Framing The World, CXXXIX Edition

Framing The World, CXXXIX 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

Iraq, proposed law risks legalizing child marriage.  Some Iraqi lawmakers are attempting to amend the Personal Status Law, potentially legalizing child marriage for girls as young as 9 and boys at 15. Recent polls indicate strong public opposition, with over 73% against the amendment. Despite this, the bill is advancing, highlighting a troubling trend in Iraqi democracy. If passed, it could have a devastating impact on the rights of women and girls, who are leading the resistance against these changes.

(Sofia Ena) 

Sofia Ena, Lisa Pasolini 

ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE

Germany, clash between the government and Unicredit: the German state has no intention of selling its share in Commerzbank after Unicredit became the second largest shareholder. The Teutonic executive is keen to defend the bank's independence. The decision also stems from pressure from the trade unions on the Green Party. However, this has provoked criticism from the Liberal Party in favour of selling around a third of the state-owned stake. The Unicredit group seems to have won the support of the ECB, which is theoretically in favour of cross-border mergers. 

Michele Magistretti 

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 

South Sudan, elections postponed until 2026. Elections that were to be held next December, the first since the country gained independence in 2011, have been postponed by two years. The Juba government announced its decision on Sept. 13, reasoning it was due to a lack of preparation in organizing the poll and the need to make progress first on certain points under the 2018 peace agreement, which restored relative calm to the country after internal conflict erupted. These points relate specifically to the unification of the armed forces and the drafting of a permanent constitution for the country.

(Aurelia Puliafito)

Mali, the Islamic and Muslim Support Group (Gsim), a jihadist alliance linked to Al Qaeda, has claimed a double attack in the Malian capital Bamako against a gendarmerie school and a military base near the airport. According to a source interviewed by Le Monde, the death toll of the violence is around sixty. Mali has been living under the threat of terrorist groups for more than a decade, but the capital had been relatively spared: the last attack in the city, against a hotel, was in 2016. 

(Aurelia Puliafito)

Senegal: President Faye dissolves Parliament, elections in november. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved Parliament and called for snap legislative elections on November 17, six months after his election. Faye, who was elected with 54% of the vote, justified the decision by stating that the opposition-dominated Assembly had blocked his promised reforms, including fighting corruption and redistributing natural resources. His party, PASTEF, hopes to secure a parliamentary majority thanks to Faye's popularity, especially among young voters. The opposition, led by former President Macky Sall, condemned the dissolution, calling it an act of "perjury" that risks complicating the approval of the annual budget, which must be voted on by December. 

(Giulio Ciofini)

Comoros: President Assoumani injured in attack, assailant found dead. The President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, was slightly injured on Friday during a knife attack while attending a funeral in Salimani Itsandra, near the capital Moroni. The assailant, immediately arrested by security forces and found dead the following day in his cell, was identified as Ahmed Abdou, a 24-year-old police officer. Authorities are investigating both the motive for the attack and the circumstances of his death in custody. Assoumani received stitches for his wounds and was declared "out of danger" by Comoros Energy Minister Aboubacar Said Anli. A civilian who tried to protect the president was also injured during the attack. The motive behind the aggression remains unclear, and an investigation is underway to shed light on the incident. 

(Giulio Ciofini)

Aurelia Puliafito, Giulio Ciofini

NORTH AMERICA 

United States of America, from allies to “not informed”. Part 1. The Israeli attack in Lebanon, that this Tuesday, the 17th of September, detonated hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah members, may indeed led to the escalation in the Middle East that the US had been seeking to avoid in these months. The US had not been letting down the diplomatic efforts: a day before the attack, a Joe Biden’s senior adviser was in Israel, urging Netanyahu against an escalation in Lebanon, and the US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had warned that time was running out to find a settlement between Israel and Hezbollah; but with the potential replacement of Yoav Gallant, the actual Israeli Defense Minister, and the pagers incident, the situation may escalate faster than expected.

United States of America, from allies to “not informed”. Part 2. The problem for the US government is that Israel didn’t inform the Biden administration in advance about this operation: according to what a US official said, several minutes before the pagers started exploding, Yoav Gallant called Lloyd Austin and told him they were going to conduct an operation in Lebanon soon, refusing to give any specific details. “The US was not involved in it. The US was not aware of this incident in advance” said to the reporters the US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. “We are collecting information” he added, “in the same way that journalists are across the world to gather the facts about what might have happened”.

Lorenzo Graziani 

LATIN AMERICA

Venezuela, the European Union will do everything possible to ensure that Edmundo González Urrutia is recognized as the legitimate president-elect of Venezuela. The effort is aimed at allowing Urrutia to take office on January 10, 2025. In a non-binding resolution passed with 309 votes in favour, the European Parliament condemns the electoral fraud orchestrated by the National Electoral Council, controlled by the regime, and recognizes González as the legitimate president and María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces. The Parliament also condemns the arrest warrant issued against González. MEPs emphasise that the regime established by Maduro has not honoured the 2023 Barbados Agreement, preventing free and fair elections.

Mexico, the Senate approves historic justice reform amid protests and divisions. On the night between September 10-11, the Mexican Senate approved a constitutional justice reform with 86 votes in favour and 41 against. The reform, promoted by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, represents one of the most significant changes in Mexico's recent history and has sparked protests from citizens and members of the judiciary. The most controversial aspect of the reform is the introduction of direct elections for around two thousand federal judges and magistrates starting next year. Critics fear this will lead to the politicisation of the judiciary, undermining the independence of the courts. However, the government argues that the reform aims to tackle systemic corruption, promoting a more transparent and democratic justice system. López Obrador, a left-wing leader, is set to step down in October, passing the presidency to his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, from the Morena party, as the debate over the reform continues to divide the country.

Alessia Boni 

ASIA AND THE FAR EAST

Bangladesh, instability persists. The interim government has in fact granted the army special powers for the next two months to maintain law and order. The military will now be able to issue search and arrest warrants and will be authorised to disperse large gatherings. This is a consequence of the recent protests that led to the flight of the president and plunged the country into chaos, affecting the country's essential textile industry. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate who became interim leader of Bangladesh after the president fled, has been trying to restore order. Although police officers have gradually returned to their jobs, many do not venture far from their stations and their credibility in the country is low. 

(Francesco Oppia)

China, government raises the retirement age. The Chinese government approved a plan to raise the country's retirement age, a long-awaited but largely unpopular measure to counter the rapidly shrinking working-age population. Last year, China had 297 million people over the age of 60, about 21 percent of its population, and the trend is growing. The retirement age for men, previously 60, will gradually increase to 63 by 2040. The retirement age for women in white-collar jobs, previously 55, will rise to 58, while for women working as factory workers it will increase from 50 to 55. The proposal has met widespread opposition from both older and younger workers. On Chinese social media, users complained that they would have to wait even longer to receive benefits that they already denounced as too low. 

(Francesco Oppia)

The murder of a Japanese child in China sparks worries . On Wednesday 18, a 10 year old student was stabbed in the abdomen by a 44 year old man outside the Shenzhen Japanese School, in the Guangdong province. The murder sparked worries among Japanese living in China: big companies such as Toshiba and Toyota alerted their workers to take precautions from possible violences, while Panasonic offered free flights home for its employees. On Thursday, the Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida strongly urged China for an explanation “as soon as possible”. While the Chinese authorities are trying to cool down the situation, describing it as an “isolated incident” and highlighting the criminal record of the murder, already arrested in 2015 and 2019 with minor charges, a former Japanese diplomat called the episode “the result of long years of anti-Japanese education” in schools in China. 

(Leonardo Di Girolamo)

Koizumi could become the youngest Japanese Prime Minister. In a recent poll among lawmakers of the Liberal Democratic Party, the 43 year old Shinjiro Koizumi, former environment Minister, was the favourite candidate. It is going to be one of the most wide open races for the LDP’s leadership ever, considering that Koizumi collected “just” 50 of the 368 votes, followed by the former economic security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi and by the government’s main spokesman Yoshimasa Hayasho, which both got more than 40 votes. The elections will be held on September 27, and it is almost certain that the winner will also become the next Prime Minister, given the LDP’s dominance in the parliament. Koizumi, son of the former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, is seeking the support of younger generations, but is criticised by the other candidates for his proposal of a controversial deregulation of the labour market that would grant more flexibility in laying off workers for big companies.

(Leonardo Di Girolamo)

Francesco Oppia and Leonardo Di Girolamo

WESTERN EUROPE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

Portugal, massive wildfires across the country. Since Sunday, September 15th, several wildfires have broken out in central Portugal, causing traffic disruptions and the evacuation of residents, especially in the areas of Albergaria-a-Velha and Sever do Vouga. Around 1,600 firefighters are battling the flames in about 20 locations, with over 500 focused on Oliveira de Azeméis. Several casualties and injuries have been reported as the fire continues to spread rapidly. In response to the severity of the situation, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has declared a state of calamity in the hardest-hit areas. He has also urged the police to intensify investigations to identify those responsible, as many of the fires are suspected to be arson. Authorities have already arrested 14 individuals accused of intentionally starting multiple blazes in recent days. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the urgent deployment of eight Canadair planes from Italy, France, Greece, and Spain to support firefighting efforts.

(Sofia Ena) 

EU, Von der Leyen unveils the new College of Commissioners. On September 17, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the new College of Commissioners for the 2024-2029 term to the European Parliament. The team will consist of 27 members, including 11 women and 16 men. Among them, six will serve as Executive Vice Presidents, including Italy’s Raffaele Fitto, who will oversee the Cohesion and Reforms portfolio. The new Commission will focus on three main priorities: prosperity, security, and democracy, with a strong emphasis on the twin green and digital transitions. The stated goal is to guide the European Union towards sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, promoting economic security, and ensuring democratic stability. Von der Leyen also emphasized the commitment to maintaining political and geographical balance within the College, with commissioners representing both Western and Eastern EU member states. The team will handle key portfolios such as industrial policy, technological sovereignty, defense, and energy transition. New portfolios include those for the Mediterranean, defense and space, and crisis management.

(Sofia Ena) 

EU, von der Leyen announces loan to Ukraine. During her eighth visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the war, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a EUR 35 billion loan to Ukraine. The sum is part of a EUR 45 billion plan that had been announced in June by the G7 countries. It will be the profits from frozen Russian assets that will repay the loan, which will be disbursed gradually once the European Parliament and member states have approved the measure. No member states will be able to veto it and it will be up to Ukraine to decide how to use the money. Zelensky said the funds will be used for air-raid shelters, the manufacture of weapons produced in Ukraine, electricity production, and kindergartens.

(Bianca Franzini)

Bianca Franzini and Sofia Ena  

CENTRAL-EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a new loan of 35 billion euros in support of Ukraine. On her eighth trip to Ukraine since the conflict began, and her first since being re-elected, von der Leyen unveiled a new aid package. “Russia’s repeated attacks require ongoing support from the European Union. Therefore, the EU Commission will provide a loan of up to 35 billion euros, in line with the G7's commitment. This is a key contribution from the EU to Ukraine's recovery,” the Commission President declared. This commitment represents the EU’s share of the 46 billion euro plan promised by G7 countries last June, which uses frozen Russian assets as collateral. Initially, the plan called for the EU and the United States to each contribute 20 billion dollars, with the remainder funded by Canada, the UK, and Japan. However, technical discussions between European and US officials have slowed down the initiative, which has yet to reach a quick resolution.

Federico Cortese

Austria, Poland, and Romania are under the yoke of floods that have brought mud and disasters to the populations. The storm has caused severe blackouts, transport disruptions, and mass evacuations in several locations. A state of natural disaster has been declared everywhere: hundreds of thousands of homes are without electricity and drinking water. The roads are impassable, and rail transport has faced significant delays and cancellations. Although the weather is improving in the northern regions, the situation in Austria remains critical. Johanna Mikl-Leitner, governor of Lower Austria, highlighted that twelve dams have suffered severe damage and thirteen municipalities are still completely isolated. Over 2,000 people have been involved in rescue operations. In Vienna, four subway lines remain partially closed. Local authorities are closely monitoring water levels, trying to prevent further damage to the Austrian capital. Meanwhile, in Romania, the province of Galati, located in the southeast, has been the hardest hit. 

Federico Cortese

MIDDLE-EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)

Lebanon: Growing Risk of Conflict Escalation. In recent days, Israel detonated the communication devices, such as pagers and walkie-talkies, of several Hezbollah militants. The attacks on Hezbollah members—including some carried out in Syria—resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, including two children, and left around 3,000 injured. These events have triggered panic in Lebanon, especially in the southern regions where Hezbollah is concentrated. Israel's strikes weren't limited to communication devices: Tel Aviv also bombed a residential building in Beirut, killing 37 people, including 16 Hezbollah members, and injuring around 68 others. Among the victims was Ibrahim Aqil, a high-ranking commander of the Radwan special forces. On Saturday, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned that the risk of escalation between Lebanon and Israel is real, with the threat now "more acute." On the same day, Israel carried out 111 airstrikes, targeting around 180 military positions in southern and eastern Lebanon.

(Matteo Francescucci)

Gaza: Israel Strikes a School Complex. According to CNN, Israel bombed a school complex in Gaza, causing the deaths of around 22 people. Tel Aviv claimed the building was harbouring Hamas militants, although reporters from the American network were unable to verify these claims. The Gaza Press Office confirmed that 13 children, six women, and a three-month-old baby were among the victims. A woman interviewed by the American journalists said there had been no warning of the airstrikes, contrary to Israel’s assertions. She expressed deep outrage at the situation created by the war in Gaza.

(Matteo Francescucci)

Israel: Has Germany Halted Arms Exports to Tel Aviv? According to Reuters, a source close to Germany's Ministry of Economy reported that a government official had blocked the approval of arms export licences to Israel due to legal and political pressures linked to alleged violations of international humanitarian law. However, this claim has caused internal disagreements within the German government, and the Ministry of Economy quickly denied it, stating that exports would continue and that decisions would be made "on a case-by-case basis." Meanwhile, the UK has suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licences to Israel, also citing alleged violations of humanitarian law. Despite this, arms exports from Germany to Israel have already significantly decreased: between January and August, Berlin sold only a few thousand euros' worth of arms, compared to orders amounting to 14.5 million euros. In 2023, Germany had exported arms to Israel worth a total of 326 million euros. 

(Matteo Francescucci)

Matteo Francescucci and Michele Magistretti

TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Colombia, peace talks with ELN suspended. Last Wednesday, the Colombian government announced that it had temporarily halted peace talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN), the latter the most influential of the revolutionary groups still active in the South American country. Although the election of Gustavo Petro in 2022 initially led to a détente in relations between institutions and armed groups, even reaching a cease-fire agreement with the ELN itself (which ended last August), hostilities between the parties have flared up again in recent months. Last Tuesday's attack on the military base in Puerto Jordin, on the border with Venezuela, has in fact led the government to review the internal pacification process.

(Davide Shahhosseini)

Martinique, curfew instituted by French authorities. On the island belonging to the French West Indies archipelago, a curfew - from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.- has been imposed in some areas of the capital Fort-de-France, due to the violent demonstrations that took place in the last few months against the high inflation level. The clashes have left some 14 protesters and police injured. The curfew will last at least until Sept. 23 to prevent further nighttime violence. Residents have long complained of a much higher cost of living than in mainland France, and despite reassurances from Paris, inflation does not appear to be close to settling.

(Davide Shahhosseini)

United Nations: Resolution approved calling on Israel to end occupation of Palestinian territories.

The UN General Assembly has adopted a non-binding resolution, backed by Palestine, demanding Israel end its "illegal presence" in the occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months. The vote saw 124 nations in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstentions. While legally symbolic, the resolution reflects a global consensus and follows an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, which deemed Israel’s presence unlawful. Israel condemned the resolution as "diplomatic terrorism," while Palestinians hailed it as a major victory. The United States warned that the measure would not advance peace.

(Gonzalo Pereyra)

Russia-Ukraine war, Moscow’s army consolidates its offensive in the Donbass region.  The Russian military announced on Saturday that its forces had taken control of Jelannoe Pervoe, a small town in eastern Ukraine, as part of their continued advance against an overstretched Ukrainian army. Located in the Pokrovsk district, a key logistical hub for Ukrainian forces, the town's capture threatens further Russian progress in the region. Over recent weeks, Russian troops have made steady gains in Donetsk, including the capture of Krasnogorivka. Meanwhile, Ukraine has launched a large-scale attack on Russia’s Kursk region, as Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his goal to control the entire Donbass industrial region.

(Gonzalo Pereyra) 

Davide Shahhosseini and Gonzalo Pereyra

Framing The World is a project conceived and created by the collaboration between members of the team of Mondo Internazionale associates.

Aurelia Puliafito: Sub-Saharan Africa

Bianca Franzini: Western Europe and the European Union

Davide Shahhosseini: Terrorism and International Security

Federico Cortese: Central and Eastern Europe and Russia

Francesco Oppia: Asia and Far East 

Giulio Ciofini: Sub-Saharan Africa

Gonzalo Pereyra: Terrorism and International Security

Leonardo Aldeghi: Economics and International Finance

Leonardo Di Girolamo: Asia and Far East

Lisa Pasolini: Human Rights

Lorenzo Graziani: North America

Matteo Francescucci: Middle-East and North Africa 

Michele Magistretti: Middle-East and North Africa

Ratì Mugnani Provvedi: Asia and Far East 

Sofia Ena: Human Rights, Western Europe and the European Union