Quarterly Round Up
Catalonia: Autonomy Suspended
October brought a new challenge to Europe after Brexit when Catalonia an autonomous region of Spain went for referendum to decide the matter of their independence from Spain. According to experts, this was the result of weaknesses in Spain’s political system where majority of Catalonians were not satisfied of central government. The success of this movement has multiple meanings to different countries. For this purpose, many democratic and pro-plebiscite states kept their mouth shut. Only use of force was the suitable solution in the hands of federal government which aggravated the situation. Political solution of the crisis seems the best and viable option for the country as well the European Union.
Zimbabwe: Mugabe Falls
Zimbabwe was governed by President Robert Mugabe for 37 years. End of 2017 brought saw an end to his regime as well. The successful transfer of the government is the sigh of bright future for the Zimbabwe. New government has to learn from the past and must adopt such policies that will gain the public’s trust in the government. International community should support the new government to develop itself.
US Recognises Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital
United States of America is an important stake holder in global issues. Recognition of Jerusalem is one of the most controversial decisions taken by the Trump administration that was not only rejected by the Muslim world but non-Muslim world too. UN General Assembly passed resolution against this unilateral decision. Because such decision not only challenged the credibility but also sought to destabilise the world peace. The global protest and start of intifada by the Palestinian is the clear result of this decision. If this issue will not be solved peacefully, instability in Middle region will be on rise and disappointment from international community will be inevitable.
Turkey’s Entry in War Torn Syria
Alarmed from catastrophic assault from pro-Syrian alliance in Idlib, the southern part of Syria, Turkey being the contiguous country decided to enter Idlib in order to save civilians, pro-Turkey fighters, and circumscribe Kurdish Popular Protection Units (YPG). It also aims to counter terrorism assaults against IS. The immediate outcome was the establishment of de-escalation and agreement for peaceful withdrawal of rebels from Idlib. This peaceful implementation of agreement among major allies of Bashar al Assad, Syrian President, and Turkey may end long and bloody civil war of Syria.
Las Vegas Shooting
On first of October, a gunman opened fire on concertgoers at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada USA. 58 people were reportedly killed and more than 800 were injured due to fire and the resulting panic. The committer Stephen Paddock was found dead in his room committing a suicide. The incident was deadliest among the mass shooting by individual Perpetrators in the American history which has once again ignited the debate over gun laws in America.
Protests after Amendment in Finality of Prophet-hood Bill
In November, after the news of amendments made in the oath taking by parliamentarians about the finality of Prophet-hood, the religious party Tehreek-e-Labaik held protest at Islamabad. Later on the protest spread across the country when the police raided on the protestors to forcefully open the Faizabad interchange after failure of dialogue process. With the facilitation of Pakistan Army an agreement was achieved and protestors left peacefully. The Law Minister Zahid Hamid resigned but did not took the responsibility of amendment.