You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 302, on Friday, November 15th at 10:00 GMT.
The highlighted topics will include:
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown, Federal Cuts, and Pentagon Shakeup: A Bold Start
On his first day as president-elect, Donald Trump unveiled an ambitious set of executive actions aimed at reshaping US immigration policy and reducing the size of the federal government. A central feature of his immigration reform plan is the appointment of Tom Homan as “border czar.” Homan will oversee a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, including restarting the construction of the US-Mexico border wall, deploying National Guard troops to assist with border security and expanding federal powers to arrest undocumented individuals. Trump’s plan prioritizes deportations, focusing on those with criminal charges or final deportation orders while granting immigration officers greater discretion in detaining other undocumented individuals. In a move to end Biden’s temporary parole programs, Trump also plans to reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are processed in the US These changes are expected to face strong legal and political opposition, especially from Democratic states and immigrant advocacy groups.
Trump also announced the formation of the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with slashing federal spending and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both strong Trump supporters, have been appointed to lead the department. Their goal is to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget by 2026 and reduce the federal workforce. Musk’s involvement has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, given his business interests and existing federal contracts.
In addition, Trump’s transition team is reportedly planning to fire senior military officials, including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of a broader military overhaul. The move aligns with Trump’s continued criticism of what he sees as a bloated and ineffective defense bureaucracy. Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and military veteran, has been nominated as defense secretary and is expected to support the plan to restructure military leadership. However, Hegseth’s lack of government experience has raised questions about his ability to lead the Pentagon.
Soccer Match Turns Violent: Israeli and Dutch Fans Clash in Amsterdam
Violence erupted in Amsterdam following a Europa League match on November 7 between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, highlighting rising tensions linked to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. While the game itself went smoothly, tensions mounted in the city both before and after the match. Social media threats and pro-Palestinian graffiti appeared around the Johan Cruyff Arena and a group of Maccabi fans tore down a Palestinian flag, chanting anti-Arab slogans.
After the game, violence escalated when small groups of Maccabi fans committed acts of vandalism and confronted pro-Palestinian groups. Rioters, targeting Israeli supporters, carried out “hit-and-run” attacks, moving quickly through the streets to assault individuals before disappearing. Authorities struggled to contain the violence, with over 1,200 officers deployed. As clashes continued, video footage showed Maccabi fans chanting provocative slogans and engaging in physical altercations.
The Israeli embassy reported assaults on Maccabi supporters, with several injured, and a wave of international condemnation followed. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte condemned the violence as antisemitic, while Israeli officials compared the attacks to historic pogroms. Local authorities responded by imposing a protest ban and increasing security, though the situation remained tense over the following days. The political fallout was significant, with leaders from both the far-right and left blaming different groups for the violence, intensifying political divisions in the Netherlands.
German Government Falls Amid Economic Crisis and Coalition Rift
Germany’s coalition government has collapsed following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Lindner responded by withdrawing his Free Democrats Party (FDP) from the coalition, leaving Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) in a minority government with the Greens. Scholz plans to call a confidence vote for January 15, which, if lost, could trigger snap elections as early as March 2025, well ahead of the scheduled elections in September 2025. The government crisis stems from prolonged disagreements over economic policy, particularly budget direction. Scholz’s push for increased public investment clashed with Lindner’s strict adherence to Germany’s “debt brake,” a constitutional rule limiting government borrowing. Scholz accused Lindner of stalling essential economic measures, while Lindner argued against excessive borrowing.
The collapse compounds Germany’s broader uncertainties, coinciding with former US President Donald Trump’s re-election, which could further impact the German economy and European unity. Germany’s “traffic light” coalition, comprised of the SPD, FDP and Greens, struggled with ideological differences from its inception in 2021. Efforts to revive Europe’s largest economy, facing stagnation, have been hindered by disputes over fiscal policy. Pressures have also mounted due to the far- right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which has gained strength, winning a state election in Thuringia.
Germany’s economic woes, including slow growth, high labor costs, outdated infrastructure and increased competition from China, have also intensified. The automotive sector, exemplified by Volkswagen’s potential factory closures, highlights the challenges. With Scholz leading a minority government, he may seek CDU support to pass legislation, while political instability could fuel further support for the far-right and prompt debates on reforming Germany’s debt rules. am and inflammatory and violent acts by some of the Israeli fans shocked and dismayed observers around the world.
Adre Crossing Stays Open, Boosting Aid to Famine-Stricken Sudan
Sudan’s sovereign council has extended the use of the Adre border crossing with Chad, a critical route for delivering aid to famine-threatened regions in Darfur and Kordofan. The initial reopening in August followed a closure ordered in February by Sudan’s army-controlled government. The extension of this corridor beyond its initial November 15 deadline is vital, as over 25 million Sudanese face acute hunger due to the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Some areas, especially in Darfur, are already experiencing famine conditions.
Control over Adre has been a contentious issue. While the RSF holds physical control over the crossing and much of Darfur, some members of the Sudanese government oppose its opening, arguing it facilitates weapon delivery to the RSF. Despite this, aid agencies, wary of defying Sudan’s internationally recognized government, rely on the route due to its efficiency over army-controlled Port Sudan and the more distant al- Tina border crossing.
Adre’s reopening initially faced challenges as the rainy season destroyed key transport infrastructure, slowing aid distribution. Nevertheless, it has since become a crucial channel for relief. According to UN humanitarian coordination official Ramesh Rajasingham, over 300 aid trucks carrying supplies for 1.3 million people have crossed into Sudan through Adre. Most recently, the World Food Programme moved a convoy of fifteen trucks with food and nutrition supplies to support 12,500 people in Zamzam camp, an area particularly affected by famine.
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.