On the grapevine WE 8 Dec 24

• In a week that has already seen political upheaval in South Korea with an on-again, off-again Marshall law declaration, we now have the end of the Syrian Assad regime. It has come lightning fast with rebels taking the country in less than a few weeks. The balance of power has shifted rather suddenly. Why? Assad's rule was founded on three supports, Hezbollah, Russia and Iran. Israel has substantially weakened Hezbollah and certainly distracted Iran. At the same time, Ukraine's successful resistance has weakened Russia. The rebel forces in Syria saw this weakness as an opportunity and struck, quickly and successfully. What will the future bring? It is difficult to be optimistic given the many factions that make up the 'Rebel' forces are Islamist. So no doubt this will have consequences, but the weakening of Iran and Russia is a welcome consequence. 

• While many countries continue to advocate repeated COVID mRNA boosters for all their population the calls to ban the vaccines continue unabated, supported by many studies showing a high rate of Adverse Events, much greater than those for non-mRNA vaccines. In a recent article by Trial Site News titled "Hungarian Physician-Scientist Argues COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines ‘Prophylactic Immuno-Gene Therapies’ & Unsafe". The article notes 

Utilizing data from the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and global vaccination datasets, the analysis reports a 26-fold increase in AEs with mRNA vaccines compared to flu vaccines. Notably, severe AEs such as myocarditis and thrombosis show incidence rate increases of 1,152-fold and 455-fold, respectively, relative to flu vaccines. 

• We have seen this in many countries, a Pro-Palestinian demonstration is held in a public location with presenters and the crowd screaming genocidal anti-Semitic and anti-Israel chants. A small police presence watches but does not interfere with the demonstrators. Then when an individual or group voice their opposition to this hateful group, perhaps by even displaying an Israeli flag, the police ask the individual to leave as they are deemed to be 'disturbing the peace'. How is this acceptable? Don't the streets belong to all of us? I can understand the Police trying to avoid having to keep the two groups from doing violence against each other, and it seems easier to move a couple instead of facing a potential melee. But that is simply avoiding doing their job and relinquishing their role in keeping the streets safe for every citizen.  The folks at Rebel News faced this problem when one of their number was arrested for "disturbing the peace'. He learnt his lesson, At the next such demonstration, he turned up with 100 of his close friends. That certainly proved his point. Given the numbers, no one was arrested this time. But really, the police should always do their job to protect the rights of all citizens. Rebel News published their experience, but while it is rather long it is worth a view.

• While Western media is preoccupied with the anti-Israeli demonstrations in many a capital city, giving the impression that these demonstrators are representative of the Arab world, the truth is far different. A recent article at Gatestone provides a totally difference picture. Read Arabs No Longer Buying the Lies of Hamas, Hezbollah 

• One of the claims against Israel in the ICC's recent fiasco issuing illegal warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, is the claim of intentional famine caused by Israel. The fact that there has not been famine in Gaza is only one of the many problems with the ICC's case. Indeed Honest Reporting has exposed key errors in the reporting by Reuters on this non-famine. Read this one Reuters Accidentally Exposes the Sham Behind Gaza Famine Claims 

• In another unexpected outcome of Trump's election, comedy has returned to nighttime television. Ok, it won't last but, here is a really humorous take on Biden's pardon of his son, by Jon Stewart. Must see. 

• In the "what can possibly go wrong" category we have European scientists experimenting with blocking out the sun to ameliorate global warming. Mmm... read here European satellites launched to create artificial solar eclipses in a tech demo

• In its most recent vote in the UN, Australia's Labor government has once again abandoned its long-standing ally Israel. The most recent betrayal is covered by J-Wire in the article Australia ‘abandons’ ally after Middle East UN vote

• A lot can happen in just a few hours. I woke up this morning to the news that after the South Korean PM declared martial law late last night, all hell broke loose. Despite the army making a half-hearted attempt at closing down all media, closing parliament and trying to put it into place, the people rose with purpose. The opposition leader and the parliamentarians forced their way past pointed guns to convene and unanimously voted it down. Soon enough the PM called it off. Within a few short hours, the people thwarted an attempted coup. Who save the country? Certainly, the flow of information was the main weapon. Social media, phone cameras, and rapid transfer of information are the heroes. This was a demonstration of the best use of our advanced communication technology, its widespread use and people willing to stand up for their rights.

• You would have heard about World Central Kitchen (WCK) when they made news earlier this year when an Israeli air strike killed workers delivering food in Gaza. It was particularly well covered in Australia as one of the workers killed was an Australian volunteer. There were some strong claims against Israel charges of indiscriminate, criminal targeting, etc. Israel di investigate and a number of the soldiers responsible were disciplined. Once again WCK is in the news, again for the death of workers at the hands of Israeli rockets. But this time, after an initial outcry, the world press is stumm. Why? Well, it seems the WCK vehicle was targeted by Israel since one of the employees of WCK was in fact a terrorist who had taken part in the Oct 7 massacre of innocent Israelis. The media should have reported this event with the same intensity as they covered the earlier incident. But I guess I am dreaming. this incident does not fall in the media's hot spot... In any case read the story here Inside the Media’s Duality as Israel Targets Gaza Aid Worker Who Participated in October 7 Attacks

• Joe eventually did what we all expected, and pardoned his son, but not only his gun and tax crimes, but ANY crimes that have occurred up to not 10 but 11 years ago. Mmm, is that a bit telling?!!

• If you were in doubt that Trump would be "meek and gentle with these (Hamas) butchers", your doubts would have been dispelled by his single-minded, forceful demand that Hamas release the hostages before his inauguration on January 20th. What a contrast to Biden's "don't". As one commentator said today "Thank goodness America now has a sentient president". He is much more than just sentient he is showing the strong leadership required in our troubled world.

• In another insightful video Konstantin Kisin proposes "The Real Reason the Mainstream Media is Dying"

• A bit of wry humour sent to me by a friend. Sorry, no source reference. 

• The staggering costs of Australian Labor's rapid decarbonization strategy were laid bare in Gerard Holland's presentation at the recent ARC conference. A must see!

• In an overdue move there is fightback against having players with Y chromosomes, ie men (men or transgender women) competing against all X chromosmes. In this case Boise State Women’s Volleyball Team Forfeits Match Over Transgender Player. Good on the players taking a determined stand!

• Alan Dershowitz is leading by example . He has convened a high power group of reputable past and present litigators to defend Israel against the ICC's unwarranted, illegal charges and the issuance of arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant. Read some background here 'The ICC is 100% political': Alan Dershowitz leads legal dream team defending Israel

• The ICC warrants are atill receiving widespread attention. Here is another from the Gatestone Institute , Charging Netanyahu with War Crimes Shows the ICC Is Illegitimate and Not Fit for Purpose

• And now for something completely different. This is a short video about an amazing rescue with happy ending. Invest 6 minutes, it will be uplifting. It is indeed a whale of a story, titled 60-Ton Whale BEGGED For Help! What This Diver Did Next Will Send Chills Down Your Spine..