opinion
Opinion pieces from the left, right, and everyone in between.
Romanian Democracy Under Siege
Romania's recent political turmoil represents a stark example of establishment resistance to democratic change. The unprecedented annulment of presidential elections and subsequent targeting of nationalist candidates has raised serious questions about the health of Romania's democracy. This analysis offers a counter-perspective to Politico's recent article, "The shadowy warlord behind Romania's wrecked election," by examining the constitutional crisis through a different lens: one that prioritizes electoral sovereignty and questions the narrative of foreign interference.
By The INFORMER8 months ago in The Swamp
The Bondi Stabbings: how misogyny motivated a psychotic attack. Content Warning.
The Sydney Bondi Westfield shopping mall is one I know extremely well as I live ten minutes away. I would end up in there for an hour or two each week because my physiotherapist is nearby. Since my partner and I sustained life-changing injuries in a fatal tour bus crash, I would, after physio, as my partner had her treatment, walk slowly and cautiously around the mall. I suffer PTSD from the crash; so, crowds and crowded places, loud noise, are enough to cause a panic attack. Slowly, unknowingly, this shopping mall became a safe space for me. I would shuffle around, buy Pokémon cards, Squishmallows to rest my broken back on, and the occasional coffee and cookie combination. I made friends with a few of the store workers. The injuries from the crash left me socially isolated, I can’t do what I did before, I have chronic pain: the crash was life-changing. It is odd to say, but on reflection, the shopping mall became a haven for me; a place to get a little treat after painful physio sessions. On Saturday, 13 April 2024, when I heard the news of the murders, I had a devastating panic attack.
By Josh Clements8 months ago in The Swamp
Dirty Dollar
The dollar was crisp, clean, and new—but it smelled of blood, secrets, and silence. New York City, 2023. In the heart of Wall Street, a young financial analyst named Ethan Cole stumbled across something he wasn’t supposed to see. It was just another Tuesday—a blur of screens, coffee, and numbers—until a hidden file named "Project Babylon" landed accidentally in his inbox. One click, and his life changed forever.
By USAMA KHAN8 months ago in The Swamp
Had no Words
Think about a time you witnessed something breathtakingly beautiful. Perhaps the sun setting over the Indus River, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and soft whispers of violet. Or maybe the first time you held a newborn, their tiny hand gripping your finger with surprising strength. In those moments, did you immediately find the perfect phrase to capture the sheer wonder that washed over you? Chances are, you didn't. You might have just stood there, gazing, a lump forming in your throat, your mind swirling with emotions too big for simple sentences. That's the essence of "had no words."
By Urooj Khan8 months ago in The Swamp
Male 'Heroes' Are Just Janitors Cleaning Up Other Men's Messes.
Name one war started because a woman was "too emotional." Go ahead, I'll wait. You can't name a single one. But you could easily list dozens started by men's wounded pride, fragile egos, and emotional outbursts disguised as political strategy - from World War I (sparked by wounded male honor after an assassination) to the genocide in Rwanda (fueled by male leaders' tribal insecurities). The pattern is undeniable: when men's emotions run hot, people die. When women get emotional, we're told to calm down.
By Amanda Ngcobo8 months ago in The Swamp
Flying Palace or Political Turbulence?
Air Force One's Alternative ‘Flying Palace’: The Qatari ‘Gift’ That Could Land Trump in Trouble The recent discussions between the White House and Qatar’s royal family have focused on a luxury jumbo jet. This lavish aircraft might be handed over for use as Air Force One by the President of the United States.
By Ikram Ullah9 months ago in The Swamp
Maverick Aoko: Education, Biography, Age, Real Name, Net Worth & More
Maverick Aoko isn’t your typical online commentator. Loud, unfiltered, and unapologetically bold, she’s made a name for herself in Kenya’s digital and political spaces with her razor-sharp takes and fearless opinions.
By Marveline Merab9 months ago in The Swamp
Kasmuel McOure: Biography, Real Name, Tribe, Age, Parents & More
Kasmuel McOure has become one of the most talked-about young personalities in Kenya—known for his sharp wit, bold opinions, and viral presence both online and on stage. Whether he's trending for a skit, a sermon, or stirring up conversation on TikTok, Kasmuel continues to captivate audiences across the country.
By Marveline Merab9 months ago in The Swamp
When Terrorists Get a Makeover: What Are We Really Applauding?
There was a time - not too long ago - when the mere mention of Abu Mohammad al-Jawlani sent chills through intelligence agencies and conflict analysts across the globe. As the commander of Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaeda-linked faction, he orchestrated some of the most violent and destabilizing attacks in the Syrian civil war. His name wasn’t just feared - it was a symbol of extremism, often topping international watch-lists. Governments branded him a priority threat to peace, stability and humanity at large.
By Dr Husain Shabbar9 months ago in The Swamp
How China Got Benefit from Pakistan and India Conflict
In a dramatic turn of events during a recent India-Pakistan conflict, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly downed a French-made Rafale fighter jet using the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by China and Pakistan. Though official confirmation is still pending, the symbolic value of this event is already resonating across global defense and strategic communities.
By Zakir Ullah9 months ago in The Swamp
