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Showing posts from December, 2024

Tajik Islamic State-Supportive Media House Shares Video of Toddler Praising Islamic State

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Content Warning: This article contains descriptions of children in war and terrorism, and may be upsetting to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.  Screenshot from Asror Media (Tajik Islamic State-Supportive media house) video of toddler praising Islamic State Bottom Line Up Front On 20 July 2026, a Tajik Islamic State-Supportive Media House, Asror Media, shared a video showing a toddler praising Islamic State, its fighters, and martyrs. The child speaks in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and is dressed in a T-shirt. The toddler appears no older than three and it looks like the video was filmed in a clothing store. A black piece of material with white writing on it is visible in the background of the video. The IS flag also has white writing on a black background. The writing system seen on the piece of material has features that indicate it could be Nastaliq, a form of Arabic calligraphy used for languages on the Persian Language Continuum, of which Tajik is one.  The vi...

Geopolitical Forecast For 2025

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  Shipping containers violently connect, depicting the elevated levels of competition between the U.S. and China.  Photo credit: Heartland Bank.   The current geopolitical landscape is marked by unprecedented instability, with multiple conflicts and power shifts contributing to a complex and volatile environment. As we approach 2025, the following analysis synthesizes recent developments and anticipates future trends across various regions. Global Conflict Overview: 1) Europe: The Russia-Ukraine War The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains a focal point of European instability. This war has not only resulted in significant military and civilian casualties but has also disrupted energy supplies and economic stability across the continent. The prospect of a protracted conflict raises concerns about a winter of discontent, particularly as European nations grapple with energy shortages exacerbated by sanctions on Russia. The likelihood of escalation remains hig...