You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 287, on Friday, August 9th at 10:00 BST.
The highlighted topics will include:
The PM of Bangladesh flees after protest
Sheikh Hasina resigned as Bangladesh’s prime minister and fled to India following weeks of deadly protests initially sparked by student demands to abolish job quotas but escalating into a movement for her resignation. After a meeting with security forces, Hasina left Dhaka in a military aircraft, landing near Delhi. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament and freed opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia from house arrest, paving the way for an interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. The protests, led by the Students Against Discrimination group, demanded Hasina’s resignation, citing government violence during earlier demonstrations. Despite Hasina’s government blaming Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for the unrest, the protests continued, driven by economic stagnation, high youth unemployment, and inflation. Yunus, viewed as a political foe by Hasina, was appointed as the interim leader, with support from student leaders who rejected a military-led government. Hasina’s nearly 15-year rule, marked by economic growth and criticism for silencing opponents, ended abruptly as she fled. Her future remains uncertain as she stays in India, while foreign leaders call for the interim government to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
The wave of anti-government protests in Kenya, sparked by a controversial tax bill, has ignited a broader movement across sub-Saharan Africa, reminiscent of the Arab Spring. Despite President William Ruto’s attempts to quell the unrest by withdrawing the bill and reshuffling his cabinet, the demonstrations continue, driven by widespread frustration with corruption, economic hardship, and poor governance. The determination of Kenyan protesters has inspired similar actions in countries like Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, where young people are increasingly demanding systemic change. Leaders in these nations, aware of the potential for widespread unrest, have responded with a mix of repression and concessions, but the protests persist, signaling a growing appetite for political and social transformation across the region. As more youths take to the streets, an “African Spring” seems to be emerging, with a strong push for accountability, democracy, and human rights gaining momentum across the continent.
The Israel-Iran Crisis is so far being contained
Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon amid growing fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. This follows Iran’s vow of “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia based in Lebanon, has vowed to respond, raising concerns of a serious Israeli response. Diplomatic efforts by the US and other Western countries are ongoing to de-escalate tensions, but numerous flights at Beirut’s airport have been canceled. Countries including the US, UK, Australia, France, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey, and Jordan have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon. Hezbollah has intensified its attacks on Israel, which began after Hamas’s deadly assault on southern Israel on October 7. Despite efforts to limit the conflict to border areas, tensions remain high, especially after recent retaliatory actions by both sides, including drone and rocket attacks, airstrikes, and the killing of civilians and militants. The US is deploying additional military assets to the region to defend Israel, while the UK is sending extra personnel to assist with potential evacuations. Iran has warned of significant retaliation and continues to blame Israel for the escalating violence, while international diplomatic efforts are focused on preventing further escalation.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas announced readiness for peace negotiations with Israel, presenting a roadmap approved by six Arab states to the US, EU, and UN to end Israeli presence in Gaza. Abbas condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, stating it will prolong the Gaza conflict and complicate peace talks. He criticized the act and urged Israel to stop its aggressive actions and comply with international law, rejecting Israeli plans for temporary control. He stressed that they are prepared for negotiations to end the aggression and withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza. Talks in Riyadh, coinciding with a World Economic Forum meeting, will involve key international officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and focus on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and restarting peace negotiations. There is renewed momentum for negotiations, with hopes that discussions in Riyadh could lead to reconciliation and peace in Gaza.
Zelensky announced that a basis of peace talks with Russia should be prepared this year
Ukraine’s President Zelensky expressed the need to lay the groundwork for negotiations with Russia by the end of the year, emphasizing the need for security and pressure on Russia. Zelensky urged for the use of long-range weapons and highlighted the necessity for additional Patriot air defense systems to counter Russian bombardments. Zelensky’s call for Western allies to lift restrictions on using supplied weapons to strike inside Russia, a demand echoed by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defense.Zelensky reiterated the need for intensified efforts and tangible coercion to bring Russia to the negotiating table. Despite some allies’ reluctance, such as Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to permit strikes within Russian territory, discussions continue on how to best support Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, the Kremlin responded cautiously to Zelensky’s suggestion of a future peace summit, indicating the need to understand Kyiv’s intentions before participating. The situation remains fluid as Ukrainian forces face challenges on the front line, and international leaders navigate the complexities of supporting Ukraine while avoiding direct conflict with a nuclear-armed Russia.
Social unrest and anti-immigrant riots in UK
After a week of violent anti-immigrant rioting across the UK, thousands of anti-racism protesters have mobilised in cities like London, Bristol, and Newcastle, largely countering the unrest with peaceful demonstrations. The violence erupted following a false rumor that a Muslim asylum seeker was responsible for the stabbing of three young girls in Southport on July 29, leading to widespread Islamophobic attacks on mosques and asylum seeker accommodations. Despite fears of further disorder and heightened security measures, including police advice to immigration lawyers and shop owners to take precautions, the protests have generally remained non-violent, with only a few arrests reported. In response to the riots, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner condemned the violence as “thuggery,” and Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled it “far-right thuggery,” promising strong penalties for offenders. Meanwhile, police forces are on high alert, with riot control expected to remain in place. Amid the chaos, acts of solidarity have emerged, such as community clean-ups and support for affected individuals, highlighting a broader societal push against the hate-fueled violence.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.