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📰 Scholz slams US meddling

📰 Scholz slams US meddling

and Congo’s war escalates

Ross Crabtree & Billy Robinson
February 18, 2025

Hello,

In the Middle East, China’s embassy in Yemen reveals cooperation with Ansarullah, while in Argentina, the opposition moves to impeach President Milei.

Meanwhile, Europe dominates today's headlines, with Zelenskyy warning of a potential Russian invasion of a NATO member, and the main story examining the EU’s policy missteps following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

More details below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇩🇪 🇺🇸 🇪🇺 Scholz rebukes Vance’s comments on interference in European democracies: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz firmly rejected U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s call to end political “firewalls” against Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, condemning foreign interference in domestic democracy. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Scholz emphasized that backing the AfD contradicts Germany’s historical lessons and criticized the Trump administration’s support for the party as inappropriate among allies. Vance, who met with AfD candidate Alice Weidel but not Scholz, attacked European establishment politics and likened EU leaders to Soviet commissars while urging a tougher stance on migration. With Germany’s general election approaching on February 23, center-right frontrunner Friedrich Merz also pushed back, asserting that just as Germany respects U.S. elections, it expects the same in return.

2️⃣ 🇿🇦 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 🇵🇸 Israel–Gaza ICJ case central to South Africa–U.S. diplomatic feud: South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said the U.S. had yet to respond to diplomatic efforts to discuss President Donald Trump’s decision to cut aid over South Africa’s land reform policy and its genocide case against Israel. Despite this, China has pledged its support, expressing solidarity and readiness to strengthen trade ties. As South Africa prepares to host the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting, Lamola dismissed U.S. objections to the event’s theme, reaffirming the country’s stance. While acknowledging concerns over potential risks to its preferential trade status under AGOA, he emphasized that South Africa remains committed to its independent foreign policy, including its ICJ case and land reforms, which he called “non-negotiable.”

3️⃣ 🇺🇬 🇨🇩 🇷🇼 Uganda threatens to intervene in Eastern DRC, Bukavu falls to M23: Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has threatened to seize the eastern Congolese town of Bunia unless “all forces” there surrender within 24 hours. His warning comes as Rwanda–backed M23 rebels have captured Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city, according to the Congolese government. Without providing evidence, Kainerugaba claimed that members of the Bahima ethnic group were being targeted in Congo, vowing retaliation. “No one on this earth can kill my people and think he will not suffer for it!” he wrote, later declaring that “Bunia will soon be in UPDF hands.” Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa declined to comment, but Kainerugaba’s remarks have heightened fears that the ongoing conflict between Congolese forces and M23 rebels could escalate into a broader regional war.

4️⃣ 🇺🇦 🇷🇺 Putin is eyeing NATO countries for future invasion, warns Zelenskyy: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected any peace agreement imposed without Kyiv’s involvement, while acknowledging that Ukraine will struggle to defeat Russia if U.S. aid is cut under Donald Trump. Speaking to Kristen Welker, Zelenskyy revealed intelligence indicating Russia is planning military exercises involving 150,000 troops, mainly in Belarus, which he fears could serve as a pretext for attacks on NATO members like Poland and Lithuania. While no direct evidence suggests an imminent assault, he warned that Vladimir Putin’s ambitions and Trump’s skepticism of NATO could embolden Russian aggression.

5️⃣ 🇮🇷 🇪🇺 Time is running out to reach Iran nuclear deal, says nuclear watchdog: The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has warned that Iran is rapidly increasing its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, urging immediate action to revive nuclear negotiations. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he revealed that Tehran’s monthly production of 60 percent enriched uranium has risen nearly sevenfold, with stockpiles expected to reach 250 kilograms by the agency’s next report. Grossi stressed the urgency of diplomatic engagement, lamenting the absence of a U.S. envoy for Iran as a key obstacle. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Massoud Pezeshkian have rejected talks with the U.S., citing Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy, while the IAEA’s Board of Governors continues to push for Iran’s full cooperation and a comprehensive report by spring.

Major Story

🇪🇺 🇺🇦 🇷🇺 THE EU’S STRUGGLE FOR STRATEGIC AUTONOMY: LESSONS FROM THE UKRAINE WAR

The European Union’s attempt to achieve strategic autonomy has been undermined by a series of policy missteps, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite EU leaders’ claims of independence, the war has exposed significant vulnerabilities, particularly the inability to act cohesively in foreign policy and defense. This commentary highlights key failures and the urgent need for Europe to reassess its approach to international relations and security.

Policy Failures and Economic Impact

The EU has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia, yet these have failed to significantly weaken Russia’s economy while crippling European industries. Energy sanctions have led to rising costs and inflation, damaging EU businesses and slowing economic growth. Germany, heavily reliant on Russian energy, has plunged into recession, with industrial giants like Bosch and 3M moving operations abroad. Meanwhile, the U.S. has capitalized on Europe’s weakened economic position, offering subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act to encourage European industries to relocate to the U.S.

Security and Dependence on the U.S.

The war has also exposed Europe’s security vulnerabilities. NATO’s dwindling stockpiles of military equipment and low manufacturing capacity for essential artillery have left European nations ill-prepared for prolonged conflict. Meanwhile, the re-election of Donald Trump threatens to further strain transatlantic relations, as the U.S. demands higher contributions from European NATO members and signals a reduced role in Ukraine’s defense.

Path Forward for the EU

To secure its future, Europe must prioritize its own economic and strategic interests, writes analyst William J. Jones.. This includes re-engaging with Russia diplomatically, recalibrating sanctions, and placing greater emphasis on internal economic policies. Without swift action, Europe risks becoming further dependent on external powers, relegating itself to a secondary role in global geopolitics.

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Other News

1️⃣ 🇹🇲 🇵🇰 Turkmenistan, Pakistan sign MoU for Gwadar port access: Pakistan and Turkmenistan are set to sign an MoU granting Turkmenistan access to Gwadar Port, marking the first time a Central Asian country will use the facility under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. This agreement could transform regional trade by enhancing connectivity and diversifying Turkmenistan’s export routes. It also complements infrastructure projects like the TAPI pipeline and cross-border transport networks, fostering deeper economic integration. As Pakistan positions Gwadar as a key trade hub, this partnership may pave the way for broader collaboration between South and Central Asia, strengthening economic ties and regional stability.

2️⃣ 🇦🇷 Argentina’s opposition calls for Milei’s impeachment: Argentine opposition politicians are demanding President Javier Milei’s impeachment after he promoted the cryptocurrency $Libra, which quickly collapsed, allegedly causing millions in losses. On Friday, Milei endorsed the token as a tool for economic growth, linking to its website with his signature slogan, “long live freedom.” The coin’s value skyrocketed before crashing, prompting accusations of fraud, with some experts likening it to a Ponzi scheme. Although Milei deleted his post and claimed ignorance of the project’s details, legal complaints have been filed, and federal prosecutors are investigating potential fraud. Opposition figures argue the scandal tarnishes Argentina’s reputation, with lawmakers insisting Milei be held accountable.

3️⃣ 🇨🇳 🇾🇪 China’s Yemen embassy discloses cooperation with Ansarullah: China’s 2023-brokered agreement restoring Iran-Saudi ties is under strain, prompting Beijing to deepen its diplomatic engagement in Yemen. While China’s outreach primarily targets Yemen’s internationally recognized government, it has also maintained quiet contact with the Houthis. Reports indicate a growing, yet transactional relationship, with the Houthis reportedly assuring safe passage for Chinese vessels in the Red Sea. However, U.S. intelligence suggests they are also using Chinese-made weapons in maritime attacks. Beijing appears unwilling—or unable—to pressure the Houthis, limiting its broader diplomatic influence. For now, China will likely continue its cautious approach, prioritizing economic ties with Iran while preserving relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.