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CWA # 1446, 15 August 2024
Conflict Weekly
Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive inside Russia, and the UK Violence

  IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #241, 15 August 2024, Vol.5, No.33
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Padmashree Anandhan and Samruddi Pathak

Ukraine: Counteroffensive inside Russia’s Kursk Oblast
Padmashree Anandhan
 
In the news
On 14 August, after a week of incursion (6 August), Ukraine’s military announced its aim to create a buffer zone by constructing “dragon teeth” and barbed wire to barricade the entry of tanks and to evacuate civilians.
Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said: “Our military forces plan to... open humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians: both in the direction of Russia and of Ukraine.” The Ukrainian forces claim to have advanced 1000 square kilometres into Kursk oblast nearing the Sudzha town.
 
On 13 August, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed capturing 76 settlements and said: “Russia brought war to others, now it's coming home. Ukraine has always wanted only peace, and we will certainly ensure peace.” According to Kursk’s acting governor, Andrey Smirnov, more than 120,000 have been evacuated following intense fighting in Sudzhansky and Korneevsky districts of Kursk. Earlier, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announced Russia’s goal would be to “drive back” the Ukrainian forces. Putin added: “…The West is fighting us with the hands of the Ukrainians.”
 
On 13 August, US President Joe Biden said that the incursion into Kursk had created “a real dilemma” for Putin and the White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that no advance notice was given by Ukraine on the incursion and the US had "nothing to do with this."
 
On 12 August, Ukraine’s operation, Wolfgang Büchner, a German government spokesperson said: “Prepared with great secrecy and without consultation.”
 
Issues at large
First, the geographic and political significance of Kursk. Apart from the gas station, the Kursk Oblast is neither strategic nor holds military value. It became Ukraine’s target for two reasons. Bryansk, and Belgorod oblasts which have been subject to aerial and ground attacks which were defended well by Russia, thereby making Kursk the next probable target. Second, the presence of the Russian army’s “Sever” operational group, which has been fighting in Kharkiv in northern Ukraine since May. The Ukrainian forces efforts to pressure the “Sever” troops out of Kharkiv and Vovchansk in the north to create space for Ukraine’s brigades was a failure. Ukrainian intelligence identification of a vulnerable Kursk border helped to add pressure Sever troops fighting in the nearby Ukraine districts.

Second, Ukraine’s search for a battlefield victory. Since the November 2022 Kherson counteroffensive, Ukraine has not witnessed a breakthrough in re-capturing Russian-occupied areas. With help from Ukrainian intelligence, Kursk was identified as one of the regions with less Russian defence. According to the reports in Meduza, when Ukrainian forces breached the Kursk border, only “border cover regiments/light infantry units” were present to defend the Ukrainian forces. They were described as “non-mobilised conscripts” with no capacity or equipment to tackle armed troops.  Thereby making Kursk an easy target to showcase win.
 
Third, Moscow’s response. Russian forces in the initial stage of incursion showed no strong defence to counter Ukrainian troops. Although, the response has been fast to redeploy troops and aerial weapons systems to defend. Historically, Russia can be perceived as a strategic player in war with the ability to turn the war scenario in due time. An example could be the battle for Bakhmut where once Russian forces were exhausted, it was able to push in the Wagner group to capture. Although it may face restrictions to deploy special paramilitary troops outside Russia, inside its territory it can use its reserve forces to counter back.
 
In perspective
First, the question of sustainability. Ukraine’s offensive into Kursk could be a tactical move. However, compared to the Russian resources, it is unlikely for Ukraine to hold ground for long. The larger challenge for Ukraine will be to sustain and the West allowing to use its defence systems inside Russia.
 
Second, Russia’s likely response; it may expand its reach with Belarus, Iran and China to strengthen its defence and can escalate the war inside Ukraine. The key question remains how sustainable would West’s weapons delivery be to sustain Ukraine.

Riots and Protests in the UK: A Week After 
Samruddi Pathak

In the news
On 12 August, the UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, cancelled his summer break due to public disorder that erupted four weeks after he assumed office. His spokesperson said: “We have seen de-escalation but the work is not over yet.” 

On 10 August, peaceful anti-racist rallies were organised across the country. At least 779 protesters were arrested for riots during the previous week. Starmer announced harsher punishments for rioters. He said: “Criminal law applies online as well as offline.” 

On 9 August, police were heavily deployed with riot gear. Clashes between protestors and police in Liverpool injured several police officers.

On 8 August, anti-immigrant protesters faced counter-protesters in various cities. Counter-protesters outnumbered the protesters. Starmer called a Cobra meeting as a part of the emergency crisis response.  

Issues at large
First, the state of protests. The anti-immigrant protest began on 29 July and turned into riots by 1 August. A week later, counterprotests erupted on 7 August. Thousands of counter-protesters gathered in London, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Southampton and Dundee. The counter-protests were organised by several groups including the Asylum Links and the Monitoring Group which are organisations dedicated to welfare of refugees. The counter-protesters belonged to all age groups and were not limited to young people. The cities witnessed violent riots and anti-racist rallies. Most people in those gatherings blamed the role of social media in radicalising the masses. 

Second, the divide within the civil society on immigrants. The anti-immigrant protests and riots were organised by the right-wing groups. However, the majority of the UK population does not support the anti-immigrant sentiments. According to the European Social Survey, the UK population perceives immigration positively for their culture and economy. This was apparent in the civil society participation in the anti-riot protests. Human rights groups including Stand Up to Racism and Newham Monitoring Project had organised the anti-racist gatherings. However, the riots and the counter-protests reflect a divide in society on immigration issues.

Third, the state's response. Starmer and his government responded with a policy of no tolerance towards violence. Starmer called the rioters “right-wing thuggers.” The government took immediate action and deployed police to contain the riots. The government announced penalties for disturbing the public order and arrests of rioters. It deployed 6,000 special police officers. 

In perspective 
First, the de-escalation. Rioters were shunned by the public support for the immigrants. Besides, the government has announced harsh punishments for violence and riots. Heavy policing, the state’s tough stance and public opinion have been the reasons for the de-escalation. 

Second, the limited but extreme influence of right-wing ideology in UK society. Riots, although an extreme event, are not the first symptoms of the rise of far-right ideology. European society has been dealing with xenophobia. Antagonising immigration has been advocated by all governments through their policies of cutting down immigration.

Third, the racist sentiments. The issue has been resolved only on the surface in terms of responding to the riots. The UK will have to address the root causes and there are no easy solutions.

Global Protests Tracker #2
Bangladesh, Kenya and Venezuela
Anu Maria Joseph

This week, the protests in the UK, Kenya, Uganda and Bangladesh seem to have subsided. However, the trajectories seem different. 

The UK: The protests have subsided
The protests have subsided in the UK. Into the second week, the riots have disappeared and counter-protests have calmed down. BBC says, at least 354 people have been charged over the riots. The government has announced intolerance to violence and riots. However, the extreme anti-immigrant sentiments appear to be in-built among a certain section of society. Given another trigger, the anti-immigrant proponents are likely to stage another violent protest.

Bangladesh: The new interim government and the "hopes"
On 8 August, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in as the leader of the interim government. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is being investigated for a murder during the civil unrest. Back in Dhaka, the student protesters have proclaimed their support to Yunus with "lots of hope." Yunus has promised students seats in his cabinet. He emphasizes that "reform is key." Bangladesh seems to be taking a swift turn following the protests and the fall of the government. However, beyond the promises and rhetoric, the success of the protest shall be evaluated in the coming months. 

Kenya: Protests diluted
The protests in Kenya appear to have diluted. On 8 August, police used tear gas to disperse a small group of anti-government protesters in Nairobi. Although limited trust, people are looking forward to the new cabinet. Ruto believes that a change in cabinet would change the public perspectives. However, the protests are likely to re-emerge, as Ruto's administration is caught between the increasing public debt and the increasing cost of living. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, the government arrested several opposition leaders and supporters ahead of a rally on International Youth Day. African states are on alert; they fear a similar violent uprising led by the youth.

Venezuela: Opposition seeks global support on its election victory
On 12 August, Venezuela's opposition coalition called for worldwide protests on 17 August in support of its election victory claims. While President Nicolás Maduro is adamant about his victory, opposition candidate Edmundo González appears to be gradually receiving international support. The Latin American countries remain divided. However, the EU and the US have backed González's claims. On 14 August, the UN experts commented that the elections lacked "basic transparency and integrity." In between, it is uncertain how the events will evolve in the country in the coming week.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Rohini Reenum, Femy Francis, Anu Maria Joseph, Padmashree Anandhan, Vetriselvi Baskaran, Ayan Datta, Samruddi Pathak, Sayeka Ghosh and Neha Tresa George

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Calls for “peaceful use of outer space” with Russia
On 8 August, China and Russia held talks on outer space ambition and safety. Both countries called for the “peaceful use of outer space.” The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the “international legal regulation, as well as ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of space activities and the agenda of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.” Director General of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Treaty and Law, Ma Xinmin, represented China. In February 2024, China and Russia stressed the need for cooperation to prevent arms race and weaponization in outer space. Meanwhile, the US Space Command Chief General Stephen Whiting warned: “As we’ve seen Russia struggle on the battlefield in Ukraine, it appears that they’ve gone to these other countries … looking for assistance, and maybe they’re willing to share or cooperate more in the space sphere. Certainly, that’s of concern to us.”

China: Taiwan “diehard secessionists” threatened of death penalty
On 8 August, The Guardian reported that China has launched webpages urging citizens to report “diehard secessionists” and their “criminal activities,” supporting Taiwan's independence. According to China’s Taiwan Affairs Office and the Ministry of Public Security’s list, ten current and former Taiwanese officials including Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim are targeted. Recently, China warned that “ringleaders” of independence efforts could face the death penalty under Chinese law. A Chinese security official Sun Ping stated that “the sharp sword of legal action will always hang high.” Taiwan’s leaders have dismissed Chinese jurisdiction over the island. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council reassured its citizens: “The government appeals to our country’s people to feel at ease and not be threatened or intimidated by the Chinese Communist party.”

China: Firms banned by the US over forced labour of Uyghurs
On 8 August, Reuters reported that the US banned imports from five Chinese companies for forced labour of Uyghurs. The companies were added to the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List. The list has over 70 entities tied to products including cotton apparel, automotive parts, and solar panels. Despite Beijing's denial, US officials stated that Chinese authorities have established labour camps for Uyghur and other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. A Chinese embassy spokesperson said: “The so-called 'forced labour' in Xinjiang is nothing but an egregious lie propagated by anti-China forces and a tool for US politicians to destabilize Xinjiang and contain China’s development.”

The Philippines: Calls for de-escalation in the South China Sea
On 12 August, The Philippines’ Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro urged Beijing to “temper” its “very dangerous” manoeuvres near Scarborough Shoal and adhere to international law. Manila described the actions as “unjustified, illegal and reckless.” The Philippines military stated: “Two Chinese air force aircraft undertook a “dangerous manoeuvre” and dropped flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) plane over Scarborough Shoal.” Meanwhile, China responded to its actions as “lawful.” It warned Manila to stop its infringement upon the Shoal over which it has “indisputable sovereignty.” The Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr condemned China’s behaviour and announced plans to file a diplomatic protest. The Philippines Military chief Romeo Brawner emphasised that such incidents will not deter the patrols within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Japan: Protests over South Korean incursion near Takeshima
On 11 August, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested the South Korean maritime survey near the contentious Takeshima islet in the Sea of Japan. The ministry claimed that a South Korean survey ship was seen dropping apparent wires into areas of Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Additionally, no prior communication of the South Korean survey was given. Japan has expressed its frustrations with South Korean maritime surveys near Takeshima for the fourth time this year.

Japan: Megaquake alert in Nankai Trough
On 8 August, the Japan Times reported on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) alert of a possible megaquake around the Nankai Trough. According to the agency, the chance of a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough is higher than normal but the timeframe is uncertain. The Cabinet Office stated: “The JMA issues such warnings when abnormal phenomena are observed along the Nankai Trough, or when the possibility of an earthquake is believed to have increased.” The Japan Times report added that such megaquakes happen once every 100 years. 

North Korea: Kim Jong Un rejects foreign aid for flood rehabilitation
On 10 August, The Korea Times reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to the flood-stricken areas, thanked the international actors for their humanitarian support, however, vowed to rehabilitate the affected without outside assistance. The Korea Times quoted North Korea’s state media KCNA: “He (Kim) said what we regard as the best in all realms and processes of state affairs is the firm trust in the people and the way of tackling problems thoroughly based on self-reliance.” The previous week, South Korea’s Red Cross, United Nations Children’s Emergency Funds (UNICEF), Russia, and China offered assistance to North Korea. Kim stated that South Korean media is exaggerating the issue and spreading false propaganda, adding that all flood-stricken areas and individuals are safe and well. 

South Korea: Japan declines to provide the list of wartime forced labourers
On 9 August, The Korean Times reported on South Korea’s request to Japan to release the list of wartime forced labour victims at the Sado complex of mines. The South Korean government has continuously requested the list stored at Japan’s Niigata Prefectural Archives. The list was photographed in 1983 during a study of Niigata Prefecture. Japan refused to issue the photograph which would provide a comprehensive and accurate record of the forced labour victims. According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese government is considering holding a memorial event this September. However, attendees and the venue are yet to be finalised. South Korean officials stated: “In a situation where Japan has not even properly disclosed the list of victims, how can they hold a memorial service for victims whose names are unknown.” 

Marshall Island: Agrees to Fukushima nuclear wastewater release
On 13 August, RNZ News reported that the Marshall Islands agreed to support Japan's release of treated Fukushima nuclear wastewater. The President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine joined other Pacific countries by recognising the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opinion that the water is safe to be released. She stated: “The Marshall Islands didn't feel like we could change the decision that has been made by the [Pacific Islands] Forum, but we could at the same time could express our opinion.” The Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown stated that the discharge is not against the spirit of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty 1985 (Treaty of Rarotonga). 

Myanmar: Drone attack kills fleeing Rohingyas
On 10 August, The Straits Times reported on the drone attack on the Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar to Bangladesh. It is reported to be the single deadliest attack in the Rakhine state since the fighting between the junta and resistance forces began. The exact number of people who were killed is unclear. Witnesses claimed that the Arakan Army was behind the attack. However, the group denied the allegations. Reuters reported that the incident occurred in the coastal town of Maungdaw.

Myanmar: Military’s war crimes increasing at an alarming rate, reports the UN
On 13 August, the UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) reported on the increase in war crimes committed by the Myanmar military in the past six months. IIMM chief Nicholas Koumjian stated: “We have collected substantial evidence showing horrific levels of brutality and inhumanity across Myanmar.” In its annual report, there have been findings on the crimes intended to punish and cultivate fear among civilians. It indicated the high number of arbitrary arrests and killings. Besides, there are reports of sexual crimes against the detained people including children.

South Asia
Pakistan: Militant attacks in North Waziristan, Quetta and Khyber districts
On 9 August, attacks on several security posts in the Khyber district killed at least three security personnel and four militants. The attack was jointly carried out by Tehreek[1]i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the banned Gul Bahadur group. This is the first time that the two groups are carrying out a joint attack. Separately, on 11 August, a security personnel died during an “intense” gunfight with militants in the Tirah Valley. Meanwhile, the clashes between militants and security forces in North Waziristan killed one official. On 12 August, Panjgur Deputy Commissioner died after succumbing to injuries following an attack near the Quetta-Karachi National Highway. Separately, eight people were killed after a grenade exploded in Quetta. 

Pakistan: Baloch Yakjehti Committee calls off Gwadar sit-in, movement to continue
On 9 August, Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) representative, Mahrang Baloch, called on the people of Balochistan to unite and stay committed to their campaign “in the face of oppression, injustice, and the enforced disappearance of their loved ones.” She stressed that this was the beginning of their movement although the Gwadar sit-in has ended. She asserted that the Baloch people’s “patience, courage, and national resistance” imply that the land and wealth of Balochistan belong to them. She urged the state to realise that the Baloch people would not submit to its violence, oppression and intentional disappearances. The BYC was formed in 2020 against the alleged state oppression in Balochistan. The BYC protests have been recurring since then. In July, a new wave of protests erupted in the city of Gwadar.

India: Two soldiers killed in a fight between security forces and militants in J&K
On 11 August, two soldiers died and four others including two civilians were injured in an ongoing anti-militancy operation in Anantnag district in south Kashmir. The skirmish occurred after militants fired at the search team including army troopers, para commandos, and the local police. The Indian Army stated: “Based on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF in the general area of Kokernag, Anantnag. Contact was established and a firefight ensued.” 

Bangladesh: Protests against attacks on minorities
On 12 August, thousands of people protested in Gopalganj against the attacks on minority communities in several parts of the country. The demonstrators proposed an eight-point demand, including an immediate investigation into the incidents, and the arrests of the perpetrators. District Puja Udjapan Parishad President Mrinal Kanti Roy Chowdhury and several others condemned the attacks on minority communities, vandalism of temples, attacks on houses and business establishments, extortion, looting, and arson across the country. Meanwhile, a court in Bangladesh has begun a murder investigation into former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the police killing during civil unrest in July.

The Middle East and Africa
Israel: Netanyahu accepts and Hamas refuses to resume ceasefire negotiations
On 13 August, Reuters reported that Hamas disagreed to fresh negotiations with Israel unless the latter implemented a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. On 9 August, Haaretz reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to negotiate with the armed group. On 8 August, US President Joe Biden, Egypt’s President Abd el-Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urged the two parties to resume ceasefire negotiations on 15 August. 

Israel: Hamas targets Tel-Aviv, IDF targets Gaza’s Al-Taba’een school
On 13 August, Al Jazeera reported that Hamas’ Al-Qassam brigades targeted Israel’s capital, Tel Aviv “in retaliation for the massacres and forced displacement perpetrated by Israel.” On 12 August, the armed group stated that it killed an Israeli hostage and injured two others. Separately, the Israel Defence Forces stated that it killed 31 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fighters during its 10 August strike on Gaza’s Al-Taba’een school, which the armed groups were using as a base. On the same day, Al Jazeera reported that Israel’s attack killed over 100 people, including women and children in Gaza. 

Israel: Iran to call off attack if Israel accepts ceasefire; US urges de-escalation but sends warships to Israel
On 13 August, Reuters reported that Iranian officials said that it would not attack Israel if it reached a ceasefire deal with Hamas during the 15 August negotiations. On the same day, US Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, called on the US allies in the region “that have any relations with Iran to prevail on them to de-escalate, and that includes Turkey.” On 11 August, Al Jazeera reported that the US deployed its nuclear-powered submarine, USS Georgia, and aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, to the Middle East to defend Israel from a possible Iran-Hezbollah attack. Previously, Iran had promised to retaliate against Israel for assassinating Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its soil. 

Sudan: SAF disagrees to attend the US-led peace talks in Geneva
On 11 August, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said that it would not attend the US-led peace talks in Switzerland. The announcement came after discussions between the US and SAF delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 10 August. The announcement has reduced the hopes of ending the 15-month civil war between the military rivals, the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, the SAF has promised to focus on the implementation of the existing Jeddah agreement to facilitate humanitarian efforts. Meanwhile, RSF agreed to take part in the Geneva talks. 

Tanzania: Opposition leaders and supporters arrested during rally
On 12 August, Al Jazeera reported that Tanzania's police arrested opposition leaders and hundreds of supporters who gathered for a rally in the city of Mbeya. The opposition Chadema party organised the rally to mark International Youth Day. The Chadema party has condemned the arrests. The arrests and police action come amidst the fears of the spread of protests in Kenya and Uganda. Recently, there were several frequent opposition protests in the country against controversial bills, increasing living costs and transparency of the electoral process.

Mali: Swedish ambassador expelled over “hostile” comments
On 9 August, Mali expelled Sweden's ambassador over a "hostile" statement by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade Johan Forssell. Forssell stated: "You cannot support Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and at the same time receive several hundred million kronor each year in development aid." The statement came after Mali cut ties with Ukraine after a senior Ukrainian official said that Kyiv had information about the attack by Tuareg rebels which killed dozens of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers in July.

Africa: Health emergency declared over Mpox spread
On 13 August, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared a health emergency amidst the spread of monkeypox (Mpox). In 2024, 13,700 cases and 450 deaths were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The virus has additionally spread to other African countries including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya and Rwanda. Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya stated: "This declaration is not merely a formality. It is a clarion call to action. It is a recognition that we can no longer afford to be reactive. We must be proactive and aggressive in our efforts to contain and eliminate this threat."

Europe and The Americas
Spain: Anti-tourism protests against high housing cost
On 11 August, people in Mallorca in the Balearic Islands protested against mass tourism in the city. In July, similar protests were reported in Barcelona. Citizens complain that mass tourism has caused overcrowding in the city, a housing crisis, pressure on health and water facilities and ignorance of local culture. The government has taken measures to curb illegal tourist accommodations by imposing a fine of EUR 80,000.

Serbia: Protests after Rio Tinto resumes mining project
On 11 August, protesters in Belgrade chanted “You will not dig” against the lithium mining project, which resumed in the country’s western region. Protesters claim that lithium mining impacts agricultural irrigation and drinking water. The licence to mining giant Rio Tinto was revoked in 2022 following widespread environmental protests in the country. In July, the government restored the licence stating that the decision to block the project in 2022 was "not in line with the constitution and the law.” The EU committed it as a “historic day for Serbia, as well as for Europe.” The company will provide lithium to EV makers in Europe. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has alleged the protest is a political foul play to topple him. 

Greece: Raging wildfires 
On 11 August, citizens of Athens were warned of severe air quality depletion due to the smoke caused by wildfires. One person was reported dead in Chalandri. Greece recorded the hottest months in June and July this year. It faced numerous wildfires. A major fire arose near Athens where 250 firefighters were deployed and many citizens were evacuated. Half of the municipalities in Greece are on red alert due to wildfires. France, Italy, Czech Republic, Serbia, Romania and Turkey have joined the rescue operations. The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias said that the intensity of the wildfires was exacerbated by strong winds, prolonged drought and impenetrable dense and unburnt forest.

Venezuela: Opposition calls for global protests against Maduro's election victory
On 12 August, Venezuela's opposition coalition called for global protests on 17 August, supporting its election victory claims. The electoral commission declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner, securing him a consecutive third term in office. The opposition claimed that its candidate, Edmundo González, was the real winner. They demanded the release of detailed poll results. The US, the EU and several Latin American countries have supported the opposition's claims and held off from acknowledging Maduro's victory. The contested election results have sparked violent protests across the country. 

The US: USD 20 billion worth of weapons to Israel approved
On 13 August, the US approved a USD 20 billion worth of weapon transfer to Israel. It includes Boeing-made F-15 fighter jets, Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), 120mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars and tactical vehicles. The Department of State stated: “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability." The announcement came as Israel expects retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah following the assassination of Hamas leaders.

About the authors
Rohini Reenum is a PhD Scholar at NIAS. Padmashree Anandhan and Anu Maria Joseph are Research Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Vetriselvi Baskaran, Neha Tresa George, Sayeka Ghosh and Nuha Aamina are Research Assistants at NIAS. Samruddi Pathak is a Research Intern at NIAS. Ayan Datta is a Postgraduate Student at the University of Hyderabad.

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