Weekly Recap: Sep 11 to Sep 17

North America:

• NASA released findings last Friday (Sept 15) regarding unexplained flying objects (UFOs), stating that there was no evidence of extraterrestrial activity, but it would not be ruled out. The agency suggested the possibility of “potential unknown alien technology operating in Earth’s atmosphere” and appointed a new program director to examine UFO sightings. NASA would like to shift the conversation about UFOs from sensationalism to science. The US government has been taking the issue of UFOs more seriously in recent years, however, NASA’s work is separate from the Pentagon’s investigation into UFOs.
• Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted killer and escaped convict, was captured on Thursday (Sept 14) by authorities in Pennsylvania after evading search teams for two weeks. He had broken into suburban homes for food and hid in the woods. Police dogs located him, and he was arrested without incident, found lying under leaves and wood with a stolen rifle. Cavalcante had escaped from Chester County Prison on August 31, scaling a wall, climbing over razor wire, and jumping from a roof. He was serving a life sentence for the murder of his ex-girlfriend in 2021.
• Around 75,000 people marched in New York City on Sunday (Sept 17), demanding urgent action on climate change ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. Protesters, representing about 700 organisations and activist groups, called for an end to fossil fuels. They directed their frustration towards President Joe Biden, urging him to stop approving new oil and gas projects and declare a climate emergency. The rally marked the beginning of New York’s Climate Week, where global leaders gather to address climate issues. A recent UN climate report set 2025 as the deadline for peak greenhouse gas emissions to meet Paris Agreement targets.
• US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held “candid” talks this weekend (Sept 16 and Sept 17) with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Malta to stabilise US-China relations. Wang emphasised Taiwan as a “red line” in Sino-US relations, while the US reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Both sides pledged to maintain open lines of communication and explore further high-level engagement in key areas. These discussions come as the US and China grapple with trade and military tensions in the Pacific. A meeting between US President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year is a possibility
• Storm Lee, now a post-tropical cyclone, caused heavy rains and power outages in the northeast United States and Canada on Saturday (Sept 16). Severe conditions were expected in parts of Massachusetts and Maine, with hurricane conditions predicted for Canada’s New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Winds of up to 130 km/h, coastal flooding, and heavy rains have already hit the region. Parts of coastal Maine could see waves up to 4.5 metres high, causing erosion and power outages. Tens of thousands of customers are without power, and an emergency declaration has been issued for Maine.
• The United States is in regular contact with Saudi Arabia regarding the stability and affordability of global energy supply, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan last Friday (Sept 15). This communication follows the International Energy Agency’s estimate that oil output cuts extended by Saudi Arabia and Russia until the end of 2023 will result in a significant market deficit through the fourth quarter due to high demand. OPEC+ began limiting oil supplies in 2022, with Saudi Arabia playing a significant role. However, output curbs by OPEC+ members are expected to create a supply shortfall in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the potential for a surplus in early 2024, leading to increased market volatility.
• Canada postponed its October trade mission to India amid strained relations between the two countries. While no official reason was provided for the delay, it comes as trade deal negotiations have hit hurdles related to “political developments in Canada,” according to anonymous Indian officials. During the recent G20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not hold a formal bilateral meeting with Canadian leader Justin Trudeau, raising tensions. Issues include India’s concerns about alleged anti-India activities in Canada and controversy surrounding a parade float in Ontario themed after the assassination of Indira Gandhi.

South America:

• A small propeller plane crashed near Barcelos in the Amazon last Sunday (Sept 17), resulting in the tragic loss of all 12 passengers and two crew members on board. The cause of the crash, which occurred during heavy rain and low visibility\, is under investigation. The aircraft, an EMB-110, was operated by Manaus Aerotáxi and met safety requirements. The passengers, friends with a shared interest in game fishing, were on a chartered flight. Their bodies will be transported to Manaus for formal identification. Amazonas Governor Wilson Lima offered condolences, and the mayor of Barcelos confirmed the charter was for a local businessman involved in game fishing.
• A man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the post-election riots that rocked Brazil’s capital following President Jair Bolsonaro’s loss, last Friday (Sept 15). Aecio Pereira, convicted of attempting a coup, was part of the mob that vandalised government buildings in protest. He denied wrongdoing, claiming he thought it was a peaceful protest. Pereira was arrested inside the Senate building and filmed himself at the Senate president’s table during the riots, wearing a T-shirt marked with “Military Intervention.” The mob alleged election fraud, invaded key government buildings, and caused widespread damage. Brazil’s Supreme Court said it would hear 232 cases related to the most serious crimes during the protests, with over 1,000 others under investigation on lesser charges. President Bolsonaro was also included in the riot probe for potentially inciting violence by questioning the election’s legitimacy.
• A Mexican court convicted 11 former police officers for their roles in the 2021 killing of 17 migrants last Friday (Sept 15). These migrants were found in a burnt-out vehicle in Camargo, Tamaulipas state. Investigators linked the murders to a turf war between criminal gangs vying for control of migrant smuggling routes. These tragic events highlight the dangers faced by thousands of Central American migrants attempting to reach the US through Mexico. Out of the 19 bodies discovered in the vehicle, 16 were identified as Guatemalan, one as Honduran, and two as Mexican traffickers. Forensic evidence showed they were shot before the vehicle was set on fire. Among the victims was 22-year-old Guatemalan football player Marvin Tomás.
• The Dominican Republic’s President Luis Abinader declared the closure of the entire border with Haiti last Thursday (Sept 14), due to an escalating conflict over a shared river canal project. The closure is scheduled to commence at 6 am local time on Friday and will persist “as long as necessary” with support from Dominican military and police forces. Talks with Haiti are ongoing, but President Abinader emphasized the necessity of these drastic measures, stating that his country was prepared for this situation and even the possibility of deploying a peace force in Haiti. This move comes after President Abinader previously threatened border closure in response to the canal construction dispute.
• Consumer prices in Argentina surged by 12.4 percent in August, marking the highest monthly inflation rate since February 1991, according to a report by the INDEC statistics agency last Thursday (Sept 14).. This alarming inflation trend has pushed the country’s annual inflation rate to a staggering 124.4 percent,. as the country gears up for the general election on October 22.. The figures are expected to pose a significant challenge for the ruling centre-left coalition. Argentina has grappled with persistent inflation for years, and economists anticipate that September’s numbers could show a similar pattern of double-digit monthly inflation. Amid this economic turbulence, Economy Minister Sergio Massa is seeking to secure the presidency, while Javier Milei, a right-wing populist who gained substantial support in the recent national primaries, appears to be a leading contender.

Asia Pacific:

• Two prominent Bangladeshi human rights activists, Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan, both leaders of the Odhikar human rights organisation, were sentenced to two years in prison last Thursday (Sept 14). The trial, which critics argued was part of a government crackdown preceding elections, had sparked concern among international observers. Khan and Elan had spent decades documenting alleged extrajudicial killings, disappearances of opposition activists, and police brutality. The charges against them stemmed from a fact-finding report they had compiled a decade ago on extrajudicial killings. The court’s verdict was seen as a troubling development, especially in the context of the upcoming general elections and heightened international scrutiny on Bangladesh.
• The crucial Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened for both pedestrians and vehicles after nine days of closure due to an exchange of fire between Pakistani and Afghan security forces, according to officials on both sides last Friday (Sept 15),.The crossing was initially closed on September 6 following a deadly clash, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of constructing unlawful structures near the border, while the Afghan Taliban government refuted the allegations, claiming they were repairing an old security post when Pakistani forces opened fire. The reopening comes after accusations and tensions between the two countries over the incident and its aftermath.
• The Taliban extended a warm welcome to China’s new ambassador to Afghanistan, Zhao Sheng, last Wednesday( sept 13). This marked the first instance since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021 where such a lavish reception was given to an ambassador in Kabul. Afghan officials view this as a signal for other nations to establish relations with the Taliban-led government. China emphasized that this appointment is part of its regular ambassador rotation and signifies its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan, maintaining a clear and consistent policy towards the nation. While the Taliban has yet to gain official recognition from foreign governments, Beijing did not indicate whether this appointment indicates broader steps towards formal recognition. Several Taliban leaders remain under sanctions, and the country’s UN seat is still held by the former Western-backed government. The Taliban faces economic challenges and a humanitarian crisis due to frozen Afghan assets and continued financial isolation imposed by the West.
• A massive fire engulfed several hundred shops at a market in Bangladesh’s capital of Dhaka, last Thursday (Sept 14). There were no reported casualties as the blaze swept through the area in the early hours of Thursday before the shops opened for business. The fire took approximately six hours for military forces and firefighters to bring under control. The rapid spread of the fire in the Mohammadpur market was attributed to the presence of highly flammable items such as cooking oil and plastics. Officials believe an electric short circuit likely caused the fire. Unfortunately, many shop owners suffered devastating losses, with one expressing their dependence on the shop for their family’s livelihood. Fires are frequent in densely populated Dhaka, where rapid urban development often lacks proper safety measures, resulting in accidents caused by faulty gas cylinders, air conditioners, and electrical wiring.
• An ongoing gun battle with rebels in Anantnag district resulted in the tragic death of three Indian security officers in Indian-administered Kashmir, according to reports last Wednesday (Sept 13). The joint operation by police and army was launched based on intelligence regarding the presence of suspected rebels in the Kokernag area’s forests. The officials, identified as Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Ashish Donchak, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzammil, were targeted by the rebels while crossing a stream during the operation. Heavy gunfire delayed their evacuation, and the bodies were eventually recovered amid the intense firefight. Another gunfight in Rajouri’s border district claimed the lives of one soldier and two rebels. The region’s police chief expressed condolences and vowed to bring the culprits to justice.

Europe:

• The European Union proposed a 10-point “action plan” last Sunday (Sept 17) to assist Italy in managing the influx of migrants and refugees arriving on the island of Lampedusa. The recent surge in asylum seekers has reignited the debate in Europe over sharing responsibility for these arrivals. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised that irregular migration is a European challenge requiring a collective response. She also highlighted the need for better management of legal migration to combat irregular migration effectively. The plan also involves enhancing the training of the Tunisian coast guard and law enforcement agencies.
• Over 200 Eritrean opposition supporters were arrested in Germany last Saturday (Sept 16) following violent clashes during a cultural festival organised by supporters of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Stuttgart. The riot led to 26 German police officers getting injured. Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the violence, stating that foreign conflicts should not be carried out in their country. The clashes are part of a series of violent protests surrounding Eritrean cultural events in Germany and other places. Eritrea has seen significant emigration due to allegations of mistreatment by President Isaias’s government, leading to deep divisions within the Eritrean diaspora.
• North Korean leader Kim Jong Un received several gifts last Saturday (Sept 16) during his visit to Russia from a regional governor. Kim’s visit to Russia focused on military matters, including inspections of advanced weapons and discussions about potential arms deals, sparking concerns about sanctions violations. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to each other as “comrades” during their meetings, highlighting their countries’ historical ties. North Korea has openly supported Russia in its actions in Ukraine. Moscow and Pyongyang share opposition to new sanctions on North Korea, leading to a split within the United Nations Security Council.
• Two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) last Saturday (Sept 16) after launching from Kazakhstan. The mission, Soyuz MS-24, represents ongoing cooperation between the US and Russia within the ISS program despite strained geopolitical tensions over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The crew of three will join the current ISS team of three Russians, two Americans, and one Japanese astronaut, along with a European Space Agency representative.
• Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary announced their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports last Friday (Sept 15), after the European Commission chose not to extend a ban affecting Ukraine’s five EU neighbours. The EU had previously allowed these countries to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian grains while permitting transit for export elsewhere. Despite the European Commission’s decision, Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that they would extend this ban to protect Polish farmers. Hungary imposed a national import ban on 24 Ukrainian agricultural products, while Slovakia announced its grain ban. These restrictions only apply to domestic imports and would not affect transit to other markets.
• Britain, France, and Germany announced last Thursday (Sep 14) their intention to maintain sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear program and ballistic missile development. These measures, set to expire in October as per the 2015 nuclear deal, have been extended due to Iran’s “consistent and severe noncompliance” with the accord. The sanctions prohibit Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons and restrict the transfer of drones and missiles to and from Iran. They also entail an asset freeze on certain Iranian entities involved in nuclear and missile programs. Iran has deemed these sanctions “illegal and provocative.”

Middle East:

• Palestinian worshippers were attacked by Israeli forces last Sunday (Sept 17) as they cleared the compound of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, to make way for Israeli settlers to use it for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Palestinian news agency WAFA said Israeli forces “physically assaulted and beat up three worshippers”, including an elderly man and elderly woman, due to their objection to an Israeli settler blowing a horn at the entrance to the mosque. Two Palestinian men were arrested and transported to “an unknown destination”.
• Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said the country was ready to implement a QatarI-mediated prisoner swap with the United States, last Thursday (Sept 14). The deal would see Washington and Tehran free five prisoners each, and have US$6 billion (S$ billion) in Iranian assets held in South Korea be released. Washington waived sanctions to allow the transfer of funds from South Korea to Qatari banks, which will monitor Iran’s spending, intended to purchase humanitarian goods. The deal remained on track as the United States announced new sanctions on Iran last Friday (Sept 15), saying Iran’s funds were its own, however it remained committed to its policies towards Tehran would be unchanged, to “constrain” Iran’s nuclear programme, its “destabilising behaviour” and ensure “it never obtains a nuclear weapon”.
• Yemen’s Houthi rebels were invited last Thursday (Sept 14) to attend Omani-mediates negotiations with Saudi Arabia in its city of Riyadh. The talks raised hope of ending the war in Yemen, which has claimed thousands of lives since 2015. While the agenda remained unclear, The UN-recognised Yemeni government, however, was not invited to the talks, which appeared focused on Saudi leaders reaching a settlement with Houthi rebels, including on Houthi demands such as the full reopening of Houthi-controlled Sanaa airport and ports, payments of public servants under Houthi rule from oil revenues, rebuilding efforts, and a timeline for foreign forces to leave Yemen.
• At least six people were killed and more than a thousand were wounded in clashes in Lebanon’s biggest camp for Palestinian refugees, Ein el-Hilweh, last Wednesday (Sept 13). Violence in the camp had resumed since the week before, after a ceasefire between the Palestinian Fatah movement and other hardline groups fell apart after a month. At least ten people were killed in the week prior. A top Hamas official, Moussa Mohammed Abu Marzouk, arrived in Beirut on Tuesday to push for an end to clashes with no success.
• Syria’s volunteer organisation, The White Helmets, officially known as Syria Civil Defence released footage last Sunday (Sept 17), of its rebuilding efforts of a market place in northwestern Syria. The efforts followed the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria in February this year. The volunteer group of about 3,000 people of different professions assisted in rescue efforts at the time, and had recently been carrying out rebuilding exercises and wildfire operations in the country.

Africa:

• Search-and-rescue efforts continued and gathered pace a week after a ‘tsunami-sized’ flood devastated the city of Derna, Libya, according to reports last Sunday (Sept 17). The flood left an estimated 11,300 people dead according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), however the actual death toll may be as high as 20,000 across Libya. Approximately 30,000 people were left homeless in Derna alone, and in urgent need of clean water, food, shelter and other basic necessities, amid a growing risk of illnesses such as cholera and malnutrition.
• An iconic building in the heart of Sudan’s capital of Khartoum caught fire last Sunday (Sept 17), during clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Khartoum has been turned into an ‘urban warzone’, as RSF forces have turned civilian homes into operational bases, while the military has responded by bombing the residential areas. Ethnic violence has also taken form in the western Darfur region, with attacks on ethnic African groups by the RSF and allied groups. The conflict has killed at least 4,000 people, according to the United Nations the month prior.
• The death toll following the capsizing of a boat along the Niger River rose to 28 last Monday (Sept 11). The boat, carrying more than one hundred passengers of whom were mostly women and children, was travelling to farmlands in the Gbajibo community. The closest source of emergency response in Minna took hours to reach the boat in the Mokwa district due to its remote location. Thirty people were rescued, while another 40 remained missing. The incident raised concerns regarding frequent boat accidents in the country, where inaccessible roadways necessitate travelling by river.
• President Emmanuel Macron said France’s ambassador to Niger was living like a hostage in the nation’s French embassy last Friday (Sept 15), accusing military rulers of blocking food deliveries to the building, preventing him from going outside, and treating him as a “persona non grata”. The incident came as France refused to recognise the military government in Niger and comply with their 48-hour ultimatum for ambassador Sylvain Itte to leave the country. France maintained they would only act upon agreements made with ousted President Bazoum. About 1,500 French soldiers remain in Niger, and redeployment would only be negotiated with Niger’s “legitimate authority”, and not at the behest of the country’s military leaders who had asked the troops to leave quickly.
• Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed a mutual defence pact, last Saturday (Sept 16), binding them to assist one another against threats of armed rebellion or external aggression. The Alliance of Sahel States would see even military assistance should there be an attack on one of the countries, stating an “attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of one or more contracted parties will be considered an aggression against the other parties”. The charter, described to combine “military and economic efforts”, would also have the nations work together to prevent and settle armed rebellions, a key move considering the fighting in the Liptako-Gourma region, where Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger share a border.