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26/05/2023 ---- 29/05/2023

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29.05.2023
THEME: POLITICS

Erdogan Triumphs in Turkish Elections: A New Chapter for Turkey and Its International Relations

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has won re-election, securing another five years in power with 52.14% of the votes in the second round. Erdogan's main opponent, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, received 47.86% of the votes, pledging to continue the "struggle for democracy" after a bitter campaign marked by nationalist tones. Over 64 million Turks at home and abroad were eligible to vote, with a turnout of around 85% for the second round of voting. Erdogan's AK Party and its allies won 323 of 600 seats in the parliamentary election held alongside the leadership race on May 14.

Local elections are set for March, with Erdogan aiming to retake cities like Istanbul and Ankara. In Taksim Square, Istanbul, crowds gathered to celebrate Erdogan's third term in power after winning over 27.7 million votes. The Turkish president plays a significant role internationally, increasingly looking east while remaining a member of the West's NATO defensive alliance.

In his victory speech, Erdogan identified inflation and earthquake recovery as top priorities for his new term. Inflation in Turkey was at 50.5% in March, down from 85.6% in October. Erdogan promises to rebuild cities affected by earthquakes, improve lives, and further reduce inflation. He also seeks to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war and enable grain exports through the Black Sea.

Erdogan's NATO relations have been complicated, as he purchased a Russian missile defense system, straining ties with Sweden. However, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, congratulated Erdogan on his victory.

The European Union and Turkey have been at odds on numerous issues, with the European Commission critical of Erdogan's authoritarian rule. The EU is concerned about the deterioration of democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, and independence of the judiciary in Turkey, but recognizes its importance as a partner on migration, climate protection, and energy security.

EU leaders have criticized Turkey's territorial violations against Greece and Cyprus and called for the release of activist Osman Kavala, sentenced to life in prison in 2022. Relations between the EU and Turkey have been characterized by ups and downs for decades. Turkey's goal remains joining the EU, but accession talks are unlikely to be revived soon. The EU suspended accession negotiations with Turkey in 2018, but they have not been completely broken off. About 70% of the Turkish population still wants to join the EU.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been critical of Turkey but calls for cooperation within NATO. The EU and NATO expect Turkey to approve Sweden's accession to the military alliance after Erdogan's reelection.

Erdogan's triumph in the Turkish elections marks a new chapter for Turkey and its international relations. With a focus on rebuilding cities affected by earthquakes, cutting inflation, and mediating in international conflicts, Erdogan's third term in power promises to be an eventful one. As Turkey navigates its complex relationships with the EU and NATO, the world will be watching closely to see how this new era unfolds.

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29.05.2023
THEME: HEALTH

Uncovering the Dark Side of Microplastics: The Hidden Pathogens in Our Oceans

Imagine a world where microscopic plastic debris and seaweed harbor deadly bacteria that could impact human health. This scenario may be closer to reality than we think. Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and international institutions have recently published a study in the journal Water Research, revealing that Vibrio bacteria, a leading cause of marine-related human fatalities, can stick to and potentially adapt to plastic marine debris and Sargassum seaweed. This is a cause for concern, as Vibrio bacteria are responsible for deadly human diseases, and the presence of Sargassum has increased since 2011 in the Sargasso Sea and the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.

The study focused on the genomes of 16 Vibrio cultivars isolated from various sources in the North Atlantic Ocean. These cultivars displayed a full complement of pathogenic genes, suggesting that new Vibrio species may be represented among them. The researchers also found that these bacteria have an 'omnivorous' lifestyle, targeting plant and animal hosts, which could contribute to their rapid biofilm formation, hemolytic, and lipophospholytic activities, consistent with pathogenic potential.

One of the most alarming findings of the study is the first Vibrio spp. genome assembled from plastic debris. This indicates that Vibrio pathogens can "stick" to microplastics and might be adapting to plastic, posing a significant threat to human health. The presence of plastic marine waste is a global concern due to its longevity in marine ecosystems, which can persist for decades. As these plastics accumulate in the ocean, they may provide a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria like Vibrio.

Another critical aspect of the study is the relationship between Sargassum spp., plastic marine debris, and Vibrio bacteria. Sargassum, a brown macroalga, has been rapidly expanding in the Sargasso Sea and the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. The researchers discovered that beached Sargassum may harbor high amounts of Vibrio bacteria, raising concerns about the harvest and processing of Sargassum biomass. Until the risks associated with Vibrio bacteria are thoroughly investigated, caution is advised regarding the use of Sargassum for various applications.

The study's co-authors come from various international institutes and received support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other grants. Their work highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between Sargassum spp., plastic marine debris, and Vibrio bacteria in order to assess the potential risks associated with these emerging pathogens.

In conclusion, the world's oceans are facing a hidden threat in the form of Vibrio bacteria that can stick to and potentially adapt to plastic marine debris and Sargassum seaweed. As the presence of Sargassum and plastic waste continues to increase, so does the risk of deadly human diseases caused by these pathogens. It is crucial to continue researching the relationship between these factors and develop strategies to minimize their impact on human health and the marine environment. The ocean's dark side may be hidden beneath the waves, but it is a danger that we cannot afford to ignore.

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26.05.2023
THEME: WORLD

Nuclear Weapons are Deployed to Belarus as G7 Takes Action

The G7 has agreed on sanctions against Russia during a summit in Japan, cutting off 70 companies from exports and imposing 300 sanctions against individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft. Last year, the G7 imposed a $60 per-barrel price cap on Russian oil and diesel. The UK has banned Russian diamonds and imports of metals, targeting 86 individuals and companies. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy attended the G7 summit in Hiroshima, where US President Biden agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets, with training taking place in Europe in the coming weeks.

The G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, took place amid new nuclear threats from Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit, where G7 leaders called for "a world without nuclear weapons." The leaders visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the "flame of peace," and laid wreaths. Biden is the second sitting American president to visit the memorial site, and while no U.S. president has apologized for the bombing, Biden made no public remarks during his visit.

The battle for the city of Bakhmut has continued for eight months, making it the longest and bloodiest battle in the war. Analysts believe that Bakhmut's fall would give Russia tactical advantages but not decide the war's outcome. The G7 Hiroshima summit concluded on May 21, with a communiqué released a day before closing, targeting China and reaffirming support for Ukraine. The G7 leaders agreed on an initiative to counter economic coercion from actors like China and Russia and established a new body to deal with "economic coercion."

In a concerning development, Russian and Belarusian defense ministers signed a document on deploying Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, leading to a Western backlash and threats of new sanctions on Belarus if it hosts Russian nuclear weapons. Belarus claims to be compelled by "unprecedented" Western pressure and insists that the deployment does not violate international agreements.

On May 24 an armed group attacked the Russian Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, resulting in one civilian killed, nine injured, and 550 residents temporarily evacuated. Shelling and mortar fire have increased since Kyiv re-took parts of the Kharkiv region from Russian forces. In response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu promised a harsh response to similar attacks. Responsibility was claimed by anti-Kremlin groups Freedom of Russia Legion and Russian Volunteer Corps, mostly made of Russian citizens; Kyiv denies involvement.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community must work together to find a resolution that upholds peace, security, and the sovereignty of nations. With the G7 taking action against Russia and supporting Ukraine, the world watches and hopes for a peaceful outcome.

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