Newsletters 2 - Factal Blog: News about global security, disaster response and crisis collaboration

The Debrief: A tug-of-war simmers in Somalia

Factal February 5, 2025

The image shows a formation of soldiers in camouflage uniforms and green berets standing in a line. A person in a different camouflage uniform, wearing a beige beret, walks in front of the soldiers. The setting appears to be an outdoor area with a clear blue sky and a large turquoise building in the background. Several flags are mounted on white poles, fluttering in a row beside the building. In the background, there is a large banner featuring imagery of soldiers and text that is partially visible.

Even as Somalia attempts to use rivals Ethiopia and Egypt as counterweights to gain regional support, its domestic tensions threaten regional stability — and the vital Red Sea trade route.

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Forecast: M23 seizes city in eastern DR Congo, U.S. could impose tariffs on Mexico and Canada, and airlines resume some Middle East flights

Factal January 31, 2025

The image depicts three men seated at an ornately carved wooden table, each signing documents. The man on the left is wearing a dark suit with a red striped tie, the man in the middle is wearing a dark suit with a red tie, and the man on the right is wearing a blue suit with a dark tie. Behind them, two men and one woman stand, all in business attire, smiling. The background shows the flags of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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: Precarious Gaza ceasefire holds so far, Trump signs flurry of executive actions, and Lebanon ceasefire ends

Factal January 23, 2025

The image is a map highlighting a geographic area with a thick blue border that traverses through different regions. The area within the border is shaded in red. The surrounding land features various shades of green and brown, indicating different terrains. The adjacent body of water, likely a sea or ocean, is dark blue. Numerous Arabic names are spread throughout the shaded region, indicating towns or landmarks. The map provides a clear depiction of the delineated area in contrast to its surroundings.

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: Trump takes office, World Economic Forum begins in Davos, and Russia and Iran sign strategic pact

Factal January 16, 2025

The image shows a public event with a man at the center, who appears to be making a gesture with his right hand raised. He is wearing a dark overcoat and has light blonde hair. The event takes place in an outdoor setting with a partially visible glass barrier around the speaker. In the foreground, there are a few individuals with their backs to the camera, with one partially obscured by the man’s broad shoulders. Behind them, a crowd of people can be seen, some taking photos or videos and others simply watching. Several people in the crowd are wearing winter clothing, including scarves and hats, hinting at a cold day. The setting appears formal, possibly ceremonial, given the arrangement and attention of the attendees.

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: Wildfires tear through Los Angeles, Pakistan’s national airline resumes flights to Europe, and confirmation hearings begin for Trump’s picks

Factal January 9, 2025

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: Gloves come off at Tbilisi protests

Factal January 2, 2025

The image is an aerial view of a large, brightly lit urban plaza at night, teeming with a massive crowd of people. The scene is dominated by a central column-like monument surrounded by a roundabout, where the crowd appears to be most concentrated. Surrounding the plaza are various buildings, some of which are illuminated with decorative lights, casting a warm glow over the area. The roads leading away from the plaza are filled with people, indicating a gathering or event. On the right, a glass-fronted building with visible floors and people inside indicates a bustling city atmosphere. Trees interspersed along the streets add greenery to the urban setting. The contrast between the dark sky and the vibrant lights enhances the lively ambiance of the scene.

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: New Orleans truck attack kills at least 15, congestion fees begin for NYC drivers, and U.S. election certified by Congress

Factal January 2, 2025

The image shows a group of six people standing in a subway station during a press conference. The central figure, dressed in a dark suit and tie, is speaking at a podium equipped with multiple microphones from various media outlets. The people are positioned indoors under a ceiling with circular lights, and the floor appears to be dark, glossy tile. Behind the group, a sign displays directions for elevators to subway lines A, C, E, J, Z, R, W, and numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, along with an arrow pointing to the right for PATH. The background features stainless steel walls and digital signage, enhancing the modern aesthetic of the subway station.

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: Top Russian general assassinated in Moscow, winter weather impacts U.S. holiday travel. and Syria’s Damascus Airport possibly reopens

Factal December 19, 2024

The image shows a snow-covered road viewed through the windshield of a snowplow. The snowplow's yellow frame is visible at the bottom of the image, with several black and white mechanical parts and lights. Snow heavily covers the road and the road signs are barely visible due to the dense snowfall. The sky is overcast, blending into the white background, and the visibility is low.

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: French government collapses, German government holds confidence vote, and U.S. orders bird flu tests for milk supply

Factal December 12, 2024

The image depicts a person wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves, kneeling on a metal grate outdoor walkway next to a building. They are interacting with large laboratory containers. In the foreground, there is a white cylindrical container with black text and arrows, next to a larger blue plastic drum. The background shows a railing and trees under a cloudy sky. The setting suggests an industrial or laboratory environment.

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: South Korea faces political crisis, Notre Dame reopens, and Romania election heads to runoff

Factal December 5, 2024

The image displays a dramatic scene of a cathedral engulfed in flames. Large, billowing clouds of orange and gray smoke rise into the sky from the top of the historical building. The fire is consuming the roof, with visible bright flames and intense red and orange hues. Parts of the cathedral are surrounded by scaffolding, indicating ongoing construction or renovation. The intricate gothic architecture of the cathedral is visible, with pointed arches and ornate detailing. In the foreground, there are trees and a silhouetted crane, possibly used by firefighters to manage the blaze.

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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Category: Newsletters