Once a thriving community with a stable work life and opportunity, the impact of drugs specifically opioids such as heroin and fentanyl have had devastating consequences on the populace which when combined with gang violence, crime and low socio-economic status is a recipe for decay. Showing no signs of reversal, drug overdoses preside at historic levels in Philadelphia with fentanyl despite being only 2% of fatal drug overdoses in 2012, now causing upwards of 94% of overdose deaths a decade later.

With fentanyl being the drug of choice for many, turf wars have been increasingly prevalent with gang violence being part and parcel of this city, vying for control of the narcotic sales. This has effectively transformed Philadelphia into a rapid state of decline, with a considerable exodus of residents opting to leave the city for varying reasons, many do so citing a lack of job opportunities, education and safety.

However, there may still be some hope for change and revitalization of the city as Governor Tom Wolf vowed to do more to help those who have been impacted by opioid addiction, describing his tour in Kensington as “incredibly sad and depressing”. Although awareness has been garnered highlighting a clear breakdown of these communities, options are being discussed ranging from more funding for treatment and diverting those who need help into rehabilitation rather than prison.

The post How Drugs have Decayed Philadelphia first appeared on DefenceHub.

In the face of an almost inevitable conflict, the question arises, will the US directly support its strategic ally in the region? US President Joe Biden when recently asked whether or not US troops would defend Taiwan, he replied ” Yes, if in fact there was an unprecedented attack”. However shortly after this statement by the President, national security advisor Jake Sullivan stated in a press conference that Biden’s remarks on the matter wasn’t to be taken as policy change, adhering to the agreement of the one China policy.

Although a clear competitive rivalry has been steadily growing for decades between China and the US, its refutable to say that these two economic and military powerhouses don’t share a symbiosis in terms of trade, industry and technology sectors. It would be consequential for either country to openly engage in a full fledged military conflict, where the ramifications would be catastrophic on a global scale.

This makes it unlikely that the US would directly support Taiwan in such a scenario, however heavy US military and economic assistance has been given to Taiwan for decades to bolster them against China’s emergence as a major threat to US dominance in the region. Taiwan being a key ally may not be enough for the US to justify a costly defense in the event of a Chinese invasion.

The post Would the US support Taiwan against a Chinese invasion? first appeared on DefenceHub.

Although the outlook of the initial invasion looked bleak for the Ukrainian defense forces, heavy support economically and militarily specifically from western countries has helped Ukraine greatly in the face of Russia’s numerical and technological advantage. Peace talks have to this point been futile in stopping the war as each side refuses to give in to each others demands. This has escalated recently due to Russia’s “referendums” which has essentially annexed 15% of Ukrainian territory.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently announced that he will not negotiate with Moscow until Putin is no longer President. With neither side refusing to back down, this conflict could very well turn into a continuous war for years to come and with recent events unfolding such as the sabotage of the Nord stream pipelines, Russia’s 300,000 military mobilization and even the alleged acquisition of Iranian drones by Russia’s armed forces, the risk of a global conflict could be a very real possibility.

Russia has recently asserted its position as a nuclear power with Vladimir Putin stating Russia would use “all means available” to defend Russian territory sparking fears that such a conflict, which Moscow believes is “unacceptable” is not completely off the table the longer this war continues.

The post How long will the war in Ukraine last? first appeared on DefenceHub.