Following the expiration of a protective law, a Dutch government-funded project has released a digital archive containing the names of nearly 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during World War II. This archive, representing almost 5% of the Netherlands’ pre-war population, details investigations into alleged collaboration, with only a fraction of those listed ever facing trial. The release of this information, 80 years after the war’s end, reflects a renewed effort to confront the extent of Dutch complicity in Nazi atrocities. The data provides crucial insight into both wartime actions and subsequent postwar societal responses.
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New evidence from Credit Suisse archives, unearthed by independent ombudsman Neil Barofsky, reveals previously unknown accounts linked to Nazi entities, including the SS. This discovery, detailed in a letter to the US Senate, suggests Credit Suisse’s Nazi ties were more extensive than previously thought and contradicts claims of full cooperation with past investigations. The findings appear to support earlier US Senate allegations of insufficient cooperation by the bank. UBS, Credit Suisse’s acquirer, has committed to a thorough accounting of these accounts.
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Warren Upton, the last surviving USS Utah crewman and oldest Pearl Harbor attack survivor, passed away at 105 from pneumonia. He vividly recalled the attack, describing the initial torpedo strikes and his subsequent escape to Ford Island. Upton’s death leaves only fifteen remaining Pearl Harbor survivors from the estimated 87,000 military personnel present that day. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering remembrance.
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Bob Fernandez, a 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor and USS Curtiss veteran, passed away peacefully at his nephew’s home in California. His death followed a recent stroke that prevented him from attending the 83rd anniversary commemoration in Hawaii. A mess cook during the attack, Fernandez witnessed firsthand the bombing and its devastating impact, losing shipmates in the process. He lived a full life, marked by his naval service, community involvement, and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of kindness.
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Ukraine’s former Commander-in-Chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, declared that World War III has begun, citing the involvement of Russia’s autocratic allies—North Korea and Iran—supplying weapons and drones, and China providing components for Russian arms. He stressed that Ukraine is not just fighting Russia, but a wider coalition, necessitating a global response to prevent the conflict’s escalation. While technological advancements are crucial for Ukraine’s survival, a decisive victory is not imminent, and Zaluzhnyi expressed concern over Europe’s preparedness for a prolonged war given limited air defense capabilities and potential depletion of resources. He concluded that while short-term military readiness exists, Europe’s capacity for a protracted war remains questionable.
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Fears of a potential Russian war with NATO have prompted significant military preparations across Eastern Europe. NATO members, particularly those bordering Russia, are bolstering defenses with increased spending, fortifications like anti-tank barriers (“dragon’s teeth”), and enhanced air defenses. Simultaneously, civilian preparations, including evacuation plans and public awareness campaigns, are underway in multiple nations. While Western European nations are increasing defense spending, they lag behind their eastern counterparts in the urgency and scale of their response. This disparity highlights a growing strategic divide within the alliance.
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JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has warned of the onset of World War III due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He highlighted the risks posed by Russia, North Korea, and Iran, and singled out nuclear proliferation as the “biggest risk mankind faces.” Furthermore, he urged the US to avoid naivety and intervene in global events. Dimon acknowledged that the threat of global conflict could decrease over time, but emphasized the dire implications if the current trend continues. Despite these warnings, Ohio State University’s Paul Beck does not believe WWIII is inevitably impending, though he noted an increasing tension in US-Russia relations and conflicts involving Iran and China.
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The passing of John Kinsel Sr., one of the last Navajo Code Talkers, at the remarkable age of 107, is a profound reminder of the legacy that remains etched in the annals of history. His life spanned nearly a century and encompassed significant moments in both American and Navajo history. As I reflect on his contributions, it’s impossible not to feel a mix of sorrow and gratitude. His courage and unwavering commitment, along with those of his fellow Code Talkers, played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of World War II, yet their stories often languished in obscurity until recent decades.… Continue reading
The recent announcement of the Japanese atomic bomb survivors winning the Nobel Peace Prize has sparked a range of emotions and reflections within me. This recognition serves as a poignant reminder of the horrors of nuclear war and the importance of advocating for peace in our world. The Nobel Committee’s decision to award Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organisation of atomic bomb survivors, highlights the extraordinary efforts made by this group to foster a world free of nuclear weapons. It is a powerful statement that resonates deeply with me, echoing the sentiment that the devastation caused by nuclear weapons must never be forgotten.… Continue reading
It’s quite fascinating, yet terrifying, to think about the impact of World War II even decades after it ended. The recent explosion at Miyazaki airport in Japan, caused by a U.S. bomb likely dating back to the war, serves as a stark reminder of the lingering remnants of past conflicts. The fact that the bomb was able to go undetected for approximately 80 years before randomly detonating is mind-boggling. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, but it highlights the potential dangers that still exist due to unexploded ordnance scattered across the globe.
The presence of undetonated bombs, such as the ones in Laos and Vietnam, continues to pose a significant threat to civilians.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker