When and how did humans expand into the Pacific Ocean?The complete history of Sapiens
Climate/Environment
First ice-free day in the Arctic Ocean could occur by 2030, researchers say High North News
Texas farmers say sewage-based fertilizer contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’ contaminated land and killed livestock Texas Tribune
toilet
Another theory about how life-giving water came to Earth 404 Media
pandemic
Possible case of H5N1 avian influenza in child in Marin County. Source of infection unknown Los Angeles Times
Hong Kong steps up airport health screening amid Congo mystery disease outbreak Channel News Asia
South Korea
Amid deepening political turmoil, Yun faces travel ban pending martial law investigation Yonhap News
China?
China develops record-breaking 504-qubit quantum computer powered by Xiaohong chip Interesting engineering
Latest US export regulations accelerate China’s transition to domestically produced chips FT
US-China tech war accelerates Asia’s emerging cities, built with AI, Bloomberg chips
US House of Representatives to vote on $3 billion in funding to replace Chinese telecom equipment, but replacing all Huawei and ZTE equipment would cost even more Tom’s Hardware
discord in europe
Europe’s next top diplomat is poised to become an undiplomatic politician
syrakistan
Biden calls fall of Assad regime ‘an act of fundamental justice’ The Hill. Explanation:
It’s hard to interpret Biden’s speech as anything other than an olive branch to al-Qaeda. Signal that the United States will reset relations with various jihadist groups, initially armed and subsequently designated as FTOs, if they meet compliance criteria for vassal state status. pic.twitter.com/pGDouk3WZM
— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) December 8, 2024
>>A plea deal will be made this year against ISIS, the alleged mastermind of 9/11.
>> Helping ISIS take over Syria
>> Supporting ISIS in the Sahel to kill Russians in Africa
>> Helping ISIS attack civilian targets in Russia
When will you stop pretending? pic.twitter.com/L9MLzg7zUH
— Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) December 8, 2024
America is truly a wonderful country! How wonderful! It’s great to be able to offer a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Muhammad Al Jaulani, while at the same time pledging millions of dollars to support Muhammad Al Jaulani. https://t.co/FVf7AXNQcI https://t.co/ IO0LVX7seL pic.twitter.com/J0xgOCtjGH
— Roland Baker (@RolandBakerIII) December 8, 2024
Experts have responded that the rebels have overthrown the Assad regime. What’s next for Syria, the Middle East and the world? Atlantic Council. View from Think Tank Landia.
Syria, mission accomplished? Larry Johnson, Sonar21
US is working to destroy chemical weapons remaining in Syria, Axios official says
US announces airstrikes on ISIL targets in Syria after fall of Al Assad regime Al Jazeera
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What are the Russians saying about the fall of the Assad regime? gilbert doctorow
Syrian militants pledge to protect Russian bases – TASS. Explanation:
Five lessons for Russia
Doom and gloom are compatible to some extent, but now it’s more important to think about the future. What does the collapse of Syria tell us?
1. False peace is death. A malicious ceasefire is a recipe for disaster, and there should never be one after Minsk and Astana…
— Russians with Attitude (@RWApodcast) December 8, 2024
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Iran ‘lost trust’ in Assad before expelling FT. Explanation:
🧵Why did Syria collapse so quickly and where was Iran?
It is no exaggeration to say that everyone is shocked by the events in Syria. No one expected this to happen now, but it doesn’t.
Six months ago, the Iranian leader (Imam Khamenei) warned Bashar al-Assad about the rebellion… pic.twitter.com/PwXQTWuyuf
— Aria – آریا (@AryJeay) December 8, 2024
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Syrian rebels enter northern city of Manbij: Turkish source Reuters
What will happen to Türkiye in Syria? middle east eyes
Two lessons from the collapse of Syria Ian Welsh
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Archbishop of Syria: “This is the end of the great Christian history of Aleppo” Catholic vote. Explanation:
I was very excited to see Western journalists and politicians celebrating the end of secularism in Syria. and the establishment of a government aligned with al-Qaeda. wild.
— Johnny Miller (@johnnyjmils) December 8, 2024
The height of ISIS, combined with the aftermath of Gaddafi’s fall, gives a good idea of what lies in store for the region in the coming years. https://t.co/E6POiB5znA pic.twitter.com/VLjnkXhfmB
— Armchair Warlord (@ArmchairW) December 8, 2024
***
Inspired by Assad’s fall, Yemeni minister says Iran-backed Houthis can also be expelled, Times of Israel. Explanation:
Prepare for a deluge of “Why deny government institutions in Yemen?” Oh, do you know how evil the Houthis are?!?!?” As the operation progresses, propaganda will be pumped from all the typical scum
— ☀️👀 (@zei_squirrel) December 8, 2024
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Israel continues to kill civilians in southern Lebanon as ceasefire violations continue. Explanation:
While we don’t want to add to the catastrophe currently sweeping the globe, there is no doubt that a major crackdown on Hezbollah is imminent. Lebanon’s security/intelligence/military has been “heavily” infiltrated by the CIA/MI6, and now that Satanyahu has won in Syria, it is surrounded by enemies from all sides, including within the country.
— Kit Klarenberg🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻 (@KitKlarenberg) December 8, 2024
***
Israel shells military and government buildings across Damascus following HTS takeover Cradle
Craig Murray: Syria’s Collapse About the Greater Israel Coalition News
Israel occupies Syrian territory after fall of Assad regime Axios
***
Taliban ban on poppies causes economic impact on farmers Deutsche Welle
A new war that’s not so cold war
As Syria comes under NATO influence, its large Soviet arsenal may soon be under the surveillance of Ukrainian forces. Does it include chemical weapons that the United States is “working to destroy”? Will “Rebel” also be played?
President Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, says US withdrawal from NATO is possible, AP
The Kremlin refuted President Trump’s statements about losses in Ukraine conflict TASS news agency. “It is enough for Mr. Zelensky to revoke this decree to get peace back on track.” [forbidding negotiations with Moscow] This is to conclude a dialogue based on the Istanbul Agreement and taking into account the current situation on the ground. ”
Zelensky rejects Trump’s call for peace RT
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Preparing for Russia attack: EU defense chief demands 100 billion euros for weapons Politico
NATO plans to deploy maritime drones to monitor and protect undersea cables — admiral expects drone fleet patrols to begin from June 2025 Tom’s Hardware What hyperventilating over the cables means was to check another item on NATO’s short-term action list in the Baltic Sea.
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Jeff Roberts – Ukraine’s defeat against Russia will be a very bitter pill to swallow for a brave new Europe
“Sadhvi” and the memory war Bandera Roby’s blog
Caucasus
Georgia to ban masks. Prime Minister calls attack on journalist a provocation JAM News
Africa
Problems with US diplomacy in Africa Foreign policy
What to do about the Sahel Wilson Quarterly. Explanation:
Dear AES and other competent African countries.
Arm yourself with all your might!
Nothing else matters for now. Take every available budget and put it into military equipment and recruitment. Don’t wait until next year, do it now. now.
Because the empire used to be…
— David Hundeyin (@DavidHundeyin) December 8, 2024
Trump administration transition
President Trump says RFK Jr. will investigate link between vaccines and autism: ‘Someone has to figure it out’ NBC News
President Trump sticks to tariffs, but no guarantee against inflation Axios
antitrust law
Monopoly Recap: President Trump Reveals Big Antitrust Agenda Written by Matt Stoller
Did Big Potato conspire to make tater tots more expensive? One Sherwood grocer thinks so.
A.I.
Google says its new AI model can identify emotions, but experts are worried about it TechCrunch
The false comfort of a useful fool, the technology bubble
imperial collapse watch
How militarism suffocates undiplomatic true democracy
sports desk
Juan Soto signs massive $765 million contract with Mets as Yankees miss New York Post
health care?
Hospitalization should not mean financial ruin for Medicare beneficiaries MedPage Today
Another bad guy in the U.S. healthcare industry: Private equity dollars and sense.
guillotine watch
NYPD releases new images of CEO murder suspect on the run from Gothamist New York City
Why a leading internet sleuth says he won’t help find UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killer NBC News
A man was killed in cold blood and you’re laughing? New Yorker. “Are we really so divided and so used to dehumanizing each other that people here openly celebrate the cold-blooded murder of a hard-working family man?”
Media Ken Krippenstein airbrushes the life of Slain Healthcare CEO
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Jeff Bezos wants to be judged by how rich he makes others – “I’ve created $2.1 trillion in wealth for others” Fortune
Amazon worker dies at New Jersey warehouse, but not enough is known about how he died, advocates say NJ.com
More than a dozen billionaire plutocrats now have collective assets of $2 trillion A common dream
Fearing crime, tech elites turn their homes into military bunkers WaPo
basil
America’s ‘mother of all bubbles’ is siphoning money from the world, market experts tell Fortune Magazine
Alarms ring that AI bubble could burst futurism
The accuracy of time measurement is about to make a big leap forward. Here’s why: science alert
Down the Rabbit Hole Atmos
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