Why now Germany?

Hi Global Recap readers,

There’s a common sentiment that politicians act only when their power is at stake.

At first glance, yeah, this seems like a generalization.

However, generalizations often contain some truth, and here, we might be witnessing that truth unfold. 👇

🇩🇪 GERMANY
Finally, Germany Tightens Border Controls

Germany seems to finally be heeding people’s cries to step up its border controls after they’ve been told that such calls are racist, “far-right extremist,” and bigoted.

But the question lingers: “Why now?”

New Border Controls

Germany is implementing new border controls starting September 16.

• These controls will last for six months initially.

• The aim is supposedly to tackle “irregular migration” and protect against threats like Islamist extremism.

Government’s Hard Line

So what comes with the government dealing with irregular migration?

• New measures include rejecting more migrants directly at the borders.

• This move follows a series of deadly knife attacks involving asylum seekers.

Political Context

And of course, you can’t ignore the rising support for the “far-right” AfD party as the motivating factor behind this move.

• The AfD recently won a state election in Thuringia.

• Chancellor Scholz’s government is trying to regain control from the opposition.

• So are they finally taking action only after their grasp on power is threatened?

European Unity at Stake

The new controls could test European unity.

• Germany has notified the European Commission and neighboring countries.

• Austria has already stated it will not take in migrants turned away by Germany.

🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
International Manhunt for Baby Attacker

A shocking incident in Queensland has sparked an international manhunt.

A man allegedly threw scalding coffee on a baby in a Brisbane park, leaving the nine-month-old with severe burns.

What on Earth is happening to the world?

The Incident

• The attack occurred on August 27 at Hanlon Park.

• The baby, Luka, suffered serious burns and has undergone multiple surgeries.

• The suspect fled the scene and later the country.

The Suspect

The suspect is a 33-year-old foreign national.

• He was identified through CCTV footage.

• He fled Australia on August 31, four days after the attack.

• Police describe him as an itinerant worker familiar with police methods.

The Investigation

Police are working with international partners.

• The investigation was delayed by false information and the suspect’s counter-surveillance.

• The suspect had been in and out of Australia since 2019 on various visas.

• Police are still trying to determine his motive.

The Aftermath

The community is in shock.

• Luka’s mother described the incident as “quick and chaotic.”

• Onlookers helped douse the baby with water before he was taken to the hospital.

• Police released CCTV footage to help identify the suspect.

🇨🇳 CHINA
Qin Gang Spotted

Remember him? We talked a lot about his influence in the CCP last year, and then he suddenly vanished.

Well, now we know where he’s been.

Meteoric Rise

Qin Gang’s career skyrocketed before his abrupt fall.

• As a Xi loyalist, he was promoted to Chinese Foreign Minister at a record speed, becoming the youngest since the 1950s.

• He was appointed in December 2022.

• Qin was a “wolf warrior” diplomat, known for his aggressive style.

Mysterious Disappearance

However, Qin vanished from public view in the summer of 2023, sparking wild rumors.

• Speculations ranged from imprisonment to suicide, but none were true.

• Former US officials confirmed he is alive but demoted to a low-level job.

• He now works at World Affairs Press, a state-run publishing house.

• Despite the demotion, he remains a member of the Communist Party. However, his career in high-level diplomacy appears to be over now.

Reasons for Demotion

Theories abound regarding the reasons behind Qin’s fall.

• A leading theory suggests an extramarital affair with a Chinese TV journalist.

• The affair allegedly posed a security risk due to her high-profile lifestyle.

• Qin’s demotion is seen as a cautionary tale within Chinese politics.

🇻🇪 VENEZUELA
Opposition Leader Flees to Spain

Edmundo González, a former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate facing arrest warrants from the Maduro regime, has fled to Spain after receiving asylum.

This move is a huge blow to millions who had hoped his campaign would end two decades of Maudro’s dictatorship.

González’s Exile

González’s departure was part of a negotiated deal with Maduro’s government.

• He arrived in Spain on Sunday, accompanied by his wife and Spanish officials.

• His departure was announced just days after Venezuelan officials ordered his arrest.

• González sought refuge in the Dutch ambassador’s residence before moving to Spain’s diplomatic mission.

Opposition Reaction

However, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado tried to maintain optimism.

• Machado assured Venezuelans that González would return for the swearing-in ceremony on January 10.

• She emphasized that González would continue to fight from abroad alongside the Venezuelan diaspora.

Public Sentiment

The mood in Caracas was one of despair.

• Many Venezuelans felt a loss of hope with González’s departure.

• Laura Vargas, a local resident, expressed her disappointment, saying, “What little hope we had left, it went with him.”

International Response

Spain and the European Union reacted to González’s exile.

• Spain’s Foreign Minister confirmed that González would be granted political asylum.

• The EU’s foreign affairs chief described González’s departure as “a sad day for democracy in Venezuela.”

🇸🇾 SYRIA
Israeli Strikes in Syria

The number of people killed in overnight Israeli strikes in Syria has allegedly risen to 18, with dozens more wounded, according to Syria.

It marks the largest death toll in such an attack since the beginning of the war in Gaza.

Strikes’ Impact

Israeli strikes hit several areas in central Syria, causing significant damage.

• The strikes damaged a highway in Hama province and sparked fires.

• One of the targeted sites was a research center used in the development of weapons.

• The Syrian health minister described the strikes as “brutal and barbaric aggression.”

Casualties and Damage

The strikes resulted in numerous casualties and infrastructure damage.

• The death toll has risen to 18, with nearly 40 wounded.

• The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 25 deaths, including civilians, soldiers, and members of Hezbollah.

• Significant damage was caused to water and electricity infrastructure.

Context and Reactions

So did Israel strike them out of the blue without cause? No.

• The strikes are part of ongoing tensions involving Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah.

• Israel regularly targets military sites in Syria linked to Iran and Hezbollah.

• The intensity and death toll of these strikes were unusual though.

• There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Broader Implications

The strikes have broader implications for regional stability and international relations.

• Saudi Arabia officially reopened its embassy in Damascus, marking a full restoration of relations between the two countries.

• Syria was reinstated to the Arab League last year, leading to restored relations with several Arab states.