Joeout

Hi Global Recap readers,

As expected, President Joe Biden has finally bowed out of the presidential race, following relentless criticism from the media and the public over his poor debate performance.

But, of course, this wouldn’t be US politics without wild theories and drama swirling around the situation. 👇

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Biden Drops Out

After reportedly consulting with his senior advisers and family members at his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, President Biden has decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Kamala Harris as his successor.

Timeline (Sunday)

Here’s how it all went down according to The Washington Post, which allegedly spoke to relevant individuals:

• President Biden informed Vice President Harris and his senior staff about his decision to exit the race.

• At 1:45 pm, Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, organized a call for Biden to announce his decision to his closest staff.

• As Biden spoke on the call, a letter announcing Biden’s intentions was published on X.

However, as with most political events these days, Biden’s announcement was rife with controversies.

Controversy 1

Since President Biden was last seen arriving in Delaware on the night of July 17 to isolate due to a COVID diagnosis, he has not been seen or filmed.

• This absence has led many to speculate about whether he is even alive.

• However, it is likely that he is simply extremely committed to the isolation protocols…

Controversy 2

He first announced his crucial campaign withdrawal on his personal X account, which is known to be managed by Megan Coyne, who oversees the White House’s social media platforms.

• It was reported that many Biden staffers were initially blindsided, when they first found out about the dropout on X, at the same time as the rest of the public.

• Although this gave some credence to the theory that this was a staged coup by the Democratic Party, Biden reportedly only informed his senior team beforehand, as he didn’t want the news to leak.

Controversy 3

The announcement document was signed using a digital signature, which has both similarities and differences compared to previous instances of his signatures.

• This is the first known instance where Biden has underlined his signature.

• The letters “R” and “B” are written differently, among other differences.

• However, the signature on the recent document is similar to his verified signature (check sources).

Controversy 4

Although many prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton and Gavin Newsom endorsed Kamala Harris for the presidential candidate after Biden dropped out, former President Barack Obama has yet to endorse Harris, leading many to believe there is infighting within the party.

• Obama alluded to having an open convention, where a new presidential candidate can be selected by vote at the convention.

• However, the Democratic Party has long been planning a virtual roll call before the convention to “anoint” their pick as the candidate, which many view as undemocratic.

Controversy 5

President Biden dropped out on the US National Ice Cream Day. Knowing how much the president loves his ice cream, is this some kind of a sick joke by the “plotters” of the “coup?” It’s a joke, guys.

Memes

🇵🇰 PAKISTAN
Netanyahu Declared Terrorist

Pakistan has officially labeled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “terrorist” and declared Israel a terrorist state.

Government Declaration

• This declaration follows anti-Israel protests and a deal with a political party named Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

• The government accuses Netanyahu of atrocities committed by Israeli forces in Palestine.

• The declaration demands the global community also label Netanyahu a terrorist.

Committee Formation

Also, a committee has been formed to identify businesses with links to Israel.

• The committee will pinpoint companies and products in Pakistan that may support Israel.

• This move aims to boycott businesses aiding Israeli war efforts.

• Adviser Rana Sanaullah announced the committee’s formation.

Hamas Support

Hamas has welcomed Pakistan’s declaration.

• Hamas views this as a step towards supporting Palestinians.

• The group claims it reflects the genuine historical positions of the Pakistani people and government.

• Hamas describes the declaration as support against genocide and ethnic cleansing by “Zionist terrorists.”

🇨🇳🇵🇭 CHINA & PHILIPPINES
Deal Reached in Sea Dispute

China and the Philippines have struck a deal to ease tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, a hotspot for territorial disputes.

Agreement Details

A new agreement aims to de-escalate tensions without conceding territorial claims.

• It was reached after a series of meetings and diplomatic exchanges.

• Both sides recognize the need for dialogue and consultation.

• The deal does not prejudice either side’s positions in the South China Sea.

• This was announced by the Philippine government on Sunday.

Recent Confrontations

• Chinese vessels harassed the Philippine coast guard during a medical evacuation.

• Chinese forces used water cannons and blocking maneuvers to prevent supplies from reaching Filipino navy personnel.

• The worst confrontation involved Chinese forces ramming and attacking Philippine navy boats with a pickaxe, boarding the vessels, seizing supplies, and injuring personnel.

Future Implications

The deal could spark hope for similar arrangements with other countries.

• China has disputes with several governments over land and sea borders.

• It remains to be seen if the deal can be successfully implemented and how long it will last.

🇧🇩 BANGLADESH
Shoot-On-Sight Order

Bangladesh is under a strict curfew with a “shoot-on-sight” order after violent clashes over civil service job allocations left scores dead and hundreds injured.

Curfew Details

• The curfew began at midnight and will last until 10 am Sunday.

• It was briefly relaxed from noon to 2 pm for essential errands.

• Lawmaker Obaidul Quader stated that officers can fire on mobs in extreme cases.

Protests and Violence

Protests erupted over a quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971.

• The demonstrations were mainly led by student groups.

• At least 103 people have died since the violence began last Tuesday

• Friday saw the highest death toll, with reports of 43 killed.

The Government

• Due to the curfew, mobile and internet services were banned.

• Several TV news channels and local newspaper websites went offline.

• Key government websites, including the central bank and prime minister’s office, were hacked.

Historical Context

The quota system has been a contentious issue, with a history of protests and legal battles.

• In 2018, the government halted the job quotas after mass protests.

• The High Court reinstated the quotas in June, pending an appeal.

• Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for patience until the court’s verdict.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
First Strike on Yemen

The weekend witnessed significant fire and destruction in the Middle East, as Israel launched its first-ever airstrikes on Yemen, targeting Houthi rebels in retaliation for a deadly drone attack on Tel Aviv.

Houthi Attack on Tel Aviv

• The Houthis claimed responsibility for the drone attack on Tel Aviv on Friday, which resulted in one Israeli death and ten others injured.

• The attack was carried out using a new drone capable of bypassing Israel’s interception systems.

Israeli Retaliation

Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah Port.

• The strikes targeted military and oil facilities, killing at least three people and injuring 87.

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the port was used for military purposes and as an entry point for weapons from Iran.