Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/brics-halts-expansion-fbi-withholds-assassination-records/
Geopolitics & Economics
The BRICS bloc, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE as of January 1, 2024. Although Saudi Arabia has been invited and participated in meetings, it has not formalized its membership. Ahead of the annual BRICS Summit in October in Kazan, anticipations for further expansion were high. However, the bloc has decided to suspend its strategic expansion goals, despite interest from over 40 countries, including Malaysia. This decision, announced by Russia, reflects a shift in focus from rapid expansion to internal consolidation and strategic alignment. The BRICS members are now prioritizing quality over quantity, aiming to strengthen ties among existing members and fully integrate the newly admitted states. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the pause will allow BRICS to develop a clear model for partner countries, which will serve as a stepping stone towards full membership. This model is expected to be shared during the 2024 Summit in Kazan. The pause will enable BRICS to focus on its core goals: sustainable development, security, and economic growth. It will also allow the bloc to address internal differences and align on political positions, ensuring a stronger and more cohesive alliance.
Politics
In the US, watchdog group Judicial Watch has accused the FBI of hiding records related to an alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The FBI cited FOIA exemption 7(A) to protect ongoing enforcement proceedings, leaving questions about the delay in neutralizing Crooks unanswered. Judicial Watch sent an FOIA request on July 26 asking the FBI to produce all relevant documents pertaining to its preparation and coordination with the Secret Service for Trump’s rally. However, the group has been stonewalled by the FBI. Senator Ron Johnson, who chairs the committee overseeing the investigation, has expressed distrust in the FBI’s ability to conduct an honest investigation. The situation has raised concerns about the FBI’s transparency and the handling of the incident.
In the UK, the government has introduced new measures that have sparked significant debate. Recently, they have been emptying prisons of serious criminals to make room for individuals posting hate speech on social media. A new terror law has been introduced, treating misogyny as extremism on par with terrorism. This law emerged after a university lecturer’s poor performance at the Olympics led to online ridicule, which the government now labels as misogyny. Critics argue that this is an overreach and question the validity of claims about rising online misogyny. Additionally, the UK is facing prison overcrowding, leading to the early release of thousands of prisoners. This situation is exacerbated by recent riots, resulting in over 1,000 arrests and hundreds of charges. The government has activated emergency measures, including keeping defendants in police cells due to lack of prison space. Critics highlight the inconsistency in resource allocation, noting that while funds are scarce for domestic issues, significant amounts are sent abroad, such as to Ukraine. The early release scheme aims to reduce the prison population by 5,500, but this raises concerns about public safety and the justice system’s integrity. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments expected throughout the week.
Health
A recent South Korean study published in Nature Communications has reported significant risks associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The study, which followed nearly 4.5 million people for an average of 15 months, found a 620% increase in myocarditis and a 175% increase in pericarditis compared to historical controls. Additionally, there was a 62% increased risk for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and lesser risks for several autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and bullous pemphigoid (BP). Despite these findings, the study’s authors suggested that booster vaccinations should continue, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring to detect and manage emerging risks. The study also highlighted gender-specific risks, noting that women are nearly twice as likely to develop myocarditis as men. Researchers called for further investigation into the association between mRNA vaccines and autoimmune connective tissue diseases, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring.
Sources
BRICS Hits Pause on Expansion: Strategic Realignment Amid Global Shifts
the BRICS block announced its decision to suspend its strategic expansion goals
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Watchdog Group Accuses FBI of Concealing Records on Trump Assassination Attempt
“Why is the FBI hiding records on its and the Secret Service’s failures to protect Trump?” asked Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Korean Study Reveals 620% Increased Myocarditis Risk Post-mRNA COVID Vaccination
A large-scale peer-reviewed South Korean study has found significantly increased risks of serious cardiac and neurological conditions following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, and lesser risks of several autoimmune diseases.
Source | Submitted by PhilH
UK Government’s New Terror Law: Criticizing Olympic Breakdancer Now Extremism
This is now to be treated as extremism on the same par as terrorist activities.
Source | Submitted by Shplad