I Like / I Dislike Week 09 [20240115]

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

I like…

…that Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s frequently visits the Middle East. That signifies a proactive U.S. diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace. His consistent presence demonstrates a commitment to dialogue and mediation, fostering trust among regional stakeholders. By actively addressing the Israel-Hamas conflict and its potential regional implications, Blinken underscores the urgency of peaceful resolutions and emphasizes multilateral cooperation. This sustained diplomatic effort not only mitigates immediate risks but also lays the groundwork for long-term stability. Ultimately, such robust U.S. engagement can deter further escalation, encourage constructive dialogue, and pave the way for diplomatic solutions, benefiting both regional and global security interests.

…the news reporting that the UN Security Council called for a new resolution to stop Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and condemned the arms supply. The fact is that the attacks violate international law and the rules of freedom of navigation, as they impede international trade, target human lives and undermine regional security. The importance given by the UN, as well as the lack of a direct link between the attacks and the war in the Gaza Strip, indicates that the Organization aims to de-escalate the ongoing conflict, but also to avoid possible conflicts in the Middle East.

I dislike…

…the statement of the World Health Organization about the possible collapse of hospital care in southern and central Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, there has been a war between Israel and Hamas. The health system has been burdened and, as a result, patients and doctors flee from the area’s hospitals to escape from the bombings. According to the coordinator of emergency medical situations in central Gaza, 70% of the staff at Al-Aqsa Hospital has left, a fact that constitutes a negative development for the course of medical care provision.

…the news that according to the World Economic Forum’s “Global Risks Report 2024”, artificial intelligence emerges as a major concern in the 2024 elections, surpassing climate change and war. The report warns of the potential for misinformation arising from AI and identifies social instability as one of its consequences. The report’s authors warn that the combined risks are pushing the world’s adaptive capacity to the limit and urge leaders to strengthen global cooperation and include protective measures in their political agendas.