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Is Russia’s president Putin afraid of Alexei Navalny? (Part 2)
Brief #117 – Foreign Policy Brief
by : Yelena Korshunov
After 19 days, Alexei Navalny was found above the Arctic Circle in correctional colony # 3 “Polar Wolf” in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region. This colony has always been famous for the fact that prisoners were sent there for “breaking.” However, Russia’s current president stuffs them with his political opponents.
Does Nikki Haley Have a Shot?
Brief #120 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Arvind Salem
Ron DeSantis’ withdrawal makes the Republican primary a two-person race between Nikki Haley and Trump. Despite Haley facing challenges, her current strategy exposes potential weaknesses in Trump’s candidacy that the Democratic nominee, likely Biden, could exploit.
Carefree Use of Groundwater Is Making Us Thirsty
Brief #164 – Environment Policy Brief
by : Todd J. Broadman
There is a depletion of groundwater in the U.S… When it comes to groundwater depletion, short-term economics and corporate profits are ushered along without much caution or environmental guardrails. In that respect, U.S. aquifers are viewed much like carbon reserves – there for the taking.
Journalism Rights Should Matter Like Other Human Rights
Brief #154 – Social Justice Policy Brief
by Diing Magot
Journalism is currently under threat, in today’s world people are still confused about the role of a journalist in a democratic society. Access to information is a challenge and journalists continuously work in an environment that can lead to being harassed threatened, jailed or even killed.
A Closer Look at US Global Leadership: Navigating the Complex Dynamics of Ukraine, Gaza, and Taiwan
Brief #116 – Foreign Policy Brief
by : Inijah Quadri
In an era of evolving geopolitical landscapes, the United States faces the challenge of exerting effective global leadership amidst complex international conflicts and tensions. Three prominent areas of concern include the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and Taiwan.
Who Will Mitt Romney’s Successor Be?
Brief #119 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Courtney Denning
Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) is stepping down from his position in Congress, leaving a Utah Senate seat open in the 2024 election. The race for his former Senate seat exemplifies this growing divide in the GOP. Although most are confident that a Republican will win the seat, there are stark differences in the ideologies of the candidates running.
Congressional Budget Struggles
Brief #118 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by William Bourque
The Congressional budget process is long and complex, throwing even the wonkiest of policy nerds for a loop. With a recently passed continuing resolution, Congress will have until March 1st for some agencies and March 8th for others – with the ever-present threat of shutdown looming.
Situation Update: The Ukraine Crisis
Brief #115 – Foreign Policy Brief
by : Ibrahim Castro
In the ongoing Ukraine crisis, drone attacks near Donetsk and in Kharkov raise tensions. President Zelenskyy calls for increased Western sanctions on Russia, while discussions on US and EU military and financial aid for Ukraine are underway.
Facial Recognition: The Worst AI Has To Offer
Brief #107 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
Facial Recognition Technology uses software to evaluate similarities between face images. The General Services Administration is carrying out a study to test potential racial bias in facial recognition technology systems that it is considering using as identifiers for accessing federal benefits.
Situation Update: The War in Ukraine
Situation Update: The War in Ukraine
Foreign Policy Brief #104 | By: Ibrahim Castro | December 10, 2023
Photo taken from: https://apnews.com/
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Military Aid to Ukraine
An agreement to provide billions of dollars in new military aid to Ukraine has stalled in congress. Republicans blocked a sweeping foreign security assistance bill to provide $110.5 billion in funds for Ukraine and Israel in order to press for more control of immigration via the US southern border with Mexico. At the same time Kyiv has agreed with two American firms to jointly manufacture vital 155mm artillery shells in Ukraine, although production will not start for at least two years. Kyiv and Washington have signed a letter of intent to speed up weapons co-production and data exchange. Ukraine leaders likely hope that the country can become more integrated into the West’s military landscape by promoting joint weapons production and supplies through a common defense industry setting.
Hungary Opposes Ukraine’s Entry Into EU
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned EU leaders to keep Ukraine accession talks off the bloc’s agenda at an upcoming summit. Hungary’s ruling party submitted a resolution to parliament calling on the government to not support the start of talks on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Distrust of Orban has been running high in Brussels after a bitter 13 years in power where the Hungarian leader and EU clashed over the rights of the LGBTQ community and migrants in Hungary, as well as tightening state controls over academics, the courts and media. Additionally Hungary has continued to maintain ties with Moscow, even as the EU has imposed sanctions against Russia. The European Commission currently is withholding nearly 22 billion euros from Hungary over concerns about corruption and perceived backsliding of democratic norms under Orban.
War in Winter
This winter is likely to see a long and bloody stalemate in Ukraine according to analysts, with neither side backing down from offensives and counter offensives. Ukraine launched a major counteroffensive in early June that though it was off to a rather slow start, by some estimates took back half the land Russia had seized earlier in the year. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has forsworn any negotiations while Russia sits on Ukrainian soil, Western intelligence assessments warn that battlefield movement could stagnate until well into 2024, bringing the war closer to the frozen conflict that many observers fear plays to Putin’s plans.
Climate Change and World Ski Competition
Climate Change and World Ski Competition
Foreign Policy Brief #103 | By: Reilly Fitzgerald | December 10, 2023
Photo taken from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/
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The pinnacle of world ski racing is the FIS World Cup. The season begins in October on the glaciers of Sölden, Austria and ends at the end of March in Saalbach, Austria. The World Cup circuit takes athletes all over Europe and North America. As a winter sport, in the era of climate change, there are complications each season – races get canceled, postponed, or delayed with great frequency (in some cases hours or minutes before they are about to start, or in the middle of the race). This year, the men’s speed race circuit (the events known as downhill and super g) has been off to a rough start with two out of two downhill race events canceled due to weather. The first speed race was going to be a downhill held on the Zermatt-Cervinia track, the first course to begin and end in two different countries (Switzerland and Italy, respectively). Then, the second set of speed races on the calendar in Beaver Creek, Colorado, were canceled as well.
Analysis
Sports, such as ski racing are outdoors. As much as it contributes to climate change, and it does contribute, it also is a victim of it too. Winters are warming, and snowfall has reduced across Europe and North America. The reduction in winter precipitation has led to several ski areas across both continents shutting down, permanently. The World Cup circuit includes 45 race events held at over 20 different venues. There are four events that athletes, men and women separately, compete in: slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom (or super g, as it is called), and downhill. Super G and downhill are considered the ‘speed events’, these events are on courses that are more than a mile in length and need perfect conditions, as skiers may exceed 90 to 100 miles per hour.
However, the start to the speed event season has been a pretty slow one. So far, there have been two sets of races and they have both been canceled. The first, was two downhill races on the Zermatt-Cervinia course (which has athletes begin in Italy and end in Switzerland); and the second was in Beaver Creek, Colorado, for a pair of downhill races this past weekend. Both venues canceled their races due to weather conditions not allowing the races to proceed safely. Ironically enough, the races in Beaver Creek were canceled due to heavy snowfall and wind. The speed skiers are heading back to Europe for this weekend’s races in Val d’Isère, France.
Some athletes compete in all four of the disciplines on the World Cup schedule; these skiers are known as ‘all-rounders’. They keep track of the points they earn in all four disciplines and then the skier with the most points at the end of the season is the reigning Overall Champion. These skiers, with 45 races on the calendar, have the most grueling seasons; especially when looking from a travel and pollution standpoint.
Norwegian slalom skier, Henrik Kristoffersen, made headlines the other week when climate activists interrupted a World Cup slalom race in Gurgl, Austria; in fact, he had to be restrained from getting into a physical altercation with the protestors (instead, he decided to hurl snowballs at them). The protestors threw orange paint into the finishing coral which caused a significant delay to the race, and thus the light conditions changed and the final racers were at a significant disadvantage. Kristoffersen’s anger was not regarding the protest of climate change, which he thinks should be done civilly and through the ballot box, but that the protesters ruined the chances of an athlete earning a living by ruining their race chances.
The World Cup ski racing circuit is facing a crisis of conscience in some ways. The organizers, the athletes, the venues are all on the same page that climate change threatens the way of life for winter sports of all varieties; however, the alpine ski racing calendar is so jam-packed with fitting in 45 races between the end of October and the end of March that there is zero room for error when it comes to rescheduling races; or as some have proposed, an entire overhaul of the race season schedule to accommodate a later start to the season. According to DW News (a German organization), there has been criticism of ski racing in Austria, especially, as it relates to the preparation of glaciers for the purpose of ski racing. The Rettenbach Glacier which hosted the season opener had to be prepared with bringing in stored snow, and using excavators to remove the edge of the glacier as part of the preparations. The destruction of the environment is not only part of the logistics of ski racing through the numerous flights, car travel, and tourism that is produced; but also the preparation of the events themselves are not entirely eco-friendly.
According to DW News, again, climate scientists, such as Jules Boykoff at Pacific University in Oregon, suggest that the ability to even host Winter Olympic events in countries that are able to experience wintery conditions will be significantly reduced to about 10 nations by 2040. This has led to the proposal to rotate amongst those potential countries in the future; but there is a significant amount of hesitation by the citizens of these potential places. The Winter Olympics set to take place in 2026 hosted by Milan-Cortina, Italy, have already begun their preparations and have decided to not construct a new bobsleigh and luge track due to the protests of locals about the environmental impact this construction would cause, according to the Associated Press; this means those events could be hosted in Austria or Switzerland, it remains unclear still.
Ironically, as European cities debate their ability, or willingness, to host these events. Saudi Arabia, a known mega-investor in the world of modern sports, has won the bid to host the 2029 Pan-Asian Winter Games. They have invested $500 billion to create a futuristic mega-resort that will host skiers for three months of the year and other sports the rest of the year. The resort-city is called Trojena. It will be interesting to see how, if, or when, the World Cup ski racing circuit will make its way to this Saudi Arabian resort as Europe and North America face reduced snow totals and protestations from locals about the impacts of winter sports on glaciers, and other ecological impacts.
Engagement Resources:
- DW Article – https://www.dw.com/en/alpine-ski-world-cup-grapples-with-climate-challenges/a-67257154
- Trojena Resort Article (Al Arabiya) – https://english.alarabiya.net/infocus/2023/08/18/Exclusive-Saudi-Arabia-s-NEOM-reveals-significant-progress-on-snow-resort-Trojena-
- POW and FIS Climate Action Dispute – https://skiracing.com/pow-and-fis-climate-action-dispute/
Facebook Faces Accusations of Palestinian Censorship Again
Facebook Faces Accusations of Palestinian Censorship Again
Technology Policy Brief #102 | By: Mindy Spatt | December 10, 2023
Photo taken from: https://act.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has a history of censoring pro-Palestinian content on its platforms. Now, an announced policy to limit comments on posts related to the war on Gaza and the shutting down of Palestinian news sites and individuals have sparked urgent concerns about censorship and caught the attention of Senator Elizabeth Warren, who tweeted that Instagram’s “reported removal and suppression of Palestine-related content raises serious questions. I’ve got a bill to require more transparency from Big Tech platforms and protect against algorithmic discrimination.”
Analysis
Meta has censored pro-Palestinian content in the past. Human Rights Watch documented the problem in an October 2021 report, finding that Instagram had removed hundreds of posts about a series of settler attacks on residents of Sheikh Jarrah, a Palestinian neighborhood in Jerusalem, including reposts of content from mainstream news organizations that could not “reasonably be construed” as attempts to incite violence or hatred.
According to The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media (7amelh.org), a non-profit organization that advocates for Palestinian digital rights, the scale of the takedowns and suspensions …[was] egregious and pronounced.”
In response, Meta commissioned a study by the independent consultancy Business for Social Responsibility. BSR found that that Meta’s action during the Sheik Jarrah attacks had an “adverse” impact on Palestinian users’ freedom of expression, political participation and ability of to share information. Apparently Meta didn’t learn much from those findings as the company has openly instituted policies limiting comments on posts about the war in Gaza and is once again engaging in widespread blocking of news and information.
Between October 7 and November 14 of this year, 7amelh.org’s Observatory of Human Rights found over 1,447 violations of Palestinian rights, involving both the censoring of Palestinian voices and the flourishing of anti-Palestinian hate speech. Many of those violations were on Meta’s platforms which, the group says, are over-moderated, shadow-ban Palestinian content, block the Palestinian flag emoji and censor pro-Palestinian hashtags but not pro-Israeli ones.
Journalists and established news sites have also been censored and blocked. According to the independent Quds News Network, an established site with 10 million followers, their pages in both Arabic and English were deleted from Facebook despite there being no violations of Meta’s standards in the content. The network had been shut down by Facebook in the past. Over on Instagram, Let’s Talk Palestine, with 300.00 followers, found it’s account locked. Al Jazeera has reported that authors, activists, journalists, filmmakers and regular users around the world have said posts containing hashtags like “FreePalestine” and “IStandWithPalestine” as well as messages of support for civilian Palestinians are being blocked.
Amelh.org one is one of 50 human rights and civil society organizations that have called on tech companies to “immediately take strict measures to protect their users from harm in light of the escalating events in the region.” The groups say current events have “inevitably led to increased discrimination against Palestinian content and a rise in anti-Palestinian racism”, demonstrating “the critical link between the digital realm and the reality on the ground.”
Engagement Resources:
- Warren, Graham Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Rein in Big Tech, July 27, 2023, https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-graham-unveil-bipartisan-bill-to-rein-in-big-tech
- Platforms Must Stop Unjustified Takedowns of Posts By and About Palestinians by Karen Gullo and Jillian C. York, Nov. 8, 2023, Electronic Frontier Foundation
- https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/11/platforms-must-stop-unjustified-takedowns-posts-and-about-palestinians
An Early Look at the 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Race
An Early Look at the 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Race
Elections & Politics Policy Brief #113 | By: Ian Milden | December 4, 2023
Photo taken from: https://www.wunc.org/
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North Carolina is one of the few states that holds elections for Governor during the same years as Presidential Elections. This year’s election for Governor is expected to be one of the most competitive races in the country. This brief will take a look at the race before the March primaries.
Analysis
North Carolina has had competitive statewide races in recent years. While Republicans have won more consistently in federal races, Democrats have managed to win some of the statewide offices, such as the Governor’s office, on a consistent basis. Incumbent Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) is term-limited out of office in 2024 after serving two terms as Governor and the state Attorney General for four terms before that.
The Democrats are likely to nominate current Attorney General Josh Stein (D-NC). Stein has won two competitive races for Attorney General on the same ballot as Governor Cooper. Before that, Stein served as Cooper’s deputy in the state Attorney General’s office. Stein also served in the North Carolina State Senate. The Democratic party has coalesced around Stein and many prominent current and former federal and statewide officials have endorsed Stein.
Republicans are expected to have a competitive primary between Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson and state treasurer Dale Folwell. Fowell had a long career in the North Carolina state legislature before he became the state treasurer. Robinson is the favorite to win the Republican nomination, and he was recently endorsed by Phil Berger, the Republican leader in the state senate. Robinson won the Lieutenant Governor’s office in 2020 when the previous Lieutenant Governor, Dan Forrest, decided to challenge Roy Cooper for the Governor’s office and lost. North Carolina elects the Governor and Lieutenant Governor separately. The Lieutenant Governor’s role is largely ceremonial in North Carolina other than breaking ties on state senate votes. Robinson had not been in public office before he was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2020.
Since Robinson’s candidacy for the Governor’s office was announced, he has come under scrutiny for some of his past comments. After the Parkland, Florida school shooting, Robinson mocked the shooting survivors. He also appeared on the podcast of a conspiracy theorist and criticized the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Robinson also once spoke in support of shooting protesters. Robinson has also spoken positively about genocidal authoritarian leaders like Adolph Hitler and Mao Zedong. He has gained popularity with Republican activists for his controversial statements about guns, abortion, and the LGBTQ community.
Democrats may prefer to run against Robinson in the general election because his controversies may persuade unaffiliated voters, suburban voters, and moderate voters to support Stein in the general election. Democrats have struggled to consistently win statewide races in North Carolina due to increasing struggles in rural areas that have not been offset completely by gains in urban and suburban areas. Democrats have relied on ticket-splitting voters to win the Governor’s office and Attorney General’s office in the past two election cycles. The number of ticket-splitting voters is declining, and the margins in these races have been extremely narrow.
Regardless of whom the Republicans decide to nominate, I would expect the race to remain competitive until the general election arrives in November of 2024.
Engagement Resources:
- Josh Stein’s Campaign Website, https://www.joshstein.org/
- Democratic Governor’s Association Website, https://democraticgovernors.org/
Redistricting and Gerrymandering Effects
Redistricting and Gerrymandering Effects
Elections & Politics Policy Brief #112 | By: Inijah Quadri| December 4, 2023
Photo taken from: https://www.lawyerscommittee.org/
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Redistricting is a democratic process involving the redrawing of electoral district boundaries to reflect population shifts. This ensures that each district has roughly equal population numbers, maintaining the principle of “one person, one vote.” However, when redistricting is manipulated for political gains, known as gerrymandering, it becomes a contentious issue. Gerrymandering distorts the electoral map by creating districts that favor a particular party, undermining the principles of fair representation and democratic governance. This practice can lead to legislators who are more concerned with satisfying the extremes of their party rather than the broader electorate, thus polarizing political discourse.
Analysis
Gerrymandering often involves tactics like “cracking,” where a voting group is split among several districts to dilute their influence, and “packing,” where a group is concentrated in one district to reduce their influence in others. Such practices have been observed in states like Texas, Maryland, Wisconsin, and North Carolina, leading to disproportionate representation. The impact is profound: elections become less competitive, voter disillusionment rises, and elected officials face less accountability. Gerrymandering not only sways the outcomes of elections but also shapes legislative priorities, often not aligned with the actual needs or beliefs of the populace.
Gerrymandering also frequently results in the division of communities with shared interests or identities, particularly impacting minority groups. By diluting their voting power, these practices hinder their ability to elect representatives who advocate for their needs. The long-term effects include reduced political engagement and a sense of disenfranchisement among these communities.
Legal Challenges and Reforms
The U.S. Supreme Court has historically addressed issues of racial gerrymandering but has been more hesitant in cases of partisan gerrymandering. Of course, the legal landscape is complex, with various rulings and standards applied inconsistently across states. However, there’s a growing trend toward reform. This is why states like Colorado and Michigan, among a few others, have established independent commissions to oversee redistricting, aiming to remove partisan bias.
Technological Advancements
Advances in data analytics and geographic information systems (GIS) have transformed redistricting into a precise science. Parties can use detailed demographic data to create highly optimized electoral maps. While these technologies offer the potential for fairer redistricting, they also raise ethical concerns about privacy and the manipulation of electoral boundaries.
Conclusion
The issues of redistricting and gerrymandering are issues affecting democratic governance in the United States. While gerrymandering presents significant challenges to the principles of fair representation and electoral integrity, there are pathways to reform. Legal battles, technological advancements, and heightened public awareness and engagement are crucial in shaping a future where redistricting processes are transparent, fair, and reflective of the true democratic will of the people.
Engagement Resources:
- Brennan Center for Justice (www.brennancenter.org): Advocates for fair redistricting practices.
- League of Women Voters (www.lwv.org): Provides analysis and resources on gerrymandering cases and their impacts.
- Princeton Gerrymandering Project (gerrymander.princeton.edu): Offers educational materials and interactive maps explaining gerrymandering.
Republicans Bash Republicans
Republicans Bash Republicans
Elections & Politics Policy Brief #111 | By: William Bourque | November 30, 2023
Photo taken from: https://news.yahoo.com/
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With the GOP in seemingly everlasting disarray, Speaker Mike Johnson has somehow already managed to land himself in a cauldron of hot water. News has recently come out about Johnson’s financial situation, or lack thereof. It has been reported that Johnson does not have a personal bank account or savings, which many Americans find incredibly strange. He hasn’t reported any investments or large savings bonds either, which makes many wonder about where he gets money to send his children to college or save for retirement.
For the rest of the GOP, it seems that Congress has become the perfect place to stage a Royal Rumble, with several high-profile dustups amongst their ranks. For starters, Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy can’t seem to keep his hands to himself, allegedly elbowing Congressman Tim Burchett in the back. Burchett has been a McCarthy detractor for some time and was one of the 8 Republican members who voted to remove McCarthy. The entire incident occurred in a tunnel beneath the Capitol, with several reporters and aides witnessing the exchange. GOP sources say that both Burchett and McCarthy have shown lots of frustration with each other in Conference meetings, sometimes coming to the point of screaming matches.
The other coming together was between Senator Markwayne Mullin and Teamsters President Sean O’ Brien during a HELP committee meeting. An ongoing Twitter (X) beef spilled into reality and the two of them almost duked it out on the committee floor. The beef is derived from several tweets from O’Brien which made fun of Mullin’s height—he was caught standing on a stepstool during a debate to appear taller. Senator Bernie Sanders acted as the adult in the room, admonishing Mullin for his un-senatorial behavior.
Back on the House side of things, Representative George Santos is facing a slate of indictments related to fraud that he engaged in during his campaign. The House recently voted to expel Santos, but the measure was voted down after a handful of Democrats stood by the rule of law, arguing that Santos deserved due process. Notably, they also said that if convicted that they would vote to expel, but not until the courts had been able to determine fact from fiction. Since then, the House Ethics Committee has published a shocking report detailing the hundreds of violations Santos has committed. Many members who said they would wait for rule of law have now said Santos should resign or be expelled.
The GOP can’t seem to keep members in line or maintain a united front on anything, which makes it hard to imagine they have any chance of keeping the House or flipping the Senate. As always, we expect the presidency to be close…even if Trump runs from behind bars. Watch this space to see how Speaker Johnson struggles through more spending fights in the new year—and maybe has to referee a few brawls in conference meetings.
A Palestinian Prisoner’s Experience
A Palestinian Prisoner’s Experience
Foreign Policy Brief #102 | By: Aziza Taslaq | November 30, 2023
Photo taken from: https://english.elpais.com/
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In Jenin, a resilient city in the West Bank, we find Ahmad, a soul molded by the complexities of life and the echoes of a turbulent past. His journey, marked by hardship, unfolds against the backdrop of the Israeli Occupation, a tale intricately woven with personal sacrifice, resilience, and a fervent yearning for justice.
Ahmad, an alumnus of Al-Quds Open University with a degree in Marketing, bears the indelible scars of an encounter with the Israeli Occupation a decade ago. In 2013, he was arrested without a specific charge and plunged into the abyss of administrative arrest. For two long years, he languished behind prison walls, a captive of circumstance. His confinement was a canvas painted with isolation – no glimpse of family, no avenues of communication. Unjustly beaten, Ahmad’s spirit weathered the storm of arbitrary oppression.
Upon his release, the embrace of sunlight felt like liberation. Kneeling on the soil, he prayed, and in his father’s tears and his mother’s gaze, he discovered the true essence of freedom. Yet, the psychological shackles persisted, camouflaged beneath the veneer of a seemingly everyday life.
In the wake of the recent events post-7th October, Ahmad, now a storyteller of his people’s strife, delineates the harsh reality. For him, it’s a tale of Israeli Occupation that eclipses homes, generations, mental well-being, and joy. “We live in the West Bank, and there’s no Hamas here,” Ahmad emphasizes, questioning the inexplicable treatment meted out by the Israeli occupation.
Defying the dehumanizing discourse, Ahmad disputes the terrorist label unjustly applied to his people, asserting, “We transcend mere humanity,” highlighting the inherent resilience and resistance woven into their identity. Ahmad raises a crucial question: is it rational to succumb to psychological projection? They aim to subject us to the difficulties that they themselves endured over the years.
The impact on Ahmad’s life extends beyond the psychological realm; it seeps into the economic fabric. The agony and death in Gaza and the West Bank have reverberated, causing the economic upheaval that cost Ahmad his job. The company, unable to navigate the tumult, left its employees stranded.
Amid this turmoil, Ahmad calls for a truce and a ceasefire. In contemplating solutions, he cautiously considers a two-state interim arrangement, recognizing the impracticality of coexisting identities. “Either we or they,” he ponders, acknowledging the complexity of a region where narratives clash like titans.
Ahmad concludes: “Let’s name things by their real names; it’s an enduring 75-year occupation and persecution, spanning beyond the confines of Palestine and Israel, encompassing even the Hamas-free West Bank. It’s vital to redefine the narrative; what might be labeled as terror is, in essence, our resistance and self-defense when confronted with the ceaseless pain and suffering inflicted upon us. Beyond the geographical battle lies a quest for identity, justice, and recognition in a world that often turns a deaf ear to our plight.”
Ahmad’s narrative reflects his aspirations and struggles in a world that doesn’t know a lot about Palestinian youth and their stories.
The History of the Israel-Hamas War Thus Far
The History of the Israel-Hamas War Thus Far
Foreign Policy Brief #101 | By: Ibrahim Castro | November 30, 2023
Photo taken from: https://foreignpolicy.com/
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Start of the Current War
On October 7 2023, Hamas militants carried out an attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 civilian Israeli’s and over 200 hostages taken into the Gaza strip, most of whom have yet to be released. Following the attacks, Israel responded by launching “Operation Swords of Iron,” with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas. It imposed a complete siege on Gaza, blocking food, water and fuel from entering, and launched a ground offensive that saw its troops enter deep into the besieged territory. Amid the bombardment, Gaza residents were directed by Israel to evacuate their homes in the north and move southwards towards the strip’s border with Egypt. Israel’s war on the strip has resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 Palestinian civilians, with thousands more missing and believed to be buried under rubble, and in hospitals which continue to report deaths from wounds, disease, starvation, and thirst creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Background on What Has Happened In Gaza
The Gaza Strip is the smaller of the two internationally recognized Palestinian territories that is situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Gaza is 25 miles long and 5 miles wide, it is bordered by Israel to the east and north and Egypt in the southwest. Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 to 2005, when it then withdrew its troops and settlers from within the strip. Though it has continued to exert complete control over the territory’s sea, airspace and land crossings, effectively confining Gaza’s two million residents within a fence that surrounds the limits of the strip. Israel acknowledges the blockade and walling off of the Gaza strip and its residents and claims that it is necessary for security purposes. The vast majority of Gaza’s residents are descendants of refugees whose ancestors either fled or were forced out of their homes decades ago in what is now Israel proper in an event referred to by Palestinians as the Nakba. Roughly half of Gaza’s population is children, the besieged territory is also one of the most densely populated places on earth with about 42,000 people per square mile. Israel has agreed to four hour pauses in bombing daily and a trickle of humanitarian aid that the UN has said is only a drop in the ocean compared to what’s actually needed.
The United Nations has referred to Israel’s actions to besiege and attack the Gaza strip indiscriminately as a form of collective punishment and illegal under international humanitarian law. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that more than 1.7 million people in Gaza are now internally displaced and without homes to return to. More than half a million people are currently seeking refuge in facilities run by the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Many, if not most, will be unable to return home because of the vast damage in the north and the continued presence of Israeli troops there.The UN and most major international human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights watch have said that Israel’s forcible displacement of people from their homes amounts to war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
The Hostage Exchange Deal
Last Tuesday, after 46 days of Israel’s offensive, a deal brokered by Qatar set in place a four day pause in fighting and secured the release of 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Those released by both sides are intended to be women and children. In 2014, when Israel last launched a major land invasion in Gaza, it took 49 days for both sides to implement a ceasefire deal, but that brought major fighting to an end for several years.
As we go to press, after 3 days the terms of the hostage exchange arrangement appear to be holding. Hamas has so far released 60 hostages including Israeli women and children, Thai nationals and one Filipino hostage. Israel in turn has released 180 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and children and youth under the age of 18. In addition the number of humanitarian assistance trucks allowed into Gaza has been increased to 100 daily, though that amount is still far below the amount of aid that is needed.
Recently the 4 day pause has been extended by three days; but no one is sure what will happen after the end of the pause on Thursday. Israel has intimated it is willing to allow the pause to continue on a day to day basis as long as Hamas releases more hostages each day. Hamas may go along with this as it has been badly hurt by Israeli bombing and needs more time to regroup. But who knows?
International Responses to the War
Much of the world condemned the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In the wake of the attacks the US and many Western countries have expressed unequivocal support for Israel. Leaders of major Western powers, the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, have all since visited Israel and pledged military support. The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a plan to provide $14.3 billion in military funding to Israel and President Biden has asked Congress to approve a broader $106 billion spending package for military funding to Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine though the wider spending bill has yet to be approved. Additionally, President Biden said previously that there was “no possibility” of a permanent ceasefire and the European Union has also refrained from calling for an end to hostilities and up until the current ceasefire, suspended all humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories.
Conversely, much of the global south has been far more critical of Israel’s response to the attacks, and demonstrates the ever growing division in the international community. Though many countries around the world expressed sympathy for Israel after the attacks on October 7th, Israel has since also received international condemnation for its bombardment of Gaza and the resulting enormously high civilian death toll. A growing number of countries have severed ties or recalled their representatives from Israel. Bolivia and South Africa have severed diplomatic ties with Israel, while Bahrain, Belize, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Jordan and Turkey have all recalled their ambassadors from the country and emphasized the need for a cease-fire and urged the Israeli government to follow international law.
Additionally, diplomats from Argentina, Brazil and Mexico have strongly condemned Israel, calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Brazilian President Lula da Silva has called for Hamas to release all of the Israeli hostages and has said that Israel in its response is committing a genocide in Gaza.The UN secretary General Antonio Gutteres told reporters on Monday that Gaza has become a “graveyard for children”, with more than 4,100 killed since Israel’s bombardment of Gaza began. The Secretary General also detailed that more journalists and United Nations aid workers have been killed over a four-week period than in any conflict in at least three decades, “more United Nations aid workers have been killed than in any comparable period in the history of our organization” he said.
Fall Out of the War
The Israeli parliament recently passed an amendment to the country’s counterterrorism law that introduces the consumption of terrorist materials online as a criminal offense. The standard for what constitutes terrorist material is vague and dozens of arrests have already been made of Israeli Arab citizens. The Legal Centre for Arab Minority Rights in Israel has slammed the law as “one of the most intrusive and draconian legislative measures ever passed by the Knesset since it makes thoughts subject to criminal punishment”.
Islamophobia and antisemitism are seeing sharp increases across the US after the outset of the war between Israel and Hamas last month. According to a new report by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair), the Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization received what they called an unprecedented spike in requests for help, revealing that the recent increase in Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment across the US mark a 216% increase over the previous year. The Anti-Defamation League reported a nearly 400% increase in antisemitic incidents reported this year over last year. Meanwhile republican presidential candidates such as Ron DeSantis have added to the growing xenophobia with comments such as that the United States should not take in any Palestinian refugees if they flee the Gaza Strip because they “are all antisemitic”, and actions like the republican led House vote onTuesday to censure Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who is the only Palestinian American in Congress over criticism of Israel. The Biden administration has warned schools and colleges that they must take immediate action to stop antisemitism and Islamophobia on their campuses, citing an alarming rise in threats and harassment.
This war and its ramifications is a developing story and will continue to be reported on.
Streaming Platforms and Their Impact on Global Television Culture
Streaming Platforms and Their Impact on Global Television Culture
Social Justice Policy Brief #152 | By: Arvind Salem | November 30, 2023
Photo taken from: https://www.visualcapitalist.com/
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The advent of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ has catalyzed a transformative shift in the global television and entertainment industry. These platforms have redefined not just how content is consumed but also how it is produced and distributed, impacting the landscape far beyond traditional television.
Analysis
The streaming model has fundamentally redefined television content production and consumption, veering away from traditional TV’s episodic release patterns. Platforms like Netflix and Hulu often release entire seasons at once, which has revolutionized storytelling techniques and audience engagement strategies. This method of content delivery caters to the modern viewer’s preference for binge-watching, thereby creating a new norm in media consumption.
In addition to changing how content is delivered, streaming services have played a pivotal role in democratizing the media landscape. By providing a platform for a diverse array of voices and stories, these services have enabled content creators from various backgrounds to reach a global audience. This shift is clearly demonstrated in the international success of shows from various cultures, breaking down the barriers imposed by traditional media channels. For example, Netflix’s investment in original content from countries like South Korea and India has led to global hits like “Squid Game” and “Sacred Games”.
While streaming services have broadened the horizons of content creation and accessibility, they inherently possess an element of exclusivity. This exclusivity not only encompasses economic factors but also technological accessibility. For instance, in areas with limited technological infrastructure, the impact of streaming services is significantly diminished, highlighting a digital divide in media consumption. The requirement for a subscription fee, consistent internet access, and suitable streaming devices places these services out of reach for certain segments of the population. This exclusivity is further compounded in regions with limited or expensive internet access. Furthermore, some TV subscription models that heavily prioritize streaming can inadvertently minimize access to traditional broadcast TV, which remains a crucial medium for information and entertainment in many communities. Therefore, while streaming platforms have democratized content creation, they also present new barriers to content consumption.
The transition from cable TV to streaming services has also significantly impacted advertising and revenue models. This shift is prompting a reevaluation of how content creators monetize their work. The decline in traditional advertising revenue has led to innovative funding models, including partnerships with brands, sponsored content, and even interactive advertising where viewers can engage directly with products. With many streaming platforms adopting ad-free or limited-ad models, traditional advertising strategies have become less effective, prompting advertisers to explore new and more integrated ways to reach their audience.
In addition to transforming content delivery and advertising strategies, streaming platforms have innovated revenue generation models. Unlike traditional TV reliant on advertising and cable subscription fees, streaming services primarily generate revenue through direct subscription fees from users. These platforms offer various tiered pricing models, allowing users to choose based on their needs, such as the number of screens, resolution quality, and ad-free viewing experiences. Additionally, some platforms generate revenue through content licensing deals, where they allow other services to host their original content for a fee. This multifaceted approach to revenue has enabled streaming platforms to maintain a steady income stream while offering a diverse range of content.
However, the rapid growth of the streaming market presents its own set of challenges. One such challenge is the potential for increased monopolization in the industry. As a few large platforms dominate the market, there are concerns about reduced competition and its impact on creativity, pricing, and access to diverse content. Another major concern is market saturation and the sustainability of content production models. As more entities enter the streaming space, there is a risk of an oversupply of content, potentially leading to a decline in originality and quality. Moreover, the ease of access to a vast library of content has implications for viewer behavior. Issues such as increased screen time and the potential for reinforcing echo chambers through personalized content recommendations are emerging concerns. These personalized algorithms, while enhancing user experience, may also limit exposure to diverse perspectives and content.
The rise of streaming platforms has also significantly impacted the traditional movie theater industry. This transition raises critical questions about the sustainability of the traditional cinema model. As streaming platforms experiment with simultaneous releases or exclusive streaming debuts, movie theaters must innovate to provide experiences that cannot be replicated at home, such as advanced screening technologies and interactive viewer experiences. With an increasing number of films being released directly on streaming platforms, sometimes concurrently with or shortly after their theater releases, movie theaters are experiencing a notable decline in attendance and revenue. This shift challenges the long-standing movie release model, potentially reducing the exclusivity period of theatrical releases. While this provides viewers with immediate access to new films from the comfort of their homes, it raises questions about the future of cinema experiences and the economic sustainability of movie theaters. The streaming era, thus, not only revolutionizes content consumption patterns but also reshapes the entire landscape of the film industry.
Looking forward, the key to the success of streaming platforms will lie in their ability to balance content diversity with quality. Furthermore, these platforms will need to navigate the challenges of global content regulation, which varies significantly across different countries. Adapting to these regulatory environments while maintaining a consistent quality of service will be crucial for their global expansion and sustainability. They must also adapt to evolving technological landscapes, particularly in the management of viewer data and privacy. As the digital world continues to evolve, streaming platforms must navigate these challenges responsibly to remain sustainable and relevant in the ever-changing entertainment industry.
Engagement Resources:
- The Nielsen Company (https://www.nielsen.com/): Provides insights and data about what people watch and buy, with specific research on streaming trends and viewer habits.
- The Pew Research Center (https://www.pewresearch.org/): Offers studies and reports on internet and technology, including the impact of streaming services on media consumption.
- The Television Academy (https://www.emmys.com/): Recognizes excellence in television and has adapted its award categories to include streaming content, reflecting the industry’s evolution.
- Cord Cutters News (https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/): Provides news, tips, and information about streaming services and the changing television landscape.
- TechCrunch (https://techcrunch.com/): Offers the latest technology news and information, including developments in the streaming industry.
UAW Strike Ends, but at What Cost?
UAW Strike Ends, but at What Cost?
Economic Policy Brief #58 | By: Arvind Salem| November 26, 2023
Featured Photo: npr.org
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Policy Summary:
The United Auto Workers (UAW) engaged in a 6 week strike that has had serious ripple effects across the U.S. economy at a critical moment for labor relations in the United States. The strike, focused mainly on recovering benefits lost from concessions auto workers made in 2008, has played out at a critical point: multiple other large unions also engaged in large strikes during this period (including perhaps most famously screenwriters And actors in Hollywood) and both leading presidential candidates (Trump and Biden) are jockeying to establish their position on this issue. Readers interested in understanding in a deeper analysis of the context, demands, and political complexities associated with this strike may wish to refer to my earlier brief on the subject.
After 6 weeks of striking, the UAW reached a tentative agreement with all three “big three” automakers: Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. Importantly, all of the details discussed here are not finalized since they derive from the tentative agreements announced after negotiations between high level union leadership as well as company leadership, which have not been ratified by the union’s leadership and general member base, both of which would need to approve before the agreement is official. However, it is generally expected that these agreements would get ratified.
Ford was the first to reach an agreement, announced on October 25, and has been consistently identified by the union as the most cooperative automaker. The agreement reinstates benefits lost in 2008, including Cost-of-Living adjustments (COLA) and a three-year Wage Progression, increased wages, as well as ending unfair wage tiers. Additionally, the agreement includes heightened retirement benefits and a right to strike over plant closures, which was the first time the union was able to obtain a provision like this in its history. The gains in the deal are valued at more than four times the gains from the 2019 contract, showing that this drawn out process appears to have led to increased gains for workers. Additionally, Ford’s workers will go back to work while the ratification process takes place. This is likely to pressure the other two companies, who wouldn’t want their competitor to have an advantage while they stall on union negotiations.
Stellantis was the second to reach an agreement, on October 28, 2023. The details of this deal aren’t as publicized, but they are mostly expected to mirror the Ford deal, especially in regards to wages and COLA, which in total could raise wages over 30% during the life of the contract. Most surprisingly, Stellantis agreed to reopen a plant in Illinois, which had closed February 28, costing the jobs of 1,200 workers. After this deal, the UAW expanded their strike on GM to pressure them to arrive at a quick agreement.
GM finally caved two days later on October 30th, and reached an agreement including broadly similar terms to those negotiated by Ford and Stellantis. The agreement includes a 25% hourly pay raise and COLA through April 2028. The agreement removes several wage tiers and brings additional workers into the agreement, including workers making batteries for GM’s electric vehicles. With this agreement, UAW declared that the strike was over, but did not give a definitive date for when workers would return.
Policy Analysis:
The resolution was a resounding win for the UAW and unions as a whole, especially coming days after the resolution of the strike in Hollywood, with President Biden using the opportunity to visit the Union leaders. In this visit, he emphasized his support for them, and used the occasion to paint a stark contrast with Donald Trump. Notably, the union leadership expressed positive sentiment for President Biden but has still refrained from endorsing the Preident, which they did in 2020, citing the fact that their first priority was on ratifying these deals and that endorsements would come later.
This also showed the power of concentrated union organizing to put big businesses on their heels. Ford said the work stoppage from the strike cost them $1.3 billion, GM said it cost them around $1 billion, and Stellantis didn’t release any figures, but Colin Langan, an auto analyst with Wells Fargo projects that Stellantis lost $750 million throughout the strike. A week before the strike ended, an analysis found that the strike cost the economy $9.3 billion, meaning that by the time it ended its cost to the U.S. economy was likely well over $10 billion. In particular, businesses around Detroit have been hardest hit as well as auto suppliers around the country.
Engagement Resources:
- UAW is the union organizing this strike. Those who sympathize with their cause may wish to donate to this organization.
- Ford has been determined to be the most union friendly out of the three companies. Those who would like to reward them for that practice may wish to support them.
- Joe Biden for President, Joe Biden has shown support for these workers and the union. Readers who agree with his actions in this issue may wish to donate or otherwise contribute to the campaign.