US agrees to invasion, but...

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Global Recap
April 18, 2024 • Read in: 5 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Before diving into today’s stories of wars and espionage, here we have images of a natural phenomenon that incites a level of fear comparable to that caused by human-created terrors.

This is the recent eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Ruang.

Absolutely surreal, beautiful, and terrifying.

(⏰ Reading Time: 5 mins)

Middle East

US agrees to invasion, but…

Egyptian officials revealed that the US accepted Israel’s military operation in Rafah, Gaza, in lieu of a major strike on Iran.

📜 Exchange. The US reportedly agreed to Israel’s Rafah invasion plan to avoid a larger conflict with Iran.

🏗️ Preparation. Egypt is preparing for the potential repercussions of the planned operation.

🕊️ Civilians & Hostages. Rafah is not only a shelter for over a million civilians, but also a strategic point for several Hamas battalions and possibly Israeli hostages, making it a critical location for both humanitarian and military reasons.

Will this strategy bring peace or peril?

UAE and Oman

Weather conspiracy or cover-up?

A rare storm in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman has sparked a deluge, prompting people to speculate why their desert country is flooding.

🌧️ Rainfall Record. The UAE experienced unprecedented rainfall, with the city of Al Ain recording 254 millimeters (10 inches) in 24 hours, the highest since 1949.

  • This caused widespread flooding, power outages, and disrupted flights.

💧 Seeding Skepticism. Many blamed cloud seeding as the culprit for such an abnormal weather event.

  • Cloud seeding is a method used to modify the weather. The UAE's been using the technique to encourage rainfall.

  • However, the UAE’s meteorology agency confirmed no such operations occurred prior to the deluge.

  • Instead, they are blaming global warming for increasing sea temperatures and atmospheric moisture, leading to heavier rainfall.

Is this a cover-up, or conspiracy run amok?

Venezuela

Biden changing stance on Venezuela

President Biden (left) and President Maduro (right).

Venezuela’s upcoming presidential election is steeped in controversy and international scrutiny, as President Nicolás Maduro’s government faces accusations of undermining democratic processes.

He’s been in power since 2013 by the way.

And the US is not taking it.

🛑 Sanctions Snapback. The Biden administration has reinstated severe oil sanctions against Venezuela, citing Maduro’s failure to honor an agreement for a free and competitive election.

🏃‍♂️‍➡️ Not Too Fast. But don’t give Biden too much credit.

  • President Trump initially imposed harsh oil sanctions on Venezuela in 2018.

  • However, President Biden loosened them in 2023.

  • Now, Biden is changing his stance.

Will this pressure Venezuela enough to commit to fair elections?

Germany

Russian spies arrested

Germany arrested two individuals who allegedly engaged in espionage and sabotage activities for Russia.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage. German authorities have detained two German-Russian nationals, Dieter S. and Alexander J., on charges of spying for Russia and plotting attacks on US military facilities to undermine support for Ukraine.

💣 Sabotage. The suspects allegedly planned explosive or arson attacks targeting military and industrial sites in Germany, with Dieter S. accused of scouting potential targets and Alexander J. assisting since March 2023.