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international news
middle east
- Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh has called on Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem to ignore Israeli restrictions around the Al-Aqsa Mosque (introduced after previous clashes), leading to the start of Ramadan next weekend. He called on people to march to the mosque in time. . That could lead to new conflicts there, especially if Israel approves new restrictions on Arabs visiting the site.
- According to CNN, some American officials say Israel may be planning a ground invasion of southern Lebanon in late spring or early summer if diplomatic efforts to push Hezbollah out of rocket range on the two countries’ border fail. I am concerned. The United States is mediating talks between Israel and Lebanon regarding a border buffer zone for the purpose of pre-empting ground operations.read more
- If Hamas and Israel are able to reach a ceasefire agreement, an Israeli invasion of Lebanon would become even less likely. According to Reuters, Hezbollah plans to “immediately” stop firing rockets into northern Israel “the moment a ceasefire is declared” in the Gaza Strip. This is in line with previous statements by Hezbollah supreme commander Hassan Nasrallah.read more
The Jerusalem Post historian and writer puts the conflict between Israel and Hamas in a relatable context for American readers.read more
Russia
- Supporters of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny plan to hold his funeral tomorrow if Russian authorities allow it.read more
- There are rumors that people associated with the Wagner Group stole flowers placed in Navalny’s memory and placed them instead on the grave of late leader Evgeny Prigozhin. This is actually somewhat appropriate, since Prigozhin was also killed by the Kremlin more directly than Navalny, and is less memorialized.read more
China
- China has approved amendments to its state secrets law that will make it more dangerous for foreign companies to do business in the country. The law expands the law that allows authorities to target those who disseminate “trade secrets,” information that “if divulged would cause certain adverse consequences.” In addition to the already vaguely defined “state secrets”.read more
- Analysts are worried (with good reason) that once the revised version takes effect in May, Beijing will use the expanded law to punish foreign companies that don’t comply with its orders.
Separately, another giant Chinese real estate developer, Country Garden Co., is facing liquidation after failing to repay loans worth about $200 million. A Hong Kong court is scheduled to hear the case in mid-May.
emigration
- EU asylum applications increased by 18% from 2022 to 2023. This was driven by a record number of Palestinian asylum seekers, on top of normal levels of Syrian and Afghan claims. Germany received almost a third of the total bill.read more
sahel
- Supporters of Chad’s interim president Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno exchanged attacks with supporters of his cousin and rival Yahya Dilo, which quickly escalated and Dilo was today arrested by his cousin’s security forces. He was reportedly murdered. Mr Dilo’s allies are furious and are likely to continue their fight against Mahamat Deby Itno’s government.read more
The World Daily Brief is produced daily by former CIA and intelligence officials.
Armstrong Williams (www.armstrongwilliams.com; @arightside) is a political analyst, syndicated columnist, and owner of the broadcasting company Howard Stark Holdings. He is also part owner of the Baltimore Sun. This column is part of “The Owner’s Box” weekly series.
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