Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: China’s Evergrande Threatens to Sink International Markets
China’s Evergrande Threatens to Sink International Markets
Katrina.Tuliao, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Summary:
- Evergrande, a Hong Kong based property development group that made the 2021 Global Fortune 500 list, has warned of defaulting on its $300 billion debt causing shockwaves throughout financial markets.
- Fear of contagion from Evergrande has caused uncertainty among investors as many look to liquidate their assets.
- US stocks fell sharply on Monday reflecting unease regarding the Evergrande crisis.
- The Dow plunged 885 points (2.57%) on Monday accompanied with a 2.56% fall in the S&P 500 and a 3.14% fall in the Nasdaq Composite.
- Bitcoin and other digital assets such as EOS and Ether also faced a sharp drop on Monday morning with Bitcoin sinking as low as 10.7%.
- The White House has assured the public that they are monitoring financial markets, however they stressed that Evergrande’s business was “overwhelmingly centered in China.”
- European financial markets have been hit by the Evergrande crisis as well, with London’s FTSE 100 down 0.8%, Germany’s DAX down 2.3%, and France’s CAC down 1.74%.
- El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele welcomed the drop in Bitcoin, buying 150 additional coins for his country during the slump.
- Sources:
- Tweets:
US Eases Travel Restrictions for Vaccinated Visitors
- US President Joe Biden intends to lift travel restrictions for those fully vaccinated against Covid-19 starting in November.
- White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the new policy on Monday, detailing that all foreigners entering the US must provide proof of full vaccination and a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of their flight to the US.
- The new policy is projected to help ease relations with Europe and boost the US tourism industry which was severely impacted by the pandemic and resulting 18 month travel ban from 33 countries including members of the EU, China, and India.
- Sources:
- Tweets:
School Shooting Leaves Six People Dead in a Russian University
- A student at a university in the Russian city of Perm opened fire on students and staff on Monday at 11 AM local time.
- Six people were killed and an additional two dozen were wounded.
- The attacker used a hunting rifle that he purchased in May, leaving many questioning the ‘strict’ gun laws of Russia.
- Before the shooting the assailant stated “I’ve thought about this for a long time, it’s been years and I realised the time had come to do what I dreamt of..” on his now removed social media page.
- Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58623160.amp
https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/shooting-at-russian-university-kills-eight-11632132441
- Tweets:
Paul Rusesabagina, Hotel Rwanda Star, Convicted on Terrorism Charges
- 67-year-old Paul Rusesabagina was charged for terrorism after backing a rebel group responsible for deadly attacks in 2018 and 2019.
- The film star will now face 25 years in prison, though his family claims the trial is a sham and that he was unjustly taken to Rwanda by force.
- The US, where Rusesabagina resides, stated that they are concerned by the conviction.
- The US said that “the reported lack of fair trial guarantees calls into question the fairness of the verdict”.
- Rusesabagina was highlighted after speaking out about human rights abuses and claiming that Rwanda’s government was targeting Hutus, the Bantu-speaking people of Rwanda and Burundi.
- Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58624691.amp
- Tweets:
Volcano Eruption on the Canary Islands Devastates Thousands
- The Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma in the Spanish Canary Islands erupted Sunday sending lava downhill.
- 5,500 residents have had to evacuate the area and roughly 100 homes have been destroyed.
- Thankfully, no casualties have been reported yet, however mandatory evacuations for four villages have gone into place.
- Sergio Sarti, a resident on the island stated “I fear further big eruption of the volcano…It’s like 200 metres altitude of fire, and then a big river of lava that is going closer and closer to the coast. I saw how many houses were covered by lava, and families crying. We didn’t expect this to happen now. I was walking near the volcano when it exploded. I didn’t expect it.”
- Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58620555.amp
- Tweets:
https://twitter.com/cleavon_md/status/1439748640298385415?s=21
Bee Swarm Kills 63 Endangered Penguins
- In what is being called a ‘fluke’ occurrence more than 60 penguins from the Boulders African penguin colony in Simon’s Town, south of Cape Town, were found dead.
- The group appeared to have been attacked sometime between Thursday September 16 and Friday September 17 by a swarm of Cape honey bees.
- The already limited 2,200 endangered penguins have now lost 63 healthy and likely breedable adult penguins.
- David Roberts, a clinical veterinarian, stated “This is a very rare occurrence…We do not expect it to happen often, it’s a fluke…The penguins…must not die just like that as they are already in danger of extinction. They are a protected species.”
- Sources:
https://gizmodo.com/bee-swarm-kills-63-endangered-penguins-in-fluke-occur-1847707457/amp
https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/20/africa/bees-kill-penguins-south-africa-scli-intl-scn/index.html
- Tweets:
Tensions Over License Plates Rise at Kosovo-Serbian Border
- Tensions are rising at the Kosovo-Serbian border with Serbians protesting Kosovo authorities forcibly removing license plates of Serbian registered cars.
- Media officials have stated that Kosovo authorities have fired tear gas at Serbian protestors.
- Formerly, Serbian authorities have removed license plates from Kosovo registered cars for years. It now seems that the same is being done to enforce a tit-for-tat rule.
- Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, is not recognized by Serbia as a separate government and country of its own, rather as an administrative border.
- Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/europe-belgrade-serbia-kosovo-630abd36f11bbebed43f72f6f0482273
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/20/kosovo-deploys-police-serbs-protest-amid-border-tension
- Twitter:
Biden Administration Aims to Deport Haitian Immigrants to South Texas
- The Trump administration called the Haitians “aliens” and similarly by the Biden administration they are referred to as “irregular migrants”.
- As for the Haitian immigrants, thousands are waiting at the border in Del Rio, Texas for the Biden administration to create policies for immigrants regarding Title 42 asylum policies.
- The Department of Homeland Security has stated that about another 2,000 immigrants have been transferred to the Del Rio immigrant camp causing camp population to double to 14,600.
- Sources:
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/09/18/texas-immigration-border-deportations/
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-biden-its-all-the-same-for-haitians-getting-booted-from-texas
- Twitter:
Cuba Approves Vaccine for Children Ages Under 12
- As of Thursday Cuba will seek approval from the WHO for three COVID-19 vaccines.
- Rolando Perez Rodriguez, the head of the research development at BioCubaFarma states that the vaccine campaign aims to vaccinate more than 90% of the population by November.
- Currently, more than 65% have received one dosage of the vaccine and 37% are fully vaccinated with three shots.
- Cuba created its own vaccine called the Soberana 2 along with a booster shot Soberana Plus.
- According to the CECMED, after authorizing the trials for ages 2-18 clinical trials stated that it was well tolerated amongst children and adolescents.
- Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/cuba-covid-vaccine-toddlers-5200687
- Twitter:
Anti-Vaccine Protests in Canada
- Canadians for the most part have favored vaccine and mask policies
- Recently, anti-vaccine and mask protestors have been protesting outside hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Health care workers have been assaulted verbally and physically and extreme scenarios have included cancer patients being forced to walk through the mobs unmasked.
- Sources:
- Twitter:
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: UK PM and other lawmakers pay respect to slain MP, Sir David Amess
UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and leaders across the UK paid respect to MP, Sir David Amess, a British lawmaker who was killed Friday in what the police have deemed a terrorist attack.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Official_portrait_of_Sir_David_Amess_MP_crop_2.jpg
Tributes pour in for slain MP, David Amess as he was remembered.
Summary:
- UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and leaders across the UK paid respect to MP, Sir David Amess, a British lawmaker who was killed Friday in what the police have deemed a terrorist attack.
- Johnson laid flowers and visited the Leigh-on-Sea, UK church where Amess was brutally stabbed in an attack that has shaken the nation.
- Amess was attacked Friday while hosting an open meeting called “surgery” with his constituents to discuss and ask any questions they may have when an unknown assailant attacked Amess, fatally stabbing him.
- The lack of security for UK lawmakers as they meet with constituents is now being questioned.
- After her visit to the attack site, Interior minister Priti Patel, stated, “All measures are being put in place for the security of MPs so that they can carry on with their duties as elected democratic members.”
- As of right now, the police have arrested a 25-year-old British citizen, who acted alone in the attack.
- Tributes poured in for Amess who was a popular politician, winning all 10 of his elections since 1983.
- Many remembered Amess as a fixer and died doing what he loved the most- meeting his constituents.
- Amess leaves behind a wife and 5 children. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.
- Sources:
- Tweets:
Russia Exceeds 1,000 Daily COVID Deaths For The First Time
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:COVID-19_vaccination_center_in_Gostiny_Dvor_14.jpg
- In a first since the pandemic began, Russia has now exceeded 1,000 daily COVID deaths.
- With no strict restrictions and vaccinations against COVID at almost a standstill in Russia, the numbers are expected to continue to rise.
- Medical officials have said they are prepared for the increase in COVID cases and that Russian medical facilities are currently not overwhelmed.
- Russia has been hailed for creating the Sputnik V COVID vaccine early in the pandemic, as it has been administered to many countries around the world, however, officials have said that Russia has failed to convince its own citizens to get vaccinated.
- With 222,000 deaths, Russia currently has the highest COVID death count in Europe.
- Sources:
- Tweets:
France Condemns Police Brutality During the 1961 Algerian Protest
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emmanuel_Macron_in_July_2017.jpg
- Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, has called the government’s cover up of the police brutality on the Algerians during the protest of 1961 as an “inexcusable” act.
- Some say hundreds of protestors were brutally murdered and their bodies dumped in the river. The government has still not provided complete information to what took place that night.
- The President did not formally apologize or give a speech at the 60th anniversary of the event.
President Maduro’s Aides Charged with Money Laundering
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Venezuela_Orthographic_Map.svg
- Alex Saab has been extradited to the United States of America to be charged for money laundering using American accounts to help the falling Venezuelan government in corruption.
- The ruling Socialist party of Venezuela has accused the United States of kidnapping and wrongfully charging Mr.Saab.
- Many people have spoken up against the dictatorship of President Maduro and see this move as a triumph against corruption and drug trafficking.
Tweet:
ASEAN says No to Myanmar Coup Leader
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Singapore_Asean-Explorer-01.jpg
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has sent this year’s invitation to a non political Myanmar entity instead of the military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, who led the coup.
- Myanmar’s current political power has not abided by the five point plan provided by the ASEAN committee. This five point plan was to be put in place to stop the political and civil unrest in the country.
- A representative of the military political party of Myanmar has put the blame on United Nations and USA for influencing ASEAN to take this step against the chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
Tweet:
Melbourne to Come Out of Lockdown After 262 Days
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Parliament_House_Melbourne_2010.jpg
- After announcing that the state’s double vaccination rate will be 70 percent, Melbourne is set to end the longest lockdown in the world.
- The city has seen six lockdowns since the start of COVID, totaling 262 days. Delta variant yet again sent the city back into lockdown.
- Melbourne officials are hoping to reach 80 percent of the vaccination rate by the start of November which will enable everything to open up including major retailers.
Tweet:
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: ASEAN Position on Myanmar Junta Strains Diplomatic Relations
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may decide to exclude Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing from a leaders’ summit this month; sources have stated that ASEAN will request a non-political representative to attend the summit in place of Aung Hlaing.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Min_Aung_Hlaing_in_June_2017.jpg
ASEAN has proposed excluding Myanmar’s military ruler from a leaders’ summit this month, a move which will likely increase tensions in the East.
Summary:
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may decide to exclude Myanmar Junta Chief Min Aung Hlaing from a leaders’ summit this month; sources have stated that ASEAN will request a non-political representative to attend the summit in place of Aung Hlaing.
- The proposal was made by foreign ministers at a special meeting addressing Myanmar’s failure to follow a peace process it agreed to with ASEAN 5 months ago.
- ASEAN’s decision is a rare stance for the organization which typically follows a policy of engagement and noninterference.
- A recent announcement from Myanmar’s military-installed government has also revealed that an ASEAN special envoy abruptly cancelled their trip to the country after finding that they would not be allowed to meet all the officials they requested to meet, including former leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
- The UN has taken a similar, albeit much tougher, stance to ASEAN regarding Myanmar with UN Chief Antonio Guterres refusing to attend a virtual meeting with Myanmar’s military envoy in attendance.
- Guterres’s refusal came at the last minute and was meant to avoid signaling any recognition of Myanmar’s military government.
- Sources:
- Tweets:
Apple Takes Down Popular Quran and Bible Apps in China
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_Release_-_Seattle_(keyboard).jpg
- Apple has deleted the Quran Majeed and Bible application in China following a request from authorities who claim that the apps contains illegal religious texts.
- PDMS, the Quran Majeed app maker, has stated, “According to Apple, our app Quran Majeed has been removed from the China App store because it includes content that requires additional documentation from Chinese authorities”.
- The deletions were first noted by Apple Censorship, a global activist website which monitors the Apple Store.
- Sources:
- Tweets:
30 Killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan Mosque Attack
- A suicide attack in Kandahar’s largest Shia mosque has killed about 32 and left 68 injured.
- Last week another attack on a Shia mosque in Afghanistan’s northern city of Kunduz killed and injured 90.
- Sources claim that the first attack in the north was committed by ISIS-K.
- ISIS-K or Islamic State Khosaran opposes the Taliban’s regime and considers Shia muslims to be apostates.
- Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/15/asia/mosque-blast-kandahar-intl/index.html
https://www.npr.org/2021/10/15/1046287550/suicide-bombers-attack-mosque-afghanistan
- Twitter:
David Amess Stabbed to Death While Meeting with Voters
- David Amess, a conservative British lawmaker, was stabbed to death this past Friday while attending a meeting with voters.
- The suspected attacker is aged 25 and of Somali heritage. He has been arrested for murder and possession of a knife.
- Prime minister Boris Johnson has praised Sir David Amess for being a committed public servant and one of the kindest individuals in the field of politics.
- Colleagues across parliament have expressed their feelings of shock and paid tribute
- Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/europe/british-lawmaker-stabbed-holding-meetings-constituents-rcna3080
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/british-lawmaker-amess-stabbed-multiple-times-sky-2021-10-15/
- Twitter:
Norway: Bow and Arrow Attack Kills 5
- A man has killed 5 and leaves two injured with a bow and arrow in Kongsberg, Norway.
- This attack has been considered one of the country’s deadliest because attacks are not common in Norway.
- Police statements show that the homicides had occurred both indoors and outdoors, further details about how the victims were killed has not yet been provided.
- The perpetrator of the attack is 37 year old Espen Anderson Bråthen; he will undergo a forensic psychiatric examination due to the crime he has committed.
- Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/15/europe/norway-bow-and-arrow-attack-suspect-intl/index.html
- Twitter:
US Lifts Travel Ban For Fully Vaccinated Individuals
- New instructions from the White House state that vaccinated individuals who have tested 72 hours before traveling can enter the US.
- Travelers who have received the Astrazeneca, Sinovac, and Sinopharm vaccines will be allowed entry to the US.
- As of November 8th visitors can come from countries such as the UK, Brasil, Iran, India and 26 other European countries which were previously not allowed to enter.
- The lifting of the travel ban is a relief for airline companies such as United and Delta who have struggled with profitability in international travel.
- Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58929441
- Twitter:
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: Protests in Lebanon Become Violent as Gunfire Shakes the Country
President Michel Aoun claims he will bring perpetrators to justice after open gunfire in Beirut takes the lives of six individuals.
File:Palace of Justice at night.jpg – Wikimedia Commons
Six reported dead and 30 left wounded after gunfire erupts at a Lebanese protest.
Summary:
- President Michel Aoun claims he will bring perpetrators to justice after open gunfire in Beirut takes the lives of six individuals.
- The Hezbollah and Amal movements organized a rally to demand the lead investigator into last year’s port explosion be dismissed.
- Judge Tarek Bitar is accused of political bias causing hundreds of protestors to gather outside of Beirut Palace of Justice to demand for his removal.
- The protest soon turned violent when bursts of gunfire from the nearby Tayyoune neighbourhood drove many to scatter and left rival groups to clash for hours on end.
- Nine suspects have been arrested for the gunfire including a Syrian man.
- President Aoun stated the incident “It took us back to the days that we said we would never forget and never repeat” speaking in reference to the country’s 15-year civil war.
- Sources:
Lebanese army arrests nine people after Beirut violence | News | Al Jazeera
Lebanon: Beirut’s worst street violence in more than a decade kills at least 6 – CNN
- Tweets:
Banksy’s Artwork Sells for More Than 20 Times its Initial Price
File:Season’s Greetings, Banksy (2).jpg – Wikimedia Commons
- The famous self-destructing Banksy art that sold for $1.4 million three-years ago was resold by Sotheby’s for a massive gain of $25.4 million.
- More than doubling Banksy’s “Devolved Parliament” which sold for $12.1 million in 2019 the “Love Is in the Bin” is now the artist’s most expensive piece of art.
- Alex Branczik, Sotheby’s chairman of modern and contemporary art, stated “It has been a whirlwind to follow the journey of this now legendary piece and to have it back in our midst, offering it tonight in the very room it was created by the artist…Banksy is no stranger to making headlines and this latest chapter in his story has captured imaginations across the world — we can only begin to guess what might come next.”
- Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/14/arts/design/banksy-art-sothebys-
Shredded Banksy artwork sells for $25.4 million at auction (apnews.com)
- Tweets:
The Last International Airline In Afghanistan, Suspends Flights on Thursday
- Pakistan International Airways (PIA), suspended flights to Afghanistan Thursday citing the heavy-handedness of the Taliban authorities, leaving many Afghans no way out of the country.
- The suspension comes as the Taliban warned PIA to cut ticket prices to the value they were before the US withdrew in August or face being blocked.
- PIA officials stated their staff experienced many delays, physical altercations, and even detainment by Taliban authorities forcing them to suspend flights.
- Prices from Kabul to Islamabad, Pakistan, prior to the US withdrawing in August ranged from $120 to $150 however are now going for $2,500, an amount many Afghans cannot afford.
- Sources:
- Al Jazeera
- Reuters
- Tweets:
Armenia and Azerbaijan Plead Their Case in UN International Court of Justice
- Officials from Armenia and Azerbaijan met with the UN International Court of Justice this week, each pleading their cases in regards to the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
- Armenia argued that the court should force Azerbaijan to release prisoners detained in last year’s 6-week war and also accused Azerbaijan of promoting ethnic hatred.
- Azerbaijan denies the allegations and urges the court to reject Armenia’s requests.
- The hearing comes as the two nations clashed with one another last year regarding the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, leaving 6,600 people dead.
- The case between the two nations is ongoing and may take years before the UN International Court can reach a final ruling.
- Sources:
- Al Jazeera
- AP News
- Tweets:
At Least 46 Killed and 41 Injured in Taiwan Fire
- A fire ripped through a 13 story residential and commercial building in the middle of the night in Southern Taiwan killing at least 46 and injuring at least 41.
- Residents, who were mostly elderly or disabled, reported hearing a loud explosion and then seeing a fire grow from the lower level.
- Though the cause of the blaze is still unknown, the city’s fire chief, Lee Ching-hsiu, attributed the large loss of life to the aging building, large amounts of debris in and around the building, and the immobility of many of the residents.
- Search and rescue crews are on the scene and are actively searching through the debris.
Sources:
Tweets:
Microsoft’s LinkedIn Suspending Platform in China After 7 Years
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LinkedInOfficeToronto2.jpg
- Microsoft’s LinkedIn, the only western social media platform that was allowed in China, announced it will be shutting down its operations in China after a 7-year run.
- Microsoft officials stated that complying with the Chinese state has become increasingly difficult.
- The shutdown comes as LinkedIn recently faced backlash for blocking Chinese journalists on their platform.
- Microsoft announced that a new job-only platform called InJobs, will launch in China later this year, but it will only feature jobs and no social media feed.
Source:
Tweets:
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: Europe Accuses Putin of Playing Hardball Over Fuel
Russia President Vladimir Putin is accused of withholding vitally needed fuel to Europe.
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=putin&title=Special:MediaSearch
Story Headline: Much of Europe seeing 40% Increase in Fuel Costs
- Russia President Vladimir Putin is accused of withholding vitally needed fuel to Europe.
- Countries in Europe, notably the United Kingdom, are experiencing gas shortages countrywide.
- Approximately 38% of Europe’s fuel is derived from Russia.
- It is estimated that if Russia were to increase its fuel export by 15%, this would solve the crippling fuel shortage in Europe.
- Putin has denied any wrongdoing, insisting he is interested in working to resolve Europe’s fuel crisis.
- Critics say Russia is withholding fuel in order to dampen Europe’s economic recovery post-pandemic.
- Another alleged reason is that Russia wants the EU’s approval for a new pipeline, Nord Stream 2.
Sources
Tweets
Other Headlines:
France Could See Shift in Upcoming Presidential Election
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=map+of+france&title=Special:MediaSearch
- The growing popularity of conservative politicians in France has many apprehensive about the 2022 presidential election.
- Although France President Macron is polling in the lead, two names are garnering support, Marine Le Pen and Eric Zemmour.
- Zemmour has not formally declared candidacy, however his views on the supremacy of Christian and Fresh values has significantly catapulted his name ID.
- Le Pen’s win projections have nosedived as rumors of Zemmour’s candidacy gain traction.
Sources
Tweets
Trial of Giulio Regeni’s Murder to Commence on Thursday
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Giulio_Regeni_profile.jpg
- Three of Egypt’s National Security Agency (NSA) members and an officer of Cairo’s investigative police force will be on trial this Thursday in Rome for the murder of Giulio Regeni.
- Regeni was a postgraduate student whose disappearance on January 25, 2016 in Cairo led to years of investigations.
- Regeni’s body was found in Cairo with signs of torture on it. His body was discovered only nine days after he disappeared.
- The accused security forces members are Colonel Usham Helmi, Colonel Athar Kamel Mohamed Ibrahim, General Tariq Sabir, and Major Magdi Ibrahim Abdelal Sharif.
- None of the senior ranking officials is expected to attend the trial. This is permissible as long as Italian prosecutors attempted to notify the accused of the charges. Egyptian authorities have not provided the Italian prosecutors with the legal addresses of the four men.
Sources
Tweets
Ireland’s Leo Varadkar Warns Other Nations Against Trade Deals with the UK
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leo_Varadkar_2016.jpg
- Dominic Cummings insinuated that the UK’s intent all along was to dissolve the 2019 Brexit agreement it signed with the EU.
- This prompted Ireland’s deputy PM to caution governments against enacting trade deals with the UK because the nation does not keep its word.
- According to the government, the deal did not work according to plan.
- The UK government claimed the EU violated the Good Friday peace agreement when implementing the Northern Ireland Protocol.
- The UK now wants to change the Brexit deal to allow free movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Sources
Tweets
Impeachment Proceedings Underway for Chile’s President Pinera
- Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera faces impeachment charges after the Pandora Papers leak connects him to a controversial sale of the Dominga mine in 2010.
- The sale, which was under investigation for bribery and corruption charges as well as tax violations, took place during President Pinera’s first term.
- The Pandora Papers contain reports from the findings of the International Consortium of Journalists (ICIJ).
- Congressman Tomas Hirsch presented the accusations against the Chilean president to Congress’s lower house on Wednesday.
- President Pinera has denied any connection to any business dealing related to Dominga Mining.
- The approval or rejection of the indictment rests with the opposition-led Chamber of Deputies and will then progress to the Senate if approved. The vote is expected to take place in the first week of November.
Sources
Tweets
China’s Ban on Bitcoin Mining Leaves US with Largest Share of Global Mining
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:One_bitcoin_sitting_atop_bundles_of_US_$100_notes.png
- China placed a ban on Bitcoin mining in June, halting bank transactions and enacting bans on mining.
- Since then, all Bitcoin transactions in China have been deemed illegal.
- China’s share of Bitcoin mining made up nearly three-fourths of all global mining in September 2019.
- The computing power Bitcoin mining requires results in large energy consumption, contributing to global emissions.
- Global Bitcoin mining shares are now led by the US (35.4%), Kazakhstan (18.1%) and Russia (11%).
Sources
Tweets
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: Workers in the United States Quit Jobs in Record High Numbers
Roughly 4.3 million workers across the US voluntarily quit their jobs in August.
File:US Dept of Labor.jpg – Wikimedia Commons
Americans join what is being dubbed ‘The Great Resignation’ as millions leave their jobs for better opportunities and better treatment.
Summary:
- Roughly 4.3 million workers across the US voluntarily quit their jobs in August.
- As the country recovers from a dropped economy, employees have now recognized the leverage they hold over businesses that are struggling to hire employees.
- With the power now in the hands of workers, hourly wages have seen a steep rise especially for the lowest-paid workers.
- Job openings are far outweighing the number of unemployed workers particularly in the leisure and hospitality sector.
- Some suspect that the rise of the Delta variant may also be influencing the number of Americans quitting their job.
- Fear of contracting the Covid-19 virus along with the fact that many have saved quite a bit of their US stimulus money also plays into why workers are not just quitting but waiting for companies to make more enticing benefits packages before rejoining.
- Daniel Zhao, an economist at the career site Glassdoor, stated “We know that the Delta variant has likely made it more difficult to unlock labor supply because there are some workers who are concerned about health risks — and then on top of that, many school reopenings were disrupted…It’s possible that as the Delta wave recedes, then we will realize some of those benefits of reopened schools and a revitalized economy, but that is going to take some time.”
- Sources:
U.S. Workers Quitting Their Jobs Hit a Record in August – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
US workers are quitting their jobs in record numbers (msn.com)
- Tweets:
Economic Catastrophe Places Afghanistan in Crisis
File:Flickr – Πρωθυπουργός της Ελλάδας – Mario Draghi – Αντώνης Σαμαράς (2).jpg – Wikimedia Commons
- Severe poverty and disorganization has left Afghanistan in an economic collapse especially following the Taliban takeover on August 15th.
- The Group of 20 major economies met to address this humanitarian crisis with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi going as far as stating they are willing to coordinate with Taliban leaders.
- PM Draghi stated “It is very hard to see how you can help people in Afghanistan without involving the Taliban… but that does not mean recognising them.”
- Sources:
G20 pledges help for Afghan humanitarian crisis at special summit | Reuters
Afghanistan crisis: G20 leaders pledge to avert economic catastrophe – BBC News
- Tweets:
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
Daily Brief
The Daily Brief: Iraq Detains and Arrests Major Al-Qaeda Operative
This Monday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi claimed the country has detained and arrested major Al-Qaeda operative Sami Jasim.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mustafa_al-Kadhimi.jpg
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi took to Twitter this Monday to announce that the country has detained Sami Jasim, a close associate to the ISIS leader.
Summary
- This Monday, Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi claimed the country has detained and arrested major Al-Qaeda operative Sami Jasim.
- Al-Kadhmi posted the announcement via twitter, describing the arrest “one of the most difficult intelligence operations outside the borders”
- Jasim, deemed a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” by the United States Treasury department, directed the terrorist groups finances and took on the role of deputy leader under the deceased Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
- The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also claimed through their website that Jasim was also responsible for “revenue-generating operations from illicit sales of oil, gas, antiquities, and minerals” in 2014.
- Jasim was detained in a foreign country, speculated to be Turkey but unconfirmed by either country, before being brought to Iraq.
- Iraq’s Security Media Cell officials stated their belief that Jasim was a close associate to Amir Mohammed Said Abdul Rahman al-Mawla, the “overall leader of ISIS.”
- The United States Department Rewards Justice Program issued a $5 million reward for any intelligence which would lead to his capture and arrest, and a $10 million bounty for Al-Mawla.
- Jasim’s capture adds onto two other Islamic State leader takedowns by Iraq earlier this year, including Jabbar Ali Fayadh and Jabir Salman Saleh al-Isawi.
Sources
https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/11/middleeast/sami-jasim-isis-top-leader-captured-iraq-intl/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-58868803
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/iraq-arrested-top-leader-islamic-state-group-80513784
https://rewardsforjustice.net/english/amir_al_malwa.html
Tweets
Other Headlines
Ethiopia Launches “Full Swing” Offensive on Tigray Rebels
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tigray_in_Ethiopia_(1943-1987).svg
- Tigray Spokesperson for the Liberation Front Getachew Reda has stated that Ethiopia launched a “staggering” offensive on all fronts against rebel Tigray forces.
- The offensive initially launched last week, employing the use of tanks, jets, and more to “reinvade Tigray.” No fighting has been reported.
- The Ethiopian-Tigray conflict is a 11 month ongoing humanitarian crisis, being the cause of the rise of famine in Tigray, over two million refugees, and thousands of deaths.
Sources
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/11/ethiopia-tigray-offensive/
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-58869970
Tweets
Oil Spill Threatening Devastation in Yeman
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Yemen.svg
- Recently, an oil spill has happened near Yemen, threatening wildlife and millions of citizens within the country.
- Because of this devastation, approximately 9 million people will be without proper clean water for use. This also means shutting down Yemen’s mains ports.
- Closing the ports will stop the flow of humanitarian assistance. Half the population depends on this assistance.
Tweets:
Food Prices Reach New High in Lebanon
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- A food crisis has hit Lebanon, causing necessities to become sky high, as The World Food Programme reported that food prices have gone up about 628% in two years.
- The Lebanese government has also raised gasoline prices 4 times in a month.
- Fuel prices also rise as well as blackouts within the city. Lebanon’s economy ministry has said that within this week, the price of bread was raised because of the weakening of local currency.
- ¾ of the population has been affected and pushed into poverty due to this crisis.
Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/11/lebanon-fuel-crisis-hunger-food-prices
Tweets:
Adhan Heard In Germany
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Germany_(3-2_aspect_ratio).svg
- On Friday’s, the adhan will be heard in Germany. They will be broadcasted over a loudspeaker to call for Friday prayers. The City of Colonge and the Muslim community have decided that 35 of the mosques in Cologne will now be able to call for prayers on Fridays within a two years initiative.
- The Muslim community will get more repersentation and that diversity in profound within the city of Cologne. 4.5 million Muslims live within Germany.
- The Mosques have limits to the volume of the adhan on the loudspeakers and the neighbors will be able to get a heads up beforehand.
Sources:
Tweets:
Ex South Korean Spy Narrates His Life
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_North_Korea.svg
- Former Spy Mr Kim working for the South Korean Intelligence Agency released his personal story to a BBC broadcaster, narrating how he spent 30 years making it to the top tiers of North Korea’s powerful spy agencies, keeping their secrets safe, sent assassins and built illegal drug labs.
- He highlighted what his job entailed, such as finding out how North Korean Leadership trying to make some cash, drug deal sales and weapons.
- Previously a senior military official, Mr. Kim was forced to flee from his home in Seoul in 2014,
- Although the BBC is not able to verify his claims, they were able to confirm his identity.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58838834
Tweets: https://twitter.com/bbclbicker/status/1447352336578342916?s=21
All views expressed in this editorial are solely that of the author, and are not expressed on behalf of The Analyst, its affiliates, or staff.
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