Showing posts with label SWEDEN. Show all posts

Friday, 14 June 2024

INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

Israeli forces advance deeper into Rafah as diplomacy falters

Israeli forces advanced deeper into Rafah, causing many families to flee amid heavy bombardment from air, ground, and sea.
The offensive aims to eliminate Hamas' last intact combat units in Rafah, with Israel striking 45 targets across Gaza.
Israel denied launching strikes within the designated humanitarian zone in Al-Mawasi.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire continue, but Hamas' demands for a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal remain unmet.
Since the conflict began, over 37,000 people have been killed, with most of Gaza's 2.3 million population displaced.

US military says it destroyed Houthi patrol boats, drone

The U.S. military destroyed two Houthi patrol boats, an uncrewed surface vessel, and a drone in the Red Sea.
These actions were part of efforts to weaken the capabilities of the Iran-backed Houthi group.
The Houthis attacked three ships, causing severe injury to one crew member and sparking a fire on a cargo ship.
Two anti-ship ballistic missiles were also launched by the Houthis but caused no damage or injuries.
The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping routes and raised concerns about broader regional instability.

OPEC sees no peak oil demand long term, secretary general says

OPEC does not foresee a peak in oil demand in its long-term forecast, expecting it to reach 116 million barrels per day by 2045.
This contrasts with the International Energy Agency (IEA), which predicts oil demand will peak by 2029 at around 106 million barrels per day.
OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais criticized the IEA's report, calling it dangerous and unrealistic.
OPEC+ has implemented significant output cuts to support the market, extending some cuts until the end of 2025.
Al Ghais argues that past IEA predictions, such as peaks in gasoline and coal demand, were proven wrong.

Oil prices set for best week in over 2 months on demand outlook

Oil prices are set to record their best week in over two months due to a strong demand outlook.
Brent crude futures dropped to $82.41 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to $78.21 per barrel.
Despite a slight dip, both benchmarks gained over 3% for the week, reversing prior losses.
OPEC's positive demand forecast for 2024 and Goldman Sachs' projection of solid U.S. fuel demand supported prices.
Russia pledged to meet its OPEC+ output obligations, further stabilizing the market.

France, US to push roadmap to stop Hezbollah-Israel escalation - Macron

The U.S., France, and Israel have agreed to collaborate on a roadmap to reduce tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, presented by France earlier this year.
France and the U.S. have been working to defuse tensions, submitting written proposals to both sides.
French President Macron announced a trilateral contact group involving the U.S., Israel, and France to advance the roadmap.
Hezbollah intensified hostilities, launching rockets and drones at Israeli military sites, demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
There is an urgent need for increased efforts by the U.S. and France due to the escalating conflict.

IAEA report: Iran installs more centrifuges at Fordow enrichment plant

Iran has quickly installed additional uranium-enrichment centrifuges at its Fordow facility and is setting up more, as reported by the IAEA.
The installation is seen as a limited response to an IAEA board resolution against Iran.
Iran plans to install eight cascades of advanced IR-6 centrifuges at Fordow, with some already verified as completed by the IAEA.
Additional centrifuge installations are planned at the Natanz enrichment plant.
The exact timeline for the Natanz installations remains unspecified.

Sweden protests to Iraq over death sentence given to Swedish citizen

Sweden has summoned Iraq's chargé d'affaires to protest the death sentence given to a Swedish citizen.
The Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom conveyed demands that the death sentences not be enforced.
Sweden opposes the death penalty universally.
One Swedish citizen has been confirmed sentenced to death, with information suggesting one or two others might also face the same sentence.
The individuals were reportedly accused of involvement in a shooting incident in Iraq.

News bits drafted by:

Jiah Malik (BA IR 1st year)

Collected and published by (region head):

Varsha Das (BA IR 2nd year)

Tuesday, 20 February 2024

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

Poland’s president meets Lockheed Martin CEO about further investment in military weapons

Poland’s president has met the CEO of U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin about strengthening security in the region and continued U.S. investment in Poland’s military weapons and equipment, the country’s National Security Bureau.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the bureau said the talks between President Andrzej Duda and Jim Taiclet included “securing the participation of Poland’s defense sector” in deliveries and maintenance of U.S. weapons such as jet fighters, Javelin missiles and elements of the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
Duda, who is the supreme commander of Poland’s armed forces, “emphasizes the importance of maintaining the continuity of investments in the modernization of the army” as an element of increasing the capabilities of the domestic industry, the bureau said.
Link - https://apnews.com/article/poland-us-lockheed-martin-defense-security-duda-dff1c94f756779670ead9ed51589a786

Hungary could ratify Sweden’s NATO membership in February: PM Orban

The Hungarian parliament can ratify Sweden’s NATO membership when it convenes for its new session later this month, Prime Minister Viktor Orban has told his supporters.
Orban highlighted that he and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had taken steps “to rebuild trust” between the two countries. But he did not say what those steps were.
Hungary is the only NATO country not yet to have ratified Sweden’s application, a process that requires the backing of all NATO members.
Link - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/17/hungary-could-ratify-swedens-nato-membership-in-february-pm-orban

Czech gov’t plans to buy 24 F-35 stealth fighters in $6.5bn defense spend

The Czech government has approved a plan to buy 24 US-made F-35 advanced fighter jets in a deal valued at approximately $6.5bn, the largest defense contract ever signed by the Czech Republic.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala told reporters on Wednesday that the first of the supersonic stealth fighters would arrive by 2031 and the country’s military would have all 24 planes at its disposal by 2035.
“The first F-35s will be ready in 2029 and our pilots will start training with them in the United States then,” Fiala said.
Link - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/28/czech-govt-plans-to-buy-24-f-35-stealth-fighters-in-6-5bn-defence-spend

Russia arrest dual US citizen for Ukraine linked ‘treason’

The woman, a 33-year-old resident of Los Angeles, is said to have collected money for a Ukrainian organization supporting the armed forces with tactical items and equipment.
She allegedly participated in public demonstrations in the U.S. supporting Ukraine, which has Western backing since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
Treason carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison in Russia.
The arrest coincides with ongoing detentions of other U.S. nationals in Russia, including journalist Evan Gershkovich, whose appeal against pre-trial detention extension was recently rejected, and journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, charged with failing to register as a foreign agent and spreading false information about Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
Link - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/20/russia-detains-dual-us-citizen-for-ukraine-linked-treason

Russia claims full control of Avdiivka, says Ukrainian troops still in town

Russia claims full control of Avdiivka, Ukraine, following Ukrainian troop withdrawal, marking Russia's biggest gain since capturing Bakhmut in May 2023.
The fall of Avdiivka comes almost two years after Putin's order for a full-scale war in Ukraine, with Russian troops advancing 8.6km in the 1,000km front line.
Putin congratulates Russian troops on the victory, while Ukraine withdraws soldiers to prevent encirclement after months of fierce fighting.
The capture of Avdiivka is significant for Russia's hold on Donetsk, boosting morale ahead of Putin's re-election bid next month.
Link - https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/18/russia-claims-full-control-of-avdiivka-says-ukrainian-troops-still-in-town

Kazakh President’s Visit to Qatar Reflects Multi-Vector Policy, Fosters Ties Between Central Asia and Gulf Countries

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev paid a state visit to Qatar on Feb. 13-14, signaling a growing interest in bolstering ties between the two nations and resulting in the signing of commercial agreements worth nearly $18 billion.
This visit, which comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly within the Gulf region, reflects Kazakhstan’s decades-long multivector and balanced foreign policy and also facilitates the bridge between Central Asia and the Gulf region.
As part of his packed visit, President Tokayev met with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

Link: https://astanatimes.com/2024/02/kazakh-presidents-visit-to-qatar-reflects-multi-vector-policy-fosters-ties-between-central-asia-and-gulf-countries/

Ukraine war: 'Artificial shortage' of weapons helps Putin, says Zelensky

more weapons to avoid a "catastrophic" situation in Europe.
An "artificial deficit of weapons" will only help Russia, Mr Zelensky told an international conference in Germany.
Ukrainian troops have been running out of ammunition as vital US support has been held up by supporters of former President Donald Trump in Congress.
Mr Zelensky said he was prepared to tour the front lines with Mr Trump.

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68325022

EU launches Red Sea naval mission to protect shipping from Houthi attacks

The operation will send European warships and early warning systems to the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to deploy Naval Force Operation Aspides on Monday on X, saying, “Europe will ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, working alongside our international partners.”

Link: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/19/eu-launches-red-sea-naval-mission-to-protect-shipping-from-houthi-attacks

US Army says it could run out of funding to protect Europe and Africa without Ukraine's aid package

US Army officials told CNN it is at risk of running out of funds.
Funds from the Europe and Africa Army Command budget are being used to support Ukraine.
The Senate last week passed a $95 billion emergency defense-aid bill that could support Ukraine, Israel, and Tawain. An estimated $60 billion of that aid would be set aside for Ukraine if the bill is passed. However, it is expected to face pushback by Republicans, Business Insider previously reported.

Link: https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/us-army-says-it-could-run-out-of-funding-to-protect-europe-and-africa-without-ukraines-aid-package/articleshow/107831225.cms

Digital Europe Programme open to Moldova

Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation Dumitru Alaiba have signed an association agreement for the Digital Europe Programme with Moldova.
Following the signatures, and upon the completion of the related ratification processes, the association agreement will enter into retroactive effect as of 1 January 2024. Businesses, public administrations and other eligible organisations in Moldova will be able to access the calls of the Digital Europe Programme, a programme with an overall budget of €7.5 billion in the 2021-2027 period.

Link: https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/digital-europe-programme-open-moldova-2024-02-20_en

News bits proofread by:

Afifa Iqbal (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Drafted by:

Aditi Mishra (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Jiah Malik (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Thursday, 15 February 2024

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates

EU Leaders Call for Urgent Review of EU-Israel Agreement Amid Gaza Conflict

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar jointly urge the European Commission to conduct an urgent review of the EU-Israel agreement.
They express serious concerns over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and potential violations of human rights and international law.
Sánchez and Varadkar emphasize the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to prevent further harm to the civilian population of Gaza.
The leaders highlight reports of a possible Israeli ground operation in Rafah, which they warn could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
They call for accountability and stress the importance of the two-state solution in resolving the conflict, urging the EU to take action.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/02/14/spain-and-ireland-call-for-urgent-review-of-eu-israel-agreement-over-war-in-gaza

France to Restrict Birthright Citizenship in Mayotte to Curb Immigration

France plans to amend its constitution to limit citizenship in Mayotte to individuals born to immigrants, as part of efforts to control immigration to the Indian Ocean territory.
The announcement has sparked controversy, with far-right factions welcoming the move while socialists oppose it, arguing that birthright citizenship is a fundamental principle.
Leftist leaders express concerns that the constitutional change could set a precedent for similar measures in mainland France, potentially leading to broader implications.
Mayotte residents have voiced discontent and protests in response to the proposed amendment, highlighting divisions within the territory over immigration policies.
The decision reflects France's ongoing struggle to manage immigration and integration issues, particularly in its overseas territories.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/14/why-is-france-revoking-birthright-citizenship-in-mayotte

France Imposes Sanctions on Israeli Settlers for West Bank Violence

France announces sanctions against 28 Israeli settlers accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The sanctions include banning the individuals from entering France, reflecting a stance against settler violence.
The move aligns with similar actions by the US and UK, as concerns rise over settler attacks on Palestinians.
The United Nations records over 516 settler attacks since October 7, amid heightened tensions following Israel's assault on Gaza.
Israeli security forces are accused of often standing by during settler attacks, contributing to a sense of impunity among settlers.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/13/france-sanctions-28-israeli-settlers-over-west-bank-violence

NATO chief says Europe meeting spending targets after Trump criticism

Days after former US President Donald Trump implied that Washington might not defend nations that did not spend enough, NATO said on Wednesday that Europe was fulfilling an alliance spending objective and that the US needed allies.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/nato-chief-says-europe-meeting-spending-targets-after-trump-criticism-13728862.html

Port of Antwerp Operations Paralyzed by Farmers' Protest

Hundreds of farmers on tractors block roads surrounding the port, demanding improved pay and working conditions.
Port operations severely affected, with freight delivery and pickup halted, causing losses in millions of euros for companies.
Delays compound existing issues, as shipping companies avoid the Suez Canal due to security concerns, opting for longer routes.
Already disrupted supply chains face further strain, with ships unable to unload cargo at the port.
Farmers' protests extend beyond Belgium, with French farmers warning of potential resumption of protests if demands are not met.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/port-antwerp-disrupted-by-belgian-farmers-protests-2024-02-13/

India, Poland ink pact for issuing summons search warrant taking evidence of witnesses

India has signed an agreement with Poland for issuing summons, search warrant to any person or taking the evidence of witnesses residing in either country in relation to criminal matters.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/india-poland-ink-pact-for-issuing-summons-search-warrant-taking-evidence-of-witnesses-13728672.html

U.S. Official Confident in Certifying Australia and Britain for AUKUS Exemptions

Under Secretary for Arms Control Bonnie Jenkins expresses confidence in certifying Australia and Britain as eligible for exemptions under the AUKUS.
The AUKUS project, aimed at countering China's influence, involves sharing U.S. nuclear technology with Australia and other technology with Britain, subject to strict U.S. regulations.
Certification requires President Biden's approval by mid-April, including AUKUS-related funding, to reinforce U.S. submarine production capabilities, currently held up in Congress due to debates over border security measures.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-very-confident-australia-britain-will-be-eligible-aukus-exemptions-2024-02-14/

UK issues Serious Crime Prevention Orders against 9 criminals Indian descent

The UK authorities have issued Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) to nine Indian-origin criminals who were found guilty of smuggling goods and migrants in an effort to deter future offenses.

https://www.firstpost.com/world/uk-issues-serious-crime-prevention-orders-against-9-criminals-indian-descent-13727322.html

UK’s Rwanda bill ‘incompatible with human rights obligations

The UK government’s controversial Rwanda legislation that deems the African country as a safe place to deport people to is fundamentally incompatible with Britain’s human rights obligations and places it in breach of international law, according to a damning parliamentary report.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/12/uk-rwanda-bill-incompatible-with-human-rights-obligations

Sweden Expects Hungary to Soon Approve NATO Membership Application

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom anticipates Hungary's approval of Sweden's NATO membership application following Turkey's completion of the ratification process.
Hungary is the sole NATO member yet to approve Sweden's application, with the ruling nationalists citing Swedish allegations of democracy erosion as a reason for their hesitation.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-says-it-expects-hungary-soon-give-nato-membership-approval-2024-02-14/

News bits compiled by:

Ayushi Attri (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)