Russian Spy Whale (?)

Author

Global Recap
September 02, 2024 • Read in: 9 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Yes, you read that right—there really was a whale suspected of being a Russian spy.

Though, I should say “was,” as he’s no longer with us.

😧 Crazy, right? But it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds—the Soviets used to train marine animals for military purposes.

But before diving into it, let’s first talk about what happened over the weekend…

🇯🇵 JAPAN
Chinese Ship Enters Japanese Waters

Japan’s Defense Ministry reported that a Chinese ship, the Hai Yang 25, violated Japan’s southwestern territorial waters in the East China Sea on Saturday.

Just last week, if you recall, a Chinese spy plane entered Japanese airspace.

Incident Details

A Chinese hydrographic survey ship entered Japan’s territorial waters near Kuchinoerabu Island.

  • The ship sailed into the waters at 6:00 am and left by 7:53 am.

  • Japan’s navy monitored the vessel with a minesweeper and a patrol aircraft.

  • This marks the tenth intrusion by China’s survey ships since November 2021.

Diplomatic Response

Japan protested the incident to China through diplomatic channels, expressing strong concern over the violation.

🇳🇴 NORWAY
(Alleged) Russian Spy Whale Found Dead

A beluga whale, suspected of being a Russian spy, has been found dead off the Norwegian coast. The whale, nicknamed Hvaldimir, was first spotted five years ago with a GoPro camera attached to a harness labeled "Equipment of St Petersburg."

Discovery of Hvaldimir

Hvaldimir’s body was found floating off the town of Risavika.

  • Marine Mind, an organization tracking his movements, discovered the body.

  • The cause of death is unknown, with no visible injuries.

  • The whale’s remains are being prepared for a necropsy.

Hvaldimir’s Background

Hvaldimir was first seen in Norwegian waters in 2019.

  • He approached boats near Ingoya, 415km (258 miles) from Murmansk.

  • The sighting led to an investigation by Norway’s domestic intelligence agency.

  • The whale was believed to be trained by the Russian army.

Russian Spy Whale Theory

The whale’s harness sparked rumors of espionage.

  • The harness read “Equipment of St Petersburg.”

  • This theory seems wild, but Russia has a long history of training marine mammals for military purposes.

  • However, some believe that he might have been a therapy animal in Russia.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
“Far-Right” Victory Shakes Germany

Björn Höcke

Germany’s political landscape is in turmoil after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s recent electoral success.

This is sparking controversy since the AfD is often labeled as the country’s leading “far-right” party.

Election Results

The AfD made history by winning a state election in Thuringia and nearly clinching another in Saxony.

  • This marks the first time a “far-right” party has won a state election in post-World War II Germany.

  • The AfD’s victory in Thuringia was led by Björn Höcke.

  • In Saxony, the AfD finished just behind the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).

Government Pressure

Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government is under immense pressure following the election results.

  • The governing coalition parties received less than 15% of the vote combined.

  • Voters expressed discontent with the national government’s infighting, inflation, and weak economy.

  • Anti-immigration sentiment and skepticism towards military aid for Ukraine also played a role.

Opposition Challenges

The conservative opposition faces difficulties in forming governments without involving the AfD.

  • The CDU, which leads national polls, must navigate complex coalitions in order to exclude the AfD.

  • In Thuringia, even a coalition of CDU, Scholz’s party, and the new Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance lacks a majority.

  • The AfD’s strength in the east complicates the formation of a similar-minded government.

Future Implications

The election results have significant implications for Germany’s political future.

  • Another state election in Brandenburg on September 22 could further impact Scholz’s coalition.

  • The AfD’s success highlights deep divisions and dissatisfaction within the country.

    • Especially due to recent Islam extremist violence, more and more people are rejecting what many interpret as the generous immigration policy of the EU.

    • Inflation is also pushing many to support policies that advocate for less spending and tighter control of Germany’s finances.

Policies

The media frequently describe AfD as “far-right.” Here are some of their most notable policies.

  • Anti-Immigration: The AfD strongly opposes illegal immigration, particularly from Muslim-majority countries, and advocates for stricter border controls.

    • However, they “advocate moderate legal immigration based on qualitative criteria where there is irrefutable demand, which can neither be satisfied from domestic resources, nor by EU immigration.”

  • Euroscepticism: The party is critical of the European Union and has called for Germany to leave the Eurozone.

  • Nationalism: AfD promotes German nationalism and often emphasizes traditional German culture and values.

  • Welfare Chauvinism: They support welfare policies that prioritize native Germans over immigrants.

AfD even has a manifesto published online.

📊 Poll

I understand that AfD might not be well-known outside Germany. However, based on the policies mentioned, do you think AfD qualifies as a “far-right” party?

Do you think AfD is "far-right?"

(Live Poll Results)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS
Nationwide Ban on Phones

Speaking of the EU… the Netherlands has implemented a nationwide ban on cell phones, smartwatches, and tablets in primary and secondary schools to improve academic performance and social interaction.

New Ban in Effect

Starting today, Dutch primary schools have joined secondary schools in banning smart devices.

  • The ban aims to reduce distractions and improve students’ focus and performance.

  • The Dutch government emphasized the need to protect students from the negative impacts of technology.

Evidence and Debate

The decision follows increasing evidence and heated debates.

  • Studies show that cell phones in class harm students’ concentration and academic performance.

  • Parents’ groups have lobbied for total bans due to concerns about social media’s effects on children.

Similar Moves in Europe

Other European countries are also taking similar steps.

  • Greece and Italy already have mobile phone bans in schools.

  • Germany is considering a similar move, following recommendations from the OECD to limit phone use in schools.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Hostage Crisis Sparks Protests

The recent discovery of six hostages’ bodies in Gaza has ignited massive protests across Israel, with demonstrators demanding more action from their government.

Hostages Discovered

The bodies of six hostages were found in Gaza on Sunday, sparking outrage.

  • The hostages were murdered by Hamas terrorists.

  • The bodies were recovered from a tunnel in Rafah.

  • Forensic analysis confirmed they were shot at close range 48-72 hours prior to discovery.

Protests Erupt

On Sunday, protests broke out in major cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

  • Up to 500,000 protesters took to the streets.

  • Demonstrators blocked roads and highways.

  • Protesters demanded Prime Minister Netanyahu secure the release of the remaining hostages.

Government Response

Both the Israeli government and the US government are under pressure to act.

  • President Biden and Vice President Harris are currently negotiating, as a significant part of their voter base is calling for a ceasefire.

  • The Histadrut Labor Federation called for a one-day strike.

  • Netanyahu vowed to “settle accounts” with Hamas.