Carpet

Hidden tunnels, ambushes and explosives in walls: the Israel-Hamas war enters a precarious new phase

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023

Sappers are the soldiers who clear paths through obstacles with machines and explosives, enabling other troops to overwhelm the enemy.

Key Points: 
  • Sappers are the soldiers who clear paths through obstacles with machines and explosives, enabling other troops to overwhelm the enemy.
  • They also create such obstructions and lay traps and mines when trying to defend a position.
  • Some tunnels may also be set as traps to entice Israeli soldiers to enter as they search for hostages.

Urban warfare is excruciatingly slow

  • As the war enters a new phase, it is pitting a grimly determined Israeli Defence Force (IDF), with the world’s best capabilities for urban warfare, against a force ready for martyrdom that has prepared for this fight for years.
  • Progress was equally slow in Marawi, where it took five months for Filipino forces to defeat ISIS-Maute fighters.

Three layers of challenges


Urban war presents armies with compounding challenges. The first layer is perceptual. There is a cognitive dissonance between a liberal society’s beliefs around the need for restraint in conflict and the primordial demands of urban war with its high costs in blood, destruction and legitimacy. Armies are averse to preparing for such horror. Second, there are tactical challenges with fighting among buildings:
the threat of remote attack by drones or IEDs
the uncertainty created by hidden adversaries
the extreme exposure of forces as they advance
the dilution of combat power as forces are channelled, isolated and dispersed among buildings, with very restricted views
the degrading of sensors and communications systems.

  • Third, and critically, the presence of civilians in urban war zones imposes moral and ethical challenges.
  • They suffer disproportionately and catastrophically, both as immediate casualties and from displacement and disease following the destruction of cities.


the obligation of forces to provide security and logistical support to noncombatants
the security threat from phone and social media usage by civilians
civilians who are hostile, obstructive or offer unarmed resistance
the psychological and political burden on commanders that may distort their decision-making.

How Israel has been preparing for this moment

  • After Israeli occupation ended in 2005, militant attacks prompted major incursions by the army in 2008 and 2014.
  • From a political standpoint, Israel realised the importance of winning the contest of international and domestic public opinion.
  • From a military and operational standpoint, the IDF learned that precision air power alone could not eliminate the threat from Hamas.
  • Some may also have the THOR system, which uses lasers to explode IEDs.
  • Soldiers are also trained to find, operate in and destroy tunnels.
  • They include elements of the Sarayet Yahalom, a special forces unit that uses specialised demolition charges, subterranean drones and robots.
  • Given the Hamas advantage of home terrain and the advanced technology deployed by Israel, both sides will likely inflict bloody surprises on one another.


Charles Knight does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Narges Mohammadi: 2023 Nobel peace laureate on hunger strike after being denied medical treatment over hijab ban

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023

Narges Mohammadi, the recipient of the 2023 Nobel peace prize for her long fight against the oppression of women in Iran, is reported to have started a hunger strike.

Key Points: 
  • Narges Mohammadi, the recipient of the 2023 Nobel peace prize for her long fight against the oppression of women in Iran, is reported to have started a hunger strike.
  • Mohammadi is serving multiple sentences in Iran’s infamous Evin prison on charges that include spreading propaganda against the state.
  • Her rights campaigns were characterised by the Nobel prize committee as a “brave struggle [that] has come with tremendous personal costs”.
  • According to data gathered by non-profit organisation Iran Human Rights, five protesters and 13 women have been executed in 2023.

Women, life, freedom

  • Social media – among women in Iran and worldwide – has been buzzing with the hashtag.
  • Women were at the forefront of the mass protests that led to the downfall of the last shah of Iran.
  • In 1983, four years after the revolution, the Islamic authorities passed a law making the wearing of the hijab compulsory.
  • But those who stayed increasingly used newly developing digital tools such as social media to campaign and share stories of harassment and discrimination.

Hunger strike

  • Narges Mohammadi has become a key figure in the women’s rights movement in Iran.
  • Despite having trained as an engineer, she took up journalism and wrote regular criticisms of the treatment of women, as well as the the country’s poor human rights record in general.
  • As an inmate in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, she has led women’s resistance in support of the woman, life, freedom campaign.
  • According to a statement from her family released by the Free Narges Mohammadi campaign, she began her hunger strike in response to two issues: “The Islamic Republic’s policy of delaying and neglecting medical care for sick inmates, resulting in the loss of the health and lives of individuals.
  • A 17-year-old girl, Armita Geravand, died in October after receiving a head wound while riding Tehran’s metro without a headscarf.
  • In the fight against the global rise of authoritarianism, the key might lie in supporting women’s rights and grassroots feminist activism.


Hind Elhinnawy does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Rugged Equipment Market size to grow by USD 13.49 billion from 2023 to 2028; Growth Driven by growth of industrial end-users- Technavio

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The potential growth difference for the rugged equipment market between 2023 and 2028 is USD 13.49 billion.

Key Points: 
  • The potential growth difference for the rugged equipment market between 2023 and 2028 is USD 13.49 billion.
  • Get deeper insights into the market size, current market scenario, future growth opportunities, major growth driving factors, the latest trends, and more.
  • Buy the full report here
    The growth of industrial end-users is a key factor driving market growth.
  • Key Companies in the rugged equipment market:
    The Rugged Handheld Devices Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.79% between 2023 and 2028.

Fall Rug Event Features Brand New Collection - Hundreds of New Selections

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 8, 2023

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn., Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Saybrook Home's Semi-annual Rug Event is November 8 - 12.

Key Points: 
  • OLD SAYBROOK, Conn., Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Saybrook Home's Semi-annual Rug Event is November 8 - 12.
  • Hundreds of new rugs have been shipped into the store's Old Saybrook warehouse for five days only.
  • Guests can shop the collection of one-of-a-kind, hand-knotted artisan rugs during regular store hours, or shop remotely with the help of designers available through the website: SaybrookHome.com
    Saybrook Home has showrooms in Old Saybrook and Glastonbury.
  • From inspiration to installation, the company specializes in custom solutions from room design to window treatments to wall art and accessories.

My Magic Carpet Announces Winner of Third Annual Dirty Dog Contest

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

VERNON, Calif., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- My Magic Carpet announced Heaven was the winner of its Third Annual Dirty Dog Contest. More than just "barking" rights, Heaven was crowned this year's My Magic Carpet mascot and received $1,000 and a $500 My Magic Carpet gift card. The most nominated animal foundation, Animal Friends of the Valley, also was given a $500 donation.

Key Points: 
  • VERNON, Calif., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- My Magic Carpet announced Heaven was the winner of its Third Annual Dirty Dog Contest.
  • More than just "barking" rights, Heaven was crowned this year's My Magic Carpet mascot and received $1,000 and a $500 My Magic Carpet gift card.
  • The most nominated animal foundation, Animal Friends of the Valley, also was given a $500 donation.
  • "A heartfelt thank you to all who entered, voted and shared the messy, marvelous moments with us," said Magic Carpet Co-founder Monica Dallyn.

LEVOIT ™ POWERS UP THE CORDLESS STICK VACUUM MARKET WITH LVAC-200

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VeSync Co's premier smart home product company Levoit has introduced its powerful LVAC-200 cordless stick vacuum designed to address the many pain points that exist with stick vacuums today. The ultra-convenient LVAC-200 brings strong and efficient cleaning, a long battery life, a large easy-empty dust bin, and 5-stage filtration to pick up and hold the smallest of dust, allergens, and dander.

Key Points: 
  • Tangle-resistant LVAC-200 cleans brings incredible cleaning power, even for pet hair and dander
    ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VeSync Co's premier smart home product company Levoit has introduced its powerful LVAC-200 cordless stick vacuum designed to address the many pain points that exist with stick vacuums today.
  • The ultra-convenient LVAC-200 brings strong and efficient cleaning, a long battery life, a large easy-empty dust bin, and 5-stage filtration to pick up and hold the smallest of dust, allergens, and dander.
  • Available for just $199.99 on Levoit.com and Amazon, the Levoit LVAC-200 cleans hardwood floors (up to 99.7%) and low-to-middle pile carpets incredibly effectively and efficiently, saving users time and money.
  • * Actual run time may vary based on power mode, battery conditions, floor type and/or attachments used

Attention Engaged Couples: Score Wedding Day Makeup Services from Celebrity Makeup Artist Alexx Mayo on The Knot Vendor Marketplace

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Launching exclusively on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, the campaign allows one lucky couple to win the opportunity to work with celebrity makeup artist and cover star of The Knot Magazine 2023 Fall Issue Alexx Mayo for their wedding.

Key Points: 
  • Launching exclusively on The Knot Vendor Marketplace, the campaign allows one lucky couple to win the opportunity to work with celebrity makeup artist and cover star of The Knot Magazine 2023 Fall Issue Alexx Mayo for their wedding.
  • The Knot Drops featuring Alexx Mayo launches on November 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM ET.
  • The winner of the Alexx Mayo drop will receive two complimentary, in-person makeup sessions: one prewedding trial and makeup on the day of the wedding.
  • The Knot Drops is an exclusive offering only available on The Knot, bringing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for engaged couples to add celebrity professionals to their wedding vendor team.

Coyuchi + Rejuvenation: Born from Nature, Crafted for Life

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Coyuchi, the trailblazing force behind sustainable bed, bath, and apparel, is thrilled to unveil an exclusive collaboration with Rejuvenation, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and the premier provider of customizable lighting, hardware, and home furnishings. Just in time for the holiday season, this partnership introduces a captivating collection featuring a rich tapestry of duvet covers, organic shams, and rugs—all meticulously crafted to pay homage to the allure of nature.

Key Points: 
  • In an inspired collab with Rejuvenation, Coyuchi embarks on its inaugural foray into the realm of handcrafted rugs.
  • Through the collaboration, Coyuchi unveils its inaugural collection of handcrafted rugs: the Meares Hand-Knotted Wool Rug and the Kaden Jute/Wool Rug.
  • The Flora collection features Coyuchi's organic cotton percale adorned with a delicate botanical motif inspired by a vintage woodblock pattern.
  • This elegant and timeless design was created in collaboration between Coyuchi and Rejuvenation, blending hand painted and digitally printed designs.

Rugs USA Announces Designer Collaboration With Emily Henderson

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023

CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rugs USA, a leading e-commerce retailer and supplier of area rugs and home décor products, announces the launch of an exclusive collection in collaboration with renowned American interior designer and stylist Emily Henderson. The designer's first product collaboration of any kind, Emily Henderson x Rugs USA is a versatile selection of rugs featuring 20 designs in a range of sizes, with two of those designs available in additional colorways—all at an affordable price point.

Key Points: 
  • CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Rugs USA, a leading e-commerce retailer and supplier of area rugs and home décor products, announces the launch of an exclusive collection in collaboration with renowned American interior designer and stylist Emily Henderson.
  • The designer's first product collaboration of any kind, Emily Henderson x Rugs USA is a versatile selection of rugs featuring 20 designs in a range of sizes, with two of those designs available in additional colorways—all at an affordable price point.
  • "We are long-time followers of Emily Henderson here at Rugs USA, not only for joyful and vintage-inspired interiors, but also for her passion for making great design approachable for all.
  • "I love things that are simple but special—it's one of my design philosophies that I say over and over," says Henderson.

Canada meets commitment to welcome 40,000 vulnerable Afghans

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 30, 2023

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, shared that Canada has met its commitment to welcome at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans since August 2021.

Key Points: 
  • Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, shared that Canada has met its commitment to welcome at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans since August 2021.
  • The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to help vulnerable Afghans.
  • While welcoming over 40,000 Afghans to Canada is a significant achievement, Canada will continue to bring Afghans to safety.
  • Canadians, resettlement organizations and their front-line staff have gone above and beyond to welcome Afghans, and we are thankful for their ongoing support."