Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, the UN General Assembly saw historic speeches, deadly Typhoon Ragasa struck Asia, protests erupted across continents, major defence, trade, and energy developments unfolded globally, and high-stakes diplomacy continued.

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UNGA 2025: Historic speeches and high-stakes diplomacy in focus

The 80th UN General Assembly in New York opened on Monday (Sep. 8), marked by historic speeches and high-stakes diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron made a landmark move by recognising Palestine, following the UK, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malta, who had done so over the preceding two days. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underscored Türkiye’s central role, calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, recognition of a Palestinian state, and warning against unilateral action by the Security Council. 

The Assembly also featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, criticising Western double standards and sanctions, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging renewed diplomacy ahead of pending UN sanctions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Palestinian state recognition, prompting walkouts from delegates. 

Typhoon Ragasa kills dozens, triggers mass evacuations in Asia

Super Typhoon Ragasa struck Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southern China before weakening over Vietnam on Thursday (Sep. 25) night. At its peak, Ragasa’s winds reached 165mph south of Taiwan, causing 17 deaths after a barrier lake burst. The storm then moved near Hong Kong and made landfall in Guangdong province with 150mph winds, injuring 90 people and prompting mass evacuations in Shenzhen, Chaozhou, Zhuhai, Dongguan, and Foshan. Ragasa brought heavy rainfall, with 197mm recorded across Hong Kong. 

Meanwhile, a new storm, Bualoi, is developing in the western Pacific and is expected to become a typhoon by Friday, hitting southern Luzon in the Philippines. Authorities have closed schools and cancelled flights amid flood and landslide risks following nine deaths from Ragasa in the region.

Global unrest: protests erupt from Madagascar to Manila

Over the past week, protests have erupted across multiple countries over social, economic, and political grievances. In Madagascar, unrest over power outages and water shortages turned violent, prompting a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Antananarivo, with demonstrators targeting roads, cable car stations, and homes linked to politicians. In Ecuador, the end of a 40-year diesel subsidy sparked demonstrations, leading President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of emergency in eight provinces. 

In Italy, demonstrations in support of Palestinians disrupted transport and universities, with clashes in Milan injuring police, while Berlin drew tens of thousands calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Citizens in Hungary, Peru, and the Philippines mobilised against political advertising, pension reforms, corruption, and alleged flood-control kickbacks. In Buenos Aires, thousands demanded justice for three young women tortured and murdered on social media. 

Authorities responded with curfews, dispersals, and investigations, reflecting widespread unrest worldwide.”

Afghan authorities reject Trump’s push for Bagram airbase

Afghan authorities have rejected US President Donald Trump’s call to return control of Bagram airbase, stressing national independence and territorial integrity. Located 50km north of Kabul, Bagram was the largest US military hub during Afghanistan’s 20-year conflict and was retaken by Afghan forces in 2021 following the US withdrawal. The base was also known for detaining thousands without trial amid reports of mistreatment. 

Trump warned of consequences if control was not restored, citing Bagram’s strategic location and its runway’s importance for large military aircraft, linking it to China’s nuclear facilities in Xinjiang. The dispute underscores the base’s ongoing geopolitical and historical significance.

Iran resumes Kurdistan oil exports to Türkiye

Iran has resumed crude oil exports from Iraq’s Kurdistan region to Türkiye after a two-and-a-half-year pause, the Iraqi oil ministry confirmed. Flows through the Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline restarted at 180,000–190,000 barrels per day, with plans to reach 230,000. The deal, supported by Baghdad, the Kurdistan Regional Government, oil companies, and US mediation, includes $16 per barrel for production and transport, while a $1bn debt to firms remains under review. The restart aims to ease tensions between Baghdad and Erbil and strengthen Iraq’s revenues. 

Meanwhile, Türkiye and Egypt have launched their first joint naval exercise since 2011, signalling closer cooperation after years of strained ties.

EU plans continent-wide drone defence system

The EU is preparing an integrated drone defence system to protect borders and critical infrastructure, Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius confirmed. The initiative follows recent Russian airspace violations and will combine radars, acoustic sensors, and counter-drone weapons into interoperable networks sharing data across member states. 

Brussels will provide financial and industrial backing, with coverage planned for the entire EU rather than just eastern regions. Cooperation with Ukraine and the European Space Agency will support space-based surveillance and technical expertise. The system aims to counter both low- and high-tech drones with real-time response. Kubilius stressed that Europe currently lacks full coverage and requires common capabilities.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announce exit from ICC

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing it as “a tool of neocolonial repression.” The military-led governments criticised the ICC for failing to deliver justice on war crimes, crimes against humanity, aggression, and genocide. The move comes amid ongoing Sahel instability, which has seen eight coups since 2020. 

The three countries, now part of the Alliance of Sahel States after leaving ECOWAS, have reduced defence ties with Western partners and strengthened relations with Russia. Islamist militant groups remain active, committing frequent attacks. The ICC, based in The Hague, has been investigating alleged war crimes in Mali since 2013.

Russia and Iran agree $25bn nuclear project amid renewed UN sanctions

Russia and Iran have signed a $25 billion deal to build four nuclear power plants in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, adding around 5,020 MW of capacity. The agreement, finalised on 26 September between Iran Hormoz Company and Rosatom, forms part of Iran’s 20-year plan to reach 20,000 MW of nuclear power. Site studies are complete, with engineering and environmental surveys nearly finished.

Later in the week, the UN reimposed sanctions on Iran after the UK, Germany, and France triggered the snapback mechanism, citing failure to meet nuclear commitments. Tehran was asked to halt uranium enrichment and resume IAEA inspections. Supreme Leader Khamenei ruled out talks with Washington, while Iran warned of possible countermeasures.

Syria issues arrest warrant for former president Bashar al-Assad

Syria has issued an arrest warrant for former president Bashar al-Assad, state media reported, citing charges of premeditated murder, torture leading to death, and deprivation of liberty. The warrant, linked to lawsuits from families in Deraa over events in November 2011, may be circulated to Interpol. 

Assad fled to Russia with his family in December 2024 after rebel forces ended his 13-year rule, which began with pro-democracy protests in 2011. The conflict drew in Russia, Iran, the US, and Türkiye, and Assad faced repeated accusations of chemical weapons use and systematic torture. By March 2024, over 600,000 people were killed and more than half of Syria’s prewar population displaced.

UK digital ID to become mandatory for work by 2029

The UK government will introduce a digital ID to prove the right to work, aiming to reduce illegal employment, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced. The ID will store a person’s name, date of birth, nationality or residency status, and photo digitally on phones, and will also facilitate access to services like tax records, driving licences, and welfare. A public consultation on its implementation will open later this year, with legislation expected in 2026. 

While carrying the ID will not be routinely required, it will be mandatory for employment checks by 2029. Opposition parties and devolved governments have expressed concerns over privacy, bureaucracy, and its effectiveness in curbing illegal migration.

African exports vulnerable as AGOA nears end; EU–Indonesia trade agreement signed

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the 25-year US trade programme granting duty-free access to 32 African nations, faces expiry next week unless Congress renews it. Ending AGOA could hit economies such as Lesotho, Madagascar, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania, and Eswatini, affecting garment and automotive exports. Lesotho, Africa’s largest garment exporter to the US, could see exports fall 29%, while South Africa’s car exports may drop 23%. Analysts warn lapsing AGOA would also remove a key US–Africa trade forum amid growing Chinese influence.

Separately, the EU and Indonesia signed a landmark free trade and investment deal after nine years of negotiations. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will remove most tariffs on EU exports, expand investment in sectors like electric vehicles, and make 80% of Indonesian exports to the EU tariff-free. The pact, pending ratification, is expected to take effect by 2027 and aims to boost jobs, growth, and access to raw materials for Europe’s clean technology sector.

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