open bank accounts in Bangladesh. It took the intervention of a Bangladeshi mediator to receive funds on behalf of the wronged photographer. This highlights the significant power dynamics and imbalances that exist within the aid industry, where organisations are able to set their own rules and policies without consideration for the practical realities of those they claim to serve.
GV: Are people also selling Rohingya photos online?
SR: Let me give you the example of Anadolu Agency. Very notable platforms such as CNN, Time, The Guardian, Al Jazeera and Amnesty have been sold photos by this agency. This is a very recent case and it concerns photos stolen from Arfat Maung Hla Mying.
It is unfortunate to see cases of agencies and freelancers profiting from stolen photographs and refusing to compensate the photographer. This situation highlights the power dynamics that often exist between agencies and photographers, particularly those who come from marginalized communities, such as refugee photographers. In this instance, a refugee photographer's images of Rohingya refugees were stolen and exploited by Anadolu Agency and freelancer Shahjahan, who profited from the images without the photographer's consent or compensation. This not only perpetuates a cycle of exploitation and marginalization but also undermines the integrity of photojournalism as a profession. It is crucial for agencies and freelancers to respect the intellectual property and rights of photographers, especially those from vulnerable communities, and to work towards creating more equitable and just practices within the industry.
The situation surrounding the theft of Arfat's photographs is even more outrageous when we consider the fact that the freelancer Shahjahan threatened the refugee photographer with arrest in order to blackmail him into not asserting ownership of the photos. This type of behaviour is not only unconscionable but also criminal, and it highlights the deeply entrenched power dynamics that exist within the industry. It is unacceptable for anyone, particularly those in positions of power, to exploit refugees and use threats and blackmail to steal their work.
Screenshot from Anadolu agency site (now deleted).
GV: What is your suggestion for protecting Rohingya photographers from such violations?
SR: Sharing their photographs can be a powerful tool for refugees, allowing them to take ownership of their experiences and assert control over their narratives. By sharing their stories, refugees can also advocate for change and have their voices heard. However, copyright violators and thieves completely disregard this empowerment, disregarding the value of refugees’ stories and images. We need to name and shame individuals and organisations that believe refugee rights can be trampled upon. They must be publicly exposed and held accountable.
Stealing photos not only violates the intellectual property rights of the original photographers, but it also deprives them of recognition and compensation for their work, something which is critical for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh who are not officially allowed to work.
Rohingya activist Ali Johar tweeted:
This culture of exploiting victim talents need to be addressed seriously.
Photos of refugee photographers were stolen. When raised concerns, the person has threatened original photographers with police harassment. https://t.co/lqw5fEvkyx— Ali Johar (မောင်သိန်းရွှေ) (@mtsjohar) March 27, 2023
Written by Rezwan
Saudi Aramco To Invest Billions In A Chinese Petrochemical Complex
FILE PHOTO: Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at the oil facility in Abqaiq © Thomson Reuters
OilPrice.com: Saudi Aramco To Build $10 Billion Refinery And Petrochemical Complex In China
* Saudi Aramco plans to build a $10-billion refining and petrochemical complex in China in order to take advantage of the country’s growing fuel and chemical demand.
* The complex is set to have a capacity of 300,000 barrels of crude per day, with Saudi Aramco supplying 201,000 barrels per day.
* The project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and is part of a larger Saudi Aramco strategy to secure long-term demand for its oil.
Saudi Aramco plans to build a $10-billion refining and petrochemical complex in China over the next three years, taking advantage of the country’s growing demand for energy.
The complex will have a capacity of 300,000 barrels of crude daily, Aramco said in a news release. The Saudi major will supply 201,000 barrels per day to the facility.
The project will be carried out in partnership between Aramco and two Chinese companies. Construction works should begin in the second half of this year, with the project scheduled for completion in 2026.
Read more ....
Update #1: Saudi Aramco to invest billions in Chinese petrochemicals (AP)
Update #2: Saudi Aramco boosts China investment with two refinery deals (Reuters)
WNU editor: More evidence on the growing relationship between China and Saudi Arabia.
Russia Says They Have A "Unique Weapon" Capable Of Destroying The U.S.
Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Security Council
Ukrayinska Pravda: Russia threatens US with "unique weapon" capable of destroying it
The Security Council of Russia claimed that Russia has a unique weapon capable of destroying even the US.
Source: Russian Kremlin-aligned media outlets RIA Novosti and TASS with reference to Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Security Council
Quote from Patrushev: "Russia has a unique weapon, which is capable of destroying any opponent, mainly the US, in case there is a threat to Russia’s existence."
Details: He also added that "American politicians’ certainty that Russia will not be able to respond to a preventive strike by the US is a short-sighted and dangerous foolishness."
Patrushev stated that after the collapse of the USSR, Russia allegedly "corrected its mistakes" and now "can facilitate both internal stability and protection from external dangers."
Read more ....
WNU Editor: In my opinion Nikolai Patrushev is the second most powerful person in Russia after Putin. I think he is referring to an emp weapon.
The First Shipment Of Leopard 2 Tanks From Germany Has Been Sent To Ukraine
Ukrainian soldiers receive training on German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks in Spain. Photo: Oscar Del Pozo/AFP
BBC: Ukraine war: Germany sends much-awaited Leopard tanks
The first shipment of Leopard 2 tanks from Germany has been sent to Ukraine, the German defence ministry says.
Eighteen cutting-edge main battle tanks were delivered after Ukrainian crews were trained to use them.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he was sure the tanks could "make a decisive contribution" on the frontlines of the war.
Challenger 2 tanks from the UK have also arrived, according to reports from Ukraine.
Ukraine has been calling for more modern vehicles and weapon systems for months to help fight Russia's invasion.
Read more ....
The First Shipment Of Leopard 2 Tanks From Germany Has Been Sent To Ukraine
German Leopard 2 tanks have reached Ukraine -- Reuters
Ukraine Receives German Leopard, British Challenger Tanks -- AFP
Ukraine Receives New Battle Tanks From Germany and Britain -- New York Times
Ukraine Receives 18 Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks From Germany Besides 40 Marder IFV – Spiegel -- EurAsian Times
Former US Officials Are Urging The Biden Administration To Counter The Region's Rapprochement With Syria.
US troops patrol in the countryside of Syria’s Hasakeh province near the Turkish border, on February 18, 2023. (AFP)
Al-Monitor: Former US officials sound alarm on Biden's Syria policy
A group of former US officials including Marine General Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie Jr. and former Syria envoy James Jeffrey are urging the Biden administration to counter the region's rapprochement with Syria.
WASHINGTON — As President Bashar al-Assad is gradually welcomed back into the Arab fold, a group of nearly 40 Syria experts and former US officials are calling on the Biden administration to more forcefully push back against the regime’s normalization.
“Unconditional regime normalization is not inevitable,” they wrote in a letter Monday to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “Opposing regime normalization in word only is not enough, as tacitly allowing it is short-sighted and damaging to any hope for regional security and stability.”
Read more ....
WNU Editor: All the people I know in the Middle East are tired of endless war, and they are doubly tired of US policy and involvement in the Middle East. In fact many now see the US as the problem, not the solution to solve the many of the problems in the region. This push by these former US officials to counter the region's rapprochement with Syria is only confirming this sentiment.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Says New U.S. Bases Will Be Scattered Across The Country
NOW: PH defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr., US Air Force Sec. Frank Kendall III, US Ambassador to the PH MaryKay Carlson, PH Air Force Acting CG MGen Ramon Guiang lead groundbreaking ceremony of Basa Air Base EDCA runway rehabilitation project. | via @biancadava pic.twitter.com/l1TSFSzy3n
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) March 20, 2023
EurAsian Times: US Acquires ‘Critical’ Military Base Overlooking Taiwan & Claimed By China; Beijing Calls The Move ‘Provocative’
Amidst Chinese criticism mounting over the American role in the South China Sea, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced that four new military bases under a defense agreement with the US would be scattered across the country, including one in a province overlooking Taiwan.
“There are four extra sites scattered around the Philippines — there are some in the North, there are some around Palawan, there is some further South,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of the Filipino army’s founding anniversary.
The announcement comes after one of the most advanced fighter jets of the US Air Force, the F-22 Raptor, exercised with the Philippines Air Force (PAF) earlier this week, making it the first time the top-notch jet had visited the nation.
The Filipino President further stated that his country and the US would reveal the locations of the bases soon, adding the sites would strengthen the country’s capabilities to protect the “eastern half” of its main island, Luzon.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Philippines President is defending his decision .... Marcos defends US military presence, which China opposes (AP). China has responded to this U.S. - Philippine defense agreement .... US making Philippines a pawn as it pushes for access to more military bases: expert (Global Times).
A TikTok Data Center's Demand For Electricity Is Preventing An Ammunition Arms Maker In Norway To Produce More Shells
The demand for artillery rounds, like those manufactured by Nammo, has increased because of the war in Ukraine.AP Photo/Libkos
Business Insider: Weapons firm says it can't meet soaring demand for artillery shells because a TikTok data center is eating all the electricity
* An arms manufacturer said that TikTok's data center is using all the electricity in the region.
* As a result, the company said that it cannot keep up with the surging demand for artillery rounds.
* The CEO told the FT that the company's growth is being "challenged by the storage of cat videos."
A Norwegian arms manufacturer said that a TikTok data center is eating all the electricity in the region, meaning that the company cannot keep up with the surging global demand for ammunition.
Experts are increasingly commenting on the massive demands of big tech companies, and how energy usage by their data centers is causing issues for other industries.
Read more ....
A TikTok Data Center's Demand For Electricity Is Preventing An Ammunition Arms Maker In Norway To Produce More Shells
Ukraine Ammunition Supply Threatened by 'TikTok Cat Videos' -- Newsweek
Energy-hungry TikTok ‘cat videos’ altering the course of armed conflict in Ukraine -- Evening Standard
Ammo manufacturer can't make extra artillery shells because TikTok data center is using all the electricity -- TechSpot
Ukraine Needs More Ammunition, But a TikTok Data Center Is Standing in the Way -- PC Magazine
EU Threatens More Sanctions Against Russia Over Its Plans To Deploy Tactical Nuclear Warheads In Belarus
Euronews/AP: EU threatens more sanctions if Russia moves nukes to Belarus Access to the comments
The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has cautioned Belarus about allowing Russia to station tactical nuclear weapons on its territory.
Borrell tweeted: “Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation & threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions.”
In an interview on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the move was triggered by Britain’s decision last week to provide Ukraine with armour-piercing rounds containing depleted uranium.
Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield. They have a short range and a low yield compared with much more powerful nuclear warheads fitted to long-range missiles.
Read more ....
Update #1: EU Threatens More Sanctions If Russia Stations Tactical Nuclear Weapons In Belarus (Zero Hedge/Epoch Times)
Update #2: EU will respond to Kremlin's nuclear blackmail with new sanctions - Borrell (Ukrinform)
WNU Editor: There is not much left to sanction. This nuclear deployment to Belarus also tells me that any Western hope for regime change in Belarus is not going to happen.
And as for Ukraine receiving depleted uranium shells that resulted in the Kremlin making the announcement of deploying tactical nuclear missiles to Belarus, those munitions are now on their way .... Depleted-uranium shells, the armour-busting munitions heading to Ukraine (France 24).
Ukraine Using Remote-Control 'Kamikaze' Cars Packed With Explosives To Destroy Russian Targets
* Video appears to show soldiers preparing remote-controlled vehicle for combat
* They then direct it towards what appears to be a Russian tank
Footage has emerged of Ukrainian troops using remote-controlled 'kamikaze' cars packed with explosives to obliterate Russian tanks.
Fighting is mainly centred around the easternmost regions of Ukraine, where the city of Bakhmut has been locked in intense conflict.
Some Ukrainian soldiers on the frontlines are now using explosive-packed remote-controlled cars, also known as unmanned ground vehicles, to hit Russian targets, according to a video shared on social media over the weekend.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The above video was not taken recently. There is too much snow on the ground. The front-lines are now mostly muddy and/or barren.
Russia - Ukraine War: Military Summary And Analysis For 3.27.2023 (Video)
WNU Editor: A lot of updates on the Russia - Ukraine war from the Military Summary channel (see above). Alexander Mercouris gives his updates on the war below.
Tweets On The Russia - Ukraine War
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 27 March 2023.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 27, 2023
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/ZMzN1Zgl5c
🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/tzBBOFGsFB
Ukraine war live updates: Russia stirs outrage with plan for tactical nukes in Belarus; Ukrainian town now 'post-apocalyptic' https://t.co/KO5ujc8ric
— CNBC (@CNBC) March 27, 2023
New: #Putin seems to reject the idea that the current military realities require or support a negotiated resolution of the conflict.
— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) March 26, 2023
Neither #Ukraine nor the West has persuaded him to consider accepting an off-ramp or compromise settlement.
Our latest: https://t.co/Jr9W9OFNNQ pic.twitter.com/RvSVvm7SIw
Holding Bakhmut is a 'military necessity' - Ukrainian general https://t.co/JzsuD2DiBH pic.twitter.com/fcjZTw7OxX
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 27, 2023
BREAKING: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.N. atomic energy chief Rafael Mariano Grossi in southern Ukraine. The two discussed the precarious situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is held by Russian forces. https://t.co/gjZzXH10m9
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 27, 2023
Ukraine has been receiving weapons with critical limitations — observers wonder if this is about shortening delivery times or avoiding a direct confrontation with Russia.https://t.co/rdmbpYwIXi
— DW News (@dwnews) March 27, 2023
As President Volodymyr Zelensky pushes Western allies for modern weapons, pilots in eastern Ukraine admit their ancient Soviet-made helicopters are outplayed technologically by Russia.https://t.co/RXE0y2U2BL
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 27, 2023
Congratulations, EU! While cutting Russian natural gas imports by 10% last year, they jacked up global energy prices and ended up giving Moscow more than twice as much in 2022 (~$93.6 billion) as the year before (~$40.8 billion) pic.twitter.com/XtmjQaIPIC
— Wyatt Reed (@wyattreed13) March 25, 2023
Tweets Of The Day
NATO slammed Vladimir Putin for 'dangerous' nuclear rhetoric, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition plunged into chaos after his judicial reform plans drew mass protests, and more. Here’s a look at the top 5⃣ stories of the day pic.twitter.com/FybrQbQy9a
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 27, 2023
Here are 5️⃣ things to know for March 27.
— CNN International (@cnni) March 27, 2023
1️⃣ Tornado outbreak
2️⃣ Protests in Israel
3️⃣ Silicon Valley Bank sale
4️⃣ Philadelphia monitoring drinking water
5️⃣ Ukraine https://t.co/cr7TmmuSrP
Ben-Gvir said the interim period would give time for a compromise agreement to be reached with the political opposition.
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 27, 2023
But he said if a deal is not reached, the package would be approved in the summer session. https://t.co/zwcHPDkjYi
Millions of commuters and travelers were affected in Germany during one of the largest strikes in decades. The 24-hour walkout marks the latest in months of industrial action as higher food and energy prices dent living standards https://t.co/3sghtSEIYf pic.twitter.com/56WJthwRgx
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 27, 2023
The Louvre in Paris, the most visited museum in the world and home to the Mona Lisa, was shut to visitors all day Monday after workers striking over pension reforms blocked the entrance.https://t.co/kzGb4HbAR0 pic.twitter.com/bg4ClW4HUA
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 27, 2023
North Korea has launched more than 20 ballistic and cruise missiles across 11 launch events this year, as it tries to force the US to accept its nuclear status. https://t.co/52OYcXVzrA
— DW News (@dwnews) March 27, 2023
BREAKING: Hungary’s parliament approved Finland’s bid to join NATO, ending months of delays and bringing the Nordic country one step closer to becoming a full member of the Western military alliance. https://t.co/O8HEPJLobH
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 27, 2023
Five planets line up in night sky https://t.co/khMOFjygQK
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 27, 2023
Is The U.S. About To Lose The Middle East?
Chinese President Xi and Saudi Crown Prince Salman
19FortyFive: China’s New Mideast Order is Anti-American
Thanks to Joe Biden’s horrific leadership, America is about to lose the Middle East and will soon see China and Russia capturing it.
After negotiating a major peace agreement between the feuding Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, China’s President Xi Jinping flew to Moscow to broker a ceasefire agreement between the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
While no ceasefire in that war has been reached, the meeting between Russian autocrat Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping resulted in what was essentially the birth of a new, Eurasian world order, in which China and Russia would be the dominant players and the United States would become increasingly isolated and ancillary to that world order.
Shortly thereafter, Russia brokered a separate peace between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The US is not only being pushed out of the Middle East, but it is also being pushed out of Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
U.S./Western sanctions against Russia has been a wake-up call for non-Western countries on what are financial consequences if you run afoul of Western policies. China is offering an alternative, and many nations are jumping on it.
North Korea Fires Two Test Missiles In Response To The US Carrier Group Nimitz Arriving In South Korea For Drills
The missiles were fired off North Korea's east coast landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. It comes as the US sends the nuclear-powered USS Nimitz and its accompanying ship group to carry out joint military exercises off the coast of South Korea.
North Korea has fired two test missiles as its neighbour South Korea begins joint military drills with the US.
The short-range ballistic missiles were reportedly launched off North Korea's eastern coast and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, according to the Japanese government, which is protesting against the incident.
Read more ....
North Korea Fires Two Test Missiles As The US Carrier Group Nimitz Arrives In South Korea For Drills
North Korea test-fires 2 more missiles as US sends carrier -- AP
North Korea fires missiles as U.S. aircraft carrier set to arrive in South -- CNBC/Reuters
North Korea fires two ballistic missiles towards eastern waters -- France 24
North Korea test-fires 2 missiles as US carrier begins exercises with South Korean warships -- The Hill
North Korea fires two missiles as U.S. aircraft carrier arrives -- UPI
North Korea's flurry of launches continues as U.S. carrier trains with South -- Japan Times
Indonesia Is The Latest Country To Move Away From The US Dollar And Western Financial Institutions
Plastic money: An employer supervises the printing of Bank Mandiri credit cards at the state-owned lender's headquarters in Jakarta in 2016.(Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
Indonesia Expat: Indonesian Government to Launch the Domestic Credit Card
President Joko Widodo’s statement that he prefers credit cards used by the government to be issued by domestic issuers rather than foreign companies has been met with positivity from Indonesia’s credit card issuers.
Executive Director of the Indonesian Credit Card Association (AKKI), Steve Marta said that the government should encourage the use of government credit cards that utilise local issuers and public credit cards.
“It’s not only government credit cards but I think we should also have local credit cards one day,” Marta told CNBC Indonesia on Thursday, 6th March 2023.
Marta stated that the banking sector’s credit card issuers would also endorse this measure, citing security risks associated with credit cards issued overseas, as highlighted by Jokowi’s comments about US sanctions against Russia during the Ukraine conflict.
Read more ....
Update: BI pushes ahead with domestic credit card to cut reliance on foreign ones (Jakarta Post)
WNU Editor: Almost everyday I am reading a news report from a country or a foreign financial institution that has made the decision to minimize and/or move away completely from the US dollar. But in the West there is little if any coverage in the main stream media of these developments.
Myanmar Military Pledges Decisive Action Against Its Opponents
BBC: Myanmar army chief vows to crush resistance in rare speech
The pageantry of Myanmar's annual military parade did little to mask the sinister message - the country's armed forces won't stop fighting those opposing their rule, whatever the cost.
A civil war has engulfed the country since a military coup in 2021.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, and more than a million have been displaced.
But General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, showed no signs of backing down in a rare speech.
The regime, he said, would deal decisively with what he described as "acts of terror" by armed resistance groups. And, he added, countries which have condemned his coup - supporters of terror, he branded them - were wrong and should join the military in shaping its own form of democracy.
Read more ....
Myanmar Military Pledges Decisive Action Against Its Opponents
Myanmar army leader calls for decisive action to crush foes -- AP
Myanmar junta chief vows no let up in crackdown, then polls -- RFI/AFP
Myanmar junta chief vows to crush opposition -- DW
Myanmar junta chief vows continued crackdown, then elections -- CNA
Myanmar military pledges decisive action against opponents -- Al Jazeera
Myanmar junta throws huge military parade days after new US sanctions -- CNN
Germany At a Standstill Due To Massive Strike In The Transport Sector
CNBC/Reuters: Largest strike in decades brings Germany to a standstill
* Airports and bus and train stations across Germany were at a standstill on Monday, causing disruption for millions at the start of the working week.
* Employees are pressing for higher wages to blunt the effects of inflation, which reached 9.3% in February.
* The Airports Association ADV estimated that 380,000 air passengers were affected.
Airports and bus and train stations across Germany were at a standstill on Monday, causing disruption for millions at the start of the working week during one of the largest walkouts in decades as Europe’s biggest economy reels from inflation.
The 24-hour strikes called by the Verdi trade union and railway and transport union EVG were the latest in months of industrial action which has hit major European economies as higher food and energy prices dent living standards.
Terminals were largely deserted as airports, including two of Germany’s largest in Munich and Frankfurt, suspended flights, while rail services were cancelled by railway operator Deutsche Bahn (DBN.UL). Striking workers wearing yellow or red high-visibility jackets blew horns, sirens and whistles, held up banners and waved flags during protests.
Read more ....
Update #1: Nationwide German transport strike causes major disruptions (DW)
Update #2: Flights, trains cancelled in Germany as strikes ground transportation (France 24)
WNU Editor: This is the biggest strike in Germany in decades.
Protests In France Against Macron’s Pension Reforms Escalate
France 24: Macron holds crisis meeting as more France protests loom
French President Emmanuel Macron summoned government ministers for a crisis meeting on Monday, as tensions ran high a day before another major round of strikes and protests against his pension reforms.
Nearly two weeks after Macron rammed the new law through parliament using a special provision sidestepping any vote, unions have vowed no let-up in mass protests to get the government to back down.
They have called for another big day of action on Tuesday, the 10th such mobilisation since protests started in mid-January against the controversial law, which includes raising the retirement age to 64 from 62.
Macron, whose approval ratings in opinion polls are at a low point, said last week he accepted the "unpopularity" that came with the reform.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, meanwhile, said that while there was no plan to drop the legislation, she was ready for fresh dialogue with unions.
Read more ....
Update #1: Protests in France against Macron’s pension reforms escalate as police use 4,000 nonlethal dispersion grenades (FOX News)
Update #2: French PM Borne reaches out to opposition, unions ahead of new protests (France 24)
WNU Editor: You do have your surreal moments (see video below).
French diners enjoy wine as fire lit by protesters burns nearby | ABC News https://t.co/eY2W5WguAP via @YouTube
— War News Updates (@WarNewsUpdates) March 27, 2023
Turkey Will Support China's Peace Plan For Ukraine If It Creates A "Foundation For Negotiations"
Turkey will support China's peace plan for Ukraine if it creates a "foundation for negotiations."
— GraphicW (@GraphicW5) March 26, 2023
This was announced by Erdogan's representative, Ibrahim Kalin, in an interview with the Turkish NTV channel.
He noted that the West ignored the Chinese plan in order "not to give… pic.twitter.com/WZxK789SIh
Republic World: Turkey Backs China's Peace Plan If It Creates 'foundation For Negotiation': Erdogan's Aide
"In order to neutralize the consequences of Mr Xi’s visit to Moscow, (Western countries) began to literally ignore this visit," Kalin said during the interview.
Turkey will support China's peace plan for Ukraine if Beijing established a "foundation for negotiations," Erdogan's representative, Ibrahim Kalin, in an interview with the Turkish NTV channel.
West ignored the Chinese 12-point peace plan in order "not to give credit of confidence to Beijing," he noted, adding that anti-Russian sanctions were also "poorly calculated" and only pushed China and Russia to strengthen ties.
Read more ....
Update: Turkey will carefully study China’s proposals to resolve the conflict in Ukraine (The Eastern Herald).
WNU Editor: Turkey is not alone in supporting this Chinese peace initiative .... Orbán backs China’s Ukraine peace plan (Politico).
After Biden Visit to Canada, PM Trudeau Is Facing A Number Of Domestic Crisis
US President Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau. CBC
Politico: Ottawa hangover: After triumph of Biden visit, reality bites back at Trudeau
Come Monday, Canada’s prime minister must grapple again with a Chinese influence scandal, economic troubles and a resurgent opposition.
OTTAWA — Ottawa’s cocktail scene creates some surreal partymates.
Once Air Force One was wheels up from the Canadian capital Friday night, Justin Trudeau headed to an invite-only afterparty joined by plenty of people who are hurrying to end his longish run as prime minister.
Trudeau may have scored plenty of wins and lots of photo ops during Biden’s two-day visit. But the afterglow already looks to be fading for a third-term government mired in controversy, blamed for cost of living anxieties and justifiably fatigued after three years of pandemic management.
Katie Telford, the prime minister’s chief of staff, joined the mix of business leaders and political insiders who gathered at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. Jenni Byrne, the fixer behind the rise of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, was also in the crowd.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The Canadian media is focused on this .... Justin Trudeau Faces Crisis Over Chinese Political Interference in Canada (Newsweek), and the barring of migrants at a border crossing in Quebec .... Biden meets with Trudeau as US, Canada announce immigration agreement (ABC News).
But the real crisis for the Trudeau government is the cost of living, high inflation, raising interest rates, and poll numbers that indicate a major defeat for the Trudeau government if a vote was to be held today.
As for President Biden's trip to Canada.The Biden administration was pushing this during the President's visit to Ottawa .... U.S. wants Canada to take part in a global economic decoupling from China (Globe and Mail). A decoupling that is not going to happen in view of China being a major buyer of Canadian resources. There was also a US push for Canada to increase its defense spending .... PM details defence spending plans during Biden's visit — but the timelines are largely the same (CBC News).
As for the US President himself. He had his usual "senior moments" (see below).
JOE BIDEN: “I applaud China for stepping up… Excuse me, Canada.”
— ALX 🇺🇸 (@alx) March 24, 2023
*Canadian Parliament laughs at him*
You know it’s bad when Canada is laughing at us.
pic.twitter.com/W1Wri7c7aU
Joe Biden looks for his notes while Justin Trudeau welcomes Biden to Canada. They both take no questions regarding the Chinese Communist Party interference in our elections afterwards. pic.twitter.com/a1wHggtsIY
— Rebel News Canada (@RebelNews_CA) March 24, 2023
Saudi, Iranian Foreign Ministers to Meet During Muslim Holy Month
The detente between Saudi Arabia and Iran has the potential to reshape relations across a region characterised by turbulence for decades [File: China Daily via Reuters]
Al Jazeera: Saudi, Iran foreign ministers to meet during Ramadan
Planned meeting comes after Saudi Arabia and Iran signed a landmark deal to restore ties after seven years of estrangement.
Iran and Saudi Arabia’s top diplomats have agreed to meet before the end of the holy month of Ramadan to implement a landmark bilateral reconciliation deal that was brokered by China.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, made the decision after holding their second phone call in less than a week, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
Read more ....
Update #1: Saudi, Iranian Foreign Ministers to Meet During Muslim Holy Month (Reuters)
Update #2: Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers plan to meet during Ramadan (AFP)
WNU Editor: Both sides are rushing to improve ties. I concur with this analysis that Saudi Arabia wants out of the Yemen war .... ‘Stuck in a swamp’: With Iran detente, Saudi Arabia seeks exit from Yemen war (Times of Israel).
U.S. Navy Has Started Repairs On The USS Connecticut (SSN 22) 16 Months After Being Damaged In A Collision
USS Connecticut (SSN 22) gets assist from a tug as it leaves San Diego harbor on December 15, 2021. Note the sheared off bow and the lack of a sonar dome. San Diego WebCam photo via USNI News
Naval News: U.S. Navy Commences USS Connecticut (SSN 22) Repairs
Naval News reached out to NAVSEA to ask the status of repairs on the Seawolf-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, USS Connecticut (SSN 22). The submarine hit a seamount in international waters in the INDO-PACOM area on October 2, 2021. According to a previous Naval News story on the Connecticut, repairs supposedly started in February 2023.
In general, the U.S. Navy considers submarine operations “Classified Secret”. Therefore, information on submarine repairs remains elusive at best. A search of government contracting websites reveals no (detailed) information on the ordering of parts for the USS Connecticut as of March 2023.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: 16 months to start repairs on a critical US Navy submarine. This is just more evidence on the US Navy's lack of infrastructure to take care of its fleet.
Update: The reason for the accident was revealed in an investigation that was made public last year .... Investigation: USS Connecticut South China Sea Grounding Result of Lax Oversight, Poor Planning (USNI News).
US Army To Change 6 Army Bases Named After Confederate Leaders In The Coming Weeks
AP photo
Axios: 6 Army bases named after Confederate leaders get dates for new names
Several U.S. Army bases will officially get their new names in the coming months as the military seeks to redesignate bases that currently honor Confederate leaders.
Driving the news: Fort Hood, the major Army base in central Texas, will be redesignated as Fort Cavazos on May 9, the base announced Friday.
* The new name honors Gen. Richard Cavazos, the first Latino four-star general and first Latino brigadier general. The base is currently named for John Bell Hood, a Confederate general.
* Fort Pickett in Virginia was renamed Fort Barfoot on Friday.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The changes will be the following:
Fort Hodd will be changed to Fort Cavazos
Fort Pickett will be changed to Fort Barfoot
Fort Bragg will be changed to Fort Liberty
Fort Lee will be renamed Fort Gregg-Adam
Fort Benning will be renamed Fort Moore
Fort Rucker will be renamed Fort Novosel
US Army Pulls ‘Be All You Can Be’ Ads After On-Screen Narrator Jonathan Majors Arrested
Army Times: Army pulls ‘Be All You Can Be’ ads after on-screen narrator arrested
The Army paused its new multi-million dollar advertising campaign Sunday after its featured actor was arrested the day before, officials said.
Jonathan Majors, who stars as the on-screen narrator in the first wave of “Be All You Can Be” advertisements, faces charges of assault, strangulation and harassment, a New York Police Department official told Army Times.
The police official said officers responded to a 911 call shortly after 11:00 a.m. at an apartment in the city’s Chelsea neighborhood, where they found Majors and a 30-year-old woman with injuries to her head and neck. Officers did a “preliminary investigation” and arrested the actor.
Read more ....
Update #1: Army pulls recruiting ads after Jonathan Majors’ arrest (AP)
Update #2: Jonathan Majors Army recruiting ads pulled after domestic assault arrest (NYPost)
WNU Editor: All the US army ads have been pulled. But you can see parts of it in the commentary on the ad below.
Cuba Holds Rigged Elections As The Population Exodus Explodes
Bloomberg: Cuba Holds a Stacked Election Amid the Biggest Population Exodus Since the Revolution
Cuba is holding elections Sunday to pick lawmakers at a time when the ruling communist party is struggling to keep a lid on public anger caused by rampant inflation, hunger and blackouts.
The vote, decried as a sham by human rights groups, will pick 470 candidates who were pre-selected by the government to the powerful National Parliament for a five-year term. The system has allowed the Communist Party to control the parliament since its inception in 1976.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The outcome of this Cuban election has already been determined. There are no opposition candidates on the ballot .... Cuba holds national elections with no opposition candidates (AP).
I have always closely followed the news from Cuba. Been there many times, and I was always felt that if there is a country in the Caribbean that would succeed, it would be Cuba. But the system is now so rigged to benefit a few (I would estimate about 5% of the population), that the rest of the country (i.e. the other 95%) are exploited and abused. A true "Hunger Games" scenario for those who are familiar with the movie.
Picture Of The Day
Israelis protest near Israel's Supreme Court in Jerusalem, March 27. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg
WNU Editor: The above picture is from this photo-gallery .... Chaos in Israel as judicial reform plans draw mass protests (Reuters).
India's former opposition leader loses parliament seat over conviction in a defamation case
India's opposition parties continue to face legal challenges
Originally published on Global Voices
Rahul Gandhi in a press conference in March 2023. Screenshot from a YouTube video by Rahul Gandhi's channel. Fair use.
Rahul Gandhi, the former leader of the opposition Indian National Congress party (INC) has been stripped of his membership in the Lok Sabha, India's Lower chamber of parliament after being convicted of defamation. Gandhi is accused of insulting the surname “Modi,” also held by the current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under the Representation of the People Act of 1951, which regulates the electoral process for the Indian Parliament, an individual may be disqualified from the Lok Sabha if they receive a prison sentence of two years or more. On Thursday, March 23, 2023, a court in western India convicted opposition leader Rahul Gandhi of defamation for a speech he delivered in 2019, resulting in a two-year jail term. He was also granted a 30-day bail.
Journalist Nistula Hebbar tweeted:
Breaking- @RahulGandhi disqualified as a member of the Lok Sabha. @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/rTJ5ixxlJt
— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) March 24, 2023
The charges were related to comments Gandhi gave during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where he questioned the prevalence of the surname Modi among alleged thieves. The Modi surname is associated with the Other Backward Class (OBC) community, who filed a case against Gandhi's remarks and sought legal action.
In India, OBC is a category of socially and educationally disadvantaged communities that receive preferential treatment in education and employment. The Modi surname is common among the OBC communities in Gujarat and other Western states. However, some political analysts and political leaders from the opposition called this a witchhunt against Gandhi, who is considered a direct rival to Modi in the 2024 elections, despite his lack of visible popular support.
The community group that approached the courts noted in a statement that during his campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gandhi made disparaging remarks about an OBC community, and this is not the first time he has done so. There have been several instances where legal action has been taken against Gandhi for his statements.
Following his disqualification from the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi held his first press conference where he accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government of being afraid to answer his questions about the Adani group, an Indian multinational conglomerate. The Adani Group has been accused of stock manipulation and accounting fraud, and Gandhi raised concerns about the Indian government's role in the case.
Rahul Gandhi and the defamation case
From December 2017 to July 2019, Rahul Gandhi held the position of President of the Indian National Congress, but he resigned as the opposition leader after an electoral defeat. He hails from a distinguished lineage of Indian politicians and statesmen — his father was the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was the son of Indira Gandhi, another former prime minister. His great-grandfather was Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and a key figure in the Indian nationalist movement during the 1930s and 1940s. Nehru played a vital role in India's independence from British colonialism.
Although the Indian National Congress (INC) was once a dominant political party in India before the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took control in 2014, it was decimated in the 2019 elections, winning less than 10 percent of seats (out of a total of 545) in the lower house. Nonetheless, it still commands a sizable vote bank of 20 percent, which is the second-largest after the BJP's 38 percent.
Following a successful cross-country “Unite India Rally” against hatred and division that spanned over 3,500 km (2,200 miles) and lasted three months, Gandhi was primed for a comeback into national politics as a rival to Modi. After Modi came to power in 2014, extreme pro-Hindu narratives and Islamophobia became rampant in political discourses, anti-Muslim violence began escalating in India with state-sponsored attacks on Muslims and open calls for genocide becoming increasingly common.
While campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, Rahul Gandhi made a remark during a rally, stating, “How come all the thieves have Modi as a common surname?” Purnish Modi, a former Gujarat minister and BJP member of parliament, filed a defamation case against Gandhi, alleging that the comment about the Modi surname had defamed all individuals bearing that name, including the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Widespread condemnations
Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from Lok Sabha gathered much criticism from all quarters.
Expat Indian scholar Ashok Swain mentioned:
Those who needed to wait till Rahul Gandhi's jail sentence & expulsion from the Parliament to realize that Modi is an autocrat, I just pity their intelligence!
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) March 26, 2023
Journalist and author Sagarika Ghose stressed:
Whichever side of political divide we may be on, it’s inescapable that @RahulGandhi has been deeply wronged. In history of criminal defamation dating to 1861 this is 2nd case where 2 years max sentence given aimed to throw him out of Parliament. Every citizen needs to worry.
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) March 26, 2023
Renuka Chowdhury, a leader of the Congress party, raised concerns about the speed at which the authorities moved to disqualify Rahul Gandhi. She vowed to file a defamation case against PM Modi to see how fast the courts act.
Priyanka Gandhi, INC leader and the sister of Rahul Gandhi, said at an event:
My father was insulted in the Parliament, my brother has been given names like Meer Jafar. Your ministers insult my mother in the Parliament. One of your CM said Rahul Gandhi does not even know who his father is, but no action is taken against these people: Congress leader… pic.twitter.com/S9xdnEJJcB
— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2023
Cartoonist Satish Acharya quipped:
Rahul Gandhi's questions! pic.twitter.com/HF0CTCuq0L
— Satish Acharya (@satishacharya) March 25, 2023
Some, like journalist Sanjukta Basu, are changing their profile name, adding “disqualified citizen” to show solidarity with Gandhi:
In solidarity with #RahulGandhi #disqualifiedMP #RahulDisqualified #RahulGandhiDisqualified pic.twitter.com/JS00FTH1nd
— Sanjukta Basu | Dis'Qualified Citizen (@sanjukta) March 26, 2023
Starting Monday, March 27, 2023, the Indian National Congress (INC) is preparing for a large-scale protest and is seeking the backing of other opposition parties across the country.
Modi’s rise and consolidation of power
Since Modi assumed power in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been a dominating political force at the national level, using legal democratic methods to expand its influence over the legislature, media and judiciary. As a result, the opposition Congress party and other regional parties have faced legal challenges, investigations, and a decline in vote share. At the same time, Modi’s right-wing Hindu nationalistic rhetoric has boosted his approval rating to over 70 percent, while the Congress party has failed to make significant inroads into Modi's stronghold.
As Gandhi gained popular support through the surprise Bharat Jodho Yatra (Unity March), and increased his scrutiny of Modi’s relationship with Indian tycoon Gautam Adani, political analysts suggest BJP is willing to go after smaller political figures in its efforts to consolidate power in preparation for the 2024 general elections, which would be Modi’s third-term as the Prime Minister if his party secures a majority.
Written by Rezwan, Vishal Yashoda Manve
How Russia has changed a year after the invasion of Ukraine
Political scientist writes about the changes in the Russian political landscape
Originally published on Global Voices
Illustration by the Russia Post, used with permission
Alexander Kynev, a political scientist, writes for Russia Post about the changes that have taken place in the Russian political landscape since the “special military operation” started a year ago: local politics has been put on the back burner, civil society is in shambles and opposition media is trying to reach Russians while in exile. An edited version is republished by Global Voices under a partnership with Russia Post.
During the first year of the “special military operation” (SVO), the news out of Russia consisted mainly of reports on the course of the conflict and the introduction of sanctions. Based on this news flow, it was impossible to understand what was happening inside Russia besides the SVO.
The truth is that everyone was shocked by February 24, and the tough reaction of the state to attempts at resistance then created even greater urgency to lie low or flee.
In the public space, only the voices of loyalists were heard, which created the illusion that there was no one else in Russia except them. Of course, that is not the case. People are rational and have opted for a safer strategy: flight, silence, quiet sabotage. From 2000 to 2010, Russia lived better than it ever had in its history, and many people — especially bureaucrats (in terms of income and social status, the Russian middle class largely consists of officials) — are afraid of losing what is still left of their former life.
All potential organizers or coordinators of mass protests (elites, public organizations, parties, media) either have been crushed or are in a state of frustration. However, during 2022 and early 2023, as the dust of the new reality settles, a diversity of views and positions have become visible in the resulting vacuum. It is important to understand this diversity, even if, at least for now, it does not pose a threat to the regime.
Most regional leaders do not show demonstrative enthusiasm for the ‘Special Operation’
National politics has been put on the back burner. Mayoral elections in Tomsk and Novosibirsk — cities known for their political activity and even independence — were cancelled almost casually.
The number of major personnel shakeups has fallen sharply. The system works to minimize risks — better to have a proven guy, even if he is bad. Over the past year, only five governors were replaced. For comparison: 20 governors were replaced in 2017, and 18 each in both 2010 and 2018.
Although the September 2022 elections went as planned, this did not change the overall situation, and national politics remains on the margins. It is wrong to regard the mass silence of the political elite as unconditional support. The basis of the Russian bureaucratic elite is careerism and technocracy. Tellingly, the behavior of governors changed little over the last year.
An obvious exception is the leadership of Chechnya, as well as the heads of the regions bordering Ukraine (Mikhail Razvozzhaev of Sevastopol, Roman Starovoit of Kursk Region, Vyacheslav Gladkov of Belgorod Region), where the SVO has directly impacted life.
A second group of “enthusiasts” is made up of governors who are very insecure about their political position and evidently trying to fend off general dissatisfaction with their leadership by demonstrating uber-loyalty. Take Vladimir Uyba, the head of Komi, who took to a stage in Luhansk Region in a uniform with a Z sewn on and sang a song for local children alongside musicians. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov bought merchandise with the letter Z and offered to open “Z-Radio;” Kemerovo Region head Sergei Tsivilev renamed the region KuZbass. The strategy they have chosen seems to be to avoid discussion of the SVO and to demonstrate that normal life continues. Russian regions are to sponsor the rebuilding of parts of Eastern Ukrainian cities and districts, a “federal burden” placed on the regions by the Kremlin.
The leaders of the most protest-prone cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Sergei Sobyanin and Alexander Beglov, are trying to distance themselves from the SVO. There have been almost no mass Z campaigns in either city. At the end of June, Beglov warned officials against antagonizing the liberal population of Saint Petersburg with SVO symbols. Notably, the Z emblem was practically absent at the Saint Petersburg Scarlet Sails celebration.
Approximately the same tactic was chosen by regional heads who were up for reelection in September 2022 (Pavel Malkov in Ryazan, Yevgeny Kuyvashev in Sverdlovsk, Alexander Brechalov in Udmurtia, Vladimir Mazur in Tomsk, Alexander Sokolov in Kirov, Artur Parfenchikov in Karelia).
Journalists from independent media outlet 7×7, having studied the social media accounts of regional heads, found that at least 11 governors chose not to actively speak out about the SVO. The same is true about the “partial mobilization”: bucking the general trend, 10 regional heads did not publicly declare their support for the SVO in the media, Telegram channels, VK pages, or even regional online communities. Technically, they headed up the mobilization commissions in their regions, but the press services provided comments on the mobilization for them.
Within society, mass frustration is right on the surface
Almost all Russian branches of international organizations and foundations have ceased their activities, many NGOs have closed or transferred some of their activities abroad, and a large number of leaders and activists of public organizations have emigrated. The NGOs that still operate try not to attract too much attention. With rare exceptions, it has become impossible to hold open public events (patriotically themed events are, of course, fine). Existing problems with financing and crowdfunding were seriously worsened by the poorly thought-out exit of foreign payment systems from Russia. The disappearance of Civil Forum, organized by Alexei Kudrin and the Committee for Civic Initiatives for almost 10 years, went almost unnoticed.
Almost all independent and opposition media have either closed or emigrated
The situation with media is essentially the same as with civil society: almost all independent and opposition media have either closed or emigrated and moved completely online. The emigration of media has drastically reduced their engagement with local issues, with the inevitable detachment from the local reality growing. Internet blocks, combined with the closure of information resources (for example, Echo of Moscow), have drastically reduced their audience. There is a feeling that the main audience of the media in exile is now not the average Russian, but the Russian-speaking population of Ukraine, the Baltic countries, Israel and elsewhere.
Overall, the departure from Russia helped opposition media to survive physically, but their presence in the Russian information space has dwindled. This is clear from the almost complete lack of resonance of their content at the regional and local levels.
The radicalization of content — in particular, overdone emphasis by the emigrant media on pro-Ukraine and anti-Russia positions — leaves almost entirely vacant the niche for independent media that can speak to ordinary citizens. The result is that in the information space, there is the dominant official discourse, the inevitably marginalized ultra-opposition and almost nothing between. Without talking to the average person in an understandable and respectful way, an alternative discourse in Russia cannot get off the ground, whether it is about the SVO or the situation in the country overall.
Written by Russia Post, Daria Dergacheva
Moldova refused to use language constructed by Soviet cultural policy
Parliament approved a law to change the name of the state language
Originally published on Global Voices
Made by GlobalVoices with OpenAI
On March 16, the Moldovan Parliament approved in the second reading a draft law proposed by the Action and Solidarity (PAS) faction to change the name of the state language in the constitution and all other laws from “Moldovan” to “Romanian,” writes NewsMaker. The initiative aims to align the legislation with the decision of the Constitutional Court made in 2013, which ruled that the Declaration of Independence of Moldova — which mentions the Romanian language — prevails over the text of the constitution, including in terms of the name of the state language.
As an article by Dr. Charles King discussed in the scientific journal the Slavic Review (1991), the Moldavian language was constructed during the early Soviet cultural policy, with a focus on the Moldovan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (MASSR), which existed from 1924 to 1940 on the Ukrainian–Romanian border and is now the modern Republic of Moldova.
Other proposed changes in the bill include replacing the name of the holiday “Limba noastră” [our language] with “Limba română” [Romanian language] and recognizing the phrase of Article 13 of the constitution “functioning on the basis of the Latin script” as obsolete. All changes will need to be made to the regulations within 30 days after the law's entry into force.
The bill was approved by 58 deputies, with members of the PAS faction celebrating the result with shouts of “Bravo.” “Congratulations. This vote is a bit late,” said Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament.
However, the Communist and Socialist factions opposed the bill, with deputies attending the meeting with posters such as “The Constitution of Moldova: Moldova, Moldovans, Moldovan” and “The people are sovereign. PAS is a tyrant.” The factions even proposed removing the bill from the agenda, but the proposal did not receive the required number of votes.
Written by Daria Dergacheva
Tanzania’s President Suluhu’s attendance at opposition's event signals the start of cordial relations
President Suluhu’s historic gesture comes as she’s marking two years of her presidency
Originally published on Global Voices
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of United Republic of Tanzania during a State Visit in 2021. Image credit: Paul Kagame. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
As the world marked International Women’s Day, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan set tongues wagging when she accepted an invitation to be the chief guest in an event organised by the opposition’s Party for Democracy and Progress (Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo or CHADEMA) women’s council, known as Baraza la Wanawake Chadema (BAWACHA).
Hosted in Moshi, a municipality and the capital of Kilimanjaro region in the northeastern part of the country, the event saw BAWACHA chairperson Sharifa Suleiman and leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, Freeman Mbowe welcome and share the podium with the president.
Addressing the congregation of more than 3,000 enthusiastic women from the opposition, President Suluhu stated that the event had opened a new chapter in the history of the country:
“Reaching out to the opposition while maintaining a cordial relationship with the CCM-led government was not an easy task, and was not something that hardliners in either CHADEMA or the ruling party CCM would readily accept.”
She added that a “new culture of unity” had been birthed between her CCM administration and the opposition, and even though some critics were not happy with this arrangement, “they would promptly get accustomed to it.”
Under her predecessor John Magufuli’s regime, Tanzania slid into autocracy. In his term in office, he dealt a serious blow to civic space by enacting repressive laws, most of which were introduced in the latter days of his predecessor – Jakaya Kikwete, to justify government censorship of civic and media spaces, as well as carry out arbitrary arrests. The opposition for instance was deprived of the right to assemble as stipulated under Article 20(1) of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania. Further, his regime persecuted and even incarcerated opposition lawmakers on trumped-up charges, and claims of being puppets of foreign powers.
President Suluhu’s historic gesture to attend the opposition’s event comes at a time she’s marking two years of her presidency, while her ruling party — Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) — clocks 46 years of existence. Since her ascension to power, she has steadily signalled a desire to move away from her predecessor’s retrogression path by implementing a series of reforms and fostering reconciliation. Immediately after taking office in 2021, Samia ordered the indefinite lifting of a ban on media houses. The media ban had been in place since 2015.
While giving her remarks at the opposition’s event, Suluhu narrated how obstacles had cropped up on both sides of the political divide, thus threatening the reconciliation process.
Citing an example of when she had to lift the ban on opposition political rallies, Suluhu revealed that this welcome effort by the opposition was vehemently opposed by some CCM ruling party inner circle. She added that despite the hardship faced in making headway, she was determined to establish a new country with a wider civic space.
Further, she argued that embracing dialogue as opposed to confrontation was vital for courteous debates. In an attempt to rebut naysayers, President Samia promised to revive the stalled constitutional review process, as the opposition has long demanded:
“No one is saying no to demands for the New Constitution. Even my party has prescribed that the constitution-writing process should be reinstituted. Thus, after speaking with other political parties, I'll in due time create a committee to carry out that task.”
In her closing remarks, President Suluhu called on political players to set aside their different political beliefs and help steer the country to modern economic prominence.
Under Suluhu’s presidency, the country has witnessed milestones in the democratic space in what some commentators have termed as “demagufulification of the politics of Tanzania.” Suluhu has gradually moved away from her predecessor’s autocratic style of governance by embracing a less aggressive style of leadership fostering newfound optimism with regard to a return to respecting the rule of law and improving multiparty democracy.
Her impressive four Rs philosophy i.e Reconciliation (Maridhiano), Resiliency (Ustahamilivu), Reforms (Mabadiliko), and Rebuilding (Kujenga Upya), has been an instrumental pillar in extending an olive branch to the opposition. For the first time in six years, political rallies by the opposition made a comeback in January 2023, exciting opposition politicians at Tanzanians at large.
Speaking earlier at the event, Freeman Mbowe, leader of the Party for Democracy and Progress (Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo or CHADEMA), Tanzania's main opposition party, showered President Suluhu with praise, and thanked her for upholding the deal they had reached on during their initial meeting at the State House in March 2022. The State House meeting had happened hours after prosecutors dropped charges against Mbowe and set him free. The CHADEMA leader had been incarcerated during the deceased President John Magufuli’s regime on terrorism allegations.
Mbowe reiterated that reconciliation cannot be between just two sides — CHADEMA and CCM — as there were other political parties, faith-based institutions, and civil society organisations, amongst others that were anticipating reconciliation.
Leaders of the women’s council, BAWACHA, on their part called on Suluhu to ensure a new constitutional dispensation is effected as the political gears shift towards the country’s quinquennial presidential general elections set for 2025.
The recent political goings-on in Tanzania exhibits Suluhu’s determination to unite Tanzanians, notwithstanding their political affiliations. This has made her continue to win the hearts of many Tanzanians.
In November 2022, the Tanzanian Parliament passed a Personal Data Protection Act after a protracted wait, a development that was much welcomed by stakeholders.
This development was followed by the announcement that she’d lifted a ban on political rallies imposed in 2016 by her hardliner predecessor Magufuli, prompting the return of exiled opposition figures.
In February 2023, the Tanzanian government backtracked on its stance on amending The Media Services Act, 2016, when it slotted the amendment bill in the parliament’s schedule. The bill which has since undergone its first reading, seeks to repeal various controversial clauses muzzling media freedom in the country.
Currently, Suluhu has embarked on a path to a series of reforms with a sharp focus on judiciary reforms and legal reforms and will be hosting U.S Vice President Kamala Harris later in March this year, in a meeting seen as a bid to repair frosty relations with the U.S., following sanctions that were imposed as a result of the erosion of civil liberties under the late president Magufuli.
Despite the steady headway, the herculean task that may perhaps dog Suluhu’s legacy is the constitutional reforms puzzle. Analysts have long attested that the present constitution has been key to cementing the ruling CCM party's grip on power, consequently perpetuating impunity under the one-party hegemonic regime.
Written by Bonface Witaba
Ahead of elections, Thai political parties commit to upholding digital rights
Representatives from three major political parties were joined by other local stakeholders
Originally published on Global Voices
Representatives from three major political parties attended the launch of the 4-Point Digital Rights Agenda. From left to right: Sarun (Pheu Thai Party), Woraphop Viriyaroj (Move Forward Party) and Thidarat Yingcharoen (Thai Sang Thai Party). Photo from EngageMedia, used with permission.
This article was originally published by EngageMedia, a non-profit media, technology, and culture organization, and an edited version is republished here as part of a content-sharing agreement with Global Voices.
Ahead of the upcoming general elections in Thailand, political parties committed to recognising and incorporating the protection of digital rights in their agenda, during the launch of a report by EngageMedia, Asia Centre, and Chiang Mai University’s School of Public Policy on February 24.
The report, entitled “4-point Digital Rights Agenda for Political Parties,” highlights key digital rights issues that merit immediate attention and action from political parties to commit to upholding digital rights in Thailand. Representatives from three political parties, 22 members of civil society organisations and non-government organisation networks, and four press agencies attended the conference.
EngageMedia's digital rights project officer for Thailand, Prapasiri Suttisom, presented the report’s salient points, emphasising the importance of upholding freedom of expression, promoting access to information, protecting privacy rights, and fighting online disinformation.
Following the presentation, Ruchapong Chamjirachaikul, advocacy officer at the Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), moderated a roundtable discussion to allow participants to exchange feedback and further recommendations from the report.
Response of political parties
Following the presentation of the report, the Pheu Thai Party (PTP) said it would incorporate the recommendations as part of the party’s human rights policies. PTP acknowledged there is a pattern in which the ruling government uses vaguely-worded laws to suppress fundamental freedoms and there is also a consensus among progressive parties to amend these draconian laws. Commenting on the issue of access to information, party representative Sarun said that most government agencies prefer to cling to their organisations’ by-laws rather than adjusting to the Electronic Administration Act (2022), which mandates the adoption of digital processes as part of the government’s digital policy.
For its part, the Move Forward Party (MFP) agreed with the report’s content and key recommendations, adding that the party has always prioritised the protection of human rights. According to party representative Woraphop Viriyaroj, MFP believes that power belongs to the people and that democratic governance would not work if accountability, and by extension, freedom of expression, could not be guaranteed. Speaking on the issue of privacy rights, Woraphop Viriyaroj vehemently condemned the use of taxpayers’ money on state-sponsored surveillance tools that target human rights defenders and vocal government critics.
Meanwhile, the Thai Sang Thai Party (TSTP) said the report’s recommendations were precise and inclusive, and align with the submissions made by CSOs as part of Thailand’s first Universal Periodic Review. Party representative Thidarat Yingcharoen said that the TSTP sides with the local democratic movement and considers digital rights as fundamental rights. On freedom of expression, Thidarat said that while the party has not internally discussed calling for the possible amendment to Articles 112 and 116 of the country’s Penal Code, TSTP agrees in principle that the law should not be used to criminalise freedom of expression. [This refers to the anti-royal insult law.]
To safeguard digital rights, the three parties agreed that a proper balance between government control and Big Tech business operations is needed to give social media users more freedom, instead of restricting their access to online content.
Prachatai journalist Sorawuth also raised concerns over the rights to access information. He called for a parliamentary mechanism to facilitate the digitisation of government data to make this critical information more publicly accessible. He also called out Big Tech companies like Google, which refuses to provide traffic data to human rights defenders for their court cases against state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.
The gathering of political parties, civil society organisations, and press agencies in one room to discuss digital rights showcased the power of collective action towards ensuring an inclusive and equitable digital landscape. Photo from EngageMedia, used with permission.
Multi-stakeholder approaches are critical
During the conference, participants stressed the need for collaboration and the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders to jointly ensure the protection and promotion of human and digital rights. Poomjit Sirawongprasert, the president of the Thai Hosting Service Providers Club, proposed cooperation among political factions in Thailand to establish a multi-stakeholder model that will facilitate digital and internet governance. She highlighted the example of the distinct governance model of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which incorporates decentralised control, bottom-up decision-making, inclusivity, and participation, with a particular emphasis on community input alongside that of powerful entities.
Thanisara Ruangdej, CEO of civic tech organisation WeVis, requested clarity from the parties’ representatives on the extent to which civil society is consulted when policies are conceived and planned. She noted that while there are difficulties in integrating human rights policies in election campaigns, these issues and policies should be discussed publicly during the period leading up to the election.
The conference ended with discussions and brief presentations from WeVis about their work on promoting transparency and raising public awareness of election issues through the “Promise Tracker,” followed by iLaw’s introduction of the Vote62 initiative, which aims to crowdsource election results as part of the election observation mechanism.
The connection between civic technology and civic empowerment has the potential to affect positive change and advance openness, responsibility, and engaged citizenship. Through collaboration with the government, digital rights advocates, and other stakeholders, technology can be used to support a more just and equitable society, where digital rights are upheld and everyone is given the chance to engage in civic life fully.
Thailand's general election is scheduled for May 14, 2023.
Written by EngageMedia
Massive Protests Erupt Across Israel After PM Netanyhau Fired His Defense Minister
CNN: Mass protests erupt in Israel after Netanyahu fires minister who opposed judicial overhaul
Jerusalem CNN — Massive crowds filled the streets of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv late Sunday night after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister over his opposition to a planned judicial overhaul.
Waving Israeli flags and chanting “democratia,” protestors could be seen blocking streets and bridges, including the Ayalon Highway. Protesters lit several fires on the main highway in Tel Aviv, their acrid, black smoke billowing into the sky, partly obscuring some of the city’s iconic skyscrapers.
Demonstrators also gathered beside the highway, burning scrap metal and wood with almost no police around.
Read more ....
Massive Protests Erupt Across Israel After PM Netanyhau Fired His Defense Minister
Firing his defense minister, Netanyahu lifts public anger at his rule to new heights -- Times of Israel
Mass protests erupt after Netanyahu fires defense chief -- AP
Israel's Netanyahu sacks defence minister after call to suspend judicial reforms -- France 24
Netanyahu sacks defence minister, sparking mass protests, article with video -- Reuters
Mass Israel protests after Netanyahu fires defence minister -- BBC
Israel: Netanyahu fires defense minister, protests ensue -- DW
Netanyahu fires defense minister, sparking mass protests in Israel -- Politico
Mass protests in Israel after Netanyahu fires defence minister -- Al Jazeera
US "Strongly Urges" Compromise As Massive Protests Erupt Across Israel After Anti-Judicial-Reform Minister Fired -- Zero Hedge
Swiss Finance Minister Says Credit Suisse Wouldn’t Have Lasted Another Day
Bloomberg: Credit Suisse Wouldn’t Have Lasted Another Day, Minister Says
The Swiss government was compelled to intervene to save Credit Suisse Group AG as the troubled bank wouldn’t have survived another day of trading amid a crisis of investor confidence, Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said.
“CS would not have survived Monday,” Keller-Sutter said in an interview with Zurich newspaper NZZ. “Without a solution, payment transactions with CS in Switzerland would have been significantly disrupted, possibly even collapsed.”
The impact of a disorderly bankruptcy may have been as much as double Swiss economic output, the minister said, citing expert estimates. More broadly, “we should have expected a global financial crisis” as “the crash of CS would have sent other banks into the abyss.”
Read more ....
Update: Credit Suisse accessed billions in liquidity last weekend - finance minister (Reuters)
WNU editor: Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter is confirming what all the doomsayers were saying last week. The global banking system was one day away from experiencing a complete meltdown.
Russia - Ukraine War: Military Summary And Analysis For 3.26.2023 (Video)
WNU Editor: A lot of updates on the Russia - Ukraine war from the Military Summary channel (see above). Alexander Mercouris gives his updates on the war below. Bottom line. There is fighting along most of the front-lines.
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