Putin Cloned?

Hi Global Recap readers,

We’re wrapping up what feels like a relatively quiet week.

Yes, I’m saying this even after Russia launched their previously experimental supersonic ballistic missile.

But let’s face it—it only feels quiet because, in 2024, we’ve become desensitized to war and destruction.

That said, let’s kick off the newsletter with some of the tinfoil circulating online. 👇

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Fake AI Footage?

Many astute (or paranoid?) observers are raising questions about Putin’s latest public address regarding their use of hypersonic missiles in Ukraine.

No, it’s not the contents of his speech, but his arms.

Many are claiming:

• He doesn’t move his hands or arms

• Meanwhile, the chair can be seen moving quite actively

They suggest that this shows that the torso + head has been recorded separately from the arms.

This has led many to speculate that he’s either dead or gravely ill.

🤔 Personally…

I admit he does look awkward. That said, it’s not the first time he’s been spotted sitting strangely. Take a look at this:

• His hands do move occasionally, though very rarely, and only in small, subtle increments.

• Also, theories about him being dead, having multiple body doubles, or being seriously ill have been circulating for YEARS now.

My verdict? I think he just sits like that. 😂

🇱🇦 LAOS
Methanol Poisoning Kills Six Tourists

A tragic incident in Laos has left six tourists dead from methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol at a hostel.

Incident Details

• The victims consumed tainted alcohol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng.

• The incident occurred on November 12, 2024.

• The hostel owner and manager are among those detained for questioning.

Victims Identified

The victims include tourists from various countries.

• American: James Huston, 56,

• Danish: Anne-Sofie Coyman, 20, and Feja Sorensen, 21,

• Australian students: Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, and

• British lawyer: Simone White, 28.

The cause of death for the American and two Danes has not yet been confirmed.

So, What’s Up With Methanol?

Methanol is sometimes used as a cheap substitute for ethanol.

• Methanol can be fatal in small amounts, leading to blindness, seizures, and asphyxiation.

• Bianca Jones died of “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”

Manager's Statement

The hostel manager insists on their innocence.

• Duong Duc Toan, the manager, claimed that investigators cleared the safety of his spirits before the incident.

• Toan stated, “We don’t do anything wrong, for sure. I really take care of all of the customers [who] stay with our hotel and our hostel.”

🇳🇴 NORWAY
Guard Spies for Russia, Iran

A Norwegian security guard at the US embassy in Oslo has been arrested for allegedly spying for Russia and Iran.

At first, you might picture an older, seasoned operative. But surprisingly, he’s only in his 20s.

Arrest and Charges

Mohamed Orahhou was arrested in Oslo for espionage.

• Orahhou, 27, worked as a security guard at the US embassy in Oslo.

• He admitted to sharing information with Russian and Iranian intelligence officers.

• He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted under Norway’s espionage statute.

Background Information

Orahhou was a student at the University of Tromso.

• He was enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program studying security and emergency preparedness.

• The university confirmed that the man charged with espionage was a student there.

Investigation Details

Authorities are conducting an extensive investigation.

• Norwegian authorities have not disclosed the type of information involved.

• Orahhou is being held in custody for four weeks pending further investigation.

Espionage Concerns

The arrest highlights growing concerns over espionage in Europe.

• Recent incidents include arson attacks, vandalism, and assaults linked to Russian operatives.

• US intelligence officials have warned American defense companies about potential Russian sabotage operations.

• British security services have disrupted 20 Iranian-backed plots since January 2022.

• In 2022, Norwegian police arrested a Russian spy posing as a Brazilian researcher at the same university.

🇮🇷 IRAN
Iran Ramps Up Nuclear Enrichment

Iran has announced it will ramp up its uranium enrichment efforts following a rebuke from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

What does this mean? It could bring Iran closer to having the capability to produce a nuclear weapon.

Iran’s New Machines

Iran is activating new centrifuges to enrich more uranium.

• Tehran plans to use a substantial number of advanced centrifuges.

• These machines can produce highly enriched nuclear fuel.

Response to IAEA Censure

The increase in enrichment is a direct response to the IAEA's censure.

• The IAEA Board of Governors voted 19 to 3 to censure Iran.

• Iran condemned the censure as “politicized and destructive.”

🤔 Personally: I am with Iran on this one. What do these “censures” actually achieve beyond being mere political and diplomatic tools? Perhaps they might pressure Iran, but if Iran remains unfazed, what’s the next step?

Potential for Escalation

Western experts warn this could escalate tensions.

• Iran's actions might lead to significant moves and countermoves between Tehran and UN nuclear inspectors.

• The country already has enough material to quickly make fuel for several nuclear weapons.

• Iran's deputy foreign minister warned of withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions are reinstated.

Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

• Uranium enriched to 5 percent is used for civilian reactors.

• Enrichment to 60 percent is close to weapon-grade, which requires 90 percent purity.

Historical Context

The situation follows a history of nuclear agreements and disputes.

• Iran agreed to limit its enrichment in a 2015 international accord.

• The deal fell apart in 2018 after the US withdrew, leading to increased enrichment efforts by Iran.