#4 June 1989

[brightfametexan]

[dialogue-queered]

Comment: Memorialising the Tiananmen massacre, 4 June 1989.

Extract 1: The opening of the June 4th Memorial Museum in New York was prompted by the closure of one in Hong Kong in 2021 after the imposition of the national security law effectively criminalised 4 June commemorations. But now people who try to light a candle much further from Beijing also encounter difficulties. When plans for the New York museum were announced last year, local Chinese community groups objected to them, accusing the organisers of being divisive.

Extract 2: In the past two years, Hongkongers have swelled the numbers at the London vigil. But attendees are often cautious, reluctant to remove their face masks or trust other people there.

“There are people who take photos at events that are critical of the CCP, including 4 June vigils,” said Yaqiu Wang, a senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch. “It’s never clear who those people are, but likely they are associated with the CCP, and taking photos is a way of intimidating participants. That is also a big reason why overseas students refrain from going to those events.”

[beardedmrbean]

[theanarchistscookbook]

[tomorrowusa]

^^^ from @visegrad24

The Communist Party government of China does everything possible to suppress information about the events of June 4, 1989. Even the number 64 (as in June 4th) is treated as suspicious by government censors.

How China Is Wiping Memories of Tiananmen Square off the Internet

But no matter how hard the authorities try to hide history, some people in China do manage to learn about the massacre of pro-democracy demonstrators.

China's young netizens share how they learned about 1989 Tiananmen Massacre  

The events which led up to the massacre.

Timeline: What Led to the Tiananmen Square Massacre

Censoring history is a practice which Ron DeSantis has picked up from Chinese Communists.

Historical Erasure Is Dangerous for Democracy. A New Florida Law Would Erode Students’ Fundamental Right to Learn History Accurately.

[trulyinspiringmovies]

Batman (1989)

"Batman" is a nostalgic film for most, but without having the same rose-tinted glasses, I can't look past its flaws.

Bruce Wayne has started fighting crime as Batman and things have been fairly tame. That is until Jack Napier is sent on a suicide mission by his boss, Carl Grissom, for sleeping with Grissom's mistress. Batman tries to stop Jack's mission, but it ends up with Jack falling into a vat of acid. Horrifically scarred from the experience, Jack embraces his new persona of The Joker.

I know for a lot of adults nowadays, "Batman" was their first introduction to the caped crusader. Because of this, they grew up thinking this was an accurate portrayal of Batman. A lot of them learned about the real Batman as he showed up in more movies and media, but they still give this movie a pass because it's nostalgic to them. Honestly, I get it. I felt the same way about Spider-Man after watching 2002's "Spider-Man". I grew up thinking Spider-Man was supposed to have organic web shooters. After learning about the real Spider-Man, I still look back at Tobey Maguire's version of Peter Parker fondly because that's the version I grew up with. However, I did not grow up with Tim Burton's Batman. I went into this movie already having a strong idea of who Batman is. Let me get the obvious gripes out of the way. This Batman kills. It completely goes against the character's moral compass, but I guess people didn't mind back then because it was grittier than the Adam West Batman they were used to. Also, the Batsuit looks good... but only when he's standing still. Seeing Micheal Keaton move in that suit is awkward and unintentionally hilarious at times. I remember laughing especially when he had to look up and was forced to move his whole torso. Also, I knew people grew to love Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne, but I don't really see it. He doesn't fit the character for me. Still, after all my criticisms, what's left is something still special. I could feel the sense of wonderment audiences must've felt back in 1989. The gadgets are delightful. The special effects are charming. The Batmobile is iconic. The fight scenes are surprisingly really good, even by today's standards. Jack Nicholson's Joker is really damn good too. This movie has a lot of heart and it was a treat to see when general audiences started seeing this character in a more serious light. It was super interesting to see how Tim Burton was able to play with expectations of Bruce's origin story because general audiences of that time weren't aware of it like they are now. As an accurate Batman film, this movie fails, but as its own interpretation, this Batman oozes with charm. Although I won't be a die-hard fan any time soon, I can't help but admit how fantastic the Danny Elfman score still is.

★★★★

Watched on July 1st, 2023

[all-0f-the-above]

my mother was an English teacher who'd been working in Beijing for about 8-9 months when Tiananmen Square happened

some background: my mother was 25- almost straight out of college she left the Virginia US suburbs and went to China. and not the city we know now- it was populous, sure, but there was next to no technology, everyone was still travelling on bikes, and everything was still under heavy government control. it was mostly concrete, gravel, and dirt.

and the country was so cut off then that people hadn't seen foreigners before. my mother (just a European American white lady) was stared at in the streets because there was no travel in and out of China. why? because the government wanted the people under its control. they refused to allow them to travel and see even Hong Kong, with its high buildings and greater development.

whenever she talks about it, my mother always reminds me that the protests weren't from nowhere- for weeks before 6/4 everyone knew something major was going to go down. the city was basically under martial law.

and still those students chose to protest for the country they believed China could be. because they were BRAVE. because they loved the country that did not love them back.

my mother taught kids who were killed. some of them were her age, others years younger. one of them (who'd managed to escape the slaughter) she gave her bike and said "Get out of the city. Ditch the bike at the train station."

she hadn't been in the country long, but she'd travelled all over it: to Harbing up North with its city made of ice, to Hainan island's sandy beaches, and everywhere in-between that the train took her. my mother loved China. and still loves the Chinese people (she ended up marrying one, after all)

and she was in Beijing then- when she and another American coworker leaned their heads out their windows to see a young man running away from an armed soldier in an alley- the soldier shot at them, too. she says she understand why people say bullets sing when they go by your ear. after she was evacuated by the American embassy (she wants to emphasize how lucky she was to be evacuated), she cried herself to sleep every night for the next year.

my father was very lucky a student at the time, was in my mother's class (they're the same age! she taught English to adults at university) and had just finished his English program the previous semester.

however, unlike the other students in his class, he didn't trust the government AT ALL. because he wasn't just any student in Beijing. he was born there, sure. he biked into class and he spoke flawless Beijing Mandarin. but he'd left the city at age 8 to go to Hong Kong with his parents and little brother. because my grandparents were treated terribly by the Chinese government.

you see, back during the Cultural Revolution, there was a call sent out to all Overseas Chinese (ethnic Chinese who lived in other countries) to "Come back and rebuild the motherland!" and so they left their lives in Indonesia and went back. but they were treated like spies. never given a citizenship in China. their Indonesian passports confiscated. not even my father or my uncle were given Chinese citizenship DESPITE being born in Beijing.

so the government wanted them out. they gave them one-way tickets out of the country and sent them on a train to Hong Kong. still didn't give back their Indonesian passports.

what I mean by all this is: the students who protested did so because they trusted the CCP. because they grew up in an environment where they believed it was their friend- it looked after them. except it turned out the government was not a caring older sibling, but the big brother of nightmares.

no one in my family trusts the CCP. we worry about the Chinese people- our family- our countrymen. we lose sleep over Hong Kong.

when people in the news complain about China- you need to remember THE GOVERNMENT is at fault. they control EVERYTHING. and they haven't had a legitimate election.

the people of China are just people trying to survive. to not get disappeared. to LIVE, to LOVE, to EXIST. many young people don't realize the extent to which they're being lied to. many adults can't believe it. all the elders know if they say anything they're done for.

with love, a member of the Chinese diaspora is hoping for your safety <3

25 years ago an unknown Chinese protester stood in front of a tank in defiance of the government. No one knows the identity of the man but he was given the nick name “Tank Man”. This is one of the most iconic photographs of the century.

[stupendousluminoussandwich]

A day to mourn in silence.

[lookingforhappy]

Noticed that Elliott has the arrival dates of Luther (3rd event), April 10th 1962, and Allison (2nd event), June 29th 1961, pinned to his wall, and figured I might as well try and calculate how old everyone is..

(Elliott's date for Diego is wrong, placing him at Sep 17th, when he arrived on Sep 1st.)

These are not perfect dates but they should be fairly close? and I'm not very good at maths so please correct me!

Hargreeves' ages in age order:

Five

Disappears at 13 yr, 1 mo, and 9 days old.

His new birthday in the apocalypse is now: 22nd February

+ 45 years in the apocalypse + an unknown amount of time in the commission makes him at least 58 yr, 1 mo, and 9 days old at the start of s1.

+ 8 days in s1 makes him at least 58 yr, 1 mo, and 17 days old at the start of s2.

+ 8 days in s2 makes him at least 58 yr, 1 mo, and 25 days old at the start of s3.

+ 7 days in s3 makes him at least 58 yr, 2 mo, and 2 days old at the end of s3.

From s1 - s3 he has aged 23 days.

Using this estimate (his minimum age) Five's new birthday in the reset universe might be: 5th February

Klaus

Travels to Vietnam at 29 yr, 5 mo, and 26 days old.

(Klaus leaves Vietnam on February 21st, supposedly arriving in Vietnam on April 21st) His new birthday in Vietnam is now: 25th October

+ 10 months in Vietnam makes him 30 yr, 3 mo, and 26 days old when he returns to March 28th 2019.

+ 3 days to finish s1 makes him 30 yr, 3 mo, 29 days old at the end of s1.

(Klaus arrives in Dallas on February 11th) His new birthday in Dallas is now: 12th October

+3 yr, 9 mo, and 4 days in the 60s makes him 34 yrs, 1 mo, 3 days old at the start of s2.

+ 8 days in s2 makes him 34 yrs, 1 mo, 11 days old at the start of s3.

+ 7 days in s3 makes him 34 yrs, 1 mo, 18 days old at the end of s3.

His new birthday in the reset universe is now: 20th February

Allison

Allison is 29 yr, 6 mo old at the end of s1.

(She arrives in Dallas on June 29th) Her new birthday in Dallas is now: 29th December

+ 2 yr, 4 mo, 17 days in the 60s makes her 31 yr, 10 mo, and 17 days old at the start of s2.

+ 8 days in s2 makes her 31 yr, 10 mo, 25 days old at the start of s3.

+ 7 days in s3 makes her 31 yr, 11 mo, 2 days old at the end of s3.

Her new birthday in the reset universe is now: 6th May

Luther

Luther is 29 yr, 6 mo old at the end of s1.

(He arrives in Dallas on April 10th) His new birthday in Dallas is now: 10th October

+ 1 yr, 7 mo, 5 days in the 60s makes him 31 yr, 1 mo, 5 days old at the start of s2.

+ 8 days in s2 makes him 31 yr, 1 mo, 13 days old at the start of s3.

+ 7 days in s3 makes him 31 yr, 1 mo, 20 days old at the end of s3.

His new birthday in the reset universe is now: 18th February

Diego

Diego is 29 yr, 6 mo old at the end of s1.

+ 2 mo, 14 days in the 60s (2 mo, 5 days in the asylum) makes him 29 yr, 8 mo, 14 days old at the beginning of s2.

+ 8 days in s2 makes him 29 yr, 8 mo, 22 days old at the start of s3.

+ 7 days in s3 makes him 29 yr, 8 mo, 29 days old at the end of s3.

His new birthday in the reset universe is now: 9th July

Viktor

Viktor is 29 yr, 6 mo old at the end of s1.

+ 1 mo, 3 days in the 60s makes him 29 yr, 7 mo, 3 days old at the start of s2.

+ 8 days in s2 makes him 29 yr, 7 mo, 11 days old at the start of s3.

+ 7 days in s3 makes him 29 yr, 7 mo, 18 days old at the end of s3.

His new birthday in the reset universe is now: 20th August

Lila

her age is completely unknown. we can guess she's around the same age as the umbrellas but otherwise she's a mystery.

Ritu Arya, her actress, was 32 in 2020 when s2 was released so that's as close to canon as we know right now, (except, the majority of the cast are older than their on screen counterparts, except for David who was actually born in 1989 and Aidan in s1 as he was 13 when he was cast).

The only other information we have on her age is that she was orphaned and kidnapped at 4. and that she spent 3 months in Berlin between s2 and s3.

Sparrows

All of the Sparrows are 29 yrs, 6 mo, 1 day old at the start of s3:

Marcus dies at 29 yrs, 6 mo, 1 day old.

Jayme and Alphonso die at 29 yrs, 6 mo, 3 days old.

Fei and Chris die at 29 yrs, 6 mo, 6 days old.

Sloane goes missing at 29 yrs, 6 mo, 7 days old.

Sparrow Ben enters the reset universe at 29 yrs, 6 mo, 7 days old.

Ben and Sloane's birthday's remain as October 1st

i think? please do correct me if im wrong!

tua s4 speculation under the cut

if s4 is 6 years on then the ages we have are:

Five is 64 in a 19yro body

Klaus is 40

Allison is 38

Luther is 37

Diego is 36

Viktor is 36

Ben is 36

Lila and Diego's kid is probably turning 6 yro.

Claire could be anywhere between 17 and 13 since she seems to be a teenager?

[anyab]

Via NasAlSudan

December 17 2023. #KeepEyesOnSudan #SudanActionWeek

Swipe through to build a foundational understanding of the war, its origins, and the key players involved. For actionable ways to support those in Sudan, check the link in our bio. Stay tuned for more posts this week.

Transcript:

National:

On April 15, a war broke out in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Since then, eight months of conflict has led to major destruction of Khartoum's infrastructure, the most developed region of Sudan, with fighting also spreading to the regions of Darfur in the west and Kordofan in the south.

Civilians in conflict zones have been forcibly displaced, under threat of physical and sexual violence, particularly by the RSF, which has looted, destroyed, and settled in people's homes.

Regional:

In the western region of Darfur, a campaign of ethnic cleansing is being carried out by the RSF targeting the Masalit tribe. Allegations of genocide have been levied against the RSF.

Reports have just emerged that fighting has now spread to Wad Madani in Al Gezira state, which houses nearly 500,000 IDPs from Khartoum.

Key figures:

Abdel Fattah al Burhan Head of SAF

Omar El-Bashir Deposed Dictator of Sudan

Mohamed Dagalo (Hemidti) Head of RSF

Transcript:

Sudan: the war in numbers

A humanitarian "catastrophe"

24.7 million in need of critical humanitarian assistance

70-80% of hospitals out of service in conflict areas

19 million children are out of school

20.3 million people acutely food insecure. 4.9 million facing emergency hunger levels

6.7 million displaced [5.4 million IDPS, 1.3 million refugees]

7,000+ cholera cases an increase of +136% over the past month

Transcript:

FAQ - THE SAF

QUESTION 01: What is the SAF?

Stands for the Sudanese Armed Forces

Is the de-facto government of Sudan

Is headed by Lt. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan

QUESTION 02 What is their capacity?

Estimated to have ~200,000 personnel and tactical advantage of airforce

Currently control the relative northern and eastern regions of Sudan with functioning capital in Port Sudan (East)

QUESTION 03 Do they have backing and support?

On the international stage, primarily backed by Egypt

Limited weapons supply from allies

Internally, the SAF is ultimately considered the lesser of two evils

Transcript:

FAQ - THE RSF

QUESTION 01 What is the RSF?

Stands for the Rapid Support Forces

Paramilitary group originating from the Janjaweed, Arab tribal militias armed by al-Bashir in 2003 to fight against ethnically African rebel groups in Darfur + carried out 2003 genocide

Is headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemidti)

QUESTION 02 What is their capacity?

Estimated to have 100,000 to 150,000 troops

Winning the ground fight in Khartoum and control 4/5 states in Darfur

QUESTION 03 Do they have backing and support?

On the international stage, primarily backed by the UAE

Have steady weapons supply chain and diversified financial profile with critical assets in UAE and Russia

Transcript:

THE WAR IN SUDAN: CONTEXTUALIZING APRIL 15

(6/1989 - 4/2019) THE BASHIR REGIME

Sudan was under the rule of military dictator Omar Al-Bashir for 30 years, who came to power through an military coup backed by Islamist factions in June of 1989

His time in power was marked by extreme repression, conflict, and economic decline

(12/2018 CURRENT) THE REVOLUTION

In December of 2018, a popular democratic revolution began that eventually unseated al-Bashir on April 11 through the revolt of security sector

Al-Bashir was ultimately replaced by al-Burhan, with Hemidti as his deputy of a Transitional Military Council

Protestors rejected military rule and continued to hold a sit-in outside the military headquarters until its violent dispersal on June 3 of 2019 by the SAF + RSF

Today, the Sudanese people still hope and advocate for freedom from military rule and the transition to democracy

(8/2019-10/2021) TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

Agreement on transitional government signed between civilian forces and Transitional Military Council on August 17, 2019

Led to formation of joint sovereign council with Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister

Transcript:

(10/2021 CURRENT)THE OCT 25, 2021 COUP

Burhan and Hemidti carry out military coup overthrowing civilian counterparts

They draw power from international legitimization despite prolonged mass protests in Sudan

(12/2022) THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT

In December of 2022, civilians put out a framework agreement signed onto by SAF and RSF + civil society groups and political parties meant to return to a transitional government

Key part of agreement: question of integration of the RSF into the SAF

Parties were to finalize the agreement and sign on April 1; RSF and SAF ultimately disagreed on integration timeline with RSF wanting 10 years and the SAF wanting 2

(12/2022-4/2023) THE LEAD UP TO APRIL 15

As framework agreement negotiations failed, both parties began mobilizing troops in capital of Khartoum in days leading up to April 15

Residents of Khartoum awoke to the sounds of gunfire on April 15 and by noon, the RSF had seized Meroe airport in the Northern state

Conflict today considered a battle for power between the two generals they are too far in to walk back

Transcript:

FRAMING ALLIANCES

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF):

Egypt

Israel (Foreign Ministry)

Islamists

Iran

Saudi Arabia

Ukraine (SOF)

Armed Groups

Rebel groups that had taken up arms against the central government in the Bashir Era are forced to ally with the SAF due to the RSF's ethnic cleansing campaign. They include:

Justice and Equality Movement (Gibril Ibrahim)

Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (Minni Minawi)

Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (Abdallah Yahya)

Rapid Support Forces (RSF):

Israel (Mossad)

Libya (Khalifa Haftar)

United Arab Emirates

Central African Republic

Russia (Wagner Group)

Chad

Arab Tribal Leaders

Arab tribal leaders across the Western region of Darfur have pledged their allegiance and support to the RSF, with members of the tribes across the Sahel crossing into Sudan to join the RSF's assault as well.

Key tribes include: Beni Halba, Tarjam, Habaniya, Fallata, Misseriya, Taaysha, Rizeigat

Transcript:

IS THERE AN END IN SIGHT?

THE STATE OF NEGOTIATIONS

Effort: JEDDAH TALKS [MAY]

Parties involved: Externally: United States, Saudi Arabia Internally: SAF, RSF

Outcome: Discussed humanitarian ceasefire; signed Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan - Failed

Effort: INTERGOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY ON DEVELOPMENT (IGAD) [JULY]

Parties Involved: Externally: Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan Internally: RSF

Outcome: Proposed peacekeeping troops to ensure humanitarian corridor - Rejected

Effort: CAIRO TALKS (NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES) [JULY]

Parties Involved: Externally: Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, CAR, Libya Internally: SAF, RSF

Outcome: Discussed lasting ceasefire, safe humanitarian passage, political dialogue framework - Failed

Effort: JEDDAH TALKS [OCTOBER]

Parties Involved: Externally: United States, Saudi Arabia Internally: SAF, RSF

Outcome: Discussed lasting ceasefire, safe humanitarian passage, political dialogue framework - Failed

Effort: IGAD + AFRICAN UNION (AU) [DECEMBER]

Parties Involved: Externally: IGAD, EU, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United States Internally: SAF (Burhan in person), RSF

Outcome: Agreed to a face-to-face meeting in late December and ceasefire; SAF later issued a retraction - Ongoing

Transcript:

The conflict in Sudan calls for the collective support of all to raise awareness about the war and aid the Sudanese people on the ground, especially when we live in nations that have been complicit in the oppression of the Sudanese people. Explore the options below and share with others. For more information, check the link in our bio.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Deepen your knowledge about Sudan, empowering yourself with insights into the complexities of the situation.

DONATE

Extend a helping hand to Sudan by generously donating to individuals or grassroots organizations on the ground.

CONTACT YOUR REPS.

Amplify your impact by contacting your representatives, advocating for positive change.

[masonjarhead]

From 15 April - 4 June, 1989, pro-democracy protests would take over China. After peaceful resolutions to the protests fell threw, the Chinese government would declare martial law and forcefully break up the protests. This brutal crackdown would lead to anywhere from 200 - 2,700 dead.

[mayrine]

Let's talk about Sudan-

TRANSCRIPT UNDER CUT

Transcript: What is happening in Sudan? The war, its origins, and the key players involved.

The war in Sudan

On April 15, a war broke out in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and a paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, eight months of conflict has led to major destruction of Khartoum's infrastructure, the most developed region of Sudan, with fighting also spreading to the regions of Darfur in the west and Kordofan in the south.

Civilians in conflict zones have been forcibly displaced, under threat of physical and sexual violence, particulary by the RSF, which has looted, destroyed, and settled in people's homes.

In the western region of Darfur, a campaign of ethnic cleansing is being carried out by the RSF targeting the Masalit tribe. Allegations of genocide have been levied against the RSF.

Reports have just emerged that fighting has now spread to Wad Madani in AI Gazira state, which houses nearly 500,00 IDPs from Khartoum.

Key Figures: Abdel Fattah al Burhan (head of SAF), Omar El-Bashir (deposed dictator of Sudan), Mohamed Dagalo (Hemidti) (head of RSF)

Sudan: the war in numbers

24.7 million in need of critical humanitarian assistance 6.7 million displaced [5.4 million IDPS, 1.3 million refugees] 7,000+ cholera cases an increase of +136% over the past month 20.3 million people acutely food insecure- 4.9 million facing emergency hunger levels 19 million children are out of school 70-80% of hospitals out of service in conflict areas

FAQ - THE SAF

What is the SAF?

stands fro the Sudanese Armed Forces

is the de-facto government of Sudan

is headed by Lt. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan

What is their capacity?

estimated to have aprox. 200,000 personnel and tactical advantage of airforce

currently control of relative northern and eastern regions of Sudan with functioning capital in Port Sudan (East)

Do they have backing and support?

on the international stage, primarily backed by Egypt

limited weapons supply from allies

internally, the SAF is ultimately considered the lesser of two evils

FAQ - THE RSF

What is the RSF?

stands fro Rapid Support Forces

paramilitary group originating from the Janjaweed, Arab tribal militias armed by al-Bashir in 2003 to fight against ethnically African rebel groups in Darfur + carried out 2003 genocide

is headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemidti)

What is their capacity?

estimated to have 100,000 to 150,000 troops

winning the ground fight in Khartoum and control 4/5 states in Darfur

Do they have backing and support?

on the international stage, primarily backed by the UAE

have steady weapons supply chain and diversified financial profile with critical assets in UAE and Russia

The war in Sudan: contextualizing April 15

6/1989 - 4/2019 - The Bashir Regime Sudan was under the rule of military dictator Omar Al-Bashir for 30 years, who came to power through an military coup backed by Islamist factions in June of 1989 His time in power was marked by extreme repression, conflict, and economic decline

12/2018 - current - The revolution In December of 2018, a popular democratic revolution began taht eventually unseated al-Bashir on April 11 through the revolt of security sector Al-Bashir was ultimately replaced by al-Burhan, with Hemidti as his deputy of a Transitional Military Council Protestors rejected military rule and continued to hold a sit-in outside the military headquarters until its violent dispersal on June 3 of 2019 by the SAF + RSF Today, the Sudanese people still hope and advocate for freedom from the military rule and the transition to democracy

8/2019 - 10/2021 - Transitional Government Agreement on transitional government signed between civilian forces and Transitional Military Council on August 17, 2019 Led to formation to joint sovereign council with Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister

10/2021 - Current - The Oct 25, 2021 Coup Burhan and Hemidti carry out military coup overthrowing civilian counterparts They draw power from international legitimization despite prolonged mass protests in Sudan

12/2022- The Framework Agreement In December of 2022, civilians put out a framework agreement signed onto by SAF and RSF + civil society groups and political parties meant to return to a transitional government - key part of agreement: question of integration of the RSF into the SAF Parties were to finalize the agreement and sign on April 1; RSF and SAF ultimately disagreed on the integration timeline with RSF wanting 10 years and the SAF wanting 2

12/2022-4/2023 - The Lead up to April 15 As framework agreement negotiations failed, both parties began mobilizing troops in capital of Khartoum in days leading up to April 15 Residents of Khartoum awoke to the sounds of gunfire on April 15 and by noon, the RSF had seized Meroe airport in the Northern state Conflict today considered a battle of power between the two generals they are too far in to walk back

Framing alliances

Sudnese Armed Forces (SAF):

Saudi Arabia

armed groups- rebel groups that had taken up arms against the central government in the Bashir Era are forced to ally with the SAF due to the RSF's ethnic cleansing campaign. They include: Justice and Equality Movement (Gibril Ibrahim), Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (Minni Minawi), Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces (Abdallah Yahya)

Ukraine (SOF)

Iran

Islamists

Israel (Foreign Ministry)

Egypt

Rapid Support Forces (RSF):

United Arab Emirates

Central African Republic

Russia (Wagner Group)

Chad

Arab Tribal Leaders- Arab tribal leaders across the Western region of Darfur have pledged their allegiance and support to the RSF, with members of the tribes across the Sahel crossing into Sudan to join the RSF's assault as well. Key tribes include: Beni Halba, Tarjam, Habaniya, Fallata, Misseriya, Taaysha, Rizeigat

Libya (Khalifa Haftar)

Israel (Mossad)

Is there an end in sight? The state of negotiations

Effort- Jeddah Talks [May] Parties Involved- Externally: United States, Saudi Arabia. Internally: SAF, RSF Outcome: discussed humanitarian ceasefire; signed Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan- FAILED

Effort- Intergovernmental authority on development (IGAD) [July] Parties Involved- Externally: Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan . Internally: RSF Outcome: proposed peacekeeping troops to ensure humanitarian corridor-REJECTED

Effort- Cairo talks (neighboring countries) [July] Parties Involved- Externally: Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, CAR, Libya. Internally: SAF, RSF Outcome: discussed lasting ceasefire, safe humanitarian passage, political dialogue framework-FAILED

Effort- Jeddah talks [October] Parties Involved- Externally: United States, Saudi Arabia . Internally: SAF, RSF Outcome: discussed lasting ceasefire, safe humanitarian passage, political dialogue framework-FAILED

Effort- IGAD + African Union (AU) [December] Parties Involved- Externally: IGAD, EU, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United States. Internally: SAF (Burhan in person), RSF Outcome: agreed to face-to-face meeting in late December and ceasefire; SAF later issued a retraction-ONGOING

What can you do?

The conflict in Sudan calls for the collective support of all to raise awareness about war and aid the Sudanese people on the ground, especially when we live in nations that have been complicit in the oppression of the Sudanese people. Explore the potions below and share with others. Educate yourself- deepen your knowledge about Sudan, empowering yourself with insights into the complexities of the situation. Donate- extend a helping hand to Sudan by generously donation to individuals or grassroots organizations on the ground.

Contact your reps- amplify your impact by contacting your representatives, avocating for positive change

[beardedmrbean]

[bibururokku]

An Unofficial Comprehensive Age List of Blue Lock Characters from Oldest to Youngest

I made this because of this post I made here as a means to keep me sane, but feel free to reblog to keep it as a reference and stuff!

Oldest

Youngest

1. Buratsuta Hirotoshi — November 7th, 1957 (62) 2. Isagi Issei — May 1st, 1972 (46) 3. Isagi Iyo — January 4th, ???? (43)** 4. Bachira Yu — August 16th, 1981 (37) 5. Noel Noa — April 2nd, ???? (31)** 6. Jinpachi Ego — March 31st, ???? (30)** 7. Dada Silva — October 23rd, ???? (28)** 8. Leonardo Luna — October 31st, ???? (27)** 9. Adam Blake — September 30th, 1992 (26) 10. Pablo Cavasoz — March 7th, ???? (23)** 11. Teieri Anri — August 17th, 1996 (22) 12. Aiku Oliver — June 30th, 1999 (19) 13. Don Lorenzo — July 4th, 1999 (19) 14. Michael Kaiser — December 25th, 1999 (19)* 15. Yukimiya Kenyu — April 28th, 2000 (18) 16. Okawa Hibiki — June 12th, 2000 (18) 17. Baro Shoei — June 27th, 2000 (18) 18. Shido Ryusei — July 7th, 2000 (18) 19. Imamura Yudai — July 15th, 2000 (18) 20. Karasu Tabito — August 15th, 2000 (18) 21. Wanima Junichi — August 20th, 2000 (18) 22. Wanima Keisuke — August 20th, 2000 (18) 23. Sendo Shuto — October 7th, 2000 (18) 24. Itoshi Sae — October 10th, 2000 (18)* 25. Aryu Jyubei — November 3rd, 2000 (18)* 26. Kuon Wataru — November 16th, 2000 (18)* 27. Iemon Okuhito — November 19th, 2000 (18)* 28. Otoya Eita — December 3rd, 2000 (18)* 29. Ishikari Yukio — December 10th, 2000 (18)* 30. Gagamaru Gin — January 2nd, 2001 (18)* 31. Tokimitsu Aoshi — March 21st, 2001 (18)* 32. Nagi Seishiro — May 6th, 2001 (17) 33. Kira Ryosuke — May 23rd, 2001 (17) 34. Julian Loki — June 9th, 2001 (17) 36. Igarashi Gurimu — July 6th, 2001 (17) 37. Bachira Meguru — August 8th, 2001 (17) 38. Mikage Reo — August 12th, 2001 (17) 39. Kiyora Jin — August 31st, 2001 (17) 40. Raichi Jingo — October 11th, 2001 (17)* 41. Tsurugi Zantetsu — October 30th, 2001 (17)* 42. Hiori Yo — November 30th, 2001 (17)* 43. Chigiri Hyoma — December 23rd, 2001 (17)* 44. Kunigami Rensuke — March 11th, 2002 (17)* 46. Isagi Yoichi — April 1st, 2002 (17)* 47. Kurona Ranze — September 6th, 2002 (16) 48. Itoshi Rin — September 9th, 2002 (16) 49. Nanase Nijiro — January 1st, 2003 (16)* 50. Niko Ikki — February 5th, 2003 (16)* 51. Naruhaya Asahi — March 20th, 2003 (16)*

* As Sae has turned 18 after the Second Selection and Isagi has turned 17 sometime during or a bit before the PxG match, it can be assumed that every character with a birthday between was a year younger and has aged up to the ages currently shown on the list sometime in the series.

So basically: Michael Kaiser — December 25th, 1999 (18 → 19) Itoshi Sae — October 10th, 2000 (17 → 18) Aryu Jyubei — November 3rd, 2000 (17 → 18) Kuon Wataru — November 16th, 2000 (17 → 18) Iemon Okuhito — November 19th, 2000 (17 → 18) Otoya Eita — December 3rd, 2000 (17 → 18) Ishikari Yukio — December 10th, 2000 (17 → 18) Gagamaru Gin — January 2nd, 2001 (17 → 18) Tokimitsu Aoshi — March 21st, 2001 (17 → 18) Raichi Jingo — October 11th, 2001 (16 → 17) Tsurugi Zantetsu — October 30th, 2001 (16 → 17) Hiori Yo — November 30th, 2001 (16 → 17) Chigiri Hyoma — December 23rd, 2001 (16 → 17) Kunigami Rensuke — March 11th, 2002 (16 → 17) Isagi Yoichi — April 1st, 2002 (16 → 17) Nanase Nijiro — January 1st, 2003 (15 → 16) Niko Ikki — February 5th, 2003 (15 → 16) Naruhaya Asahi — March 20th, 2003 (15 → 16)

** The birth year and age of these characters are unknown because it is unclear whether these characters have aged into their listed ages or were these ages when introduced, so there is a chance that these ages are now off by one year. Thus, they may be either a year younger and have just turned that age or are all currently a year older because their birthdays have passed now.

In other words: Isagi Iyo — January 4th, 1975 OR 1976 (43 → 44 || 42 → 43) Noel Noa — April 2nd, 1987 OR 1988 (31 → 32 || 30 → 31) Jinpachi Ego — March 31st, 1988 OR 1989 (30 → 31 || 29 → 30) Dada Silva — October 23rd, 1989 OR 1990 (28 → 29 || 27 → 28) Leonardo Luna — October 31st, 1990 OR 1991 (27 → 28 || 26 → 27) Pablo Cavasoz — March 7th, 1995 OR 1996 (23 → 24 || 22 → 23)

Other things to keep in mind:

Blue Lock is supposed to be set in mid/late 2018, and the current events we see take place in 2019. Given that the series has an official setting and official ages with confirmed passage of time with people aging as their birthdays pass, characters should be born during the years listed above.

However, the birth years of certain adults (see above) can be iffy simply because there is a lack of information about them and the exact timeline of events occurring in the series. (E.g. it is known that Isagi turned 17 sometime around the PxG match, but it is unclear whether or not Noel Noa's birthday has also passed despite his birthday being the day after Isagi's.)

What is certain are the birth years of the U-20 players and the Blue Lock participants because U-20 players cannot be older than the maximum age of 20 in the year of the competition to qualify, so their oldest has to be born sometime in '99 to be able to play. As for the Blue Lock participants, the original 300 players were selected from a pool of high schoolers, so they have to be between 15-18, as Japan only has three years of high school, with each grade having a specific age range due to how the school year is arranged to start in April and end in March, as such, 1st years are always 15-16 years old, 2nd years are always 16-17 years old and 3rd years are always 17-18 years old, so everyone had to be born between '00-'03.

Extra things that came to mind as I wrote this:

— As it is currently April in Blue Lock, the 3rd year boys are technically graduated from high school, and the 1st and 2nd years should be the 2nd and 3rd years now. — Depending on how far into April it is, Yukimiya could be or turn 19. — The boys would be around 20-25 years old irl rn.

[calmlb]

one of my favorite headcanons is that Dazai defected right around Chuuya’s birthday

we don’t know exactly when he left, but we do know it was after october 26 & before june 19, & according to clues in dark era it sounded like it was around springtime in yokohama

idk enough about yokohama weather to know exactly what month it was but imagine…

Chuuya had been sent on a mission in the west for 6 weeks. he returned late in the afternoon on April 28th– just in time to ring in his 19th birthday with his shitty partner.

because why not? he’s got nothing better to do.

he’s even got a bottle of 1989 Petrus waiting to be popped open.

he reports to Mori for debriefing & all he can think about is how beating the mackerel in that racing game they’ve been playing while he was away would be the perfect way to start off his 19th year.

but when he turns to leave, the Boss stops him, telling him there’s something that he should know…

Dazai disappeared 2 weeks ago, & has now been declared a traitor to the mafia.

Chuuya’s blood runs cold. he doesn’t know how he made it back to his apartment— head muddled by hurt. shock. confusion. exhaustion.

he tosses his coat on the back of the couch & the first thing he sees is the bottle of vintage Petrus— still waiting for the celebration.

and celebrate he did.

Chuuya celebrated his liberation from that waste of bandages he called a partner.

he celebrated the success of the solo mission he’d just returned from.

he celebrated the end of the reign of the infamous double black.

he celebrated the fact that he’d survived 4 years of partnership with that shitty Dazai.

he celebrated Dazai’s freedom, which would likely save his life… the freedom Chuuya hadn’t been able to attain. he’d been left behind in the darkness by the one person who got it.

the one who believed in & fought for Chuuya’s humanity when no one else did.

Chuuya celebrated his 19th birthday. alone. again.

(he hadn’t even said goodbye— hadn’t asked Chuuya to come with hi-)

no.

Chuuya shook away those thoughts. he needed to clear his head. he wiped the back of his hand across his eyes & stumbled drunkenly across the room to grab his keys.

he made his way to the garage where his car was parked, clicking the button to unlock it as he approac-

BOOM!

Chuuya was thrown backwards onto his ass, barely able to catch himself in his drunken stupor. he blinked through bleary vision at the flames that were engulfing his car.

and wasn’t that just par for the course? the icing on his nonexistent birthday cake.

so much for that drive.

Chuuya watched the flames burn, & maybe it was the alcohol talking, but it felt almost symbolic— like closing this chapter of his life. all he could do now was move forward. just like he always did.

but not tonight.

tonight he would stumble back to his apartment & collapse into bed.

(in his inebriation, he hadn’t even noticed the black fabric burning up right along with his car)

he woke up the next morning, freshly 19 with a killer hangover, a smoldering car, & a missing ex-partner.

when he found the nearly empty wine bottle, he was kind of glad he hadn’t taken that drive…though his memory from last night was a bit fuzzy— what the hell had happened to his car?

his phone chimed with a text from Kouyou.

happy birthday, lad. don’t do anything stupid.

Chuuya couldn’t help the twitch of his lips. there were still people here who cared about him.

not long after this, he would be promoted to executive & decide that the Port Mafia was his family.

but for today, he would nurse his hangover & curse a certain mackerel’s name as he beat every high score between them in that stupid racing game.

happy freaking birthday to him.

the car bombing was inspired by this post bc it’s canon to me <3

[culturevulturette]

The aftermath.  

June 4, 1989