All posts by Intellicurious

News, Views and Reviews for the Intellectually Curious

News: Russia-Ukraine War At Turning Point, Israel Continuing Isolation

Monocle Radion (December 17, 2024): As reports emerge of significant losses to North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, we assess whether the war between Moscow and Kyiv is at a turning point. Then: Israel’s isolationism continues as it shutters its Dublin embassy.

Plus: transport changes in London, fashion news, ‘Forbes’ magazine opens a private-members’ club and we remember India’s legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

The Wall Street Journal —-December 17, 2024—-

Image

Syria’s Aspiring Leader Promises Reform—in Due Time

Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani positioned himself as a statesman who can unite Syria, in a meeting with foreign journalists in Damascus.

Why Musk Doesn’t Have Access to SpaceX’s Biggest Government Secrets

The rocket company’s executives haven’t sought a higher security clearance for its CEO to avoid questions about his drug use and contact with foreign officials. The answers might no longer matter.

Apollo CEO’s Flirtation With Politics Brings New Urgency to Succession Planning

Marc Rowan is one of the few private-equity chiefs who hasn’t clearly designated an heir apparent.

National Geographic Magazine – January 2025

National Geographic (December 16, 2024): The latest issue features….

Finding The Endurance

On the hunt for Shackleton’s lost ship

The Ancient Art of Tea

A journey to the mountain forests of China

Saving New Zealand’s Birds

Inside one of the world’s boldest conservation plans

Secrets of Arctic Caves

Searching for climate clues in Greenland

Time-Lapse Travel: ‘Alaska – The Final Frontier’ (2024)

Little Big World (December 16, 2024): Alaska is the largest and northernmost state in the USA. It’s also my new favorite place in the US so far.

have been there a while back for a documentary shoot and extended my stay for a bit to collect some material for this epiosde. Unfortunately the wheather was not too great for a large amount of the time there, but I guess that’s part of the deal in Alaska… Either way, enjoy this trip though amazing glaciers, beautiful vilages and breathtaking sceneries. A time-lapse & tilt-shift & aerial video by Joerg Daiber

The New Yorker Magazine – December 23, 2024 Issue

A detective investigates a word search.

The New Yorker Magazine (December 16, 2024): Kate Beaton’s “A Murder Mystery” – Take a closer look at the cover of the annual Cartoons & Puzzles Issue.

Syria After Assad

The scramble is on to define the future of Syria, quickly, to avert a war even more divisive than the conflict that has riven the nation for thirteen years. By Robin Wright

The Secret History of Risotto

The dish is governed by a set of laws that are rooted in tradition, rich in common sense, and aching to be broken or bent. By Anthony Lane

Brady Corbet’s Outsider American Epic

“The Brutalist,” the director’s nearly four-hour study of immigration, identity, and marriage, flowed from his own struggle to create art without compromise. “You really have to dare to suck to transcend,” he said. By Alexandra Schwartz

News: German Chancellor No-Confidence Vote, Iran Isolated As Turkey Gains

Monocle Radio Podcast (December 16, 2024): German chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to lose a no-confidence motion set for today. What will that mean for Germany and the world as yet another nation faces a governmental crisis?

Plus: the latest from Israel, a look at the political situation in South Korea, the protests in Serbia and we meet Austrian singer Sofie Royer.

The New York Times —- Monday, December 16, 2024

Image

How Will the Rebels Rule Syria? Their Past Offers Clues.

The Islamist rebels who ousted Syria’s dictator ran a pragmatic and disciplined administration in the territory they controlled. They also jailed their critics.

The Alienation of Jaime Cachua

His friends and family members in Rome, Ga., voted to support mass deportation. Now he’s scrambling to stay in the country.

Kennedy’s Lawyer Has Asked the F.D.A. to Revoke Approval of the Polio Vaccine

Aaron Siri, who specializes in vaccine lawsuits, has been at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s side reviewing candidates for top jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Security Strategy of Recruiting Cheap Militiamen Backfires in Africa

By arming civilians who are poorly trained and have little to no respect for human rights, the military in Burkina Faso has brought the West African nation to the brink of civil war.

Sunday Morning: Stories From London And Tokyo

Monocle on Sunday (December 15, 2024): Nina dos Santos and Andrew Tuck join Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, to discuss the week’s key topics in this festive programme from Monocle’s Christmas market in London. Plus: a chat with Fiona Wilson, Monocle’s Tokyo bureau chief.

The New York Times — Sunday, December 15, 2024

Image

Syria Shudders as Assad’s Prison Atrocities Come Into the Light

At the country’s most notorious prison, Syrians confront their worst fears: that they will never know what happened to the loved ones who disappeared.

South Korea’s President Is Impeached After Martial Law Crisis

Some members of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s own party helped remove him from office. But the political uncertainty is far from over.

What Ever Happened to the Lady Jaguars?

When we met them a dozen years ago, they were teenagers in trouble, playing for a basketball team that always lost. Did they find a way to win at life?

Gas Could Mean Billions for Indigenous People in Canada. Some Fear a Cost.

New export terminals along the rugged Pacific coastline have reignited a generations-old debate over identity and environmental stewardship.