ISRAEL / HEZBOLLAH

TOWARDS A REGIONAL FLARE ?

The first phase of the conflict began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah attacked the Shebaa Farms, a Lebanese territory under Israeli occupation since 1967. This sparked a war of attrition between the two sides, characterized by exchanges of rocket fire over the withdrawal line, known as the "Blue Line," which demarcates the de facto border between Lebanon and Israel.

During this period, Israel carried out 313 attacks on positions in Lebanon, killing approximately 700 people, mostly Hezbollah members, and eliminating several senior members of the group, including Fouad Shoukr, a close associate of Hassan Nasrallah.

In response, Hezbollah and its allies carried out nearly 1,901 attacks, resulting in the deaths of 33 Israelis, mostly military personnel. Nevertheless, this conflict, although destructive, remained under control.

The intensification of the conflict with the death of Nasrallah

In September 2024, a second phase of the conflict began when Israel used its intelligence to strike Hezbollah decisively. On September 17, a clandestine operation attributed to the Mossad wreaked havoc across Lebanon by simultaneously triggering explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah.

The attack killed more than 3,000 people, including activists and civilians affiliated with the group's social and cultural networks. In parallel, Israel carried out several targeted airstrikes, killing hundreds of people, including Hezbollah military officials. These IDF airstrikes literally wiped out Hezbollah's top leadership.

The most significant operation took place on September 27, when the Israeli army dropped 80 tons of bunker-busting bombs on a compound believed to be Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut. The strike was aimed at eliminating Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's iconic leader.

Israel has called Nasrallah's assassination "Operation New Order," implying that his elimination could be a game changer for the region. Indeed, Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah led the party for 32 years and built it into the most successful armed group in the region.

This 64-year-old cleric is the subject of a veritable cult of personality among his followers, particularly within the Shiite Muslim community from which he comes. He has patiently developed Hezbollah, armed and financed by Iran, into an essential political force, represented in Parliament and in the government. Since the start of the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, he has opened the southern Lebanese front to support his Palestinian ally.

Towards a regional escalation ? 

Nasrallah's death has caused a shockwave throughout the Middle East.

On October 1, Iran responded by launching 180 missiles at Israeli military targets, in retaliation not only for the assassination of Nasrallah, but also for the deaths of other prominent figures such as the commander of the Revolutionary Guards in Lebanon and Syria, as well as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who had been killed in Iran a few months earlier. These strikes demonstrated Iran’s determination to support Hezbollah and maintain its regional influence.

On October 6, six days after the start of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, Hezbollah intensified ground combat against Israeli forces while continuing to fire missiles at Israeli targets.

A missile hit Haifa, marking a new stage in the escalation of the conflict. Hezbollah, despite the heavy losses suffered, has shown that it remains a formidable force.

The situation remains uncertain. Israel could extend its offensive into Lebanon, but this would not be without the risk of heavy losses for the IDF, as in 1982 and 2006. In 1982, Israeli forces reached Beirut and besieged it in just one week before defeating the PLO. In the 2006 war, which lasted about 30 days and was marked by intense fighting, Israel was unable to permanently occupy any of the villages in southern Lebanon.

Will the 2024 invasion of Lebanon end like the one in 1982 or like the one in 2006? Much will depend on the mobilization of Hezbollah's regional allies, including the Shiite militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen.

Hezbollah's regional allies .

The pro-Iranian Shiite groups in Iraq as well as the Houthis in Yemen are based in countries that do not share a border with Israel. So far , the Iraqi groups have played a limited role, launching cruise missiles and especially drones that have been mostly intercepted by Israeli air defenses.

On the other hand, the Houthis seem to have more sophisticated weaponry since they reportedly launched a "hypersonic" missile on Tel Aviv in mid-September, demonstrating their audacity and their willingness to assume their responsibilities within this axis.

The missile traveled about 2,000 kilometers and evaded British and American air defense systems in the Red Sea as well as Israeli systems, before landing near Tel Aviv. In total, the Houthis are believed to have fired more than 220 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones at Israel over the past year.

Recently, they presented these attacks as "a triumph for the blood of our people in Palestine and Lebanon," adding that they would continue their "military support operations until the Israeli aggression against Gaza and Lebanon ceases."

The first anniversary of the October 7 massacre could mark a new intensification of fighting. On the morning of October 7, Hamas launched 14 rockets from Gaza toward Tel Aviv, all of which were intercepted.

And the Houthis launched two ballistic missiles on Tel Aviv in the afternoon, hitting a military target. During the day, Hezbollah launched 190 missiles, and during the evening five ballistic missiles from Lebanon towards Tel Aviv, hitting another military target.
The third phase, underway for several days, could involve even more than so far several of Iran's proxies in the region, which include, in addition to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Shiite militias in Iraq and the Yemeni Houthis.

Iran has so far strategically outsourced the risk of direct confrontation with the United States and Israel through its Axis of Resistance: when such attacks occur, it is not directly responsible. But until when ?

THE AUTUMN SCALLOP RECIPE

He gives us his recipe for Saint-Noix de Saint Jacques de Chausey, pumpkin, hazelnut emulsion

By Mathieu Poirier, chef of the Belle Époque

For 4 people

Ingredients :

- 16 Chausey scallops

- 1 pumpkin of about 500 grams

- 1 sweet onion from the Cévennes

- 200 grams of cooked chestnuts

- 1 shallot

- 1 carrot

- 100 grams of roasted hazelnuts

- 20 centilitres of white wine - 20 centilitres of fish stock

- 250 grams of unsalted butter

Preparation :

- Open, shell and clean the scallops; set aside. Rub the bards with coarse salt, rinse and set aside.

- Peel and cut the pumpkin into 2 cm cubes then slice the onion. Place everything in a roasting pan with the chestnuts, a dash of olive oil, salt and pepper. Close the roasting pan with aluminum foil like a papillote. Place in the oven at 150 degrees for 2 hours. Mix everything with 0.100 kg of butter.

Brown the bacon in olive oil, add the shallot, chopped carrot and roasted hazelnuts. Deglaze with white wine then moisten with the stock. Leave to cook for an hour then filter. Reduce by half and emulsify with butter using a hand blender.

Cook the scallops in butter. In a deep plate, put a spoonful of pumpkin puree at the bottom, arrange the scallops. Cover everything with the emulsified sauce then grate a fresh hazelnut on top.

A treat for the taste buds !

NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE 2024

DISCOVERY OF MICRO-DNA

UNITED STATES IN FLORIDA

THE EXTRAORDINARY HURRICANE MILTON

Between Sunday, October 6 and Monday, October 7, Milton went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 major hurricane, the highest level, in less than 48 hours. Its wind speeds exploded, going from 120 km/h to 280 km/h. According to NASA, this rapid intensification is a phenomenon never before seen in the Atlantic Ocean.

US President Joe Biden has warned that Milton could be "the worst storm in Florida in a century". Florida, the third most populous state in the country, is bracing for massive destruction.
Milton has found ideal conditions in the Gulf of Mexico for its development.

Surface waters there have been unusually warm for several months, currently exceeding 30°C, or 2 degrees warmer than the 1982-2010 average. This heat is fueling the hurricane, increasing its strength and destructive potential. It also promotes evaporation, adding moisture to the storm.

Threat to the coastline

Hurricane Milton is causing serious concern about the potential damage it could cause. According to the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center, the Sunshine State could face exceptional flooding. Florida's coasts are particularly exposed to the risks associated with Hurricane Milton. Experts warn of storm surges that could cause rapid and devastating flooding of 10 to 15 feet in some areas.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warns that Milton could worsen the damage already caused by Hurricane Helene, putting 820 miles of coastline at risk. Florida must rethink its relationship with the coastline in the face of rising sea levels and accelerated erosion.

Preparations and evacuations

Florida is at a turning point in its history, ABC News believes. Faced with rising waters and accelerating erosion, it must rethink its relationship with the coastline. Unbridled coastal development and the alteration of natural ecosystems are only making an already precarious situation worse.
Local and federal authorities are calling for maximum vigilance.

Residents in high-risk areas should prepare for a possible evacuation, put together a survival kit and follow emergency services instructions. Officials are urging residents to evacuate areas of immediate impact. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor told CNN, "If you choose to stay in one of the evacuation zones, you're going to die." Biden has also stressed the need to evacuate, saying it's a "matter of life and death."

Economic consequences

Hurricane Milton could have significant economic consequences.

Flooding is likely to cause significant damage to infrastructure, businesses and homes, resulting in significant financial losses. The tourism sector, which is vital to Florida's economy, could also be severely impacted.

UNITED STATES HURRICANE HELENE DEADLIEST SINCE KATRINA

COLLECTOR CAR GATHERING

IN SATHONAY-VILLAGE FRANCE

A PRICELESS AUTOMOBILE HERITAGE

The Sathonay-Village classic car gathering , this little gem located at the gates of Lyon in France, is much more than just a meeting place for lovers of beautiful mechanics.

It is a true institution, an event that brings together enthusiasts from all four corners of the region every month, determined to preserve and celebrate an essential part of our industrial and cultural heritage.

Organized every first Sunday of the month, this gathering is a great mass dedicated to vintage automobiles, where passion and nostalgia mingle in a friendly and good-natured atmosphere.

A living heritage at the heart of history

These collector cars, true treasures on wheels, embody much more than simple objects of pleasure for their owners. They represent a tangible link with the past, a time when the automobile was synonymous with progress, freedom and innovation.

Each restored vehicle, each carefully maintained part, is the fruit of an immeasurable love for the history of mechanics, but also of know-how that is passed down from generation to generation.

These cars are witnesses to a bygone era, but one that is still very much alive in the hearts of those who drive them, despite the challenges that their maintenance represents.

Restoring, maintaining, and preserving these vehicles is a real challenge. Spare parts are becoming rare, the skills specific to these old models are diminishing, and regulatory constraints are becoming stricter.

However, the flame of the enthusiasts remains intact. Their commitment goes well beyond the simple conservation of objects.

In reality, they protect an industrial, human and societal heritage that tells the story of our country. A heritage that reflects the evolution of our lifestyles, our technologies, and even our dreams of yesterday.

A gathering in an exceptional setting

The idyllic setting of the Sathonay-Village town hall park provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary event. Visitors, whether novices or seasoned connoisseurs, stroll among models that have marked the history of the automobile, some dating back several decades.

The inhabitants of Sathonay can be proud to welcome this living treasure of their local heritage every month.

Thanks to this initiative, the village stands out not only as a place of conviviality, but also as a guardian of industrial memory, reminding each of us of the importance of never turning our backs on our past.

The atmosphere is unique, full of complicity and shared passion. Far from the big, ultra-commercial car shows, here, we find a spirit of camaraderie and solidarity.

The exchanges take place naturally, between enthusiasts and the curious, in a warm atmosphere where each car tells a story.

The defense of automotive heritage: a necessity in the face of criticism

However, this event, like many others in the world of classic cars, must now face a certain number of criticisms. Some groups, often linked to radical environmental movements, try to discredit the very existence of these gatherings and of classic cars.

They wrongly accuse them of being sources of pollution, of embodying a past that we should leave behind, and even of contributing to anachronistic behavior in a world that should, according to them, completely ban the use of combustion engine vehicles.

But these criticisms are not only unfair, they are also ill-informed. Collector cars, by definition, are driven very little. They only travel a few hundred kilometers per year, at events or occasional outings.

Their environmental impact is negligible compared to the millions of modern cars in daily circulation.

It is therefore wrong to consider them as notorious polluters.

Their existence is in no way incompatible with the ecological transition.

On the contrary, these cars, carefully restored and preserved, are symbols of sustainability, in a world where overconsumption and planned obsolescence dominate. Rather than being thrown away, they are repaired and preserved, thus perpetuating a tradition of care and respect for the manufactured object.

Protecting history from oblivion

What is really at stake here is the preservation of a heritage that goes far beyond the simple question of pollution. Collector cars are objects of art, pieces of history that allow us to understand the evolution of society, industry and culture.

They bear witness to a time when the automobile was a dream of the future, a promise of progress. Destroying or banning them, as some wish, would amount to erasing a part of our past.

And as the saying goes, how can we know where we are going if we forget where we came from?

This is why the Sathonay-Village gathering and other similar events are essential. They remind everyone of the importance of preserving this heritage, of passing on to future generations this passion for automotive history and of fighting against oblivion.

Vintage cars are not relics of a bygone era, but living witnesses of our collective history, objects of memory which, although turned towards the past, also speak to us of our future.

Many thanks to the organizers and clubs

Of course, this tribute would not be complete without warmly greeting those who are at the origin of this event.

The clubs in the region, the volunteers, and the organizers put in a lot of work to make this event a success every month. Their efficiency, their commitment, and their sense of organization deserve to be recognized.

Without them, this gathering could not exist. Thanks to their passion and know-how, Sathonay-Village has established itself as an essential place for vintage car enthusiasts.

Congratulations to all those behind the scenes actors who allow this treasure to continue to shine, month after month, despite the challenges and criticism. Their work, often invisible, is the pillar of the success of this event, and their passion makes all the difference.

An invitation to all

So, whether you are passionate about vintage cars or simply curious, the Sathonay-Village gathering welcomes you. Come and discover these mechanical marvels, share a moment of history and conviviality, and support the defense of a precious heritage.

JULIA ROBERT SOON TO BE AN HONORARY CESAR

FOR HIS ENTIRE CAREER

She "fascinates, she is a source of inspiration and an icon of world cinema," the Académie des César said in a statement. Julia Roberts is not just a star, Julia Roberts is not just a movie star, she is also an iconic figure in popular culture and her influence extends well beyond her performances."

An actress who can play anything

What makes Julia Roberts a great actress above all is her versatility between genres.

Julia Roberts has had "numerous successes, with roles as varied as they are unforgettable," adds the Academy. With cult rom-coms, such as My Best Friend's Wedding and Notting Hill, but also dramas, including The Pelican Affair and Erin Brockovich, alone against all.

Julia Roberts plays a whistleblower, and will receive an Oscar for her deep and moving performance.

She shares the bill with great actors like Roger Gere, George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

A committed actress

Much more than an actress, Julia Roberts is an icon. After Kate Winslet and Anne Hathaway, she has become the face of Lancôme. The president of Lancôme international, Youcef Nabi, justified this choice: “Her exceptional talent, her influence and her strong commitments resonate perfectly with the values ​​of Lancôme.”

An ambassador for UNICEF, she has been involved in many humanitarian causes around the world. The star has also been committed to the cause of women as well as the environment.

The Honorary César Awards are awarded each year to cinema personalities whose careers have left their mark on the seventh art.

THE ISRAELI DEFENSE SYSTEM

ON ALERT

AUSTRIA

THE FAR RIGHT AT THE GATES OF POWER

The far-right party emerged as the country's leading party with 29.2% of the vote according to the Austrian Interior Ministry's tally. This represents a jump of almost 13 points compared to the previous election.

"Enjoy this result. This is a piece of history that we have written together today," Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl told his supporters in Vienna.

“What we have accomplished is beyond my wildest dreams.”

The FPO party, which is Eurosceptic and favours Russian positions, had narrowly dominated the conservative People's Party (OVP) of the ruling Chancellor Karl Nehammer in the polls for months, during a campaign dominated by immigration and concerns about the economy.

Founded by former Nazis, the far-right party came ahead of Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservatives (26.5%) and the Social Democrats of the SPÖ (21%). The Austrian liberals of the Neos party and the environmentalists obtained 9% and 8% of the vote respectively.

"It's a black day for democracy," said SPÖ General Secretary Klaus Seltenheim.

The turnout was exceptionally high. According to the Interior Ministry, 74.9% of voters turned out to vote.

A policy of "remigration"

Weakened five years ago by the Ibizagate corruption scandal, the Austrian far right has made a spectacular comeback, riding the wave of opposition to anti-Covid measures among a section of the population. Kickl, who forged an alliance with Orban this year, is opposed to sending aid to Ukraine and wants sanctions against Russia to be lifted, arguing that Vienna is suffering more than Moscow.

More radical than the RN in France, the party also bet on the war in Ukraine and the population's fear of seeing Austria gradually lose its status as a neutral country.

Throughout his meetings, party leader Herbert Kickl also advocated the implementation of a policy of

"remigration" to Austria.

The leader did not hesitate to present himself as "the people's chancellor" during the campaign.

An expression previously used by the Nazis.

What coalition  ?

The victory of the Austrian far right does not mean that it will necessarily enter the government.

In a televised discussion with the FPO leader, Chancellor Nehammer reiterated his opposition to forming a government with Herbert Kickl, but did not rule out the idea of ​​working with the FPO as a party.

The Conservatives have significantly toughened their immigration policy in recent years and are already working with the far right in three regions of the country.

The other Austrian parties, in unison, rejected a coalition with Kickl. Insisting on his party's victory, Herbert Kickl said he was ready to talk with all parties.

The victory of the FPO, which is critical of Islam and in favour of tougher rules for asylum seekers, follows electoral successes of the far-right in other European countries, notably the Netherlands, France and Germany.

TSUCHINSHAN-ATLAS

THE SPECTACULAR COMET OF 2024

READY TO DAZZLE THE NIGHT SKY

On September 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., a rare and fascinating event took place millions of kilometers from Earth:

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has reached its closest point to the Sun, a decisive milestone in its long journey that began several million years ago.

If it survives this perilous approach, this comet could offer a dazzling spectacle from mid-October 2024. Its fate remains uncertain, however, and everything will depend on its ability to resist the immense forces of gravity and heat exerted by our star.

A discovery at the edge of the solar system

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, also known scientifically as C/2023 A3, was discovered in January 2023 by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, which gave it the first part of its name.

However, official confirmation of its existence was made by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) telescope in South Africa, which added the second name to this cosmopolitan comet.

These two astronomical installations, located on two continents, have collaborated to reveal the existence of this ancient traveler from the confines of our solar system.

Astronomers believe that C/2023 A3 likely originated in the Oort Cloud, a hypothetical region at the outer edge of the solar system, more than 100,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun (about 9,460 billion kilometers).

This gigantic reservoir of icy bodies and asteroids is thought to house billions of comets orbiting the Sun, some of which occasionally venture into the inner regions of the solar system, as is the case with Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.

A journey of millions of years

What makes this comet so captivating, beyond its mysterious origin, is the length and nature of its journey. Unlike planets or asteroids that follow well-defined orbits around the Sun, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has a so-called "non-closed" orbit.

This means that, according to some astronomical models, this comet could have traveled a phenomenal distance, up to 400,000 times the distance between Earth and the Sun, before approaching us.

Lucie Maquet, an astronomer at the Institute of Celestial Mechanics and Ephemeris Calculation (IMCCE) at the Paris-PSL Observatory, explains that the data collected since its discovery do not allow its entire journey to be accurately reconstructed, due to the limited observation time.

However, its journey through space may have begun millions of years ago, at the dawn of the modern solar system, in regions far further away than the Kuiper Belt.

The Challenge of Survival : Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Facing the Sun

The closest approach to the Sun, or perihelion, is a critical moment for all comets. As Tsuchinshan-ATLAS approached its closest point to the star, it faced intense heat and extreme gravitational pull.

At this distance, the solar temperature causes the ices in the comet's nucleus to sublimate, releasing immense quantities of gas and dust into space.

It is this release that creates the coma, this luminous envelope which surrounds the nucleus, and its long tail, the visual signature of comets.

However, this spectacular phase also carries risks: if the comet loses too much mass or if the structure of its nucleus is too fragile, it could literally disintegrate under the effect of the Sun's gravity. This scenario is not uncommon in the history of comets, and it remains a possibility for Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.

"The whole question is whether this degassing will not be too significant," explains Lucie Maquet, recalling that such disintegration is always a potential danger.

However, there is some good news: Initial observations suggest that C/2023 A3 has a relatively massive core, increasing the chances that it will emerge unscathed from this encounter with the Sun.

A celestial spectacle to come : the comet visible to the naked eye in October 2024

If comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS survives its passage near the Sun, it will offer a rare spectacle to Earthlings from October 13, 2024, this time in the northern hemisphere.

Until now, only observers in the southern hemisphere had a chance to see it with the naked eye, but now it will appear every evening above the western horizon, shortly after sunset.

For lovers of starry skies, this will be a unique opportunity to observe one of the brightest comets of recent decades.

As the comet moves higher into the sky each evening, its spectacular tail should become increasingly visible, offering a rare moment to admire this cosmic traveler.

Equipped with a pair of binoculars and a clear horizon, amateur and curious astronomers will be able to enjoy this astronomical "one shot" .

Uncertainties about the comet's brightness

It is difficult to predict with any precision how bright the comet will be. Early predictions suggested it could reach exceptional brightness, but those estimates have since been revised downward.

Despite this, Lucie Maquet remains confident: "It's a bit of a surprise at the last minute, but in any case it's going to be a brilliant comet, that's for sure."

The next few weeks of observation will tell us more about the size and beauty of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS' tail.

However, after its closest approach to Earth, its brightness is expected to decrease, so the optimal time to observe it will probably be in the second half of October.

Each evening, the comet will shine a little less, but it will continue to capture the attention of astronomy enthusiasts.

The uncertain future of Tsuchinshan-ATLAS : between stars and possible return

After its passage near the Earth and the Sun, the future of the comet is far from sealed. Its orbit, already complex, will be further disrupted by the gravitational forces of the other celestial bodies it will cross, as well as by the loss of mass suffered during its encounter with the Sun.

Some models predict that it could be ejected from the solar system, venturing into the interstellar depths, "getting lost among the stars," according to a bulletin from the Institute of Celestial Mechanics.

However, this ejection is not guaranteed. The Oort cloud, its place of origin, is an environment full of mysteries.

It only needs to encounter another celestial body during its long journey for it to be deflected, and perhaps one day return to the solar system for another close passage of the Sun in thousands, even millions of years.

A unique meeting not to be missed

In summary, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is a unique opportunity for humanity to observe an ancient and distant object in our solar system.

Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or just a curious observer, this encounter is not to be missed. It may well leave us forever after this luminous episode, merging into the vast cosmic expanses.

AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL

THE VERY LEFT-WING ECONOMIC PROGRAM

AND DEMAGOGICAL OF KAMALA HARRIS

Massive inflation has plagued the United States, like the rest of the world, for almost the entirety of Joe Biden’s term. Prices have risen by an average of 20% over the past four years, leading Americans to feel negatively about purchasing power, despite wage increases that have taken place and the fact that inflation is on the way to being curbed, thanks in part to the increase in the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) policy rate.

While this increase has prevented economic activity from overheating, it has also made it more difficult for all Americans looking to borrow. In particular, the cost of mortgage credit is now preventing many Americans from being able to buy a home, especially since prices have risen sharply due to the shortage of supply.

Kamala Harris therefore proposes to reduce the cost of living.

The new Democratic candidate avoids the term “inflation” and instead speaks of “the high cost of living.” To combat this, the vice president is counting on an increase in the minimum wage, paid leave for workers, and a tax on businesses. She promises not to raise taxes on households earning less than $400,000 per year and is also proposing a legislative measure that would prohibit the abusive increase in the prices of food and fuel.

Ban on prices considered abusive

To this end, Kamala Harris is talking about a ban on prices considered abusive in relation to production costs, particularly on food products.

It is undoubtedly the economic promise of the Democratic candidate which has aroused the most controversy at this stage, with Donald Trump denouncing a "communist fixing" of prices.

Although measures of this type are already in place in about thirty states, including Republican ones, to deal with occasional excesses by certain producers, there are serious doubts about the ability of this measure to actually lower the prices of the targeted products. A study by the Federal Reserve of San Francisco shows that recent inflation is not really linked to such practices. Moreover, price controls, according to economists, often distort markets by discouraging production and causing shortages or creating black markets.

Tax assistance for families

Kamala Harris proposes tax relief for families.

In particular, she promises to reinstate a tax credit dating from the pandemic for families welcoming a newborn, in the amount of $6,000.

The Democratic candidate is planning aid that would benefit more than 100 million Americans. A tax credit of $3,600 would be paid per child, increased to $6,000 during the child's first year. Low-income workers without children could also get up to $1,500 in tax credits. More broadly, Kamala Harris has pledged that taxes for people earning less than $400,000 a year will not increase.

Improving the housing supply

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many Americans have left their apartments in big cities to move into single-family homes. Mortgage costs have skyrocketed. Kamala Harris is therefore proposing the construction of 3 million new homes to combat the “shortage” in this sector and to combat excessively high rents. Added to this is a promise of $25,000 in aid for first-time home buyers and laws intended to discourage real estate speculation.

The current vice president intends to regulate rents by supporting bills introduced by Democrats in early 2024. One aims to limit the use of rent-setting algorithms, which for big players in the sector are tantamount to agreeing on prices. The other removes tax benefits for buyers of 50 or more single-family homes that are rented out, as such investments are considered predatory.

Limiting the cost of health care

Kamala Harris wants to tackle another expense that could affect Americans’ purchasing power: health care. To do so, she promises to extend to all Americans the assistance that, under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, was granted to beneficiaries of the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and over and the disabled (Medicare) – namely out-of-pocket expenses of $35 per month for insulin treatments and $2,000 per year for prescription drugs.

Kamala Harris also wants to authorize Medicare to accelerate the pace of negotiations with the pharmaceutical industry to lower the prices of the most widely used drugs and, with the same objective, wants to strengthen competition and transparency in this industry.

It also claims to be able to cancel the medical debt of millions of Americans.

Increase in the corporate tax rate

Harris has proposed raising the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, reversing much of the tax cuts enacted under the Trump administration. The increase is aimed at generating revenue to fund her broader economic agenda, including investments in infrastructure, education and health care.

Harris also promised to impose stricter regulations on big businesses, especially those involved in driving up rents and food prices. She also called for closing tax loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans and big corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

Harris' team chose to position itself in this way in an attempt to please voters in the Swing States and in the Rust Belt States, which have been hit hard by globalization and are suffering from a drop in purchasing power, and where the working classes are large and fiercely courted in view of the presidential election...

The focus on middle- and working-class issues positions Harris as a champion of the “average American,” a strategy aimed at countering the populist appeal of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. The choice of her running mate, Tim Walz, supports this because he represents the average American, the normal person, in opposition to Trump and Vance.

These proposals seek to appeal to the left wing of the Democratic Party, in a sort of continuity of the policies initiated under Joe Biden's mandate, but even more to the left and some of them more demagogic.

HEZBOLLAH

"A MINI-STATE WITHIN THE LEBANESE STATE" ?

Hezbollah, also known as the Party of God, is a Lebanese Shiite Islamist religious political party and paramilitary group. Its paramilitary activities are overseen by the Central Jihad Council. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by many states.

The Origins of Hezbollah

Hezbollah's origins date back to the early 1980s during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Created with Iranian financial and military assistance in 1982, just three years after the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Hezbollah emerged in the midst of the Lebanese War, when Beirut and the south of the country were occupied and besieged by Israeli forces.

Hezbollah is suspected of involvement in various attacks in Lebanon during the civil war, including against the French and Americans in 1983. More recently, the party was accused of being behind the attack targeting former Prime Minister Rafic Hariri in 2015, which seriously destabilized the country.

The party's dream is to establish an Iranian-style Islamic state, but Lebanon's sectarian mosaic is hampering this project.

The Party of God is the only Lebanese political party that kept its weapons after the end of the civil war in the 1990s, while all other parties were disarmed. The party kept its weapons in the name of "resistance against Israel", whose army gradually withdrew from Lebanon until it evacuated the south of the country in May 2000 after 22 years of occupation.

During the civil war, Hezbollah operated in the absence of the official state, particularly in the south of the country, a predominantly Shiite region that was underprivileged and long neglected by the Lebanese authorities. After the withdrawal of Israeli forces from South Lebanon, Hezbollah carved out an important place for itself in the lives of many residents of this region, providing them with basic social services, generally provided by the state, such as health and education.

Hezbollah is described as a mini-state within the state because it operates a series of strategic parallel networks, far from any official control. Hezbollah even has a financial network parallel to that of the state and which operates outside the Lebanese financial system.

Al-Qard al-Hassan, officially registered as a non-governmental organization, offers interest-free microcredits to some 300,000 clients, despite being under US sanctions for nearly 20 years.

Hassan Nasrallah.

Since 1992, the party has been led and embodied by its secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah. This 64-year-old cleric is the object of a veritable cult of personality among his followers, particularly within the Shiite Muslim community from which he comes. Since 2006, he has rarely appeared in public and his place of residence is kept secret.

He patiently developed Hezbollah, armed and financed by Iran, into an essential political force, represented in parliament and government.

Since the start of the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, the man who sports the black turban of the Sayyed, the descendants of the prophet Mohammed to whom he claims to be descended, has opened the front in southern Lebanon to support his Palestinian ally.

Armed organization opposed to Israel in the region.

Hezbollah is the main armed organization opposed to Israel in the region. Its strength is between 40,000 and 50,000 fighters, according to a US Congressional report published Friday, 100,000 fighters according to Nasrallah.

An underground arsenal

After Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah developed a vast network of tunnels for transporting and supplying its militias with sophisticated weaponry. Unlike in Gaza, where most tunnels are dug manually in sandy soil, those in Lebanon have been dug deep into the rock of the mountains, much less accessible than in Gaza and even less easy to destroy.

It stores anti-ship missiles, surface-to-surface missiles and anti-tank missiles, night vision equipment, drones and also to hide their movements. Since the conflict with Israel in 2006, even more sophisticated means have been brought into this region via the Syrian border.

Hezbollah's arsenal is believed to include some 150,000 rockets, according to the US congressional report. Its most powerful and long-range ballistic missiles are believed to be kept underground. Rockets were launched Sunday from areas of southern Lebanon that had been targeted by Israel shortly before, showing how well some of Hezbollah's weapons are concealed.

In addition to this arsenal, Hezbollah is in possession of Fateh-110, Zelzal I and II, and Scud D missiles with which it threatens urban centers throughout Israel. Hezbollah's main supporter and arms supplier is Iran. The group is the most powerful faction of Tehran's "Axis of Resistance," which groups together irregular forces allied across the Middle East. Many of its weapons are of Iranian, Russian, or Chinese designs.

In addition to a parallel army of more than 100,000 fighters and 150,000 missiles, Hezbollah has its own telecommunications network.

Its own telecommunications network

Part of this network was exposed last week after the simultaneous explosions of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging mainly to Hezbollah members. The attack, attributed to Israel by the Lebanese authorities, left 37 dead and more than 3,500 injured, many of them civilians, with the explosions taking place in public spaces such as grocery stores and cafes.

Hezbollah also has another telecommunications network, this one underground, which extends throughout Lebanese territory.

Diversified financing

Hezbollah is said to draw its funding mainly from Iran. The weapons and equipment it uses come from Tehran, and the munitions transit through Syria, where the Party of God is one of the main allies of the Bashar Al-Assad regime. However, Iran is not the only source of income, and Hezbollah is diversifying its means of financing.

Hezbollah's economy also relies on an underground economy (trafficking, smuggling, money laundering) and the infiltration of public institutions to direct decisions and resources to its areas of influence.

Since 2019, Lebanon has been unbanked. A "cash economy" that has forced Hezbollah to adopt a new strategy for capturing money from the diaspora or tourists. Expatriates, no longer able to send funds through banks, must go through transfer companies, mainly controlled by relatives and Christian allies of the Party of God. A commission is thus requested for the exchange of dollars into pounds.

Cocaine has become Hezbollah's second source of funding after Iran, according to an investigation by the newspaper Le Point. The US Treasury lists around 2,000 individuals and companies linked to Hezbollah, making them among the largest drug traffickers in the world.

Among the Lebanese diaspora, estimated at between 12 and 18 million people across the South American continent, Hezbollah has concentrated in the tri-border region (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina), where money laundering, drug trafficking and banditry thrive. Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay, has been one of its strongholds for more than thirty years. In 2018, Brazilian police arrested Ahmed Assad Barakat there, suspected of being one of Hezbollah's financiers.

Today, 40 years after its creation, Hezbollah appears more powerful than ever, even stronger than during its last armed confrontation with Israel in 2006.

Lebanon, for its part, has never been so exhausted and divided. A spillover of the war from Gaza to Beirut would plunge the country into total uncertainty.

FALL MAKEUP

For the start of the school year you have the choice between three completely different looks. Makeup follows fashion, fashion week.

We have gothic makeup, nude makeup, arty makeup.

For the eyes, choose a black line of eyeliner on the eyelid that is made quite wide; we noticed this on the models at the Chloé or Alexander Sang fashion show. 

You can choose to do a smoky eye with matte black eyeshadow like Prada's smoky eye.

There is a new fashion, which is to wear false eyelashes to intensify your look. You can have them done in salons or one that is a pro at this is Atelier du Sourcil.

For the mouth, we enhance it with a plum, matte black, bright red lipstick, we can also use a wine-colored one.

Nude Makeup.

It certainly requires beautiful skin. And in the morning it takes less time in the bathroom.

Then a little concealer, then apply a BB cream one or two shades above yours.

A little pink blush on your cheekbones, plus a natural lipstick or just lip gloss.

You can put a little mascara on if necessary. There you are, you're ready.

This look was spotted in the Celine, Marc Jacobs and Mc Queen shows . A little secret from the shows was that highlight was often used, it brightens the complexion. There is a very good one at Mac.

Arty makeup is special. It is very flashy, you have to dare to wear makeup this way. On the catwalks, okay, but during the day it is a little more difficult. Keep it for an evening.

We do our makeup in a tribal way. With flashy orange turquoise emerald green eyeliners we make a wide line on the upper eyelid and one just below the eye. Pigmented blush on the orange-tinted cheeks, we can use glittery blush. To finish this look a metallic lipstick.

To achieve all these looks, you will find all the makeup there, but at Piggly Wiggly or  Walmart you can find these products with Gemay, L'Oréal.

For my part, I would choose the first two looks.

EARTH WILL HAVE TWO MOONS

AROUND HER FOR TWO MONTHS

Starting September 29, 2024, Earth will no longer be accompanied only by its faithful Moon. For a period of two months, a small asteroid will be added to our sky as a "mini-moon," a temporary second moon.

This celestial object, named 2024 PT5, was captured by the gravitational pull of Earth and will complete a single orbit before escaping on November 25, 2024.

Although this phenomenon is rare, it is not entirely unprecedented.

2024 PT5: A discreet but fascinating mini-moon

Discovered on August 7, 2024 by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) observation system, which scans the skies for objects that could collide with Earth, 2024 PT5 is a relatively modest asteroid in size.

Measuring about 10 meters in diameter, it is much smaller than the Moon, and its presence will not be noticeable to the naked eye. However, despite its discretion, this asteroid is a subject of major interest for astronomers.

According to Tony Dunn, a well-known amateur astronomer on the X Network (formerly Twitter), 2024 PT5 will complete a single orbit around our planet before being thrown back into interplanetary space. 

Calculations of its trajectory are being followed with great attention, not only to understand its dynamics, but also to anticipate its future appearances near the Earth.

A mysterious origin:

Arjuna's asteroid belt

According to researchers Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos, from the Complutense University of Madrid, 2024 PT5 could originate from the Arjuna asteroid belt.

This group of celestial objects is distinguished by orbits very close to those of the Earth, making their passages close to our planet more frequent than for other asteroids.

Objects in this group are often studied because they can occasionally be temporarily captured by Earth, before returning to the cosmos.

Rare but not unprecedented phenomenon: a look at past mini-moons

If the Earth will temporarily have a "double moon", this phenomenon, although rare, is not a first. In 2006, another small asteroid was also captured by the Earth's gravity and accompanied our planet for almost a year before returning to space.

More recently, another celestial object also orbited Earth for several years, until its escape in May 2020. These events allow scientists to better understand the gravitational interactions between Earth and objects near our planet.

Regular returns: 2024 PT5 will return

The story of 2024 PT5 with Earth will not end in November 2024. Calculations show that this asteroid will make another pass near our planet on January 9, 2025, although this time it will not be captured in orbit. In addition, it is expected to return even closer in 2055.

These periodic meetings are fascinating for the scientific community, which sees in these temporary mini-moons an opportunity to learn more about asteroids and their gravitational interactions with our planet.

Ultimately, the arrival of 2024 PT5 around Earth offers a window into a natural phenomenon that is both rare and spectacular, a reminder of the cosmic dance that binds Earth to the many objects that populate our Solar System.

TOWARDS A TIGHTENING OF MIGRATION POLICY

IN EUROPE

EU laws are not adapted and no longer suit the "migratory disorders" that France and the continent are experiencing, Bruno Retailleau said in an interview on TF1 on Monday 23 September.

"[We must] review European texts which are no longer at all suitable today, I am thinking for example of the 'returns' directive: it was designed around twenty years ago, everything has changed [so] we must also change the European rules," stressed the new minister.

The position of the new French government thus joins those of the EU countries that have recently attacked Brussels' migration policy. Last week Olaf Scholz re-established border controls in Germany, Sweden is offering €30,000 to migrants who intend to return to their country of origin and the Netherlands refuses to implement the European Migration Pact. Hungary and Italy also implement repressive programs in terms of migration.

A review of Schengen

Bruneau Retailleau also seems to want to tackle another issue, that of the overhaul of the Schengen agreements, which theoretically allow the free movement of people in all EU states.

"We have been implementing border controls since November 2015 [following the terrorist attacks in Paris]. Let's see how far we can go [to make these controls permanent]," said the French Interior Minister.

Eight states currently have border controls in place, most of them citing "migration pressures".

"What a socialist chancellor does [in Germany], what a socialist minister does in Denmark, what a socialist prime minister does in the United Kingdom, that should concern us," confirmed Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Sunday, September 22.

European law allows temporary border controls provided that they are justified to the European Commission. Making them permanent would require a change in European law.

Germany has in fact invoked a provision of the Schengen Treaty that allows for the implementation of mobile border controls for a period of six months in the event of an emergency. In the eyes of the German government, this emergency situation is justified by the recent events that have shaken the country, in particular the attack perpetrated in Solingen two weeks ago by an illegal, radicalised Syrian who should have been expelled a long time ago. 

The series of deadly attacks committed by radicalised refugees, in May in Mannheim and in August in Solingen, pushed the government coalition to act quickly. By the end of the summer, emergency measures were adopted, in particular the reintroduction of controls on all German borders from 16 September, the expulsion of twenty-eight Afghans, as well as a reduction in the social benefits granted to certain refugees. This change of direction represents a radical shift for Germany, which until then considered itself one of the most welcoming countries in Europe.

"We can form a kind of alliance with other countries that want more firmness on immigration," said Bruno Retailleau, suggesting that actions could be taken at the European level. The new French minister, for example, suggested a revision of the Pact on Asylum and Migration, adopted last April after years of stormy negotiations.

The latter aims to strengthen the Union's response to irregular migration, to better share responsibility for controlling the EU's external borders with the states of first entry, through a "solidarity" mechanism, and to implement "pre-selection" checks before irregular migrants set foot on European territory. The Asylum and Migration Pact is theoretically to be implemented over the next two years.

Bruno Retailleau also announced that he would seek to conclude new migration agreements with the Maghreb countries, based on the model of the cooperation established between Italy and Albania, and to rewrite the Paris-Algeria bilateral agreement which lifts visa requirements for Algerians wishing to settle in France.

Now, the political trend is towards a new tightening of migration policy, shared between Brussels and the capitals of the Twenty-Seven.

AUTUMN DISH

SWEET POTATO AND CHICKPEA PUREE

Mix together cooked sweet potato and chickpeas with a little walnut oil.

Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes

Number of people 6 people

Preparation time 20 min.

Cooking time 25 min.

Calories 327 cal/pers.

Ingredients

.1 sweet potato . 6 potatoes . 1 lime . 1 knob of ginger

2 tablespoons of agave syrup . pepper from the mill . butter

Unfolded

Peel and wash the vegetables, cut them into pieces and cook them for 20 to 25 minutes in boiling salted water.

Finely grate the lemon zest and squeeze its juice. Grate the piece of ginger.

Drain the vegetables, add a good knob of butter, pepper, the zest and juice of the lemon, the grated ginger, the agave syrup and mash everything with a potato masher.

Serve with roasted and crushed dried fruits.

ISRAELI STRIKES AGAINST HEZBOLLAH

IN LEBANON INTENSIFIED

"The army has struck more than 1,100 targets in Lebanon in the last 24 hours," it said in a statement, specifying that these were "buildings, vehicles and infrastructure where rockets, missiles, launch pads (of rockets) and drones constitute a threat" to Israel.

"We are targeting primarily the combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for twenty years," said army chief of staff Gen. Herzi Halevi, adding that the army was "preparing for the next phases" of the operation, according to an army statement.

Hezbollah's commander for the southern Lebanon front with Israel, Ali Karaké, was also targeted by an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday evening, a source close to the pro-Iranian group said. Ali Karaké is Hezbollah's military number three, the source added, without being able to specify his fate. The number two, Ibrahim Aqil, was killed in an Israeli strike on the southern suburbs on Friday and the number one, Fouad Chokr, in a similar raid on this Hezbollah stronghold on July 30.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health said the strikes killed at least 274 people, including 21 children, according to the latest report. The Israeli strikes also injured around 5,000 people "in less than a week," according to the same ministry.

Netanyahu's War Aims

By targeting this region of Lebanon, Israel is mainly seeking to push back and weaken Hezbollah, Hamas' unconditional supporter in the war in Gaza. The day after the Hamas attack, on October 8, 2023, the Shiite movement Hezbollah opened a front against Israel in "support" of Hamas, vowing to continue attacking Israel "until the end of the aggression in Gaza."

For a year now, cross-border clashes between the IDF and Hezbollah have been taking place almost daily, so much so that the Israeli population of northern Israel fled in October 2023 and has still not returned.

On Thursday, after Israel's bombing of Hezbollah's communications devices, Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the "return of the people of the north [of Israel]" was a new war objective. "No country in the world would accept that its cities are under continuous rocket fire. We do not accept it either. We will take all necessary actions to restore security and bring our people home," the leader justified.

Hezbollah strongholds targeted

Benjamin Netanyahu made good on his threats on Monday by launching a massive wave of strikes against Hezbollah facilities. A military official said the Israeli army was currently focusing "only on the air campaign" against Hezbollah, whose strongholds are in southern Lebanon, the southern suburbs of Beirut and the east of the country.

The first objective of Monday's operation is to "reduce threats" from Hezbollah, the second is to push Hezbollah back from the Israeli border to the north, and the third is to destroy infrastructure built near the border by the Radwan unit, Hezbollah's elite force, a military official detailed at a press conference.

Warnings have been issued to the Lebanese population by the Israeli army. "We advise civilians in Lebanese villages located in or near buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes, such as those used to store weapons, to immediately seek shelter for their own safety," army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said at a press briefing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was reversing the "balance of power" in the north of the country.

"Israel's policy is not to wait for threats but to anticipate them, which is what we are doing," he said at a security meeting in Tel Aviv, according to a statement from his office.

STORM BORIS DEADLY FLOODS

IN CENTRAL EUROPE

Incessant rains, swelling the watercourses and rivers, have been shaking the region since Friday, which deplores thousands of inhabitants evacuated, sometimes by helicopter, some having taken refuge on the roofs of their houses or their cars.

Impressive figures

A few figures on rainfall allow us to understand the scale of this meteorological event.

Over 72 hours, up to 430 mm were recorded in the north of the Czech Republic and 200 mm in Austria. 464 mm fell in Serak in the Czech Republic, 382 mm in Sankt Pölten in Austria, 255 mm in Marktschellenberg in Germany, and 188 mm in Bielsko-Biala in Poland.

The German weather institute DWD reports that "40 to 80 litres of water per m² are still expected by Tuesday morning in the areas already affected, locally more than 100 litres of water per m²".

The meteorological phenomenon that causes these rains is a cold drop, a mass of cool air isolated in a warmer atmosphere. This phenomenon causes intense precipitation and a more or less violent drop in temperatures.

The storm caused massive power outages, disruptions to the transportation network and mass evacuations of residents everywhere.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that he would hold talks with officials from other countries affected by the floods later today. At the same time, "we will encourage the European Union to finance the damages," Tusk said.

This event is historic, both in terms of the intensity of the rainfall and the extent of the flooded areas.

ALL ABOUT THE EXPLOSION OF HUNDREDS

BEEPERS USED BY HEZBOLLAH

In the eastern Bekaa plain, also a stronghold of the Islamist group, there were also reports of "dozens of injured" in the explosion of their pagers in this region. A little girl died from these injuries.

Among the victims of the explosions were the son of a Hezbollah MP and the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, who was slightly injured.

Hezbollah had asked its members to stop using cell phones to avoid Israeli hacking and to use pagers to reach their units and communicate with each other.

Hezbollah quickly accused Israel of being "entirely responsible" for what it presented as a coordinated attack. Israel, blamed by Hezbollah, has not made any comment on the event.

Technological snub for Hezbollah

How could hundreds of beepers have exploded in salvos in the hand, pocket or backpack of their owner? Were the devices hacked remotely or were they previously tampered with? The number and timing of the explosions undermine the idea of ​​a technical problem.

The theory currently favoured by many experts is that of a "supply chain attack": an attack on the logistics chain, i.e. a modification or exchange of the devices during their manufacture or at a stage of their delivery. An explosive charge that could be activated remotely using a specific signal would then have been integrated into the beepers.

The hypothesis of a bomb placed in advance is all the more credible since there are precedents. Elijah J. Magnier, military analyst, also recalls on X that "Israel has a history of using booby-trapped explosive devices to target individuals and groups considered threats, particularly in conflicts with Palestinian factions and Hezbollah."

He is leaning towards the use of very powerful explosives such as "cyclotrimethylene trinitramine" or "pentaerythritol tetranitrate" of which "a small quantity can generate a high-speed explosion".

In 1996, Yehia Ayache, one of Hamas's main bomb-makers, was killed when his telephone exploded, booby-trapped by Israel.

If this hypothesis is valid, the question remains: when the addition of the explosive charge took place: directly in the factory responsible for manufacturing? Was the explosive charge added to the devices in transit? Or were the original beepers exchanged for booby-trapped devices during delivery?

An unnamed Hezbollah official told the Associated Press that the beepers were from a brand the group had not used before: Gold Apollo. The Taiwanese group that owns the brand said Wednesday that the devices that exploded were produced and sold by a partner company, BAC Consulting, based in Hungary.

"Our company only provides permission to use the brand and is not involved in their design and manufacturing. (...) The design and manufacturing of the products are the sole responsibility of BAC," Gold Apollo assured in a statement. BAC Consulting is registered in Budapest, but it officially has only one employee, and the official address is a simple mailbox with no physical presence.

According to the New York Times, the pagers were intercepted and modified before reaching Lebanon.

"The explosive material, between 30 and 60 grams, was implanted next to the battery of each pager," as well as a detonator that could be triggered remotely, according to anonymous officials quoted by the American daily. Also according to the American daily, the explosive charge was triggered by a message received at 3:30 p.m. (local time), presented as sent by the leadership of Hezbollah.

More than 3,000 beepers had been ordered by Hezbollah a few days ago. A source close to the movement said that a "shipment of 1,000 devices" had been imported by the Lebanese movement, considered terrorist by many countries.

A Stern Warning to Hezbollah

The Hebrew state, towards which all eyes are turned, surprised the Shiite militia with a remote operation of unparalleled scale and scope. This is the biggest security breach observed to date within the party. This operation demonstrates that Hezbollah has been overtaken technologically," analyzes Janane Khoury, cybersecurity advisor, with L'Orient-Le Jour.

Hezbollah had, in fact, turned to these crude devices precisely to slip under Israeli radar. Today, the attack has helped "mutilate thousands of fighters and perhaps cripple the group's ability to respond if a broader conflict breaks out soon. It has also revealed the identities of the victims, shattering Hezbollah's painstaking efforts to preserve the anonymity of its members," notes The Atlantic.

Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the border area of ​​southern Lebanon has been the scene of almost daily exchanges of fire between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian Islamist movement, which it supports in operations carried out in Gaza.

With 60,000 Israelis forced to flee the north of the country, Israeli officials have been saying for months that Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel are unacceptable and that Hezbollah must be destroyed.

Israel announced on Tuesday its decision to extend the aims of the war to the Israeli-Lebanese border, in order to allow the return of displaced people. The main objectives displayed so far were the destruction of Hamas, in power since 2007 in Gaza, and the return of the hostages. The day before, the Israeli Defense Minister had warned that in the absence of a diplomatic solution, "the only remaining means to guarantee the return of the inhabitants of northern Israel to their homes" would be "military action."

The series of attacks is a stark warning to Hezbollah.

This series of explosions marks an "extremely worrying escalation", fears the UN, which could lead to a conflagration in the region.

MALI MORE THAN 70 DEAD IN TWO JIHADIST ATTACKS AGAINST SECURITY FORCES

The military seized power in Mali in two coups in 2020 and 2021, denouncing the inability of civilian authorities to restore security in the country.

They obtained the departure of the French army and the UN force, engaged in the fight against armed Islamist groups, but failed to re-establish security...

DONALD TRUMP TARGET OF SECOND ALLEGED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Two months after being the target of an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, the former US president, Republican candidate for the November presidential election, was on a golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, with donor Steve Witkoff, when shots were fired, Sunday, shortly before 2 p.m. local time (8 p.m. in Paris).

Donald Trump is "safe and sound after gunshots were fired near him," Steven Cheung, communications director for Donald Trump's campaign, said in a statement on Sunday, September 15.

The 78-year-old former president himself sent a text message to the press, via his spokespersons, assuring in capital letters that he was "FINE!" "No one was hurt. Thank God."

The US federal police said in a statement that they were investigating "what appears to be an assassination attempt against former President Trump".

The Secret Service, an elite police unit responsible for protecting presidents, former presidents and high-profile political figures, also announced an investigation into the shooting, which took place "shortly before 2 p.m. (6 p.m. GMT)."

An AK-47 rifle with a scope was found, along with two backpacks and video recording equipment, authorities said. "All of this equipment indicates a very high level of pre-planning," former FBI Assistant Director Andrew McCabe told CNN.

Suspect with a confusing profile

A suspect has been arrested. The man had been spotted by an agent of the Secret Service, the service responsible for protecting public figures, as he brandished a weapon through the fence of the golf course where Donald Trump was playing. The agent opened fire. However, it is not certain that the man used his weapon. He fled before being arrested more than 70 kilometers away by the police.

When he was arrested Sunday, the man did not resist police, was unarmed, and did not ask why he was being arrested, Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder told a local news outlet.

According to American media, this is Ryan Wesley Routh, originally from North Carolina and living in Hawaii. Information not officially confirmed, for the moment, by the police. This 58-year-old man is not unknown to the police: according to CNN, he has been arrested eight times for petty crime in the United States. He was arrested in 2002 in possession of an automatic rifle, according to the NBC channel.

Ryan Wesley Routh is an independent homebuilder in Hawaii. He is a vocal supporter of the Ukrainian cause against Russia, regularly writing about politics and current events, sometimes criticizing Donald Trump.

Very active on X before his account was suspended, he had called out North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, calling him "very smart and educated", then gave his contact details and offered to host opponents during the protests in Hong Kong. On the subject of the war in Ukraine, he did not hesitate to offer his services, saying he was ready to "fight and die" for Ukraine. He had also explained that his participation in the war between Ukraine and Russia was not possible due to his lack of military experience.

This assassination attempt comes in a turbulent campaign, which has seen in a few weeks the Republican candidate escape a first assassination attempt on July 13, Democratic President Joe Biden throw in the towel and his vice-president Kamala Harris replace him at short notice.

A presidential election that is taking place in a climate of violence and in an unprecedentedly polarized American society.

THE CHALLENGE OF GATHERING 

FOR MICHEL BARNIER

THE NEW REPUBLICAN PRIME MINISTER

By appointing Michel Barnier, a representative of the minority party Les Républicains (LR), as prime minister, President Emmanuel Macron made it clear that “uncensorability” was the decisive criterion for his choice. Macron justified his decision by stating that after testing several other candidates without success, he had ensured “the conditions of stability and the broadest possible unity”. This appointment illustrates a strategic rapprochement between Macronism and the Republican right.

A Macronist rapprochement with the Republican right

This nomination indeed reflects a rapprochement between Macron and the Republican right. Michel Barnier has necessarily received the support of Les Républicains (LR) – even if he is not necessarily on the same line as Laurent Wauquiez and the majority of the party.

Although this rapprochement began during the legislative elections with the sharing of certain constituencies in a few departments, it did not result in any common programmatic base or, of course, any commitment to govern together. The Renaissance party also specified in a press release that it was not giving Barnier a "blank check". However, Barnier's appointment guarantees that Emmanuel Macron's political achievements will not be dismantled as the New Popular Front wanted.

During his first interview on TF1, the new Prime Minister set out his priorities: controlling migratory flows with concrete measures, revaluing work and avoiding an increase in the French debt. Michel Barnier also stressed the importance of public services in both urban and rural areas, repeating the broad outlines of the "legislative pact" of his party Les Républicains presented in July. Although he supported the postponement of the legal retirement age to 65 during the LR primary in 2021, he refrained from saying whether he would return to the shift from 62 to 64 years adopted in 2023, preferring to open the debate on improving this reform for the most vulnerable, while respecting the budgetary framework.

The new tenant of Matignon, during the 2021 primary, had criticized European policy and the Schengen agreements, calling for a strengthening of border controls and a tightening of policies for the expulsion of foreigners. The RN relied on this to say that it had evolved positively. By supporting Barnier, Le Pen avoids appearing responsible for the institutional blockage or the potential disorder and can take on the role of a "responsible" leader.

.“The benefit of the doubt” granted by the RN

For the first time in France, the National Rally is potentially in a position to support a government and negotiate its support for the government. Marine Le Pen's party is waiting to hear the general policy statement in the Chamber before making a decision. On a trip to the Marne, the president of the National Rally declared that Michel Barnier was "a prime minister under democratic surveillance", to whom he gave "the benefit of the doubt" before deciding on a hypothetical censure.

The RN relied on this to say that it had evolved positively. By supporting Barnier, Le Pen avoids appearing responsible for the institutional blockage or potential disorder and can take on the role of a "responsible" leader.

For the first time in France, the National Rally is potentially in a position to support a government and negotiate its support for the government. Marine Le Pen's party is waiting to hear the general policy statement in the Chamber before making a decision. On a trip to the Marne, the president of the National Rally declared that Michel Barnier was "a prime minister under democratic surveillance", to whom he gave "the benefit of the doubt" before deciding on a hypothetical censure.

Radical Opposition of the New Popular Front

The New Popular Front is the only party to censure the future government, led by the right-winger Michel Barnier, even before knowing its composition and the policies it intends to pursue.

But Michel Barnier, with his negotiating skills, may manage to avoid censorship from the PS and the environmentalists with strong commitments in terms of public services, purchasing power and ecological transition...

AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL

NO FURTHER DEBATE BETWEEN

DONALD TRUMP AND KAMALA HARRIS

Donald Trump announced on Thursday, September 12, 2024 on his social network Truth Social that he was refusing a new meeting with Kamala Harris, two days after a previous debate where the former president was pushed to his limits.

For the former President of the United States, who spoke to the New York Post on Thursday, September 12, a new meeting with the Vice President is not necessary.

"We did two, one against Biden, one against Comrade Kamala. I did really well," he said, adding that "all the polls gave us the victory."

"Kamala should focus on what she should have done over the last four years. There will be no third debate!" he wrote on his social network Truth. Barring another turnaround, the case is therefore closed for both candidates, even if the running mates are expected to debate on October 1.

The Republican candidate said he was unhappy with the way he was treated by moderators during Tuesday's debate, saying David Muir and Linsey Davis fact-checked his remarks five times during the 90-minute debate as he discussed abortion, crime and immigration.

Donald Trump, who notably took up his camp's false accusation that Haitian migrants were eating "cats and dogs" in a city in Ohio (northeast), was corrected by the two ABC journalists, who corrected some of the Republican's statements. "I think the presenters were a disgrace to American journalism...

"It was ridiculous. They didn't challenge her on all these things that they knew were wrong," the 78-year-old candidate said.

The two moderators reportedly did not have the same attitude towards Kamala Harris, who was allowed to speak without interruption, according to the media.

Back in the swing states

After their debate on Tuesday, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are picking up the pace and are racing through the decisive states, looking for the precious votes that could decide between them in about fifty days. Donald Trump resumed his campaign in earnest yesterday with a rally in Arizona, one of the "swing states" of the election.

This southern state could notably swing the Latin American vote. A major issue in the presidential election, and on which Kamala Harris is trying to make up for the ground lost by Joe Biden.

The Wall Street Journal, a center-right daily, cites polls that show the two competitors "virtually tied eight weeks before election day."

A vast majority of voters have already chosen their side and are leaning equally towards the Democrat and the Republican.

NORTH KOREA UNVEILS ENRICHED URANIUM PRODUCTION PLANT

It is a rare spotlight on North Korea's nuclear program, the development of which is prohibited by several UN Security Council resolutions.

Kim Jong-un was quoted by the official KCNA news agency as saying that "anti-North Korea nuclear threats" from the United States and "its vassals" had crossed the red line.

The North Korean leader "stressed the need to further increase the number of centrifuges in order to exponentially increase self-defense nuclear weapons," the agency reported,

The leader urged "promoting the introduction of a new type of centrifuge […] to strengthen the foundations for producing nuclear materials for military use."

Earlier this week, the regime also demonstrated a new missile launcher, larger than previous ones, suggesting that North Korea is developing new types of missiles. Kim Jong-un has promised to equip his country with a missile capable of flying more than 15,000 kilometers by 2025.

North Korea reportedly operates several uranium enrichment facilities, according to South Korean intelligence, including one at the Yongbyon nuclear site. Decommissioned after negotiations, Pyongyang reportedly reactivated it in 2021.

A message to the United States

According to experts, the release of images of uranium enrichment facilities could be aimed at influencing the US presidential election in November.

The images are "a message to the next administration" that "it will be impossible to denuclearize North Korea," according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

"It is also a message asking other countries to recognize North Korea as a nuclear state," he added.

OPEN CRISIS IN VENEZUELA

OPPOSITION CANDIDATE EDMUNDO GONZALEZ IN EXILE IN SPAIN

The departure of Edmundo Gonzalez, considered by the United States, the European Union and other regional powers as the winner of the election, comes a week after Venezuelan authorities issued an arrest warrant for the 75-year-old politician, accused of conspiracy and other crimes.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said on Instagram that authorities had granted Edmundo Gonzalez safe conduct in an effort to restore "political peace."

A controversial victory

Venezuela's opposition says the July 28 election resulted in a landslide victory for Edmundo Gonzalez and has published online the vote count that it says shows he won.

The opposition believes that Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia won by a wide margin with more than 60% of the vote.

The National Electoral Council ratified Nicolas Maduro's victory with 52% of the vote in early August, without providing the exact count or the minutes of the polling stations, claiming to have been the victim of computer hacking, something doubted by the opposition and many international observers.

Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly said he is facing an attempted "coup d'état," and has said it is a plot by the right to sabotage his government.

Several deaths during demonstrations

The announcement of Nicolas Maduro's re-election for a third term provoked spontaneous demonstrations, brutally repressed: 25 people died and 192 were injured, with 2,400 arrests according to official sources. More than 1,700 people are still detained; and an arrest warrant against the opposition candidate, for "terrorism" has been issued. 75 years old, Edmundo Gonzales preferred exile to certain prison.

But the battle is not over yet.

Maduro's fragility

The authoritarian regime of Nicolas Maduro is in fact not only contested by the majority of Venezuelans but also by foreign governments, the United States and its allies, particularly European ones. Maduro now also has against him countries led by the democratic left, such as Lula's Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, or Chile.

Maduro's last allies in the region are the authoritarian left, that of Cuba or Nicaragua. The Latin American democratic left calls Maduro a "dictator."

A provisional epilogue to the political crisis opened by the presidential election last July.

"I am convinced that in the near future we will continue the struggle for freedom and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela," Edmundo Gonzalez said in an audio message transmitted in the evening by his team to the press in Caracas.

GERMANY BRILLIANT VICTORY

FROM THE FAR RIGHT TO THE REGIONALS

IN TWO LANDER

For the first time in the history of post-war Germany, a far-right party has come out on top in a regional election. 

And this With 32.8% of the vote, Björn Höcke easily dislodges the left-wing coalition that has been in place for ten years in the small rural state of Thuringia in the east of the country. He has progressed by more than 9 points compared to 2019 and has established himself as the leading political force ahead of the Social Democrats.

The party of the president of Olaf Schloz (SPD), founded in Thuringia, has seen a clear decline of 2.2 points in this Länder. Where, also, the results of its allies collapse with only 5.1% for the Greens and the FDP (Free Democratic Party). In total, its votes obtained do not exceed 15% in this region.

The AfD also broke records in Saxony, another state of the former GDR, with 30.6% of the vote in Saxony, up six points compared to the last elections in 2019 and hot on the heels of the conservatives.

In addition to the AFD, the camp of opponents of arms deliveries to Ukraine is strengthened by the success of the new BSW party, also very virulent against immigration. Founded before the elections around a radical left-wing figure, Sahra Wagenknecht, it obtained 11.8% in Saxony and 15.8% in Thuringia.

Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Schloz described the results of Sunday, September 1, as "bitter," accusing the AFD of harming Germany, "it weakens the economy, divides society and ruins the reputation of our country," he wrote in a message posted on Facebook.

Chancellor Olaf Schloz called for coalitions without the far right after the regional elections. "These results are worrying […] All democratic parties are now called upon to form stable governments without the far right," the German leader added in his message.

AFD will not be able to lead due to lack of allies

Despite its victories, the AFD is unlikely to be able to govern due to a lack of allies. Even in a country accustomed to coalitions and compromises, no party wants to form an alliance with the movement, as the leadership of the CDU, which came in second, has repeated, confirming its opposition to "any regional government agreement with the AFD". 

An alliance is equally impossible with the Bündis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), the left-wing party that came in third, which will instead play the role of arbiter in the upcoming negotiations.

In Thuringia, which was the first to bring the Nazis to power in 1932, the AFD would have a blocking minority, allowing it in particular to prevent the appointment of judges.

A country entering recession

The executive is paying for the discontent of a section of public opinion, fueled by inflation and the ecological transition that the government is trying to implement.

The ruling coalition has a poor economic record. The country has entered a recession and GDP declined by another 0.1% between April and June 2024. In addition, the ongoing disputes within the three-party coalition only fuel its unpopularity.

THE ISSUES OF THE ARREST OF PAVEL DUROV, FOUNDER OF TELEGRAMM

On August 24, Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested during a stopover of his private jet at Le Bourget Airport in France. French authorities justified the arrest by Durov’s persistent refusal to cooperate with several criminal investigations. These investigations concern illegal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, and child sex trafficking, for which the criminals allegedly used Telegram as a means of communication.

Pavel Durov, often called the “Russian Mark Zuckerberg,” is known for his success story. Born in 1984 in Saint Petersburg, he has enjoyed meteoric success in the tech world. In 2006, after graduating from university, he co-founded the social network VKontakte with his brother Nikolai, which quickly became the “Russian Facebook” and the most popular social network in Russia.

A long standoff with the authorities

However, the trouble began in 2011, when Russia was rocked by large-scale protests against the Kremlin. The Russian authorities, unhappy with the opposition using VKontakte to organize the protests, demanded that some groups be closed. Durov refused to comply, particularly with regard to the closure of the account of Alexei Navalny, a well-known opponent.

It was at this time that Durov considered creating an encrypted communications network, protected from any external surveillance. In 2013, when special forces besieged his apartment, he realized the need for a secure communication channel to communicate with his brother. Thus, Telegram was born in August 2013.

In 2013, the FSB demanded that VKontakte provide data on members of groups associated with the Ukrainian Maidan protests, including "We Are Patriots of Ukraine" and "Ukrainian Offensive." Durov refused to cooperate, reinforcing his image as a defender of individual freedoms in Russia. Faced with increasing pressure, he sold VKontakte to Kremlin insiders and left the country, choosing to prioritize his personal freedom.

In 2018, Durov continued to resist Russian authorities. He refused to provide Roskomnadzor with the keys to decrypt messages on Telegram. In response, Roskomnadzor attempted to block the application in Russia, but failed. This resistance increased Telegram's notoriety, which is now seen worldwide as a symbol of resistance to censorship attempts.

Freedom at any price

After living a nomadic life with a passport from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Durov finally settled in Dubai in 2017.

The emirate, with its less stringent moderation rules, offers Durov a safe haven at a time when the European Union and the United States are putting increasing pressure on major platforms to remove illegal content.

"I think we're doing a good job with Telegram, with 900 million users that will probably exceed a billion monthly active users within a year," the CEO of the messaging service told Tucker Carlson last April.

The application, which offers encrypted communications, owes its success to its refusal of "censorship" and the confidentiality it offers its users. Telegram's headquarters being located in Dubai, there is currently no control, unlike for example Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp) which is extremely linked to the American state in terms of regulation.

Security and encryption issues remain central to the debate on regulating digital platforms. Telegram stands out for its approach to privacy, notably through end-to-end encryption (E2E). This data protection system ensures that only the sender and recipient of messages can read them. The decryption keys are stored exclusively on the sender and recipient's devices, thus guaranteeing a high level of security. However, this encryption is not enabled by default. Users must manually initiate a "secret chat" for each contact, which complicates its use.

Pavel Durov's relations with the Kremlin have often been the subject of speculation. Although he has regularly denied any collaboration with Moscow, the accusations persist. Last April, Durov dismissed these accusations as "rumors". However, after his arrest, Russian authorities quickly reacted, saying they were taking steps to "clarify the situation".

Telegram’s Role in Russian Propaganda

Despite rocky relations with the Kremlin, there has been a notable calming down since 2018. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Telegram has been widely used by milbloggers (military correspondents) as well as entities linked to the Russian Ministry of Defense, paramilitary groups, and private military companies such as Wagner. This intensive use has made Telegram a key tool of Russian influence, both inside and outside the country, with nearly a billion users.

The network has become a major vector for the dissemination of content related to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, both authentic and manipulated. Telegram has also been used to store videos, share files, and coordinate actions. In the future, it will be interesting to analyze Telegram’s role as an archival source for the conflict in Ukraine, as well as for Russian activities in Africa, where Russian private military companies are very active.

From a financial point of view, Telegram has struggled for several years, operating mainly on Durov’s personal funds. In 2021, the platform introduced advertising on its channels, including announcements about dubious exchange rates, fake news, and cryptocurrencies. In 2018 and 2021, Durov raised $2.5 billion to launch a cryptocurrency and cover the company’s debts.

Telegram’s Russian investors include influential figures such as Roman Abramovich, Sergei Solonin (founder of the Russian payment system Qiwi), and David Yakobashvili (founder of the agribusiness Wimm-Bill-Dann). Yakobashvili has been sanctioned by Ukraine for his ties to the Putin regime. Another investor is Mikhail Fridman, owner of Alpha Capital, whose charity project was once run by Putin’s eldest daughter.

In 2021, VTB Capital, a company 60% owned by the Russian state and headed by Putin’s close friend Andrei Kostin, invested more than $1 billion in Telegram bonds.
These multiple financial ties fuel suspicions about connections between Telegram and the Russian government, reinforcing doubts about the platform’s true independence.

Durov's arrest in France for his lack of cooperation in various criminal investigations adds a new layer of complexity to this situation.

Arrested in France for his lack of collaboration in criminal cases ?

Durov, who remains a Russian citizen, obtained the citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis in 2014, then that of the United Arab Emirates and France in 2021. This is the point that explains why, as a naturalized citizen, he falls under French law, which criticizes him for his lack of collaboration – but, unlike Russia, this concerns criminal and not political matters.

In the absence of moderation and collaboration with the authorities, criminals and extremist groups are proliferating there. This is what led to the arrest of the business leader on Saturday in France. 

The courts are accusing Pavel Durov of not taking action against the criminal uses of his messaging service by his subscribers. Last Wednesday, early in the afternoon, the founder of Telegram was brought before an investigating judge who charged him with "refusing to communicate the information necessary for interceptions authorized by law", complicity in offenses and crimes that are organized on the platform (drug trafficking, pedophilia, fraud and money laundering in an organized gang) and "provision of cryptology services aimed at ensuring confidentiality functions without a proper declaration".

A warning to other leaders...

Released, Pavel Durov is subject to strict judicial supervision with an obligation to pay bail of five million euros, to check in twice a week at a police station and to be banned from leaving French territory.

The French court's decision against the founder of Telegram resonates as a warning to other leaders in the messaging and social networking sector. This message is addressed to figures as influential as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Evan Spiegel (Snap), and Elon Musk (X). Is

this action intended to send a strong signal to the technology industry, while preparing the ground for future legislative initiatives, such as "chat control"? A European regulation, still under discussion, aimed at requiring all encrypted messaging platforms to provide access to European authorities, in order to supervise and monitor communications...

The arrest of Pavel Durov has not failed to trigger a wave of indignation on an international scale. Elon Musk, the boss of X, quickly reacted by posting the hashtag "#FreePavel" on his own platform.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE UKRAINIAN INCURSION INTO RUSSIAN TERRITORY

WHEN WILL A MPO PANDEMIC OCCUR ?

AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL 

 KAMALA HARRIS OR THE ATTRACTION OF NOVELTY

Trump still frontrunner at federal level

AMERICAN PRESIDENTIAL

THE HARRIS-WALZ DUO

With less than three months to go until the election, the Harris-Walz duo wants to present itself as a complementary ticket likely to appeal to a very broad electorate. Kamala Harris, a black and South Asian woman originally from the California coast, had thus selected only white men among the finalists for the position of running mate, most of them from the interior of the country.

The event included Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, and Mark Kelly, former astronaut and senator from Arizona.

And on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, United States Vice President Kamala Harris called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to ask him to be her running mate in her presidential campaign.

After responding that he would be honored, the first thing Mr. Walz mentioned was “the joy that you are bringing back to the country, the enthusiasm that is spreading.”

Ms. Harris's choice of Mr. Walz confirms and reinforces the change in direction of American politics. In the space of just two weeks, the campaign has shifted.

According to the New York Times, internal polls conducted by Kamala Harris' team indicated that she could win the White House with any of the three finalists at her side. Why then choose Tim Walz, whom she likes to call "Coach Walz." 

"A guy from the Midwest" who "doesn't really fit the profile of a coastal Democrat, like Kamala Harris, who is from San Francisco" ?

The choice of running mate is often considered relatively unimportant in the construction of a presidential administration. The focus is on what a vice presidential candidate can bring to the election: which states he or she might help win.

The "key states" are well in the sights

Shapiro was indeed the establishment candidate. He was seen as the “safe” choice – someone who could appeal to the center of the American political spectrum, be popular with Republicans, and bring the swing state of Pennsylvania to the table. He was backed by the Democratic Party’s power broker, former President Barack Obama.

But Tim Waltz is also the governor of Minnesota, a state coveted by Donald Trump for the November election. He can speak to white, rural America, but also to small-town America, rural America, what is also called the 'flyover country', over which we fly between the coasts, which feels forgotten and despised by the Democratic elites of the big cities. The choice of Tim Walz is therefore clever because it speaks to voters who are not usual Democratic voters, especially in key states.

By choosing Tim Walz over the other major contender, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kamala Harris is saying a lot about how this campaign will be run and the future of the Democratic Party in general.

A major change within the party

Mr. Walz's choice signals a major shift within the party, one that is led by Ms. Harris.

While the Democratic Party has long been drifting further away from its radical left base, Ms. Harris’ campaign seems to be paying close attention to it. By sidelining the establishment’s favorite candidate, she wants to embody the generational shift that Mr. Biden promised but failed to deliver.

Walz, the Midwest progressive

Walz has been widely touted as the progressive choice. Unlike Mr. Shapiro, he has supported protesters, particularly students, who oppose the United States’ role in supporting Israel.

Last week, a large group of progressive Democrats wrote to Ms. Harris urging her not to choose Mr. Shapiro because his stance on Israel and the protests would have shattered the unexpectedly new unity within the party since Mr. Biden’s withdrawal.

Joe Biden had indeed received a serious warning during the Michigan primary where hundreds of thousands of Democratic voters had cast blank ballots to protest his unconditional support for Israel.

Moreover, with his energy and dad jokes, Walz also embodies the “white man” that most analysts believe Harris will need to maintain a strong “blue wall” (states that consistently vote Democratic), winning states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Elected in 2019, Tim Walz was also forced to juggle two major crises: the Covid-19 pandemic and the death of African-American George Floyd under the knee of a white police officer on May 25, 2020. Minneapolis, the state's largest city, was set ablaze, the starting point for a huge movement of anti-racist protests that shook America for many months.

Like his presidential running mate, Mr. Walz has a record on women's rights. In Minnesota, he won the state legislature's protection of abortion rights after the federal Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Additionally, Tim Walz has pledged to make his state a sanctuary for women seeking abortions. A clinic in the much more repressive neighboring state of North Dakota has since moved to his side of the border. In March 2024, the governor participated in the first trip by a vice president to an abortion clinic.

By effectively labeling their opponents as “weird” about women and gender, Walz and Harris are tackling this issue. 

They want to offer a vision of the United States that is radically different from that of their opponents and predecessors.

INDONESIA INAUGURATES ITS FUTURE CAPITAL NUSANTARA

LONGEVITY ON THE PLATE

THE OPTIMAL DIET

TO GAIN 10 YEARS OF LIFE

Researchers at the University of Bergen (Norway) have developed an “optimal diet”. inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and the diet of the blue zones (countries where the longevity of the inhabitants is above the average), To do this they compared the latter to the typical Western diet, that is- that is, rich in meats and processed products.

And what did they discover ? 

That the transition to their healthier diet allowed to gain 10.7 years of life expectancy for women and 13 years for men. So it's up to us to abandon processed and fatty foods as soon as possible!

Opt for legumes.

For this research published in the journal PLOS Medicine in February 2022, scientists analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study which brings together thousands of participants from 204 countries. They found that eating more vegetables increased life expectancy by 2.3 years in both sexes.

Furthermore, the earlier a person adopts a healthy diet, the greater the gains in longevity. If a woman starts at age 20, she could gain up to 10.7 years of life according to the study's calculations. The gain is greater in men: 13 years.

Adopt the "optimal diet" at age 80 and you can still hope to benefit from 3.4 years of additional life expectancy! But the sooner the better !

NATURAL BEAUTY MASKS

A few bananas, a jar of honey, eggs or olive oil, you don't need more ingredients to make a quick, economical and natural face mask.

Attention, remove makeup before application carefully to promote the penetration of the moisturizing properties of the treatment. These homemade treatments are composed of natural ingredients and without preservatives. Do not wait too long before using them.

The hydrating power of cucumber

A key ingredient in Alicia Keys' skincare routine, the cucumber, made up of more than 90% water, contains antioxidant and hydrating benefits that are very effective in fighting dry skin and dull complexion.

Leave on for twenty minutes then rinse with warm water.

A banana and avocado mask

Avocado and banana are two fruits particularly known for their moisturizing properties. The fatty acids from avocado and vitamins B, C and E from bananas will nourish and soften the skin. Mix a whole avocado with half a banana and leave the mask on for 20 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

You can also add a tablespoon of honey, an ingredient known for its soothing and healing effect.

An egg face mask

Egg yolk contains effective moisturizing properties to nourish and restore radiance to dry skin. Do not apply the mixture alone on your face. By drying it will form a kind of crust which is particularly difficult to remove, especially at the eyebrows. To avoid this inconvenience, dilute two egg yolks with a vegetable oil like argan oil for example. The texture will be more oily and the nourishing virtues of the oil will reinforce the hydrating effect of this homemade mask.

Honey and olive oil to soothe the skin

The moisturizing and soothing virtues of olive oil, combined with the antibacterial and healing properties of honey will nourish and soften the skin.

Mix four tablespoons of honey with two tablespoons of olive oil and apply for 20 minutes on your skin before rinsing off with warm water. You can also heat the mixture slightly in a double boiler or microwave. The heat will open the pores of the skin and penetrate deeper into the moisturizing active ingredients.

Green tea and honey for a radiant complexion

Your green tea bag once brewed can also be reused in a skincare routine. The antioxidant properties of green tea will protect the skin from skin aging. Open your tea bag and mix its contents with a few spoons of honey. Enough for the mixture to become pasty enough to spread and hold on your face. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Long live natural beauty !!!

UNDERSTANDING THE RIOTS IN THE UK

The murder of the three little girls in Southport sparked tensions and protests on July 31, 2024.

Friday August 2, 2024 violence spread to Liverpool and Sunderland where a mosque was targeted.

On Saturday August 3, these riots spread to the cities of Bristol, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Leeds, Nottingham, Blackpool, Rotherham and also to Belfast in Northern Ireland.

On August 4, Middlesborough, Rotherham and Tamworth, near Birmingham, were reached. Shops were looted and cars were set on fire. In Sheffield, two hotels housing asylum seekers were attacked.

On Monday August 5, the protest movements reached Plymouth in the South West of England.

Political reactions

In power for a month, Keir Starmer stressed that his "absolute" priority was to put an end to the disorder and that "criminal sanctions are swift", and to "ensure that the streets are safe for the public", after the weekend clashes. As early as Sunday afternoon, he warned the thugs that they would “regret” having participated in the “disorders” of the last few days.

“These delinquents will pay the price,” assured Interior Minister Yvette Cooper on the BBC. “We made sure that the courts were ready, that they had additional prosecutors available.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the British government have taken steps to restore order, including mobilizing 4,000 police officers and promising to bring rioters to justice quickly. Starmer strongly condemned the violence, particularly against mosques and Muslim communities.

“You will regret having taken part in these unrest,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday August 4, after ensuring that the perpetrators of these acts would be brought to justice “as quickly as possible”.

Faced with this worrying situation, Labor Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer convened a defense council (COBRA meeting) on ​​Monday August 5 in the presence of the heads of the police and the prison system. He announced three measures to combat the unrest which has been spreading across England and Northern Ireland for a week now.

First of all, a group of specialized police officers will be responsible for ensuring security in the areas affected by the riots. Then, the Prime Minister wants the criminals to be tried and punished. The courts are mobilized and prosecutors will even be able to handle proceedings at night. Some troublemakers will even be imprisoned.

Finally, the third measure put forward by Keir Starmer consists of prosecuting people who incite violence online. Keir Starmer was uncompromising in his speech: “This is not a protest, this is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities.

The force of the law will be applied."

Underlying factors

Immigration and Multiculturalism

The UK has a long history of welcoming immigrants, The UK has been welcoming immigrants from the Afro-Caribbean community and the Asian community since 1945, but in 2023, 685,000 migrants arrived in the UK, this which is a record number.

But the record arrival of 685,000 migrants in 2023 has exacerbated tensions. The British model of integration is based on multiculturalism perceived differently in France, where universalism prevails. However, British multiculturalism has never been official policy and is regularly declared dead.

The riots saw participation from the far right . The troublemakers mainly come from the far right which feels strengthened by the election of 5 MPs from the anti-immigration Reform UK party to the House of Commons, including its President Nigel Farage elected to the House of Commons for the constituency of Clacton.

Some demonstrators are fierce patriots worried about immigration figures, often affiliated with the English Defense League, who chant the slogans “Stop the boats” (in reference to the canoes in which migrants cross the Channel) and “Put them out ". English Defense League founder Tommy Robinson has also been implicated and is accused of fueling violence on social media. These anti-migrant riots are reminiscent of those that have hit Ireland in recent months.

Counter-demonstrations, sometimes made up of far-left people or Muslims, and the meeting between these demonstrations caused violence. Then there was the intervention of small ultranationalist groups, better organized than the others and some came from outside to participate in the riots. These individuals are an ideal target for the government and mainstream media.

But the widespread anger does not come only from them. This anger is shared by working-class people , most of them white . A “popular” anger, fueled by widespread fed up with uncontrolled immigration and foreign delinquency, and by several nationalist networks who see it as an opportunity to advance their political agenda.

Against the authorities and the media

Furthermore, another source of this anger is directed against the authorities and the media. Indeed, during this triple murder, the authorities were not able to reveal much about the identity of the criminal, nor the reasons for his act. This left room for rumors and aroused general distrust.

According to the account of the facts given by the police, the tragedy occurred during a children's dance class. “They were attending a Taylor Swift-themed event at a dance school when the assailant, armed with a knife, entered the building and began attacking the children inside.” , detailed the head of Merseyside police, Serena Kennedy, during a press conference.

Shortly after the incident, police announced that they had arrested a man in possession of a knife. Authorities said the act did not appear to be a terrorist act. They preferred to talk about knife crime, which is epidemic in England.

A similar example is that of a Conservative MP stabbed to death three years ago by a terrorist. The authorities and the media reacted by saying that the problem was online hatred when it was an ideological act, where the criminal chose his target and killed her.

People think that the authorities and the media are making fun of them, taking them for fools. Hence the anger and frustration, especially when it concerns the death of three children.

Distrust of the police

In addition, distrust of the police is growing, a distrust which has increased in recent years , exacerbated by reactions perceived as lenient towards certain demonstrations and severe towards others. Recent pro-Palestinian protests have fueled this perception . Less than half of the population believes that the police maintain order properly. As of July 31, the Southport riots injured 50 police officers.

The situation in the United Kingdom is marked by a combination of inter-ethnic tensions, mass immigration, and distrust of the authorities. The current riots reveal the deep fractures within British society and policy responses will need to be adequate to avoid an escalation of inter-community conflict.

In a statement published on

“Intimidation and death threats have no place in a functioning democracy,” he added. He said the UK "needs to have a more honest debate on (immigration) to give people confidence that there are political solutions."

TOWARDS AN ESCALATION OF THE CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST DEATH OF HAMAS LEADER

 ISMAEL HANIYED AND THE RIGHT ARM OF HEZBOLLAH FOUAD CHOKR CHARGED TO ISRAEL

“(Our) brother, the leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the movement, died in a Zionist raid against his residence in Tehran after his participation in the inauguration of the new Iranian president,” Hamas wrote in a statement .

One of the most senior leaders of Hamas

In 2017, he was elected head of the Hamas political bureau, succeeding Khaled Mechaal. Since then, the sixty-year-old has lived in voluntary exile between Qatar and Turkey. He was one of the negotiators in the ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, to end the war in Gaza.

He was one of the Hamas leaders targeted by an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court since May for “war crimes” and “crimes against humanity” in connection with the October 7 attack on Israel.

In April, Ismaïl Haniyeh announced the death of three of his sons and four of his grandchildren in an Israeli attack on Gaza. On June 25, ten members of his family were killed in an Israeli strike, including his sister Zahr Haniyeh. Hamas number two, Saleh Al-Arouri, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut on January 2.

The Revolutionary Guards, the ideological army of the Iranian Islamic Republic, announced for their part that “the residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Islamic resistance of Hamas, was hit in Tehran, and (. ..) he and one of his bodyguards died as martyrs,” according to a statement on their Sepah information site. Ismaïl Haniyeh went to Tehran to attend the swearing-in of the new Iranian president on Tuesday Massoud Pezeshkian in front of Parliament.

During his inauguration speech on Tuesday Massoud Pezeshkian denounced Israel's “crimes” in the Palestinian territory, while Iranians present at the ceremony chanted “Death to Israel!” Death to America! ". “Those who supply the weapons that kill children in Gaza cannot teach lessons of humanity and tolerance to others,” he said, referring to the United States.

Iran, an ally of Hamas, does not recognize the Israeli state and has made support for the Palestinian cause a central element of its foreign policy since the Islamic Revolution of 1979

Hamas recognized as a terrorist organization by around thirty countries

In power in Gaza since 2007, Hamas is an Islamist movement, recognized as a terrorist group by around thirty countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan. .

By its full name Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas comes from the Muslim Brotherhood and was created in the wake of the first Intifada of 1987, which opposed the Israeli army and the Palestinian population. The Islamist movement, which does not recognize the State of Israel, has always had the main objectives of recovering the militarily occupied Palestinian territories and building a theocratic Palestinian state.

Since its creation, the movement has advocated armed struggle and rejected peace processes, such as the Oslo Accords of 1993. With its armed group, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas has increased its attacks. Attacks to which Israel always responds, even if it also causes victims among Palestinian civilians.

Israel will not comment on the death of Ismail Haniyeh

During a press briefing on Wednesday, David Mencer, the Israeli government spokesperson, refused to comment on the assassination of Ismaïl Haniyeh. “We are not commenting on this particular incident,” he said. Earlier, the Israeli army also refused to comment on the event.

In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701

Israel Katz, the Israeli foreign minister, sent a letter to dozens of his counterparts, calling on them to demand "an immediate cessation of Hezbollah attacks, its withdrawal north of the Litani River and its disarmament, in accordance with resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council.

“Israel is not interested in all-out war,” he wrote, adding that “the only way to avoid it is the immediate implementation of Resolution 1701” of the United Nations Security Council, adopted on August 11 2006, aimed at ending the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

He adds that with the strike against Fouad Chokr , Israel "sent a clear message: we will strike with great force anyone who harms us"

The Israeli army claimed to have eliminated the man it presented as the “right arm” of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Responsible for the precision missile project, he is also responsible for the attack on the Druze village of Majdal Shams, on the occupied Golan Heights, where a Falaq-1 rocket, fired on Saturday July 27, caused the death of twelve children. , aged 10 to 16, on a football field.

Fouad Chokr was placed in 2019 on the list of individuals sanctioned for “terrorism” by the US Treasury. Sitting within Hezbollah's highest military body, the "jihad council", which makes strategic decisions, he is said to have played a key role in the bomb attack which targeted the American marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, killing 241 U.S. service members and injuring 128 others

Towards regional escalation?

Two questions immediately arise.

First, how will Iran react, knowing that Haniyeh was under its protection when he was eliminated? His death could spark an immense wave of anger in Iran and lead to reprisals against Israel, in addition to those of Hamas.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have been very high for a long time. In April, Tehran responded to an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, which left several senior Revolutionary Guard Corps officials dead, by launching more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel.

Haniyeh's assassination demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of Israeli intelligence services regarding Iran. In recent years, several Iranian scientists involved in the nuclear program have been killed, including Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, considered the "father" of the program, who was shot dead by a sophisticated remotely controlled machine gun in 2020.

However, some Hamas leaders, targeted by Israel, appear to still be alive. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' political leader in Gaza, apparently continues to direct operations. In July, Israel struck what was believed to be the hideout of elusive military leader Mohammed Deif. Hamas has not confirmed his death, and Deif had previously survived several assassination attempts.

The second major question is whether Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, will attack Israel at Iran's request.

Haniyeh's killing comes shortly after an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut, where Israel believes it killed Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander.

This airstrike threatens to increase tensions in the region. If Iran decided to retaliate, it could do so through Hezbollah in Lebanon. A massive Hezbollah missile offensive could overwhelm Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.

Iran could also mobilize other allies, such as Shiite groups in Syria and Iraq, as well as the Houthis in Yemen, who recently launched a drone attack on Tel Aviv, to which Israel quickly responded.

The death of Hamas's political leader and that of Hezbollah's right-hand man raise serious questions about the future of negotiations regarding the war in Gaza. They could well cause a major escalation in the conflict in Gaza, and potentially throughout the Middle East.

OPENING OF AN EXCESSIVE DEFICIT PROCEEDING AGAINST FRANCE WHAT AWAITS

THE FUTURE FRENCH GOVERNMENT

This initiative, announced by the European Council, marks a crucial step in the monitoring of public finances within the Union, while several countries are struggling to comply with the strict budgetary rules of the Stability and Growth Pact.

These rules aim to ensure the financial stability of the euro zone by imposing limits on deficits and public debt.

The Context of the Stability and Growth Pact

The Stability and Growth Pact, established to guarantee budgetary discipline among EU member states, sets a limit on public deficit at 3% of GDP and public debt at 60% of GDP. These rules were temporarily suspended in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. In 2024, with the uneven economic recovery and inflationary pressures, the pact was reactivated, placing member states' public finances under increased scrutiny.

A Critical Budgetary Situation for France

Among the countries concerned, France stands out for the seriousness of its budgetary situation. In 2023, the country's public deficit stood at 5.5% of GDP, well above the 3% threshold imposed by the Stability Pact. In addition, public debt reaches 110% of GDP, a worrying level which places France in a vulnerable position vis-à-vis financial markets and rating agencies. This situation results largely from political and economic choices taken under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron, re-elected for a second term, and under the economic management of Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy.

The Challenges of Economic Governance under Macron

Since coming to power in 2017, Emmanuel Macron has undertaken a series of economic and social reforms intended to modernize the French economy and stimulate growth. However, these reforms have often been accompanied by significant public spending, exacerbating the budget deficit. The difficult economic context, marked by the effects of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, also contributed to the deterioration of public finances. Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, announced a plan to reduce the public deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024 and to 5% in 2025, a target which remains ambitious given current budgetary pressures.

A Government in Transition and the Next Steps

Currently, France is led by a resigned government which only manages current affairs. Responsibility for implementing the corrective measures necessary to reduce the deficit will fall to the new government, which will be formed after the appointment of a new Prime Minister by Emmanuel Macron, following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This new government will not only have to tackle the immediate economic challenges but also restore confidence in the management of public finances.

Corrective Measures and Potential Sanctions

Countries under excessive deficit procedure, including France, are required to present plans detailing the measures they plan to implement to reduce their deficit. In the absence of such measures, financial sanctions could be imposed, although these sanctions have never been applied in the past. For France, a fine could represent nearly 2.5 billion euros, adding additional pressure on the national budget. These corrective measures include reducing public spending, better resource management and increasing tax efficiency, in particular through stricter taxation of energy rents.

An Imminent Political and Economic Crisis

France finds itself at a critical crossroads. The National Assembly, plagued by political tensions, is struggling to stabilize, which complicates the implementation of the necessary reforms. The government faces internal challenges, such as maintaining social cohesion, while meeting international economic demands. The room for maneuver is narrow, and the decisions taken in the coming months will have profound repercussions on the economic and political future of the country.

European and Global Implications

France's budgetary situation also has implications for the entire European Union. An inability to control the deficit could harm the economic stability of the euro zone, negatively influencing investor confidence and the sovereign debt rating of member states. Furthermore, a weakened France could lose its political influence within the EU, which could affect power dynamics and community policies.

A decisive turning point for France

France finds itself at a pivotal moment in its economic history. Responsibility for the current situation rests largely on the shoulders of Emmanuel Macron and Bruno Le Maire, whose mandate was marked by contested budgetary choices.

As Bruno Le Maire leaves office, the future Minister of the Economy will have a crucial role to play in stabilizing French public finances. Without rigorous management and profound reforms, France risks sinking into a budgetary crisis with disastrous consequences.

Bruno Le Maire's successor will have to navigate a complex and unstable economic context. If he fails to stabilize the situation, France could face a downgrade of its credit rating, a rise in interest rates and a loss of investor confidence.

This could trigger a downward spiral, leading to a deep and lasting economic crisis.

To avoid such a scenario, France must demonstrate strict budgetary discipline, strengthen its economic institutions and restore confidence both nationally and internationally.

This challenge requires a coherent economic strategy and skillful political management to prevent France from finding itself in a situation of economic and political marginalization within the European Union and on the world stage. The future Minister of Economy will be at the forefront of this effort, playing a key role in defining the country's economic future.

IN BANGLADESH NEARLY 200 DEATHS

IN STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

A system deemed unfair.

Abolished in 2018 after several weeks of demonstrations, then reinstated last June by the High Court of Dhaka, the quota system, based on "merit", has been at the center of violent clashes between students and the police in Bangladesh since beginning of July.

The latest report as of Tuesday showed 174 dead, including several police officers. Authorities also imposed a curfew, deployed soldiers across the country, and cut off internet access nationwide, which significantly restricted the flow of information.

The student movement behind these demonstrations suspended its protests on Monday for 48 hours. Its leader said he did not want reforms “at the cost of so much blood.”

A Prime Minister in bad shape

This dramatic situation results from the reestablishment at the end of June of the quota system, which reserves more than half of the civil servant positions, which are highly sought after and well paid, for certain categories of the population. Students consider this system discriminatory.

About 30% of these positions are allocated to the children of those who fought for Bangladesh's independence in 1971, 10% to women, and 10% to specific districts.

Critics of this system say authorities seek to favor the children of supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled the country since 2009. Sheikh Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Aged 76, Sheikh Hasina won her fourth consecutive election in January, in a vote without any real opposition. The recent violence has raised questions about her political future, but on Monday, in front of businessmen, she reaffirmed her determination to stay in power, declaring:

"Sheikh Hasina never runs away".

ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF DONALD TRUMP

DIRECTOR OF SECRET SERVICES RESIGNS

JOE BIDEN WITHDRAWS HIS CANDIDACY

IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve you as President. And although I have intended to run again, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to step aside and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President until 'at the end of my term,' writes the Democratic president, who will address his compatriots 'during the week to explain [his] decision in more detail.'

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praises Joe Biden's action

At 81, Joe Biden joins the very select club of outgoing American presidents who threw in the towel while seeking a second term. But he is the first to do so this late in the campaign. The only one, too, to have to give up due to questions about his mental acuity.

This shocking announcement, even if it was expected despite the repeated denials of the main person concerned, upsets a campaign which has already experienced many twists and turns, first and foremost the assassination attempt against Donald Trump on July 13.

Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader, said in a statement:

"Joe Biden has not only been a great president and a great legislative leader, he is also a truly exceptional human being. His decision obviously was not an easy one to make, but he has once again made his point country, his party and our future first Joe, today you show that you are a true patriot and a great American.

This announcement comes less than four months before the election, scheduled for November 5. A new Democratic Party candidate must replace him to face his Republican rival.

Who to replace Joe Biden in the race for the White House?

We must now find a replacement for Joe Biden, who was supposed to be inducted at his party's convention in mid-August in Chicago. In a post on X, the American president supports Kamala Harris:

“My very first decision as the party's candidate in 2020 was to choose Kamala Harris as my vice president. And it was the best decision I made. Today, I want to offer my full support and endorsement to Kamala to be our party’s nominee this year. Democrats, it's time to unite and defeat Trump. »

His vice-president Kamala Harris would be a natural, but not automatic, choice to become the Democratic candidate. The last word goes to the delegates of the Democratic Party, 3,900 people with very varied profiles and for the most part completely unknown to the general public.

A candidate under pressure for several weeks

This withdrawal comes as more and more doubts were expressed regarding the ability of Joe Biden, aged 81, to secure the presidency of the United States for four more years.

Initially discreet when the Democratic president multiplied the slips of the tongue, the criticisms became more numerous after a catastrophic debate against Donald Trump. In front of millions of Americans, the octogenarian appeared in constant difficulty, having difficulty expressing himself when his opponent clearly aligned the arguments one after the other.

Americans are then furious, feeling like they have been fooled by the White House and the media. Billionaire Bill Ackman, followed by 1.3 million Internet users, calls the shots and accuses the media of complacency: ““60 Minutes” [show on CBS] knew; CNN knew; MSNBC knew, left-wing media had complete access to the president, his staff and his administration. They all knew, but they told you otherwise. They blatantly lied to you. » The New York Times must explain.

Representatives in the House, some senators…. and even George Clooney or the editorial office of the New York Times: Biden's supporters at the start of the year, everyone asked him after Thursday June 27 to "pass the torch".

The historic figures of the Democratic Party, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, also ended up giving in. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current leader of the Democratic majority in the Senate understood that a defeat for Joe Bien could mean a "red wave" in Congress in November, with Americans going to the polls on the same day to elect their president, their deputies and their senators.

Stubbornness despite a myriad of blunders

At the start of the month, however, the octogenarian assured that he could give up if and only "if the Lord Almighty came down and said 'Joe, withdraw from the race'".

But on Thursday July 11, a sign of the end, Joe Biden made the most monumental blunder of his mandate by calling Volodoymyr Zelensky “President Putin” during the NATO summit in Washington. Two hours later, in a press conference broadcast live and in prime time, he mentioned his “Vice President Trump” instead of Kamala Harris.

Everything accelerated after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump on Saturday July 13, in Pennsylvania. When the former tenant of the White House was welcomed as a hero at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, Joe Biden tested positive for Covid-19. In an interview broadcast two hours later before the suspension of his campaign and the start of his period of isolation, the Democrat said that he would re-evaluate his candidacy... if he was diagnosed with a medical problem.

In a poll, published on Wednesday July 17, nearly two-thirds of Democratic voters said they were in favor of withdrawing Joe Biden's candidacy in favor of another candidate.

This withdrawal opens a period of uncertainty for his camp, one month before the convention, which will have to confirm another candidate. But it also puts an end, at least temporarily, to a spiral which threatened to carry the Democratic Party into an electoral rout.

MECHANICAL APPOINTMENTS 

SAINT PIERRE LA PALUD 

AN ODE TO AUTOMOTIVE PASSION

TO THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

THE EAR BANDAGE

AS A SIGN OF RALLYING TO DONALD TRUMP

This weekend, during a rally in Pennsylvania, Trump was the target of an assassination attempt. A 20-year-old man opened fire, killing one person and injuring several others.

Trump, hit in the ear, got up after being protected by Secret Service agents, bleeding but determined, his fist raised. His message was unequivocal: even in the face of danger, Donald Trump remains steadfast.

Donald Trump's Missing Shoe

“Give me my shoe,” insisted Donald Trump, with a bloody ear, to Secret Service agents after the shooting.

Since this event, Trump has used this act of violence to galvanize his supporters. At the Republican convention, with an ear bandage and a smile on his face, he was greeted with an ovation. His supporters, always fervent, immediately adopted this new look.

Known for their enthusiasm for wearing MAGA slogans, pins, socks and other accessories bearing the image of Trump, this time, they chose the bandage as a new emblem of solidarity.

Pay tribute to Trump

The trend has even spread to elected officials: Joe Neglia, delegate from Arizona, proudly displayed his own bandage. He told Fox News: "When [Donald Trump] walked in and the room exploded with love, I asked myself what I could do to honor the truth and show him my support.

I saw his bandage and decided to do the same to pay tribute to him."

True to her conservative beliefs, Neglia clarified: “There is a male version and a female version because there are only two genders!”

Convinced of the impact of this gesture, he told CBS News that it was "the new fashion" and that "everyone would soon be wearing them, everywhere."

Her colleague, Arizona delegate Stacey Goodman, was also seen with a white bandage on her right ear.

ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST DONALD TRUMP

IN THE MIDDLE OF A MEETING

Former US President Donald Trump was injured in the ear after being the target of gunfire this Saturday July 13, 2024 during a campaign rally in the town of Butler in Pennsylvania, in the eastern United States. -United.

One spectator died and two others injured.

The attacker was neutralized by the police.

An attack in the middle of a campaign meeting

A few days before the Republican convention which begins on Monday July 15, 2024, Donald Trump was urgently evacuated from his campaign meeting when he had just started his speech. He was hit by several bullets, injuring his right ear.

Sounds of explosions caused panic among the crowd, and Trump was immediately knocked to the ground by Secret Service agents, responsible for the security of presidents and ex-presidents.

Shortly after, he got up, his hair in disarray and without his famous red cap, surrounded by his agents. He could be heard saying "Let me get my shoes" as his face was bloodied.

Escorted from the stage to his car, he raised his fist in defiance several times, cheered by his supporters.

Spectator Killed, Two Others Seriously Injured

The Secret Service has confirmed that one spectator was killed and two others seriously injured during the meeting. Their identity remains unknown at this time.
According to a witness interviewed by NBC News, the killed spectator died "instantly" after being hit in the head.

The victim was "in the path of the shots" between the shooter and the ex-president .

The gunman, who was shot, was stationed on a roof

The shots rang out at 6:15 p.m., the gunman having “fired several times from a high position,” according to the Secret Service press release.

The attacker was outside the compound where the meeting was being held, Butler County Prosecutor Richard Goldinger said on CNN, without providing details on his identity.
“We have no information on the shooter, who is deceased,” Donald Trump also declared on his social network The Social Truth
During a press conference, the FBI announced that it was “close to an identification” of the shooter .

The FBI confirms an “assassination attempt”

The FBI has confirmed that the shooting targeting the ex-president constituted an “assassination attempt”. Kevin Rojek, an FBI official, said at a press conference: "Tonight we witnessed what we call an assassination attempt against our former President Donald Trump."

Pennsylvania police said there was “no reason” to fear another threat.
Donald Trump denounces "unacceptable violence"

On his social network, Donald Trump reacted by specifying that a bullet had pierced the top of his right ear.

“It is unbelievable that such an act could happen in our country,” he wrote, adding that he would still attend the Republican convention on Monday.

He told his supporters in an email: "I will never surrender

Donald Trump calls for unity .

On his social network Truth Social, the former president assured to pray “for the recovery of those who were injured”. “We hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed,” he added. “I look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin,” the Republican candidate wrote

It is more important than ever that we stand together and show our true character as Americans,” Donald Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social, hours after being injured in an assassination attempt during a rally. country house in Pennsylvania

President Joe Biden, who faces Trump in November's election, expressed relief that his opponent was in good health. “Everyone must condemn” such violence, he said in a televised address

. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he was “horrified”

“ No place for political violence in our democracy,” responded former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Former President Bill Clinton expressed relief at knowing Donald Trump was safe, as did former US President George W. Bush who deplored a "cowardly attack on his life. "

Hours later, President Biden was able to speak with Trump and announced that he was returning to the White House earlier than expected.

UNITED STATES WHO WAS THE SNIPER TM CROOKS ?

PANIC AMONG DEMOCRATS ABOUT JOE BIDEN’S ABILITIES FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL

In the evening, the American administration published a letter from the president's doctor, confirming that Joe Biden did not consult a neurologist outside of his annual check-ups.

Biden determined despite criticism

Ten days after his failed debate with Donald Trump, Joe Biden shows no intention of withdrawing. On the contrary, he redoubled his efforts. He told MPs he was "not blind" to the "concerns" raised since the debate. But during a call broadcast during an MSNBC show, he sharply criticized his party's rebels. “These guys who think I shouldn't run, let them run against me... Challenge me at the August Democratic convention,” he said angrily.

This week, Joe Biden hosts the NATO summit in Washington. An opportunity for allied leaders to judge the state of fitness of the American president, although a spokesperson for the executive, John Kirby, affirmed not to have detected signs of concern among NATO members . Joe Biden will also hold a rare solo press conference on Thursday.

The division within the Democratic Party

To show his dynamism, the 81-year-old president has increased his public appearances, such as his speeches and crowds in Pennsylvania on Sunday. He also announced new trips, notably to Michigan on Friday, then to Texas and Nevada.

Not enough to convince the rich donors of the Democratic Party, among whom doubt has set in: what if the President was not able to lead the country for the next four years? Through tweets, some of them are demanding concrete pledges attesting to the leader's liveliness, which the White House continues to report on. Entrenched at Camp David, the campaign residence of American Presidents, the Biden clan is closing ranks, hoping that the storm will pass. However, several elected Democrats are openly calling for its withdrawal.

Call from Democrats to renounce

A first dike gave way on Tuesday. Democratic tenor Nancy Pelosi, former president of the House of Representatives and still very influential within her party, believes that it is “legitimate” to question the state of health of Joe Biden. In the process, a first elected Democrat, Texan Lloyd Doggett, calls on the President to give up running for a second term, urging him not to “hand us over to Trump in 2024”. A second parliamentarian followed suit 24 hours later, while a handful of others expressed, for the first time publicly, strong reservations about the captain's age.

Adam Smith, an influential parliamentarian, said on CNN that Joe Biden should "step down," saying he "is not the right person to carry the message of the Democratic Party."

Others, like Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives, reaffirmed their support. “I made it clear and publicly the day after the debate that I supported President Joe Biden... My position has not changed,” he told CNN.

Despite the divisions, will a protest crystallize and lead to a coordinated offensive to push Joe Biden to withdraw? Such a decision would have serious consequences in a very tight timetable. And there is no guarantee that the American president would agree to give up his place.

“No one is more qualified than me” to “win” the election, Joe Biden said Friday evening during a twenty-minute interview on ABC.

SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH FOR THE EUROPEAN ARIANE 6 ROCKET

After around ten years of development (and four years of delay), the European Space Agency (ESA) launcher took off, one year almost to the day after the very last launch of Ariane 5, the July 5, 2023, after 27 years of service. Its predecessors Ariane 1/2/3/4 and Ariane 5 having each been operated for around twenty years, the Ariane 6 assets were built to allow the same duration of exploitation.

Its raison d'être is twofold: the reduction in launch costs compared to Ariane 5 and flexibility (version with 2 or 4 boosters and re-ignition of the upper stage).

With a height of 56 meters and a diameter of 5.4, capable of carrying 4.5 to 11.5 t of payload for the geostationary transfer orbit (10.3 to 20.6 t for low orbit) depending on its configurations (Ariane 62, equipped with two boosters and Ariane 64, equipped with four boosters), Ariane 6 was designed to be versatile, in a context of developments in the market for satellites and launchers, including the partially reusable and very competitive Falcon 9 from Space X. Due to the lack of a European rocket and due to the war in Ukraine which deprives the ESA of access to Russian Soyuz launchers, Elon Musk's launcher had also been mobilized for the launch of two satellites for the European Galileo GPS system , last April.

The evolving needs of the space sector

The needs of satellites have indeed evolved considerably. Indeed, in the era of Ariane 4 and Ariane 5, the vast majority of satellites aimed at geostationary orbit and asked to be placed on a transfer trajectory towards this orbit. This type of mission was carried out by direct injection after the single thrust of the last stage of the rocket.

Launch requests are now much more varied and most often require upper stage re-ignition capability. This is due to the arrival of electric propulsion of satellites (more efficient but which requires a different orbital injection strategy), but also to that of satellite constellations in low orbit, for example telecommunications constellations like Kuiper, d 'Amazon, or Iris2, of the European Union. The re-ignition of the upper stage of Ariane 6 will make it possible to offer better services for interplanetary missions, by enabling trajectories that were not possible until now.

This re-ignition capacity will also be used to deorbit the stage so that it disintegrates in the atmosphere at the end of its mission to limit the presence of waste from the space industry in Earth orbit.

The flexibility of Ariane 6 is also expressed through its modularity. Its two-propeller version makes it a medium launcher, of the Soyuz rocket class – which was launched from Guyana for Arianespace until 2021 – particularly suited to earth observation type missions of 3 to more than 5 tonnes or the European geolocation constellation Galileo.

Its version with four boosters makes it a heavy launcher of the Ariane 5 type, which can send satellites weighing more than 10 tonnes into geostationary orbit and around 20 tonnes into low orbit for a transfer vehicle to the international space station such as ATV, or for telecommunications constellations.

A successful launch

Ariane 6 is perfectly suited to institutional and commercial space missions. Its two versions A62 (2 additional lateral thrusters) and A64 (4 additional lateral thrusters), combined with its upper stage re-ignitable engine (that of Ariane 5 was not), therefore allow it to cover a wide range of performances and thus respond optimally to very varied orbiting demands:

Low orbit (< 2,000 km altitude) for Earth observation or telecommunications constellations;

Average orbit for Galileo (around 15,000-25,000 km altitude), the European satellite navigation system;

Geostationary orbit (36,000 km altitude), for telecommunications or meteorology satellites;

“Exotic” orbits for certain scientific missions;

Missions in the solar system.

For its maiden flight, Ariane 6 was loaded with small satellites, deployers and experiments, developed by companies, research institutes, universities, young professionals and agencies. Among these projects, the 3 Cat-4, a CubeSat (cubic nanostallite) for Earth observation developed by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Spain), which will have the particular mission of extracting information on ocean data such as ice cover and thickness. Another CubeSat, Robusta-3A, developed by the Montpellier University Space Center, will contribute to better anticipation of Cévennes episodes, which often cause intense rain and severe flooding, by helping to quantify the accumulation of water vapor above of the Mediterranean Sea.

The end of the launcher's mission was, however, marked by a technical anomaly. It will take time to understand in detail the reasons for the malfunction.

Even if a maximum of tests and simulations were carried out during the development of Ariane 6 to limit risks, it is during its maiden flight that a rocket is confronted for the first time with real conditions, such as vacuum space, strong accelerations and stage separations to name just a few examples.

The main players in the development of Ariane 6

The development and manufacturing of the Ariane 6 rocket is carried out by ArianeGroup. The ESA (European Space Agency) is the project owner but also the architect of the launch system, that is to say responsible for the coherence between the ground installations and the rocket.

CNES, for its part, is responsible for developing the ground installations at the Guiana Space Center: this is the ninth launch pad that it has designed. It is also responsible for carrying out “combined tests”, assists the ESA and ensures the safety of goods, people and the environment under the French Law on Space Operations. ArianeGroup and CNES rely on a group of European industrialists.

Finally, it is Arianespace which markets Ariane 6.

At the end of the so-called commercial mission, that is to say after the separation of the nanosatellites, this launch will be an opportunity to test more complex maneuvers, such as those that would be necessary for interplanetary missions.

After the first flight, the teams will analyze the measurements transmitted to the ground to authorize the next flight as soon as possible. Indeed, the ramp-up must be rapid to respond to the 27 launches already marketed by Arianespace.

An evolution of Ariane 6 is even already in preparation with an increase in its carrying capacity... without increasing its costs.

WHAT PLACE FOR

MASSOUD PEZESHKIAN

THE NEW REFORMATIVE IRANIAN PRESIDENT ?

Pezeshkian's promises

Former Minister of Health, the 69-year-old man was supported by former reformist presidents Khatami and Rouhani against his competitors who advocate a hard line towards the West. Virtually unknown when he was authorized to compete by the Guardian Council, the authority responsible for supervising the elections, Massoud Pezeshkian is discreet in appearance but speaks frankly.

Massoud Pezeshkian, the first reformist to become president of Iran since 2005 (Hassan Rouhani, in power from 2013 to 2021, was rather considered a moderate), promised to extend "the hand of friendship to everyone " in the country. And displays an open attitude towards the rest of the world which contrasts with his predecessor. The reformist candidate called for “constructive relations” with Washington and European countries in order to “remove Iran from its isolation”. He promised to negotiate directly with Washington for the relaunch of talks on Iranian nuclear power, which had stalled since the American withdrawal, in 2018, from the international agreement concluded in 2015. "If we manage to have American sanctions lifted, the people will have a more comfortable life,” he said. A victory for his opponent Saïd Jalili, with an "inflexible and ideological approach" would have put Iran and the West "on a trajectory of conflict", believes Ali Vaez, country expert within the NGO International Crisis Group.

Nuclear negotiations are currently at an impasse following the unilateral withdrawal of the United States in 2018.

Internally, he promised to remove restrictions imposed on the internet and pledged to “fully oppose” patrols by the moral police responsible for enforcing the obligation for women to wear the veil. While affirming his loyalty to the regime, Massoud Pezeshkian also became known for his criticism of the government during the vast protest movement triggered by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. "We oppose any violent and inhumane (...) especially towards our sisters and daughters, and we will not allow such acts to happen."

Massoud Pezeshkian also called for more representation of women, as well as religious and ethnic minorities, notably the Kurds and the Baluchis, in the government. He promised to reduce the inflation rate, currently around 40%.

In a televised debate with his rival Jalili, Pezeshkian estimated that Iran needed $200 billion in foreign investment, which he said could only be achieved by restoring ties with the world.

The doctor of Azeri origin, a minority from north-west Iran, gave hope to the reformist and moderate camps, totally marginalized in recent years by the conservatives and ultraconservatives.

Does the Iranian president really have power ?

The president in Iran has limited prerogatives. He is responsible for implementing, at the head of the government, the broad political guidelines set by the supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been head of state for 35 years. As president, Pezeshkian will occupy the second most important position in the Islamic Republic, and he will exert influence over domestic and foreign policy.

It determines the country's financial policies by proposing the budget bill and the appointment of the head of the central bank and the Minister of the Economy. When it comes to domestic politics, the role of president is not a completely empty shell either. “He can try to improve the economic situation by applying more rational management, for example by appointing technocrats to responsible ministries and organizations,” explains Azadeh Kian.

A president under the control of the Supreme Guide

But these positions, even very critical ones, will hardly be able to have any major effect. Experts say Pezeshkian will face serious challenges in a country where almost all state institutions are controlled by conservatives. "It is not the president who decides the overall strategies of the Islamic regime," emphasizes Azadeh Kian, professor of sociology at Paris Cité University.

“The president has a little room for maneuver, but for military, foreign policy or regional issues, it is the Supreme Guide, Ali Khamenei, and the Revolutionary Guards who define the orientations.”

Azadeh Kian, professor of sociology at Paris Cité University

He will also have limited power over Iran's police, and virtually no power over the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's ideological army. Iranian military forces answer directly to the supreme leader.

Massoud Pezeshkian will also have to deal with a Parliament with an ultraconservative majority, which votes on laws and must give its assent to the composition of the government. The president "will undoubtedly have difficulty getting ministers who are too reformist to accept", anticipates Azadeh Kian.

A “conservative reformer” ?

Massoud Pezeshkian will therefore not be able to radically change the line of the country. But "he could improve Iran's image through a calming speech, and why not encourage the Guide to move towards negotiations with the West, of course in exchange for important compensation", estimates Azadeh Kian.

According to specialists, this election is unlikely to shake the foundations of the regime. “Massoud Pezeshkian is a reformer,” explains Thierry Coville, “but he defines himself as a reformer-conservative, he uses a lot of religious references...

All of this could help make him an 'acceptable' reformer in the eyes of Ali Khamenei."

UNITED KINGDOM AFTER CRUSHING VICTORY

OF THE LABOR PARTY

KEIR STARMER PRIME MINISTER

“We will rebuild” the United Kingdom, declared the new 61-year-old leader on the steps of 10 Downing Street, after being charged by King Charles III with forming a government, the composition of which was revealed later. -noon.

Atypical personalities from the field and women in the highest responsibilities, the new team in power, "in the service" of the British, illustrates the change that Keir Starmer wants to embody.

His number 2 in particular, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of housing Angela Rayner, aged 44, from a very disadvantaged background and having left school at 16, stands out in the British political landscape.

Former Bank of England economist Rachel Reeves, popular in business circles, becomes Minister of Finance, the first woman to occupy this position in the country.

Appointed to Foreign Affairs is David Lammy, a descendant of slaves who was able to be very critical in the past of former US President Donald Trump.

Labor, official winner of the elections

The British Labor Party reached the threshold of 326 seats on Friday July 5, 2024, out of a total of 650, which marks it as the official winner of the July 4 general election. This victory ends 14 years of domination by the right-wing Conservative Party. Under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, the Conservatives suffered their worst electoral defeat since the start of the 20th century. The anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, outperformed expectations by securing 13 seats in Parliament.

According to BBC projections, Labor is expected to win 410 seats, a figure reminiscent of the 418 seats and majority of 179 seats achieved in 1997 when Tony Blair led the party to victory. The participation rate could be the lowest since 2005, at just 61%.

Conservatives sanctioned

Sunak's Conservatives are expected to win only 144 seats, less than half of the 365 seats obtained in 2019. Indeed, they have been behind in the polls against Labor since 2022.

More than 15 Conservative ministers lost their seats, although the Prime Minister retained his. He acknowledged Labor's victory and congratulated its leader, Keir Starmer, by telephone. Sunak plans to speak later in London, where the Times of London anticipates his resignation as leader of the Conservative Party.

Brexit has left its mark

Brexit has left deep scars in the country, without keeping the promises of its supporters. Rising prices over the past two years have impoverished many families, increasing dependence on food banks. Waiting times for medical appointments in the NHS are months long, and prisons are at risk of running out of places. Brexit has damaged the successive governments of Johnson, Truss, and Sunak.

In 20 months in Downing Street, Sunak has never managed to turn around his popularity. He called these elections in July in a last gamble, but his campaign was disastrous, marked by blunders and a lack of political sense.

Keir Starmer capitalized on his modest origins to differentiate himself from his multimillionaire opponent. Although not very charismatic, he is determined and promises to transform the country as he straightened out Labour, by refocusing economically and fighting against anti-Semitism.

Future British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised “national renewal” for the United Kingdom in an early morning speech. “Our task is nothing less than to renew the ideas that maintain the unity of our country, a national renewal,” he continued. “I don’t promise it will be easy. »

Just nine years after entering politics and four years after taking over as Labor leader, he will face considerable yearning for change.

The expected outcome is not expected to significantly change relations between Europe and the UK, although Labor has promised a "common sense" relationship with Europe, involving regulatory alignment and a defense pact potential with the EU, while excluding any European integration.

Reform UK 's resounding entry into Parliament

The anti-immigration party Reform UK made a remarkable entry into Parliament, winning 13 seats, including that of Nigel Farage, elected after seven unsuccessful attempts. Reform UK has often competed with the Tories for votes, but Britain's electoral system makes it difficult to convert votes into seats.

News that he described as “truly extraordinary” for him and his political party. “This is the first step in something that will stun you all,” he added after the announcement of the results in Clacton-on-Sea, the seaside town where he was a candidate.

Before the election was announced, the party had one MP, Lee Anderson from Ashfield, who had left the ruling Conservative Party. Nigel Farage, who, for his eighth candidacy, will now be MP for Clacton, announced that he would “attack the Labor Party”.

At the center of the political spectrum, the Liberal Democrats made a certain comeback, winning 61 seats, a result close to that of 2010 (62 seats), the year during which they formed a coalition government with the Conservatives, broke their election promise not to increase university fees, and were reduced to eight seats.

The Scottish National Party is expected to retain just eight MPs, fewer than in the previous election, partly due to the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.

The Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein gained seven MPs, although it does not traditionally send representatives to the Westminster parliament. Its main ideological opponents, the right-wing Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), obtained four MPs.

In Wales, Plaid Cymru, the party campaigning for Welsh autonomy, doubled its 2019 results, from two to four MPs.

Finally, the Greens gained three MPs, retaining their stronghold of Brighton and gaining seats in Bristol and the east of England.

APRICOT AND ALMOND CLAFOUTIS BY CYRIL LIGNAC

With summer fruits, here is an easy and delicious dessert by the renowned pastry chef Cyril Lignac.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes

Enjoy as a dessert or serve it at a tea brunch.

CONSCIENCE ACCORDING TO NEUROSCIENCES

The notion of consciousness is one of the most difficult and sophisticated to understand. Its complexity lies not only in the difficulty of understanding it, but also in the interweaving of multiple elements that constitute it.

Let's briefly discuss three contemporary theories, each defended by scientists, who try to unravel the mysteries of consciousness with L aure Tabouy, Researcher in ethics of neuroscience, neurotechnologies, digital technology and AI.

Consciousness is defined as the “knowledge, intuitive or immediate reflexive, that everyone has of their existence and that of the external world.” It is crucial to distinguish between different types of consciousness.

Spontaneous or immediate consciousness is anchored in experience, oriented towards the external world and corresponds to the individual's presence to himself at the moment when he thinks, feels or acts.

Reflective awareness, on the other hand, is the capacity for introspection to analyze one's own thoughts or actions. Finally, the term "conscience" can also refer to our faculty of moral judgment, although this latter aspect is not the object of our interest here.

Are we on the cusp of discovering the signature of consciousness ?

Since the 1950s, advances in neuroscience, computer science and engineering have suggested the possibility of decoding the human mind, or even "uploading" it to digital media, according to some researchers. However, consciousness remains an enigma for scientists.

Although the brain mechanisms are being revealed more and more precisely, the question persists: will we discover the neuronal signature of consciousness? To answer this quest, science relies on various theories.

In this initially philosophical debate, scientific theories of consciousness adopt a materialist approach, postulating that consciousness emerges from the matter constituting our being, as opposed to dualists who consider body and mind as two distinct realities. Scientists therefore base their research on the analysis of brain activity.

The Global Workspace Theory

This theory, developed by the American neuroscientist Bernard Baars and supported by the French researchers Stanislas Dehaene, Lionel Naccache and Jean-Pierre Changeux, is functional: it describes consciousness by its functions.

She explains that consciousness results from the interaction between various brain regions and processes. When sensory information is perceived, it is first processed automatically by specialized regions, such as the visual cortex.

If this information is not amplified by a larger neural network, it remains unconscious.

Consciousness therefore emerges from a slow but flexible integration of information from various specialized networks. Once aware of sensory information, the individual can perform various mental operations. This process manifests itself as a “flare” of brain activity, approximately 300 milliseconds after perception .

Integrated information theory

Proposed by Giulio Tononi in 2004, this functional theory postulates that consciousness is defined by the capacity of a system to integrate a large amount of information. A conscious system generates information confronted with each other, creating a unique and irreducible mental state. Tononi offers a theoretical framework to explain why certain systems, such as the brain, are conscious and capable of subjective experiences.

This theory opens the possibility that other systems, including artificial ones, could be conscious.

Although controversial and criticized for its lack of detail and being called "unfalsifiable pseudoscience" by some neuroscientists, it continues to be developed.
Higher-order theories

Defended by philosopher David Rosenthal and psychologist Michael Graziano, these theories explain the distinction between conscious and unconscious processing of information.

They posit that consciousness consists of perceptions or thoughts about first-order mental states. Awareness of these states emerges when a higher order representation or meta-representation appears.

This theory proposes that perception, an automatic process, becomes conscious when this higher-order representation becomes conscious thought. According to neuroscientist Edmund Rolls, this mechanism allows error correction and action planning, while unconscious processing would be sufficient for the execution of tasks without requiring consciousness.

What are the issues in the current context ?

Human consciousness, a reflection of our singular existence, intersects emotions, thoughts, experiences and biology. Today, the question of consciousness, both philosophical and scientific, gives rise to lively debates.

The quest to understand consciousness raises fundamental questions about human identity and interiority.

Furthermore, advances in neuroscience and neurotechnologies, such as cerebral organoids and brain-machine interfaces like Neuralink, promise new perspectives. Organoids, neuronal structures derived from stem cells, could become sentient and conscious systems, raising crucial ethical questions.

Current research on consciousness, in a context of technological effervescence, must guarantee that these discoveries serve the common good, protecting our psychological integrity, our privacy, our security and our freedom of thought.

RETURN OF THE BOEING STARLINER NASA

STRIKE HARD FROM JUNE 26 2024 !

This launch, which experienced several years of delays and numerous last-minute postponements, represents a crucial step for Boeing's space program and for NASA.

A Crucial Demonstration Mission

The Starliner docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, 2024. Initially, the two astronauts' stay was scheduled to last eight days, but it was extended due to technical problems. These complications include propellant issues and helium leaks, problems that required extensive analysis to ensure the safety of the crew and the ship..

Technical Problems Encountered

Thruster failures and helium leaks caused major concerns. NASA and Boeing had to carry out additional checks to ensure that the spacecraft was ready to return to Earth safely. Steve Stich, a NASA official, said the extra time was needed so teams could "verify the data, do some analysis and make sure we're really ready to go back."

The Return of the Starliner

The Challenge for Boeing

This mission is of paramount importance to Boeing. The aeronautics giant, which faces production quality problems in its commercial aviation branch, must prove its ability to carry out manned space missions. A success would strengthen Boeing's position in the space sector and allow NASA to have a reliable alternative to SpaceX for transporting its astronauts to the ISS.

In 2014, NASA signed contracts with Boeing and SpaceX to develop vehicles capable of transporting astronauts to the ISS. SpaceX, with its Crew Dragon capsule, has already successfully accomplished this task and has been carrying out regular missions since 2019. Boeing, on the other hand, has experienced significant delays and technical failures which have pushed back the operational entry into service of its Starliner spacecraft.

A Future Partnership with NASA

The atmospheric re-entry phase is undoubtedly the riskiest stage of this mission. At high speed, the Starliner capsule will have to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, experiencing intense friction which generates extreme temperatures. The heat shield is designed to protect the capsule and its occupants from this infernal heat, but any failure at this point could be catastrophic.

The success of this phase depends on many factors, including the accuracy of the trajectories, the perfect functioning of the navigation and control systems, as well as the structural integrity of the heat shield. NASA and Boeing teams have worked tirelessly to simulate and prepare for this critical phase of the mission, hoping to avoid past mistakes.

Consequences for the Space Industry

The success of the Starliner's return will have significant implications for the space industry. Boeing, by proving the reliability of its vessel, will be able to claim a leading role in future manned missions from NASA and other international space agencies. Additionally, the Starliner could be used for commercial missions, providing an alternative to SpaceX for private companies wanting to send crews or payloads into orbit.

The competition between Boeing and SpaceX is also beneficial for the industry in general, as it incentivizes innovation and constant improvement in space technologies. Each company attempts to outperform the other in terms of reliability, cost and efficiency, which ultimately benefits space agencies and consumers of space services.

Future Outlook for Boeing and NASA

Boeing's future in space depends largely on the success of this mission. If the Starliner's return goes as planned, it will mark a major milestone for Boeing and NASA. This will mean that Boeing has overcome technical challenges and is ready to fully participate in manned space missions.

For NASA, having two reliable suppliers for transporting astronauts to the ISS is crucial. This reduces the risks associated with reliance on a single supplier and ensures mission continuity in the event of a problem with one of the ships. Additionally, the diversity of transportation options allows NASA to better plan and manage missions based on availability and specific needs.

After years of delays and technical challenges, this mission represents an opportunity for Boeing to demonstrate the reliability and safety of its vessel.

The success of this mission would benefit not only Boeing, but also NASA and the entire space industry, by increasing competition and providing more flexibility for future missions.

The Advancement and Reliability of SpaceX Machines

Since 2019, SpaceX has played a crucial role as the primary provider of space transportation services for NASA. With its Crew Dragon capsule, SpaceX not only met expectations but also exceeded predictions in terms of reliability and performance. Here are some key points that illustrate SpaceX's lead and how it could influence the space landscape despite the rise of the Boeing Starliner:

The SpaceX Success Story

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, quickly gained a reputation as a pioneer in commercial spaceflight. After years of intensive development, the Crew Dragon capsule has been certified by NASA to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Since beginning operations in 2020, Crew Dragon has accumulated an impressive history of successful missions, establishing a high level of reliability.

Regular Operations Towards the ISS

SpaceX currently provides regular crew transport missions to the ISS, with rotations planned several times per year. This sustained pace allows SpaceX to consolidate its operational expertise and maintain consistency in the provision of space services. This consistency is essential for NASA, which can plan its missions with increased predictability and confidence in SpaceX's ability to meet deadlines and safety requirements.

Continuous Innovation at SpaceX

In addition to its operational reliability, SpaceX continues to innovate with advanced technologies such as the Falcon 9 rocket reusability system, which helps significantly reduce launch costs. This approach has allowed SpaceX to not only become competitive in the commercial market but also to push the boundaries of what is technologically possible in the space industry.

Impact on the Spatial Landscape

Despite the advancements of the Boeing Starliner and its potential to become a major player in the field of human spaceflight, SpaceX remains undeniably ahead in terms of mission volume and proven reliability. This reality could lead NASA to continue to favor SpaceX for the majority of its missions to transport astronauts to the ISS, while integrating the Starliner in a complementary role to ensure redundancy and operational flexibility.

SpaceX's significant advance in human spaceflight, with its Crew Dragon capsule, is a testament to its commitment to innovation and safety.

As the Boeing Starliner takes its first steps toward operationality, it remains to be seen how it will position itself in the competitive landscape against SpaceX. In the meantime, NASA benefits from a diversity of space transportation solutions that enhance its ability to maintain a continuous human presence on the ISS and beyond.

While awaiting the outcome of this mission, all eyes are turned to the sky, hoping for a safe return for the astronauts aboard the Starliner.

SHOCKING REVELATION FROM THE NSA PROTECT YOUR SMARTPHONE FROM DEADLY ATTACKS !

These devices contain a wealth of personal data, photos, messages, banking information and much more, making them an ideal hunting ground for hackers always on the lookout for new prey.

With the increase in sophistication of attacks, smartphone security has become a major concern.

The scale of the threat!

A study carried out by Kaspersky reveals the scale of attacks on smartphones: in 2023, nearly 33.8 million malicious attacks have been recorded.

Mobile malware, constantly evolving, is designed to steal data, spy on users or even demand ransoms.

Users are often caught off guard by these invisible threats that lurk in seemingly innocent applications or in links and attachments received via email or text message.

NSA recommendations

Faced with this growing threat, the US National Security Agency (NSA) published in 2022 an updated guide to best practices for securing mobile devices.