Throne Toppled

Good morning, Core family!

It's time to get to the heart of the daily grind. Today's headlines will challenge some assumptions, brighten corners, and maybe even nudge your perspective off its usual path. Ready to see what’s out there? Let’s jump in.

Let's simplify today's world for you:

Less than a day after we noted how shaky Bashar al-Assad’s throne looked, here we are: Assad’s regime has collapsed, and he’s reportedly fled the country as rebel forces marched into Damascus with stunning speed. Russia has granted Assad political asylum in Moscow.

Just last week, it seemed impossible that nearly 50 years of Assad family rule would unravel so fast. Syrian state TV is now airing statements from opposition fighters, jails are opening, and people are celebrating in the streets—cautiously.

What comes next is uncertain. A new chapter begins for Syria after so many years of brutal civil war, shifting alliances, and foreign influences. It's all about building something new and protecting state institutions. Assad’s longtime backers—Iran, Russia, Hezbollah—are suddenly off-balance. And us? We marvel at the breakneck pace of history: one day, I am writing about regime change; the next, we're watching it unfold in real-time.

Fragile Freedoms

Democracy feels a bit wobbly as the year winds down. Korea flirts with martial law, Romania calls for a rerun, France topples, and the U.S. still addresses democratic cracks. If you’re wondering how shaky things are, Bloomberg's "Democratic Erosion Index" measures voter trust, executive overreach, media suppression, and more.

It’s a sobering scorecard. In the "watch your step" list, countries we consider stable—such as South Korea—are outranked by fragile countries. The takeaway: Democracy isn’t some unbreakable contract we signed generations ago—it’s something we must keep defending daily.

Even old democratic systems can tilt alarmingly fast when trust erodes, and guardrails weaken in Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Perhaps it's time to remember that the "government of the people" doesn't sustain itself.

Who Runs the Wallet?

Once upon a time, serious money was kept behind old boys' club doors. Not anymore. Wealth management and even philanthropy are undergoing some of the biggest power shifts ever witnessed due to women worldwide.

Check the numbers: By 2030, US women will control $34 trillion in investable assets, nearly double what they held last year. It's driven by Baby Boomer women outliving their husbands, more lucrative careers, and sometimes hefty divorce settlements (looking at you, MacKenzie Scott!). It's not just about numbers—these women are less interested in flashy stock picks and are looking for transparent advice, personal connections, and investments that align with their values.

We're talking about an evolving financial landscape with more money flowing into charities and social causes. Of course, old barriers remain—pay gaps, boardrooms still short on female execs—but the tide is turning. There's more to this than pretty brochures. It's time to adapt, evolve, and recognize that women are the future of finance.

Landmark’s Revenge

If you've heard every possible bizarre crime story, try this: Two men are accused of chopping down a famous, centuries-old sycamore tree along Hadrian's Wall. Thousands of stories have been inscribed on Sycamore Gap (first kisses, wedding proposals, you name it).

Valued at almost $800,000, the tree’s sudden overnight demise last year sent shockwaves through Britain. Locals and tourists were outraged. The prosecution accuses these two men of cutting down the legendary sycamore and damaging the ancient Roman wall.

It's unclear why or how they did it at this point in the trial. Meanwhile, saplings have already sprouted at the Sycamore Gap site, offering hope that nature will yet redeem this act. In fact, this case serves as a reminder: even something as unassuming as a solitary tree can spark uproar and heartbreak.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Magnificent close-up photograph of a whale’s eye.

🧮 Core Count: 13

Bill Gates began programming computers at this age.

🗓️ Flashback:

1968 - During "The Mother of All Demos," Douglas Engelbart demonstrated NLS (oN-Line system) to a live audience in San Francisco. It shows mouse, word processing, Windows, hypertext links, video conferencing, and real-time collaboration for the first time.

1987 - The First Intifada begins in the Gaza Strip.

1992 - The separation of Charles III and Diana was announced.

1992 - In Mogadishu, Somalia, US Marines and allied nations launched an amphibious and airborne operation to restore order.

I'm glad we could get together here. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Fatih Taskiran