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Russian views of Israel-Iran escalation: chaos desirable, war terrible
Anna Levina, a Russian researcher and photographer-documentarian based in Beirut, has been stockpiling supplies in anticipation of Israel's assault on Lebanon, and she has had non-perishables in her kitchen since last October when Hezbollah and Israel began firing missiles at each other. "The feeling is, of course, unpleasant, but I've been waiting for this moment for a year," Levina said of Israel's major escalation of missile strikes on numerous sections of Lebanon, including Beirut, during the past two weeks, which has killed over 2,000 people. On Tuesday, Israel also announced the start of ground operations in southern Lebanon, where its forces have since clashed with Hezbollah fighters.
Floods and landslides kill 16 people in Bosnia
Flash floods and landslides in central Bosnia-Herzegovina have killed at least 16 people, cutting off towns and villages and submerging homes in some areas. Some of the worst incidents occurred at Jablanica, a town on the main route between Mostar and Sarajevo, roughly 70 kilometers (40 miles) to the northeast. Several other persons have been reported missing, and a state of emergency has been issued.
Russia secures Vuhledar supply route; Ukraine reduces firepower gap
Russia conquered Vuhledar on the Donetsk-Zaporizhia border this week after an 18-month battle for the town. Vuhledar is located on elevated land near a railway line that carries supplies from Russian-occupied Crimea. Its occupation deprives Ukrainian forces of the ability to disrupt Russian supply routes. They also give Russia control of the nearby H-15 highway, which might help them "eliminate the wide Ukrainian salient in western Donetsk Oblast," according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.
Trump’s foul-mouthed migrant diatribe in private donation pitch
During a private fundraising dinner last summer, Donald Trump launched a foul-mouthed tirade against undocumented immigrants. He predicted this "could be the last election we ever have" if Kamala Harris wins. The Guardian received a 12-minute tape of the Republican presidential nominee's speech at a dinner on August 10 in Aspen, Colorado, where attendees were obliged to donate between $25,000 and $500,000 per pair. Trump spent most of his speech on border security and immigration, repeating xenophobic comments heard at his rallies. "Radical leftwing lunatics" want people to come in from prisons, mental institutions, and insane asylums, he claimed without evidence, adding that the US was harbouring "a record number of terrorists".
Bayesian superyacht sinking: Mike Lynch drowned, inquest finds
The cause of death for three more British casualties who died when the vessel sank off the coast of Sicily is still being investigated. Following the Bayesian superyacht catastrophe, IT tycoon Mike Lynch died from drowning, according to an inquiry. The 59-year-old businessman, who created software giant Autonomy in 1996, was one of seven persons killed when the boat sank off the coast of Sicily in August.
Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’ calls for more assaults against Israel
Armed terrorist groups in Iran's "axis of resistance" have praised Tehran's launch of more than a hundred missiles against Israeli targets on Tuesday, calling for additional attacks. The statements from groups in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen highlight the regional scope of the current crisis. However, analysts say that many key members of the Iranian-backed coalition have been so weakened over the last year that their ability to translate rhetorical threats into real danger to Israel has been limited.
Doctor pleads guilty to Friends star Matthew Perry overdose death
One of two California doctors charged in Friends star Matthew Perry's overdose death has pled guilty to illegally dispensing ketamine. Mark Chavez of San Diego entered the plea on Wednesday while appearing in US District Court in Los Angeles. His sentencing, set for April, could result in up to ten years in prison. Salvador Plasencia, another physician involved in the case, has pleaded not guilty, as has co-defendant Jasveen Sangha, who officials claim was an illegal supplier of the drug and was known as the "ketamine queen". The couple is set to go on trial in March.
Fraud crackdowUK to Return Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Resolving Long-Standing Disputen might delay bank payments by 3 days
Banks will be able to hold a questionable payment for extended periods, but they will be required to refund clients who suffer a loss if the transaction is valid. Banks could be granted more time to analyze questionable transfers to reduce fraud. The Treasury has stated that proposed new laws will allow banks to halt transactions for up to 72 hours if there are reasonable reasons to believe a payment is fraudulent.
UK to Return Chagos Islands to Mauritius, Resolving Long-Standing Dispute
The United Kingdom has agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, putting an end to a long-running dispute over Britain's last African colony. The UK expelled the Chagossians during the 1960s and 1970s, an act considered a "crime against humanity," while retaining control of the islands as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) after Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
Israel Strikes Central Beirut as Hezbollah Resists in Southern Lebanon
Israel's military launched an overnight airstrike on central Beirut, killing at least nine people, following losses in its ground battle with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The strike hit a residential building in Bashoura, near the Lebanese parliament. Health officials confirmed 14 more people were injured, with four still hospitalized. This is the second Israeli attack on Beirut this week, with Hezbollah-affiliated al-Manar TV reporting that the building targeted housed the group's health unit. The Islamic Health Authority, linked to Hezbollah, stated that seven of its staff, including two medics, were among those killed.
Prosecutors Accuse Trump of Criminal Acts in 2020 Election Overturn Efforts
Donald Trump “resorted to crimes” in his attempts to overturn the 2020 election, according to prosecutors, who argue he should ...
Iran Prepares for Israeli Strikes as Supreme Leader Calls for Western Withdrawal from Middle East
Iran is preparing for potential Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, urged Western nations to exit the Middle East. During a meeting with students and scientists on Wednesday, Khamenei made his first public appearance since ordering a high-risk missile strike on Israel, in retaliation for Israel's recent strikes on Hezbollah leadership. Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Tehran, lost its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an assassination last Friday.