Calm before the storm

Hi Global Recap readers,

We received some great responses to yesterday’s poll about the ethics of Harris’ team using manipulated news headlines in their ad campaigns.

I was surprised to find that out of the 87% of people who disagreed with this tactic, calling it “fake news” and a blatant lie, a lot were actually Harris supporters.

Meanwhile, some of you who didn’t find the ads problematic appear to be free-speech absolutists. While this was unexpected, I completely understand your position on freedom of expression…

Before we dive into the news, I hope you have a restful weekend!

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Gaza Ceasefire Talks Paused

Negotiators in Doha have paused the Gaza ceasefire talks, and they are planning to resume next week.

Meanwhile, Iran’s threat of retaliation looms. Although it’s widely expected to be missile attacks, Israeli security officials believe it could take the form of an assassination—a tit-for-tat response.

New US Proposal

In a joint statement, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt announced that Washington had proposed a new proposal.

• It builds on the agreements reached over the past week.

• The proposal aims to close gaps between the sides for rapid implementation.

• Mediators will continue working on the proposal in the coming days.

Israeli Delegation

The Israeli delegation in Doha, which includes Israeli security officials, is heading home for now.

• Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet US Secretary of State Blinken on Monday.

Regional Tensions

The conflict risks escalating regionally.

• Iran has threatened to retaliate if a ceasefire deal is not reached following the assassination of a Hamas leader.

• Meanwhile, Israeli ministers were reportedly warned that Iran’s “retaliation” could involve the assassination of high-ranking officials.

• US warships and planes are in the region to defend Israel and deter attackers.

🇹🇭 THAILAND
New Youngest Prime Minister Vote

Thailand’s Parliament is voting on whether to approve Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as the new prime minister.

Paetongtarn’s Nomination

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, is the leader of the Pheu Thai party and the sole nominee for prime minister.

• She does not hold an elected office, which is not required by law.

• If approved, she will be Thailand’s second female prime minister and the youngest leader.

Political Background

Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, is a divisive figure in Thai politics.

• Thaksin was ousted by a military coup in 2006 but remains influential.

• Paetongtarn insists she is not just her father’s proxy.

Recent Political Turmoil

Thailand has faced significant political upheaval recently.

• Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was removed from office for an ethics violation after appointing a lawyer with a criminal record to the Cabinet.

• The progressive Move Forward party was dissolved by the Constitutional Court.

Coalition Dynamics

The Pheu Thai-led coalition has declared unanimous support for Paetongtarn.

• The coalition has 314 lawmakers in the lower house, needing just 247 votes for approval.

• Paetongtarn’s direct line to her father may strengthen coalition unity.

🇧🇾 BELARUS
Nuke Threat

Amidst the recent incursion into Russian territory by Ukrainian forces, Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko has issued a warning about the use of nuclear weapons, stating that there are "no red lines" if the Union State's borders are crossed.

Lukashenko’s Warning

Lukashenko emphasized the immediacy of Belarus’ response to any border incursions.

• He declared that Belarus would use nuclear weapons instantly if the Union State’s border were crossed.

• This statement was made during an interview with the Russian TV channel Rossiya.

Previous Threats

This isn’t Lukashenko’s first nuclear threat.

• In July, he made similar comments amid rising tensions along Ukraine’s northern border with Belarus.

• He assured that Belarus would prevent any clashes on the border with Ukraine.

Call for Peace

Despite his threats, Lukashenko also called for an end to the conflict.

• He urged for negotiations, stating that neither Ukrainians, Russians, nor Belarusians needed the ongoing war.

• He blamed “high-ranking people of American origin” for wanting the war to continue.

🇰🇵 NORTH KOREA
Tourism Reopens Partially

North Korea is set to partially reopen its doors to tourism later this year after being closed off since January 2020 at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Chinese-based tourism operator.

Limited Reopening

Tours to North Korea will officially resume in December 2024 but with restrictions.

• The reopening will start in Samjiyon City, known for its winter tourism and Mt. Paektu.

• Access to Pyongyang or other parts of the country will remain restricted.

• Koryo Tours, the operator, emphasizes that things may be a bit chaotic initially.

Historical Significance

Samjiyon holds a special place in North Korean history and culture.

• It is considered the birthplace of the revolution and the reputed birthplace of Kim Jong Il.

• For the entire Korean Peninsula, it is seen as the most significant and sacred place.

Development Efforts

North Korea has been working on developing Samjiyon as a tourist destination for years.

• The area was already under construction in 2018 when Koryo Tours visited for filming.

• The company has been operating in North Korea for over 30 years but has never experienced such a long closure.

Future Prospects

The broader implications for tourism in North Korea remain uncertain.

• Official itinerary dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

• Koryo Tours assures that safety will be a priority for all visitors.

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