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😲 The "rising threat of new axis powers"?

😲 The "rising threat of new axis powers"?

and Orban ignites more controversy

July 10, 2024

Good evening from Australia,

The last 24 hours have been eventful - with a former UK general warning of the rising threat of “new axis powers” and the EU halting Georgia’s progress toward EU accession.

Full briefing below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣🇬🇧 UK: Former army chief General Sir Patrick Sanders warns of a rising threat from the "new axis powers" - Russia, China, and Iran - which he believes are more dangerous than the Nazis. Ahead of NATO's 75th anniversary meeting, he urges members to re-arm and modernize their forces to prevent a potential world war within the next five years. He emphasizes the need for significant investment in defense to address these emerging threats.

2️⃣🇪🇺 EU: Georgia’s EU accession has been halted following the introduction of controversial laws targeting Western-backed NGOs and media as “foreign agents.” Brussels' envoy Paweł Herczyński announced the decision, which also includes freezing tens of millions of euros in financial assistance. Widespread protests erupted in Georgia against the legislation, leading to fears about the country’s democratic trajectory and increased anti-Western rhetoric.

3️⃣🇺🇸 USA: President Joe Biden faces intense scrutiny at this week’s NATO summit in Washington, D.C., following a stumbling debate performance that shook his campaign. The summit is crucial for Biden, as a strong showing could bolster his political standing, while a misstep might hasten calls for him to step aside. European leaders, concerned about a potential Trump return, are closely watching Biden's performance, hoping for reassurance of U.S. stability and leadership.

4️⃣🇺🇦 Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for embracing Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on the day of a deadly missile attack on Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital. Zelenskyy condemned Modi’s actions as a "huge disappointment" and a setback to peace efforts. Despite the attacks, Modi praised Russia as a "reliable friend" and announced the opening of new Indian consulates in Russia, further straining Ukraine's diplomatic relations with India.

5️⃣🇮🇷 Iran: Newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian has affirmed continued support for Hezbollah and other regional resistance movements against Israel in his first foreign policy statement since his election. Emphasizing Iran’s longstanding stance, he assured Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah of unwavering backing, reflecting no shift in Iran's approach despite Pezeshkian’s moderate label. This announcement comes amidst heightened tensions and frequent clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns about potential escalation involving major international powers.

Major Story

Hungary’s Orban Calls for Peace Negotiations in Ukraine After Meeting Putin

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has ignited controversy by meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, defying the European Union's stance and urging for negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. Orban criticized the "war policy" led by Brussels and Washington, claiming it primarily harms the European economy and population. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from EU leaders who fear his approach may embolden Putin.

In an interview with Bild, Orban emphasized the improbability of Russia's defeat due to its military strength. He argued that seeking a military resolution is futile and that peace negotiations are the only viable solution. "Putin cannot lose when you look at it in terms of soldiers, equipment, and technology," Orban stated. He urged global leaders to "start negotiating" and move away from battlefield solutions, advocating for a peace mission despite EU leaders labeling it as appeasement.

Orban's diplomatic efforts included a trip to Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a visit to Beijing to gain support from Chinese President Xi Jinping. This three-part foreign affairs initiative was conducted without the backing of the European Commission or Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemning it as a form of appeasement.

Orban has been a vocal critic of the EU's financial and military support for Ukraine, which includes a €50 billion funding package. He argues this support burdens European taxpayers and suggests the EU should distance itself from Washington's approach. EU leaders, however, remain wary of Orban's intentions, fearing that Putin might use any negotiations to regroup and launch a renewed offensive. European Council President Charles Michel reiterated that any discussions about Ukraine must include Ukraine, underscoring the EU's unified stance against Russia's aggression.

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Other News

1️⃣🇵🇸 Palestine: Thousands of Palestinians fled Gaza City amid heavy Israeli airstrikes, following evacuation orders from the Israeli military. The strikes, described as one of the heaviest since the conflict began nine months ago, killed dozens and injured many, including attacks on residential areas and a children’s hospital. Meanwhile, internal political tensions in Israel rise as far-right coalition members push against ceasefire negotiations, complicating efforts to end the ongoing violence.

2️⃣🇬🇧 UK: The new Labour government is expected to drop the UK's challenge to the ICC regarding an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized the need for a Gaza ceasefire and support for a two-state solution during calls with Palestinian and Israeli leaders. Foreign Secretary David Lammy is reviewing the legality of UK arms sales to Israel and considering resuming funding to Palestinian relief efforts amidst ongoing conflict.

3️⃣🇫🇷 France: The leftist alliance New Popular Front (NFP), led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI) party, won the most seats in the snap legislative election. Despite this, Mélenchon’s controversial stance and perceived radicalism have led mainstream parties to rule out forming a coalition with him. The NFP must now navigate complex coalition talks to form a government, potentially without Mélenchon as prime minister, given his divisive nature.

4️⃣🇦🇺 Australia: Backed by the US, UK, and other allies, Australia has accused a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, APT40, of breaching government and private sector networks. This unprecedented move by the Australian Signals Directorate follows efforts to rebuild trade ties with China. The hackers exploited software vulnerabilities to steal data, highlighting ongoing cyber threats amid strained international relations.