Hamas for Harris

Hi Global Recap readers,

Happy mid-week! Thank you all for your feedback on whether I should continue adding GIFs to these newsletters.

• About 70% of you enjoyed the GIFs, while 30% preferred the newsletters without them, noting that they can sometimes appear cluttered and distracting.

• However, even within the 70%, some of you expressed a preference for occasional GIFs while still enjoying the overall aesthetics.

I’ll continue to sprinkle in a meme or two and will consider creating GIFs from videos when appropriate, knowing that most of you don’t mind them. I’ll also think about ways to make them less intrusive, of course. 🤔

Thank you immensely for your thoughts, as always. Now, let’s dive into our first story, which has really got me scratching my head. As of now, no news outlets are reporting on it. 👇

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Real or Fake?

Let’s kick off today’s newsletter with something that could be seen as either funny or deeply concerning.

For our readers outside the US, the Harris-Walz presidential campaign has been creating and promoting various affinity groups to unite and energize its voter base.

For instance, there’s the infamous “White Dudes for Harris” and “Black Women for Harris.” There are even other variations, such as “Gays for Harris.”

🚨 Recently, an image started circulating online, allegedly from the University of North Carolina:

Now, personally, I think it’s a joke.

But the fact that people are even questioning the veracity of the claim is absolutely insane.

How far we’ve come…

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
North Korea Joins Russia’s War (Supposedly)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is accusing North Korea of actively participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

• According to Zelensky, North Korea is not only supplying weapons but also sending workers and military personnel to support Russia.

• This effectively highlights the formation of a new “axis” of power: Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea. 🇷🇺🇨🇳🇮🇷🇧🇾🇰🇵

North Korea’s Involvement

According to Zelensky, North Korea is not only supplying weapons but also sending workers and military personnel to support Russia.

• Workers are being sent to replace Russians killed in the war. I wonder what justification is given to the North Korean soldiers.

US Reaction

The US is keeping a close eye on these developments.

• The White House National Security Council has expressed concern.

• If true, this marks a significant escalation in North Korea-Russia relations, indicating that the Ukraine-Russia war is no longer an isolated conflict. That being said, other countries have also been inching closer to direct involvement for months.

• Zelensky’s accusation comes as South Korea’s top military officer canceled his trip to the US following North Korea’s recent destruction of major roads connecting the two Koreas.

North Koreans Running Away

Amid the ongoing accusations, reports indicate that North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia are deserting just days after their arrival.

• Eighteen troops, deployed in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk oblasts, supposedly decided they’d had enough and vanished, leaving Russian forces scrambling to find them.

• If this is accurate, isn’t it great news for South Koreans?

Denials and Confirmations

However, both Russia and North Korea deny these allegations.

• Moscow and Pyongyang have dismissed the claims as “fake news.”

• Despite denials, they have acknowledged plans to strengthen military ties.

• This could include joint military drills in the future.

🇮🇹 ITALY
Italy Ships Migrants Off to Albania

Italy has begun sending illegal migrants, who were rescued at sea, to Albania.

So, why were they rescued?

• If you’re not familiar, illegal migrants often cram themselves into overcrowded boats, leading to a high risk of sinking.

• In some cases, they even asdfintentionally capsize their boats to compel rescue teams from the target country to take them in.

First Group Arrives

The first group of 16 migrants arrived in Albania on Wednesday.

• They were rescued on Sunday from the Mediterranean and included 10 Bangladeshi and 6 Egyptian nationals.

• These countries are deemed “safe” by Italy, preventing their nationals from qualifying for political asylum.

The Protocol

Italy and Albania signed a protocol last year.

• Migrants must not show signs of torture, illness, or vulnerability.

• An expedited asylum application process in Albania takes less than a month.

Controversy and Criticism

Human rights groups have condemned the scheme.

• Critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent for other nations.

• The International Rescue Committee called it a “dark day” for EU asylum policies.

📊 Poll

I don’t understand why a nation should be criticized for not accepting illegal immigrants, especially when countries like Italy are still grappling with a crisis due to the overwhelming number of migrants arriving on the island of Lampedusa.

That being said, what are your thoughts?

🇨🇳 CHINA
Xi Visits Taiwan-Facing Province

In a move seemingly aimed at intimidating Taiwanese citizens, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare visit to Fujian province, located just across the Taiwan Strait.

Military Drills

This visit followed large-scale military drills that highlighted China’s military strength.

• The drills simulated a blockade around Taiwan.

• A record 125 Chinese aircraft and several naval vessels, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier, were deployed.

Implications

• While this may seem insignificant, an actual blockade of semiconductor chips from TSMC— the world’s largest manufacturer—could disrupt global supply chains. Industries reliant on these critical components, like consumer electronics and automotive production, would be significantly affected.

• The fallout could extend beyond Taiwan, impacting economies worldwide and escalating tensions between China and countries dependent on these semiconductors.

Taiwan’s Response

Taiwan’s newly elected president, Lai Ching-te, made a defiant speech.

• Lai asserted that China has no right to represent Taiwan.

• He emphasized his determination to resist any annexation or encroachment.

• Beijing strongly criticized Lai’s “separatist” stance.

Historical Context

For those unfamiliar with the history between China and Taiwan: tensions have persisted since 1949.

• Following the Communist victory in China’s Civil War, Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan.

• Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland.

Current Situation

China’s increasing military presence raises concerns.

• The recent drills are a reminder of Beijing’s willingness to escalate tensions.

• Cross-strait relations continue to deteriorate.

• Neighboring countries and international observers are worried about the potential for conflict.