World Are embassies off-limits? Ecuadorian and Israeli actions suggest otherwise − and that sets a dangerous diplomatic precedent Ecuadorian special forces break into the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Alberto Suarez/API/AFP via Getty Images) Jorge Heine, Boston University It has long been held that embassies should be treated as “off-limits” to other nations. Yet in a single week, two governments – both long-established democracies – stand accused of violating, in different ways, the laws surrounding foreign diplomatic missions. First, on April 1, 2024, Iran’s embassy in Damascus was bombed, […] todayApril 10, 2024 10
insert_link World Japanese Prime Minister heads to US for defense alliance talks Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States where he will hold a summit with President Joe Biden that's expected to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance. todayApril 9, 2024 17
insert_link World Australia suggests it could recognise Palestinian state Australia on Tuesday became the latest country to advocate formal recognition of a further shattering a long-standing diplomatic taboo in the West. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that recognising a state of Palestine could restart the moribund Middle East peace process and undermine extremist forces in the Middle East. "Recognising a Palestinian state -- one that can only exist side by side with a secure Israel -- doesn't […] todayApril 9, 2024 19
insert_link World US, UK, and Australia prepare for AUKUS talks The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia are set to begin talks on bringing new members to Aukus, according to a report by the Financial Times. Laura Westbrook has more. todayApril 8, 2024 8
World Facing enormous pressure at home and abroad, how much longer can Israel continue its war in Gaza? By Ian Parmeter, Australian National University Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set a high bar for victory right at the start of the Gaza conflict: the complete destruction of Hamas and freedom for all of the approximately 250 hostages taken by the group during its raid into Israel on October 7 last year. He has doubled down several times on these objectives. During a media conference in […] todayApril 8, 2024 17
insert_link Science & Technology Nato marks 75th anniversary Today (Thursday) marks the 75th anniversary of the foundation of NATO. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held in Brussels, before foreign ministers resumed day 2 of their talks. From the NATO headquarters, Abby Throndson has more. todayApril 4, 2024 21
insert_link South Africa South Africans fighting for Israel in Gaza: what does the law say? By Michelle Nel, Stellenbosch University South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, said the country’s citizens fighting for the Israel Defence Forces in Gaza faced prosecution upon their return. This statement followed tension between South Africa and Israel amid the “humanitarian catastrophe” resulting from Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. There is a history of South African citizens of Jewish descent fighting for Israel, but the number fighting […] todayMarch 26, 2024 15
insert_link Africa Africa is fueling India’s economic ambitions By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency India is growing its investment and nurturing diplomatic alliances with a range of countries in Africa, recognizing the continent as a key component in its pursuit of superpower status. In the latest move, Ethiopia’s ambassador to India disclosed to The Print, an Indian news outlet recently, that the two countries are “in the final stages of clinching defence cooperation.” This is just […] todayMarch 20, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Botswana celebrates Geingob’s life Botswana President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, says the late President Hage Geingob contributed to the excellent relations between Namibia and Botswana. Masisi made the remarks during a memorial service held for the late President Geingob in Gaborone, Botswana on Wednesday. President Geingob, who died at the age of 82 in Windhoek, was buried at Heroes’ Arce on 25 February 2024. todayMarch 13, 2024 26
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
