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12.11.2023
THEME: WORLD

The Unseen Crisis: Sudan's Civil War and its Humanitarian Impact

Sudan, an African nation three times the size of Israel and the Palestinian territories combined, is experiencing a major humanitarian crisis due to a brutal civil war that has taken over 10,000 lives and displaced 4.8 million people, as per the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project. The United Nations has dubbed it the “largest child displacement crisis in the world,” with more than 3 million children displaced and 14 million children in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

The conflict, which ignited on April 15, is chiefly between the forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The RSF, infamous for its ruthless tactics, recently seized El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, a significant military victory. The war is marked by grave human rights abuses including sexual violence, torture, arbitrary killings, and the deliberate targeting of specific ethnic groups.

The United Nations has consistently urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning of a rise in human rights violations amid the ongoing conflict. However, these appeals have largely been ignored. The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported that almost 100 shelters at an internally displaced people's camp in Ardamata were destroyed, and widespread looting, including of UNHCR-supplied aid, has occurred. Thousands of individuals have been compelled to flee from a camp in El Geneina, with over 8,000 people crossing into Chad in the last week alone.

The war has not only caused massive displacement but has also severely disrupted Sudan’s healthcare system, forcing over 70 percent of the country's healthcare facilities to close. This has led to an increase in deaths from diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue, as well as complications during childbirth.

Moreover, the conflict has compelled many refugees to return to their home countries, often to encounter further violence. For instance, Adel Atallah, a Palestinian man, fled Gaza in 2007 due to the Israeli blockade and established a life in Sudan. However, the civil war forced Atallah and his family to return to Gaza, only to find it transformed into a war zone with Israel. This situation in Gaza has been described by the UN as an "unfolding catastrophe," with up to 10,000 people killed in the conflict.

The international community's response to the crisis has been insufficient. The UN has only received 33 percent of the $2.6 billion it needs to provide necessary humanitarian aid to Sudan. Meanwhile, other humanitarian crises, such as the potential expulsion of up to 1.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, are occurring largely unnoticed.

The ongoing war in Sudan underscores the persistent suffering that can ensue when global attention wavers. The international community must not only supply the necessary humanitarian aid but also strive for a lasting peace in the region. As the conflict enters its eighth month, the people of Sudan can only yearn for an end to the violence and a return to normalcy. The international community must not let hope for Sudan be lost, as it remains a beacon for the people enduring this crisis.

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11.11.2023
THEME: WORLD

South Africa's Struggle with Rising Xenophobia Amidst Political, Economic, and Environmental Challenges

South Africa, celebrated for its cultural diversity, is currently wrestling with an escalating wave of xenophobia, sparked by nationalist political rhetoric and anti-immigrant sentiment. The anti-immigrant group, Operation Dudula, notorious for its aggressive targeting of foreign-owned businesses in the Soweto Township, is fanning the flames of this animosity. Zimbabwean business owner Victress Mathuthu exemplifies the many foreign entrepreneurs who have been subjected to the group's intrusive inspections and threats to shut down foreign-operated Spaza shops.

Operation Dudula, now a registered political party preparing for the 2024 general election, contends that the government is failing to curb foreign business ownership. Both Thabo Ngayo, the group's national coordinator, and Mzwanele Manyi, a representative of the Economic Freedom Fighters party, argue that business ownership should be reserved for South Africans.

However, xenophobia is not a recent phenomenon in South Africa. The African Center for Migration and Society's platform, Xenowatch, has documented over a thousand attacks on migrants, resulting in 661 deaths and the looting of more than 5,000 shops since 1994. The most recent wave of violence includes the brutal killing of a Zimbabwean man in April 2022 and the loss of 62 lives in similar attacks in 2008.

Fredson Guilengue of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation highlights the rise in attacks on migrants and the surge in right-wing sentiment as the election draws near. He links the issues Black South Africans have with African immigrants to the country's colonial history, Apartheid, a struggling economy, and xenophobic policies. The African National Congress (ANC) party, facing a potential drop below the 50% mark for the first time, may also resort to xenophobic policies.

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria attributes half of the country's unemployment rate to poor governance, corruption, and administrative inefficiencies. The migrant population, which mirrors the global average at 6.5%, often bears the brunt of these societal strains. Many immigrants lack proper residency permits due to flawed immigration policies and corruption within the Interior Ministry.

South Africa's stance on international issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has further deepened societal divisions. The government's pro-Palestinian position has been criticized by the Jewish community, despite President Cyril Ramaphosa offering South Africa's mediation assistance, drawing on parallels between the Palestinians' history and South Africa's struggle against white-minority rule.

Simultaneously, South Africa grapples with significant environmental and economic issues. The country is projected to miss the 2030 carbon emissions targets set by the Paris climate agreement due to plans to extend the operation of eight coal-fired power plants. However, the Environment Ministry remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In response to the escalating illegal mining problem, President Ramaphosa has approved a $26 million operation to deploy 3,300 army personnel. The Minerals Council of South Africa warns that illegal mining, prevalent in both disused and active mines, is damaging the country's investment appeal.

South Africa is at a pivotal crossroads, with its future shaped by today's responses to xenophobia, economic struggles, and environmental challenges. The country's ability to navigate these issues will determine whether it can build a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future.

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09.11.2023
THEME: WORLD

G7 Takes a Unified Stance on Israel-Hamas Conflict

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn the attention of the world. In response, foreign ministers from the G7 nations recently gathered in Tokyo to discuss the situation and establish a collective stance. The G7, an influential intergovernmental organization made up of seven of the world's largest advanced economies, includes the US, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Italy. This group plays a pivotal role in global decision-making and diplomacy.

The G7 ministers unanimously condemned Hamas, a group recognized as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the G7 nations and Israel. They also affirmed Israel's right to self-defense. However, they did not overlook the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict, calling for "humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza Strip to allow the delivery of aid such as food, water, medical care, and shelter.

The call for humanitarian pauses is timely, as the United Nations reports thousands of Palestinians are fleeing south on foot due to resource scarcity in the north. An intense battle between the Israeli army and Hamas in Gaza City has resulted in approximately 50,000 civilians moving from the northern to the southern parts of Gaza.

Amidst this humanitarian crisis, several countries are providing aid. Italy is sending a hospital ship with 170 personnel, including 30 trained for medical emergencies, to help victims of the conflict. The Netherlands also plans to dispatch a military ship to aid the Gaza Strip in mid-November.

Amid the escalating violence, the G7 ministers urged Iran to abstain from supporting Hamas and destabilizing the Middle East, including its support for Lebanese Hezbollah and other non-state actors, which are also considered terrorist organizations by several countries.

The G7's collective stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict underscores their commitment to addressing geopolitical issues together. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida both stressed the importance of a unified response to the crisis and the need for G7 unity in dealing with the current situation in Israel and Palestine, as well as other challenges in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region.

However, the path to peace is not straightforward. Despite the G7's call for humanitarian pauses, the conflict continues. The Israeli military has reportedly destroyed 130 Hamas tunnel shafts in the Gaza Strip, which serve as a vital resource for the group.

The conflict has also incited an increase in extremist settler violence against Palestinians. The G7 diplomats condemned this escalation and underscored the need for security in the West Bank. Despite these challenges, the G7 remains optimistic about revitalizing the Middle East peace process.

The G7's unified stance provides a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Their call for humanitarian pauses and condemnation of extremist violence demonstrates their commitment to a peaceful resolution. As the conflict persists, the world watches in anticipation, hoping that these efforts will lead to an end to hostilities and a return to peace.

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09.11.2023
THEME: WORLD

Navigating the Intricacies of Ukraine's War: Geopolitics, Human Rights, and Echoes of the Cold War

As the year draws to a close, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains resolute in his optimism about the country's counteroffensive in the ongoing war with Russia. Speaking at a conference in New York, Zelenskyy confidently dismissed the contrasting reports of a frontline stalemate from Commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, emphasizing his belief in Ukraine's progress towards its year-end goals.

However, the war has been fraught with controversy, with reports suggesting Russia's potential violation of the Geneva Conventions by forcing Ukrainian prisoners of war to fight on their side. Furthermore, the freedom of expression has been severely compromised with Russia's stringent crackdown on dissent. This was highlighted by the arrest of artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko, who faced an eight-year prison term for expressing his anti-war sentiments, following a law criminalizing public expression deviating from the Kremlin's official narrative.

The geopolitical landscape has also been significantly affected, with NATO suspending the operation of the Cold War-era Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) in response to Russia's formal exit. This treaty, designed to reduce military buildups on European borders and foster peace, now hangs in balance, marking a significant deterioration in US-Russia relations, reminiscent of the Cold War era.

Amidst the conflict, Ukraine's democratic process has faced significant challenges. Despite pressure from Western allies, President Zelenskyy has resisted holding elections during the invasion. The introduction of martial law and challenges such as Russian occupation, mass emigration, voting difficulties for soldiers, and security risks have further complicated the electoral process.

In another development, Ramzan Kadyrov, leader of the Chechen Republic, revealed that former Wagner mercenaries, who played a crucial role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, are now training his AKHMAT special forces. This announcement comes amidst uncertainty about the mercenaries' future following the death of their leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash.

Despite the escalating conflict, the European Union continues to show support for Ukraine. In an unannounced visit to Kyiv, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's commitment to Ukraine's membership bid, ahead of a report detailing Ukraine's progress in its accession talks scheduled for December.

However, the human cost of the war remains a pressing concern. President Zelenskyy reported drone strikes in ten Ukrainian regions, causing significant damage to infrastructure and residential buildings. According to the UN, the war has resulted in 9,900 civilian deaths, a figure believed to be an underestimation. With winter approaching, concerns over access to electricity, heating, water, and telecommunications are escalating due to significant damage to critical infrastructure. The healthcare sector has also been severely impacted, with over 1,300 verified attacks since the invasion.

As Ukraine grapples with the complexities of geopolitics, human rights, and the lingering shadows of the Cold War, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a resolution that respects human rights, promotes peace, and upholds democratic values.

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09.11.2023
THEME: ENTERTAINMENT

Agreement Ends Hollywood's Lengthiest Actors' Strike

After almost four months of inactivity, Hollywood's actors' strike came to an end on November 8, 2023, when the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) reached a tentative billion-dollar agreement with the Association of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). However, the industry will not return to full capacity immediately, as it may take a considerable time to restore filming to pre-strike levels.

The strike, which began in July, brought the entertainment industry to a halt, disrupting major film and TV show productions and reshuffling the traditional awards season calendar. The Emmy Awards, originally set for September, were rescheduled to January, joining the Grammys, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the Oscars in Hollywood’s awards season.

The agreement, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, includes increased compensation, consent protections for the use of artificial intelligence and actors’ likenesses, and a new "streaming participation bonus." The AMPTP highlighted that the deal also features the highest minimum wage increase in four decades and a new residual for streaming programs. This landmark agreement still requires approval from the SAG-AFTRA national board and its full membership.

Despite the tentative resolution of this strike, the entertainment industry faces potential disruptions from another impending strike by video game performers. Additionally, in 2024, studios will need to negotiate with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), who were significantly affected by the filming shutdown.

The emergence of streaming services, which has disrupted traditional revenue models, was a major factor behind the actors and writers strikes and may influence the upcoming set worker negotiations. The industry is facing demands for better compensation for actors, writers, and other professionals due to this shift.

The strike, the longest and most disruptive in Hollywood history, had a profound economic impact, costing California's economy over $6.5 billion. Local businesses, restaurants, makeup artists, and custodians, heavily reliant on the film and TV industry, also suffered significant losses.

While the agreement has been hailed as a "new paradigm" for the industry, it has elicited mixed responses. Some union members expressed disappointment that not all demands were met, despite the contract representing the largest gains in the union's history.

The termination of the strike symbolizes a significant advancement for the industry, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective bargaining and the resilience of the actors. As Hollywood gears up to recommence filming, it is poised to enter a new era promising better pay, improved working conditions, and enhanced protections for workers.

Nevertheless, the road to recovery will be challenging. The industry must navigate the rise of streaming, the possibility of further strikes, and ongoing negotiations with other industry guilds. However, for now, the industry can take a momentary breath of relief, as the show can finally go on.

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06.11.2023
THEME: WORLD

Unseen Horrors: The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and the Tug of War in the Middle East

The autumn of 2023 has been marred by escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip, with a death toll surpassing 3,450 children by October 31. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been at the forefront of advocating for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the severe water crisis that has diminished the region's water production to a mere 5% of its usual output. The scarcity of clean water has led to an alarming increase in child deaths from dehydration and illness related to consuming salty water.

The children of Gaza, including 4-year-old Talia and 7-year-old Zain, are the silent witnesses of this catastrophe. Their mother, Nesma, a UNICEF colleague living and working in Gaza, has seen firsthand the mental health toll on the region's children. Even before the current escalation, over 800,000 children, three-quarters of Gaza's child population, were identified as needing mental health and psychosocial support. The current situation has only exacerbated this need.

The Israeli declaration of war on Hamas on October 7 has led to numerous airstrikes and a siege on Gaza City, with children making up more than 40% of the casualties. The crisis is worsened by the closure of 14 hospitals and 45 clinics, leaving an estimated 50,000 pregnant women with limited safe childbirth options.

High-ranking officials and aid groups have called the situation "catastrophic". US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, acknowledged the need for civilian protection, though he stopped short of supporting a ceasefire. Regional leaders are pushing for a ceasefire, warning that the conflict could plunge the region into an “abyss of hatred and dehumanisation”.

The United States House of Representatives approved a nearly $14.5 billion military aid package for Israel, a move led by new Speaker Mike Johnson. However, President Joe Biden has threatened to veto the bill, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated it has little chance of passing in the Senate.

Blinken is working to build support for a post-war Gaza future among Arab nations. He has held talks with foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the chair of the PLO executive committee, discussing US efforts to secure humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

The conflict has strained international relations, with Turkey recalling its ambassador to Israel over the refusal to accept a ceasefire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has severed contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused the United States of being "entirely responsible" for the conflict, with the U.S. warning Hezbollah and Iran against entering the war.

Blinken met with Netanyahu on a recent visit to Israel, discussing the need to protect civilians and allow aid into Gaza. Netanyahu, however, refused to agree to a ceasefire until Hamas releases over 240 captives taken on October 7.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the death of over 9,000 Palestinians in Gaza and more than 1,400 people in Israel. As the situation escalates, the international community waits in anticipation for a resolution that will bring an end to the suffering and restore peace to the region.

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06.11.2023
THEME: POLITICS

Trump vs Biden: A Potential Political Showdown in 2024

The political climate is currently in a state of flux, with the latest polls indicating that former President Donald Trump is leading President Joe Biden in hypothetical matchups in key swing states. These states, including Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, show Trump's support ranging from 48% to 52%, while Biden's ranges between 41% and 44%. However, it's crucial to remember that these polls carry a margin of sampling error between 4.4 and 4.8 points, and the electoral landscape can shift rapidly as we are still a year out from the election.

Despite facing 91 criminal charges across four indictments, Trump remains a popular figure among his supporters and the Republican front-runner. Conversely, Biden, despite grappling with low job approval ratings and questions about his age and ability, is strongly favored for the Democratic nomination. The current political landscape shows Biden leading Trump in Wisconsin, but his approval ratings remain low in the six battleground states, with only 19% of registered voters describing the economy as excellent or good.

The 2024 election could potentially see a rematch between Trump and Biden. However, the race appears to be a tight one based on current polls. The potential influence of third-party candidates, like Cornel West and Robert F Kennedy Jr, who have already entered the race, is an important factor to consider. Additionally, the candidates' age and health could significantly impact the election, as Biden would be 82 and Trump 78 at the time of the election. Any serious health issues, or even death, could complicate the race.

Biden is currently managing international crises, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Israel's offensive against Hamas, which could influence his campaign, particularly if these situations escalate or spread. Trump, on the other hand, despite facing four separate trials likely to occur next year, could still run and potentially win, even if convicted and imprisoned before the election. If elected from prison, he might be able to pardon himself of any federal convictions, but not state cases.

A strategic plan, dubbed Agenda47, is being formulated by Trump and his team for his potential return to the presidency. This plan aims to circumvent past mistakes, such as lack of preparation and personnel issues, and proposes policies like investing in flying cars, building "freedom cities", and cutting "hundreds of billions" of dollars in US international aid. However, this detailed agenda could give Democrats an opportunity to attack, defining Trump and his policy proposals as out of touch with the majority of Americans.

In an unexpected development, Trump and three of his children have been called to testify in a New York business fraud case. The civil fraud case, brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James, seeks $250m in penalties and severe restrictions for Trump's businesses. Trump has dismissed the case as politically motivated and a "sham".

As we approach the 2024 election, the political landscape is filled with uncertainty. The potential rematch between Trump and Biden, the influence of third-party candidates, the legal cases pending against Trump and Biden's son, Hunter, and the international crises could all significantly influence the election outcome. With the political drama continuing to unfold, the outcome of this high-stakes political contest remains to be seen.

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