Honduras and China are working out the conditions for a Free Trade Agreement and recently met to discuss both this and Honduras' participation in the Shanghai Import Fair.
China and Honduras Meet to Promote Chinese Investment in Honduras
Uganda Captures Leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)
Uganda has captured the leader of the Allied Democratic Forces, accused of killing tourists in Queen Elizabeth Park. His arrest demonstrates that authorities are taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of both tourists and residents.
Bukele is Allowed to Enter the Presidential Race for Re-Election in El Salvador
On Thursday of this week, Nayib Bukele registered to run for a second presidential term. According to the CID Gallup, Bukele has an approval rating of 88%, the highest in all of Latin America. The legality of Bukele’s registration to participate in the upcoming February 2024 election is still being questioned. Constitutional lawyers in EL Salvador argue that Bukele’s reelection is against the law.
Irish Technology for Mitigating Climate Change
Silicate, an Irish technology startup, has had success in its new practice to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In a second round of trials, the company plans on spreading 500 tons of concrete over 5 hectares of land in Illinois. Silicate estimates that just this test alone could result in locking away 100 tons of carbon dioxide where it would hopefully remain sequestered for thousands of years.
Afghan Refugees Forced to Leave Pakistan
Pakistan announced in early October that all illegal migrants would need to leave the country by November 1st or risk deportation. This policy targeted the 1.73 million Afghan refugees that fled to Pakistan following the rise of the Taliban. Many of these refugees could face persecution upon return to Afghanistan.
Brazilian President Lula Leans on Military to Address Rising Insecurity
On November 1st, President of Brazil Lula da Silva announced that 3,600 military personnel will be deployed to increase security in the country’s most important airports—Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo—and ports—Port of Rio de Janeiro and Santos Port in Sao Paulo.
M23 Rebel Fighters Rise Up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
M23 fighters launched an attack near Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on October 26th, leaving thousands of residents displaced. With an election coming up, the ability of these displaced residents has been impeded, thereby disrupting the democratic process of the DRC.
Massive Protests in Panama Over Copper Mine Contract
Protests are erupting across Panama following the decision to extend the mining contract with First Quantum Minerals. Protestors are primarily concerned with the environmental impact of the mining operations.
Opposition Primaries in Venezuela Foreshadow Struggle Ahead for Presidential Elections
On October 26th, Maria Machado overwhelmingly won the opposition-organized presidential primary in Venezuela, with 93% of the vote. Roughly two and half million Venezuelans made it out to vote in hopes of having a presidential candidate to challenge Nicolas Maduro and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in the 2024 presidential elections.
Understanding Indian and Pakistani Reactions to the Israel-Hamas War
Prime Minister Modi of India declared his “unequivocal solidarity with Israel” before any official Western reaction came out, while many Indian news personalities have defined Israel’s military action since October 7th as “a war for all of us”. The Pakistani government, on the other hand, is likely trying to avoid a repeat of last year, when former Prime Minister Imran Khan jeopardized relationships in the West by visiting Moscow in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but this diplomatic approach may be tenuous if domestic pressure increases.
The Patterson Journal of International Affairs 