Self-Serving Justice

This is The World Today [View in browser](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsveGNhMXAwZnl5Zy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Self-Serving Justice [Share Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvb2hjNTB4Mjl2YS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [DailyChatter] [Listen to Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvYWE5NXl2d3dwNy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [DailyChatter] [Share Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvbDdxNmE4dGVzNC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [Listen to Today's Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdHFvOXJjdzc0Yy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) DailyChatter is an exclusive benefit for subscribers of The Charlotte Observer The Largest Daily Newsletter Devoted to World News Self-Serving Justice THE WORLD TODAY — Thursday, February 1, 2024 Self-Serving Justice Self-Serving Justice Need to Know Self-Serving Justice [Slovakia](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdW0wYnFpZzV2cC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Thousands of people [took](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvbWp5Z3NxYjYzdS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) to the streets in the Central European country of Slovakia late last week to protest criminal justice reforms proposed by the newly elected Prime Minister Robert Fico and his leftist populist allies. They chanted “Mafia, mafia … Fico mobster” and demanded his resignation – three months after he took office. Fico’s plan would eliminate the office of the national prosecutor, which litigates over graft, organized crime, and extremism. Under the proposal, [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvN2tmemN1ZTI2ci8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Reuters, regional prosecutors would handle those crimes even though they have not done so in 20 years. But critics say this plan will weaken and disrupt the legal system, especially because the office in question is still investigating around 1,000 cases, some of which likely involve Fico’s allies. The plan would also reduce corruption-related charges and shorten statutes of limitations that protect criminals after certain lengths of time have passed. The new government says the change is necessary to modernize the criminal justice system. Critics, however, say Fico and his allies are dangerous and corrupt. Many believe the critics have a point when it comes to Slovakia’s leader, who is deeply controversial both inside and outside of the country, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcTUzaGNiZTl0OC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) World Politics Review. For example, last week, he [said](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZHZqOWFnNTgyaS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) just hours after missiles rained down on the Ukrainian capital, “there’s no war in Kyiv.” It is Fico’s fourth stint as Slovakia’s leader, which followed his Smer party’s victory in the general election last fall. In 2018, he was ousted after the murder of an investigative journalist – who was also investigating Fico and other members of his circle – which brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets in protest. This case was among those probed by the special prosecutor’s office that the government wants to eliminate, Politico [noted](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvc3U4ZWx0aG56aS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). Before Fico’s return to power, his predecessor had led a purge of high-ranking officials close to Fico, who were charged with corruption or other crimes. But since the fall, some elite investigators and police officials who deal with top corruption cases have been dismissed or furloughed. Meanwhile, the protests, which started last year after the plan was first proposed, are likely to continue. “We’re not ready to give up,” [said](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvY25oMXB3azN3Ni8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Michal Å imecka, leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia political party, at one of the demonstrations against Fico’s proposal. “We will step up our pressure …We will defend justice and freedom in our country.” Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, who was a member of Progressive Slovakia but now occupies an office that is technically non-partisan and independent, urged Fico and lawmakers to reconsider their plan, saying it might violate the country’s constitution, [wrote](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdnN0ZjZmNjkwYS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) the Jurist. European Union officials and other observers also called for Fico to drop the initiative. The issue has become particularly important as Slovak voters prepare to vote for a new president to replace Čaputová, who opted not to run for reelection, on March 23. As Visegrad/Insight explained. Peter Pellegrini, the leader of the ruling coalition party, the center-left Hlas, is seeking the job. But, as a member of the coalition under Fico, Pellegrini faces a tough choice between embracing and distancing himself from the unpopular measure. Polls show that Pellegrini and his main rival, pro-Western former Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok, running neck and neck but without either securing more than 50 percent of the vote, a situation that could result in a runoff ballot in April. Meanwhile, the Slovak Spectator [says](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcjk3b2dkZmJhbC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) it’s unlikely the protesters or the opposition parties will stop Fico and his allies. But the newspaper adds that this doesn’t mean they don’t have the power to cause problems for the leader: The deadline to abolish the Special Prosecutor’s Office was Jan. 15 and yet it still stands. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvd2cyd2tzam85Zy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Self-Serving Justice Insightful analysis of world issues [DailyChatter is proud to bring you important news from around the world each day. When we need more in-depth coverage and analysis to better understand that news, we turn to our sister site, World Politics Review. WPR’s experts examine what’s most important in global affairs, and their original analysis thoughtfully and thoroughly considers how individual developments – often in countries and regions that are largely ignored by other outlets – fit into and shape larger global trends. Foreign policy professionals at top government, academic and private sector institutions around the world rely on WPR and now you can too. Like DailyChatter, WPR is guided by a commitment to integrity, quality, and intellectual honesty. Try it – we’re confident you’ll come to rely on it as much as we do.](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvYWUwYnAwZHBlZi8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [Exclusively for DailyChatter readers – get two weeks of World Politics Review absolutely free.](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcGp6aml5bjJlai8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Self-Serving Justice The World Briefly The Best Defense … The Best Defense … [Gaza](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvOWFsczJjeWQ4ci8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) / [Israel](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZ3U5ZGxyYXJ3cC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Israeli ministers and lawmakers attended a conference this week that called for the reestablishment of Israeli settlements and the relocation of the Palestinian population from the Gaza Strip, igniting condemnation and concerns from Israel’s international allies amid its ongoing war with Hamas, the Times of Israel [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvc2I2NTM2NWl0cy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). Thousands of people attended Sunday’s conference in Jerusalem, called “Victory of Israel Conference: Settlement Brings Security.” The event saw speeches from far-right leaders, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir who called for “encouraging voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from Gaza. Another minister, Shlomo Karhi, countered that the emigration need not be voluntary during wartime – referring to Israel’s current conflict with Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. The war broke out following a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups that killed more than 1,200 people and saw the kidnapping of more than 240 people. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the conference’s agenda is not part of the government’s policy, he did not condemn the attendance of the cabinet members which raised eyebrows within Israel and abroad. But ministers in the National Unity party – the center-right group that is part of Israel’s [emergency war cabinet](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvMTUyN2p1OTdrYi8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) – condemned the conference as divisive and harmful to the country’s war effort. Criticism also came from the United States, France and the United Kingdom over specific statements made by the senior officials involving the resettlement of Palestinians, and the countries urged the Israeli government to reprimand them. Analysts said the involvement of government officials in the conference appears to contradict the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice over Israel’s actions in Gaza, [according](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZDRtMjVwenc1ai8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) to the Guardian. Last week, the court mandated Israel to “take all measures within its power” to avoid acts of genocide in its war in Gaza, including the “prevention and punishment of genocidal rhetoric,” World Politics Review [added](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvaGRvdWZmemk4di8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvYjdrdDQxY2c0Yi8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Unlocking Power Unlocking Power [Northern Ireland](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvemRvbXN3OWw3eC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Northern Ireland’s largest British unionist party agreed to end a long-running boycott that left the region without a power-sharing government for two years and raised fears about stability in the once-restive territory, the Associated Press [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvYnFxd2IzbHp6OC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Jeffrey Donaldson announced Tuesday that the party’s executives supported proposals to return to a power-sharing administration with the Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein. The move could potentially pave the way for the restoration of the Belfast government within days. DUP walked out of the government in February 2022 amid disputes over new trade rules following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in 2020. Those rules imposed customs checks and other hurdles on goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. The checks were meant to keep the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland open – a crucial aspect of the Good Friday Agreement that ended decades of violence in the region. However, the DUP said the new customs border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK threatened its status within the union. The boycott left the region without a functioning administration, creating challenges for decision-making amidst rising living costs and strained public services. The decision to end the boycott follows months of inconclusive negotiations, as well as an ultimatum by the British central government to restore Northern Ireland’s legislature and local government or face new elections. In his announcement, Donaldson said the DUP reached a series of agreements with the government in London, including measures to “remove checks for goods moving within the UK and remaining in Northern Ireland and will end Northern Ireland automatically following future EU laws.” Even so, the DUP’s decision faced opposition from some hard-line unionists who fear compromising Northern Ireland’s status within the UK. Meanwhile, the recent development comes amid changes in Northern Ireland’s political landscape following the 2022 legislative elections that saw Sinn Fein win most seats in the region’s legislature. Sinn Fein’s President Mary Lou McDonald is set to become the region’s first minister, while the DUP will fill the post of deputy. McDonald called the potential appointment of Northern Ireland’s first nationalist leader “a moment of great significance” that will bring a united Ireland closer to being. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcmZwbmtrc2xuNy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Self-Serving Justice Self-Serving Justice ~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly9wYS5wdmQudG8vYy91dW1yM2E_ZW1haWw9NDUyMTExOSZkZXZpY2U9ZGVza3RvcCZ2PTAuMTQmY2FtcGFpZ25faWQ9ZHcwdW53c2NpZVcDc3BjQgplum95u2XUjSIbUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW44OUBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAFo~ Not Yet Crushed Not Yet Crushed [Pakistan](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvaDh6bzV3MXExNC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were jailed for 14 years on Wednesday on charges of corruption, the second sentence handed to the former prime minister in two days, the BBC [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvOGVmZHIydXk5by8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). A court had already sentenced the cricket star-turned-politician to 10 years in prison Tuesday on charges of exposing official secrets, the latest setback for the popular candidate in the run-up to elections next week, the Washington Post [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZXR6ZTFrMmh1dy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). Khan has been in jail since August when another court convicted him of corruption and sentenced him to three years in prison. Although that sentence was suspended, he remains jailed and continues to face other charges, including [violating](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvODRocDY3NW92Ny8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) marriage laws. The recent allegations revolved around Khan’s disclosure in early 2022 of a confidential diplomatic cable, in which the former prime minister claimed the United States was involved in attempts to remove him from power. In April 2022, lawmakers passed a no-confidence motion that ousted Khan from office. Even so, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party called the verdict a “sham” and said it would appeal it. The party also accused Pakistani authorities and the powerful military of deliberately rushing the sentencing to coincide with the most intense phase of campaigning ahead of the Feb. 8 general election. Before the ruling, Pakistan’s caretaker government implemented a series of measures restricting the PTI during its campaign, including a court order to remove the party’s recognizable cricket bat symbol from ballot papers. The government has defended its actions as legal and necessary to maintain stability Even so, analysts noted that efforts of the country’s ruling establishment have not dented Khan’s widespread popularity, warning that the recent conviction “could stoke unpredictable tensions.” With Khan barred from running, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appears most likely to become Pakistan’s next leader. Sharif was ousted in a military coup but returned in October from self-imposed exile in Britain after rebuilding trust with the army. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvbXp0ZGh3Znp1dy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Weekly Quiz Ukraine, Briefly Self-Serving Justice ~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RVaHR0cHM6Ly9wYS5wdmQudG8vYy9oZG5jbmg_ZW1haWw9NDUyMTExOSZkZXZpY2U9ZGVza3RvcCZ2PTAuMTQmY2FtcGFpZ25faWQ9ZHcwdW53c2NpZVcDc3BjQgplum95u2XUjSIbUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW44OUBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAFo~ A Shark Check Discoveries A Shark Check Artistic depictions and recent popular culture have described the megalodon shark as a leviathan-sized predator that terrorized Earth’s oceans tens of millions of years ago. But a new [study](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvb2h6NGI2N3Uwby8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) suggested it was nothing like the great white shark on steroids portrayed in the recent “The Meg” movie franchise, New Atlas [reported](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdWx1bDNtbjh4ei8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa). Co-author Mikael Siversson and his team highlighted discrepancies between the commonly accepted portrayal of megalodons and the actual evidence gleaned from fossilized remains. Because the ancient predator’s skeletal remains are made of cartilage there are scarcely any fossilized parts – except for a few vertebrae and their teeth – the latter about the size of an adult human hand. The only way scientists could estimate the creature’s size and shape is based on comparisons with living sharks, such as the great white, the team explained. For their research, they focused on a fossilized vertebral column discovered in Belgium, which provided valuable insights into the ancient shark’s anatomy. Using measurements from the spinal column and comparing them with data from great white sharks, researchers proposed that the megalodon’s size was around a little more than 30 feet. However, the actual length of the spinal column, measuring more than 36 feet, suggested that the extinct animal was likely longer and slenderer than the stockier great whites. Still, Siversson cautioned that the findings don’t reveal anything about other anatomical parts, such as the fins or tail. “Going forward, any meaningful discussion on the anatomy of this shark other than the size and robustness of the jaws would require the discovery of more-or-less complete skeletons,” he added. Correction: In Monday’s DISCOVERIES section, we said in our “State of Tun” item that scientists exposed tardigrades to high levels of oxygen peroxide. It is in fact hydrogen peroxide. We apologize for the error. [Share this story](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvOGltdmthenFpNC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Thank you for reading or listening to DailyChatter. Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated. Write to us at [editors@dailychatter.com](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvcXk4M2hmNzk1dS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) ~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvejNzeTBwMm04ei8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa [Subscriber today and get a free two week trial](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdDAxczZjYWJwZC8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [Students or faculty are eligible for a free subscription on us](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvdDc3ZWtiOTY2ZS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) ~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvMWxoMDZxOHdkYS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa Paid Subscribers [Contact Support](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvd3g1NzQxdGEweS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) | [Customer Portal](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsveGhseG9tMW5xMi8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [Advertise](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvaGd3YmJ6Y2FjZy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) | [Forward This Edition](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvbmxydHVuYTlodi8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) | [Unsubscribe](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RDaHR0cHM6Ly9yZWFkLmxldHRlcmhlYWQuZW1haWwvZGFpbHktY2hhdHRlci91bnN1YnNjcmliZT9pZD1ANDUyMTExOVcDc3BjQgplum95u2XUjSIbUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW44OUBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAFo~) Questions? Write to us at [hello@dailychatter.com](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RoaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvZ3M1dDBodnZtYy8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWUmbGhfZW09dHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODklNDBnbWFpbC5jb21XA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Designed by: [Rise](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0REaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvNmlqZjNvOXFmaS8_bGhfYWlkPTQ1MjExMTkmbGhfY2lkPWR3MHVud3NjaWVXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) [Unsubscribe from this list](~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0RWaHR0cHM6Ly9yZWFkLmxldHRlcmhlYWQuZW1haWwvZGFpbHktY2hhdHRlci1jaGFybG90dGUtb2JzZXJ2ZXIvdW5zdWJzY3JpYmU_aWQ9QDQ1MjExMTlXA3NwY0IKZbpvebtl1I0iG1IbdHJpc3RyYW1iYWxkd2luODlAZ21haWwuY29tWAQAAABa) Copyright © 2024 DailyChatter, All rights reserved. 32 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA 02110 ~/AASU4wA~/RgRnnf5vP0QiaHR0cHM6Ly9hLnBvc3QubGhkLmxpbmsvbmVwbm83czh5c1cDc3BjQgplum95u2XUjSIbUht0cmlzdHJhbWJhbGR3aW44OUBnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAFo~ Made with Letterhead [Letterhead logo]