Flyer Blog

Introduction When you think of a pipeline, it might not seem like a symbol of geopolitical tension. Yet, there is a pipeline connecting two Israeli cities that once represented cooperation between Israel and Iran. In the 1970s, this pipeline was a joint venture for transporting crude oil through Israel to Europe, showcasing a period of cooperation that is now a distant memory. Today, the relationship between Israel and Iran is vastly different. Let’s explore the intricate and evolving conflict between these two significant Middle Eastern powers.  Historical Context Israel and Iran: A Shift from Allies to Adversaries After Israel declared independence in 1948, Iran was one of the first Muslim-majority countries to recognize the new state. This period of cooperation lasted until the Iranian Revolution in 1979, which overthrew the Western-backed Shah regime. The new Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, viewed Israel as part of the "West" implanted in the Middle E...

  Introduction Did you catch the latest from Freedom House on internet freedom? They rank countries every year, and guess who’s dead last? Yep, China. They’ve got this infamous Great Firewall that’s like the ultimate boss of internet censorship. It’s pretty wild how they can control what everyone sees and does online. The Great Firewall: What’s Blocked? China’s Great Firewall is like this massive digital bouncer that keeps a ton of stuff out.  It’s crazy how extensive it is. I mean, all those big Western social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Google and YouTube? Blocked. They’re like, "Sorry, party’s over." And it’s not just social media—it’s like a whole laundry list. Porn sites, gambling sites, major news outlets like BBC and New York Times? Nope, can’t see those either. They’ve even blocked Amazon and Discord. It’s pretty thorough. But hey, here’s the kicker—if you’re curious whether a specific site is banned or not, there’s actually a handy web...

Navigating the geographical and political landscape of the British Isles can be confusing, especially when terms like " Ireland ," " Northern Ireland ," " Great Britain ," and " the United Kingdom " are often used interchangeably but refer to distinct entities. To clear up this confusion, let's dive into the specifics and understand why calling Ireland part of England is not just incorrect but also a sensitive issue, particularly for people in the Republic of Ireland. The British Isles: A Geographical Perspective Firstly, let's look at the term " British Isles ." Geographically, this term refers to a group of islands off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, including: Great Britain : The largest island, comprising England, Scotland, and Wales. Ireland : The second largest island, which includes the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Other smaller island s: Including the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Orkney, Shet...