Framing The World, CXXIII Edition
HUMAN RIGHTS
ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
NORTH AMERICA
LATIN AMERICA
ASIA AND THE FAR EAST
WESTERN EUROPE AND EUROPEAN UNION
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
HUMAN RIGHTS
Andorra, Abortion Rights Activist acquitted. On 17 January, the Andorran court issued a verdict of acquittal from defamation charges for abortion rights activist Vanessa Mendoza Cortés. Cortés, president of the organization Stop Violence, had been charged with criminal defamation for expressing concerns about the total ban on abortion in Andorra during a meeting of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2019. Many women's rights organizations welcomed the decision and urged the Andorran authorities to avoid future intimidation of Mendoza Cortés, emphasizing her legitimate commitment to human rights.
(Lorenzo Franceschetti)
Kyrgyzstan, crackdown on independent media. In a joint statement, eight human rights groups - including Human Rights Watch - urged the Kyrgyz authorities to drop charges of 'war propaganda' and 'calling for mass disorder' against several independent media outlets. Between 15 and 16 January 2024, Kyrgyz authorities raided the offices of several independent media outlets, confiscating equipment and detaining some journalists for questioning. In recent years, independent media, journalists and others critical of Kyrgyz government policies have faced increasing pressure, including politically motivated criminal cases, arrests and imprisonment. Following these events, human rights organizations have urged the EU and other international actors to consider respect for freedom of expression as a key element in their relations with Kyrgyzstan.
(Lorenzo Franceschetti)
Gaza, United Nations appeals for urgent action. High-ranking officials from the United Nations, during their visit to the Gaza Strip, sound the alarm about a disastrous humanitarian situation. The population, engulfed in shortages, widespread fear, and anger, is described as living in a "pressure cooker amid total chaos." The ongoing Israeli bombardments exacerbate the tragedy, resulting in dozens of casualties in the past few hours. Philippe Lazzarini of UNRWA emphasizes the deterioration of conditions, while Ted Chaiban of UNICEF declares that Gaza is now "the most dangerous place in the world to be a child." In the West Bank, palpable desperation is on the rise. United Nations appeals call for urgent and humane intervention to address the crisis, ensuring human rights and civilian safety.
(Sofia Ena)
Sofia Ena and Lorenzo Franceschetti
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Monusco’s withdrawal has started. On the 13th of January, Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula told a news conference that the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has started. MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation in the east of the country (MONUC, which started in 1999) on 1 July 2010. Currently, 13,500 soldiers and 2,000 policemen are deployed: their complete withdrawal - whose main reason is linked to the growing tensions between the peacekeepers and the local population, with the first being accused of failing to protect civilians from armed groups- is expected by December 31.
Nigeria, the slogan “No gree for anybody” could be a message of rebellion, police warns. A Nigerian slang term meaning not letting anyone bully or cheat you is sparking debate after police warned the slogan could be a message of rebellion. The motto had gone viral since the beginning of the year because of its message of self reliance and resilience. The national police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, last week warned against using the phrase: “We have been informed by intelligence that this slogan is coming from a revolutionary sector that may likely cause problems across the country,” he told reporters on Wednesday. However, soon after the police statement even a military spokesperson, was using the slang to refer to Nigerians showing no mercy to armed groups. “No gree for terrorists, and no gree for perpetrators of insecurity,” Maj Gen Edward Buba said.
Aurelia Puliafito
NORTH AMERICA
United States of America, funds for Ukraine still in “hostage”. The President of the United States of America Joe Biden signed a measure this Friday to stabilize the U.S. government's budget, but once again funds towards Ukraine have been frozen. Following the meeting organized by Biden on Wednesday to discuss with Republicans, who are holding funds for Ukraine "hostage" to lead to a greater control on the southern borders, the American political class failed to reach a compromise, even though Senate democratic leader Chuck Schumer expressed satisfaction with the negotiations. "Once Congress avoids a shutdown," Schumer declared, "it is my goal for the Senate to move forward to the National security supplement as soon as possible”. However, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, republican Mike Johnson, remained steadfast in his demand: "We understand that there’s concern about the safety, security and sovereignty of Ukraine," he stated after the meeting, "but the American people have those same concerns about our own sovereignty and our safety and or security."
United States of America, Biden and Netanyahu on the “two-state” policy. After a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 19, American President Joe Biden confirmed the possibility of the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian state after the war. The phone call, the first real opportunity for dialogue between the two leaders in a month, comes after Netanyahu's declaration regarding his intention not to support the creation of a post-war Palestinian state, which occurred during a press conference. However, when, following the phone call, he was asked if the creation of two distinct states was impossible even during Netanyahu's tenure, Biden replied "no, it is not", ensuring that the Israeli prime minister is not against all possible “two-state” policies. This change of direction is extremely important, especially following the trip of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who highlighted how the Arab states are more than ready to face the problem of Gaza, but only through a regional approach aimed at the creation of a state Palestinian. It will be necessary to take into account the direction of the Israeli parliamentary majority - oriented towards a strict rejection of the idea of a Palestinian state in any form - and the repercussions on Bibi's continued existence as prime minister of Israel.
Lorenzo Graziani
LATIN AMERICA
Ecuador, the emergence of crime. Latin America and Ecuador in particular have become increasingly central to drug trafficking in recent years. It is these increasingly numerous and violent criminal groups that have taken Ecuador by storm in recent weeks. Increasing attacks, looting, killings, and cyber-attacks have led newly elected President Noboa to declare "internal armed conflict" by leading to the closure of offices and schools, implementing a transportation blockade, and placing an evening curfew. Among Noboa's campaign plans was and will be the implementation of the Phœnix plan to this very end. In fact, the plan, in cooperation with the United States, will consist of a strengthening in public security through the creation of a new intelligence team.
(Serena Basso)
Chile and Mexico request the International Criminal Court for an investigation into Gaza crimes. On Thursday, 18 January, the governments of Santiago de Chile and Mexico City appealed to the ICC in The Hague to investigate possible crimes committed in the framework of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. As stated in a note by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Relations, the appeal was made 'due to a growing concern over the recent escalation of violence, especially against civilians'. The request by the two Latin American states is in continuity with that of South Africa, which, however, had turned to the International Court of Justice to denounce Israel's crimes against the Palestinians. Unlike the latter court, which is the UN's tribunal for settling disputes between states, the International Criminal Court has no connection with the UN and merely judges individuals, not states. Moreover, since Israel has never ratified the treaty that established the ICC and therefore does not recognise its jurisdiction, the legal action by Chile and Mexico is likely to be ineffective and lead to no concrete effect.
(Alessandro Dowlatshahi)
Alessandro Dowlatshahi and Serena Basso
ASIA AND THE FAR EAST
Japan signed an agreement with the USA to purchase 400 Tomahawk missiles. Japan has recently signed an agreement with the United States to purchase 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles as part of a broader military enhancement plan in response to growing threats from China and North Korea. The government stated that Japan is currently facing the most threatening security environment since the Second World War. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has committed to doubling the annual defense expenditure to around $68 billion by 2027, making Japan the third-largest military spender globally after the United States and China. Concurrently, Japanese troops are increasingly collaborating with the United States and other allied nations, taking on more offensive roles.
Philippines and Canada sign agreement on defense cooperation. The Philippines and Canada have recently signed a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, a step that could eventually lead to a "Visiting Forces Agreement" (VFA), the details of which have not yet been defined, as stated by the Defense Minister of Manila, Gilberto Teodoro. An existing VFA with the United States facilitates the presence of thousands of American troops in the Philippines for exercises and war drills. According to the Ministry of Defense, the memorandum paves the way for collaboration between the armed forces and military institutions of both countries, covering various sectors, including military education, information sharing, and emergency management. The signing of this memorandum follows that of an agreement for the use of the Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) system, aimed at combating illegal fishing.
China warns the Philippines not to 'play with fire'. China has summoned the ambassador of the Philippines and warned the country to "not play with fire" after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated the elected president of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, on his electoral victory. "The relevant remarks by President Marcos constitute a serious violation of the principle of one China and a grave breach of the political commitments made by the Philippines to China, and a serious interference in China's internal affairs," said spokesperson Mao Ning. The Philippines' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, reiterated the country's "one China" policy. This is the latest episode in a series of tensions between the Philippines and China, occurring as Manila strengthens ties with the United States.
Francesco Oppia
WESTERN EUROPE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
EU, European Parliament Calls for Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The European Parliament has approved a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, the request is contingent on the release of hostages in Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas, conditions deemed "impossible" by many. The resolution, with 312 votes in favor, 131 against, and 72 abstentions, reflects a division between the right and left, particularly evident during the crucial amendment vote. The resolution also addressed the Israeli military situation, advocating for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and calling for sanctions against extremist Israeli settlers. Furthermore, the resolution underscores the EU's support for international courts and accountability for terrorist acts under international law.
(Sofia Ena)
United Kingdom, Safety of Rwanda Bill approved by parliament. In recent days the Westminster Parliament, after lengthy debates, passed the Safety of Rwanda Bill. This is the law that provides for the deportation of illegal immigrants arriving on British shores to Rwanda. The bill was passed with 320 votes in favour and 276 against. This was a very important vote for Sunak's government, since the Rwanda bill was one of the prime minister's main proposals, despite the fact that the legislation is considered by many to be unworkable and has already been postponed several times. Indeed, the plan to transfer asylum seekers to Rwanda is considered by many to be wasteful, ineffective and not fully compatible with international law. The bill will now have to go through the House of Lords, which may impose amendments to make it compatible with international law.
(Bianca Franzini)
Ursula von der Leyen in Davos, need to promote global solidarity and cooperation, also thanks to Europe. During her speech at this year's World Economic Forum in Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that 'now is the time to promote global collaboration more than ever' and that 'Europe is in a unique position to promote this global solidarity and cooperation'. With regard to dealing with the risks of disinformation and artificial intelligence, the president of the EU executive emphasized the importance of cooperation between governments and businesses, given that, after all, 'they share a common interest in creating prosperity, wealth and security for people, creating a stable environment to unlock innovation and investment, and creating equal opportunities and freedom'. His speech also highlighted how this collaboration between the EU and business has helped in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
(Bianca Franzini)
France, massive protest against new immigration law: In Paris on Sunday 14 January, thousands of demonstrators protested against the controversial immigration law recently passed by the government with the support of far-right lawmakers. Responding to a call from more than 400 associations, trade unions and political parties, protesters gathered at Republic Square, marching towards Clichy Square to express their disagreement with the law, passed with the support of the far-right National Rally party. Critics claim that the law will promote discrimination against foreigners, calling it 'racist'. The protest attracted participants in addition to immigrants, with politicians such as France Unbowed lawmakers in attendance. Hadrien Clouet criticized the right-wing government for aligning itself with the extreme right and implementing a 'shameful' programme. The law, passed on 19 December, ties assistance to resident foreigners to specific working conditions.
(Francesca Pasqualino)
Bianca Franzini, Sofia Ena and Francesca Pasqualino
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA
Austria, maintains a position against the full entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area: Romania and Bulgaria will enter the Schengen area partially, with the abolition of border controls for air and sea travel but the maintenance of land borders. The EU stresses the need to strengthen the protection of external borders before granting full Schengen membership to these Eastern European countries. The Schengen area comprises 27 European states, excluding Ireland and Cyprus. While Romanian and Bulgarian air and sea border controls will end as of April, negotiations on land borders will continue in 2024. Austria, expressing concerns about irregular immigration, has been a key obstacle to Romania and Bulgaria's full Schengen membership. Austria insists that irregular immigration issues at the EU's external borders must be resolved before expanding the Schengen zone. The Austrian government, grappling with a high number of asylum applications, emphasises the need to address irregular migration issues prior to Schengen expansion. The commitment of Bulgaria and Romania to strengthen external border control with the assistance of Frontex and to tackle 'secondary movements' is in line with Austria's conditions for Schengen inclusion.
(Francesca Pasqualino)
Slovakia, at risk of a nationalist swerve with Pellegrini as favourite: Following their conquest of the government, the left-wing nationalists in Slovakia are now aiming for institutional domination, targeting the presidential elections on 23 March. With the departure of the incumbent, the EU-friendly Zuzana Čaputová, the two Social Democratic parties in power after the 30 September elections aim to support a common candidate, Peter Pellegrini, leader of Hlas-Sd and President of the National Parliament. The third majority force, the far-right pro-Russian party, Slovak National Party, could ally itself in the event of a runoff on 6 April. While the figure of the president in Slovakia is primarily ceremonial, he holds crucial powers during a period of expected erosion of the rule of law standards. Pellegrini seems favoured, with Ivan Korčok of the Progressive Party as a credible challenger, exploiting protests against Fico's plans to amend the Criminal Code. Opposition concerns focus on potential weakening of the judiciary. Slovak politics raise questions about the country's direction, with possible implications for relations with the EU and domestic policies.
(Francesca Pasqualino)
Francesca Pasqualino and Alessandro Alloro
Serbia, Parliament Speaker announces formation of new government. Serbian Parliament Speaker Vladimir Orlić announced the formation of a new parliament in the coming weeks. Orlić said that the majority of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and President Aleksandar Vučić will soon form a new government, but if that does not happen, new elections will be held to allow the people to have their say. Indeed, the Dec. 17 elections, which were criticized for alleged fraud, have generated calls for reforms and independent investigations. . The European Commission stressed the importance of reforming the voting system as part of Serbia's path to EU membership and called for an independent investigation into the elections. Meanwhile, the opposition coalition "Serbia Against Violence" has scheduled new protests for Jan. 16, denouncing violence, election fraud and rigging.
(Alessandro Alloro)
Baltic countries agreed on a common line of defense against possible Russian attacks. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have agreed on a so-called "Baltic line," or common defense on the borders with Russia and Belarus. The agreement comes following statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described these three countries as "a threat" to Russia's security. The initiative was also welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was recently on a tour of the three Baltic capitals. The project was also confirmed by Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, who said, "Russia's war in Ukraine has shown that in addition to equipment, ammunition and human resources, physical defensive installations are also needed at the border." According to Latvian Minister Andris Spruds, the Baltic Line will serve "to defend NATO's eastern flank and deny freedom of movement to our adversaries."
(Alessandro Alloro)
MIDDLE-EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)
Israel, the puzzle becomes tangled: despite the violent clashes and military superiority, the Israel Defence Forces are beginning to encounter considerable difficulties in advancing towards the southern part of the Strip. In the meantime, international pressure mounts on the government in Tel Aviv, both from the West and from the countries of the so-called 'Global South' that are increasingly assertive supporters of the Palestinian cause. The right-wing government for its part seems unconcerned and relations with Washington are beginning to crack. The most extremist factions would like the expulsion of the Palestinians from Gaza and the complete annexation of the West Bank. Bibi himself rejects the two-state solution. But the polls and the protests inside the country seem to be putting the government in difficulty, which could even think of opening a second front against Hezbollah in Lebanon, also with the aim of prolonging the war to ensure its own political survival. A bet that could also prove fatal.
Iran, from strategic patience to tactical improvisation: the Islamic Republic of Iran, despite its inflammatory rhetoric, has carefully calibrated its intervention in what is slowly becoming a regional conflict. Tehran is aware that it cannot sustain a direct conflict against Israel and the US. For this reason, the Persian power leaves it to its proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, and Siraq to target Israel or its allies in the region. But with the ISIS attack in Kerman, the Iranian leadership deemed a show of force necessary, striking the Kurds in Iraq, ISIS in Syria, and a separatist terrorist group in neighbouring Pakistan, which responded by bombing in turn a separatist group of the same ethnicity in Iran. The crisis with Pakistan receded quickly, partly because Tehran is aware that it is confronting a nuclear power. Meanwhile, attacks by pro-Iranian groups against US bases in Iraqi Kurdistan continue and increase in effectiveness and audacity.
Michele Magistretti
TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY
Russia, major fire at oil depot in Klintsy after alleged Ukrainian drone shot down. On Friday, a fire hit an oil depot near Klintsy in the eastern Bryansk region, involving four tanks. Local authorities ruled out casualties and injuries, emphasizing the firefighters' efforts to put out the blaze, which forced the evacuation of 30 residents in the area. The Kremlin traced the cause of the incident to falling fragments from a Ukrainian drone. Authorities in Kiev have not issued a statement on the incident.
Poland, clash between government and constitutional court. The Polish government led by Donald Tusk has announced that it will not observe the Constitutional Court ruling declaring the process of appointing new state media executives illegitimate. Culture Minister Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz claims the ruling is without legal force, accusing Polish Supreme Court judges of being "maneuvered" by the far-right Law and Justice (PiS) party. The Tusk administration had fired public media executives, prompting a clash with PiS members. The ruling states that the rule used to put public media into insolvency conflicts with the Polish constitution, making the government's reform illegitimate.
Davide Shahhosseini
Framing The World is a project conceived and created by the collaboration between members of the team of Mondo Internazionale associates.
Alessandro Alloro: Central and Eastern Europe and Russia
Alessandro Dowlatshahi: Latin America
Aurelia Puliafito: Sub-Saharan Africa
Bianca Franzini: Western Europe and the European Union
Davide Shahhosseini: Terrorism and International Security
Francesco Oppia: Asia and Far East
Francesca Pasqualino: Western Europe and the European Union, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia
Giulio Cofini: Sub-Saharan Africa
Leonardo Aldeghi: Economics and International Finance
Lorenzo Franceschetti: Human Rights
Lorenzo Graziani: North America
Michele Magistretti: Middle-East and North Africa
Sara Oldani: Middle-East and North-Africa
Serena Basso: Latin America
Sofia Ena: Human Rights, Western Europe and the European Union