North America:
- A US prison inmate was charged last Saturday (Dec 2) with attempted murder for stabbing Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of George Floyd’s murder, 22 times in the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson, Arizona. John Turscak, a former gang member, stated he would have killed Chauvin if not for quick intervention. Turscak aimed to invoke the Black Lives Matter movement, addressing racism and police brutality. Charged with attempted murder and other offences, Turscak’s attack follows Chauvin’s sentencing to 22 and a half years in prison for Floyd’s murder in April 2021.
- A federal judge dismissed ex-President Donald Trump’s bid to throw out charges of election interference last Saturday (Dec 2), on the basis of “presidential immunity”. The US court, for the first time, ruled that former presidents can be prosecuted like any other citizen. The decision came in response to charges against Donald Trump, who is accused of unlawfully attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s lawyers argued that his actions fell within his duties as president, but Judge Tanya Chutkan disagreed, stating there is no legal basis for concluding that presidents are immune to criminal charges once out of office. Chutkan emphasised that Trump’s presidency didn’t grant him a lifelong “get-out-of-jail-free” pass and rejected the notion of a divine right of kings to evade criminal accountability.
- US prosecutors charged an Indian man with a plot to kill at least four Sikh separatists in North America, last Friday (Dec 1). The recently unsealed indictment by US prosecutors revealed an elaborate plot to assassinate a dual US-Canadian citizen in New York, allegedly directed by an Indian government employee. The target, reportedly Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a member of a US-based Sikh separatist group, was part of a scheme orchestrated by Nikhil Gupta. Gupta, who had watched a video of a Sikh separatist leader’s murder in Canada, forwarded it to an alleged hitman, outlining plans for another murder. However, the New York hitman turned out to be an undercover agent, thwarting the plot. The document also raised questions about the fatal shooting of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia earlier this year.
- A protester set themselves on fire outside the Israel consulate in Atlanta, Georgia, last Saturday (Dec 2), in an extreme act of political protest. Using petrol, the individual arrived at the facility and ignited the fire. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene. A security guard who intervened was also injured, who was taken alongside the protester to a local hospital. The consul general of Israel to the south-east US expressed sadness over the incident, calling it a “tragic” expression of “hate and incitement towards Israel”. The incident occurred amid renewed fighting between Israel and Hamas. The war has prompted hundreds of protests and rallies across the US, advocating for a ceasefire.
- A 48-year-old man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder last Tuesday (Nov 28), over the shooting of three men of Palestinian descent in Vermont. Jason J Eaton, the suspect in the University of Vermont shooting, appeared in court after being arrested near the site on Sunday. The victims, Hisham Awartani, Tahseen Ahmed, and Kinnan Abdalhamid, were attacked while speaking Arabic and wearing keffiyeh. The incident took place as the three men were visiting a relative over Thanksgiving. Two were shot in the torso, and one in the lower extremities. The FBI had warned of potential attacks by “homegrown violent extremists” amid a surge in Islamophobic and antisemitic incidents since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
South America:
- An accused commander of Los Lobos, a strong criminal outfit that specialises in drug trafficking, was apprehended by Ecuadorian police, last Tuesday (28 Nov). Gunfire was reported when police apprehended the suspect, Jaime S.C, as well as when he was in detention. Officials said he was carrying US$13,500, the source of which “he could not explain” in a statement. With an estimated 8,000 members, Los Lobos, often known as “The Wolves,” has grown to be one of the most potent criminal groups in the Andes region. Although a large number of its members are incarcerated, the gang is said to have started some of the deadliest prison riots in Ecuador and still operates from behind bars, and is said to be associated with the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) in Mexico, which is responsible for smuggling cocaine from Colombia into the US and Europe through the port towns of Ecuador.
- Attorney General Patricia Benavides filed a constitutional lawsuit against the Peruvian president Dina Boluarte last Monday (Nov 27), for the deaths of many protestors during anti-government demonstrations between Dec 2022 and Feb 2023. president, following an 11-month inquiry, over her role in the political turmoil in the nation last year, which claimed at least 49 civilian lives. The president accused Benavides of diverting attention away from her own legal issues, such as calls for her resignation over allegations of corruption. President Boluarte and Attorney General Benavides’ impasse is the most recent development in Peru’s political crisis, which began with President Pedro Castillo’s overthrow in December of 2022. At least 49 protestors and onlookers were slain in skirmishes with the security forces sent by Boularte’s administration during the demonstrations. The charges against Boularte, including that of murder, are unlikely to result in a criminal trial as presidents and lawmakers cannot be tried for suspected crimes while they are in office, according to Peru’s constitution.
- The Supreme Court of Justice of the nation declared that the new mining agreement between Panama and the Canadian business First Quantum was unlawful, last Tuesday (Nov 28). The decision was celebrated by the public, as it would provide a major setback for investors and the nation’s long-term credit rating, and provide some respite for Panama, which has been rocked by the biggest protest movement in decades, over the operations of the biggest open-pit copper mine in Central America, which had led to shortages of propane and gas due to roadblocks, and was largely hailed to be an ecological disaster for Panamanians, who battled to free their nation from American authority over the Panama Canal Zone throughout the 20th century, the issue of sovereignty over foreign activity in the region was especially significant.
- Brazil’s government planned to send its largest delegation to COP28, with an estimated 2,400 registered participants, according to reports last Thursday (30 Nov). This contrasted with the sparse attendance under Lula’s predecessor, former President Jair Bolsonaro. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva aimed to establish Brazil as a global leader in climate change, but critics question if he has fulfilled his promises due to Brazil’s ongoing expansion in the oil and natural gas industries. Critics argue Lula’s climate change program lacks progress and stakeholder involvement, with Indigenous rights organisation APIB expressing concerns that his plans are mere words without political backing. More than half of Brazil’s 1.7 million Indigenous people live in the Amazon, making them key partners in the fight for environmental protection.But earlier this year, Brazil’s Congress voted to restrict the powers of federal agencies dedicated to Indigenous peoples and the environment. Lula partially vetoed legislation limiting Indigenous land, sparking criticism for not rejecting the entire bill.
- Venezuela is set to hold a referendum on Sunday, according to reports last Monday (Dec 4) regarding the establishment of a new state in a disputed, oil-rich territory long ruled by Guyana. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) requested Venezuela to refrain from altering the situation in the region, but did not explicitly prohibit conducting the vote. The referendum will inquire about Venezuelans’ support for Guayana Esequiba, a new state in the Essequibo region, granting its inhabitants Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards. The Venezuelan government had not explained how it would create the state should voters approve it. The Guyanese government insisted on retaining the border determined in Paris in 1899 by an arbitration panel, while claiming that Venezuela had agreed with the ruling until it changed its mind in 1962. The territory larger than Greece, known as “The Essequibo,” amounts to more than two-thirds of the territory of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens. The region also has the world’s biggest reserves of crude oil per capita.
Asia Pacific:
- Tensions in the South China Sea rose as Taiwan reported Chinese warships and aircraft circling the island last Thursday (Nov 30), including crossing the median line. The increased military exercises may be explained by Taiwan’s upcoming elections, which have a key focus on Taiwan and its relations with China. Taiwan’s defence ministry said it had detected J-10 and J-16 fighters as well as ship-borne helicopters operating off central Taiwan and to the island’s southwest. To conduct “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, eleven of the aircrafts flew across the median line of the Taiwan Strait or nearby locations. At least three previous comparable large-scale Chinese air force sorties were reported by Taiwanese officials this month. The Kuomintang, the major opposition party in Taiwan, had vowed to restart talks with China if it wins the election and has always supported close relations with Beijing.
- Pakistan’s Supreme Court began hearings on Friday (Dec 1) on a petition by rights activists seeking to halt the deportation of Afghan refugees, a lawyer said, as authorities are combing refugee settlements in an effort to find and send home thousands. More than 370,000 Afghans have fled Pakistan since October 1, after Pakistan vowed to expel more than a million undocumented refugees, mostly Afghans, amid a row with Kabul over charges that it harbours anti-Pakistan militants. Thousands of Afghans have gone underground in Pakistan to avoid deportation, fearing for their lives if they return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, following the withdrawal of United States-led Western forces in 2021. Islamabad had not heeded calls from international bodies and refugee agencies to reconsider its deportation plans.
- The Indian foreign ministry announced last Wednesday (Nov 29) that it would formally look into security concerns raised by the US in a warning to New Delhi on its ties to an unsuccessful attempt to kill a Sikh separatist leader. The matter came at a sensitive moment for the Biden administration and his Indian counterpart, as they attempt to strengthen their relationship despite China’s seeking to increase its influence in the region. The White House acknowledged it had alerted New Delhi to its involvement in an aborted attempt to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, just one week before the foreign ministry’s announcement. “India takes such inputs seriously since they impinge on our national security interests as well,” the ministry said, vowing to “take necessary follow-up action” on the findings of the panel set up on Nov 18. India’s ambassador to Canada, Sanjay Verma, stated to Canadian network CTV over the weekend that New Delhi was collaborating with the US because they had exchanged “legally presentable” material.
- Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the foreign minister of Thailand, repressed his tears last Wednesday, (Nov 29), over the release of Thai nationals from Hamas captivity, stating Thailand was “not part of the conflict.” A total of 23 hostages were released as of last Tuesday (Nov 28), during the seven-day temporary pause in the war. Parnpree stated their release was conditionless, and had spoken to his colleagues who have ties to Hamas in a number of Middle Eastern nations, adding that diplomacy was key in the repatriation of Thai nationals. “We were the only party that spoke to Hamas since the beginning of the war to ask for the release of Thais,” Lerpong Syed, the president of the Thai-Iran Alumni Association, said. The conflict had since resumed as the truce expired. At least 15,500 Palestinians have died as a result of Israel’s military onslaught in Gaza since Oct 7, according to Gazan health officials.
Europe:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to increase Russian troop numbers by 15 per cent, last Friday (Dec 1), citing perceived The North Atlantic Treaty Organis ation’s (NATO) threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This surge, achieved through gradual recruitment rather than conscription, would aim to counter NATO’s encroachment near Russian borders and reinforce Russia’s efforts in the Ukrainian conflict. Recent expansions of NATO, including discussions around Finland’s inclusion and Sweden’s application, are viewed as direct concerns for Russia’s security. Despite the ongoing conflict, neither side in Ukraine has managed to gain significant ground, leading to a stalemate. However, Russia’s sustained endurance and augmented foreign support, particularly from nations like Iran and North Korea supplying weapons, have fortified its position, while Ukraine grapples with internal divisions, casting shadows on President Zelensky’s credibility due to corruption allegations and uncertainties about the nation’s future.
- Geert Wilders’ far-right Freedom Party’s victory last Thursday (Nov 30), in the Dutch parliamentary elections signified a notable shift in European politics. The win reflected a resurgence of hard-right ideologies seen elsewhere in Italy and Sweden, challenging liberal democracies in Western Europe. Wilders’ nationalist stance, especially regarding Islam’s place in Dutch society, drove his victory and emboldened similar politicians in Austria, France, and Germany. However, forming a government at home remained contentious for mainstream parties, due to the controversial nature of the Freedom Party’s views. Such victories pose challenges for the EU, potentially complicating common policies on migration, asylum, and EU expansion into Eastern Europe. European reactions to the election results vary, with hard-right leaders celebrating while the EU grapples with accommodating populists in its consensus-driven politics.
- Finland closed its last border crossing with Russia at Raja-Jooseppi last Wednesday (Nov 29), sparking Kremlin criticism as an “absolutely redundant measure.” The closure follows Finland accusing Russia of guiding asylum seekers to its borders in a “hybrid operation.” With approximately 900 asylum seekers crossing this month, Finland, citing national security, shut seven southeastern crossings and temporarily closed the northern one. Poland sent its military advisors for border security, while Russia warned against unjustified military buildup. The closure may redirect asylum seekers to perilous routes along the extensive border areas. The EU’s Home Affairs Commissioner drew parallels with Belarus’ actions two years ago. Finland remained expectant of support from Frontex, the EU’s border agency to mitigate the issue.
- A German tourist was killed and two others wounded in a knife attack last Saturday (Dec 2). The assailant, a 26-year-old French citizen with a history of mental illness, was arrested a day later, with French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealing that the attacker had previously been sentenced to four years in prison for planning another attack. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences, considering the incident a terrorist attack. The Paris prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation, clarifying that the “anti-terrorism” prosecutor’s office had not taken charge yet. The attack raises concerns about security measures, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. France had been on high alert since October, following the fatal stabbing of a teacher.
- Ireland successfully launched its first satellite, EIRSAT-1, marking a historic achievement for the nation’s emerging space sector last Friday (Dec 1). Constructed by over 50 students from University College Dublin (UCD) under the guidance of the European Space Agency (ESA), the two-unit CubeSat was deployed into orbit from a Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket. The Irish government hailed the launch as a “major milestone,” emphasising the project’s significance for space research and education. EIRSAT-1 remained operational in low Earth orbit, with researchers awaited data reports from its experiments.
Middle East:
- Leaked documents from last Tuesday (Nov 28), revealed that The United Arab Emirates planned to use its role as the host of UN climate talks as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals. The leaked documents revealed the UAE’s plans to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations at COP28. The documents, prepared by the UAE’s COP28 team for meetings with 27 foreign governments, included proposed “talking points.” The UAE team acknowledges business talks but stresses their private nature. The UN emphasises impartiality, raising concerns about the intersection of economic interests and climate negotiations.
- Israel conducted extensive airstrikes on Khan Younis in southern Gaza, last Saturday (Dec 2), with residents characterising it as the most intense bombing of the conflict. Residents in eastern areas of the city were instructed by the Israeli military to evacuate southward. Israel believes that some Hamas leaders are present in the city, where many civilians have sought shelter after fleeing the north. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 193 casualties in the latest Israeli attacks, with the overall death toll exceeding 15,200. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to continue the military operation until all goals, including eliminating Hamas and securing the release of hostages, are achieved.
- Israeli police reported last Thursday (Nov 30), that three Israelis were killed and several others were injured when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in West Jerusalem. Gunmen, claimed to be associated with Hamas, carried out an attack by shooting at people on a highway after disembarking from a car. The off-duty soldiers and a civilian present at the scene managed to kill the attackers, identified by the police as individuals from occupied East Jerusalem. Tragically, local media reported that a fourth civilian, initially mistaken for an attacker, was shot by the troops and later succumbed to injuries.
- Egypt detained pro-Palestine international activists last Thursday (Nov 30), after a protest against Israel’s war on Gaza. A group of peaceful protesters, including well-known Gaza solidarity activist John Parker from the United States and three others from Argentina, Australia, and France, were taken into an unidentified location by Egyptian authorities after demonstrating in downtown Cairo against the Israeli war on Gaza. The activists, seeking to join the Global Conscience Convoy for humanitarian aid to Gaza, were later found at the Bulaq police station, and were part of an international pro-Palestine group advocating for Palestinian rights and resisting ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
- The US military reported last Monday (Nov 27), that a commercial vessel and a US destroyer attacked off Yemen. Missiles were fired from Houthi rebel-controlled territory in Yemen towards an Israeli-affiliated vessel and a US naval destroyer, highlighting the growing threat to ships in key trade corridors. The missiles landed near the commercial vessel Central Park and the USS Mason. Central Park, a Liberia-flagged oil carrier, had been boarded by unknown assailants believed to be Somali pirates. This incident followed Houthi forces using helicopters to hijack an Israeli-linked vehicle carrier in the Red Sea. Maritime tensions around the Horn of Africa increased amid Israel’s war in Gaza, with Houthi threats against Israeli-linked vessels and attempts to launch ballistic missiles at Eilat. The fragile truce between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, controlling a significant portion of Yemen, held since April last year.
Africa:
- Two people were killed as fighting erupted between two army factions following the release of two government officials from custody last Thursday (Nov 30). Gunfire and clashes erupted in Guinea-Bissau’s capital, Bissau, in what was labelled an “attempted coup” by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The turmoil unfolded when the National Guard clashed with the presidential guard’s Special Forces after the release of two senior officials detained in a corruption probe. The unrest stemmed from the National Guard liberating Finance Minister Souleiman Seidi and Treasury Secretary Antonio Monteiro, initially detained for a US$10 million (S$1.34 million) withdrawal from state coffers. Colonel Victor Tchongo, National Guard commander, was detained by the army, leading to reduced security presence in Bissau. The United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the violence, urging the arrest and prosecution of those disrupting constitutional order, and stating the importance of calm and non-interference by security forces in national politics.
- Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered an investigation into a tragic incident where a Nigerian army drone strike mistakenly killed at least 85 civilians during the Maulud celebration in the north-western village of Tudun Biri, Kaduna state last Sunday (Dec 3). The strike occurred while villagers were gathered, resulting in a massive explosion. Survivors, including women and children, were unable to escape. The army, acknowledging the error, described it as an unintended “consequence of a routine mission against terrorists” — mainly against Boko Haram and other militant groups. Army officials and Kaduna state government representatives have met with village elders, pledging compensation for those affected. President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasising the commitment to preventing such tragedies and protecting citizens. The incident highlighted the nature of the deadliest conflict zone in the north-west, for which the nation had increased its defence spending.
- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was poised to vote on lifting the arms embargo imposed on Somalia in 1992, a measure initially implemented to curb weapon flow to warring factions following the ousting of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre last Friday (Dec 1). The embargo persisted for over three decades, contributing to the country’s complex security challenges. The UNSC is expected to adopt two resolutions: one to entirely remove the arms embargo on Somalia, clarifying that there will be no such embargo on the Federal Republic of Somalia, and another to reimpose an arms embargo specifically on the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab group.. Somalia’s government has long advocated for the embargo’s removal to enhance its ability to counter security threats, and the potential lifting reflected a significant shift in the international stance towards Somalia’s security challenges.
- Mauritania’s ex-President, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, received a five-year prison sentence in Nouakchott for money laundering and abusing his authority last Monday (Nov 27). The court also ordered the confiscation of his unlawfully gained assets. Aziz, who seized power in a 2009 coup and served until 2019, faced trial alongside 10 other prominent figures, charged with offences like abuse of power and money laundering. Despite lighter sentences for some co-accused, Aziz, alleging political motives, plans to appeal. Tensions with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani are suggested as contributing to the legal proceedings. The verdict is a milestone in Mauritania’s anti-corruption efforts, conducted by a specialised court. Aziz’s team claims a politically charged trial, emphasising its political nature. Despite Aziz’s conviction, former prime ministers and ministers were acquitted, highlighting challenges in prosecuting high-profile figures for corruption amidst potential political influence.
- Unidentified assailants targeted three villages in Oromiya’s Shirka district, in Ethiopia, last Friday and Monday (Nov 24 and 27), resulting in at least 36 deaths. Ethiopia’s Oromiya region accused the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) of the deadly attacks on civilians after failed peace talks in Tanzania. Oromiya’s spokesperson, Hailu Adugna, attributed the attacks to the OLA, a splinter group of a previously banned opposition party returning from exile in 2018, committing brutal acts due to heightened anxiety. In response, Oromiya and federal authorities mobilised security teams to expel the rebels. The attacks followed the unsuccessful second round of peace talks in Tanzania between the OLA and Tanzania’s federal government. Despite the setbacks, the East African bloc IGAD remains optimistic in resolving the decades-long conflict, urging both parties to commit to the process. The conflict is part of broader challenges in Ethiopia, including the Tigray conflict resolution and clashes in the Amhara region.
