Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1526409
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 SEPTEMBER 2024 6 OPINION From harmless decoys to deadly toys No stone unturned IN recent years, the Maltese disability sector has been through an incredible process of amelioration. The list of upgraded social benefits in connection with persons with disabilities and the improved overall catchment of eligible cases have made a remarkable difference for families of persons with disabilities and the persons with disabilities themselves. Yet, we have known all along that gaps in the proce- dures existed and needed to be addressed. It was our in- tention from the outset to gradually identify those gaps and take the required action, making sure no stone is left unturned. In reaching these goals we had the support and assistance not only of the relative ministries, government departments and agencies, but also professionals in the sector, NGOs, families and persons with disabilities. One major result of this work was revealed recently when my ministry and the Social Policy Ministry announced the introduction of a new measure to help persons with hidden disabilities and serious physical dysfunctionality, even if their condition is not listed in the Social Security Act. Among these conditions are fibromyalgia, ME and autism. We have made it as simple as possible for persons to apply for disability assistance online. Their specialists can use their eID to upload the necessary documentation thus providing instant authenticity. Applicants will then ap- pear before an inter-professional board led by Aġenzija Sapport to conduct an evaluation exercise based on inter- national health and disability standards established by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In the case of hidden but painful disabilities unlisted in the Social Security Act, an assessment will be centred on WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). There should be no doubt this reform is yet another electoral pledge implemented by a government com- mitted to social justice in all its form. In this case, we reached out to hundreds of persons with disabilities who had thus far been denied financial benefits because they were considered ineligible. It is a proud moment for us as a government that we kept our word with persons with disabilities, especially who had been suffering in silence for so long. Malta has, in the process, aligned itself with the UN's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Dis- abilities. The reform is a belated source of relief for many persons with disabilities who had hitherto been denied financial assistance because of what was purported to be ineligi- bility. It makes of Aġenzija Sapport's massive package of services, from Disability Assistance and Severe Disability Assistance to Severe Intellectual Disability Assistance and Visually Impaired Assistance, certainly more wholesome. It now reaches out to all persons with disabilities, their families and carers. Is our work complete and can we now rest on our lau- rels? Far from it. We are constantly guided by our social conscience emphasised in the electoral manifesto. There are still targets to be achieved, other positive reforms to realise, and more social gaps to be filled in after identifi- cation. Leaving no stone unturned is not a slogan, but an as- signment to make sure the disability sector continues to evolve within the relentless social and political rhythm of modern Maltese society. DECEPTION has been crucial throughout military history, often utilising simple materials like paper and wood. From ancient strategies to modern conflicts, decoys have been vital in misleading enemies and securing victories. The roots of decoy use in warfare can be traced back to ancient times. Sun Tzu, the renowned Chinese mil- itary strategist, emphasised the im- portance of deception in his seminal work, "The Art of War." He advocated using decoys to confuse and mislead the enemy, setting a precedent for fu- ture military tactics. Roman general Julius Caesar also employed deceptive tactics, using formations to exaggerate the size of his forces and mislead his enemies. During the American Civil War, the Confederates used "Quaker guns," large logs painted to resemble can- nons, fooling Union forces into over- estimating their artillery strength. These early tactics were a prelude to the more sophisticated decoy opera- tions in the 20th and 21st centuries. World War I saw the advent of motorised military machines, which used dummy tanks and horses made of wood and cloth to deceive enemy forces. These were used to break the stalemate of trench warfare, providing a psychological edge over the enemy. The use of decoys reached new heights during World War II. One of the most sophisticated deception operations was Operation Fortitude, which was essential to the success of the D-Day landings. This campaign relied heavily on fake armaments, in- cluding inflatable tanks, trucks, and planes, to convince the Germans of an impending invasion at Pas de Cal- ais rather than Normandy. The ruse was so convincing that German forces remained positioned away from Nor- mandy, even weeks after the landings. Integral to this effort was the U.S. Army's 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the "Ghost Army." This unit used inflatable tanks, rubber planes, elaborate soundscapes, and fake radio transmissions to simulate entire divisions. Their efforts not on- ly protected the actual landing forces but also saved countless lives by mis- directing enemy troops and resources. Post-World War II, the use of de- coys continued to evolve with techno- logical advancements. In the modern era, Ukrainian forces have deployed a range of decoys, from simple wooden replicas to sophisticated multispec- tral inflatables. These decoys have successfully diverted Russian attacks, forcing them to expend valuable mu- nitions on non-existent targets. Such an approach preserves Ukrainian military assets, which strains Russian logistics and production capabilities. But modern decoys go beyond visual deception. Several companies pro- duce multispectral decoys that mimic the appearance and electromagnetic signatures of actual equipment. These baits can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, making them prac- tical tools for contemporary warfare. Inflatable tanks and artillery systems can be set up within minutes and are realistic enough to fool advanced de- tection systems. In recent developments, Ukraine has begun using flat-pack cardboard drones, an evolution in using light- weight materials in warfare. Devel- oped by an Australian company, these drones are designed to be easily as- sembled and deployed. They serve various purposes, including surveil- lance, delivering payloads, and even as decoys. They are not only inexpen- sive but also environmentally friendly and easily disposable. Their flat-pack design means they can be transport- ed in large quantities and assembled on-site, providing rapid deployment capabilities. These drones, equipped with high-resolution cameras, can transmit real-time imagery, making them ideal for reconnaissance mis- sions. Additionally, their lightweight design allows for longer flight ranges and higher altitudes, further enhanc- ing their utility in modern combat scenarios. Artificial intelligence also plays a role in these advanced drones. AI-driv- en navigation systems enable precise control and autonomous operation, allowing drones to perform complex tasks without direct human interven- tion. This integration of AI enhances their effectiveness, making them ver- satile tools for offensive and defensive operations. The evolution of decoys from simple wooden logs to sophisticated card- board drones illustrates the creativity and adaptability of military strategies. As technology advances, the methods of deception will undoubtedly contin- ue to evolve. Still, the underlying prin- ciple remains the same: to mislead the enemy and gain a strategic advantage on the battlefield. From harmless de- coys to deadly toys, the art of decep- tion continues to shape the outcomes of conflicts worldwide. Julia Farrugia Portelli is minister for inclusion and the voluntary sector Alexiei Dingli Prof. Alexiei Dingli Department of Artifical Intelligence, University of Malta Julia Farrugia Portelli Julia Farrugia Portelli Modern inflatable decoys go beyond visual deception