Xi Jinping’s Visit to Britain

The President of China, Xi Jinping, landed in Britain yesterday for the first state visit in a decade. This trip seems to promise the start of a strong economic bond between the two countries as the British government is willing to put human right issues at the back of their minds for now. China is expected to invest in a nuclear power station in Britain.

Kerry Reopens Talks on Israeli-Palestinian Issues

The American Secretary of State, John Kerry, pushed Israeli and Palestinian leaders to discuss the status of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem in order to bring closure to the conflict and restore stability in the region. Kerry is scheduled to meet the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and then the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah soon. Meanwhile, Palestinian unrest is growing as the Israelis allegedly “encroach” the mosque, a sacred site for Islam.

Arctic Doomsday Vault Opened

The Norwegian government managed the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, otherwise known as the “Doomsday Vault”, which contained seeds from almost every known crop in the world. It was built as a backup in the event of a natural disaster that destroys crops. However, scientists had to make withdrawals from the vault and stop the research they were conducting in Aleppo, a part of the Fertile Crescent.

Update on the Refugee Crisis

According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, between 2000 to 3000 people who were traveling through what they call “no man’s land” have finally been permitted to enter Croatia. They will continue their long journey from Croatia to Western Europe. This development as the Turkish Prime Minister demanded funding form the EU in exchange for reducing the number of refugees that were escaping to Europe.

Mexico Denied Aid Because of its Human Rights Record

The US decided to deny Mexico millions of dollars of aid for an anti-drug campaign. Mexico’s human rights violations span from cases of abuse by security forces and the disappearance of students. This serves as a major setback for the Merida Initiative, an American program aimed at supporting Mexico through its battle against drug cartels.

Liberals Achieve a Crushing Victory in Canada

For the first time in 10 years, Canada voted in a new leader in its general election, Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party. Trudeau won with an absolute majority, a stunning blow to incumbent Prime Minister Stephen Harper, denying him of a fourth term as PM.

China’s Economic Growth Rate Slows

China’s economy only grew by 6.9 percent in the third quarter, missing the government’s goal of seven percent. This is the country’s slowest growth rate since the global financial crisis of 2009. Fears of an industrial slump are plaguing the Chinese government. However, the overall performance of national economy remains stable and positive

Elections in Egypt

Voting has commenced for Egypt’s first elections in four years. It is hoped that these elections will give the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi the legitimacy it needs. But the Egyptian people do not seem to be enthusiastic at the prospect of voting again and seem to prefer to remain withdrawn from politics.