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NHS Halts Puberty Blockers
Global Recap
March 14, 2024 • Read in: 6 minutes
Hi Global Recap readers,
This day in 1951 marks the fourth and final recapture of Seoul, South Korea’s capital, by the UN forces since the commencement of the war.
The partition of Korea is viewed as a blessing by some, and a tragic event by others.
Blessing: The blessing aspect is seen in the way that residents of one part of Korea have the privilege to experience freedom and wealth.
Tragedy: The tragedy, however, lies in the fact that half of the Korean population lives in separation, deprived of the same liberty and prosperity.
UK
NHS Halts Puberty Blockers
England’s National Health Service (NHS) ceases prescribing puberty blockers for gender dysphoria in youth, citing insufficient evidence for safety and efficacy.
🔍 Scrutiny. The NHS decision follows a comprehensive review of evidence and coincides with increasing political and legal challenges to “gender-affirming” care in England.
🚫 Controversy. LGBTQ organizations have criticized the decision, stating that puberty blockers play an essential and reversible role in providing “gender-affirming” care for transgender youths. Advocates of this treatment warn that failing to increase its accessibility could put the lives of transgender youths at risk.
However, studies are showing there are various physical issues that these blockers cause, such as “abnormally low bone density,” and other “serious irreversible adverse impacts.”
If you are interested, you might find this New York Times article interesting. It details studies that demonstrate the irreversible effects of puberty blockers.
The issue’s politicization complicates the ability for both sides to engage in a rational and composed discussion without resorting to sensationalized language that obscures the facts.
RUSSIA
Putin’s Electoral Appeal
President Vladimir Putin called for unity in determining Russia’s future through the upcoming presidential election.
The voting begins tomorrow.
🗳️ Unity. Putin emphasizes the importance of every vote to demonstrate “our cohesion and resolve” and move Russia forward together.
🚫 Exclusions. Two candidates opposing the war in Ukraine were deemed ineligible to run, highlighting a controlled electoral environment.
🇺🇦 Annexation. Putin specifically addressed voters in annexed Ukrainian regions, asserting their choice in the referendum and the election as a patriotic act.
Although Putin’s victory is certain, it doesn’t stop one from imagining a scenario where someone else was to win.
DENMARK
Gender Equality Push in Military
Israel already has female conscription as detailed in Clause 16A of the Israeli Defense Service Law
Women asked for it and now they are getting it.
Denmark plans a significant military overhaul, aiming for gender equality and increased conscription amid rising European tensions.
🛡️ Equality. Denmark introduced female conscription, striving for “full equality between the sexes,” as stated by PM Mette Frederiksen.
💰 Budget. The defense budget will see a nearly $6 billion boost over five years, reaching NATO’s 2% GDP target.
🌍 Support. A staunch Ukraine supporter, Denmark has provided advanced weapons, funds, and F-16 pilot training.
Amidst the declining birth rate in wealthy nations, is it time for them to introduce female conscription too?
US
Trump’s Covert CIA China Campaign
In 2019, President Trump authorized a clandestine CIA operation to sway Chinese public opinion against their government.
🕵️♂️ Espionage. The CIA used fake online identities to spread negative narratives about China’s government and leaked damaging intelligence to foreign media.
🌐 Global Reach. This secret initiative extended beyond China, targeting public opinion in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific.
Initially, such actions may appear risky.
Yet, given that China has been running comparable campaigns against the West for some time, can anyone fault Trump for retaliating in kind?
Something to think about:
Should we refrain from participating in these campaigns and maintain a moral superiority?
Or should we respond in the same manner?
US
Mnuchin Gathering Investors to Buy TikTok
Steve Mnuchin and wife Louise Linton holding money, Nov. 15, 2017.
Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is assembling an investor group to bid for TikTok amidst legislative pressure.
🏛️ Legislation. A bipartisan bill, which passed the House, could force ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a US ban.
🤝 Connections. Mnuchin’s Liberty Strategic Capital has ties with ByteDance’s investor, SoftBank Vision Fund.
📊 Valuation. ByteDance’s $220 billion valuation in 2023 sets a high bar for TikTok’s potential US sale price.