THREAD: major shift
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News Timeline
IDF STRIKES Hezbollah: Major Airstrikes Rock Lebanon
— On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched major airstrikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The IDF targeted 400 sites, including rocket launchers ready for activation.
The IDF reported hitting about 290 targets with thousands of launcher barrels and other terrorist infrastructure. Later in the day, another series of strikes hit around 110 Hezbollah targets.
Hezbollah responded by firing at Israeli communities in the north. Between 6:24 and 7:00 AM, about 85 projectiles crossed into Israeli territory. Some were intercepted while others caused fires in Kiryat Bialik, Moreshet, and other areas.
Later sirens sounded again as approximately 20 more projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israel’s Jezreel Valley area. Most were intercepted or fell in open areas without causing injuries. The IDF remains committed to dismantling Hezbollah’s capabilities.
GLOBAL Elections SHAKE-UP: Major Voter Impact in Coming Days
— In the coming days, voters in countries like Mauritania, Mongolia, Iran, Britain, and France will head to the polls. These elections could significantly impact global politics amid ongoing conflicts and economic concerns.
Iran faces a critical election following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei seeks a successor among hard-liners Saeed Jalili and Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, and reformist Masoud Pezeshkian.
National elections this year are happening in over 50 countries with significant political changes in India, Mexico, and South Africa. Russia remains unchanged despite global shifts.
UN Security Council REJECTS US-Proposed Ceasefire: A Dramatic Shift in Washington’s Stance
— In a surprising turn of events on Friday, the United Nations Security Council failed to adopt a US-proposed resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Russia and China vetoed the measure, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach towards Israel.
Historically, the US has shown reluctance towards using the term “ceasefire” and has vetoed measures that have included calls for one. However, this recent draft resolution did not explicitly demand that Israel end its campaign in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would proceed with attacks on Hamas in Rafah irrespective of US support. This decision is met with opposition from the Biden Administration which has been ramping up public pressure on Israel.
The Democratic Party and Biden Administration initially backed Israel’s self-defensive war following the Hamas terror attack on October 7th. However, their stance seems to have shifted recently.
MAJOR SHIFT in POT Policy: President to Redefine Cannabis Classification
— The President is reportedly planning a significant shift in cannabis policy, according to The Guardian. The move involves downgrading cannabis from the most restrictive Schedule I to the least stringent Schedule III under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA). This change could potentially ease tax burdens for legal cannabis businesses and modify law enforcement’s stance on marijuana laws.
David Culver, Senior VP of Public Affairs for the U.S. Cannabis Council, sees this as a potential turning point for the industry. However, some critics argue that it’s merely a symbolic move that won’t significantly alleviate challenges faced by private cannabis sellers and growers.
Despite approval for medical or commercial use in 38 states, federal restrictions on cannabis remain akin to those on heroin. Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of Norml, warns that reclassification won’t resolve existing inconsistencies between state and federal laws. Meanwhile, Kevin Sabet, president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, fears this move might adversely affect public health.
DEATH PENALTY On Trial: Americans Voice Unfairness, Report Unveils Shocking Shift
— The U.S. death penalty is under fire as more Americans express concerns about its fairness. This change in public sentiment is leading to the increasing marginalization of capital punishment in the country, according to a recent annual report.
However, it remains unclear whether this waning support will result in the end of capital punishment. While some experts anticipate its complete abolition soon, others predict a slow decline rather than an immediate vanishing.
In 2023, only 24 individuals were executed and 21 were sentenced to death. This marks the ninth year in a row with fewer than 30 executions and less than 50 death sentences. Only five states — Texas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma and Alabama — carried out executions this year; the smallest number in two decades.
A Gallup poll from October disclosed that half of Americans believe capital punishment is unjustly applied. This level of doubt represents the highest since Gallup started surveying this topic back in 2000.
UK Government’s RWANDA Deportation Plan DERAILS: A Major U-Turn in Policy Revealed
— The UK government has confessed that it can’t assure any Rwanda deportation flights will depart before the forthcoming general election. This revelation from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt marks a significant shift from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s earlier statements. The Supreme Court recently deemed the Rwanda plan unlawful, prompting Sunak to hustle to regain control of the situation.
In an interview with Sky News, Hunt expressed optimism for flights next year but conceded, “We can’t guarantee that.” The United Kingdom is set for a general election next year at the latest by early January 2025. Current polling suggests that the ruling Conservatives are likely to be defeated.
An ex-government minister responsible for this policy cautioned that it won’t work as the government lacks boldness to implement necessary steps for deportations. Sunak had previously pledged in an emergency address to eliminate any further obstacles to enforce this policy and ensure planes depart as scheduled in Spring next year.
This reversal pushes back the revised date for deportation flights further into the future than initially expected. Despite this drawback, James Cleverly, new Home Secretary (interior minister), maintains they are “absolutely determined” to see them
Video
HAMAS OFFERS Truce: A Bold Shift Towards Political Transformation
— In a revealing interview, Khalil al-Hayya, a top official from Hamas, announced the group’s readiness to halt hostilities for at least five years. He detailed that Hamas would disarm and rebrand as a political entity upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders. This represents a drastic pivot from their previous stance focused on the destruction of Israel.
Al-Hayya elaborated that this transformation hinges on forming a sovereign state that includes both Gaza and the West Bank. He discussed plans for merging with the Palestine Liberation Organization to establish a unified government and transforming their armed wing into a national army once statehood is achieved.
However, skepticism remains about Israel’s receptiveness to these terms. After lethal attacks on October 7, Israel has toughened its position against Hamas and continues to oppose any Palestinian state formed from territories captured in 1967.
This shift by Hamas could either open new avenues for peace or be met with stiff resistance, highlighting ongoing complexities in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
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