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Showing posts from October, 2023

EVIN PRISON: Delving into Iran's Notorious Institution

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Evin Prison, located on the outskirts of Tehran, the capital of Iran, is a name that strikes fear and curiosity into the hearts and minds of many. Infamous for its harsh conditions and human rights violations, Evin Prison is a symbol of the broader issues surrounding justice, freedom, and governance in Iran.  In this blog post, we will delve into the history, conditions, and the international outcry surrounding Evin Prison. The Evin Prison Complex sprawled out on the side of the Alborz mountains.  THE HISTORY OF EVIN PRISON Evin Prison has a long and complex history dating back to its establishment in 1972 under the Shah of Iran's regime, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Initially built to house political prisoners, the prison quickly became a symbol of state repression and torture. However, after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Evin Prison's role and the composition of its inmates underwent significant changes. It is located at the base of the Alborz mountains, in the former home of Zia

RUSSIA: Gennady Timchenko, From Oligarch to "Putin's Treasurer"

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Gennady Timchenko is a name that resonates in the world of business and politics, particularly in Russia. He is an enigmatic billionaire who has made a mark with his astute business acumen and, more significantly, his close ties to the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin.  In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Gennady Timchenko, exploring his early years, the rise of his energy trading company Gunvor Group, his intricate relationship with Russian politics, and his post-Gunvor ventures.  Gennady Timchenko EARLY LIFE AND CAREER Gennady Timchenko was born on November 9th, 1952, in Leninakan, Armenian SSR, which is now known as Gyumri, Armenia. Raised in a time when the Soviet Union was still intact, his early life was shaped by the realities of that era. He pursued an education and began his career, eventually embarking on a path that would lead him to becoming a prominent figure in the Russian business landscape. His father was in the Soviet Army and served in the

THE RISE OF PMC REDUT: A New Force in Private Security

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Since the fall of Wagner PMC, a new contender has emerged on the scene in the form of PMC Redut. Originally established as a private security company, Redut had found its niche in defending the interests of various oligarchs across Africa and the Middle East. One of its most notable clients is Gennady Timchenko, a prominent figure suspected to back the mercenary group financially. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of PMC Redut: its origins, recruitment process, and the conflicts it has been involved in. We will also address the question of whether PMC Redut is poised to take the reins from PMC Wagner. ESTABLISHED AND CONTROLLED BY THE GRU PMC Redut was founded in 2008 by a group of seasoned veterans from the 106th Airborne Division, 56th Airborne Battalion, 173rd Special Forces, and 2nd GRU Special Forces Brigade. The name "Redut," meaning "Redoubt," underscores its military nature—a fortress designed to repel enemy attacks and facilitate combat operat

UNDERSTANDING HAMAS: Origins, Objectives, and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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In the complex and tumultuous landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one organization stands prominently at the forefront: Hamas, formally known as the Islamic Resistance Movement. This group exerts a considerable influence in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this enduring conflict, it is imperative to delve into Hamas's identity, organizational structure, motivations for its actions against Israel, and the methods it employs.  This blog post aims to illuminate these aspects while also providing insights into Israel's perspective and how the current conflict will develop in the near future. WHO IS HAMAS? Hamas, or Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah in Arabic, emerged amid the turmoil of the First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, in 1987. Deeply rooted in Palestinian soil, Hamas has evolved into a multifaceted entity that combines both political and militant dimensions. Unli

NORTH KOREA: The Assassination of Kim Jong Nam

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In the shadowy world of North Korean politics, one name stood out—Kim Jong Nam. He was the half-brother of Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, and his life was marked by both privilege and peril. However, it was his shocking assassination that thrust him into the global spotlight, raising questions about the lengths to which the North Korean regime would go to eliminate perceived threats.  In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Kim Jong Nam, from his early years to his tragic end, examining the circumstances surrounding his assassination. Kim Jong Nam, in 2010 in Macau.  EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY Kim Jong Nam was born on May 10, 1971 in Pyongyang, North Korea. He the eldest son of Kim Jong Il, the leader of North Korea at that time, and a significant figure in the ruling Kim dynasty. Growing up amidst the corridors of power, he enjoyed a privileged upbringing, surrounded by the symbols of authority and influence. His mother was purportedly Song Hye Rim, one of Kim Jo