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The latest AI companions released by the xAI company, which is owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, have sparked widespread interaction on social media platforms, especially on X, formerly known as Twitter. Simply put, AI companions are entities generated by artificial intelligence and designed to simulate humanlike interactions for various purposes, including emotional support, creative collaboration, learning assistance and language practice, The Other Half reported. What Are the Main Technologies Behind AI Companions AI companions go through long development processes to be able to hold full conversations with humans and achieve the goals they were created for. Here are five important components behind AI companions: Conversational AI: This is one of the most important components in creating a successful companion, as it allows the machine to understand, interpret and respond appropriately to human language. Conversational AI enables deep, contextaware conversations, allowing AI companions to read and interpret human emotions. Natural Language Processing NLP: This technology is also critical, as it helps AI companions understand a users words, tone and intent, The Other Half reported. Machine Learning: Over time, AI companions begin adapting to peoples unique communication styles, preferences and even their sense of humor. For instance, if you enjoy dad jokes, the companion may begin using them in future conversations. Multimodal Capabilities: Unlike earlier AI chatbots that relied solely on text, modern AI companions can now engage with users through voice, visuals and animations. AI Chatbot Filters: These filters are responsible for keeping conversations between the AI companion and the user appropriate and aligned with user preferences. What Are AI Companions Possible Restrictions Despite offering engaging conversations, AI companions still come with some limitations, such as: Pricing: Many AI companies do not offer full access to features for free. For example, unlocking advanced features often requires purchasing a Pro version. Time to Adapt: Since every person communicates differently, it may take some time for an AI companion to adjust to your conversation style, humor and emotional expressions. Robotic Feelings: No matter how advanced AI companions become, they cannot truly understand human emotions, The Other Half added. Are AI Companions Conscious or Sentient The Guardian reported that current AI companions are not conscious, emotional or selfaware. They only simulate understanding using pattern recognition and algorithms to respond to human input. Can AI Companions Replace Therapists No, AI companions are not substitutes for licensed therapists. However, they can offer a sense of comfort and provide users with a space to express their feelings. Some AI companion apps also include warnings advising users not to rely on them for mental health support. Do AI Companions Save or Share Users Data This depends on the developer. Each company designs its AI companions differently. You should read the privacy policy of your chosen app to determine whether it saves or shares your data. What Are the Most Popular AI Companion Apps Replika Character.AI ChatGPT Anima AI xAI owned by Elon Musk Kuki AI Wysa focused primarily on therapy What Are Groks AI Companions Elon Musks company, xAI, unveiled two AI companions on its Grok platform on July 14: a Japanese anime girl named Ani and an animated red panda named Rudi, according to Business Insider. A third AI companion is in development. The app preview shows a male animestyle character labeled coming soon. Where Are Groks AI Companions Available According to Business Insider, Groks AI companions are currently available only on the Grok iOS app. What Is the Future of AI Companions While current AI companions are still limited in understanding human emotions and interactions, future developments may include features like augmented reality AR, holograms and more advanced emotional intelligence, bringing them closer to mimicking real human behavior. Read More What Are Instagram AI Influencers Everything You Need To Know What Is Machine Learning How To Create GhibliStyle Photos

Mandela Day, also known as Nelson Mandela International Day, is celebrated on July 18 to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the former South African president and antiapartheid revolutionary. The day encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to service, reflecting the 67 years Mandela dedicated to public service, the United Nations said. The U.N. decided in November 2009 that July 18 would be marked as Nelson Mandela International Day or Mandela Day to commemorate the former presidents significant role in promoting a culture of peace and freedom. Mandela dedicated his life to addressing major global issues, including conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality, and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. He also championed the fight against poverty and the promotion of social justice. Who Was Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela was an antiapartheid activist and politician who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mandela was South Africas first Black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election, according to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. When Is Nelson Mandelas Birthday Rolihlahla Mandela was born into the Madiba clan in the village of Mvezo, in the Eastern Cape, on July 18, 1918. Who Are Nelson Mandelas Family Members His mother was Nonqaphi Nosekeni, and his father was Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela, who was the principal counselor to the acting king of the Thembu people, Jongintaba Dalindyebo. In 1930, when Mandela was 12 years old, his father died. Who Were Nelson Mandelas Wives The former president of South Africa was married three times and had six children four girls and two boys. Mandelas First Marriage Mandelas first marriage was in 1944, to Evelyn Ntoko Mase, who died on April 30, 2004. The couple divorced on March 19, 1958. Did Mandela and Evelyn Mase Have Kids The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Mandela and Evelyn Ntoko Mase had four children: Madiba Thembekile Mandela born in 1945, died at age 24 on July 13, 1969. Makaziwe Mandela died in 1948 when she was 9 months old. Makgatho Lewanika Mandela born in 1950, died Jan. 6, 2005, at age 55. Pumla Makaziwe Mandela born in 1954. Mandelas Second Marriage After his first marriage ended, the former South African president married Nomzamo Winifred Zanyiwe Madikizela, known as Winnie Mandela, on June 14, 1958. The couple divorced on March 19, 1996. Did Nelson and Winnie Mandela Have Kids Yes. Nelson and Winnie Mandela had two children: Zenani Dlamini born in 1959 Zindziswa Mandela born in 1960, died in 2020 after contracting COVID19 Mandelas Third Marriage Mandelas third and final marriage was on July 18, 1998, to Graça Machel, who was born in 1945. Overall, Nelson Mandela had six children and 17 grandchildren. Why Was Nelson Mandela Imprisoned From the 1950s through the early 1960s, Mandela was frequently detained by police over his political activism against the apartheid regime. The political figure went underground in 1961 after the African National Congress was banned in 1960. He became the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe MK, the armed wing of the ANC. In 1962, Mandela was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison for leaving the country illegally and inciting a strike. The Nelson Mandela Foundation said that in 1963, he joined other MK leaders in the Rivonia Trial. By the end of that year, he was sentenced to life in prison for sabotage. How Long Was Nelson Mandela in Prison Nelson Mandela was released in 1990 after spending more than 27 years in prison 18 of those on Robben Island before the fall of apartheid and the introduction of full, multiracial democracy in South Africa. What Political Party Did Nelson Mandela Belong To Mandela belonged to the African National Congress ANC, a South African political party and liberation movement that played a major role in opposing apartheid. He served as ANC president from 1991 to 1997, according to Britannica. When Was Mandela Elected President of South Africa Nelson Mandela was elected president of South Africa on May 10, 1994, becoming the countrys first Black leader. He served one term, from 1994 to 1999, and then stepped down to continue efforts through the Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund, which he founded in 1995. He later established the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. What Awards Did Nelson Mandela Receive Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his activism and political role in ending apartheid, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said. Did Nelson Mandela Write Books Mandela wrote several books, including I Am Prepared to Die, No Easy Walk to Freedom, The Struggle Is My Life, In His Own Words, and Long Walk to Freedom. When Did Nelson Mandela Die Nelson Mandela died at his home in Johannesburg on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. What Is the Mandela Effect The Mandela Effect is a phenomenon in which a large group of people remembers an event differently from how it actually occurred. The term was coined in 2009 by Fiona Broome, who discovered that she along with many others incorrectly believed Nelson Mandela had died in prison during the 1980s, despite the fact that he died in 2013, Medical News Today reported. Read More Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei What Happens at a NATO Summit Who Is The Base Group

Instagram AI influencers, commonly referred to as virtual influencers, are digital personas designed to simulate human influencers and promote products online. Their personalities allow them to offer brands a unique way to engage consumers and build authentic connections with human followers. This article introduces some of the bestknown AI influencers and explores the industry further. What Are Instagram AI Influencers According to Built In, Instagram AI influencers are computergenerated digital characters often created using computergenerated imagery CGI, motion capture and artificial intelligence. They are designed to act as virtual versions of human social media influencers, behaving much like a real person would on Instagram or other platforms. This includes activities such as promoting products and offering brands a costeffective way to connect with consumers through unique personalities and voices that help them build connections with human followers. Ariel Sims, senior vice president of paid social for the global marketing agency Digitas, said: AI influencers are gaining popularity in marketing and ecommerce because they offer a costeffective and efficient way to promote products and engage with consumers. Who Is the Famous AI Influencer Meet some of the most wellknown AI influencers who are blurring the lines between the real and virtual worlds and transforming how content is created, consumed and marketed. Lu do Magalu: She is the oldest and most popular virtual influencer on Instagram, with 7.8 million followers. She was created by the Brazilian bigbox retailer Magazine Luiza in 2007. Magalu has partnered with major brands like Adidas and Samsung, and she runs her own YouTube channel. Lil Miquela: She describes herself as a 21yearold robot living in L.A. With 2.4 million Instagram followers, she has created sponsored content for brands such as Prada, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Givenchy and Samsung. While Miquela promotes products, she also maintains a carefully crafted digital persona that includes music releases and social commentary. Imma: A popular virtual influencer in Japan, Imma was created by producer Sara Giusto. She has 390,000 Instagram followers and has worked on campaigns with fashion houses including Coach, Fendi and Prada. In April 2024, she delivered a virtual TED Talk in Vancouver alongside her creator. Shudu: An AI model with more than 237,000 Instagram followers, Shudu is part of the digital modeling agency The Diigitals. She has appeared in digital editorial spreads for Country Town House, Nylon and international editions of Vogue. She has also collaborated with clothing, fragrance and makeup brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Rabanne and Fenty Beauty. Do AI Influencers Make Money According to Influencer Marketing Hub, yes Instagram AI influencers can make money through: Brand collaborations and sponsorships: Brand deals are the primary source of income for many AI influencers. Kyra, Indias first AI influencer, has earned income through collaborations. She has worked with top brands, including LOréal. Merchandise sales: Just as human influencers make money through merchandise, AI influencers can also create branded products related to their persona or content. These items are promoted on their social media accounts and sold via ecommerce platforms. Affiliate marketing: An AI lifestyle influencer can create content around a specific niche and promote related products or devices. For example, Milla Sofia has collaborated with Tyyliluuri, a phone case brand, to promote its products. How Big Is the AI Influencer Market According to KBV Research, The global virtual influencer market size is expected to reach 37.8 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 38.1 CAGR during the forecast period. Global virtual influencer market size. Credit: KBV Research What Brands Have Used AI Influencers Many reputable brands have used AI influencers in their marketing, including Dior, IKEA, Dominos Pizza, Givenchy, Fendi, Samsung, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Prada, Chanel and Coach. One of the most notable campaigns featured the virtual influencer Imma appearing alongside rapper Lil Nas X in an ad for Coach. Instagram AI influencers are virtual characters created using artificial intelligence or computergenerated imagery to behave like human influencers. Studies show that the virtual influencer market is steadily growing and is expected to reach 37.8 billion by 2030. Many major brands are already using AI influencers in their advertising campaigns on Instagram and other platforms with notable success. This trend indicates that AI influencers are becoming a powerful force in the future of digital marketing. Read More What Happens at a NATO Summit What Is the Trainwreck: Poop Cruise Documentary About What Does Italian Brain Rot Mean

A NATO summit is an occasional meeting of member countries, aimed at protecting the allies freedom and security through political and military means. The summits are typically held at key moments in the alliances development, such as when introducing new policies or launching major initiatives. This article explores the summits purpose, member nations, locations, and timing. What Is the NATO Summit According to the Council on Foreign Relations, NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which was formed in 1949 as a defense alliance against Soviet aggression. It is a transatlantic security alliance made up of 32 member countries, including the United States. A NATO summit is a meeting where the heads of state and government of NATO member countries discuss important issues facing the alliance and provide strategic direction for its activities. The 2025 NATO summit was held in The Hague, Netherlands; the next will be in Türkiye in 2026. After 76 years, NATO remains the cornerstone of U.S.Europe military cooperation. An expanding group of NATO allies has taken on a diverse set of missions since the Cold War, many of which go far beyond the EuroAtlantic region, including operations in Afghanistan and Libya. NATO Membership Growth Over Time Dark teal top color on the legend: Founding members Countries that joined NATO in 1949Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, United States Medium teal middle color: Cold War expansion Countries that joined between 1952 and 1982Greece, Turkey, West Germany, Spain Light teal bottom color: PostCold War expansion Countries that joined from 1990 to 2024Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland, Sweden German reunification in 1990 resulted in what was formerly East Germany becoming part of NATO. The map also shows both West and East Germany. Where Are NATO Summits Held NATOs headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium, and summit meetings are held either there or in a member country. Typically, member countries volunteer to host the meeting. The NATO Council evaluates the offers and makes the final decision on the location. In recent years, summit locations have often carried symbolic meaning. For example, the summits in Washington, D.C., in 1999 and 2024 marked the 50th and 75th anniversaries of the North Atlantic Treaty, which was signed there. In 2004, Istanbul hosted a summit. The city, which connects Europe and Asia, was where the alliance launched the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, aimed at building stronger connections between NATO and the broader Middle East. How Often Are NATO Summits Held NATO summits are not held on a regular basis. Instead, they take place during key moments in the alliances developmentsuch as the introduction of new policies, invitations to new members, major initiative launches, or the strengthening of partnerships. What Is the Purpose of a NATO Summit According to the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATOs main goal is to protect the allies freedom and security through political and military means. NATO is the transatlantic communitys primary security instrument and reflects its shared democratic values. The organization permanently links the security of North America and Europe. NATOs expansion supports the United States goal of a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treatyalso known as the Washington Treatydeclares that an attack against one ally is considered an attack against all. This principle of collective defense is at the core of the alliance. Article 5 of the Washington Treaty as stated by NATO: The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective selfdefence recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security. A NATO summit is a highlevel meeting of alliance member countries, held as needed at critical points in the alliances evolution. Host countries typically volunteer, and the NATO Council makes the final decision after evaluating the offers. Read More How Many U.S. Military Bases Are There Globally Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Important Why Do Americans Celebrate the 4th of July

The wellknown Poop Cruise documentary, directed by James Ross, turns a real story that took place in 2013 aboard the Carnival Triumph cruise into a documentary that immerses viewers back onboard the ship. It cleverly recreates settings that resemble actual locations. The incident began when the ships engine caught fire, cutting power to the entire ship, systems failed, and around 4,000 passengers struggled through difficult times. It is a reminder of the fragility of our modern world and the resilience of people in tough times. What Is the Poop Cruise Documentary About The Poop Cruise documentary is based on a true story of the 2013 Carnival Triumph cruise when the situation descended into chaos after the toilets stopped functioning in the middle of the sea. The documentary is about a luxury cruise whose engine fire cut power to the entire ship, turning the trip into a disaster for 4,000 passengers. The systems failed, sewage leaked, and food ran short, sparking unrest among passengers. The director James Ross says: When you hear Poop Cruise, you think … OK, but actually theres a lot more layers and twists and turns to the story. Based on The Guardian, Poop Cruise effectively utilizes scene reenactments applications in a documentary, particularly in reconstructing anecdotes. Ross explains that his goal for the reenactments is to not feel too real but also give the viewers a sense that youre in this kind of hyperreal place, because the real footage is the star of the show. Poop Cruise cleverly immerses viewers back onboard the Triumph, placing expert witnesses in recreated settings such as kitschy dining halls that resemble locations on the actual ship. It is more than a deep look back on a 12yearold viral story. It is a reminder of the precariousness of our modern world and how strong humans can be in tough times. What Was the Poop Cruise Incident and What Happened on the Carnival Triumph in 2013 According to The Guardian, in 2013, the Carnival Triumph ship began a twoday trip from Galveston, Texas, to Cozumel, Mexico, but turned into a disaster due a fire broke out in its engine room, which struck the ship and stranded its 4,100odd passengers and crew in the Gulf of Mexico. The fire damaged the Triumphs electrical system and disabled the assisting systems aboard the ship, from the WiFi to the toilets, which literally overflowed into cabins and flooded the hallways. The Triumph was towed to Mobile, Alabama, after three days adrift; ultimately, passengers behavior began to break down under the stress. Passenger on the cruise deck info Petite Nation The journey ended with passengers kissing the ground and laughing off the calamity as they disembarked, transforming the stricken Carnival cruise from a potential tragedy into an almost anticlimactic comedian tale. How Long Is the Poop Cruise Documentary Poop Cruise is a 55minute documentary, and it is part of the streamers series on disasters in recent history, according to Time Magazine. How Long Was the Carnival Poop Cruise The cruise was planned as a fourday round trip. However, on the fourth day, the power outage left the ship floating in the middle of the ocean, left waiting to be towed to shore. What Happened to Carnival Triumph After the Poop Cruise According to Today, the carnival suspended the Triumph until midApril and gave 500 to each passenger. They also reimbursed each passengers trip, their purchases onboard, and offered them a free future cruise. While the ship failed its first inspection after 115 million in repairs, the Carnival Triumph is back at sea, renamed the Carnival Sunrise. The Poop Cruise documentary brings to life the incident that happened aboard a luxury cruise ship, the Carnival Triumph, in 2013. It shows how the crew and 4,000 passengers faced a power outage caused by an engine fire, which led to system failures, sewage leaks, food shortages, and passengers unrest. Ending this unexpected journey with passengers kissing the ground as they disembark, laughing off, and finding humor in the chaos. Read More What Does Italian Brain Rot Mean Why Do Americans Celebrate the 4th of July What Are the 5Cs of Youth Empowerment

During the latest conflict between Iran and Israel, which lasted for 12 days before U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal, the name Mojtaba Khamenei trended on the news and across social media platforms. Since Friday, June 13, the Middle East has turned into a war zone when Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Irans nuclear program, killing top scientists and keyranking commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC in an operation called Rising Lion. In response, Iran announced Operation True Promise III and launched a retaliatory attack by firing hundreds of ballistic missiles against Israel. Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and according toThe New York Times, he is among the three people selected by the Supreme Leader to succeed him in the worstcase scenario. Even though the identities of the clerics were not publicly announced, Khamenei wanted an easy succession via the Assembly of Experts in case he was assassinated or died unexpectedly. Ayatollah Khameneis son Mojtaba, also a cleric and close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, who was rumored to be a frontrunner, is not among the candidates, the report reads. What Does Mojtaba Mean Mojtaba or Mujtaba Persian: مجتبی is an Iranian male given name and it originates from the Arabic language, meaning the chosen. It is one of the names of Prophet Muhammad used in Islamic literature, according to theQuranic Names website. How Many Children Does Ali Khamenei Have TheBBCsaid that Ali Khamenei has six children: Mojtaba Khamenei, Hoda Khamenei, Boshra Khamenei, Mostafa Khamenei, Masoud Khamenei and Meysam Khamenei. What Is Mojtaba Khameneis Role in Iran Mojtaba Khamenei, 55, is the second son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was born in 1969 in Mashhad city in Iran. He pursued theology under the guidance of his father and other prominent scholars, eventually becoming a cleric. Mojtaba currently teaches theology at the Qom Seminary, located in the city of Qom, Iran,NDTV reported. Mojtaba Khamenei joined the IRGC in 1987 after finishing secondary school, serving during the final phase of the IranIraq War. By the early 2000s, he had built strong connections within the IRGC and among Irans senior clerics. He got married to the daughter of GholamAli HaddadAdel, named Zahra. Her family is super close to the Khamenei family, considering that her father served as the speaker of Irans parliament. Mojtaba Khamenei and Zahra HaddadAdel have three children. When Did The U.S. Sanction Mojtaba Khamenei The U.S. Treasury Department put sanctions on Mojtaba in 2019, for representing the Supreme Leader in an official capacity despite never being elected or appointed to a government position, aside from working in the office of his father, Ali Khamenei,Reuters revealed. Did Mojtaba Khamenei Help Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Become Irans President Mojtaba Khamenei allegedly had a great role in supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the 2005 presidential elections in Iran, as accused by Mehdi Karroubi, a reformist cleric who ran in the 2005 election, a role that was denied by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Reuters reported. Nonetheless, the report read that Mojtaba also supported Ahmadinejad when he ran for the 2009 elections again and won for a second time. Back then and following his victory, antigovernment protests erupted across Iran; however, they were suppressed by the Basij and security forces. Why Does Mojtaba Khamenei Wear a Black Turban According to Reuters, Mojtaba always wears the black turban of a sayyed to show his familys alleged links to the Prophet Mohammad. Is Khameneis Family Linked to Prophet Mohammad TheDaily Times reported that Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei is widely believed to be the 38th direct descendant of the Islamic Prophet Mohammad. According to claims, Khameneis lineage reportedly traces back through the Prophets grandson, Imam Hussain, through Imam Zain ul Abideen and other respected members of the Ahl alBayt. Moreover, the title Sayyed, which the supreme leader of Iran holds, is used for people who are believed to be descendants of the Prophet. What Is An Ayatollah According to theDictionary, an Ayatollah is a title given to Shiite Muslim religious leaders, especially in Iran. Clerics who earn the title of Ayatollah have usually achieved highly advanced knowledge of Islamic law and religion. Read More What Does Italian Brain Rot Mean Why Do Americans Celebrate the 4th of July What Are the 5Cs of Youth Empowerment

Amid the chaotic situation and the rising tension in the Middle East, Iran had earlier warned to retaliate against American bases in the region if the United States enters war alongside Israel and joins Tel Aviv in its attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump announced via a post on Truth Social the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran. All planes are now outside of Iran air space, Trump wrote. TheNew York Times said that U.S. intelligence agencies have long warned that the military should be ready for any response from Iran if the U.S. attacked Tehrans nuclear sites. How Many U.S. Military Bases Exist Worldwide The United States has about 750 bases in at least 80 countries globally as of July 2021, according to David Vine, ​​a professor of political anthropology at the American University in Washington, D.C.,Al Jazeera reported. However, the real number is expected to be higher, considering that the American Department of Defense Pentagon does not share all information with the public. The AlJazeera report also mentioned that Japan has the highest number of U.S. military bases worldwide, with 120 active bases, and it is followed by Germany with 119 and South Korea with 73. How Many U.S. Military Bases Are in the Middle East Trumps administration during the past few decades has maintained a military presence in the region. Al Jazeera said in a June 2025 report that the U.S. currently has between 40,000 and 50,000 troops placed across around 19 sites. Where are US military bases in the Middle East There are quite a good number of temporary and permanent U.S. military bases across the Middle East, eight of which are permanent bases, located across Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the United Arab Emirates UAE,Al Jazeeraexplained. Here are the major U.S. military bases in the Middle East: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar: Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was established in 1996, accommodating around 100 aircraft and drones. It serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command CENTCOM and has been central to operations in many countries such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. AlDhafra Air Base in the UAE :AlDhafra air base is considered one of the main U.S. bases in the Middle East, highlighting that it focuses on reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and supporting combat air operations. The military base is located approximately 32 km away from south of Abu Dhabi, and it hosts very developed fighter jets such as the F22 Raptor stealth fighters in addition to drones and AWACS. Camp Arifjan in Kuwait: Camp Arifjan is a main U.S. military base located about 55 km southeast of Kuwait City. It was established in 1999 to serve as the primary logistics, supply and command hub for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, especially within the US CENTCOM area of responsibility. Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait: In Kuwait, there is also the Ali Al Salem Air Base, which is only about 40 km away from the Iraqi border and is nicknamed The Rock, according toReuters. U.S. Navys Fifth Fleet in Bahrain: The current American naval base, which hosts about 9,000 personnel, was placed on the site of the former British naval installation, called HMS Jufair.The bases main job is to secure the safety of ships, aircraft, detachments and remote sites in the region. Tower 22 in Jordan: Despite not being a very famous one, the Tower 22 base is located near the demilitarized zone on the border between Jordan and Syria, according toPBS.The American base was first launched as a Jordanian outpost watching the border, then saw an increased U.S. presence there after American forces entered Syria in late 2015. The small installation includes U.S. engineering, aviation, logistics, as well as security forces with about 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel stationed in the Tower 22 base in Jordan. Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base in Jordan: Reuters revealed that in Jordan, theres also the Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base, which is located in Azraq Town. It hosts the U.S. Air Forces Centrals 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. Across Jordan, there are about 3,000 American troops. Erbil Air Base in Iraq: The Erbil base is commonly used by American forces for air operations, mainly in northern Iraq or Syria, Al Jazeera mentioned. What is the largest U.S. Base in the Middle East Al Udeid Air Base, which exists in Qatar, is the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, considering that it covers an area of 24 hectares. It also houses about 10,000 American troops. Does the U.S. Have Military Bases in Israel In 2017, the United States established its first permanent military base in Israel,The Times of Israel said. The military base is stationed inside the Israeli Air Forces Mashabim Air Base, west of the towns of Dimona and Yerucham in the Negev desert. How Many American Troops Are There Worldwide At least 1.3 million active duty American troops exist, with around 12.8 percent, or about 166,000 troops, positioned outside the U.S. as of June 2024, according toUSA Facts. Data showed that the countries with the largest number of American military presence were Japan and Germany, where about 53,000 and 35,000 U.S. soldiers, respectively, were stationed. Which Is the Biggest U.S. Military Base in the World According toAaron Meyer Law, the U.S. Fort Bragg is the worlds largest American military base and it covers more than 647 647 km square kilometers in North Carolina. Fort Bragg, established in 1918, is considered the largest military base worldwide and hosts around 60,000 military personnel. Read More What Does Italian Brain Rot Mean Why Do Americans Celebrate the 4th of July What Are the 5Cs of Youth Empowerment

Parents have been questioning the weird language their children are using as a new obsession has crashed through Gen Alpha, causing an online buzz. Italian Brain Rot is the news hyperonline obsession for Gen Alpha as it entered the world of games via Roblox, as well as other mobile applications, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media platforms. What is the Italian Brain Rot Trend According to theNew York Post, the Italian Brain Rot trend paved its way starting from the Chinese platform TikTok in early 2025 and continued to reach other apps and kids favorite games. Italian Brain Rot visualizes bizarre, AIspawned characters with fakeItalian names and storylines as warped as a Funhouse mirror. Who Created Ballerina Cappuccina Ballerina Cappuccina is one of dozens of Italian Brain Rot AIgenerated videos and shows a ballerina dancer with a cappuccino cup for a head. According to the American news website, the viral Ballerina Cappuccina concept was created in March 2025, and the idea was created by Susanu SavaTudor, a 24yearold from Romania. What Other AIgenerated Italian Brain Rot concepts The trend can also show other concepts besides Ballerina Cappuccina, which gained over 45 million views and 3.8 million likes on TikTok. On YouTube, the clip generated over 10 million views in 3 months. Here are other Italian Brain Rot concepts as listed byScary Mommy website: Whbobardiro Crocodilo a crocodilebomberplane hybrid Trallallero Trallallà visualizing a blue shark wearing Nikes, this was believed to be the flame that ignited the Italian Brain Rot trend Lirilì Larilà an elephant cactus wearing birkenstocks. Chimpanzini Bananini a Chimpanzee head on a banana Tung Sahur a club holding a baseball bat. Brr Brr Patapim a tree giant creature. What Does Brain Rot Mean Oxford Dictionary described brain rot phrase as the supposed deterioration of a persons mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material now particularly online content considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration. Oxford said that brain rot was named as Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 after voting by over 37,000 people,Oxford University Press revealed. Where was the Phrase Brain Rot First Mentioned Oxford mentioned that the first ever use of brain rot was in Henry David Thoreaus book called Walden back in 1854, during which he used the term to report his experiences of living a simple lifestyle in the natural world, Oxford University Press maintained. Who Are Gen Alpha Generation Alpha Gen Alpha refers to all people born from 2010 to 2024. This generation was the first to be born in the 21st century and is heavily influenced by technology, smartphones, tablets, and the world of the internet,McCrindle said. According to McCrindle, Gen Alpha are the children of Generation Y, and often the younger siblings of Generation Z Gen Z. What Are The Most Recognized Gen Alpha Slang Terms Perhaps you have heard one of the following terms; however, you are old enough not to understand their respective meanings. Heres a sum up for the most used Gen Alpha slang and the meaning behind each word: Sigma: Sigma word is often used to describe a cool, confident, and independent person. Rizz: Short for charisma, used to describe someones ability to attract romantic interest or charm others. Salty: Describing someone who is agitated, angry, or upset. Skibidi: A nonsensical term to say good, cool, or bad. This is more commonly used in the context of online trends and footage. CapNo cap: Cap means to lie or exaggerate, while no cap means the statement is true. Slay: Slay can be said to describe something done exceptionally well or when someone fulfils a task successfully. Sus: This is a shortcut for the word suspicious. Bussin: This term is used by Gen Alpha to describe something that is exceptionally good, usually related to good food taste. Bet: Bet slang means either okay, agreed, or confirmed. Aura: Refers to someones cool or it factor, their captivating presence. Ick: A feeling of revulsion or aversion a person feels towards someone or something. Mewing: It can mean shushing someone, in other contexts it can refer to a jawlineimproving technique. Brain rot: A term for the perceived negative effects of excessive online content consumption. Simp: A person who is overly submissive or eager to please others. Read More Why Do Americans Celebrate the 4th of July What Are the 5Cs of Youth Empowerment What Are the Capabilities of the Golden Dome