What is happening around the world, it’s all going a bit Pete Tong! It has been a huge week in the middle east, with a fracterous ceasefire the Israelis keep breaking, and an intensification of genocide in Gaza and what is happening in Syria? How did this flare up again? And then we have Biden ‘I am the law’ approach to the justice system. And how did Pakistan and Georgia become allies in repression, perhaps it is in moustache?!
Table of Contents
What is happening around the world
This Week in the Middle East: Old Conflict and Tensions Resurface
The Middle East has seen a tumultuous week, old conflict and tensions resurface to mark renewed questions about stability in the region.
A tenuous ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains in place, though tensions continue to simmer. In Gaza, reports of escalating violence have drawn widespread condemnation, with accusations of genocide intensifying scrutiny of Israel’s actions.
Meanwhile, Syria has returned to the geopolitical spotlight. Renewed violence raises questions about the underlying triggers for this resurgence in conflict. Analysts point to shifting regional alliances and unresolved power struggles as contributing factors.
This week from North America – I am the law Judge Biden/Dredd
President Biden faces a politically sensitive dilemma as he prepares to leave the White House; Justice or let his son experience the political prowess of President-elect Donald Trump. Some suggest Biden’s recent need to shield his son, Hunter Biden was necessary as he is a political target.
Unlikely allies in repression
In an unusual convergence, Pakistan and Georgia: have become unlikely allies in repression. Both governments have forcibly suppressed protests and detained opposition leaders.
These developments highlight a more serious trend of shrinking democratic spaces in countries grappling with inadequate opposition and a politically savvy public in Europe and Asia.
France delivers Banana republic budget – what did you expect?
France’s biggest problem at present is it is broke, it needs a bailout, but in the typical French way they don’t want to ask for a handout, well until it’s too late! And as a result the Budget was not what the french wanted so fo to the guillotine with Barniers head.
What is happening in Syria?
Syria, a nation rich in natural resources, has long been a focal point of geopolitical contention. The civil war, which began in 2011, quickly evolved into a proxy battleground between the United States and Russia and Iran.
The Roots of the Conflict
The Syrian conflict, initially sparked by localise unrest from a minority, was exacerbated by the CIA, who sought to destabilize the Assad regime as part of a broader strategy to promote a government more aligned with Western interests. This strategy aimed to secure influence over Syria’s valuable natural resources and strategic positioning.
In response, the Syrian government strengthened ties with allies Iran and Russia, with the U.S. and Israel supporting opposition groups, including variants of ISIS, to challenge Syrian forces.
The U.S. Withdrawal and its Aftermath
On December 19, 2018, President Trump announced a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, claiming the defeat of ISIS—a claim many analysts viewed skeptically, given the group’s fragmentation into successor organisations.
Recent Developments in Aleppo
Last week, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed group with roots in ISIS, launched attacks on Aleppo. Timed to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Syrian government, with Iran and Russia distracted on other conflicts. This development aligns with accusations that such groups are indirectly supported by external actors, including Israel, in pursuit of broader territorial ambitions in Syria.
A Redrawn Middle East?
Critics argue that the overarching goal of these interventions is to reshape the Middle East map, with Syria’s land and resources playing a critical role in advancing Israel’s and the U.S.’s strategic interests.
Biden Issues Controversial Pardon for His Son
President Joe Biden has issued an unconditional pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, sparking accusations of political favoritism and fueling public distrust in political leaders. The decision comes as Hunter, 54, faced potential federal prison sentences for gun possession and tax fraud charges.
The pardon marks a significant reversal for the president and critics argue that the move undermines this principle and exacerbates perceptions of political double standards.
Hunter Biden’s Legal Troubles and Charges
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have been ongoing for months. In June, a jury convicted him of illegally purchasing and possessing a firearm while using drugs. In September, he pleaded guilty to charges of evading payment on $1.4 million in taxes.
He was due to be sentenced on December 12 in Delaware for the gun charges and on December 16 in California for the tax offenses. Both cases had the potential to result in substantial prison sentences.
The Pardon and Its Justification
In his statement, President Biden defended his decision, citing what he described as politically motivated prosecutions. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden claimed.
This has broader implications for public confidence in the justice system.
The controversy underscores the challenges of maintaining trust in political leadership and the justice system, particularly when personal and political interests intersect so starkly.
Pakistan on the Brink: Protests and Political Turmoil
Pakistan is teetering on the edge of civil unrest, as the illegal detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has triggered widespread violence across the nation.
Protests and Escalating Violence
Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party took to the streets last week in protest against his detention, leading to violent clashes with security forces. Demonstrators have been met with a tough crackdown by the powerful Pakistani army, with reports of protesters being shot in the streets. Casualty figures remain unclear due to a media blackout enforced by the military.
The unrest reflects the deepening divide within the country, with Khan’s detention serving as a flashpoint for broader dissatisfaction with governance and the military’s dominance over national affairs.
Media Blackout and Military Control
The Pakistani army, often regarded as the country’s most influential institution, has moved swiftly to suppress coverage of the protests. Media outlets have been restricted from reporting on the violence, and access to social media platforms has reportedly been curtailed to prevent the spread of dissenting narratives.
Implications for Stability and Foreign Relations
Political stability in Pakistan is critical to maintaining international support and avoiding external intervention. However, the escalating violence and the army’s heavy-handed response risk exacerbating calls for U.S. involvement or international condemnation.
Georgia’s Political Divide: Protests and EU Aspirations
Georgia finds itself at a crossroads, as the government’s push for a “Brexit-like” mandate clashes with growing demands from a minority faction advocating for closer ties with the European Union.
Government Under Fire
The ruling party, elected on a platform emphasizing national sovereignty and a cautious approach to EU integration, is now facing sharp criticism from opposition groups and activists. These groups accuse the government of aligning with Russia, often using the label “pro-Putin” to undermine its legitimacy. Despite the rhetoric, the government maintains that its policies reflect the will of the electorate.
A Balancing Act with the EU
Georgia is not an EU member but had previously committed to pursuing accession. Officials argue that rapid alignment with EU requirements could inflict severe harm on the country’s economy.
A Divided Nation
The protests underscore the growing polarization within Georgian society. For the government, the challenge lies in navigating these tensions while preserving political stability and safeguarding its democratic mandate.
France’s is Broke
France’s biggest problem at present is it is broke! France is grappling with a mounting fiscal crisis, with government debt levels and budgetary constraints pushing the country into uncharted territory. The unveiling of Finance Minister Michel Barnier’s budget, was always going to be an issue, it was full of spending cuts and tax hikes a real Banana Republic budget.
Marine Le Pen and Political Manoeuvring
Amid the turmoil, far-right leader Marine Le Pen has emerged as a key figure capable of stabilizing the political landscape. However, ‘she is doing a Boris’ as her ambitions for the premiership have kept her from extending support to the government. Le Pen is reportedly gaining backing from financial institutions; She has ‘sold pension reforms’ align with banking interests than with the priorities of the French population.
Debt Dynamics and Market Reaction
The brewing crisis has spilled into financial markets. Last week, French borrowing costs reached parity with those of Greece—a stark indicator of eroding confidence in the nation’s fiscal health. This development marks the first time in history that France’s bond yields have aligned with those of a country synonymous with sovereign debt crises.
Implications for the EU
France’s financial struggles carry significant implications for the EU. France’s inability to adhere to fiscal targets undermines broader EU economic stability.
The coming months will test France’s ability to navigate its fiscal and political challenges while safeguarding its position within the EU with Macron eyeing a German bailout!
