Volume XIV Issue IV February 2021

Navalny Arrest Sparks Mass Protests In Russia covering the event. In conducted a joint investi- phone number to appear erase any trace. Local po- working with its allies to Joshua Powanda addition to mass arrests, gation, which confirmed as if the call was coming lice in Omsk, the location discuss punitive options, Staff Writer there have been reports the FSB’s involvement. from a landline within where the airplane swiftly according to NBC News. of the use of tear gas, Navalny has allegedly the FSB. During the call, landed, removed Naval- The New York Times CNBC reports that tasers, and batons to crack uncovered mounting ev- Kudryavtsev described in ny’s clothes and belong- explains that earlier ex- Russian opposition leader down on the protesters. idence that implicates detail how the plan was ings and later provided amples of this malign and Putin critic, Alexei Na- BBC News reports that the highest levels of the executed and the reason them to federal agents. Russian behavior can be valny, has been sentenced the arrest follows Naval- Russian Government. for Navalny’s survival. While the FSB has de- seen with the poisoning to nearly three years in ny’s return from Germa- In a phone call with The FSB member ex- nied the validity of these of Alexander Litvinenko prison following his return ny, where he underwent claims, the Russian Gov- and Sergei Skripal, as well to Russia in January. Na- treatment after being poi- ernment has attempted as his daughter Yulia, who valny has been on a want- soned with Novichok, a to blame western gov- were targeted for their ed list since 2014 for al- Soviet-era nerve agent. 1 ernments and foreign opposition to Putin and legedly violating the terms Navalny has accused Rus- intelligence services for the Russian Government. of a suspended sentence. sian President Vladimir their role in the events. Despite the attack on Upon his arrival at the Putin of orchestrating the These unverified claims his life, Navalny has re- airport in Moscow, Rus- attack on his life through come amidst internation- mained steadfast in his sian authorities arrested the Federal Security Ser- al backlash for the arrest, opposition to Putin’s re- him before he could even vice (FSB), the successor as western nations call gime. According to NBC get his passport stamped. agency to the Committee A sign reads “Shame on the Kremlin!” at a protest against Navalny’s arrest. for Navalny’s immedi- News, Navalny believes The news of Navalny’s for State Security (KGB). Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons ate release. According to Putin’s legacy will for- politically-motivated ar- Although Putin has denied one of the members of plained that the only rea- The Guardian, the United ever be sealed, saying rest sparked widespread these claims, he has stated the elite FSB team, NPR son why Navalny survived States, the United King- that while “he can pre- protests throughout Rus- that if the FSB were be- describes how Navalny the poisoning was due to dom, and the European tend to be a great politi- sia. According to NBC hind the attack, they would duped Konstatin Ku- the quick landing of the Union have called on the cian, he will go down in News, protesters were have finished the job. dryavtsev into revealing airplane he was flying on regime to release Navalny. history as a poisoner.” met with violent response NPR reports that the specifics of the attack by at the time. Kudryavt- U.S. Secretary of State from the security forc- research group, Bellingcat, posing as an agent of the sev described not only Antony Blinken said Contact Joshua at joshua. es, resulting in the arrest CNN, Russian media out- Russian National Securi- details of how the nerve that the U.S. is “deeply [email protected] of more than 5,000 peo- let, The Insider, and Ger- ty Council. The opposi- agent was applied, but concerned” with Naval- ple, including journalists man weekly, Der Spiegel, tion leader disguised his also the lengthy effort to ny’s arrest and has been Turbulent Takeoff: COVID-19 Immunization Efforts Finally Roll Out in South Africa Timothy Sandram seven days later. The moderate illness triggered with predominance of Staff Writer South African variant of by the South African the new variant; as such COVID-19 is considered variant, according to the the impact of the Pfizer After a turbulent take- one of the deadliest and trial’s Chief Investigator vaccine on the variant is off, the South African most infectious variants. Professor Shabir Madhi. unclear. While studying government has finally Scientists say the vari- To maintain their the Johnson & Johnson’s started vaccinating its peo- ant accounts for 90 per- scheduled vaccine roll- vaccine, the latter was ple against the COVID-19 cent of new COVID-19 out, the South African found to be less effective virus. The country’s pres- cases in South Africa. government would need against the variant but ident, Cyril Ramaphosa, BBC News reports to expedite its procure- was able to almost totally was among the first six that South Africa has re- ment of Pfizer, Moderna, prevent severe cases and people to receive the jab, corded almost 1.5 million and Johnson & Johnson death. The health minis- Despite months of setbacks, South Africa is finally ready to vaccinate its people. according to VOA. Earli- COVID-19 cases and vaccines. South Africa’s ter said his government Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons er in the month, the South more than 46,000 deaths Health Minister Zweli had ordered 20 million vaccine, while Uganda tions and deaths. “Com- African government halt- since the pandemic be- Mkhize explains to BBC doses of Pfizer vaccine plans to seek guidance paring from one piece of ed the use of the Astra- gan, more than any other News that whilst waiting whilst expediting the ap- from the World Health evidence to the next really Zeneca vaccine on front- country on the continent. for further advice on how proval process of John- Organization(WHO). can’t be done without a line workers after a study News of the vaccine, best to proceed with the son & Johnson vaccines. Meanwhile, the WHO sort of level playing field,” found it not to be effec- therefore, brought hope AstraZeneca vaccines in The AstraZeneca set- has warned countries she said, referring to the tive enough against the to a country left at a stand- light of the findings, the back will harm not only against being quick to evaluation of different variant prevalent in that still for months. A trial government was hoping South Africa, but oth- discard the AstraZeneca trials in different popu- country. According to carried out by research- to start the immunization er developing countries vaccine. The organiza- lations and age groups. The Washington Post, the ers at the University of with Johnson & Johnson who have pinned their tion’s Director of Im- Dr. O’Brien stressed that country’s hopes on turn- Witwatersrand in South and Pfizer vaccines by hopes on this vaccine munization Dr. Kather- the WHO expert pan- ing the corner on the virus Africa and the UK’s Ox- mid-February. Howev- to enhance their fight ine O’Brien explained to el held “a very positive were raised in early Feb- ford University, whose re- er, only the efficacy of against the virus. Reuters BBC News that the vac- view” of proceeding with ruary when South Africa sults were not yet peer-re- Johnson & Johnson vac- reports that Malawi and cine still has a meaning- the use of the AstraZen- received over one million viewed, showed that the cine has been studied in Nigeria plan to move on ful impact on the South eca vaccine, including doses of the vaccine, only AstraZeneca vaccine did South Africa during the inoculating their people African variant, especially in areas where variants for that hope to be dashed not work against mild and time the country grappled with the AstraZeneca in preventing hospitaliza- were circulating, though more data and informa- Int’l News Int’l News Diplo News Opinion Join the Team! Inside tion will be needed as

Focus on Russia and U.S. Extend Israeli Prime Dr. Amelia Tseng The Future of U.S. the pandemic continued. Narco States Last Remaining Minister Charged and the Role of politics Nuclear Treaty With Corruption Language Contact Timothy at

timothy.sandram@student. On pages 8-9. On page 4. On page 5. On page 7. On page 10. shu.edu February 2021 Page 2 International News Haitian President Accused of Outstaying His Term The announcement of sition party’s claims that at home and abroad, wor- Moise declaring his intent steadfast in their support the arrests was followed Moise’s term as president ry that allowing Moise to to force all three of Hai- of the Moise administra- Timothy Georgetti by a protest of hundreds should have ended on remain in office will only ti’s Supreme Court judges tion. Axios explains that Staff Writer of people through the February 7, 2021. Presi- result in further anti-dem- to retire. Moise’s opposi- despite some opposition streets of Port-au-Prince, dent Moise however has ocratic measures and pol- tion party favored the Su- to the Moise presidency Haitian President Jo- the Haitian capital, chant- dismissed these claims, icies enacted from Moise preme Court judges as po- from Democrats in Con- venel Moise announced ing “down with the dic- insisting that his mandate and his government. To tential interim presidents gress, the Biden adminis- on January 31 that he and tatorship,” according to extends till February 2022. support these suspicions, in the event of Moise’s tration has reaffirmed its his government had foiled the Guardian. According President Moise was opponents of Moise have removal from office. position that Moise’s pres- an attempted coup by the to ABC News, Moise re- elected to a 5-year presi- pointed to his failure to As per Al Jazeera, idential term does not ex- opposition party. France24 sponded to these chants dential term in 2016. The hold the legislative elec- Moise’s remaining time in pire until February 2022. reports that the Moise gov- by arguing, “I’m not a dic- results of this election tions that were scheduled office is likely to be fraught Similarly, internation- ernment arrested 23 peo- tator. Dictators are people were subsequently nullified for October of 2019, leav- with this same kind of al organizations like the ple, including one of Haiti’s who take power and don’t due to voter-fraud and an ing Moise free to rule by political controversy and Organization of Ameri- three supreme court judg- know when they’re leav- interim president was ap- presidential decree until the criticism given the presi- can States and the United es, whom they claim were ing. I know my mandate pointed until 2017. After next legislature convenes. dential agenda he recent- Nations have agreed with all involved with the con- ends on Feb. 7, 2022.” being elected as president a While Moise blames ly announced via Twitter. Washington, affirming spiracy to oust President This episode of Hai- second time, Moise was fi- the election delay on par- Along with other initia- that Moise’s presidential Moise and replace him with tian political turmoil re- nally sworn in on February liament, he also appears to tives, Moise has announced mandate lasts another year. a new interim president. volves around the oppo- 7, 2017. The opposition be consolidating political that he will continue to This outbreak of po- party claims that Moise’s power by attacking Haiti’s hold a referendum on litical unrest and those term started when he was judiciary, giving some cre- Haiti’s constitution. While that are likely to follow first elected in 2016, mean- dence to the opposition’s he maintains that Haiti in the coming months ing his presidential term fears. France24 reports needs a new constitution will ultimately determine should have ended on Feb. that while the Supreme to make the country easier whether Haiti’s historically 7 of this year. Moise, on Court judge Yvickel Dab- to govern, the opposition weak democratic institu- the other hand, maintains resil was ordered released party sees this attempt to tions will persevere, or if that his presidential term from prison on Feb. 10, change the constitution Moise and his administra- did not begin until he was Moise’s prison adminis- as a guise for a more sub- tion will be able to thwart sworn into office in 2017, tration refused to carry stantial Moise power grab. the will of the people allowing him to stay in out the order. This illegal Unlike the domestic and consolidate power. office for another year. detention of Judge Dab- Haitian reaction, inter- Critics of Moise and resil was accompanied by national actors and or- Contact Timothy at President Moïse (center) is under intense pressure to resign. his administration, both a presidential decree from ganizations have been timothy.georgetti@student. Courtesy of Flickr shu.edu Glacier Collapse in India Leaves at Least 30 Dead and Nearly 200 Missing

Shweta Parthasarathy resupplied by air after be- dropower project. CBS Scientists and climate power stations in an area in 1970, devastating sev- Staff Writer ing cut off by the flood wa- News explains that res- change experts believe so vulnerable to climate eral villages. The group’s ters, according to Reuters. cue efforts are progress- this incident to be a result change. The former min- actions in 1974 led to a On February 7, 2021, a A small hydroelectric ing slowly because of the of climate change, adding ister for water resources 20-year ban on the felling massive glacier in the Hi- project, known as the large quantities of mud, to the concern that global and river development in of trees above 1,000 me- malayan mountain range Rishiganga facility, was slush, and debris blocking warming is becoming even the Modi administration, ters in the region. They collapsed, leaving at least completely swept away the tunnel and other en- more dangerous to coun- Uma Bharti, had report- were also widely credited 32 dead and almost 200 and another larger project tryways into the flooded tries like India, according edly warned against estab- for the Indian Forestry missing in the state of Ut- site was heavily damaged. areas. According to BBC to The New York Times. lishing the power plants Act of 1980 and sever- tarakhand. Part of a gla- The AP reports that the News, rescue workers, as- Rising temperatures are so close to the Himala- al other measures pro- cier near the Nanda Devi Rishiganga power station sisted by paramilitary and melting the Himalayan yas. According to CBS tecting biodiversity and mountain broke off into has become the site of a police forces, as well as glaciers, which supply News, Bharti described banning deforestation. a river, breaking dams, major rescue operation Indo-Tibetan Border Pa- water to tens of millions it as “a very sensitive Chipko became a leg- sweeping away bridges, after more than 40 of the trol officers are using ev- of people in the region, area, and that is why on endary environmental and destroying hydroelec- plant’s workers went miss- ery tool at their disposal, with shocking speed. Ganges and its tributar- movement in India, re- tric projects in the Alak- ing. Another rescue oper- from shovels to mechan- Dr. Anjal Prakash, a ies these projects should ceiving international at- nanda and Dhauliganga ation has been initiated at ical diggers to wooden lead researcher with the not be constructed.” tention for its methods rivers. Numerous towns the mouth of a 1.5-mile planks, in order to clear United Nations Intergov- Fears of the occurrence of nonviolent resistance. had to be evacuated, and tunnel at the state-owned enough mud to get peo- ernmental Panel on Cli- of such a disaster are not Images of activists wrap- 13 villages are still being Tapovan Vishnugad hy- ple out of the tunnel. mate Change (IPCC), is new. Movements going ping themselves around among the experts who back to the 1970s have trees became symbols for have spoken on the ef- advocated against proj- aspiring environmental fect of climate change ects like the hydroelectric activists. Chandi Prasad in this region. He told power stations and other Bhatt, an environmental- CBS News that the im- activities that exacerbate ist and one of the found- pact of global warming climate change. CNN ers of the Chipko move- on glaciers was well-doc- reports that the Chipko ment, explained to CNN, umented; a recent report movement took place in “We were assured that this showed temperatures the same region of Uttara- valley will not see another were rising in the Hima- khand where the flooding iteration of 1970-like dev- layan region, emphasizing took place in the 1970s. astation. But this week’s that “this looks very much Chipko, which means “to devastation was even more like a climate change event hug” in Hindi, was start- than what we had feared.” as the glaciers are melting ed by local villagers in the due to global warming.” Alaknanda Valley to stop Contact Shweta at Many are blaming the rampant tree felling by shweta.parthasarathy@ government for building developers, which caused student.shu.edu dams and hydroelectric a similar flood disaster Ignoring the effects of climate change on the national level has dire consequences, especially in India. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons February 2021 International News Page 3 Canada to Take Vaccines from COVAX

Lauren-Marie Diawatan sociated Press, Pfizer Euronews. The program purchase agreements for more doses than they pro- cination by then. Ronald Staff Writer and Moderna have both will cover the vaccina- hundreds of doses of po- vided. He says that though Labonte, former Canada reduced the number of tions of 3.3 percent of tential vaccines. AstraZen- the prime minister’s poll research chair in health Canada is defending its doses to be sent to the the total population, in- eca is one of the phar- numbers are currently equity and globalization at decision to accept coro- country. However, Prime cluding countries financ- maceutical companies down, the public pressure the University of Ottawa navirus vaccines from Minister Justin Trudeau ing the vaccine, such as partnered with COVAX, will relax if millions more said he would “criticize COVAX, a program de- still states they are “very New Zealand and Can- while discussions with doses arrive in upcoming Canada for [engaging] in veloped to help low- and much on track,” with their ada, and those receiving Pfizer and Moderna are March and April. Mean- vaccine nationalism,” but middle- income countries distribution plan, expect- them through donations, ongoing. Through CO- while, CBC News reports such behavior was exhib- with the vaccination pro- ing to receive 4 million such as Syria and Yemen. VAX, Canada is expected opposing party leaders ited by all countries. He cess. According to The doses from Pfizer and 2 The World Health Orga- to receive about 1.9 mil- criticizing Trudeau’s roll- believes that the world Washington Post, Deputy million from Moderna by nization (WHO) reported lion doses of the Astra- out process. Green Party has “moved from vaccine Prime Minister Chrystia the end of next month. earlier this month that 90 Zeneca vaccine by the end Leader Annamarie Paul nationalism to a vaccine Freeland stated that the Canada is not domestically percent of vaccines dis- of June, in addition to the called receiving COVAX race.” Canadian government producing any COVID-19 tributed worldwide thus 20 million doses the coun- vaccines “the wrong deci- BBC News writes that “will never apologize” vaccines and has signed far have been supplied to try ordered directly from sion,” calling on the gov- human rights groups and for doing what they can contracts with seven vac- wealthy countries. BBC the company, continues ernment to repeal their charities, such as Amnes- to vaccinate Canadians cine makers. The country News reports that CO- the Associated Press. decision or compensate ty International and Ox- alongside the rest of the plans to import ten vac- VAX, involving the Gavi Nelson Wiseman, a po- for the vaccines taken fam respectively, state that world. cines per citizen, with an vaccines alliance, the litical science professor at from the initiative for the more progress is necessary BBC News explains overall population of 37 WHO, and the Coalition the University of Toronto, protection of the coun- in making vaccines acces- that Canada is the only million. BBC News fur- for Epidemic Prepared- explained that Trudeau try’s international neigh- sible worldwide. Oxfam member of the G7, a thers that individual Ca- ness Innovations, has was caught off guard by bors. Conservative Leader health policy adviser Anna group of some of the nadian provinces are now made multiple advance companies that promised Erin O’Toole stated that Marriott states that “no world’s most advanced taking the initiative to ac- Canada “should not be single company can sup- economies, to receive vac- quire the vaccines them- drawing away from poorer ply enough” and unless cines from the COVAX selves, with Manitoba countries” and should be global supplies significant- initiative. According to announcing a plan to buy capable of vaccine pro- ly increase, rich countries Canadian government 2 million doses of a vac- duction themselves. will always be “competing data, 2.43 percent of the cine candidate and Alberta The Guardian reports with poor countries and general population and planning to independently that most low-income they will always win.” 55.35 percent of health seek out vaccines. countries would not have care workers in the coun- COVAX was developed steady vaccination re- Contact Lauren at try have received at least to organize and aid poorer sources until at least 2024, laurenmarie.diawatan@ their initial dose. countries in purchasing in while wealthier countries According to the As- COVAX was designed to help developing countries procure vaccines. student.shu.edu the vaccine race, reports Courtesy of Gandul would be nearing full vac- Somalia Fails to Pick New President, Inciting Violence

Drew Starbuck would have allowed indi- new president has caused will not accept any form launched a documentary curity Council have both Staff Writer rect presidential and par- opposition leaders across of mandate extension series criticizing the pres- called for all parties in liamentary elections to be Somalia to united to con- through pressure.” For- ident and the electoral Somalia to come together Somalia failed to pick held in late 2020 and early demn the president. This eign Minister Mohamed process, which it accused and unite to hold free and a new president by the 2021, reports Al Jazeera. alliance of Somali opposi- Abdirizak of Somalia also of being riddled with cor- fair elections. On Feb. 9, February 8 deadline after The nature of Soma- tion parties has advocated refuted claims of the gov- ruption, according to Al the United Nations Secu- negotiations between the lia’s electoral process and for the creation of a na- ernment illegitimacy in an Jazeera. The group also rity Council held a virtual central government and system in which they tional council of lawmak- interview with Al Jazeera, attacked the city hosting meeting on the presiden- the federal states broke elect their legislators and ers, opposition leaders, asserting that there will be election talks on the night tial situation in Somalia, down in the days leading presidents is unique. Al and civil society members no transfer of power until the president arrived and to call for a resolution by up to the election, states Jazeera outlines that clan to govern the nation after after an election is held. the following night. No all parties and a commit- Africa News. The pres- elders from the Somali the president’s term ex- With uncertainty and one from the town was ment to holding elections ident of Somalia, Mo- clans indirectly choose pired on Feb. 8, reports division gripping the killed, but security forc- as soon as possible, con- hamed Abdullahi Farmaa- the members of the Low- Reuters. However, they government of Soma- es on the second night tinues Al Jazeera. Wash- jo, ran for another term er House, while the five do not have a clear succes- lia, its enemies have tak- killed four attackers and ington said the gridlock in office and is accusing federal states of Galmu- sion plan, which remains en notice. According to detained two. Meanwhile, has led to a lack of prog- the semi-autonomous re- dug, Hirshabelle, Jubal- a point of contention. Reuters, Somali security Somalia is adjusting to ress in the fight against gions of Jubbaland and and, Puntland, and South The group is allied to- analysts warns that the the ongoing withdraw- al-Shabab, which contin- Puntland of failing to West elect the members gether against Farmaajo, current power vacuum is al of some 700 US mili- ues to carry out attacks compromise on setting of the Upper House. but candidates, including bolstering the al-Shabab tary personnel and nearly in Somalia. However, an election. Farmaajo is Members of both hous- two of Somalia’s former insurgency, which is re- 20,000 African Union with neither side willing also accusing his rivals of es pick a president, who presidents, are running in- sponsible for a recent forces is set to finish to compromise, the delay breaking confidence on a then nominates a prime dividually to replace him, flurry of attacks in a rela- the end of the year. The and instability caused by deal constructed in Sep- minister, who then selects putting the opposition tively peaceful part of the United Nations Security the election will continue. tember, which laid out a a cabinet. factions at odds with one country. Hussein Sheikh Council released a state- timeline for the vote and The failure to instate a another. Ali, Somalia’s former na- ment commending “the Contact Drew at The opposition coali- tional security advisor and role of the African Union [email protected]. tion urged the president founder of the Mogadi- in promoting dialogue be- edu to “respect the constitu- shu-based Hiraal think- tween Somalia’s parties.” tion” and ensure a peace- tank, said al-Shabab has Council members also ful transfer of power in already taken advantage “condemned terrorist at- the fragile country. “Start- of the chaos caused by tacks by al-Shabab and re- ing from 8th February the electoral instability to affirmed their support for 2021, the council of op- launch attacks into differ- the national sovereignty, position candidates does ent parts of central Soma- territorial integrity and not recognise Farmaajo lia that had been relatively political independence of as president,” they said in peaceful for close to a de- Somalia,” adds Al Jazeera. President Farmaajo’s interference in the election has caused a power a statement, according to cade, continues Reuters. The United States and vacuum in Somalia. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Al Jazeera, “The council On Feb. 12, al-Shabab the United Nations Se- February 2021 Page 4 International News Russia and U.S. Extend Last Remaining Nuclear Treaty Juliet Nangini President Vladimir Putin of State Antony Blinken, limitations of the treaty 16 days to negotiate an News says. However, there Staff Writer signing the bill on Friday. speaking on the treaty, since it came into force in extension. The Trump ad- are some limitations to the The two leaders discussed stated, “Especially during 2011. The treaty also sym- ministration tried to form treaty, such as its inabili- With only two days the treaty, which plac- times of tension, verifiable bolizes the last remaining a trilateral accord with ty to cover shorter-range remaining before its ex- es limits on each coun- limits on Russia’s inter- nuclear accord between Russia and China; howev- “tactical” nuclear weapons. piry date, the Biden ad- try’s respective nuclear continental-range nuclear the two countries, as both er, China declined to put Others worry about the lack ministration officially ex- arsenals, on a phone call weapons are vitally im- parties withdrew from the constraints on its nuclear of coverage of China’s nu- tended the New Strategic last Tuesday, January 26. portant,” The Hill reports. Intermediate-Range Nu- arsenal. According to The clear arsenal, which is be- Arms Reduction Treaty New START limits The bilateral agreement clear Forces Treaty (INF) Hill, NATO’s North At- coming an increasing con- (New START) between both sides to a maxi- was signed by former in 2019. The U.S. pulled lantic Council supported cern. However, according the United States and the mum of 1,550 deployed President Barack Obama out of this treaty due to the extension and issued a to NBC, Secretary Blinken Russian Federation. Ac- nuclear warheads on in- and former Russian Pres- claims of violations by statement saying, “NATO mentioned that the current cording to the Associated tercontinental ballistic ident Dmitry Medvedev Russia, despite the latter’s allies believe the New administration will work on Press, the Russian Parlia- missiles (ICBMs), subma- in 2010. According to The denials on the matter, Re- START treaty contributes a treaty that covers all nu- ment unanimously vot- rine-launched ballistic mis- Washington Post, Blinken uters says. In addition to to international stability, clear weapons of the U.S., ed for a five-year exten- siles (SLBMs), and heavy stated that the U.S. has the INF Treaty, both par- and allies again express Russia, and the concerns sion of New START on bombers, The Washington consistently found Russia ties have reexamined the their strong support for its of China’s growing arsenal. Wednesday, followed by Post says. U.S. Secretary to be compliant with the Open Skies Treaty. Russia continued implementation Despite the concerns, previously declared that and for early and active Blinken states that decision it will withdraw from the dialogue on ways to im- to extend the treaty has made Open Skies Treaty after prove strategic stability.” “the United States, U.S. al- the Trump administra- However, it believes that lies and partners, and the tion stated its intention to the treaty’s extension does world safer” as an “uncon- withdraw, according to AP. not halt threats by Russia. strained nuclear competi- The extension of New The New START tion would endanger us all.” START was one of the treaty will provide the first foreign policy and U.S. with greater insight Contact Juliet at juliet.nangini national security concerns into the “future size and @student.shu.edu facing the administration composition of the Rus- – the treaty would have ex- sian arsenal” which can pired on Feb. 5, giving the help control “arms-rac- The New START treaty was first negotiated under the Obama Administration. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons new administration just ing behavior,” Defense Polish Media Goes Offline to Protest Ad Tax ment began limiting the tisement displays will also dia is the cornerstone of radio stations in Hunga- Poland’s coalition govern- Ariel Go Jr. abilities of independent be affected by the tax. democracy.” Christian ry. Both countries have ment, does not approve Staff Writer media outlets prior to However, state media will Wigand, the spokesper- been accused of underm- of the current version of the announcement of be exempt, which accord- son for the EU’s execu- ing democratic values and the media tax. Without its To protest a newly pro- the new advertisement ing to The Guardian was tive arm, emphasized that transitioning from being approval, according to the posed media tax, dozens tax. According to The foreseeable as state-run the EU expects that Po- known as models of de- The Hill, Poland’s Parlia- of independent media Washington Post, Poland outlets are often used by land and other members mocracy to supporters of ment is unable to pass the outlets in Poland decided has dropped to 62nd, the government to pub- “ensure that their fiscal communism. measure. Spokesperson to suspend new coverage down from 18th place, licize and spread propa- or other policies will not The Polish govern- Piotr Mueller said, “We and other programming in a global press freedom ganda. affect the duty of ensur- ment, led by the right- are reviewing all the sug- on Wednesday, February ranking done by Report- The United States and ing a free, independent wing Law and Justice Par- gestions made by various 10, with various televi- ers Without Borders, the the European Union have and diverse media ecosys- ty, has announced that it media groups and other sion screens, web portals, world’s biggest non-gov- criticized the Polish gov- tem.” is now working on rewrit- interested parties.” As and front pages blank or ernmental organization in ernment for the new ad The EU also accused ing the media tax to make stated by the Associated blacked out for over 24 the safeguarding of me- tax and have stressed the Poland of imitating Hun- it less restrictive. This Press, the Polish govern- hours. A letter signed by dia freedom. This drop value of media diversity. gary, whose government comes after widespread ment anticipates that the approximately 45 media comes after the govern- According to Bloomberg, has infringed on media criticism from the media redrafted tax will be en- companies was published ment replacing journal- during the protest on Feb. freedoms, most recent- firms, critics abroad, and, acted by July 1. to Polish authorities cit- ists working radio and 10, the U.S. embassy lo- ly through closing Klu- most notably, the party’s ing that the tax on adver- TV stations and trying cated in Warsaw, Poland, bradio, one of the last coalition partner. The Contact Ariel at ariel.go@ tising revenues was a dis- to suppress independent tweeted that “free me- remaining independent Agreement Party, part of student.shu.edu guised attempt to weaken print media outlets, such the freedom of the press as Gazeta Wyborcza and and silence criticism. De- Polityka, by limiting pub- scribed as “scandalous” lic advertising. and unfair, the tax was The “solidarity” tax, proposed by the govern- according to Reuters, will ment to raise money to charge media companies supplement state financ- between 2 percent and es, which have dwindled 15 percent to go towards greatly due to the glob- healthcare and culture al pandemic. The media projects, and is expected companies protested this to take effect later this reason, as they already pay year. In addition to televi- many taxes and the addi- sion and radio broadcast- tion of a new one could ers, internet media com- push some of the compa- panies, and print outlets, nies to financial collapse. both cinemas and those Media Bez Wyboru goes “offline” for a day in protest of the ad tax. The Polish govern- operating outdoor adver- Courtesy of Media Bez Wyboru February 2021 International News Page 5 Israeli Prime Minister Charged with Corruption Shaira Taylor Elovitch, the controlling the pandemic. A count- law, a prime minister is un- Staff Writer shareholder in the Bezeq er-protest movement der no obligation to stand telecom giant, in a quid backing Netanyahu has down unless convicted,” a Israeli Prime Minister pro quo and that would also taken to the streets. unique element of Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, the give Netanyahu more According to The government/constitution. country’s longest serving positive coverage on Elo- New York Times, if Ne- The trial of Netanyahu prime minister, has been vitch’s news site. Netanya- tanyahu is found guilty, on corruption charges has charged with three counts hu denies these allega- he could face prison caused a division within of corruption. According tions and is pleading not time. However, the trial the country, between those to BBC News, Netanyahu guilty on all counts in the could last for years and who support Netanyahu is accused of fraud and a Jerusalem district court. the prosecuters fear that and those who have long breach of trust. His op- According to The Netanyahu will contin- distrusted his decisions ponents allege that he Washington Post, on the Even when charged with corruption, Netanyahu remains in power. ue to postpone the trial, as prime minister. Those accepted expensive gifts, first day of the corrup- Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons even past the elections who do not support Ne- such as cigars and wines, tion trial on February 8, Netanhayu is carrying on hu’s refusal to leave office on March 23, 2021. Re- tanyahu fear that the goal from billionaire business- Netanyahu asked his le- with his prime ministeri- proves his strength to his uters aaserts, “he will fight hoped for of relieving men. BBC News contin- gal team to convince the al duties as usual, instead supporters and why he to remain prime minister him of his post and sen- ues that “Mr. Netanyahu court to postpone the of attending the hearing. has been previously elect- in March and possibly tencing him to prison, will is accused of offering to hearing until after the Is- Axios cites Netanyahu, ed three times to be prime for years afterwards. If not be achieved. The op- help improve the circu- raeli elections on March who claimed that “ev- minister. According to Al he wins, he could try to position believes the trial lation of Israeli news- 23, 2021. However, his erybody knows the cas- Jazeera, weekly protests secure parliamentary im- will take months, or even paper Yediot Ahronot lawyers failed to delay es against me are rigged. against Netanyahu have munity, or pass laws to years before it is complet- in exchange for positive the trial, which Netanya- This is why I don’t think persisted on for months exempt a serving prime ed. However long it takes, coverage.” He has also hu pled not guilty and the hearing of witnesses with demonstraters from minister from standing Netanyahu also has the allegedly worked with an- walked out of the court- in my trial should begin the “Crime Minister” trial.” Netanyahu could support of his right wing. other news source in or- room just 20 minutes before the elections be- movement focusing on stay in power throughout der to improve his image into his trial. This con- cause even if it is not the the graft allegations. Oth- the trial and if he wins the Contact Shaira at in the media by promot- tinued without Netanya- intention, it would look ers have protested against election, he will remain in [email protected] ing regulatory decisions hu’s presence. Since he like a flagrant interference how the government office. According to Reu- that would benefit Shaul stands by his innocence, in the elections.” Netanya- has been dealing with ters News, “under Israeli

Shell Ordered to Compensate Nigerian Farmers Over Oil Spill because oil spills have According to compa- expectancy of 15 years hundreds to search for ty for years by arguing that Jasmine Ortega plagued the Niger Delta ny records, Shell Nigeria still in operation after 30.” greener pastures. We used the oil spills it produced Staff Writer region for many decades. manages around 50 oil Chief James, the assis- to live beautifully. People were all the result of van- More oil is spilled across fields, five gas plants, and tant secretary to the Bodo caught so much fish we dalism, theft, or sabotage. A Dutch court has this region every year than more than 3,000 miles region’s council of chiefs could sell it to the cities. According to the New held the Nigerian subsid- was spilled in the Gulf of of pipelines in the coun- and elders, has stated that Now we have no hope.” York Times, former head iary of the British-Dutch Mexico in 2010, making it try. In 2008, according the oil spills caused by Nigerian law holds of environmental stud- multinational Royal one of the most polluted to the New York Times, Shell have, “caused seri- that the company would ies for Shell Nigeria Bopp Dutch Shell liable for places on the planet, the a U.S. cable published by ous poverty to everyone. only be held liable if it Van Dessel resigned in several oil spills in the Guardian reports. Shell, WikiLeaks revealed that Nearly 80 percent of peo- can be proven that the 1994, stating that he could Nigerian Niger Delta in despite being responsi- 75 percent of Nigerian ple here are fishermen or leaks were not the result no longer defend the 2006 and 2007, The New ble for a great number pipelines owned by Shell they depend on the water. of sabotage, according company’s environmen- York Times reports. This of these spills, has rare- were more than ten years They have lost their liveli- to Al Jazeera. Because of tal record “without los- case, which concludes a ly taken preventative overdue for replacement, hoods. People are leaving this law, Shell Nigeria has ing his personal integrity.” 13-year-long legal battle measures to avoid them. “with some that had a life the community in their been able to avoid liabili- According to NPR, between four Nigerian Shell is facing yet anoth- farmers and the compa- er legal challenge brought ny, will likely be a catalyst by environmentalists such for more successful envi- as Friends of the Earth ronmental cases against in the Netherlands, in multinational oil firms. which the plaintiffs ar- According to gue that Shell should be Bloomberg, the ruling, forced to reduce its car- which came from the bon dioxide emissions. Hague Court of Appeals, ordered Shell Nigeria to Contact Jasmine at issue payouts to compen- [email protected] sate for the damages aris- ing from pipeline leaks in the villages of Oruma and Goi. It has also ordered both Shell Nigeria and its parent company to pay for preventative leak-de- tection systems to avoid other leaks in the future. The court ruling paves the way for environmental lawsuits against the petroleum giant Royal Dutch Shell. Courtesy of Flickr The ruling is significant February 2021 Page 6 International News Indian Farmer Protests Draw International Scrutiny

Natalie Sherman by the government. Quartz changed 17 times. There lic Day in India, farmers between police and protes- though Rihanna was not Staff Writer India describes the pro- are many similar exam- clashed with police after tors at Red Fort to the Cap- an individual but an enemy cess by stating, “Currently, ples of other impromptu deviating from the ap- itol Riots that occurred in country,” calling the gov- Farmers in India began farmers take their produce changes in regulations that proved route for a protest Washington, D.C. on Jan. ernment “reminiscent of protesting the new farming to wholesale markets or caused farmers difficulty. in Delhi where farmers 6 reports, 200 protesters a quasi-authoritarian state regulations instituted under mandis governed by the The tension surround- walked, rode horses, and were arrested, and 300 po- where you have dozens of the Modi government in Agricultural Produce Mar- ing these regulations are drove their tractors through lice officers were injured. these celebrities tweeting early November. Protests ket Committee (APMC). not limited to the farmers’ the city. One protester was Many high-profile fig- exactly the same words at escalated in both size and The APMC in every state protests. Political tensions killed during the protests ures, including Prime the same time and talking scale in the months that decides the prices it will surrounding the bills were when his tractor over- Minister of Canada Justin about how India is under followed, culminating in pay the producers, and exposed in a parliamenta- turned and hit a barricade. Trudeau, environmental threat and how India is go- violent confrontations with then sells them further.” ry meeting during which The protest devolved activist Greta Thunberg, ing to stand up for itself.” police at Red Fort in New Farmers’ distrust for altercations occurred into violent confronta- and global celebrity Rihan- This response was con- Delhi on January 26. Reu- the Modi government between several parlia- tions between protesters na, spoke out in favor of sidered concerning for ters reports that the pro- has increased because of mentarians. Eight of the and police when protes- the protesting farmers, only many, and a possible indi- tests continued February constant changes in ex- parliamentarians were sus- tors reached Red Fort, a to receive criticism from cation that India is moving 5, with thousands of farm- porting regulations. The pended after these events. UNESCO World Heritage the Indian government in a more authoritarian di- ers across India blocking Print reports that between Within the past months, Site in New Delhi. The in return. Notably, Prime rection. The protests are off roads with their trac- 2015 and 2019, export- tensions rose even further. Modi Government com- Minister Trudeau called the presently an extremely di- tors, tents, and boulders. ing regulations on onions On Jan. 26, the Repub- pared the confrontations situation “concerning” and visive topic in India with The protests started was hit back by the Modi Modi supporters referring over the frustrations by government who called his to the protestors as terror- Indian farmers about new comments, “unwarranted,” ists. Members of the Modi legislation that changes according to Quartz India. government also referred how crops are bought and Modi’s government pro- to external criticism as, sold. According to Quartz ceeded to investigate Gre- “foreign destructive ideol- India, “The contentious ta Thunberg’s twitter after ogy,” as reported by Sad- farm sector bills, meant to she shared a “protest tool- anand Dhume in the Wall liberalize the industry by kit.” Rihanna was called a Street Journal. However, opening it up to private “fool” by Bollywood ac- as these protests remain in players and companies, tress Kangana Ranaut, and world news, the Modi gov- were opposed by sever- received a deluge of other ernment will continue to al parliamentarians from abuse online, according to . face international scrutiny. Congress, Aam Aadmi Sadanand Dhume, a col- Party, Trinamool Congress, umnist for the Wall Street Contact Natalie and DMK.” The legislation journal, told NPR that at natalie.sherman@student. would allow private mar- “The government response shu.edu ket forces into the farm- has been over the top.” ing sector in India, which Prime Minister Modi has drawn the ire of India’s farmers, who see their livelihoods as threatened. Dhume claims the Indian is already largely regulated Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons government responded “as World Food Program to “Scale Up” Efforts in Tigray Region

manitarian aid into areas launched a law-and-order Lylian Pagan that have been closed operation targeting do- Staff Writer off since the conflict be- mestic terrorism which gan in November 2020. deployed the Ethiopian UN officials, the High The World Food Pro- National Defense Forces Commission for Refu- gramme is a branch with- and aerial bombardments. gees, the World Food in the United Nations that On-going conflicts -be Programme, and the delivers food assistance in tween government forc- Ethiopian government emergencies and works es and the TPLF have have agreed to expand within communities to made it impossible to access to humanitarian re- improve nutrition in some supply humanitarian aid lief and “scale up” efforts of the poorest regions in to the region and malnu- to reduce food insecuri- the world. On its site, the trition in Tigray is expect- ties in Ethiopia’s war-torn WFP advertises having ed to worsen as fighting Tigray region, accord- assisted 97 million people in the region continues. ing to a statement by the in 2019 and aims to end Al Jazeera explains that World Food Programme hunger by 2030. WFP was authorities agree that the (WFP). VOA reports that awarded a Nobel Peace hunger crisis in the re- this agreement comes Prize in 2020 for its con- gion has reached a critical The Tigray region is suffering from a food shortage due to an ongoing conflict with the government. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons after the UN criticized tinued efforts to combat point and are now expe- Ethiopian authorities hunger “to bettering con- diting visas requirements In a statement, the millions of people fleeing sure that the most vul- for blocking humanitari- ditions for peace in con- for humanitarian workers World Food Programme to neighboring countries, nerable refugees, wom- an aid from reaching the flict-affected areas and for to enter Tigray. Talks be- praised the Ethiopian creating an even greater en, and children do not state’s rural population. acting as a driving force in tween the UN Under Sec- government for their refugee crisis within the die from starvation. The WFP explains that efforts to prevent hun- retary General for Safety efforts to aid its Eritre- region. Al Jazeera reports the High Commission ger as weapon of war.” and Security and the Ethi- an refugees spread out that an estimated 100,000 Contact Lylian for Refugees considers Longstanding con- opian government have among two camps. The people have already at lylian.pagan@student. “the situation in Tigray as flicts between the Ethio- agreed to enhance com- WFP remains commit- fled to Sudan amidst shu.edu extremely grave.” How- pian government and the munication, allow mem- ted to an open dialogue the violent outbreaks. ever, while UN officials Tigray’s People Liberation bers of the national staff between humanitarian The UN and its part- previously feared starva- Front (TPLF) in northern to return to their duty sta- officials and the Ethiopi- ners remain cautious tion in the region, they Tigray exploded into a tions without further de- an government and has about the growing food are now optimistic after military confrontation last lay, and provide armored promised to step up its insecurities but will con- favorable discussions November. The Council escorts to accompany food distribution program tinue to work with the with Ethiopian President on Foreign Affairs reports humanitarian cargo and in the region. Hunger is a Ethiopian government Shale-Work Zewbe. The that Ethiopian Prime personnel, among oth- world problem that, if left to alleviate hunger. More agreement will allow hu- Minister Abiy Ahmed er favorable conditions. unresolved, would leave must be done to en- February 2021 Diplomacy News Page 7 The Intersection of Language, Power, and Society: Dr. Amelia Tseng and the Role of Language in International Relations “What you speak is cross-cultural communi- gualism plays in health- ination and prejudice “language rights are hu- Jasmine DeLeon who you are,” Tseng cation.” Some examples care, education, and other toward African-Ameri- man rights. While it is such Staff Writer mentioned, “which is include how there are dif- areas forms a basis for can Vernacular English, an important part of peo- a kind of double-edge ferent politeness norms Tseng’s argument that Tseng argues that “lan- ple’s lives, it is not always “Language is like water sword.” Since it is com- and how multilingual- “language policy is how guage discrimination is part of the curriculum.” for fish or air for humans; mon for families to have ism is part of outreach. people institutionalize part of the discrimination Tseng expressed op- we can’t live without it different linguistic rep- Tseng encouraged Se- power.” She explained we see in our country.” timism for President and it’s everywhere,” ertoires across genera- ton Hall students to learn that the implications This discrimination Biden’s education sec- states Dr. Amelia Tseng, tions, some people feel a new language. “It opens of language in relation has an impact in plac- retary appointment, Mi- an award-winning lin- a sense of inferiority for doors to see a culture in to power intersect with es like hiring communi- guel Cardona, who is guist, professor of world not knowing the lan- a different way, and it is a refugee and migration ties, courts, and schools. both an educator and languages and culture at guage of their heritage. sign of respect.” She em- questions as well as have Tseng called for more has a master’s degree American University, and Tseng pushed back phasized how this applies a symbolic value in immi- support in bilingual edu- in bilingual education. researcher at the Smith- against this phenomenon, to diplomacy students, ex- gration and nationalism. cation. She believes that One recommendation sonian Center for Folk- stating that, often, it is not plaining that “a diplomat Tseng asserted that the this support is critical for Tseng has for students of life and Cultural Heritage. the person’s fault for not doing everything in one most pressing linguistic equity and educational international relations in On February 10, the knowing their heritage language is missing out on issue in the United States outcomes because “kids enhancing and better un- Joseph A. Unanue Lati- language. “Let’s under- a lot of possibilities. To is language discrimina- taught in languages they derstanding socio-cultural no Institute at Seton stand personal history and be a diplomat, you should tion. “English is a sign cannot speak will not do cooperation is to include Hall University held a social context” and “cele- know how to speak an- of American identity a well in school.” Addition- language in broader con- virtual event with guest brate those strengths that other language but also particular kind of white ally, if students are unable versations. This means speaker Dr. Amelia are important for peo- to have a broader inter- American identity.” In to obtain educational sup- having a “socio-linguis- Tseng to discuss the role ple to maintain culture.” cultural understanding.” addition, she believes that port in their home lan- tic perspective where we of linguistics in identi- During an interview Tseng called to atten- what makes language dis- guage, they may not be see language as part of ty, culture, and society. with The Diplomatic tion power dynamics in crimination a problem able to learn other things. a society and the history Tseng stressed on the Envoy, Tseng made sev- linguistics that she believes is that “it is invisible.” Another reason for more of how it is positioned. significance of language eral important connec- should be talked about “Language is an ac- bilingual education is It [also] means having in the lives of individuals tions between linguis- more. When thinking ceptable proxy for ra- practicality, for example [a] background [under- and societies several times tics and international about how countries are cial discrimination. With working in an interna- standing] in how language during the event. She ar- relations. More generally, establishing their relation- language, it is easier to tional setting. According intersects with power, gued that language shapes Tseng noted that “when ships, Tseng pointed out bring up excuses, making to Tseng, “a lot of lan- identity, and history.” our identity because “[it] you have different lan- that “these conversations it harder to call out than guages we need are not is part of how we think of guages and cultures, you are mostly taking place racism,” Tseng stated. talked about in schools.” Contact Jasmine at ourselves and others and have potential for mis- in colonial languages.” Citing multiple cases of On a more fundamen- jasmine.deleon1@student. how we build the world.” understandings in that The role that multilin- Spanish accent discrim- tal level, Tseng stated, shu.edu “Race and Diplomacy”: Foreign Policy Experts Discuss the Implications of Racial Injustice

Jazlyn Dominguez plomacy, who highlighted a last resort. Creative and emphasized on the need others, especially younger a question-and-answer Staff Writer the strength of Ameri- energetic diplomacy has for a more diverse work- generations. Furthering segment, where students can foreign policy as an to be more of a center- force in national security, the topic of engagement asked how to recruit Nearly six weeks after example to the world. piece.” According to Lee, without which bad deci- in foreign services, Her- mid-level professionals the attack on Capitol Hill, However, the attack on there needs to be a bal- sions are made from lack nandez provided several while retaining a diverse Seton Hall University Capitol Hill gravely tested ance in promoting human of different perspectives. resources for current stu- set of individuals. The hosted a virtual panel of this strength. Hence, the rights and reforms do- Discussing the topic dents to look into, such as panelists unanimously three young foreign policy panel discussion raised mestically before we can of combatting system- the Thomas R. Pickering agreed on the need for experts to discuss the im- the question of how ra- promote human rights ic racism, the panelists Graduate Fellowship Pro- promotions, sponsor- plications of racial injus- cial injustice can hinder abroad. brought up different ways gram, among many oth- ships, and opportunities tice in American foreign American foreign policy Given Miller’s experi- to get African Ameri- ers. for career advancements policy. The three panelists and become a national se- ence in working overseas, can and Latin American Finally, the panel was to retain a diverse work- invited were Lia Miller, curity issue. she was asked how she communities to engage in asked to describe the ben- force. a foreign service officer Dorch raised a ques- counteracts the negative- foreign policy. Hernandez efits of having diversity Closing the event, who previously served as tion of how systemic rac- ly constructed narratives pointed out the increase in foreign policy and how Dean Smith echoed the chief of the Public Af- ism in our national securi- that can protect Ameri- sentiments of the pan- fairs Office at the U.S. ty and foreign policy has ca under a new adminis- el on issues such as the Embassy in Yervan, Ar- affected our perception tration that is open to it. discredit of the Ameri- menia, Asha Castleber- of threat. Hernandez’s Again, Lee reinforced the can example to the world. ry-Hernandez, a recent view was that the num- notion of multiculturism However, he approved of appointee as senior advi- ber one threat in the Unit- in the field of diplomacy, how the panel shifted into sor in the Bureau of Near ed States is domestic ex- where it is strongly need- a conversation of regain- Eastern Affairs at the tremism, to which Miller ed. Hernandez added that ing credibility through U.S. State Department, added, “We do not have it can help us develop a different strategies. The and Jessica Lee, senior re- credibility to talk about more effective solution in event ended with some search fellow on East Asia terrorism and counterter- foreign policy and deci- additional advice the pan- at the Quincy Institute. rorism.” sion-making. Miller pro- el gave to students, such The event was moderated Another important Jessica Lee, a panelist on “Race and Diplomacy,” addresses students. posed that the U.S. should as the need to partake in Courtesy of the School of Diplomacy by Troy Dorch, a Seton question was how system- be a model of creating internship programs and Hall alumni and member ic racism affects our cred- from our adversaries. in economic literacy and ideal and inclusive foreign be more involved in fu- of the University’s Diver- ibility to promote human Miller expressed, “I just involvement such as rap- policies since she believes ture alumni discussions. sity, Inclusion, Equity, and rights in East Asia. Lee have to show up; I am not pers’ interest in investing this allows us to be threat- Justice Coalition. responded with the belief the traditional foreign ser- in Ghana. Lee stressed ening to other nations Contact Jazlyn at The event began with of the Quincy Institute: vice officer. I’m a female, on the need for current that do not value multi- jazlyn.dominguez@student. an introduction by Dr. “The U.S. must adhere to a woman of color. So, foreign service officers culturism. shu.edu Courtney Smith, Acting a principle of restraint us- that in and of itself has to offer strategic advice Toward the end of the Dean of the School of Di- ing for sparingly and only a lot of power.” Lee also and open doors to help virtual panel, there was February 2021 Page 8 Focus on Afghanistan legitimacy in the region. farmland became bustling the poverty line, including ation was intended to de- been able to thrive as a Hamzah Khan According to Rolling opium plantations. The child opium harvesters. In stroy the drug dens where narco-state due to its con- Staff Writer Stone, opium cultivation Taliban raises hundreds areas with strict anti-drug opium is turned into her- stant state of war for the began large-scale pro- of millions of dollars an- enforcement, thousands oin, thus cutting off a sig- last 20 years. Foreign inter- Afghanistan, a nation duction in the late 1980s nually from the drug trade lost their livelihoods and nificant revenue source for vention has decimated the embroiled in war for near- during the Soviet invasion according to BBC News. many farmers turned to- the Taliban, reports BBC country, causing the illicit ly 20 years, is home to of Afghanistan. The CIA, The Afghan government wards the Taliban, who News. These aerial bomb- drug trade to run rampant one of the worst narcotic seeking to undermine the led by Hamid Karzai was allowed them to harvest ing campaigns were swift and leaving a destabilized epidemics in the world. Soviets, covertly support- heavily involved in the their crops. and precise in targeting government unable to re- Opium cultivation, which ed opium traffickers. The drug trade as well, with the The government tried heroin “labs” but killed spond. In February 2020, is turned into heroin, be- drug trade continued to president appointing for- many times, unsuccessful- many civilians. The prob- the U.S. and the Taliban came an important live- take off throughout the mer drug lords as provin- ly, to stop opium produc- lem, however, was that signed a peace deal outlin- lihood for thousands of 1990s amid a civil war un- cial governors and heads tion by promoting other these “drug labs” were ing that the U.S. would ful- people. According to the til the Taliban took control of anti-corruption agen- less valuable crops. Alter- little more than mud huts ly withdraw troops by May Australian Strategic Policy of the country in 1996. cies. The drug trade has native livelihood programs that were rebuilt within 2021, signaling an end to Institute, the opium in- They imposed a complete woven into every aspect sponsored by the U.S. days. the decades-long war, re- dustry makes up approx- ban on opium in 2000, of the country, from the and UK, including paying Furthermore, the ma- ports DW. In the presence imately seven percent of bringing Afghanistan government to the econ- farmers to destroy their jority of heroin labs hit of a stable government, the country’s GDP but down to its lowest levels omy and people’s liveli- opium fields, failed spec- were inactive sites and only the drug trade could slow- could potentially be much of production in decades hoods. tacularly as the systems two out of 23 targets were ly be phased out as peace higher, and supplies 90 and ever since. The widespread avail- were stymied by corrup- actively producing heroin and stability allow other percent of the world’s her- After September 11, ability of drugs has a large tion. The Taliban took this when they were bombed. sectors of the economy oin. This arrangement has 2001, and the subsequent impact on the civilian pop- opportunity to strengthen The operation was a mas- to grow. As far off as this allowed the Taliban to re- U.S. invasion that deposed ulation as well. The Brook- their position with most sive failure, and to this day may seem, only the pres- tain control over many ru- the Taliban, the drug trade ings Institute reports that of the rural population by opium is grown on nearly ence of peace can reform ral areas by giving people exploded and quickly nearly 5 million Afghans providing them with secu- 1,000 square miles of land. the world’s premier nar- a stable source of revenue turned Afghanistan into are addicted to some form rity. TIME reports that the co-state. while the Afghan govern- the world’s most promi- of opioids or hard drugs, The U.S. also attempt- U.S. spent nearly $9 bil- ment remains fractured nent narco-state, Rolling including nearly two to ed counter-narcotics lion on counter-narcotics Contact Hamzah at hamzah. by corruption and lack of Stone says. The province four percent of all adults. measures in Afghanistan in Afghanistan since 2001. [email protected] resources. Failed count- of Helmand, largely con- The opium industry also through aerial bombing Despite this huge invest- er-narcotics campaigns trolled by the Taliban, employs nearly 600,000 campaigns. The most re- ment, Afghanistan today by the U.S. and Afghan became the epicenter of people and provides a cent example was Opera- produces 85 percent of governments have only opiate cultivation – pre- source of income for tion Iron Tempest which the world’s opium supply. strengthened the Taliban’s viously empty swaths of thousands who live below started in 2017. This oper- Afghanistan has only Guinea-Bissau

in goods like clothes and that the “street value sau, the government had ea-Bissau presidential after another record-set- Jasmine DeLeon medicines, which they of the drugs trafficked “not take[n] steps to election between Umaro ting bust in March 2019. Staff Writer bring back to Europe. [in Guinea-Bissau] far preserve the safety and Cissoko Embalo and Do- Both drug busts, howev- Since the beginning exceeds gross national independence of the me- mingos Simoes Pereira, er, show some progress Guinea-Bissau, a small of the country’s history, product.” In the 2010 dia or to prosecute indi- military supporters part in tackling the country’s African country that Guinea-Bissau has faced United Nations Devel- viduals who threatened of both parties occu- cocaine issue. ranks as one of the poor- political instability. For opment Report, Guin- journalists.” In March, pied government build- An international team est in the world, is infil- one, it was a Portuguese ea-Bissau ranked 164 an independent radio sta- ings to intimidate offi- consisting of officers trated at every level polit- colony from the 19th cen- out of 168 countries. tion was attacked by local cials making their final from Brazil’s Federal Po- ically, economically, and tury until gaining indepen- The country’s large- military forces, according decisions. After Embalo lice, Colombia’s National socially by the illegal drug dence in 1974. Six years scale poverty is a signif- to a policy brief. This has won the election, Rosine Police, and Interpol sent trade. The country serves later, the country’s first icant vulnerability that made it more difficult for Sori-Coulibaly, a promi- a team to Guinea-Bissau as a midpoint in cocaine president was removed prevents it from having local journalists to report nent UN official, stated following the drug bust in trafficking routes from by a military coup. Only resources to deal with on what is happening on to the Security Coun- September 2019, accord- Latin America to Europe. one president has com- the drug crisis. the ground and caused cil that “given the deep ing to the Interpol web- Over a decade ago, it was pleted their full term since This sentiment was many to self-censor to mistrust between the two site. Both events gained labeled Africa’s “first nar- Guinea-Bissau gained in- articulated in March avoid threats and pres- political camps, divisions international attention co-state.” Last year, Ruth dependence in 1973. João 2019 when former pres- sure. in the Executive branch, and led to concrete ac- Monteiro, Guinea-Bis- Bernardo “Nino” Vieira, a ident José Mário Vaz Guinea-Bissau’s weak and shifting political alli- tion that may help the sau’s Minister of Justice three-time president, was asked the internation- political leadership and ances in Parliament, the country rebuild stronger and Human Rights, stat- believed to be involved in al community to help government corrup- swearing-in of the future political, economic, and ed that the country is still the illegal drug trade with Guinea-Bissau deal with tion are closely related President will unlikely social institutions in the a “paradise for drug traf- Colombia, reports . Since drug trafficking. He said to the illegal drug trade. bring about stability,” ac- future. fickers,” reports BBC. independence, over nine Guinea-Bissau does not For example, in 2012, cording to UN News. According to a United coups weakened the gov- “have aeroplanes, we the military organized Recent drug busts also Contact Jasmine at Nations Office on Drugs ernment and created an don’t have boats, we lack a coup and took power suggest that the country jasmine.deleon1@student. and Crime (UNODC) environment where illegal the radars that would “to achieve control in the is far from resolving its shu.edu report, after 2007, Guin- drug trafficking flourishes. give us control over rapidly growing lucrative drug problem. General- ea-Bissau became a key Poverty both enables our…economic zone,” drug trade,” according ly, worldwide, there has transshipment hub for and exacerbates Guin- reports Al Jazeera. to a 2020 report by the been an increase in co- cocaine. GQ reports that ea-Bissau’s existing drug Another roadblock Global Initiative Against caine seizures, reports . In one-way drug trafficking problem. According to a to political stability in Transnational Organized September 2019, Guin- has gone undetected is UNODC report, Guin- the country is the lack Crime. ea-Bissau set a record through “humanitarian ea-Bissau is “one of the of reliable news sourc- The current political for the largest drug bust caravans.” People pos- smallest and poorest es. According to a 2019 climate suggests great- in the country’s history ing as humanitarian aid countries in a generally State Department re- er stability will not be that uncovered 1.8 tons workers from Eastern poor region.” In 2008, port on human rights achieved anytime soon. of cocaine, reports BBC. Europe pick up drugs The Guardian reported practices in Guinea-Bis- During the 2020 Guin- This came six months February 2021 Narco-States Page 9 The Netherlands not be prosecuted for the recent Deutsche Welles to varying degrees. The production in the Neth- gressor.” The state’s only chances to combat narco Collin Duran purchase, consumption, report indicated that the Netherlands is working to erlands. Their power has crime, in the long run, Staff Writer and/or possession of Netherlands generates curb the growing power only been boosted by their soft drugs. This seeming- nearly $20.8 billion in the of internal criminal orga- association with crime will have to involve some The Netherlands is ly unorthodox approach production of soft drugs nizations that are current- families in Italy, Ireland, form of cultural integra- currently confronting a to drug regulation was and synthetics. The article ly making their presence Columbia, and Mexico, tion and economic equity narco crisis – it is a prob- instituted in the hopes of also noted the potential felt to both the public among others. The Neth- programs. lem that has evolved over deterring citizens from involvement of other in- and the government. erlands has a significant In the meantime, the last four decades. The coming into contact with ternational drug cartels in The most recent inci- minority of Moroccan Dutch authorities will country, which is a glob- hard drugs, such as co- the Dutch narco industry, dent involved the mur- residents stemming from have to find a way to al tourism hub due to its caine, heroin, and opi- suggesting that Mexican ders of a state witness’s a 1960’s program to bring weaken the power of famed red-light districts um. In turn, the “coffee cartels are playing a signif- brother and lawyer, both over “guest workers’’ to the Mocro mafia. The and relaxed drug laws, shops” that sell soft drugs icant role in the distribu- of whom were working fill jobs in the hospitali- Guardian reports the has been plagued by or- have been granted a form tion of Dutch synthetics. on a case against a drug ty industry. Most of the Dutch police association ganized crime related to of immunity from the law, With staggering profits syndicate, according to Moroccans who arrived is working on recruiting the drug trade. Officials which allows drugs to be reaped by Dutch crimi- BBC. Other examples of in the Netherlands came 2,000 additional officers, are now attempting to consumed on their prem- nals coupled with increas- violence waged on the from impoverished areas, as they can only handle confront the concerning ises. However, it is this ing involvement in the public include the mur- and upon their arrival, about one in nine crimi- rise in violence in hopes very caveat in the law that international drug trade, der of a mother and the were “treated like cattle” nal groups at a time with of preventing the country is promoting drug-related some have raised concern appearance of a severed and forced into housing their current personnel. from becoming an all-out organized crime. over the potential forma- head outside of a coffee in ghettos and other low While the Netherlands narco-state. While coffee shops tion of a narco-state in shop. Dutch authorities income, high crime areas. may not be a traditional Since the 1970s, the can sell marijuana, it is the Netherlands. fear that stopping nar- These circumstances lead “narco-state” at this time, Netherlands has institut- still illegal to produce the A “narco-state” it- co-gang activity may be many Moroccans to turn they are certainly moving ed a policy of “tolerance” drug in the country, re- self is defined as a state an insurmountable task, to crime as a way to make towards becoming one. towards soft drugs such ports Forbes. This creat- “whose economy is de- especially due to the in- money and shed their vic- as marijuana, as noted by ed a black market that has pendent on the trade in volvement of other inter- tim status in the country. Contact Collin at [email protected] the Library of Congress’s spiraled out of control illegal drugs” as stated national crime families in Selima el Musalima, a fe- Law division. As outlined in recent decades. With by the Oxford Dictio- the Dutch drug trade. male imam in the Nether- by the Dutch Opium Act the high demand for the nary. A narco-state is also According to both lands, articulated that the of 1976, the sale of soft production of marijuana, characterized by the in- Vice and Dutch authori- drug trade is so lucrative drugs is nominally illegal, organized crime groups volvement of organized ties, the Moroca mafia, or to Moroccans because it, but the government’s tol- began to delve into the narco-related crime syn- the “mocro-mafia” is re- “offers the youth a plat- erance policy has made production of synthet- dicates in a state’s societal sponsible for the vast ma- form where they are not it clear that citizens will ic hard drugs as well. A and political institutions, jority of synthetic drug the victim, but the ag- Mexico Chapo” Guzmán, is also take the money instead. highest-ranking Mexican broader vision of putting tions of drug use from Zachary Schullian responsible for a vast One major headline official to date to have an end to the tragic drug his predecessors. Taking Staff Writer amount of economic de- from Mexico in recent faced charges relating to war that has lasted for solid steps to legalize velopment in the state. months was the arrest of drug trafficking and cor- decades. what was for decades a As COVID-19 contin- As a result, some cit- the country’s former De- ruption. The New York Legalizing recreation- criminal substance might ues its rampage through- izens have expressed fense Minister, General Times details that many al marijuana is the pres- be what brings an end to out the world, Mexico’s their respect and praise Salvador Cienfuegos, in in the Drug Enforce- ident’s ultimate goal, but the devastating drug war population grapples with for Guzmán’s contribu- Los Angeles on charges ment Agency were frus- these recent regulations once and for all, putting a far deadlier fact of life: tions to the local com- of corruption. The Cou- trated by the quick turn show a more gradual ap- the cartels out of busi- the war on drugs. munity. For instance, in rier-Journal reports that of events leading to his proach. In 2018, Mexi- ness by avoiding monop- Drug-related killings a video from France24, Cienfuegos was accused release. co’s Supreme Court ruled olizing production on in Mexico are extremely locals can be seen sing- of accepting bribes to Mexican President that lawmakers must the black market. Time high. On the macro lev- ing on the street about divert military attention Andres Manuel Lopez legalize the use of mari- will tell if his bold vision el, data from the reveals how “For [Guzmán] we away from the second Obrador is attempting juana. transforms into some- 2020 broke yet another would give our lives”. most powerful Mexican to reform the country’s However, flipping the thing revolutionary for record for homicide cas- Unfortunately, however, cartel, H-2. approach to combating system on its head by the common good. es in Mexico at 36,000, this means that the real Nicknamed by certain drug-related violence. immediately legalizing more than four times the threat of violence may cartel members as “El On February 11, he told recreational marijuana Contact Zachary at murder rate in the United be overlooked. People Padrino,” or “The God- those who believe the may cause confusion in zachary.schullian@student. States. If pandemic lock- who feel like they owe father”, Cienfuegos flew borders to be “open” due both domestic and in- shu.edu downs were supposed to someone their economic to the U.S. after initially to the new Biden admin- ternational institutions. prevent people from go- livelihoods could be re- being accused in Octo- istration in power that American and Canadi- ing outside and commit- luctant to put an end to ber 2020. However, Reu- they were incorrect in an investors are slight- ting murder, it clearly did “necessary” violence. ters claims that a month their assessment. Lopez ly reluctant to invest in not. Homicides commit- At the government later, U.S. Attorney Gen- Obrador hazards against Mexico’s drug market ted by criminal groups level, the situation is not eral William Barr spoke the overly simplistic due to uncertainty in account for nearly two- any more favorable for in private with Mexican framework that human how its policies translate thirds of all murders in those wielding any kind officials. Mexico stated traffickers are advertis- into actions. Regardless, Mexico last year. of political authority. De- it was open to coopera- ing, Al Jazeera reports. President Lopez Obra- One of the most vi- spite having more power tion on tracking down a In early February, the dor and his supporters olent and profitable re- and capital at one’s dis- high-profile cartel leader president signed new re- expect the legalization of gions for the drug trade posal, government offi- who oversees cross-bor- forms that will allow the recreational marijuana to is the Mexican state of cials are constantly per- der trafficking of large cultivation of marijuana be passed within the next Sinaloa. The Sinaloa Car- forming a cost-benefit amounts of fentanyl. In crops for medicinal pur- Congressional period. tel, which paved its way analysis on whether it is exchange, Attorney Gen. poses and permit phar- President Lopez Ob- to fame with the lead- more beneficial to count- Barr dropped the charges maceutical companies to rador brings a markedly ership of the now-im- er criminal cartel behav- against Cienfuegos. research cannabis prod- different stance regard- prisoned Joaquín “El ior or remain quiet and Cienfuegos is the ucts. This is part of his ing the ethical implica- February 2021 Page 10 Opinion The Future of U.S. Politics: A Warning from Brazil Patrick Condon lo, but caught little atten- detailed the Minneapolis year continued to gain protests’ goals, elevating a from a student-led leftist Staff Writer tion from the media as protests on May 26, where support nationally, poli- substantial number of far- protest. The recent riot at they were seen as “a fringe the police employed tear ticians were forced to re- right politicians into office. the U.S. Capitol displayed Brazil and the United movement with unreal- gas to disperse hundreds spond. Most denounced Overall, because the MPL an effective centralization States have experienced a istic goals,” according to of protestors. As protests the racial biases of some failed to organize political- of far-right politics in the rise in anti-establishment Americas Quarterly. The and looting in Minneap- police officers while main- ly, the protests created the U.S. on a social level. If protests over the last de- protests climaxed on June olis continued into early taining that the system as ideal “path for right-wing demonstrations like that cade. As leftist groups 13 when several thousand June, satellite demonstra- a whole could adapt to groups to reinforce, rather were to become more gained social acceptance MPL protestors march- tions popped up around protestors’ demands, while than challenge, establish- common, just as the BLM in both countries, far-right ing through Sao Paulo’s the country, expanding the some outright supported ment politicians,” in Brazil protests did last year, a po- groups started to emerge. streets were met by “un- movement into months of the actions of all police of- reports The Atlantic. litical vacuum may emerge These groups began put- necessarily heavy-handed” national protest. This in- ficers. This caused disdain The most notable esca- for greater political repre- ting greater pressure on police tactics, wounding herently shifted to address from leftist and far-right lation of far-right organi- sentation of far-right pol- sitting officials to make 105 protestors. The po- the overall racial inequality groups on the inability of zations following the BLM iticians. substantial changes, show- lice response ultimately present in the U.S. politicians to make a clear protests in the U.S. was the Nearly eight years have ing the need for political shifted the narrative of the At the end of 2013, the decision, which validated Capitol Riot on January passed since protests in reform. While this shift – protests from a “bus fare” Brazilian protests aimed at disestablishment, radical 6. Initially, then-President Sao Paulo emerged, and resulting in many years of movement to an attack on bringing down politicians ideals on the left and right. Trump held a rally to gain Brazil had time to recov- political upheaval – came the crucial middle class, instead of forcing them to However, the liberal ten- support in objecting to er and respond to these to Brazil in 2013, the U.S. dramatically increasing make administrative or fis- dencies of the American the 2020 presidential elec- events. The U.S., on the national support for the cal changes, creating a divi- media seemed to illustrate would not feel the widen- tion results. In response to other hand, must now protests. However, as the sion within the movement. only the ideals of the radi- ing social gap until 2021 President Trump’s calls, turn its head to the fu- movement railed against As the shifting protests cal left. What resulted was when far-right activists the crowd of Trump sup- ture of its political system rioted in the country’s allegations of political cor- brought in larger crowds, an underground emer- porters, made up largely and reflect on the events most sacred, democratic ruption, the focus shifted far-right anti-establish- gence of far-right social of far-right demonstra- which once rocked Brazil- building: the U.S. Capitol. towards the rampant cor- ment members organized groups. tors, stormed the Capitol ian democracy. If the U.S. In Brazil, the political up- ruption causing the origi- themselves under the so- In the aftermath of the building in an attempt to does not make changes to heaval resulted in further nal issues of bus fare infla- called “Movimento Brasil 2013 Brazilian protests, stop the verification of calm radical right and left polarization under Jair tion and inequality. Livre” (MBL), aimed at former President Dilma the election results. While groups, it may face similar Bolsonaro’s far-right gov- This mirrors the esca- taking down the corrupt Rousseff was impeached the physical location of consequences. While the ernment. The U.S. must lation of protests in the political elite. The once following a sweeping cor- this riot mirrored demon- newly-elected President now face the widening U.S. in 2020. Primarily small-scale student protest ruption overhaul, known strations at the Congress political gap and respond resurfacing with protests had now formed factions, as “Lava Jato.” The polit- building in Brasilia in 2013, Biden is relatively mod- to social protests or it too following the killing of became politically polar- ical vacuum that resulted the scope of destruction erate, there may be oppo- may find itself in a more George Floyd, the Black ized, and turned many of would determine the last- was far greater and less ex- site responses by far-right polarizing climate. Lives Matter (BLM) move- its demonstrators violent. ing effects of the MPL pected at the U.S. Capitol. groups once again at an In Brazil, the initial ment aimed to provide This crucial turn from so- and MBL. While the MPL According to The New even greater scale. 2013 protests were led greater media attention to cial to political protest il- continued its protests for York Times, the Brazilian by the Movimento Passe the racial biases of police lustrated the possible dan- free bus fares and greater response resulted in the Livre (MPL), a student and brutality. The move- gers in socially protesting middle-class security, the centralization of far-right Contact Patrick at patrick. organization against bus ment gained new atten- the political establishment. MBL elected far-right pol- politics at the highest lev- [email protected] fare inflation in Sao Pau- tion as the media closely As BLM protests last iticians to represent their el, stemming originally COVID-19 Relief Packages Must Invest in Digital Infrastructure and a Green Economy

Sebastian Kopec including self-employed Biden has said that pro- sives within the Demo- economy. A piece in writ- and the Biden administra- Staff Writer and independent contrac- vision faces long odds in cratic Party, does not ap- ten by Representatives tion face do not end with tors, like gig workers, who the Senate.” pear to have the support Donald McEachin, Na- COVID. An economy in As the United States do not usually qualify for The question seem- needed to pass through nette Barragan, and Pra- shambles and a climate nears its one-year anniver- unemployment.” Aside ingly facing Democratic both houses of Congress, mila Jaypal calls on Pres- crisis continues to threat- sary with the COVID-19 from individual benefits, leadership in the Senate there are provisions with- ident Biden to act on the en American livelihoods. pandemic and subsequent NPR also reports that is whether the bill ought in the plan that could climate crisis along with In response, the govern- lockdowns, many Amer- aid will be given to small to be expanded with pro- apply to the current cri- COVID to ensure issues ment must take strong icans are struggling with businesses, agriculture, visions that seemingly sis. In House Resolution of environmental justice action to invest in work- rent payments, home transportation, and vac- move away from a direct 109 introduced February are tackled. ing-class communities mortgages, and even put- cine distribution as well. focus on COVID-related 7, 2019, paragraph 2(F) Additionally, the way through the expansion ting food on the table. The large cost of the relief. With unprecedent- states, “…spurring mas- in which the U.S. viewed of our digital infrastruc- As Congress continues CARES Act has been crit- ed winter storms batter- sive growth in clean man- the development of our ture and the creation of negotiating a third stim- icized by many lawmakers ing the state of Texas ufacturing in the United digital infrastructure has a green manufacturing ulus package and vaccine who also see the newest and the 2020 California States and removing pol- dramatically shifted, with economy. If the adminis- rollouts continue across package as too great of an wildfires being a not-so- lution and greenhouse the CARES Act also in- tration fails to deliver this the country, many anx- economic burden on the distant memory, discus- gas emissions from man- cluding a provision to ex- to the American people, ious Americans wonder American economy. This sion of the climate crisis ufacturing and industry pand broadband internet more people will suffer, if the bill should include partisanship has forced is back in the front of as much as is technolog- access, according to Vox. and the economic divide further provisions like Democratic lawmakers to American minds. NBC re- ically feasible, including The new relief bill must between Americans will building up our digital in- work on the new bill sep- ports Texas was woefully by expanding renewable address the nation’s inad- only increase. frastructure or investing arately, resulting in legisla- unprepared for the scale energy manufacturing equate digital infrastruc- in a Green Economy. tion that is set to be just as of the damage done to and investing in existing ture by investing further Contact Sebastian at The CARES Act, the expensive as the CARES the state’s electrical grid. manufacturing and indus- into expanding internet sebastian.kopec@student. most recently-passed Act. While increasing While many Republicans try;” the economic devas- access within poor and shu.edu COVID relief bill during benefits across the board in the state blame renew- tation brought on by the marginalized communi- the Trump Administra- including a $1,400 stimu- able energy for the crisis, pandemic requires a vast ties. With the previous bill tion, allots 2 trillion dol- lus check and expanded it is oil, coal, natural gas, retooling of our manu- spending up to $7 billion lars for $600 direct cash unemployment benefits and nuclear energy that facturing, and if Presi- in funding, there is al- payments, and as stated past March, the Washing- fulfills the bulk of Texas’ dent Biden chooses to ready a set precedent for by CNBC, “The $2 tril- ton Post notes “…Dem- energy needs. do so, he would have the continuing the advance- lion CARES Act expands ocrats included a $15-per- While a proposal such mandate needed to move ment of our online con- unemployment benefits hour minimum wage in as the Green New Deal, moderate Democrats to- nectivity. to cover more workers, the package, although favored by many progres- ward supporting a green The challenges the U.S. February 2021 Opinion Page 11 The United States Has Far More to Worry About than Russia’s Protests Sara Fakik ing in a secret location in rassed in both countries. and the Energy Depart- of through a tweet, the Despite the tensions, their Staff Writer Germany before return- The U.S. government did ment’s National Nuclear U.S should have addressed conversation was posted ing to Russia in January not meet the demands Security Administration the situation more direct- on Twitter, showing the Activist Alexei Naval- 2021. Before clearing cus- of protestors, allowed an were also affected by the ly and seriously. willingness to de-escalate ny, Russia’s main opposi- toms, Navalny was unlaw- attack on the U.S Cap- attack. Then-President Following President tensions for transparent tion leader, is known for fully detained by Russian itol perpetrated by for- Trump simply tweeted Biden’s inauguration last communication and pos- exposing corruption in officials. In a YouTube mer President Trump, about the situation, claim- month, one of his pri- sible cooperation. While Russia and campaigning video, the opposition and barely involves itself ing “Russia, Russia, Rus- mary tasks was to for- this cooperation would be against the ruling United leader says he returned in when needed, but is quick sia is the priority chant mally speak with Russian a smart diplomatic move, Russia Party. The spark order to display that is he to jump into Russian af- when anything happens President Vladimir Putin tensions between the that captured global at- not afraid of Putin and fairs about the harsh sup- because Lamestream is, about the threats they U.S. and Russia are not tention was when Na- ready to fight for people’s pression of protests. for mostly financial rea- pose to U.S. national secu- new, and realistically will valny found President rights as mass protests Aside from protests, sons, petrified of discuss- rity. According to Forbes, continue especially with Putin’s secret country spread throughout the reports Russia had alleged ing the possibility that it President Biden firmly President Biden’s plans house built with Russian country. bounties on American may be China (it may!).” assured the U.S. would to crack down on Russia’s citizens’ money. Pensions In response to Naval- soldiers in Afghanistan The SolarWinds hack is act in defense of its na- threats. in Russia are reduced ev- ny’s arrest and the contin- through a transaction far more of a threat to tional interests, which are ery year and the economy ued poor conditions for with Taliban-linked mili- national security than the increasingly necessary fol- Contact Sara at continues to suffer – the many Russians, protests tants. Additionally, Russia Russia protests, so instead lowing Trump’s inaction. [email protected] citizens were rightly furi- turned violent. The Unit- initiated cyberattacks on ous. ed States Department the IT group SolarWinds Navalny was tailed for of State issued a state- that compromised the three years until he was ment saying, “The United U.S federal government. poisoned in August 2020 States strongly condemns According to Reuters, the with a lethal nerve agent the use of harsh tactics U.S. Commerce, Justice, planted in his underpants, against protesters and and Treasury Department according to CNN. His journalists this weekend were hacked as part of survival is proof of the in cities throughout Rus- the attack on SolarWinds, lengths Putin and his par- sia.” The U.S.’s hypoc- which includes many ty will go to keep their po- risy is amusing as local federal agencies. Micro- sitions secure. Even with police and the national soft Corp President Brad evidence found in the in- guard used the same, if Smith says this is “the vestigation and Navalny’s not worse, tactics during largest and most sophisti- proof of conversations nationwide Black Lives cated attack the world has with Russian intelligence, Matter protests follow- ever seen.” the story remains denied ing George Floyd’s death The Hill confirms the by Russian officials. in 2020. Protestors were Department of Home- Vladimir Putin is facing a new wave of protests following Alexei Navalny’s arrest. Navalny was recover- detained, fined, and ha- land Security, Defense, Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons President Biden and the Iran Nuclear Deal: Where Does it Go Moving Forward? Chimdi Chukwukere allies in western Europe. nuclear-related provisions account U.S. concerns be- an agreement as quickly in Europe that the U.S. is Staff Writer It is the U.S.’s duty to re- of the JCPOA will be ver- yond Iran’s nuclear pro- as possible for the re-en- ready to again lead from join the JCPOA, having ified by the International gram.” Other major Eu- try of the U.S. to the the front. President Biden Before the United been the defaulting party. Atomic Energy Agen- ropean allies and Security JCPOA should be a top promised, “if Iran re- States presidential elec- Rejoining the agreement cy (IAEA) according to Council members insisted priority for this adminis- turns to strict compliance tion, then-candidate Joe will signal the United certain requirements out- they would not default on tration and the removal with the nuclear deal, the Biden promised not only States’ reignited commit- lined in the agreement,” the agreement with Iran. of sanctions will help to United States will rejoin to rejoin the Iran Nucle- ment to multilateralism reports the Arms Control Targeted sanctions alleviate the suffering of the agreement as a start- ar Deal but also to “take and improve relations Association. Addition- employed by the Trump Iranian innocent citizens. ing point for follow-on steps to make sure US with major allies. ally, the nuclear deal was administration succeeded In his op-ed released negotiations,” which will sanctions do not hin- President Biden must endorsed by UN Security in crippling the Iranian just before the U.S. pres- include the demand for der Iran’s fight against reconsider the JCPOA Council Resolution 2231 economy, driving it into idential elections, Presi- the release of “unjustly COVID-19,” CNN re- nuclear deal agreed with which keeps it valid with recession and inflicting dent Biden bemoaned the detained Americans” held ports. Withdrawal from Iran and other world or without U.S. compli- humanitarian costs on the Trump administration’s by the Iranian regime. the Joint Comprehensive powers. Unilateral sanc- ance. The U.S. cannot af- regime during the pan- reimposition of sanc- The U.S. cannot allow Plan of Action (JCPOA), tions against Iran are not ford to abandon a regime demic. Additional sanc- tions against the Iranian opportunities for Iran to also known as the Iran effective, especially when that is still effective. tions were also imposed regime, calling Trump’s roll back years of prog- Nuclear Deal, was one our major allies do not On May 8, 2018, for- on Iran’s financial sector Iran policy a “dangerous ress already made and Trump administration wish to place such restric- mer President Trump in October 2020 which failure.” According to must certainly prevent move that further alienat- tions. “With the JCPOA, withdrew the U.S. from was reported to com- him, Trump’s Iran policy a nuclear-armed Iran ed the U.S. from its close Iran’s compliance with the the JCPOA and an- pound the already dire of “maximum pressure” from emerging. A nucle- nounced the reimposi- humanitarian situation achieved nothing but to ar-armed Iran is a threat tion of severe sanctions there. draw Iran closer to Russia to Israel and American on the Iranian regime. Despite this, reports and China and gave Iran allies in Europe and the A Congressional report from The Washington the opportunity to accel- middle east, and thus a explains the purpose of Post indicate “Tehran has erate its nuclear weapons threat to U.S. homeland the unilateral targeted exceeded several limita- program. If President security. sanctions was to force tions of the accord and Biden’s words are any- the Iranian regime under now has more than 10 thing to go by, we should Contact Chimdi what the former president times the amount of en- expect that the U.S. will at chimdi.chukwukere@ referred to as “maximum riched uranium allowed show more swiftness in student.shu.edu pressure” to “compel under the agreement, ac- rejoining the agreement Iran to negotiate a revised cording to the U.N. nucle- with Iran, which will fur- President Biden has indicated a willingness to re-engage with Iran. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons JCPOA that takes into ar watchdog.” Reaching ther convince our allies February 2021 Opinion Page 12 Unequal World Vaccine Distribution Needs to Change

Luisa Chainferber to make vaccine access ities to assist in bringing ing countries. Given the bution can be. This is lation vaccinated. Addi- Senior Correspondent more equitable across the vaccines to very remote challenges of distributing demonstrated by people tionally, as demonstrated globe, reports BBC News. parts of the world, includ- vaccines on a global scale, who used political influ- by economic data and ac- UN secretary-general However, even mem- ing areas that are typically partnerships between in- ence or other means to ademic studies, vaccines Antonio Guterres recent- bers of the WHO — like outside of the reach of ternational organizations jump ahead the vaccine are critical since the health ly heavily criticized the board member Dr. Cle- other logistics companies. or countries with the line in several countries, and productive capacity disproportionate distribu- mens Martin Auer from In a statement, DP private sector — as well reports the Thomas Re- of a country are highly in- tion of COVID-19 vac- Austria — have already uters Foundation. The terconnected. cines and called on states admitted that COVAX advocacy for more equi- Although an unequal to coordinate to ensure has not been fast enough table global distribution is distribution of vaccines that more people across due to the difficulty in ob- not only the morally right can provide some eco- the globe can receive the taining vaccine contracts. approach to the pandem- nomic relief for devel- vaccine, reports the Asso- These challenges raise ic, but it is also critical for oped countries in the ciated Press. concerns that COVAX the recovery of the global short run, an inadequate The UN chief empha- alone will not be suffi- economy. global economic recovery sized that 130 countries cient in guaranteeing that In fact, a study by the and the moral costs of have yet to obtain their all countries will vaccinate Centre for Economic an uneven global vaccine first doses of the vaccine. at a rate to support global Policy Research calcu- distribution demonstrates Given this inequality, it herd immunity. lated that if developed the utmost importance is imperative that the in- Given the drawbacks countries become fully of working together. The ternational community of relying solely on CO- vaccinated by 2022 while world must continue to builds stronger coordina- VAX for a more equitable the rest of the world re- find solutions so that tion so it can properly ad- global vaccination cam- Developing nations are projected to vaccinate their citizens far later mains with only partial more people—especially dress global vaccine distri- paign, the international than wealthier ones. access to the vaccine, the those in developing na- Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons bution. community should wel- unbalanced vaccine dis- tions that already encoun- Although efforts for come and facilitate any World Chairman and as other types of solu- tribution could cost the tered serious health and greater coordination exist, additional efforts for vac- CEO Sultan Ahmed bin tions that can speed up global economy up to $3.8 economic issues prior to more may still be neces- cine equality. For example, Sulayem said that the the process of allocating, trillion. Half of the cost the pandemic—can ob- sary. Countries like the the Dubai-based company company will do all it can distributing, and applying would be imposed on de- tain access to vaccines in a United Kingdom and the DP World has logistics because, “this pandemic vaccines globally — must veloped countries through more equitable way across United States have already operations that are part will not go away unless ev- be encouraged to comple- lower demand for goods the globe. donated $734 million and of the supply chain of ten eryone gets vaccinated.” ment the capabilities of from trading partners that $4 billion, respectively, to percent of global trade The company also noted COVAX. would still be suffering Contact Luisa at COVAX, an initiative by annually, according to it will provide its exper- It is true there are sig- from the economic im- luisa.chainferber@student. the World Health Organi- CNBC. The company has tise to help UNICEF de- nificant limits to how pacts of not having large shu.edu zation (WHO) that seeks pledged to use its capabil- liver vaccines to develop- equitable vaccine distri- portions of their popu-

CONTRIBUTORS Ariel Go Jr. Chimdi Chukwukere Collin Duran

JARRETT DANG DANIELA MAQUERA Drew Starbuck Editor-in-Chief Digital Editor Hamzah Khan Jasmine DeLeon HARSHANA GHOORHOO JOAQUIN MATAMIS Managing Editor Layout Editor Jasmine Ortega Jazlyn Dominguez MEGAN GAWRON CHRISTIANA MONES Joshua Powanda International News Editor Communications Liaison Juliet Nangini JUDITH KOREN LUISA CHAINFERBER Lauren-Marie Diawatan Opinion Editor Senior Correspondent Luisa Chainferber ANDREA HEBEL DR. COURTNEY SMITH Lylian Pagan Associate Editor Faculty Adviser Natalie Sherman Patrick Condon Sara Fakik This publication is made possible through the generosity of Sebastian Kopec the Constance J. Milstein, Esq., Endowed Fund. Shaira Taylor The views expressed inThe Diplomatic Envoy are those of the writers and are not Shweta Parthasarathy intended to represent the views of the School of Diplomacy, Seton Hall University, Timothy Georgetti or the CJM Fund. Timothy Sandram Zach Schullian For more information on sources, go to blogs.shu.edu/thediplomaticenvoy