INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

Israel conducts strikes in central Syria killing 7 people, injuring 15 others: Report

• Israel conducted airstrikes in central Syria, resulting in the deaths of 5 people and injuring 19 others, according to a report.

• The airstrikes targeted Iranian-backed militia positions in the Palmyra region of Syria, with the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirming the casualties.

• The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes, but it has been known to target Iranian-backed forces in Syria in the past.

• The incident is the latest in a series of reported Israeli strikes in Syria, which have been aimed at preventing Iran from establishing a military presence in the country.

Read more - https://www.firstpost.com/world/israel-conducts-strikes-in-central-syria-killing-5-people-injuring-19-others-report-13813181.html

Azerbaijan holds snap parliamentary election amid recent territorial gains

• Azerbaijan held a snap parliamentary election on February 9, with voters electing a new parliament amid recent territorial gains by the country.

• The election was called by President Ilham Aliyev in December, with the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party expected to maintain its majority in the 125-seat parliament.

• The election comes after Azerbaijan's military victory in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia in 2020, which led to the country regaining control of several territories.

• The new parliament is expected to focus on rebuilding and developing the recently regained territories, as well as addressing economic and social issues in the country.

Read more - https://www.firstpost.com/world/azerbaijan-holds-snap-parliamentary-election-amid-recent-territorial-gains-13810388.html

First India-Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers' meet promises to deepen ties 

• The first India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' meeting was held, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between India and the GCC countries.

• The meeting resulted in a joint statement promising to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, security, and counter-terrorism, with a focus on mutual benefit and shared interests.

• The GCC countries, which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, are key partners for India in the region, with bilateral trade valued at over $100 billion.

• The meeting is seen as a significant development in India's efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic ties with the Gulf region, with potential opportunities for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Read more - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/first-india-gulf-cooperation-council-foreign-ministers-meet-promises-to-deepen-ties/articleshow/113173009.cms?from=mdr

Cracks in export backbone: MSME units in 4 manufacturing hubs shut shops as global orders dry up

• MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) units in four major manufacturing hubs in India, including Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Surat, are shutting down due to a decline in global orders.

• The decline in exports has led to a significant decrease in production, resulting in job losses and financial difficulties for many MSMEs, which are a crucial part of India's export backbone.

• The main reasons for the decline in exports include a global economic slowdown, increased competition from other countries, and a rise in raw material costs, making Indian products less competitive in the global market.

• The shutdown of MSME units is likely to have a ripple effect on the overall economy, as these units are often the primary source of employment and income for many people, and their closure could lead to a decline in economic growth and increased unemployment.

Read more - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/trade/exports/insights/cracks-in-export-backbone-msme-units-in-4-manufacturing-hubs-shut-shops-as-global-orders-dry-up/articleshow/113113947.cms?from=mdr

India's Strengthening Ties with West Asia: Strategic Partnerships and Enhanced Cooperation

• India's West Asia strategy has evolved from a transactional relationship to a strategic partnership, with frequent high-level exchanges and a focus on energy, economy, and expatriate welfare.

• India has successfully de-hyphenated its relationships with Gulf countries, maintaining ties with Israel and Palestine while fostering partnerships with GCC nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

• India is working on free trade agreements (FTAs) with the GCC, aiming to build on its success with the UAE and enhance economic cooperation, including bilateral trade in local currencies.

• India has joined multilateral platforms like I2U2 and IMEEC, with ambitions to create an ‘India-GCC/West Asia Strategic Forum’ to deepen institutional and strategic collaboration.

• India's growing influence in mediating regional conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine war, and its involvement in initiatives like BRICS are further boosting its stature in West Asia.

Read Ahead At: https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/india-gcc-meet-how-modi-era-diplomacy-has-bridged-the-gulf-between-india-and-west-asia-13813247.html

Oil Prices Surge Amid Fears of West Asia Escalation and US Rate Cut Speculation

• Brent crude and US crude futures both rose by about 1% due to concerns that escalating Gaza conflict could disrupt oil supplies.

• Weekend clashes between Hezbollah and Israel raised fears of a broader regional conflict that might involve Iran and the US, though no oil output disruptions have occurred yet.

• Oil prices were further boosted by expectations of US interest rate cuts, following statements from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

• Investors remain cautious about OPEC+'s planned production increase, with potential excess supply concerns, especially amid weakening demand in China.

• Strong US oil demand and the refilling of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) are providing some support to prices against OPEC supply risks.

Read Ahead At: https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/oil-prices-jump-1-on-west-asia-escalation-fears-us-rate-cut-expectations-124082600419_1.html

Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 3rd year) (Region Head)

Jiah Malik (BA IR 2nd year) 

published by 
Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

The Global Mirror | (EDITION: 10 | JULY | 2024)

 

INR | AMERICAS : Weekly Updates

 

Beryl Establishes Precedent for 'Highly Hazardous Hurricane Season

1. Beryl passed Grenada, St Vincent, causing outages, targets Jamaica, Caymans.

2. Earliest Category 5 hurricane ever in Atlantic, Caribbean, Central America.

3. "One land-falling hurricane can undo decades of development," Nullis cautioned.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/beryl-sets-precedent-very-dangerous-hurricane-season-world-met-agency-says-2024-07-02/ 

Cuban Radar Near US Base Could Aid Chinese Espionage, Think Tank Says

1. New base near Santiago de Cuba aids Chinese spying, report says.

2. Carlos Fernandez de Cossio denies Cuba hosts Chinese military interests.

3. Due to its closeness to U.S. military bases, Cuba attracts China.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/new-cuban-radar-site-near-us-military-base-could-aid-china-spying-think-tank-2024-07-02/ 

Panama Plans Deportation Flights for Migrants Soon, US Reports

1. Panama's new president, Jose Raul Mulino, vowed to tackle illegal immigration.

2. His government signed a US agreement to halt Darien jungle migrant passage.

3. Last year saw a record 520,000 migrants cross the Darien jungle.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/panama-launch-migrant-deportation-flights-coming-weeks-us-says-2024-07-02/ 

Brazilian Police Arrest Gang Involved in Laundering Mexican Cartel Money

1. Brazilian police dismantle group laundering $970 million from cocaine sales.

2. Federal police: Gang laundered profits from Brazilian traffickers smuggling cocaine.

3. Proceeds laundered in Brazil via real estate, 240 luxury cars.

Read more at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazilian-police-bust-gang-laundering-mexican-cartel-money-2024-07-02/ 

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

Trump calls Biden a ‘bad Palestinian’ in presidential debate

• The debate took place at CNN's Atlanta studios without a live audience. It was moderated by CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash​

• During the debate, Trump called Biden a "bad Palestinian," which sparked significant controversy and debate analysis. The remark was part of a broader critique on Biden's foreign policy, particularly concerning the Middle East​

• Both candidates had previously accepted the debate invitation, with Biden challenging Trump to a debate "anywhere, anytime, anyplace." Trump promptly accepted, showing eagerness to confront Biden on stage

Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/6/28/trump-calls-biden-a-bad-palestinian-in-presidential-debate

Iran presidential election 2024: Polls open to elect Raisi’s successor

• The election is being held early due to the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May 2024, along with several other officials​

• Four candidates, all vetted and approved by the Guardians Council, are running. The main contenders are conservative Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, hard-line former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili, and reformist lawmaker Masud Pezeshkian​

• No candidate is expected to secure the necessary 50% of the vote to win outright, likely leading to a run-off election scheduled for July 5​

• The election takes place amid public dissatisfaction with economic conditions, lack of freedoms, and declining living standards. Despite this, significant policy changes are unlikely as the Supreme Leader retains ultimate control over key issues.

• Voter turnout is anticipated to be slightly higher than the record-low 49% in the 2021 election. The Iranian government emphasizes high turnout to demonstrate legitimacy, but calls for boycotts from dissidents suggest continued public discontent​

Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/6/28/irans-election-2024-live-polls-open-soon-to-elect-raisis-successor

Israel’s air force targets and kills Gaza medics trying to save the wounded

• Gaza’s civil defence agency says three of its medics were killed by Israeli aircraft and 12 others wounded while they carried out rescue efforts in central Bureij refugee camp.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran is “fighting us from seven fronts” using regional armed groups, warning “whoever does such a thing to us simply won’t be here“.

• UNICEF says Israel agreed to restore power at a key desalination plant in southern Khan Younis, which could meet minimum needs of nearly one million people desperate for potable water

Read more - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/6/28/israel-war-on-gaza-live-people-flee-in-terror-as-tanks-drones-attack

What happened in Bolivia’s failed coup attempt?

• Bolivia’s top general has been arrested after trying to overthrow the government

• The Bolivian government responded swiftly, deploying loyalist military units and police forces to quash the coup attempt.

• The coup attempt led to widespread public demonstrations, with supporters of the government rallying in major cities to show their opposition to the coup.

• Following the failed coup, the government launched investigations to identify and prosecute those involved, reinforcing security measures to prevent future attempts.

Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2024/6/27/what-happened-in-bolivias-failed-coup-attempt

Over 750,000 people in Sudan at risk of starvation: Global hunger monitor

• Over 755,000 people in Sudan face "catastrophe" level hunger, while 8.5 million face acute food shortages.

• Conflict between SAF and RSF has restricted aid access and increased famine risk in 14 areas.

• 25.6 million people are likely to experience high levels of acute food insecurity by September 2024.

• Over 17 million displaced, including 10 million internally and 7 million across borders.

• Many rely on community kitchens as conflict causes job losses, limited supplies, and high costs.

Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/27/over-750000-people-in-sudan-at-risk-of-starvation-global-hunger-monitor

Climate change boosted deadly Saudi haj heat by 2.5 C, scientists say

• A team of European scientists has attributed the deadly heatwave in Saudi Arabia during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, which caused 1,300 deaths, to climate change.

• The temperatures along the pilgrimage route reached 47°C (117°F), peaking at over 51.8°C at Mecca's Great Mosque.

• The scientists concluded that while high temperatures are common in the region, the severity of this heatwave cannot be explained by natural variability alone, and climate change has intensified its impact.

• The study found a shift in the timing and intensity of heatwaves in Saudi Arabia, with June now experiencing more extreme heat events compared to historical data from May and July.

• Saudi Arabia, as the world's second-largest oil producer and home to the largest corporate emitter of greenhouse gases, Saudi Aramco, holds significant responsibility for historical carbon emissions and faces an urgent need for environmental action.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/climate-change-boosted-deadly-saudi-haj-heat-by-25-c-scientists-say-2024-06-27/

Turkey removed from FATF money laundering grey list in boost to standing

• Turkey's Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek indicated that Turkey has been removed from the FATF's grey list, which monitors countries with deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks.

• The FATF grey list is a list of countries under increased monitoring by the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

• Turkey had been on the FATF grey list since 2021 due to deficiencies in its financial regulations and enforcement.

• Simsek stated that Turkey's removal from the grey list is an important step that will boost the country's economic and financial standing globally.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/simsek-indicates-that-turkey-removed-fatf-watchdogs-grey-list-2024-06-28/

News bits drafted by: 

Jiah Malik (BA IR 2nd year) 

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

Israel hits Syria in heaviest raid on Iran proxies in months

• The Syrian army reported that civilians and military personnel were killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes in Aleppo.

• The strikes targeted military positions in Aleppo province, causing casualties among both civilians and military personnel. However, specific details regarding the extent of the damage and the number of casualties were not immediately provided.

• This incident follows a pattern of Israeli airstrikes in Syria, often targeting military positions and infrastructure believed to be linked to Iran, Hezbollah, or other groups aligned with the Syrian government.

• The Israeli strikes in Aleppo contribute to the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran, as well as exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Syria, where civilians continue to suffer from the impacts of the conflict.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/civilians-military-killed-after-israeli-strikes-aleppo-syrian-army-says-2024-03-29/

Famine 'quite possibly' in some areas of north Gaza, US official says

• According to a U.S. official, there is a looming threat of famine in certain areas of northern Gaza due to severe economic hardships and food insecurity exacerbated by conflict and blockade.

• The situation in Gaza has worsened due to a combination of factors including the long-standing blockade, recent conflicts, and economic challenges, leading to widespread poverty and food shortages.

• The United States and other international actors are increasingly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and are considering ways to provide assistance and alleviate suffering in the region.

• Efforts are underway to address the urgent needs of the population in Gaza, including providing humanitarian aid, facilitating economic development, and working towards a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/famine-is-quite-possibly-some-areas-northern-gaza-us-official-says-2024-03-29/

US: Suspect arrested for shooting 3 students of Palestinian descent in possible 'hate-motivated crime'

• Three students of Palestinian descent were shot in what is suspected to be a hate crime in the United States.

• The shooting took place in an area near a school in Sacramento, California. The victims were reportedly targeted while walking along the street.

• Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the incident as a potential hate crime. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at the moment.

• The shooting has raised concerns within the Palestinian-American community and sparked discussions about the rise of hate crimes and discrimination against marginalised groups in the United States.

https://www.wionews.com/world/us-three-students-of-palestinian-descent-shot-in-suspected-hate-crime-police-investigate-663175

Saudi crown prince says kingdom will obtain nuclear weapon if Iran does so

• The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, stated that if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia would obtain them as well.

• The Crown Prince's statement comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran, both of which are regional rivals vying for influence in the Middle East.

• This statement suggests that Saudi Arabia is willing to pursue nuclear weapons if it perceives a threat from Iran's nuclear program, despite being a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

• The Crown Prince's remarks have raised concerns about the potential for nuclear proliferation in the region and could complicate diplomatic efforts to address Iran's nuclear activities through negotiation and diplomacy.

https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-says-kingdom-will-obtain-nuclear-weapon-if-iran-does-first-638036

Hezbollah chief urges for halt to deadly clashes at Palestinian camp in Lebanon

• After clashes continued between rival factions at a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, leaving 11 people dead, terror group Hezbollah has called for a halt to the proceedings. 

• Hassan Nasrallah, head of the group, in a televised address on Tuesday (August 1) urged the factions to keep aside their differences as the camp residents and their lives were being put in danger. 

• Ein al-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon which houses over 63,000 people has been the ground zero for clashes, ever since the leader of the Fatah faction and four of his bodyguards were killed by another Palestinian group.

https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-chief-urges-for-halt-to-deadly-clashes-at-palestinian-camp-in-lebanon-621525o

UN observers wounded in explosion while on patrol in southern Lebanon

• Three United Nations military observers and a Lebanese translator were wounded while patrolling the border in southern Lebanon when a shell exploded near them, the UN peacekeeping mission said.

• The observers are part of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which supports the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL.

• The wounded were evacuated for medical treatment and are in “stable” condition, she added in a subsequent statement, identifying the observers as a Norwegian, an Australian and a Chilean

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/30/un-observers-wounded-in-explosion-while-on-patrol-in-southern-lebanon

Australia challenged on ‘moral failure’ of weapons trade with Israel

• Israel’s continued assault on Gaza has highlighted a hidden yet crucial component of the world’s weapons manufacturing industry – suburban Australia.

• Tucked away in Melbourne’s industrial north, Heat Treatment Australia (HTA) is an Australian company that plays a vital role in the production of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters; the same model that Israel is using to bomb Gaza.

• Weekly protests of about 200 people have been taking place for months outside the nondescript factory, where heat treatment is applied to strengthen components for the fighter jet a product of US military giant Lockheed Martin

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/australia-challenged-on-moral-failure-of-weapons-trade-with-israel

‘Transformative’: US Census to add Middle Eastern, North African category

• Advocates for Arab Americans routinely use one word to describe how diverse communities from the Middle East and North Africa have for decades been categorized in the United States Census: “Invisible”.

• That is set to change when the next federal census is conducted in 2030, with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announcing Thursday new federal standards on collecting race and ethnicity data

• For the first time, Americans who trace their ancestral roots to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) will have their own category on the decennial survey.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/28/transformative-us-census-to-add-middle-eastern-north-african-category

News bits drafted by: 

Jiah Malik (BA IR 1st year)

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)