Author: Arkady Petrov
The White House has authorized Ukraine to target Russian forces near Kharkiv with US-supplied arms, marking a significant shift in policy. This change, indicated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, aligns with NATO and European allies’ support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense and allows strikes within Russia to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian aggression. The Kremlin has strongly condemned this move, viewing it as a provocation by NATO and warning of serious consequences. In another key development, US and European leaders are considering integrating the Ukraine Defense Contact Group into NATO, a move to institutionalize Western support for Ukraine’s…
Brazil’s decision to recall its ambassador from Israel and reassign him to a UN conference in Geneva signifies a potential diplomatic shift. Experts believe this move is a political statement reflecting Brazil’s discontent with the Israeli government, despite ongoing diplomatic ties. President Lula has criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressed solidarity with Palestinians, while Brazil’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of human rights violations in Gaza. The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor seeking the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for war crimes has further strained relations. In February, Brazil recalled Ambassador Meyer after Israel summoned him following controversial comments made…
In a significant defeat for Lula, Brazil’s National Congress decisively voted on Tuesday to end temporary prisoner releases. These releases previously allowed prisoners to visit families or engage in social activities. Initially reinstated by a veto from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Congress successfully overturned this decision. Now part of Law 14.843 of 2024, the vetoed sections originally came from Bill 2.253/2022 approved by the Senate in February. The government claimed the banned releases were unconstitutional because they harmed families and compromised the state’s protective role. However, with the veto now overturned, temporary releases are limited to inmates…
On May 28, 2024, the Brazilian Congress made a controversial decision to uphold former President Jair Bolsonaro’s veto against criminalizing fake news. The vote saw 317 deputies supporting the veto, sparking intense reactions and debates. The proposed legislation aimed to penalize spreading fake news with up to five years in prison, but Bolsonaro removed provisions from the National Security Law (LSN) addressing crimes against the democratic state, including those related to fake news. After the Chamber of Deputies upheld the veto without Senate review, the session was filled with tension. Opposition leader Flávio Bolsonaro urged against challenging the veto and…
Spain, Ireland, and Norway made headlines on May 28 by officially recognizing the State of Palestine, despite Israel’s objections and ongoing tensions in Gaza. Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, emphasized the support for a peaceful coexistence with Israel by recognizing Palestine, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. This decision aligns Spain with 146 other UN member states. Ireland also elevated its mission in Ramallah to a full embassy status, emphasizing joint efforts with Spain and Norway to promote peace in the region. Norway, through its Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, formalized its recognition to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed…
China is taking steps to enhance its diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly in mediating conflicts between Palestine and Israel. Special envoy Zhai Jun’s recent visits to Qatar and the UAE demonstrate China’s commitment to easing tensions and promoting peace in the region. This initiative aligns with China’s broader strategy to balance U.S. influence and foster stability in the Middle East. By proposing a two-state solution and advocating for direct talks and a humanitarian approach, China emphasizes dialogue over military intervention. This approach marks a significant shift towards multilateral solutions and peaceful resolutions in the Middle East, positioning China…
In an unprecedented transformation, Brazil’s judicial system is experiencing a significant shift through Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato). Once hailed as a major anti-corruption crusade, key figures are now being granted amnesty, reminiscent of past political amnesty during Brazil’s military rule. Launched over a decade ago, Operation Car Wash uncovered widespread corruption that shook Brazil’s political landscape. However, recent judicial decisions hint at a covert agreement among branches, leading to high-profile acquittals and dismissals. For example, Sérgio Moro, the former judge, secured a senate seat, while corruption charges against José Dirceu were dropped due to statute limitations. The dismissal of…
U.S. Congress Investigates FBI’s Alleged Role in Brazilian Censorship Republican Congressman Jim Jordan leads a U.S. House inquiry into the FBI’s potential involvement in curtailing free speech in Brazil. This investigation targets censorship and other actions against right-wing figures and journalists in Brazil and beyond. The Judiciary Committee has asked FBI Director Christopher Wray to clarify the agency’s alleged collaboration with the Brazilian government. Reports suggest the FBI may have monitored and censored U.S. residents critical of Brazilian policies, including an incident involving Ukrainian intelligence to surveil American social media accounts. Congressman Jordan aims to examine the extent of the…
By 2060, America is set to undergo a significant transformation, becoming a majority-minority nation. Latinos, with a population of over 62 million and 36 million eligible voters, are at the forefront of shaping the nation’s political future. The Latino population has grown by 12% since 2020, impacting battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada. While historically aligned with the Democratic Party, there has been a noticeable shift among Latino voters towards the Republican Party, with support growing from 28% in 2016 to 38% in 2020. President Biden and conservative groups are actively engaging the Latino community to secure their support.…
A recent Genial/Quaest poll conducted in May 2024 reveals a decline in support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva among Brazilian deputies. Discontent is on the rise, with 42% now disapproving of Lula’s administration, a 9-point increase from August 2023. Support for Lula has dropped to 32%, and only 1% of deputies remain undecided, indicating a significant shift in perception. The study categorizes deputies based on their alignment with the executive branch, with 49% supporting the government, 28% in opposition, and 21% remaining independent. Lula’s approval among allies also saw a slight decrease to 70%. Furthermore, the survey highlights…