Living a longer and healthier life is frequently linked to practices like eating well and exercising regularly. Following multiple trips to the "Blue Zones" by a group of scientists and specialists headed by American researcher Dan Buettner, it was concluded that the key to good health and long life includes factors like "regular physical activity in daily tasks, and predominantly incorporating plant-based foods into diets".

Following data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in late 2021 revealing a "decline in life expectancy in the US to 76.4 years," Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurosurgeon and creator of the Preventive Healthcare and Anti-Aging Center in Florida, emphasized the message "Good health is a priority at any age".

In an interview with Fox News, Osborn explained that he strives to promote the slogan by assisting individuals in reaching a healthy weight, embracing improved health practices, and lowering the likelihood of chronic illnesses like obesity and diabetes.

Five habits you should do every day to live longer:

Osborn discusses 5 daily habits suggested for achieving a longer and healthier life, with a certification from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

1- Assuming complete responsibility for your health

 Osborn advises keeping a close eye on our bodies "for any early warning signs that could endanger our lives", and cautions against waiting a year for a medical check-up as it could be "a fatal error, with procrastination and neglect potentially leading to death due to significant deterioration within a year or two".

 Osborn highlights that the majority of individuals do not take initiative in identifying potential health risks independently, instead opting to wait until they are compelled to see a doctor or turning to the internet for health information.

He stresses the significance of consistently tuning into the body, "to examine for any potential causes of life-threatening illnesses, instead of solely depending on the doctor". He reiterates his advice by stating that doctors cannot predict all early risk factors to prevent heart attacks or strokes, as these diseases silently harm our bodies until they cause death unnoticed due to symptom unawareness.

Osborn confirms that recognizing risk factors is the initial step in preserving life and lowering the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Stating that conducting lab readings is necessary to accurately detect any internal body changes, as it is extremely difficult to do so without them.

2- Important screenings to take seriously:  

Osborn recommends five blood tests to detect age-related diseases.

These tests include lipid analysis, which helps determine the ratio of "good" cholesterol to "bad" cholesterol, especially for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease or stroke. Reactive protein C analysis is crucial for those with high levels of reactive protein C, as it is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and blood lipid disorders. Homocysteine analysis is important for a range of diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, Alzheimer's, and osteoporosis. Hemoglobin A1c analysis measures blood sugar control over weeks or months, and vitamin D3 analysis is essential for detecting strokes, diabetes, Alzheimer's, coronary artery disease, and cancer. These tests are essential to prevent unexpected health issues and ensure overall well-being.

3- Consume essential dietary supplements

 Osborne recommends a range of dietary supplements that he considers no less important than proper nutrition and physical fitness; in terms of improving health, helping to perform strenuous tasks, and reducing age-related diseases. These include omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract, vitamin D3, curcumin, a vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, and probiotics.

4- Mental training consistency

Osborne tells us that "learning on the job or critical thinking and engaging in mental challenges and physical exercises; can form neural pathways in the brain and literally reshape it," which helps "maintain brain activity, reduce inflammation, and prevent age-related diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's." He adds that "there is evidence that increased blood flow to the brain during exercise can produce new nerve cells in the brain, enhancing cognitive learning and memory capacities," and learning a new skill can also "charge" the brain.

5- Strict control of sugar levels

Osborne explains that the glycemic index, which measures the sugar content in our food "is a way to assess the impact of what we eat on blood sugar and insulin, and through it, hidden sugars can be discovered and avoided." For example, this index is 23 in beans, 7 in peanuts, and 89 in white rice; "and the sweeter the food, the higher the glycemic index value." Therefore, Osborne explains that "strict control of blood sugar levels is achieved through consuming low glycemic index foods, a fat-free body mass, and daily exercise." Additionally, "consuming vegetables daily and consuming carbohydrates with a low glycemic index makes weight loss easier and has longevity effects."

 

In precisely half a year, Americans will participate in the upcoming elections on November 5th to elect either Joe Biden from the Democratic Party or Donald Trump from the Republican Party as their president.

The most senior presidential contenders ever in the U.S. are competing while Trump faces legal issues, the country deals with its worst inflation in four decades, Washington is tested by the Ukraine conflict, and university turmoil over the Gaza war reaches unprecedented levels. The country of Vietnam.

In an article for The Sunday Times, Gerald Sieb, who is a visiting fellow at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas in the United States, suggested that the unpredictable nature of the electoral process could be attributed to the "toxic" conditions. He posed 6 questions that he believes will have a significant impact on the election results. Regarding the outcome.

1- Who will benefit from the economic situation?

In US presidential elections, the economic factor typically takes precedence over all other factors, particularly for the current officeholder. According to typical standards, the US economy is performing positively.

Even though economic growth has slowed down, it remains strong with stock markets growing by over 10% in the past year, aligning with Biden's goals. According to Seb, the situation doesn't appear like that.

The article's author believes this is due to high inflation in the last three years, which may have now stabilized, stating that the primary goal of the Biden campaign is to persuade voters of the strong state of the economy.

 2- Is there a high likelihood of minorities and young people engaging in voting significantly?

The author stated that Democrats have traditionally depended on the strong backing of minority voters and young people in recent years, however, this is now uncertain.

He stated that Trump's Republican Party saw improvements in support from black and Latino working-class voters, particularly among men, as shown in polls.

This poses a concern for Democrats as there are signs that young voters lack enthusiasm for getting involved in this year's elections. If things keep going this way, Biden could receive a deadly blow.

However, voters have a tendency to rebound closer to the election, meaning Republican satisfaction with these signs may not last long.

3- What consequences will Trump face for his legal issues?

No major party candidate has ever faced criminal charges in court before.

Seib points out that Trump is currently dealing with a unique situation, as he is now confronted with a total of 91 criminal accusations across 4 distinct indictments. These charges range from manipulating business records to conceal illegal payments to a pornographic actress, to the more severe accusation of attempting to invalidate his defeat in the 2020 elections.

Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that these allegations will be legally resolved prior to the upcoming elections.

According to the poll results, it seems that certain Trump supporters who are considered on the outskirts may be unwilling to vote for a criminal.

4- Which candidate will demonstrate the impacts of getting older?

According to the writer, it is an undeniable fact that both candidates are elderly. Both of them are quite aged and exhibit signs of getting older. During his trial, Trump would occasionally doze off while hearing the arguments and questioning, and at election rallies he would sometimes mumble incoherently.

When it comes to Biden, he appears to have trouble speaking without stuttering and frequently becomes distracted, causing him to forget the ideas he is trying to convey.

Yet, the critical determinant will be if any of the contenders experience a health decline before the election. However, Biden might be able to persuade voters that his older age equates to increased wisdom.

It is uncertain if his participation in the election will attract votes away from Biden or Trump.

5- Can the unaffiliated candidate serve as the deciding factor?

Robert Kennedy, a possible independent candidate and member of the renowned Democratic Kennedy family, could prove to be an unexpected advantage.

It is uncertain if his participation in the election will take votes away from either Biden or Trump.

6-Which states are crucial in determining the outcome of the race?

According to Gerald Sieb's article, the outcome of this year's elections will be determined by just 7 states; Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada.

The first four states on this list are expected to play a key role in the upcoming elections and in determining the occupant of the White House.

 

  • Over forty individuals arrested for spying on Palestinian activists in Turkey.
  • Recruitment process involved social media ads and communication via apps.
  • Money sent to network members outside Turkey via intermediaries or cryptocurrencies.
  • Mossad trained agents outside Turkey on lie detector tests and secret communication.
  • Tasks included video and photography work, GPS installation, assault, blackmailing, spreading false news, creating foreigner databases, smuggling, and emergency preparedness.
  • Turkey urges Israel to prevent illegal activities and reminds Israel of security agreements against targeting on Turkish soil.
  • Arrests may also, target Iran, as Turkey accuses Iran of assassinating opponents on Turkish soil.

Recently, Turkey has announced that they arrested over forty people who were working for the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. These people were recruited to spy on and kidnap Palestinian activists living in Turkey and their families. This is a big deal because Turkey and Israel have been trying to improve their relationship since the end of 2022.

The Intelligence Report

Before we dive into the messages behind these arrests, let's take a look at the intelligence report that was released. It gives us some insight into how this spy network operated.

Recruitment

The report says that Mossad recruited these people by posting ads on social media or chat groups. They would then communicate with the people who responded to these ads through apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. These agents were then tasked with recruiting others and gathering information about Palestinians living in Turkey and their families.

Finance

The report also mentions how Mossad sent money to the network members. They would either deliver the money outside of Turkey, using special bags to hide it, or they would use intermediaries or cryptocurrencies to avoid detection by Turkish security.

Training

Mossad would meet with its agents outside of Turkey to train them. They would stay in fancy hotels and eat at luxury restaurants to avoid being monitored. During these trips, the agents would undergo lie detector tests and receive training on secret communication and encryption.

Assigning Tasks

The recruits had various tasks, including video and photography work, installing GPS devices in targets' cars, assaulting and blackmailing targets, spreading false news online, and creating databases of foreigners in Turkey. They were also involved in smuggling people and goods across borders and preparing ambulances for emergencies.

Ankara's Messages

What are the messages that Turkey wanted to send through these arrests?

Turkish intelligence released this report after arresting the members of the spy network. They wanted to show Israel that they won't tolerate any illegal activities happening on their territory. A Turkish intelligence official said that they strongly encourage all parties involved to avoid similar activities in the future.

Turkey also wants to remind Israel that even though they have security agreements, it doesn't mean they can target anyone on Turkish soil, especially Palestinians. In the past, there have been cases where Israeli intelligence tried to carry out assassinations in Turkey, which is against the agreements they made.

These messages from Turkey might not only be for Israel but also for Iran. Turkey has accused Iran of assassinating opponents of their regime on Turkish soil before. With tensions rising between Iran and Israel, Turkey wants to make sure their land isn't used for settling scores between these two countries.

It's important to note that on the same day Turkey announced the spy network arrests, Israel assassinated a Hamas leader in Lebanon. This shows that Turkey's security measures were necessary and shouldn't be taken lightly.

In conclusion, Turkey arrested a spy network working for Israel, and they wanted to send some important messages through these arrests. They want to make sure that no illegal activities happen on their soil and remind Israel and Iran about their agreements. It's interesting to see how countries communicate with each other, even through actions like these arrests.

 

  • Born in 1937, Khaled Nizar was a significant military and political figure in Algeria.
  • Nizar played a crucial role in shaping Algeria's political landscape during the "Black Decade" in the 1990s.
  • In 1990, Nizar was appointed as the Minister of Defense, marking his first high-level managerial position.
  • He was accused of being a spy working for France and setting up detention centers in the desert.
  • In 1993, Nizar survived a failed assassination attempt and gradually distanced himself from politics.
  • Internal and external parties held Nizar responsible for the bloodshed that plagued Algeria in the 1990s.
  • In October 2012, he was arrested by Swiss authorities on charges of committing crimes against humanity during the dark decade.
  • On July 31, 2012, the Federal Criminal Court in Switzerland revoked Nizar's diplomatic immunity, paving the way for his trial in Switzerland.
  • However, the judiciary eventually dropped the charges against Nizar, leading to his return to Algeria in December 2020.

The Rise of Khaled Nizar

Khaled Nizar, born in 1937, was an influential military and political figure in Algeria. He played a crucial role in shaping the country's political landscape, especially during the "Black Decade" in the 1990s. This period was marked by state violence and bombings against Islamists, the majority of Aljerians

Nizar was known by various nicknames, such as "the maker of presidents," "the father of the crutch," and "the architect of the black decade." These names reflected his significant impact on Algerian politics during that time.

Despite facing international prosecutions for charges related to murder and torture against Aljerians, Nizar remained free until his passing.

His father in the Occupying Army

Khaled Nizar was born in the village of Suriana in eastern Algeria in 1937. His father, Rahal Nizar, served as a sergeant in the French army. After leaving the military, he worked as a nurse without a formal degree.

Graduated From a French Military School

At the age of eight, Nizar began his education in a village school, where he learned the Qur'an and the Latin alphabet. He later attended the "Soldiers' Sons" school in Miliana and graduated from the French Military School Saint-Mixon in 1957.

Instead of continuing his career in the French army, Nizar joined the Algerian National Liberation Army in 1958. Some suspicions arose due to his late involvement in the revolution, but he proved his dedication and military expertise.

A Remarkable Military Journey

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, Nizar's military training and experience with the revolutionaries propelled him through the ranks. President Houari Boumediene sought his assistance in the Algerian Ministry of Defense, leading to rapid promotions.

In 1978, Nizar became the commander of the Fifth Military District in eastern Algeria. He later served as the commander of the Algerian Land Army and deputy chief of staff of the army. These positions made him one of the most influential decision-makers in the country.

The events of October 5, 1988, which resulted from deteriorating living conditions and economic collapse, further elevated Nizar's responsibilities. President Chadli Bendjedid entrusted him with maintaining control over the Algerian street.

A Politician in Uniform

In 1990, Nizar was appointed as the Minister of Defense, marking his first high-level managerial position. When the Islamic Salvation Front party won the legislative elections in 1991, Nizar announced the cessation of the electoral process.

Supported by influential factions in power, Nizar devised a plan to reject the results of the elections and convince President Bendjedid to halt the process. However, Bendjedid's sudden resignation in January 1992 sparked controversy, as it occurred just before the second round of elections.

Following Bendjedid's resignation, Nizar became a member of the Supreme Council of State, which appointed Mohamed Boudiaf as the president. Nizar served in this position until the council's term ended, and he resigned from the Algerian Ministry of Defense in July 1993.

Khaled Nizar's legacy remains a subject of debate, with his role in Algeria's history during the "Black Decade" leaving a lasting impact on the country.

The Black Times

Khaled Nizar is a name that became synonymous with the events that unfolded in Algeria in 1988. During this time, live bullets were used against demonstrators, resulting in the tragic loss of over 600 lives. These events marked the beginning of what is now known as the "Black Decade."

Accusations and Resignation

After the resignation of President Chadli Benjedid and his support for halting the electoral process, Khaled Nizar, who was the Minister of Defense at the time, faced increased charges. Some accused him of being a spy working for France, a claim he vehemently denied. Additionally, he was accused of setting up detention centers in the desert, where individuals suspected of having ties to the Islamic Salvation Front were transferred.

Assassination Attempt and Withdrawal

In 1993, Khaled Nizar survived a failed assassination attempt. This incident led him to gradually distance himself from politics. Eventually, he withdrew from political life altogether when Liamine Zeroual assumed power in 1994. Nizar then ventured into the business world and founded an Internet services company in 2000, along with his sons, with a capital of $6 million Algerian dinars.

Responsible For Bloodshed

Internal and external parties held Khaled Nizar responsible for the bloodshed that plagued Algeria in the 1990s. Some soldiers who fled the country revealed the army's involvement in massacres against Islamist families, which were falsely attributed to "extremist elements." In 2001 and 2002, the French judiciary sought to arrest Nizar on charges related to torture or covering it up during his tenure as Minister of Defense. However,  he managed to leave Paris before his arrest.

Arrest and Release

In October 2012, Khaled Nizar was arrested by Swiss authorities on charges of committing crimes against humanity during the dark decade, a period in which more than 250,000 Algerians lost their lives or went missing. However, he was released after the Algerian Foreign Ministry intervened and a petition signed by 177 activists, politicians, and journalists called for his release. Nizar pledged to cooperate with the Swiss judiciary during the investigation.

Revoked Immunity and Allegations

On July 31, 2012, the Federal Criminal Court in Switzerland revoked Khaled Nizar's diplomatic immunity, paving the way for his trial in Switzerland. Following the outbreak of the Algerian movement on February 22, 2019, Nizar was accused by the late Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah, of collaborating with Said, the brother of the late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to undermine the Algerian movement. However, these allegations were not proven in court.

Charges Dropped and Return!

The judiciary eventually dropped the charges against Khaled Nizar, leading to his return to Algeria in December 2020 after the departure of Gaid Salah.

 

The Current Situation

The year 2024 brings exceptional and unprecedented circumstances for Palestine. The war on Gaza, known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, carried out by the military arm of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades, has been dominating the region since October 7.

This is the most violent confrontation the Palestinian resistance has faced in Gaza since Hamas took control in 2007. The repercussions of this war will create a new reality for the Palestinian issue, the Gaza Strip, and even impact the Israeli and Palestinian political scenes.

A New Stage

On October 7, the Palestinian resistance in Gaza launched a well-organized attack on Israeli military, security, and intelligence sites and settlements. This attack resulted in the Israeli occupation army's "Gaza Division" being taken out of service. The resistance also captured several soldiers, officers, and civilians, some of whom were later released in a partial exchange deal.

With this attack, the resistance has shown that it will no longer tolerate Israel's control over the Gaza Strip. They have set a new path to confront Israel's violations in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza.

Israel Impossible Goals

Israel's goal of eliminating Hamas and dismantling its capabilities seems doubtful. Hamas has deep roots in the Palestinian situation, especially in Gaza, where they have been in control for 17 years. Israel's lack of clear criteria to measure the achievement of this goal raises further doubts.

Real Challenges

Hamas continues to carry out operations against the Israeli occupation army, proving their ability to challenge Israel's control. The recovery of prisoners also poses a challenge, as Hamas has announced a cessation of exchanges.

The Day After the War

After the war, Israel faces another challenge. Proposals for the presence of peacekeeping forces or intervention forces to maintain stability in Gaza seem difficult to implement. If Israel refuses to withdraw from Gaza, it may find itself entangled in the region without any support.

Choosing to remain an occupying force will not be easy for Israel, as the Palestinian resistance can continue fighting with simple means, inflicting losses on the Israeli occupation army, especially in urban areas with widespread popular support. 

A New Approach

The Biden administration is proposing a "renewed" Palestinian Authority to govern the Gaza Strip after the war. However, this idea faces challenges because many people in Gaza reject this authority and its symbols. Additionally, the Netanyahu government and the extreme right-wing movement within it also oppose this option. They want to eliminate the Palestinian issue altogether and even have plans to annex the West Bank and displace Palestinians from their homes.

The Reality of the Situation

Israel cannot realistically reoccupy the Gaza Strip and endure a prolonged war there. Eventually, they will have to withdraw, but not before causing destruction and reimposing a siege on Gaza. This leaves the Palestinians with the option of continuing their resistance to regain their position through the Hamas movement.

Implications for the Region

The return of the Palestinian issue and the ongoing confrontation in Palestine will create a new reality in the region. It will bring about changes in security and politics, shifting the focus from integrating Israel into the regional system to a more fragile and volatile environment.

Security Challenges

The recent events have led to a new security and strategic concept for Israel. They now face security challenges from groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Ansar Allah in Yemen, and armed factions loyal to Iran in Syria and Iraq. This requires Israel and the United States to adopt new security approaches.

Arab Reaction

The war on Gaza has also affected the Arab world. Many people see the official Arab position as incapable of confronting Israeli aggression and not providing enough support to the Palestinians in Gaza. This may lead to popular reactions in the Arab world, similar to what happened after the 2008-2009 war.

Uncertain Future

The region, which the United States aimed to stabilize and promote cooperation among its allies, now faces a completely different situation in 2024. This opens the door to potential military and political escalation, as well as social transformations.

The Impact on the United States

As the United States enters a decisive election year, the situation in the Middle East will have a significant impact on its results. The outcome of the war and its aftermath will shape the political landscape and influence the decisions made by the American people.