The Glocalist (2026)

27/08/2014

Ukraine Reports New Russian Offensive

As the civil war in Ukraine has progressively turned in the favor of government forces in recent weeks, reports have come through of new troops and military equipment crossing into Ukraine from Russia. These alleged reinforcements from across the border have caught many Ukrainian troops off guard and have relieved some of the pressure from the besieged rebel stronghold of Donetsk in the east of the country. This new chapter in the conflict will undoubtedly put renewed strain on the efforts to reach a peace agreement.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/world/europe/ukraine-russia-novoazovsk-crimea.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=LedeSumLargeMedia&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Tanks, artillery and infantry have crossed from Russia into an unbreached part of eastern Ukraine in recent days, in what Ukrainian and Western military officials are calling a stealth invasion.

25/08/2014

Russian Aid Trucks Exit Ukraine

Friday, a Russian convoy claiming to carry aid for civilians drove into a rebel-controlled area of Ukraine without permission from Kiev. One day later, the Russian vehicles have exited Ukraine. The convoy was made up of 200 matching trucks, only a portion of which were searched by Ukrainian authorities. Little was revealed about the contents. The vehicles entered Ukraine after waiting on the border near rebel-controlled Luhansk for over a week, having been told that they could only enter accompanied by International Committee of the Red Cross teams. There was speculation as to whether or not it was really caring aid or secretly transporting weapons to the pro-Russian separatist. The convoy brought on several accusations that Russia violated international law by interfering with Ukraine’s sovereignty. Ukrainian officials claim the vehicles were loaded with Ukrainian-made military equipment before returning. This incident took place just days before a scheduled meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. The Russian Foreign Ministry has maintained that it acted lawfully and with the purpose of aiding civilians affected by the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. It has expressed intentions to send future aid convoys.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/russia-escalates-tensions-with-aid-convoy-reported-firing-of-artillery-inside-ukraine/2014/08/23/dbb76290-2a96-11e4-958c-268a320a60ce_story.html

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/23/ukraine-convoy-merkel.html

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/08/russian-aid-trucks-begin-leaving-ukraine-2014823833162998.html

European monitors say all trucks crossed into Russia as German Chancellor Merkel arrives in Kiev for crisis talks.

11/08/2014

Obama Warns Solution in Iraq is a “Long-Term Project”

President Obama has stated that overcoming the Jihadist rebellion in Iraq will be a “long-term project” requiring Iraq’s many ethnic, religious, and political groups to come together and form an inclusive government that the Iraqi people can trust. Obama stressed the need for Iraq to develop a long-term strategy for stabilization, but did not commit US involvement beyond Friday’s airstrikes. He also stated that US combat troops will not be returning to Iraq. The airstrikes on Friday were the first time US military forces have been directly involved in Iraq since 2011. The recent airstrikes destroyed arms and equipment belonging to the Islamic State, which recently seized more land in northern and western Iraq. At least 20 Islamic State fighters were killed in the strikes, and at least 30 more were injured. The US has also been involved with recent humanitarian aid efforts, dropping thousands of water bottles and ration packs to refugees from the Yazidi religious minority group, whose members have fled to Mount Sinjar. President Obama has also mentioned that the United States will not be closing the embassy in Baghdad, but he recognizes his obligation to keep US diplomats and military personnel there safe.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28725908

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/world/middleeast/iraq.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=Banner&module=span-ab-top-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/8/9/-us-drops-new-aidtoiraqisfleeingmilitantsurge.html

President says US won't be 'dragged into' another Iraq ground war, but can't ignore potential massacre of innocents

03/08/2014

American Ebola Patient Dr. Kent Bradley Arrives at Emory University

Dr. Kent Bradley, one of two American aid workers to become infected with the Ebola virus while working in Liberia, recently arrived safely at Emory University Hospital. The other infected American aid worker, Nancy Writebol, is expected to take a later flight. Bradley was working in West Africa as a missionary doctor with Samaritans Purse. Bradley was able to walk into the hospital where he will begin “supportive care,” meaning medical care will be focused on maintaining vital functions. The Ebola outbreak has killed more than 700 people in Africa, and there is no known cure, so many Americans have reacted negatively out of fear that the disease may now spread in the US. The Center for Disease control has received angry emails expressing concern with statements such as, “How dare you bring Ebola into the country,” so security has been heightened around the hospital. Emory University infectious disease experts insist that the process has been safe, even though this is the first time an Ebola patient will ever be treated in the US. According to Emory, the public faces little risk, as the Center for Disease Control has arranged safe transportation for the infected aid workers and both patients will be in a special containment unit separate from the rest of the hospital.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/03/us/kent-brantley-nancy-writebol-ebola-treatment-atlanta.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28596416

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/08/02/dr-kent-brantly-named-first-ebola-patient-arrives-back-in-us/

The first of two American aid workers infected with Ebola in West Africa was being brought to a special infectious disease unit in Atlanta.

30/07/2014

The US has charged Russia with breaching 1987 nuclear missile treaty.

Tensions continue to rise between the United States and Russia in the wake of tightened economic sanctions and Russia’s continued involvement in Ukraine. Russia has tested a new ground-launched missile, breaking the INF treaty signed during the last years of the Cold War. The agreement prohibits both countries from possessing intercontinental ballistic missiles which have ranges from 300 to 3,400 miles. Russian officials have previously supported ending the accord, stating that several of the country’s neighbors have developed missiles with similar capabilities. President Obama has written a letter to President Putin regarding the issue.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28538387

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/29/usa-russia-nuclear-idUSL2N0Q401520140729

Russia has violated an arms treaty by testing a nuclear cruise missile, the US says, as Barack Obama discusses sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

29/07/2014

Israel Warns of Possibility of “Prolonged” Campaign in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a news conference today that military operations in Gaza would continue until the tunnels used by Hamas to enter Israeli territory are demolished. Netanyahu also declared the expansion of Israel’s objectives to include the complete demilitarization of Gaza. This statement comes after nearly a month of conflict between Israel and Hamas, in which over 1070 Palestinians and 51 Israelis have been killed.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28538385

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/28/israel-un-securitycouncilcallsforgazaceasefire.html

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu warns of a "prolonged" military campaign in Gaza, following an upsurge of violence from both sides.

28/07/2014

Israel has agreed to the extension of a 12-hour humanitarian truce, carrying the ceasefire through Sunday night. The temporary truce came after a failed attempt from John Kerry and European leaders to negotiate a weeklong truce. However, Hamas has rejected the extension due to the presence of Israeli forces in Palestinian territory. After 12 hours of ceasefire, Hamas launched three rockets and three mortal shells – far fewer than on previous nights. During the ceasefire, Israel kept drones in the air over Gaza in search of cross-border tunnels used by Hamas. During the ceasefire, Palestinians who had fled their homes were able to return long enough to stock up on provisions, look for missing relatives, and burry their dead. The findings during the truce show a Palestinian death toll of 1,047.

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/26/gaza-israel-hamas.html

http://online.wsj.com/articles/gaza-humanitarian-truce-gives-palestinians-respite-from-israeli-attacks-1406373605?mod=trending_now_5

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/26/us-mideast-gaza-idUSKBN0FV04A20140726

Gaza residents pour into the streets to recover their dead as diplomatic efforts continue on a longer-lasting cease-fire

21/07/2014

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash With Law Enforcement in Paris

Roughly 5,000 pro-Palestinian protesters took part in a march through Paris just one day after a citywide ban on demonstrations related to the current conflict in Gaza. Local police report that at least 35 of the protesters have been arrested, and it is likely that more arrests will take place. What started as a march turned into an hours-long battle with the Parisian police. French President Francios Hollande stated that the protest ban was necessary in order to maintain a safe environment in Paris. The ban was an immediate response to a group of protesters’ attempt to storm a synagogue. Organizers of the recent protest, however, say the ban takes away their right to express their political views. France is home to Western Europe’s largest Muslim and Jewish populations, consequently there has been much discord pertaining to Gaza. In the days leading up to the march, synagogues and Jewish businesses were vandalized throughout the city. The Parisian police have not commentated on the most recent protest.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/19/palestinian-france-protest-gaza_n_5602638.html

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/19/paris-gaza-police.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28388457

PARIS (AP) — Police clashed on Saturday with thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who defied a ban on a Paris demonstration over the Israeli offensive in Gaza. More than 30 people were arrested and it wasn't immediately clear if there were i...

15/07/2014

Ceasefire in the Works

Although hostilities between Israel and Hamas continue, both sides announced today that they may consider a ceasefire proposal drawn up by Egypt's Foreign Ministry. The Egyptian government may be a very effective intermediary due to its political distance from Hamas and its influence in the Arab League. Israel's top security officials are set to meet Tuesday morning to discuss the Egyptian proposal which would call for a cessation of hostilities from both parties and a subsequent 48-hour "cooling-off period" before talks on a more lasting agreement take place.

Read More:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/15/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-conflict.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=LedeSum&module=first-column-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

The drone added a new element to the conflict, and Hamas said others had been dispatched on “special missions.” Also Monday, Israel prepared to file charges against three Jews for the killing of a Palestinian youth.

13/07/2014

Israel hits Gaza with Deadliest Strike Yet

Overnight, Israel hit a Gaza security headquarters and multiple police stations in a deadly strike. The attack, which puts the death toll for the Gaza conflict at 159, is the deadliest single strike yet. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu defends the actions of his nation’s military, saying that they aim to destroy the site the Hamas Islamic militant group uses to send rockets from Palestinian to Israeli territory. With a rising death toll – both military and civilian – and damage to homes surrounding the targets of the recent attacks, the UN Security Council calls for a ceasefire and peace talks. Netanyahu, however, says, “there is still more to go.” UN high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, says Israel may be violating international law, and that a comprehensive study on the air strikes is underway.

Tensions in the area have seen a steep rise since the murder of three Israeli teens in June and the subsequent murder of a Palestinian teenager, which many believe was an act of retaliation.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28281880

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/11/israel-air-strikes-gaza-foreign-criticism-netanyahu

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/12/world/meast/mideast-tensions/

Israel carries out air strikes on Gaza's security headquarters and police stations, as its commandos raid a rocket-launching site in the territory.

11/07/2014

Slovenian Elections

Slovenians look all but set to elect a month-old political party whose leader pledges to slow down the asset sales, which previously sank their last government. This is the only ex-communist European Union member to refrain from selling their state owned banks and utilities, this has taken a huge toll on its finances. Miro Cerar’s SMC plans on raising taxes rather than cutting public spending in an effort to have a different outcome than the previous regime produced. Campaigning under the slogan “Wisdom, Justice, and Development,” would win 34.5% of votes with no margin of error found. The export-based economy of Slovenia is set to expand an annual 0.6% this year, with growth also accelerating to 1.4 % in 2015. The Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation has criticized Slovenia for controlling too big a chunk of its economy, while the International Monetary Fund backed Bratusek’s plan to sell of the state-run companies.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-10/slovenia-rookie-backing-sell-off-caution-set-to-win-vote.html

Slovenians are set to elect a month- old political party whose leader pledges to slow the state asset sales that helped sink the last government.

07/07/2014

Pro-Russian rebels occupied the city of Slavyansk in April, making it a key stronghold for their opposition forces. Ukrainian forces surrounded this separatist stronghold in May, meaning their recent victory marked the end of a three-month battle. Since Ukrainian troops surrounded Slavyansk, rebel forces have been firing regularly, killing many troops and innocent residents. The Ukrainian victory was made possible after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshanko ended an unsuccessful ceasefire. Igor Strelkov, Russian citizen and rebel commander in Slavyansk, anticipated that his rebel forces would not be able to hold the city, considering the Ukrainian state’s numerical advantage. Rebel forces chose to evacuate the city overnight, allowing Ukrainian troops to enter on Saturday morning, and raise the Ukrainian flag at the command of President Poroshanko. This was only the first significant victory for Kiev’s “Anti-terrorist operation,” and Ukrainian defense officials anticipate a long battle ahead.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28174104

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/05/ukraine-slavyansk-army-rebels-east

http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/7/5/ukraine-claims-victoryinrebelstronghold.html

Pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine evacuate their eastern stronghold of Sloviansk amid an offensive by the military, rebel sources say.

The Glocalist