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Last post, we took a closer look at the state of women’s rights in the U.S. and how they’ve been rolled back under Republican leadership. This week, let’s dive into why this upcoming election matters so much—not just for America but for the rest of the world, too. We’ll go over why your vote counts, break down what each candidate is bringing to the table, and explore what could happen if they win. This election isn’t just about policies; it’s about the kind of future we want to have, both in America and the rest of the world.      WHY DOES YOUR VOTE MATTER?   Growing up in Australia, voting wasn’t a choice—it was mandatory! In America, however, voting is optional, and this means that many people who could make a difference decide to stay home. This can happen for lots of reasons: bad weather, lack of ID, dissatisfaction with the candidates, or unexpected emergencies, to name a few. But I want to emphasize that if you’re eligible to vote, you absolutely should. Voting is one of the clea

This week, I want to delve into a more controversial topic that differs from our usual discussions on this blog. While I typically focus on the war in Ukraine and the global geopolitical landscape, it’s crucial to address the alarming treatment of women in the United States, especially with the elections approaching. Examining women’s rights—particularly abortion rights—is essential, as the outcome of the presidential election will significantly influence the future of these issues. What is at stake is monumental, even if it doesn't seem apparent at the moment. The rights and autonomy of women, as well as the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, including gay and transgender rights, are all intertwined with the election outcome. A victory for conservative Republicans could have far-reaching consequences for these fundamental rights. Let's delve in! WHAT IS ROE VS WADE? Before we explore how women’s rights are increasingly being stripped away, it’s important to examine the landmark c

Thousands of Russians risk their lives daily on the front lines of Ukraine. These are different to the Russian professional army in that they are part of the notorious Storm-Z units, which were uncovered in the summer of 2023. These luckless sods have the grand job of running in the fields, drawing out Ukraine fire so that the infantry and mechanized units can fire at the enemy. Often, the death rate in the Storm-Z units is around 93%.  This week, we have a look at who is part of these battalions, and why Putin treats them like cannon fodder. We also break down Russian battle tactics and why does Kremlin think they can win by throwing Russian bodies to the Ukrainian army until they run out of bullets.    WHO IS PART OF THE STORM-Z UNITS? Storm-Z units primarily consist of penal battalions made up of Russian prisoners hired to fight in Ukraine. These convicts, often pulled straight from jails, sign six-month contracts that place them on the front lines. In exchange, they're promised

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not only leaving behind devastated infrastructure, decimated cities, and a tragic loss of life among civilians and soldiers—it’s also waging an assault on the environment. We’re seeing this ecocide in action: the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, indiscriminate mining of the Black Sea, and now, the poisoning of the Seym River. his week, let's dive into the environmental toll of the war in Ukraine. War inevitably scars the environment, as chemicals from missiles, debris, and other pollutants wreak havoc. But here, we’ll focus on some specific incidents and examine how Russia is actively targeting Ukraine’s ecosystem, creating a landscape increasingly hostile to all forms of life. Ukraine is used to having clean rivers, which are now targeted by Russia WHAT IS ECOCIDE? Before diving deeper, let's take a closer look at the concept of ecocide. The European Law Institute defines ecocide as " ...the deliberate and widespread destruction of the

On the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, we reflect on the profound impact this tragic event has had on the region. The conflict has deeply affected the political, security, and social landscapes, with countless civilians on both sides enduring suffering from famine, disease, and loss. The conflict, which began with the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 others by Hamas, has ignited what could become a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions. In this blog post, we will explore the events that unfolded, Israel’s response, and the broader ramifications for the region. We will also consider the potential implications for the war in Ukraine, given the shared alliances between these nations.      HOW DID IT START In the early hours of October 7, 2023, the militant group Hamas launched a massive, coordinated attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The assault began wi

Virginia Hall was not just any spy—she was one of the most daring and successful intelligence agents of World War II, defying the odds and outwitting the Nazis in ways that could belong in a thriller. Renowned for her unwavering courage and perseverance, even with a wooden leg she called "Cuthbert," Hall's story is one of remarkable bravery, resilience, and triumph over adversity. In this week’s post, we delve into the fascinating life and career of this fearless operative, examining how she orchestrated resistance efforts in Nazi-occupied France and eventually received the recognition she so richly deserved. Virginia Hall EARLY LIFE AND DISABILITY   Virginia Hall was born on April 6, 1906, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Barbara Virginia Hammel and Edwin Lee Hall. Raised in a well-off family, she received a good education, with a strong emphasis on learning languages. Her family expected her to marry well, but Virginia had different aspirations. She even broke off an engageme