Stepping down

Hi Global Recap readers,

Lately, I’ve been enjoying listening to the news instead of reading it. So, I’ve added a new feature to Global Recap—now you can listen to the newsletter too!

To do so: Just click “Listen Online” at the top of the newsletter to find out!

Here’s what to look forward to:

• Kishida to Step Down

• Hamas Back Out of Talks

• Thai Prime Minister Removed

• Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect

• Largest Attack on Russian Soil

🇯🇵 JAPAN
Kishida to Step Down

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced his resignation, sparking a wave of reactions from global leaders and analysts.

Kishida’s Decision

• Kishida decided not to run for reelection as leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, stepping down as the country’s prime minister in September.

• Columnist William Pesek called the move “pulling a Joe Biden.”

• Kishida’s approval rating plunged as low as 15.5%.

Reactions from Leaders

Global leaders have expressed their thoughts on Kishida’s resignation.

• US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel called Kishida a “true friend of the United States.”

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Kishida for valuing the relationship between Japan and Australia.

Economic Impact

Kishida’s resignation is linked to economic challenges.

• His three-year tenure was marked by a scandal and deflationary pressures.

• Some analysts believe the recent interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan, which is thought to have triggered last week’s plunge in the US stock market, has influenced his decision.

🇵🇸 PALESTINE
Hamas Back Out of Talks

Hamas announced it will not participate in the ceasefire talks scheduled for Thursday in Qatar.

This follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s decision to postpone his planned trip to the Middle East, citing “uncertainty about the situation.”

Does this suggest that Iran will follow through with its plan to attack Israel now that a truce deal seems increasingly difficult to achieve?

Hamas’ Stance

• The group demands a workable plan to implement a proposal it has already accepted.

• Hamas criticizes new negotiations as a tactic for Israel to impose new conditions, although Israel denies this.

Diplomatic Efforts

• Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation and achieve a ceasefire.

• The US expects indirect talks to proceed as planned, despite Hamas’ absence.

Broader Implications

The conflict has broader regional implications, involving Iran and Hezbollah.

• Iran has previously indicated it may hold back from attacking Israel if a Gaza truce is achieved.

• US adviser Amos Hochstein is in Lebanon to discuss de-escalation with Lebanese leaders.

🇹🇭 THAILAND
Prime Minister Removed

Unlike Japan’s Prime Minister, who is stepping down of his own accord, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has been removed from office after a court ruled he violated the constitution, plunging the kingdom into deeper political uncertainty.

Court Ruling

The Constitutional Court in Bangkok ruled that Srettha breached ethical rules. So what did he do?

• Srettha, a real estate tycoon and political newcomer, appointed a lawyer with a criminal record to the Cabinet. (❗️)

• This appointment was deemed a violation of the constitution.

Political Uncertainty

The removal of Srettha adds to Thailand’s political instability.

• The decision has shocked the nation and raised concerns about the future leadership.

• The situation is developing, and updates are expected.

Immediate Impact

• The ruling has immediate consequences for Thailand’s governance.

• The country now faces a period of uncertainty as it navigates this political crisis.

🇩🇪 GERMANY
Nord Stream Sabotage Suspect

Germany has issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian national in connection with the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline sabotage.

Suspect Details

A Ukrainian diving instructor, “Volodymyr Z.,” is the main suspect. This name sounds a bit too close to “Volodymyr Zelensky”… 😂

• He allegedly attacked the pipelines with two accomplices.

• His last known address was in Poland, but he has since fled.

• Volodymyr Z. and his team supposedly used a German-flagged yacht.

• They transported diving gear in a white van caught on camera.

Incident Overview

The Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged in September 2022.

• Explosions were detected, leading to gas leaks.

• The pipelines were crucial for Russian gas supply to Europe.

• At first, the US was suspected of being responsible for the sabotage.

Current Status

The suspect is believed to be hiding in Ukraine.

• Polish authorities couldn’t act on the warrant as he had already fled.

• No links to the Ukrainian government have been found.

🇺🇦 UKRAINE
Largest Attack on Russian Soil

Ukraine has launched a significant cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the largest attack on Russian soil since World War II.

Advances and Prisoners

Ukrainian forces have made notable progress in the Kursk region.

• Ukrainian troops advanced 1-2 kilometers in some areas.

• Over 100 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner.

• A Russian Su-34 jet bomber was destroyed.

Strategic Goals

Ukraine aims to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.

• The incursion targets Russian military airfields to reduce Russia’s air power.

• The operation is intended to prevent missile attacks from Kursk into Ukraine.

Humanitarian Impact

The conflict has caused significant civilian displacement and casualties.

• Around 11,000 people have fled their homes in the Belgorod region.

• Approximately 5,000 children have been moved to safety.

Political Implications

The incursion has created a dilemma for Russia and boosted Ukrainian morale.

• The operation has embarrassed the Kremlin and reduced public support for the war in Belgorod.

• Ukrainian President Zelensky aims to rally national spirit and demonstrate military capability.