"Christmas" banned?

Hi Global Recap readers,

Happy Chri… I mean, holidays!

I recently wished a few acquaintances a Merry Christmas and was scolded by some, who told me to be “careful” and more respectful of other religions and cultures.

What was wrong? I said the word “Christmas.”

And apparently, I am not the only one that’s getting scolded. 👇️ 

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
“Christmas” banned?

London's biggest Christmas market has been rebranded as a "Winter Come Together" market, sparking debate about the role of religion in public celebrations.

Let us debate about it too.

Name Change

• GB News reporter Ben Leo visited the market and noted the absence of the word "Christmas."

• Stallholders at the market confirmed they were instructed not to use the term "Christmas."

• One stallholder explained, "It's a winter market... something to do with religion; they can't say Christmas."

Public Reaction

As with most things, people are divided on the market's rebranding.

• Some advocate for using both “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” to ensure inclusivity across all religions and cultures.

• Others argue that avoiding the term “Christmas” is unwarranted and even harmful to Western culture, viewing it as contradictory to damage one culture in the name of inclusivity for others.

What do you think? Some argue that Christmas has pagan, not Christian, origins. Even so, it’s undeniable that the holiday is deeply embedded in Western culture and history.

I also came across this funny poster online that seems to capture how some people are feeling, and thought I’d share it with you all:

🇯🇵 JAPAN
Massive Crypto Heist Unveiled

Hold onto your digital wallets.

I grew up hearing that Christmas is a season of giving. Yet recently, it was revealed that a North Korean hacker group has made 48.2 billion yen worth of cryptocurrency disappear into thin air.

The Big Heist

• In May, DMM Bitcoin, a major Japanese crypto exchange, reported a massive leak of crypto assets.

• The stolen amount? 48.2 billion yen (~US$308 million)

• The Tokyo Metropolitan Police were called in, and the investigation confirmed the loss.

• By June, DMM Bitcoin publicly disclosed the theft, calling it an “unauthorized leak.”

Fallout

But surely, that’s the end of that story, right? No.

• DMM Bitcoin announced it would liquidate its business due to the breach.

• Customer assets will be transferred to SBI VC Trade Co., another Japanese exchange, by March next year.

• This incident is the second-largest crypto theft in Japan’s history, following the 58 billion yen Coincheck hack in 2018.

The Culprits

• The FBI and Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) just identified the North Korean hacker group TraderTraitor as the culprits.

• TraderTraitor is linked to North Korea’s military and is notorious for stealing virtual currencies globally.

• Their stolen assets are believed to fund North Korea’s weapons programs.

Their Tactics

• TraderTraitor targets software engineers with cryptocurrency expertise through social media.

• They pose as job recruiters with offers like “I want to learn programming from you” or “I need help fixing a bug.”

• Once engaged, they exploit the situation to steal valuable crypto assets.

Global Cyber Threat

• The FBI and NPA have issued warnings to be cautious of suspicious messages on social media.

• This incident marks the eighth time Japan’s NPA has linked cyber attacks to North Korea or China.

🇧🇷 BRAZIL
Workers Rescued from Slavery

Brazilian prosecutors have rescued 163 Chinese nationals from "slavery-like" conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory.

Discovery

Brazilian prosecutors discovered the following:

• Workers were hired in China by Jinjiang Construction Brazil.

• Their passports were confiscated, and 60% of their wages were withheld.

• Those who quit had to pay for their airfare from China and return tickets.

Dire Conditions

• The Labor Prosecutor's Office released videos showing dorms with beds lacking mattresses.

• Rooms had no places for workers to store their personal belongings.

• Only one toilet available for every 31 workers, forcing workers to wake up at 4am to line up for the toilet.

• The rescue operation was led by a task force of Brazilian prosecutors.

Immediate Action

BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle company, is taking swift action.

• BYD will terminate its contract with Jinjiang Construction Brazil.

• The company is arranging for the workers to be housed in nearby hotels.

• BYD had been reviewing working conditions and demanded adjustments.

Moving Forward

The rescued workers now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives.

• Authorities are working to provide support and assistance to the rescued workers.

• The incident has sparked a broader conversation about labor rights and protections.

• Ensuring such conditions are not repeated is a priority for Brazilian prosecutors.

🇸🇾 SYRIA
Stability or
Just Getting Started?

Syria's rebel factions have agreed to disband and merge under the interim government's defense ministry. This is part of a broader effort to consolidate power and stabilize the country after years of conflict.

But some say the war in Syria is just getting started.

Power Consolidation

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new commander-in-chief, is leading the charge to unify the fractured nation.

• Former head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), al-Sharaa, announced the agreement on Tuesday.

• The deal includes groups like the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and factions in the northeast and south of Syria.

• The Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces were notably absent from the agreement.

Security Challenges

The new administration faces significant security issues as it tries to maintain order.

• Clashes between Turkish-backed rebels and the SDF continue in the northeast.

• There are concerns about a resurgence of Isis, which was not part of the recent deal.

• Loyalists to the deposed regime of Bashar al-Assad may regroup after Assad dissolved his army before fleeing.

Institutional Rebuilding

Al-Sharaa's government is working to rebuild key institutions to ensure stability.

• Police departments, the army, and security forces are being restructured.

• Police job applications and "settlement centers" for former regime troops have been opened.

• Security and police personnel are being deployed from Idlib to maintain order.

Rising Tensions

Recent incidents have heightened fears among minority groups in Syria.

• A Christmas tree in the north-west Christian town of al-Suqaylabiyah was set on fire by unknown perpetrators.

• Hundreds of people protested the act of vandalism across Syria, with Christians marching through the streets of Damascus.

• The new leadership has described such incidents as isolated cases but minority groups remain concerned.

Moving Forward

The new government is striving to portray itself as a moderate administration for all Syrians.

• Despite its Islamist roots, the leadership is working to reassure minority groups, though Israel remains wary of them.