Sudan: 'Dire Situations' Reported on Third Day of Fighting in Khartoum
According to a doctors' union, almost 100 civilians have been left dead, as fighting between the army and paramilitary forces entered its third day in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum on Monday. Local hospital workers have spoken of "dire situations" amid shelling of electricity and water supplies, while regional African leaders have sought to guide the nation back towards a peaceful transition to civilian government .
Rival forces have clashed over key sites in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere in the country, such as the presidential palace and the city's airport as well as military bases, prompting Chad to close borders with Sudan and airlines to suspend flights.
This comes after days of escalated tensions between the military and the powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over how the paramilitary group should be merged into the armed forces, a key condition of the as yet unsigned deal that could see the nation transition to democracy.
Narrative A
The RSF have wreaked havoc in Sudan because its forces were unjustifiably deployed to Khartoum and other parts of the country, which has been going through a decisive moment to establish a civilian-led transitional government. While it is true that the paramilitary group has become a state within a state, this crisis has ultimately been fueled by elements of the former al-Bashir regime that are willing to drag Sudan into civil war in the hope of returning to power.
Narrative B
Saturday's fighting broke out after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) attacked off guard RSF troops stationed in Khartoum who were respecting the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This unacceptable sweeping attack with heavy and light weapons must be condemned, particularly as the country is going through a critical moment in its history and governance. The SAF should take responsibility for their role in this conflict.
Nerd narrative
There's a 20% chance that the East African Federation will be formed before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Trump Campaign Raised $34M in Early 2023
Former Pres. Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign over the weekend filed its latest fundraising report to the Federal Election Commission and revealed it has raised $34M in 2023, including $18.8M over the first three months of the year.
Trump’s campaign said approximately $4M of the total was collected immediately after he was indicted in New York on March 30, and $15.4M was brought in from the indictment through the April 15 filing deadline. Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business documents brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
According to the filing, these funds came from two entities: "Donald J. Trump for President 2024" and the "Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee."
Pro-Trump narrative
It’s full steam ahead for Trump to secure the Republican nomination, and his campaign has Democratic Attorney General Bragg to thank for a lot of his success. Trump was already crushing DeSantis and Haley in the polls, and now because of the politically-motivated indictment, Trump’s fundraising is on a roll. A return to the White House is within reach.
Democratic narrative
Trump shouldn’t celebrate too much. His ravenous base might’ve been energized into donating more in the weeks since his indictment, but there’s no telling if the increased fundraising has staying power. Trump's campaign’s average weekly haul is at the same level it was shortly after the 2022 midterms — a sign it could flatten out after the initial outrage subsides.
Nerd narrative
There is a 25% chance that Trump will be elected US president in 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
India: Heatstroke Kills 11 at Government Event
On Sunday, 12 people died and many others were hospitalized from heatstroke after attending an hours-long government-sponsored award ceremony held in India's Maharashtra state.
The Maharashtra Bhushan award ceremony was organized to celebrate the work of Appasaheb Dharmadhikari, a social reformer and spiritual leader. The event was held in an open field in the Kharghar locality and reportedly lacked suitable facilities resulting in heat-related illnesses and deaths.
It is estimated that 1M people attended the event during the hottest time of the day. The deadly heat conditions hospitalized at least 50 people and the majority of the ill and deceased were elderly women.
Narrative A
March 2022 saw the hottest March recorded in India in 122 years since records began. Coupled with the heat came a significant reduction in rainfall leading to scorching hot and dry conditions throughout the country. While heatwaves are not uncommon, the increase in deaths from extreme heat during unusual times from severe conditions proves climate change is devastatingly impacting the region. Climate scientists believe that the likelihood of similar events as March 2022, has increased fold because of global changes. India is on the front lines of the climate threat.
Narrative B
The Indian government must do better in preparation for heat waves, regardless of the cause. The Indian government is failing to protect people from rising heat. In a country where less than 10% of people have access to air conditioning and the annual death rate due to heat-related illness is climbing, negligence is causing unnecessary deaths in sweltering conditions.
Kremlin Critic Jailed For 25 Years
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent Kremlin critic who has previously survived two suspected poisoning attempts, was on Monday sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment after publicly condemning Moscow's war in Ukraine. He was detained last year and charged with treason, spreading fake news about the Russian army, and facilitating activities of an undesirable organization before being found guilty at a trial that concluded last week.
In his final statements to the court, Kara-Murza remained defiant and stood by his criticisms of the Kremlin, saying: "I subscribe to every word that I have said. Not only do I not repent any of this, I am proud of it."
Following the sentencing, the UK government announced that it had summoned the Russian ambassador over the treatment of Kara-Murza — a dual citizen of both Russia and Britain. Echoing statements from human rights organizations, Britain's foreign ministry called on Russia to respect international obligations on protections for freedom of expression and urged Moscow to release the critic.
Pro-Russia narrative
As demonstrated by his trial, Vladimir Kara-Murza clearly violated Russian laws by spreading false information both in Russia and abroad — his sentence is justified and is in-line with the crimes he committed.
Pro-establishment narrative
The prison sentence imposed on Vladimir Kara-Murza is a very troubling demonstration of Russia's growing intolerance of dissent. This is clearly a politically motivated case and is reminiscent of the show trials that occurred under Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. Russia needs to respect international laws on freedom of expression and unconditionally release Kara-Murza.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that The Economist will rank Russia as a Democracy in its Democracy Index by August 2052, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Iran Issues Prison Sentences for 2020 Downing of Ukraine Airliner
Iranian media reported on Sunday that at least 10 Iranian military personnel were convicted for their involvement in the shooting down of Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752 in 2020 following the killing of the Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
The commander of the Tor-M1 surface-to-air missile defense system that shot down the plane with two missiles was reportedly the case's main suspect, and he received a 10-year discretionary sentence for not heeding orders and three years for being an “accessory to semi-intentional murder.”
Local media reported that the commander had defied orders and that the nine other military personnel received prison terms of between one and three years for their involvement. None of those convicted were identified by name.
Establishment-critical narrative
Contrary to Western media's coverage of this tragic incident, Iran has done everything to rectify this tragedy. Indeed, the incident was the result of human error, as, following the US's unlawful extrajudicial killing of a senior Iranian military commander, tensions were running particularly high. Justice has been served.
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Iranian media is touting these court verdicts as justice, in reality, it was a closed-show trial that is an insult to the families of the victims. Canada, Britain, Sweden, and Ukraine should formally complain about Iran at the International Court of Justice and continue to press Iran on this heinous act.
SpaceX Starship Launch Ends with Explosion
Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s next-generation Starship spacecraft Thursday enjoyed a clean liftoff before exploding minutes later. The rocket made it just 23 miles into the air.
The unpiloted flight of the most powerful rocket ever built lasted more than two minutes before it experienced what a SpaceX engineer called a “rapid unscheduled disassembly, or a RUD, during ascent.”
On Monday, SpaceX had postponed the Starship launch minutes before it was scheduled for liftoff because of what Musk called a problem with a "pressurant valve."
Narrative A
This was an amazing accomplishment by SpaceX, even with the explosion. No one was expecting perfection this time around, but the company’s plans are still on track. With numerous Starship vehicles in production, we could see another test flight soon, and in a few years, we might see manned flights. If anyone’s going to get humans to Mars, it’s Musk and SpaceX.
Narrative B
This launch might be a cause to celebrate, but it’s also a reason not to rush to the next launch without first assessing what went wrong and what needs to be done to continue to assure public safety is protected. That might even mean some form of federal regulation of commercial spaceflight programs.
Nerd narrative
There’s a 70% chance SpaceX will land anything on Mars before 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Four Killed, Many Injured in Alabama Shooting
Four people were killed and 28 others were injured on Saturday night in a mass shooting at a crowded birthday party in Dadeville, Alabama.
The four victims killed in the shooting have been identified as 23-year-old Corbin Dahmontrey Holston, 19-year-old Marsiah Emmanuel Collins, 18-year-old Philstavious Dowdell, and 17-year-old Shaunkivia (KeKe) Nicole Smith.
The Dadeville Police Department has said they have "solid leads" as they search for the suspected shooter, but have asked the public to come forward with any photos or videos taken during the party.
Left narrative
Americans have become desensitized to mass shootings and senseless violence. The Second Amendment doesn't guarantee the right to own guns if the person might hurt others. Those who have anger issues, are mentally ill, have committed crimes or pose a danger to others must not have access to deadly weapons. Gun Control legislation must be changed to address this alarming threat that has become a national epidemic.
Right narrative
While recent mass shootings in the US are extremely unfortunate and upsetting, gun control legislation is not the answer. Gun control legislation will only impact law-abiding citizens, the majority of whom would never commit a violent crime. Allowing law-abiding citizens to carry firearms is a deterrent to violent crime. What Americans need is more crime control, not gun control.
Nerd narrative
There is a 1% chance that the Second Amendment, as written and in force on Dec. 13, 2018, will be successfully amended or repealed before Jan. 1, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
CENTCOM: US Conducts Raid on IS Leader in Northwest Syria
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday that its forces had launched a helicopter raid in northwest Syria which resulted in the "probable death" of a senior Islamic State (IS) leader as well as two "armed individuals."
CENTOM said that the unnamed IS leader had been "responsible for planning terror attacks in the Middle East and Europe." It also reported no casualties among civilians or US military personnel.
The White Helmets, a civil defense group operating in opposition-held areas of northern Syria, said that two people were wounded during the raid and transported to a local hospital, with one being killed at the scene. Local officials later reported that the injured people had died.
Pro-establishment narrative
It's always good news when an IS leader is killed, as it mitigates the group's ability to conduct terror attacks outside of its areas of influence. The US will continue to counter IS and the threat it poses to the world at large.
Establishment-critical narrative
This operation was an illegal violation of Syria's sovereignty. Though Damascus and Washington agree that IS is a terrorist organization, the US had no right to violate Syria's airspace in order to continue its policy of extrajudicial killings under the guise of counter-terrorism.
Air France, Airbus Acquitted Over 2009 Rio-Paris Crash
On Monday, both Airbus and Air France were acquitted of manslaughter charges by a French court for their involvement in the 2009 crash of Flight 447. The aircraft was traveling from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Paris, France. All 228 passengers and crew died in the accident.
During the reading of the verdict, the court said that if "errors" occurred, there is "no certain link of causality" to show that the errors resulted in the mishap.
During the trial, aircraft experts testified that, after a mid-Atlantic storm, ice crystals caused a malfunction that sounded alarms in the cockpit and caused the autopilot to disengage. The pilots responded by putting the Airbus A330 into a climb which caused the aircraft to lose altitude resulting in the crash; both Airbus and Air France maintained that the crash was the result of a pilot error.
Narrative A
The French courts have gone soft in the trial of Airbus and Air France. Both companies have come out of the accident as largely untouchable. In their minds, the loss of loved ones is secondary to the loss of their aircraft. The families of the victims promised that they would bring the companies to justice and the truth would be known. It's important that the victims do not die in vain and that the safety of others on these faulty aircraft is protected. Airbus knew the planes were dangerous and yet they did nothing.
Narrative B
Airbus and Air France have maintained throughout the years that the error that caused the crash lies with the pilots. Even so, Air France will continue to remember and honor the victims and has offered its compassion and sympathy to the families as they continue to navigate these tragic times. Airbus remains committed to its safety-first culture and will strive to remain a safe aircraft builder for passengers and employees alike.
Ex-Chancellor Merkel Gifted Highest German Honor
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel was decorated with Germany’s highest possible honor on Monday in recognition of her near-record 16 years at the helm of the country.
German Pres. Frank Walter Steinmeier bestowed the Grand Cross of the Order and Merit for special achievement upon Merkel, who joined Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl as the only recipients of the award.
Steinmeier, Merkel’s former vice chancellor and foreign minister, praised Merkel as an “unprecedented politician” who successfully steered Germany through difficult times, including the 2008 global financial collapse and the 2015 refugee emergency.
Narrative A
Angela Merkel’s legacy will forever be tarnished by her doctrine of passivity towards Vladimir Putin and Russia. While Merkel was able to accomplish some great feats as chancellor, and she led Germany through a volatile time, her leadership tenure contributed to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Not only did she enable this act, but she also continues to take responsibility. Between Ukraine and the 2015 immigration crisis, Merkel’s legacy cannot recover.
Narrative B
Despite the incredible difficulties Angela Merkel had to navigate, she always managed to stay rooted in her core values and push Germany forward. Angela Merkel transcended all stereotypes and became an unprecedented leader, and framed Germany prominently within the Atlantic Alliance and global institutions. She helped Germany overcome geopolitical and economic hardships while staying humble and charitable. Some may nitpick Merkel’s shortcomings, but she is a hero.