Day 309: Over 120 Missiles Fired into Ukraine, Reports Say
According to Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak, more than 120 missiles were fired at Ukraine overnight, with blasts reported in Kyiv, as well as the regions of Lviv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Poltova, Odesa and Zhytomyr. Although a number of these were from missile-defense systems, the scale of the strikes reflects a renewed wave of Russian attacks on the country in the past 24 hours.
In Kyiv, local officials said three civilians were injured after debris from a downed missile hit a residential building. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that a total of 16 missiles were shot down over the capital. It was not immediately clear how many missiles evaded missile-defense systems, though there were reports of renewed power outages in the region.
Pro-establishment narrative
Russia's deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure — unnecessarily increasing the suffering of civilians — amounts to war crimes. This continuing Russian barbarity must be confronted.
Pro-Russia narrative
Attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure are a direct consequence of the failure of the country's leadership to meaningfully engage in peace talks and thinking they can defeat Russia on the battlefield. These attacks will stop once a more sober position is reached.
Nerd narrative
There's a 31% chance that Vladimir Putin will be charged with war crimes by the International Criminal Court before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Election of Bill Clinton Led UK to Brace For 'Turbulence' Over NI, Say Papers
Documents declassified this week show that the election of Bill Clinton as US president in 1992 prompted the UK government to brace for "turbulence" due to his views on Northern Ireland (NI).
In a letter written to an Irish-American group just weeks before the election, Clinton called for "more effective safeguards" against the use of lethal force in the region. The letter was circulated in the NI Office before it was suggested to the UK's ambassador to the US that Clinton's views needed to be challenged, rather than being left to "calcify."
Pro-establishment narrative
Clinton's foreign policy approach to Northern Ireland was a resounding success. Even his harshest critics were amazed at the love the former president received during his trip to the region, and the peace agreement was largely a triumph for the Clinton Administration. The US continues to be a positive influence in the nation.
Establishment-critical narrative
The US has its own economic interests, and although it holds a commitment to peace in Ireland, America will ultimately seek to advance its own goals. There is no obvious reason for the US to take sides in the current Brexit-fueled dilemmas surrounding the region, and no one should count on the country to support Ireland's interests, despite America's diplomatic success there in the 1990s.
Nerd narrative
There is a 41% chance that Northern Ireland will hold a reunification referendum before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Cambodia: Deadly Hotel-Casino Fire Near Thai Border
At least 19 people were killed when a massive fire broke out Wednesday at the Grand Diamond City Casino and Hotel in the Cambodian town of Poipet, which is located near the Thai border.
Over 300 responders and 11 firetrucks were reportedly sent to douse the blaze, which also left 70 people critically injured. Approximately 700 Thai citizens were rescued and sent to the hospital.
Establishment-critical narrative
Casinos are illegal in Thailand, but they are an important part of Cambodia’s tourism industry. Poipet is especially famous for its busy cross-border trade, tourism, and countless casinos. Local authorities must answer why nothing had been done to improve health and fire safety in the area despite repeated complaints. This is a national disgrace.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's too early to jump to conclusions. Potential factors could include faulty wiring, criminal intent, or government apathy. Right now, the nation is in mourning, and the focus must remain on rescuing the trapped and saving as many lives as possible instead of casting blame. Due process will ultimately yield the truth.
Israel: Netanyahu Sworn in as PM
On Thursday, Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn in as Israel's PM, just moments after its parliament, known as the Knesset, voted 63-54 to approve his new government, which is reportedly the most far-right coalition in the country's history.
This marks Netanyahu's sixth term as PM and comes 18 months after he was ousted from power over corruption investigations. His coalition, however, won a victory in November in the country's fifth election in less than four years.
Establishment-critical narrative
To stay in power, corruption-plagued Netanyahu has bowed to the demands of the most extreme elements of Israeli politics. His concessions to ultra-Orthodox and ultra-nationalist parties are a massive blow to Israeli democracy, the rule of law, and thus to the future of Israel. Moreover, by rejecting the two-state solution, the new government is poised to risk fresh Arab-Israeli violence. It's time for Washington to end its ambiguity about Israel and stand up for democracy, as it otherwise does all over the world.
Pro-establishment narrative
Even before Netanyahu was sworn in, media activists warned that his new government poses a threat to Israeli democracy. However, these critics ignore the fact that Israel remains the only democracy in the Middle East and that it was the Israelis who wished Netanyahu back in power. Washington should think twice before joining the doomsayers' camp and alienating its closest ally in the region. Instead of jumping to conclusions and demonizing the coalition government, the actual political work should be evaluated as it happens.
Narrative C
As Israel's right-wing coalition takes control, all eyes are on Israel and how it will solve the religiously sensitive situation around the Temple Mount. Jordanian officials have warned that any attempt by the new government to change the status quo at the site could threaten peaceful relations with Jordan and inflame the entire region, as it has before. While the new PM has sent reassuring messages, this will be a major test for Netanyahu's new right-wing government.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that Israel will recognize Palestine by Nov. 8, 2065, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Australia to Extradite Former US Marine Over China Training
The Australian Attorney-General’s Dept. has approved a request to extradite former US Marine Corps pilot Daniel Duggan to the US. He is accused of money laundering and conspiracy to export defense services to the PRC by training Chinese pilots.
This comes as Australia's Extradition Act 1988 and Australia's extradition treaty with the US required AG Mark Dreyfus to make a decision by Dec. 25 following a formal extradition order lodged on Dec. 9.
Pro-establishment narrative
Any former military personnel that assists a foreign adversary, especially one like China, is a traitor to their country. The West cannot allow misguided, greedy, and naive pilots like Duggan to profit from weakening the US's military posture in Asia. All appropriate legal avenues to combat this crime must be taken to mitigate future incidents like this one.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though Duggan's actions may be morally and legally gray, his detention, and now extradition, is politically motivated as the US increasingly faces rising tensions with China. The case has been shrouded in secrecy since the start, and Duggan is being charged for actions that took place a decade ago. His treatment by Australian authorities has also been unjustifiably cruel, as he was held in isolation and classified as an "extreme high risk" inmate. There is more to this story than meets the eye.
US Study: Abortion Bans May Increase Suicide Risk
According to a study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), US women of reproductive age between 1974 and 2016 may have been at a higher risk of committing suicide due to abortion restrictions.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry on Wednesday, found that 21 states had implemented at least one targeted regulation of abortion provider (TRAP) laws, such as regulating where abortions can be performed or minimum measurements for clinic room sizes.
Left narrative
Both empirical research and common sense tell us that the fear of potentially having to carry a baby to term if one mistakenly gets pregnant only grows when abortion restrictions are enshrined into law. Most women who have abortions have already given birth at least once, meaning they understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it will take on them if forced to endure another pregnancy.
Right narrative
While pro-abortion advocates label it a myth, studies have also shown that having abortions can lead to increased depression, anxiety, post-abortion stress syndrome, eating disorders, and suicide among women. Sometimes these effects come immediately, and sometimes they appear years after the procedure, but either way, women aren't being given all the facts related to this issue, and that is what's dangerous to their mental and physical well-being.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that abortion will be banned nationally in the US before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Three Countries Tie Child Deaths to India-Based Cough Syrups
On Wednesday, Uzbekistan's health ministry announced that at least 18 children have died after taking the India-based pharmaceutical company Marion Biotech's "Doc-1 Max" cough syrup. In response to the claims, the manufacturer has halted production.
A batch of Doc-1 Max, marketed by the company as a cold and flu treatment, was consumed by 21 children suffering from acute respiratory disease, 18 of whom died. The batch, imported into Uzbekistan by Quaramax Medical, was part of a batch containing ethylene glycol, which is considered a toxic substance by the ministry.
Pro-establishment narrative
India has earned its place as a world leader in pharmaceuticals, with its $42B industry serving a critical role in the COVID pandemic by producing vaccines and cementing its title as the "pharmacy of the world." The Indian government will continue to expand by focusing on drug production and consistently improving quality control. The country's commitment to healthcare and pharmaceuticals will serve as an engine of growth for the Indian economy, its people, and the global community.
Establishment-critical narrative
While India is the world's largest exporter of generic medications, India-based pharmaceuticals face significant challenges in the world market. The government needs to step up and provide support like academic collaboration and technology transfer. India's drug producers are begging the public sector to help them better compete — especially if these products are being sent to developing nations. It's not fair to blame the nation's pharma industry alone for any shortcomings.
Jan. 6 Committee Withdraws Trump Subpoena
The House Jan. 6 committee has formally withdrawn its subpoena of former Pres. Trump, with committee chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) citing "the imminent end of our investigation" in a statement sent to Trump's lawyers.
Following the news, Trump issued a statement on Truth Social arguing that the "Unselect Committee of political Thugs [sic]" likely made the decision "because they knew I did nothing wrong, or they were about to lose in Court [sic]."
Pro-Trump narrative
As anyone following the committee could tell, this subpoena was purposefully dead on arrival and only issued to create an anti-Trump media cycle the month leading up to the midterm elections. While that goal was certainly achieved, the subpoena itself was still a failure by the committee. It centered the entire so-called "investigation" around Trump and was never able to get what it wanted from him.
Democratic narrative
The committee's goal from the beginning was to collect evidence of wrongdoing by both Trump and his associates before and on the day of Jan. 6, 2021, which is exactly what it achieved. After months of revelations showing Trump's attempts to change the election and subsequently provoke an insurrection, the American people said enough is enough and voted against almost every Trump-endorsed candidate in November.
Nerd narrative
There's a 37% chance that any US court will rule that Donald J. Trump is disqualified from holding the presidency before January 20, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Biden Admin. Approves $180M in Military Aid for Taiwan
The US Dept. of State on Wednesday approved the sale of a $180M military package to Taiwan, including Volcano anti-tank systems, cargo trucks, ammunition, and logistics support packages.
The Volcano can disperse anti-armor and anti-personnel mines over a large area within minutes. The package also includes dummy and test rounds for the M87A1 anti-tank system, as well as cargo trucks on which it's mounted.
Pro-establishment narrative
The United State's recent push to provide defensive military aid to Taiwan is an effort to prevent China from even attempting an invasion in the first place. China seems to only be ramping up both its military capabilities and aggressive rhetoric toward the island. Taiwan must begin taking faster steps toward completing its asymmetric defense strategy to defend itself from aggression antithetical to a rules-based order.
Establishment-critical narrative
After decades of non-interference policies beginning under the Carter and Nixon administrations, recent US presidents have betrayed the "one China" policy. Even before Nancy Pelosi's reckless trip to the island — in which she was escorted by warships and aircraft carriers — the Biden admin. pondered expensive military-industrial complex weapons packages for Taipei. This is a recipe for unnecessary war and a gross waste of taxpayer funds.
Twitter Back Running After Outage
Tens of thousands of users were unable to access Twitter, according to the web monitoring tool DownDetector, and instead received error messages for several hours Wednesday. More than five hours later, the issue seemed to be resolved.
It appeared the outage mostly affected those attempting to access the social media platform via a web browser. Many of those users were automatically logged out and shown an error message stating, “Something went wrong, but don't fret — it's not your fault. Let's try again.”
Narrative A
This outage is everyone’s fears come to life. Musk was warned about his cost-slashing measures, including cutting back on staff and data centers. If there was a software update gone wrong, it might be that no one was available to deal with it. This could be a sign of more troubles ahead.
Narrative B
Don’t blame Musk for this outage. There were global outages in February and July, long before Musk purchased the platform. And plenty of other big technology companies, such as Rogers Telecommunications in Canada, have suffered through long outages this year. That’s the way life in the tech world goes.