Global Issues

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, March 12 (IPS) - The US/Israeli war on Iran might be like messing with a hornets’ nest, spreading fear and chaos all around. The Israeli government claimed that the war was a “preventive” measure to address an immediate threat of Iran constructing a nuclear bomb. However, this war has obviously been meticulously planned over a long period of time and it now seemed to be the right time to put this plan into action. Read the full story, “The Implausible Regime Change in Iran and How the War Affects the World”, on globalissues.org →

ST. PAUL, Minnesota, USA, March 12 (IPS) - As birthrates continue to decline in many industrialized countries, anxious governments are running out of schemes to keep women procreating. Read the full story, “The Most Appropriate Response to Falling Birthrates? Embrace Them”, on globalissues.org →

CIVICUS discusses the situation in Venezuela following US intervention and the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro with Verónica Zubillaga, a Venezuelan sociologist who specialises in urban violence, state repression and community responses to armed violence. Read the full story, “VENEZUELA: ‘An Economically Stable Authoritarian Model Could Become Entrenched’”, on globalissues.org →

DODOMA, Tanzania , March 11 (IPS) - A cloud of steam rises from a giant aluminium pot as Maria Joseph, a middle-aged cook in a toque blanche and faded apron, plants her feet firmly on the tiled kitchen floor. With both hands clasped around a wooden paddle, she plunges deep into the mound of rice, threatening to burn at the bottom. Read the full story, “Tanzanian School Launches Energy Club to Promote Clean Cooking”, on globalissues.org →

NEW YORK, March 11 (IPS) - I have often been asked a simple but important question: How can we make it sustainable if we are not being compensated for it? Read the full story, “The Cost of Being Seen: Exposure versus Exploitation”, on globalissues.org →

BANGKOK, Thailand, March 11 (IPS) - On 11 March 2011, the powerful 9.0 magnitude Tōhoku earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a 40-meter Tsunami. Many coastal towns along Japan’s Pacific coast were devastated. Approximately 20,000 people lost their lives and around 470,000 were evacuated from their homes. Read the full story, “15 Years After the Great East Japan Earthquake & Tsunami”, on globalissues.org →

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 11 (IPS) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Munich speech last month seemed to seduce the European elite behind President Trump, against the ‘Rest’, especially the resource-rich Global South. Read the full story, “Rubio Seduces Europe with Imperial Nostalgia”, on globalissues.org →

As the conflict in the Middle East continues to ripple across the region, the UN Security Council is meeting today to discuss the escalating situation, with a morning briefing focused on Lebanon and a second session later on the wider crisis. Across the UN system, agencies are warning of mounting humanitarian needs as displacement rises, services come under strain and regional instability disrupts mobility, trade and aid operations. Stay with us as we bring you the latest developments, reactions and updates from UN Headquarters and across the region. UN News app users can follow the coverage hereRead the full story, “MIDDLE EAST LIVE 11 March: Civilian toll rises, regional disruption spreads as Security Council meets”, on globalissues.org →

The UN’s emergency relief chief on Wednesday condemned the “$1 billion-a-day” cost of the war in the Middle East, at a time when humanitarian needs are soaring and aid funding is falling dangerously short.Read the full story, “UN relief chief condemns '$1 billion-a-day' cost of war in Middle East”, on globalissues.org →

UNITED NATIONS, March 10 (IPS) - We have heard it all: When a woman raises her voice, she’s too emotional. When she stands her ground, she’s too difficult. When she leads, she’s too ambitious. If she wears dark suits they whisper ‘why does she always look like a man’. But oh my gosh! if she shows up in a colorful dresses and high heels…. Read the full story, “Gender Discrimination: It’s Time to Flip the Narrative”, on globalissues.org →