Markets.com review forex peace army

plus500 review forex peace army

forex.com review forex peace army

I posted a review for ForexEnvy about a year ago on their website, and I checked it day by day. They never posted the review. I gave ForexEnvy a 1-star review because they are scammers, and it's impossible to earn money from them.
I based my buying decisions on ForexPeaceArmy, until I realized that they don't publish all your reviews. They're biased as hell. When I contacted them about it, they never replied.

I just saw a post this morning titled 'CFD Broker Scam Explained, blows my mind just how fucking shady these guys really are' and didn't know what a CFD broker was. So I googled it. I'm a smoothe brain so here are some copy pastas with sources for you to browse while you sit on the shitter this morning.
My three takeaways right now: 1) A CFD investor never actually owns the underlying asset 2)Robbinghood is a CFD broker 3) The list of CFD brokers is huge
(Note that Fidelity and Vanguard are not on the CFD broker list)
Ok, time for your pasta. (Feel free to grate crayons on your pasta, it's delicious) 🖍🖍🖍
Source:
https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/09/trade-a-cfd.asp
"A contract for difference (CFD) is a contract between a buyer and a seller that stipulates that the buyer must pay the seller the difference between the current value of an asset and its value at contract time. CFDs allow traders and investors an opportunity to profit from price movement without owning the underlying assets. The value of a CFD contract does not consider the asset's underlying value: only the price change between the trade entry and exit.
This is accomplished through a contract between client and broker and does not utilize any stock, forex, commodity, or futures exchange. Trading CFDs offers several major advantages that have increased the instruments' enormous popularity in the past decade.
KEY TAKEAWAYS * A contract for differences (CFD) is an agreement between an investor and a CFD broker to exchange the difference in the value of a financial product between the time the contract opens and closes. * A CFD investor never actually owns the underlying asset but instead receives revenue based on the price change of that asset. * Some advantages of CFDs include access to the underlying asset at a lower cost than buying the asset outright, ease of execution, and the ability to go long or short. * A disadvantage of CFDs is the immediate decrease of the investor's initial position, which is reduced by the size of the spread upon entering the CFD. * Other CFD risks include weak industry regulation, potential lack of liquidity, and the need to maintain an adequate margin."
Here is a list of CFD brokers from daytrading.com: (big list)
https://www.daytrading.com/cfd/brokers
Broker 10TradeFX 12Trader 4xCube A+ Trader AAAFx AAATrade AccentForex ActivTrades ACY Securities Admiral Markets AdroFX ADS Securities AETOS AGEA Alpari Alpho Alvexo Amana Capital AMarkets Anzo Capital ArgusFX Arum Capital AskoBID ATC Brokers ATFX AvantGardeFX AvaTrade Axes Axi Axiory Ayondo AZAforex BCS Forex BDSwiss Binary.com BinaryCent BlackBull Markets Blackwell Global BMFN BP Prime Brokereo Bulbrokers BUX X Capex Capital Index Capital.com CGS-CIMB City Credit Capital CityIndex CIX Markets CMC Markets CMSTrader CMTrading Colmex Pro Core Spreads CPT Markets CrescoFX Daniels Trading Darwinex DeltaStock Deriv.com DIF Broker DirectFX DMM FX Dukascopy E-Trade EagleFX Easy Markets EFG Hermes Eightcap Equiti ETFinance eToro EuropeFX EuroTrader EverFX eXcentral Exinity Exness EZ Invest FBS FCMarket FIBO Group Financial Spreads Financika Finexo Finotrade Finq.com Finveo Fondex Forex.com Forex4you ForexChief ForexMart ForexTB Fortrade FP Markets FreshForex Fullerton Markets Fusion Markets FXCC FXChoice FXCL FXCM FXDD FXFlat FXGiants FXGM FxGrow FxNet FXOpen FXPesa FXPIG FXPrimus FXPro FXTM FXTrading.com GCI GemForex GKFX Global Market Index Global Prime GO Markets Golden Brokers GoStreams Grand Capital Hantec Markets HotForex House Of Borse HQBroker Hugo's Way HYCM IC Markets ICE FX ICM Brokers ICM Capital IFC Markets IFGM iFOREX IG Group IMMFX Infinox InstaForex Interactive Brokers InterForex Intertrader IQ Option IronFX ITradeFX JFD Bank JP Markets Juno Markets Just2Trade JustForex Key To Markets Khwezi Trade KLMFX Land FX Larson & Holz LBLV LCG LDC LegacyFX LH Crypto Libertex LidyaTrade LiteFinance LiteForex Europe Livemarkets LMFX LQDFX M4Markets Markets.com Mega Trader FX Mitrade Mitto Markets Moneta Markets MTrading MultiBank FX Naga NBH Markets nextmarkets Noble Trading NordFX NPBFX NSFX Oanda OBR Invest OctaFX OpoForex Orbex OspreyFX Oval X PaxForex Pepperstone Plus500 Price Markets ProfitiX ProOption24 PU Prime Purple Trading Questrade RaceOption Robinhood RoboForex RoboMarkets Rockfort Markets Sage FX Saxo Bank Scope Markets Sheer Markets SimpleFX Skilling.com Smart Prime FX SmartFX Spectre.ai Spread Co Spreadex SquaredFinancial Stratton Markets StreamsFX Superforex SVK Markets Swissquote Switch Markets SynergyFX TeleTrade Templer FX TeraFX ThinkMarkets Tickmill Tier1FX Tiger Brokers TIO Markets TMGM TMS Brokers TopFX TP Global FX Trade Nation Trade Republic Trade.com Trade12 Trade360 TradeFW Trader's Way TradeStation TradeTime Tradeview Trading212 TrioMarkets UFX UOB Kay Hian Uptos Valutrades Vantage Varianse Vault Markets Videforex VT Markets Weltrade WH SelfInvest Windsor Brokers XBTFX XE Prime XGlobal Markets XM XTB XTrade Yadix Zenfinex Zero Markets ZuluTrade
(If you follow the source link there is a review for each CFD broker listing.)
Now the part my smoothe brain doesn't get is that the first source says the SEC doesn't allow CFD's in the United States and the second link shows Robbinghood as a CFD broker. So there is something I am missing.
From the investopedia link:
"Countries Where You Can Trade CFDs CFD contracts are not allowed in the U.S. They are allowed in listed, over-the-counter (OTC) markets in many major trading countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Singapore, Spain, France, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Thailand, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
As for Australia, where CFD contracts are currently allowed, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) has announced some changes in the issue and distribution of CFDs to retail clients. ASIC’s goal is to strengthen consumer protections by reducing CFD leverage available to retail clients and by targeting CFD product features and sales practices that amplify retail clients’ CFD losses. ASIC’s product intervention order took effect on March 29, 2021.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has restricted the trading of CFDs in the U.S., but non-residents can trade using them."
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this stuff. Perhaps someape can explain it better in the comments.
I'm just a lazy ape laying in bed trying to share info with the rest of you beautiful apes.
Happy Market Open Monday! Ribbit

19 minutes, 4813 words.

Nagorno Karabakh is building lots of new housing, roads, and infrastructure

Expect many new apartments and asphalted roads this year, said the authorities, citing projects financed by the state and Himnadram.
Projects for the construction of new neighborhoods consisting of hundreds of new single-family houses and tens of apartment buildings are complete.
The new highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia will have a new lighting network.
Urban Development Minister Sargsyan: At one point we became overwhelmed with project documents and tenders, some of which were inherited from the previous year, so we had to take a break to sort it out.
Just as in Armenia, Artsakh is facing a severe shortage of construction materials and cement. The lowering of the cement import tariff is seemingly having its effect, we are observing additional deliveries.
Reporter: What projects are underway in Charektar, Shahumyan? [village bordering Azerbaijan]
Minister: Immediately after the war, the mayor informed us that the residents wish to return to their homes. We rebuilt and furnished 25 houses and the school, restored the electrical lines, and built a new artesian well. The majority of residents have not yet returned, so the work has been suspended.
Reporter: What housing projects are underway in Ivanyan?
Minister: We are building two districts with condos and single-family homes. 20 condos are under construction, 10 of which - with 120 apartments - will be ready this year. 60 of the 107 single-family homes will be ready this year. The rest should be completed in H1 2023.
This housing is for IDP families from Hadrut, Mets Tagher, and Ughtasar. We are still building utilities and lighting infrastructure. Hopefully, the weather will allow us to finish it this year. Furnishing, which is also financed by the state, will begin in December. The 3-story building next to the new district will serve as a school.
Reporter: Any other construction projects?
Minister: By the end of the year, residents will receive 100 and 50 houses in Astghashen and Hovsepavan respectively.
The single largest post-war road project is the alternative road between Martakert and Stepanakert. Himnadram is financing this Martakert-Nerkin Horatogh-Chankatagh bypass road. The asphalt is ready. It will cut the distance between the capital Stepanakert and Martakert by 20 kilometers, by bypassing Drmbon.
We have also asphalted the road between the highway and Astghashen/Patara, with Dahrav road being next. [these are small settlements located west of the highway that connects Stepanakert to the north]
These roads are mostly financed by Himnadram. The state is financing the connection to several communities of Martuni and Martakert.
Reporter: Have you already repaired the damage done to buildings during the war?
Minister: We opened a hotline after the war to gather information about infrastructure damage. We recorded over 7,000 damaged addresses. 90% of them have been resolved. In some cases, we provided construction materials to owners. We are still rebuilding 120 structures that were completely leveled by airstrikes.
Reporter: Some of these efforts began last year. What housing projects were launched this year?
Minister: Several buildings in Ivanyan, 32 in Խաչմաչ [nice name, my lazy bros], 64 in Karmir village, and more housing for hundreds of families in Khnatsakh and Noragyugh.
The goal is to asphalt every road that connects settlements to the highway, and to provide housing to all IDPs, disabled veterans, and families of fallen soldiers, by 2025.
Reporter: Can you tell us about the overall scale of housing projects?
Minister: Construction of 4,000 housing units began after the war. This is the largest-ever construction since the 1st war. We are facing a labor shortage, and more financial resources could always help.
donate here
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230 km of roads are being built in Syunik this year, foreign companies want to build the Kajaran tunnel: Infrastructure Minister

Sanosyan: Special attention is being paid to roads of strategic importance. 130 km is still under construction. The roads leading to border villages Shurnukh and Bardzravan will be ready this year.
The Khot-Vorotan section is facing complications due to landslides, so the asphalt will be ready next year.
North-South is under active construction. We are reviewing bids for the construction of the crucial Sisian-Kajaran section. Foreign companies have submitted a bid to build the Kajaran tunnel.
The tender for Kajaran-Agarak will be announced soon. //
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construction of Yerevan's new subway station enters next phase | VIDEO

Last year the government hired the Russian company MetroGiproTrans to design it. Once the final design is ready, the construction of the 11th subway station will begin in 2024. It will connect Barekamutyun station to Ajapnyak.
This station in Ajapnyak was supposed to be built during USSR but the project was shelved. Every Yerevan mayor has since promised to build it.
MetroGiproTrans's Valeri Abramson visited Yerevan to meet deputy mayor Avinyan. The company recently used 3D scanners in the tunnel and will calculate the approximate cost. A team of engineers will arrive soon.
The city will choose between two options proposed by the designer.
Avinyan: If the daily ridership of the Metro increases by 15,000, that's about 20%. We will increase the Metro's load by 20%. The biggest winners will be the residents of Ajapnyak and Davtashen. //
The station will be ~152 meters. It might be on a bridge, or begin from the edge of the bridge.
source,

the average monthly number of taxable jobs in January-August

663,000 taxable jobs, or +6% vs 2021 period.
Taxable income was ֏159.4 billion, a +20%.
Income per job was ֏240,000 ($600), a +13%.
source,

parliament discusses Armenia's public and foreign debt

QP MP Bagratyan: Armenia's debt is approaching $10 billion. It is worth noting that 60% of it is foreign debt, whose share has significantly declined.
Our foreign debt has declined by $152 million since January. This is an important process that should continue, we must balance it with the help of internal debt. This was aided by the dram-dollar exchange rate.
If the trend continues, shouldn't we form a safety net and increase our foreign currency reserves?
Finance Minister Khachatryan: The Government will submit the 2023 budget resolution to Parliament next week. There will be thorough discussions about the microeconomic environment, monetary policies, etc.
This year we had to revise our economic projections every 3 months due to unpredictable events, and topics relating to debt were no exception. Earlier this year we were not expecting the debt-to-GDP ratio to improve this much.
(1) Economic activity was a lot better, it was 14.1% in January-September. That's approximately how the year will end.
(2) On top of that, the dram has strengthened against the dollar. If in January around 70% of the debt was in foreign currency, by the end of the year we expect it to be 50%.
In our internal discussions, we consider scenarios in which dram won't maintain its strength. We see no major risks in these medium-term predictions. There is a plan for every scenario, including with a strong dollar.
Regarding the "safety net". The Government has "կայունացման հաշիվ" in the budget, in which we store additional financial reserves for emergency situations. We have decided that a legislative regulation is necessary for this fund, so a resolution will be introduced soon.
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bill approved: to boost demographics, unemployed mothers in Yerevan will also receive monthly child aid until the child turns 2

The Parliament voted 61-4 to approve a resolution submitted by the Government. Four opposition MPs voted against.
The assistance is currently only provided to unemployed mothers if they live in villages. It will become available to everyone and will apply to children born after January 1, 2023.
source, source,

bill approved: €22.6 million loan from EBRD to build STEM labs in thousands of schools, and open dozens of new preschools in provinces

The Parliament voted 61-4 to approve a resolution submitted by the Government. Four opposition MPs voted against the bill.
▶︎ 4 high schools in Yerevan and provinces will be rebuilt.
▶︎ 200 schools will receive modern lab equipment.
▶︎ 80 new preschools in villages that have none.
▶︎ Grants for universities for innovative stuff.
The end goal is to re/build 300 schools and 500 kindergartens by 2026, and create modern STEM labs in every school.
source, source, source,

Russia complains, U.S. responds

Reporter: Russia's foreign ministry accused the West of being engaged in self-promotion and trying to squeeze Russia out of Transcaucasia.
U.S. State Department: It's not self-promotion to put an end to years of conflict. Our only goal is to help Armenia and Azerbaijan to achieve comprehensive and lasting peace.
We’ve encouraged both leaders to meet in whatever format is most useful to them. We believe direct dialogue is key. That's why Anthony Blinken invited AM and AZ colleagues to New York City in September. It was their first meeting since the September flare-up.
It’s ultimately for Armenia and for Azerbaijan to decide whether President Putin’s [October 31] invitation would be helpful to them in pursuit of that lasting peace. Russia’s 2008 invasion of Georgia and its ongoing invasion of Ukraine suggests that Moscow has little respect for its neighbor’s sovereignty and is hardly a reliable, long-term partner. But ultimately, this is going to be a decision that Armenian and Azerbaijan will have to reach.
The restoration of Armenia, Azerbaijan’s, and Georgia’s independence in 1991 from the Soviet Union was a seminal event that guaranteed each of these countries the right to pursue their own foreign policy interests independent of Moscow or any other country. //
source, source,

peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan; direct negotiations between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

QP MP Badalyan: We had an interesting situation yesterday. Opposition MPs decided to participate in the session. They put up a show and even ripped a negotiation document by Washington [after September aggressions, on the need to establish a ceasefire and sign a peace treaty this year]. It was widely covered by Russian media. Can you tell us more about the negotiation progress and our expectations? Is a peace treaty realistic, and can it be signed this year?
Pashinyan: Our wish is to sign it by the end of this year. Is it realistic? We are doing our part to make that happen. But we must finish the border delimitation this year before the peace treaty is signed. Is that realistic? Considering that we have already reached an agreement in Prague to conduct delimitation based on the 1991 borders, we consider it possible.
The negotiations... It's important to launch an internationally-visible public dialogue between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. This is very important. Mechanisms for the protection of the rights and security of Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh must be present.

Q: Is Armenia attempting to damage relations with Russia?

Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan: No. Armenia wants to be treated fairly, it wants the obligations regarding its borders to be fulfilled. And for this, Armenia will do anything. There are no emotions here, it’s not a matter of liking or disliking. There are obligations and we will follow the implementation of those obligations.
Reporter: Russian media writes that Armenia is changing its political course towards the West.
Alen Simonyan: Excuse me but perhaps it is Russia that wants to change its political course because Armenia hasn’t done anything in that direction.
After the revolution, there was a lot of speculation about the withdrawal of the Russian military base, withdrawal from the CSTO, and other things. Have any of those things ever happened?
It is a fact that CSTO itself has withdrawn from Armenia, and not Armenia from the CSTO. If the CSTO has left, they should notify us about that so that we’ll be able to protect our borders with other mechanisms.
I can't discuss everything, but our public knows very well how everyone behaved after the aggression, what real steps were taken, and what was supposed to be done that hasn't happened.
Reporter: Do you have any expectations from October 31 meeting between Putin, Pashinyan, and Aliyev?
Speaker Alen Simonyan: I expect Russia to realize that Armenia's [interests cannot be sacrifized] anymore. Armenia cannot take another step backward. We are going to do everything to protect our interests and the interests of Nagorno Karabakh.

Q: Has Russia's CSTO responded to Armenia's call for military assistance?

Pashinyan: CSTO recently sent an assessment group. CSTO's council will soon discuss its findings. We expect CSTO to 1) give a clear political assessment of the September aggression, and 2) form a roadmap for restoring Armenia's territorial integrity. These are the expectations of the Armenian public and our Government.

Pashinyan criticizes "certain circles" in Russia for supporting a "corridor" for Azerbaijan

Question: Can you confirm that Putin has invited you and Aliyev to Sochi for a tripartite meeting on Monday
Pashinyan: Yes. The previous meeting under this format took place in November 2021. We will likely discuss the events that have unfolded since then, as well as the implementation of the Nov. 9 statement. We need to clarify and discuss certain topics known to you.
We will discuss Azerbaijan's invasion of Nagorno Karabakh territory which was under peacekeepers' control, in March 2022. We still don't understand the lack of response by Russian peacekeepers, and what steps are being taken.
Certain statements are still being made about a "corridor", including by some individuals in Russia who want to develop that narrative which, by the way, goes against the Russian government's official statements and the signed documents. So we need to discuss this.

Pashinyan criticizes Russia for not delivering promises on border stability

Pashinyan: Last year we were discussing the implementation of steps to stabilize the AM-AZ border. Initially, we insisted for steps be taken to secure the border first, and only then proceed with delimitation. But our Russian colleagues assured us that the delimitation itself would be the stabilizing factor.
Although we disagreed with them, we agreed to accept their offer in order not to be the blocking party. The aggression on September 13 took place after the formation of this delimitation commission.
So it's strange that our Russian partners, who were assuring us that the delimitation commission would ensure stability, to this day have not made clear statements condemning the aggression. I will raise these issues in Sochi and during a separate meeting with Putin.
source, source, source,

Pashinyan is again running his mouth about "dysfunctional" Russian missiles

It has already gotten him into big trouble once, in early 2021, when the now-former army chief Onik Gasparyan threatened a coup, after Pashinyan accused Russian-supplied Iskander missiles of not functioning during the war. At the time, the U.S. warned the Armenian army against making any bloody moves. Pashinyan went on to fire the army chief and win reelection.
On Monday Pashinyan visited the Anti-Corruption Committee, where he spoke about the ongoing fight against corruption, including in the army.
This time, without giving Russia's or Iskander's name, Pashinyan stated that some "scary-sounding" big-name missiles were not functioning during the war because someone had stolen components made out of gold.
video

Was it Alen դզյա who banned Margo տոտա from entering Armenia? Parliament Speaker threatens to disclose content from "disrespectful" conversations.

Yesterday Armenian parliament informed Russian Parliament official Konstantin Zatulin and Russia's RT media outlet's Margarita Simonyan that their entry to Armenia is prohibited. It's explained here. Critics have also pointed out that a few years ago Margarita Simonyan stated that Russia had the moral ground to "spit on Armenia".
Reporter: Tell us about the entry ban.
Speaker Alen Simonyan: Statements against the sovereignty of Armenia and disrespectful conduct against Armenia will receive a response.
Reporter: [10 reporters shout at the same time so I have no clue what the question is]
Alen Simonyan: I have no such information but I won't rule out that [Margarita Simonyan's] husband and other individuals with Armenian last names are also on the ban list. [likely referring to Margarita's equally controversial husband Tigran Keosayan, another staunch supporter of the Kremlin, part of a wider group that always accuses Armenia of being ungrateful and being in debt to Russia]
There are many such foreign agents who disrespect Armenia and its sovereignty. By the way, they often meet the members of Armenia's former administrations and make very insulting comments during these meetings. [Correction: Simonyan said the insults were used against members of former administrations during conversations with others.] Your colleagues [outlets owned by the former regime] want to defend this conduct, so perhaps one day I will be so angry that I will disclose the content of their private conversation for you to see.
Reporter: Isn't it dangerous to ban Zatulin, couldn't it add tensions to Armenia-Russia relations?
Alen Simonyan: Armenia and its security system are under attack, so I don't care what anyone feels about Zatulin's ban. We must defend Armenia's borders. The contractual obligations assumed by Russia must be respected. Yet we keep hearing fairy tales by these people on [Russian state media]. We are not going to remain silent after losing hundreds of soldiers and territories for the sake of not harming relations with Russia. It's not about loving or hating Russia.
Reporter: Ruling party MP stated yesterday that Russia is helping Azerbaijan to get a "corridor" from Armenia.
Alen Simonyan: There are various comments around this topic. The fact is, we have a November 9 tripartite statement. And although many view it as "capitulation" document, it contains several very beneficial paragraphs for Armenia. For example, Nagorno Karabakh and the conflict exist, it has LoC, there must be a Lachin corridor, there is no other "corridor" via Armenia, etc. The follow-up statement on January 11 was also adopted with the direct help of Russia. These are fundamental documents.
We are waiting for CSTO to act, to make targeted statements just as many non-CSTO states have made. But we cannot wait forever. Not much time has left. //
source, source, source, source,

Pashinyan's brother-in-law hopes that Russia will end attempts to secure a "corridor" for Azerbaijan

Reporter: Russian official Konstantin Zatulin and RT's Margarita Simonyan have been banned. They've been making various statements about Armenia for years, so why were they banned only now?
QP MP Hrachya Hakobyan: Zatulin claimed Armenia has signed a corridor for Azerbaijan. That is false, Pashinyan has not signed any such documents. So we must understand what these foreign officials are pursuing. Perhaps certain circles in Russia guide them.
Reporter: Your fellow QP MP yesterday stated that Russia is attempting to open a "corridor" through Armenia.
Hakobyan: Several meetings were held in Washington and Europe, in which we promoted our stance regarding the absence of the "corridor". Eventually, Russia might come to terms with the fact that they cannot make the corridor happen, especially now that they see the determination of our government and Pashinyan.
Reporter: Were there any direct demands for a corridor during negotiations with Pashinyan?
Hakobyan: I doubt it. It appears they are doing it more subtly.
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interview with political expert Richard Giragosian about AM-AZ conflict, West, and Russia

Reporter: Your thought on the EU border mission.
Giragosian: I'm impressed because the EU as an organization is not known for a rapid response like we've seen here. It's further significant because it's a robust response in terms of deploying into Armenia's most sensitive areas, which means these civilian observers are very much hostage to the security of sovereign Armenian territory.
Azerbaijan gravely miscalculated in refusing to accept EU monitors on their side of the border. So even with limited duration and size, this is significant, it reflects more Western investment in Armenian national security.
Reporter: OSCE has also sent a needs assessment team. CSTO could send one as well. To what extent these missions will deter aggression?
Giragosian: Anything that will discourage Azerbaijan from resuming hostility is a welcome development. There is much more of a heightened significance of Armenia, and Azerbaijan is increasingly isolated.
Regarding OSCE. It is a consensus organization, but the OSCE leadership decided to send an assessment team without asking Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has threatened to block OSCE's budget discussion if OSCE goes a step further with the border mission.
However, what's most important here is the death of the Minsk Group. This decision and the deployment by the OSCE do not involve the Minsk Group, which is now increasingly irrelevant and in many ways replaced by OSCE's organizational commitment. The Minsk Group has had and continues to have the opportunity and mandate to monitor and conduct its own needs assessment, but the decision by OSCE was not to engage the Minsk Group.
Reporter: Russia remains a critical security guarantor for Armenia. The Kremlin has expressed displeasure with the EU mission and accused them of attempting to oust Russia from the region. How should the Armenian government navigate this?
Giragosian: What impresses me is that the Armenian government is successfully navigating. Even the negative reactions coming from Kremlin are not directed against Armenia. It's more of a confrontation with the West. Therefore the Armenian government has been fairly skillful in avoiding retribution.
For Armenia, Russia poses a new challenge as an unpredictable and unreliable friend. That's a different challenge than a predictable enemy.
Reporter: About Iran...
Giragosian: Iran's new Consulate in Syunik and military exercises on the border with Azerbaijan are demonstrating that Iran's interest is really more geared toward internal vulnerability. I see these moves as a challenge to Azerbaijan, rather than just an endorsement of Armenian security. Iran fears that Azerbaijan can be used as a platform to support internal disturbances in Iran.
Iran has not yet fully returned to the region. They are still looking for a nuclear deal with the West to ease sanctions, and have not yet returned to counter Turkey and Russia in the region. Iran's involvement should be welcomed but not overestimated.
Reporter: What do you think of the entry ban for Zatulin and Margarita Simonyan? Does this help Armenia?
Giragosian: I welcome the news. Zatulin and Simonyan were part of the problem, never the solution. Both of them are useful idiots and serve as Kremlin agents. This is a demonstration of Armenia standing up for itself, sending a message to Moscow that Armenian challenges cannot be ignored by Moscow. This is about Russia's arrogance for taking Armenia for granted.
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Foreign Minister Mirzoyan's trip to the Vatican continues

The Holy Mass for Peace to Armenia, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, was held in the Papal Basilica presided by Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and attended by FM Mirzoyan.
Mirzoyan: Your Eminence Cardinal Parolin. We are deeply touched by your decision to preside over this Holy Mass and celebrate with us the 30th anniversary of the fraternal relations. I am grateful for your inspirational words and prayerful wishes on this joyful occasion.
My country has never lost its belief in the ideals of humanity even despite facing many challenges triggered by conflicts and particularly the recent deplorable use of force by our neighbor.
The Armenian people and Government greatly appreciate the Holy Father's blessings for strengthening our relations. // full speech, watch the ceremony,
Mirozyan met Edgar Peña Parra (Substitute for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State) and recalled his visit to Yerevan last year. He awarded Edgar Peña Parra with an Order of Friendship for his significant contributions to the development of inter-state relations. They discussed humanitarian issues in South Caucasus.
Mirozyan met Pope Francis and discussed various topics.
source, source, source,

Kazakhstan president orders the modernization of the army to protect the country's sovereignty

In the face of unprecedented external challenges, we need to ensure the inviolability of state sovereignty and the integrity of the country.
the military will be provided with modern weapons and equipment
A day earlier, US President Joe Biden, in a congratulatory telegram to Tokayev on the Republic Day, noted Kazakhstan’s leadership in bringing peace, stability and prosperity to Central Asia for three decades.

source, [redacted]

Armenian community of Ukraine installs a khachkar in memory of Armenians and Ukrainians killed during Ukraine war | PHOTO

It's located in Shepetivka, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The Armenian Church sent a priest to anoint the new monument. This is one of >40 similar monuments installed in every province of Ukraine, said a community member.
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number of Russian citizens applying for Armenian passport in Russia has increased seven-fold

They are likely mostly ethnic Armenians trying to repatriate after the war in Ukraine.
Armenian Embassy: The number began to climb starting in February. There were 290 applications last year and 2,000 so far this year.
Last year's legal reforms in Armenia made it easier to obtain citizenship. If in the past you had to wait 6 months, today it's 3 months + 15 days. Overall, from submitting the official application to the President's decree it's 3+ months. It's followed by other processes which have also been simplified. As you know, starting this June 25, a person who has received Armenian citizenship can pick up the passport in a foreign country, at the Armenian Consulate/Embassy. No need to visit Armenia in person anymore.
source, source,

Russia has been financing school meals for thousands of students across Armenia

Russia's Deputy Finance Minister Timur Maximov visited Armenia to learn details of the UN-organized program that delivers hot meals to students in Armenia. A few years ago they launched a process to transfer the duties to the Armenian government.
Simultaneously, students were being taught about healthy diet, hygiene, nature protection, and other skills.
source,

Turkey arrests top doctor who called for an inquiry into allegations that the Turkish army used chemical weapons in northern Iraq

Dr. Sebnem Korur Fincanci was detained on charges of “disseminating terrorist propaganda”. Turkish army denied having such weapons, but the doctor inspected a video of the alleged use and called for an investigation. "Obviously, one of the toxic chemical gases was used that directly affects the nervous system."
source, [source,](sebnem-korur-fincanci/turkish-top-doctor-arrested-proposing-chemical-weapons-investigation)

central water pipe rupture floods the streets of Baku | VIDEO

Assad Ahemdov St. went to meet Spongebob.
video,

certification will become a requirement for medical workers in Armenia starting January 1

Health Minister Avanesyan: The credit system and continuous education are great opportunities for medical staff to refresh their knowledge and skills. The requirement applies to medical workers who perform clinical activities. //
The certification began in June and has already processed 8,000 employees.
source,

biologists at Yerevan State University have obtained organic fertilizer from coffee waste

A group of biologists at YSU have founded MiCoFe startup and begun recycling organic waste. Using coffee waste, young biologists have created organic fertilizer stimulating crop growth.
The startup took part in the AgriTech agricultural startups competition and was declared the winner.
more, video,

Armenian tech startups are entering the Dubai market

Hans Christensen, a Senior Director at Dubai Silicon Oasis, is in Armenia at the invitation of the Made in Armenia NGO. They plan to cooperate with Armenian startups.
Christensen: We will assist Armenian startups to open branches in Dubai, without a full relocation. Armenian techies will have the ability to work in Dubai. There is great potential for cooperation. Dubai needs IT outsourcing today, the goal is to hire 1 million programmers.
Blockcentro's Hayk Vardanyan: We have signed an agreement with Dubai Silicon Oasis to create the world's first blockchain ecosystem. It is planned to build a corporation with equal shares with the government, which will be the first in the world to implement tokenization under state management.
Tokenization and blockchain will open up new opportunities for Armenia. It can greatly benefit its economy. //
Christensen visited TUMO and met the representatives of the Government and IT field.
source, source,

international mobile game publisher AppQuantum is relocating some of its Russian employees to Armenia

They are headed to Armenia, Cyprus, and Kazakhstan. "There are no legal entities affiliated with AppQuantum left in Russia."
AppQuantum is known for Dragon Champions and Gold & Goblins: Idle Merger
source, source,

SURVEY: top-3 most and least corrupt institutions in Armenia

Most corrupt
Media outlets 69.5%
Judges and Courts 66.6%
Parties/alliances 64.6%
Least corrupt
Human rights office 21.3%
Audit chamber 30.2 (most don't know what this is)
Corruption Prevention Commission 30.2%
By CRRC, taken in November 2021.
source

Yerevan Jazz Fest 2022 will begin with a concert by Grammy winner Judith Hill

November 15.
source,

Armenia's Eurovision star Rosa Linn will perform during James Corden's show on October 31

Her song exploded in popularity on streaming services after going viral on TikTok.
source,

23 Armenian weightlifters won 14 medals during the European U23/U20 championships

6 gold: Gor Sahakyan, Milena Khachatryan, Liana Gyurjyan, Suren Grigoryan, Garik Karapetyan, Ara Aghanyan.
Others won 4 silver and 4 bronze medals.

Վահրամ Դումանյանն ընդգծեց, որ վերջին տարիներին մաքսիմալ թվով մեդալներ ունեցել ենք 2019 թվականին: 222 մեդալ, երեկվա դրությամբ ունենք արդեն 285 մեդալ, որից 100-ը` ոսկե

source,

if you missed

Follow on Twitter. Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here.
The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

18 minutes, 4717 words.

interview with Nagorno-Karabakh's former Defense Minister Gen. Samvel Babayan about settling the conflict in international court

Babayan: In 2018 I met Nagorno Karabakh (NK) president Bako Sahakyan and for 4 hours plead with him to amend the Constitution for the benefit of the country before his departure from office. I explained to him that Azerbaijani army camps were training their soldiers 24/7 to use new weapons, which meant they are preparing for a major war. At least amend parts of the Constitution so we could fight the war more effectively, I asked him.
During one of the final wartime Security Council meetings in 2020, I stated that either Russia should give us weapons so we can defend ourselves, or the Armenian side refuses to sign a ceasefire document and we all leave NK. [possibly meant "to gain strength and fight another day, without carrying the heavy baggage of a bad ceasefire agreement"]
The Armenian and NK governments did not at first understand what I meant, so I plainly urged them not to sign any documents. Azerbaijan is not the "powerful Azerbaijan" you think it is. This war was 50/50, and Azeris got lucky [because of extreme negligence and disorganization in the Armenian army].
Azerbaijani officials and Aliyev himself eventually admitted that the fights had moved to difficult mountainous terrain and the Azeri army was sustaining heavy losses.

... the critics accuse you of knowingly ignoring Azerbaijan's advancements from Taghavard toward Shushi

We knew very well they were coming, and I had explained to them where to install the landmines and other things that needed to be done. But sadly, 1) those who were supposed to execute it turned out to have zero brain cells, 2) I organized a plan to cut off the Azer advancement from Sghnakh, but the commander at the time dismissed it as "it's Babayan's plan, not ours", and proceeds to launch a frontal assault instead [presumably against Shushi] rocks, leaving 500-600 dead within 3 days.
All of this is being investigated by the war commission right now. Every participant has been invited to provide a written statement. Many of them are in a bad legal situation. [likely referring to the criminal charges against 2 of NK's top army commanders for alleged negligence]

.. why couldn't Nagorno-Karabakh win the 2020 war?

Because of lack of revolution in NK. The title of president was transferred from one president to another without reforms. The same about army commanders; they were all chosen by the political leaders. NK didn't win because of arrogance, ignorance, and political patronage.
The army was beheaded in 2000 and gradually dismantled for the next 20 years. We built it for 4 years, and they destroyed it in 20. This is an undeniable fact.
On October 19 [during war], I met Pashinyan for 20 minutes and begged him to appoint me as the army commander. I would bear all the responsibility. "If we lose, it's all my fault," I said. He went to consult with others. In the meantime, he received phone calls from here and there [presumably army commanders who didn't like Babayan], urging him not to appoint me.
Today the same critics are accusing me of "desertion" and leaving NK during the war. What exactly was their contribution during the war? I'll tell you what: they all participated in the war, but they were all hiding in a corner.

... How should we resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? (Babayan discusses legal procedures)

NK has all the necessary documents to enter international courts. Our legal case is impeccable. Even if you appoint Ilham Aliyev as the judge at the international court, he won't be able to declare Azerbaijan the winner.
The NK used the Soviet Union's constitution to exit Soviet Azerbaijan. This was allowed by the Soviet Constitution: referendum, declaration, and so on, just as in the case of other republics.
The Soviet Constitution states that if a Soviet republic like Azerbaijan leaves Soviet Union, any autonomous oblasts within the republic, such as the NK, have a similar right to leave the departing republic (Soviet Azerbaijan). That's what the NK did.
In 1991 when Azerbaijan left the Soviet Union, what declaration did they adopt as the basis for their new republic? It was the 1918 document of democratic Azerbaijan. They returned to it. Now a question: what year was NK included as part of Azerbaijan? In 1921. So how is Azerbaijan claiming we are part of their country now?
When Azerbaijan applied to the League of Nations [the old United Nations] in 1920, a session was held in Tbilisi. What answer was given to Azerbaijan's two questions? Azerbaijan had raised the following questions: 1) To use the name they wanted for their new republic, 2) Their claim over territories that they believed were part of their republic.
While discussing the 1st (republic's name), the League of Nations rejected their petition because there was a similarly-named autonomy in Iran, so it couldn't be used by Azerbaijan. For the 2nd, regarding the territories they wanted to be recognized as theirs, since there was an ethnic conflict there, the Charter prohibited the League from recognizing the territories as Azeri until the conflict was settled politically.
This is why the League of Nations rejected Azerbaijan's claim and gave NK the status of a "spornaya territoria" (disputed territory). This is all archived with original documents.
In 1992, however, the UN recognizes Azerbaijan as an independent state with territorial integrity. It was a political decision by the UN, in violation of its own rules, just as the rules of the League of Nations had prohibited it.
Azerbaijan also manipulated the population census between 1979 and 1989 to undercount the Armenian population of Karabakh in the final period. They could not have organized an accurate and trustworthy census in 1989, a year after the ethnic conflict with Armenians, many of whom were forced to leave recently. Now we must collect the birth information of Armenians born in Soviet Azerbaijan and enter send information into the international court, too.

... Kosovo precedent

The independence of Kosovo is being discussed a lot these days. America took the Kosovo case through court to have it recognized, knowing that the efforts would fail if they attempted it via the UN and the UN Security Council. So they chose a process via court.
We must also enter the court. We have the necessary documents and the legal case. For some reason, this was ignored by our former presidents for decades.

... the negotiation process

The negotiations must resume as soon as possible. Azerbaijan must realize the importance of the moment and not repeat the same mistakes that we made after our victory in 1990s.
Unless Azerbaijan realizes NK cannot simply be part of Azerbaijan, and agrees to mutual concessions, both of us will become tools in the hands of superpowers. If they try to appease Russia and take their side, they will soon become Russia's tool. The same about the U.S.
There is a precedence. Georgia faced the issue of Abkhazia and Ossetia, but they realized they were about to be dragged into a lengthy conflict. Sure, Georgia didn't recognize the breakaway states, but it adopted a calmer posture and maintained its independence [from superpowers]. Does Azerbaijan realize they could easily lose independence and turn into a vassal?

... regional mini-powers

A lot is spoken about the interests of Russia in the Caucasus, but Iran often goes overlooked. They have the biggest interest in our region today because they realize that without an independent Armenia, their positions will be weakened.
Iran helped Garegin Nzhdeh in 1920-1921 to protect Syunik. Iran doesn't want Turks to become too powerful in the region.

... Nagorno Karabakh mandate & protectorate

Reporter: Several years ago when you returned to NK, you suggested a resolution that was met with criticism. Today your statements are viewed as "prophecy". I'm referring to your suggestion to resolve the conflict under the protectorate of a superpower.
Babayan: Let me explain. If you don't buy weapons for self-defense, the only thing left for you is to stand under an umbrella of a superpower so nobody can break your skull. They did neither, they called me a traitor and a Russian spy. I was also criticized by 99% of the current government members. They called me a Russian spy.
This region "belongs" to Russia. It's under the Russian "protectorate". We must cooperate with Russia. I was suggesting bringing the Russian mandate voluntarily. They didn't, so now they are forced to accept the same with territorial losses. //
source,

Armenia expects from Russia "sincere and effective" cooperation in achieving regional peace and security

Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan was invited to Moscow for high-profile meetings, weeks after heavily criticizing Russian bloc's lack of response to Azerbaijan's aggression.
Speaker Simonyan: We expect from Russia productive and sincere cooperation on issues of achieving security and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Currently, we live in very worrying times which is directly affecting countries and peoples. Azerbaijan has invaded Armenian territories and threatens the resort town of Jermuk.
Speaker Volodin: We are ready to hold discussions and consultations in different formats about the issues you voiced.
source,

Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire last night

Shots were fired toward the southeastern frontlines. The Armenian side returned fire to silence the opponent. No injuries on the Armenian side.
source,

EU ambassadors officially agree to send a civilian mission to Armenia: insider

Ambassadors of EU member states have agreed to send a civilian mission to the AM-AZ border to strengthen trust and contribute to delimitation efforts.
They are yet to decide the number of people in the mission, which countries will send them, and when. But it’s clear that the mission will arrive.”
source,

EU wants Azerbaijan to provide detailed information on the investigation of Azerbaijani soldiers who were filmed executing unarmed Armenian captives

EU's Marija Burić: Considering the alarming and shocking reports received recently, I requested from Azerbaijan detailed information on the measures taken regarding the recent video footage allegedly depicting extreme violence against Armenian prisoners of war, including extrajudicial killings. The Council of Europe will follow the issue very closely. //
Armenia's Human Rights Ombudsman briefed France's OSCE Minsk Group representative on the details of the torture committed by Azerbaijani soldiers against female Armenian POWs. The French rep. highlighted the importance of the fact-finding work and expressed readiness to continue the cooperation.
source, source,

video showing killings of Armenian POWs by Azeri forces is evidence of war crime: European officials

A PACE session took place yesterday, during which several European officials criticized Azerbaijan's military aggression and war crimes.
Ireland's Paul Gavan: All hostilities took place in the territory of Armenia. None of them were in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijani troops targeted 36 civilian settlements, killed 4 and wounded 7 civilians, and it's all documented.

... invasion into another country’s sovereign territory can never be acceptable: Paul Gavan, PACE

Paul Gavan: It’s important to note that Azerbaijan continues to occupy a part of Armenian territory. And this is unacceptable. We’ve also received concerning reports on possible war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani military. I’ve seen the footage, it is really horrifying, and it can really be evidence of war crime.
We must see greater efforts by the international community toward peace. I welcome the planned deployment of a civilian EU mission along the border. //
Swedish MP Boriana Aberg: A few days ago I received a video showing a horrible execution of a woman, an Armenian prisoner of war. I am still haunted by these atrocious scenes and the inhumane cruelty taking place. It's not the only video where such dreadful evil occurs. //

... EU's Toivo Klaar gave a pro-Armenian speech, directly accusing Azerbaijan of violating Armenia's territorial integrity and destroying Armenian cultural heritage

Klaar brought up the example of the destruction of the Jugha cemetery in Nakhijevan. Klaar also said the unblocking of communication routes must ensure the sovereignty of countries over their own roads.

... European officials emphasized the fact that Armenia is a democracy and Azerbaijan a dictatorship

They called for the EU to balance out Russia in the region by deploying a long-term mission in addition to the planned 2-month civilian mission.
Another MP called for the resumption of OSCE Minsk Group efforts. Klaar said that the Minsk Group maintains its legal status as the platform for negotiations, that Azerbaijan still refuses to meet the Minsk Group, and that the international community will continue to help mediate the process.
Klaar said that the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh must have rights and security guarantees, and that the population must feel that whatever agreement is reached, it will ensure their security.

... PACE finally understands Armenia's stance: ruling party MP

Vladimir Vardanyan: They've heard us, and directly condemned the violation of Armenia's territorial integrity during the PACE session. Azeri delegation found itself almost alone, with support only from Turkey's delegate. The room was so pro-Armenian that I thought perhaps it was pointless to read my speech.
In my speech, I stated that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue is about ethnic Armenians' right to existence, and I highlighted Azerbaijan's racial discrimination. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh deserve the same rights as any other European population.
This is a fight between democracy and authoritarianism. We must be vigilant because we are not dealing with a trustworthy democratic state. As a rule of thumb, authoritarianism has a short lifespan. It can metastasize and strengthen, but when it collapses, it leads to a catastrophic situation. Today Armenia is viewed as a defender of democracy in our region. // full
source, source, other, other, source, source, Tags: #diplomacy #EU #PACE

Azerbaijani officials are bracing for possible anti-Azeri resolutions in Europe

Azeri MP Zahid Oruj: Very soon, a number of anti-Azeri resolutions could be adopted by the parliaments of various European countries because of the resistance by Ilham Aliyev.
France has been pressuring us for over a year to send foreign observers. It was agreed in Prague to send a delegation to Armenia, but not within Azerbaijan.
Why is Europe doing this now? Because the 2020 war was a blow to the West's economic and political influence in the region, so now - the countries that failed to send their forces to Karabakh in 2020 - are attempting to establish a presence in the region through other means. //
source,

there is another country that also doesn't like the West's meddling in South Caucasus

Russia's Foreign Ministry: The EU is attempting to interfere and undermine Moscow's efforts to regulate the AM-AZ conflict. We believe that the only key to the solution lies in the full implementation of the tripartite RU-AM-AZ statements announced after the war. //
source,

Armenian embassy in Kyiv is still open despite the bombing of the capital

Armenian MFA: The embassy remains open with additional safety measures in place. The building has not been damaged.
source,

Armenia-Turkey-Azerbaijan relations

FM of Turkey, as always, baselessly accused Armenia of "provoking" Azerbaijan, but welcomed the results of last week's meeting in Prague, and said that Armenia and Azerbaijan have an agreement around the main principles of the peace treaty. Context: Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to use the 1991 CIS agreement and the UN Charter to draft a peace treaty, proposed by Armenia earlier and supported by the West.
MFA of Armenia said there have not yet been any follow-up discussions around these agreements after the meeting in Prague. Foreign Ministers are expected to meet to discuss the formation of a text for a peace treaty, which the U.S. reportedly wants the parties to sign by the end of this year.
FM of Turkey: We must prepare before opening the borders with Armenia. We should examine our border bridges, roads, and rivers. Erdogan and Pashinyan have discussed all these issues in a friendly and sincere atmosphere last week. It was a productive meeting. //
source, source, source, source, source,

Pashinyan held a regular meeting with non-parliamentary opposition parties to brief them on negotiation progress

The meetings are held approximately once a month, to keep others informed.
source,

group of U.S.-based doctors volunteered their time in Armenia

Fresno's Honorary Consul Abgaryan regularly gathers a group of doctors willing to volunteer in Armenia. They send experts from the best medical institutions.
Group: We had 32 experts from various fields this year. The focus was on the recovery of veterans, and low-income residents. The group traveled to Armavir, Lori, and Shirak. Surgery, eye care, dentistry, consultations, free medication, etc. We will return. //
source,

stroke mortality rate has drastically dropped in Armenia, "nearing EU and U.S. numbers"

The government launched the National Stroke Program in 2019 to provide free treatment to more patients. Around 1,800 people have received care within the program, and the number is growing.
Program rep.: If in 2019 we had 350 patients, then this year we have already treated 500. The number of medical institutions that are part of this program has also increased. Gyumri Medical Center is a participant now.
So far every patient who applied for help has received it. The budget has increased from ֏650m to ֏1.4b. //
Diasporan stroke experts from U.S. and Canada are in Armenia to visit hospitals and identify areas of improvement.
Mikael Muratoglu: Broad awareness campaigns must be done in the public on preventive measures. The system must be developed and the level of professional skills must be raised.
Viken Babikian: Everyone speaks about a healthy lifestyle these days, but people must realize that this is, in fact, the most important factor. People should maintain a healthy diet and be physically active. Everyone should get a 3-hour exercise per week. Quit smoking and reduce salt intake.
Nune Yeghiazaryan: The results of the national stroke program are satisfactory - the death rate from stroke has dropped and the quality of life of patients is improving.
The death rate in Yerevan hospitals has reduced from 30%-40% to 20%. The figures are near what we see in Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
Also important is the fact that patients' quality of life after treatment has drastically improved, allowing many to return to work instead of being bedridden. //
watch full, source, source, source,

infrastructure projects in Armenia

▶︎ To address the 60% water loss, a new irrigation network is being built in difficult terrain in Vardenik (Gegharkunik). The construction of the ֏114m project began in September and is expected to finish this year. It's expected to ensure regular water delivery to farms.
▶︎ To address the >90% water loss during delivery, a new irrigation network is being built in Artsvanist (Gegharkunik). Every household/farm will be connected to it.
▶︎ Japan will donate $99,000 to the orphanage in Kharberd for the acquisition of furniture and appliances for 236 children.
▶︎ Red Cross has renovated several schools in border villages Kut, Sotk, and Khndzorut. Before & after pics.
▶︎ Yerevan authorities destroyed 6 illegal structures in Nor Norq district after warning the permit-less owners. watch the mayham
source, source, source, source,

soon Yerevan will have trees that have never been planted in the capital before

They will be planted on the streets and parks. The minimum height will be 3 meters. Full specs:

ծառերը պետք է լինեն ոչ պակաս, քան 3 մետր բարձրության, սաղարթը՝ ձևավորված, ճյուղերի երկարությունը՝ 1 մ և ավելի, բնի տրամագիծը՝ 5.5 սմ հաստությամբ, շտամպը՝ նվազագույնը 2 մ, և իհարկե՝ փակ արմատային համակարգով:

source,

Armenia will send humanitarian aid to Yezidi refugees living in Iraqi Kurdistan

Armenia's Consulate General in Erbil signed an agreement with Barzani Charity Foundation to help replace all the tents in the Sheykhan Yazidi camp, and to provide school supplies to thousands of children.
Consul General: Despite the difficulties caused by the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan, Armenia has decided to have a small contribution and help the brotherly Yezidi people.
Barzani Charity Foundation: We'd like to thank the government of Armenia for providing humanitarian support to the Yezidi refugees. This is a message to the world: don't stop helping the 1 million refugees and IDPs sheltered in Iraqi Kurdistan.
source, source, source,

European court rules against Armenia in a lawsuit brought by an Armenian soldier's family

ECHR has instructed Armenia to pay €37,500 to the family of former conscript Malkhasyan who was drafted in 2009 despite having serious medical conditions. Malkhasyan died in the army after suffering a medical emergency.
source,

Standard and Poor’s reaffirmed Armenia's ratings and provided analysis of economic factors

B+/B with a stable outlook.
The Good: The sustainable economic growth, slower growth of foreign debt, the decline in geopolitical risks, and the strengthening of Armenia’s external position will contribute to the improvement of Armenia’s sovereign credit ratings.
The Bad: Possible recession in Russia - the main trade partner and the source of remittances, as well as possible military tension with Azerbaijan.
source, source,

tax revenues have reached historic levels in January-September: IRS

IRS boss: We collected ֏1.412 trillion ($3.5 billion) in the first 9 months. It exceeded the target by ֏77 billion ($190 million). A new record was set.

... number of taxpaying jobs for the period:

2020: 603,000
2021: 626,000
2022: 663,000

... tax-to-GDP ratio:

2021: 22.7%
2022: 23.2%
Tax revenues are rising faster than the GDP, ինչն այլ հավասար պայմաններում վերագրվում է հարկային վարչարարությանը և հարկային կարգապահության բարելավմանը. Հարկային վարչարարությունը տարեցտարի իրականացվում է ավելի թիրախային:

... economic growth

In the current year, it is planned to have 11% economic growth and 8% inflation.

... reforms in customs departments

After reviewing the customs operations, a number of informal paperwork procedures have been eliminated. The declaration system was reformed.
Today, the imported goods are released from the border 15-180 minutes after their arrival.
160 customs agents are being retrained before being hired at the newly reformed departments. //
source,

authorities will use the anti-thug law against another "vor v zakone"

In 2020 Armenia adopted a law to combat the Soviet-era "thief in law" subculture in which street figures with influence run racketeering schemes and "solve issues" for others in exchange for favors. It is now a crime to be a member of these gangs or hold a "title". Several figures have since been charged.
Prosecutors: A man named AJ intervened to solve a dispute between two residents of Odzun village. It turns out AJ held the highest criminal subculture title of "thief in law". He attempted to convince one of the sides to follow his instructions, however, the latter refused to comply and hang up the phone.
AJ viewed it as disrespect towards his title, and instructed one of his gang members to retaliate. The gang member went to punish the man but got shot with a rifle, and died. AJ is placed on the wanted list. //
[You can find AJ in every soap opera.]
source,

anti-corruption verdict: "Kosh" prison warden is sentenced to 5 years in prison

Prosecutors: Lyova Baghdasaryan intentionally allowed certain inmates to violate rules, traffic prohibited items, and gave them special housing conditions in exchange for a $1,700 bribe. He allegedly conspired with members of the criminal subculture. He also hired his neighbor who got paid despite not doing the work. //
Lyova was found guilty of taking a bribe but was acquitted of "wasting state resources" charges. He was sentenced to 5 years. The inmates who bribed him will have 3 years added to their sentence.
Most importantly, the authorities will confiscate the $1,700 bribe.
source,

anti-corruption: Prosecutor General asks the SJC to terminate a judge accused of corruption

The newly appointed chief Prosecutor Anna Vardapetyan has asked the Supreme Judicial Council to terminate the duties of judge Ani Harutyunyan.
Who is judge Ani Harutyunyan and her family?
She is the daughter of the former NSS chief Grigori Harutyunyan - a childhood friend of ex-president Serj Sargsyan. Her family owns the "Parking City Service" company that handles Yerevan's red lines.
They co-own the "Security Dream" company that took a fat share of revenues collected from traffic tickets in exchange for running the street cameras. The Pashinyan administration recently announced plans to end the contract with the troubled company that was at the center of a corruption scandal.
Her father also owns/owned a company that was accused of unfairly taking away the homes from residents of Yerevan ahead of the construction of Northern Avenue under the Kocharyan administration.
Her cousin is none other than Mihran Poghosyan, the Serj-era justice sector official who was named in "Panama Papers".
Her husband is judge Tigran Poladyan, whose brother is a judicial department official whose office was recently investigated over alleged corruption.
Ani Harutyunyan herself is reportedly accused of bribery and falsifying wealth declaration documents, but the Prosecutor General has not yet revealed the official reason behind the petition to terminate her duties. Ani Harutyunyan is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
source, source, source,

scandal: Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin accuses gas company's repairman of charging him for a free service

Lapshin spends a significant part of the year in Armenia. He found an apartment for rent, but it didn't have a gas meter, so he called Gasprom-Armenia to have it installed. The technician was allegedly rude and demanded $20 to continue the job the following day. The company's administration reached out to the blogger to clarify the situation. The blogger wants to videotape the process of handing the $20 to the technician.
source,

Armenian university signs an agreement with the global "SAP" university alliance; new lab & curriculum

The University of Economics has signed a cooperation agreement with SAP, and will join the 3100-strong community as a full member.

SAP enables higher education institutions to integrate educational skills and real-time job experiences in collaboration with public and private businesses

Rector Galoyan: We have a faculty of Informatics and Statistics. This alliance will greatly benefit the university's digital transformation.
We are drafting a new strategy to have a digital university within the next 5 years. It was important to join this alliance as a full member; we are the first university in Armenia. This will allow our academic community to integrate with the global community.
We have invited foreign experts to jointly develop a curriculum, and beginning in 2023 we will offer a joint master's program. The students will have access to a newly established laboratory. //
source, source,

Iran's oil workers join the anti-government protests

Workers at Abadan and Asaluyeh oil refineries, crucial for Iran’s oil and natural gas production, protested Monday over the death of a 22-year-old woman.
Iran’s government insists the woman was not mistreated, but her family says her body showed signs of beating before death.
source,

Germany's cybersecurity chief faces dismissal over alleged ties to Russian spies

German Interior Minister wants to dismiss the country's cybersecurity chief after it was discovered that he is a member of a tech association with known ties to Russia. One of the association's members is a German company ("Protelion") that is a subsidiary of a Russian cybersecurity firm founded by a former KGB employee.
source, source,

U.S. states that wish to join Russia will be considered: Russian parliament MP's sweet offer to Americans

The Russian deputy made the remarks after learning that some Americans (as always) wanted their states to break free from the U.S. A breakup won't be an easy task, however, as the states cannot unilaterally secede from the U.S.
source,

Russia declares Mark Zuckerberg a ringleader of a terrorist organization

Russia has added Facebook to the list of ‘terrorist and extremist groups. Its services were banned back in March for promoting "Russophobia". It was over the company's decision to allow Ukrainians to call for the death of Russians who invaded Ukraine.
source,

"Florida man" sues Texas Pepe hot sauce after learning it's made in North Carolina

He was scammed of $3, so the class-action lawsuit reads:

By way of its false marketing and labeling, [Texas Pete] knowingly and intentionally capitalizes on consumers’ desire to partake in the culture and authentic cuisine of one of the most prideful states in America

source,

if you missed

Follow on Twitter. Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here.
The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

Last Week in Collapse: November 5-11, 2022
Empty promises are made in the desert, Iran cracks down hard against protestors, and the environment continues breaking its old patterns.
This is Last Week in Collapse, a weekly newsletter, compiling some of the most important, timely, helpful, demoralizing, ironic, stunning, or otherwise must-see moments in Collapse.
This is the 46th newsletter. You can find the October 29-November 4 edition here if you missed it last week. If you don’t want to miss an edition, please consider signing up for the SubStack email version.
The Nile River is facing a grim future: salt water is creeping up the river because the levels are so low. The water levels are low because Lake Victoria is gradually shrinking and upstream nations have dammed sections of the Nile(s) for irrigation or electricity generation purposes. 97% of Egypt’s population lives within a few kilometers of the Nile, Africa’s longest river. The Collapse of the Nile River may eventually throw the entire region into chaos.
COPout27 has begun and some activists and world leaders have convened in Egypt to do…what exactly? Last year, “at the heart of the COP26” was the promise of “the rapid phase-out of coal”. As we have now learned, coal demand has never been higher, a result of Russia’s Energy War and the continuing coal plant construction mostly in China and India. Nothing will fundamentally change at this conference. COP28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai!
The air in India is really, really bad. Over 1.6M people are said to die from air pollution in India every year. The environmental minister labeled New Delhi, the capital, a “gas chamber.” (The mostly dead subreddit CollapseIndia could use some more attention…) India has committed to continue using coal until at least 2040. A carbon neutral future was never in the cards.
Promises were made in COP26 to cut back on methane emissions, and promises were broken. The Global Methane Pledge has been a dud; only one nation has made significant progress to achieving methane reduction: Australia.
Flooding and pollution in Victoria, Australia, is leading to the mass death of aquatic life. The smell is reportedly unbearable, and E. Coli levels are high in the water.
Iran’s parliament voted decisively to execute protestors to show the people a “hard lesson” in behavior. The vote supposedly sentences all of the 15,000+ arrested protestors to death. Several hundred have already been killed during the protests.
Iraq’s President is calling water shortage/drought Iraq’s biggest challenge right now. He blames drought, as well as upriver dams built by Iran and Turkey, which also met last week to negotiate water issues (leaving Iraq out). We all know that climate breakdown leads to War.
Kenya is sending 1,000 soldiers to the “Democratic” Republic of the Congo to help manage the M23 rebel army stirring up trouble near Goma, DRC. The DRC alleges that the M23 gang/army is supported by Rwanda, because they want the valuable minerals (tungsten, tantalum, gold, tin, etc) in eastern Congo. Could we be approaching a Franz Ferdinand moment to spark the Third Congo War—or will this sideshow get smothered in the jungle?
Tens of thousands of people have fled from M23 fighters in recent days and are building lean-to shelters in the jungle. Now 250,000+ people have become displaced in the region since March 2022.
Nearby Uganda is suffering from a growing Ebola outbreak—and overlapping misinformation fallout—and some officials leaked that this outbreak would become Uganda’s deadliest, leading to 1,200+ cases and 500+ deaths by May 2023. If this happened, it would become earth’s 3rd most deadly Ebola outbreak ever. The world’s two most deadly outbreaks each occurred over the span of 2+ years. Ebola typically has a CFR of over 50%. There is a vaccine for some strains of Ebola, but not this one; school is being canceled in the capital, Kampala.
Despite a partially effective vaccine, COVID is still among us, and it may be rising in your area. Another researcher says that repeated infections may almost certainly lower one’s immune system by destroying T cells, the white blood cells that fight infections. This may be why this year’s flu/RSV season is shaping up to be pretty bad. Herd immunity is never coming, yet the WHO claims that daily COVID deaths are down about 90% since February 2022. What happened?
COVID cases hit new records—2,000+ cases per day—in Guangzhou, China, and restrictions are tightening in Beijing, and in Zhengzhou, where iPhone production has been hit hard. COVID is expected to rise in the US this fall, and in Japan, too, where the governments have given up implementing restrictions altogether. So it goes.
Fear of a new pandemic may be proven right if bird flu is one mutation away from human-to-human transmission. Plus, the mass-antibiotics consumed by poultry could be setting us up for a dangerous strain of H5N1 virus. Japan ordered the killing of over 1M chickens after the remains of some tested positive for bird flu.
Protestors fought with police in Lima, Peru at protests aimed at forcing their President to resign. A similar protest happened in Ghana, too.
About 30,000 protestors turned up in Rome on Saturday, to protest for peace in Ukraine, amid the new Italian government’s plans to supply air defense systems to Ukraine.
Kyiv’s mayor is warning about potential long-term blackouts that could force the winter evacuation of what was (before the war) Europe’s 7th largest city (including Istanbul). Kyiv has already been the victim of widespread electricity & water denial attacks, but not on a city-wide scale yet. One resident said, “That's why everything that is happening now {strikes on infrastructure} is genocide. His task is for us to die, to freeze, or to make us flee our land so that he can have it."
Russia is pulling back its troops from Kherson city, to the eastern side of the Dnipro River. Kherson has been liberated. But thousands of Ukrainian civilians have already been forcibly moved to the eastern side.
Most of the world is burdened with “debt distress” and it might just bury them. That is, unless COVID, mental health, and other ailments don’t first.
Next year is forecast to have slightly less oil production than 2022. Have we passed Peak Oil?
The UN put out another report last week, titled “Integrity Matters: Net Zero Commitments by Businesses, Financial Institutions, Cities and Regions” about net zero plans and how to achieve them across many levels. I didn’t have time to read it. It seems like every week another large report is published by an intergovernmental organization or a major NGO…… Do any of you know of a singular source (a website, Twitter feed, etc.) that aggregates/shares these reports as they come out? Mere hoping that I stumble onto one of these PDFs is not a reliable way to catch them as they come in.
The World Wildlife Fund released the “Living Amazon Report 2022” last week, and it’s basically a death sentence for the Amazon rainforest. The full report is 98 pages long, and it’s packed with useful graphics and data. It should be called the “Dying Amazon Report”, though…
The UN is also reportedly creating a “global early warning system for deadly and costly extreme weather events amplified by climate change” at the cost of about $3B over 5 years. The system will theoretically be able to warn people of floods, droughts, heatwaves, storms, etc at least 24 hours before they occur. Many people are calling some climate disasters year or even decades in advance.
What we all knew has now been confirmed: Europe had its hottest October on record. And on Monday, Montreal had its hottest November day ever on record.
The contentious U.S. midterm election is over, and Democrats overperformed expectations. Vote-counting is still ongoing in some areas, so conclusive results won’t be known for a few more days. It appears like Republicans will win a narrow majority in the House and Democrats will likely hold onto Senate control. Yet ex-President Trump is planning his 2024 declaration for Monday. Meanwhile, in Israel, the right-wing won and brought back former PM Netanyahu (still on trial for corruption charges).
Lebanon’s crisis deepens, and now the UN is said to be partially funding the salaries of Lebanese soldiers in a desperate attempt to maintain order. Protests rise in Pakistan in the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on the former PM Imran Khan.
France’s annual maize harvest is expected to be its lowest since 1990, a result of chronic drought. Across Africa, stricken in some regions by droughts or floods, cultural heritage is at risk, along with much of the wildlife and people. As drought threatens the Serengeti’s legendary Great Migration, a new, more dangerous great migration looms…
Glaciers continue melting in India, in China, and Greenland ice sheets are vanishing faster than expected. Same old, same old. If you hate glaciers, you can watch a sad timelapse of an Italian glacier melting over the course of several years.
A major name in cryptocurrency has been disgraced and fears of the collapse of other crypto services are swirling around.
China’s real estate crisis continues trending downwards, but it’s not alone. Global shipping demand is way down too because people don’t have the money to buy as much stuff anymore—or are scared of spending whatever they have left.
Things to watch for next week include:
↠ The homo sapiens population on Planet Earth is set to hit 8 Billion next week. Projections have it scheduled for next Tuesday, ahead of earlier projections for 2023. The world human population grows by an average of about 70M per year. (Earth reached 7 Billion in 2011; we were at 4 billion in 1974.) In what year will our planet reach its all-time high? What do you think it will be?
Select comments/threads from the subreddit last week suggest:
-The United States (and probably elsewhere) is in the grippe of a flu epidemic, according to this post and its foreboding comments. Some schools are reportedly closing down because of the sick staff/students. This RSV is causing the worst flu season in over a decade—and it’s probably related to the aftereffects of Long COVID damaging our collective immune systems…and it’s only November.
-2022 was a record year for shit, according to this post about the Four Five Horsemen of the Economic Apocalypse: 1. boomers retiring, 2. declining EROI on oil/gas, 3. crop yield collapse, 4. rising interest rates, and 5. demand crash. Everything is interconnected, and it’s going in one direction: down.
-Reminder: COVID can have serious side effects. Yet another thread talks about how repeated infections can compound damage to one’s body & mind. Yet society gave up, and seems to become less and less careful/aware of COVID as time goes on…
-Full steam ahead, says one casual Friday post about the arrogance of modern society.
Thanks for reading. Got any feedback, questions, comments, articles, complaints, collapse dating tips, hate mail, etc.? If you can’t be bothered to check collapse every Saturday, you can join the Last Week in Collapse SubStack and get this full roundup sent to your email inbox every weekend. I always forget some important Collapse stuff; what did I miss this week?

Introduction
Previously I reviewed The Woman King's trailer. In this post I'm reviewing the actual movie, which departed in some ways from both the trailer and the original marketing.
The movie opens with this narration.

The African Kingdom of Dahomey is at a crossroads. A new king, Ghezo, has just taken power. Their enemy, the Oyo Empire, has joined forces with the Mahi people to raid Dahomey villages and sell their captives to European slavers, an evil trade that has pulled both nations into a vicious circle. The powerful Oyo have new guns and horses, but the young king has his own fearsome weapon: an elite force of female soldiers, the Agojie, led by a general, Nanisca. Now, these warriors are all that stand between the Oyo and Dahomey’s annihilation.

This is the narrative which the entire movie seeks to support. However, despite the movie’s marketing insisting on its historical accuracy, despite the movie’s writers, director, and producers making statements such as “We didn’t want to shy away from the truth”, that they “Worked really hard to ground it in what we felt would be the reality of this history”, and saying they consulted historians to ensure the movie’s accuracy, this very narrative which opens the movie is wildly inaccurate.

"The director did a deep dive into research about Dahomey and the Agojie alongside production designer Akin McKenzie before reaching out to historical consultant Leonard Wantchekon, who is directly related to a member of the Agojie.", Sonaiya Kelley, “The Truth behind ‘The Woman King’: Crew Responds to Claims of Historical Revisionism,” Los Angeles Times, 28 September 2022

The entire movie commits the very same kind of whitewashing and historical revisionism as previous movies such as Gods and Generals and Birth of a Nation. This review covers these topics.

1. The movie depicts Dahomey as having abolished slavery before any European nation, when in fact by 1823 when the movie is set several European nations had abolished slavery at least in their own territory and some in their colonial territories, while slavery was not abolished in Dahomey until the nation was defeated by France in the Second Franco-Dahomean War, which concluded in 1894. [edited in response to comments below]
2. Dahomey’s Minon (“Amazons”) were enthusiastic slave raiders.
3. Dahomey’s king Ghezo opposed the abolition of slavery.
4. Dahomey used slaves to produce palm oil.

For a video version of this review, go here.
The movie depicts Dahomey as having abolished slavery before any European nation, when in fact by 1823 when the movie is set several European nations had abolished slavery at least in their own territory and some in their colonial territories, while slavery was not abolished in Dahomey until the nation was defeated by France in the Second Franco-Dahomean War, which concluded in 1894 [title edited in response to comments below]
Historically, these events are taking place no later than 1823, the year of the Dahomey rebellion against the Oyo empire. Although the movie monolithically [edit] depicts Europeans as enthusiastic slave traders and some of Dahomey’s elites as opponents of slavery, in reality the facts were the other way around.
The British had already outlawed the Atlantic slave trade in 1807,[1] and created the West Africa Squadron, a collection of British Navy warships, to enforce the ban in Africa. However, slavery in the British colonies was not abolished until 1833. In 1819 the US Navy also made some, admittedly weak efforts to prevent the Atlantic slave trade. In contrast, Dahomey was doing nothing but supporting the slave trade as much as possible, and actively opposing European attempts at abolition.
In 1815 Portugal agreed to stop all slave trading north of the equator, though it continued to ship slaves from West Africa to Brazil, and France abolished the slave trade in 1815, though it didn’t outlaw slavery in its colonies until 1848. Spain agreed to cease slave trading north of the equator in 1818, and south of the equator by 1820, and in 1826 Brazil agreed to stop slave trading north of the equator.
These anti-slavery efforts of the European powers were very slow in coming, very slow to implement, and very imperfectly enforced. However, they were considerably more of an effort at the abolition of slavery than anything Dahomey had ever done in its entire history.
In 1823, when the movie’s conversation between Ghezo and his advisors took place, Dahomey was still an enthusiastic participant in the slave trade, the Minon were conducting slave raids, and Ghezo was strongly opposed to ending the slave trade. European nations on the other hand had already started abolishing slavery years before. Yet the conversation between Ghezo and his advisors makes the Dahomey look like the enlightened abolitionists, and the Europeans the backwards and barbarous defenders of slavery. This is a reversal of the facts, and a deliberate whitewashing of history.
In the movie, main character Nanisca says “The white man has brought immorality here. They will not stop until the whole of Africa is theirs to enslave”. This is sheer anachronism. Firstly it explicitly places the blame for slavery entirely on Europeans, representing slavery as an external evil brought to Africa by white men. In turn this implies slavery was not practiced in Africa prior to European contact.
Secondly it represents Nanisca as having a conception of “the whole of Africa”, which would have been completely alien to her. Thirdly it represents her as believing that the Europeans aimed to enslave all of Africa, which they never intended to do, and in fact never tried.
At the end of the movie, Ghezo says “The Europeans and the Americans have seen if you want to hold a people in chains, one must first convince they are meant to be bound. We joined them in becoming our own oppressors, but no more. No more. We are a warrior people, and there is power in our mind. In our unity. In our culture. If we understand that power, we will be limitless. My people, this is the vision I will lead. It is a vision that we share”. This is all totally anachronistic. Ghezo went on to pursue the slave trade for decades until forced to stop by the French.
Dahomey’s Minon (“Amazons”) were enthusiastic slave raiders
To its credit, the movie does show Dahomey involved in the slave trade. At 12:15, 12:29-30, we see slaves with their hands tied and heads bowed, being kept in the part of the palace where the MInon are training. At 12:47-51, Nawi is told “Some of the men who raided our village. The rest will be sold, in Ouyida”. The port of Ouyida was a major hub for the slave trade, and Dahomey is estimated to have sold at least one million slaves through this port over a couple of centuries.
However, in this scene the only people identified as slaves are bad people, described as “men who raided our village”. There is no mention of the fact that the Dahomey Minon, or “Amazons”, were used by Dahomey as slave raiders to capture men, women, and children from Dahomey’s neighbors, to use as slaves for Dahomey’s domestic slave market, or sell them as slaves to Europeans, or use them as human sacrifices in Dahomey’s annual ritual in honor of the king, in which slaves, criminals, and captives of war were beheaded to celebrate Dahomey’s monarch.
Later Ghezo is discussing politics with his advisors. At 16:32 one of his advisors notes “Dahomey has prospered in the peace”, to which Nansica replies “The slave trade is the reason we prosper, but at what price? It is a poison slowly killing us, and the Europeans know this. They come to our land for their human cargo”.
This is historical revisionism, placing modern sentiments in the mouth of a historical figure. There is no evidence anyone in Dahomey was thinking this way at the time that the movie’s events are set, around 1823. It is true that the slave trade was the reason why Dahomey prospered, but there is no indication that Ghezo or any of his advisors thought that this was a bad thing, certainly not a poison killing the nation. Note also how Nanisca calls the slaves “their human cargo”, as if the Europeans are responsible for the African slave trade. She doesn’t say “They come to our land for the humans we have enslaved and turned into cargo to sell so we can profit from them”.
Another advisor interjects “They’ve come to trade, we sell them what they want”. Nanisca responds “But why do we sell our captives? For weapons? To capture more people, to sell for more weapons?”. Well yes, that’s exactly what Dahomey were actually doing. However, Izogie, one of the Minon, agrees with Nanisca, saying “It is a dark circle with no end. This is not the way”. Again, this is just wishful thinking, making historical people say things which are acceptable to a modern audience, and attempting to present the Minon as opponents of the slave trade. In reality they were not only slave raiders, they were enthusiastic supporters of the slave trade, and regularly urged Ghezo to continue it.
When Nanisca asks “why do we sell our captives”, it sounds like the Dahomey are just selling their prisoners of war, whereas in fact many of their captives were not prisoners of war, but civilians caught by the Dahomey specifically to sell as slaves. As to why they sold them, it was to make money, buy guns, and expand the Dahomey Empire even further. Other slaves were captured by the Dahomey to use as sources of agricultural labor, a point which will become particularly important when we look at what the movie has to say about Dahomey’s involvement in the palm oil trade.
Notably, the movie never provides the slaves of the Dahomey with a voice, or any agency. We are never permitted to hear their perspective, see them opposing their own slavery, or see them resisting or escaping. They are silenced and stripped of agency.
Dahomey’s king Ghezo opposed the abolition of slavery
At 43:02, the villain Santo Ferriera is introduced. He is represented as a Portuguese slave trader who helped King Ghezo seize the throne in a coup. This villain is based on the real-life historical figure of Francisco Félix de Sousa, a Brazilian slave trader who was extremely influential in West Africa, who certainly did enable Ghezo’s ascension to the throne through a coup, and who was his reliable ally and major slave trading partner.[2]
In the movie, Ferriera uses a fort in Ouidah as his base. This is fort, Forte de São João Baptista de Ajudá, was originally bult by the Portuguese to support their slave trade. However, by the time of the movie it was no longer occupied by the Portuguese, due to European anti-slavery efforts. It was an abandoned shell in 1823. Although de Souza, the historical figure on whom the movie’s character Ferreira is based, did take possession of it in the 1820s, he did not use it as a base for his own slavery operations, and it remained abandoned.
Around this time in the movie Nanisca says to Ghezo “Let's not be an empire that sells its people. Let us be an empire who loves its people”. Ghezo says “My brothers sold our own, I will never do that”. Nanisca says “Even if they are not Dahomey, they are still our people”. There are a couple of problems here.
The first is that Ghezo certainly did sell his own. In fact by this very stage of the movie, he had already done it. Historian Ana Lucia Araujo explains that when Ghezo’s his coup succeeded, and he seized the throne in 1818, “he punished his half-brother’s family members by selling them into slavery outside the kingdom’s borders”.[3]
Not only that, but Araujo also says that by 1825 Ghezo had become unpopular among his own people “for selling Dahomean subjects”. So he literally was selling some of his very own people, Dahomey citizens, into slavery.[4]
The other problem is that Nanisca’s statement that even African people who are not Dahomey are “still our people”, is anachronistic pan-Africanism. During this time there was no sense of a united African people with a shared identity. There were hundreds of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct identity, language, and culture, who not only differentiated themselves from each other but did not see each other as united by any single shared identity. They did not think of themselves or others as Africans, and they certainly did not see themselves as sharing any kind of kinship, either literal or figurative.
On this point, Kenyan historian Ali AlʾAmin Mazrui wrote, somewhat controversially, “it remains one of the great ironies of modern African history that it took European colonialism to remind Africans that they were Africans”.[5]
Later in the movie Ghezo speaks with Santo, who comments “So you wish to sell palm oil”. Ghezo replies “I wish for my people to prosper, as those of your land do”. Santo says “Ghezo, the people in my lands prosper because of the slave trade, and this very same trade has made you rich, as rich as the king of England. If you stop the trade, you will be nothing”. He adds that the slave traders will “take their business elsewhere”, to which Ghezo replies “The business of selling Africans?”.
Again, there are a couple of problems here. Firstly this is more anachronistic pan-Africanism. In reality Ghezo did not think of people as “Africans”. Note also the careful framing of the business of selling Africans as something Europeans do, not something that African kingdoms do. This is particularly ironic given that Dahomey itself was in the business of selling slaves.
Secondly, if Feirreia is supposed to be Portuguese it is very odd that he is referring to his people enjoying the wealth of the slave trade, and does not mention Portugal had already outlawed slave trading above the equator. This is further evidence that Feirreia is based on de Souza, the Brazilian, since Brazil had yet to outlaw the slave trade in any region.
The movie consistently represents Feirreira as the powerful and predatory European slave trader, and Gezo as the weak and submissive local ruler who is reluctantly compelled to participate in a trade from which he cannot escape. In reality Ghezo held all the power, and participated in the slave trade deliberately, because it made him very powerful and wealthy.
Since an anti-slave trade party did emerge within Dahomey in the middle of the nineteenth century, supported by a group of wealthy merchants who had invested heavily in the palm oil trade, Araujo says “historians have perceived Gezo’s reign as a period of transition from the illegal slave trade to the legitimate trade of palm oil”. However, she disputes this, observing “in the early years of his reign, Gezo continued to contend that the slave trade was a central part of the kingdom’s revenue”.[6]
In fact, Araujo observes, under Ghezo the total number of slaves sold from his port at Ouidah was even larger than under the previous king of Dahomey, and “the annual averages of slave exports were very similar”.[7]
One of Ghezo’s most infamous statements, made in 1849 not only declared his unwavering determination to maintain the slave trade, but also insisted that it was essential to his people’s culture and economy. The statement, part of which has been much quoted since the release of The Woman King, reveals just how dedicated Ghezo was to preserving slavery. Ghezo said “I and my army are ready, at all times, to fight the queen's enemies, and do any thing the English government may ask of me, except to give up the slave-trade. No other trade is known to my people”. He also explicitly rejected palm oil and other forms of income as substitutes.[8]
Ghezo insisted on slavery as a perfectly respectable tradition of his people, explaining “The slave-trade has been the ruling principle of my people. It is the source of their glory and wealth. Their songs celebrate their victories, and the mother lulls the child to sleep with notes of triumph over an enemy reduced to slavery”.[9]
It would be anachronistic to place this actual statement in the movie, given that Ghezo didn’t make it until around 25 years after the date of the movie’s events. However, it is misleading at best, and dishonest at worst, for the movie to represent Ghezo as merely a reluctant participant in the slave trade, only selling slaves because a Portuguese trader told him to. The fact that Ghezo is portrayed consistently as a fearful pawn of European powers is completely inaccurate. In reality Ghezo felt absolutely no concern about completely rejecting the requests of even the British government, despite their anti-slavery naval blockade.
Ghezo’s depiction in the movie is symptomatic of one of its key problems; in this movie Dahomeans only do bad things because other people force them to. Ghezo only sells slaves because a Portuguese trader tells him he has to, and Dahomey’s warriors only capture slaves because the Oyo empire requires them to.
Not only is this historically inaccurate, it’s a deliberate attempt to absolve them of responsibility for their actions. It is also completely undermined later when Ghezo and his people decide to just stop doing what other people tell them to, which they could have simply done in the first place.[10]
Dahomey used slaves to produce palm oil
At 17:11 Nanisca says “We have other things to sell; corn, palm oil, we can double our harvest”, adding “I want Dahomey to survive”. Ghezo agrees reluctantly to pay the tribute, promising it will be the last time, and comments “As for the palm oil, Nanisca, show me, show me how much you can produce and we will see”.
Again, this is historical fabrication. At this time in Dahomey’s history there was no domestic push to abolish the slave trade and replace it with palm oil sales. In fact as we’ll see later, it wasn’t until at around 20 years later that the British pressured a reluctant King Ghezo to stop selling slaves and sell palm oil instead. We’ll also learn more about another unfortunate fact the movie doesn’t reveal; Dahomey’s domestic palm oil industry also used slavery.
At 50:40 Workers are seen farming palms for palm oil. Nanisca says “This field alone produces thousands of barrels of palm oil. If we harvest many fields each year, we will have a continuous supply to trade”. Ghezo replies “I never saw a path before Nanisca, but look at this, now I do”. Nanisca responds “Vision is seeing what others do not”.
As mentioned previously, this is completely inaccurate. Neither Ghezo nor his advisors were attempting to transition from selling slaves to selling palm oil at this point in time. Dahomey didn’t even start producing palm oil in export quantities until the 1840s, and only then as a result of intense pressure by the British, who were trying to persuade Ghezo to end his involvement in the slave trade.[11]
But there’s more. When advocates for palm oil did emerge in Dahomey, Ghezo was not one of them. In fact he directly opposed a shift in economy from slavery to palm oil. In 1848 he wrote a letter to Queen Victoria explicitly requesting that he be permitted to maintain his monopoly on the West African slave trade, and even asking the queen to prevent European traders visiting the ports of his rivals, explaining that he was concerned the trade was making them wealthy and enabling them to resist his authority.[12]
Not only that, he actively tried to suppress the palm oil trade of his neighbors. In this same letter requested the British remove all palm oil factories from neighboring regions, so that instead merchants would buy products from his own port at Ouidah, including of course slaves, explaining directly that this would increase his tax revenue. He also asked that the queen “send him some good Tower guns and blunderbusses, and plenty of them”, so that he could make war on his neighbors.[13]
In his 2020 article The Bight of Benin: Dahomey and the Dominance of Export Slavery, Angus Dalrymple-Smith explains that Ghezo actively rejected switching to the palm oil trade, writing “the state instead focused its efforts on military campaigns and reviving the slave trade”.[14]
By the 1830s, British efforts to shut down the slave trade were starting to interfere with Dahomey’s profits. In response, Dalrymple-Smith notes, “the Dahomeans responded by developing more elaborate strategies to avoid the British blockade”.[15] Ghezo was determined to preserve his kingdom’s main source of power and revenue, regardless of efforts to stop him.
During the 1840s Ghezo went so far as to send Queen Victoria a letter explaining that it was impossible for him to end the slave trade and replace it with the palm oil industry, firstly, he said, because it was in conflict with his people’s culture, and secondly, he said, because he would lose money. He wrote “At present my people are a warlike people and unaccustomed to agricultural pursuits. I should not be enabled to keep up my revenue were I at once to stop the slave trade”.[16]
Ghezo’s claim that he coud not create a palm oil industry to replace the slave trade because his people were “accustomed to agricultural pursuits”, was very obviously a complete fabrication and an empty excuse to defend his perpetuation of the slave trade. In case there is any doubt about this, it is demonstrated indisputably by the fact that Ghezo eventually realised he could earn money from both the slave trade and the palm oil trade at the same time.[17]
Consequently, Ghezo made a law requiring all palm oil plantations to pay him a special tax in the form of a percentage of the oil they produced, and also “declared the palm a sacred tree which it was forbidden to cut down”. This particularly shrewd act of ecological conservation ensured the tree would be preserved for economic exploitation.[18]
Now we must return to another awkward fact about Dahomehy’s palm plantations. Despite the movie’s heavy emphasis on Dahomey’s development of the palm oil industry as a replacement for the slave trade, it completely omits to mention the fact that Dahomey’s plantations used slaves. Although many of the farms were privately owned by Dahomey citizens, they used many slaves in their workforce. Not only that, but Ghezo permitted the Brazilian slave trader de Souza to operate his own palm oil plantations using slave labor.
First Ghezo made money from de Souza by selling him the slaves, then he made more money from de Souza by taking a percentage of the oil from de Souza’s plantations, and selling it to increase the royal income.[19] Ghezo was effectively profiting from the slave trade twice over; firstly by continuing to sell slaves, and secondly by taxing palm oil plantations which used slave labor. This particular stroke of economic genius is never mentioned in The Woman King.[20]
As if that wasn’t enough, in 1841 Ghezo also permitted the French Régis company to continue its clandestine involvement in the slave trade, and set up its own palm oil plantations using slaves. Ghezo earned large sums of money by taxing the palm oil production of de Souza and the Regis company, so he was literally profiting from their exploitation of the slaves they purchased from Dahomey and other enslavers.[21]
However, Ghezo didn’t stop there. Not content with earning money from the foreign slave traders by selling them slaves to work in their plantations and then taking a cut of their palm oil production, he also set up his own plantations, which of course also used slave labor. This led to an even greater use of slaves in Dahomey than ever before.
Soumoni writes that the loss of Dahomey’s access to the broader slave trade, especially the American slave market,“made for a more widespread exploitation of slave labour in the King's own palm plantations and in those of other royal dignitaries”. He attributes this directly to Ghezo’s actions, writing “the big palm oil boom in Dahomey was subsequent to the setting up of the Regis factory in which enterprise both Ghezo and de Souza played decisive roles”.[22]
Historian Patrick Manning explains that as a result of Ghezo’s desire to earn money from palm oil as well as slavery, “The slave-labor sector also expanded to meet the demand for palm products, probably at a greater rate than the commodity exchange sector”. He explains how the Dahomey monarchy, warlords, officials, and merchants, all became involved in establishing plantations, not only in Dahomey’s territory but also “around the major Yoruba cities”.[23]
These plantations often used Yoruba people as slaves. Having defeated the Yoruba kingdom and freed themselves from its system of tribute, Dahomey promptly turned around and enslaved the Yoruba. Although Dahomey’s palm oil plantations did use enslaved Dahomey people themselves, Dalrymple-Smith writes “foreign slaves were usually preferred, as their labor could be more intensively exploited than slaves who shared a common cultural/linguistic heritage with their masters”.[24]
He adds “male Yoruba slaves were among the first to be used to increase palm oil production, despite their unwillingness to be involved in what was considered ‘female work’”. He also explains that although this practice began in the 1840s, it was not widespread until the following decade.[25]
Naturally the Yoruba did not appreciate being enslaved in this way, and in 1855 there was a Yoruba slave revolt in the Dahomey city of Abhomey. However, it was quickly suppressed. Manning writes that this revolt “provides an indication of the scale of slavery and the severity of exploitation at that time”.[26]
The historical facts completely contradict The Woman King’s narrative. Ghezo was never convinced to replace slavery with palm oil production, since, as Dalrymple-Smith writes, “For the Dahomean monarchy and its elite supporters, palm oil was far less profitable than slave trading”.[27] Even though the production of palm oil used slaves, the process of producing and transporting the oil was labor and time intensive, making it much more lucrative and time efficient to simply sell the slaves in the first place.
Consequently, Dalrymple-Smith observes “from the seventeenth to the middle of the nineteenth century it was never in the interests of the elites to stimulate a non-slave export trade”. Again, this completely contradicts The Woman King’s presentation of Ghezo as a reluctant participant in the slave trade who was searching for an alternative source of revenue to replace it.[28]
Dalrymple-Smith further writes that Dahomey’s dedication to the slave trade “was strengthened by the development of an elite ideology that glorified war and opposed any other trade except in slaves”, adding that “This was strong enough to survive into the nineteenth century in spite of the general decline of the transatlantic slave trade”.[29]
This arrangement of effectively profiting twice over from the slave trade, firstly by selling slaves and secondly by using slave labor to produce palm oil, was so lucrative that many of Dahomey’s elites continued to resist ending slavery even as the transatlantic slave trade was dying out. Not only that, but after Ghezo’s death, according to Dalrymple-Smith, Glele, the next king of Dahomey “attempted to re-orientate the state back towards a slave raiding model”.[30]
So, far from the palm oil industry being the method by which Ghezo ended and replaced the slave trade, as The Woman King represents, instead it was a method by which Ghezo added to his already lucrative income from the slave trade, by exploiting not only his own palm oil slave laborers, but the slave laborers on the plantations of domestic and foreign palm oil producers. Once more we find the actual historical facts are radically different from the way they are presented in The Woman King.
Conclusion
The movie's director, Gina Prince-Blythewood, has attempted to defend the movie against charges of historical revisionism, insisting on its accuracy. In a later post, I'll address her comments.

I just wrote down my thoughts on the album after three full listens, and several more of some of the songs individually. Keep in mind, these are just my opinions, so in traditional internal fashion, you should read them as objective fact /s.
(But seriously, I would love to discuss this stuff so feel free to challenge my opinions)
Overall thoughts: It is a solid rock and roll album. There aren’t any bad songs on the album, and GVF is developing their sound nicely. As a whole, I like it a bit more than From the Fires.
Track by Track:
Age of Man - an amazing opener to the album, slowly building on itself to open the door to the album. And even as a stand-alone song, it’s damn good.
The Cold Wind - Definitely a good hard rock song, it feels incredibly reminiscent of the first few Rush albums (Self-Titled to Caress of Steel)
When the Curtain Falls - probably the heaviest song on the album, it was definitely the best choice to be the first promotional single, with its hard hitting riff, and screeching-high vocals.
Watching Over - This is a highlight on the album. It is very much an instance of GVF really showing their own sound, instead of just being more like Led Zeppelin with a new coat of paint. I love the weird sitar-esque sound of the guitar solos, and the lyrics are great.
Lover, Leaver - Greta Van Fleet is often compared to Led Zeppelin, and this song kinda shows why. I still love to listen to it. Not sure whether I like more it with or without the extension from ...(Taker, Believer). Your thoughts on this?
You’re The One - I rate this song with a “meh/10.” this is the only song on the album that I will be skipping upon future listens. It’s not terrible just, meh.
The New Day - Very 70s. Just, in general. Not a bad song, but not as good as some of the others. It’s
Mountain of the Sun - This song is great. It’s fun, has some awesome guitar work, and I don’t think it’s possible to listen to it and not smile, and want to dance. It’s just a feel-good song.
Brave New World - a very interesting song with some really good lyrics and vocals. It’s probably the most creative guitar line in the album. It very much feels like a closer as well
Anthem- a perfect closing track (technically) for this album. As opposed to the band’s previous double EP, From the Fires, which finished on a hard hitting, triumphant note with Black Smoke Rising, Anthem is a soft, mostly acoustic, thoughtful ending. Which works for the themes of the album.
Final thoughts: Anthem of the Peaceful Army is definitely a great addition to the band’s growing discography. After hearing From the Fires, I was really looking forward to seeing the direction that they would go next. They sound much less like a Led Zeppelin cover band this time around, and have really started to develop their own sound very well. My favorite songs on the album are Age of Man, Watching Over and Mountain of the Sun. I can only think of two complaints that I can make about the album. The first would have to be about the guitar solos (and to a certain extent, a lot of the guitar work on the album) - they’re pretty much all the same thing - a blues-y pentatonic scale in one position, which after a few bars, moves up several frets. It’s repetitive, but the solo works really well in all the songs. The other is about the order of the songs. I think that there could be a better way to order the songs so all the most similar songs aren’t right next to each other.
How I would order the tracks:

1. Age of Man
2. The Cold Wind
3. The New Day
4. Watching Over
5. Brave New World
6. When the Curtain Falls
7. You’re The One
8. Mountain of the Sun
9. Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)*
10. Anthem

*i think the full version works much better with this order than the single edit.
Once again, I look forward to seeing where they go next.
Greta Van Fleet: Anthem of the Peaceful Army - 8̶/̶1̶0̶ 6.6/10
What do you think of my review? Discuss
Edit: as I listen more, my opinion has unfortunately declined a bit. I don’t dislike it now, but I don’t see it as stellar as I did.

As usual, anything in brackets [] is my comment.
Judy Byington of Dinar Chronicles summarizes the current GREAT Current Reset goalposts. She even gives her sources. (Note the similarities to the; last 87865 goalpost announcements. Will probably be moved by the time I post this.)

• On On Tues. 6 Dec. a small amount of monies was set to be released to some in Tier 3, while a week later on Tues. 13 Dec. Tier 3 could be fully liquid. …a High Up Source.
  
• Redemption Centers should get notified tomorrow Wed. 6 Dec. on their schedules. …Bruce
  
• A German source said we should see the Iraqi Dinar International rate on the Forex after 12:01 am tonight. …Bruce
  
• Tier 4B should be notified to set appointments sometime on Wed. 7 Dec. for exchanges to begin on Thurs. 8 Dec. If we don’t get notified Wed. we should get notified Thurs and begin Thurs. …Bruce
  
• On Thurs. 8 Dec. is the date that all monies flow in to where they are supposed to be such as Bond Holders, Bond Sellers, Farm Accounts, CMKX, etc. …Bruce
  
• On Tues. 6 Dec. a small amount of monies was set to be released to some in Tier 3, while a week later on Tues. 13 Dec. Tier 3 could be fully liquid. …a High Up Source.
  
• Tier 4B could be notified of appointment setting at any time from now to Jan. 2023. …Dr. Tom
  

• [Source: absolutely guaranteed to be real JFK Jr. Telegram Channel] Tues. 6 Dec. Mission 1 Complete 7:15 pm EST
  
• [Source: Benjamin Fulford, conspiracy theorist based in Asia. Definite antisemite. Excerpts]
  

Lost tribes of Israel and space Nazis come out of closet as Satanic rule collapses. There can be no doubt the planet earth is going through changes that are beyond biblical in proportion. That is why an ancient secret society -with roots going back to the biblical Jacob in Egypt- as well as space Nazis on flying saucers are coming out of the closet. This is happening because an esoteric war that has been raging for thousands of years is coming to an end. What we are witnessing is an end to millennia of Satanic rule on this planet.
Let us start with events in China because they hold the key to so much else that is happening and is about to happen. China was touted by top Satanist Klaus Schwab Rothschild (Rothschild=red shield of satan) as the model for their digital human animal farm New World Order. he plan the Satanists had for this planet was to genetically modify every human into farm animal-type obedience, microchip their brains and control every aspect of their lives through constant, intrusive digital surveillance. In other words, literally, turn the planet into a giant human farm. [China implemented all this, blah, blah blah]
Well, the Satanists underestimated the Chinese. Chinese history shows that people will put up with a lot, but, when a certain point is reached, they simultaneously explode into rebellion. That is exactly what happened last week after Asian secret societies mobilized. First, top enforcer and former Chinese President Jiang Zemin died suddenly “after a long illness.” Following that, police and soldiers moved in and started dismantling PCR testing facilities and arresting the white-suited zombie enforcers.
The Asian secret societies are also aware the so-called pandemic was a combination of a 5G electromagnetic attack with the release of viruses by Rothschild-controlled laboratories in China. It is no coincidence that Klaus Schwab Rothschild was spotted at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Washington DC last week.

• [Source: Sorcha Faal. RationalWiki says "Sorcha Faal is the alleged author of an ongoing series of "reports" ...whose work is of such quality that even other conspiracy nutters don't think much of it."].

Putin And Dolly Parton Slap Down Satan As West Realizes Russia Will Never Run Out Of Ammunition. An intriguing new Security Council (SC) report circulating in the Kremlin today first noting President Putin signed into law a bill passed unanimously by the Russian Parliament completely banning LGBTQ propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations, gender reassignment and pedophilia on social networks, in the mass media, films and advertisements, says at near the exact same time this bill was signed into law yesterday, ...but joining President Putin to defend Christianity against socialist Western colonial demonic ideology, world-renowned American music legend Dolly Parton performed her hit song “Go to Hell” during a leftist NBC special programme, where she rebuked the Devil on prime-time television, proclaiming “Satan is real” and warning “He is trying to destroy everything good and beautiful”. [And a bunch of stuff about Western colonial bloodlust & Russia wonderfulness]

• [Latest from Real Raw News. RRN is 100% fiction, but many Qs believe it. Can't link to it, so here are excerpts.]

Inside Biden’s Billion Dollar, Drunken Gala Dinner [for French President Macron]. Thursday night’s liberal lollapalooza at Tyler Perry Studios’ “White House” was a farrago of drunkenness, paranoia, chicanery, pomposity, and alcohol-fueled rage toward Donald Trump and Elon Musk...Pelosi was tipsy when she arrived at the feast and sauntered to an open bar replete with scintillating bottles of pricey liquor–Clase Azul tequila, 50-year-old Appleton Estate Rum, Macallan Sherry Oak whiskey, and, to top it off, Chateau Margaux grand vin. Chilled decanters of 1959 Dom Perignon sat in ice buckets at every dinner table. As guests donned in tuxedos or ballroom gowns funneled inside the imitation White House, Pelosi lingered at the bar, heartily sampling various liquors while the bartender stared at her in dazed bewilderment...Meanwhile, Pelosi continued indulging in drink and, therefore, losing her inhibitions. At one point in the evening, she made a comment so cringeworthy that those within earshot feigned deafness or simply distanced themselves. Her speech slurred, she said she had “the best and biggest boobs in the House, better even than,” she added with distaste, “AOCs or MTGs.”...Later in the evening a splenetic, irascible Biden was overheard saying that “I need my candy,” after which his personal physician, Dr. Kevin O’Conner, escorted him from the banquet hall to a private room. Biden reappeared 20 minutes afterward, rejuvenated and refreshed, and loquaciously touted his “accomplishments” to rapturous applause. “Candy is Biden’s codeword for Adrenochrome,” our source said. “He was going downhill, so got his shot or infusion, then came back to serenade his sympathetic audience.
[As previously reported, Pelosi was arrested after the banquet & hauled off to Gitmo] AG sources told Real Raw News Saturday morning that Pelosi has been charged with multiple counts of treason and seditious conspiracy—coincidentally, perhaps, the very same charges she told the Department of Justice to level against Oath Keeper Stewart Rhodes, [also] The United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps has released the name of a Hollywood producer who was arrested after attending the criminal Biden regime’s banquet last Thursday evening. That person is Eli Roth, an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and actor whose name is synonymous with torture-porn: Roth is best known for directing the film Hostel, a ghoulish fright-fest in which attractive, scantily clad young women lure horny college boys to an industrial warehouse owned by a secret society...According to a military arrest warrant reviewed by RRN, Roth’s snuff flicks weren’t entirely fictional. The document alleges that Roth sought to make his films as realistic as possible; Before principal filming began on Hostel, Cabin Fever, and The Green Inferno, Roth rented property in Bilisht, Albania, and used his underworld connections to hire members of the Albanian mafia to torture and murder people in ways that would eventually appear in the films.

• [Source: AMG News which is becoming a rival to RRN. AMG's source is---Sorcha Faal!] The Ark of Gabriel: Unearthing an Ancient Secret Weapon – What Do the Russians, the Pope, and the Patriarch Kirill Have to Do With The Ark of Gabriel?

Not to be confused with the Ark of the Covenant, which houses the two stone slabs of the Ten Commandments, the Ark of Gabriel, which is not mentioned in the Christian Bible, is a mysterious device, a secret weapon that many people are only beginning to learn about. Its legend has been perpetuated by the havoc it has wreaked over the centuries, as well as its potential to be unleashed upon the world.
Wild rumours that a fabled device or weapon called the “Ark of Gabriel” has been found under the Masjid al-Haram Mosque – the holiest site in Islam – are sweeping across the darker corners of the internet.
Legend tells the Archangel Gabriel – who told the Virgin Mary she would give birth to Jesus and dictated the Koran to the Prophet Muhammed – also entrusted an ark or box of “immense power” to the founder of the Muslim faith.
Muhammed was told to bury the ark in a shrine at a “place of worship” – for it to be brought out as the end of the world approaches.
Paranoid survivalists believe Saudi Arabia has uncovered the ark during a major construction project at the Grand Mosque – and handed it to the Russians.
They claim the Russian military is taking the ark to the Antarctic – possibly to a former Nazi UFO base.
...[An] attempt to remove the ark on September 24 caused a massive “plasma emission” that resulted in more than 4,000 deaths – Sorcha Faal claims. More than 2,000 were indeed killed in Mecca on that date – but the deaths were blamed on a stampede during the Hajj pilgrimage...
On hearing the news, Russian president Vladimir Putin reportedly dispatched the naval research vessel Admiral Vladimisky to collect the ark from the Saudi port city of Jeddah – the gateway to Mecca – and take it to the Antarctic. Two Russian battle satellites were launched to protect the Admiral Vladimisky and its precious cargo and a fleet of Russian warships, a salvage tug and oil tanker – carrying out manoeuvres in the Indian Ocean – have been ordered to rendezvous with it.

In other news

• [Source: anonymous. Ellipses in original] Electric Cars Can Sterilize And Damage The Unborn?? Oh geez… did anyone do any testing on the electromagnetic fields of electric cars and human health? Well, there’s at least ONE study… yup… ONE. People… DNA is very sensitive and easily affected by EMF. One has to wonder if the push for electric cars, had something to do with depopulation… I wonder about these things… do you? Wanna wonder about something else? If graphene oxide and electric car combination is a recipe for early death!!
  
• [Source: anonymous, who provided no more details] The New Hybrid Humans Can Be Used As Local Wireless Networks – Gates Owns the Patent For Exclusive Rights Over Human Hybrid Bodies!! This Is NOT Science Fiction!!
  
• [Source: crackpot video I didn't watch] Real Reason Elon Musk Bought Twitter!! Elon Musk To Start Brain Chip Trials In Humans!! Chinese WeChat Is The Model!! The idea that he wants to emulate WeChat… which probably has something to do with the hellhole China has become… while people’s brains are hooked up to the grid… talk about the devil’s champion!
  
• [Source: crackpot video I didn't watch] Reptilian News Update! Elon Musk Working With Disguised Aliens! Giants In Statis On Earth!! Buried Upside Down Black Pyramid In Canada Older Than Egyptian Pyramids!! Great Lakes Underground ET Bases!! Magnetic Pole Shift!! "Grindal the reptilian channeled by Jim Charles at the weekly Hucolo Webinar, begins around 25:00 mark, and he covers a wide range of hot and hidden topics."
  
• [This picture has been widely shared as proof that the Army is allied with Q. It actually represents the patch the soldiers in this group wear. But, wait! There's more! It proves JFK Jr. is alive. There are a couple of comments in that Tweet, but this guy really nails it down.]
  

JFK Jr.: Most Convincing Photograph That He’s Still Alive And Is Q, Is This!! For me this is the most convincing photo proof that JFK Jr. is still alive. Notice a portion of the US military and others not in uniform… there’s the grey haired fella at the bottom of the Q wearing a dark suit… JFK Jr.? This is a photo of JFK Jr. with the Q team? Sure seems like it don’t it. This photo needs to be shared widely… it needs to be debated… it needs widespread presence on social media. Are we all in this together or what? I do believe so. It’s time we got more familiar with those protecting us.
The people in this photograph are the masterminds and higher levels of the greatest military intel drop in the history of the world, with the founder and original editor of George Magazine… who knew he would have to go away, to be part of the secret mission to not only save America, but also save humanity.

• [Source: Enlightened Contact with Extra Terrestrial Intelligence. Paraphrased.] The eruption of Mauna Loa is due to the Military slapping Pele in the face. (Pele is the goddess of fire & volcanos. In popular culture, she is supposed too be vengeful. In traditional beliefs, volcanic eruptions are for purifying & cleansing.) The government claims those structures on Mauna Loa are observatories, but they are really entrances to deep underground military bases (DUMBS). What's really happening--"[We] are well aware of what goes on in some of those deep underground facilities, things so decadent experiments beyond most people’s ability to comprehend. There are also, 'rumors' they are being destroyed, cleaned up, filled with sea water or lava, or blown up to put an end to the evil operations. Knowing this puts a whole new spin on what is unfolding. For all we know Pele just might be cleaning up all the desecration of sacred lands or a combination of both." Expect UFOs. They always show up around major eruptions.

Short note on Queen Romana. She has been under the weather, but treated herself with roasted garlic. She got better "after a visit from BLUE Light Beings/ Friends on her Temples" and has been photographed "out grocery shopping [in Newfoundland] and showing We The People that there is no food shortage." New convoy member Leona. Posting some hard core antisemitism from her followers, not to mention pro-Putin stuff. Also pics of "our Earth Alliance SSP - Solar Warden Space Fighter Crafts".