Hi Global Recap readers,

We are starting off with a lighter story today. It’s a rare treat, given that our world seems to be perpetually teetering on the brink of war!

📈 Top News

🔌 Apple Bows to EU Pressure. Apple finally ditched its beloved Lightning ports for USB-C ports in the new iPhone 15, all thanks to an E.U. law that aims to reduce electronic waste.

♻️ Green Apple. Despite Apple initially lashing back at the E.U. implementing the law, it has gone full-eco-friendly now. Yesterday’s Apple event, where they announced the new iPhone, was all about it. Talk about an eco-friendly glow-up.

This is a reminder that even tech titans have to play by the rules when governments come knocking!

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💰 Biden Gives Iran Billions for Hostages. The Biden administration has agreed to release $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds and swap five prisoners with Iran, a deal that critics say will fuel terrorism and hostage-taking.

🛩️ 9/11. The deal was announced on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, a date that some see as a slap in the face to the victims of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

🎖️ Pushed Around. Two former national security officials, Ret. Gen. Keith Kellogg and Robert O’Brien slammed the deal as a sign of American weakness.

🖐️ Slap in the Face. $6 billion was “unfrozen” under the condition that Iran would use it for humanitarian purposes.

But Iranian President Raisi said it will use it:

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🚀 China Prepares for War with U.S., Air Force Chief Warns. China is building a military force to take on the U.S. in the Western Pacific, according to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. He also points out China has created new branches to specifically counter critical U.S. assets and dominate cyber and space domains.

Kendall’s Warning: The U.S. military must adapt swiftly or risk losing the war.

Is this fearmongering to get more funding, or a genuine assessment?

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👮 Iran Arrests Swedish Citizen for ‘Crimes’ in Tehran. Speaking of Iran… Iran has confirmed that it is holding a Swedish national, Johan Floderus, who works for the European Union, on charges of “committing crimes” in Iran. Floderus has been in captivity for over 500 days.

🇮🇷 Iran’s Playbook. Iran has accused him of espionage, a common tactic to pressure foreign governments. Sweden and the E.U. have demanded his immediate release, calling his detention arbitrary and unjustified.

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✍️ In-Depth

Russia
How Kim and Putin Plan to Spy on You

🚀 Kim and Putin’s Space Date. The two leaders met at a Russian spaceport and discussed satellites, missiles, and Ukraine.

👀 What’s Going On? North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome on Wednesday, where he was greeted by President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders toured the facility, inspected a rocket, and held talks on various issues.

🛰️ Satellites. Kim has expressed interest in developing space technology, with a particular fondness for spy satellites to keep tabs on U.S. and South Korean military activities. Despite two failed launch attempts, he’s not fazed. And of course, ever the gracious Putin has offered Russia’s expertise to help North Korea realize its spying ambitions.

🚀 Missiles. So now, what does Putin want? He’s in the market for more firepower for his aggression against the Ukrainian people, where he’s running low on artillery shells. North Korea, with its Soviet-era munitions surplus, could be his one-stop shop. The two leaders may have discussed an arms deal, a move that would unleash U.N. sanctions but also ruffle feathers in the U.S. and its allies (if they haven’t done so already).

🇺🇦 Ukraine. Kim has publicly supported Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a “sacred fight” against imperialism. He also vowed that Russia has North Korea's “full and unconditional support” for Russia’s mission against the U.S. I don’t know about you, but this sounds very similar to what I heard from Xi Jinping before he threw Putin under the bus - claiming Russian land and whatnot.

😬 Why It Matters. The meeting between Kim and Putin shows how the two isolated and authoritarian regimes are drawing closer as they face increasing pressure from the U.S. and the international community. The meeting also raises concerns about the potential transfer of weapons technology and intelligence between the two countries, which could pose a threat to regional and global security.