sweater cockfighting
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture is a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar; and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz ethics reportSchool ends on a high note! The annual awards day and graduation ceremonies concluded the 2024 academic year. Journalists from The Fiji Times were busy travelling around the country taking pictures and reporting success stories from this special day. Ana Madigibuli and her team did a marvellous job as they reported on the prizegiving ceremonies that were carried out. I could imagine the excitement and sheer delight within those who walked away with a prize. Their hard work and struggles ended as they celebrated their success with loved ones. Nabua Secondary rewarded their students on Thursday, and I thank Wanshika Kumar and The Fiji Times for the coverage. The emotions on the faces of the day scholars and Matua students spoke about their struggles and how they brandished them to achieve excellence. The prize getters journey to achieving this feat has been through hard work and perseverance. These students organised and managed their time effectively. Their success demonstrates that with balance, and support, success is achievable. We must encourage young people to sacrifice and struggle to strive for their goals. They must be encouraged to set their priorities right and manage their time wisely. Parental support plays a vital role in the child’s success. With the changing tide and impact of drugs, technology and social media, parents need to step up and spend quality time with their children. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu Yaqona thieves On Taveuni, as with most areas throughout our beloved nation, the place is small enough that the people know more than those who are supposed to know! Just ask the people! They know who the culprits are! And you better start eradicating the freebies now because the words of warning out on social media for the culprits is most certainly not sounding good! On an island where the authorities have lost the plot, and the history of theft amounts to years and millions of dollars in heartbreak and losses, retaliation escalates to a peak where the outcome will most certainly not be pleasing! Noleen Billings Savusavu Bill to protect kids It’s good the parliamentarians have passed new legislation for the care and protection of children in need or at risk and Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam is waxing lyrical about it (FT 7/12). But I wonder how many of them had actually read the Juveniles Act, the Probation of Offenders Act and the Adoption of Infants Act which had provided the legal framework for the care and protection of children with their best interest and welfare as paramount? Rajend Naidu B Sydney, Australia Game changer The planned, game-changer $1.5billion tourism development on the Wailoaloa Nadi foreshore augurs well for Fiji’s employment, economy and the country’s inherited debt repayments. This is truly a massive investment. We trust all authorities will rise to the occasion with their vetting and due diligence. I wish to sincerely congratulate the Hong Kong based investors for their confidence in choosing Nadi for their bold initiatives. May every success and good fortune be bestowed upon them, Nadi and Fiji, as a whole. Ronnie Chang Martintar, Nadi The horse has bolted The drug problem has gotten out of hand in the past two years since the election of this government. There appears to be a perception in high places that once a Commissioner of Police is confirmed the drug problem will suddenly disappear. I think these people believe in Santa Claus as well. All the chiefs are talking about making up their own laws about this problem as they go – just like the government has been making up laws as they go. The reality is, while everyone does not want vulagi things permeating the culture in Fiji, they simply cannot stop these things. It is like trying to stop a vulagi religion permeating every aspect of life in Fiji. The horse bolted a long time ago. Jan Nissar Osaka, Japan Supply and demand chain Honourable Naupoto mentions the need for a major Supply and Demand chain check in the country to assist in countering drug activities. This is best addressed by much more intensive investigation into the contents of shipping containers at wharfs, and further checks during unstuffing of containers at the point of delivery, e.g wholesalers, retailers, vehicle importers etc. Anecdotal advice suggests that the port of Suva is used as a major transit hub for precursors, at least one instance has been uncovered. In England, $200million worth of drugs was shipped in over four years hidden in consignments of garlic, onions and ginger which naturally cannot be detected by sniffer dogs. These items are plentiful imports into the country. Are these shipments ever thoroughly checked? Stashing drugs into large electrical items such as fridges, washing machines et cetera, is another favourite method which could be detected when containers are unstuffed at points of destination. It doesn’t need me to tell the authorities how proper checks can be implemented, it can be done but the “secrecy” is always a problem. Allan Loosley Tavua 2013 Constitution So much had been said and heard during the 26th Attorney-General’s Conference at the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort at Denarau in Nadi but with very little being accomplished as far as the Changing of the 2013 Constitution is concerned and rightly so because of the major hurdles of requirements of the majority numbers in Parliament and of course the unpredictable public referendum. Digesting the many issues that were the highlights of constitutional and prominent Suva lawyer Jon Apted (F/T 07/12), it is obviously clear and plain that the 2013 Constitution was engineered by its authors with all the intention of permanent subjection of all people of this small, tiny country with autocracy and subserviency control under the covering of ‘democratic’ principles. Now, we must bear in mind that as we currently live under this 2013 documents, we are actually living and conducting all our civil and democratic principles unlawfully since the coup-de tat of 2006 was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court ruling in April 2009 with the Qarase case judgement. Aren’t we conscious of our total illegality? So, the only possible path way forward without too many hurdles is for this country to allow the Court system to decide on that 2009 Supreme Court ruling on the Qarase case and remove this controversial and illegal document and believe me – there is no other way. MELI BOGILEKA Natabua, Lautoka Walking the talk You raise a number of pertinent questions in The Fiji Times editorial on who is responsible and accountable for the “over 8000 illegal immigrants in Fiji” (FT 7/12). One thing for sure is that it’s not the ordinary citizens. Could this have been a post coup phenomenon when democratic governance was weakened because those in power could not be held to standards of transparency, accountability and scrutiny expected? One other very important question we must not shy away from is what part official corruption played in the influx of illegal immigrants in the country? Rajend Naidu Sydney, Australia Lack of trash bins! I commend the trusted brand and the people’s newspaper for highlighting Fiji’s political, social and environmental issues in an ethical and professional manner. Littering has become a nemesis, an eyesore and an issue affecting our municipal councils and the residents alike. While the municipalities are pointing fingers at the residents for illegal rubbish and white goods dumping, fingers are also pointing at the municipalities for their failure to collect white goods on time and for the lack of trash bins, as pointed out by The Fiji Times (05/12). According to Jake Wise, municipalities across Fiji were grappling with a shortage of rubbish bins, leaving many towns and cities unable to effectively manage the growing waste generated by their growing populations. It’s sad to note that there is a shortage of rubbish bins along footpaths in the Capital City. With rising urban population, the demand for proper waste management systems, including the provision of sufficient rubbish bins, is more urgent than ever. We need to keep our environment clean. It cannot be done by an individual but by everyone! Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam Nadawa, Nasinu Cause and effect Drugs have silently eroded the moral and physical stature of the people of our beloved nation. I note that the second Speaker’s Debate touched on Drugs while the slogan on the banner that late afternoon cried ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’. Sadly, the reality of our solutions are targeted more at fixing the effects of drugs while we tend to shy away from treating the cause which is the heart and heat of the matter! And despite the fact that we have national security planners and are spending ‘every which way’ as us kailoma like to put it, somehow our borders remain open and defenceless to all forms of criminal activity. So how about instead of bringing in the huge boats that get stuck on reefs, we decentralise our Customs Department, set them up on the furthest of our islands in our group of islands including Rotuma, build the right infrastructure on them, equip them with the right communication and surveillance equipment, get them say 40 boats and a bunch of armed policemen and service them with our government barges and island freighters! We can bet our bottom dollar that our weak and vulnerable points has been studied to the letter! Noleen Billings Savusavu English and the vernacular OK, I get it. Children taught in their vernacular, as Prof. Paul Gerahaty (FT 29/11) is suggesting, might help improve some of the academic results attributed to a better comprehension in their own language. But jeez, Prof, how on Earth do you teach a myriad of subjects in the vernacular that require English as a basis of learning and understanding? If we were to take a step back, could the problem be how teachers are conveying the message of the subject so it’s a communication based teaching style issue that needs looking into? Or, could it be a lack of adequate teaching materials and technological support? Could it be a lapse and focus on the part of pupils who’re failing because of the challenges of home life where there are serious financial constraints or even domestic violence issues? Could the problem be related to nutrition where a child is not getting adequate nutrients in their everyday meals because of the financial struggles in the home? Could it be linked to problems with alcohol, drugs, porn and the lure of digitised games on the internet because of plain boredom? Is the curriculum relevant or appropriately structured to meet the needs and standards of the current crop of students? Could some of these students who’re not up to par have learning difficulties? Could some of these students have issues at home where they’re not receiving the love and support of their parents and/or guardians to help them overcome the hurdles and challenges of school life? Could it be because exams favour certain learning styles while they lose a significant proportion of pupils because they didn’t understand or grasp the message, context or concept of what was being taught? There could be a myriad of different reasons why certain children do well while others flop. So there needs to be a holistic approach to understand why so many children are struggling with school work and with their exams. I’m a fan of yours and have great respect for the work that you do. I know your heart’s in the right place. And I understand that you’re trying desperately to find a solution to help improve academic excellence and performance. However, the positive side to all of this is that your suggestion has started a dialogue deluge. And hopefully, there’ll be a host of solutions raining down to help fix the failure rate. So vinaka and good on you for sparking the discussion. Colin Deoki Australia
Alex Gibney was sitting in his New York office in early 2023 when a message from Israel caught his attention. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, regarded as one of the most prolific documentary creators in the United States, was immersed in multiple projects, including a series on tennis legend Boris Becker, a music documentary on Paul Simon and secretive endeavors on Elon Musk and Salman Rushdie. Despite his packed schedule, the mysterious message piqued his interest—it offered access to video recordings from the police interrogations of Benjamin Netanyahu. A year and a half later, The Bibi Files, a documentary directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Gibney, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. “I got a leak—a message on Signal saying, ‘We have this interesting material. Would you be interested?’ Of course, I get these kinds of messages sometimes, and some turn out to be pranks. But I followed up, and this time it was real,” Gibney tells Ynet in an exclusive interview. "As a filmmaker, I always ask myself: Why should this be a movie? In this case, the leaked material was fascinating in itself and also told a compelling story—a story of corruption. I’m a student of corruption, and this was potent material." Gibney, 71, known for tackling corruption in films exposing the schemes of power-hungry politicians and businessmen, first delved into Netanyahu's actions in his 2016 film Zero Days. There, he linked Netanyahu to the spread of the Stuxnet malware, originally a joint U.S.-Israel cyber effort to thwart Iran’s nuclear program. In The Bibi Files, Gibney and Bloom take a closer look at Netanyahu, his family and his inner circle, offering an exclusive glimpse into leaked interrogation footage. The documentary alleges that Netanyahu’s and his wife Sara’s greed entangled them with the law, motivated his judicial overhaul initiative and influenced his decision-making in the war with Hamas. "I received it early in 2023, well before October 7. What stood out to me was how Netanyahu occupies such a central position in a geopolitical flashpoint—one that is now threatening to engulf the world," he says. 7 View gallery Alex Gibney ( Photo: GettyImages ) Bloom, who previously collaborated with Gibney on Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes and We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks, was tapped to direct the project. Initially, she questioned whether the story, which is mostly well-known among Israeli audiences, would interest an international audience. "He’s Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, so it’s a stretch to say he’s marginal. We never thought of him that way. Unfortunately for Israel, they’ve made themselves such a central story, especially with the proposed Supreme Court overhaul. The unprecedented demonstrations drew a lot of interest—people wanted to know why,” she explains. Unfiltered and unafraid Set for release on December 11 on the alternative streaming platform Jolt, which Gibney co-founded, the documentary faced hurdles securing distribution through major U.S. content companies. Legal restrictions in Israel, barring the broadcast of interrogation footage without the subject’s consent, prevent the film’s release there—ironically, the same reason the footage found its way to Gibney. "The quality of vigorous journalism in Israel is very high, and there's a lot of open debate there—debate that people might hesitate to confront elsewhere. Some may feel uncomfortable addressing certain topics or question whether they should even be discussed," he says. "There was a legal issue with the footage. It couldn’t be officially distributed in Israel. That created an opportunity for it to be part of a film produced outside of Israel, which could potentially reach back into the country indirectly—whether through information circulating or leaks. "The source understood that I might be in a better position legally to handle the material in ways they couldn’t. There are still legal protections in the United States, at least for now, that allow for this kind of work. In that sense, it made it possible to bring this story to light." What can the film contribute to understanding Netanyahu’s character for the Israeli audience? “He grew up, in part, in Philadelphia, so he has a kind of American origin story. But I think what really drew me in was the idea of an important story about corruption—personal corruption and, ultimately, political corruption. People in Israel already know this, but they don’t know it as much abroad. Netanyahu’s reputation as a great statesman outside Israel gave him a lot of currency inside Israel, especially through his relationship with the United States. That connection allowed him to maintain power and influence. So how he’s perceived internationally turns out to be incredibly important. 7 View gallery As a filmmaker, what struck me was how different it is to see these things in the flesh. You get an up-close view of Netanyahu, Sara and [Arnon] Milchan. You can feel the sweat of corruption in these videotapes in a way that just doesn’t come through in transcripts. That’s what made me feel this story was both important and worth making into a film.” For Israeli audiences, the most striking revelations lie in the unfiltered portrayal of Netanyahu, his wife Sara and their son Yair during police interrogations. Unlike controlled public appearances or media interviews, the Netanyahus have no command over the conversation in these settings. The film’s most dramatic moments showcase Sara and Yair’s anger and arrogance as they lash out at investigators. "They’re not scared. They’re not intimidated. They walk into the room with this sense of entitlement, like, ‘How dare you bring me in here.’ What’s worse is there’s a kind of contempt for the state and the rule of law in what they have to say. It’s like they’re saying, ‘We’re the only thing that matters, and you are bugs.’ When you start calling the police ‘the Stasi’ or ‘the Gestapo’ and they clump everyone together—the public, the media, the police—'everyone is involved in this conspiracy,’ doesn't that give you pause that It might honestly be you," says Gibney. Unlike Sara and Yair Netanyahu and other filmed subjects of the investigation—such as Arnon Milchan, media mogul Shaul Elovitch, and state witness Nir Hefetz, who were summoned to police stations—Netanyahu's questioning takes place in his office. He maintains his composure most of the time, frequently resorting to his characteristic "I don't remember" responses and occasionally giving his interrogators lessons in leadership. However, there are moments when he is seen slamming his hands on the table and shouting in reaction to evidence presented to him regarding the cigars and champagne case, as well as his relationship with Elovitch. “Alex and I had this discussion back and forth,” Bloom says. “How aware is he of the cameras? It's a consumer camera that's set up in his office, pointed at him, so he doesn't forget it's there. Sara is a much more unfiltered presence in the film and people criticize her with valid reason, but there is something more honest about her. She has a feeling and she expresses it, and he is kind of the master of masks. But every so often it slips. If you're sitting there for four hours, it'll slip at some point. It's not as if he can get away with it like when a journalist on the runway asks him a few questions. There's a sort of psychological quality to the material.” 7 View gallery Benjamin Netanyahu ( Photo: Courtesy of TIFF ) In addition to the filmed interrogations offering an unfiltered glimpse into the Netanyahu family's character traits, testimony from other subjects sheds light on their fondness for gifts and ties to cronyism. Among the allegations are claims that Sara Netanyahu has a penchant for expensive jewelry at others’ expense and a particular taste for fine champagne. Alongside the jaw-dropping footage from the interrogation rooms, the documentary features interviews with journalist Raviv Drucker (also involved as a producer), former prime minister Ehud Olmert, former household manager Meni Naftali and Netanyahu's childhood friend, Uzi Beller. These accounts detail behind-the-scenes events and paint a picture of the Netanyahu family's indulgent lifestyle and interpersonal dynamics, emphasizing Sara Netanyahu's influence over both her husband and the state. As Sheldon Adelson, the late billionaire and staunch Netanyahu supporter, remarked during an investigation: "It’s better if she keeps her nose out of it." “When talking to people, they’d share how terrible things were,” Bloom says. “Some stories couldn’t even make it into the film—like Bibi calling them in the middle of the night, putting them on speakerphone with Sara listening. It’s absurd but it’s also serious.” ‘Mr. Security’ who failed to protect Gibney’s cinematic approach to social and political issues has shone through in films like Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005), Taxi to the Dark Side (2007)—which won him an Oscar, The Armstrong Lie (2014) and Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015), which contributed to the decline of the Church of Scientology. The Bibi Files joins this body of work, framing Netanyahu as part of a global group of authoritarian leaders—including Vladimir Putin, Viktor Orbán, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Donald Trump (as well as former leaders like Jair Bolsonaro and Rodrigo Duterte)—who use their political power to fulfill personal greed and amass unchecked authority, all while undermining the rule of law and institutional frameworks. Gibney argues that Netanyahu’s strategies toward Israel’s judiciary, media and police mirror tactics from the authoritarian playbook. These methods are again on display as Netanyahu confronts Shin Bet investigators probing leaks from his office and navigates restrictions imposed by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on his political powers. 7 View gallery Donald Trump ( Photo: AP ) “I think that Americans recognize this behavior as very Trumpian. Trump’s putting Matt Gaetz in charge of the Department of Justice now because he felt that he was badly handled. So now the Department of Justice will become just sort of a grudge fulfillment apparatus. Just an instrument of brute power, rather than something that's attentive to the rule of law,” says Gibney, who is currently rewriting the third act of his film on Elon Musk due to Musk's recent alignment with Trump's inner circle as a financial and political supporter. “It starts with a kind of personal corruption and contempt for the rule of law and ultimately develops into kind of messianic behavior, where you believe that because you are good and because you care so much about the nation that you're increasingly entitled to more and more and more for yourself. But really, it springs from your own personal greed and venality. What you see on display is human behavior, but the worst side of human behavior and how it can overcome some people. Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv "Some of these other characters have a sort of an actor's talent. You can see that in the interrogation videos with Netanyahu, he's a good actor. So is Trump. And some of these other players, like [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar. They know how to motivate the crowd. That turns out to be their secret superpower, and that allows them then to mask their personal corruption and venality. "Sadly, I’d say that Netanyahu, with the rising body count, is reaching an extraordinary level in terms of the number of people that he’s responsible for killing. It’s a staggering thought.” Another hallmark of the strongman strategy, according to Gibney, is the use of political crises and wars to maintain power by portraying themselves as "strong leaders" defending the nation from external and internal enemies. In Citizen K, Gibney highlighted how Putin leveraged the Chechen war to cement his Kremlin ascendancy. In The Bibi Files, the filmmakers allege that the October 7 Hamas attack provided Netanyahu with an opportunity to channel public anger and rally support, bolstering his fragile leadership even as his "Mr. Security" image was shattered on that fateful day. “One parallel with Putin is this willingness to utilize a failure. Look at the hostage situation. Getting the hostages back requires a certain amount of statesmanship, compromise and thinking about a longer game rather than your own political survival,“ Gibney says and mentions the October 2002 Moscow theater terrorist attack, where 132 hostages and 40 Chechen terrorists were killed due to lethal gas pumped into the building. 7 View gallery Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin ( Photo: Alexander Zemlianichenko / POOL / AFP ) “If you look at some of what Putin did in terms of literally allowing hostages to be sacrificed, murdered in effect by their own security forces so that he could make a grand statement about how he was protecting the Russian nation. He had no regard at all for the victims. We know the FSB may have manufactured bombings in and around Moscow, so he could blame it on Cheches, so this is part of the old dictator's playbook,” Gibney explains. “What happened on October 7 was horrific. But what is ongoing now in Gaza, let's be honest, is not what you would call a war. Where is the Hamas air force? Is there an air force that goes out to meet the Israeli Air Force every day? No, there isn't. One of the interview subjects in the film says, ‘What is the goal of this war?' Is it to keep bombing and killing until you get the last terrorist in a tunnel many years from now? Many more terrorists are going to be made and encouraged because of the carnage that Netanyahu is causing.” It may not be an equal war, but Israel still faces military and political threats in the Middle East. Bloom: “It's a genuine war and the chaos that it causes is keeping him in power. He's a politician who's made his career on the statement, ‘I will protect you, I am the king of security,’ so I think that he's also made his career on the implicit invocation of fear and danger. He campaigns that terror is just around the corner and he’s the only person who can save you. “With October 7, that became true. Terror was there and he didn't save them spectacularly. You can think about the accuracy of his campaign statements, he's made his career on that he is ‘Mr. Security’ and Israel should always be afraid. There's no other way for it to be in his Matrix. He got that from his father, and he's run Israel along those lines.” Gibney: “Sinwar did to Netanyahu what Osama Bin Laden did to the Bush administration. 9/11 was a terrorist act intended to provoke an overreaction which now he is gleefully providing because it's good for his own political survival, but nothing else. “Sinwar played Netanyahu like a fiddle. He knew exactly what Netanyahu was going to do and that was going to derail the Saudi-Israeli agreement. It was going to make Israel a pariah state. In that sense, the future of Israel, I would argue, should be looked through the lens of the idea that actually Netanyahu is executing Sinwar's plan.” Netanyahu’s last red line Toward its conclusion, The Bibi Files portrays Netanyahu’s political alliance with far-right figures Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as his final breach, sacrificing Israeli democracy and the rule of law for political survival. This alliance, the filmmakers argue, has plunged the state into corruption while giving these politicians a global stage to be exposed as agents of chaos. “They seem to be important figures in the storytelling because they're keeping Netanyahu in power. Netanyahu likes to present it as the new normal, but it's not. It's an extraordinary alliance and terrifying,” Bloom says. 7 View gallery Alexis Bloom ( Photo: Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images for BFI ) “It signals the bottom falling out. What lengths will he go to in order to stay in power? Some may present them as his puppet masters, and in a sense, they are right because they know how much he needs them. But he's a willing participant in all of this. It's not like they've kidnapped him. He identified them as coalition partners, went after them and on a daily basis has to keep them happy." Gibney references a photograph included in the film, showing Netanyahu alongside Smotrich with an expression of disdain and embarrassment on his face. "That moment is really powerful because it's full of such ambiguity in his expression. The actor wasn't playing the part. ‘Oh my God, I've had to play ball with this outrageous terrorist in order to save myself from being prosecuted for champagne and cigars.’ It's really a chilling moment because you can see the weakness in Netanyahu in addition to his so-called strength. He masquerades as a strongman. Another great victory of the film is that it shows the weakness of the bully—the person who's bullied by his own wife, who's bullied by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. He's a weak man, and what weak men sometimes do is punish others when they have the opportunity.” Following screenings at the Toronto, Woodstock and Doc NYC film festivals, The Bibi Files is set for wider distribution in the United States and internationally, with an Oscar campaign in the works. However, the film will not be released in Israel due to legal restrictions on broadcasting interrogation footage without the subject’s consent. Despite these barriers, the filmmakers hope the documentary will eventually reach Israeli audiences. Netanyahu and his allies reportedly sought to cancel its Toronto premiere but failed. Gibney and Bloom report no further resistance or personal threats but express concern for their co-producer, investigative journalist Raviv Drucker, who could face repercussions. 7 View gallery Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir ( Photo: GPO ) “Raviv Drucker has gotten some blowback," Bloom says. "It can't be pleasant for him, and in this current climate, that is worse than ever before, where people are really fired, and their livelihoods are easily affected. To his credit, he carries on doing what he's doing. I don't know if I'd be that brave if I were living there and trying to support kids and a family.” The reality depicted in The Bibi Files, both before and after October 7, is deeply painful and infuriating. Yet the filmmakers are careful to distinguish between Netanyahu, his political allies and the broader Israeli public. The inclusion of mass protests against judicial overhaul and for the release of hostages, alongside interviews with figures like Drucker, former prime minister Ehud Olmert and ex-security officials Ami Ayalon and Nimrod Novik, presents Israeli society as a hostage to its leadership’s failures. “Israel is divided. I don't feel like we fabricated anything. It is the other way around—you actually show the reality that the world doesn't see,” Bloom says. “Of course, it's intentional to show that Israelis are not a monolith, that there's a plurality of views and a plurality of feelings. When people come out with statements saying, ‘Israelis are X,’ you want to say, ‘Well, which Israelis?’ It's about as useful as saying, ‘Well, Americans are Y,’ and you're like, ‘Well, which Americans?’ because there's a big divide in America.” Gibney adds: “The concern is that Netanyahu, step by step, is destroying Israel as a liberal democracy. The voices that are highlighted in the film are voices who are saying, ‘We're not going to let him do that.’ I think showing that conflict was very important.” Are you concerned about Israel's future? Bloom: “When you're there, you can't help but feel the hollowing out of Israel and it's sometimes not obvious. At first, the educational system is completely corrupted at the moment. Israel used to have a great public school educational system. It seems terribly underfunded now. More and more money goes to the Orthodox who don't teach things like science and math. They teach the Talmud and that's that. It seems like there are so many possible consequences in this direction. People are being appointed who have no qualifications because he demands loyalty and it's become like a tournament of hunchbacks in power. People who take pride in not reading books. The totally banal emptiness of the people who he's putting in power and I find that terrifying.” Can the situation improve without Netanyahu in power? Bloom: “Israel is in a very difficult situation. Its population is very divided and there are a lot of competing interests. If you look at Brothers and Sisters in Arms versus the Orthodox, I don't know how they go forward to common ground. You do know that they deserve better than a prime minister who is steeped in his own personal travails and that he has a monkey on his back at all times. It is obvious that he's not a leader who has the best interests of the nation at the forefront of his mind. There are alternatives and it's time for an alternative.” >
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A celebrated author argues that it's not at all impractical to study subjects like writing, languages, music and historyAfter-hours movers: SentinelOne, Synopsys, PVH Corp, Verint Systems, American EagleMichael Strahan is probably glad November is over. For much of the month, the football player-turned-broadcaster was attacked by critics who treated him like an enemy of the state because he didn’t place his hand over his heart during a nationally-televised rendition of the national anthem. What a crock. The fallout followed a special Fox Sports broadcast from Naval Base San Diego honoring U.S. soldiers ahead of Veterans Day. As his post-game partners stood with their hands over their hearts, Strahan held his hands near his waist as a military band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.” With all the controversy that followed, you would think that Strahan had dropped his pants and mooned the flag after setting it on fire. Hardly. The Giants legend says he simply got “caught up in the moment” of watching “all these young sailors” who had made the commitment to serving the nation and securing our freedoms. But Strahan’s attackers did not see it that way, pursuing him with the same intensity he once used to sack quarterbacks. “What’s wrong with Strahan @NFLonFOX?” one user wrote on Twitter. “Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.” Another added: “Strahan couldn’t put his hand over his heart? HAPPY VETERANS DAY TO EVERYONE EXCEPT MICHAEL STRAHAN!! NO CLASS!!” “Fire Michael Strahan!” another wrote. “This is unacceptable!” Strahan, a Hall of Famer, had tough battles on the field. But this was unnecessary roughness. Strahan, whose father served in the U.S. Army for more than two decades, said he wasn’t protesting anything. “I have nothing to protest, I have no statement to be made,” Strahan said on Instagram. “The only statement that should be made that I want to make is I love the military, I’ve always loved the military and I will always love the military. I do so many programs to help veterans and soldiers. I grew up on a military base with a father who was a major in the army. My brother, my sister, my cousins, they all served in the military — I’m a military brat. “And so the fact of somebody saying that, you know, I’m unpatriotic, couldn’t be any further from the truth.” Strahan made a noble defense of his actions, but I would have been more impressed if he had told his critics to kick rocks. Why? Because this is America, where songs inspire, flags are symbols and patriotism speaks for itself. Strahan is no more obligated to cover his heart with his hand during the national anthem than politicians are to wear flag pins in their lapels. “I decided I won’t wear that pin on my chest,” Barack Obama said in 2007 when he first ran for president. “Instead, I’m going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testament to my patriotism.” It was a strong statement at the time. It was also short-lived. Obama soon went back to wearing the pin. If Strahan was guilty of anything it was for losing his head when the contrived controversy got out of hand. When Strahan was confronted about the anthem by a reporter outside his home, Strahan became the villain, snatching the reporter’s phone and tossing it in a nearby bush. “Don’t come to my house, man!” he yelled before grabbing the phone. Strahan later admitted he went too far. “I’m not proud of the way I handled that whole situation,” he said. “You’ve got to protect your family, and you’ve got to protect your home, which is what I felt like I needed to do in that moment.” Even if Strahan had been making a statement during the anthem, he would have been doing it quietly and respectfully. But this was no Colin Kaepernick moment. It wasn’t even close. Greene writes for the New York Daily News: nydailynews.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Too Hot to Handle star Harry Jowsey shared a heartfelt message on social media announcing his late father ’s passing. In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday (December 4), the 27-year-old Perfect Match alum shared the heartbreaking news with his 4.4 million followers. The reality star uploaded a carousel of nostalgic photos celebrating his dad’s memory, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. “I love you Dad, I miss you,” Jowsey wrote. “I’ll catch you on the other side.” The photo series began with a snapshot of a young Jowsey alongside his brother and four sisters, with their father smiling proudly at the center. Several other images captured touching moments, including Jowsey and his brother hugging their dad by a water fountain, a candid shot of the father and son sitting side-by-side on a log, and a final black-and-white close-up of Jowsey holding what appeared to be his father’s hand. He also took to his Instagram Story to thank fans for their outpouring of support. “Thanks for all the lovely messages,” he wrote, accompanied by a heart emoji. “Love you all, hug your parents.” Although the Australian native refrained from sharing details about his father’s passing, he had hinted at experiencing loss one day prior when he posted a cryptic broken heart and dove emoji on a black background to his Instagram Story. In the past, Jowsey has candidly reflected on his complex relationship with his father. In a 2021 appearance on the Almost Adulting Podcast , the reality star described growing up with a “crazy, crazy alcoholic” parent, but acknowledged his father’s good qualities. “I love my dad and I know he’s trying to be better,” Jowsey explained at the time. “Regardless of anything, that’s my old man, and I still love him.” Despite the challenges he experienced growing up on a farm in Queensland, Australia, Jowsey has often spoken fondly of his family’s unwavering support and the close bond they share. He once expressed his heartfelt goal to deposit $1 million into his mother Melanie Jowsey’s bank account, highlighting his gratitude for her support over the years. Jowsey shared insights into his personal growth during a 2023 interview with Swagger Magazine . He emphasized the importance of self-love and offered advice to his younger self. “Stop stressing and believe in the future because it’s all going to work out,” he said. Jowsey first burst onto the reality TV scene in 2018 when he appeared on the New Zealand dating show Heartbreak Island , where he quickly became a fan favorite. He ultimately won the show, which came with a cash prize. It wasn’t until 2020 when he joined Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle that Jowsey achieved international fame. The show, which challenged contestants to form deeper connections without physical intimacy, showcased his playful personality and knack for stirring up drama, making him one of the show’s most memorable cast members.(Note to subs: amends byline error) The world stands at the dawn of a “third nuclear age” in which Britain is threatened by multiple dilemmas, the head of the armed forces has warned. But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” The first nuclear age was the Cold War, while the second was “governed by disarmament efforts and counter proliferation”, the armed forces chief said. He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”
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Elon Musk , known for his innovative ventures and bold statements, recently addressed Singapore's declining fertility rates, calling it a sign of extinction for the island nation. His comments were a response to a post by popular X (formerly Twitter) personality Mario Nawfal, who shared an article discussing Singapore's "baby crisis" and the potential role of robots in mitigating its effects. Musk’s remarks have reignited global discussions about demographic challenges faced by developed societies. "Singapore (and many other countries) are going extinct", Musk said in his post. Singapore’s Fertility Plunge Singapore has witnessed a significant decline in its Total Fertility Rate (TFR) over the past three decades. In 2023, the country’s resident TFR dropped to a historic low of 0.97—the first time it has fallen below 1.0. This means that, on average, each woman is having fewer than one child. — elonmusk (@elonmusk) The primary cause of this decline lies in shifting societal norms. According to Singapore government data, a growing number of women in their prime childbearing years (25–34) are choosing to remain single. Additionally, the marital fertility rate for women in their 20s has seen a marked drop, contributing to around 32% of the overall decline in TFR. From 1990 to 2005, marital fertility rates among women aged 25–34 fell sharply, although a slight recovery was observed in 2023. Robots to the Rescue? Despite the concerning fertility trends, Singapore's technological advancements might help mitigate the demographic impact, a Newsweek article, cited by Mario Nawfal said . The city-state ranks second globally in robot density, with 770 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, according to the International Federation of Robotics. This technological edge allows Singapore to offset its labor shortages, especially given its high labor costs and small manufacturing base. Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, a company investing heavily in humanoid robots designed to perform repetitive and hazardous tasks, appears optimistic about the role of robotics in addressing such challenges. Netizens React to Elon Musk comments Musk’s comments and Singapore’s demographic trends have sparked a wide range of reactions online. While some emphasized Singapore's robust immigration policies as a buffer against population decline, others highlighted the deeper societal and economic issues underlying low birth rates. Others pointed to societal and economic factors contributing to the reluctance to have children. Rising costs of living, paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyles, and concerns about financial stability were frequently cited as barriers to starting or expanding families. The burden of ensuring a secure future for children in an increasingly competitive world appears to weigh heavily on many individuals. Singapore’s struggles with low fertility rates mirror challenges faced by many developed nations. Declining birth rates threaten long-term economic growth, social stability, and labor force sustainability.
Stock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more records
NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global smart home market size is estimated to grow by USD 188.3 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 21.21% during the forecast period. Growing consumer interest in home automation is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising number of strategic partnerships and alliances. However, increase in issues related to interoperability poses a challenge. Key market players include ABB Ltd., Allegion Public Ltd. Co., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., ASSA ABLOY AB, Comcast Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Hubbell Inc., Johnson Controls, Legrand SA, LG Corp., Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., Panasonic Holdings Corp., RTX Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Schneider Electric SE, Snap One LLC, and Vivint Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The smart home market is experiencing significant growth, driven by trends in home monitoring, energy-saving, and convenience. The smart home industry offers various solutions, including safety and security systems, lighting and temperature control, audio/video systems, and access control. Smart home devices, such as lighting controllers, cameras, and intrusion detection systems, are becoming increasingly popular. Compatibility issues with different IoT platforms and devices are being addressed through proactive software and behavioral versions. Modular kitchens, house batteries, high-power solar inverters, smart electrical panels, EV chargers, and connected electrical outlets are also gaining traction. The market is witnessing the integration of AI and machine learning into various appliances, including smartphones, digital assistants, and virtual assistants. However, cyberattacks and security threats are concerns for standalone smart devices. IoT connections and 5G technology are enabling the integration of various smart devices, from smart speakers and Bluetooth speakers to smart TVs and entertainment centers. Semiconductors are a critical component in the development of these devices. The smart home market caters to the needs of over 4.5 billion Internet users, offering solutions for energy management, home automation, and security. Smart features are now common in appliances, from smart thermostats and smart sprinkler systems to smart bulbs and smart meters. Carbon emission reduction is a key focus area, with smart composters and smart power strips helping homeowners save energy. Security cameras, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are essential technologies for smart home systems, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners. The smart home market is experiencing significant growth, attracting numerous vendors to form strategic partnerships. Smart home product and system manufacturers collaborate with technology providers and home automation platform providers to ensure interoperability with other solutions. In April 2022 , Samsung Electronics announced a partnership with ABB Group to expand the reach of Samsung SmartThings integration. Such collaborations increase, contributing to the expansion of the smart home market. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges The smart home market is experiencing rapid growth as more consumers seek home monitoring, energy-saving solutions, and enhanced convenience. The smart home industry offers safety and security through intrusion detection systems, access control, and smart surveillance systems. Lighting and temperature control, as well as audio/video systems, provide added comfort and entertainment. Compatibility issues with various IoT devices, such as modular kitchen appliances, house batteries, high-power solar inverters, smart electrical panels, and EV chargers, can be challenging. Proactive software, behavioral versions, and machine learning technologies help address these issues. Cyberattacks and security threats are concerns for standalone smart devices like cameras, smart lights, streaming devices, dishwashers, and smart TVs. IoT platforms, 5G technology, and semiconductors play a crucial role in connecting and powering these devices. Home automation and control systems require smartphones, digital assistance, and virtual assistants for seamless integration. Bluetooth speakers and blockchain technology add to the market's diversity. Carbon emission reduction is a growing focus, with smart thermostats, smart sprinkler systems, smart bulbs, smart meters, smart composters, and smart power strips leading the way. The global smart home market is experiencing significant growth, with vendors focusing on creating dependable home automation solutions for various applications, including energy management, lighting control systems, home entertainment, HVAC, smart appliances, and safety and security systems. To meet the increasing demand for smart home systems and products, vendors are consistently upgrading their offerings to maintain a competitive edge. However, compatibility issues between smart home devices can negatively impact both customers and manufacturers. Some devices have encountered challenges with Wi-Fi connectivity, video feed, and video streaming. The absence of connectivity can adversely affect product performance, leading to video streaming problems. Vendors are working diligently to address these concerns and ensure seamless integration of their devices for optimal user experience. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This smart home market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Home entertainment 1.2 Smart appliances 1.3 Energy management 1.4 Lighting control system and HVAC 1.5 Safety and security system 2.1 Wireless 2.2 Wired 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Home entertainment- The home entertainment segment leads the global smart home market, driven by the widespread adoption of digital voice assistants or smart speakers. Smart speakers, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, have revolutionized voice user interfaces, offering an easily accessible, user-friendly interface for entertainment and information retrieval. Applications include music playback, games, answering queries, weather updates, and setting alarms. Notable vendors like Alphabet, Amazon, IKEA Systems, Harman International, and SONOS are capitalizing on this trend, launching innovative products like Amazon's Echo Pop and Google's Nest Hub. In the realm of smart TVs, advancements in technology have led to features like on-demand content, internet browsing, voice or gesture control, and socializing in real-time. Key players like Xiaomi, Samsung, BBK Electronics, Sony, and LG are responding with innovative product launches, such as OnePlus' new Android smart TV and Xiaomi's Smart TV X series. These developments and the increasing demand for home entertainment systems will fuel the growth of the smart home market through the home entertainment segment. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The smart home market is experiencing rapid growth as more and more Internet users embrace the convenience, safety, and energy-saving benefits of IoT-connected devices. From home monitoring systems that keep an eye on temperature, lighting, and energy usage to advanced security systems that detect intrusions and provide real-time alerts, the smart home industry is revolutionizing the way we manage our homes. Smart lighting and temperature control systems offer energy savings and added convenience, while audio/video systems and streaming devices bring entertainment right into the living room. Smart home devices, including cameras, dishwashers, and even refrigerators, are being integrated with AI and machine learning capabilities to provide personalized experiences and automate daily tasks. However, with the increasing number of IoT connections, cybersecurity threats and potential cyberattacks are a growing concern. 5G technology is expected to further boost the growth of the smart home market by enabling faster and more reliable connectivity for IoT devices. Virtual assistants and digital assistance on smartphones and smart speakers add an extra layer of convenience, allowing users to control their homes with voice commands. The future of the smart home industry looks bright, with endless possibilities for innovation and integration of new technologies. Market Research Overview The smart home market is a rapidly growing industry that focuses on enhancing home living through technology. It offers various solutions for home monitoring, energy-saving, and convenience. Smart home systems include safety and security features such as intrusion detection, access control, and home automation control systems. Lighting and temperature control are essential components, along with audio/video systems and compatibility with various IoT devices. Smart homes utilize proactive software, machine learning, and artificial intelligence for behavioral versions. Modular kitchens, house batteries, high-power solar inverters, smart electrical panels, EV chargers, and connected electrical outlets are part of the energy-saving solutions. The market includes smart speakers, modular switches, and Internet users connected through IoT platforms. IoT devices, such as cameras, smart lights, streaming devices, dishwashers, and smartphones, offer digital assistance and virtual assistants. 5G technology and semiconductors enable faster connectivity and advanced functionality. However, cyberattacks and security threats are concerns, requiring security measures. Standalone smart devices like smart bulbs, smart meters, smart composters, smart power strips, and security cameras offer various smart features. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are common for most devices. The smart home market encompasses various smart devices, including smart TVs, entertainment centers, and even smart surveillance systems. Carbon emission reduction is a priority, with smart thermostats, smart sprinkler systems, and smart bulbs contributing to energy efficiency. Smart home systems aim to provide a more convenient, secure, and energy-efficient living experience. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Application Home Entertainment Smart Appliances Energy Management Lighting Control System And HVAC Safety And Security System Technology Wireless Wired Geography North America Europe APAC Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
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