The world appears to be in a tumultuous state, going by the events in the past week. It is being considered a bad start to the new year.
Let us look at some of the events that will continue to influence global events in the coming week:
1. Iran- US relations– Major General Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike at the Baghdad international airport.
This is expected to lead to further escalation of violence in the West Asian region.
Iran and the US may target each other’s facilities and personnel.
The immediate effect will be an escalation in oil prices that can affect India’s energy security.
Any prolonged conflict, which seems unlikely will have repercussions on the economy and society of the region, already fraught with tensions.
2. Forest fires in Australia– Even as the northern hemisphere continues to freeze, the Southern Hemisphere continues to experience harsh summers.
The high temperatures have led to forest fires in the island continent of Australia. A state of emergency has been declared in certain provinces.
This has even prompted the Australian Prime Minister to cancel his visit to India.
The authorities are trying to control the situation even as economic and ecological losses are being calculated.
3. Elections in Taiwan– The Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections will take place in Taiwan on January 11th.
The incumbent President Tsai-Ing-Wen is seeking another term. She is considered to be against the mainland.
Taiwan is diplomatically recognised by less than 20 nations worldwide. China considers it as unfinished business and seeks to ensure its return to the mainland.
China is actively interfering in these elections. It supports the opposition and seeks to overthrow the current President.
4. President Trump’s removal proceedings–
It is expected that the Senate which will soon be reconvening after the winter break will start the proceedings to remove President Trump from his office. However, it is not expected to go through as the Republicans have a clear majority in the Senate.
In December 2019, the House of Representatives had voted successfully to impeach the President.
5. Conflicts with the OIC
The members of the Organization of Islamic Conference are embroiled in an internal conflict. Certain states led by Malaysia, Turkey and Qatar amongst others are caught up in a conflict over control and domination of the Islamic world.
Traditionally, the members of the GCC led by Saudi Arabia control the happenings in the Islamic world.
Pakistan has been caught right in the middle, even as it seeks to use this forum to target India over happenings in J&K, CAA etc.