Political chaos in South Korea, with cabinet resignations and impeachment moves against Mr. Yoon, threatens the three-way alliance with the U.S. and Japan amid rising tensions with China and North Korea. This instability is compounded by Donald Trump’s re-election in the U.S. and Japan’s political shake-up, weakening their leadership. Daniel Russel highlights the global reliance on Japan and South Korea for stability. Previously, concerns centered on Trump’s unpredictability, but now Yoon’s issues and Japan’s weakened leadership further destabilize the alliance. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 12:30 am
France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers united in a historic no-confidence vote, forcing Prime Minister Michel Barnier to resign, the first such event since 1962. The National Assembly approved the motion with 331 votes, surpassing the 288 needed. President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister after July’s elections led to a divided parliament. Barnier, the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic, faced opposition over his budget proposals. The National Assembly is divided among Macron’s centrist allies, the left-wing New Popular Front, and the far-right National Rally. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 12:30 am
Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been temporarily released from Tehran’s Evin prison on medical grounds after surgery. Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, confirmed the suspension of her sentence. Mohammadi, a women’s rights activist, has been imprisoned since 2021. Her family and supporters demand her permanent release, criticizing the temporary measure. A video shows her leaving an ambulance, chanting “Woman, Life, Freedom,” a protest slogan. The UN and the Norwegian Nobel Committee urge her unconditional release and proper medical care. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 12:30 am
Climate justice campaigners criticized the US for opposing legal obligations to combat climate change at the ICJ hearing. The US argued existing non-binding treaties like the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement should suffice. Activists, including Vishal Prasad and Ashfaq Khalfan, condemned the US stance, accusing it of evading responsibility. Major emitters like Australia, China, and Saudi Arabia also opposed legal accountability. Vulnerable nations seek ICJ advisory opinions to enforce obligations and secure compensation for climate impacts. The hearings aim to elevate science and ensure international law addresses climate realities. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 12:30 am
Syrian rebels have made significant advances, capturing Aleppo and threatening Hama, increasing pressure on President Assad. Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani was seen in Aleppo’s citadel, symbolizing opposition control. The loss of Aleppo has shocked Assad and allies Russia and Iran, who are intensifying support. The UN warns of Syria’s deteriorating situation. Fighting continues around Hama, a key city, as rebels push forward. Moscow and Tehran, long-time Assad allies, are bolstering efforts amid regional conflicts, with Russia increasing airstrikes and Iran deploying militia support. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 12:30 am
Pakistan’s northwest, particularly the Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has experienced sectarian violence for decades, primarily between Sunni and Shi’ite communities. In a recent outbreak, over 80 people were killed in clashes from November 21-23, 2023, after gunmen attacked a Shi’ite convoy, prompting retaliatory attacks on Sunnis. A cease-fire was announced on November 24. Kurram, with a significant Shi’ite population, has seen thousands killed in land disputes and sectarian violence, exacerbated by militant groups like the TTP and Islamic State-Khorasan targeting Shi’ites. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 12:30 am
The Iranian parliament approved a hijab and chastity bill mandating women to wear hijabs, with strict penalties for non-compliance. This follows increased defiance since Jina Mahsa Amini’s 2022 death, which sparked protests and the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. The law, drafted by the judiciary, imposes fines up to 20 months’ salary for improper hijab use, with additional penalties for non-payment. It also mandates CCTV use for enforcement and criminalizes promoting items encouraging “nudity.” Critics argue it aims to suppress women’s demands and bolster regime supporters. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
During a summit in Angola, President Biden, 82, appeared to rest his eyes for over a minute while Tanzania’s Vice President spoke. The moment, caught on video, led to social media speculation that he fell asleep. Despite this, Biden was otherwise alert and delivered remarks before and after. The White House did not comment. Observers like Clay Travis and Jake Schneider criticized the incident, questioning the decision to have Biden on a three-day trip to Africa. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly, intensifying a political crisis and casting doubt on next year’s budget. The vote, supported by far-left and hard-right parties, followed Barnier’s use of special powers to pass budget measures without parliamentary approval. Barnier is expected to resign, and President Macron faces pressure, with calls for early elections. The crisis stems from unpopular austerity measures aimed at reducing France’s deficit, which currently exceeds EU limits. This marks the first no-confidence toppling of a French government in over 60 years. Ava Sinclair 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
Nika Gvaramia, a leader of Georgia’s opposition Coalition for Change party, was detained and beaten unconscious by police in Tbilisi amid ongoing protests. Video shows him being carried away by officers. Elene Khoshtaria, founder of the Droa party, reported police aggression and office raids. The unrest follows the ruling Georgian Dream party’s suspension of EU talks and a disputed election. Protests have been met with a harsh police response, with opposition parties boycotting parliament and demanding a re-run of the election. Penelope Kingsley 04/12/2024 9:00 pm
