Daily Brief

The Daily Brief: The Omicron Variant Begins to Sweep Over the World Pushing Leaders to Make Strict Decisions

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus has begun to make its way through Europe and has also likely found its way to the U.S.

Published

9 months ago

1 December 2021

Sidrah Shah and Faiza Shah

New data has found that the variant which was thought to initially start in South Africa was actually already in the Netherlands when South African officials alerted WHO.
The World Health Organization has urged countries to remain calm and to take rational steps in regards to the variant, however many countries have already begun to implement travel restrictions as well as vaccine mandates.
At least 38 countries have put some form of travel restrictions following the announcement of the variant.
Many critics blame the spread of the omicron variant on western countries hoarding vaccines and thus preventing poorer countries from being able to vaccinate their masses.
Spain and Brazil have both confirmed at least two cases of Omicron Covid-19 while Fauci states that the variant has likely made its way to the U.S. despite no cases being confirmed.
Mexico has also changed course and stated that they will be administering third dose vaccines to their above 60 population.
The prime minister of Greece has announced that any unvaccinated above 60 individuals that fail to schedule a vaccine appointment by January 16th will be fined.

I'm deeply concerned about the isolation of southern African countries due to new #COVID19 travel restrictions.

The people of Africa cannot be blamed for the immorally low level of vaccinations available & should not be penalized for sharing health information with the world.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 29, 2021

In the event — hopefully unlikely — that updated vaccinations or boosters are needed to respond to Omicron, we will accelerate their development and deployment with every available tool.

I am sparing no effort and removing all roadblocks to keep the American people safe.
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 29, 2021

Today I hope we will make history. #WHASpecial

As we speak, the world faces yet another wave of #Covid19. A clear reminder of our responsibility to never let another pandemic find us unprepared, uncoordinated, or working isolated from one another.@WHO @DrTedros #PandemicTreaty pic.twitter.com/GdauaoViNh
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) November 29, 2021

Other Stories:

Colombia’s FARC Removed From Terrorism Blacklist Under the Biden Administration

HbtSj8uK9d0FOXgHgppaskwqGs PYDy27vlfh7xhcGE nOeJgo67HB4xjMSydeDxFNkw8uv8n4BUfXex 6ibxPBFWSqvZIz dzGqBLcwZPQOFMR2LotTYlhWlbgTlqHjH g2LrC

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Revolutionary_Armed_Forces_of_Colombia_(FARC)_insurgents.GIF

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia are no longer under the designation of a “foreign terrorist organization” following the United States’ decision on Tuesday.
The 2016 peace agreement with Colombia brought an end to years of political violence and guaranteed the FARC a share of seats in the Colombian legislature.
By removing the terrorist label placed in 1997 from the rebel group the U.S. will now be able to work with members of the group.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated “The decision to revoke the designation does not change the posture with regards to any charges or potential charges in the United States against former leaders of the FARC, including for narcotrafficking.”

We commend the people of Colombia on the five-year anniversary of the Peace Accord. Colombia has made meaningful progress and we will continue to support their implementation of the Accord.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 24, 2021

With No End In Sight Violent Protests Continue in Sudan

1FUGa OQg 6x1lVhNw7bDjeVf1hOY5wVbIpEi1SJebmlsi04DenQzVVuCCeBrERKwDh ouVZ03btGakQEXUIeKn3 tVFLMocbQy QeMbUwgZm5uLN7cTJgRfg3tdWSOZSQjlHoX

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Barricades_Guards.jpg

Tens of thousands of protestors marched through the Sudanese capital of Khartoum to oppose the government’s military rule since last month’s coup.
The peaceful protest quickly became violent as Sudanese Security Forces began to fire tear gas and chase protestors as they approached the Presidential Palace.
Many nearby bridges that connected Khartoum to neighboring towns were closed in an effort to disperse protestors.
Protests are expected to continue until the Sudanese military relinquishes power and appoints a civilian-run government.

A large gathering of demonstrators on Al-Qasr Street before the coup militias dispersed them with the brutal repression.#nov30march #مليونية30نوفمبر pic.twitter.com/vwVC7gOwhf
— Mohamed Mustafa (@Moh_Gamea) November 30, 2021

NATO And US Meet In Latvia To Discuss Ongoing Russian Military Buildup Near Ukraine Border

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/Fennek_NATO_eFP.jpg

Led by the US, NATO officials are meeting in Latvia this week for two days to discuss the ongoing military buildup by Russia along the Ukraine border.
For the second time this year, Russia has dispatched armored units, drones, electronic warfare equipment, and tens of thousands of troops to the Ukraine border causing tensions to escalate between the two nations.
On Tuesday, NATO officials and the US issued warnings to Russia stating there would be “strong consequences” should Russia attack the NATO ally of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also issued a warning that NATO should cease all military drills currently being held in Ukraine near the Russian border and that NATO should not continue with the planned expansion of military structures in Ukraine.

SG @jensstoltenberg called on Moscow to be transparent, de-escalate & reduce tensions, following #Russia’s military build-up in and around #Ukraine on the 1st day of #ForMin.

Ministers also addressed #Belarus and #NATO’s leading role in arms control.

➡️ https://t.co/1jcl5YpBFE pic.twitter.com/HHWQLbg73g
— Oana Lungescu (@NATOpress) November 30, 2021

After Weeks Of Recounts, Iraq Finally Confirms Election Results

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/Moqtada_al-Sader_in_tehran_2019_%28cropped%29.jpg

After weeks worth of recounts and rejections, Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, was reaffirmed as the winner of the Iraqi Parliamentary Elections held in October.
The recount and appeals process attributed to five parliamentary seats changing in various cities of Iraq.
Al-Sadr’s political party called the “Sadardist Movement” won 73 out of the 329 seats in the Iraqi Parliament.
With the final recount done, voter turnout was confirmed to be only 44%, the lowest since the US established a new political system in Iraq in 2003.
Officials state it could be months before a new parliament or PM could take control.

The Independent High Electoral Commission @IHECOfficial announces the final results of Iraq’s parliamentary elections which took place on 10/10/2021. You can follow the results via these links: https://t.co/tYC4P4VgkZ https://t.co/WL8207E5gv https://t.co/NHK1HmgXS2 pic.twitter.com/cPhiSWxaCT
— Government of Iraq – الحكومة العراقية (@IraqiGovt) November 30, 2021

Philippine’s Dutertes’ Presidential Pick, Bows Out Of Election

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/20180314-ph-KARL-11.jpg

After days of speculation, Philippine Senator, Christopher “Bong” Go bowed out of the Philippines Presidential election on Tuesday.
Go, who is currently a close aide to current Philippines President, Rodrigo Duterte and was backed by Duterte, said it was just “not his time” and that his family did not want him to be President at this time either.
With Go out, many are unsure who Duterte will now back once he leaves the presidency after completing his full term.
The current front runner in the presidential election is Ferdinand Marcos, followed by Leni Robredo, Francisco Domagoso, and boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

"Sen. Bong Go , we salute you on National Bonifacio Day for making the ultimate sacrifice. I am proud to be your friend."#SaPanguloSpokesman #SaInyoActionman #SaraAllForRoque pic.twitter.com/wpJp1koC6r
— Harry Roque (@attyharryroque) November 30, 2021

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.

Faiza Shah

+ posts

Born and raised in the Bay Area, California, Faiza is a mother of two with a degree in Psychology and Paralegal Studies. She is passionate about lending her voice to those who are disadvantaged.

Daily Brief

Salman Rushdie Severely Stabbed due to his Publication of the Book “The Satanic Verses”

Published

3 days ago

14 August 2022

Aiyza Alladin

Salman Rushdie, an author, was severely stabbed in his neck and abdomen on stage by a suspect named Hadi Matar, causing him to be on a ventilator and potentially losing an eye.
An Iranian leader back in the 20th century wanted Rushdie killed because of his novel, Satanic Verses, that many Muslims found disrespectful. This led Salman to go into hiding for almost a decade.
Translators from different countries reading this book were harshly stabbed to death when the book came out and Iranian leader, Ayatollah Khomeini called for Salman’s execution for three million dollars.
The Iranian government has not yet responded to this issue, but many Iranians in the media claim him to be an apostate who later became an atheist.

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

China Threatens Consequences if Pelosi Visits Taiwan

Published

2 weeks ago

2 August 2022

Aiyza Ahmad

US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has landed inTaiwan. Prior to the visit, China’s Foreign Ministry has voiced their disapproval, stating that “China will take resolute responses and strong countermeasures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized in response that “The speaker will make her own decisions about whether or not to visit Taiwan,” and that the US is looking to Beijing to “act responsibly and not to engage in any escalation going forward.”
The US has made it clear that members of Congress routinely visit Taiwan and that this trip is non-threatening and has precedent. Even so, some officials have expressed concern that China may invade Taiwan’s air defense zone or send missiles near Taiwan in retaliation.
Pelosi has criticized China’s leadership and vocalized support for Taiwan in the past. She is currently on her tour of Asia, with scheduled visits to Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan.

The US side needs to fulfill President Biden’s commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence” and refrain from arranging for a visit by Speaker Pelosi to Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/hK7PKmuLmz
— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) August 1, 2022

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

First Grain Ship Departs Ukraine After Six Months of Russian Blockade

Published

2 weeks ago

2 August 2022

Aiyza Ahmad

The first shipment of grain departed the port of Odesa on Monday after Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports for the last six months trapped around 20 million metric tons of wheat and corn.
Russia recently made a deal with Ukraine, brokered by the UN and Turkey, allowing grain exports to resume, appeasing fears of a global food supply crisis and rising prices.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba celebrated the shipment, calling it a “day of relief for the world, especially for our friends in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was more hesitant to celebrate the shipment, stating “it is too early to draw any conclusions and make any forecasts” and he wants to “see how the agreement works and whether security will be really guaranteed.”

Welcome the departure of the first grain shipment from Ukraine & the resumption of the grain trade. Planned departure of more grain should hopefully bring intl. grain prices down, aid humanitarian purchases & have a positive impact on poor people going hungry in poor countries.
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) August 1, 2022

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

Concerns Rise As US Teeters on the Brink of Recession

Published

2 weeks ago

1 August 2022

Kinza Azim

US Stock Market Investing in the United States

The US economy declines for the second quarter in a row, causing, what other countries would consider, an economic recession.
The prices for groceries, gas, and other basics are rising at the fastest pace since 1981. The US Central Bank is quickly trying to raise borrowing costs in order to cool the economy and ease the prices on goods, but with the contraction, at the annual rate of 0.9% in the 3 months to July, many are still getting concerned.
President Biden struggles to convince the public that the economy is sound, with the unemployment rate at a low 3.6%. But with inflation in the US hitting 9.1% in June, the fastest price appreciation in 4 months, consumer spending has slowed at an annual rate of 1%.
Many other countries, such as China and the UK, have been hit harder by the surge in energy prices and the War in Ukraine, causing risks from abroad. Other countries are facing much more serious problems and once they’re hit, their problems can spill over and affect the US.

US Economy in technical recession as GDP shrinks for a second quarter. Q2 GDP fell at a 0.9% annualized rate as inventories, residential investment subtract from growth after a 1.6% decline in the first three months of the year. pic.twitter.com/5cXb6uNyWT
— Holger Zschaepitz (@Schuldensuehner) July 28, 2022

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

North Korea Could Possibly Be Preparing another Nuclear Test

Published

2 weeks ago

1 August 2022

Kinza Azim

North Koreas ballistic missile North Korea Victory Day 2013 01

North Korea could be preparing a seventh nuclear test, especially after Mr. Kim announced that the country is fully ready for any military confrontation with the US at a Korean War Anniversary event.
A US special representative in North Korea states that Jong-Un has tested an unprecedented number of missiles this year—31 to 25. Jong-Un also stated that threats from the US required North Korea to achieve the urgent historical task of strengthening its self-defense.
Jong-un also stated that South Korea is reviving a plan to counter North Korea’s threat by mounting precautionary strikes; in June alone, South Korea launched 8 missiles of its own.
The North Korean regime is especially angry with South Korea’s new president Yoon Suk-yeol and his so-called Kill Chain strategy. This strategy allows South Korea to launch ballistic missiles and air strikes on North Korean targets if it ever feels threatened.
North Korea has also not been getting as much engagement with Washington ever since Biden replaced Trump, and could be hinting at some sort of deliberate escalation by the North, and preparations have been underway at the Punggye Ri test site since March.

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

Russia Limits Gas Supply to Germany

Published

3 weeks ago

28 July 2022

Aiyza Ahmad

Gazprom, a major Russian energy provider, has stated it will reduce the supply of gas to Germany by half via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline due to repair work.
Germany has said that they see no technical reason for the decrease in gas supply. The European Union continues to accuse Russia of weaponizing energy, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stating, “This is an open gas war that Russia is waging against a united Europe.”
Ukraine and Russia signed an agreement to allow the export of grain via the Black Sea after Russia continued to block millions of tonnes from being exported. The next day, Russia struck missiles at the port, some of which hit the infrastructure of the port.
The US and Ukraine are optimistic that the agreement will still be implemented, with the US State Department stating, “Despite these attacks, we do understand that the parties are continuing preparations to open Ukraine’s Black Sea ports for food and fertilizer exports…we also continue to expect that the Black Sea agreement will be implemented.”

With Nord Stream 1 flowing at just 20% of capacity from July 27, Germany will NOT have enough natural gas to make it throughout the whole winter **unless big demand reductions are implemented**. Berlin will need to activate stage 3 of its gas emergency program #ONGT #EnergyCrisis
— Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) July 25, 2022

Yesterday, #Istanbul agreement on Ukrainian grain exports via Black Sea ports, facilitated by UN and Turkish efforts, was reached.

Today, Russian missiles hit port of Odesa.

That’s all you need to know about deals with Russia. The world must help Ukraine fight the aggressor.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 23, 2022

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.