This is a roundup of news articles, reports, and other materials focusing on (in)security issues and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of Security in Context. The goal is to shed light on knowledge production on security-related issues of public interest from critical perspectives and from global south readings by highlighting media from four particular regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and developing Asia. Entries may include academic journal articles, think tank reports, non-governmental organizations releases, official documents or government-commissioned research, and regular news items. The material included covers SiC's key security issues: Climate Change, Security and International Relations, Migration and Displacement, Covid-19 and Capitalism, Technologies of Surveillance, Gender, Race, Ethnicity and Sexuality, Arms and the Military-industrial Complex, and Censorship.
You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each roundup to admin@securityincontext.com.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Venezuelan Court Condemns 17 for Attack on President in 2018
August 4, 2022
Venezuela sentences 12 people to prison for 30 years and 5 for up to 24 years after being implicated in an assassination attempt against Nicholas Maduro in 2018.
Brazilian candidate drops from race to back Lula's bid
August 4, 2022
Former President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is campaigning to return his former position, was endorsed by André Janones who was expected to run for the presidency.
CARICOM Secretariat Welcomes African Royal Delegation
August 2, 2022
Dr Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) welcomed a Royal delegation from Uganda, South Africa, and the Kingdom of Lesotho in an effort to strengthen the connection between Africa and the Caribbean.
Africa
Nigerians struggle with basic needs
August 5, 2022
Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is experiencing an inflationary crisis due to the war in Ukraine and the damage caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Costs are soaring for people who typically spend less than two American dollars a day.
Malian and 'white' soldiers involved in 33 civilian deaths-UN experts
August 5, 2022
Four Malians and 29 Mauritanians were killed according to a report from the UN. While it is unclear exactly how thay died, “white-skinned” soldiers along with the Malian army are implicated. Mauritania has accused the Malian army of criminal acts but Mali denies the accusations.
Rwanda backing M23 rebels in DRC: UN experts
August 4, 2022
A group of UN experts have reported evidence that Rwandan troops aided the DRC’s M23 rebel group with weapons and support.
DR Congo expels UN peacekeeping mission spokesman after protests
August 3, 2022
A UN spokesman was asked to leave the DRC after being blamed for fanning flames of tension that led to protests against UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO last week, resulting in 36 deaths.
Liberia: Cummings Gets Mammoth Support On Bushrod Island
August 1, 2022
A number of women organizations in Liberia have pledged their support to presidential candidate Alexander Cummings who si the political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC).
Middle East
Israel hits Gaza with air attacks as tensions escalate
August 5, 2022
Israel has launched missile attacks across the Gaza Strip, killing 8 and injuring 55.
Iran to build and operate refineries in Syria, Iraq
August 5, 2022
Iraq and Syria reach an agreement with Iran to construct refineries in an attempt by the Iranian government to thwart U.S. sanctions by developing external cooperation with other countries in the oil industry.
An inferno of austerity or drowning in debt: Egypt’s choices in talks with the IMF
August 4, 2022
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi requests that his “friends in Europe” put pressure on the IMF to lower their demands on lending conditions as Egypt looks for economic aid. This appeal is the first time an Egyptian official has called on the west to communicate Egypt’s struggles to the IMF.
Thousands Of Palestinians March In Funeral Of Slain Teen
August 3, 2022
After a teenage boy was killed by an Israeli sodier in the Jenin camp in northern part of the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians marched in solidarity. This is just one of many continued killings and abductions of Palestinians.
Who was al-Qaeda’s leader Ayman al-Zawahiri?
August 2, 2022
Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a US drone attack in Afghanistan. He had previously served as Osama bin Laden’s deputy and was known for tactics and organizational skills in al-Qaeda, including involvement in 9/11.
Developing Asia
Border checkpoints tighten screenings for monkeypox
August 5, 2022
In Thailand, disease control checkpoints are now on the lookout for monkeypox cases following the Public Health Ministry’s recording of the third case in the country earlier in the week.
India withdraws data protection and privacy bill
August 4, 2022
The Indian government has withdrawn a bill that would have given the government powers to seek user data from tech companies.
Welcomed by Taiwan, Pelosi Leaves Rising Tensions With China in Her Wake
August 3, 2022
US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan to assure the island nation of US support, taking place despite warnings from Beijing.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC's key security issues.
Somali Shebabs carry out attacks in Ethiopia
August 5, 2022
While Ethiopia struggles with internal conflict on the Somali border, extremist group al-Shebab has taken military action against Ethiopia. According to a U.S. military commander, this represents a serious strategic shift and escalation from the al-Qaeda linked group.
Taiwan tensions: China halts co-operation with US on key issues
August 5, 2022
After Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, China has halted collaboration with the US on issues related to climate change, military, and international crime.
Updated: Israeli Soldiers Kill Ten Palestinians, Injure 36, In Gaza
August 5, 2022
The Israeli army fired missiles at the Gaza strip killing 10 and injuring more than 50. Amongst those killed was 5 year old Alaa’ Abdullah Qaddoum.
US kills al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri: What we know so far
August 2, 2022
The U.S. military killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri witha drone strike. While the U.S. states that the killing was a neccessary security measure, the Taliban has called it a “violation of international principles.”
Local Revenue Sharing: A one step towards empowering Local Governments in Liberia
July 29, 2022
This opinion piece explains why the decentralization of the Liberian government by strengthening local governments will likely improve the lives Liberians who have been largely ignored by the central government.