OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE is where independent minds meet to dissect politics, society, power, and global affairs without fear or filters. This is not mainstream media.
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The White House proposal that included over $60 billion in funding for Kiev failed to pass in the Senate on Wednesday, falling short of the 60 votes necessary to proceed. The final vote was 49 in favor and 51 against, with Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who normally votes with the Democrats, joining the Republican opposition. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, also voted “no” so he could bring the bill up again at a later date, according to The Hill. The White House originally requested $105 billion in emergency supplemental “national security” funding in October, choosing to bundle the aid to Ukraine…
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In a worst-case scenario, the world would be plunged into a recession and lose $1 trillion in GDP The global economy would fall into recession with oil prices skyrocketing if Iran were to get involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Bloomberg reported this week. According to Bloomberg Economics, analysts are viewing the impact on global growth and inflation under three potential scenarios: with hostilities largely confined to Israel and the Palestinian territories; with the conflict spreading to Lebanon and Syria; and with a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. While all the three scenarios are likely to cause a surge in…
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Moody’s has placed the country’s credit score on review amid the escalation of hostilities in Gaza International ratings agency Moody’s on Thursday placed Israel’s A1 credit rating on review for a possible downgrade, according to a statement published on the agency’s website. The potential further escalation of hostilities between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Palestinian militant group Hamas was cited as the cause for review. “Israel’s credit profile has proven resilient to terrorist attacks and military conflict in the past. However, the severity of the current military conflict raises the possibility of longer lasting and material credit impact,”…
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The government has raised nearly $8 billion in liabilities since October 7, according to the Finance Ministry Israel has raised about 30 billion shekels ($7.8 billion) in debt since the start of the conflict with Palestinian militant group Hamas, the country’s Finance Ministry revealed on Monday. According to the ministry, $4.1 billion of that amount was dollar-denominated debt raised in issuances in international markets. On Monday, the ministry reportedly raised another $957 million in the local market in its weekly bond auction. Officials claimed that the government can now “fully and optimally finance all its needs.” The Israeli government has significantly…
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The conflict with Hamas will negatively affect GDP in 2023 and 2024, according to the rating agency Israel’s economy will contract 5% in the fourth quarter of this year amid rising geopolitical and security risks due to the conflict with Palestinian military group Hamas, credit rating agency S&P said in a report this week. The rating agency cited lower business activity, falling consumer demand, and a “very uncertain” investment environment. S&P projects an Israeli fiscal deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2023 and 2024, compared with the agency’s pre-war estimate of 2.3%. The Israeli government has significantly increased expenses to fund the…
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A new study detected a sharp uptick in trading activity on Tel Aviv and US stock exchanges before October 7 Some traders may have been informed about the Hamas plan to attack Israel on October 7 and used that knowledge to make millions of dollars by short-selling Israeli securities, a study by US researchers published on Monday suggests. Law professors Robert Jackson Jr. from New York University and Joshua Mitts of Columbia University examined trading in exchange-traded funds that invest in Israeli companies, as well as short-selling activity on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) and options activity around Israeli firms traded…
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The army mission had targeted rebels but instead killed Muslims as they gathered for a religious celebration on Sunday At least 85 people were killed in an alleged military drone strike in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna state over the weekend, according to local authorities. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a probe into the incident. The bombing on Sunday night was intended to target insurgents in Tundun Biri in the Igabi area, but it “mistakenly killed” dozens of civilians and injured “many others,” Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani told the media on Monday. The victims were Muslims who had gathered to celebrate the…
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All the conflict in Gaza is achieving is civilian misery, and the US can stop it at any time After a seven-day lull in the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, the resumption of hostilities has been given another green light from Washington. Having failed to lead its Israeli allies towards military victory, the US is permitting a dangerous escalation and rejects a peaceful solution that will prevent further civilian suffering. Just minutes after the departure of US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, from Palestine/Israel, the war in Gaza resumed, with a large aerial onslaught on…
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Washington wants West Jerusalem to hold “extremist settlers” accountable for attacks against Palestinians, the State Department has said The US has introduced visa restrictions for those involved in the oppression of Palestinians in the West Bank, the US State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. Washington advised Israel to “do more” to protect Palestinians in the area and to punish anyone involved in violent attacks against civilians or undue restriction of their access to basic amenities, it added. While the previous US administration of Donald Trump took a more lenient position on the issue, the State Department under President Joe Biden…
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The progressive senator condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “violating international law” US Senator Bernie Sanders has urged his Democratic colleagues to pull more than $10 billion in military aid to Israel from an upcoming spending bill, arguing that the money would make Washington complicit in Israel’s “immoral” war in Gaza. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Monday that he would put a $106 billion spending bill to a vote on Wednesday. Requested by President Joe Biden, the bill includes $10.1 billion in direct military aid to Israel, more than $61 billion for Ukraine, and $13.6 for border protection at…
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Chief (Hon) Dr. Chris Chigoziri Asoluka stands as an influential figure whose profound impact reverberates across Nigeria’s political landscape and consultancy domains. He is the chairman of NIPAL consulting network. His journey is an amalgamation of academic brilliance, extensive professional expertise, and transformative contributions to governance and policy formulation. In this episode of The discourse with doctor Ken, he discusses the nexus between leadership and prosperity. Educational Background: – Graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1979 with a degree in Political Science, followed by further academic pursuits: – Master’s degree from the University of Lagos in 1989 …
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Ihiagwa ófó asato, nestled in Imo State, Nigeria, is a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage. Home to approximately ten thousand inhabitants, the town pulsates with a rich blend of Igbo ethnic traditions and modern dynamics. Comprising eight lively villages, Umuelem, Umuchima, Mboke, Nkaramochie, Iriamogu, Aku/Umuokwo, Ibuzo, and Umuezeawula, Ihiagwa exudes a sense of unity while embracing its diversity. These villages form two autonomous communities, each led by an Eze, the traditional head, fostering a sense of cohesion and administration. Historically, Ihiagwa maintains the role of “Aguzieafors,” entrusted with maintaining the calendar for neighboring communities and marking important cultural events like…
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Earlier this week, news broke that Aliko Dangote was moving 60% of his family investment to the US.Two days after, we saw him in Tanzania promising to increase his investment in the country because he wants to support the new president, whose business decisions have been investment friendly. I am happy for him. He has sense.But as a businessman, I am not sure Dangote is a model.Don’t take my word for it. Let the data speak:In October 2016, Dansa, Dangote’s fruit juice company packed up because it wasn’t making profit.It closed shop, owing its workers 6 months salary. He also…
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Igbo Billionaires, Traders In Lagos Begin Relocation To S’East, Show Off Big Market They’re Building Igbo businessmen in Balogun and Alaba market have begun the process of relocating their businesses to the South-East amid the alleged tribal feud between them and the Yorubas. This also comes in the backdrop of the allegations that the Lagos State government is targeting and demolishing properties belonging to them. A video shows a site acquired by the businessmen for their proposed market called, ‘Akulueuno’. One of the businessmen who spoke in the video said as depicted, construction has begun on the market site in…
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The creative and cultural sectors in Nigeria are estimated to be missing out on a staggering $13.2 billion annually, a substantial sum that could significantly contribute to the country’s revenue. According to the 2021 World Economic Forum report, these sectors collectively generate around $3,500 billion in revenue, accounting for approximately 4.8% of the global GDP, showing an increase from the 3% recorded in 2019. Chief Kingsley Okafor, the National President of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers in Nigeria (APCAD), emphasized these figures during a presentation in Abuja at the 10th anniversary of the Great Ekenhuan Alumni Association.…
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The IDF will only prevail in urban warfare against Hamas if it protects civilians in Gaza, Lloyd Austin says Mourners recite a prayer over the bodies of victims killed Israeli bombing in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. © AFP / Mahmud Hams Israel’s victory over Hamas will become a “strategic defeat” if the country doesn’t prevent civilian casualties during its military operation in Gaza, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said. Washington “will continue to press Israel to protect civilians and to ensure the robust flow of humanitarian aid” into Gaza, Austin vowed on Saturday, in a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum…
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My father wanted me to study Law in the university because he knew I would scale the cutoff mark in the UTME. I refused and chose to study English instead. As it turned out, I scored 302 in the UTME of 2019, placing me at the top of candidates seeking admission into the English department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, my first choice. Today, I feel I did the right thing by disobeying my father. So many judgements coming out from Nigerian courts in recent years have made me congratulate myself on choosing to avoid a cult of liars…
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A Declassified U.S document of July 1969 described the Igbos as the wandering Jews of West Africa – … gifted, aggressive, westernized; at best envied and resented, but mostly despised by the mass of their neighbors in the Federation. The document which described Leader of Biafra, Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu as as “erstwhile playboy,” said the Igbos “have fought well (by African standards) against heavy odds; their cy:nical public relations use of the starvation has been brilliant.” The document further revealed that then Senator John Kennedy had proposed a Biafra State akin to the State of Israel that was created in…
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The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) is making bold to say that going by historical facts and realities on the ground as well as available local and international codified safeguards in various human rights and humanitarian enactments; it is an act of impossibility for the Igbo People living in Lagos or Abuja to be forced out and forcefully relocated back to the South-East. As a matter of fact “asking the Igbo People to leave Lagos (Eko) through threats of violence against persons and properties is like asking the Yoruba People to return Lagos to Ancient…
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Introduction – by Sir Anthony Seldon 10 Downing Street, the locale of British prime ministers since 1735, vies with the White House as being the most important political building anywhere in the world in the modern era. Behind its black door have been taken the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years. In the 20th century alone, the First and Second World Wars were directed from within it, as were the key decisions about the end of the empire, the building of the British nuclear bomb, the handling of economic crises from the Great Depression in 1929…
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December 10, 2017 Benin people ‘owned’ Lagos, Aworis paid royalties to them —Erelu Abiola Dosunmu Her Royal Highness, Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, in this interview, shares her perspective on the controversy over the ‘ownership’ of Lagos and declares that the former federal capital was an extension of Benin Kingdom. She explains that there are no ambiguities regarding the ancestry of the aborigines of Lagos, saying they are predominantly Benin. Abiola Dosumu maintains that the Awori ,after settling in Lagos, paid royalties to Benin people. Excerpts: Are you not concerned about the controversy over the true aborigines of…
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The wife of the head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defence Kyrylo Budanov, Marianna Budanova, was poisoned along with several other GUR employees, said Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence directorate. Her poisoning is likely the latest event in the deepening power struggle in the Kiev regime. According to Ukrainian media outlets, Budanova was hospitalised after being poisoned with heavy metals, most likely via food, and is now being treated. RBC Ukraine noted that it is unknown whether this was a “one-time poisoning” or “they poisoned her in portions for some time.” “During the tests,…
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Might vs. Right, and the Insanity of Western Power Often misattributed to Albert Einstein, the famous adage that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” has rarely been more apt than in the case of the traditionally biased Western governments’ position vis-à-vis the Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Remarkably unanimous as far as the substance of the problem is concerned – even though occasionally divergent on paltry details of pure form – these governments, as well as their powerful relays among the elites and mainstream media, have invariably supported and defended loud and clear the…
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Pyongyang says it’ll retaliate and target American spacecraft if Washington interferes with North Korea’s new spy satellite Pyongyang will view any interference with its recently-launched satellite as a declaration of war and will respond accordingly, a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defence warned on Saturday. The statement followed a comment by the US Space Forces Public Affairs Officer Sheryll Klinkel when answering a question from Radio Free Asia about Washington’s ability to counter North Korea’s first spy satellite. “Joint Force space operations could deny an adversary’s space and counterspace capabilities and services using a variety of reversible and irreversible…
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The pontiff also told the COP28 summit that ‘the destruction of the environment is an offense against God’ The Pope has called on world leaders to divert money being used to support conflicts across the globe into a fund to help eliminate world hunger, and also sounded the alarm about the impact of climate change, in an address to the COP28 summit in Dubai. Pope Francis’ comments, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, cast a dire long-term outlook on the effects of climate change. In the wide-ranging statement, he called for an end to the fossil-fuel industry and for debt forgiveness…
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“We demand all the world’s forces to end the occupation of our land and our Al-Quds. We are ready to pay the price for freedom and will not accept anything less than our independence. We had information that the aggression would return to Gaza after the civilian prisoner exchange operation. There will be no prisoner exchange as long as the aggression continues on Gaza. We are in a battle of liberation, and the occupier must leave our land. We have proposed the handover of the elderly over 60 years in exchange for the release of our prisoners over 60. Efforts…
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Nigeria’s steady plunge into a labyrinth of socio-political and economic upheavals has been profoundly disorienting. It’s a landscape of confusion, where the unfolding narrative leaves minds reeling. We find ourselves at a precipice, a nation teetering on the brink, where paranoia and an array of psychosomatic disorders have transmuted many Nigerians into a volatile powder keg, waiting for the faintest spark to ignite. Let’s map the trail of events: politicians, guardians of power, maintained an eerie silence, their inaction a testament to a system seemingly content in its stagnation. The masses, disenchanted and disheartened, frowned upon this, calling it a…
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The veteran US diplomat, who died on Wednesday, had been added to the ‘Peacemaker’ database for allegedly spreading anti-Kiev narratives Ukraine’s ‘Peacemaker’ database, which features supposed enemies of the state, has marked US veteran diplomat Henry Kissinger as ‘deceased.’ The former US secretary of state, who passed away on Wednesday, was added to the list in May 2022 for his alleged participation in “Russia’s information special operation against Ukraine.” The online resource, created back in 2014, describes itself as a “non-government Center for Research of Elements of Crimes against the National Security of Ukraine, Peace, Humanity, and International Law.” Over the years, it…
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An annual report on extremism in the American military has revealed a rise in suspected cases Extremism in the ranks remains a troubling trend for the US military, as evidenced by the fact that 78 service members were suspected of being advocates for the overthrow of their own government, an annual Pentagon report has revealed. The report, released this week, also showed that 44 service members were suspected of supporting or engaging in terrorism in the past year. Overall, the 183 allegations of extremism across all branches of America’s military marked a 25% increase from the previous year’s level. In addition…
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All of Ukraine is becoming dependent on the “mood” of a single person, Vitaly Klitschko says Ukraine’s municipal authorities now remain the only independent force in the country, which has grown increasingly authoritarian amid the conflict with Russia, the Mayor of Kiev Vitaly Klitschko has said. Klitschko shared his assessment of the state of ‘democracy’ in Ukraine in an interview with German daily Der Spiegel, published on Friday. The country’s governing institutes have greatly deteriorated amid the hostilities, with local municipal authorities effectively remaining the only independent force standing, he asserted. “Ukraine is on the path to authoritarianism,” the mayor said. “There…
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Israel and its Western backers should focus on a two-state solution instead, the Turkish president said Israel’s goal to destroy Hamas or expel the Palestinian militants from Gaza is unattainable, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, as the fighting in the Middle East has resumed following a brief truce. “The Western countries that support Israel, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, always bring up the question ‘What are we going to do about the threat of Hamas?’ instead of looking at the two-state [solution],” Erdogan told reporters on a flight from Dubai, where he attended a climate…
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A former bank chairman has figured out the art of never running out of money to waste. Other people’s money. Thomas Akoh Etuh is a very rich man. He is the Chairman at Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc and Founder of the TAK group of companies, a multibillion naira conglomerate spanning Agriculture, Logistics, Asset Management, Aviation and Mining. His portfolio includes TAK Continental Limited, TAK Asset Management, TAK Agro, TAK Aviation, Thomasses and Associates Limited (UK) and Cape Cross Salt (PTY) of Namibia). Like many Nigerians of such considerable means, he made the jump from bank customer to bank insider, becoming…
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The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), one of Nigeria’s most prominent pro-democracy NGOs, invited me to make a virtual presentation from my base in Atlanta to a national seminar it organized last Thursday on “targeted judicial reforms and enhanced judicial integrity in post-election litigation.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it, but here are the thoughts I would have shared on the topic. It’s oddly ironic that the judiciary, which should be the bulwark of democracy, has become such a dreadful terror to democracy that people are seeking to protect democracy from it. The courts have become the graveyards of electoral…
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The Israeli government has plans to continue the Mossad’s decades-long international assassination operations targeting Palestinian resistance leaders The Mossad is preparing to assassinate Hamas leaders around the world once the war between Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza and Israel winds down, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on 1 December. “With orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s top spy agencies are working on plans to hunt down Hamas leaders living in Lebanon, Turkiye, and Qatar,” the report reads. “I have instructed the Mossad to act against the heads of Hamas wherever they are,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a nationwide address on 22…
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For a while now, the South East has been in terrible shape. The area that was the safest and most tranquil in the nation around two years ago is now plagued with insecurity. A large portion of the blame can be attributed to the void left by the almost total absence of patriotic and selfless political leadership. Their political leaders haven’t done enough to stand up for the people of the Southeast; instead, they have taken advantage of them to establish themselves. That’s how the zone descended into anarchic and violent youth unrest that eventually took the form of what…
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Late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a seasoned statesman and nationalist who served as a former Minister of Aviation in the First Republic, recently provided insights in an interview. He shared thoughts on the nation’s prevalent violence, the visit of Igbo leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari concerning the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the perceived marginalization of the South-East, growing unrest, and the aspiration for an Igbo president, among other critical issues. TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI presents the excerpts: During a recent visit, you led Igbo leaders to meet President Buhari. Could you elaborate on the visit’s…
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Introduction Nigeria’s diaspora community constitutes a substantial demographic of citizens residing abroad, each maintaining deep ties to their homeland. With an estimated population exceeding 27 million, Nigerians abroad wield substantial influence in the socio-political and economic landscape of their country. However, their participation in Nigeria’s electoral process remains constrained due to the absence of adequate technology and mechanisms for diaspora voting. This essay advocates for the critical need for Nigeria to develop capacity for diaspora voting, thereby harnessing the invaluable perspectives and contributions of its citizens residing outside its borders. Recognition of Diaspora Contribution: The diaspora community represents a pivotal…
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The Federal Government has expressed its condolences on the passing of Ambassador Denis Iyortom Ukume, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire from 1981 to 1984. Describing him as a “distinguished Nigerian diplomat and a strong proponent of Nigeria’s global outreach in the Second Republic,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, paid tribute to the late Ambassador’s significant contributions. In a condolence message to the Ukume family, Akume highlighted Ambassador Ukume’s unique experience during his diplomatic tenure in Côte d’Ivoire. He recalled the ambassador’s pivotal role in facilitating the return of former Biafran leader, Odumegwu…
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Twelve years after the death of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, his wife, Bianca has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for the honour done the deceased. Bianca made her feelings known in a statement to mark the 12 posthumous celebration of Ojukwu and made available to newsmen on Monday in Awka. Mrs. Ojukwu said what the federal government under Jonathan did was memorable to Ojukwu, saying the honour to Ojukwu at his twilight and death was for both the family and entire Igbo people. According to her, “this year’s Ojukwu Memorial Day 2023, is a tribute edition. As…
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Dear Concerned Citizens, I write to you today with an urgent message that touches upon our health and well-being, particularly concerning reused bottles and containers found in hospitals and their potential risks to unsuspecting consumers. It has come to our attention that empty bottles of water and cans used by patients in hospitals are sometimes repackaged and sold by cleaners who collect them during their cleaning routines. Shockingly, these containers may have been used by patients who suffer from various illnesses, leading to serious health risks if not handled and reused cautiously. In some unfortunate cases, these containers have been…
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For years, I have harbored a simmering rage, an anger that refuses to dissipate whenever thoughts of my home state, Imo State, flood my consciousness. It’s a visceral emotion, born out of frustration and helplessness in witnessing the tragic turn that has befallen the Eastern Heartland, my beloved state. I restrained myself from putting pen to paper, adhering to the golden rule of communication – refrain from speaking when consumed by anger. But the weight of indignation had two distinct roots that fueled this seething fury within me. Firstly, my ire is directed towards the Northern Islamic Oligarchy and their…
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The rise and fall of Warri, once a thriving industrial hub, stands as a poignant testament to the catastrophic consequences of internal discord on a city’s prosperity. In its heyday spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s, Warri boasted a bustling landscape of industrial giants like the Warri Refinery, NNPC, DSC, Delta Glass, Shell, Chevron, Schlumberger, Dunlop, Agip, Saipem, Halliburton, while Escravos and Forcados were operating at their zenith. The city exuded a vibrant atmosphere, teeming with economic activities that fueled its growth and allure. Multinational and local banks dotted the cityscape, catering to a flourishing business ecosystem. Warri’s port…
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Fighting can’t go on for months, Secretary of State Blinken has reportedly said Israel lacks “credit” to keep the fight against Hamas going for months and needs to change its tactics in the south of Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a war cabinet meeting on Thursday, according to Israel’s Channel 12. Blinken was in Jerusalem for meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet overseeing the war on the Palestinian militant group. Some of the quotes from the meeting somehow made their way to Channel 12, Israel’s most popular commercial TV station, which aired them on…
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Interview with Dr. Ahmad Alderzi “Israel has failed to eradicate Hamas, and empty Gaza of Palestinians” The events in Gaza and Israel have captured the world’s attention. With so many factors and moving parts to the situation, it is necessary to take a step back and look at the whole scene. Dr. Ahmad Alderzi, the noted microbiologist and activist, has been interviewed by Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse, and his sweeping assessment is enlightening and thought provoking. Steven Sahiounie (SS): Many people have wondered if Hezbollah will open a war front against Israel in response to the situation in Gaza since October…
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First published on October 15, 2023 According to the official version, the Hamas attack “caught Israel by surprise”. However, a series of inexplicable facts do not make the official version credible. How is it possible that the Gaza barrier was breached with bulldozers without anyone noticing? The 64-kilometre barrier surrounding Gaza is made of an underground wall equipped with sensors to prevent tunnelling, and a 6-metre high fence with sensors, radars, cameras and automatic weapons systems connected to a command, and is manned by soldiers. How is it possible that on that very day, a music festival was taking place involving thousands…
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I emphasize that the recent advancement for Igbos doesn’t merely stem from the internet’s arrival; it’s the social media element empowering independent thinkers to challenge historical inaccuracies. Through social media, scholars are debunking false narratives perpetuated by the Yoruba press, often biased against Igbos, rewriting Nigeria’s history to favor themselves. The skewed narrative wrongly attributes post-independence successes to Awolowo and blames Azikiwe, Ojukwu, and the Igbos for Nigeria’s problems. However, the truth is slowly surfacing, gradually vindicating the Igbo people. This masterpiece by Professor Tekena Tamuno, a historian and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, provides valuable insight. It’s…
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Berlin is abandoning its own national interests in order to satisfy the whims of its “allies,” the Russian president has said Germany is being bossed by its Western partners because it lacks sovereignty, and its policymakers demonstrate poor leadership skills, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a meeting with young Russian scientists on Wednesday. Putin weighed on the EU’s push to wean itself off Russian energy following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that by implementing the measure, Germany was only hurting itself. The president noted that either European countries are turning their backs on cheap energy on their own…
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No fewer than 400 consultant anaesthetists left the shores of Nigeria for greener pastures in the last two years, says the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists. President of the society Dr Olubusola Alagbe-Briggs, disclosed this in Gombe on Wednesday during the society’s 31st annual scientific conference. Alagbe-Briggs said that the immigrant anaesthetists left Nigeria in search of a better practice environment. She said anaesthetists were the most sought-after specialists in foreign lands because of the peculiarity of their services. “There is a global shortage of anaesthetists because of the nature of the job which is intensive, acute and focused. “We had…
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The Labour Party (LP) has raised alarm that the Supreme Court has, till date, failed to deliver judgment in the appeal filed by the Party and its candidate in the Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi, and has also refused to avail it of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment. This was disclosed in a press release by Labour Party signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Tuesday. According to Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim, all the apex court did was “read the judgment in Appeal No. SC/CV/935/2023 filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). After that, the Presiding Justice, His…
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A part of the activities of the University Professors is serving as external examiners to universities other than theirs. The appointment of external examiners is a worldwide practice for quality control. Professors can be external examiners for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. While the external examiner for a postgraduate program can be for a day if it involves just a student, appointment as an external examiner for an undergraduate program lasts for a whole academic year. The external examiner is required to moderate the question papers and marking schemes of all the final-year examinations for the first and second semesters of…
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The aspirations for a prosperous Nigeria often face hindrances deeply embedded within our societal fabric. Addressing these entrenched vices is pivotal for our nation’s development. Religious Fervor Beyond National Growth: Nigerians exhibit an ardent dedication to religious faiths, prioritizing the afterlife over the enhancement of our nation. Unfortunately, many fail to embody the teachings of their religions in their daily lives, leading to a disconnect between faith and practice. Ethnic and Traditional Attachments: The strong allegiance to ethnic groups and traditional rulers hinders national unity. The words of Samora Machel resonate – to foster growth, the triumph of the tribe…
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The Igbo people have a fascinating history that spans thousands of years, passed down through stories and traditions from our ancestors. Archaeologists have found evidence of our presence in the region dating back to around 2500 BCE. Our ancestors built vibrant communities and practiced unique customs and traditions. Long ago, the Igbo people organized themselves into village communities, each with its own system of governance. Elders and leaders, known as “Ofo” or “Nze,” played important roles in decision-making. These village communities thrived and cherished our rich cultural heritage. Our history is deeply rooted in oral tradition. Our elders passed down…
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The history of the Igbo people can be traced back thousands of years, but much of it relies on oral tradition. Archaeological evidence suggests their presence in the region dating back to at least 2500 BCE. The transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and post-colonial Nigeria have also significantly shaped their history. The history of the Igbo people is intricate and multifaceted. Their origins are believed to trace back to the Nri Kingdom, which is considered one of the oldest kingdoms in Nigeria. This kingdom was known for its political and religious influence among the Igbo people and neighboring regions. The Igbo…
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• The south-west zone of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) said occupants of houses marked for demolition at the Festac Phase II area of Lagos state violated rules • The agency disclosed a plan to pull down 677 houses, while 744 others will be partially demolished over infringement Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, took significant steps in resolving the Abule-Ado buildings’ demolition issue in Lagos. His proactive efforts led to a pivotal meeting on November 28th, 2023, at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) headquarters in Abuja. At this session, he engaged in constructive discussions with Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the…
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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party and the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has described Africa as the right continent for trade and investment. Obi made this remark yesterday while speaking at the opening of the two-day Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London that started yesterday. His address focused on the vast opportunities within Africa and outlined strategies for sustainable development and inclusive growth across the continent. In his opening remarks, Mr. Obi who expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for organizing the event, highlighted Africa’s potential, and underscored the continent’s rich…
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Retired Justice Samson Uwaifo’s poignant words captured the dire repercussions of corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary. It’s a system marred by inefficiency and malpractice, a situation highlighted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The shocking revelation that 52 government ministries, departments, and agencies declined to engage with the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) paints a worrying picture of systemic corruption risks, even within esteemed institutions like the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The gravity of the issue becomes starker when considering the staggering sums exchanged as bribes in the judicial sector, as disclosed by…
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Last year, Nigeria’s most successful businessman and richest person alive in the country, Aliko Dangote, had a meeting with his selected strategists. The purpose of the meeting was simple. To decide among the three presidential candidates, Aliko Danogte would support The three candidates were Peter Obi Atiku Abubakar Bola Ahmed Tinubu The candidate’s profile, merit, and demerit were analysed by the gentlemen seated in that room. At the end of the meeting, the consensus was that Atiku Abubakar was a better option to back, and the reasons were not far-fetched. Aside from the special chummy relationship between the businessman and…
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I have been inundated with videos and writings by a cross-section of Ndi Igbo calling on our businessmen to move their businesses to Igboland. I have seen a video claiming Ladipo traders are moving spare parts business to the east. I have watched angry Igbo abuse Lagos State Government for demolishing properties owned by Igbo people as a sort of political vendetta. I have read, watched, and heard all sorts of allegations of marginalisation of Igbo people by the contraption we call Nigeria. I have read people praise MNK for “opening Igbo eyes” to the discrimination we face in Nigeria.…
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The falcon no longer hears the falconer. A commercial flight landed in Asaba on Sunday but its cabin crew welcomed passengers to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. A certified true copy of an Appeal Court judgment last week gave victory to both the respondents and the appellants. Nigeria of today is the textbook definition of confusion. I seek to describe what the Court of Appeal did with the Kano governorship case as judicial adultery. I also seek to call it an adulteration of justice. I write with the help of my dictionary which has pointed it out to me that ‘adulterate’…
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There is a growing body of compelling evidence showing that Russia and Ukraine were involved in serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine right after it started on 24 February 2022 (see below). These talks were facilitated by Turkish President Recep Erdogan and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and featured detailed and candid discussions on the terms of a possible settlement. By all accounts, these negotiations, which took place in March-April 2022, were making real progress when Britain and the US told Ukrainian President Zelensky to abandon them, which he did. Coverage of these events has focused on how foolish and irresponsible it was for…
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Subsidies, globally, are an integral part of good governance. However, in Nigeria, they predominantly serve the wealthy, by the wealthy, and for the wealthy. Highlighted here are several instances of manipulation, showcasing how substantial sums of money could be recovered not just to subsidize fuel but also to foster national development. 1. Diversion of N40 billion from Federation Account Continental Transfert Technique, engaged by the Ministry of Interior, unlawfully collects the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) Fee, amounting to an average of N40 billion annually. Despite court orders directing remittance to the Federation Account, the contractor and…
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In the annals of Ghana’s judiciary, Samuel Azu Crabbe’s name resonates profoundly. As Chief Justice of Ghana from 1973 to 1977, he stood resolute, unwavering in the face of potential intimidation by Jerry Rawlings and Kojo Tsikata, steadfastly delivering justice even amid tumultuous times. Azu Crabbe, whose name finds its roots in Igbo, signifying “back” or “fish,” chaired the Special Investigation Board (SIB) tasked with unraveling the tragic murder of three distinguished Ghanaian judges—Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Frederick Poku Sarkodee, Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong—and retired Army major, Sam Acquah. These eminent figures, targeted and ruthlessly slain on June 30, 1982, had previously issued…
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The militant group has released 24 people, both Israelis and foreign nationals, in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners Israeli citizens handed over by Hamas on Friday appear to be in good health, local medics have reported. The Palestinian militant group also released ten Thai nationals and one Filipino, while Israel let 39 Palestinian prisoners go. The swap was part of a deal reached earlier this week, under which 50 Israeli women and children were due to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian inmates. The Israeli military has also temporarily halted its operation against militants in Gaza, with the truce expected to…
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The characterization of government and politics as a criminal enterprise in Nigeria has sparked significant concern and scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Nigeria, a nation brimming with resources and promise, has grappled persistently with systemic corruption, fund mismanagement, and political maneuvers that often mirror organized crime. Instances of embezzlement, bribery, and nepotism have infested Nigerian politics, stalling national progress and eroding public trust. The diversion of public funds into private pockets, frequently facilitated by those in power, has perpetuated an endless cycle of economic stagnation and inequality. This misuse of resources has led to the neglect of critical sectors like…
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Hamas freed two dozen hostages, Israel released 39 imprisoned Palestinians, and more than 130 aid trucks reached Gaza over the first day of a tense, temporary truce after seven weeks of war. Hamas freed two dozen hostages held in Gaza and Israel released nearly 40 imprisoned Palestinians on Friday, completing the first exchange in a tense, temporary truce that halted the fighting after seven weeks of war. The cease-fire, reached after weeks of painstaking negotiation with the help of Egypt, Qatar and the United States, had held for a few hours before word emerged that anyone had been released. Then…
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“What was all this area before the First World War? Palestine was the area between the Mediterranean and the Iraia n border… East and West Bank was Palestine; I am a Palestinian,” Meir said. She also admitted that she obtained a Palestinian passport under the British Mandate, which was created in 1923 to facilitate the mass Jewish immigration to Palestine. The Mandate was established six years after the Balfour Declaration was issued
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British spy agencies worked with the CIA to turn televisions and smart phones into bugging devices that can record conversations and even take photographs, according to leaked intelligence documents. The CIA is accused of running a secret computer hacking programme giving its agents access to everyday items including mobile phones, TVs and iPads. The CIA is also alleged to be targeting cars that contain onboard computers linked to the internet, amid unsubstantiated allegations that once in control of vehicles it could stage assassinations and make them look like accidents. The catastrophic leak of data was obtained by WikiLeaks and published,…
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Either the Resistance Axis and the Global South decolonize the Middle East, or “Israel” and the US will continue occupying the region, choking off the New Silk Road, plundering Syria’s oil, and keeping Russian, Iranian, and Arab gas cut off from the world market. Two weeks before Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, Netanyahu went to the United Nations General Assembly, held up a map, and declared his plan for a “New Middle East”: an economic corridor, stretching from India to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, “Israel”, and finally to Europe. This is one of the main geopolitical reasons…
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Miko Peled whose father served as a general in Arab-Israeli War of 1967 speaks for the rights of Palestinians and says condemning Palestinians under oppression for resisting is the height of hypocrisy. Israeli activist and writer Miko Peled, the grandson of a signatory to the Israeli state’s 1948 Declaration of Independence, criticises Tel Aviv’s policies towards Palestine, asserts that they cannot defeat the Palestinians. The author, whose father served as a general in the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, spoke to Anadolu about his journey as an activist advocating for the rights of Palestinians, and evaluated the current conflict that started on…
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The four-day truce is proof of Israel’s failure to crush Hamas and release hostages by sheer military force, say experts. At the very beginning of the Israeli assault on Gaza, Israel’s hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military leaders had asserted that a military invasion of Gaza was the only way to crush the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in the Mediterranean enclave. They sounded confident of achieving their goal swiftly. But despite a 47-day bombing campaign — which many have equated with America’s atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during WWII — and a ground invasion by tens of thousands of…
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Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed worry over the current state of affairs within the judiciary system in Nigeria. NEF’s view comes amidst the controversy surrounding the Court of Appeal ruling on the Kano State governorship election. According to NEF, the error in the CTC of the court ruling may validate the concerns raised by retired Supreme Court Justice, Dattijo Mohammed, about corruption in the judiciary. In a statement released through its Convener, Ango Abdullahi, NEF stressed the need for the judiciary to be cautious in its actions to prevent the erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence. He…
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A spokesman for the Ministry of Health in Gaza: We call on all sides to take full advantage of the truce for the flow of medical aid, fuel, medical delegations, and the exit of the wounded. Islamic Resistance in Iraq said that In response to the crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza, its fighters targeted the US occupation base in the Al-Omar oil field in Syria. Al Mayadeen’s correspondent to Gaza reports Israeli warplanes launch a series of raids on the area east of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Spokesman for the Ministry of Health in…
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History is repeating itself – and every politician and establishment journalist is pretending they cannot see what is staring them in the face. There is a collective and wilful refusal to join the dots in Gaza, even when they point in one direction only. There has been a consistent pattern to Israel’s behaviour since its creation 75 years ago – just as there has been a consistent pattern to the “see no evil, hear no evil” response of western powers. In 1948, in events the Palestinians call their “Nakba”, or Catastrophe, 80 percent of Palestinians were ethnically cleansed from their…
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Israel is intentionally assassinating journalists in Gaza. As it wages its genocidal onslaught on the enclave, having murdered at least 13,000 Palestinians so far, Israel is simultaneously killing media workers in order to prevent the world from seeing the unspeakable atrocities it carries out. The situation at hand is as dire as it is unprecedented. Since October 7, the Israeli military has killed 60 media workers, according to the Gaza Government Media Office. The Committee to Protect Journalists has stated this is the deadliest month for attacks on journalists since it started keeping record in 1992. Additionally, many other Palestinian reporters outside of Gaza face…
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A State Department official, Sylvia Yacoub, not only has accused the Biden Administration of “spreading misinformation”, but also of being “complicit in genocide”. Her 5-page memo was signed by 100 State Department and USAID officials in a State Department system that, unfortunately, is not for public view. Still, it reveals that conflict exists within governmental structures. In the case of this memo, the impact is certain to be essentially zero. It’s as if leadership is saying, “OK, you’re critical, but now back to work.” So then, how does someone aware of dangerous or treasonous activity make it known to a larger public that needs it? There…
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Geert Wilders was the surprise victor in Wednesday’s Dutch elections, after a late surge that catapulted his anti-EU party to a resounding victory over his mainstream rivals. As people in the Netherlands, and the rest of Europe, adjust to the shock, these are some of the key issues they’ll be considering: Who is Wilders? The 60-year-old Wilders has been a fixture in Dutch politics for decades. He started his career as a member of former Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal group but broke away to serve as an independent lawmaker before setting up the anti-migrant Freedom Party, known as the…
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US officials involved in negotiations say the two sides are still working out “final logistical details” The hostage exchange deal between Israel and the Hamas militant group will be postponed until Friday, a senior Israeli official has said. The arrangement was originally set to begin on Thursday, with Israeli forces expected to pause operations for four days to allow aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi announced the delay in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that the negotiations were still underway and that the deal was set to be finalized. “The contacts on the…
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On Sunday, 19 November, the extreme neoliberal Javier Milei won the run-off elections with 56% against 44% for the present Peronist (center left) Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa. This is more than a surprise. On 23 October, during the first-round vote, Massa had a 36% to 30% lead. Massa is an experienced economist and well-versed politician. Milei is neither. However, Milei boasts he will drastically reduce Argentina’s inflation, currently more than 140%, get rid of the Argentine Central Bank and adopt the dollar as the national currency, replacing the Peso. This is just one of his radial neoliberal measures he plans for Argentina.…
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KYIV — Lachlan Murdoch, eldest son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and current CEO of Fox News Corporation, visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Monday, Ukraine’s presidential office said in a statement. Murdoch was accompanied by journalists from Fox News (Ben Hall) and The Sun (Jerome Starkey). Before — and occasionally after — the start of the full-scale invasion Fox News coverage of Ukraine was controversial, with former star host Tucker Carlson openly spreading pro-Russian propaganda on his show until he was fired in April 2023. However, Zelenskyy in Kyiv thanked Fox News for its fair news coverage of Russian atrocities in…
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Testimony from members of mainly female look-out units adds fuel to accusations that Netanyahu badly misread the dangers from Gaza. TEL AVIV — Did Israel’s security chiefs brush off warnings from women border surveillance soldiers who had evidence that something was brewing in Gaza ahead of the murderous attacks by Hamas militants on October 7? That’s the explosive accusation coming from several soldiers in Israel’s predominantly female border surveillance forces — known as the tatzpitaniyot, or look-outs in Hebrew. The soldiers are telling the media their superiors did not heed warnings of unusual activity inside Gaza, such as Palestinian guerrillas training…
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At the 15th annual BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 22–24 August 2023, six new members were admitted into the bloc from 2024 onwards: Argentina, Ethiopia, and four states from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, namely Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran. With this set of new members, BRICS is tilting toward an authoritarian bloc, since the bulk of its new members, especially those from the MENA region are autocratic regimes. According to reports, more than 40 states had expressed interest in joining the BRICS grouping. It was established in 2009…
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The BRICS emerging market nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — has gone from a slogan dreamed up at an investment bank two decades ago to a real-world club that controls a multilateral lender. Now it’s undergoing an enlargement that would pair some of the planet’s largest energy producers with some of the biggest consumers among developing countries, potentially enhancing the group’s economic clout in a US-dominated world. How did BRICS get started? “BRIC” was coined in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill, then at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., to draw attention to strong economic growth rates in…
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In the months before August’s gathering of BRICS leaders in South Africa, rumors of a new BRICS currency swirled—only to fail to manifest at the summit itself. But don’t confuse a single summit’s headlines with evidence of a trend. The wake of the BRICS summit splashes into a world much riper for de-dollarization now than it was even six months ago. BRICS, now BRICS+ due to the admission of new members, deserves only partial credit. In the last six months, tectonic shifts in China’s economy and in Washington have cleared the path for de-dollarization—an open route that BRICS+ can now…
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New Evidence on Assassination of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy. Failures to Confront the Unspeakable, and The Way Ahead. Part I On November 22, 2023, we commemorate the passing of JFK. November 22, 1963, the assassination of JFK in Dallas, Texas. Sixty years ago. April 4, 2023 is the 55th Anniversary of Martin Luther King‘s Passing. (April 4, 1968) June 6, 2023 is the 55th Anniversary of the Passing of Robert F. Kennedy (June 5, 1968) Their Legacy will live forever. In the last 50 years there have been two major threats to life on our planet. The first, the…
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An oped by Joe Biden indicates that Washington is ready to sacrifice others for its interests, ex-Russian president says Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said that US President Joe Biden’s latest opinion piece for the Washington Post once again highlighted the essence of Washington’s security doctrine, which is to provide for America’s interests at the expense of others. The US supposedly makes itself safer by pouring money into “its own military industry” and starting “wars on other continents,” Medvedev said Sunday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “the essence of the American security doctrine.” “That’s why our commitment to Ukraine today is an…
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New York Times journalists traveled with an Israeli military convoy to catch a rare glimpse of conditions in wartime Gaza. They saw houses flattened like playing cards and a city utterly disfigured. When a group of international journalists arrived at the southern fringe of Gaza City early Friday morning, riding in the back of an Israeli army jeep, we struggled to orient ourselves amid the ruins, the wreckage and the darkness. Trying to situate myself after reaching Gaza City, I asked a senior Israeli commander where we were in relation to a fishing port where I usually stayed during visits…
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One, it is what Labour parties all over the world do. Two, if Labour does not play politics, who will play politics? Labour is politics, politics is Labour. 419 people, scammers are now governors who refuse to pay workers their legitimate wages. Politics should be left for armed robbers? A former IGP went to the Senate and was shocked at the number of fraudsters he prosecuted sitting in the hallowed chambers as senators. Soldiers are politicians. Two retired generals have been Presidents of this country. Are they more qualified than Labour? Bring all those people who are criticizing Labour’s role…
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Joe and Jill Biden “acted like polite people” on meeting the Russian delegation at the APEC summit in San Francisco, Aleksey Overchuk says US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greeted visiting Russian dignitaries in full accordance with protocol during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk, who headed Moscow’s delegation at the high-profile event, has said. Despite relations between the two countries being at their lowest point in decades over the conflict in Ukraine and other issues, the Russian delegation didn’t experience any problems during the event, which took…
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For forms of government, let fools contest. Whatever is best administered is best – Alexander Pope. Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable – US President John F. Kennedy. Let me start by saying that a good number of Nigerians have lost faith in the ballot box; it only remains for them to also lose interest completely in the democratic process as a whole. If and when they do, what next? Of course, democracy is not the only form of government available. There are options. Alexander Pope (Born: 21 May, 1688; Died: 30 May, 1744) was…
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A London-based Indian national, Pramod Mittal, plans to use the $446 million paid by the Nigerian government as a settlement for the moribund Ajaokuta to clear personal debt. According to a Bloomberg report on Friday, Pramod Mittal, who is the younger brother of billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, has a legacy of defunct factories and unpaid bills. However, he plans on getting a helping hand out of financial distress from Nigeria’s settlement made earlier this year, as the country agreed to pay his company almost $500 million to settle a contract dispute over a deal that was once said to be tarnished by fraud. Five…
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The Pentagon has failed its independent annual audit for the sixth year in a row, as US defense officials could not provide auditors with enough information to form a full accounting evaluation, according to the Defense Department’s yearly financial report released on Thursday. “Auditing the department’s $3.8 trillion in assets and $4 trillion in liabilities is a massive undertaking,” Pentagon Comptroller Michael McCord said. The 2023 audit gave a “disclaimer of opinion,” which means the Pentagon could not provide auditors enough financial data to allow them to form an opinion. An unqualified, or “clean,” opinion is the highest possible rating and a qualified opinion is…
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In a predictable, premeditated, and carefully choreographed judicial charade, the Court of Appeal on Friday upheld the verdict of the Kano State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that reversed the electoral triumph of NNPP’s Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State. I sincerely hope this assault on justice isn’t the spark that ignites an inferno in Kano—and in the country. The signs had been evident since early October that a predetermination had been made that irrespective of the facts, the flawed, preplanned judgment of the election petition tribunal must be preserved at all costs. For example, on October 6, the Head of…
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“If you are a judge and you are corrupt where do we go from here? Then everything has come to a halt. If the legislature is corrupt, you go to the judiciary for redress, if the executive is corrupt you go to the judiciary for remedy, if the judiciary itself is corrupt where do you go from there. That is a question, where do you go? To God whom you don’t see? To history which is past? To the future that hasn’t come? Today is here, so let us use it.” These were the evergreen words of the Socrates of…
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An ancient bloodthirst is being cleverly disguised right before our eyes…. Not everyone you see is human. At least not in the traditional sense. While you and I, and most people for that matter, are creatures of flesh and blood, compassion and love, kindness and caring, others… are nothing of the sort. Some have lost their souls, removed from the beating heart of the human condition. They are cold and callous. Criminals and ne’er-do-wells. But others, have gone even darker, pledging unwavering and bloodcurdling allegiance to something few can fathom… They are evil. Pure evil. And what they crave most beyond all…
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The Vatican has confirmed a ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, a centuries-old secretive society that the Catholic Church has long viewed with hostility and has an estimated global membership of up to six million. “Active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is prohibited, because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry,” the Vatican’s doctrinal office said in a letter published by Vatican media on Wednesday. The department, known as the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith, issued its opinion, dated Nov. 13 and countersigned by Pope Francis, in response to a bishop from the Philippines…
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Secrecy is the name of the game when it comes to the Biden administration’s support for the offensive in Gaza. As the Israeli military enters the second month of its operation in Gaza, questions continue to swirl around the exact nature of U.S. support for the war, with major potential implications for American interests in the Middle East. The Pentagon has been fairly transparent about its actions outside of Israel, including the decision to move two aircraft carrier strike groups into the Middle East, among other naval assets and missile defense systems. But two more sensitive issues remain shrouded in…
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Ben Norton: Why does the United States so strongly support Israel? In this video today, I’m going to be explaining the geopolitical and economic reasons why Israel is such an important part of U.S. foreign policy and Washington’s attempt to dominate not only the region of the Middle East, but really the entire world. For this analysis today, I had the privilege of being joined by the economist Michael Hudson. I will bring him in later to provide further details about this topic. But first, I want to highlight some very important basic context to understand this relationship. It is crucial…
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Openly ignored by his incendiary, now ex-Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was left with few options. Retaining her would continue a process of blighting his already precarious prime ministership, suggesting weakness and a distinct lack of authority. Kicking her off the Cabinet front bench would, while reasserting some measure of control, permit her to foment discord on the backbenches. In defiance of collective cabinet responsibility, Braverman roguishly challenged his wisdom, and that of the Metropolitan Police she was meant to control, in permitting pro-Palestinian protests to take place on Armistice Day. Prior to that, she had also thrown some acid upon the issue of homelessness in…
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Brazil could extend a line of credit to debt-laden Argentina in mutual trade The presidents of Argentina and Brazil have announced plans to continue working on the development of a mechanism allowing them to avoid using the US dollar in bilateral trade. Crisis-hit Argentina is seeking to rebuild its reserves to cover trade costs and future debt repayments as a key component of a major debt deal with international creditors. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Argentinian counterpart Alberto Fernandez were expected this week to reveal the new mechanism allowing Argentine firms to continue trading with Brazil…
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While technically no longer under colonial rule, many African nations are still suffering from an unjust economic system that extracts raw materials from the continent, predominantly for the benefit of the developed world, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told RT in an interview on Wednesday. Africans are now undergoing an “awakening” and want to get their due in terms of value-added through production chains, the senior diplomat explained, citing discussions at the Russia-Africa Forum that took place in July in St. Petersburg. “Africa does not want any longer to be a very rich continent which does not enjoy the richness it possesses,” he explained, summing…
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