Friday, January 31

Diplomacy

The GER covers diplomacy, international organizations, and meetings. Looking beyond our individual political systems we find people and organizations working to make life better for people in both conflict-ridden places as well as secure, developed countries. It is not enough to focus on the end results of international relations. It’s worth focusing on the day-to-day work of diplomacy. Often, that’s where breakthroughs occur.

Russia Severs Ties With NATO After 25 Years
19Oct By Srinidhi RajagopalNo Comments
Diplomacy, Globalization, Global Disintegration, Types of News: Brief

Russia Severs Ties With NATO After 25 Years

October 19, 2021—In another indication of global disintegration, Russia severed its ties with the 30-member NATO alliance. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the country's withdrawal on Monday. It came in reaction to NATO expelling eight Russian diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance earlier this month. NATO had accused the representatives of spying on the Western alliance for Russia. The historic decision to end relations with NATO signifies the growing tensions between Russia and the West, and in particular the NATO alliance. Russia had taken part in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program since 1994. While a formal statement addressing the latest developments from the Russian Foreign Ministry is yet to be released, Lavrov said that urgent issues between Rus...
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Venezuela ‘Envoy’ Faces Day In U.S. Court
18Oct By Ernesto RodriguezNo Comments
Corruption, Bribes, Illicit Finance & Money Laundering, Diplomacy, Types of News: Brief

Venezuela ‘Envoy’ Faces Day In U.S. Court

Alex Saab Faces Charges Of Money Laundering, Bribery Corruption October 18, 2021—After months in prison in Cape Verde, Alex Saab finally crossed the Atlantic on Saturday under extradition orders by the United States. Today, he appeared in federal court in Miami, Florida, where he faces charges of violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Specifically, the U.S. Justice Department accuses Saab, a Columbian citizen, of laundering proceeds of an illegal bribery scheme from Venezuela bank accounts to and through U.S. bank accounts. No Ordinary Case It is not an ordinary corruption case. That is because he is a close affiliate of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an authoritarian leader who controls much of the weak economy. The two are so close, in fact, that the Mad...
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Afghan Women, Children and Journalism Struggle Under the Taliban Rule
15Oct By Ramsha ZubairiNo Comments
Domestic Politics, Human rights, Types of News: Analysis, UN Security Council

Afghan Women, Children and Journalism Struggle Under the Taliban Rule

October 15, 2021—Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, women in the country are showing bravery against a backdrop of severe restrictions against normal life. "Women are not giving up, they are protesting for their rights which are in line with our religion and international human rights." - Samira Hamidi Broken Promises Early on, the Taliban declared amnesty for all citizens and promised to reform their old ways. The government reassured its citizens and international human rights groups it would give "equal rights to women as per the laws of Islam." Furthermore, Taliban officials promised freedom of media and protection of former government employees. But in the few months under the new leadership, the world has witnessed numerous reports from the United Nations and other...
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Egypt Aims To Deescalate Tensions Between Israel-Hamas
30Sep By Srinidhi RajagopalNo Comments
Diplomacy, Foreign Aid, International Development, Middle East

Egypt Aims To Deescalate Tensions Between Israel-Hamas

U.S. National Security Envoy Met With Egyptian Leader In Cairo To Discuss Aid, Regional Issues September 30, 2021—Amid rising tensions between Israel and Hamas as well as violence in the Occupied Palestinian territories, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, flew to Cairo, Egypt to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Wednesday. The meetings covered a variety of bilateral and regional issues, according to reporting by the UAE-based The National. They discussed Libya's political roadmap, the situations in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Tunisia, and ideas to revive the Israel-Palestinian peace talks. Reconstruction of the Gaza Strip Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is hoping to once again lay the groundwork for peace in neighboring Israel and Palestinian t...
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The World Is ‘Off Track’ On Climate Action
27Sep By Guest WriterNo Comments
Climate Action, ESG, Sustainable Finance, Diplomacy, Types of News: Brief, UN Security Council

The World Is ‘Off Track’ On Climate Action

Leaders Pledge Action And Finance For Climate Initiatives At UN General Assembly Matthew Lauster is a freelance writer living in Washington, D.C. Matthew graduated from the College at Brockport State University of New York with a BA's of Science in Journalism and Broadcasting and a Minor in History. He has previously reported on climate change for George Washington University's Planet Forward. September 27, 2021—As the world’s leaders convene in New York this month for the 76th United Nations General Assembly, they are discussing national and multilateral efforts to address the many challenges the world faces. At the top of many of their lists is climate change, and its drastic impacts around the world. "Without deep and rapid decarbonization of our energy systems over the nex...
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Taliban Seeks UN Recognition, Says It Has Its Own Income Sources
24Sep By Srinidhi RajagopalNo Comments
Diplomacy, Foreign Aid, International Development, Types of News: Brief

Taliban Seeks UN Recognition, Says It Has Its Own Income Sources

At The Same Time, The Taliban Rejects 'Interference' And Rights Of Women And Girls September 24, 2021—Just as the world is coming to terms with a complete takeover of the Taliban in Afghanistan, the organization has written a request to join the talks at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly. Challenges Expected The unexpected request, which was addressed to the U.N. Secretary-General, is an example of the political challenges the Taliban now face.  According to reporting by the Associated Press, the U.N. committee that generally meets in November will issue a ruling “in due course.” The bigger issue is how to gain legitimacy after forcefully taking over the country in the vacuum of power left by U.S. and NATO forces. It's true the former Afghan government and mil...
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Central Asia Looks To Regional Alliances, UN For Leadership
23Sep By Patti MohrNo Comments
Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Globalization, Global Disintegration, Types of News: Analysis, UN Security Council

Central Asia Looks To Regional Alliances, UN For Leadership

September 23, 2021--Leaders from Pakistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian countries are strengthening regional alliances and looking to the international community for help in dealing with the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and security concerns in the region. In the absence of U.S. and NATO military involvement in Afghanistan, new partnerships and ways of thinking are taking shape to influence the region. Of first and foremost concern for many of the area’s leaders is the massive humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said it is in the international community's collective interest to support the people of Afghanistan. “This moment should not be squandered," he said. “We must remember that the previous Afghanistan government survived on...
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India Raises Concerns About Rising Regional Extremism
17Sep By Srinidhi RajagopalNo Comments
Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Types of News: Brief

India Raises Concerns About Rising Regional Extremism

September 17, 2021—Meeting with regional leaders in Tajikistan today, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern that the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan could exacerbate extremism in the area. "I believe the biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security and a trust deficit," Modi said. "The root cause of these problems is the increasing radicalization. Afghanistan has made this challenge more clear." Taliban Influence Abroad Diplomatic leaders in India's capital New Delhi are apprehensive about the growing influence of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the progress of peace talks between the two countries. The biggest challenges India faces as a result of the Taliban takeover in Kabul, seem to be peace, security and trust deficit. The Indian Exter...
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Venezuela Ups the Ante In Talks With Opposition Leaders
17Sep By Ernesto RodriguezNo Comments
Diplomacy, Domestic Politics, Political Systems, Domestic Politics, Sanctions, Types of News: Analysis

Venezuela Ups the Ante In Talks With Opposition Leaders

Next Round Of Talks In Mexico Are Scheduled For Sept. 24-27; Venezuela Now Wants Alex Saab Part Of Its Delegation Mexico is hosting talks between the Venezuela government and the opposition. Photo: Norway Foreign Ministry of Affairs Editors Note: Venezuela has been in the grips of political and economic crises for much of the past decade. It is the poorest country in South America with a per capita GDP of $3,374. Roughly 94 percent of the country lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. Nicolás Maduro, the successor to Hugo Chavez, rules the country with authoritarian control. The government controls much of the economy through ownership of major enterprises, price controls, and an overdependence on the state-run oil sector. And under Maduro's leadership and against the ...
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After Afghanistan’s Fall, Europe Seeks Greater Autonomy Over Its Foreign Policy
3Sep By Patti MohrNo Comments
Diplomacy, Europe, EU, Eurozone, Types of News: Videos

After Afghanistan’s Fall, Europe Seeks Greater Autonomy Over Its Foreign Policy

September 3, 2021--Disappointed about the way the U.S. military and political leadership withdrew from Afghanistan, European Union leaders said they have to strengthen their own defense capabilities and build stronger autonomy in foreign policy decisions. "What we need is a strong and common voice in the international scene," said David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament. "Europe must take up its own responsibility, must have a voice, which can be heard, and must set and protect its own interests." -Sept. 1 at the Bled Strategic Forum Reduce Reliance and Strengthen Auonomy President of the European Council Charles Michel, said the "chaotic withdraw from Afghanistan" forces European leaders to "reduce our dependenc...
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