IE International Relations Society Newsletter

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Hezbollah Leader Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Beirut

Minutes after Netanyahu stepped down from the UN podium following his address to the General Assembly, Israeli fighter jets launched a significant airstrike on Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood, a known base of Hezbollah’s operations. The attack, using heavy bombs, killed an estimated 300 people and caused further underground explosions. Israel later announced that it had successfully targeted Hezbollah’s central headquarters and confirmed the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s leader since 1992. Nasrallah’s death marks a severe setback for Hezbollah, which has been under continued Israeli bombardment in recent weeks. Known for his defiance of Israel and the United States, Nasrallah was a key figure in Iran’s influence across the Middle East. Following the strike, Hezbollah confirmed his death but vowed to continue fighting in defense of Lebanon and Palestine. Since the escalation began earlier in the week, Lebanon’s Health Ministry has reported over 720 deaths.?

UN General Assembly: Biden’s Final Speech Marks End of Political Era

In his final address to the UN General Assembly, President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt 20-minute speech, combining personal reflections with pressing policy priorities. He looked back on his early days in the U.S. Senate, stressing the importance of knowing when to step aside, framing his decision not to seek re-election as an example for global leaders. “Some things are more important than staying in power,” Biden urged, calling on leaders to prioritize their nations’ needs. Much of his speech centered on Ukraine, commending NATO’s role in ensuring Ukraine’s survival as a free nation amidst Russia’s invasion. Biden also warned that the future of global alliances could be at risk should Donald Trump return to office in January. He turned to the Middle East, lamenting the civilian casualties in Gaza and calling for a cease-fire, while acknowledging the growing tensions with new escalations in Lebanon. Biden also touched on human rights issues in countries like Venezuela and Uganda. As he closed, Biden emphasized global unity, stating, “We are stronger together than alone,” before receiving a standing ovation and stepping off the UN stage for the last time in his political career.

French Politics: Michel Barnier’s Coalition Faces Challenges as France’s First Minority Government

For the first time in its modern history, France is now led by a minority coalition government, formed by rival political parties that once competed against each other in legislative elections. Michel Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, was tasked by President Emmanuel Macron to form a “unifying” government after inconclusive legislative elections in July. Despite the left-wing alliance winning the most seats, Barnier’s cabinet leans heavily to the right, with figures like Bruno Retailleau, a senator known for his hardline stance on immigration, appointed as interior minister. This new government’s survival depends on balancing its mix of centrists and right-wingers, while keeping the opposition divided. If the fragmented opposition unites against Barnier’s coalition, it could collapse. Currently, Barnier remains popular among the French public, with a 57% approval rating. However, the lack of a formal coalition agreement and growing dissent from left-leaning members of Macron’s party signal potential instability ahead as Barnier prepares to present his agenda to parliament on October 1st.

U.S. Election: Kamala Harris Takes Harder Stance on Border Security Amid Tight Race

Kamala Harris, in her first campaign trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, vowed to implement stricter measures to suppress illegal immigration as she seeks to close the gap with Donald Trump in the final stretch of the presidential race. Harris promised “further action” beyond the Biden administration’s current policies, including tighter asylum measures and harsher criminal charges for illegal entrants. She emphasized the need for an orderly and secure system while addressing a crowd in Douglas, Arizona. The move is seen as an attempt to appeal to voters concerned about border security, an issue Trump has centered in his campaign with extreme rhetoric and promises of mass deportations. Harris framed Trump as a leader who failed to deliver on his hardline promises, but polls still show many view Trump as better suited to handle the border. With Harris adopting a tougher stance on enforcement, she aims to challenge Trump’s dominance on this critical issue, making immigration policy a key battleground as the election approaches.

UN General Assembly: Some Highlights

Last week's United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) addressed numerous global issues, with key themes including conflict resolution, humanitarian crises, climate change, and calls for Security Council reform. Here are the main points:

1. Israel-Palestine Conflict:

The General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding Israel end its unlawful presence in occupied Palestinian territories. It called for Israel to withdraw military forces, stop new settlements, evacuate settlers, and dismantle parts of the separation wall. Several world leaders criticized Israel's actions, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Qatar, South Africa, and others condemning the war and calling for UN Security Council reform. Delegations of different states left during Israel PM Netanyahu's speech.

2. Ukraine-Russia War:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the broader threat Russia poses to Europe and Central Asia. He lobbied for more military aid and warned of potential nuclear disaster due to Russian forces occupying a Ukrainian nuclear plant. Russian President Vladimir Putin escalated threats, suggesting Russia could use nuclear weapons if attacked by nations supported by nuclear powers.

3. Crisis in Lebanon:

An emergency session was held following Israeli strikes in Lebanon that killed over 500 people. Leaders expressed deep concern about escalating violence in the region.

4. Sudan Humanitarian Crisis:

A side event highlighted the urgent need for international humanitarian aid in Sudan, where a brutal civil war has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, according to U.S. President Joe Biden.

5. Security Council Reform:

Many African leaders, alongside others, called for permanent African representation on the Security Council. There was widespread frustration over the Council’s inaction on several global conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.

6. Climate Change:

An all-day climate conference focused on the urgent threat of rising sea levels, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a "climate meltdown." Small island nations and low-lying countries emphasized the existential threat they face due to climate change.

7. African Representation and Regional Issues:

Leaders from Africa spoke on the need for greater representation in global decision-making bodies. Topics ranged from Ghana’s concerns over the impact of global instability to Chad’s critique of the U.S. embargo on Cuba.

8. Cuba Embargo:

Many countries, including Mexico, Russia, and China, called for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The embargo was criticized for harming the Cuban population and hindering the country’s development.

9. Libya’s Internal Struggles:

Libya remains divided with competing governments, militias, and foreign intervention. The country's inability to hold elections and ongoing political strife were highlighted as major challenges to peace and stability.

These discussions showcased global leaders' concerns over conflict, security, climate and justice, with repeated calls for reform within the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to better address these crises.