Kenyan court blocks the deployment of Kenya’s police force to Haiti
A Kenyan court ruling just damaged the prospects for a peacekeeping mission to Haiti. On Friday, Jan. 26, the High Court of Kenya blocked the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers intended to take part in a peacekeeping mission to Haiti on the basis that Kenya’s government did not follow the correct procedure to authorize the mission, The New York Times reported.
International Court of Justice reaches first verdict on genocide case in Gaza
Russian police raid LGBTQ bars in Moscow following anti-LGBTQ ruling
FBI sting operation reveals possible 40-year espionage
Former U.S. Ambassador Manuel Rocha has been arrested after allegedly spying for Cuba’s General Directorate of Intelligence for more than 40 years. On Dec. 4, 2023, the Justice Department publicized the charges against Rocha, which directly cite him as being a “clandestine agent,” The Washington Post reported.
Swifties organize against far-right presidential candidate in Argentina
Javier Milei surprised many by winning Argentina’s run-off presidential election in a victory over opponent Sergio Massa, according to BBC News. However, The New York Times reported that while Milei captured a large sector of the youth vote, his campaign faced a considerable enemy: Taylor Swift fans — Swifties for short.
Mount Holyoke College hosts Italian Consulate education directors
As part of an ongoing mission to strengthen the offerings of Mount Holyoke College’s Italian department, the College recently hosted two education directors from nearby Italian consulates. Ivana Marroncelli, education office director at the Consulate General of Italy in Boston, and Patrizia Calanchini Monti, education office director at the Consulate General of Italy in Philadelphia, visited Mount Holyoke’s campus on Nov. 20 to participate in the Five College Pedagogy Symposium in the Ciruti Language Center, as well as familiarize themselves with the College’s current Italian program and its historical ties to Italian history.
Riots erupt in Dublin after a knife attack that injured 3 children
Police in Dublin, Ireland, arrested 34 people on the evening of Nov. 23 after riots erupted in the city, the Associated Press reported. According to BBC News, the largest-ever number of riot-trained police in Irish history were deployed, with officers coming from all over the country to quell the unrest of an estimated 500 people participating in the riots.
Online recruiters trick Cubans into fighting in Russia’s war
In recent months, online personalities have been recruiting Cuban nationals to fight for Russia in the war with Ukraine through platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. While initially promised money and employment, they are then forced to the front lines of the war upon arriving in Russia, CNN reported.
Portugal’s 119th prime minister resigns abruptly amidst corruption allegations
Sex education initiatives in India break cultural taboos
While discussion around sex education in India has continually evolved, the topic still remains largely taboo.
Mainstream sexual education has taken a backseat in the schooling system, and such conversations lack acceptance in most sections of society. However, recent efforts by the Indian government, independent content creators and startup companies to make sexual health information more accessible are changing how sexual education is perceived in the country.
King Charles III visits Kenya for first time as king
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla of the United Kingdom made their first visit to Kenya as ruling monarchs in late October. This is the first Commonwealth country the king has visited since ascending to the throne in 2022 following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, BBC News reported. There has been recent speculation about whether the king would address the violent history of British colonialism in Kenya and issue a formal apology.
Venezuela has first opposition primary election in 11 years
In the face of Venezuela’s first opposition primary election in 11 years, the United States made a deal with Venezuela that involved lifting sanctions on oil exports. This deal demanded a fair election for opposing parties, but sitting President Nicolás Maduro refused. However, on Oct. 26, 2023, María Corina Machado was declared the winner of the presidential primary election, Reuters reported. According to Al Jazeera, the former lawmaker will be running against current President Maduro in a general election in late 2024.
‘Middle East Crisis’ panel leads to tensions on campus
Significant tension filled the air as students, faculty and staff arrived at Hooker Auditorium to attend “Middle East Crisis: Implications for Israel, Palestine, and U.S. Policy in the Region,” a panel discussion on Oct. 24. A campus Public Safety and Service officer stood at the door, and as attendees entered they were greeted by large signs stating that no recording of any kind was allowed.
2023 Cricket World Cup in India breaks viewership records
One of the world’s most popular sports is having a big moment.
Since Oct. 5, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has been in full swing. Held every four years, this year, the Cricket World Cup is being hosted by India. Spread throughout 10 cities, the World Cup is set to give a boost to the Indian economy, according to CNBC.
Japanese Supreme court rules sterilization of transgender people unconstitutional
Bed bugs become most talked-about accessory at Paris Fashion Week 2023
Paris has been facing a bed bug infestation since just before Fashion Week 2023, Condé Nast Traveler reported — and pest sightings have not been limited to homes. Bed bugs have been reported in movie theaters, hospitals and trains. While there isn’t a specific known source for the outbreak, it may have something to do with Paris being one of the most visited cities in the world — the last few years have seen record-breaking numbers of travelers.
Polish election ends eight year long conservative majority
Hamas attacks Israel, leads to fears of increased destabilization
A surprise military attack on Israel by the militant group Hamas has prompted a declaration of war by Israel. On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at 6:30 a.m. local time, Hamas fired rockets into central and southern Israel, although, as ABC News reported, the exact number is disputed — Israel claims 2,200 while Hamas has said 5,000. At the same time, bulldozers driven by Hamas militants tore down a section of the fence surrounding Gaza, allowing Hamas militants into southern Israel.
