Photo : kremlin.ru
By Samruddhi Pathak
RUSSIA
Russian Security Council Secretary in Iran
On 05 August, Sergei Shougu, Russian Federation’s Security Council Secretary arrived in Iran to visit General Staff of the Iranian armed forces Mohammad Bagheri and discuss Russia-Iran security cooperation. The visit is happening when tensions in the region are high and Israel, Hezbollah and Iran are on the verge of a full-scale war. Even the missiles and drones used by Iran to attack Israel were Russian-made. Both countries consider each other as a strategic ally. The meetings are supposed to take place during this week. (“Shoigu Arrives in Iran to Discuss Global, Regional Security,” Sputnik, 05 August 2024)
THE UK
Far-right protests are not boiling point says BBC
On 05 August, an opinion in the BBC reported on the protests in the UK. Riots and arrests are being reported. The riots came after false information about the identity of a stabber was circulated. BBC has brought the sufferings of asylum seekers and minorities whose struggles have increased since the riots. The BBC report cited an Ipsos survey that revealed that 52 per cent of British thought immigration was too high. Next, European Social Survey, found that most British think that immigration is positive for their cultural and economic growth. Thus, the BBC reported that the UK might not be on the verge of a civil war but there was latent anger among the public. It concludes: "... it would be a mistake to assume that orchestrated far-right hooliganism is representative of the mood in Britain."(“Protests reveal deep-rooted anger, but UK is not at boiling point,” BBC, 05 August 2024)
Prime Minister criticises the protestors
On 04 August, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK and the leader of the Labour party, said that he will make rioters regret their deeds. He called this a “far-right thuggery.” The rioters have been associated with the English Defence League, a far-right anti-Islamic group. Protestors held slogans saying “We are not far right, we are right” and “Stop the invasion.” The riots reflect the presence of anti-immigration sentiments in British politics. Le Monde reported 370 arrests as of 05 August. Even mosques are being targeted. The PM also held an emergency meeting with his cabinet ministers. He also met the Scotland Yard chief Mark Rowley. The riots also display the power of social media and false information on public order. (“British PM Starmer says far-right rioters will 'regret' disorder,” Le Monde, 04 August 2024; “UK riots: Starmer holds emergency meeting over far-right violence,” Le Monde, 05 August 2024)
Dolphins found dead in River Thames
On 05 August, The British Divers Marine Life Rescue was monitoring a dolphin nicknamed Jo Jo. While sighting Jo Jo, they found two dolphins dead near Chelsea Harbour Pier. Only a week before, another dolphin was found dead on the Thames riverbank in Greenwich, London. This is becoming a subject of concern since only a day before, reports of sea mammals being sick and weak in the Dutch coastal region were reported. This raises questions on the quality of water in the river and the availability of small fish for dolphins, questioning the problem of overfishing by humans in the river. It is fascinating how the UK is eager to own fish that come through the English Channel and riot against those who come through the Channel. (“Dolphin found dead on bank of River Thames,” BBC, 05 August 2024)