Iraqis Take On ISIS, Libertarians Take On Trump

PNUT GALLERY

Originally an ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis has been the namesake of academies, boutiques and cats. Here’s what happened to them after al-Daesh, aka ISIS, went and ruined the name for everyone. 

IN A NUTSHELL: MUST READ

Iraq Thinks Now Is A Good Time To Win Fallujah From ISIS

After weeks of encircling the city, Iraqi troops launched an assault on the Islamic State early on Monday in hopes to regain Fallujah, which fell to ISIS in 2014. With US-led airstrikes as back up, Iraqi commanders will lead a multi-pronged attack that has been in the works for months. Thousands of special forces – from Shia militias to Sunni tribal fighters – are part of the offensive, which Prime Minister al-Abadi said would be “a moment of great victory.”

So, is now really a good time?

ISIS suffered major land loss in Iraq this year, and Iraqi leadership believes they can now take advantage of the terrorist group’s sapped strength in the region. It won’t be easy though. There are still an estimated 1,200 ISIS fighters within the city and at least 50,000 civilians trapped inside. ISIS also launched attacks on three districts of Baghdad in an attempt to deflect attention and resources from the operation in Fallujah. “Moment of victory” is a bit misleading. This mission will most likely take weeks.

Pnut Read: Our Guide to the Islamic State

#pnut4prez: Libertarians Aren’t Feeling Trump

Move over, Bernie Sanders. You aren’t the only peace-loving stoner on the ticket anymore. After a Libertarian convention in Florida, former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson was named the party’s presidential candidate. The new guy didn’t wait to take swings at the GOP frontrunner, calling Trump’s immigration policies “just racist” while several other convention speakers labeled Trump a fascist. With a “Never Trump” campaign threatening the GOP’s bid, Johnson seems to be the conservatives’ last hope, albeit far from the norm. Not only does Johnson want to cut back on military interventions, but he openly smoked medical marijuana for years. 

#pnut4prez: Our Guide To The Campaign Trail

NUTS AND BOLTS: SHOULD READ

Better Late Than Never? Habre Convicted Of Crimes Against Humanity

In a landmark trial in Senegal, a judge convicted ex-Chad leader Hissene Habre of rape, sexual slavery and other crimes against humanity during his rule from 1982 to 1990. Habre – who received strong backing from the US while in power – was known as “Africa’s Pinochet” and has now been sentenced to life in prison. Although he still has 15 days to appeal, the case marks a historic occasion: it’s the first time an African Union-backed court tried a former ruler for human rights abuses.

Gorilla’s Death At Cincinnati Zoo Raises Criticism

Animal lovers and activists held a vigil outside of the Cincinnati Zoo on Saturday, after staff members shot and killed a 17-year-old gorilla. A four-year-old boy managed to enter Harambe the gorilla’s enclosure, which compelled staff to kill the silverback lowland gorilla, an endangered species. The tragedy raises a lot of concerns. Beyond the fundamental question of animal captivity, why was the border between humans and gorillas so unprotected that a four-year-old could cross it? Also, shouldn’t a zoo that holds endangered species carry tranquilizer darts for such emergencies? The child is now safe but a social media battle rages on. Several petitions are circulating to hold the humans accountable. 

Putin In Greece To Drive Wedge In EU

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Greece over the weekend in an attempt to drive a wedge within the EU and bring an end to sanctions against his regime for annexing the Ukraininan territory of Crimea. Putin first visited the all-male monastery of Athos in a bid to appeal to Greek conservatives who feel an “Orthodox” affection toward Russia. He then went to Athens where far-left Greek PM Alexis Tsipras condemned sanctions on Russia. This isn’t the first time Putin has made friends with the EU’s extremes. Last year, a Russian bank was caught funding France’s far-right, anti-EU National Front. Great neighbor.

Good Read: Michael Lewis On His Own Visit To Mount Athos Via Vanity Fair

KEEPING OUR EYE ON…

Migrants: More than 700 people are believed to have drowned in the last three shipwrecks in the Mediterranean. UNHCR is now certain that last week was the deadliest since April 2015.  

Mexico: Less than 24 hours after his abduction, Mexican footballer Alan Pulido was discovered and rescued. Dealing with some inept kidnappers, Pulido was able to call police and tell them his location.  

UAE: A court in the United Arab Emirates acquitted two US citizens of criminal charges, including engaging in hostilities in a foreign country. The family of the two Americans, who are father and son, are still worried however. After the verdict, the pair were taken back to prison rather than released from custody.

LOOSE NUTS: FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

The New Emoji Bible Is The Gospel For Millennials

Not since the Latin Vulgate or Luther’s Bible has a translation been so disruptive in the history of the Church. On the 29th of May, in the year 2016 AD, “Bible Emoji: Scripture 4 Millennials” became available on Apple iBooks. Passages such as “The Lord saw the Light and it was good,” can now be read as “[Smiley face with halo] saw the [Lightbulb] and it was [Thumbs up]” which is expected to resonate with young believers. There is debate whether the translation is irreverent or an earnest attempt at making scripture more accessible. Nonetheless, for only $2.99, now anyone with a smartphone can feel #blessed.