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 that a Libyan court suspended the energy agreement with Turkey. More specificall, the Administrative Court in Tripoli freezes the “hydrocarbon cooperation agreement” between Turkey and the Government of National Accord, which had significant implications for maritime delimitation and cooperation, as well as security concerns. The court made its decision based on the General National Congress Resolution No. 44 of 2013, meaning that the interim government is prohibited from signing agreements that limit the country’s sovereignty over its territories or agreements about the demarcation of borders or use of the strategic natural resources.

I like the news of the joint decision on strengthening cooperation between the US and Japan. Driven by Japan’s commitment to spend 2% of its GDP on its annual defense budget – a decision in line with the NATO model – officials from the two nations said they would expand their military cooperation. The commitment also includes improving Japan’s missile attack capabilities and preparing the US Marine unit based there for a potential battle.

I dislike the application of severe penalties in Iran to anyone who violates and disrespects the obligatory use of the Islamic hijab. The list of punishments includes exile, closure of the place of work, and prohibition from practicing any profession. The order came from Iran’s judicial authority at the time of continuing protests over the unjust death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest by Iran’s vice police and the Iranian authorities’ pledge to relax laws pertaining to women.

I dislike the United Arab Emirates’ appointment of Ahmed Al Jaber to lead the global climate talks at COP28. It is important to mention that the Sultan is the CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Environmental groups are calling for his resignation, as there is a clear conflict of interests. They argue that someone who is involved in the oil industry will not push countries to reduce the production and use of fossil fuels. This reduction is critical in order to avoid the dangerous consequences of climate change. “The head of an industry responsible for the crisis itself cannot preside over a process tasked with addressing the climate crisis” said the representatives from Climate Action International.