Hi Global Recap readers,

😵 Help, I am starving. It’s been an eternity since I’ve read your insights about geopolitics. Rescue me with your take on Cuba’s “betrayal” of Russia. What’s the motive behind it?

But before that, let’s get into today’s news first.

📈 Top News

🌲 Africa demands a “global carbon tax.” The continent that suffers the most from climate change wants the big polluters to pay up. African leaders have issued a bold declaration calling for a global carbon tax regime and more funding for green projects in poorer nations. They say this is their bargaining chip for the upcoming COP28 summit. Will the world listen?

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👊 U.S. lawmakers slam Putin for genocide. Before meeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, U.S. lawmakers accused Putin of wiping out a nation and a culture in Ukraine. But wait, didn’t the ICC already want him arrested? Yes, they do. But the U.S. lawmakers want to make sure Putin feels their tight stronghold on him. More announcements to come?

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🏳️‍🌈 Iraq wants to kill and shun the LGBT community. A draft bill in Iraq proposes to execute or lock away anyone who is not straight or cisgender. But critics think this is less about religion and more about distracting the population from the country’s real problems.

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👗 French school strikes over abaya ban. The French government has decided to ban a particular clothing worn by some Muslims in public schools, sparking outrage among teachers and students. They say the ban is Islamophobic and violates the freedom of expression and religion.

“Instead of policing the clothing, why not provide more resources and support for education?” they say.

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👋 Gabon’s ousted president is free to go. The military junta that toppled President Ali Bongo in Gabon has decided to let him go, citing his poor health. He is now free from house arrest and can even travel abroad for medical check-ups if he wants.

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✍️ In-Depth

Cuba
Cuba Cracks Down on Russian Human Trafficking - Genuine?

👀 Cuba’s dirty little secret? The Cuban government claims to have discovered a human trafficking ring that recruits Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. But experts say it’s a cover-up for Cuba’s involvement in the war.

💰 Russia needs more soldiers. Russia has been struggling to recruit enough soldiers for its war in Ukraine, which has caused heavy casualties. This is no secret. According to hacked emails obtained by The Intercept, Russian recruiters promised around $2,000 USD for signing up, or even promised Cuban migrants in Russia a fast track to citizenship if they sign up for the war.

🤝 Cuba and Russia are BFFs. Cuba and Russia have been tight since the Cold War, with Cuba even defending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And Russia? They’ve been helping Cuba out with food and oil during their economic crisis. So when Cuban experts raise an eyebrow at Cuba’s investigation into Russian human trafficking, can you really blame them?

🤔 Experts say “yeah right.” Experts say it is impossible for such a network to exist without Cuba’s knowledge and consent. They say Cuba is trying to save face after being exposed.

🙅‍♂️ Cuba says “not us.” Cuba denies any role in sending Cubans to Ukraine and says it is against the use of mercenaries. It says it is working to dismantle the trafficking network operating from Russia. Hmm…

🌐 Opinion

Cuba might be “exposing” the Russian human trafficking network in bad faith, but there’s a good reason why they might be doing it: economic pressure. 

With its worst economic crisis in decades, Cuba can’t afford to support Russia and risk further isolation from the international community. Exposing Russia could be a gesture of good faith to the West and a way to ease their economic problems. So, is Cuba playing fair or playing smart?