The tension between the MAGA movement and Elon Musk continues, particularly in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s inauguration. This conflict has become a significant point of contention within Trump’s base, highlighting deep divisions over immigration policy and the influence of tech billionaires in the incoming administration. Key Developments Steve Bannon’s Attacks on Musk Steve Bannon, … Read more
As more than 60 German and Austrian academic organizations depart X, a day after Musk’s Weidel talk, I have curated a list of institutions that left X. I have also looked to see if these academic organizations are looking for alternatives. There are just too many alternatives, and engagement levels are still low. Media Organizations … Read more
This report is part of Data Narratives, a Civic Media Observatory project that aims to identify and understand the discourse on data used for governance, control, and policy in El Salvador, Brazil, Turkey, Sudan, and India. Read more about the project here and see our public dataset. Access the Artificial Intelligence Narratives report in PDF Turkey In Turkey, hype … Read more
I guess there might be similar outcomes in other fields, too. Historians Condemn ‘Scholasticide’ in Gaza at Conference The measure now goes to the group’s elected council for approval, disapproval or a vote of the organization’s 10,000-plus full membership. American Historical Association members attending the group’s annual conference voted 428 to 88 Sunday to approve … Read more
Abu Mohammed al-Golani, now known by his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, has undergone a significant visual transformation that mirrors his political evolution from a jihadist leader to Syria’s new de facto ruler. This change in appearance has been a deliberate part of his efforts to rebrand himself and his organization. Early Years: The Militant Look … Read more
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
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
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!
…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. 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
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
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
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
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
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