All-male government formed in Afghanistan
The Taliban have announced the formation of an interim government in Afghanistan, accompanied by the declaration of the country as an ‘Islamic Emirate’. Despite hope that this time round, the Taliban would be more inclusive, the cabinet is entirely made up entirely male ministers, including senior Taliban members. The country will likely face huge economic challenges after requesting aid from other nations. Numerous women, especially in Kabul, have protested against the government cabinet, decrying the unjust lack of female representation. After the Taliban gained control of Afghanistan two weeks ago, many citizens were evacuated or fled via road or aircraft, with the Taliban themselves now facing the challenge of stabilising conflict within the nation and gaining official recognition.
Tiananmen vigil organisers arrested in Hong Kong
Members of a pro-democracy organisation in Hong Kong have been arrested after ‘refusing to cooperate in a national security investigation’. The new Hong Kong security law has been challenged by opposition, who claim police have been arbitrarily labelling pro-democracy protesters as ‘foreign agents.’ The democratic alliance is best known for organising annual vigils on the anniversary of China’s Tiananmen Square Massacre, which occurred on 4th June 1989 after a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters. Vigils to commemorate the Massacre have been banned for the past two years, perceived as part of an ongoing crackdown on dissidents in the city. The Alliance also rejected a recent police request for details of their operations and finances. As a result, many pro-democracy organisations have disbanded after safety fears.
20 years since 9/11 terrorist attack
This weekend, the 11th September marks 20 years since the 9/11 attack which shook the world, with many family members of those lost calling for President Biden to declassify US Government evidence. They believe this may show a connection between Saudi Arabian leaders and the attacks. The events of that day have left a lasting impact on American life, with security, policing, and foreign military intervention all changing significantly afterwards. The war in Afghanistan lasted through the administrations of four presidents and the eight-year Iraq War, ending last month with the chaotic withdrawal of American troops and the deaths of 13 more military service members.
Prevalence of polar bear inbreeding rises as sea ice melts
In some worrying climate news this week, reports of polar bear inbreeding have dramatically increased amidst a loss in sea ice. The impact of diminishing habitats in the Svalbard archipelago has been ‘major demographic change’, along with a 10% reduction in genetic diversity. Increasing climate-selective pressures on polar bear populations are likely to intensify, as open water barriers remain for a greater proportion of the year. Currently, there are around 20-30,000 polar bears remaining in the wild, but they are classified as ‘vulnerable’. As global temperatures increase, without radical emission-reducing policies, it is likely that habitats and prey will continue to decrease, endangering the species.
New ruling – abortion decriminalised in Mexican state
Mexico’s Supreme Court has newly decreed that criminal penalties for getting an abortion are unconstitutional, in a move described as a ‘historic step for the rights of women.’ This ruling currently applies to the northern state of Coahuila, but Supreme Court rulings in Mexico become common law, meaning this law sets a precedent there. Coahuila borders Texas, which has just passed a state law banning all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The ruling in Mexico is widely seen as the result of high profile campaigns by feminists and women’s rights advocates, with the 11 Supreme Court judges voting unanimously. While this will take time to come into effect across the state, women currently imprisoned for having abortions will be released, hopefully leading to greater awareness and further campaigns to completely decriminalise it.
