Israel Accused of War Crimes by UN
For the first time, the UN Secretary-General has listed Israel among governments and groups guilty of “grave violations affecting children” in conflict in 2023. A UN commission reported that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes, with Israel also accused of crimes against humanity in Gaza. The report attributed over 70% of “grave violations” against children to Israel. The US blamed the UN’s anti-Israel bias and withheld funding from UNRWA over its alleged ties to Hamas.
The ICC’s Bold Move Against Gaza War Crimes
The ICC is considering arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes in Gaza, including starving civilians, blocking humanitarian aid, targeting non-military sites, and mistreating detainees. Despite US opposition and claims of bias from both Israel and Hamas, the ICC seeks justice for all victims. While this could disrupt peace efforts, it underscores the urgent need to end the Gaza genocide and hold perpetrators accountable, impacting the ICC’s credibility and international diplomatic dynamics.
India’s Evolving Stance on Tibet and China
Raising the Tibet issue by US congressmen risks straining relations with China, hindering cooperation on global challenges, and even provoking a harsher crackdown in Tibet. The effectiveness of US pressure on China’s internal policies remains uncertain.
India has navigated the issue of Tibet with caution, becoming less deferential to Beijing’s sensitivities, especially since 2020. Conscious of past Chinese reactions to India-U.S. interactions on Tibet and Taiwan, New Delhi has balanced addressing China’s “sovereignty concerns” while being more assertive on these issues. This shift is analyzed within the India-China-U.S. dynamic by experts like Tanvi Madan and Ryan Hass from the Brookings Institution.
India’s approach considers the need to maintain a stable relationship with China to focus on its growth and security challenges, avoiding provocative actions. However, Beijing’s potential retaliation on issues like Kashmir or the insurgency-prone northeast also factors into India’s cautious stance.
Russia’s Hybrid Tactics and NATO’s Response
Russia has intensified hybrid warfare in Central Europe, targeting the Baltics and Poland with information warfare and cyberattacks. This cold war-like conflict, with Ukraine as a proxy, challenges NATO’s cohesion as some members feel less threatened. In response, Poland’s East Shield program and the Baltic Defense Line aim to bolster defenses, while Finland updates its border fortifications. Effective defense requires integrated capabilities, but NATO’s diverse political attitudes hinder unity. The upcoming NATO summit in Washington will address these challenges, with potential actions ranging from limited updates to a broader strategy.
Pakistan ‘s new military operation Azm-e-Istehkaam
Pakistan is likely to launch its 12th major military operation, Azm-e-Istehkaam, to combat resurgent militant networks following the Taliban’s victory in Afghanistan. Indian proxies are also pressurizing Pakistan’s already economically troubled situation. The current operation is being planned partly in response to China’s demands to protect its investments. However, Pakistan risks becoming further entangled in an unending conflict, as the Afghan Taliban is unlikely to sever ties with the Pakistani Taliban. The nation’s ideological ambiguity and past tolerance of extremist ideologies hinder effective counter-terrorism efforts. Additionally, a looming political crisis, worsened by economic hardships, is fueling public discontent with the Pakistan Army and the current government.