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 submissions@securityincontext.org.
Monthly Roundup Highlight
Edited by Tom Nicholson
Latin America and the Caribbean
Contributor(s): Nick Bythrow and Oshin Pandey
Mexican fuel flows to Cuba as the island faces blackouts and the loss of Russian and Venezuelan oil
October 31, 2024
According to oil shipping records, Mexico has shipped about half a million barrels of crude oil and diesel to Cuba in a matter of days, while the island nation struggles with blackouts and a worsening economic crisis.Mexico is now one of Cuba's remaining lifelines as the oil shipments from Venezuela and Russia that have long kept the island afloat have mostly dried up.
World Bank Group and IDB to Provide Argentina with Over $8.8 Billion in Funding
October 24, 2024
Argentina's economics ministry stated that the South American nation is receiving $8.8 billion in funding from the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as the cash-strapped government increases backing from major lenders.
US Donates $13 Million in Military Aid to Guatemala
October 24, 2024
During a visit by Southern Command Chief General Laura Richardson, the United States gave the Guatemalan Army over $13 million worth of military equipment and replacement components for vehicles, boats, and airplanes. This contribution is a component of a broader $24 million US assistance package intended to bolster President Bernardo Arévalo's administration, Washington's principal Central American partner.
El Salvador Plans First Nuclear Reactor with New Energy Law
October 23, 2024
By passing a bill to control operations pertaining to the building and maintenance of nuclear energy plants, El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has made a major step. William Soriano, an official party deputy, emphasized that the bill seeks to regulate all nuclear fuel lifecycle operations, facilities, and practices for the goal of producing energy for peaceful reasons.
How the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla has turned the AI boom into a digital gold mine
October 15, 2024
Due to the increased interest in artificial intelligence, Anguilla's revenue from online domain registration fees increased fourfold to $32 million last year. Currently, 20% of Anguilla's entire government revenue comes from the income. It was roughly 5% prior to the AI boom.
Groundbreaking For Dominica International Airport Set
October 14, 2024
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced a groundbreaking date for the Dominica International Airport, that being November 9, 2024. The PM praised the notion of an international airport and the benefits that would come from such an important location being built.
Eight dead as violent storms sweep Brazil after worst-ever drought
October 13, 2024
Storms across Brazil following a major drought have killed eight people, uprooted trees, and left 1.3 million homes and businesses without electricity. Climate change and El Niño were blamed for the drought, with these storms now being the aftermath of so little rain.
Argentina’s Congress fails to overturn Milei’s university funding veto
October 9, 2024
Argentina’s Congress has failed to overturn Milei’s university funding veto, effectively stripping universities of funding that aligns with the country’s inflation rates. This is despite mass protests amid half the population facing poverty.
At least 70 people killed in gang attack on Haitian town: UN
October 4, 2024
At least 70 people were killed and 3,000 forced to flee their homes after the Gran Grif gang in Pont-Sonde, Haiti, The UN’s Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported. 16 people were seriously injured, including two gang members who were shooting at police. 45 homes and 34 cars were also burned.
Dominican Republic 'to deport up to 10,000 migrants a week'
October 3, 2024
President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has revealed plans to deport 10,000 migrants every week, specifically Haitians who are fleeing into the country in order to escape gang violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Africa
Contributor(s): Nick Bythrow
Mozambique: “Let us engage in dialogue,” says President-elect after days of opposition protest
October 25, 2024
President-elect Daniel Chapo of Mozambique has called for dialogue between his party and opposition protests, after he won 70.67% of the vote. There has been much violence surrounding the electoral process, with the article highlighting the crisis as much as Chapo’s words.
South Africa’s massive Sasol petrochemical plant faces serious challenges – new report
October 23, 2024
Sasol, South Africa’s biggest energy company, is facing challenges at their Sasol petrochemical plant, which relies on coal to operate despite the resource eventually running too thin to power the plant. The article goes into potential solutions, indicating how green technologies can to used to avoid a crisis.
Zimbabwe’s water supply is in crisis: how political interference and underfunding did the damage
October 23, 2024
This article highlights how Zimbabwe’s water supply is currently in crisis, specifically due to political interference regarding the independent regional utilization of water, and the underfunding of water-based infrastructure. The article also offers potential investment and social solutions to help reduce the crisis.
Kenya impeaches deputy president over ‘corruption, undermining government’
October 17, 2024
Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been impeached, the first ever to be impeached under laws put into place for Kenya in their 2010 constitution. This follows the DP falling out with President William Ruto, but he was only found guilty of one of the 11 charges brought against him.
Gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria kills over 140, injures dozens
October 16, 2024
Over 140 people were killed and dozens injured when a gas tanker exploded in Jigawa state’s Majiya town. A mass funeral service was held for the victims as people began taking home fuel in buckets, taking advantage of the situation due to gas prices that have tripled since the beginning of 2023.
Ghana needs to stop households from using firewood: what must be done
October 14, 2024
Cooking on firewood and with coal in Ghana is worsening air pollution in the nation, with this article raising awareness of the issue by offering clean fuel solutions. Doing so not only makes the immediate health of a household better, but also causes less greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental effects that could transpire.
EU parliament debates Sudan conflict, calls for civilian transition
October 9, 2024
Due to the internal displacement of 10.9 million people, coupled with 2.2 million that are now taking refuge in neighboring countries, European Parliament has begun discussing ways to try and aid the nation. This comes as the civil war inside continues, conditions worsening so badly the UN has determined 25 million people in Sudan are at a risk of famine without aid.
October 8, 2024
A rise in armed conflict across the West Gojjam Zone of Amahara, Ethiopia is causing mass chaos. Residents are trapped in the middle of an escalating battle between government armed forces and the Fano militia in the region.
In South Sudan, hunger complicates plans to end wildlife poaching
October 3, 2024
Despite efforts by conservationists to decrease levels of poaching in South Sudan, expensive foods mixed with the need to feed large families continue to make poaching a more realistic approach to eating for many across the country.
Middle East
Contributor(s): Tom Nicholson
Israel’s parliament votes to ban UNRWA, the UN’s Palestine aid agency
October 28, 2024
Two bills have been passed by the Israeli parliament which ban the United Nations Relief and Works Agency from operating in any Israeli and Israel-controlled territory. This effectively cuts off what had been Gaza’s best supply line of aid during the Gaza war.
Israeli attack closes last functioning hospital in north Gaza
October 26, 2024
The last hospital in north Gaza has been taken completely out of service due to an Israeli invasion of the facility, during which medical supplies were destroyed and staff were detained. The Israeli forces claimed they were looking for Palestinian militants.
Israel launches strikes in Iran in retaliation for missile attack
October 25, 2024
Israel has launched precision strikes on Iranian military targets in retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on October 1st. Lasting for two waves over the course of four hours, these strikes mark the longest attack ever launched by Israel on Iran.
Some 2 million illegal refugees to be expelled: official
October 23, 2024
Iran will be deporting roughly 2 million undocumented immigrants and refugees by the end of the Iranian year. An organization is being formed to manage the situation and to also protect the rights of the deportees throughout the process.
Israel demolishes homes in southern Lebanon’s border villages
October 20, 2024
Israel is demolishing residential buildings in the southern border area of Lebanon as it continues to expand its operations there. The villages affected by this activity include Kfar Kila and Ramyah.
Enigmatic Hamas Leader Yahya Al-Sinwar killed in clashes with Israeli occupation in Gaza
October 17, 2024
Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar was killed in an incident after running into an Israeli military patrol. The encounter was not based on Israeli intelligence and, being a significant figure in the Gaza war, his death couldn’t be confirmed until a day later.
‘Apocalyptic’: Israel destroys mosque, bombs market in southern Lebanon
October 13, 2024
More Israeli air raids have hit south Lebanon as Israel widens and intensifies its offensive campaign in the country. Reports on total casualties and wounded have yet to come in (as of the publication of this article).
Israeli occupation intensifies its aggression on northern Gaza
October 9, 2024
A span of just 24 hours saw three more massacres in the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 130 wounded and 45 killed. With conflict intensifying in northern Gaza, roughly 400,000 people are under siege and are pressured into being displaced into the southern part of the Strip.
Women in Turkey take to streets over brutal femicides
October 6, 2024
In response to the violent murder of two young women in Turkey, women throughout the country are gathering in large demonstrations. The two victims are only the most recent as femicide has now become a growing threat in Turkey.
Under constant fire from Israel, several hospitals at Lebanese border evacuate but vow to return
October 5, 2024
Lebanese hospitals on the border are not just in the strike zone of conflict but have also been directly attacked. One such hospital had to evacuate after an Israeli drone opened fire on paramedics in front of the hospital, wounding seven and killing five.
Iran launches wave of missiles at Israel
October 1, 2024
The Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were targeted by a volley of missiles launched from Iran. The attack was in retaliation of the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in the Israeli strike on southern Beirut.
Developing Asia
Contributor(s): Prisca Afantchao
Candidates make last-ditch appeals ahead of Sunday’s election
October 26, 2024
Japan's parliamentary election is set to be tight, with opinion polls suggesting the ruling coalition might fall short of a majority. This would be the worst result for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) since 2009 and potentially a knockout blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba, who recently took over the LDP, has rowed back on issues like allowing married couples to take separate surnames and named only two women ministers in his cabinet.
DepEd reports P2.67 billion in infrastructure damage from ‘Kristine’
October 26, 2024
DepEd reports 38,333 schools across 16 regions have been affected by "Kristine," with 753 schools exposed to secondary hazards. 601 schools are used as temporary shelters, and 19,473,624 learners remain suspended.
October 25, 2024
President Lai vowed to defend Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu during a visit to the Kinmen islands off China for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Guningtou. He emphasized the importance of democracy and freedom, stating that external forces would not change the islands' future without naming China.
One more dies of dengue, 477 hospitalised
October 25, 2024
The dengue crisis in Bangladesh continues. The most recent death occurred in Dhaka North City Corporation and a total of 477 people have been hospitalized for viral fevers, 135 of these were admitted to Dhaka North City Corporation hospital. Since January 1 of 2024, there have been a total of 54,702 reported dengue cases.
Indonesia in Talks with India to Partner on Prabowo’s Free Meal Plan
October 24, 2024
Indonesia is exploring a partnership with food exporter India to deliver a free school lunch plan, aiming to reduce the national stunting rate. The plan will begin in January. Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono and Indian counterpart S Jaishankar discussed the program during the BRICS Plus summit in Russia. Sugiono emphasized India's importance for food security, as rice is a staple food in Indonesia. The move could lead to increased rice trade, supporting Indonesia's food security.
Senior Chinese officials meet with UK foreign secretary, highlighting pragmatic cooperation
October 19, 2024
China and the UK have agreed to promote pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation during a meeting between the two countries. The visit, which took place from October 18 to 19, is the first by a UK Cabinet minister under the new Labour government. The two countries are ready to work together to develop a more stable bilateral relationship, benefiting both countries and peoples. China is also willing to resume dialogue and cooperation mechanisms in various fields, including trade, finance, green development, science and technology, health, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
Hoa Lac Park aims to become “a high-tech hub”
October 16, 2024
Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, established in 1998, aims to promote industrialization and modernization in Vietnam. Covering 1,586 hectares, it has attracted 108 investment projects, with a total registered investment of nearly VND115.9 trillion ($5 billion). The park has provided jobs for 15,000 skilled workers and generated revenues of VND30 trillion ($1.3 billion) in 2023. This resolution sets the development direction and tasks for Hanoi until 2030, with a vision for 2045.
Deaths and repression sideline Aung San Suu Kyi’s party ahead of Myanmar vote
October 10, 2024
The death of National League for Democracy vice president U Zaw Myint Maung, a close confidante of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, has weakened the party, allowing groups backed by Myanmar's ruling military to claim victory in elections expected next year. The party was dissolved last year for failing to re-register under a tough new military-drafted electoral law. The junta's crackdown has led to some younger members turning to armed struggle, breaching a key NLD tenet of non-violence. A shadow National Unity Government has drawn NLD members away, and splits have emerged between those underground in Myanmar and those in exile.
Educators Convene in Laos to Boost Rural Learning Access
October 9, 2024
The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Community Education Development hosted the 6th International Seminar on Community Education Development in Vientiane, focusing on improving access to quality education in rural areas. The seminar brought together educators from six countries to discuss challenges such as global citizenship education, environmental health concerns, and climate change impact. The event highlighted the importance of education for sustainable development.
Why is China Investing In a $1.7 Billion Canal in Cambodia?
October 2, 2024
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet praised the Funan Techo Canal (FTC) as a symbol of patriotism and national unity. The $1.7 billion project, funded by 51% Cambodia and 49% China, aims to boost trade by connecting to deep-water ports along Cambodia's coastline. However, foreign observers view the FTC as a sign of China's growing influence in Cambodia, causing concerns among neighboring countries.
North Africa and the Middle East
Contributor(s): Racha Bouofousse
October 21, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Morocco from October 28 to 30 to strengthen ties after a period of tension. He will meet King Mohammed VI following an invitation in September. The visit aims to boost economic cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and energy, and address past diplomatic issues between the two countries.
France Investigates Torture of Jihadists in Iraq
October 20, 2024
France has opened an investigation into alleged torture of French jihadists held in Iraq, after their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. The inquiry focuses on inhumane prison conditions and mistreatment. France seeks their transfer for trial on terrorism charges.
Sudan War Spurs Refugee Surge to Chad
October 16, 2024
A record 25,000 Sudanese refugees fled to Chad in early October due to intensified violence in Darfur. Nearly three million are expected to leave Sudan as the conflict, ongoing since April 2023, continues to displace millions and strain Chad’s limited resources. The UN urges increased international aid to support Chad’s growing refugee population.
Tunisia: Kaïs Saïed Reelected with 90.7% Amid Low Voter Turnout
October 7, 2024
Kaïs Saïed was reelected with 90.7% of the vote in Tunisia's presidential election, but voter turnout was just 28.8%, the lowest since 2011. The election faced criticism for lack of fairness, as key opposition candidates were disqualified or imprisoned, raising doubts about Saïed's legitimacy.
Niger: Over 300 Dead and 1 Million Displaced in Floods
October 5, 2024
Since June, floods in Niger have killed 339 people and displaced over 1 million. Four regions were heavily impacted, with significant damage to infrastructure, including historic mosques. The rainy season caused up to 200% more rainfall than usual, leading to school delays. Despite the destruction, good harvests are expected.
Gabon: Controversy Surrounds Proposed New Constitution
October 5, 2024
Gabon is preparing for a constitutional referendum amid controversy. Supporters of the military transition are pushing for a "yes" vote, while the opposition calls for a boycott, criticizing the new constitution for provisions that exclude candidates with foreign parentage from running for president. The referendum is expected later this year.
Tunisia: Protesters Rally Against Freedom Restrictions Before Election
October 4, 2024
Hundreds protested in Tunis against President Kaïs Saïed's crackdown on freedoms ahead of Sunday’s election. They condemned political arrests, free speech restrictions, and called for a boycott, accusing Saïed of undermining democracy.
Lebanese Minister Fears "New Gaza" in Lebanon
October 4, 2024
Lebanese Information Minister Ziad Makary expressed concerns over a "new Gaza" in Lebanon, citing constant Israeli bombings. The strikes have closed 37 healthcare centers, and a crucial route to Syria has been blocked. Iranian leader Khamenei pledged that Iran's allies "won't retreat" and warned Israel’s time is running out.
Fridolin Ambongo: "Congo is a Failing State"
October 3, 2024
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo called the DRC a "failing state" suffering from multiple crises. He warned against hastening the UN mission's withdrawal from conflict zones and stressed the need for peace, not war.
Israel Reports Eight Soldiers Killed in Lebanon
October 2, 2024
Eight Israeli soldiers died in clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Iran warned of a stronger response to Israeli retaliation following a missile attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas claimed an attack in Tel Aviv that killed seven, and Israeli strikes killed 60 Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel and Palestine
Contributor(s): Diego Winger
'UNRWA means everything to us': Gazans fear aid collapse
October 29, 2024
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees “is our life, our food, our drink and our medical care,” a Gazan woman claimed to reporters, emphasizing the wide-reaching influence the agency has had in improving the lives of the displaced and impoverished especially during the war. The strong Israeli parliamentary support for the banning of the agency reflects a consensus among many local politicians that the UNRWA has been “taken over” by Hamas, a claim the agency has denied. A Hamas commander killed in an airstrike was discovered to have been a recent member of UNRWA, the political fallout of which resulted in the agency strengthening internal security and firing almost ten members (out of thousands) with proven ties to Hamas attacks. The organization, formed in 1949, has been essential in providing support for the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians over the decades and now supports roughly six million Palestinians throughout historical Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
Israel’s UNRWA ban a ‘new level in war against UN’, Palestinian envoy says
October 29, 2024
The Israeli parliament, Knesset, approved legislation aiming to ban the United Nation Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in Israel. The agency has worked for the better part of a century in supporting displaced Palestinians throughout the region in everything from medicine to education. Yet since last October, over 200 of the staff have been killed and the majority of UNRWA infrastructure damaged and destroyed. The Israeli UN representative claimed that the UNRWA has become a front for Hamas, continuing a prominent trend in Israeli politics to both delegitimize and even often demonize the agency, putting a target on its back in a war that has already cost it a great deal. The agency has worked to reduce Hamas interference, firing members with proven ties in the recent past.
Israel kills at least 93 in bombing of house for displaced in northern Gaza
October 29, 2024
Almost 100 people were killed and many more injured or missing after a five-story building housing displaced people was bombed by the IDF in northern Gaza. The region has faced heavy bombardment for a few weeks now, and those displaced civilians had seeked shelter in the building from a nearby besieged camp only to still find themselves a target. Unfortunately since the last functioning fire engine in the governorate of North Gaza was bombed, and the Palestinian Civil Defense Forces recently disbanded, all those left to help rescue trapped victims were other civilians who often had to leave them to perish or to later die from their injuries due to lack of medical resources. The siege on northern Gaza has involved cutting off supply routes to the three already overworked hospitals in the region (and sending troops to ransack one of them for two days), and many injured Gazans have had to get emergency amputations.
Israeli soldiers returning from Gaza war struggle with trauma and suicide: CNN
October 25, 2024
A bulldozer-operating IDF soldier claimed that they often had to run over Hamas militants “in the hundreds,” a scenario so viscerally gory that he no longer eats meat. After the suicide of his co-driver two days before his scheduled re-deployment (“he got out of Gaza, but Gaza did not get out of him,” his bereaving mother stated), videos began to circulate of him bulldozing homes and posing in front of vandalized Gazan infrastructure.
An IDF medic deployed in Gaza stated that there is a strong distrust on the part of Israeli soldiers towards Gazan citizens due to the constant emphasis military leaders place on both the Al-Aqsa Flood and civilian support for Hamas, but he also added that “a lot of us don’t trust the government right now.” Over a third of returning soldiers develop mental health issues, and suicide was the leading cause of death for IDF soldiers back in 2021.
Enigmatic Hamas Leader Yahya Al-Sinwar killed in clashes with Israeli occupation in Gaza
October 17, 2024
Yahya Al-Sinwar, de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza since 2017 and the chairman of Hamas as a whole since the assassination of the incumbent leader Ismail Haniyeh back in July, was killed after being stumbled upon by an unwitting IDF routine patrol. His influence on Hamas has been profound, even being identified as the “mastermind” behind the Al-Aqsa Flood that sparked open conflict just over a year ago. His charismatic backstory has made him an almost mythic figure in the region, having been imprisoned by Israel for over a decade after his involvement in shaping the military wing of Hamas during the First Intifada over thirty years ago. After failed attempts to recruit him due to his insider knowledge and resolve, he was finally released by Israeli forces in 2011 and within a few years he became the most powerful political leader in the Gaza Strip, claiming that his exposure to Israeli infrastructure and culture strengthened his strategic prowess.
Shaban al-Dalou: The Palestinian teen burned to death in Israeli bombing
October 15, 2024
In an IDF airstrike on a hospital that resulted in the rare ire of a Biden administration representative, who called the event “deeply disturbing,” multiple displaced civilians and medical patients in makeshift tents were burned alive. Ahmad al-Dalou, a father who barely escaped alive, was only able to rescue a couple of his children as his wife and 19 year old son (a software engineer who had ambitions to become a doctor) were too quickly engulfed by the rapidly-spreading fire. Prior to his grisly death his son Shaban, the eldest of his children and frequent caregiver, donated blood to bombed hospitals and attempted to fundraise so that his family could escape to Egypt. When he burned alive he was attached to an IV drip.
Israeli attack on northern Gaza hints at retired general's 'surrender or starve' plan for war
October 12, 2024
The Gaza Strip is split into two main sections by the Wadi Gaza river valley. The north, home to Gaza City and currently almost half a million Palestinian civilians, has dealt with significant infrastructural challenges. For instance hospitals swamped by the carnage of bombings are struggling with generator fuel shortages while occasionally facing attacks from Israelis. The region is a shell of the bustling urban network it once was, with its former population of 1.5 million reduced by two thirds since the onset of the war. To escape concentrated violence, Gazans would often move between areas in the north rather than traveling to the often more dangerous and very crowded south, avoiding major IDF presence. Israeli forces have tried to push them directly south to humanitarian zones that still are frequently bombed, often without any pretext of return within a reasonable timeframe. Many of those remaining in the north are there to take care of disabled family members, or have family connections to Hamas (who are typically demanding that Gazans stay in the north). Many of those fleeing towards the south have faced gunshot wounds from IDF soldiers indicative of intentional targeting, including children. There is a growing suspicion that the IDF is following the recommendation of retired Major-General Giora Eiland and some of his peers, to lay siege to the north. This would be done by giving a 10-day window for willing civilians to leave via designated evacuation routes, followed by cutting off all aid and supplies to the north. The region has two open crossings to Israel, the Erez West crossing (along with the currently closed eastern Erez crossing) along the slim northern border and Gate 96 located on the eastern border near Wadi Gaza; all would be sealed. This plan would give the remaining northerners (which would likely include many thousands of civilians) two options, “to surrender or to starve.” With the finance minister Bezalel Smotrich justifying the notion of occupying Gaza with the argument that “where there is no settlement, there is no security,” the undercurrent of settler violence remains a strong part of the war effort.
Israeli airstrike on school kills 26 displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah
October 10, 2024
An IDF airstrike killed at least almost 30 and injured nearly 100 people in a school that many civilians in the densely-populated city of Deir al-Balah were taking shelter and receiving medical aid in. The bottom floor was most targeted, with much of the walls and ceiling reduced to rubble. The IDF claimed the attack was a “precise strike” on a terrorist command and control center. With this attack, the amount of shelters for displaced civilians hit by IDF airstrikes nears 200.
More than one-third of Israelis think Hamas won the war, poll finds
October 7, 2024
The Israeli national broadcast news provider, KAN, conducted a survey of roughly 650 Israelis. They found that only about a quarter of Israelis believe they won the war, while a third believe Hamas came out on top, with the remainder unsure. The vast majority expressed that after the war ends they still would not be comfortable moving to southwestern Israel. In a New York Times interview in September, a former general of the Gaza-based division of the IDF stated that his country was losing “in a big way,” with reductions in the military capacity of Hamas not preventing them from ruling over Gaza and taking back towns in less than half an hour. In an ABC interview, another major IDF military leader expressed the same concern, adding that “we are losing deterrence, we are losing hostages.”
A year into Gaza war: Israel kills 42,000 Palestinians, destroys strip’s infrastructure, economy
October 7, 2024
One year has passed since the Hamas “Al-Aqsa Flood” offensive and the ensuing Israeli war on Gaza. Just this past week, the Al-Qassam military wing of Hamas has continued to strike military and settler outposts, including bombing the Sufa military site and the operations center of another nearby site. The IDF has also been accused by Amnesty International of carelessly using munitions like air-burst vacuum bombs and the tightly-regulated and controversial white phosphorus, which can incinerate down to the bone and reignite during medical treatment. Additionally, according to a government official in Gaza the economic losses due to bombings and border closings have been massive, with the closing of factories alone resulting in losses in excess of a billion dollars. The agricultural sector, relied on to feed the over two million civilians in the region, also took a loss of about a billion dollars, and for the commercial sector it was over a billion and a half.
Key Issues
This section includes the latest and most pressing news regarding SiC’s key security issues.
Contributor(s): Oshin Pandey
Conflict-induced famine, hunger deaths likely in Gaza, Sudan in months: UN
October 31, 2024
According to a recent assessment by United Nations food agencies, the top five regions most likely to experience lethal levels of hunger in the upcoming months are the Palestinian territories, Sudan and South Sudan, Mali, and Haiti. It concluded that "further starvation and loss of life are likely" in those areas in the absence of prompt humanitarian measures and coordinated international action to address severe access limitations and promote the de-escalation of war and insecurity.
DR Congo's Plans for Oil and Gas Auction Unclear
October 30, 2024
The Democratic Republic of the Congo's government seems to be reworking a proposal to put the rights to drill for gas and oil in 30 areas around the nation up for sale. Congo's minister of hydrocarbons declared that he had canceled the sale of 27 oil blocks due to lack of competition, improper or irregular proposals, and late submissions. There is no mention of three gas blocks in the announcement.
Myanmar’s lost generation battles trauma, addiction at jungle rehab
October 29, 2024
Young Myanmar refugees nervously await the prick of an acupuncture needle at a drug treatment facility housed in a wooden stilt home tucked away in the Thai forest. They join the thousands of people who have developed an addiction to methamphetamine and other synthetic narcotics that have overtaken camps for those displaced by Myanmar's civil conflict.
Xi Jinping Attends the 16th BRICS Summit
October 23, 2024
Xi Jinping asked a number of nations to become BRICS partner nations and welcomed new members to the BRICS family. Xi Jinping noted that the expansion of BRICS represents a significant turning point in both the organization's history and the development of the global environment.
North Korea’s Post-Parliament Tension Signaling
October 18, 2024
Even for the most experienced and cautious specialists who base their research on a strong foundation of pertinent facts, predicting North Korea's next actions can be dangerous. Examples include the recent October 7–8 session of the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) and the subsequent actions of North Korea.
At BRICS summit, Russia to push to end dollar dominance
October 16, 2024
Russia is trying to persuade the BRICS nations to create a different international financial system that would not be subject to Western sanctions.
Taiwan's president vows to resist 'annexation'
October 10, 2024
In his most prominent public speech since assuming office earlier this year, President William Lai has vowed to maintain Taiwan's position as a self-governing territory. In a vague allusion to China's territorial claim, Lai declared that he would "uphold the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty."
Sri Lankan government reaches debt-restructuring agreement with bondholders
October 5, 2024
In a huge relief to the financially beleaguered island country, the Sri Lankan government has struck a long-awaited debt restructuring agreement with its sovereign bondholders. The declaration was made during discussions with the visiting IMF delegation in Colombo, when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's new National People's Power (NPP) government indicated that it was prepared to accept the arrangement.
Some 200,000 Myanmar workers detained in Thai immigration crackdown
October 1, 2024
According to a study by Thailand's Department of Employment, during a 120-day nationwide crackdown on migrant workers without the required identity or papers, Thai officials arrested close to 200,000 citizens of Myanmar.
EU leaders back extra Chinese EV tariffs despite split vote
October 1, 2024
Despite resistance from five nations, including Germany, where automakers denounced the move as a possible "fatal" blow for the auto sector, EU leaders have approved further taxes on Chinese electric vehicles. 10 member states, including France, Italy, and Poland, approved the charges, which would have increased the present 10% taxes by up to 35.3%.
