PNUT GALLERY
The Pnut caters for all moods, especially on a Monday. If you want to laugh, if you want to be moved, if you want to read about a major bankruptcy…failing that then submit your application for GOP nomination.
IN A NUTSHELL: MUST READ
Afghanistan: Because Things Can Always Be Worse
An apparent US airstrike in Kunduz, Afghanistan hit a Doctors Without Borders hospital, killing at least 19 people, including 12 staff members and seven patients. The strike, referred to as “collateral damage” by the US military, happened as Afghan forces were trying to take back the city of Kunduz which was captured by the Taliban (that group America was supposed to get rid of). This makes things particularly awkward for the US as it chastises Russia for bombing rebels in Syria.
Republicans Enjoy Infighting As Much As Partisan Fighting
The race to succeed John Boehner as Speaker of the House in Congress became (slightly) more interesting yesterday when Jason Chaffetz entered the race, challenging the previous favorite Kevin McCarthy. Chaffetz said that he could unite the party and has credibility with the conservative fringe (people Boehner called “false profits”). The vote is expected to happen on Thursday and could ensure Congress continues its stellar record of accomplishing nothing.
NUTS AND BOLTS: SHOULD READ
Syria: ‘My Coalition Is Bigger Than Your Coalition’
The competing American and Russian-led coalitions verbally sparred over the weekend, debating whose coalition was bigger and who had the better strategy for Syria. Obama said that Russia was headed into a “quagmire” while Russia continued bombing ISIS and other anti-Assad groups.The US is preparing a major ground assault on ISIS as the two coalitions keep inching closer and closer to each other.
 Pnut’s Guide To A Mideast Proxy War
Portugal Elections: Moderately Interesting… Not Even
Portugal’s incumbent centre-right coalition finished far ahead of its socialist rival in Sunday’s vote. Portugal (the P in the PIGS) has largely avoided the far-left and far-right populist movements that have dogged the rest of Europe and given us such gems as Yanis Varoufakis (Greece) and Pablo Iglesias (Spain). PM Pedro Passos Coelho lost his parliamentary majority but vowed to continue his austerity agenda.
Catholic Church Adapting To The Modern World… Except Not Really
A Polish priest who served with the Vatican’s doctrinal arm has been relieved of his duties after announcing he is gay. Monsignor Krzysztof Charamsa said that his announcement was intended to apply “good Christian pressure” the day before the Synod (a big meeting of Catholic leaders). A Vatican spokesperson said that it was unhelpful to apply “undue media pressure.”
Keeping Our Eye On…
- Kyrgyzstan Elections: Parliamentary elections took place yesterday in the tiny nation that we bet you can’t locate on a map. Pro-Russian parties dominated after President Atambayev promising a clean election (wink wink).
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- French Riviera: A region known more for its beautiful weather, massive yachts and helipads has been hit with flooding. At least 17 people have been confirmed dead with up to seven inches of rain in three hours.
- UK Politics: Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron kicked off his party’s annual conference in the face of protests at health reforms, welfare cuts and European uncertainty. This comes just one week after unconfirmed allegations about the Prime Minister at university.
LOOSE NUTS: FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT
You Have A Three-Star Personality
Worried about your credit or Uber rating? Those concerns just got a lot worse with a new app called Peeple that allows individuals to rate users on professional, romantic and personal attributes. Are you a terrible person? Do you find all interaction with the opposite sex horrific? This app is about to make your life a lot worse. After a vicious backlash, the co-founder said that it aims to create a “village of positivity.” If by village you mean a place inhabited entirely by trolls, cyber-bullies and more trolls… we don’t want to live in that village.
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