I Like / I Dislike Week 03 [20231113]

Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like the news that China has published a new methane reduction plan. This shows that the country is getting progressively closer to a new climate agreement with the US in view of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28). Both the US and China want to show that there are some guardrails in their relationship, with environmental issues being one of the “bright spots” where cooperation can be achieved. It should be noted that China is the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gases, 90% of which come from the energy sector and electricity generation, with coal burning reaching 60% of the total production.

I like the announcement for the reconstruction of the Hairatan-Naibabad-Mazar-i-Sharif railway. This agreement shows that both the Afghan and Uzbek governments are interested in the development and modernization of the railway, which will favor transport infrastructure, trade, and finance, but also further the states’ partnership. Since the beginning of the year, mutual trade and cargo transportation have increased by 40%. This project aligns with Uzbekistan’s plan to double its GDP by 2030. In addition, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has stated that his government welcomes investments and economic cooperation from the states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

I dislike the news of the shooting of a migrant on the Polish-Belarusian border. The incident was first reported by online human rights groups. Afterward, the local prosecutor’s office confirmed the news, with Colonel Radoslaw Wiszenko attributing the shooting to a soldier’s accident. The fact is that, as of 2021, Poland is facing a migration crisis. The Polish government is accused by nongovernmental organizations of illegal push-backs of refugees and migrants, while Poland and the European Union blame the crisis on the attempt by the regime of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to destabilize the European borders.

I dislike the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. Incidents of violent attacks on Jewish citizens and Jewish synagogues have occurred in France and Vienna. In addition, the number of incidents in the UK and Germany is sharply increasing. The Jewish population in Europe is significantly smaller, with growing fear and concern. Although the reaction of leaders has been strong, with statements of condemnation and commitment to fighting hate, concerns remain. In several cities, police have increased patrols around synagogues and Jewish schools. The Jewish population is at a point where they feel forced to protect themselves, with Jewish schools canceling classes and families hiding their symbols of faith. Furthermore, fear is increasing, with some avoiding using their language in public and others hiding their identity. Action against anti-Semitism is urgent, as the sense of insecurity is intensifying, especially with the unfolding situation in Gaza and the implications for Jewish communities around the world.