Luigi Mangione as a folk hero

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has become an unlikely folk hero in certain corners of social media and public discourse. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors: Symbolism and Narrative Mangione’s alleged actions transformed a complex issue into a simple, emotionally resonant narrative[1]. The story of a … Read more

A report on the future of open access publishing and policy

The MIT Press has released a comprehensive report that addresses how open access policies shape research and what is needed to maximize their positive impact on the research ecosystem. The report, entitled “Access to Science and Scholarship 2024: Building an Evidence Base to Support the Future of Open Research Policy,” is the outcome of a … Read more

I guess this image of Syrian alliances should be re-imagined?

At least Asad is gone, and Israel is moving towards Damascus. I was checking out how many Syrian refugees went back from Türkiye to Syria but could not find reliable figures. It is just chaos out there, and everybody I know talks about this and fact-checking is needed!

CNN just whitewashed a Jihadist Leader

…because he is currently friendly to the some powers’ interests. Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the US’s Specially Designated Global Terrorist who used to run the now-dismantled Al-Nusra Front, al-Qaeda’s Syrian branch.…

Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza

Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. On December 5, 2024, the human rights organization released a comprehensive 296-page report titled “‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza”[1][2][3]. The report concludes that Israel’s actions in Gaza since October 7, 2023, meet the legal threshold for genocide … Read more

We call it nepotism? Biden has pardoned his son Hunter. Trump has just appointed another son-in-law.

Biden has pardoned his son Hunter. Trump has just appointed another son-in-law.   In recent years, several alleged nepotism cases have emerged in American government, raising concerns about ethical conduct and the abuse of power. These cases span various levels of government, from local to federal, and involve both Republican and Democratic officials. Congressional Nepotism … Read more

Back to the civil war in Syria

In recent days, Syria has witnessed a significant escalation in military activity, particularly in the northwestern region. This surge in conflict represents the most substantial shift in territorial control within Syria’s ongoing civil war in several years[1][2]. Rebel Offensive On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, rebel forces launched a major offensive in northwestern Syria, dubbed “Deterrence … Read more

Ceasefire is good, both sides are losers?

I am glad that there is a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. I am not sure about the details. Israel could not succeed in destroying Hezbollah; the latter will continue to exist. However, the organization lost nearly all its leadership and got humiliating blows. Still, it kept attacking Israeli cities, causing military and economic damage. … Read more

Historic move from ICC; arrest warrants include Netanyahu

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and a senior Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif. This decision, announced on November 21, 2024, stems from allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the events … Read more

Let this sink: 21,000 laborers, allegedly, dead building NEOM

According to recent reports, there are claims that approximately 21,000 foreign workers have died since 2017 while working on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 projects, which include the NEOM development[1][2][5]. However, it’s important to note that this figure is disputed and the situation is complex: The claims come from a documentary by UK broadcaster ITV, which … Read more

Maccabi Tel Aviv fans thought they were untouchable

Maccabi fans were involved in some provocative actions before the match, and then they were victims of more severe violence afterward. The incidents sparked widespread condemnation -OF COURSE- from both Dutch and Israeli authorities, who described the attacks on Maccabi fans as antisemitic[4][6][13].   Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were involved in several incidents in Amsterdam … Read more

Democrats had their chance and they blew it.

If I were living in the US, I would probably be upset. But back in Türkiye, many people around me are happy with the election outcome. They [Democratic Party leadership] insisted on a weak leader, then moved to Harris, who was not as dynamic as we thought. They ignored younger more militant voter base to … Read more

Changes in Arab and Muslim votes may cost Democrats an election in the US

As Trump leading Harris among Arab Americans, poll suggests I have curated about possible outcomes: Based on the search results provided, the changes in Arab and Muslim votes in the US could potentially affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election, particularly in key swing states. Here are the main points to consider: Shifting support: … Read more

Israel’s UNRWA ban… A list of its violation of international treaties

After Israel’s UNRWA ban  I have asked Perplexity to list all the allegations of international treaty and law violations it initiated in recent years: Fourth Geneva Convention: Israel has been accused of violating multiple provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which governs the protection of civilians in times of war and occupation. Specific alleged violations include: … Read more

The BRICS summit. Western attempts to isolate Russia failing?

This might be the most popular video from the summit (!) Erdoğan combing his hair!  The most recent BRICS summit was held from October 22-24, 2024 in Kazan, Russia. Here are the key highlights and outcomes: Expansion and Attendance The summit marked the first gathering after BRICS expanded to include new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, … Read more