North America
- Former top US diplomat, Bill Richardson died at age 75, last Friday (Sept 1). Richardson served under President Bill Clinton and won admiration for his commitment to securing the release of US citizens detained around the world. Hailed as a “masterful” negotiator by Mr Clinton, Bill Richardson developed a specialisation in diplomatic negotiations over the next five decades in politics.
- Former president Donald Trump’s ally, Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor pleaded not guilty to the Georgia election subversion charges, according to a court filing last Friday (Sept 1), after being accused of making false statements about election fraud to officials in several states in a failed bid to convince them to approve an alternative slate of electors in the formal congressional certification of the election results to keep Trump in power.
- Footage of a fatal police shooting of a pregnant Black woman, Ta’Kiya Young, 21, was released last Friday (Sept1 ), sparking public anger and renewed calls for an end to deadly police violence in the United States. The identities of the two officers remain protected by officials due to the claim of an “assault” on them, prior to the shooting.
- Canada withdrew its permission for the ‘Khalistan Referendum’ voting that was to be held at a school, over AK-47 gun posters, last Monday (Sept 4). This came right after the ‘Khalistan Referendum’ posters had featured both an AK-47 machine gun as well as a kirpan. The promotional posters also featured pictures of the school.
- Canada deployed its military last Sunday (Sept 3) to combat wildfires that blackened thousands of square miles and upended lives. Canada’s worst wildfire season has choked up much of North America with dangerous smoke for many months, with deadly heat around the globe. Within a week, already 42,000 square miles, also 109,000 square kilometres of land has been burnt, which is also an area roughly equivalent to the US state of Virginia. Around 900 fires were actively burning, with only one-fifth of them being considered as under control. The wildfires have disproportionately affected Canada’s Indigenous population, which includes the members of the East Prairie Metis Settlement in northern Alberta where 14 homes were destroyed and almost 300 people evacuated.
South America:
- Criminal gangs in Ecuador detonated an explosive device, on a bridge connecting two cities last Friday (Sept 2), causing damage to infrastructure, as part of a wave of violence in the country. The incident came amid a series of hostage situations involving prison guards and police officers in several prisons across the country, which authorities attribute to the government’s efforts to regain control of correctional facilities from suspected gangs. Two presidential candidates are heading to a runoff election in October, with crime expected to be a major issue in the campaign.
- Archaeologists in northern Peru unearthed a 3,000-year-old tomb last Wednesday (Aug 30), which they have dubbed the “Priest of Pacopampa.” The tomb, found in a highland area, contained the remains of an individual buried with two seals and other sacred offerings. This discovery is significant as it suggests the presence of ancient ritual body paint, indicating elite status. The Pacopampa site, situated 2,500 meters above sea level, includes nine monumental ceremonial buildings dating back to about 700-600 BC.
- Bolivia’s government acknowledged on Friday (Sept 1), that the country is becoming a production hub for cocaine rather than just a transporter and grower of cocoa leaves. This marks a significant shift in tone, as Bolivia had long maintained that it primarily produced coca for traditional uses and not for cocaine production. It stated that it had destroyed numerous cocaine laboratories in the Chapare region, a major coca-growing area. This change in rhetoric reflects both international pressure and domestic tensions within the ruling party, the Movement for Socialism (MAS).
- Brazil reported last Friday (Sept 1), that it had a trade surplus of $9.767 billion in August, surpassing market expectations, where a balance of US$9.75 billion (S$13.21 billion) was anticipated. This strong performance was attributed to a 1.4 per cent increase in export values compared to the same period in 2022, combined with a notable 19.6 per cent decrease in imports. Imports amounted to US$21.444 billion (S$29.05 billion), while exports reached US$31.211 (S$42.29) billion for the month. Furthermore, the data revealed that the accumulated trade surplus for the year through August stood at US$63.322 billion (S$85.81 billion), marking a significant 44.8 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
- Colombia faced the challenge of repairing approximately 580 critical bridges, requiring an estimated investment of 2 trillion pesos (S$646.64 million), according to Transport Minister William Camargo. These bridges represent nearly one-third of the 1,900 managed by the National Roads Institute (INVIAS). The urgent investment is necessary to prevent further collapses that could disrupt transportation across the country. The eastern region of Colombia, vital for agriculture, has already been affected by road damage and a bridge collapse, leading to concerns about rising food prices and protests. Repairing these bridges poses a significant fiscal deficit for the government.
- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday (Sept 29), he would discuss potential changes to the United Nations Security Council, advocating for Brazil and other countries to be permanently included as members. He will meet with US President Joe Biden during the UN General Assembly next month. Lula believes the Security Council should reflect current geopolitical conditions rather than those from the 1940s, and hopes countries like Brazil, India, Germany, Japan and South Africa will become permanent members. Additionally, Lula mentioned that BRICS nations are discussing the possibility of establishing a common currency for trade among them.
Asia Pacific:
- China’s anger at Japan over Fukushima’s dumping has been fuelled by discrimination, as reported by BBC News last Saturday (Sept 3). Japan has released treated waste water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, but even though scientists have largely agreed that the impact will be negligible, China has strongly protested the release. According to UK-based data analysis company called Logically, the Chinese government and state media have been running a coordinated disinformation campaign that has targeted the release of waste water in Fukushima that has been fuelling multiple hate crimes, like a rock being thown at a Japanese children’s school in Qingdao, and eggs hurled into another school in Shandong. A brick has also been reported to be thrown at the Japanese embassy in Beijing.
- Ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin was granted a royal pardon last Friday (Sept 1) and therefore received a reduced sentence of one year instead of eight. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatraa, Thailand’s most famous politician, is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power as well as conflicts of interest after returning from a 15-year self-imposed exile last week. The current Thai King, Maha Vajiralongkorn has been granted amnesty as well as a reduced sentence for him after he had submitted his application for royal clemency
- Singapore held its Presidential general election last Friday (Sept 1), with 3 differing candidates polling for the role, including Ng Kok Song, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, as well as candidate Tan Kin Lian. Results were announced last Friday night (Sept 1) with Tharmaan winning 70.4% of the votes and being voted in to be the next president of Singapore and the ninth head of state. He won the election by a landslide, with Ng Kok Song at 16% and Tan Kin Lian lagging at 14% behind him.
- A strong protest had been launched by India over the Chinese border map. Beijing had then responded by saying that its neighbours should refrain from “over-interpreting” the issue. The source of tension between the two nations is a disputed 3440 km long de facto border along the HImalayas, which is called the Line of Actual Control, or LAC, with China considering the entire of Arunachal Pradesh its territory and had called it “South Tibet”, a claim that India firmly rejects, and claims the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas as its own.
- India launched its first space mission to study the sun last Saturday (Sept 2) after its successful landing in the Southern Polar Region of the moon, days after a Russian lunar landing had failed. Chandrayaan-3’s mission has been set to begin exploring an area of the moon that has yet to be visited and also has water ice that could potentially be a resource for any future missions.
Europe:
- Ukraine reported that the airstrike targeting a Russian airbase in Pskov last Tuesday (Aug 29) originated from within the borders of Russia itself. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief had confirmed an airstrike on a Russian airbase, damaging cargo planes. However, the attack’s origin remained undisclosed. Frequent drone attacks from Ukraine on Russia, including Pskov, had raised questions. Ukrainian-made long-range weaponry might have been involved. These drone attacks targeted vital aircraft components, affecting valuable Russian cargo planes. Ukrainian officials had increasingly acknowledged these attacks as part of their war effort. Drone attacks continued in Russia, causing flight disruptions.
- Whale hunting resumed in Iceland with stringent regulations in place. As of last Saturday (Sept 2), only one company, Hvalur, engaged in whale hunting during the limited hunting season in Iceland. While this decision sparked controversy, Fisheries and Foods Minister Svandis Svavarsdottir explained that she was adhering to a previously granted license. Iceland stood as the last country hunting fin whales, but there was growing optimism that this might have been the final year of whaling in Iceland, as opposition to the practice increased. The newly-imposed regulations aimed to make hunting more challenging and costly. Although most Icelanders opposed whaling, it was worth noting that some viewed it as a matter of national sovereignty.
- An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in southeastern Poland resulted in 14 fatalities and over 150 confirmed cases last Tuesday (Aug 29) . Many were hospitalized since the outbreak was discovered. Authorities investigated how the legionella bacteria had entered the water supply in Rzeszow city and its surroundings. Initial concerns related to Rzeszow’s military and humanitarian aid role for Ukraine had been dispelled, with no evidence of sabotage found. Legionnaires’ disease, which is not contagious and is contracted by inhaling infected water droplets, presented flu-like symptoms. Those at higher risk included older individuals and those with weakened immune systems. The bacterium’s first known outbreak was in 1977 at an American Legion convention center in Philadelphia.
- Two French-Moroccan tourists were fatally shot when they accidentally entered Algerian waters on jet skis, last Tuesday (Aug 29). Five individuals, including a French citizen, lost their way while jet-skiing near the Moroccan town of Saidia and mistakenly entered Algerian waters, where anencounter with Algerian naval forces resulted in the the deaths of Bilal Kissi, the French citizen, and Abdelali Mechouer. Another , was injured and detained. The incident’s circumstances remain unclear, and French authorities are providing support to the affected families while coordinating with their embassies in Morocco and Algeria.
- Greece faced the EU’s largest-ever wildfire, prompting a swift response from the European Commission with 11 planes, one helicopter, and 407 firefighters dispatched last Tuesday (Aug 29). This devastating blaze devoured over 810 square kilometers, exceeding New York City’s area, and tragically claimed 20 lives, primarily migrants and refugees, within Dadia National Park. The EU, responding to escalating wildfire severity, aimed to establish its dedicated air wing with 12 aircraft by 2030, as it currently relied on a fleet of 28 planes from member countries for firefighting efforts.
- In response to a series of scandals, Finland’s government reached a consensus on an anti-racism initiative, last Thursday (Aug 31). The right-wing coalition government unveiled this policy in reaction to a string of discrimination-related scandals that emerged since they took office in June. The initiative’s goal was to combat racism and discrimination, with each government minister pledging to actively work against these issues at home and abroad. The scandals began when reports surfaced of ministers from the Finns Party, part of the four-party coalition, posting articles deemed racist and bigoted. One minister faced backlash for a controversial blog post, while another resigned over references to Hitler on social media.
Middle East:
- A 35-year-old Iranian demonstrator, Javad Rouhi, passed away while in custody after evading a death sentence, according to officials last Thursday (Aug 31). Rouhi was arrested amid protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iranian custody, and subsequently passed in jail due to inadequate medical treatment following a seizure. Activists held the authorities responsible for his death, and human rights advocates accused judicial and security authorities of causing his demise. Rouhi was initially convicted of leading rioters, property destruction, and apostasy, including the alleged burning of a Quran during a protest. Amnesty International reported that he had been subjected to severe mistreatment to extract confessions. Initially sentenced to death for various charges, including blasphemy, the country’s supreme court later overturned the sentence, citing that his actions during the protests did not warrant such severe penalties.
- The shooting of a Palestinian last Saturday (Sept 2) raised questions about Israel’s use of force. Mobile phone footage captured a distressing incident where Ameed al-Jaghoub, an unarmed Palestinian, was shot in the back of the head during an Israeli raid in the West Bank village of Beita while rushing to help an injured man. He remained in critical condition nearly two weeks later. Human rights groups decried this as a clear example of lethal force used by Israeli troops against unarmed Palestinians, reflecting a troubling trend of high casualty rates from what was termed “unjustified” force. This occurred amidst escalating violence, including deadly attacks by Palestinians against Israelis, settler violence, and Israeli military operations in Palestinian areas. Despite international calls for accountability, many cases like this went unpunished.
- Iran had imposed a lifetime ban on a weightlifter for a gesture of sportsmanship on the podium. Furthermore, last Wednesday (Aug 30), the Iran Weightlifting Federation dissolved a sports committee after the weightlifter, Mostafa Rajaei, greeted Israeli athlete Maksim Svirsky during the 2023 World Master Weightlifting Championships in Poland. Rajaei, who finished second, and Svirsky, who finished third, shared a handshake and a photograph, leading to the federation’s decision to ban Rajaei from all sports facilities for life, terming his actions “unforgivable.” The federation’s stance aligns with Iran’s official position on Israel. Iran’s adherence to a strict no-contact policy with Israel has previously resulted in disqualifications and withdrawals from competitions.
- An Israeli soldier lost his life in a car ramming attack last Thursday (Aug 31) that was carried out by a Palestinian. An Israeli soldier was killed in a car ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint by a Palestinian truck driver. The driver fled but was stopped at another checkpoint and shot dead. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the security forces’ actions. The incident occurred on a major highway leading to Jerusalem, near the city of Modiin, known for its commuter and security presence. It follows a recent stabbing attack in East Jerusalem and an explosive device injuring four Israeli soldiers in Nablus.
- Protests in southern Syria, initially rooted in economic grievances, have now turned against President Bashar al-Assad last Friday (Sept 1). Hundreds of demonstrators in the city of Sweida called for al-Assad’s resignation, marking almost two weeks of protests initially sparked by poor living conditions but morphing into demands for political change. The country is grappling with a severe economic crisis, leading to a rapid devaluation of its currency. These protests, primarily in the government-controlled Sweida province, stand out as they emerge from an area historically aligned with al-Assad, where criticism of the government has been rare. Despite divisions among Druze leaders regarding the protests, public discontent has grown, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the economic situation.
Africa:
- The African Union’s Peace and Security Council had decided to “immediately suspend” Gabon last Thursday (Aug 31) following a military coup in the country. The council strongly condemned the military takeover and suspended Gabon’s participation in all AU activities, organs, and institutions. The coup occurred following disputed elections in which President Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the winner, ending the Bongo family’s nearly six-decade rule. The military has announced that General Brice Oligui Nguema will be sworn in as transitional president, while the opposition is calling for recognition of its candidate as the election winner. For IG: The African Union’s Peace and Security Council had immediately suspended Gabon’s participation in all AU activities last Thursday (Aug 31)
- A devastating fire in a Johannesburg building, occupied by squatters and homeless people, has claimed the lives of at least 74 individuals, including 12 children last Thursday (Aug 31). The fire broke out in the heart of Johannesburg’s central business district, and it was believed that up to 200 people may have been living in the building. This tragedy has highlighted the issue of housing in the city and the challenges faced by those seeking shelter in abandoned and dilapidated buildings.
- In the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a militia group known as CODECO attacked Gobu village, leading to a clash that resulted in the deaths of 14 people, according to the army last Monday (Aug 28). The casualties included nine civilians, one Congolese soldier, and four attackers, while two soldiers and two civilians sustained injuries. The region in eastern DRC has been plagued by violence for decades, with over 120 armed groups vying for control of land and valuable mineral resources. CODECO, a coalition of ethnic Lendu militia groups, has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the Hema self-defense group and has been responsible for numerous civilian casualties.
- South Sudan’s basketball team, the Bright Stars, achieved their first Olympic basketball qualification by defeating Angola 101-78 in the FIBA Africa direct qualification spot on Saturday (Sep 2), for Paris 2024. Luol Deng, former Chicago Bulls star, played a crucial role in building South Sudan’s basketball culture, recruiting players from the diaspora and providing guidance. The Bright Stars’ unity and their message of “more than basketball,” advocating for peace and unity in their conflict-ridden home, have inspired hope in the nation.
- Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is set to attend the G20 summit in India with a focus on attracting foreign direct investment and mobilizing global capital for Nigeria’s infrastructure development. The aim is to encourage investment over borrowing to generate employment opportunities in Nigeria. Tinubu’s meetings at the G20 will include discussions with leaders from Brazil, India, South Korea, and Germany, as well as meetings with Indian executives, including Jindal Steel and Power Company. He’s also looking to boost U.S. investment, having accepted an invitation from President Joe Biden for a meeting later this month during the UN General Assembly.
- The South African rand strengthened after U.S. employment data indicated a softening labor market, reducing expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. The rand traded at 18.8100 against the dollar, marking a 0.36% increase. This gain followed a volatile August in which the currency had lost over 5%. The diminished possibility of a Fed rate hike led to improved risk appetite in the market, supporting the rand. However, the rand remains sensitive to global economic conditions, and experts anticipate continued volatility.
