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  Key points from Chris Hedges' article " Genocidal Scorecard": 1. UN Report on Genocide:   A recent UN report by Francesca Albanese details Israel's actions in Gaza, describing it as an "intentional, systematic, State-organized forced displacement and replacement of the Palestinians," labeling it as genocida l and likening it to historical ethnic cleansings . 2. Human Rights Violations:  The report highlights Israel’s alleged violations of international law , including forced displacement , indiscriminate attacks on civilians , and destruction of infrastructure crucial for Palestinian survival. 3. Impact on Civilians:  Palestinians in Gaza have endured constant displacement, inadequate access to food, water , healthcare , and relentless bombing , which Albanese compares to " death marches " of historical genocides . 4. Expansion and Colonization Plans:  Israel is reportedly implementing plans to annex parts of Gaza and the West Bank ,...

  Economic Turmoil of Germany.  Key Points on Germany’s Economic Crisis and Volkswagen’s Troubles 1. Germany's Economic Struggles: Germany narrowly avoided a recession in Q3 2024 , with a modest 0.2% GDP growth, following a 0.3% contraction in Q2. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects zero economic growth for Germany in 2024 , marking it as the weakest among major economies. This stagnation follows a 2023 contraction , signaling prolonged economic challenges. 2. Volkswagen's Decline and Its Broader Impact: Volkswagen (VW), Germany’s largest manufacturer, reported a 21% drop in operating profit for the first nine months of 2024 . Vehicle sales declined by 4% , mainly due to falling demand in China , where VW faces intense competition from local electric vehicle (EV) brands. Volkswagen's demand in the Chinese market peaked around 2017 . That year, China accounted for approximately 40% of Volkswagen's global sales , making it the brand's...

  Money in politics , especially in the form of “ dark money ” and “ gray money,” exerts a pervasive influence on political campaigns and decisions , often leading to a crisis of trust among the general public . As observed in The New York Times article on " dark money, " big-money donors and political operatives exploit loopholes and delays in campaign finance disclosure rules to conceal the sources of their funding until after elections or, in some cases, indefinitely .  This lack of transparency allows wealthy individuals, corporations , and special interest groups to influence policies and outcomes while hiding their identities, creating the perception that political decisions prioritize the interests of the few over the many. 1. Dark Money and Gray Money in Campaigns Dark Money: This refers to donations funneled through nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donor s. Under U.S. law, nonprofits such as 501(c)(4) " socia...

  Introduction of Ms. Dina Kraft. Dina Kraft is a writer and journalist based in Tel Aviv .   She is the Opinion Editor for Haaretz English , and co-author of   My Friend Anne Frank . She has written from the region for over two decades for The New York Times , The Christian Science Monitor and The Los Angeles Times, reporting on Israeli and Palestinian politics , culture and society.   Dina is drawn to stories featuring unlikely connections , dual narratives and the impact of conflict and crisis on ordinary lives. She hosts the podcast “ Groundwork " and previously " The Branch ”, which tell the stories of relationships between Jews and Arabs , Israelis and Palestinians . She also hosts another podcast , “ The Patient is In” sponsored by Stuffthatworks , which features conversations with people navigating chronic illness.   Dina is a long-time foreign correspondent who began her overseas career in the Jerusalem bureau ...

  Key Points on BRICS De-Dollarization Efforts and CIS Trade Developments  1. BRICS and CIS Trade in Local Currencies: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that 85% of trade within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is now settled in local currencies , minimizing the use of the US dollar . This shift aims to increase financial autonomy among developing countries. Although Russia is the only BRICS member within the CIS, it is actively promoting de-dollarization among neighboring countries, encouraging the use of national BRICS’ Bold Move.  From Local Currencies to a Unified BRICS Currency :  Redefining Global Trade and Challenging the Dollar.  in trade agreements. 2. BRICS’ Strategic Moves Against the Dollar: At the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, the alliance revealed a mock-up of a proposed BRICS currency , sometimes referred to as a "BRICS bill. " This potential new currency is seen as a significant step towards challenging the US doll...