As quickly as today’s news becomes yesterday’s, it’s just as quickly forgotten altogether. A flood in Pakistan or a journalist murdered by Israeli snipers is news for a day or two, but our attention is short, and there’s a lot going on.
Yesterday, the family of slain Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh visited the International Criminal Court to submit a formal complaint. The statement released by the family calls on the international community to investigate Israel's killing of Shireen, and to deliver accountability and justice where others have failed. Numerous investigations, including by the Israeli military, have concluded that Abu Akleh was shot and killed by an Israeli sniper, yet no sense of accountability exists.
“There must be consequences when a military kills civilians— if not, it affords Israel’s military, and any other military, the impunity to do this once again. No other Palestinian, American, or journalist’s family should have to endure what ours has. We’re pursuing accountability to make sure that this is the case.”
-Abu Akleh family statement to the International Criminal Court
As unlikely as it seems that the US or the Hague will punish Israeli officers in any way (extremely unlikely, bordering impossible), it’s equally important to identify and acknowledge when our tax dollars are directly upholding apartheid and oppression.
Side Items
Escalations in Ukraine: Vladimir Putin announced plans to partially mobilize the Russian citizenry earlier today, contributing to fears that the war is far from over. Meanwhile, outlets like the Wall Street Journal are publishing puff pieces on the Ukrainian soldiers and civilians fighting back. Verrry interesting to see how the coverage of Ukrainians battling for their home is different from coverage of young Palestinians killed trying to protect their home
Protests in Iran: Demonstrations have continued in response to the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by morality police for "unsuitable attire" last week. Iranian authorities say three people have been killed during continued unrest over Amini’s death in police custody. The protests have taken aim at numerous issues including rights, security and an economy suffering from international sanctions
Science Rules: Hot off the presses, we have the latest publication from Dr. Samuel Resnick, renowned gummy worm consumer and medical researcher. In this paper, the good doctor and his colleagues investigate and identify mechanisms and modulators of proteotoxicity in neurodegeneration. But don’t take my word for it, download the paper, exercise your mind, and let’s help a young king win his first Nobel Prize