Author: Trinidad Deiros

From the diaspora to within the country, Iranian social networks buzzed with memes following the announcement of President Ebrahim Raisi’s helicopter disappearance. Users expressed joy, sharing videos of dancing and toasting, some with ironic hashtags like “#Iranishappy.” However, some tweets took a somber turn, remembering the victims of the regime’s brutal crackdown on protests, where hundreds died in 2022. With Raisi’s unexpected death, the regime faces new elections amidst high abstention rates and internal power struggles. In a system where democracy is a facade, low voter turnout serves as a citizen’s protest. The regime, now facing uncertainty without Raisi, must…

A United Nations assessment on January 6, 2024, concluded that there is “no safe place” in Gaza, including Rafah, despite being designated as a “safe zone” by Israel. The looming threat of an Israeli invasion into Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced Gazans currently reside, has sparked fear of a humanitarian catastrophe. The Israeli government’s decision to invade Rafah stems from the breakdown in ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, culminating in deadly attacks and hostage situations. What consequences could this invasion have? The invasion of Rafah could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis in the densely populated area, affecting the already fragile…