Former Pope Benedict XVI Dies at 95
The Holy See Press Office has announced Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday – three days after Pope Francis informed the world he was gravely ill – in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery at the age of 95.
The Vatican announced that the former pope's body would lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City from Monday to allow the faithful to pay respects, adding Pope Francis would preside at Benedict's funeral in St. Peter's Square on Thursday.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was elected pope in 2005. He led the Catholic Church until 2013 when he stepped down because of ailing health and became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
Narrative A
Pope Benedict was a revered teacher, a theologian, and a resolute conservative. His shock resignation in 2013 was an extraordinary act of humility, which humanized the papacy. Not only will he be remembered as the first pope to step down, but also the first pope who tackled sexual abuse scandals in the church. After his resignation, Benedict remained a powerful conservative influence and continued to give his soul to a legacy that would forever stand.
Narrative B
Pope Benedict's death could reshape the Catholic Church. The Vatican has had a pope and an ex-pope since Benedict retired in 2013. With Benedict's passing, a sitting pope will preside over his predecessor's funeral, and the Church will not elect a pontiff — a first. Eventually, the Church may have to normalize the resignation of a pope and set new protocols in the event of an ex-Pope's demise.
Lula Sworn in for Third Term as Brazil's President
On Sunday, Luiz Inácio "Lula" da Silva was sworn in as Brazil's president at the Metropolitan Cathedral in the capital of Brasília. The 76-year-old leftist leader assumed the country's highest office for the third time.
After his swearing-in ceremony, Lula vowed to unite the deeply divided South American country, end the alleged "era of darkness" of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, and usher in a new era of social justice, environmental reform, and reconciliation.
During his speech in Congress, the former labor leader delivered a message of "hope and reconstruction," promising to fight poverty, work for racial and gender equality, and end deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.
Right narrative
Lula's controversial comeback threatens Brazil's democracy and the rule of law. His return to power is concerning because he intends to increase public spending, stop privatization, and reverse anti-corruption reforms. Moreover, Brazil's increasingly politicized Supreme Court — which arranged his release from prison — is overstepping its authority toward Congress. When the left's hype about the country's self-proclaimed champion of the poor fades, Brazilians could be in for a rude awakening.
Left narrative
Lula owes his return to power to millions of Brazilians who elected him to combat poverty and hunger, resurrect the dwindling political system, and reverse Bolsonaro's unpopular policies that plunged the country into a deep democratic crisis. Though it may be difficult for the leftist government to implement its populist social and environmental policies since the extreme right dominates the National Congress, Lula has the will and the mandate to find solutions to the real-life problems that afflict most Brazilians.
Kim Jong Un Vows 'Exponential' Increase in N. Korea's Nuclear Arsenal
North Korean state media on Sunday reported that Kim Jong Un pledged to exponentially increase the country's nuclear arsenal, citing the need to counter threats from South Korea and the US. Kim alleged that the South and US have been isolating and suffocating the North.
Kim also set out plans to develop another intercontinental ballistic missile system to allow North Korea to deliver a "quick nuclear counterstrike" and stated that the country is about to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite.
Kim's message capping the Workers' Party's policy meeting to discuss goals for 2023 comes as Pyongyang has improved its weapon capabilities to "raise national prestige, defend national rights and safeguard national interest," while deepening ties with the PRC and Russia.
Republican narrative
You can’t blame Kim Jong Un for flexing North Korea’s military muscle when Biden is recklessly saber-rattling with Taiwan and China — how does he know the US won't also team up with South Korea for an invasion of the North? Trump's relationship with, and policies towards, North Korea maintained stability in the Korean Peninsula.
Democratic narrative
Kim Jong Un's geopolitical actions have been erratic, and his missile launches are destabilizing the Peninsula. Instead of provoking a confrontation, the leader should take the Biden administration up on its offer to meet without preconditions, and settle any grievances peacefully. Biden is showing strength and prudence in the region.
Establishment-critical narrative
The US has threatened to nuke North Korea, which has the right to defend itself. The US should stop playing "GloboCop" and prioritize solving its domestic problems.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% that at least 2 countries will increase the number of nuclear weapons they possess by at least 10% by 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
IMF Chief: Global Economy Heading for 2023 Recession
One-third of the global economy will be in recession this year, International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva said Sunday, warning of a "tough year” as the three largest economies — the US, the EU, and China — are showing slower growth rates.
Georgieva's warning comes amid the Ukraine war, rising inflation, and higher interest rates. The IMF chief warned that China, the world's second-largest economy, and Asia are facing a difficult start to 2023 after Beijing abandoned its "zero-Covid" policy and began reopening its economy.
Meanwhile, the EU has been hit particularly hard economically due to the Ukraine war's impact, and half of the bloc will slip into recession. The US may, however, be able to avoid a recession, Georgieva claimed.
Narrative A
A deep, protracted recession will manifest thanks to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, soaring food and energy costs, a catastrophic debt crisis in the developing countries, sky-rocketing inflation, and visible cracks in longstanding geopolitical certainties. Policy actions that could deter the inevitable would worsen inflation — setting the stage for an even worse downturn. While no one can predict how severe and how long it may last, the next 12 months are likely to be difficult.
Narrative B
Despite many grim forecasts, a crippling global recession can be avoided with the right fiscal policies. While 2023 may be tougher than 2022 for the global economy, the upcoming slump does not qualify as a recession. Despite the slow growth rate, many economies have handled the economic pressures better than anyone thought possible six months ago. Positive growth among developing economies may outweigh advanced economies' negative growth, enabling the world to thwart the downturn's effects.
Nerd narrative
There's an 8% chance that the first United States recession before 2032 will lead to a Depression, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
South Korea, US Reportedly Discussing Joint Nuclear Exercises
South Korea's Pres. Yoon Suk-yeol has revealed that Seoul and Washington are discussing joint exercises involving US nuclear assets aimed at extended deterrence amid mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
In an interview published on Monday, Yoon stated that the strategy of being under the US "nuclear umbrella" is no longer enough as Pyongyang has developed nuclear weapons, adding that the US has been positive about intelligence sharing, joint planning, and joint exercises.
When asked if the discussions could culminate in a South Korean version of nuclear sharing, he stressed that the US is "uncomfortable" with this concept but pointed out that they could develop an effective measure "as good as nuclear sharing."
Establishment-critical narrative
It's up to the US to put an end to mutual provocations and threats, but it has instead strengthened alliances and boosted joint military drills around the Korean Peninsula while Western propaganda machines spread misinformation to raise suspicion and distrust against Pyongyang. The only way to prevent an open conflict is for the US to cease hostilities and address North Korea's calls for sanctions to be dropped.
Pro-establishment narrative
The US has sought for years to strike a deal with Pyongyang to contain North Korea's missile and nuclear programs, but all viable options have been exhausted as Kim's regime refuses to engage in dialogue. Now, it's time for Washington to increase defense cooperation with regional partners Japan and South Korea to focus on deterring Pyongyang from using its weapons to launch attacks against them.
Nerd narrative
There's a 15% chance that North Korea and South Korea will be recognized as a single sovereign state by 2045, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
N.Y. Gov. Hochul Legalizes Human Composting After Death
New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Saturday signed a law legalizing "human composting," or the natural organic reduction of the deceased, making N.Y. the sixth state in the nation to approve eco-friendly burial services after Wash., Colo., Ore., Vt, and Calif.
The process puts the deceased body in a reusable container with organic plant materials — e.g. wood chips, alfalfa, and straw — from which natural microbes break down the body. It takes roughly a month, resulting in about 36 bags of nutrient-dense soil that can be used for planting trees or land conservation.
The law requires human remains to be handled by a certified reduction facility and stored in a well-ventilated location that does not contain battery packs or radioactive devices.
Narrative A
This is another law that strips the human body of its innate metaphysical aspects. Even before the Christian Church, ancient civilizations understood the idea of the human soul to some extent. Only very recently have governments decided to forego these ideas and treat the deceased as mere pieces of garbage to be carelessly disposed of. This is immoral on religious and humanist grounds and should be vehemently opposed.
Narrative B
Eco-friendly burial is a positive move for those who care about the environment. This act of devotion to future generations will not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions but instead will help to grow trees and grasses that capture carbon dioxide. Those who choose this alternative can save one metric ton of carbon from entering the environment for a similar or cheaper cost than a traditional burial.
Day 313: Attacks Continue Following Putin and Zelenskyy's New Year's Speeches
Following New Year addresses from Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy — in which both leaders appeared to double down on existing positions — both nations launched widespread attacks in opposition territory, each taking a number of civilian casualties.
Putin's address on New Year's Eve blamed the West for aggression and accused it of trying to use the conflict in Ukraine to undermine Russia. "It was a year of difficult, necessary decisions, the most important steps toward gaining full sovereignty of Russia and powerful consolidation of our society," Putin said.
In Russian attacks since Dec. 31, at least two civilians have been reported killed and 18 more injured. One civilian was reported killed and 12 more were injured in repeated attacks on the Kherson region on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2. Attacks on Zaporizhzhia also left one civilian dead and three more injured. One injury was reported in each of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kyiv, while Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk were shelled without related reports of civilian casualties at this stage.
Pro-establishment narrative
Putin's New Year's Eve statement shows he remains unwilling to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, contrary to past remarks. He lashed out against the West and said it was Russia's duty to fight in this war, indicating he is prepared to lead Russia in a conflict that could last years.
Pro-Russia narrative
For years, the West has lied about its intentions in the Donbas region and deceived Russia by militarizing Ukraine. Putin had to make difficult decisions surrounding the special operation in order to ensure the security of all Russians.
Nerd narrative
There's a 31% chance that there will be a large-scale armed conflict in Russia before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
UK: Health Chief Calls On Govt to Declare NHS Major Incident
President of the Society for Acute Medicine Dr. Tim Cooksley, along with the Liberal Democrats, has called on the UK government to declare a "national major incident" over continuing pressure within the National Health Service (NHS). At least seven hospital trusts currently have critical incidents in place, while Matthew Taylor, the head of the NHS Confederation, has told news outlets that the organization is facing "the toughest winter" they have dealt with.
Cooksley added that the "best hope" of a short-term solution laid in a number of recommendations, including increased investment in primary care, social care, mental health, and ambulance services.
If declared, a major incident — which is confirmed only when the health of the community faces serious threat — would result in the introduction of special measures and the availability of extra resources.
Left narrative
More strikes loom, the crisis in adult social care continues to escalate, and junior NHS doctors are ready to quit their roles en masse. With the safety of the nation at stake, Rishi Sunak's government seems committed to intentionally maximizing conflict and disruption. The conservatives' stubbornness in the face of reasonable demands — amid spiraling inflation — is putting lives at risk.
Right narrative
While Sunak's government can pursue long-term reforms to the NHS — such as providing equipment, funding, and enacting repairs — few of such interventions will have any impact on the situation before the next election. Sunak will need to devise an inventive and politically astute plan to respond to this situation while protecting conservative interests in the lead-up to the next general election.
US Study Finds Poor Hydration Linked to Early Aging and Disease
In a study published on Monday, the US National Institutes of Health found that adults who maintain good hydration appear to live longer and experience fewer chronic medical conditions. The data for the findings were gathered over 30 years.
The results were published in eBioMedicine, which studied data from 11,255 Black and White participants and showed that adults with increased serum sodium levels suffered worse health outcomes than those with lower levels.
Researchers began collecting the data in 1987 from participants who were in their 40s and 50s at the time. The study found that adults with serum sodium levels exceeding the normal range had a 10-15% higher likelihood of being biologically older than their chronological age when compared with those adults in the normal range.
Narrative A
Many studies show that increased water intake is good for one's health. However, the recommendation of eight glasses of water daily is not based on scientific facts and excludes considerations based on activity level and outdoor conditions. It would be better to publicly say that water is the best option for hydration and that other drinks should be consumed in moderation — this study should be taken with a metaphorical grain of salt.
Narrative B
This study proves that hydration and health are intimately linked, yet the US neglects to provide clean drinking water for many. Between 2013 and 2017, 1.1M Americans reportedly had insecure water access. Subpar housing conditions and systemic social and racial divisions have led to this crisis. We may not even understand the true scale of the problem, because the US Census Bureau tends to undercount people in rental units, homeless individuals, and people of color. More must be done to address this.
McCarthy Offers Concessions to Help Speaker Bid
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) agreed to make concessions to the conservative wing of the GOP as he looks to secure the necessary votes to become House Speaker of the incoming Congress.
The Republican Conference is set to meet Tuesday to determine how many members will be present and how many votes McCarthy needs to become speaker. McCarthy held a video conference on Sunday and revealed the proposed rules package for the new GOP majority.
Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, and McCarthy can only afford to lose four GOP votes when the new Congress convenes to elect its speaker. There are currently nine Republicans who are skeptical of McCarthy, including five with “hard no” votes.
Conservative narrative
While the GOP establishment wants members to just get in line for Kevin McCarthy, principled conservatives must take the lead and not allow McCarthy to become Speaker of the House. He has no conviction and will do whatever his wealthy donors ask of him. A Republican majority isn’t a victory if no meaningful change comes along with it, and McCarthy is the status quo politician.
Republican narrative
The group of Republicans trying to thwart Kevin McCarthy’s speaker bid is only causing division within the party and are hurting their GOP colleagues. The overwhelming majority of House Republicans want McCarthy as their speaker, and a handful of conservative insurgents are causing problems with no rational reasoning.