Around the World in 5 – 20
“The source from which things arise, to that they return, of necessity — for they pay penalty and retribution to one another for their injustice, in accordance with the ordering of time.”
Thursday, 19 June witnessed another day of political uncertainty as President Donald Trump announced he would now allow two weeks for diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Israel–Iran conflict before deciding on American intervention. Iran-backed militias in Iraq have made clear their commitment to attack US military bases and infrastructure in the region should Trump opt to enter the conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian strikes targeted healthcare infrastructure in southern Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu warning that Israeli forces would continue to strike “all nuclear facilities” in Iran in retaliation. Critical commentators have raised concerns over the perceived hypocrisy of Israeli military plans, citing their own use of domestic-targeted and hospital bombings in Gaza.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would reject NATO’s proposed increase in military spending to 5% of GDP, calling it “counterproductive” while affirming Spain’s continued commitment to European security frameworks. Sánchez urged the alliance to adopt a more flexible approach, suggesting the target should be optional or exempt altogether. NATO members are due to meet next week at the alliance summit, where Trump is expected to push for the 5% threshold. Among the member states, Spain currently allocates the lowest percentage to defence, spending approximately 1.3% of its GDP. Sánchez warned that exceeding the current defence budget would put Spain’s welfare state at risk and jeopardise the broader policy outlook of the government.
Several Western humanitarian groups have sounded the alarm over the involvement of US military veterans in delivering aid in Africa and Gaza. Following food deliveries in South Sudan last week, intelligence reports indicated that private contractors led by former US intelligence and military personnel were involved. Aid groups have warned that the militarisation and politicisation of humanitarian efforts could allow governments to use aid as a tool for political leverage and control over civilian populations. Two for-profit American corporations, run by US national security veterans, were found to be operating aid missions in Sudan and Gaza with the backing of the South Sudanese and Israeli governments, respectively. Critics have underscored the erosion of transparency and operational independence once upheld by humanitarian agencies in conflict zones.
As the G7 summit concluded this week, India and Canada committed to restoring diplomatic relations following months of strained ties. Both countries have agreed to re-establish high commissions after previously suspending them in a retaliatory standoff. This rapprochement follows the release of a report by Canada’s spy agency (CSIS), warning of interference by “Indian, Chinese, Russian, Iranian and Pakistani” actors. Indian officials, in particular, were accused of using Canada-based proxy agents to carry out clandestine and coercive activities aimed at influencing Canada’s foreign policy. The report notably singled out the killing of Surrey resident Mr Nijjar, who was assassinated two years ago in what CSIS claims was a plot orchestrated by the Indian government and criminal networks. Despite the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the summit, leaders of Canada, the US, the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Japan released a joint statement expressing they are “deeply concerned by growing reports of transnational repression” used to “intimidate, harass, harm, or coerce individuals or communities beyond national borders.” India has yet to respond to the report’s findings.
North Korea has committed to sending thousands of workers to assist in the reconstruction of Russia’s war-torn Kursk region. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Tuesday, describing the agreement as “fraternal assistance.” Neighbouring South Korea and Japan have criticised the deal, arguing that it violates existing UN sanctions on the North. Tensions over the growing partnership between the two nations have escalated in recent months, following reports that North Korean soldiers have supported Russian combat operations in Ukraine. The new agreement reportedly includes the deployment of two brigades of 5,000 workers and 1,000 deminers. In November 2024, Russia signed into law a mutual defence pact with North Korea, pledging mutual support in the event of aggression against either country.
The Entombment of Christ, Caravaggio, c.1602.
