Framing The World, CXXXV Edition

  Articoli (Articles)
  Redazione
  22 July 2024
  17 minutes, 28 seconds




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


France, hijab ban for athletes sparks controversy. The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics are facing controversy over the ban on athletes wearing hijabs. Additionally, the IOC is criticized for failing to uphold the principles of freedom of expression and religion. This restriction is unique in Europe and extends to other sports in France, forcing many Muslim athletes to choose between their sports careers and their religious freedom. French authorities, with over 20 years of laws on clothing, are accused of fostering prejudice and Islamophobia.

(Sofia Ena)

South Korea, Supreme Court Grants Historic Victory for Same-Sex Couples. On July 18, 2024, South Korea's Supreme Court upheld the right of same-sex couples to receive state health insurance benefits. This ruling follows a case brought by a same-sex couple arguing that denying them spousal coverage under the National Health Insurance Service was discriminatory. The court's decision overturns previous lower court rulings, setting a significant precedent for recognizing same-sex relationships in South Korea, where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized. The Supreme Court emphasized that all citizens should have equal access to health benefits, regardless of sexual orientation. This ruling could pave the way for broader legal recognition of same-sex couples in the future.

(Lorenzo Franceschetti)

Sofia Ena and Lorenzo Franceschetti



ECONOMICS AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE

China, the economy is slowing. China’s economy grew 4.7% year on year in the second quarter, official data showed on Monday, missing forecasts and marking a slower rate of expansion compared with the previous three months. GDP had been expected to rise 5.1% in the second quarter based on economists polled by Reuters, after the +5.3% achieved in the first quarter. Positive news came from industrial production, which grew 5.3% in June, beating expectations, and exports, which rose 8.6% in dollar terms, but these were counterbalanced by retail sales rising just 2%, widely below expectations. Moreover, the Chinese economy is still grappling with weak consumer demands (imports declined 2.3%) and a lackluster property sector: in the first half of the year, new construction starts and property investment were down 23.7% and 10.1% respectively.

China, a domestic focus. The data release came as the Chinese Communist party’s Central Committee on Monday launched its third plenum, a four-day meeting in which the country’s leadership is expected to set the direction of economic policy, the first such event in 6 years. In the press conference that followed the event, but before the final resolution was published, Han Wenxiu, deputy director at the Chinese Communist Party’s central committee office for financial and economic affairs, identified the real estate market, the domestic high-tech sector and domestic demand as keys to improve the country’s economy. Another top party official added that though external uncertainties due to trade tensions have increased, “they will not impact China’s commitment to and confidence in continued deepening of reform and further opening up” of markets.

ECB, rates unchanged. After last month’s landmark cut, the European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged at 3.75% on Thursday, on par with the consensus of economists surveyed by Bloomberg. The ECB reiterated its goal of keeping borrowing rates “sufficiently restrictive for as long as necessary” to ensure inflation returns to 2%. “The incoming information supports the Governing Council’s previous assessment of the medium-term inflation outlook. "At the same time, domestic price pressures are still high, services inflation is elevated and headline inflation is likely to remain above the target well into next year.” As in past occasions, the ECB reiterated its “data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach.” President Christine Lagarde also added that “inflation is expected to fluctuate around current levels for the rest of this year, partly owing to energy-related base effects, and to decline towards our target over the second half of next year, owing to weaker growth in labor costs, the effect of our restrictive monetary policy and the fading impact of the past inflation surge."

Federal Reserve, rate cuts in September? Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said last Monday that the central bank will not wait until inflation hits 2% to cut interest rates. Speaking at the Economic Club of Washington D.C., Powell explained that the Fed would not wait for its target to be hit because central bank policy works with “long and variable lags”. “The implication of that is that if you wait until inflation gets all the way down to 2%, you’ve probably waited too long, because the level of tightness that you have is still having effects which will probably drive inflation below 2%,” Powell said. Instead, the Fed is looking to achieve a “greater confidence” that inflation will return to the 2% level to decide when to cut rates. “What increases that confidence in that is more good inflation data, and lately here we have been getting some of that,” he said. Investors are now convinced that the Fed will cut rates at its policy meeting in September, and these words only increased confidence in such a decision, now rated with a 93.3% probability of happening.

Leonardo Adelghi



SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Burkina Faso, climate of growing instability. On July 13, radio commentator Alain Traoré, known as Alain Alain, and Colonel Yves Didier Bamouni were abducted from their homes. The former was taken by men who presented themselves as intelligence agents. Bamouni by masked people, who also took another military man who was with him. Three other journalists have disappeared under suspicious circumstances in Burkina Faso since late June, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Rwanda, Bulgarian majority for President Paul Kagame. On July 16, with 80 percent of the ballots counted, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, in office since 2000, emerged the winner of a fourth presidential term, thanks to 99.15 percent of preferences expressed by the voters. The assessment, shared in a joint note, of observers sent by the African Union and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) is positive: the vote was reportedly held in a “peaceful and secure” atmosphere, while the citizenry, media and civil society were “adequately involved” to ensure “information and participation.” A sore point, however, is the “prevalence of majority party delegates” at polling stations.

Kenya, changing everything so that nothing changes. President William Ruto announced on July 11 the dissolution of the government, following a wave of protests triggered by a highly unpopular financial bill. Vice President Rigathi Gachagua and Foreign Minister and First Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi will be retaining their roles. On July 16, protesters returned to the streets in various cities across the country. In Nairobi, one person died in clashes with police.

Aurelia Puliafito



NORTH AMERICA

United States of America, Trump’s vision over Taiwan. Donald Trump called into question Washington’s support for Taiwan should he win the presidential elections in November, saying that Taiwan should pay the US for protection from China. Former US President said that the US is “no different than an insurance company” and that Taiwan doesn’t give the US anything. In response, Taiwan’s Premier, Cho Jung-tai, said that Taiwan is grateful for the American support and that they are “working hard” to increase their self-defense capabilities. “Taiwan and the US share a common responsibility for the Indo-Pacific region” told to a press briefing Cho Jung-tai, “and we are willing to do more to defend ourselves and protect our security”.

Canada, the G7 draws closer Italy and Canada. On the 16th of July, Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. After Minister Ng expressed her appreciation of Italy’s 2024 G7 presidency, they discussed about the implementation of the Italy-Canada Road Map for Enhanced Cooperation, an agreement that outlines areas for a deeper engagement between the two countries launched by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during the G7 Summit. Some of the areas of interest are: energy security and clean transition, trade and investment, research and innovation, and the maintenance of an open and fair international trading system.

Lorenzo Graziani

LATIN AMERICA

Cuba, new immigration law is approved by parliament. On July 17, the new immigration law was unanimously approved by the deputies of the Cuban Assembly. From 2022/2023 data, the number of emigrants recorded in a single year alone is 533,000, out of a population of 11 million. Prensa Latina, Cuba's official news agency reported its approval. Among the new features will be the possibility of maintaining residency for an unrestricted period of time, unlike the previous legislation that provided for a loss of property after 24 months. What is more, the new legislation also provides for the establishment of the Financial Destination Fund in the context of migration emergencies. This approval consists of a legal system updated to the needs of the country, which is subject to a new socio-economic model in response to a severe economic crisis. In the data: 3 million migrants, mainly to the United States, Spain, Mexico and Italy.

Serena Basso



ASIA AND THE FAR EAST

India, Modi visits Moscow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow this week, marking his first trip since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Modi met with President Vladimir Putin at his residence and held talks aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit comes amid rising tensions between India and China, with Russia increasingly aligning with China. Modi's visit underscores India’s continued emphasis on defense cooperation with Russia, despite diversifying its arms procurement. Russia remains a major defense supplier for India, though delays have occurred due to the Ukraine conflict. Trade between the two countries has surged, with discussions likely focusing on a maritime corridor between India and Russia’s Far East. Modi's visit may also help boost Putin's international standing amid limited travel due to an International Criminal Court warrant.

South Korea, Seul resumed propaganda at the border. South Korea has resumed propaganda broadcasts into North Korea in retaliation for recent balloon launches from the North carrying waste materials. The broadcasts, which began Thursday evening, were the first in about 40 days and included K-pop songs and news on South Korea’s major companies. This action could provoke a strong reaction from North Korea, which is highly sensitive to outside influence. In the past, similar broadcasts have led to military tensions. North Korea's recent balloon campaigns, carrying various forms of waste, were described by South Korea as provocations. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister threatened severe consequences for South Korean provocations.

Francesco Oppia

WESTERN EUROPE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

EU Parliament, Roberta Metsola re-elected President. On Tuesday 16 July the Maltese popular Roberta Metsola was re-elected as President of the European Parliament. In Strasbourg, Metsola received 562 votes in favour out of 699 voters; she won the votes of the Socialists, Populars and Liberals, as well as the Greens, Radical Left and Conservatives. She stated that she wanted to ‘create a bridge between what people expect from the European Union and what we can offer them’ and reiterated her intentions of strengthening the legislative role of the Parliament, referring to the fact that the European Parliament, unlike national parliaments, has no right of initiative.

(Bianca Franzini)

France, Macron accepted the prime minister's resignation. President Emmanuel Macron has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal: the French government remains in office for ‘current affairs’ only, at least until the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the meantime, the political forces, still far from finding an agreed prime minister, must come to an understanding. However, the "gauche" is in crisis: some ten days after its victory in the legislative elections, in which the New Popular Front obtained a majority, the two poles of the alliance (La France Insoumise on the left and the Socialist Party in the centre) seem to be unable to come to an agreement and there are no negotiations underway. Negotiations for the creation of a new government remain difficult. As far as the appointment of the "Assemblée" positions is concerned, Macron's aim is to prevent the Rassemblement National from gaining access to important posts.

(Bianca Franzini) 


EU, Von der Leyen Confirmed as President of the European Commission. The Populars, Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens have renewed their confidence in Ursula von der Leyen, confirming her leadership of the European Commission for another five years. With 401 votes in favor out of 720, the European Parliament approved her reconfirmation until 2029, highlighting the solidity of the centrist majority and the irrelevance of the opposition from the 24 members of Fratelli d'Italia.Following the European Council's nomination on June 27, the decisive vote took place during the plenary session of the Parliament in Strasbourg on July 18. Von der Leyen expressed herself as “profoundly grateful” for the confidence shown in her, promising to work “as intensively and as best as possible with those who have supported me.”

(Sofia Ena)

Bianca Franzini and Sofia Ena

CENTRAL-EASTERN EUROPE AND RUSSIA

Ukraine, Pediatric Hospital in Kiev Bombed. The Okhmatdyt Pediatric Hospital in Kiev, the largest facility of its kind in the country, has been severely damaged in a recent attack. Ukrainian security services (SBU) confirmed that a Russian X-101 cruise missile struck the hospital, with fragments bearing serial numbers verifying its origin. The Russian military has denied responsibility, claiming the hospital was hit by debris from Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles, but has not provided supporting evidence. Joyce Msuya, the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs at the UN Security Council, stated: “Attacking a hospital is a war crime, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

(Sofia Ena)

MIDDLE-EAST AND NORTH AFRICA (MENA)

Libya, the Tripoli Trans-Mediterranean Forum. Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni, accompanied by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, attended the Trans-Mediterranean Migration Forum in Tripoli on July 17. In the previous days, Minister Emad Al-Trabelsi noted the crisis has worsened over the past decade. He highlighted the need to regularize part of the 2.5 million immigrants in Libya. The forum opened with the theme "Strengthening Security and Integrated Border Management and the Libyan State's Vision to Address Irregular Migration." Piantedosi emphasized the importance of a "strategic regional approach" and bilateral cooperation between Rome and Tripoli. Prime Minister Dbeibeh stressed the importance of effectively using funds to tackle migration, noting that "The resources used over the past 50 years have solved nothing," and called for a new approach focused on the countries of origin.

(Matteo Francescucci)

Israel, the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the settlement policies in the West Bank. In a non-binding advisory opinion requested by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Court of Justice has ruled Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal. The text states, "The illegality pertains to the entire Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967” referring to Israel’s policies as undermining of the Palestinian people's ability to exercise their right to self-determination. PM Netanyahu responded, asserting that the Jewish people are not occupiers of the land "of their ancestors" nor of the "Eternal Capital Jerusalem," declaring the legality of Israeli settlements in all parts of their homeland as indisputable. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas celebrated the decision, calling it a "victory for justice" and urging the international community to demand the cessation of occupation and settlement activities in the West Bank. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that ceasefire negotiations in Gaza are nearing the "finish line."

(Matteo Francescucci)

Israel, the response to the Houthi attack. At dawn on Friday, June 19, an Iranian-made enhanced drone struck a building in downtown Tel Aviv after traveling about 2,000 kilometers, killing one person and wounding ten others. The spokesperson for the Houthi armed group, supported by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, which caught the Israeli air defense system off guard. Following the incident, Chief Spokesperson for the Israeli Army Daniel Hagari stated that the drone was detected by air defenses, but a "human error" prevented its interception, announcing an investigation to clarify the matter further. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant promised to "settle the score" regarding the incident. Consequently, on July 20th - as reported by the New York Times - the Israeli Air Force responded to the attack by bombing the Yemeni port of Hodeida, targeting oil and gas depots and several "dual-use" civilian facilities.

(Matteo Francescucci)

Oman, first ISIS attack: For the first time, militiamen of the Islamic State carry out their first attack in the Sultanate of the Arabian Peninsula, causing the death of six people and the wounding of twenty-eight others. The attack was symbolically directed against a Shia mosque, a minority in the country and one of the historical targets of the Sunni extremist organisation, which wanted to hit this community during the Ashura celebrations, the tenth day of the month of Muharram. The small and peaceful sultanate is thus shaken by the ferocity of sectarian terrorism.

(Michele Magistretti)

Michele Magistretti and Matteo Francescucci



TERRORISM AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

Bangladesh, violent clashes between protesters and police forces. At least 19 people were killed in Monday's clashes at the University of Dhaka, where thousands of students, together with other groups of opponents to the current government, occupied the institute in brutal clashes. What the Bengali students are clamouring for is a reform of the public sector job allocation system, regulating the selection of administrative officials on the basis of a meritocracy principle. In fact, on the basis of a law from the 1970s, 30% of the key positions in the civil service are reserved for family members of veterans of the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan, thus fostering a veritable caste system.

(Davide Shahhosseini)

United Kingdom, funding to UNRWA restored. One of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first foreign policy moves since his election victory on 4 July is the resumption of funding to UNRWA, the UN agency that provides aid to Palestinian refugees. London had suspended funding in January, before Labour returned to government, following Israeli accusations against some of the agency's employees of their involvement in the events of 7 October. Foreign Minister David Lammy announced that the government would provide UNRWA with GBP 21 million (about EUR 25 million), emphasising the severity of malnutrition in Gaza and the importance of humanitarian aid as a moral necessity.

(Davide Shahhosseini)

Niger and Turkey, a new step in the de-westernization of the country. A Turkish delegation composed of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Energy, and the head of the national intelligence agency MIT was welcomed on Thursday, July 18, in Niamey by their Nigerien counterparts and President Tchiani. Following the withdrawal of Western troops and companies from Niger, the two countries have entered into cooperation agreements in the areas of intelligence and defense, agreements that could lead to significant progress in the fight against jihadist terrorism in the Sahel. Additionally, the Nigerien government has invited Turkish mining and petroleum companies to invest in Niger's industry.

(Gonzalo Pereyra)

IDF and Houthis, Attack on Tel Aviv and Israeli Retaliation. The Houthis have tested a new model of Iranian drone, launching an offensive against Israel’s most populous city, resulting in one death and eight injuries. In response, the IDF bombarded the Yemeni port of Hodeidah and surrounding areas, sending a clear message to Iran, the main Houthi sponsor. The number of casualties from the Israeli retaliation remains unknown. In addition to the port, crucial for the delivery of humanitarian aid, oil infrastructures were also targeted. This marks the first time the Houthis have launched an offensive against Israel, and vice versa. It remains to be confirmed whether the IDF's actions were supported by a U.S.-led international coalition.

(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.

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

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

Lisa Pasolini: Human Rights

Lorenzo Franceschetti: Human Rights

Lorenzo Graziani: North America

Matteo Francescucci: Middle-East and North Africa

Michele Magistretti: Middle-East and North Africa

Serena Basso: Latin America

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



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