Evil AI

Hi Global Recap readers,

Do you know about the Doomsday Clock? It’s basically “danger meter” that tracks how close we are to global disaster.

Now, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have moved the clock from 90 seconds to midnight to just 89 seconds. That's the closest it's ever been to the point of total annihilation.

🤔 Why? The usual suspects of course:

• Nuclear risk,

• Climate change,

• AI, and more.

Speaking of AI, let’s talk about the Vatican seeing “the shadow of evil” in it. 👇

🇻🇦 VATICAN CITY
Vatican Warns of
AI Dangers

The Vatican has issued a warning about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, stressing the need for close oversight to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The Shadow of Evil

The Vatican describes AI as having “the shadow of evil” due to its ability to spread misinformation.

According to it:

• “AI-generated fake media” can undermine society's foundations.

• Misinformation through AI-controlled media can fuel political polarization and social unrest.

Antica et nova Document

The Vatican's new document, titled “Antica et nova” (Ancient and new), explores AI's impacts across various sectors.

• It covers the labor market, healthcare, and education.

• The document stresses the need for moral evaluation of AI technology.

• It was released on January 28.

Pope Francis' Concerns

Pope Francis has been vocal about the ethical issues surrounding AI.

• Last week, he sent a message to the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting critical concerns about AI and humanity's future.

• At the G7 summit in Italy last June, he warned against letting algorithms decide people's destinies.

Admittedly, the AI space is basically the Wild West right now.

🇫🇷 FRANCE
France Floats Sending
Troops to Greenland

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot revealed in an interview with France's Sud Radio, that France considered deploying troops to Greenland in response to US President Donald Trump's threats to annex the Danish territory.

The Proposal

• Barrot stated that France “started discussing [troop deployment] with Denmark,” but it was not “Denmark's wish” to proceed.

• The idea emerged as Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen toured European capitals to gather support.

Trump's Ambitions

Trump has shown a keen interest in claiming Greenland, both in his first and second term.

• News outlets claim that he “has not ruled out using military force.”

  • Critics argue this kind of ambiguity is hostile and dangerous.

  • Supporters see it as a smart negotiation strategy—keeping others guessing and holding his cards close.

• Frederiksen met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to address the issue.

European Support

But France isn’t the only one with ideas. European Union foreign ministers also expressed strong support for Denmark.

• Barrot said that during a meeting in Brussels on Monday, ministers showed their readiness to consider sending troops if needed.

• He emphasized that “European borders are sovereign” and must be protected.

Barrot's Assurance

However, Barrot doesn’t seem to believe the US will invade Greenland. Or does he?

• He stated, “It won't happen, people don't invade EU territories”.

• France remains committed to supporting Denmark if the situation escalates.

🇷🇸 SERBIA
Serbian PM Resigns
Amid Protests

Serbia's Prime Minister Milos Vucevic has thrown in the towel amid a wave of anti-corruption protests.

The Incident

The protests began after a roof collapse at a railway station in Novi Sad.

• The collapse killed 15 people.

• The incident led to calls for Vucevic's resignation.

Growing Protests

What started as small protests in Novi Sad quickly spread to Belgrade, where they grew significantly in size (as seen in the video above).

• Thousands of students, teachers, and workers joined the protests.

• The protests are largely peaceful but have seen some violence.

• Protestors blame poor construction oversight and corruption for the incident.

Government Response

Several government officials have already resigned, but the protests continue.

• The minister for construction, transportation, and infrastructure, and the trade minister stepped down.

• Vucevic announced his resignation to "defuse tensions."

Opposition Demands

The opposition is calling for an interim expert government.

• Opposition parties Vucevic of bribing voters, corruption, having ties with organized crime, etc.

• The Kreni-Promeni party wants a government approved by student leaders.

• They urge other opposition parties not to boycott potential elections.

Future Uncertain

Analysts are watching to see how this will affect President Aleksandar Vucic.

• Vucic's party won a snap election in 2023 but faces increasing pressure.

• Protests are expected to continue, with trust in state institutions eroding.

🇨🇩 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)
M23 Rebels Seize Goma

The M23 rebel militia has taken control of Goma, a key city in eastern Congo, sparking fears of a new humanitarian crisis.

Who Are M23?

M23 is a notorious rebel group in eastern Congo, known for its territorial gains and control over lucrative mining operations.

• The group’s name comes from a failed peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009.

• M23 claims to protect Tutsis and Kinyarwanda speakers, who are often marginalized in eastern Congo due to ethnic tensions, historical grievances, and perceptions of being outsiders linked to Rwanda.

• M23, backed by Rwanda, has displaced hundreds of thousands and threatens to escalate regional tensions.

Rwanda's Involvement

Despite Rwanda's denials, evidence suggests that M23 receives support from the Rwandan government.

• M23 is led by Sultani Makenga, a Congolese rebel with ties to Rwanda.

• United Nations experts and intelligence agencies confirm Rwanda’s involvement.

Historical Context

The roots of the conflict trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which spilled over into Congo.

• Post-genocide, many Hutus fled to Congo, including those responsible for the genocide.

• Rwanda invaded Congo in 1996, leading to the downfall of Mobutu Sese Seko.

M23's Endgame

The United Nations reports that M23 aims to expand its territory and establish a long-term occupation and exploitation of eastern Congo’s resources.

• The group has established a “state-like administration” for mining operations.

• Profits from mining exceed $800,000 a month, with minerals routed to Rwanda.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Hostages' Families
Brace for Worst

Families of hostages held in Gaza are facing heartbreaking news as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) inform them that some of their loved ones may be dead.

This comes after Hamas released a list revealing the status of 33 hostages.

The List

Hamas provided a list with numbers, not names, indicating the status of hostages.

• Eight of the 33 hostages are reported dead.

• This list was part of a ceasefire deal signed earlier this month.

Family Reactions

Families are understandably devastated by the news, fearing the worst for their loved ones.

• Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is among the hostages, expressed anger and sorrow.

• Yizhar Lifshitz, whose father Oded is on the list, shared his grave concerns.

Context

• The ceasefire deal, effective from January 19, 2025, includes the release of 33 hostages. Seven hostages have been freed through the recent ceasefire deal, so far.

• It also mandates the release of 1,904 Palestinian security prisoners in exchange.