Are we getting started?

Hi Global Recap readers,

We have a breaking news from Iran that “officially” seems inconsequential geopolitically. Naturally, details are lacking, but I thought I should report it anyway, despite it being rather raw.

Also: I’m experimenting with adding GIFs to the newsletter. For those unfamiliar, a GIF is a looping, moving image. You can see examples below. I’m considering whether to create and include them for a more dynamic feel, though I’m also weighing if they might be too distracting.

✍️ Please share your thoughts in the poll below. Creating GIFs takes more time, but if it means you won’t have to click on video links to view a four-second clip, I believe it could be worth the effort.​

(You can see the difference between the video link for the North Korea story and the GIFs in the Iran story)

🇮🇷 IRAN
Fire at Iran Oil Refinery

A huge fire at the Pars Petro refinery in Shushtar, southwestern Iran, has claimed one life and left four others injured.

• Initially, videos of the incident circulated online, with some supporters of Israel speculating that it could signal the beginning of retaliation against Iran.

• However, new details emerging from the incident suggest a different cause. Yet, even these reports raise more questions and leave room for further speculation.

So what’s the truth?

The Incident

A fire broke out at the Pars Petro refinery in Shushtar.

• The blaze occurred after a tanker reportedly collided with petroleum tanks.

• The incident resulted in one death and four injuries.

• Efforts are ongoing to contain the fire.

Cause of the Fire

The “official cause” of the fire was a failure to observe safety precautions.

• The crisis management head for Khuzestan cited refueling safety lapses.

• However, some are suggesting that this was a “sabotage” by Israel.

Of course, speculation about possible Israeli “sabotage” remains unverified. While it’s too early to draw any firm conclusions, current information points more towards negligence as the likely cause of the refinery fire.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
US Threatens Israel Over Gaza

The Biden-Harris administration has issued a stern warning to Israel: improve humanitarian aid in Gaza within 30 days or face a halt in US military assistance.

What’s the deal? The US is pushing Israel to increase aid supplies, open more delivery routes, and end the isolation of northern Gaza. If Israel doesn’t comply, the US might pause its military aid.

The Ultimatum

The US demands Israel to act on humanitarian aid.

• Israel must increase aid supplies by winter.

• Establish a delivery route through Jordan to the Gaza Strip, ensuring at least 350 aid trucks cross daily via all four border crossings, and create a fifth passage for additional access.

• End the isolation in northern Gaza.

The Stakes

Failure to comply could impact US policy.

• The US might halt military aid to Israel.

• This is tied to international laws of war and humanitarian aid requirements.

Naturally, people are wondering whether this is the Biden administration threatening the Israeli government outright.

Not a Threat

US Officials claim the warning was “not meant as a threat.”

• National Security Council’s John Kirby emphasized the urgency of increasing humanitarian aid since aid to Gaza has dropped by over 50% recently.

The Response

Israel claims it’s not blocking aid.

• The IDF states over 9,000 tons of aid have been delivered since October 1.

• However, the UN and humanitarian groups argue it’s not enough.

🇰🇵 NORTH KOREA
North Korea Destroys Border Roads

North Korea has blown up roads linking it with South Korea, sending a clear message of non-negotiation and triggering a military response from South Korea.

The Incident

To clarify, North Korea destroyed roads on its side of the border.

• The roads, though unused, symbolized efforts to improve ties.

• South Korea condemned the act as a violation of agreements.

Military Response

South Korea fired warning shots in retaliation.

• The South’s military boosted its readiness.

• North Korea has laid fresh mines and deployed missiles along the border.

Nothing New

This latest explosion is just another example of North Korea’s aggressive actions under Kim Jong-un’s regime.

• On June 16, 2020, the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in Kaesong, North Korea, was destroyed on orders from Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jong.

• The reason? They were angry over defectors from South Korea sending anti-regime leaflets into North Korea.

• The office, established after the 2018 Panmunjom Declaration to improve communication between the two Koreas, was funded by South Korea.

📊 POLL
GIFs: Yay or Nay?

Now that you’ve seen the difference between having GIFs and not, what’s your verdict?

🇪🇸 SPAIN
Chemical Smuggling Network Busted

Spanish authorities have arrested individuals suspected of running a sanctions-busting commercial network, intercepting over 14 tons of chemical products bound for Russia.

The Arrests

Four people were arrested for orchestrating the illegal network.

• The suspects were detained in three villages near Barcelona.

• They were allegedly managing a company that exported internationally sanctioned chemicals.

The Seizure

Authorities intercepted a massive shipment of chemicals.

• Over 14 tons of chemicals were found in a shipping container at the port in Barcelona.

• Some of these chemicals could be precursors for chemical weapons or nerve agents.

The Investigation

The probe began in 2022 amid sanctions on Russia.

• Western countries imposed sanctions to prevent Russia from acquiring equipment and technology for its invasion of Ukraine.

• The company used shadow firms in Armenia and Kyrgyzstan to send goods to its Moscow-based subsidiary.

So, what’s next? Will we see more of these busts, or is this just the tip of the iceberg?

🇹🇼 TAIWAN
China’s Record Military Drills

On Tuesday, China conducted a record-breaking military drill around Taiwan, raising significant concerns in the region.

Record Aircraft Numbers

According to Taiwan, China used a record number of military aircraft in the drill.

• A total of 153 aircraft were recorded in a single day, surpassing previous records.

• The drill was conducted without prior warning, causing regional tension.

Regional Impact

The drills have broader implications for regional stability.

• Taiwan’s Premier highlighted the disturbance to peace and stability.

• The drills affected international navigational rights and air and sea space.

International Response

The drills drew criticism from the US and its allies.

• The Pentagon labeled the exercises as “irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing.”

• Concerns were raised about China’s expansionist behavior.

Taiwan’s Reaction

Taiwan remains resilient despite the pressure.

• Taiwan’s stock index showed resilience, closing up 0.3% on Monday and 1.4% on Tuesday. Are investors largely unfazed due to the numerous conflicts happening around the world?

• Officials emphasized the importance of international solidarity against China’s actions.

So, what’s next? Will China keep pushing the envelope, or will international pressure make them think twice? Only time will tell.