Another assassin?

Hi Global Recap readers,

Over the weekend, we witnessed an incredible milestone by SpaceX: the Super Heavy booster was “caught” by Mechazilla — essentially a giant mechanical arm.

In short, the booster launched the largest spacecraft on Earth, Starship, into space, and then it returned to the same launch site. It was their first attempt at doing it too!

I can’t even express how excited I felt, both for myself and for humanity. But when I showed the clips to people around me, most of them just shrugged and said, “meh.”

Have we become desensitized to amazing feats of engineering?

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Third Assassination Attempt?

An armed man was arrested outside a Trump rally in Coachella, California, sparking claims of a thwarted assassination attempt.

🤔 What’s with all the drama? The local sheriff insists it was a third attempt on Trump’s life, but federal agencies aren’t so sure.

The Arrest

On Saturday, an armed man, Vem Miller, was arrested at a checkpoint outside the rally.

• Miller, 49, had fake VIp and press passes and an unregistered car.

• Police found fake passports, driver’s licenses, a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine in his vehicle.

• He was booked on weapons charges and released on $5,000 bail.

Sheriff’s Claims

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco believes they prevented an assassination attempt.

• Bianco called Miller a “lunatic” and stood by his assessment.

• He criticized those who doubted the seriousness of the situation.

Federal Agencies’ Stance

The Secret Service and FBI disagree with the sheriff’s assessment.

• They stated Trump was never in danger during the rally.

• The FBI is not investigating the incident as an assassination attempt.

Miller’s Background

Miller has a history of petty crimes and is linked to a group that is deemed far-right.

• He is affiliated with the sovereign citizens movement in the US, which rejects government authority and asserts a form of sovereignty independent of the United States.

Biden’s Directive

Biden reportedly instructed the National Security Council to warn Iran privately.

• The White House has not publicly issued this warning, however, he supposedly warned Iran that any assassination attempts on former President Trump would be considered an act of war.

• However, some skeptics are questioning the motive behind the alleged leak of this “private warning.”

• The conspiracy theory suggests that this may serve as a form of “palusible deniability” for what they themselves are allegedly planning—taking out former President Trump.

🇦🇫 AFGHANISTAN
Taliban Now Bans Images of “Living Things”

On Monday, the Taliban’s morality ministry has announced a new law banning news media from publishing images of all living things. This rule will be gradually enforced, impacting journalists and media outlets across Afghanistan.

• 😂 What’s next? Will they ban shadows too?

• ✍️ Also remember: They banned voices of women in public too.

I suppose that images of living beings and the voices of women are too enticing for the Taliban.

The Announcement

• The ministry is known as the Ministry for Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

• The new law targets images of all living things, including humans and animals.

• Journalists have been informed that the rule will be enforced gradually.

Impact on Media

This law will significantly affect news media operations in Afghanistan.

• Media outlets will need to adjust their content to comply with the new regulations.

• The ban could limit the ability of journalists to report on events and issues accurately.

• There are concerns about the implications for freedom of the press in Afghanistan.

Enforcement

The ministry has pledged to implement the law gradually.

• Journalists have been told to prepare for the changes.

• The gradual enforcement suggests a phased approach to the new regulations.

• The exact timeline for full implementation remains unclear.

Broader Implications

The ban raises questions about the future of media in Afghanistan.

• The law could further isolate Afghanistan from the international community.

• It may also impact the way the world receives news from the region.

• The move is seen as part of the Taliban’s broader efforts to control information and maintain power.

🇨🇳 CHINA
China’s Military Drills Near Taiwan

China is at it again, sending planes and ships for military exercises around Taiwan, calling it a “warning” against “separatist acts.”

No end date for these drills, so it’s anyone’s guess how long this will last.

The Drills

China’s military began a new round of drills near Taiwan.

• Dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, these exercises are supposed to be a “stern warning” to Taiwan independence forces.

• The drills are happening in areas to the north, south, and east of Taiwan.

• Chinese ships and aircraft are approaching Taiwan from different directions, focusing on sea-air combat-readiness patrols and blockading key ports.

Taiwan’s Response

Taiwan isn’t taking this lightly.

• President Lai Ching-te vowed to “protect democratic Taiwan” and dispatched “appropriate forces.”

• Taiwan’s Defense Ministry condemned the “irrational and provocative behavior” from China.

• Taiwan detained a Chinese citizen found on a rubber boat making an “illegal crossing” to the island of Menghu.

US Reaction

The US isn’t thrilled either.

• The US condemned China’s military drills, calling them “unwarranted and risks escalation.”

• US State Secretary Antony Blinken warned China against taking action in response to Taiwan’s National Day celebrations.

So, what’s next? Will China back down, or are we in for more of this geopolitical chess game?

🇰🇵 NORTH KOREA
North Korea Threatens to Open Fire

On Sunday, North Korea’s military announced it had ordered its front-line artillery units to prepare to open fire.

What’s with the drama? North Korea claims South Korea sent drones carrying anti-North Korea leaflets over Pyongyang. Now, they’re threatening to respond with artillery fire.

Artillery Units on Standby

North Korea has ordered artillery units along the border to “be fully ready to open fire.”

• The order was issued on October 12 to eight artillery brigades.

• These units are now in wartime mode, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Drone Allegations

North Korea claims South Korea sent drones over Pyongyang three times this month.

• The drones allegedly carried anti-North Korea propaganda leaflets.

• North Korea has warned that any future drone sightings will be considered a declaration of war.

South Korea’s Response

South Korea’s defense ministry has issued a stern warning to North Korea.

• They stated that any harm to South Korean people would lead to “the end of its regime.”

• This response came after North Korea’s threats and allegations.

Kim Yo-jong’s Warning

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has also issued a warning.

• She stated that South Korea would face a “horrible disaster” if drones are flown again.

• She called on South Korea’s military to prevent any future violations of North Korean airspace.

So, what do you think? Is this just another round of saber-rattling, or should we be genuinely concerned?