The Intelligence from The Economist With a grain assault: a deal abandoned
5 snips
Jul 27, 2023 
Edward Carr, Deputy Editor of The Economist, dissects the geopolitical fallout of Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, highlighting dire food security concerns for Africa. David Rennie, Beijing bureau chief, unravels the mysterious disappearance and controversial dismissal of China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, amid shifting political dynamics. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey critiques the decline of harsh literary criticism, arguing that this newfound civility diminishes the quality and honesty crucial for enriching readers' experiences.
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Leveraging the Summit
- African leaders should leverage their presence at the summit to urge Putin to rejoin the deal.
- A ceasefire achieved through Putin's pressure tactics would signal Western weakness.
Applying Pressure
- Diplomatic pressure from Africa, China, and Turkey should be coupled with a credible threat.
- Arming Ukraine with longer-range missiles can put pressure on Russia to rejoin the deal.
Qin Gang's Disappearance
- China's foreign minister, Qin Gang, mysteriously disappeared after a meeting in June.
- A month later, he was replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi, adding to the intrigue.
