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The divide deepened after China abstained from a U.S.-backed UN vote on a Trump-proposed Gaza plan. Critics point to Chinese firms aiding West Bank settlements and robust $16 billion annual trade, arguing it undercuts Beijing's anti-imperialist words amid over 55,000 Palestinian deaths. Defenders say demanding sanctions ignores China's neutral, economy-first approach, likening backlash to past ideological shifts. The online rift highlights tensions between rhetoric, trade pragmatism, and calls for boycotts.

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China calls loudly for a Gaza ceasefire while shipping $1.4 billion in goods to Israel last month alone. Now, left-leaning voices on X are fiercely debating if that's principled support or quiet complicity.

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Greg Ip explains how targeted price jumps in eggs, beef, housing, and more outstrip income gains, leaving first-time homebuyers and renters strained—half now spend over 30% of income on housing alone. Quick policy ideas like tariffs, rent controls, or rate cuts carry risks of recession or renewed inflation, he warns. Leaders like President Trump and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani highlight the issue, while many call for bold changes from market shifts to reforms ending the Fed or curbing investor home buys.

Key Takeaway

Families feel the pinch from higher housing, groceries, and everyday bills, even as wages slowly rise and inflation eases. A top economist asks if real relief is possible without bigger problems down the road.

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Forty-four Democratic representatives, led by Pramila Jayapal and Greg Casar, sent a December 3 letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding Global Magnitsky sanctions, visa bans, and asset freezes on senior Pakistani officials. They cite transnational repression against US critics like Noorani and musician Salman Ahmad, whose family faced abductions, plus demands for Imran Khan's release from Adiala Jail where he has been held since 2023. The letter questions US ties with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir amid rigged 2024 elections and abuses against opposition, journalists, and minorities. Pakistani-Americans voice strong support for ending military influence.

Key Takeaway

Journalist Ahmed Noorani's brothers were dragged from their home, beaten, and held for over a month after his report exposed military corruption. This personal ordeal highlights the threats reaching US soil from Pakistan's crackdown.

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In a Church Times interview following his recent West Bank visit, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell described Israeli military actions in Gaza as deliberately indiscriminate and genocidal acts, while labeling the West Bank a regime of apartheid and ethnic cleansing through settler expansion. He emphasized that his criticism targets state policies, not Judaism or Jewish people, and supports Church divestment from occupation-enabling companies. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis rebuked the remarks as irresponsible and morally inverted, planning a personal letter to Cottrell amid growing divides among UK faith leaders over the Gaza conflict now in its second year.

Key Takeaway

After witnessing settler violence in the West Bank, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell has accused Israel of genocidal acts in Gaza and apartheid in the occupied territories.

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The Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, linked to home invasions, gang clashes, extortion, and drugs across Latin America, has built a small network in Utah's Salt Lake and Utah counties. Chief of Investigations Tanner Jensen says they number only in the dozens and won't dominate local crime, but their violent tactics raise concerns. No new orders to target police have hit Utah, though officials track the group closely and urge residents to report tips. Governor Spencer Cox launched a 2024 deportation effort against criminal migrants after the gang appeared.

Key Takeaway

Law enforcement in Salt Lake City spots dozens of Tren de Aragua members turning up in street crimes and violence, a trend that started in early 2024.

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The post from Against Atheism echoed a classic moral argument, suggesting objective good and evil require a divine lawgiver like God. Critics countered that atheism only means no belief in gods and pointed to human biology, society, or even biblical stories like the flood as sources of morality without divinity. Defenders built fuller logical cases for a transcendent moral foundation, while others raised the problem of evil and suffering. The back-and-forth, now over 360 replies, reveals enduring questions about right, wrong, and life's purpose.

Key Takeaway

Early Thursday, a straightforward claim landed: Evil exists. Good exists. Therefore, atheism is false. It pulled in voices from all sides, ready to unpack the logic.

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The Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artist, son of Fela Kuti and leader of Egypt 80, argued that real prayer means taking action to solve problems, since divine will is set anyway. He dismissed rituals like bowing heads or speaking in tongues as 'eye service' with no effect. Shared widely online, his comments drew sharp divides—some defended faith as life's savior, others backed his push for self-reliance amid Nigeria's economic struggles.

Key Takeaway

In a candid TikTok live clip, Seun Kuti told a fan straight up: 'I've never prayed before in my life. Praying is childish. It doesn't work.' His words cut deep in religious Nigeria on Christmas Eve.

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At the Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly in Washington, D.C., Senator Ted Cruz argued that the $3.8 billion in annual military aid to Israel targets shared enemies like Hamas and Hezbollah, saving U.S. lives and costs while benefiting American defense firms. He highlighted Israel's Mossad providing critical intelligence to Washington and noted post-October 7, 2023, additional aid exceeding $14 billion amid regional conflicts. Cruz warned of declining support for Israel among young Republicans influenced by social media, citing GOP tensions between traditional hawks and an isolationist 'America First' wave.

Key Takeaway

Senator Ted Cruz slammed U.S. aid to Israel as a mere 'pittance' that delivers priceless intelligence and security gains for America.

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Joseph Muztich posted Quran 19:30, where Jesus speaks from the cradle declaring himself a servant and prophet of Allah, overlaid on a sunset cross image. Frank Turek responded by questioning Jesus as the exclusive way to heaven, drawing defenses rooted in John 14:6 and Christian teachings on his divinity and resurrection. Replies highlighted divides: Muslims honor Jesus as prophet Isa born to the Virgin Mary who performed miracles but deny his divinity or crucifixion, while Christians see him as God incarnate who died for sins. The exchange, with thousands of views near Christmas, reflected shared reverence amid deep theological differences.

Key Takeaway

A Quran quote showing Jesus humbly calling himself God's servant sparked quick pushback from a Christian defender asking why Jesus is the only path to heaven.

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The October 2025 poll of nearly 3,000 people found 37 percent of 'Current GOP' members—Trump voters and Republicans—viewing the Holocaust as greatly exaggerated or not as historians describe, 36 percent doubting the Apollo 11 moon landing, and 41 percent suspecting U.S. government involvement in 9/11. These views concentrate among younger 'New Entrant Republicans,' often former Democrats or first-time GOP supporters since 2020, with higher rates among Black and Hispanic respondents compared to whites. Regular church attendance strongly predicts rejection of antisemitic attitudes, while 17 percent of Republicans hold such views, similar to Democrats; most say openly antisemitic people should not be welcome in party ranks.

Key Takeaway

A recent survey uncovers surprising beliefs held by a notable share of Trump 2024 voters and registered Republicans. Majorities reject the ideas, but minorities embrace them in striking numbers.

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Nigerian worship leader Dunsin Oyekan launched 'Amen (Live)' at midnight on January 1, featuring Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The nine-minute song blends bold declarations from Numbers 6 and Ephesians 3:20 with Adeboye's heartfelt prayer for promotion, protection, prosperity, and greatness over listeners' lives. Fans are streaming it widely on Spotify and Apple Music, calling it prophetic and perfect for the new year, with a music video set for YouTube later today.

Key Takeaway

Pastor Adeboye wondered if his part was good enough, and Dunsin Oyekan assured him, 'Daddy, even if you coughed in it, it’s a blessing already.' That warm exchange sets the tone for their powerful new worship track.

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The parade returned after three years, featuring air shows and cultural performances to commemorate the 1878 unification of Qatar's tribes under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. Sheikh Tamim extended warm greetings for security and prosperity, while world leaders like UAE's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif sent messages praising strong ties and shared progress. The holiday, official since 2007, highlights Qatar National Vision 2030 amid fireworks and festivities across Doha.

Key Takeaway

Crowds lined the Doha Corniche, waving maroon and white flags as military formations marched and aircraft soared overhead. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani joined the celebration, honoring a legacy of unity and progress.

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The October 2025 poll of nearly 3,000 people found 37 percent of 'Current GOP' members—Trump voters and Republicans—viewing the Holocaust as greatly exaggerated or not as historians describe, 36 percent doubting the Apollo 11 moon landing, and 41 percent suspecting U.S. government involvement in 9/11. These views concentrate among younger 'New Entrant Republicans,' often former Democrats or first-time GOP supporters since 2020, with higher rates among Black and Hispanic respondents compared to whites. Regular church attendance strongly predicts rejection of antisemitic attitudes, while 17 percent of Republicans hold such views, similar to Democrats; most say openly antisemitic people should not be welcome in party ranks.

Key Takeaway

A recent survey uncovers surprising beliefs held by a notable share of Trump 2024 voters and registered Republicans. Majorities reject the ideas, but minorities embrace them in striking numbers.

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The parade returned after three years, featuring air shows and cultural performances to commemorate the 1878 unification of Qatar's tribes under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. Sheikh Tamim extended warm greetings for security and prosperity, while world leaders like UAE's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif sent messages praising strong ties and shared progress. The holiday, official since 2007, highlights Qatar National Vision 2030 amid fireworks and festivities across Doha.

Key Takeaway

Crowds lined the Doha Corniche, waving maroon and white flags as military formations marched and aircraft soared overhead. His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani joined the celebration, honoring a legacy of unity and progress.

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The ban covers Amritsar's walled city, Talwandi Sabo, and Sri Anandpur Sahib—homes to three key Sikh Takhts like the Akal Takht and Golden Temple. Announced on Sunday after a Punjab Assembly resolution and official notification on December 15, the measure prohibits sales of meat, tobacco, alcohol, and intoxicants to preserve sanctity. Mann promised strict enforcement alongside upgrades to public transport and civic facilities, though some worry about lost revenue and cultural food traditions like butter chicken.

Key Takeaway

At a solemn event honoring Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stepped up to protect sacred spaces with a firm ban on meat, alcohol, and tobacco sales.

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Protests swept major Iranian cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad after the currency plunged to 1.42 million rials per dollar, with inflation over 42% and food prices up 70%. Bazaars shut down, crowds chanted against the dictator and for the exiled Reza Pahlavi, facing tear gas and gunfire in places like Hamadan. Israel's Mossad posted support from its Farsi X account, sparking talk of agents on the ground, while critics worry it might undermine the movement; the unrest is Iran's largest in three years amid sanctions and mismanagement.

Key Takeaway

As the Iranian rial hit a record low, Mossad made a rare public plea in Farsi: 'Let's come out to the streets together. We are with you in the field.'

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Late Monday, the former middleweight champion posted about the challenge of selecting one religion, caricaturing each while arguing the universe points to intelligent design by God. He called scriptures a tough sell since they're written long after humans appeared 300,000 years ago, yet if forced to choose, Christianity feels more like a way of life. Replies poured in with defenses of various faiths, historical corrections noting Judaism as the oldest monotheistic tradition, and jabs at atheists or rival beliefs, blending conviction, facts, and humor.

Key Takeaway

Sean Strickland, the unfiltered UFC fighter, shared his honest struggle: he leans toward Christianity but wonders how anyone picks between faiths like Judaism, Islam, or others.

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