weekly snapshot
For the week of 10/2/2020
A summary of the most critical weekly global security events, with a focus solely on major issues. No non-essential politics, no commentary, and no noise.
Weekly snapshot for 10/2/2020
Armenia- Azerbaijan Conflict Escalates
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has continued to escalate, with Azerbaijan’s President vowing to fight until Armenian troops leave the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory between the two countries. Both countries are former Soviet republics and fought a war between 1988-1994 over this same territory. The territory is recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but its population is mainly Armenian. There is a real possibility that other regional and global powers may become involved, with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stating his nation’s support for Azerbaijan. Armenia is a formal ally of Russia, and both are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Moscow also maintains relations with Azerbaijan, and has called for a ceasefire.
New sanctions against iran
The United States imposed broad new sanctions and export controls against Iran over the weekend of September 25th. Relations between Iran and the U.S. have fallen apart since the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is the formal name for the nuclear deal struck between the U.S. and Iran in 2015. Iran has since breached its part of the agreement by exceeding the nuclear material stockpile limits and purity levels established under the JCPOA. The new U.S. sanctions cover 27 entities and individuals involved in Iran’s Defense Ministry and nuclear program. Please check the analysis section in a few weeks for views on what the U.S.- Iran relationship could look like under a second Trump presidential term, or under a Biden presidency.
Hong kong legislators call for release of activists
Hong Kong legislatures called for the release of twelve Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates who were arrested at sea by Chinese security forces in late August 2020. China has labeled the twelve “separatists” and accused them of illegal border crossing as they tighten their grip on the formerly autonomous city.
Europe discussing additional covid-19 precautions
Several European countries are deliberating how to handle a potential resurgence of COVID-19 in their countries. As the case numbers surge in some countries and level off in others, the debate rages on the proper way to balance concerns over the virus with sustaining a functioning society.