Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like…

…the news from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about the lifting of the ban on Iranian Shia pilgrims so that they can, after eight years, travel to Mecca. Specifically, as reported by the Iranian media, the removal will begin soon in a sign of warming relations between the two countries. As of 2016 Iranian pilgrims could only perform the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. The two countries also aim to restart non-religious tourism between them, with flights connecting their capitals. This is a positive development for two traditionally warring countries.

…the news that a temporary ceasefire has been reached in Myanmar between the ruling army and the rebels. The agreement was mediated by China, which wants to de-escalate the conflict that erupted on October 27, as stated by Chinese Government Spokesman Mao Ning. Myanmar’s military confirms the news and says there will be a new round of negotiations by the end of the month, while the rebel “Three Brotherhood Alliance” declares its commitment to defeat. Although the ceasefire will benefit the warring parties and Myanmar society, it will not ultimately bring stability to the Myanmar-China border.

I dislike…

…the estimates made by the International Energy Agency regarding COP28 proceedings, on Sunday 10 December 2023. Particularly, the Agency mentions that even if all the climate change commitments, made by the countries, are fulfilled, their contribution will be small. It is estimated that pollutants will only be reduced by 30%, which is not enough to keep global temperature at 1.5°C. This news is negative, as the climate crisis seems to have reached an irreversible point where even coordinated actions by states can produce little effect…

…the statement by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs that the humanitarian sector is facing a funding crisis in the midst of conflict and climate emergencies. Noting the situations in the Palestinian territories, Sudan and Ukraine, OCHA said in its Global Humanitarian Review for 2024 that the lack of funding means it will only be able to provide assistance to just over half of the nearly 300 million people who will need it next year. The statement said this is the worst funding shortage in years. Climate change is affecting OCHA’s work, and it says donations are falling. As a result, the target for 2024 has had to be lowered to help 181 million people, instead of the original target of 245 million.