Iran warns (again)

Hi Global Recap readers,

I hope you are all powering through the week!

Unfortunately, it’s been a tough one for the US as they tried to secure a ceasefire agreement. Now that the deal appears to be off the table, Iran seems to be hinting at an escalation. 👇

• A new NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by Iran today suggests that Iran is planning a rocket launch between August 22nd and 24th.

• On top of that, there are reports of Turkey allegedly attacking a US base in Mount Qara Jokh.

While this information is still developing and might need more time for confirmation and analysis, I wanted to share it with you now, just in case things escalate before this newsletter goes out.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Blinken Leaves Middle East Empty Handed

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s ninth visit to the Middle East ended without a much-anticipated truce agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Despite efforts, a ceasefire remains out of reach.

Pressed for Time

Of course, war is always a humanitarian disaster for those caught in the crossfire.

• However, a ceasefire is especially urgent for Blinken and the Biden administration because the Democratic Party is split ahead of the upcoming presidential election in November.

• Some will support the party regardless, while others are frustrated, feeling the government isn’t doing enough.

Blinken’s Call for Ceasefire

Before leaving Qatar, Blinken emphasized the urgency of securing a Gaza ceasefire.

• He urged Hamas to accept a “bridging proposal” that Israel has already agreed to.

• The proposal aims to narrow the gaps between the two sides in the 10-month-old conflict.

Sticking Points

Hamas’s demands and Israel’s stance remain major obstacles.

• Hamas wants a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which Israel rejects.

• The proposed plan includes a six-week ceasefire and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.

🇹🇭 THAILAND
Mpox Case Detected

Thailand has reported a suspected case of a new, more dangerous strain of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in a European traveler.

European Traveler Infected

A 66-year-old European man is suspected of having the Clade 1 variant of mpox.

• He arrived from an unnamed African country on August 14.

• The man had minimal contact with others and sought medical attention the next day.

• Authorities are monitoring 43 individuals who may have been in contact with him.

Clade 1 Variant

The Clade 1 variant is considered more severe and transmissible.

• Thailand has previously detected 800 cases of the Clade 2 variant.

• Clade 1 is classified as a high-consequence infectious disease.

• Lab tests are ongoing to confirm the strain.

Health Measures

Thailand is taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

• International airport disease control checkpoints are screening passengers from Africa.

• The European traveler has been quarantined.

• The WHO has declared a public health emergency due to the new mpox outbreak.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Largest Drone Attack on Moscow

Ukraine launched one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow since the war began in February 2022.

Attack Details

Ukraine targeted Moscow with at least 11 drones, all of which were shot down by Russian air defenses.

• This attack is one of the largest on Moscow since the war started.

• Drones were also destroyed over other regions, including Bryansk, Belgorod, Kaluga, and Kursk.

• Moscow's Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, confirmed no injuries or damage.

Broader Conflict

The drone attack is part of a broader conflict involving artillery and drone battles across eastern Ukraine.

• Ukraine has been targeting Russian refineries and airfields.

• The conflict escalated on August 6 when Ukraine sent thousands of soldiers into Russia’s Kursk region.

Ukrainian Counteroffensive

Ukraine is also advancing in several key regions as part of its counteroffensive.

• Ukrainian forces are pushing toward Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Bakhmut.

• These advances aim to break through Russian defenses and reclaim occupied territories.

Russian Response

Russia's defense ministry reported the destruction of 45 drones over various regions.

• Russian media showed footage of drones being shot down over Moscow.

• Airports in Moscow briefly limited flights but resumed normal operations shortly after.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Putin’s Surprise Visit to Chechen Troops

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Chechnya, inspecting troops and volunteers preparing to fight in Ukraine.

Putin’s Visit

Putin’s first trip to Chechnya in 13 years saw him inspecting troops and volunteers readying for combat.

• He praised the troops’ courage and commitment to defending the Fatherland.

• The visit comes amid ongoing conflicts with Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.

Kadyrov’s Role

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, sanctioned by the US, has mobilized thousands of troops for the war.

• Kadyrov reported sending over 47,000 troops, including 19,000 volunteers, to Ukraine.

• He once described himself as Putin’s "foot soldier."

Beslan Memorial

Before Chechnya, Putin visited Beslan, North Ossetia, for the first time in 16 years.

• He met with mothers of children killed in the 2004 school siege, calling it an unhealed wound in Russia’s history.

• Putin emphasized the ongoing fight against those destabilizing Russia, linking it to current conflicts in Kursk and Donbas.

🇮🇳 INDIA
Modi’s Historic Visit to Poland

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by visiting Poland, the first Indian Prime Minister to do so in 45 years. This visit marks a significant milestone in India-Poland relations.

Historic Visit

PM Modi’s visit to Poland is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 45 years.

• The last visit was by Morarji Desai in 1979.

• Modi was given a ceremonial welcome in Warsaw.

• He will meet President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Diplomatic Relations

The visit celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Poland.

• Poland is India’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

• Bilateral trade is around $6 billion.

• Indian investments in Poland are estimated at $3 billion.

Historical Ties

Modi will visit memorials commemorating Polish refugees in India during World War II.

• Over 6,000 Polish women and children found refuge in Jamnagar and Kolhapur.

• Modi will address the Indian community and Polish business leaders.

Ukraine Visit

Modi will also visit Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on August 23.

• He will hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

• This visit underscores India’s support for peace and stability in the region.