Ballistic Missiles Injure US Troops

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Global Recap
January 22, 2024 • Read in: 8 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Welcome back!

Another week: more missiles and more death - it seems like.

Usually, I narrow down Top News to four articles.

But today, I just had to include one more.

🌐 Around the world:

  • 🇺🇦 Zelensky signs decree.

  • 🚀 Missiles injure US troops.

  • 🇺🇸 Two Navy SEALs: Dead.

  • 🇮🇱 Israel freezes Palestinian funds.

  • 🎈 Chinese Balloons over Taiwan.

  • 🇮🇳 Modi’s controversial inauguration.

Let’s get into today’s news.

🇺🇦 Ukraine Claims Russian Lands

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on January 22 to recognize several regions of Russia as historically Ukrainian.

  • Regions: The decree listed Kuban, Starodubshchyna, and northern and eastern Slobozhanshchyna as Ukrainian territories.

  • Reasons: The decree aims to preserve the national identity of Ukrainians living in those regions, and to counter Russian propaganda.

  • Reactions: Russia has not yet responded to the decree, but it is likely to escalate the tensions and fuel more violence.

🚀 Ballistic Missiles Hit US Base

On Saturday, Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq was attacked by multiple ballistic missiles and rockets, injuring at least two US personnel and one Iraqi soldier.

  • Escalation: The attack was claimed by an Iranian-backed militia group.

  • Target: The Al-Asad base hosts US and Iraqi forces and was previously hit by Iranian missiles in 2020, which caused over 100 US troops to suffer brain injuries.

🇺🇸 Two US Navy SEALs Dead

Two US Navy SEALs who went missing on a mission in the Gulf of Aden were declared dead after a 10-day search.

  • Mission: They were part of a team that seized a boat carrying Iranian missile parts to Yemeni rebels.

  • Raid: The SEALs boarded a dhow on January 11 and found advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen.

  • Search: Aircraft and warships from the US, Japan, and Spain combed a vast area of the Gulf of Aden, but failed to locate the missing SEALs.

🇮🇱 Israel Freezes Gaza Funds

Israel has decided to stop transferring tax funds to the Palestinian Authority (PA) for the Gaza Strip. The move is aimed at preventing the money from reaching Hamas.

  • Background: Israel collects tax on behalf of the Palestinians under a 1990s peace deal, then sends it to the PA.

  • Alternative: Israel will deposit the funds in a Norwegian account instead, with US backing and oversight.

  • Reaction: The PA rejected the plan and demanded the full amount of its financial rights, including for its employees in Gaza.

🎈 China’s Balloon Blitz

Taiwan reported six Chinese balloons flying over or near its territory, along with warplanes and ships.

  • Reaction: Taiwan accused China of threatening aviation safety and waging psychological warfare on the island’s people.

  • Tactics: China has been sending balloons over the Taiwan Strait, sparking tensions with Taiwan and its allies.

But get this: Most experts believe China is unable to invade Taiwan.

India

Modi’s Controversial Inauguration

🕌 Modi’s Move. Indian PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated a controversial Hindu temple in Ayodhya, a move seen as a political victory for his party’s nationalist vision of transforming India into a Hindu state.

But some are raising their eyebrows…

🙏 The Temple’s Significance. The temple is a tribute to Lord Ram, who is venerated by countless Hindus for embodying truth, sacrifice, and moral leadership. The building of the temple is viewed as an emblem of Hindu dignity, a sentiment that advocates believe was stifled during the Mughal reign and the British colonial period.

Okay, that sounds all great.

But why is it controversial?

⚖️ Controversial History. The temple stands on the remnants of the Babri Mosque from the 16th century, which was destroyed in 1992 by groups of Hindus.

  • The mob believed that Muslim invaders violated land that marked the birthplace of Lord Ram.

  • In 2019, the Supreme Court granted the site to Hindus, while Muslims were given a different plot of land.

🗳️ Political Implications. The temple’s inauguration is expected to boost Modi’s chances of securing a record third term in the upcoming elections.

  • Critics, however, accuse him of rushing the temple’s opening to attract voters.

  • Many are also alleging that he is merely using the event to advance his political agenda by stirring up nationalistic sentiments.

🚧 Ongoing Construction. The temple, estimated to cost $217 million, is still under construction. Despite this, officials expect 100,000 devotees to visit daily once it opens to the public.

🎈 Nationwide Celebrations. The event was turned into a national spectacle with live screenings across the country, half-day office closures, and saffron flags adorning city streets. Some states declared the day a public holiday!

📺 Modi’s Religious Campaign. Modi has been at the forefront of blending religion and politics in India. Before the temple’s opening, he visited numerous Ram temples as part of a Hindu ritual, setting the tone for the event.

🤨 Criticisms and Boycotts. Certain Hindu religious figures and opposition leaders have chosen to abstain from the event, blaming Modi for:

  • Using the temple for political leverage.

  • Condemning the sanctification of an incomplete temple as conflicting with Hindu scriptures.