Dear readers, as the MD does every week, here is a quick overview of this week's events.
Israel-Palestine
On January 13, 2025, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to implement UN actions because of the dangers of genocide. On January 15, 2025, a ceasefire agreement in Gaza was reached between Hamas and Israel. The two parties defined a plan to reduce attacks spread over three phases leading gradually to peace. The international community welcomed their initiative as it constitutes a real step towards peace. In the words of Joe-Biden, it is the "end to the war". On January 17, 2025, despite some Israeli government members' reluctance, the cabinet finally approved the agreement negotiated with the mediation of Qatar and the United States. It provides in particular for the sending of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. On January 18, 2025, both parties prepared for the ceasefire that will take place on Sunday, January 19, as well as the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.
Politics in the United States
As the U.S. transitions into Donald Trump’s second term, the outgoing President Joe Biden reflected on his achievements and shared his concerns about the future of the nation in his farewell address on January 15, 2025. He notably warned of the dangers of growing oligarchy in the U.S., urging Americans to remain vigilant against authoritarian tendencies. He also criticized the role of social media in spreading misinformation and warned about their impact on democracies. He talked about his efforts to fight climate change, like the Inflation Reduction Act, which helped reduce pollution and invest in cleaner energy. Joe Biden also suggested making changes to the U.S. Constitution to deal with global challenges. He finally wished the next administration success and encouraged unity in the country.
TikTok Case
The U.S. Supreme Court decided a ban on TikTok this week, citing national security concerns due to its links to Chinese company ByteDance. Critics argue that TikTok’s data collection poses a potential threat, allowing the Chinese government to access sensitive information on American users. Supporters of the app highlight its cultural importance, particularly among younger users, and its role in democratizing content creation. It raises debates about tech regulation, censorship, and the balance between security and free expression.
Science
SpaceX faced a setback this week when a test flight of its Starship rocket ended in an explosion shortly after liftoff. The incident caused brief air traffic disruptions over the Gulf of Mexico and drew increased attention from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is closely monitoring the company’s progress. Despite the failure, SpaceX remains focused on improving the Starship as part of its ambitious plans for future missions to Mars.
Arts
The Venice Biennale announced its theme for 2025: “Art in a Changing Climate,” which will explore the intersection between creativity and environmental issues. This year, the event will encourage sustainable practices in the art world.
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