Heightened tensions overshadow G20
The annual meeting of the world’s major economies took place this past week against the backdrop of mounting tensions across the globe.
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December 2017
Australia Votes “Yes” to Same Sex Marriage
A majority of Australians voted in support of the legalization of same-sex marriage in a public opinion survey issued on November 15. While the vote was certainly momentous, it also helped to expose a rift that is present in Australian society.
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Myanmar: Military Commits Systemic Sexual Abuse of Rohingya
Both Myanmar’s military and civil government have consistently denied accusations of human rights violations, but Rex Tillerson described the conflict as “horrific” and said that there had been “crimes against humanity.”
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Bonn Climate Conference Shows Hope for Paris Agreement
November 6 leading into November 17 saw almost 200 nations gathered in Bonn, Germany for the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference. And although President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement, big name politicians are determined to stay at the table by spearheading the America’s Pledge.
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Trump Administration Adjusts Decision to Close Palestine Liberation Organization Mission
United States officials announced that the Palestine Liberation Organization Mission in Washington D.C. could not stay open. This decision stemmed from a strict interpretation of U.S law by Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson.
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Yemen Blockade Threatens Famine
With more than 20 million Yemenis, including 11 million children, in need of urgent aid, the United Nations is calling for a lifting of the blockade implemented by Saudi Arabia, calling the deepening crisis the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
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The First Committee of the General Assembly: Insiders View
Writer, Catherine Doolan, attended meetings of the First Committee of the General Assembly on disarmament and international security and was able to witness diplomacy firsthand and debate on crucial disarmament topics.
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Iran-Iraq Earthquake Leaves Hundreds Dead, Thousands Injured
On November 12, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the Iran-Iraq border, injuring over 7000 people and killing over 500 more. The earthquake sent out seismic shockwaves, reportedly reaching as far as Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey.
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Focus on Absolute Monarchs: Brunei
The small nation of Burnei, with a landmass equal to that of Delaware, has been governed by absolute monarch Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since the nation gained its independence in 1968.
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Focus on Absolute Monarchs: Saudi Arabia
The prince’s success depends on his ability to simultaneously consolidate power, stymie dissent, reshape the country socially and economically, and pursue a high-risk foreign policy against Iran.
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