World Affairs
- Politico
EU pulls its gun on China
informed Summary
- Europe has shifted from its passive stance towards China, demonstrating readiness to confront Beijing over issues such as state subsidies to Chinese companies. Recent investigations -- including a raid on Nuctech -- signal a clear change in approach, coinciding with Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Europe.
World Affairs1 min read - AP News
Hamas again raises the possibility of a two-state compromise. Israel and its allies aren't convinced
informed Summary
- Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has indicated that it could accept a two-state compromise with Israel. However, the organization, has refused to recognize Israel or renounce its armed fight against it. This stance has led to suspicion and accusations that Hamas is still intent on destroying Israel.
World Affairs3 min read - Politico
How a second Trump presidency could tear Europe apart
informed Summary
- Europe will face several challenges if Donald Trump's returns to the White House, with potential repercussions on Ukraine and NATO. Trump's plan entails coercing Ukraine into ceding territories to Russia, which could pose a threat to European unity.
World Affairs1 min read - AP News
Ukraine gets a big boost of US aid. It still faces a long slog to repel Russia
informed Summary
- The U.S. has approved a $61 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which is expected to help the country slow the Russian army's advances and block its strikes on troops and civilians. The aid will also buy Ukraine time for long-term planning on how to reclaim the parts of the country now under Russian control.
World Affairs5 min read - Neue Zürcher Zeitung
A human smuggler in Niger on why migration is surging
informed Summary
- Souleymane Sanda, a human smuggler in Niger, has resumed his operations after a seven-year hiatus due to the repeal of an anti-smuggling law. The law was introduced in 2015 amid pressure from Europe to curb the flow of migrants towards Libya and Algeria.
World Affairs5 min read - DW
Can the EU afford new members in the east?
informed Summary
- Polish farmers have been protesting against the potential entry of Ukraine into the European Union, fearing that cheap Ukrainian grain could threaten their livelihoods. The EU's recent enthusiasm for expansion has raised concerns about the economic impact on existing members and citizens.
World Affairs3 min read - AP News
How the search for the origins of COVID-19 turned politically poisonous
informed Summary
- The search for the origins of COVID-19 has been stalled in China due to political infighting and a lack of cooperation from the Chinese government, according to an investigation by AP. This includes the closure of labs, the barring of Chinese researchers from leaving the country, and the expulsion of foreign scientists.
World Affairs12 min read - NPR
Talks for a plastic pollution treaty are stalling. Could the U.S. be doing more?
informed Summary
- Negotiators from around 175 countries have been discussing a treaty to clean up plastic pollution for more than a year. Critics -- including scientists and civil society groups -- blame the U.S. for the lack of progress, citing its unwillingness to push for measures that would significantly reduce plastic waste. These include caps on manufacturing.
World Affairs9 min read - El Pais
The West has lost its judgment
informed Summary
- Since Oct. 7, more than 200 humanitarian workers -- mostly Palestinians -- have been killed in the Gaza Strip due to attacks by the Israeli army. This has led to growing anger among aid workers in the Middle East.
World Affairs5 min read - CNN
China sees foreign threats ‘everywhere’ as powerful spy agency takes center stage
informed Summary
- China's Ministry of State Security has increased its public profile under President Xi Jinping, warning citizens of the omnipresence of foreign spies and encouraging them to report any suspicious activities. The MSS has used various media -- including videos, comic strips, and social media posts -- to raise awareness of potential espionage threats.
World Affairs9 min read - CNBC
Emirates CEO issues apology after Dubai flood chaos leaves 30,000 suitcases to limbo
informed Summary
- Historic rains in the United Arab Emirates caused record flooding and chaos at Dubai's airport last week, leading to hundreds of flights being grounded and thousands of customers stranded. Emirates Airlines' CEO, Tim Clark, issued an apology to customers for the disruption.
World Affairs3 min read - El Pais
Iran quickens path towards the atomic bomb
informed Summary
- Iran's interest in nuclear technology dates back to before the Islamic Revolution, and the country is now closer than ever to possessing an atomic bomb. However, Iranian authorities deny this is their intention. If Iran chose to develop the bomb, its Armed Forces could potentially have nuclear capabilities in less than a year.
World Affairs5 min read - NBC
Inside the Olympic effort to clean up the River Seine
informed Summary
- Kayakers in Paris are collecting garbage from the Seine River, including small fragments of plastic, to test for bacterial levels. This comes amid growing concerns about high pollution levels in the river ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
World Affairs2 min read - El Pais
Iran and Israel move on (for now)
informed Summary
- After recent threats and attacks between Israel and Iran, both countries seem to be trying to move on, returning to a more covert form of conflict. This follows the bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus, which raised fears of a regional war.
World Affairs7 min read - Politico
Relieved by US progress on Ukraine aid, Europe grapples with its own support for Kyiv
informed Summary
- Over the weekend, European leaders praised the passage of a $60.8 billion Ukraine aid package by the U.S. House of Representatives. At the same time, some politicians warned that more support is urgently needed from Europe.
World Affairs1 min read - Vox
Israel and Iran’s conflict enters a new, dangerous phase
informed Summary
- Israel carried out a drone strike near the central city of Isfahan in retaliation for Iran's assault on Israeli territory last week, which involved more than 300 drones and missiles. The U.S. has insisted it was not involved in the attack.
World Affairs5 min read - DW
US House approves major military aid package for Ukraine
informed Summary
- The US House of Representatives has approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, which includes economic assistance and weapons. The bill was passed with a bipartisan majority of 311 to 112 votes.
World Affairs3 min read - El Pais
Specter of war with Israel threatens to worsen poverty and repression in Iran
informed Summary
- The Iranian government has been cracking down on dissent, arresting women not wearing the compulsory hijab and denouncing journalists and media outlets that criticized Iran's attack on Israel.
World Affairs4 min read - AP News
Europe wants two things from China. It may not get far on either of them
informed Summary
- Europe wants two things from China: a shift in its pro-Russia stance on the Ukraine war and a reduction in the massive trade imbalance. However, it's unclear whether Europe will achieve either goal.
World Affairs4 min read - Neue Zürcher Zeitung
How millions of São Paulo bus passengers may help to laundering drug money
informed Summary
- Two bus companies in São Paulo, Brazil, have been placed under municipal supervision due to suspicions of money laundering. The larger of the two transports about 700,000 passengers each day. The authorities suspect that Brazil's leading criminal organization, Primeiro Comando da Capital, is using buses for large-scale money laundering.
World Affairs4 min read
