As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, there are plenty of other important Scotland News Today stories making headlines. Here’s a roundup of some of the latest updates from around the globe. Europe: In the aftermath of the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, Europeans are grappling with their own legacy in the country. As The Guardian reports, many European countries (including the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy) sent troops to Afghanistan as part of the NATO coalition.
Now, with the Taliban back in power and many Afghans fearing for their lives, there is a growing debate about whether these countries have a responsibility to take in refugees. Meanwhile, protests against COVID-19 restrictions continue to rock countries like France and Italy. In France, thousands took to the streets to oppose a new law that would require health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, while in Italy, anti-vaccine protesters clashed with police in multiple cities.
Africa: In West Africa, the ongoing conflict in Mali has taken a turn for the worse. As Al Jazeera reports, the military government that took power after a coup in 2020 has been struggling to contain a surge in violence from Islamist extremist groups. In recent weeks, these groups have carried out a series of deadly attacks on civilians and military targets, prompting fears of a wider regional destabilization.
In South Africa, the government is facing backlash over its response to ongoing riots and looting in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The riots were sparked by the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma on corruption charges, but have since taken on a more generalized anti-government sentiment. As The New York Times reports, the government has struggled to restore order, with many accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa of being too slow to respond.
Asia: In Asia, tensions are rising between China and Taiwan. As CNN reports, China has continued to increase its military presence near Taiwan, prompting fears of a possible invasion. Meanwhile, the United States has pledged to support Taiwan’s independence, with President Biden recently signing an executive order aimed at bolstering the island’s defenses. In Afghanistan, the Taliban’s rapid takeover of the country has prompted a refugee crisis. As The Washington Post reports, thousands of Afghans are attempting to flee to neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, while others are seeking asylum in Europe and North America.
Latin America: In Haiti, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has plunged the country into political chaos. As NPR reports, Moïse was gunned down in his own home by a group of armed attackers, leaving the country without a clear leader. The assassination has renewed concerns about the country’s stability and security, with many fearing a return to the violent political turmoil of the past.