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fatehbaz · 8 months

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Traditional scholarship in the history of science associates the quantifiable, universal human body with the European Enlightenment or ‘new science’. This measurable, universal body, it is argued, came to define modern medicine. Behind it lay the driving forces of political economy, [...] life insurance, and modern industrial [profit] [...]. But this widely accepted history of the universalisation and systemisation of human corporeality [...] [involves] an earlier global history of enslaving and measuring bodies in the Indies, born of the Iberian slave trade between Africa and colonial Iberian America. It was in the violent and profitable world of this slave trade that universal concepts and calculations of health risks, disease and bodily characteristics [...] emerged. Indeed, the scale of data production about bodies in the early modern world of Iberian slave trading far outpaced all contemporary systems of production of knowledge about the human body.

The key concept in this early modern quantification of the body was the pieza de Indias (Spanish) or peça da India (Portuguese). [...]

The appearance of this new measure and epistemology was intimately linked to the unprecedented rise in the size and complexity of the transatlantic commerce in human bodies during the first decades of the 17th century. The new, universal measure of man was the result of the slave trade’s need to quantify the risks of investing in human corporeality and its modern afflictions. By the late 16th century, Iberian slave traders, governments, corporations and financiers from around Europe (particularly from Genoa, Florence and the Netherlands) were already thinking of the transportation of slave bodies as units of risk.

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The original licences for slaves transacted in Iberia were contractual concepts that did not refer to bodily characteristics [...] [and] were of limited help [...] for calculating the productivity [of a slave's body] [...]. Consequently, slave traders and slave-trading organisations, including the House of Trade (Casa de Contratación) in Seville, developed methodologies that allowed them to translate slave bodies into numbers and calculate the inherent value [...] as it related to an increasingly normalised, constant unit called the pieza. The concept of the pieza (the piece) allowed for the creation of contracts where investors, providers and the state could prospectively calculate tariff, gains and risk using quantifiable notions of bodies [...].

The historical record makes clear that the concept of ‘the piece of the Indies’ itself was already firmly established across the Atlantic basin by the early 1600s. [...] In addition to peça, Portuguese slave traders [in West Africa] used several other terms to refer to slaves who were not adult [...], reflecting an increasingly rich taxonomy [...]. Muleque or muleca [...]. Slave traders began using these terms to refer to young bodies that they discounted at rates [...]. Calculating the value of cañengues, muleques and mulecas by converting them into standard adult [...] piezas was a common practice [...]. Portuguese officials in Sao Paulo da Assumpcao de Loanda deployed the concept when they tallied ‘the dispatch’, or fees due to the Portuguese crown, for the embarkment of African slaves bound for the Americas. Such methods to appraise slave bodies became normative in Spanish America for determining the tariffs that traders had to pay to introduce slaves in the New World.

By the late 1530s, crown officials were counting the ‘pieces of slaves’ (piezas de esclavos) disembarking in Santo Domingo and selling them to miners [...] [and] hacienda owners [...] to work in the mines and estates of the island. [...] [A] concept of an ideal body for transportation and labour [...] had emerged across the Atlantic, and during the first decades of the 17th century it was disseminated across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, being widely used in Dutch trading records. [...] [S]lave traders and government officials used the term pieza to talk about other captive bodies from the Indies, most notably native or 'Indian' bodies in the Caribbean.

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The concept of the piece of the Indies appears in full form in the 1660s as part of negotiations of the terms of the asiento de negros or slave monopoly between the Spanish crown and the Genoese financiers Domingo Grillo and Ambrosio Lomelín. The contract with the Grillos established that they would ‘bring 24,500 blacks, piezas de Indias, over the course of seven years and starting in 1662’. The monopoly established as one of its conditions that ‘the said quantity of blacks should be piezas de Indias, each one seven cuartas of height and up’. [...] Slave traders used height as a proxy for life histories of health and nutrition and as a predictor of the slave’s potential productivity [...] [and] created a complex system around the marker of height [...].

[H]aving grey hair, for instance, translated into a reduction in value of one cuarta or one-seventh of the standard pieza. The conditions of 'cloud in one eye [cataracts]' signified a reduction of two cuartas; scurvy, two cuartas; phlegm, one and one-half cuartas; a 'benign hernia', one cuarta [...]. Being older than 35 years merited a one-cuarta deduction [...]. The presence of lobanillos (small tumours) was worth one and one-half cuartas’ reduction; small fingers, one-half cuarta; incapacitating scars (burns), one and one-half cuarta; [...] localised ulcers, one-sixth of a cuarta; generalised ulcers, one cuarta; [...] short-sightednesss, two cuartas; [...] missing molars, one cuarta [...].

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The contractual articulation of the concept of the piece of the Indies [...] formalised slave-based knowledge production about human bodies. The contract assembled a vast storehouse of knowledge, much of it held in the House of Trade in Seville, obtained from thousands of records of bodily characteristics and diseases for hundreds of thousands of bodies [...]. The Grillos’ contract set a precedent for the 1679 contract between Spanish and Portuguese merchants and the Dutch West India Company. The 1696 asiento between Spanish crown and [financier F.M.] and [financier N/P.], for example, agreed they would transport 10,000 tonnes of freight including 30,000 piezas de Indias of the ‘regular measure of seven cuartas’. Similarly, a 1709 contract between the French Compagnie de Guinée and Dutch slave traders, settled in Amsterdam, specified that the French would pay 110 pièces de huit (pieces of eight) ‘for each black piece of Indies’ delivered in the Caribbean.

As the ‘new science’ of the European Enlightenment dawned in Europe, the piece of the Indies was well established as the most disseminated universal measure of the human body.

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All text above by: Pablo F. Gomez. "Pieza de Indias: Slave Trade and the Quantification of Human Bodies". A chapter in New World Objects of Knowledge: A Cabinet of Curiosities (edited by Mark Thurner and Juan Pimentel), pp. 47-50. Published 2021. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

#abolition #caribbean #tidalectics #pathologization #intimacies of four continents #archipelagic thinking #indigenous #carceral geography #geographic imaginaries

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mariacallous · 10 months

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The brutality of Hamas’s Oct. 7 massacre shocked even seasoned terrorism-watchers. In one day, Hamas terrorists massacred more than 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians. It has indiscriminately fired thousands of rockets at Israeli cities and towns. More than 200 hostages, including many children, remain captive in what must be nightmarish conditions beneath Gaza. Hamas has vowed to murder them if Israel continues its military response.

The initial shock of the atrocities elicited strong statements of support for Israel from President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the White House press secretary, the leaders of Germany and France, and other world leaders.

Yet media coverage of Israel’s war against Hamas has already shifted from the brutality of Hamas’s onslaught to the proportionality of Israel’s response. The number of unintended civilian casualties has risen steadily as a ground offensive, supported by airstrikes, has advanced. Major outlets have featured chyrons juxtaposing the number of deaths on each side. As Israel enters Gaza in force, comparisons will inevitably show higher counts on the Palestinian side.

Does this mean that Israel’s response is excessive or disproportionate? That Hamas’s brutality has already been repaid like-for-like and, thus, that Israel must stop?

Every innocent victim is a tragedy. But not every civilian death in war is evidence of illegal conduct by one of the parties. The law of war operates in an environment that is inherently brutal and tragic. Law cannot banish that brutality altogether. It aims, more modestly, to mitigate war’s cruelty by balancing military necessity with humanitarian aims.

International humanitarian law’s most powerful instrument for protecting innocents is separating combatants from civilians. Armed forces cannot target civilians. And they must separate their own military assets from the civilian population.

It is Hamas’s defiance of both of those rules that has made each successive phase of this war a humanitarian catastrophe.

Crimes Versus Tragedies: Unpacking Casualty Counts

On one level, casualty comparisons are intuitive: All lives have inherent worth. All innocent suffering merits sympathy.

Yet casualty counts are a poor way to understand a conflict like this one. That is because they commingle deaths that are viewed very differently by the laws and ethics of warfare. Most of the Israeli toll thus far consists of civilians intentionally targeted by Hamas—a stark violation of the law of armed conflict.

The growing civilian toll on the Palestinian side is tragic, and all should hope that Hamas is defeated with the least possible innocent suffering. But incidental civilian casualties in strikes on lawful Hamas targets can be consistent with the laws of war. And Hamas itself is responsible for many of those civilian deaths because it cynically keeps or places civilians near military targets and uses civilian objects for military purposes.

Unintended civilian deaths and intentional murders are alike only in the very narrow sense that, in both cases, people have died from the actions of an armed force. Yet common intuition tells us that if we wish to form legal and moral judgments, then context, intentions, and legal duties matter.

Hamas’s Actions

The “cardinal,” “intransgressible” principle of the law of armed conflict is that armed forces must distinguish between combatants and civilians.

In its application to offensive operations, the principle of “distinction” holds that civilians can never be targeted, no matter how much military advantage would be gained by doing so. Hamas has ignored this principle throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict. As it always has. Not for nothing has Hamas been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other governments for decades.

Most of the Israelis killed in Hamas’s Oct. 7 rampage were unarmed civilians killed in cold blood in Israeli towns and kibbutzim and at the temporary rave encampment. These killings and other atrocities against civilians are unequivocally illegal. They are not legitimate acts of war.

Since Oct. 7, a smaller number of Israelis have been killed by rockets fired by Hamas. For legal purposes, the key question here is: fired at what?

Hamas, like Russia, indiscriminately bombards civilian areas, which are not valid targets. Indeed, Hamas does not even claim to be aiming for military objectives. Like the massacres of civilians on Oct. 7, deaths from those indiscriminate bombardments also result from Hamas’s violations of the laws of war.

Military personnel are generally valid targets. It bears noting, however, that Hamas does not follow basic legal rules even when attacking military targets. For example, videos and photos of Oct. 7 show that its combatants rarely distinguish themselves from civilians by wearing a distinctive uniform or insignia—in legal argot, a “fixed distinctive sign recognizable at a distance.”

The requirement that combatants (including insurgent groups and militias) wear a distinguishing uniform or mark protects civilians from being fired upon in confusion by the other side. As elaborated below, Hamas’s ignoring that rule puts Palestinian civilians in further danger.

Hamas has also committed grave breaches of the law of armed conflict by seizing Israeli civilians as hostages. Under the law of armed conflict, combatants can be taken prisoner and held for the duration of hostilities, and enemy civilians can be interned in rare instances. In both cases, however, their humane treatment is strictly required by international law and the rationale for their detention must be purely preventive.

By contrast, hostage-taking to “compel a third party to do or to abstain from doing any act”—as Hamas continues to do—is a war crime.

Deaths of Palestinian Civilians in Israel’s Response

The first thing to be said here is that every death of a Palestinian civilian is a human tragedy. Palestinians trapped in Gaza, in the grip of a brutal terrorist group that brooks no opposition to its unpopular misrule, had no say in whether to launch this war. Yet it is civilians who suffer most for Hamas’s choice. Indeed, Hamas cynically increases and then broadcasts civilian suffering to erode international support for Israel’s military response.

The question here is how observers should categorize those deaths, and whether it makes sense legally and morally to juxtapose them with the Israeli civilians intentionally murdered and bombarded by Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces and Distinction

Israeli forces operating in Gaza may attack only military objectives. Military objectives include enemy combatants, civilians directly participating in hostilities (a complex category best left aside for now), and “military objects.”

Importantly, military objects include not just overt military installations but also “objects which by their nature, location, purpose or use make an effective contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction, capture or neutralization … offers a definite military advantage” (emphasis added).

That means that a nominally civilian building (or even a medical vehicle) can become a military object if Hamas uses it for military purposes. And Hamas regularly uses civilian areas to store weapons, to house command centers, and for other military aims.

Intentionally targeting a civilian object not being used for military purposes would, of course, violate the principle of distinction. (We’ll come to two additional legal requirements, precautions and proportionality, below.) Establishing that, however, requires granular knowledge of both the factual context—was Hamas, for example, using that building to store weapons?—and the commander’s state of mind.

Hamas and Distinction

The principle of distinction also imposes duties on the defender. Parties to a conflict must take “all feasible precautions to protect the civilian population and civilian objects under their control against the effects of attacks.”

In this conflict, Hamas has an affirmative legal duty to protect Palestinian civilians by “remov[ing] them,” to the extent feasible, “from the vicinity of military objectives.”

Hamas will not do that, of course.

Not because it is infeasible. Hamas, which has governed the Gaza Strip for years, could have designated certain places in the strip as military enclaves and concentrated its fortifications, bunkers, weapons stores, fuel depots, rocket bases, and command centers there. It could have encouraged civilians to evacuate areas around those bases, rather than forcing them to stay put. Indeed, when the Israel Defense Forces tried to encourage civilians to move away from military targets, Hamas discouraged and blocked them from doing so, according to senior White House officials.

Hamas will not separate civilians from its military activities because following the law would be disadvantageous for Hamas. Hamas uses civilian areas to hide its military assets and complicate the choices facing Israeli targeters: Israeli forces can either forgo the strike, leaving Hamas with the military asset, or Israel can launch it, whereupon Hamas publicizes the resulting civilian suffering.

Hamas is evil, but its leaders are no fools: These tactics work. A NATO report examining Hamas’s activities from 2008 to 2014 explains how Hamas’s use of human shields in Gaza has long created a dilemma for Israel:

If the IDF uses lethal force and causes an increase in civilian casualties, Hamas can utilise that as a lawfare tool: it can accuse Israel of committing war crimes, which could result in the imposition of a wide array of sanctions. Alternatively, if the IDF limits its use of military force in Gaza to avoid collateral damage, Hamas will be less susceptible to Israeli attacks[.]

International reactions make this kind of “lawfare” effective. Hamas knows that credulous observers will attribute these casualties to Israel—even though it was Hamas’s illegal decision to hide military assets in civilian areas that exposed the victims to harm.

Failing to place blame where it belongs—to unequivocally insist that Hamas move its military assets away from civilians, and to hold it responsible if it does not—encourages Hamas to put even more civilians in harm’s way.

These cynical incentives for Hamas pervert the law’s humanitarian aims and put Palestinian civilians in greater danger.

How the Law of War Accounts for Unintended Civilian Casualties

Even when striking a legitimate military target, Israel must consider the potential harm to civilians. But “zero harm to civilians” is not the rule: Strikes on military targets can result in unintended civilian casualties without necessarily violating the law of armed conflict. Tragically, because Hamas intentionally commingles civilians and military assets, there have been many such deaths in this war.

The key rule here is proportionality, which requires armed forces to refrain from attacks that would inflict incidental civilian harm “excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated to be gained.”

Attacking forces must also take “feasible” precautions in attack to reduce the risk to civilians. This can include verifying the military nature of the target, assessing risk to civilians before the strike, providing advance warning to civilians, adjusting the timing of an attack, choosing more precise weapons, and so forth.

Proportionality and precautions are intensely fact-bound. Civilian harm, military advantage, and feasibility are difficult to quantify. Their application often depends on the circumstances on the ground, at a fleeting moment, during the chaos of war.

Reasonableness, not perfect hindsight, is the standard. After-the-fact assessments of proportionality must account for “variation in how reasonable persons would apply the principle of proportionality in a given circumstance” and “the information available to that person at the time.”

The precautions required also vary with the context. Feasibility considers “all circumstances ruling at the time, including humanitarian and military considerations.” Those military considerations include risks to one’s own troops and to the mission’s success: “[A] commander,” the U.S. Law of War Manual explains, “may determine that a precaution would not be feasible because it would result in increased operational risk (i.e., a risk of failing to accomplish the mission) or an increased risk of harm to his or her forces.”

Photographs of shattered buildings and injured or dead civilians tell us that a tragedy has taken place. But without further information—without specific evidence of Israeli misconduct in assessing proportionality and taking feasible precautions—it is impossible to declare that any given tragedy was also a violation of the laws of war.

The sad reality is that many civilian deaths will result when a technologically sophisticated force confronts a terrorist group that chooses to fight from densely populated civilian areas and compels civilians to stay in anticipated battle zones. That is true even if the organized military uses precision weapons and cares deeply about the law.

Hamas knows that, of course. It stores weapons in schools and launches rockets from civilian neighborhoods fully aware that Israeli strikes on those military assets will harm civilians. Why? Because it knows that international observers will blame Israel, eroding support for Israeli military action. Here again, Hamas perversely exploits proportionality’s humanitarian aims, intentionally putting Palestinian civilians in harm’s way to generate legal pressure on Israel.

The Meta Question: Are the Laws of War the Right Rules?

This analysis rests on the premise that the laws of armed conflict are the right standard to apply to both parties’ conduct.

But are they?

Perhaps, as some observers contend, different rules should apply to each side. For instance, a group of academics at Columbia University has suggested that “one could regard” the atrocities of Oct. 7 as “an occupied people exercising a right to resist violent and illegal occupation.” (The letter goes on to say that “armed resistance by an occupied people must conform to the laws of war,” including the rule against internationally targeting civilians. But it studiously avoids acknowledging what follows from that concession: By that standard, one cannot in fact “regard” Hamas’s massacres as legitimate resistance.)

Should Hamas be allowed to place its missiles in schoolyards and its command centers under hospitals, if it thinks that will help it prevail?

Should different rules apply to the weak and the strong?

Advocates of that idea should consider what it would do to the centuries-long humanitarian quest to humanize warfare. To the struggle for what Texas Law Dean Bobby Chesney has called the “civilizationally relevant” idea that “it’s not right to intentionally try to kill innocents to advance your political or social goals.”

Without reciprocity, that project founders. The modern law of war rests on reciprocal agreements among states aimed at reducing unnecessary suffering on both sides—among combatants themselves, but also among civilians, prisoners of war, the injured and shipwrecked, and others outside the fight

Those fundamental humanitarian prohibitions thus apply without regard to the justness of each side’s cause. In legal jargon: The jus in bello, which regulates the conduct of war, applies independently of the jus ad bellum, which governs the commencement of war. Even the controversial (in this respect) first Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, which elevates in certain respects anti-colonial struggles, does not purport to grant “resistance” fighters the right to murder innocents or otherwise wage war without limits.

If modern law’s fundamental humanitarian guarantees are to endure, they must apply equally to all parties, with no exemption for “especially worthy” causes.

Which belligerent has ever admitted that its cause is unjust? Which people fighting for survival would accept that the law constrains them, but not their enemies?

No-holds barred for one side only is not a principle that can hold for long.

Indeed, there is a perverse irony in supporters of the weaker party disputing that the laws of war should apply equally to all.

It is the weak, not the strong, who benefit most from universal restraint. In a world where anything goes, why would the strong forbear from using their power to the utmost? The alternative to universal rules is not asymmetric justice in favor of the weak. It is a ruthless world in which “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.”

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Acknowledging that the law of armed conflict is the right normative framework for both sides in this fight would benefit Palestinian civilians most of all.

If Hamas would keep civilians away from military emplacements and stop operating from within their midst, as the law requires, Hamas and the IDF could have it out with far fewer civilian casualties. In the Columbia professors’ words, Hamas could “resist” with less danger to the people on whose behalf it claims to fight.

Any “right to resist” beyond the law’s constraints, then, is nothing more than a right to murder Israeli civilians and to use Palestinian innocents as human camouflage.

The suffering civilians of the Middle East deserve better friends than these.

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theculturedmarxist · 1 year

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I don't know what awful things Russia has done during this war with Ukraine and I don't particularly care. I'm not really interested in contesting them either. It's a war, awful things happen in war, awful things are deliberately inflicted during war, and whatever one thinks of the Russians or their army, that army is going to commit atrocities. It's simply a given.

The reason I push back against the shrill wailing about Russia and highlight the atrocities committed by the Ukrainian army isn't because of some idealization of Russia. It's a capitalist regime and I don't have any love for it. I don't think Putin particularly cares about the Russian people in Ukraine and I don't think his motivations for invading are in any way altruistic. If anything good does result from it, it will merely be incidental.

I highlight the crimes of the Ukrainian government first of all because it's a neo-Nazi government. It doesn't deserve support. It's only a puppet government of the United States which pulls its strings and directs its policy. Furthermore, it's been preying upon its own citizens for years and has been cultivating gangs of Nazis to spread terror among them. The government of Ukraine has been pursuing a policy of genocide against its own people, and collaborating in Nazi violence against them. Worse still, these Nazis' ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, and win or lose the United States will give them the means to fulfill them.

Second, the US and its allies are all loathsome hypocrites. Even if you accept whatever the worst projections of the casualties from all this mess in Ukraine, it won't be but a fraction of the United States' and its allies 30 year world tour of mass death and destruction. Not one of them cares about Ukrainians, nor are they the least bit interested in any sort of justice. The sole and only purpose of their reporting about Russia's crimes in Ukraine is to gin up support for this war that they are waging against it. They are used only as a cynical effort in order to justify inflicting atrocities on the people of Russia. NATO isn't supplying the Nazis of Ukraine with weapons for compassion's sake. They are doing it because the destruction of Russia and the subjugation of its peoples are integral for safeguarding and continuing the unlimited power and impunity that the bourgeoisie of the United States think is their right. Whatever justification for pursuing that end, however factual, will only lead to much worse outcomes than whatever Russia is currently inflicting on Ukraine.

Prolonging this war isn't going to do anyone any good, least of all the Ukrainians themselves. I think there are only three possible outcomes for this nightmare.

The worst case scenario is that this conflict escalates into a nuclear war. The longer this goes on and the further both sides escalate, the greater the likelihood that this happens. If it does, then billions will die in an instant, and then everyone that's left will die slowly. As you can imagine, this isn't a positive outcome for the Ukrainian people.

The less worse case scenario is that the United States wins. What the US seeks is nothing less than the subjugation of all of Russia and the destruction of its ability to militarily resist the US. If they were somehow to achieve this, this would put the US into stronger position to maintain its hegemony by depriving other smaller states of an alternative to its power. It would work to isolate China by cutting it off from a major source of vital resources, as well as removing a major potential ally when the US inevitably declares war against it. What NATO has done in Ukraine they seek to do in Taiwan. If the US is successful in bringing war to China, then without a doubt many hundreds of millions, if not billions of people will die.

The least worse case scenario is that Russia wins. Ukraine will still be in ruins, but currently only Russia has the technological capabilities to repair its Soviet-era infrastructure. The Nazi government will be removed from power or at least greatly diminished in its ability to inflict harm on anyone depending on the political outcome of the war. The United States will have expended a great deal of money and military material, material which it will take years or possibly decades to replace, if it can at all. Failure to favorably resolve the conflict in NATO's favor potentially jeopardizes the entire alliance and degrades its ability to wage war on others. Its plans to wage war on China might be delayed or even postponed indefinitely. Faith in the United States' military supremacy would be severely diminished. Deprived of the resources it expects to extract from Russia, its decline will only continue and perhaps accelerate.

I think these are the only three realistic outcomes because the US, the actual opposite to Russia in this war, has repeatedly refused to even contemplate negotiating an equitable outcome. For them, the only acceptable result is the complete defeat and humiliation of Russia, the removal of its government, and its subordination to the United States. I don't believe it has the capacity to alter this stance in any meaningful way. Even if it was willing, I'm of the opinion that the US isn't "agreement capable." Whatever agreement it did make it would almost immediately renege upon and work to undermine. Even if the Biden administration did engage in a peace deal in good faith, there's no way of knowing whether or not the next administration would uphold it. I think the nuclear deal it made with Iran is a good example of this inability to commit to any agreement in the interests of lasting peace. Unfortunately, I think the only way this conflict will come to a close is by one side or the other pursuing it to the bitter end.

I don't think any of what I have described makes me "pro Russian." I have for years now posted to this blog what I consider good evidence supporting my positions to the best of my ability to understand it. So far, all that's been offered to the contrary has been the raving of zealots utterly convinced of the depravity or inherent evil of the Russian people in part or in whole and the necessity to exact bloody revenge on them. I don't think that's the perspective of anyone that wants to minimize suffering, but only change who it's inflicted upon.

The only true solution to the ambitions of both the US and Russia is for the workers of the world to put a stop to them. Without an international effort based on solidarity, revolution, and the genuine desire for peace, the capitalists of the world and their engines of destruction will continue to prey upon anyone lacking the ability to stand up to them, and that puts us all in the gravest jeopardy.

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hans-echo · 7 months

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Ok I've seen people saying it's Project Blue Beam

But like it's pretty creepy and so clear. How they get them start clouds to reflect moonlight exactly like that to make it look like a humanoid face??

I think it's Galactus cuz comic books 🤷🏻‍♂️

#moonface #Blue Beam Project #Blue Beam #Space Art #Galactus #Marvel #Marvel Comics #pareidolia

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fanficfish · 8 months

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i'm working on a fic so i hope y'all don't mind if i cracktype my nation headcanons and thoughts. I'm sure they're not original but i haven't seen them yet soooooooooo (rhen again i only really come on here to shitpost random things and like nordic five stuff)

also theres def some things i got from reading stuff but it's all scattered around idk where so kudos to everyone that had posts that gave me ideas

Okay so my thoights are that in the hetaliaverse it's an open secret. Like moat of them won't really go out blaring about it but they'll answer if you ask. Like France, he'll just kinda hang out in his place and be another friendly guy, but if you come up to him and ask if he's France he'll say yes. A few countries with more questionable populations will keep it more on the down low for security and then there's America, Poland, and Canada, who don't give a ahit and run active YouTube and Twitch channels and and quite happy to hang out with the modern day crowd sure why not.

most people don't really know though, like if you know who to look for you can find America's youtube feed but if he goes drinking with the boys he'll probably just call himself Alfred sk it's less weird.

Most of them have some kind of governmwnt job because it's the 21st century and it's too troublesome to explain things sometimes. Especially for younger looking nations, like Hong Kong and Latvia and Iceland, who have all at one point or another had to explain that they aren't homeless minors. And especially Latvia, kid's tiny lol. Arthur (and Sweden) had to explain a few memorable times to CPS that no, Ladonia and Sealand do not need to go to school. A good few nations have just given up and have all the documents ready in a pile when someone comes knocking because some new neighbor gave them a tip about unsupervised children or "shady activity".

also, Amwrica really doesn't want to have to keep explaining all the stat3: and territories under him sometimes.

anyways so yeah human names are mosstly rhe countries picking something to go by, usually their governmeent knows but it's more just to keep it easy at Starbucks. With each other they'll use country names, unlesss they're mad in which case UNITED FUCKING STATES OF FUCKING AMERICA YOU BETTEE SIT YOUR ASS DOWN RIGHT THIS INSTANT YOUNG MAN-

i like that headcanon, i know i got that one from a post somewhere. Also got the one about bcountries being able to go into a kind of second "world" where things are a bit closer, so for example America could just open a door into Canada's house and take a quick boat ride to get to England's. And then to get into the regular world they have other doorways, like America can jump states by going into different doors and popping out in the state capital of choice in his office or whatever. And then a select few, like Cuba, can just

teleport. Hop, if you will. It's a selwct ability. Whole different bag of worms.

also theres stares, regions, and provinces, but not anything less then that. We don't need LA as a personification. One florida is enough. Especially the US, since each state is it's own mini country technically.

anyways yeah. Tldr most people think of the nations like myths, a bit like say hearing "my great great great great granddad was the assistant to George Washington" or something, but a bit more tangible.

unless you're norway and switzerland in whoch case you won't be actually meeting anyone you will be sitting at home or in a forest ifnoeing everyone and everything that isn't part of youe inner circle.

Oh and i love that idea that citizens of a country can kinda sense their country and vice versa but won't really realize who they met unless they figure it out they'll just get a vague "you're familiar", and countries will know because well. Country.

edit 1: i forgot to add some countries probably take less interest in their goveernemtn happenings. Like Iceland is more invocled with his tourism, like that boy has one goal in Paint it White and that's to get tourists. But then you have America who's kinda just there, probably lets democracy do its thing and just hangs outt and just does stuff relating to personifications. And heaven knows Estonia's too busy blogging to do much. ThereMs some logistics to nations and international relations but whatever not my thought process today lol

idk i'll add more if i think of it

#hetalia headcanons #hetalia hcs

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libraryofcirclaria · 2 months

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Northeast Ancondria Coup, 1475: Overview

Library of Circlaria

Blog Posts

Information Up To Date as of 23 March 1476

Introduction:

On the afternoon of May 24, 1475, all communication networks across the United Confederation of Ancondria went dead. Moments later, armed military personnel blockaded the national capital Providence, and after a few hours, invaded it. Political extremists stormed the Legislature while opponents of the coup were made to escape the city and establish a holdout in the nearby city of East Providence.

Today, the UCA remains in a political gridlock.

Initial Establishment:

In the year 1370, just after the Esurchian War, the Havenlands, which were the original former territories of the Esurchian State, were partitioned off into three separate territories by the 1370 Treaty of Silba, which established border walls around the Havenlands as well as border walls separating the three territories within. This arrangement restricted freedom of movement for the local Ancondrian inhabitants; and before long, they rose up in a revolt. In doing so, they formed the Ancondrian Liberation Army, or the ALA. The ALA would attempt to destroy the border walls while Ancondrian locals outside the Havenlands, sympathetic to the revolt, established their own ALA chapters. Meanwhile, civilians and politicians in the Havenlands united and formed the nation of the United Confederation of Ancondria, or the UCA.

An uprising occurred in Ramport and Malfua in the year 1371, driving the Independent Commonwealth State of Retun (ICSR) and allied Northeast Ancondrian nations to sign the 1371 Treaty of Ramport and Malfua, granting the ICSR Ancondrian Domain District V and its capital, Ramport, status as an independent nation. The Treaty also opened the borders with the Havenlands as well as dismantling the border walls dividing the Havenlands. In doing so, the ICSR and allied Northeastern Ancondrian states formally recognized the UCA as a nation. And the UCA integrated all ALA chapters within its borders into an officially established armed forces, instructing ALA chapters abroad to disband. Most did so, being satisfied with the terms. However, there were a few groups within the former ALA chapters who were dissatisfied and formed illegal armed Legions in the area. These Legions were lightly armed at the time and caused only the equivalent of gang street violence mostly in certain sectors of larger cities. Nonetheless, the UCA and Northeastern Ancondrian nations sought to contain any outbreaks of violence by these organizations in order to keep city streets crime-free.

Ramport-Ultra-Nationalist Takeover:

Ramport and the former District V, now independent from the ICSR, established itself initially as the Independent Democratic State of Ramport, or IDSR. However, owing to damages from the Esurchian War, the economy was less than ideal; and ultra-nationalist figures were able to leverage the unhappy sentiment of the IDSR electorate in order to have themselves voted into numerous positions of political power. There were constitutional checks and balances in place in the IDSR government in order to preserve democracy. However, between 1375 and 1376, the ultra-nationalists carried out a coup against opposing democratic institutions, and did so successfully. Though the IDSR remains a democracy to this day on paper, the ultra-nationalists were able to establish a de facto authoritarian regime in its place.

First, they renamed the nation the Sovereign State of Minlon, after a charismatic ultra-nationalist and ultra-capitalist figure named George Minlon, a Retunian businessman who settled in Northeast Ancondria between almost 100 years previously. The Sovereign State of Minlon then enacted numerous laws suppressing voter rights and worker rights. The nation since then has been known for its staggering economic inequality and a notorious justice policy known as the Bounty System.

The Bounty System was the solution to a call made by the Minlon government leaders for minimal government intervention but effective law enforcement. Details of this policy may be discussed in length in a future article; but basically, anyone having either broken the law or made an establishment figure unhappy is subject to being killed by a local vigilante group for a sum of money if the said victim is placed on the Bounty List.

The United Confederation of Ancondria:

On a regular schedule, the population of the United Confederation of Ancondria elects Representatives, Governors, and Governor-Generals to fulfill leadership roles. The Governor-General, the title of the Commander-In-Chief position for the UCA, is elected every fifth year of a decade for a ten-year term, but is subject to a retention vote every tenth year of a decade, which is the middle of the term. Accordingly, if the incumbent Governor-General fails to win the retention vote in the middle of the term, he or she is removed from office with the next figure in line, the Lieutenant-Governor-General, taking over for the remainder of the term until the next elected Governor-General is scheduled to take office.

The Confederation has a total of seventeen official parties across its political spectrum. However, this spectrum in practice has been dominated by two main political parties: the Ancondrian Liberals and the Ancondrian Conservatives. Between 1375 and 1475, the Governor-General position has been dominated on the most part by either of those two parties, with the Ancondrian Liberals having that position for slightly more than half of that time, though not consecutively.

Infiltration From Minlon:

It is important to note that contrary to popular belief, though most members of these Legions were far-right, not all of them were initially. These Legions were originally open to recruiting those "fringers" from both liberal and conservative blocs who were willing to cast aside their differences and unite against clauses in the Ramport and Malfua Treaty which supported corporate interests.

However, it was when billionaires from the Sovereign State of Minlon started backing these Legions in the 1390s that liberal members started leaving, meaning that those who remained with the Legions were of the conservative bloc. Also as the result of influence from these billionaires, many of the remaining conservative Legion members began embracing the teachings and beliefs of the late George Minlon, who dictated that one's goal is to work hard, do good business, and do all while getting as close as possible to God in accordance with the Alconist faith. George Minlon, after all, was also an evangelist.

In support of the beliefs of George Minlon, Legion members began believing in what they perceived to be appropriate policies for the UCA, including the notion that the only role of a government was to provide police and military protection "in good faith," to refrain from collecting taxes from businesses, to refrain from even regulating businesses in any degree, and to rely on Alconist Scripture as the basis for enacting and interpreting laws, primarily ones governing social issues like darkfire.

Between 1400 and 1440, Legion members began believing that the Ancondrian Liberal Party was seeking to corrupt the social fabric of the UCA and undermine democracy, and said Legion members began making ever more frequently a call to "protect all institutions of freedom and democracy by force if necessary."

Such calls were deemed empty threats at the time. However, in 1446, five billionaire-influenced Legions united and established the Ancondrian Freedom Warriors, or AFW for short. They called for other Legions to join as chapters under the AFW, leading membership of the AFW to swell in the years to come. During this time, both Ancondrian Liberals and Ancondrian Conservatives in government considered the AFW to be a troublesome fringe-right organization.

In 1455, the UCA population, unhappy with the Conservative majority since last election cycle, voted in a Liberal majority and a Liberal Governor-General. AFW members called this election "rigged" based on unfounded claims; and as soon as said Liberals took office in 1456, the AFW began sporadic but better-coordinated attacks on numerous locations and targets. The UCA government, in response, dispatched a temporary martial law agency known as the Ancondrian Peacekeeper Task Force in order to keep said violence under control.

Meanwhile, within the ranks of Legislature and the UCA government, a small group of Ancondrian Conservatives with radical conservative views formed a band against the remainder of the Ancondrian Conservative Party, accusing them of being "too liberal." Such a radical group called themselves the Coalition for Ancondrian Freedom, CAF in short, and associated themselves as a civil extension of the AFW. Like the AFW, CAF membership would swell over the years.

Robert Milton:

In 1465, Robert Milton, a member of the CAF but considered an Ancondrian Conservative on paper, won by a very small margin the election for the next UCA Governor-General, while his wife, Shara Milton, became the Lieutenant-Governor-General, and the Conservatives regained a majority in Legislature.

Upon taking office in 1466, Robert Milton terminated the Ancondrian Peacekeeper agenda against the AFW and repealed a large number of taxes. He then attempted to have Legislature pass a slew of laws governing social life, some of which passing but most failing to do so.

Of note, Robert Milton attempted to have a law passed to fully prohibit the engagement of darkfire, as is the case in the Sovereign State of Minlon. That agenda failed, but Ancondrian Conservatives did succeed in passing a subsequent law removing many employment protections for members of the darkfire community.

In 1470, a retention election year for the Governor-General position, allegations emerged that Robert Milton had met with wealthy figures from Minlon and the UCA lightfire industry to help fund the CAF and AFW. Accordingly, he was even facilitating the purchase of heavy weapons for the AFW, weapons including planes and tanks. Ancondrian Liberals united and filed a motion for Robert Milton to be impeached, a motion blocked by the Ancondrian Conservative majority.

Nevertheless, Robert Milton lost the retention election.

Shara Milton:

In accordance to constitutional protocol, Shara Milton became the next Governor-General in 1471. Before long, she earned the nickname "Warrior of Words," because of her long speeches decrying Ancondrian Liberals, the darkfire community, and the past election which she claimed was rigged. Conservatives in UCA Legislature blocked every legislative agenda put forth by the Ancondrian Liberals while refraining from putting forth any legislative agendas themselves. Meanwhile, Governor-General Shara Milton kept her husband's past executive orders in place and did not issue new ones.

In October 1471, a documentary, put together by numerous scholars from the UCA and abroad, was broadcasted detailing life inside the Sovereign State of Minlon. Such a documentary gave detailed insight about the notorious Bounty System, the staggering economic inequality, and the Exit Visa requirement. Accordingly, those living inside the Sovereign State of Minlon are not allowed to leave the country without an Exit Visa, as requirements to obtain such a visa are stringent. Primarily those wishing to pursue a college education outside Minlon have been expressively denied permission to leave the country. The Sovereign State of Minlon does not provide sufficient education opportunities for the working class; and those who speak out against this system are put on the notorious Bounty List.

Large swaths of the UCA population, primarily liberals, were outraged by this; and a group of college students in East Providence formed the Free Minlon Movement as a result.

In 1472, Shara Milton declared the Free Minlon Movement to be a threat to national security in the UCA, and dispatched the Ancondrian Peacekeeper Task Force, the very same one having previously been used against the AFW in the past, against Free Minlon demonstrations.

Caleb Krong:

One prominent leader of the Free Minlon Movement, Caleb Krong, announced his candidacy in 1473 for the Governor-General position, scheduled to be up for election again in the year 1475. Krong's popularity led him to easily win the Ancondrian Liberal Party primary election in 1474.

The UCA Governor-General election was scheduled to take place on September 24, 1475. An official sample poll taken in March of that year showed the UCA population being in strong favor of Krong. Incumbent Governor-General Shara Milton responded to this by declaring, based on a conspiracy theory generated by the CAF, that there existed a "Black State of Ancondria," a supposed secret coalition of Liberals and "equalitarians" aiming to usurp democracy in the UCA and re-establish the nation as an authoritarian regime. Milton called on Legislature to grant her emergency powers to expand surveillance and martial law measures. However, the UCA Superior Court struck down this motion. Milton then called upon Tom Parton, Chief General of the AWF to "prepare for a long struggle."

The Coup:

By this point, the AFW and CAF had insiders at every communication network location throughout the UCA, which by law ran on a single communication frequency with a classified second frequency to use only in an emergency. These insiders, however, had knowledge of both frequencies, as the system was originally designed to be in effect in case there was an attack by an external enemy.

At 2:15 PM local time on May 24, 1475, the AFW and CAF insiders jammed the entire communication system, which also meant that the automatic navigation system of every gyroplane, civilian and military, was compromised and every flight grounded or forced to land. All communications throughout the UCA went down at this time while AFW and CAF forces communicated through their own "virtual private networks." Meanwhile, to the outside world, it seemed as if the entire nation of the United Confederation of Ancondria "went silent."

At 2:30 PM, AFW tanks and soldiers blocked every road entrance into Providence, the national capital. Between this time and 9:00 PM, AFW planes carried out relentless airstrikes against the besieged city, primarily against the sections known to have majority liberal populations. Due to the communication blackout, no one outside the vicinity of Providence had even the slightest idea that this was happening while UCA defenses were helpless to do anything, though they did scramble to establish their own virtual private networks.

At 9:00 PM, AFW tanks and soldiers marched into the city of Providence where they fought relentlessly and succeeded in establishing dominance over every sector. UCA defenses and civilians tried to resist but were ultimately unsuccessful.

At 7:17 AM on June 1, the AFW captured the House of Legislature, the House of the Governor-General, and the House of the Superior Court, and stationed armed personnel around each of these three buildings, adhering to the aforementioned ultra-nationalist belief of "protecting freedom and democracy by force." At 9:03 AM, Tom Parton arrived at the First Podium in the House of Legislature and declared publicly that "there had been an attempted attack on democracy and freedom by the Black State of Ancondria," and that he needed to "administer temporarily a state of lawful order over the city of Providence because of this."

Shara Milton that day resigned from the Governor-General post, citing personal reasons; and Tom Parton declared that the Governor-General post would remain vacant until the next candidate elected on September 24 was scheduled to take office. He then declared that the House of Legislature is safe and secure and that the elected Representatives may gather to carry out their normal business.

However, when the Legislature gathered, the Conservative majority drew up a list of "Black State insiders," consisting entirely of Ancondrian Liberals. They then had each and every one of them voted out of the House of Legislature and banned from the city of Providence, citing that every person on the list "poses an existential threat to freedom and democracy for the Confederation."

On June 2, Tom Parton declared that the House of Legislature would be the only body casting votes officially for the September 24 election, citing a clause in the UCA Constitution for the Legislature to do so in the event of a national emergency while "acting on behalf of the best interests of the people."

On June 3, Caleb Krong and the Liberal figures banned from Providence gathered in the city of East Providence and formed the Emergency Government of East Providence, or the EGEP in short. The EGEP declared that Tom Parton's decision to have the Legislature carry out the election instead of the population was based on an illegitimate cause. The EGEP furthermore declared that the popular vote would occur as normal, and moved to ensure polling locations throughout the UCA were accessible to the population.

The only concern here was that the AFW began attacking these polling locations. UCA military veterans banded together and formed the Volunteer Peacekeeper Force, fighting back in defense of the EGEP against the AFW. This would culminate into unending conflict which began to take shape in June of 1475.

On September 24, 1475, Election Day was carried out on both sides. The Conservative bloc in Providence declared only votes cast by the Legislature to be legitimate and therefore declared the winner of the said Governor-General Election to be Garren Fawnwell, another notorious commander of the AFW. Meanwhile, the popular vote facilitated by the EGEP yielded Caleb Krong to be the winner.

Conclusion:

At present, the mainstream communication infrastructure in the UCA is still blacked out. The conservative-backed AFW and the liberal-backed VPF are still in a battlefield gridlock. The EGEP has successfully established a loose but effective web of virtual private networks accessible by a large majority of the UCA population.

The ICSR and many other nations support the EGEP in this crisis. However, there are also nations, like the Kingdom of Gyrosak, who support the AFW.

#LOC-BlogPosts

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reportwire · 2 years

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US shift on Venezuelan migrants fuels anxiety in Mexico

TIJUANA, Mexico — Jose Maria Garcia Lara got a call asking if his shelter had room for a dozen Venezuelan migrants who were among the first expelled to Mexico under an expanded U.S. policy that denies rights to seek asylum. “We can’t take anyone, no one will fit,” he answered, standing amid rows of tents in what looks like a small warehouse. He had 260 migrants on the floor, about 80 over…

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#Asylum seekers #coronavirus #Diseases and conditions #General news #Government and politics #Health #Immigration #infectious diseases #joe biden #Lung disease #Military and defense #national security #Social affairs #Social issues #United States governme

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bitcofunblog · 3 months

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Table of ContentsIntroductionThe Regulatory Landscape of DAOs: A Comparative AnalysisEmerging Trends in DAO Regulation: Implications for Governance and ComplianceThe Future of DAO Regulation: Balancing Innovation and AccountabilityQ&AConclusionUnveiling the Regulatory Landscape of DAOs: A Global PerspectiveIntroductionDecentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have emerged as a novel form of organization, leveraging blockchain technology to facilitate collective decision-making and autonomous operations. As DAOs gain traction globally, the need for regulatory frameworks to govern their activities has become increasingly apparent. This paper examines the global rise of DAO regulation, exploring the current regulatory landscape, key challenges, and potential implications for the future of DAOs.The Regulatory Landscape of DAOs: A Comparative Analysis**Examining the Global Rise of Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) Regulation** Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have emerged as a transformative force in the digital landscape, offering a new paradigm for collective decision-making and resource management. However, as DAOs gain traction, the need for regulatory frameworks to govern their operations has become increasingly apparent. Globally, regulators are grappling with the challenge of balancing innovation with the protection of investors and the public interest. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a cautious approach, classifying certain DAOs as investment companies subject to existing securities laws. This approach has raised concerns among DAO proponents, who argue that it stifles innovation and fails to recognize the unique characteristics of DAOs. In contrast, the United Kingdom has adopted a more nuanced approach. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has established a regulatory sandbox that allows DAOs to operate under a controlled environment while exploring innovative solutions. This approach provides a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring investor protection. The European Union has also taken steps to address DAO regulation. The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive regulatory framework for crypto-assets, which includes provisions for DAOs. The framework aims to strike a balance between promoting innovation and mitigating risks associated with decentralized finance. In Asia, Singapore has emerged as a hub for DAO development. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has adopted a forward-looking approach, recognizing the potential of DAOs to transform industries. MAS has established a regulatory framework that provides clarity and guidance for DAOs operating in the country. The global regulatory landscape for DAOs is still evolving, with different jurisdictions adopting varying approaches. However, the common thread is the recognition that DAOs require tailored regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with investor protection. As DAOs continue to gain prominence, regulators will need to strike a delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the integrity of the financial system. The development of clear and proportionate regulatory frameworks will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of DAOs while mitigating potential risks. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, regulators can create a global regulatory environment that supports the growth of DAOs while protecting the interests of investors and the public. The future of DAO regulation lies in finding a balance between innovation and responsibility, ensuring that DAOs can thrive while contributing to a safe and stable financial ecosystem.Emerging Trends in DAO Regulation: Implications for Governance and ComplianceThe burgeoning realm of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) has sparked a global regulatory awakening, as governments and policymakers grapple with the complexities of governing these novel entities. DAOs, powered by

blockchain technology, operate without traditional hierarchical structures, relying instead on smart contracts and distributed decision-making. This decentralized nature has raised questions about accountability, transparency, and the potential for illicit activities. Consequently, regulators worldwide are exploring frameworks to address these concerns while fostering innovation. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a proactive stance, classifying certain DAOs as investment companies subject to existing securities laws. This approach aims to protect investors and ensure compliance with established financial regulations. Similarly, the European Union is considering a comprehensive regulatory framework for DAOs, focusing on issues such as legal personality, governance, and liability. The proposed regulations seek to strike a balance between promoting innovation and safeguarding consumer interests. In Asia, Japan has emerged as a leader in DAO regulation. The country's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has established a licensing system for cryptocurrency exchanges, which includes provisions for DAOs operating in the country. This approach provides a clear regulatory pathway for DAOs while ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering and know-your-customer requirements. Other jurisdictions, such as Singapore and Switzerland, are also exploring regulatory frameworks for DAOs. Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued guidelines on the use of blockchain technology, including DAOs, emphasizing the importance of risk management and compliance. Switzerland, known for its crypto-friendly stance, is considering a legal framework that would recognize DAOs as legal entities. The global rise of DAO regulation reflects the growing recognition of the potential benefits and risks associated with these decentralized entities. By establishing clear regulatory frameworks, governments aim to foster innovation, protect investors, and mitigate potential risks. However, the regulatory landscape for DAOs remains fragmented, with different jurisdictions adopting varying approaches. This fragmentation poses challenges for DAOs operating across borders, as they may face different regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction. As the DAO ecosystem continues to evolve, it is likely that regulatory frameworks will adapt and converge. International cooperation and harmonization of regulations will be crucial to ensure a consistent and effective approach to DAO governance and compliance. In conclusion, the global rise of DAO regulation is a testament to the growing importance of these decentralized entities. By establishing clear regulatory frameworks, governments aim to foster innovation, protect investors, and mitigate potential risks. However, the fragmented nature of the current regulatory landscape poses challenges for DAOs operating across borders. International cooperation and harmonization of regulations will be essential to ensure a consistent and effective approach to DAO governance and compliance.The Future of DAO Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Accountability**Examining the Global Rise of Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) Regulation** Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) have emerged as a transformative force in the digital landscape, offering a new paradigm for collective decision-making and resource management. However, as DAOs gain traction, the need for regulatory frameworks to balance innovation with accountability has become increasingly apparent. Globally, regulators are grappling with the complexities of DAO regulation. In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a cautious approach, classifying certain DAOs as investment companies subject to existing securities laws. This approach aims to protect investors while fostering innovation. In contrast, the European Union has adopted a more nuanced approach. The European

Commission's Digital Finance Strategy recognizes the potential of DAOs and proposes a tailored regulatory framework that balances innovation with consumer protection. This framework focuses on ensuring transparency, accountability, and legal certainty. Other jurisdictions, such as Switzerland and Singapore, have also taken steps to regulate DAOs. Switzerland has introduced a legal framework that provides legal recognition to DAOs and establishes clear rules for their operation. Singapore has adopted a "sandbox" approach, allowing DAOs to operate in a controlled environment while regulators assess their risks and benefits. The global rise of DAO regulation reflects the growing recognition of their potential and the need to address associated risks. Regulators are seeking to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting users. The approaches adopted by different jurisdictions vary, but they all share a common goal: to create a regulatory environment that supports the responsible development and adoption of DAOs. As DAO regulation evolves, it is crucial for regulators to engage with the DAO community and industry experts. This collaboration will ensure that regulations are informed by a deep understanding of the technology and its implications. Additionally, international cooperation is essential to avoid regulatory fragmentation and promote a consistent approach to DAO regulation. The future of DAO regulation will likely involve a combination of approaches. Regulators will need to adapt to the evolving nature of DAOs and find ways to balance innovation with accountability. By fostering collaboration and adopting a forward-looking approach, regulators can create a regulatory environment that supports the responsible growth of DAOs and unlocks their full potential.Q&A**Question 1:** What is a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO)? **Answer:** A DAO is an organization that is run by its members through a set of rules encoded in a blockchain. **Question 2:** What are the key regulatory challenges posed by DAOs? **Answer:** Key regulatory challenges include issues of legal personality, liability, and governance. **Question 3:** What are some of the potential benefits of DAO regulation? **Answer:** Potential benefits include increased transparency, accountability, and investor protection.Conclusion**Conclusion:** The global rise of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) has prompted a surge in regulatory efforts to address their unique characteristics and potential risks. While some jurisdictions have taken a proactive approach, others are still grappling with the complexities of DAO regulation. As DAOs continue to evolve and gain traction, it is crucial for regulators to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting investors and the public. A comprehensive and coordinated approach is needed to address issues such as legal liability, governance, and financial oversight. International cooperation and collaboration will be essential in developing effective regulatory frameworks for DAOs. By sharing best practices and harmonizing regulations, jurisdictions can create a more stable and predictable environment for DAO development and adoption. Ultimately, the success of DAO regulation will depend on the ability of regulators to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of decentralized technologies. By embracing a flexible and forward-looking approach, regulators can support the growth of DAOs while mitigating potential risks and ensuring the integrity of the financial system.

#GLOBAL_CRYPTO_REGULATIONS

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cyberbenb · 3 months

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White House confirms Ukraine to get priority on air defense missile deliveries

The U.S. is to prioritize deliveries of air defense missiles to Ukraine over orders from other countries, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on June 20. “The United States governme Source : kyivindependent.com/white-hou…

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getlegalattorney · 4 months

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Understand the essential protections of the 5th Amendment with GetLegal, including due process, double jeopardy, and the right against self-incrimination.

#5th amendment #fifth amendment #what is the 5th amendment

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beardedmrbean · 7 months

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The Czech Republic has extradited a man facing charges in the United States for plotting the murder of a prominent critic of Iran's government.

The Czech Justice Ministry said Polad Omarov was handed to representatives of U.S. authorities at Prague's Vaclav Havel Airport on February 21 after the suspect had exhausted all options of appeal.

Omarov was arrested in the Czech Republic in January 2023. The ministry said the justice minister had ruled in July last year in favor of extradition, but the action was delayed by the suspect's complaint with the Constitutional Court, which was rejected.

#nunyas news

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newstfionline · 1 year

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Monday, October 9, 2023

Biden administration grapples with broad repercussions of Hamas invasion (Washington Post) The Biden administration moved quickly into crisis mode Saturday in response to Hamas’s surprise attack against Israel, condemning the “terrorist” assault from Gaza and reiterating “rock solid” U.S. support for Israeli security in public statements and calls to officials in Jerusalem. “The United States stands with Israel,” President Biden said in brief remarks after he phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Among a flurry of administration calls, Biden spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Blinken with his Saudi and Egyptian counterparts and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with Israel’s defense minister. Beyond the outrage and reassurance, administration officials and regional experts struggled to understand how Hamas’s preparations for such a massive attack. Perhaps more important for the administration was what the shocking invasion could mean for U.S. efforts to forge a normalization accord between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a goal that has become one of Biden’s major foreign policy priorities. U.S. lawmakers and governments in much of the world condemned Hamas and expressed condolences to Israel. But several in the Middle East said Israel was to blame. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry “holds Israel solely responsible for the ongoing escalation due to its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people,” a statement said. Saudi Arabia called on both sides to show restraint, but referred to its “repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continuation of the occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights and the repetition of systematic provocations.” The Saudi government statement called for the international community to “activate a credible peace process that leads to the two-state solution” for Israel and the Palestinians.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta brings colorful displays to the New Mexico sky (AP) The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has brought colorful displays to the New Mexico sky in an international event that attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators every year. The event started Saturday with a drone light show before sunrise followed by a mass ascension of hot air balloons. Over nine days, local residents and visitors will be treated to a cavalcade of colorful and special-shaped balloons. The annual gathering has become a major economic driver for the state’s biggest city. The Rio Grande and nearby mountains provide spectacular backdrops to the fiesta that began with a few pilots launching 13 balloons from an open lot near a shopping center on what was the edge of Albuquerque in 1972. The fiesta has morphed into one of the most photographed events in the world, now based at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Six Accused of Murdering Ecuadorean Presidential Candidate Are Found Dead (NYT) The six Colombian men accused of murdering an Ecuadorean presidential candidate were found dead in a prison in the port city of Guayaquil on Friday, Ecuador’s prison authority said in a statement. The assassination of the candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, as he exited a campaign event in August was a traumatic jolt for a nation that has been shaken by an increasingly powerful narco-trafficking industry in recent years. As foreign drug mafias have joined forces with local prison and street gangs they have transformed entire swaths of the country, extorting businesses, recruiting young people, infiltrating the government and killing those who investigate them. Mr. Villavicencio, who had worked as a journalist, activist and legislator, was polling near the middle of a group of eight candidates when he was killed 11 days before the first round of the presidential election on Aug. 20. He was among the most outspoken about the links between organized crime and the government. For some time, widespread speculation had suggested that the Colombians were guns for hire, and that powerful figures had ordered the assassination.

The Buenos Aires barber’s books: a history of 19,900% inflation (Reuters) The hand-written entries in the two dozen notebooks—date, haircut, price—chronicle decades of a Buenos Aires barber’s working life. But they tell another story too, Argentina’s most important: a tale of 19,900% inflation and its crippling impact. In his small barbershop with sandy wooden floorboards and a fishbowl glass window to the street outside, Ruben Galante has for some four decades watched presidents come and go, myriad economic crises, and fast-rising prices. The 67-year-old has jotted down every haircut for over 20 years, a rare personal history of the ebbs and flows of inflation during a period of patchy—and at times unreliable—official data. Galante’s colorful lined notebooks, tucked away on a small shelf in the corner of his store, show that between 1991 and 2023, haircut prices rose from 15 pesos to 3,000 pesos. And the current term of center-left President Alberto Fernandez has seen the fastest price rises of any administration during those three decades—some 757% since he took office in December 2019, according to Galante’s notebooks. “This is a long, long crisis and it’s constantly getting worse,” Galante told Reuters in his store. “It’s leaving us impoverished.”

Earthquakes kill over 2,000 in Afghanistan (AP) Powerful earthquakes killed at least 2,000 people in western Afghanistan, a Taliban government spokesman said Sunday. It’s one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the country in two decades. The magnitude-6.3 earthquake was followed by strong aftershocks on Saturday. On Sunday, people attempted to dig out the dead and injured with their hands in Herat, clambering over rocks and debris. Survivors and victims were trapped under buildings that had crumbled to the ground, their faces grey with dust. “Besides the 2,060 dead, 1,240 people are injured and 1,320 houses are completely destroyed,” said an Afghan spokesman.

Israel intensifies Gaza strikes and battles to repel Hamas (AP) Israel’s military battled to drive Hamas fighters out of southern towns and seal its borders Monday, as it pounded the Gaza Strip from the air and mustered for a campaign its prime minister said would destroy “the military and governing capabilities” of the militant group. Civilians paid a high price on both sides. At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel — a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades — and more than 400 have been killed in Gaza. Palestinian militant groups claimed to be holding over 130 captives from the Israeli side. More than two days after Hamas launched its unprecedented incursion out of Gaza, Israeli forces were still battling militants holed up in several locations. Meanwhile, Israel hit more than 1,000 targets in Gaza, its military said, including airstrikes that leveled much of the town of Beit Hanoun in the enclave’s northeast corner. Israel’s declaration of war portended greater fighting ahead, and a major question was whether Israel would launch a ground assault into Gaza, a move that in the past has brought intensified casualties. An Israeli military spokesperson said that the army had called up around 100,000 reservists, and said in a statement that Israel would aim to end Hamas’ rule of Gaza.

‘The Children Were Terrified.’ Fear Grips Israel and Gaza (NYT) Israeli citizens, barricaded in their homes in towns near the Gaza Strip, called into television stations as Palestinian gunmen crossed the border into Israel and invaded their communities on Saturday morning. The Israelis spoke in whispers as they pleaded desperately for help. One woman named Doreen told Israel’s Channel 12 that militants were in her house in Nahal Oz, a small rural community, and that she was hiding in a safe room. “My husband is holding the door of the bomb shelter,” she said. “Now they’re shooting sprays of bullets at the bomb shelter’s window. Sprays. And my three children are here with me.” On the other side of the border in Gaza, Jamila Al-Zanin, 39, tried to distract her own three children as they fled their home and drove south. “The children were terrified. As we drove down they were looking left and right, everywhere there were explosions and booms,” she said. “They were hysterical.” Panic, disbelief and fear rippled throughout Israel and Gaza, as Palestinian militants on Saturday morning caught Israel off guard with a broad and coordinated assault—reaching 22 Israeli towns and army bases, and abducting civilians and soldiers. They fired thousands of rockets that reached as far as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Airlines cancel flights to Israel amid attacks (CNN) Airlines scrambled to cancel flights into Israel after Palestinian militants launched a surprise attack, firing thousands of rockets from Gaza into nearby Israeli towns during a Jewish holiday. As of Saturday afternoon, about 16% of flights were canceled and 23% were delayed to Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel’s international hub, located just outside of Tel Aviv. Some Israel-bound flights were diverted to other airports around the globe. United Airlines flight 954 left San Francisco International Airport on Friday night and diverted over Greenland about seven hours into the more than 13-hour-long journey, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. The flight would later return to San Francisco.

#headlines #news

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scrumptiouskiddefendor · 1 year

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Transformative Sporting Infrastructure In AP Under N Chandrababu Naidu's Leadership

In Andhra Pradesh's political history, N. Chandrababu Naidu's leadership during his second term as Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004 stands out as a time of remarkable transformation and progress. Under his visionary guidance, the TDP party-led government in United Andhra Pradesh embarked on a journey to enhance the state's sporting infrastructure, resulting in the construction of iconic stadiums that would go on to host international events and leave a lasting legacy. One of the pivotal milestones during Nara Chandrababu Naidu's second term was the planning and construction of the G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The stadium was conceived with the ambitious goal of hosting the prestigious 2003 Afro-Asian Games, a testament to the TDP agenda and commitment to bringing global events to the state. Named after the respected former Lok Sabha speaker G. M. C. Balayogi, the stadium was not only a symbol of tribute but also a manifestation of the government's dedication to nurturing sporting talent and fostering international relations through sports.

The G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium stood as a crowning TDP achievement, showcasing the state's capabilities in organizing and hosting major sporting events. Its multipurpose design enabled it to accommodate a range of athletic disciplines, from track and field events to football matches, reflecting the TDP government's holistic approach to sports development. The stadium's construction was a testament to the TDP leader’s commitment to creating world-class sporting infrastructure that would endure for generations. However, the transformative vision did not end with the Balayogi Stadium. Another monumental endeavour undertaken during Nara Chandrababu Naidu's second term was the commissioning of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium. Initiated in 2003 following a proposal by the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), the stadium was a testament to the TDP contribution and collaborative approach, working closely with sports organizations to fulfil the state's sporting aspirations.

The journey of the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, from its conception, exemplified Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The District TDP leaders of the former TDP government allocated land in Uppal, Hyderabad, for the stadium's construction and ensured that the process was conducted through an open auction, emphasizing fairness and equitable distribution of resources. The stadium's subsequent completion and inauguration by the Congress government underscored the bipartisan acknowledgement of its significance as a tribute to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Shri. N Chandrababu Naidu's tenure as Chief Minister was marked not only by the construction of these iconic stadiums but also by a broader commitment to sporting TDP policies that fostered talent at the grassroots level. The TDP government's policies and TDP schemes are aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletes from various corners of the state, providing them with the resources and opportunities to excel on the national and international stage. This holistic approach, encompassing both infrastructure development and grassroots talent cultivation, created a thriving ecosystem for sports in Andhra Pradesh. The Political news and TDP party news from the official websites give more updates regarding the achievements of the TDP government in the sports sector in Andhra Pradesh.

In conclusion, Nara Chandrababu Naidu's second term as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was characterized by a transformative vision that transcended traditional boundaries. The TDP developments of the construction of the G. M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium and the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium showcased the TDP government's commitment to building world-class sporting infrastructure and honouring eminent leaders. The emphasis on transparency, accountability, and grassroots talent development underscored the TDP government's dedication to holistic sports policies. Today, these stadiums stand as enduring symbols of N Chandrababu Naidu's visionary leadership and the TDP's commitment to fostering a culture of sports excellence in the state.

#tdp #ap

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