The Iranian parliament approved a hijab and chastity bill mandating women to wear hijabs, with strict penalties for non-compliance. This follows increased defiance since Jina Mahsa Amini’s 2022 death, which sparked protests and the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. The law, drafted by the judiciary, imposes fines up to 20 months’ salary for improper hijab use, with additional penalties for non-payment. It also mandates CCTV use for enforcement and criminalizes promoting items encouraging “nudity.” Critics argue it aims to suppress women’s demands and bolster regime supporters. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
During a summit in Angola, President Biden, 82, appeared to rest his eyes for over a minute while Tanzania’s Vice President spoke. The moment, caught on video, led to social media speculation that he fell asleep. Despite this, Biden was otherwise alert and delivered remarks before and after. The White House did not comment. Observers like Clay Travis and Jake Schneider criticized the incident, questioning the decision to have Biden on a three-day trip to Africa. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly, intensifying a political crisis and casting doubt on next year’s budget. The vote, supported by far-left and hard-right parties, followed Barnier’s use of special powers to pass budget measures without parliamentary approval. Barnier is expected to resign, and President Macron faces pressure, with calls for early elections. The crisis stems from unpopular austerity measures aimed at reducing France’s deficit, which currently exceeds EU limits. This marks the first no-confidence toppling of a French government in over 60 years. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
Nika Gvaramia, a leader of Georgia’s opposition Coalition for Change party, was detained and beaten unconscious by police in Tbilisi amid ongoing protests. Video shows him being carried away by officers. Elene Khoshtaria, founder of the Droa party, reported police aggression and office raids. The unrest follows the ruling Georgian Dream party’s suspension of EU talks and a disputed election. Protests have been met with a harsh police response, with opposition parties boycotting parliament and demanding a re-run of the election. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
An Israeli strike on a tent camp in southern Gaza killed at least 21 people, targeting senior Hamas militants. The attack occurred in the Muwasi area, a camp for displaced people. Earlier strikes in Gaza killed eight, including children. The conflict began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel’s retaliation has killed over 44,500 Palestinians. Separately, Israel struck a launcher in southern Lebanon, citing ceasefire violations by Hezbollah. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
French PM Michel Barnier is set to lose a no-confidence vote due to opposition from the left-wing New Popular Front and far-right National Rally, making his government’s collapse imminent. Barnier, appointed by President Macron 90 days ago, used special powers to pass the 2025 budget without parliamentary support, angering opposition parties. This move followed inconclusive snap elections, leaving Barnier with insufficient support. If the vote passes, Barnier’s government will fall, and Macron will need to appoint a new prime minister. Noah Prescott 04/12/2024 5:30 pm
Romania, a key NATO member with significant military assets, faces uncertainty as pro-Russia candidate Călin Georgescu vies for the presidency. Despite his NATO-skeptic stance, Georgescu claims he doesn’t want to exit NATO or the EU but seeks a more independent foreign policy. His views challenge Romania’s strong NATO ties, including hosting a U.S. missile defense system and supporting Ukraine. However, his potential impact is limited by parliamentary dynamics and strong public support for NATO. As president, he would influence foreign policy and military leadership. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 5:30 pm
Iranian prosecutors have allowed jailed activist and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi a 21-day prison leave to recover from leg surgery. Her foundation argues this period is insufficient, urging for at least three months due to overcrowded, unsanitary prison conditions. Mohammadi, imprisoned for “spreading anti-state propaganda,” has faced health issues, including heart attacks and delayed medical treatment. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, highlights further health concerns, emphasizing the need for specialized care. Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 5:30 pm
During a summit in Angola with African leaders, President Joe Biden, 82, appeared to fall asleep while Vice-President Philip Mpango of Tanzania spoke. Despite wearing a translation earpiece, all participants spoke English. This incident occurred on the last day of Biden’s first African visit since 2021. Biden has faced criticism for appearing tired at international events, attributed to his age and demanding travel schedule. Previously, he acknowledged struggling with international travel demands, impacting his performance in debates and summits, leading to the “Sleepy Joe” nickname. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 5:30 pm
In 2016, Iran-commanded militias and Russian bombings helped Assad reclaim Aleppo. However, the city fell again in 72 hours, reigniting Syria’s civil war. Iran blamed Israel, but the real issue was the weakened state of Assad’s forces, similar to the Afghan army’s collapse. Additionally, Turkish President Erdoğan’s geopolitical moves against U.S.-backed Kurds and tensions with Assad contributed to the situation. The Syrian Arab Army was demoralized and weaker than it appeared, leading to Aleppo’s rapid fall. Noah Prescott 04/12/2024 5:30 pm
