VIJIGISHU '24

Showing posts with label SAUDI ARABIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SAUDI ARABIA. Show all posts

Saturday, 29 June 2024

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)

Tuesday, 18 June 2024

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA : Weekly Updates

NATO chief calls for sanctions on China



  • At the peace summit held in Switzerland, the NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg remarked that China should suffer an economic cost for supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. He recently visited Washington and announced other reforms as well. This visit comes ahead of Putin’s visit to North Korea. 


  • China has been playing for both sides, supporting Russia's war effort while maintaining ties with Europe.This does not seem acceptable to NATO.  China has been the supplier of microelectronics to Russia which are key in the weapons the Kremlin uses against Ukraine. 


Read more:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyee61ej8zko


Deepening ties between Russia and North Korea



  • North Korea's op-ed piece reported Russia's praise for the country in supporting its war with Ukraine. This comes ahead of Russian President Putin's first visit to North Korea in 24 years.


  • The two countries plan to develop unspecified trade and security systems that are not controlled by the West. Reports have emerged that North Korea would supply the much needed arms to Russia in exchange for fuel, water and technology transfers.


  • This deepening of the relationship between Russia and North Korea comes amidst increasing isolation and pressure from the West. Russia faces sanctions from the US and some European countries for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, while North Korea is under heavy UN Security Council economic sanctions for its missiles and weapons program. The growing ties for the two countries are alarming for the West.


Read more:

https://apnews.com/article/putin-kim-jong-un-russia-north-korea-05f0ed66f9978ac1ba34f2d708ad7504


Moldova moving away from Moscow?



  • Moldovan president Maia Sandu is leading the country on the path for EU membership. A referendum will be held in the latter part of 2024 for the same. Moldova is just one among the former Soviet states to overcome the pressures from Moscow. However, Gagauzia region sees conflicting viewpoints. The region stands in support of becoming a territory of the former Soviet empire.  


  • Moldova is of geopolitical significance due to this location. It is surrounded by Ukraine on three sides and by NATO members on the West. The US has also announced $50 million in funds to fight Russian interference and disinformation campaigns. This further aids the country’s move away from the communist regime. 


Read more:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-06-18/moldova-president-sandu-s-tough-job-shifting-focus-from-russia-to-eu?ref=biztoc.com


Romania Stun Ukraine 3-0 in Euro 2024 Opener



  • Romania celebrated their first European Championship win in 24 years as they trounced Ukraine 3-0 in the opening game of their Euro 2024 Group E Opener, with some great strikes from Nicolae Stanciu and Razvan Marin.


  • Early supremacy for Ukraine would eventually be turned down by defensive resilience from Romania and an opportunistic counter-attack through Denis Dragus to seal victory, demonstrating the  fighting spirit instilled into the side by coach Edward Iordanescu.


Read more:

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/romania-stun-ukraine-to-win-3-0-in-opening-group-e-match-2554448-2024-06-17


Skyrocketing Fuel Prices , double increase forecasted for this week : Hungary


  • A dramatic surge in the fuel prices is being reported in Hungary , after two months of decline .

  • The current price is HUF 596 and HUF 609, which will remain the same until Monday midnight .

  • The average price for petrol from Tuesday onwards - HUF 598 (EUR 1.51 / 1 EUR=396 HUF) per liter for 95 petrol ; HUF 613 per liter for diesel .

Read More - https://hungarytoday.hu/unprecedented-fuel-price-hikes-double-increase-expected-this-week/


Uzbekistan's Increasing focus on investment from Turkey and Saudi Arabia

  • Tashkent is working towards diversifying its energy sources in order to bring in fresh foreign investment .

  • Uzbekistan is working towards advancing its economy including investment ties with Turkey and Saudi Arabia .

  • Reportedly , projects worth $34.2 billion have also been secured with these two partners .


Read More - https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/06/why-uzbekistan-increasingly-looking-turkey-saudi-arabia-investment

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 1st year)

Published by: Varsha Das (BA IR 3rd year)




Sunday, 31 March 2024

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)







Lankan Crisis: Jingoism to Jeopardy?

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