Winter is Coming

In a surprising move, U.S. officials confirm North Korean troops have entered Russia to help fight Ukraine. Reports indicate at least 3,000 soldiers have been stationed in Russia's Far East. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III called the escalation "very, very serious." Their exact role remains unclear, but some believe they are training for deployment on the front lines.

This unprecedented collaboration raises concerns about North Korea's ambitions and potential military technology gains from Russia. Asia and Europe are paying close attention to Kim Jong-un's use of the war in Ukraine to break out of geopolitical isolation. As the world awaits the end of this new chapter, it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

Cold Reality

Gaza's overcrowded camps become even more unbearable as winter comes. Tents that barely stand the summer heat now face relentless rain and wind. Families displaced multiple times by the war are living in makeshift shelters made from flour sacks or plastic sheeting.

This winter feels especially harsh for people as they struggle to find necessities like blankets and winter clothes, now considered luxuries. Survival has become a daily battle for many because of soaring prices.

Aid organizations report that more than a million Gazans need shelter materials before the cold months arrive. Due to airstrikes and blockades, families face a harsh winter without essential supplies like tents and blankets.

Bonus: Live updates on the Middle East crisis.

Unfinished Business

TUSAS, Turkey's largest defense firm, was attacked yesterday. Two attackers, a man and a woman, carried out the attack, allegedly associated with the PKK, a group that has been engaged in a brutal conflict with Turkey for decades. They stormed the facility, killing five innocent people and injuring over a dozen others.

It’s tragic but sadly not entirely surprising. The attack comes a day after political talk surfaced about possibly releasing the PKK's imprisoned leader if the group halted its insurgency. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe it’s a sign that there are those who don’t want peace. It's clear that the situation is escalating, and Turkey responded swiftly, launching airstrikes in Iraq and Syria just hours later.

Cost of Hope

Imagine signing up for a drug trial for Alzheimer's, hoping for a breakthrough, but being kept from critical information. That's what happened to hundreds of volunteers, including 79-year-old Genevieve Lane, who died after severe brain injuries. Her doctors knew the risks, but they did not tell her.

In trials for drugs like Leqembi, patients who were genetically prone to bleeding and swelling of the brain were tested. The catch? Despite higher risks, those patients weren't told their genetic results.

Experts are questioning the ethics of this secrecy. Shouldn't patients know all the risks before participating in something so dangerous? For some, hope became a hidden hazard.

Brain Drain or Gain?

Looking for the best place to kickstart your career after graduation? You’re not alone. Countries compete for top talent worldwide; the latest rankings tell an interesting story.

Portugal has become a magnet for young professionals over the last decade, with its skilled workforce potentially increasing by 120%. In contrast, the U.S. bureaucracy still holds back skilled workers, with many waiting years to get a work visa.

In the meantime, Canada and Australia continue to lead, thanks to booming job markets and high living standards. Germany's complicated visa process and high living costs have pushed it down the list.

With countries like Italy and Greece gaining ground, the talent race is fiercer than ever. So, if you're wondering where the brightest minds in the world are heading, here is your answer.

💡 Core Wisdom

📸 Lens to Life

Photographing the Microscopic: Nikon Small World 2024 Award Winners

🧮 Core Count: 7,000

In tons, the US destroys worn-out dollars each year.

🗓️ Flashback:

1929 - "Black Thursday" started a stock market crash.

2008 - In a "Bloody Friday," most indices dropped around 10%, the worst decline ever.

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

Fatih Taskiran