Africa and Middle East
Syria urgency heightens in crisis
Reports of new fighting have come out of Syria’s two main cities Damascus and Aleppo. Both are strategically very important to both rebels and official forces as the country’s capital and financial centre, respectively. Rebels are trying to secure their positions as government forces clash, with reports of air artillery use. The violence comes after the United Nations’ (UN) General assembly votes to criticize the Security Council’s inability to bring about a resolution and days after Kofi Annan stepped down as the region’s peace envoy. The UN has explicitely condemned the violence.
Iran tests 300 km range missile
The Iranian defense minister has confirmed reports today that the country’s military have tested a missile with a 300 km range. The state IRIB TV website reported that the tests were “successful”. The missile itself is capable of hitting targets on sea and land, and is extremely accurate. The official discourse is that new such additions to the country’s arsenal are for deterrent purposes. The Iran now has the capability to hit U.S. military bases in the surrounding region, including Israel. The government said that now with such capabilities it would give a firm response to any external aggression.
Sudan and South Sudan ignite diplomacy
Sudan and South Sudan have settled the oil dispute, which began after South Sudan’s independence last July. The previous disagreements nearly brought war between the two countries and proved hugely detrimental for their economies. The agreement follows the visit by U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton and is three days on from the expiry of a United Nations Deadline.
Europe
Spain considers bail-out option
Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy, has said that he was considering the bailout options after borrowing costs fell below 7% yesterday. Bailouts across Europe in Greece, Ireland and Portugal have all occurred when borrowing costs were above 7%. At a press conference Mr. Rajoy has said that the actions of the government will be within the public interest.
Clegg to drop Lords reform
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is due next week to officially abandon his commitment to the Lords reform, PoliticsHome claim. It comes after the Prime Minister has been unable to overcome Conservative backbench opposition. Front Benchers of the Liberal Democrats however have warned that the split would leave the Coalition in “unchartered territory”.
Asia
North Korea floods death toll rises
Floods in North Korea have killed 169 people with a further 400 reported missing. The state news agency has also claimed that a further 212, 000 people are homeless. The floods have destroyed farmland and infrastructure, which has proved detrimental for an already dire food programme. The UN’s World Food Programme and NGOs are responding to requests by the country for food aid.
Latin America
Record amount of marijuana destroyed
A police spokesman in Peru has said that over 50 tonnes of the Marijuana plant has been destroyed. The operation took nearly a week and saw the destruction of a record 207, 000 plants across two regions. The substantial confiscation amounts to 17 times more than that in the whole of last year, the Interior minister has said. Police say they are pursuing leads to make arrests.
About the Author
