July, 2021

• 5 July

  US: No Plans to Close Embassy as Fighting Rages in Afghanistan

  The U.S. embassy in Afghanistan Sunday told the host nation the United States had “no plans to close” the diplomatic mission as stepped up Taliban attacks fuel nationwide security concerns while U.S.-led foreign troops near a complete withdrawal from the country. The U.S. assurance comes in response to reports suggesting …

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• 5 July

  Russia Passes Strict Gun Control Regulations

  The decision comes as part of a gun control review ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 11, in the aftermath of a shooting in the central Russian city of Kazan, where eight students and a teacher were killed. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed new regulations on Friday to …

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• 5 July

  Russia Updates its National Security Strategy

  The Eurasian nation plans to reduce the use of the U.S. dollar and equipment and technologies imports. On Saturday, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin passed a new National Security Strategy focused on protecting the health of Russian citizens, ensuring economic development, and strengthening defensive capabilities. “The increase of NATO military infrastructure …

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• 5 July

  Cuba Rejects US False Accusation on Human Trafficking

  Cuba diplomacy warned that the U.S. disregards bilateral migration accords, thus promoting illegal migration and trafficking in persons. Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Ministry (MINREX) on Sunday rejected the U.S. government’s accusations regarding the alleged lack of commitment by Cuban authorities in the fight against human trafficking. The false accusations come from …

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• 4 July

  UN Updates the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: 2021 Review

  

  United Nations diplomats are scheduled to formalize the review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by adopting the resolution on Wednesday. Although a non-binding resolution, the GCTS provides an important normative framework and operational guidance for the work of over forty UN entities. Traditionally adopted by consensus, the difficult negotiations …

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• 4 July

  Hamas Enjoys a Surge in Support after May Confrontations with Israel

  

  Recent fighting between Israelis and Palestinians, coupled with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to postpone elections, has produced a surge in support for Hamas. Most Palestinians believe Hamas prevailed in the May confrontation with Israel and as such, deserves to represent the Palestinian people. This shift in public opinion …

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• 4 July

  Iran closest it’s ever been to nuclear bomb, former IDF chief says

  

  Gadi Eisenkot appears to imply US exit from accord was a mistake; also pans ‘irresponsible’ comments on covert Israeli actions, in seeming criticism of ex-Mossad chief, Netanyahu Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot said Friday that Iran is nearer than ever to producing a nuclear weapon, while appearing to …

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• 4 July

  Rehabilitating Rumsfeld, Erasing Empire: On All Those U.S. War Crimes in Iraq

  

  Former Bush Administration Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s death was accompanied by many of the apologies for state crimes that we’ve come to expect from the worshippers of U.S. militarism. This includes those emanating from journalistic elites – The New York Times being the most obvious case in point. The …

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• 4 July

  Pakistan is undertaking a dangerous gamble – opinion

  

  Pakistan’s support of jihadi groups stems partly from cynical realism, in order to expand its sphere of influence in Afghanistan and support the Islamist insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. Two decades after the decision was made to invade Afghanistan in a bid to combat extremism and install democracy, the United …

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• 4 July

  House Appropriations Committee approves $3.3 billion to Israel security

  

  The Committee also approved $50 million under the Economic Support Fund for the Nita M. Lowey Middle East Partnership for Peace Act. The House Appropriations Committee approved on Thursday the 2022 State and Foreign Operation fiscal bill, including $3.3 billion in US security assistance to Israel, as agreed to in …

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