$10 billion for Iran

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yesterday, we discussed the huge sum of money the Biden administration provided to Ukraine—$20 billion to be more precise.

However, Ukraine isn’t the only recipient of US generosity. 👇

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Biden's $10 Billion Iran Waiver

Just mere days after President Trump’s election victory, the Biden administration quietly renewed a controversial $10 billion Iran sanctions waiver.

Waiver Renewal

The Biden administration’s waiver extensions allow Iran access to $10 billion from Iraq.

• The waiver was renewed on November 7, two days after Trump’s victory.

• Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended the waiver for 120 days.

• The funds are meant for humanitarian trade but can be converted to other currencies.

Controversy

This last point became a significant source of controversy.

• Back in September of last year: a month before Hamas’s October 7 attack, the Biden administration released $6 billion as part of a prisoner deal.

• In November last year: a month after the attack, they approved a sanctions waiver, which they have now waived again.

The administration clarified that the waiver permits the funds to be used strictly for humanitarian purposes. However, as we know, money is fungible.

Watch the former Iranian President declare that Iran will use the $6 billion released by the US however it sees fit:

Political Backlash

The renewal has faced strong opposition from congressional Republicans.

• House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul criticized the waiver.

• McCaul argued it funds Iran’s terrorist proxies and nuclear weapons program.

• The House voted twice to eliminate these waiver authorities.

Historical Context

The waiver has been extended multiple times since 2018.

• To be fair: The State Department noted the waiver started during Trump’s first term.

• It allows Iraq to purchase Iranian electricity while developing its own capacity.

• The Biden administration has extended it several times since taking office.

Future Uncertainty

It’s unclear if Trump will scrap the waiver when he returns to office. Trump’s transition team did not respond to requests for comment.

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM
Puberty Blockers Ban Extended

The UK government has decided to indefinitely ban the use of puberty blockers for teens under 18, except in clinical trials.

Broadly speaking:

• Conservatives may see this as a victory against what they consider a physiologically harmful practice.

• Progressives may view this as an obstacle to “trans care.”

Permanent Ban

• The ban applies to young people under 18 with gender dysphoria.

• The only exception is for clinical trials.

• This decision follows advice from medical experts about safety risks.

Expert Advice

Medical experts have raised concerns about the safety of puberty blockers.

• Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the need for caution.

• Experts concluded there is an unacceptable safety risk without further research.

• A clinical trial will be set up next year to establish a clear evidence base.

Previous Restrictions

This decision builds on earlier actions taken by the government.

• The National Health Service (NHS) stopped routine prescriptions for under-18s earlier this year.

• A landmark review by pediatrician Hilary Cass highlighted shaky foundations in gender medicine.

• The High Court upheld the temporary ban in July.

Ongoing Debate

The decision has sparked a range of reactions.

• The Council of Europe raised ethical concerns about limiting treatment to clinical trials.

• Health Secretary Streeting acknowledged the challenges faced by trans youth.

• Opposition parties and activists have expressed mixed reactions.

Future Review

The ban will be reviewed in 2027.

• Young people with valid prescriptions before the ban can continue treatment.

• The government aims to ensure treatments are based on solid evidence.

📊 Poll

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Iranian Espionage Shocks Israel

Israel is reeling from the arrest of nearly 30 Jewish citizens accused of spying for Iran, marking Iran’s most significant infiltration effort in decades.

This shows Iran’s surprisingly successful efforts in recruiting Israeli spies.

Espionage Uncovered

Israel's Shin Bet security service has uncovered a massive espionage operation.

• Alleged spies operated in nine covert cells.

• Targets included an Israeli nuclear scientist and former military officials.

Social Media Recruitment

Iranian intelligence agencies have been supposedly using social media to recruit spies.

• Recruits offered money for intelligence. In fact, one message promised $15,000 for information.

• Recruits were first assigned innocuous tasks before being asked for sensitive intelligence.

• Recruits included recent immigrants, an army deserter, and a convicted sex offender.

• Threat of blackmail was also used to ensure compliance.

Surprising Numbers

The high number of Jewish Israelis recruited has shocked security experts.

• Former Shin Bet official Shalom Ben Hanan called it a "large phenomenon."

• Recruits knowingly worked for Iran against the state.

• Activities included graffiti, damaging cars, and gathering military information.

Notable Arrests

Some of the arrested individuals have notable backgrounds.

• Vladislav Victorsson, 30, was arrested with his 18-year-old girlfriend.

• Victorsson had been jailed in 2015 for sex with minors.

• Tasks included spraying graffiti, hiding money, and burning cars.

🇦🇫 AFGHANISTAN
Taliban Minister Killed in Kabul

A suicide bombing in Kabul has claimed the life of the Taliban's refugee minister, Khalil Haqqani.

Who’s responsible for this? ISIS.

The Attack

• The bomber disguised as a visitor detonated the bomb while Haqqani was signing paperwork.

• Six other people were also killed in the attack.

Taliban's Response

The Taliban has expressed profound grief over the loss of Khalil Haqqani.

• The Taliban blamed ISIS for the "cowardly attack."

• A spokesperson called ISIS a "faction that deceitfully professes Islam while declaring other Muslims to be infidels."

• Haqqani's nephew, Anas Haqqani, mourned the loss, calling him a "very brave Mujahid."

Haqqani's Background

Khalil Haqqani was a significant figure within the Taliban and had a controversial past.

• In 2011, the US classified Khalil Haqqani as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

• The US offered a reward of up to $5 million for information related to him.

• He was also on the United Nations Security Council's 1988 Sanctions List.

Haqqani Network

The Haqqani network, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, has a complex relationship with the Taliban.

• The network has carried out major attacks during Afghanistan's war.

• Tensions exist between the Haqqani network and the Taliban due to differences in governing strategy.

• Sirajuddin Haqqani has shown a willingness to engage with the international community, unlike other Taliban leaders.