2014 has proven to be perhaps one of the most tumultuous years in recent history, ranking alongside 1968 and 1991 in the post-World War Two era. From Ukraine to the US-Mexico border, chaos and unrest have spread and challenged the idea that the world has become a safer place. For those of you who haven’t been able to keep up over the Summer, here’s a partial list of the major international events from June to early September.
Ukraine: The turmoil in Ukraine, which began in February when peaceful protests against Viktor Yanukovych (the former President of the country) turned violent after harsh government crackdowns and led to the overthrow of the government, intensified. Fighting in the country’s east, a civil war in all but name, is still raging between the new Ukrainian government and separatist rebels who wish to create an independent state closer to Russia. The rebels are allegedly being supported by Russia (Russia denies this) and there have been reports of fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops near the border. The US and many European countries have leveled sanctions against Russia, which has responded in kind. On July 17, the Malaysian Airlines flight 17 crashed in Ukraine, after being shot down by a missile launched by separatists.
The Rise of IS: IS, the hardcore Islamist group formerly known as ISIS and ISIL, made gains in parts of Iraq and Syria. On June 5, an ongoing offensive was launched by their forces, with the ultimate goal of capturing Baghdad and removing Nouri Al-Maliki, Iraq’s former Prime Minister. The Iraqi Army was largely ineffective, with the only substantial resistance put up by fighters of the Kurdish Peshmerga. Early gains in territory, arms, and funds, along with reports of mass killings of Iraqi Christians, Shiites, and an ethnic group known as the Yazidi, led to President Obama deciding to launch air strikes against Jihadists. This air campaign started on August 8. On August 26, the US began flying surveillance missions over IS-controlled territory in Syria. In response to American bombings, IS had executed two American journalists (James Foley and Stephen Sotloff) who had been captured by them in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The killings were recorded in two separate, and very disturbing videos, in which a masked IS fighter known as “Jihadi John”, who speaks with a British accent, threatens further killing of American journalists unless Obama halts the bombing campaign. Obama and Joe Biden, along with multiple other American officials, have condemned the killings and said that “Jihadi John” will be hunted down.
Israel Launches Bombing Campaign in Gaza: On June 12, three Israeli teens were kidnapped and later found dead in the West Bank, and on July 2,a Palestinian teen in East Jerusalem was killed in retribution. On July 8, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) launched a prolonged bombing campaign against Hamas forces in Gaza. The operation was named “Operation Protective Edge”. The bombardment ended on August 26, after seven weeks of fighting, 2,100 Palestinian casualties and 71 Israeli casualties. Protective Edge was extremely controversial, with widespread international criticism against Israel for the deaths and injury of many Palestinian civilians. Numerous ceasefires were violated by one group or the other, and on July 17, after the failure of one, the IDF launched a ground offensive in Gaza. On August 26, a deal, brokered by Egypt was signed by Israel and Hamas, bringing an end to this round of fighting. Both sides claimed victory, with Israel claiming it severely weakened Hamas’ infrastructure and Hamas claiming it expelled IDF forces from Gaza.
Military Coup in Thailand: The Royal Thai Army overthrew the government of Thailand May 22, after months of unrest, and is still in power. The army dissolved the government and senate, gave its leader executive and legislative powers, partially repealed the constitution, arrested activists, declared martial law and a curfew, took control of the media, imposed internet censorship, and banned political gatherings.
Scottish Independence Referendum: On September 18th, the Scottish people will decide whether they wish to remain a part of the United Kingdom or to become an independent country. Debate over the issue has taken place all summer. Issues include Scotland’s economy of independent, the amount of control England will have over Scottish government should Scotland choose to stay, and Scotland’s oil reserves. The issue is a contentious one, and polls are showing what appears to be a tight split between the “Yes” (desiring independence) and “No” (desiring continued membership of the UK) factions.
Ebola Epidemic in Africa: A deadly outbreak of Ebola began in Guinea in 2013, and has since spread into other African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Nigeria. Total deaths number more than 4,000, and a combination of inadequate medical resources and local anti-medicine beliefs has led to difficulty in treating patients. A few cases were reported in Americans who had volunteered in clinics over there, but the patients appear to be safe and there is no reported danger of Ebola hitting the US.
Al-Qaeda Announces Indian Front: Indians were seized with alarm on September 3rd, with Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri announcing in a video that the Islamist group will be opening a new front in India. He mentioned the Indian states of Kashmir and Gujarat, along with the countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar as being targets for jihad. Al-Qaeda has been overshadowed in recent months by the brutality of IS, and it is speculated that they are trying to get back attention in order to attract funding and recruits.
By Alex Marinides
