Asia on Andrew Sheves

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning,

Just the regional roundup today

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Regional News Summary

In Singapore, inflation has eased to 0.6% in July, the lowest since January 2021, driven by declines in food, transport, and housing costs. Economic relief came as the stock market showed resilience. Payment institution 2C2P secured a major Singapore license, while Abaxx facilitated collaboration between the China City Gas Association and Asian partners. SOURCE - CNBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning,

Putin Vows Military Resolution in Ukraine

Russian President Putin declared Russia will “resolve all our tasks militarily” should Ukraine reject negotiations. Speaking from Beijing after China’s military parade, he rejected ceasefire proposals while suggesting Zelensky “could always go to Moscow”–a proposal Ukraine’s foreign minister deemed “knowingly unacceptable.” Putin reiterated demands for Ukrainian NATO abandonment and cessation of alleged ethnic Russian discrimination, while refusing to cede occupied Donbas territories. Trump stated Putin “knows where I stand” and threatened additional sanctions beyond targeting India for Russian oil purchases. UK Defence Secretary Healey announced 1 billion pounds in seized Russian assets would fund Ukrainian military aid, describing it as “Putin’s dirty money returned with interest.”

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning,

As a reminder, it’s just the regional news summaries this week while I’m out on leave.

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Vietnam

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

Bhutan, Brunei, China, East Timor, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Singapore, Uzbekistan

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Good morning

Russia Demands Role in Ukraine Security Talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that discussing Ukraine security guarantees without Moscow’s participation is a “road to nowhere.” More - Al Jazeera

Israel Begins Gaza City Assault

Israeli forces launched “preliminary actions” for a planned assault on Gaza City. More - BBC

Asia and Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

Asia More Unstable

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Children Dying of Hunger in Darfur, Oil Near Two-Month Low on Oversupply Fears, rump Promises Trilateral Meeting If Putin Summit ‘Goes Ok’

Good morning

🇸🇩 Children Dying of Hunger in Darfur

Children are dying of starvation in Sudan’s besieged city of el-Fasher as prices have soared so dramatically that money for a week’s worth of meals now buys only one, with community kitchens serving animal feed residue to desperate families. The BBC obtained rare footage showing the 14-month RSF blockade has created catastrophic conditions where doctors report over 60 malnutrition deaths last week, with severely malnourished children “just waiting for their death” in hospitals lacking therapeutic food supplies. International aid groups condemned the “calculated use of starvation as a weapon of war” as cholera spreads through displaced person camps, while humanitarian convoys remain blocked despite UN appeals for access to the trapped population. More - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trump-Putin-Zelensky Summit Planned, Trump Plans 100% Chip Tariffs

🇺🇦 Trump, Putin, Zelensky Talks Planned

President Trump said there’s a “good chance” he could meet with Putin and Zelensky after calling talks between his envoy Steve Witkoff and the Russian leader “very good,” though he provided no details on timing or conditions. The Kremlin described the Moscow discussions as “constructive” with both sides exchanging “signals,” while the White House said Russia expressed desire to meet Trump who remains “open to meeting with both leaders.” The optimism comes despite muted expectations for Friday’s ceasefire deadline, with Trump simultaneously imposing an additional 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil and Russia continuing large-scale air attacks on Ukraine including a deadly strike on a Zaporizhzhia holiday camp. More - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ukraine parliament votes to restore anti-corruption agencies, Sudan Camp Children Die From Hunger, Trump’s Tariff Deadline Frenzy

Andrew Sheves Good morning

🇺🇦 Ukraine parliament votes to restore anti-corruption agencies

This story is just breaking at the time of writing. Read more on Al Jazeera

🇸🇩** Sudan Camp Children Die From Hunger**

Thirteen children died last month from severe food shortages at Lagawa displacement camp in Sudan’s East Darfur state, medics reported, as famine spreads through the war-torn region. The Sudan Doctors Network documented “deteriorating humanitarian conditions” and widespread malnutrition at the camp housing 7,000 people, which has faced repeated attacks by armed groups. The deaths highlight Sudan’s deepening humanitarian crisis after 27 months of civil war between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with nearly a million people now in famine conditions and cholera outbreaks spreading in Darfur. More - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ukraine Protests Over Corruption Changes, Brazil Joins ICJ Genocide Case

Andrew Sheves Good morning

🇺🇦** Ukraine Protests Over Corruption Changes**

Thousands of Ukrainians protested in Kyiv and other cities after President Zelensky signed a law stripping anti-corruption bodies NABU and SAP of their independence, marking the largest anti-government demonstrations since Russia’s 2022 invasion. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen demanded “explanations” from Ukraine’s government, with her spokesman warning there “cannot be a compromise” on rule of law standards for EU candidate countries. Critics see the move as a return to pre-2014 corruption under pro-Russian President Yanukovych, potentially undermining Ukraine’s EU integration prospects that many feel they’re paying for with Russian bloodshed. More - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

USAID Will Destroy Food for 30,000, US Announces Syria De-escalation

Andrew Sheves 🇺🇸** USAID Will Destroy Food for 30,000 Kids**

Nearly 500 tonnes of high-energy biscuits intended to feed 27,000 starving children in Afghanistan and Pakistan will be incinerated after expiring in a Dubai warehouse following Trump’s closure of USAID. Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas called the waste “a casualty of the shutdown of USAID,” which closed July 1, leaving over 60,000 tonnes of food aid stuck worldwide. The $793,000 worth of expired fortified wheat biscuits will cost an additional $100,000 to destroy, despite lawmakers warning officials in March about the potential waste as 319 million people face limited food access globally. More - Al Jazeera

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trump Announces Big Brazil, Copper and Pharma Tariffs, Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks

Andrew Sheves 🇺🇸** Trump Announces Big Brazil, Copper and Pharma Tariffs**

President Trump threatened a 50% tariff on Brazil over its prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, calling the coup attempt case a “witch hunt” in the most extreme example yet of weaponizing trade policy for unrelated demands. Brazil’s President Lula fired back saying his nation won’t be “tutored” and threatened reciprocal measures, while the real plummeted 2.9% against the dollar. Trump also announced 30% tariffs on Algeria, Libya, Iraq and Sri Lanka, plus floated 50% duties on copper products and up to 200% on pharmaceuticals if companies don’t shift production to the US within a year. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Breaking: Ferry Sinks Off Bali, US Claims 1-2 Year Setback to Iran Nuclear Program, Trump Demands Fed Chair Quit

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇮🇩** Breaking: Ferry Sinks Off Bali**

Dozens missing after ferry carrying 65 people sinks off Indonesia’s Bali. Live Tracker - Al Jazeera

🇮🇷** US Claims 1-2 Year Setback to Iran Nuclear Program**

Pentagon officials said US airstrikes set back Iran’s nuclear program by one to two years, backing Trump’s claims the facilities were “completely obliterated” despite earlier Defense Intelligence Agency assessments suggesting only months of delay. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the strikes at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz degraded Iran’s physical capability to construct a bomb, though the location of Iran’s 409-kilogram near-bomb-grade uranium inventory remains unknown. Iran has cut communication with IAEA officials and formally ended inspections after the June strikes. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trump Announces Iran Talks, Kenya Protests Kill 16, Injure Hundreds

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇺🇸** 🇮🇷 Trump Announces Iran Talks**

President Trump said the US will meet with Iran next week but questioned the need for a nuclear agreement, claiming American bombing “obliterated” key atomic sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. Trump declared the Middle East conflict “over” as the Israel-Iran ceasefire held for a second day, though he disputed Pentagon intelligence that the strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months. Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed nuclear installations were “badly damaged” while parliament approved suspending IAEA cooperation until sites are secured. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Latest Update on the Israel-Iran Conflict

Andrew Sheves Good morning. Apologies for the late SITREP

Latest Update Israel-Iran Conflict (June 18–19, 2025)

Escalation and Military Developments

On June 18 and 19, the conflict between Israel and Iran intensified notably. Iran launched a new wave of missiles targeting central and southern Israel, inflicting significant damage on key infrastructure, including a direct hit on Soroka Hospital. This attack was part of an escalating cycle of retaliatory strikes between the two nations[1].

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Air India Jet Crashes Shortly After Take Off, IAEA Censures Iran and US Draws Down Regional Presence, Anti-Immigrant Riots in Northern Ireland

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🚨** Breaking - Air India Jet Crashes Shortly After Take Off**

An Air India jet headed from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff. Via the BBC “Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number. Families in India seeking more information can call 1800 5691 444” Live Tracker - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US-China Rare Earth Exports Explainer, US Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire, Putin Threatens Ukraine Retaliation

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

⛏️ US-China Rare Earth Exports Explainer

The US-China trade deal celebrated in Geneva is fraying over rare earth exports, with Washington accusing Beijing of violating promises to restore mineral flows while China maintains licensing requirements imposed in April. China agreed to suspend sanctions on 45 US companies for 90 days but never explicitly promised to reverse export licensing for seven critical rare earths used in electric motors and hard drives. US officials expected immediate resumption of exports after Geneva talks, but Chinese licensing approvals are coming through slowly as Beijing works through bureaucratic processes, with some companies now obtaining permits but exports remaining below pre-restriction levels. Full Explainer on Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Trump Tariffs Blocked, Iran Strike ‘On Hold’

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

✋** Trump Tariffs Blocked**

A US trade court ruled President Trump’s global tariffs illegal and blocked their implementation, delivering a major blow to a cornerstone of his economic agenda. The three-judge panel sided with Democratic states and small businesses who argued Trump wrongfully invoked emergency powers to justify the levies, marking one of his biggest legal setbacks amid widespread challenges to his executive orders. Global markets have fluctuated wildly since the tariffs were announced April 2, with trillions in market value lost and regained amid delays and potential trade deal announcements. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in DC, Bond Market Revolt, IDF Fires on Diplomats in West Bank, Former Ukrainian Official Murdered in Spain

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇮🇱** Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in DC**

Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead outside Washington’s Jewish museum on Wednesday night by a gunman who chanted “free Palestine” while in custody. The victims, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were leaving a diplomatic reception when 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago opened fire at close range. The FBI is investigating as terrorism and hate crime, with Israel stepping up embassy security worldwide. More - Financial Times

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Zelensky Criticizes ‘Sham’ Talks, Trump Suggests Iran Nuclear Deal Close

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇺🇦** Zelensky Criticizes ‘Sham’ Talks**

Russia sent only low-level representatives to potential peace talks in Istanbul, dashing hopes for a high-profile diplomatic breakthrough. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized Moscow’s delegation as “more like a sham level” while Western allies urged Ukraine to participate despite the setback. Russia’s negotiating team mirrors its 2022 delegation and appears to be maintaining its hard-line demands. More - Washington Post

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇮🇳** 🇵🇰 India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate**

India and Pakistan traded missile strikes and drone attacks following India’s retaliation on Wednesday for the Kashmir militant. Pakistan reports 31 deaths from Indian strikes while India claims 16 civilian casualties from Pakistani shelling, with both sides claiming that they are neutralizing enemy weapons, but the situation is fluid and claims are hard to verify. This BBC Live Tracker is Monitoring the Situation

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US-Ukraine Minerals Deal, China’s Domestic Economic Pressures. Plus we’re relaunching deep dives (with an upgrade)

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇺🇦** US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Signed**

Ukraine and the US signed an agreement to establish the “United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund” for joint investment in Ukraine’s natural resources, marking a diplomatic victory for Kyiv which rewrote the deal after initially refusing to sign. The revised agreement removes language requiring Ukraine to reimburse Washington for past military aid and includes provisions protecting Ukraine from violating EU laws, though Trump’s frustration grows over the three-week delay in signing. The largely symbolic deal offers no concrete security guarantees but signals “long-term strategic alignment” between the countries. More - Washington Post

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

China Returns Boeing Jets, Turkish Earthquake

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🛫** China Returns Boeing Jets**

China has returned Boeing aircraft and halted delivery of 50 more planes in retaliation for Trump’s 145% tariffs. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed two jets have already been sent back with more to follow, forcing the company to seek alternative buyers. Despite the escalation, Trump expressed optimism that tariff levels would “come down substantially.” More - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US Stock Plunge After Fed Warning, US-Iran Talks to Continue Saturday

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🔻** US Stocks Plunge After Fed Warning**

US markets plunged Wednesday as Powell warned of inflation risks from trade tensions and the Trump administration restricted chip exports to China. Nvidia fell 6.9% facing $5.5 billion in charges while AMD dropped 7.4%, expecting an $800 million writedown, after both companies’ advanced chips were barred from China. The selloff deepened during Powell’s Chicago speech, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.2% and the semiconductor index dropping 4.1%. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Chinese Troops in Ukraine, Tariffs Pause (For Some…)

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇨🇳** Chinese Soldiers Captured in Ukraine**

Ukraine has captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region, with President Zelensky claiming intelligence suggests “much higher” numbers of Chinese soldiers in Russia’s forces. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned China’s envoy in Kyiv, stating that Chinese troops on Ukrainian soil “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace.” Beijing responded it was “verifying the relevant situation” while calling Ukraine’s accusation of additional Chinese involvement “groundless,” maintaining that it consistently urges its citizens to avoid armed conflicts. More - BBC

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

‘Liberation Day’ Tariff Annoiuncement: Shock and Ongoing Uncertainty

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

Comment - Today’s news will be full of coverage of the immediate effect of the ‘Liberation Day’ tariff announcements, but three big elements stood out while listening to the ceremony:

1 - The basis for the individual charges was unclear based on the President’s remarks, which included a range of reasons. (Note - The actual calculation released by the USTR is a completely different rationale than the one the President cited and has done little to assuage economists.)

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Bolsonaro to Stand Trial and Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on Car Imports

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

Two stories to set you up for the day.

🇧🇷** Brazil Court to Try Bolsonaro**

Brazil’s Supreme Court unanimously ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to stand trial on charges of attempting a coup d’état after his 2022 election loss. Bolsonaro faces five criminal charges including allegedly attempting to violently abolish democratic rule of law, with Justice Alexandre de Moraes citing the former president’s “systematic effort to cast doubt on electronic voting machines.” If convicted in proceedings expected later this year, Bolsonaro could receive a lengthy prison sentence, further complicating his declared intention to run for president again despite being barred from public office until 2030.

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Israel Reenters Gaza, Positive Signs in Ukraine Ceasefire Talks and Emergency Declaration in Nigeria’s Rivers State

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇵🇸 Israeli Troops Reenter Gaza

Israel initiated a limited ground operation in Gaza, re-establishing control of the Netzarim Corridor to create a buffer between northern and southern regions. Defense Minister Katz issued a “final warning” that Gaza residents would face evacuation from battle zones unless Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages. This marks the first ground incursion since a six-week ceasefire lapsed earlier this month. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Moscow Stays Silent on Ukraine Deal, US Shutdown Approaches and Iran Rejects Nuclear Talks

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇺🇦 Ukraine Peace Deal Heads to Moscow

The BBC has a line-by-line breakdown of the proposed peace deal for Ukraine here. Russia’s Vladimir Putin has yet to respond to the proposed deal officially but US mediators head to Moscow soon to discuss the deal with the Russian leader.

🇺🇸 US Government Shutdown Looms

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

US Recession Signals, Fighting Words from China and USAID Cuts Cause Starvation in Sudan

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇺🇸 US Recession Signals Mount

JPMorgan’s market-implied probability of a recession has jumped to 31% from 17% in November, with some indicators suggesting a 50% chance of economic contraction. The risk assessment comes amid weakening factory activity, declining consumer confidence, and market volatility triggered by Trump’s newly implemented tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. While unemployment remains low at around 4%, economists surveyed by Bloomberg now estimate a 25% probability of contraction within a year as stagflation concerns grow. More - Bloomberg

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Upcoming Germany Elections and Cuts at the Pentagon

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

Two quick reads this morning.

🇩🇪 German elections taking place this Sunday will determine not only who will lead Europe’s biggest economy, but how influential the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is. Bloomberg has a good overview here.

🇺🇸 US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demanded cuts of $50 billion at the Pentagon and a reordering of US defense priorities.

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ukraine 0 - Russia 1

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇺🇦 Ukraine cannot join NATO and must accept territorial losses, according to the US Secretary of Defense whose comments were closely followed by an announcement by President Trump that he and Russia’s Vladimir Putin had met by phone and agreed to start negotiations on Ukraine’s future. Cut out of discussions, NATO allies and Ukrainian leaders were left shocked at the announcements which concede to two of Russia’s main demands before negotiations begin. [More - Bloomberg]

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Quiet, too quiet….

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

No headlines today.

I do have something exciting to announce tomorrow when I’ll be sharing full details on how to access the complete news feed as an API. That way, you’ll be able to have the stories, updates, and stability ratings piped directly into your app, website, and even spreadsheets.

More tomorrow.

Daily News for Curious Minds

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Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

M23 reinforce hold in the DRC and al-Sharaa named interim President in Syria.

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇨🇩 Fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military has intensified in the Goma region of Eastern Congo. Frustration and anger have also boiled over in the capital, Kinshasa, where embassies have been attacked by locals, blaming Europe and the US for supporting Rwanda, which is believed to be sponsoring the rebels. Regional peace talks are scheduled by DCR PresidentPresident Félix Tshisekedi is refusing to take part. [More - BBC]

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Turkey / PKK Ceasefire Rumors and Houthis Suspend Read Sea Attacks

Andrew Sheves Good morning. A brief reprieve from the Trump whirlwind…

🇹🇷 The Middle East Institute’s Gönül Tol is reporting that **a deal between the Turkish government and the PKK is planned **that would see the Kurdish group cease military operations on February 15th. In return, there would be an amnesty in Turkey and a redrafting of the constitution to provide greater recognition of the Kurds. The full post follows.

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gaza peace deal

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🕊️ Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to ceasefire terms to end the 15-month-long conflict. The deal, due to start Sunday, reportedly takes place in three stages.

**Stage One - **Six weeks.

Full ceasefire.

Hostage exchange: 33 hostages (women, children, elderly, and the sick but no men) held by Hamas will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli troops to withdraw from all populated areas in Gaza.

Thursday SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Attack in N’Djamena, US Sanctions RSF and fire spreads in Los Angeles. Plus AI workshop today

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

🇹🇩 Armed fighters, suspected to be members of Boko Haram, stormed Chad’s Presidential palace shortly after a visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister. Government forces thwarted the attack, leaving 18 of the 24 attackers dead, along with one member of the security forces. [More - Al Jazeera]

🇸🇩 On Monday, the US sanctioned the leaders of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, accusing the group of conducting a genocide. Both the RSF and Sudanese militaries have caused indiscriminate harm to civilians during the conflict but until now, the US has refrained from leveling sanctions on the RSF due to the group’s close support to the UAE. [More - Washington Post]

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

New Year attacks in the US and Russian gas stops flowing to Europe

Andrew Sheves Good morning. It’s an abbreviated SITREP today, but there are two stories worth tracking.

There were two apparent terrorist attacks in the US. In New Orleans, a driver deliberately drove into a crowd celebrating New Year, killing 15. While in Las Vegas the driver of a vehicle detonated his Cybertruck outside the Trump Tower killing himself but no others. [More - Bloomberg]

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Pro-Assad Resistance in Syria and Russia Targeting Transnistria (Again)

Andrew Sheves Good morning. It’s an abbreviated SITREP today, but there are two stories worth tracking.

Despite the calm in the majority of Syria following the HTS takeover, several majority Alawite towns in Syria remain pro-Assad strongholds. An ambush on Tuesday left 14 HTS-affiliated police dead and 10 wounded as the police tried to arrest a former regime figure. Currently, this doesn’t seem to indicate the beginnings of a counter-HTS insurgency, but it is a reminder that Syria remains somewhat fractured and that many of the former-regime figures are implicated in Assad’s crimes and will do whatever they can to avoid capture. [SOURCE - BBC]

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Shutdown looms in DC and what this means for 2025.

Andrew Sheves Good morning. One big headline worth considering today.

US Republicans in the House pulled a bipartisan spending bill that would have funded the government until Spring following Tweets condemning the bill from Elon Musk and opposition from President-elect Donald Trump. Current funding runs out at midnight on Friday, and the house is due to recess this weekend. [SOURCE - BBC]

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bulgaria and Romania Join Schengen and Turkish Diplomacy in East Africa

Andrew Sheves Good morning. Two quick headlines on positive diplomatic developments.

Bulgaria and Romania were accepted into the EU’s Schengen visa scheme, which allows visa-free travel around the European Union for residents or visa holders of countries that are members of the scheme. [SOURCE - BBC]

Turkey brokered a deal between Somalia and Ethiopia, defusing tensions over Ethiopia’s plan to open a port in the independent Somaliland region. The deal commits both parties to talks to establish improved diplomatic and commercial ties, easing decades-long tensions between the two East African neighbors. [SOURCE - Al Jazeera]

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

French government collapse, crackdowns in Georgia and bitcoin goes to the moon

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

The French government collapsed after far-right and far-left parties united in a vote of no confidence, forcing out Prime Minister Michel Barnier. What happens next is unclear. Elections cannot be called until July leaving President Macron to try to establish some form of functional government within the existing Assembly, where the three main groups are riven by differences. [SOURCE and long read - Bloomberg]

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving edition 🦃

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

We’re celebrating Thanksgiving so it’s just the data and ratings today, no news.

A quick ask

*There’s a poll at the bottom of the email and it would be incredibly useful if you could take 30 seconds to let us know how we’re doing. Good, bad, ugly? Just let us know. Thank you *🙏

Commodity and Rate Snapshot

🛢️** Crude Futures (WTI)**

$69.19

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Focus

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

SITREP for November 21, 2024

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

We begin with some overnight headlines worthy of your attention, and don’t miss the great, in-depth piece from Bloomberg about the Crowdstrike outage at the end.

The US vetoed a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution for the War in Gaza, causing . [SOURCE - BBC] This came a day after Russia had been condemned for vetoing a similar resolution concerning the civil war in Sidan.

Decis SITREP: Asia and Oceania Roundup

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

SITREP for Nov 13 2024

Andrew Sheves Good morning.

Something that’s not appearing in the news very much — and therefore slipping by the models — are a series of violent attacks in China including a mass stabbing and a motorist killing 35 people in a deliberate attack. Chinese authorities are quick to clamp down on any event that suggests a lack of control, and news of these events is suppressed, as reported by the BBC.