Factal - Factal Blog: News about global security, disaster response and crisis collaboration

Forecast: Part of Europe plunges into blackout, conclave for new pope begins, and Russia calls for three-day ceasefire

Factal May 1, 2025

The image depicts a street protest where several people are participating. In the foreground, a woman wearing a red bandana and red shirt holds a megaphone, passionately speaking into it. Behind her, a group of people march, holding a large red banner. The banner has bold white text and an image of a raised fist in black. The participants are wearing various colored shirts and jackets, with some in orange safety vests. The background shows blurred buildings and a tree, creating an urban setting. The scene conveys a sense of activism and solidarity.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

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The Debrief: Deadly quake crystalizes Myanmar’s civil war

Factal May 1, 2025

The image depicts a disaster scene with rescue workers amid the rubble of a collapsed building. The multi-story structure shows severe structural damage, with large cracks and areas of concrete debris. Several rescue workers in bright orange uniforms and helmets are searching through the debris, highlighting ongoing rescue efforts. A partially crushed black vehicle is visible among the rubble. In the foreground, people wearing safety gear, including helmets and face masks, are gathered, likely coordinating the rescue. Adjacent to the collapsed building, another structure with red-tinted wooden windows and a tiled roof stands intact.

Areas around Mandalay and Sagaing were left in ruins after a deadly earthquake struck Myanmar in March, the sheer force of nature crystalizing the ongoing conflict between the junta and rebel forces. The tragedy, compounded by years of war and instability, saw both sides momentarily unite in response.

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Forecast: Gunmen open fire on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir, Vatican holds Pope Francis’ funeral, and Canada votes in federal election

Factal April 25, 2025

The image shows a crowd of people gathered around a white open-top vehicle. A smiling man in white religious attire, including a skullcap, is standing and waving at the crowd from inside the vehicle. The vehicle has a transparent cover over part of the open area. Several people in the crowd are capturing the moment with their smartphones, while others have raised their hands in gesture or applause. The background is blurred, but hints at an outdoor setting with soft lighting.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

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Forecast: Myanmar ceasefire ends, RSF captures Sudan’s Zamzam IDP camp, and outrage grows over Trump-El Salvador prison deal

Factal April 17, 2025

The image shows two people standing side by side in front of two large national flags. The person on the left is wearing a dark blue suit with a light blue tie, and the person on the right is wearing a dark suit with a patterned tie. Behind them, to the left, is a large flag resembling the United States flag with stars and stripes, while on the right is a flag resembling the flag of China, featuring a red background with yellow stars. The backdrop has colorful confetti-like decorations at the top. In front of them, a table is set with microphones and small flags on stands representing both countries.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

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Forecast: U.S. stocks rocket higher after Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, U.S. holds talks with Iran, and Canadian party leaders debate

Factal April 10, 2025

The image shows a formal meeting room with ornate gold detailing and a large mirror reflecting a chandelier. Two men are facing each other across a conference table decorated with a centerpiece of purple and red flowers. The table is covered with a white cloth and neatly arranged with water bottles, glasses, notepads, and documents. Five additional men in suits stand or sit around the room. The setting is elegant, with upholstered chairs featuring gold accents matching the room's decor.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

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Forecast podcast: US stocks rocket higher after Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs

Factal April 10, 2025

The image shows a retail store interior with a prominent sign in the foreground. The sign consists of black text on a white background, with a triangular symbol containing the letter "T" at the center, indicating tariff-impacted items. Below the symbol is a detailed explanation about the implications of tariffs on goods from the U.S. to Canada. The sign is positioned in front of a product display shelf with various beauty products. Behind the sign, shelves display brands like "Winky Lux," "Nudestix," and "Vichy," showcasing cosmetics and skincare items. The store features bright lighting and a polished floor, with additional merchandise visible in the background.

Editors Jimmy Lovaas and Rebecca Bratek discuss Trump’s tariff war, plus more on the U.S. and Iran holding nuclear talks, elections in Gabon and Ecuador…

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Forecast: Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes Myanmar, South Korea court rules on president’s impeachment, and TikTok faces sale deadline

Factal April 3, 2025

Hundreds people rallied in Seoul on March 22 ahead of the constitutional court's decision on South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

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The Debrief: Haiti’s Tipping Point

Factal April 1, 2025

The image depicts a group of military personnel standing in formation on a wide, open tarmac under a clear blue sky with some wispy clouds. The soldiers are dressed in camouflage uniforms and dark berets, and each stands beside a green backpack. The formation consists of several rows of soldiers, extending across the concrete surface. In the background, an airport control tower and a military aircraft, possibly a helicopter, can be seen. The expansive sky above and the distant horizon create a sense of open space.

Welcome to The Debrief, from the editors at Factal. Each month, we reflect upon an impactful yet underreported story that has significant regional or global implications. We’ll…

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Forecast: Hundreds detained in Turkey protests, Pakistan’s immigration crackdown, and national strike in Belgium

Factal March 27, 2025

The image shows three men in a formal setting, likely a government office, characterized by ornate yellow curtains and two large windows in the background. The man in the center is seated at a large wooden desk, holding up a document with visible writing and a signature at the bottom. The desk is decorated with a few items, including a folder embossed with an emblem and a small framed picture. To his left and right stand two men, each wearing a suit. The background includes the U.S. flag and another flag with an eagle emblem. The setting suggests a formal signing event.

Welcome to Factal Forecast, a look at the week’s biggest stories from the editors at Factal. We publish our forward-looking note each Thursday to help you get a jump-start on…

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Forecast podcast: Hundreds detained in Turkey protests after mayor arrested

Factal March 27, 2025

The image depicts a nighttime scene with a large crowd of people. Many individuals are holding up signs, though the text is not legible. The crowd is densely packed and partially obscured by a thick haze, possibly from smoke or fog, which gives the scene a dramatic and moody atmosphere. In the foreground, there is a tree branch with a few budding flowers, sharply in focus against the blurry background. Bright lights in the distance further illuminate the smoke-filled sky, adding to the ethereal quality of the image.

Editors Jimmy Lovaas and Halima Mansoor discuss the anti-government protests gripping Turkey, plus more on elections in Tajikistan, an immigration crackdown in Pakistan, a national…

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Author: Factal