LE CONSEGUENZE DELLA POLITICA ZERO-COVID CINESE

FOCUS

• May 27, 2022. By Alicia García-Herrero, The Jamestown Foundation. The long lockdown in Shanghai may finally be nearing an end. Stores in parts of the city have been permitted to gradually reopen, and limited public transportation has resumed (Sh.news.cn, May 23; Xinhua, May 11) Nevertheless, for much of the city the lockdown drags on, as do lockdowns in other urban centers. Furthermore, China appears unlikely to pivot away from its “dynamic Zero-COVID” policies anytime in the foreseeable future. At a Politburo Standing Committee meeting earlier this month, General Secretary Xi Jinping reaffirmed his support for the current epidemic prevention approach. He stated that “practice has proven our [epidemic] prevention and control policies can stand the test of history, and our prevention and control measures are scientific and effective. We have won the battle to defend Wuhan, and we will certainly be able to win the battle to defend Shanghai” (People’s Daily, May 6). China’s “Dynamic Zero-COVID” Policy Weighs on a Weak Global Economy

THINK TANKS & GLOBAL NEWS

PERSPECTIVES

• May 31, 2022. By Shadia Nasralla, Reuters. Oil prices extended a bull run on Tuesday after the EU agreed to a partial ban on Russian oil and China decided to lift some coronavirus restrictions amid rising demand ahead of peak U.S. and European summer driving season. Oil bull run continues as EU agrees to ban most Russian oil
• May 31, 2022. By Mark Leonard, The Strategist – Project-Syndicate. ‘Davos man’ has had a grim 14 years. The late Harvard University political scientist Samuel Huntington popularised the term in 2004 to describe a new overclass of evangelists for globalisation. Davos man, he claimed, wanted to see national borders disappear and the logic of politics superseded by that of the market. The decline and fall of Davos man
• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Taiwan’s Foxconn, the world’s largest contract electronics maker, said on Tuesday that the second half of the year is heading “in a better direction” as Shanghai’s COVID-19 lockdown appears to be easing.  Foxconn predicts more stable supply chain in the second half of 2022
• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday after the EU agreed to slash oil imports from Russia, fuelling worries of a tighter market already strained for supply amid rising demand ahead of peak U.S. and European summer driving season. Oil prices extend gains after EU bans most Russia oil imports
• May 31, 2022. By  John Kemp, Reuters. Portfolio investors turned cautious on oil again last week after a sharp burst of buying the week before, amid uncertainty about whether recession or sanctions will dominate prices over the next six months. Column: Recession risk keeps funds cautious on oil despite sanctions: Kemp
• May 31, 2022. By Laura Sanicola, Reuters. Refiners worldwide are struggling to meet global demand for diesel and gasoline, exacerbating high prices and aggravating shortages from big consumers like the United States and Brazil to smaller countries like war-ravaged Ukraine and Sri Lanka. Global refiners falter in efforts to keep up with demand

DEFENSE – MILITARY

• May 31, 2022. By Martin Manaranche, Naval News. n a report published by the French Parliament’s National Defense and Armed Forces Committee, members of parliament (MPs) review the French Navy (Marine Nationale)’s feedback on the high-intensity exercise ‘POLARIS’ conducted from November 18 to December 3, 2021. Feedback on French Navy High Intensity Exercise POLARIS

AROUND THE WORLD

Australia

• May 31, 2022. By Mercedes Page, The Interpreter. Freshly sworn in and already warmly welcomed by Quad leaders in Tokyo, Anthony Albanese got off to a swinging start on the foreign policy front. As the realities of government set in, the hurdles will start to come quickly now – the revelation about China’s so far unsuccessful efforts to forge a Pacific policing and security agreement the first of many. Multilateralism matters again
• May 30, 2022. By East Asia Forum. As one old political hand remarked in the aftermath of Australia’s momentous federal election, the shifts underway in the country’s politics are similar to the effects of climate change: they happen very slowly, then all at once. Australia’s political climate changes

Australia – China

• May 29, 2022. By Andrew Chubb, East Asia Forum. The change of government in Canberra opens the possibility of a thaw in Australia’s diplomatic relations with China. Since 2017, the Australian government has adopted an array of tough China policies on issues ranging from 5G communications to COVID-19. In response, Beijing imposed a diplomatic freeze and since May 2020, informal economic sanctions on Australian exports including barley, coal, beef and wine. Time for Australia to counter Beijing’s cross-border coercion and de-securitise ‘Chinese influence’

Canada

• May 30, 2022. By Zach Schonfeld, The Hill. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a move to freeze the sale and transfer of handguns in the country as part of a strict gun control proposal introduced by his government on Monday. Canada’s Trudeau proposes handgun freeze in new gun control package

China

• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. China’s cabinet unveiled a package of 33 measures covering fiscal, financial, investment and industrial policies on Tuesday to revive a pandemic-ravaged economy, saying it will inspect how provincial governments implement them. China unveils detailed stimulus policies to support virus-hit economy
• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. China’s factory activity fell at a slower pace in May as COVID-19 curbs in major manufacturing hubs eased, but movement controls continued to weigh on demand and production, raising concerns about economic growth in the second quarter. Decline in China’s factory activity slows as COVID curbs ease
• May 31, 2022. By Casey Hall and Samuel Shen, Reuters. Shanghai authorities on Tuesday began dismantling fences around housing compounds and ripping police tape off public squares and buildings, to the relief of the city’s 25 million residents, before a painful two-month lockdown is lifted at midnight. ‘Hard to believe it’s actually happening’: Shanghai to lift COVID lockdown
• May 31, 2022. By Wang Yi, Global Times. An international auto show is scheduled from June 2 to 5 in Haikou, in South China’s Hainan Province, as various regions of China have stepped up measures to boost car sales amid nationwide efforts to push economic recovery after the impact of Omicron. The major auto fair, where more than 100 car brands will showcase their vehicles with special exhibition for new energy vehicles (NEVs), signals a robust recovery of sales in the domestic auto market is getting started. Musk’s optimism about China’s EV market best rebuttal to Western badmouthing against Chinese economy
• May 27, 2022. By Willy Wo-Lap Lam, The Jamestown Foundation. President Xi Jinping has presided over a dramatic enhancement of his own personality cult in the run-up to the 20th Party Congress this autumn. The latest sign of this hero worship is that national media have bestowed on Xi the title of lingxiu (领袖). Lingxiu is usually translated as “leader.” But in the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) lexicon, lingxiu is a more esteemed and grandiloquent version of “leader.” Throughout the CCP’s history, only the “Great Helmsman” Mao Zedong attained this elevated designation. Xinhua, CCTV and other major media have started running 50 video episodes highlighting Xi’s career, particularly his “momentous contributions” to the party and the country. According to Xinhua, Xi has “sketched out the big picture of the domestic and foreign situation, put forward reform, development and stability… and [is] responsible for progress in running the party, the country and the army” (Ming Pao, May 23; Xinhua, April 18). Xi Jinping is Poised to Become “Leader for Life” in Exchange for Sharing Politburo Seats with Rivals
• May 27, 2022. By John S. Van Oudenaren, The Jamestown Foundation. Throughout the pandemic, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has focused on sharply limiting international travel as a risk vector for the spread of COVID-19, and as a result has kept its borders largely closed. As Beijing edges closer to a total shutdown and lockdowns persist in several other large cities, including Shanghai; the already stringent entry and exit restrictions on Chinese citizens implemented as part of the “dynamic clearance” zero-COVID policy have been further tightened. At a special meeting on May 10, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) called for “strict implementation” of existing polices barring “non-essential” outbound travel (China News Service, May 12). The NIA stated that full cooperation with these measures is vital to “win the battle to defend Shanghai” and to “vigorously support Beijing’s epidemic prevention work.” This week, the NIA provided further guidance as to what constitutes “essential departures“(必要出境, xuyao chujing), which include business; scientific, technical, medical and research cooperation; academic study; and “urgent personal affairs” such as funerals and elder care (Sina, May 24). The new regulations build on the NIA’s imposition of tighter restrictions on international travel last July, which institutionalized a pattern of strong discouragement of “non-essential” overseas travel by authorities since early 2020 (Xinhuanet, July 30, 2021). The impact of this de facto moratorium on overseas travel was evident even before these restrictions were issued with the PRC issuing only 2% as many passports in the first half of 2021, as it did during the same period in 2019 (Sixth Tone, August 4, 2021). China Closes its Windows to the World: When Will They Reopen?

China – Europe

• May 31, 2022. By Global Times. The Guangzhou Nansha Port railway has launched its first freight train to Europe on Monday, one of the latest international rail routes to boost China’s foreign trade with countries under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), contributing to regional economic recovery and improving the global industrial supply chain. Guangzhou Nansha Port railway launches first China-Europe freight train

China – Sri Lanka

• May 27, 2022. By Sudha Ramachandran, The Jamestown Foundation. Sri Lanka is in the grip of an unprecedented crisis. For several months, the country has been reeling under a severe foreign exchange crisis. In early May, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that its usable forex reserves were just $50 million (Daily News, May 5). As a result, Sri Lanka has been forced to suspend repayment of $51 billion worth of debt owed to China, Japan and other foreign creditors (The Hindu, April 12; The Island, April 13). The country has also been unable to pay for imports of essential commodities, and has experienced serious shortages of food, fuel and medicine (The Island, January 15). The economic crisis has in turn triggered a political crisis. Public anger has boiled over onto the streets. Angry protesters have been calling for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa (Colombo Telegraph, April 7). The Rajapaksa family has dominated Sri Lankan politics for decades and several members of the family are in positions of power as ministers, legislators or heads of corporations and departments. Sri Lankans want the entire clan out. Some of them, including Mahinda, resigned under public pressure in recent months (Island, April 17). Although Gotabaya remains president and under the country’s executive presidential system, continues to wield enormous power, it is evident that the influence of the Rajapaksas has declined. China and Sri Lanka’s Debt Crisis: Belt and Road Initiative Blowback

China – USA

• May 30, 2022. By Global Times. It was the US that demanded the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit China, and then imposed all sorts of conditions and is now criticizing it, said China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday when asked for comments on remarks by US secretary of state Antony Blinken that China restricted and manipulated Michelle Bachelet’s visit. US keeps manipulating high-profile UN Xinjiang visit to attack China: FM
• May 30, 2022. By Global Times. The international order pursued by the US based on “American rules” is the “most serious long-term challenge” to the world, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday in response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s China policy speech. Zhao said that the US is the biggest destroyer of the international order. China accuses US of being destroyer of international order

China – Zambia

• May 31, 2022. By Rachel Savage and Leigh Thomas, Reuters. China’s lack of experience with tricky debt restructurings and slow coordination among its public lenders is holding up debt relief for Zambia, a test case for the top emerging market creditor, three sources familiar with the matter said. Test case Zambia exposes China’s rookie status on debt relief – sources

Cyprus

• May 31, 2022. By IAEA. An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said that Cyprus is committed to the safe and effective management of disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) and radioactive waste, while also noting areas where it could be further enhanced. IAEA Mission Says Cyprus Committed to Safe Management of Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources and Radioactive Waste, Sees Opportunities for Further Enhancement

Egypt

• May 30, 2022. By Khalil al-Anani, Middle East Eye. A popular saying among western think tanks and policymakers, especially in Washington, is that “Egypt is too big to fail”. But this mythical saying reflects wishful thinking more than it reflects the reality in Egypt today. Why Egypt is not too big to fail

Europe

• May 31, 2022. By  Susan Mathew, Reuters. European shares fell on Tuesday, ahead of euro zone inflation data after a larger-than-expected rise in German consumer prices spurred bets of an aggressive central bank response. European shares hit by inflation angst, Unilever lifts FTSE 100
• May 31, 2022. By John Chalmers and Gabriela Baczynska, Reuters. European Union leaders handed Hungary concessions to agree an oil embargo on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, sealing a deal in the wee hours on Tuesday that aims to cut 90% of Russia’s crude imports into the bloc by the end of the year. ‘Best we could get’: EU bows to Hungarian demands to agree Russian oil ban
• May 30, 2022. By Lorne Cook, Samuel Petrequin, The Hill. European Union leaders agreed Monday to embargo most Russian oil imports into the bloc by year-end as part of new sanctions on Moscow worked out at a summit focused on helping Ukraine with a long-delayed package of new financial support. EU leaders agree to ban 90 percent of Russian oil by year-end

Finland – Turkey

• May 31, 2022. Finland has to stop “protecting” what Turkey considers a terrorist organisation and take Turkey’s security concerns seriously if it wants Turkey to accept it in NATO, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesperson told a Finnish newspaper on Tuesday. Finland doesn’t take Turkish woes seriously, Erdogan’s spox tells paper

Hong Kong 

• May 31, 2022. By Vera Yuen, East Asia Forum. A month ahead of the 2022 Hong Kong Chief Executive election, former chief secretary John Lee declared he was running for office. The city was already expecting Lee to take power in the near future, with the public giving little attention to incumbent Carrie Lam. Hong Kong leans into Chinese-style governance reform

IAEA – Iran

• May 31, 2022. By IRNA. Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi has missed an opportunity suggested by Iran to resolve outstanding issues of the Safeguards Agreement. IAEA burning opportunity to solve remaining issues with Iran

Iraq

• May 31, 2022. By Dler S. Mohammed, Kurdistan 24. The Iraqi parliament will convene on Tuesday for the second reading of the Emergency Support for Food Security and Development bill.  Iraqi parliament to convene for second reading of food security law
• May 31, 2022. By Kurdistan 24. Five rockets on Monday targeted an Iraqi military base hosting troops from an international anti-jihadist coalition without causing deaths or damage, a military official said. Rockets fired at Iraq military base with foreign troops

Iraq’s Kurdistan Region

• May 30, 2022. By Mustafa Shilani, Kurdistan 24.  Swedish Ambassador to Iraq Jonas Loven said his country seeks more investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region in several sectors. Sweden intends to strengthen trade and investment relations with Kurdistan Region: Ambassador

Israel – Saudi Arabia

• May 30, 2022. By Middle East Eye. Israel is coordinating with the United States and Gulf nations on a process to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Monday. Israel says working with US, Gulf states on normalisation with Saudi Arabia

Japan

• May 31, 2022. By Daniel Leussink and Kantaro Komiya, Reuters. Japan’s factories posted a sharp fall in output in April as China’s COVID-19 lockdowns and wider supply disruptions took a heavy toll on manufacturers, clouding the outlook for the trade-reliant economy. Japan’s April factory output slumps in worrying sign for economy

Japan – Australia

• May 31. By Daisuke Akimoto, The Intepreter. Of the many issues canvassed at the Quad leaders’ meeting in Tokyo last week, the four partners stressed the importance of common energy supply chains. The leaders agreed in particular on the significance of “clean energy cooperation” in “clean hydrogen”. With a new Australian government making clear its commitment to tackle climate change, hydrogen is bound to get more attention – especially in Australia’s relations with Japan. Japan-Australia: building a hydrogen supply chain

Libya

• May 31, 2022. By HRW. New information from Libyan agencies and demining groups links the Wagner Group to the use of banned landmines and booby traps in Libya in 2019-2020, Human Rights Watch said today. The Wagner Group, a private Russian military security contractor with apparent links to Russia’s government, backed Khalifa Hiftar’s Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) in their attack on the Libyan capital, Tripoli. These mines killed at least three Libyan deminers before the mines’ locations were identified. Libya: Russia’s Wagner Group Set Landmines Near Tripoli
• May 30, 2022. By The Libya Observer. The Government of National Unity issued a decision to reduce the price of jet fuel to local airlines by more than 50%. Libya’s GNU decreases jet fuel prices, asks for a review of ticket prices
• May 30, 2022. By The Libya Observer. The Head of Oil and Gas Workers Union Saad Dinar said shutdown of oil and gas ports is only at Zueitina and Brega ports, while Hariga, Es Sidr and Ras Lanuf are operating as usual. Head of Oil and Gas Workers Union says shutdown is only in two ports across Libya
• May 30, 2022. By The Libya Observer. A source from the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) said the shutdown of Istiklal field of Sirte Oil Operations Company due to the lack of storage of liquid substances of gas following the halt of oil supplies to ports will lead to stopping 60 million cubic liters of gas supply to eastern region’s power plants, thus depriving the network of 600 megawatts and leading to more hours of power load shedding. Continuing shutdown of oil leads to more hours of power load shedding in east Libya
• May 30, 2022. By The Libya Observer. The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, has met with the CEO of the American Valmont Company, in the presence of the Deputy Director of the American-Libyan Chamber of Commerce. Dbeibah discusses with American Valmont solar energy solutions

Mongolia – China

• May 27, 2022. By Antonio Graceffo, The Jamestown Foundation. When COVID-19 lockdowns closed the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) borders in 2020, imports entering Mongolia came to a grinding halt, leading to domestic inflation and product shortages. Exports also declined significantly, further constricting the flow of U.S. dollars into the country. More than two years later, China continues to pursue its “Zero-COVID” policy and the Russia-Ukraine war is driving up global gas and energy costs. An unwitting victim of decisions made in Beijing and Moscow, Mongolia is facing currency devaluation, high inflation, and a shortage of dollars. Mongolia’s Currency Crisis: Made in China ?

North Korea

• May 30, 2022. By US Department of State. The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union. G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the DPRK

Philippines – China

• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. The Philippines on Tuesday said it had filed a diplomatic protest with China for unilaterally declaring a South China Sea fishing ban, and complained also of harassment and violations of its jurisdiction by Beijing’s coast guard. Philippines complains of Chinese fishing ban and ‘harassment’ at sea

Russia – GCC

• May 31, 2022. By Aziz El Yaakoubi, Reuters. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday where he will meet with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC), two Gulf officials said on Tuesday. Russia’s Lavrov to meet with GCC ministers in Riyadh on Wednesday -officials

Russia – Ukraine (on the ground, impact)

• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Russia’s largest lender Sberbank said on Tuesday new European sanctions would not impact its operations after European Union leaders agreed to cut bank that was already under sanctions from the SWIFT messaging system. Russia’s Sberbank says working as usual despite new EU sanctions
• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. Russian energy giant Gazprom said on Tuesday it has fully cut off gas supplies to Dutch gas trader GasTerra after it had failed to make payments for gas delivered in April, making good on its promise to shut down deliveries over payment issues. Gazprom says it fully cuts off gas supplies to Dutch gas trader GasTerra
• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. A ship has left the Ukrainian port of Mariupol for the first time since Russia took the city and is headed east to Russia with a load of metal, the Russian-backed separatist leader of the Ukrainian breakaway region of Donetsk said on Tuesday. First cargo ship leaves Mariupol since Russia took the city – separatist leader
• May 31, 2022. By Pavel Polityuk and Oleksandr Kozhukhar, Reuters. A Moscow backed separatist leader was reported by state-run TASS news agency on Tuesday as saying that Russian forces had not advanced as rapidly as they had hoped in the battle for Sievierodonetsk, the easternmost city still in Ukraine’s hands. Russian forces face stiff resistance in Ukraine’s Donbas
• May 30, 2022. By Yun Jiang, East Asia Forum. China is watching closely at how countries are reacting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in preparation for the day it might make its own military move on Taiwan. It is not only considering the military response, but also the economic response. Seeing the economic and financial pressure being applied to Russia, China will want to make its economy more resilient to similar sanctions. As the world sanctions Russia, China takes note
• May 30, 2022. By Valdai Discussion Club. In the event that the acute phase of the conflict in Ukraine really turns out to be very long, which, apparently, is the case, then the elementary needs of survival will force Russia to get rid of what binds it to Europe, Valdai Club Programme Director Timofei Bordachev. Kissinger and the Fight for Russia
• May 30, 2022. By Karolina Hird, Mason Clark, and George Barros, ISW. Mounting casualties among Russian junior officers will likely further degrade Russian capabilities and lead to further morale breakdowns. The UK Ministry of Defense stated on May 30 that Russian forces have suffered devastating losses amongst mid and junior ranking officers. The UK MoD reported that battalion and brigade level officers continue to deploy forwards and into harm’s way—rather than commanding from rear areas and delegating to lower-ranking officers—due to senior Russian officers holding them to an “uncompromising level of responsibility” for their units.[1] The British Defense Ministry further reported that junior officers are in charge of low-level tactical operations due to a lack of professionalism and modernization within the Russian Armed Forces and that the continued losses of these junior officers will complicate command and control efforts, particularly in Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs) cobbled together from the survivors of multiple other units.[2] ISW previously assessed that continued demoralization and poor command and control among Russian forces could present Ukrainian forces opportunities to conduct prudent counteroffensives, particularly as the Russian military continues to pour resources into the battle of Severodonetsk at the cost of other lines of effort. Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 30
• May 2022. By Jessica Brandt, Bret Schafer, Elen Aghekyan, Valerie Wirtschafter, and Adya Danaditya, Brookings. As the war in Ukraine unfolds, Russian propaganda about the conflict has gotten a boost from a friendly source: government officials and state media out of Beijing. In multiple languages and regions around the world, China’s “wolf warrior” diplomats and state media routinely amplify Kremlin conspiracy theories rationalizing President Vladimir Putin’s invasion, and undermining the credibility and appeal of the United States, NATO, and independent media — even as China declines to endorse the Kremlin’s adventurism wholesale. This spring, for example, China’s messengers promoted the baseless Russian claim that the United States has been supporting a biological weapons program in Ukraine — at times, more aggressively than Russia itself. Winning the web: How Beijing exploits search results to shape views of Xinjiang and COVID-19

Syria

• May 31, 2022. By SOHR. SOHR activists have documented the death of a child in the explosion of an old landmine nearby Douma city in eastern Ghouta in Rif Dimashq. Old ordnance | Child killed in landmine explosion nearby Douma city in Rif Dimashq
• May 31, 2022. By Al-Monitor. Two days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced a plan for a military operation, the Turkish pro-government Yeni Safak reported on Wednesday that preparations have been made for a military maneuver aimed at expanding the “safe zones” already established in northern Syria, with several identified goals. Syrians north of Aleppo prepare for Turkish military operation
• May 31, 2022. By SOHR. SOHR sources in the “de-escalation zone” have reported that regime forces fired several rockets in the early hours of Thursday morning on areas in Al-Fterah, Sfuhen, the outskirts of Al-Bara, Fulayfel and Bayanin in Jabal Al-Zawiyah in the southern countryside of Idlib. Amid exchange of fire with opposition factions in Sahl Al-Ghab | Regime forces shell positions in Jabal Al-Zawiyah
• May 31, 2022. By SOHR. On Tuesday morning, two Russian helicopters flew over the border town of Amuda from Al-Qamishli, flying at low altitude over the border city of Darbasiyah, north of Al-Hasakah then headed to the western countryside and then to Abu Rasin/Zarkan, SOHR activists reported. Russian daily activity | Two Russian helicopters fly over Syria-Turkey border in Al-Hasakah countryside
• May 31, 2022. By SOHR. Daraa province: SOHR activists have reported the explosion of an IED in Al-Musifrah town in the eastern countryside of Daraa, targeting a member of “Military Security” in the area, causing material damage only. Assassination attempt | IED Explosion targets Military Security member in eastern Daraa countryside
• May 30, 2022. By Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Kurdistan 24. A female Iraqi refugee was found dead and dumped in a valley between the first and second sections of northeast Syria’s infamous al-Hol camp, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) war monitor reported on Monday. Murders continue in Syria’s al-Hol camp
• May 30, 2022. By Wladimir van Wilgenburg, Kurdistan 24. A car was destroyed in what appeared to be a drone strike in the village of Segirka on the outskirts of northeast Syria’s Qamishlo, the Syria-based Rojava Information Centre (RIC) reported on Monday. Car destroyed by suspected drone strike near Qamishlo: RIC
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Syria has renewed its rejection of the military attacks being launched by the Turkish occupation forces over the last several days on some areas and villages, noting that what the Turkish regime is doing constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity and are part of the policy of ethnic and geographical cleansing it adopts. Syria: Turkish Attacks Part of Ethnic Cleansing Policy
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Boutros Marjana, head of the Arab, Foreign, and Expatriate Affairs Committee in the regime’s parliament, said that the Amnesty Decree No. 7  for terrorist crimes, except those that led to the death of a human being, includes more than 95 percent of Syrians opposition members abroad. He revealed that the committee will meet next week to have a role in introducing Syrians abroad to the amnesty decree and its importance.  MP Marjana for al-Watan: Amnesty Decree Covers more than 95 Percent of Syrian Opposition Abroad
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Satellite images have shown a Russian ship allegedly carrying stolen grain from Ukraine arriving in Syria, according to reports. Russian Ship Carrying ‘Stolen Ukrainian Grain’ Reaches Syria: Report
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. The UN envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen revealed on Sunday the agenda of the 8th round of the Syrian Constitutional Committee meetings in Geneva. Pedersen Reveals Agenda Of Syrian Constitutional Committee’s 8th Round
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. The Abu Rasin district in the north-western countryside of Hassakeh witnessed a new wave of displacement as a result of attacks by Turkish occupation forces and terrorist groups supported by artillery and rocket-propelled grenades.  More than 130 Families Displaced from Abu Rasin Area North of Hassakeh
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faisal al-Mekdad, discussed with the president of the Arab Argentine Associations’ Confederation “FEARAB-Argentina”, Ricardo Nasser, ways to activate the union’s role in a way that serves the Syrian communities abroad and enhance their relations with the homeland in support for its just causes. Mekdad and Arab Argentine Group Discuss Syrian Communities Abroad
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. A source of the Turkish-backed armed Syrian opposition factions (also known as the Syrian National Army, SNA) said on Monday that Turkey’s remarks about a potential military operation against northeast Syria were a pro forma announcement. Turkey’s Threat to Invade NE Syria Is Pro Forma Announcement – SNA
• May 30, 2022. By The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Network for Human Rights said that the Syrian regime is “detaining” Amjad Youssef, one of the most prominent perpetrators of the Massacre in the al-Tadamon neighbourhood, which was revealed weeks ago by The Guardian.  Regime Detains Amjad Youssef, Most Prominent Perpetrator of Tadamon Massacre

USA

• May 31, 2022. By Saqib Iqbal Ahmed and Davide Barbuscia, Reuters. This year’s U.S. stock and bond sell-offs have boosted demand for strategies aimed at generating returns less dependent on upside in those asset classes during an extended period of volatility. Analysis: CTAs, other ‘uncorrelated’ investments boom in volatility ride
• May 31, 2022. By  Jamie McGeever, Reuters. If you assumed crypto was just a young person’s game, think again. More people in the United States than ever before are turning to cryptocurrencies to help fund their retirement, it seems, even as the recent market carnage provides a stark reminder that this wild market is not for the faint-hearted. Cryptoverse: Will you grow old with bitcoin?
• May 31, 2022. By  Karl Plume, Reuters. North Dakota farmer Dwight Grotberg wanted to plant more wheat this spring to capitalize on soaring prices since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cut grain exports and left the world short of millions of tonnes of wheat supply. U.S. wheat crop hit by dry winter then soggy spring, adding to global tightness
• May 30, 2022. By Lee Spieckerman, The Hill. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk blame the government and the Fed for inflation. In Musk’s words, “The obvious reason for inflation is that the government printed a zillion more dollars than it has. This is not super complicated.”. The Fed’s ‘cure’ for inflation is worse: Recession

USA – Indo-Pacific

• May 31, 2022. By David Uren, The Strategist. The Biden administration attracted a dozen nations to the launch of its Indo-Pacific Economic Framework but the lack of commitment to the plan from either the United States or the region suggests it’s unlikely to have much impact. Is the US really committed to its new Indo-Pacific economic initiative?

USA – Saudi Arabia

• March 31, 2022. By Reuters. U.S. and Saudi ministers discuss efforts to prolong Yemen truce

USA – Taiwan

• May 31, 2022. By Reuters. The United States is planning on “cooperation” between its National Guard and Taiwan’s military, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Tuesday, deepening security ties in the face of what Taipei’s government complains is a rising threat from China. Tsai says U.S. National Guard planning ‘cooperation’ with Taiwan military
• May 31, 2022. By Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan, Global Times. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly dispatched 30 warplanes to the vicinity of the island of Taiwan on Monday, the same day a US senator arrived on the island for a surprise visit, and also at the same time the US Navy was holding dual carrier drills not far away from the region. PLA sends 30 warplanes near Taiwan island amid US senator visit, carrier drills
• May 30, 2022. By Zach Schonfeld, The Hill. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) landed in Taipei on Monday for a three-day visit to meet top officials about issues affecting the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. Duckworth pays three-day visit to Taiwan amid China tension

Le interviste di The Science of Where Magazine

• MODULARE LE TECNOLOGIE PER UN FUTURO AGRO-SOSTENIBILE. A COLLOQUIO CON TIM BENTON (CHATHAM HOUSE)