INR | WEST ASIA: Weekly Updates

 

India’s Growing Strategic Ties with West Asia

• India’s shift from the “Look West” policy under Dr. Manmohan Singh to PM Modi’s “Link and ACT West” strategy has deepened ties with GCC nations, balancing energy security, defence cooperation, and relations with Iran, Israel, and Palestine.

• PM Modi’s 2024 visit to Kuwait elevated relations to a strategic partnership, diversifying cooperation to defence, technology, healthcare, and energy while signing multiple MoUs, including counterterrorism commitments.

• GCC nations, including Kuwait, contribute significantly to India’s energy needs (35% of oil, 70% of gas imports) and economic engagement, with bilateral trade with Kuwait alone reaching $10.75 billion in 2023-24.

• India’s defence agreements with GCC countries mark a shift beyond traditional oil and trade relations, as GCC nations increasingly look towards Asia for strategic partnerships, fostering mutual growth and regional stability.

Read Ahead At:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/ChanakyaCode/india-and-kuwait-elevate-their-ties-to-strategic-partnership-part-of-link-and-act-west-asia-policy/

Renewed Threat of ISIS and Global Lone-Wolf Attacks

• A truck attack in New Orleans killed 15 and injured 30, followed by a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, an IS-inspired former military serviceman, was killed, and investigations revealed possible links between the two incidents.

• Despite losing its Caliphate, IS continues to inspire global terror through propaganda, urging attacks during western celebrations. Similar tactics led to lone-wolf attacks worldwide in 2014-15, targeting cities from Orlando to Istanbul.

• The group has shifted operations to Afghanistan and Africa while attempting to rebuild in Syria, looting weapons and exploiting conflicts. Kurdish fighters warn of IS preparing for a comeback amid Syria’s ongoing turmoil.

• The U.S. must counter radicalisation within its borders and prevent IS from regaining a foothold in West Asia. A dual approach of military force and ideological countermeasures is essential to combat the evolving threat.

Read Ahead At:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/%E2%80%8Bforce-of-ideas-on-the-new-orleans-truck-attack/article69054089.ece

Israel’s Stern Warning to Houthis Amid Escalating West Asia Conflict

• Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon issued a strong warning at the UN, cautioning Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels against missile attacks on Israel, threatening severe retaliation akin to actions against Hamas and Hezbollah.

• Despite the warning, Houthis launched missiles targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and a power station, intercepted by Israel’s defense systems. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree vowed continued attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

• In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi infrastructure in Yemen, with Defense Minister Israel Katz pledging to target Houthi leaders and escalate military action if the attacks persist.

• The conflict raises fears of broader regional instability and humanitarian crises, with international observers, including the UN, expressing concerns over the escalating violence and its implications for West Asia.

Read Ahead At:

https://www.indiatvnews.com/video/news/israel-issues-stern-warning-to-houthis-amidst-west-asia-war-at-un-2024-12-31-968846

UAE taxes, laws and charges coming into effect from January 2025

• The UAE will implement new legislation aimed at addressing health care inequalities and enhancing environmental protection.

• The government plans to rethink its tax strategies, suggesting possible changes to existing tax policies.

• The forthcoming laws are expected to significantly affect the daily lives of both UAE citizens and residents.

• The new measures underscore a commitment to improving healthcare access and promoting sustainability within the UAE.

Read Ahead At: 

https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/01/01/uae-taxes-laws-and-charges-coming-into-effect-from-january-2025/

Syria FM in Saudi Arabia on maiden trip as new rulers reset regional ties

• Syria's new Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, made his inaugural overseas trip to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant diplomatic step after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

• Al-Shaibani expressed hopes to establish a "new, bright page" in Syrian-Saudi relations, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nation.

• The Syrian delegation included key officials, such as the Defence Minister and the Head of General Intelligence, highlighting the visit's importance for diplomatic and strategic collaboration.

• Saudi officials indicated a commitment to support Syria’s political transition and discussed potential investments, reflecting Riyadh's interest in strengthening ties as Iran's influence wanes in the region.

Read Ahead At: 

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/2/syria-fm-in-saudi-arabia-on-maiden-trip-as-new-rulers-reset-regional-ties

Benign food prices help Turkey’s disinflation path

• Turkey's December inflation rate was reported at 1.0%, lower than expected, with annual inflation decreasing to 44.4% from 47.1% the previous month.

• The food sector significantly contributed to the lower inflation, with unprocessed food inflation moderating, leading to a drop in fresh fruit and vegetable prices.

• Core inflation showed improvement, with the monthly rate at 1.1%, the lowest since mid-2021, suggesting a positive underlying trend in inflation management.

• Despite potential temporary increases in inflation due to government adjustments, disinflation is expected to continue, with forecasts indicating inflation may drop below 30% by the end of 2025.

Read Ahead At: 

https://think.ing.com/snaps/turkey-disinflation-continues-with-benign-food-prices/

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

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

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

INR | EASTERN EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA: Weekly Updates

Ukraine defeats a "massive" drone attack from Russia

Ukraine claims to have thwarted "one of the most massive" Russian attacks since the conflict's inception.

According to the Ukrainian air force, air defense systems fired down another missile and 89 explosive drones manufactured in Iran throughout the course of the night.

The attack's primary target was Kyiv, the capital. Although there were no reports of injuries, falling debris in the area damaged buildings.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine took place more than 29 months prior to the attack. The nation's air defenses have been severely strained by bombardments that occur almost daily.

Read more : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn09r32dwl8o

Chief of Hamas killed: Turkey criticizes the Netanyahu administration, while Russia denounces it as "unacceptable political murder."

Russia, which maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, Iran, and Hamas in addition to Arab nations, has repeatedly denounced acts of violence in the area and charged the US with failing to recognise the necessity of an independent Palestinian state.

Turkey denounced on Wednesday the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas, in Tehran, the Iranian capital, claiming that the goal of the attack was to escalate the conflict in Gaza to a regional scale.

Read more: https://www.deccanherald.com/world/hamas-chief-killed-russia-calls-it-unacceptable-political-murder-turkey-slams-netanyahu-government-3130029

Hungary and Poland get into a diplomatic quarrel because of their divergent opinions towards Russia.

Poland and Hungary are embroiled in a diplomatic quarrel that exposes the intense divisions inside Europe on how to handle Russia while it is waging war on Ukraine.

Like Germany, France, and the majority of other European countries, Poland is a steadfast ally of Ukraine, and Viktor Orbán, the populist prime minister of Hungary, is regarded as having the best relations with the Kremlin of all EU leaders.

Hungary's position has drawn explicit criticism from the Polish administration. When Orbán snapped at Poland over the weekend, the feud broke out.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/poland-hungary-orban-diplomatic-spat-russia-sanctions-f6880c11572221b72c90be0fcc4f3360#

Russian espionage in the EU is feared due to Hungary's visa regulations.

In a letter obtained by AFP on Tuesday, the largest group in the European Parliament voiced concerns about possible espionage threats resulting from Hungary's recent decision to loosen visa requirements for citizens of Belarus and Russia.

The only EU leader to have kept tight links with the Kremlin since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 is Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary. Earlier this month, Orban issued an order expanding the fast-track visa program to eight nations, including Belarus and Russia.

Read more: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/07/30/hungarys-visa-rules-raise-fears-of-russian-espionage-in-eu-a85879

The Taliban claim that they no longer accept the prior government's established Afghan diplomatic missions.

The Taliban declared on Tuesday that they would not accept passports, visas, or other documents issued by diplomats connected to the previous government, and that they no longer recognise the diplomatic posts in Afghanistan that were established by the old, Western-backed government.

Since regaining control of the country in 2021, this is the Taliban's most recent attempt to seize control of Afghanistan's embassies and consulates. No nation acknowledges the Taliban commanders as the legal authorities of Afghanistan, and several of them are subject to sanctions.

 Read more: https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-embassies-europe-5eb33173c4e8da20a5bfaf718112c2e2

Plan to bring back together Afghan families split up opens

According to government plans, partners and children who were separated from their families during the withdrawal of Afghanistan can now apply to join them in the UK.

It has been three years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, sparking Operation Pitting, a military effort to evacuate Afghans and British people.

The rapidity and disorganized nature of the evacuation caused many families to become estranged.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce987p13rq1o

Olympics in Paris 2024: Diyora Keldiyorova creates history as the first female judo medalist and Olympic champion from Uzbekistan.

The -52kg champion made a major impression early in the Paris 2024 preliminary round when she defeated four-time world champion and Olympic champion Abe Uta from Tokyo 2020. This upset may go down as one of the biggest of these Olympic Games.

Her 52 kg gold medal is remarkable since it made her the first female judo medallist and the first Olympic champion for Uzbekistan.

Read more: https://olympics.com/en/news/paris-2024-olympics-diyora-keldiyorova-first-uzbekistan-woman-to-win-judo-olympic-gold

WFP Receives $10 Million from South Korea for Tajikistan's Resilience

The Government of the Republic of Korea has donated US$10 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), which will be used to assist initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural production in Tajikistan.

Through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the funding will support the government's priorities in improving access to high-quality nutrition and achieving food security by empowering Tajik youth and establishing pathways to fair and sustainable access to innovation, specialized knowledge, and a more favorable business environment.

Read more: https://www.miragenews.com/south-korea-grants-10m-to-wfp-for-tajikistan-1286859/

A senior US diplomat anticipates increased Indian involvement in Ukraine

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell of the United States responded to a question at a Senate hearing on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow this month by saying on Tuesday that he anticipates hearing soon about India's increased engagement with Ukraine.

"I believe there will be news of India being more involved in Ukraine. For that, I'm appreciative. Campbell said to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, "I believe India wants to play a responsible role globally.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/top-us-diplomat-expects-more-indian-engagement-with-ukraine-2024-07-30/

News Bits collected by [Region Head]: 

Poulina Banerjee (BA IR 3rd year)

Drafted by: 

Gauri Upreti (BA IR 2nd year)

Angel Chindalia (MA IR 2nd year)

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

INR | WESTERN EUROPE: Weekly Updates

Russia's Hybrid War on the West: A Creeping Threat 

Russia is waging a hybrid war against the West, using a variety of tactics to destabilize the region and weaken its resolve to help Ukraine. These tactics include espionage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and sabotage.

1. Russia has been ramping up its hybrid war operations in recent months, targeting critical infrastructure and government institutions across Europe.

2. The goal of these attacks is to sow discord within NATO and undermine Western support for Ukraine.

3. Many of the attacks are carried out by proxies, making it difficult to attribute them directly to Russia.

4. Experts warn that Russia's hybrid war is a long-term threat that the West needs to take seriously.

Read more on CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/30/europe/russia-hybrid-war-nato/index.html

 

Bulgarian Customs Seize Massive Heroin Haul Worth €4.8 Million

  

1. Bulgarian customs intercepted 106 kilograms (233 pounds) of heroin valued at €4.8 million ($4.9 million) in a car coming from Turkey.

2. The 38-year-old driver, holding both French and Turkish citizenship, has been detained and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of drug trafficking.

3. The heroin was concealed in 209 sealed bags hidden under the car seats, discovered during a search on Monday.

4. The route used is a common drug trafficking path from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey, and Bulgaria to Western Europe.

5. Bulgaria, an EU member, has recently intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Read more:

https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-turkey-bulgaria-western-europe-4a3313ecaa64ab59e0a2e0cf3d1acf35

 

 

Russian Missile Attack in Kharkiv Kills Four as Biden Approves U.S. Counterstrikes

 

 

1. Russian ballistic missiles struck an apartment block in Kharkiv, killing at least four people and injuring 25 in a night-time attack.

2. The strike came shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden approved Ukraine's use of American weapons to counterattack Russian military assets in the Kharkiv region.

3. Russia launched five S-300/S-400 missiles, with one hitting a residential building and another targeting first responders 25 minutes later, a tactic known as a "double tap."

4. The attack is part of a broader Russian offensive in Kharkiv, stretching Ukraine's already depleted forces and causing mass evacuations.

5. While Biden's decision allows Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons for defensive counterfire, restrictions remain on using these weapons to strike inside Russian territory, frustrating Ukrainian officials.

Read more at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ukraine-ap-kharkiv-russia-prague-b2554378.html

NATO foreign ministers gathered in Prague to prepare for the upcoming leaders' summit

 

NATO foreign ministers gathered in Prague to prepare for the upcoming leaders' summit and discuss increased support for Ukraine, particularly regarding the use of Western-supplied weapons.

Following President Biden’s approval for Ukraine to use American munitions to defend Kharkiv, several NATO countries, including the Netherlands, Finland, Poland, and Germany, voiced their support.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-defense, including targeting legitimate military threats inside Russia.

Ukrainian officials, led by President Zelenskyy, have been pressing for more flexibility in using Western weapons, especially as Russian attacks from its territory have intensified.

The NATO summit in Washington will celebrate the alliance's 75th anniversary, with expectations that at least two-thirds of members will meet the defense spending commitment of 2% of GDP.

 

Read more at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ukraine-ap-kharkiv-russia-prague-b2554378.html

 

 

 

Turkey and Germany in Diplomatic Row Over Turkish Soccer Player's Controversial Goal Celebration

 

1. Turkish defender Merih Demiral sparked controversy by making a "wolf salute," linked to the right-wing extremist group "Grey Wolves," after scoring against Austria in the European Championship.

2. Germany summoned Turkey’s ambassador to Berlin, escalating a diplomatic dispute, while Turkey recalled the German ambassador in response.

3. UEFA is investigating Demiral’s gesture, which has been condemned by German leaders as inappropriate and xenophobic.

4. Turkey criticized Germany’s reaction, calling it xenophobic, and defended the gesture as a cultural symbol, condemning UEFA's investigation.

5. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit Berlin for Turkey’s game against the Netherlands amidst the ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Read more at: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/04/sport/merih-demiral-celebration-controversy-turkey-euro-2024-spt-intl/index.html

Migrants Struck by Train in Serbia

 

1. Incident Details: Two migrants were killed by a train on the railway between Pirot and Dimitrovgrad in eastern Serbia, near the Bulgarian border.

2. Time of Accident: The accident occurred around 8 p.m. on Thursday.

3. Investigation: Police are working to identify the men and determine whether they were alone or part of a larger group.

4. Migration Route: Migrants often use railway tracks to navigate towards Western Europe, entering Serbia from Bulgaria before heading to EU member states.

 

Read more at: [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/migration)

News bits collected and drafted by:
Deepanshi Pathak (BA IR, 2nd year) (Region Head)
Uttam Roy (BA IR 2nd year)
Published By: Varsha Das (BA IR, 2nd year)

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)