Middle East
Russia attempt to export ‘defence equipment’ to Syria
A plane carrying Russian-made ‘defence equipment’ bound for Syrian Defence Ministry has been intercepted in Turkish airspace. The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkish security forces intercepted the plane and forced its landing. He said, “Passenger aircraft cannot carry ammunition and defence equipment […], unfortunately there was such equipment on board”. A tip off forced air control to intercept the plane which both Syria and Russia deny carried any sort of ‘defence equipment’. Last week Turkey launched an attack on Syria in reaction to a Syrian air strike that killed five Turkish citizens. Russia and Syria have long exercised a strong relationship. This year, the United Kingdom’s coast guard intercepted Russian tanks on route to Syria. Moreover, Russia has also used its veto to effectively disable the United Nations’ Security Council and left analysts blaming Russia in part for the resignation of the region’s peace envoy, Kofi Annan.
Hezbollah admit drone shot down by Israel is theirs
The leader of Lebanese Shea militancy, Hezbollah, has taken responsibility for the flight of a drone last week that was shot down by Israeli security forces. The admition came on the militant movement’s own broadcast system, saying the drone surveyed “sensitive sites” and has connections with Iran. The drone was shot down by Israeli fighter pilots who, according to the Israeli Prime Minister, were “acting with determination to protect our borders.” The Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu added, “As we prevented last weekend an attempt by Hezbollah, we shall continue to act aggressively against all threats”.
Latin America
Chavez names new Vice-President
Hugo Chavez has named Nicolas Maduro as his Vice-President, after winning his fourth six-year term as incumbent President of Venezuela. Mr Maduro has been close to President Chavez for years; since 2006 he has served as foreign minister. Previous to becoming a senior advisor to the President he was a bus driver. The announcement was made after Mr. Chavez was officially sworn in at the National Electoral Commission. Sunday’s election was the closest Chavez has come to loosing the Presidency since coming to power in 1999.
Europe
Record unemployment in Greece
In July this year 1 out of 4 Greek citizens were out of work, at 25.1%. According to official figures the level among 15-24 year olds is over half, although this includes some still in education. The sobering statistics mean that 1000 jobs were lost every day across Greece for an entire year since June 2011. The news comes after unrest has startled Athens with the arrival of German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Many have criticised the German government for not offering Euro-bonds as a partner within the single currency. The Greek economy is surviving off international bailouts, however Greece is likely to head into another recession.
North America
Vice-President candidates go face to face
The running mates of President Obama and challenging Republican Mitt Romney are due in a face off on live television. The Democrat candidate Joe Biden and Republic Vice-President nominee Paul Ryan are clashing for ninety minutes in the city of Louisville as polls tighten. The race is becoming increasingly unpredictable as polls suggest that Mr Obama’s lead has been effectively erased in key swing states. It was largely considered that Romney ‘won’ the last TV debate, despite Obama being ahead in the polls for the majority of the time.
About the Author
