Posts in Global
Leaked Files Threaten International Court’s Prosecution of War Crimes in Kosovo
Leaked Files Threaten International Court’s Prosecution of War Crimes in Kosovo

“Like the Nuremberg Trials, Tokyo War Crimes Trials, and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers was created to serve justice in hopes of moving society forward after terrible atrocities had been committed. Yet, if Kosovo and former KLA veterans are still reinforcing an environment of fear and manufacturing a narrative of their innocence, there is little hope for the creation of a united Kosovo equipped to face the challenges and struggles on their road to globally recognized independence.”

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GlobalCourtney HalversonKosovo, Serbia, War CrimesComment
UN Hosts Tense Virtual Meetings in First Session Since Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic
UN Hosts Tense Virtual Meetings in First Session Since Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic

“Many hoped the UN meeting would bolster diplomatic relations as countries struggle to contain the coronavirus. However, despite calls for cooperation in the predominantly virtual setting, some tensions were still evident. In a security council meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called out the world’s efforts saying, “The pandemic is a clear test of international cooperation – a test we have essentially failed,” before adding that he fears for the worst should the world treat the climate crisis the same.”

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GlobalAbbey KormanUN, International Relations, COVID-19Comment
After New Spying Accusations, America Must Take a Tough Stance on Maduro
After New Spying Accusations, America Must Take a Tough Stance on Maduro

“Saab’s case is further weakened by the lack of identification found on Mr. Heath and the fact that the weapons found with Mr. Heath would not have been able to cause any significant damage to infrastructure. Instead of Heath being a CIA spy, it is much more likely that Maduro is attempting to draw the anger of his citizens away from internal problems such as Venezuela’s failing economy and towards the United States.”

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GlobalIan StevensVenezuela, CIAComment
Mali's Military Junta Faces International Pressure to Name Civilian Leader
Mali's Military Junta Faces International Pressure to Name Civilian Leader

“Instability in both Mali and the region has led ECOWAS to establish a deadline for the military junta to name an interim civilian leader by September 22nd, 2020. ECOWAS has also set an ultimatum for Mali’s military leaders to hold new elections within the year, as opposed to the junta’s original plan to remain in power for three more years. The leader of Mali’s transition will be a critical figure in the development of the country.”

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GlobalManav ShahMali, AfricaComment
Russia Steps in on Growing Greco-Turkish Tensions in the Mediterranean
Russia Steps in on Growing Greco-Turkish Tensions in the Mediterranean

“Tension looms dangerously in the Eastern Mediterranean as many nations weigh in on a growing conflict between Greece and Turkey. The two nations are jockeying over energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean, after Turkish ships entered gas-rich Cypriot waters surveying for drilling opportunities. At the request of the President of Cyprus, Russia has been asked to enter the debate and de-escalate. Most of the EU is split in their approach to the conflict, and the stalemate between Greece and Turkey worsens as strong-arm military standoffs continue in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

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GlobalAllison HolbrooksComment
In wake of Beirut Explosion, Macron Tests the Limits of His Influence
In wake of Beirut Explosion, Macron Tests the Limits of His Influence

“Macron’s push for reforms comes amidst an unprecedented economic crisis in Lebanon—a crisis that is the result of decades of corruption and frivolous spending. The Lebanese Pound has lost nearly 85% of its value, which has resulted in ballooning prices and a shortage of goods. Many economists fear that a situation similar to Venezuela’s collapse is unfolding. Despite this, Lebanon’s political elite refuses to accept reforms that would open the country to international aid.”

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GlobalIan StevensMacron, France, Lebanon, BeruitComment
Israel and the UAE: A Proxy Peace
Israel and the UAE: A Proxy Peace

“The UAE is one of Iran’s top trading partners, and the normalization of relations would be the first step in furthering trade ties between Israel and the UAE. Continued military cooperation between Israel and Arab nations would be directly harmful to Iran-sponsored proxy groups, such as Hezbollah, who have been condemned by both the Arab League and Israel. It remains to be seen what its long-term consequences will be for unrest in this war-torn region.”

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GlobalDeep UpadhyayUAE, IsraelComment
Kremlin Endgame Uncertain in Aftermath of Belarus Election
Kremlin Endgame Uncertain in Aftermath of Belarus Election

“Unlike previous revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine, a lack of influence from the West prevents Russian leadership from blaming the uprising on external agitators. Additionally, most Belarusians harbor pro-Russian sentiment, complicating Russia’s position even further: How can the Kremlin support an unpopular leader without stoking the same anger and opposition they saw in Ukraine?”

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GlobalLindsey OldtRussia, Belarus, ProtestsComment
Tensions Simmer in the Eastern Mediterranean over Potential Oil Riches
Tensions Simmer in the Eastern Mediterranean over Potential Oil Riches

“What was previously a local dispute over maritime borders between Greece and Turkey has become a matter of international interest after a 2010 study by the US Geological Survey estimated 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 122 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Levant Basin. Turkey’s survey vessel -The Orus Reis - crossed into recognized Greek territory in early August. It was originally supposed to finish its mission last Monday, but on Saturday evening, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced that it would remain in the region for another 90 days.”

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GlobalKay LangleyGreece, Turkey, EU, European UnionComment
Surprise COVID-19 Cluster in Auckland Moves New Zealand Prime Minister to Postpone Upcoming Election
Surprise COVID-19 Cluster in Auckland Moves New Zealand Prime Minister to Postpone Upcoming Election

“Prime Minister Ardern made the decision to postpone elections independently, but has reported she communicated with other party leaders, factoring in a concern for her own voters and the voters of her competitors as well. Her opposition, including the National Party and the Green Party, were in support of the delay, saying the delay would give all parties adequate time for electioneering and provide people with time to safely interact with the election.”

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GlobalAllison HolbrooksNew Zealand, Jacinda Arden, ElectionComment
Why China’s actions against Uighur Muslims constitute genocide
Why China’s actions against Uighur Muslims constitute genocide

“Since around April 2017, China has been operating hundreds of Uighur “re-education” camps, and approximately one million of the eleven million Uighurs have been detained. While every country has a right to protect their national security, there is no excuse for China’s internment camps and oppression of the Uighur people. China’s actions against the Uighurs fit the United Nation’s definition of genocide, and it is imperitatve that they be held responsible for their actions by the international community.”

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GlobalAaron SugarmanChina, CCP, UighurComment