Coup Failed

Hi Global Recap readers,

The International Space Station (ISS), a beacon of global unity since '98, is gearing up for a grand finale.

Think of it like a space veteran easing into a well-deserved cosmic retirement.

But the big question is: How do you earthbound a celestial giant, and who’s going to do the job?

Enter SpaceX: Under the leadership of Elon Musk, SpaceX has been entrusted by NASA with the mission of guiding the ISS to a safe and deliberate deorbiting after its retirement in 2030.

With the $843 million deal, SpaceX is on deck to craft the “US Deorbit Vehicle,” tasked with nudging the ISS back home, ensuring no risk to populated areas.

🇧🇴 Bolivia
Failed Coup

Bolivia just dodged a bullet.

A high-ranking general tried to stage a coup in order to “restore democracy,” but President Luis Arce wasn't having it.

🔘 Coup Attempt: Initially, armored vehicles charged at the doors of the government palace.

• The general’s name is José Zúñiga.

• It seemed like the general was successful in taking control at first, but Arce stood firm and quickly appointed a new army commander, who told the soldiers to stand down.

• The troops quickly pulled back.

• The whole charade only lasted three hours.

🔘 Aftermath: The aftermath saw the arrest of the army chief general and former navy Vice Adm. Juan Arnez Salvador.

• Government Minister Eduardo del Castillo said that they aimed to “overturn the democratically elected authority.”

• The attorney general has launched an investigation, with potential sentences of 15 to 20 years for attacking democracy.

• Arce's supporters flooded the square outside the palace, waving flags and belting out the national anthem.

🔘 Political Strife: This didn't come out of nowhere. Bolivia has been dealing with a series of political clashes in the country.

• Months of disagreements between Arce and former president Evo Morales over the control of the ruling party heightened tensions.

• These tensions also stalled efforts to address the economic downturn.

• General Zúñiga claimed they were trying to end the political deadlock.

BUT The Story Doesn’t End Here

🔘 Theories: The internet seems to be more interested in some theories.

• Some say the CIA planned the coup to control Bolivia’s lithium riches

• Others believe it’s payback for Bolivia’s ties with Russia or its stance on Israel.

• Social media platforms are rife with speculation, but hard facts are hard to come by.

🔘 Historical Distrust: Bolivia’s wary of the US, and not without reason.

• Past CIA support for coups in Latin America has left deep scars. And with over 190 coup attempts in its history, Bolivia’s no stranger to political upheaval.

🇨🇳 China
Two Defense Ministers Expelled

🔘 Expulsion: China’s former Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, have been expelled from the Communist Party.

• Li was removed from his post last October without public explanation, following a two-month absence. Remember when US intel suggested that the Chinese army filled its missiles with water instead of fuel?

• Wei Fenghe’s dismissal also stems from alleged corruption, marking a significant shift in the military’s top echelon.

🔘 Investigation: The details surrounding the allegations and the investigation are still unfolding.

• With both officials holding considerable influence in the Central Military Commission, their expulsion signals a crackdown on corruption at the highest levels.

• The exact nature of the corruption charges has not been disclosed, but the impact on the military’s leadership is undeniable.

🇪🇺 NATO
NATO Appoints New Leader

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is welcoming a fresh face at the helm, with the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stepping up as the new secretary general.

🔘 Appointment: Mark Rutte’s new role as NATO’s secretary general marks a pivotal moment for the alliance, especially amidst the ongoing tensions resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

• Rutte was chosen after his main competitor, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, withdrew from the race.

🔘 Consensus-Builder: Rutte is known for his ability to unite differing opinions, hailed as a “true transatlanticist” by the outgoing secretary general.

• His skills will be crucial as NATO navigates the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape.

🔘 Challenges Ahead: Rutte steps into a role filled with challenges, including managing the alliance’s response to the war in Ukraine and reinforcing solidarity among member nations.

• Rutte will take over from the current Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on October 1.

🇩🇰 Denmark
Fart Tax Incoming

This is not a joke.

Denmark is breaking new ground with a unique approach to tackling climate change, and it’s all about addressing the emissions from farm animals.

🔘 Taxation: Starting in 2030, Danish farmers may feel the pinch in their pockets as they begin paying a tax on their livestock’s methane emissions.

• This is part of Denmark’s efforts to become climate-neutral by 2045.

• They’ll be charged 300 kroner ($43) per ton of CO2, which will increase to 750 kroner ($108) in 2035.

• However, with tax deduction, the actual cost will start at 120 kroner ($17), increasing to 300 kroner ($43).

🔘 Emissions: Cows, sheep, and pigs are the main culprits, with each cow producing 6 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually.

• Most of this comes from their digestion process and subsequent burps, farts, and manure.

• Denmark, a major dairy and pork exporter, is taking this step to significantly cut down its greenhouse gas emissions.

🔘 Precedent: This legislation is still pending approval, but if passed, Denmark will be the first nation to implement such a tax.

• It could set a global example.

• New Zealand had considered a similar law, but it faced strong opposition from farmers and was eventually dropped.

🇺🇸 United States
Presidential Debate

By the time you receive this email, you might already be preparing to watch the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

If you weren't aware or if it's not too late, the debate airs at 9 PM EST on CNN.

What to Look For:

Each candidate wants the debate to spotlight the other’s record.

• Biden will undoubtedly tackle Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and his controversial remarks.

• Additionally, now that Trump is a convicted felon, expect Biden to repeatedly refer to him as a felon.

• Trump also has many nails to hammer Biden with:

  • Inflation

  • Southern border situation

  • Wars

  • Biden’s mental decline

However, people online are worried about something else:

CNN is introducing a new microphone system where the candidate's microphone will only be activated during their designated speaking time.

This doesn’t seem bad right? It will probably be fine.

However, people are concerned because recently, CNN host Kasie Hunt removed Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt from the show after she attempted to point out CNN host Jake Tapper's bias.

And who are the moderators for the debate? Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

But keep in mind: Both candidates agreed to the new microphone rules.

Hopefully, we will have a productive debate on the many pressing issues facing the US and, by extension, the rest of the world, such as war funding, the economy, and illegal immigration.

Also: Some memeable moments won’t hurt too.