What happens when you mix the US Marine Corps with Australia’s unique military landscape? Could 16,000 Marines really become a permanent fixture in Darwin, Australia? In this video, I look into the latest proposal from the Australian Institute of Public Affairs and explain how this move could deter China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. From the AUKUS alliance to military drills like Exercise Pitch Black, I explore what’s driving the deepening military ties between Australia and the US. With China’s rapid military buildup and increasing geopolitical pressure on Taiwan, this expanded Marine presence might be the answer Australia is looking for.
Northern Arizona University
Luke Auld-Thomas, a PhD candidate at Northern Arizona University, made a remarkable discovery that has taken the archaeology world by storm. While analysing publicly available lidar data, he uncovered a sprawling, long-lost Mayan city hidden beneath dense vegetation in the Mexican forest. The site, now named “Valeriana,” revealed a hidden world containing nearly 6,700 undiscovered Mayan structures. These included everything from majestic pyramids to family homes, forming a complex network of infrastructure that flourished between 250 and 900 AD, known as the Classic Period of Mayan civilization.
This ancient city had been shrouded in obscurity for centuries, with no previous awareness of its existence within either the government or the scientific community. Valeriana’s location and scale hint at the city’s historical significance and underscore the vast, yet still hidden, secrets of Mesoamerican history.
The breakthrough wouldn’t have been possible without the transformative power of lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. Over the past decade, lidar has become an invaluable tool in archaeological research, especially for exploring dense tropical regions where thick vegetation obscures ancient ruins. Traditional survey techniques allowed archaeologists to examine only a tiny portion of the expansive forested area, leaving vast swathes unexplored. In contrast, lidar scans can survey large tracts of land from an aerial perspective, sending laser pulses that penetrate the forest canopy and reveal hidden structures below.
This technology has revolutionized our understanding of Mayan civilization and has led to a surge of discoveries across the Yucatan peninsula. Researchers now realize that many more ancient Mayan cities might be lying hidden, awaiting rediscovery. The lidar data allowed Auld-Thomas to identify irregularities in the landscape, which ultimately led to the revelation of Valeriana, adding yet another chapter to the story of one of the most complex pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas.
Studying the newly discovered city of Valeriana offers more than a glimpse into the past; it provides modern urban developers with a wealth of knowledge about ancient urban planning. Mayan cities were well-organized and designed to support growing populations, often with sprawling agricultural patchworks surrounding hyperdense urban cores.
Researchers have pointed out that Mayan urban planning was complex and sophisticated, involving extensive infrastructure to support both agriculture and daily life within dense communities. These ancient layouts could offer solutions to today’s challenges, such as rapid population growth, food security, and sustainable city planning. The discovery of Valeriana has already prompted archaeologists to reconsider previous assumptions about Mayan cities and their layouts, expanding our understanding of how ancient civilizations adapted to and thrived within their environments.
The accidental discovery of Valeriana emphasizes the incredible potential that technology holds for unveiling humanity’s hidden past. For centuries, the dense jungles of Central America have concealed countless treasures of Mayan civilization. With tools like lidar, researchers are now closer than ever to reconstructing the complex tapestry of ancient Mesoamerica and shedding light on the resilience and ingenuity of the Mayan people.
Luke Auld-Thomas’s discovery reminds us that history is often hiding in plain sight, waiting for the right technology — and a little serendipity — to bring it into view.
Indian Express News
The Taliban has imposed yet another restrictive and dehumanizing decree. This time, it prohibits women from hearing each other’s voices, even during prayer, revealing the Taliban’s relentless tightening of restrictions on Afghan women. These bans add to an already severe erosion of women’s freedoms and rights in Afghanistan.
The Latest Decree
The Taliban’s acting minister of the Vice and Virtue Ministry recently declared that women are now banned from hearing other women’s voices during prayer. This decree forbids women from reciting Quranic verses or expressing themselves vocally, even in the privacy of their own homes if there’s a chance they could be overheard.
In a shocking twist, even common Islamic phrases such as “subhanallah” (Glory be to Allah) are prohibited from being spoken out loud by women. The Taliban justifies this decision as a means of protecting society from “temptation and tempting others.” The government’s rhetoric essentially positions women as temptations, attempting to erase their voices from public—and now private—life entirely.
This ban joins a long list of restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan. Women are already required to be fully covered in public and must have a male guardian whenever they leave their homes. These measures paint a grim picture of a society that denies half of its population the right to live freely and express their faith openly.
Crimes Against Humanity?
The Taliban’s escalating restrictions against women’s fundamental rights are raising alarm globally. A recent United Nations report found that the Taliban’s system of gender oppression may constitute crimes against humanity. Documented abuses include incidents of sexual violence, including rape, against women detained by the Taliban, adding to the trauma endured by women and girls.
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett is expected to present these findings to the UN General Assembly on November 1. Bennett’s report highlights that the Taliban’s actions may amount to “gender persecution,” a crime against humanity under international law. The UN’s condemnation underscores the severity of the Taliban’s treatment of women and amplifies calls for global intervention.
A Dark Future for Afghan Women
These oppressive policies beg the question: What role are Afghan women allowed to play in their own country? In a society that restricts their movement, expression, and now even the ability to practice their faith, Afghan women are increasingly marginalized and invisible. The international community faces a moral imperative to act, as Afghanistan’s women are subjected to a regime that appears determined to silence, subdue, and control them completely.
For over two years, Russia has been under intense economic pressure due to sanctions from Western nations, especially impacting its vital oil and gas sectors. This critical source of revenue, which largely supports Russia’s wartime economy, has significantly dwindled. President Vladimir Putin admitted this week that the nation’s economy is suffering severely.
Beyond sanctions, Russia now contends with record-high national interest rates, with the central bank recently hiking the rate to 21%. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War warns that Russia’s financial resources are limited, stating, “Russia’s economy will reach a burnout point, and Putin cannot sustain these costs indefinitely.”
The economic situation has also drawn concerns from Russian business leaders, who caution that many companies may face closures as the crisis deepens.
To prepare for a potential war over Taiwan, the U.S is increasing its military presence in Australia to a level not seen since World War 2. Taiwan is regarded by China as part of its territory and Beijing has vowed to take control of the island by force if necessary. What advantages does Australia’s geography offer the U.S. in a potential fight in the Asia-Pacific region?
The Russian Foreign Ministry has expanded its sanctions list, targeting a range of defence industry personnel and public figures in Australia. Announced on October 29, the blacklist now includes 131 Australian citizens, accused by Russia of promoting anti-Russian sentiment.
The newly sanctioned individuals span key Australian defence companies and personnel from all levels of Australian government, as well as the Australian Defence Force, have also been added.
In an official statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed, “In response to politically motivated sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities by the Australian government, introduced as part of the Russophobic campaign of the ‘collective West,’ entry into the Russian Federation is closed on an indefinite basis for an additional 131 Australians from among representatives of the military-industrial complex, journalists, and public figures who are forming an anti-Russian agenda in this country.”
The ministry further indicated that as long as “official Canberra does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian course,” the Russian blacklist will continue to grow.
Among the notable figures targeted is Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson, who serves on the board of NIOA Group. Additional sanctioned individuals include Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanche, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Marcus Hellyer, Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett, and corrective services ministers from Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. Former Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Robert Nioa are also included.
This latest move reflects the deepening strain between Russia and Australia, with both sides continuing to add to their respective sanction lists as geopolitical tensions persist.
The Australian government has announced a $316 million partnership with Lockheed Martin to establish a large-scale weapons manufacturing plant, aiming to produce 4,000 guided, multiple-launch rocket systems annually by later in the decade. In collaboration with Thales, the government will also enhance artillery shell production at the Commonwealth-owned Benalla facility in Victoria. By 2028, this site is projected to produce 15,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells per year, with capacity to scale up to 100,000 rounds if needed.
Australia’s push for domestic production is partly fuelled by delays in global procurement and concerns over the depletion of weapon supplies in international conflicts, including Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. According to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, demand has often outpaced production, highlighting the need for a more self-sustaining defence industry. “We are entering a ‘modern missile age,’ marked by rapid advances in technology and a strategic environment lacking in transparency and reassurance,” Conroy stated, referencing China’s substantial military build-up and long-range capabilities. This changing global landscape has underscored Australia’s need to enhance its defence capabilities, despite its geographic distance from traditional conflict zones.
To strengthen Australia’s defence infrastructure, the government has earmarked $22 million over the next three years for developing rocket motor production domestically. This move is part of a broader strategy to enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to engage potential threats at extended ranges, deterring potential adversaries. Conroy outlined plans for the navy, army, and air force to achieve strike capabilities extending to over 2,500 km, 1,000 km, and 900 km, respectively.
“Long-range strike capability is central to our deterrence strategy, allowing the ADF to hold adversary forces at risk from greater distances,” Conroy told the National Press Club. He emphasized that the rapid consumption of weapons in recent conflicts, such as the deployment of seven years’ worth of anti-tank missiles in the first month of Russia’s invasion, underscores the importance of Australia’s ability to produce and maintain its own guided weapons and explosive ordnance.
In line with this strategy, over $70 billion has been allocated across the next decade to strengthen Australia’s missile defence systems, long-range weaponry, and support capabilities. Conroy addressed a misconception that domestic manufacturing slows down the defence supply chain, arguing that producing weapons locally, such as naval strike missiles, would in fact provide the ADF with faster access to these resources compared to relying on overseas production facilities.
As part of this defence overhaul, the government is procuring more than 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles for the navy’s Hobart-class destroyers, scheduled for deployment by the end of 2024. Additionally, options to equip the Hunter-class frigates with Tomahawks are under review. Conroy also highlighted the fast-tracking of other essential military resources, including frigates, infantry fighting vehicles, and landing craft, to fortify Australia’s defence posture in the face of an evolving global threat landscape.
Do you know what one of the most dangerous jobs in the world is? Being the leader of Hezbollah. With a long history of high-risk confrontations, Hezbollah’s top leaders often face a precarious future. And now, it seems, it’s Naim Qassem’s turn at the helm.
Naim Qassem, 71, who has served as Hezbollah’s deputy chief since 1991, was recently appointed as the organization’s new leader by its governing Shura Council. It’s unclear if Qassem fully embraced the role or if it was merely a matter of tradition and duty pulling him into the position.
Qassem is no stranger to controversy or danger. His decades-long tenure as deputy has seen him as a primary spokesperson for Hezbollah, issuing statements and rallying the organization’s supporters. In one notable video, he famously delivered warnings to Israel, his seriousness underscored by visible nerves—a moment some still recall with humour.
Israel, Hezbollah’s longstanding adversary, has made it clear they’re not expecting Qassem’s leadership to last. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant even called his appointment “temporary,” hinting at a potentially short term for Qassem. Israel has previously targeted Hezbollah’s high-ranking members, including former leader Nasrallah and senior figure Hashem Safieddine. The pattern implies that Qassem could face similar challenges in his new role.
Qassem’s history with Hezbollah dates back decades. He became deputy chief under Abbas al-Musawi, who was later killed in an Israeli operation in 1992. Qassem’s long involvement has made him a consistent figure within the organization, especially during recent escalations in the Israel-Lebanon conflict. His appointment as leader cements his status within Hezbollah, though the longevity of his position remains to be seen.
There are rumours that Qassem might be hiding in Iran, adding to the complexity of his new position. Some speculate that he’s operating from Iran due to safety concerns in Lebanon. With Israel’s recent strikes reportedly compromising Iran’s aerial defences, the question remains whether Qassem would indeed be safer there, if he’s there at all.
The world will be watching to see what comes next for Hezbollah’s new leader, whose role promises to be anything but uneventful.
Australia currently faces its most complex strategic environment since World War II, with conflicts around the world underscoring the realities of modern missile warfare. The emergence of advanced long-range missiles, alongside space and cyber threats, disruptions to supply chains, and the weakening of Australia’s traditional geographic security, highlight an urgent need to bolster the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Responding to these challenges, the Government has committed up to $21 billion over the next decade to the Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan, an initiative aimed at equipping the ADF to deter potential adversaries.
In an upcoming address at the National Press Club, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy will outline how the GWEO Plan will support the ADF’s immediate and long-term needs. This strategic overhaul is expected not only to reinforce Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities but also to generate secure jobs and strengthen the national defence industrial base—ensuring a safer future for Australians.