Weekly Brief

Welcome to this week’s Weekly Brief. This past week, US activist Charlie Kirk was killed in Utah, France and Nepal saw new leaders, Russia and Belarus launch Zapad 2025, major defence developments, and regional power shifts from Ethiopia to Japan.

First time reading? Stay ahead of current events. Sign up here.

Feel free to send us feedback at [email protected]

US conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead at Utah university

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on 10 September. Authorities say the shot came from a nearby campus building. A suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested some 33 hours after the shooting following a search involving tips from his family. Investigators confirmed Robinson, not a student, used a Mauser rifle and left shell casings with political messages referencing anti-fascist themes. 

Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump, was a prominent conservative youth figure. His death has drawn condemnation across US politics. Prosecutors are considering charges, with Utah’s governor noting the death penalty could be pursued.

Israel targets Hamas leadership in Qatar

Israel carried out an airstrike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday (Sep. 9), targeting individuals “directly responsible” for the 7 October attacks. Explosions struck a residential complex, with smoke seen across the city. Israeli sources said 15 fighter jets dropped 10 munitions in a “precise strike.” Hamas said its negotiating delegation survived, though six people, including a Qatari security officer, were killed.

Qatar condemned the attack as reckless and a violation of international law. Israel stated the operation was fully independent, while the White House confirmed it had been notified. Meanwhile Israeli forces have stepped up their assault on Gaza City with a wave of heavy air strikes, marking a sharp escalation from previous military operations.

Russia and Belarus launch Zapad 2025 amid NATO response

Russia and Belarus have launched Zapad 2025, a joint military exercise running from 12–16 September in Belarus, western Russia, the Baltic and Barents seas, and the Arctic. The drills, held every four years, simulate conflict scenarios and this year feature armour, aircraft, naval forces, drones, electronic warfare and artificial intelligence. Belarus confirmed preparations for Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles.

The exercise follows Russian drone incursions into Poland, prompting NATO to activate Operation Eastern Sentry on 12 September to reinforce its eastern flank “from the High North to the Mediterranean,” according to Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Denmark, France, Germany and the UK have pledged support after Poland requested stronger protection. NATO condemned the incursions as “reckless and unacceptable.”

France dismisses PM Bayrou and appoints Lecornu amid protests

France’s National Assembly voted on 8 September to dismiss Prime Minister François Bayrou and his minority government, passing a motion of no confidence 364–194. Bayrou’s nine-month tenure ended after his €44 billion deficit-reduction plan, combining tax increases and spending cuts, was rejected by parliament.

Following the ousting, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, 39, as the new prime minister. Lecornu must now secure parliamentary support for the 2026 budget amid a fragmented legislature, with opposition spanning Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National to the far-left. Protests also erupted nationwide under the “Block Everything” movement, opposing spending cuts and political elites. Over 80,000 security personnel were deployed, with demonstrators highlighting social justice and economic inequality, drawing comparisons to the Yellow Vest movement.

Australia unveils $1.1bn Ghost Shark drone fleet; India outlines plan for nuclear carrier

Australia has announced plans to boost naval capacity with a US$1.1 billion fleet of autonomous underwater drones known as “Ghost Sharks.” Defence Minister Richard Marles said the drones, developed domestically, will provide world-leading stealth and long-range capability, complementing nuclear-powered submarines being acquired under AUKUS. The first batch is due in January 2026, with “dozens” to follow within five years. The government is also investing A$12 billion in Western Australian facilities to support construction, maintenance, and sustainment of the future AUKUS submarine fleet.

India has meanwhile unveiled a 15-year roadmap to expand its navy, including its first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, in addition to the existing INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The plan includes ten nuclear propulsion systems, new carrier-based aircraft, and a deal for 26 French Rafale-Marine jets, reflecting India’s growing strategic ambitions.

Ethiopia inaugurates Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam

 Ethiopia has inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, with a 5,150 MW capacity. Costing $5 billion, the dam on the Blue Nile aims to expand electricity access for millions of Ethiopians and export power to neighbouring states. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said it would boost development, irrigation, and resilience against floods and droughts.

The GERD has stirred tensions with Egypt, which depends on the Nile for 90% of its freshwater and claims the project breaches historic agreements. Sudan has also demanded legally binding guarantees on water use, though it may benefit from energy supplies and flood control. Ethiopia insists reservoir management has avoided major downstream disruption since 2020.

Nepal appoints first female prime minister amid political crisis

Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel has appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the country’s first woman to hold the role. She will be sworn in on 12 September following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid one of Nepal’s worst political crises in decades.

The unrest began after the government attempted to ban several social media platforms, sparking protests led by young Nepalis. Demonstrations escalated into violence, leaving at least 51 dead, hundreds injured, and thousands of prisoners escaping during riots. Analysts say the turmoil reflects deeper grievances over unemployment, inequality and corruption, with youth unemployment estimated at 22%.

Bolsonaro sentenced to 27 years for attempted coup

Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former president Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years and four months in prison for attempting to overturn the 2022 election result. A panel of five judges found him guilty on five counts, including leading a criminal organisation and seeking to abolish democratic rule by force.

Prosecutors said Bolsonaro and allies plotted to stay in power after his defeat to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, including plans to assassinate rivals and Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Evidence included a draft coup decree found in the presidential palace. Seven senior allies were also convicted.

The case, unprecedented in Brazil’s history, has drawn US criticism, with Donald Trump calling it a “witch-hunt” and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning of consequences.

Taiwan updates civil defence handbook amid rising security concerns

Taiwan will issue an updated civil defence handbook next week, offering citizens practical guidance on emergencies from natural disasters to potential military threats. First published in 2022, the 29-page guide stresses that any claims of Taiwan’s surrender should be treated as false.

The handbook uses illustrations to explain how to prepare emergency kits, find bomb shelters via apps, and protect pets. It also warns against misinformation, advising citizens not to share content that could compromise defence operations, and highlights risks linked to Chinese-made technology and social media.

Officials said the update, inspired by guides in Europe, aims to strengthen public resilience following lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba steps down after party setbacks

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation on 7 September, prompting an emergency leadership contest within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba, in office since October 2024, said stepping down was necessary to avoid deeper divisions.

The LDP has faced declining fortunes, losing its lower house majority last year and control of the upper house in July 2025, amid public frustration over inflation and party infighting. Though Ishiba held relatively strong approval ratings, he struggled to secure unified support and faced internal pressure to take responsibility.

Thanks for reading the tut0ugh Weekly Brief.

Stay informed—follow us on social media for daily updates on global events.

See you next week!