Can the US secure a ceasefire ahead of the election?
Oct 23, 2024
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Natasha Linstead, a Professor of Government at the University of Essex, discusses the U.S. efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, highlighting the complex intersection of humanitarian needs and electoral politics. Anna Turnes dives into the COP16 in Colombia, stressing the urgency of biodiversity finance. Claudine Fry analyzes the UK's shifting foreign aid amidst political changes. Chris Smith shares Egypt's remarkable achievement in malaria eradication, while Lily Austin reports on highlights from the Rome International Film Festival.
Antony Blinken's Middle East visit emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid amidst complex US-Israel dynamics.
The UN Biodiversity Summit signals a crucial turning point for global efforts to combat biodiversity loss by addressing financing and climate interconnections.
Egypt's successful malaria eradication highlights the effectiveness of public health strategies, illustrating the potential to overcome long-standing health challenges.
Deep dives
US Diplomacy Efforts Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The Biden administration is engaging in last-minute diplomacy as the US presidential elections approach, focusing on Israel and Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel underlined the urgency for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid for Gaza, particularly in the northern regions. His discussions included addressing the ramifications of the recent death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, perceived as an opportunity to push for a truce. However, the diverging goals of the US and Israel reflect a complex dynamic, as Israel remains committed to its military objectives against Hamas while the US seeks to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
Challenges in Ukraine's Ongoing Struggle
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized continued US support for Ukraine amid concerns regarding future aid depending on the upcoming election outcome. Zelensky is particularly anxious about how the potential election of Donald Trump might alter US-Ukraine relations, given Trump's ambiguous stance towards both Zelensky and Putin. The discussion centered on bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities, including long-range strike assets against Russian targets, but concrete results are limited due to overarching US policy concerns regarding an escalation in the conflict. The meeting exemplifies the delicate balancing act the Biden administration faces in its international commitments with domestic political implications.
Significance of the UN Biodiversity Summit
The UN Biodiversity Summit, taking place in Colombia, seeks to address the global biodiversity crisis by evaluating progress towards targets set to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. As discussions intensify, a pivotal focus revolves around securing financing solutions to implement these goals effectively. Experts at the summit highlight the interconnectedness between biodiversity loss and climate change, stressing the urgency for immediate action to maintain ecosystem services essential for human survival. Despite optimism about diverse voices being included in decision-making, significant financial commitments from nations remain crucial for substantial progress.
Egypt Declared Free from Malaria
Egypt's recent achievement of being declared free of malaria marks a significant milestone in global public health, following nearly a century of efforts to eradicate the disease. Historical evidence indicates that malaria has plagued Egypt since ancient times, but a comprehensive strategy focused on breaking the transmission cycle ultimately led to this success. Measures included improving public health systems, treating infected individuals promptly, and reducing the mosquito population through urbanization and environmental management. This achievement serves as a reminder of the potential for countries to overcome public health challenges but also highlights the necessity of vigilance against the resurgence of such diseases.
Italy's Film Festival Highlights and Industry Concerns
The Rome International Film Festival showcased significant films, including a biopic on influential politician Enrico Berlinguer, generating excitement and offering insight into Italian politics. The festival kicked off with Francis Ford Coppola's controversial film 'Megalopolis', sparking mixed reviews and discussions about cinematic ambition. Significant concerns have emerged within the Italian film industry regarding changes to tax incentives that could affect funding and support for smaller productions. These issues highlight the ongoing struggles within the industry to balance international appeal with maintaining national artistic integrity and securing financing.
Antony Blinken is back in the Middle East – but prospects for a ceasefire appear slim. We also get the latest on the UN Biodiversity Conference in Colombia, find out why a former Peruvian president has been jailed for 20 years and learn how Egypt has managed to eradicate malaria. Plus: the Rome International Film Festival.