Syrian FM Makes First Visit to Saudi Arabia Since 2011
Syria's Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad arrived in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on Wednesday after reportedly being invited by his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, as relations between Damascus and the Arab world move toward normalization.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry reported that the two ministers were expected to discuss a political solution to the Syrian crisis "that preserves the unity, security, and stability of Syria," facilitates the return of Syrian refugees, and ensures humanitarian aid access.
Arab governments across the region have been making moves in recent years to normalize relations with Syria, which were almost completely broken off in 2011 due to the onset of a political crisis and civil war in the country. Many Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, supported armed groups in Syria's war.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's no surprise that Arab dictatorships, which are some of the most brutal authoritarian regimes in the world, are rushing to rehabilitate Bashar al-Assad's dictatorship in Syria. Though Assad butchered his own people with barrel bombs and chemical weapons, now that supporting the opposition to his rule is not politically expedient, the Gulf monarchies are more than happy to bring him back to the Arab fold.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though imperialist forces in the region, namely the US, are trying to sabotage Syria's return to the Arab fold, the path to normalization seems quite certain at this point. Though the West, alongside its regional cronies in the Gulf, waged war against Syria and Assad's government, it's time to move past this and look to the future in a multipolar world order that's not dictated by the whims of the West.
Cynical narrative
Though it's apparent that Assad is a criminal and a butcher, the West and its allies' posture toward his regime has bore no fruit in terms of ending Syria's conflict. Ultimately, after 12 years of war, Assad, alongside Russian and Iranian support, has essentially defeated the opposition, and it's time to allow for his regime to re-enter the Arab fold, regardless of how the US feels about it. Syria, though a brotherly nation, will likely be held at arm's length for the foreseeable future nonetheless.
N. Korea Fires Possible ‘New Type’ Ballistic Missile
South Korean news outlet YTN, citing a military official, reported that North Korea on Thursday possibly test-fired a "new type" of medium-range or longer ballistic missile, which, according to Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff, flew for about 1K km (621 miles) before landing in waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.
Seoul says this launch may have been Pyongyang's first test of a more maneuverable and harder-to-detect solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), in contrast to liquid-propellant ICBMs previously tested by North Korea.
Japan promptly issued an evacuation order for the northern island of Hokkaido on Thursday morning, revoking it within 30 minutes as the missile didn't land near the island. It wasn't confirmed whether the missile flew over the country's exclusive economic zone.
Pro-establishment narrative
By launching its new weapon system, Pyongyang isn't only blatantly violating UN resolutions yet again but is also further increasing regional tensions through its increasingly aggressive stance. The North Korean regime must finally come to its senses and accept Washington's offer for serious negotiations. Otherwise, the US will be forced to take further steps to protect its own security and that of its allies.
Establishment-critical narrative
While pretending to seek stability in the region, the US is cornering North Korea with its ongoing military drills and deployment of strategic weapons systems around the peninsula. Both Pyongyang and Washington should exercise restraint and work on the conditions for serious dialogue. Instead of constantly stoking tensions, the US should take concrete steps to address North Korea's legitimate security concerns.
Nerd narrative
There's a 33% chance that North Korea will have enough fissile material to produce at least 100 warheads before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US Inflation Eases to 5%, Lowest Since 2021
The US Labor Dept. reported Wednesday that the consumer price index (CPI), a key measure of US prices, rose 0.1% in March and 5% since last year, less than Dow Jones estimates and its slowest pace since 2021.
Egg prices fell 10.9% — the largest month-to-month decline recorded in 36 years and down from 70.1% in January, but still 36% higher compared to one year ago — helping offset other rising food prices and bringing total grocery prices down 0.3%.
However, core inflation — which excludes volatile energy and food prices — has remained steady at 5.6% over the last year compared to February’s 5.5%, signaling that lower gas prices, in contrast to record highs last year, may have driven the slower pace of total inflation.
Democratic narrative
After a year of soaring prices dominating the public's attention, the tide may be turning. Actions taken by the Biden admin. and the Fed have been successful, and inflation is no longer considered an emergency issue. With the CPI standing at an annual rate rise of 5%, its lowest level since 2021, painful interest rate hikes could soon ease.
Republican narrative
While a welcomed sign, inflation is still way too high, and American families are struggling to stay afloat. Democrats have neither answers nor solutions Their tax-and-spending policies only worsen the economic burden on families, yet Biden wants taxpayers to foot the bill for his $6.9T budget spree that will send inflation soaring even higher.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that the annual headline CPI inflation in the US will be at least 4.9% in 2023, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
SCOTUS Issues Temporary Stay on Abortion Pill Restrictions
On Friday, SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito issued a temporary hold on a Texas district judge's ruling that blocked the Food and Drug Admin.'s (FDA) approval of the abortion pill mifepristone after the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) requested the Supreme Court's intervention.
The DOJ request follows a Fifth Circuit Court's decision Wednesday that granted a temporary stay on the ban but left certain restrictions on the use and distribution of the pill in place.
In that case, two Trump-appointed judges, Kurt Engelhardt and Andrew Oldham, ruled to impose the restrictions, while George W. Bush appointee Catharina Haynes favored putting the Texas ruling on hold to allow for oral arguments.
Right narrative
The abortion industry has lied about the effects of chemical abortions for a long time, and this legal battle is finally bringing the facts to light. By approving mifepristone, the FDA put women and girls at risk of symptoms ranging from cramping and nausea to infection and bleeding. Facing pressure from the powerful abortion lobby, the FDA prioritized abortion pill access over encouraging women to consult their doctors. This has always been a political issue, but the public is only opening its eyes to that fact now.
Left narrative
If the Texas ruling is ultimately upheld, it will open the door for right-wingers to challenge the FDA's authority on more than just mifepristone. Based on the judge's opinion, the plaintiffs had standing to bring this case simply because they alleged — without a shred of evidence — that some people were harmed by the pill. With that precedent set, anti-vaxxers and other conspiracy theorists can convince a judge to overrule any medicine they deem problematic.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that elective abortion will be banned nationally in the United States before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
US Arrests Suspect in Connection to Ukraine Doc Leak
On Thursday, the US arrested 21-year-old Air National Guard Jack Teixeira in connection to a leak of dozens of classified US military documents detailing intelligence on the war in Ukraine and other sensitive information. The Massachusetts resident is reportedly due to appear in court Friday.
This follows a Washington Post report that shared details of a conversation with a teenager who frequented Discord — a server popular with gamers — where the information was posted. He described himself as a friend of the suspect who went by "OG" and was reportedly impressed with the information he provided. He said he knew the real identity and location of OG, but added that he wouldn't share it with law enforcement.
According to one file, there were nearly 100 special forces personnel from NATO countries operating in Ukraine — 50 of which came from the UK, 17 from Latvia, 15 from France, 14 from the US 14, and one from the Netherlands. The US had a total of 29 Pentagon personnel in Ukraine, in addition to 71 State Dept. employees, according to reporting from DeclassifiedUK.
Pro-establishment narrative
These leaks contain US military secrets that have no business existing in the public domain. Publicizing them damages US national security and that of its allies. The press should do the responsible thing and refrain from reporting on them.
Establishment-critical narrative
Whenever there's a leak of classified documents, officials always claim there's a national security risk and that it puts soldiers in harm's way. However, the cat's already out of the bag on this occasion, and the Pentagon should be focused on bringing the alleged perpetrator to justice, not on obstructing the press from doing their jobs.
Nerd narrative
There's a 25% chance that there will be a large-scale armed conflict in Russia before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Biden Proposes Tighter Privacy Rules Around Abortions
The US Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed new privacy protections to prevent women's health information from being used to take legal action or investigate individuals who have had or have helped the occurrence of an abortion.
The proposal was issued Wednesday with the intent to be added to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The same day, VP Kamala Harris met with the White House Task Force on Reproductive Health Care Access to discuss the potential new rule.
The rule states that if an organization receives a request for private health information, the request must be paired with a "signed attestation" that the use or disclosure of the information isn't for a "prohibited purpose."
Democratic narrative
While Idaho's interstate abortion travel ban is as extreme as it sounds, the law doesn't go nearly as far as many abortion opponents want. If a national ban doesn't work, pro-lifers will ban any such travel within the US. As evinced by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, progressive shield laws are becoming evermore important as sentiments against interstate abortion continue to grow.
Republican narrative
Critics of abortion interstate travel bans are leaving out a key detail So far, laws such as Idaho's only apply to unemancipated minors, a factor that has been noticeably absent from media reactions. Such laws still sit on the right side of the Constitution and are being spun wildly out of proportion by the opposition.
Cynical narrative
Regardless of one's opinion on the matter of abortion, the divisions between state laws are growing and becoming increasingly unsustainable. Major issues such as abortions, gun rights, and public schools are by nature divisive; however, considering the can of worms that the Supreme Court opened last summer, the need for Congress to codify a national policy regarding abortion rights is essential. Only this way can a middle ground be carved out in which many can find comfort.
Nerd narrative
There's a 5% chance that elective abortion will be banned nationally in the US before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Report: 75% Surge in Iran Executions
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty published a report on Thursday claiming that Iran's "execution machine" hanged 75% more people in 2022 than in previous years.
There were at least 582 executions in 2022, reportedly the highest since 2015 and well above to 333 hangings reported in 2021.
Citing the September protests last year, the groups said four protesters have been executed and that 100 others "remain at risk of death penalty charges, sentences, and execution."
Pro-establishment narrative
The brutality of Iran's autocratic leaders in stifling dissent knows no bounds, as Iranians are being slaughtered in their quest for freedom from the Middle East's most ruthless regime. These protesters deserve the world's support, as human rights are being weaponized in the country.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though the West prefers to hype Iran's executions, it deliberately ignores the fact that Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei recently pardoned 90k people to mark the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. Western-backed rioters tried to set Iran on fire, but, thankfully, they failed, as Iran has implemented strict but fair enforcement of the rule of law.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that Iran will cease to be an Islamic Republic by 2035, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Ghana Approves Oxford Malaria Vaccine
On Thursday, Ghana became the first country to approve a breakthrough malaria vaccine for children aged 5-36 months, the age group at the highest risk of death from the parasitic disease.
Preliminary studies show the R21 vaccine — developed by Oxford University scientists — was up to 80% effective when given in three initial doses and a booster 12 months later.
The vaccine contains Matrix-M, a saponin-based adjuvant used in Novavax’s COVID vaccine that boosts the antigen-specific immune system response.
Narrative A
The R21 vaccine is a significant milestone in combating malaria, one of the world's biggest killers. It's a massive breakthrough for millions of Africans, including children and pregnant women, as it could help reduce malaria deaths by over 70%. The vaccine — a more powerful and less expensive version of GSK's— isn't perfect, but it will help turn the tide.
Narrative B
While this is a step in the right direction and certainly a cause for celebration, unfortunately, it's not a silver bullet in the complex fight against malaria. Before the R21 vaccine is rolled out for wider use, there are important points to consider to meet the needs of countries with a high malaria burden, such as the amount of international funding available for its production and equitable distribution. Meanwhile, it's still lacking the WHO's endorsement. Cautious optimism is warranted as there's a long way to go.
Nerd narrative
There's a 42% chance that global malaria mortality rates will be reduced by 90% compared to 2015 rates, by 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Trump Sues Ex-Lawyer Michael Cohen
Former US Pres. Donald Trump on Wednesday sued his former lawyer Michael Cohen for at least $500M, accusing him of failing to adhere to attorney-client privilege.
This comes after Cohen testified before a Manhattan grand jury that indicted Trump, who pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made through Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 presidential election.
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Florida, accuses Cohen of “multiple breaches of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, conversion and breaches of contract” by allegedly spreading falsehoods about Trump “with malicious intent” in two books, a podcast, and numerous media appearances.
Democratic narrative
As speculated by Davis, this lawsuit is right out of Trump’s long-used playbook. The former president’s decades of dealing with criminal and civil investigations have taught him how to weaponize the legal system to silence, or at least discredit, his critics and those liable to expose him. Recent attempts to use this play, however, have backfired, and it doesn’t look like this will deter Cohen.
Pro-Trump narrative
Before and after he served time for his felonious actions around the Daniels payment, Cohen capitalized on his relationship with Trump to enrich himself while breaching his contract. This suit has nothing to do with Trump’s fraudulent arraignment and everything to do with a bitter employee. If Cohen believes he has a right to continue besmirching the former president, he should have no problem answering for it in court.
Nerd narrative
There’s a 33% chance Trump will be jailed or incarcerated before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Aide: Jailed Putin Critic Navalny's Illness May Be Slow Poisoning
Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent opposition politician, is grappling with severe stomach pain in jail, which his spokesperson, Kira Yarmysh, claims could be the result of slow-acting poison.
Navalny's attorney, Vadim Kobzev, claims that after an ambulance was called to the prison last week, doctors refused to treat him, adding that the colony also refuses to administer medicine Navalny’s mother sends.
In a video clip on Twitter, Yarmysh said that after the unknown ailment flared up last week, prison doctors injected Navalny with an unidentified medicine. She says she hasn't “rule[d] out” that her client “is being slowly poisoned.”
Anti-Russia narrative
There's no doubt that the Kremlin wants to silence Navalny, an outspoken critic of Pres. Vladimir Putin, given its politically-motivated charges against him. Regardless of whether these allegations of poisoning hold water, considering his repeated illnesses during his stints in isolated prison cells, they must be seriously investigated.
Pro-Russia narrative
Alexei Navalny's claims of being poisoned by Russian authorities have been proven false on multiple occasions. The truth is that Navalny is a convicted criminal that the West is using to mold new pretexts for anti-Russian sentiment. Any health issues he’s having while in solitary confinement have been properly addressed, and continued allegations of a mysterious poisoning plot are farcical.