criminals
Notorious corporate criminals throughout the history of business.
From Burnout to Balance
Author: Nadeem Shah For the longest time, I didn’t see it coming. I thought I was just tired. You know—the usual kind of tired we joke about over coffee, the kind we wear like a badge of honor in a world that praises productivity more than peace. I kept pushing through, telling myself that rest would come later, that I just had to get through this week. Then the next. And the next.
By Nadeem Shah about a year ago in Journal
I’m the One Who Never Falls Apart—Until I Did
By Nadeem Shah They always say I’m the strong one. The dependable one. The listener. The problem-solver. The one who doesn’t cry, who doesn’t break, who always has a calm answer and a reassuring smile. My friends, family, coworkers — they leaned on me like I was some unshakable monument.
By Nadeem Shah about a year ago in Journal
Trump Extends Tariff Implementation Date to August 7
Trump Extends Tariff Implementation Date to August 7 President Donald Trump had previously announced that the implementation of his new tariffs on August 1 would bring significant change to the global economy. Administration officials had assured the public that this was a firm, non-negotiable deadline. However, when Trump signed the executive order on the night of July 31—imposing new tariffs on 68 countries and the European Union—the start date of the import taxes was delayed by seven days to allow updates to the tariff schedule. This change may be welcomed by countries that have not yet reached agreements with the U.S.—but it has also introduced a new layer of uncertainty for consumers and businesses still trying to understand what is coming and when. Trump has hinted that the increase in taxes on roughly $3 trillion worth of imported goods will generate new revenue, pave the way for factory jobs, reduce the budget deficit, and compel other nations to deal with the U.S. more respectfully. However, these sweeping tariffs could undermine America’s global standing, as allies may feel coerced into unfavorable agreements. Taxes on raw materials and essential goods used in U.S. factories could fuel new inflationary pressures and potentially stall economic growth—concerns the White House has dismissed. Despite Trump’s eagerness, many questions about the tariffs remain. As the self-imposed deadline approached, it seemed that nothing was set in stone except the President’s determination to impose the taxes. The legal legitimacy of the tariffs is also under question. On Thursday, a U.S. appeals court heard arguments on whether Trump had overstepped his authority by declaring a "national emergency" under the 1977 law to impose tariffs—thereby bypassing Congressional approval. Trump appeared pleased as the world waited to see what he would do. On Thursday morning, he posted on Truth Social: "Tariffs are making America great and rich again. Hastily Crafted Tariff Policy Countries have viewed President Trump’s policy as carelessly designed—one that could slowly impose long-term damage to America’s strength and prosperity. Scott Lincicome, Vice President at the Cato Institute, said: "By Friday morning, we’ll only know that U.S. import taxes will be historically high and complex, and because the agreements are so vague and incomplete, the uncertainty of this policy will remain very high." Everything else, he added, remains undecided. The new tariffs are based on measures announced in the spring. Trump initially set the Friday deadline following market unrest in April caused by his previous "Independence Day" tariffs. Failing to secure enough trade agreements with other countries, Trump extended the timeline and sent letters to world leaders, leading to a rush of negotiations. Swiss imports will now face a 39% tax rate—higher than the 31% rate Trump had threatened in April.while Liechtenstein’s rate was reduced from 37% to 15%. Countries not listed in Thursday night’s executive order will be subject to a default 10% tariff. Trade Deals Stir Anxiety Among Allies Over the past few weeks, Trump held talks with the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines on a trade framework, giving him the opportunity to claim that other nations were caving under his threats. On Thursday, he claimed there were deals with other countries but declined to name them. The day began with palpable tension. The EU was awaiting a written agreement on a 15% tariff deal. Switzerland and Norway were among dozens of countries unaware of their tariff rates, while Mexico’s tariffs were frozen at 25% for a 90-day negotiation period following a phone call with Trump that morning. European leaders faced criticism over the perception of bowing to Trump, though they emphasized this was only the start of talks and stressed the importance of maintaining U.S. support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had already suggested that Canada could no longer trust the U.S. as an ally, and Trump refused to speak with him on Thursday. Facing Legal Challenges With a 25% tariff announced by Trump on Wednesday, India is now less likely to benefit from the shift in manufacturing away from China. While the Trump administration has tried to challenge China’s manufacturing dominance, it remains locked in lengthy trade talks with the country, which is subject to a 30% U.S. tariff and is retaliating with a 10% rate on American imports. Major corporations had begun issuing warnings earlier in the week that the tariffs were beginning to strain them financially. Ford Motor Company estimated it could lose $2 billion this year due to the tariffs. French skincare company Yon-Ka warned of hiring freezes, reduced investments, and increased prices. Will Trump’s New Tariffs Survive Legal Scrutiny? Federal judges expressed skepticism on Thursday about Trump’s use of the 1977 law to declare America’s long-standing trade deficit a "national emergency," thereby justifying tariffs on nearly every country. Judge Todd Hughes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit told the Justice Department attorney representing the administration: "You're asking for unlimited authority." The judges did not issue an immediate ruling, and the case is expected to eventually reach the Supreme Court. The Trump White House has portrayed the increase in federal revenue from the tariffs as a sign of success in reducing the budget deficit. So far this year, $127 billion has been collected in customs duties—almost $70 billion more than last year.
By Real contentabout a year ago in Journal
Rising from the Ashes: My Journey Beyond Failure
By Nadeem Shah For most of my life, I measured success by the milestones I hit—the job titles I earned, the house I lived in, the lifestyle I portrayed. I believed that if I just worked harder, pushed myself more, and never showed weakness, I could create a life that others would admire. But sometimes, life has a way of shaking the foundation beneath you, and it did just that when everything I built began to crumble.
By Nadeem Shah about a year ago in Journal
Who are druze? Presence of Druze in different countries
Who are the Druze, and why is Israel attacking Syria under the pretext of 'protecting' this religious minority? On July 16, Israel carried out strikes near the Presidential Palace in Damascus, the Syrian Ministry of Defense, and the Syrian Army Headquarters. A recent deadly wave of sectarian violence in Syria has shaken the country once again, further complicating the Syrian government's attempts to assert control across its territory. The recent clashes began on July 13, following the reported abduction of a Druze merchant, which immediately escalated tensions between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin fighters in southern Syria. Two days later, on July 15, Israel intervened militarily, claiming that its forces were acting to protect the Druze population and to eliminate Syrian government-affiliated forces allegedly targeting them. It is worth noting that the Druze-majority province of Suwayda witnessed deadly clashes between Druze fighters and Syria’s new security forces in April and May 2025, leaving dozens dead. Earlier in March, similar violent incidents in Syria’s coastal provinces reportedly killed hundreds of pro-Assad Alawite militia members. This renewed unrest and subsequent Israeli airstrikes have reignited fears of deteriorating security in a country already ravaged by more than a decade of civil war. Meanwhile, Syria’s current leader and former jihadist Mohammad al-Julani has vowed to defend the country’s minorities. are the Druze? Historically, the Druze have faced a precarious position within the Syrian political system. The Druze are an Arabic-speaking religious minority residing in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Their faith is considered a branch of Shia Islam, although it features unique beliefs and an independent identity. The Druze refer to themselves as "Muwahhidun" those who believe in the unity of God. However, due to their distinct beliefs, they are often viewed by both Sunni and Shia Muslims as non-Muslim. They are also known as "Banu Ma'aruf." The term "Druze" is thought to originate from Nashtakin al-Darazi (Mohammad ibn Ismail al-Darazi), who promoted this doctrine in Lebanon and Syria. The majority of the Druze population is concentrated in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan, though small communities exist elsewhere. Of the estimated 1 million global Druze, about half live in Syria, making up approximately 3% of its population. In Israel, the Druze are often considered loyal to the state, with many serving in the Israeli military. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, about 152,000 Druze live in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights. The Druze have been present in Syria for centuries and have played significant roles in regional politics and conflicts. However, they have historically remained vulnerable in the country’s political structure. During the 14-year-long civil war, Druze fighters were actively engaged, especially in southern Syria. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, the Druze community has resisted government efforts to reassert control over southern Syria. While Druze factions are divided in their views on the new Syrian government, many have opposed the presence of Syrian military forces in Suwayda, while some factions have remained neutral or silent. Syrian forces have succeeded in expelling illegal militias from Suwayda despite Israeli intervention Following Assad's sudden ouster, Israel has sought to build alliances with Syrian minorities, particularly the Druze living near its northern border. By attacking Syrian military and government targets, Israel has positioned itself as a regional protector of minorities, including the Kurds, Druze, and Alawites in Syria — while turning a blind eye to alleged genocide in Gaza. In May 2025, during earlier sectarian clashes, Israel also bombed areas near the Damascus Presidential Palace, calling it a warning against attacks on Druze populations. However, some Druze leaders in Syria and Lebanon have accused Israel of exploiting sectarian tensions to advance its expansionist ambitions. Why is Israel attacking Syria now? Israel began airstrikes on Syrian targets on July 15. Initial strikes focused on security forces and vehicles in Suwayda, but by July 16, the campaign had escalated dramatically — with Israeli jets targeting areas near the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Defense, and the Syrian Army Headquarters in Damascus. The strike on the military headquarters was broadcast live on Syrian TV. Syria condemned the Israeli attacks, calling them a violation of its sovereignty. Israel, on the other hand, insisted its actions were meant to protect the minority Druze community. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted on social media shortly after the strikes began: “The warning phase in Damascus is over. Now the painful blows will begin.” These are Israel’s most extensive attacks in Syria since December 2024, when hundreds of military and civilian targets were destroyed, resulting in mass civilian casualties and the seizure of UN buffer zones in the Golan Heights. Israel claims its repeated strikes are aimed at preventing Syria’s new government from enhancing its military capabilities, which it views as a potential threat to Israeli security. The latest strikes serve as both a warning and a deterrent against the Syrian army’s deployment in southern Syria. Israel appears to be attempting to create a demilitarized zone in the region. What does the Syrian government say? Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that open war with Israel was a possible option, but mediation by the US, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey prevented further escalation. In a pre-recorded address aired Thursday morning, al-Sharaa accused Israel of trying to divide the Syrian people and plunge the nation into endless chaos. He said the Syrian people were not afraid of war and were presented with two options: “Either we enter an open confrontation with Israel at the cost of the Druze minority’s security... or we allow Druze elders and leaders to act with wisdom and prioritize national interests over those who wish to discredit others.” The Syrian president claimed that the state prioritized the interests of the Syrian people. Al-Sharaa further asserted that despite Israeli intervention, Syrian forces had restored stability and successfully expelled illegal militias from Suwayda. How has the world reacted? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is deeply concerned about recent developments in Syria. Following the Israeli strikes on July 16, he noted: “We have agreed on specific measures that will end this troubling and horrific situation.” Several Arab countries including Lebanon, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Kuwait condemned the Israeli strikes targeting the Syrian government and security forces. Turkey, a major stakeholder in post-Assad Syria, labeled the strikes: “An act of sabotage against Syria’s efforts for peace, stability, and security.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the escalating Israeli attacks in Suwayda and Damascus. What lies ahead? This latest episode of violence has underscored the fragility of Syria’s security and political landscape, raising fears of new sectarian attacks across the country. As al-Sharaa attempts to unify Syria and reassert control, it remains to be seen how the situation will evolve. However, the ongoing sectarian clashes and resulting Israeli military actions threaten to derail efforts at state-building and post-war recovery in Syria.
By Real contentabout a year ago in Journal
